June Hits and Misses

Another month, and some new favourites have been added to my collection along with one regret purchase.

Hits

Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Liquid Liner in Turquoise (review here)

This is a true budget gem at only £4 and it stays put all day. It is a fantastic vibrant hue that applies really easily, even for someone with novice liner skills like me! 

Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days (review here)

 I am a sucker for balmy lip products and I really love how easy to use this lip product is. It's light and non drying and gives a sheer tint to the lips. I do wish it twisted up rather than having to be sharpened though. 

Moroccan Oil (review here)

Everyone seems to have been praising this for ever as a miracle product for transforming your locks into glistening, shiny tresses.  Whilst I wouldn't say it is a miracle, it has manages to bring my dull, coloured hair back to life and certainly increased it's shine. I've had this mini bottle for around a month now and I've hardly made a dent in it so despite a full bottle being rather pricey, it will last forever!

Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub (review here)

 

Love love love everything about this from the gorgeous yummy scent  of maple syrup to the fantastic scrubbing grains which manage to simultaneously exfoliate whilst also being very moisturising. 

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (review here)

I've yet to find a L'Occitane product I don't like and this shower oil us deliciously moisturising without being greasy. I've only got a small sample of this from a gift set but I will be investigating the purchase of a full sized product. 

Misses

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara

 

I'm going to keep this brief as I will have a full review of this coming up later in the week. However I will say that a mascara that weighs down lashes and leaves smudges is not a party mascara!

 

What have you loved using this month? 

 

May Empties - Loves and Loathes

I'm a bit late with this month's empties as I've been busier than I anticipated this weekend, even though it was twice as long due to the Jubilee.  There were so many things I was planning on doing but it seems to have just flown by and I've not had any time for blogging until today!  So lets crack on with my empties.

KMS Quick Blow Dry Spray (reviewed here) - a great little spray I received in my last Carmine box  I will certainly be purchasing the full-sized bottle soon.

Naked Volume Body Building Shampoo (reviewed here) - really REALLY disliked this and ended up making hubby use it and using it to clean my make up brushes.  Would not repurchase.

Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blonde Conditioner  - I've been working my way through this humongous bottle for what seems like months but it was finally finished this month which is a good thing as it was taking up far too much space in my bathroom!  This conditioner is fab at keeping my coloured locks in good condition and is one I return too time and time again.  I've already bought another (smaller!) bottle which is more portable and better for travelling.

Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo (reviewed here) - I was a bit disappointed with this as it seemed to get used up very quickly and was quite a basic shampoo for the price.  I won't be repurchasing.

 

Bed Head Very Berry Whipped Mousse Body Lotion - as part of my efforts to reduce my body lotion stash, this had been languishing in my draw for quite some time.  I don't even think they sell it any more and even if they did I wouldn't repurchase as it wasn't overly moisturising and seemed to sit on the surface of the skin, rather than be absorbed by it.

The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream (reviewed here) - a creamy moisturising shower cream that was perhaps more suited to evening bathing and showering that first thing in a  morning.  I liked it but not sure I would repurchase.

The Body Shop Peppermint Intense Foot Rescue - one of my staples of my Summer Footcare prep, I have repurchased this several times previously and will continue to purchase it as it is the only foot lotion that can go some way to smoothing my scaly feet!

Dr Hauschka Rose Body Lotion (reviewed here) - a small sample which didn't last long but was very nicely scented and absorbed quickly into the skin.  I'm on a body lotion ban, otherwise I would consider purchasing. 

Lush The Carrot Bubble Bar - so disappointed with this as on the second use, the bubble bar broke away from the stalk and I had to fish it out of my scalding hot bath.  The bubbles weren't that great with this either and I wasn't overly enamoured with the scent.  I wouldn't repurchase this if they bring it out next Easter.

L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - I enjoyed the effect this gave but for some reason recently, my eyes have become really sensitive and I wasn't able to use this without my eyes becoming red and watery.  I wouldn't repurchase solely for this reason, although I loved how my lashes looked when it was applied.

Jo Loves Pomelo Fragrance - This was a sample but it is so clean and fresh smelling I'm certainly going to see if I can get hold of a full sized bottle.  It seems to last on the skin for ages too.

Biotherm Aquasource Levres SPF8 (mini review here) - a small sample but this lasted for ages so I can imagine the full size would last  a while.  I have plenty of lip balms at the moment to get through though so I wouldn't repurchase this yet, but I may do in the future.

Have you tried any of these products?  What did you think of them?

May Hits and Misses

Gosh May whizzed by, I've no idea where it went!  Its time for my hits and misses of the month.

Hits

Benefit Hoola Bronzer - review here 

A fab matte bronzer, especially useful for contouring.  A little goes a long, long way though so be careful otherwise you can look a little 'muddy'!

Maybelline Color Eye Tattoo in Taupe - review here

This has amazing lasting power and performs just as well as cream shadows that are 3 or 4 times the price. I highly recommend you check out the range if you have not already.

Rimmel Volume Flash Max Bold Curves Mascara

I found this unopened in my mascara stash when I couldn't find my usual mascara and I have actually been pleasantly surprised by it.  Its not amazing, but it performs better than my current Bobbi Brown mascara that I have been sorely disappointed by. A review of both the Rimmel and Bobbi Brown will be coming up shortly.

Model's Own Tropical Sun - review here

Such a gorgeous shade that glimmers and sparkles in the sunlight.  I'm currently wearing it on my toes and it goes really well with my gladiator sandals!

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter - review here

This scent just screams Summer to me and I find it so clean and refreshing.  It is also very soothing on my parched skin and absorbs almost instantly.  I love all the Body Butters I've tried but this is currently my favourite!

Misses

There have been no real misses this month, although I have been rather disappointed with the Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo - review here.  

Its not particularly bad and it does cleanse my hair but I think I just expected more of it, and really, it is no different from a basic £2 shampoo you would purchase in Boots.

What are your favourites this month?

is there anything you have been disappointed by?

Weekend Wants!

Why is it that when there are lots of new collections on the way, I have no money?!

I've been reading a lot of US beauty blogs recently and there are several items that are on the horizon and have caught my eye.  I hope they are on their way over here, otherwise I will be resorting to eBay!

Benefit Snow White & The Huntsman Kit

Although you can buy each of these products separately and they are not limited edition, I am in love with this kit!  Containing the POREfessional, BAD Gal Lash Mascara, Benetint and High Beam, and accompanied by a gorgeous large makeup bag which is far more chic than the usual make up bag offerings, this looks like a great way to try out some of Benefits most lauded products.  I haven't managed to try out any of these products previously and I am very tempted.  I hope it becomes available in the UK soon.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Pic borrowed from Musings of a Muse

I am so excited to try these out!  I love the Clinique Chubby Sticks and these look very similar.  I hope they aren't too drying though as I find the Clinique ones so comfortable to wear and a cheaper dupe would be amazing. I love the look of the coral / orange one, Rendezvous.

Chanel Polish in Delight

Delight (centre)

I adore this bronze, shimmering polish.  Its certainly on my 'to-buy list' when it is available over here.  I can see myself wearing it constantly over the Summer, and it will look stunning with a tan!

 

What do you have your eye on at the moment?  

January Favourites

I seem to have quite a few favourites this month, I guess because some of these were Christmas or Post Christmas purchases and they all still seem very shiny and new!

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash

I haven’t managed to review this yet but I am finding it great for my oily / combination skin as it cleans without stripping away oils and really makes my skin feel very clean.  I’m not sure how good it would be for drier skins though.

Tom Ford Violet Blonde

A Christmas present from my lovely hubby!  This is more of a weekend scent for me, reminding me of holidays and trips away.  I won’t embarrass myself by trying to describe the notes, but needless to say it is gorgeous!

Top Shop Cream Blush in Neon Rose – I reviewed this here as part of my cream blush post and was reminded of it when The Sunday Girl posted about it recently.  I love the way that it is not a traditional cream blush formulation, as it changes from a cream to a powder on the skin and lasts all day.  Only the tiniest amount is needed!

Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Mascara – review here

This is my current favourite mascara (and boy do I have a lot of mascara!).  A great natural look, no flaking or smudging and the most important thing-  no CRISPY LASHES!

Mac Matchmaster in 3.0 - review here I have been wearing this foundation a lot recently and although I did find it a little too dark initially, I have been wearing it with a little of the Nars Orgasm Illuminator to tone it down a little and give a more radiant look.

Kiehl's Eye Alert – review here

I really enjoyed using this eye cream which I bought on a  whim from a blog sale.  I’m almost finished it and currently deciding whether to repurchase at full price or to finish off my Liz Earle eye cream which I wasn’t as enamoured with.

Laura Mercier Lip Gloss in Mauve 

This is my first Laura Mercier gloss and I very much like it.  A great my-lips- but-better shade, it has a gorgeous cocoa butter scent and is a great shade to go with lots of looks.  This was a limited edition product I think with the Space NK gift set, but based on the quality of this gloss, I will be investigating others from her line.

Chanel Illusion d’ Ombre in Emerveille - review here

This has been included in my monthly favourites previously and I am still enjoying the ease at which I can smooth this on with my fingers, add some mascara and I have an easy eye look in less than a minute, with no complex blending of several different shades. 

What were your favourites this month?  See anything above that catches your eye?

Make-up Haul!

Rubbish pic, sorry!

This will be the last make-up haul I do for a while, although in my defence I didn’t pay full price for any of these products and some of them were won in giveaways and competitions. I will be reviewing most of these over the coming weeks. Let me know if there are any you would particularly like to see reviewed

Lipsticks / Lipgloss

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 33 La Distinguee – my first Rouge Allure Velvet, I adore the packaging for this, it just feels so luxurious and I can’t help but keep clicking it open and shut as it is so satisfying!

Mac Chatterbox – I picked this up in a blog sale from the lovely Rachel (Life of a Sweetaholic). I had been after this for a while so was pleased to pick it up.

YSL Rouge Volupte Rose Paris – This is SO bright but I do really like it. Another I picked up from Rachel’s blogsale.

Mac Lipglass in Madcap – I bought this around the same time as I purchased Pink Clash and I don’t think I will be purchasing any more lipglasses. It is a fairly nude, unremarkable shade, although I think it will go well with a smoky eye.

Mascara

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara – Another BuyaPowa purchase. I haven’t tried this yet though as I’ve got a couple of other mascaras to finish first

Barbara Daly Lash Boost Mascara – I won this for doing a Tesco Beauty Survey. Again I haven’t tried it yet due to my mascara mountain!

Others

Mac Humid Eyeshadow – I had been looking for a well-pigmented green eyeshadow and Humid fitted the bill. Initial impressions are that it is very smooth, buttery and easy to blend.

Rhianna Perfume Reb’l Fleur – this is quite fruity and not nearly as sickly sweet as I thought it might be!  I’m not generally a celeb fragrance fan but I won it from a competition on The Perfume Shop’s website, and although it doesn’t linger for long, it is perfectly acceptable.  I also received a rollerball of the fragrance (handy for keeping in my bag for reapplying), a body lotion and shower gel too.

Glitter Tattoo Set – This was also a win from the fantastic Emma (Computergirl). I haven’t had a chance to try this out yet but I do have a friend’s hen night coming up next month so it may get an outing then. You can never have too much glitter on a hen night!!

Let me know if there are any reviews you would like to see or if you have tried any of these products.

Victoria

x

Review: Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Mascara

I have been a recent convert to Laura Mercier products after my initial delve into them with the Secret Camouflage proved to be a disappointment. I recently purchased a gift set in the Space NK sale for the bargainous price of £35 instead of £70 and this mascara was included in the set. Now I certainly don’t need more mascaras as they seem to breed in my makeup box (to the extent that even my hubby mentioned this fact during his speech at our wedding!) but I have been very impressed with this one since I’ve been using it over the past couple of weeks.

 

The packaging is the typical sleek, chic look expected from Laura Mercier and the mascara itself promises to dramatically thicken, lengthen, curl and sculpt lashes with each stroke. The lightweight, nutrient-infused formula leaves lashes super-shiny, soft and clump-free all day long.

 

The wand is a regular mascara wand which I found very easy to use, not so small it takes forever to coat all of your lashes and not too big you end up poking yourself in the eye with it (or is it just me that does that?!). The formula itself is rather wet, which I like as I find drier formulas end up clumping together quickly on me. It does mean it takes a minute or so to dry though – which I found out after putting my glasses on afterwards and promptly finding mascara smudges all over the lenses!! When dried, it felt soft and lightweight, which I must say I prefer to ‘crispy’ lashes. It almost felt like I wasn’t wearing any mascara at all but the effects of lengthening and thickening were very obvious.

 

I have pretty straight lashes which I tend to curl most days and this mascara did a fairly good job of maintaining the curl, although towards the end of my working day, they had drooped a little. I was pleased to discover there is no flaking under the eye with this product and it was very easy to remove at the end of the day (cough, Benefit They’re Real!, cough!).

 

Verdict

Whilst Laura Mercier’s Full Blown Volume Mascara will not give you a super dramatic false-lash effect, I do find it a very pleasing mascara for daytime use and it subtly enhances lashes for a natural effect. I particularly liked the fact that it was a wetter formula which dried to a soft touch and I would certainly consider re-purchasing (if I didn’t have a zillion and one mascaras in my box still to use!)

4/5

 

Price – £18.50

Where to Buy - Space NK, Liberty, John Lewis

2011 Favourites: Part 1- Makeup

I’m a little late with this but I wanted to do a short list of my highlights of the last year. There are some gaps, especially around the skincare and bodycare, mainly as there have not been any stand out superb items this year in these categories. I am still searching for these!!

 

Perfume of 2011 – Viktor & Rolf, Flowerbomb

http://www.julietinton.com/

I adore this and chose it as my wedding scent in June. It is a lovely sweet floral scent with an undercurrent of pepper to it and is very distinctive. I am on my second bottle of it already!

 

 Lipstick – Chanel Rouge Coco Mademoiselle(review here)

 

Bought on a whim, and my first foray into Chanel’s Rouge Cocos, this is a neutral, easy to wear shade which goes with everything. It helps me to look polished and pulled together in one easy swipe.

Lipgloss - Benefit Ticket to Glossytown (review here)

There has not been one outstanding lipgloss for me this year, however I have enjoyed using Benefit’s Ticket to Glossytown set, which was a set of 6 mini lipglosses from their permanent line, suitable for all occasions. 

Lip Balm- Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Peach  

I reviewed this in full here but it has been my staple through all of summer, during my holidays and into the winter. It keeps my lips feeling super smooth and provides a hint of colour which warms up my skin.

 

Eyeshadows – Chanel’s Illusion d’Ombres (review here)

I started with one and swiftly bought another two shades, and I have a feeling there will be more purchases in the future…. These are really easy to use and stay put for hours. I reviewed these here.

 Mascara – L’Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara

 

This was the mascara that finally made me shift my allegiance from Max Factor False Lash Effect. It applies easily, has a wand that I haven’t managed to poke myself in the eye with yet, and stays on all day without flaking or smudging which is a rarity for me!

 

Foundation / Tinted Moisturiser – No 7 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser (review here)

 

This was a winner for me and I’m onto my 3^rd bottle! I have been using this daily for over a year as it evens out my skin tone and provides a small amount of coverage for those days when I don’t want to wear full foundation.

 

Blush – Benefit Coralista

 My go-to everyday shade for an easy flush of colour without too many sparkles. It is very similar to Nars Orgasm.

 

Concealer – Bobbi Brown Touch up Stick in Warm Sand

A HG product for me, I have been buying this for several years now. In stick form, it is very handy for touch ups throughout the day and blends effortlessly to cover blemishes and imperfections whilst never caking.

 

Nail Polish – Chanel Graphite

I did a recent NOTD using this for New Year’s Eve and it is the polish I have worn most over the past 6 months. I never have a problem with wear time with Chanel polishes and this glides on beautifully and is unique to my collection.

What were your makeup hits of 2011?

Review: Benefit, They’re Real Mascara

When Benefit launched their new Mascara, They’re Real, there was a lot of publicity surrounding it.  Now I don’t mind Benefit and have a few of their products but its not one of my favourite brands, and to be honest, the packaging is just not my style.  I tend to prefer, clean, minimalist or luxury packaging, and cardboard containers, such as those used for the blushers, are not the easiest thing to transport.  However BuyaPowa was having a Benefit week, and I couldn’t resist when They’re Real was available for £11, a remarkable £7.50 off the usual retail price of £18.50.

As with my previous experience with BuyaPowa, delivery was fast and the item was well packaged.  The mascara comes encased in cardboard packaging, and when opened, is revealed to be a sleek, silver tube, very different from Benefits normal kitsch, pink branding.  I much preferred this and felt it looked more expensive and much more like a luxury product. 

Benefit claims this mascara will  ‘lengthen, curl, volumise, lift and separate lashes, giving a false lash effect that won’t smudge or dry out’.  That is a bold claim for a brand to be able to essentially do everything and I’m not sure how realistic this claim is.  The wand looks similar to the usual wand you would expect from a mascara, however it also has bristles on the tip which are very useful for grabbing the small lashes on the inner corner of your eye and mean that you are less likely to poke yourself in the eye with the wand!

When I initially applied this I was very impressed.  It did indeed lengthen my lashes and also seemed to curl them as I have very straight eyelashes that require manual curling.  I encountered no clumping, although I only use 1-2 coats of mascara.  

I did find a couple of drawbacks with this product though in that there was quite excessive smudging underneath my eyes and I am not a habitual eye rubber!  This occurred sometimes after about 6-7 hours and was even worse if I actually did need to itch or rub my eyes.  It seems to smudge VERY easily, as though it is constantly wet.  It was also a nightmare to remove in the evening before bed!  I underwent my usual routine of removing my eye makeup with Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and followed up with Garnier’s Fresh Essentials Gentle Eye Make up Remover.  However, the following morning, after my shower, I still had panda eyes!  I have no idea how it manages to stick around so long and this difficulty in removal is one of my main issues with it.

Verdict 
Having never tried Benefit’s Mascara before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this.  I enjoy the effects it gives me and although I wouldn’t say my eyelashes look like I am wearing false lashes, they do look nicely separated, longer and with a defined curl.  The downfall for me is the smudging and difficulty in removal, and therefore I will be saving this product for occasional night time events rather than all day wear.  It is worth a go though and if you are prepared to deal with these issues, you may find it is the mascara for you.

4/5    

Price –  £18.50 

Where to Buy – Benefit, Boots, House of Fraser, Debenhams