May Empties & Reviews

I love reading what all you bloggers use every month, so I thought I'd give it a go and hopefully provided some information about various products before you part with your money. Whilst doing this I discovered how much shower gel I actually use! Anyway I'll be doing a mini review on each product and if I would buy it again.

The products I got though this month are: 

1.Tigi Catwalk Honey & Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner 750ML

2. Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel 200ML

3. St Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Fighting 150ML

4. Palmolive Pampering Touch Coconut Shower Gel 250ML

5. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia 50ML

6. Nivea Creme Coconut Shower Gel 250ML

7. Lacura Moisturising Face Wash 150ML

8. Next Loves Luxury Chocolate Body Scrub 30ML

9. Radox Coconut Kiss Shower Cream 250ML

10. Nivea Free Time Shower Cream 250ML

11. Original Source Shea Butter And Honey Shower gel 250ML

12. Imperial Leather Invigorating Mango And Juicy Papaya 250ML

13. Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo 200ML

14. Garnier Simply Essentials 2 In 1 Makeup Remover 200ML

15. Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate Deodorant 50ML

1.Tigi Catwalk Honey & Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner 750ML: This product is designed to be colour safe and helps to protect hair from heat damage. I have been using this set for five months, Yes FIVE MONTHS everyday and I think that makes this set exceptional value for money. Its a nourishing formula made with acacia honey, wheat protein and vitamin e and it is really moisturising. The smell is what first drew my towards this product, my hairdresser recommended this brand as I have dry ends from heat styling. In hindsight I picked the wrong product, I have quite oily roots and with prolonged use I feel this product only added to the oil. Which is a real shame because I do love the scent. This would be ideal for dry and damaged hair that isn't prone to oil. I wouldn't buy this product again but only because it doesn't suit my hair type, I really need to learn to check the advice on the bottle before the scent.

2. Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel 200ML: I recently wrote a review for the Vichy Normaderm line here, so I won't go into too much detail. This is a face wash that can be used daily for oil and acne prone skin. What I love about this gel is that it fights breakouts without drying the skin. A little pricey buy if used sparingly as advised can last a few weeks. I have already purchased this again and would recommend it if you have oily skin, as the results I've seen on my own skin have been pretty impressive.

3. St Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Fighting 150ML: An apricot exfoliating scrub to help fight blemishes, blackheads and lift away oil. I have bought this product many times and I'm not sure why? As much as I like this product as a weekly exfoliation treat,  I haven't found it to help in anyway with blemishes. Maybe you need to use it everyday to see results but I find the beads in this product and little bit too big and worry about the damage it might do if used daily. I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy this again but might try using it three to four times a week to see if that does make a difference in the future.

4. Palmolive Pampering Touch Coconut Shower Gel 250ML:  Anything that has a coconut scent I will most likely be buying it. I am fan of soft scents and this shower gel delivers a fresh scent that leaves you feeling moisturised and clean. I would buy this again as the scent is lovely but not overpowering and for £1 I can't really complain.

5. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia 50ML: I received this as a present last year, it is a really delicate floral scent and perfect for day wear. The fragrance contains notes of brown sugar, patchouli, frangipani, gardenia, pear and red berries. This without doubt a perfect spring perfume, a light subtle fragrance that is really soft and has berry overtones. I would buy this perfume again in the future but for now I am searching for the perfect vanilla based perfect for the summer.

6. Nivea Creme Coconut Shower Gel 250ML: A smelling scent to the palmolive shower gel and just as good. I would say this formula delivers a bigger hit of coconut but still quite mellow and it is slightly more nourishing. I will definitely but purchasing this again.

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7. Lacura Moisturising Face Wash 150ML: When I think of skincare Aldi is usually not on the top of my list, but this face wash was a surprise. I picked it up whilst doing some food shopping and thought why not it's only cheap. It is 100% soap free and has no harsh chemicals, it's formula is made using pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and Bisabolol. I used this daily and I must say this really improved my dry areas on my face, it is moisturising and mild and leaves skin feeling wonderfully soft. I would buy this again and I am going to investigate other Lacura products.

8. Next Loves Luxury Chocolate Body Scrub 30ML: This came as part of a beauty package I received at Christmas. It is chocolate scented which I love and the grains are relatively small which I prefer in an scrub. As much as I enjoyed the scent I don't think it made much of a difference in the texture or appearance of my skin. I wouldn't recommend this as it hasn't made any difference to my skin and I think there are better scrubs out there for similar price points.

9. Radox Coconut Kiss Shower Cream 250ML: I love all the Radox fresh shower gels and this is no exception, The scent (as you can tell by now) is one of my favourites coconut. It is exotic coconut and milk and is really refreshing and leaves the scent on your skin for a good few hours after shower. It isn't particularly moisturising but it doesn't claim to be and I would buy this again for the scent alone.

10. Nivea Free Time Shower Cream 250ML: Same formula as the creme coconut one but this scent is aloe vera and star fruit. A subtle scent with a hit of summer fruit and leaves skin moisturised and clean. It is stimulating and perfect for the summer months ahead, recommended.

11. Original Source Shea Butter And Honey Shower gel 250ML: Original Source have the nicest scents in their products. It has a natural scent and is extremely moisturising for dry skin. All for the bargain price of £1, I would buy this again.

12. Imperial Leather Invigorating Mango And Juicy Papaya 250ML: As with most Imperial Leather products it produces a great lather with very little product. A gorgeous summer fruity fragrance of Mango and Papaya. I think I've said all I can say on the topic of shower gel but I would buy this again.

13. Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo 200ML: A dry shampoo is every girls best friend on busy days. As I have oil prone hair I am trying to wash my hair every other day as I hope this will calm down the oil production and this has been a brilliant help for the in between days. I've never really found a scent of dry shampoo that I actually like as I find them all chalky but this one isn't to bad. The product does what it says on the bottle and I would purchase it again but maybe try out a different scent.

14. Garnier Simply Essentials 2 In 1 Makeup Remover 200ML:  This is my third bottle of this product, it removes makeup even waterproof makeup without rubbing or irritating the skin. It is enriched with plant extract and pro-vitamin B and the formula contains no perfume or alcohol. This is ideal for all skin types and removes all makeup without a trace. It is two separate liquids in one bottle. makeup removing oil and cleansing water. It is a very oily formula but it does lift makeup with ease and I have never had any problems with breakouts or irritation from this. I will be buying this again as it really easy to take off makeup before bed.

15. Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate Deodorant 50ML: Anti-perspirant deodorant with a pomegranate and lemon verbena scent. It claims to last up to 48 hours and as with all dove products contains moisturising ingredients. I love the scent and it dry relatively quick for a roll on, I have bought this again as it does the job and has a subtle scent.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think?

Mini Body Shop Haul - Summer Essentials

As mentioned in a previous post, the body shop have a great deal on at the moment that I had to take advantage of. If you spend £40 it would only cost £20, effectively making all of this half price. I had a splurge on some much needed items and I bought a paddle hairbrush, vitamin E eye cream, blender blush, seaweed pore perfect exfoliator, peppermint foot lotion, a bath lily and a cocoa butter body scrub. With summer coming up I wanted to get some essentials to revitalise my skin, I think scrubs are perfect to ensure my skin is in great condition for warmer days. I'll be reviewing some of these products soon. If there is something you would like reviewed soon, please let me know in the comments.

Do you have a summer skincare routine? What's on your essentials list?

Wednesday - Write Up - Review: The Body Shop Cosmetic Brushes

The body shop brushes are always my go to brand because I find that they are good quality, last ages and are great for building an even coverage. After looking at the various brushes I selected the following:

1. Foundation Brush

2. Face and Body Brush

3. Eyeshadow Brush

4. Lip/concealer Brush

5.Slanted Brush

The main reason I always go back to body shop brushes is the quality, the bristles are extremely soft and even after washing them a million times they always keep there shape. 

Foundation Brush: This brush works best with medium coverage foundations, one thing I have found whilst using this brush is that if you are applying your makeup in a rush it can create lines on your face. But I think that's got more to do with my application then the actual brush. It doesn't waste much product as it is relatively thin and can easily get into the under eye area for a even finish.

Face And Body Brush: I essentially use this only for blusher and bronzer, it has a big surface area and again doesn't waste much product. I have bought this brush countless times and I have never been disappointed by the finish. It is easy to use to build colour on cheeks and retains powder well. I love the size of it as it's made for body coverage 

Eyeshadow Brush: This is quite a big sized eyeshadow brush in my opinion and is ideal for creating block colour eyeshadow in a hurry, it creates a full coverage of shadow and is super soft for blending other colours on the lid.

Lip/Concealer Brush:  I have two of these in my brush collection, one for lip liner and one for concealer. I prefer this brush as a lip brush as it is small enough to draw an accurate lip line but also big enough to fill the whole lip without too much fuss. As a concealer brush I must say I prefer a sponge applicator. I find it easier to build coverage with a sponge, especially for redness or breakouts.

Slanted Brush: Perfect for brow application, the angle on this brush easily creates flawless eyebrow makeup. I use it with Benefit Brow zing to cover up gaps and fill out the brow. 

I've just ordered a blender brush from this collection and will post a review once it's arrived. At the moment the body shop are offering a £20 discount on a £40 spend, it was all too tempting so though I'd expand my brush collection. 

What are your favourite brushes? Do you have any recommendations? 

Benefit Easy Does It Giveaway Prizes

I opened my inbox a few weeks ago to discover an e-mail from Megan at Benefit cosmetics telling me I had won the easy does it giveaway. I love Benefit products and naturally really wanted to try the new foundation. I won all of this by playing the balancing act game on their website and tweeting my score and as luck would have it, I was selected. I am really grateful to have the chance to try all of the amazing products and will be reviewing each one separately. The prizes I received are:

Three Bottles Of Big Easy
The Porefessional Primer
Sugarbomb Blusher Box
Hoola Bronzer Box
Rockateur Lipgloss
Benetint Lip And Cheek Stain
Gimme Brow Gel

I have the primer and mascara already but I haven't wrote a review from either of them yet. I love the quality of Benefit makeup and have been a big fan of them for years. I look forward to trying all of them out and will post the reviews soon.

Stop Everything: Giorgio Armani Plans To Make Fast Fashion

Image: bluewater.co.uk

Giorgio Armani plans to revamp his AX Armani exchange stores into a fast fashion brand, such as the likes of Topshop, Mango and River Island. One can only hope he will be selling fast fashion inspired by his own lines but make them more affordable for a high street venture. This is a smart move but I do wonder if he will be using only his own line for inspiration? And if so, that will surely affect the appeal of a luxury designer brand. It's a interesting venture and one that has never been done before by such a high profile designer. There are so many questions to ask but I am mostly excited about the possibly of strolling into Armani to pick up a garment that I can actually afford. Fingers crossed.

Are you excited at the possibly of being able to buy from a luxury brand at an affordable price?

Do you think this is a good idea?

Moodboard Monday - Trend: High Street Culottes S/S14

Searching for the perfect pair of culottes is a chore in itself, they are either too wide, too tight or just plain unflattering. I gave up my search a few months ago until I recently stumbled upon these three. I do love the style of culottes, as I think it is an easy way to keep cool this summer whilst still looking chic. Once you have found the correct cut for your body type this item will easily become a wardrobe staple. So easy to style from day to night and they look amazing with high heels. My favourite pair is number 1. from Warehouse, definitely going to purchase them for summer.

Have you purchased any culottes? Which pair are your favourite?

1. Warehouse Soft Pleat Culottes
2. New Look Blue Ditsy Floral Print Knee Length Culottes
3. Boohoo Kiya Midi Length Culotte Shorts

Silent Sunday