Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish | Wild Earth Collection Review


CND Vinylux long wear polish | Wild Earth collection* 

I'm so excited it's autumn now, all my jumpers have come out I've put away my sandals and I'm counting the days till it's Halloween. Autumn is just a bit magical time, I think the colours are always what gets me, the leaves turn golden you can cozy up and drink all chai latte to your hearts content. So I'm always in a mood to change it up a bit,I think giving my nails some TLC is a must. CND Vinylux asked if I wanted to try out their new  Wild Earth collection, it  looked beautiful and I couldn't resist.  I tend to play it safe and go for red a lot, but seeing the collection I was actual looking forward to trying out something different as well as a red shade. 



Firstly I had never used this brand of nail polish, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The Wild collection is based on the power of nature. The collection has six polishes all together. The ones I picked are-

Brimstone- A beige neutral 
Arrowhead - a creamy earth
Element- a warm, soft red
Blue Moon- a deep, cobalt blue

The packaging it comes in is very simple, which I like  I really can't stand over packed products. The bottles are a good size as they are 15ml, so these will last you a while. I noticed that the brush is a fair bit bigger then my other polishes, so application of product was so much easier. These feel to me like polishes you would see in a salon, and the coverage is fabulous. 

Honestly I was waiting for one of them to disappoint, but all of them applied smoothly and with only two coats. They have a really high shine,  and they dried pretty quick. I don't really every get much time to sort my nails, so these get a thumbs up from me. the finish looks professional and they are long wearing. The brush is also infused with certain, jojoba oil and vitamin E so if your nails damage easy this will keep them hydrated and more flexible so you will have less nail breaks. They also have a dreamy top coat, to seal in the colours nicely and stop chipping. 


I adore these polishes, and I think Arrowhead is my favourite (shocking I know for someone so obsessed with rainbows). I think the best thing about these polishes is there is no need for a base coat, yes you read that correctly. I always get told off for not using one, but now I don't have to. Have you tried these polishes, what do you think of this collection? 

1

Five Things | I'm Doing This April


The countdown is finally over, and the boys are filling the house with laughter, moaning, dirty socks and wrappers. We have some things planned, but I think we are all looking forward to being still and in one place. They are happy not to have to do work every day, I'm happy not to have to wrench them and myself out of bed for the school run. We have put up some bunny decorations, and the boys are looking forward to their egg hunt on Monday. So I thought about things I really need to happen this Easter, and thought I would share them. 


Making Time To pamper Myself 

One thing, that tends to go out the window when I’m stressed is my pampering. My hair just hangs from my head, and I tend to stick a hat on living that glamours life right. So this Easter I’m making sure that instead of a quick shower, or wash I’m making time for a creamy bubble bath at least. I’m going to do the same for the boys, I think they need time to relax too plus play time in the bath is a great way to wear them out before bed if you have been stuck in. 

So I’m making sure the bathroom is full of fun bath products, we have some Lush goodies which I'm so excited to try. As usually I stick to my favourites. I'm most excited for Bunch of carrots, they are such pretty colours and smell absolutely epic! They are a bubble bar, so you run them under the tap and they fill your bath with creamy bubbles. They have Sicilian lemon oil, which is uplifting and as I'm going to be running around after the kids I'm gonna that. We also have the Golden egg, as the boys said they wanted something sparkly and it's possible thee most glittery thing I've ever seen in my life. And how adorable are the free rangers, I love that this spilts in two. Of course this smells divine, it has blackcurrant absolute and it got the boys approval. I think making bath time more the main event, then just doing it to get clean will hopeful leave me more refreshed and clam. I also have some skincare, so that I go to bed or wake up feeling fresh and ready. 


Bunch of carrots bubble bars, golden egg bath ballistic , Here comes the sun shower cream, cream egg bath ballistic and free rangers ballistic *


Have A Spring Clean (but like actual do it)

I think everyone is probably getting their clean on, the clocks changed and we gained more light and all of a sudden you notice all the crap everywhere. I've been slowly trying to declutter, but I think over the next few days even for an hour I'm going to be tougher on getting rid of things. Sell, donate or bin all the stuff just needs to go. I feel like I want different things be some new clothing, homeware but how can I do that when there are all these things piling up everywhere. 

So I'm going to go room by room, and sort through it all. Even the kids have clothing that doesn't fit, toys that they have long grow out of and I feel like if I can tackle it now before the six weeks holidays we will all be able to breathe again. I've watched a bunch of You Tube videos, which has helped me with ways to sort and motive yourself. At the same time I need to remember to actual do it. 


Making Easter cakes

Logan asked if we could make some cupcakes. I do like a bit of baking, I prefer the decorating part. If your not big on baking, why not buy plain fairy cakes so you can decorate them how you want. I think it's a great way to past some time, and fingers crossed get something tasty to eat at the end of it. I picked up some box cake, to make it easy for them to follow. We have some white fondant, so I'm going to show them how to make a little bunny topper. The last bunch of cakes we made were at Christmas time, we also made biscuits so we are long overdue on doing some baking. 



Crochetterie by Molla Mills is a great crochet book for if your looking for something more alternative.

Getting back into crafting 

I've had such low energy lately, that all my craft projects aren't really going anywhere. Progress has been slow, and I've been losing focus to the point i question why I've started at all. It's felt like a chore, because I'm not giving myself enough time. It's easy to get into having a deadline for wanting to finish, while some projects need that enough time. I think regards my projects, I just need to organise them. From what will take the least amount of time, and what ones I can chip away at.

I feel like the boys are crafting less and less too. I think it's been an odd couple of weeks, the weather has been all over the shop. And while we have been out here and there, I will say I have been guilty of handing them their gadgets and grasping at any free moment. But I do miss making things, and seeing them create as they both have a big imagination. 

Thankfully you don't even have to brainstorm much any more,  there are a million craft ideas on Pinterest. But one of my favourite things to craft with are paper plates, you can cut out bunnies or make them into eggs. They don't cost much, you can also recycle them once you have made new things if you like. Kids can colour them, stamp them or stick stripes of coloured card or even colourful chocolate wrapping. But any crafts are just a good way of doing something together, especially on a rainy day. They are perfect to stop them becoming glued to their gadgets, and also mean I'm giving the kids my time while we do something fun . Also if you loath mess, colouring paper plates with colour pens are a great alternative to paints. 

Gadget free time 

This also include Baz and I, as well as our little darlings. Some times it’s easy to think your spending time together, when in reality your all casual checking a phone or iPad and not really focusing on what’s being said. I know this drives me nuts, when I think the kids aren’t listening. So I’m sure they feel the same when I have a phone in my face. While certain things need to be checked and done, I really want to make sure I'm getting a break from internet surfing. Before you know it half the day is gone. I've decided I'll crochet, maybe paint, go for a walk or just enjoy the moment. 


I hope you all have a great Easter if you celebrate, and i'd love to hear what your up too and if you have any plans. 

1

Latest In Beauty | March Mother & Daughters Box


March has been pretty stressful so far, a month filled with headache upon headache. It has finally settled well ish, as ironically this is the third time I've written this post as both my previous attempts failed to save. So if this goes live I'm going to take that as a win. 

As we all know stress doesn't leave much time for pampering, let alone self care. So I was so happy to see and try out this months Latest in beauty box- Mothers day box. As you may know I'm a mum of two boys, as a mum it's easy to forget your an actual human being. You are more then wrapper collector, laundry doer and decoder of 'I want something'. I was not disappointed at all, I actual didn't know where to begin. For £25 quid I had a box full of great self care products, bath oil, nail polish etc.. so I had a two day pamper session, where I would have relaxing baths and try them all out. They have a bunch of different boxes, and you can even make up your own which is great for if your giving it to someone. Building a box that's suited to you, or to the person your giving it to. 

0

Makeup Revolution Bleeding Heart Baked Highlighter Review


As you may know, I'm a massive fan of Makeup Revolutions baked highlighters. Sadly my Goddess of love highlighter is dying, but she's given my face life on days I've looked like an extra for the walking dead. It's great on my dry skin, it's buildable and more importantly it's affordable. Also the packaging is just everything, I never get tried of picking up my heart shaped box. They have a wide selection of tones, to make anyones cheekbones pop. So tell your friends to grab their shades because there is a nice heart in town.

While I love Godless of love, that doesn't automatically mean Bleeding heart would be a fave. This highlighter has a pink tone, which for my pale skin I wasn't sure would work. I love the gold running through but again was unsure if on the skin it would pick up and look as good. I've been using a cool toned highlighter for so long, I think it's easy to get use to the same product and so after a while you don't even notice it. I'm not massive of having highlight that reflects the sun, but it's nice to have that option.


0

Building A Budget Friendly Palette | Makeup Obsession London Palette Review



New Year, new you right *goes to check bank balance. Okay maybe not. January seems to be forever and it's left us all a little light in the pocket. But sadly if you love makeup it's a fact we all face that around this time is the dreaded day. Yes the one where is expires, and you start to question how long you can keep it before you end up with a krusty eye. You purchased it in 2017 before everything went to hell, and you know what it got you through some tough times. Now it's time to say goodbye, I know it hurts trust me we have all been there but that not so winged liner and chalky won't even leave the pan shadow is not worth a visit to the doctors. Thank it for the great times, and get rid.

I seem to have run out of everything just after Christmas, so knew I was going to have to invest in some new products. I'd seen Makeup obsession London over on Instagram, and after seeing their customers wearing some gorgeous looks I thought I would check it out. I was really shocked to find you could purchase a pan for £2. But is the range worth buying, or are you better saving your money. 


1

The Ordinary Skincare | Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Review



After a late night of not being able to sleep again, I thought I would settle down with a magazine and a cup of tea - not the best thing to have for getting to sleep I know, but I was past the point of caring. As I flicked through, I come across a review by their beauty editor. I don't tend to buy into skincare trends, especially in magazines as I don't always feel that it's completely honest. While I know writers will want to be, a magazine is there more to sell these 'must haves' too you. Some times this can be a winner, and sometimes, well sometimes it's utter crap. 

But after reading about the brand The Ordinary, it was refreshing to see a brand everyone was going mad for that didn't cost a vital organ. That avoided ingredients like, parabens and sulphates that tend to leave skin dry and tight which is the last thing you want from a moisturiser and other skincare. 
0

My Cruelty-Free Skincare | Superdrug Vitamin E range


As someone who likes her beauty products, finding a good skincare range is hard finding a great skincare range is almost impossible. As a 34 year old women with dry and sensitive skin, and a hatred of 'oily' feeling products it's been an on going search. I wanted a face wash, cream and scrub that would leave my skin feeling fresh without upsetting it. I also was looking for something budget friendly. People seem to assume that all us bloggers, spend our days rolling in cash. So to smash the dream, but would rolling around in my bills count. While I would love to spend all my money on myself, as a mum of two this doesn't happen. So is it possible to get a fab skincare range, that's won't cost the earth and still be great. 

0

Get The Glow | Look Fantastic May Box


After months of on off weather and May already being filled with rain, I was more than happy to see this months Look Fantastic box is all about glow. Who doesn't like feeling clean, polished and glowing all over. So do this months choice of products really 'get the glow' after really loving last months box I was excited to find out. You can subscribe to their boxes from only £13.00 a month and you also get Elle magazine with it, so you can pamper and get a fashion fix. The box of products are worth around £50 and over. So if you're looking to treat yourself or someone else, this one is worth every penny. 

0

Current Beauty Go To| Highlighter Goddess Of Love



My skin is usually dry anyway, but in winter it feels as if someone has tried to mummify me in my sleep. Heating, cold wind blowing like a unglamourous fan leaves my skin looking dull, spotty and red. So I've been testing out loads of products, to get back a summer glow without the cake face. I'm 33 and have dry, acne prone skin fun times right. As I have started a massive clear out of old favourites, I wanted to share my new favourites and compare them to see which are best. 

1

Three| Favorite Lip Smackers For Summer



No matter the weather, dry lips are never cute. I've got a bag full of lip balms, but my inner child always reaches for a Lip Smacker. Of course I was excited to hear they launched the Finding Dory collection, and of course I was dying to see what her flavour would be and I was disappointed. The collection also features other characters, but Dory has always been my favourite. You can pick them up from £1.50 from Primark.

1

Covering Up My Grey Hair



I don't make a secret of the fact I'm in my thirties, I'm thirty three to be exact and usually if you have dark hair you may notice a few grey hairs beginning to creep in around this age. I however am not most people and due to the fabulous genetics of my parents, inherited a grey streak at the front of my head at the ripe old age of thirteen. No it wasn't cool, no I didn't feel like Rouge from X men it just made me stand out and as a kid who was already being bullied I really didn't want to stand out. So I began dying it, month after month, year after year and than more time pasted and more grey came. Sadly I'm not fully grey, as I could dye it super bright again. Instead it's a patchy mess, and if I don't dye it I look like I have a massive bald patch. 
1

Skinade - 30 Day Trail

Skinade*

When we think of skincare, usually a first thought maybe a pot of 'magical' cream that will make us look like we just stepped off the red carpet. In reality a lot of what we put in our body can have an effect on the skin, add into that everyday stress and lack of real sleep and  it's no shocker that your face is breaking out and looking like a week old sponge. So do you keep slapping on the cream or is it time to try something a bit different. 

There is plenty of information on what goes into their product on the website, it's easily breakdown so you can see exactly how it will benefit you.

I decided not to do 'before' and 'after' photos, as to be frank I think sometimes people photoshop stuff and not all use of products will have the same effect. To me these only set the bar too high, and you end up being disappointed with a product that actual may have helped. So your just going to have to take my word, as I really don't have the time or energy to hype rubbish. There a plenty of photos if you do want to see but honestly I think  it's better to try something for yourself. I had looked at their site before starting the course as I wanted to know what I was going to be drinking. I've worked in   beauty retail, so felt comfortable with ingredients used. I think it is important to defiantly do some research, as it's going into your body.

So let's get to it, firstly I really like the packaging of these it's clean and simple and fits nicely into my bags. It also comes in travel size but these ones have to be mixed. Anyway the formula inside- It tastes pretty gross I'm not going to lie, but it's not so bad that you can't drink it. It helps to try and get it down you, than drink a little water after. While the results were not instant, within a few days I did feel some effect, I had a little more energy and massive spots I had started to decrease and not look so raw.

After two weeks, I defiantly felt the different in my skin it looked less dry and my breakouts had downsized. My skin didn't look airbrushed, but I think I felt a little more confident to leave my makeup off. As at the time I had a mass of breakouts, and my skin felt dry as a bone. So I did notice the small different. By the end of the 30 days, the skin area my eyes and on my forehand - I was burnt as a child pretty badly on my forehand  so have also had deep, deep lines. The lines looked smoother, I had a little glow and I seemed to be more switched on. Having vitamin B and C, not only helps with your health but also helps keeping skin looking fresh and smoother.

Even my friends and my other half said I looked well. My skin hair and nails, all seemed to improve a little, like I said it wasn't a case of you drink it and suddenly your a supermodel strutting down the street. But it defiantly made some different, I use to have so much energy in my twenties and slowly it just seemed to go. I love being in my thirties but I do feel like I'm always ill. I think this is a really simply way to get that extra boost, as I think mental if you look tired and drained that makes you feel more drained. For me if my skin looks less spotty and not so grey I feel like doing more, as  I feel a little more confident. I'm not really into spray tans etc.. Plus I like the fact this helps from within. Sometimes I look back at how much I've spent on creams etc, while all the time not really taking care of myself and feeling like I'm playing catch up. Would I use it again? Yes, while it is pricey, when I think about products - Most fails I've used it actually is not that far off. If you don't have the money to do it all the time, maybe buy it when your skin is really suffering. I would tend to use it during winter,  as personal that's when my skin tends to look awful and this is the perfect boost. 
0

Easy Festival Inspired Makeup



As the last of the festivals are coming to an end, I wanted to share a really easy vintage festival inspired look. I had been looking at photos of Woodstock, 70s Twiggy and Amy Winehouse and wanted to bring it together. I'm no makeup artist, so I'm sure you could make this look a lot more crisp and clean if you have the skills. 

It's a mix of a little modern vs a mix of eye looks from the 60s and 70s, and you can achieve it within under an hour. Firstly prime your skin, if your off to a party or festival you want your makeup to stay put. I've found that a lot of men's after shave balm is perfect for this, sounds odd but the they keep the skin hydrated as well. I use one by nip tuck for men, than apply your foundation as normal and fill your brows. This look is all in the eyes - If you wanted to add a little extra to your skin, you could take a few different shades of brow pencil dot them across the nose and cheeks for some faux freckles. As they make the skin, look more natural and youthful. 



As everything can get a little sweaty, even if you have dry skin, lightly dust with a blot press powder. I used MAC - Blot powder/ Pressed in light, just to make sure everything stays put even dusting over my eyes as this helped stop my eye makeup creasing. Once your skin and brows are done, sweep on a little natural looking blusher. I find if you swept the brush over the back of your hand first to remove excess product, you get a barely there look. 


For the eye shadow I used Urban Decays Shadow box and started off with Smog as my base. It's a pretty dark copper colour, so I blended it out and than started to work a light gold on top. Baked Cowboy is a stunning gold as it's really shimmery, but I kept it to the middle as I wanted to add an orange tone into the look. Taking Freelove, I swept a little under my lower lid and started to work it over the Smog for the start of my cut crease. I wanted it to be a little more subtle than Twiggy's eye look, so I decided to use an eye pencil to start my heavy line across the lid. I have hooded eyelids, so trust me when I say I struggle with cut creases and eyeliner. So I tend to go above my natural crease, and pencil in the line, it doesn't have to be perfect as we are blending it out. Taking more of the Freelove, I went back over blending back and forth sweeps to soften the line. If you get any fall out, just go back over the light shadows in the centre of the lid to make it pop more.

Than I finished my eye look, by lining my eyes and going for a chunky cat flick. If you start by the outer corner and work in you can build your line and it will keep the line flowing so you won't end up with a wobbly out of shape tail. I think it's important to make it as thick or thin as you want. Everyone has different shaped eyes, and as long as you practise you will work out the best way you prefer to line your eyes. I tend to use a pen eyeliner, as I find them super easy to use. If you make a mistake, you can take a little concealer on a thin brush and clean it up after. 

You can add false lashes, but as I wear glasses I tend not to. If you have time, layer your mascara than taking a pair of tweezers lump  a few of your eyelashes together into small points like little triangles  This was a massive look back in the 60s, and than take a fine liner or fine brush and draw on a couple of lashes on the bottom. I find, if you draw a dot on the lash line and work down it looks better. It can be tricky, even I'm still getting the hang of it but the end result looks really cute. I wanted to keep this look focused on the eyes, so I finished the look with MAC Velvet Teddy on my lips. I like that even with a heavy eye, this look is still subtle. I think it's great to build on, like taking some eyelash glue and sticking some gold sequins just under the eye or doubling the black liner with a gold liner on top. I'm looking forward to maybe next time go for a full on cut crease. 

2

Nailbox: The Only Nail Subscription Box In The U.K - May


If you are a nail polish addict, and you have never heard of Nailbox I honestly don't know where you have been - Probably waiting for your nail polish to dry while watching  back to back episodes of *insert your favourite show here* over on Netflicks. Don't feel bad as they only launched in April, but are fast becoming a must for those of us who love treating our nails. 

Unlike beauty subscription boxes, Nailbox is just for nails. You can pick how long you would like to subscribe, and at the end of every month you'll receive your box of products to your door. I like that these come in one box (no frills), so you can easily recycle it and don't feel bad about having to use it- I'm sure a lot of you got fed up after a while of having to find use for all those extra boxes, and evenly throw them out. Nailbox  is focused on product, so you get full sized products and a good mix of brands. May's box has sold out, but if you hurry you can get Junes -Which states that there will be three full sized nail polishes and the best top coat you have every used and a nail tool. Sadly at the moment, they don't ship outside the U.K but I'm sure the more they grow this will change. 


Nailbox for May *
In The Box

Elegant Touch - Professional cuticle pusher & Nail Cleaner: This is such a great tool to have, I did have another one by a different brand ages ago that was not as great. the best time to use the cuticle pusher is after a bath when your going to clean your nails and change polish. As they will be soft and easier to managed. The nail cleaner is great for me, as I have long natural nails and I use it for under my nails and on the sides. It also cleans easy, I'm happy to have one that works. 

Nicole By O.P.I ' Alex By The Books': I adore Modern Family and Alex has some great one liners (my favourite character is actual Phil, but Alex comes a close second). I really like this shade as not only is it in keeping with Alex's character- Smart and sensible, but it's a beautiful pastel mint and I think great for wedding season as it goes with just about everything. I managed to get a nice coverage with one coat, but for a perfect coverage I used 2 coats.

Essie 'Status Symbol': I think this is the third Essie polish I have ever owned, as I tend to have my favourite brands. This is actual a really soft more grown up pink, the formula is  pretty smooth and with 2 coats you can get full coverage. 

Rimmel London 60 Seconds ' Lucky Lilac': This was by far my favourite polish I'm a massive fan of these and actual have never tried this colour before. It has a great formula and only took 2 coats for full coverage and it really does dry quickly. It has a warm pink tone, which is unlike most of the other lilacs I have which are all blue. I think this is great for if you want some girly colour, but are bored with pink.

Orly Color Blast 'Fiery Orange chunky glitter': Sadly this was my least favourite, I'm not a massive fan of this rustic orange. Maybe for Halloween as it's a pumpkin shade, however the glitter is very pretty. It's holographic and the more you layer, the better it looks. I will be saving this for winter, as I think it may look pretty over a black polish. It applied well, as it's a jelly polish and again looked good after 2 coats.


I used 'Lucky Lilac' as my base colour, and than used a toothpick to dot on 'Alex By The Books' just around the edge of my nail and than added 'Status Symbol' and added a top coat of clear polish just to seal it. This is a super easy nail art fix, if you just want to add a little colour.

What Does it Cost?

There are four options to pick from. There is month to month at £15.00 per month, but if you pick a longer subscription you get a discount. If you want to try it out for a little while you could get a 3 months subscription for £14.50 per month, or I think it would be lovely to give a years subscription for a birthday present * hint hint at £13.50 per month. I've had boxes before, but I love that this is just for nails as I'm more like to use everything. I was impressed by the full sized bottles, and like the fact that the boxes will sometimes have tools and accessorises in. Money goes into product not endless packaging, which is really important to me as someone who hates waste. What do you think, would you try out a box like this? 




5

Coca Cola Lip Smackers



Yes more Lip Smackers, as you know I also have the Frozen collection - Still going strong by the way. But these are even better because yes they are the Coca Cola Lip Smacker range oh mama. Cute packing check, amazing flavours double check in the past I use to only wear lip balm. Sadly back than a lot of the balms use to be sticky and waxy, and the flavours were very limited. It was a choice between strawberry or vanilla. Lip Smackers literally blew the whole flavoured lip balms out of the water, it's only a matter of time before you see the next crazy amazing flavours with them. As well as the Coca Cola range they also now have a Original Fruit set and Chupa Chups. 



These were not a let down, of course I have my flavours who doesn't but honestly there wasn't any that I wouldn't use. With the pack you get eight drink flavours to pick from, and although the sticks have colour they are not pigmented at all which I personally think is great. You get three Coca Cola flavours which include - Vanilla, Cherry and original Coca Cola these are my favours at the moment. Than you have Sprite, which has a lemon smell and taste. Than the Fanta range - Orange, Strawberry, Grape and oh my word the Pineapple which if I had to pick just one it would be that flavour.I love the packing as they look really cute, but it's practical as well. You twist the bottom and use what you need and the cap clicks back on firmly. I have long nails, so hate having to dig product from pots these are great to use on the go as like I said there's no fear of pigment everywhere. 

When I was a teen I wasn't allowed to wear lipstick, I'm pretty sure a lot of you teens out there won't be either. I think half my school bag was weighted down with lip balms. So these are great for if your not allowed lipstick, or maybe you just like wearing lipstick. I found the texture is perfect, the balm glides on and they actual smell like the drinks. There's no waxy or sticky texture, and it keeps lips hydrated. The flavour fades after about 10 minutes,  so it won't effect anything you eat or drink throughout the day. If you have chapped lips it may not be as effective, but if your just after some lip balms that are fun and will keep your lips soft through out the day they are worth getting. I could easily have a draw full, I tend to dot them into different bags so I always have one. I think if you are younger it may be a nice idea, to buy the pack with friends and split it up. You can also buy the different flavours individual if your not a fan of all the flavours.  These are priced at £12 from Claire's which may seem pricey, but you get eight lip balms and they are good quality so I think they are worth it. 

2

INIKA Light Reflect - Highlighting Creme



As someone who has pretty dull skin, no matter what I do. I'm always looking for products that give me that beach goddess glow, without having to slap on fake tan or damaging my skin in the sun. As a pale girl it can be very tricky to get that shimmer just right, as with black skin if the shimmer is too harsh it just looks a mess. It can give you that 'this was free from a 90s magazine look' which is the biggest no nos of all makeup no nos. Thankfully INIKA vegan friendly by the way and totally cruelty-free, have designed a highlighter cream- Light Reflect* aka summer skin in a tube. That gives coverage without clogging pores and leaving your face looking like the moon. 

I grew up in a time where everyone was getting it wrong, because it was the 90s. There was no You Tube, to show that actual having half a tube of highlighter on your face looks silly. Highlighters back than creased like mad, and by the end of the day, night out you had sweated off the pool of sliver anyway which was probably a bonus. So yes highlighters have come a long way trust me.  


The highlighter comes in a tube with a screw top lid, so perfect for traveling and product comes out easily. I've been using it all over my face, by mixing it in with my foundation, as I like I said my skin is super dull. Just make sure to use a primer or moisturiser before applying to keep your skin looking dewy. 

It's so beautiful and has this incredible luminous finish, it blends out easily and you only need a pea size amount for a full face or to use with contouring. It's better to build it up, than use a ton and make your skin look cakey due to clogging up your pores with too much product. You can pat the highlighter on the bridge of the nose, gentle across the cheekbones and if you take a small angle brush apply it to your cupids bow to make your lips pop for contouring. If your not into the dewy look, you can apply some powder to the forehead and under the cheekbones. 

My skin is super dry, so I tend to use as little powder as possible. I made the mistake of buying a matte foundation, which is leaving my skin super dry. So I think once I have used it up and gone back to my normal foundation this will look even more dewy. So don't be silly like me and use this with a moisturising foundation than a matte which will leave it looking dry and not sit as well. You don't have to use this with full makeup, you can just use it over bare skin which I'd love to do if I didn't have such uneven skin tone. Anyway I love the finish of this highlighter and think it will be a firm favourite in my makeup bag. 

It's priced at £17.00 for 8g - I think it's well priced as you don't need a lot, remember build it up don't pile it on and it will last ages. This will last me around a good five months, or more of everyday makeup before I have to buy again so I think it's worth having.


4

Yummy Mummy -Lush's Lifesavers For Dry Skin



Feeling like death, I decided that maybe a warm bath would help relieve some of the aches and pains in my paper like bones  It wasn't the perfect mothers day I had hoped, due to the fact I could not enjoy it with Barry and our boys like going for meal. But I packed up my pity party make the best of it, and broke out my box of bath goodies that Lush had kindly sent me for mothers day. I've always enjoyed a Lush bath, when life is all getting a bit stressful and I find even the smell of products in the bathroom lift my spirits a little. 

Taking my bath and not expecting anything that new - I've used Lush for years so I've gotten use to most of their products. I didn't want to spend too long in the bath, so thought that I would save my bath ballistic and bubble bar for a good soak. 
3