Month: February 2013

Liverpool LUSH

- Vicki 4 Comments

I popped into the new LUSH store in Liverpool which is also a Spa. How did I not know that LUSH had these Spa stores now? I didn’t have an appointment at the Spa but they offer lovely treatments and have 6 Spa’s up and down the country. I will definitely  book myself in for a little treat. Maybe the hubby can book me in as a Valentine treat.

LUSH Liverpool

I went in to pick up a few bath products. I wanted to go for some that I hadn’t tried before.  The new Liverpool store is just lovely. It is really big and well laid out. The staff were very helpful and I tested out a few of the products I bought in store. That a fun way to spend  20 minutes.

So these are the 4 things I picked up

LUSH Haul

 

1. The Enchanter Bath Bomb – This turns your bath water orange then pink and has lime, neroli and frankincense in it. Its smells amazing. I think it also has a little glitter in it for that added sparkle £3.20

2. Butterball Bath Bomb – I thought this little white one looked so cute (anything small is cute right?!). This may be small but its packed full of cocoa butter to really moisturise your skin. I like the sound of this one as it also has Vanilla and I really like Vanilla, it’s a really fresh sweet scent. £2.45

3. Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic – I tested this one in the shop, its spins around in the water fizzing and popping it’s quite cool so I just had to get one. It smells really citrus and also has cinnamon in too. £3.20

4. You’ve Been Mangoed Luxury Bath Melt – Oh my this smells of Spring & so fruity. Its lovely. I can’t wait to use it. The bar itself feels creamy & is full of skin softening butter to really hydrate you.  In it are avocado, mango and cocoa butters and also lemongrass, lime and lemon essential oils – sounds lovely. £3.10

Mango Lush Melt

So all those are products I have never tried. I am a nightmare at relaxing in the bath – well at relaxing anywhere if I’m honest. So I’m trying to enjoy having a bath more an I thought what better way than by using a lovely LUSH bath bomb.  Let me know if you have used any of these or if you have another favourite that I should try.

I only went in for cotton wool

- Vicki 13 Comments
Superdrug Makeup Haul

‘I only went in for cotton wool’ that’s what I tell my husband & I always come out with products. In my defence I had a gift voucher to use up for Superdrug and I have a little still left on it so will be popping back in at some point as I was overwhelmed with all the new releases and the makeup isle was mobbed with teenagers using the testers to do their full makeup. Whats with that …. its GROSS?!

Here is what I managed to pick up

Superdrug Purchases L’Oreal Luminize Code BB Cream SPF 15  – This caught my eye as its meant to help with dark spots and really hydrate your skin. It also has SPF 15 in and UVA protection. I’m a fan of the Garnier BB cream and the N07 one too. But I’m on the hunt for a great one and hoping this is it. I picked it up whilst it was on sale for £9.99. Normal price this will cost you £14.99 for 50ml The only downside I can see is that they only offer 2 shades light and medium.

B. Pure Micellar Water I am also on the hunt for a good Micellar Water, I really like using these for removing my makeup before cleansing. I have tried a few, the La-Roche-Posay-Physiological-Micellar-Solution and the Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water. I am hoping this one is good as it’s a great price. £4.99 for 150ml

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Galaxy and Luna – I just had to try these, took me ages to track them down as my local Superdrug had sold out. I have already worn Galaxy and love it. It’s a deep plum colour. I must confess that since buying these two I went back and picked up Celestial too. They are great of your not a traditional lipstick fan and if you don’t like sticky lip gloss. These are pigmented and quite long wearing. I for one am a big fan. £5.99 each

Small Haul

Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Stick Bad Bronze – I really liked the Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner pencils that were released a couple of months ago and thought I’d give these a go. They had 5 shades to choose from bronze, black, blue, beige and purple. The bronze caught my eye. I’m yet to use it but I like look of these they remind me of the NYX jumbo shadow sticks. These Rimmel Shadow ticks are £3.49

Rimmel Cocktail Colours Nail Polish – There were three colours the one I picked up Hawaiian Punch, Baby Bellini and Shirley Temple. I wanted all three but I need new nail polish like I need a hole in the head so I just picked up this Cute Hawaiian Punch which is a shimmery red toned pink. It’s so cute and girly. These are a bargain at £3.99. I can’t promise I won’t go back and get the other two.

Have you picked anything new up recently? Or have you tried any of the things I bought.

January 2013 Empties

- Vicki 5 Comments

What a long dull month January was, I’m glad its over. I’ve a busy February ahead as it’s my 13 year anniversary and my best friend is getting married plus there’re so many new beauty releases that I’ve had my eye on & was too skint in January to purchase, so I’m going to blow the budget in Feb! Right so this is what I used up this past month.

Jan Empties 2013

La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution 200ml £11.50 – I used this up quite quickly. It was good at removing my makeup, but I always cleanse after anyway. I would repurchase this but I picked up a bottle of the new B. Pure Micellar Water so will be testing that out.

Garnier 2 in 1 Makeup Remover 200ml £2.99 – This is a repurchase for me, I tried a Nivea one this month and had to stop using it as it really irritated my eyes. This Garnier one even removes waterproof mascara. I’ve already purchased another one. I won’t try another this is my go to makeup remover.

Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz 150ml – This has been a nice facial toner this month. It’s been nice to spray on during the day to give my skin a lift esp as I work from home and have had the central heating on alot. It helps my skin stay hydrated and clams down the redness

Jan Empties 2

Imperial Leather Limited Edition Bewitching Shower Cream – This was nice and smelt lovely and fruity. I never buy a shower gel twice I just purchase what is on offer. This one was nice and I do recommend it.

Palmolive Naturals Pampering Touch Coconut Shower Milk – This was a really hydrating shower gel and I really liked it to shave my legs with as it left my skin so soft.

Vo5 Moisture Soak Elixir 75ml £4.29 – This I enjoyed using. It lasted me quite a while. I used it once a week  it left my hair looking healthy and glossy. I would repurchase this. I have posted about this in my Winter Hair Care roundup

Jan 2013 Empties

The Body Shop Dry Cool and Zesty Roll on – I think this has been discontinued and I’m sad about that as I really liked this. It worked so well and I liked the citrus scent. I’m going to try to hunt down some backups.

Clarins Super Restorative Replenishing Comfort Mask – This was a sample with another purchase. It lasted for 3 applications, it was OK quite milky and left my skin smooth and plump but I couldn’t say if it helped with firming and tightening. I wouldn’t repurchase this. I think It might be aimed at ladies who are older than 34.

Molton Brown Myrrh, Muske and Cypress Hand Wash – This was a gift with a purchase and I have owned the full size one. I love it. It smells incredible, very luxurious and I can smell the scent for ages after washing my hands. Most hand washes dry my hands out but this one doesn’t. I really recommend Molton Brown Hand Wash, it lasts for a really long time. The 300ml lasts me at least 2 months. The full size 300ml costs £16

Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara – I loved this mascara. It separated and lengthened my lashes. I like that look, there were no clumps and it didn’t flake at all. I have done a review of this here & if I didn’t have 5 mascaras waiting to use I would repurchase. 6ml for £18

January Empties 2013

No7 Protect and Perfect Eye Cream £15 – This took the longest time to run out. This was a nice eye cream it wasn’t too heavy or greasy and it really hydrated my under eye. I always use my No7 vouchers to buy this so never pay full price for it. I would repurchase this.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum – from a glossybox. Not too sure what to say about this. I think its meant to almost freeze your face?? This isn’t quite the look I go for (frozen in time). I have a couple of these sachets to use. I used this one around the lines on my eyes (crows feet). I have to say it felt like it was working but I wouldn’t pay the £127 price tag for the full size.

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum – Gift with purchase – I’ve used so many of these both full size & sample size. Its a lovely serum but since purchasing the Hydraluron (my true love) I haven’t repurchased. But it is a nice serum. Full size is 30ml & costs £23

Have you used any of these products? Or have you done an empties post – leave me a link in the comments if you have.

Morning Skincare Routine

- Vicki 11 Comments

I’m a complete skin care junkie and seem to purchase something new every week. I’m now in my mid 30’s and my skin has undergone a massive change. Some things age related but some also through stress. I’ve come to realise your skin doesn’t like constant changes to its routine. Small ones are OK but to keep testing out cleansers and moisturisers every month is doing me no favours

So I decided to find those products that work for me and stick to them. My skin has been feeling and looking really dull and not as vibrant and glowing as it used to be. So I’ve been looking for products that help my skin to look plump and more youthful.  These are the products I have been using in the morning. Most of them I am really happy with but it’s always a case of trial and error.

Morning Skin Care Routine

Yes to Cucumbers Cleanser this is the first product I have tried from any of the Yes to ranges. I picked it up in London last year and it took me ages to get round to using it. I am really impressed with it, it leaves my skin feeling clean without being dry and tight. I have sensitive skin on my cheeks and this doesn’t aggravate that at all. I want to try a few more things from the cucumber range, especially the Soothing Eye Gel.

Yes To Cucumbers

Boots Botanics Rosewater Toner this is a hefty bottle & it’s my second one. I’m not 100% sold on it though. I was bought the second bottle for Christmas. I love face sprays and have tried a few. This one is good at hydrating my skin throughout the day. I also spray a little before applying my serum and moisturiser in the morning. If truth be told I think my heart belongs to the LUSH tea tree toner. I love that.

origins Make a Difference

Origins Make A Difference Skin rejuvenating treatment lotion – I don’t use this very morning, I try to use it 3 times a week. It helps to leave my skin feeling really hydrated and clean before I apply my serum. I find that my red cheeks aren’t as aggravated when I use this and thats good during the winter when my skin is a little drier. I have said before that my skin can look a little dull at times and this lotion helps to make it look healthier and fresh. I also really like that this lotion helps improve the appearance of damage done by UV and environmental exposure and UV damage is something I worry about.  This will cost you £18 for 150ml (my bottle was part of a gift set so is a smaller 50ml bottle)

AVON Anew Clinical PRO Line Eraser Treatment – A-F-33 Never have I used an eye cream which makes my eyes sting as much as this one! It’s not good. I am just using it up and won’t repurchase. This eye treatment had rather big promises and I can say they haven’t delivered for me. I still have fine lines and can’t say I have seen any improvements in my under eye area at all. I bought this whilst it was on offer at Avon so think it was half price. I’m loathed to bin it so am using it up and am hoping it runs out sooner rather than later. Have you used this? Let me know if it made your eyes sting & water like a tap. Not impressed & I have loved  quite a few things from Avon so was quite disappointed with this. I guess the search for the perfect eye cream continues. This will cost you £11.50 for 15ml

Hydraluron

Hydraluron – Ok I know this has become a blogger favourite since it was in Caroline Hiron’s Hall of Fame, I just had to try it. I have to tell you I absolutely love this. I have been using it morning and night for a little over 3 weeks & have just started using it in the morning only. I gave my skin a bit of an intensive course of this and have seen great results. About a year ago I had a huge stressful family related event & my skin really took a turn for the worse. I felt my skin looked dull and I felt like I’d aged 10 years. This Hydraluron along with some major diet changes has given me back my pre stress skin. I am thrilled with how rejuvenated my skin looks and how my cheeks especially look more healthy and glowing rather that dull & full of rosacea.

I’m sure you’ve all tried this product but if not what are you waiting for? Caroline’s word is Gospel as far as I’m concerned so go & buy it!!! I don’t think I’ve EVER been as excited about a skin care product. Its love. You can buy it from Boots for £24.99 worth every penny.

Origins Make a Difference

Origins Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Treatment I havent been using this too long – maybe 2 weeks but I like it so far. It’s quite a lightweight moisturiser and I find it works well under my foundation as it smooths my skin out. It does leave my skin looking bright and is a great moisturiser. I need all the moisture I can get in the winter. I will do a better review of this when I have used it a little longer. But so far my skin is responding well to this. £33.00 for 50ml

Have you used any of the products in my morning skin care routine? Do you have any good recommendations for me?