YSL Beauty Travel Minis

July 28, 2017September 4, 2026 - Vicki 6 Comments

OK so not much gets me more excited than beauty minis, I know it is an exciting life I lead but you have to admit they’re just so flipping cute. When this bag of YSL Travel Minis * arrived on my doorstep I was ecstatic. I have a birthday trip booked for September and this set will be perfect to take with me, so I am saving everything for that.

For me when I was growing up, YSL was so well-known for its Black Opium scent, it is such a cult perfume and I’m sure everyone knows at least one person that wears it. Well included in my oh so sweet bag of minis is that iconic Black Opium fragrance and also their latest addition to the Opium family, Black Opium Floral Shock.

Black Opium Floral Shock Eau de Parfum

I would say it is a modern more youthful twist on an iconic scent. Not only have YSL updated the scent but the pretty black glitter encrusted bottle has also had a revamp. The bottle is just as luxurious as the classic version but it now has subtle frosted pretty pink hues but it still looks just as glam rock!

Top notes – Bergamot Essence, Pear Accord, Freesia Accord
Heart notes – Orange Blossom Absolute, Golden Gardenia Accord, Solar-floral accord
Base notes – Coffee Accord, Sandalwood Accord, Vanilla

The fresh mix of fruity and floral scents work really well together and the addition of coffee is unusual but gives the scent a warmth that is quite sexy, while the vanilla and sandalwood offer both sweetness and luxury. I am in love with it and I think if you find the original a little too heavy and heady, this Floral Shock version will feel more fresh and youthful but still with that edginess you expect from YSL Opium.

YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer Blurring & Illuminating Primer

This is a lightweight primer with a nice gel consistency, formulated to smooth and blur pores and wrinkles which I have to say is a pretty accurate description. It is such a nice base for your foundation and is enriched with four nourishing oils—corn oil, apricot kernel oil, passiflora oil, and rice bran oil—to leave skin feeling incredibly soft without a greasy residue.

Not only does it help give your skin a soft focus finish but it also has subtle, tiny golden shimmer flecks which gives your skin luminosity and radiance. This is such a good product for people like me whose makeup tends to start looking a little dull after a while or whose makeup sinks into their fine lines. This is a really good primer for a special event or night out as it keeps your makeup looking fresh, flawless and in place for hours.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick

How sweet is this mini YSL Lipstick! The packaging is beautiful and has the YSL logo embossed on their iconic gold packaging. The shade is 52 Rosy Coral and it is a vibrant pink, it’s a lovely flattering shade and it brightens up any makeup look. It’s the perfect Summer holiday shade. It’s a lovely lightweight, hydrating formula which feels very comfortable on the lips and has an easy to wear satin finish. I also really like that the Rouge Pur Couture range has SPF15. I’ve never tried a YSL lipstick before so this is a very exciting addition to my makeup stash. With this in my makeup bag I feel like a sophisticated woman who has her shit together.

YSL Top Secrets Lip Perfector

This is a product I’ve also never tried from YSL. It is a 3 in 1 product and can be used as a primer, lip treatment or a lipbalm. It has a really comfortable non greasy formula and it gives the lips a nice glossy finish. It is clear and works well both under your lip colour as a nice smooth base which helps prolong the wear time of your lipstick or on top to give it a subtle glossy finish. I am for sure taking this away with me to Amsterdam as my fancy lipbalm!

What are your favourite mini products and do you have a drawer full of them just incase you need them for a trip?

To shop for your own YSL Minis and Gifts head to www.yslbeauty.co.uk

*This post contains PR samples

FeelUnique Beauty on the go Kit

July 26, 2017September 4, 2026 - Vicki 1 Comment

Introducing Powered By Feelunique*

The passionate beauty experts at Feelunique have used their unrivalled knowledge to create Powered by Feelunique, a brand new own-label initiative that underscores commitment to innovation, quality and value. Powered by Feelunique launches with a stellar line-up of carefully curated Beauty boxes and Beauty on the Go kits. Every product included in these special edits has been hand selected in-house and given the Powered by Feelunique stamp of approval.

There are currently 3 boxes to pick from & this cute pink one is called their Everyday Essentials Kit. Ideal for anyone that’s constantly on the go or if you just like to be organised and have all your beauty essentials in one place. I really like this concept and have to say the contents although not super duper exciting, they are very practical and include all those bits & bobs you need but can never find (usually because they’re all loose in the bottom of your handbag). Not anymore, all your essentials will now be in this extra stylish pink cosmetics pouch ready for when a beauty emergency arises.

Everyday Essentials Beauty on the go Kit*

This kit includes,

Pink Nail File – This mini nail file is a beauty essential must have.
Hair Clips – Is there a better invention than the humble Kirby grip? No, no there isn’t. Keep these within arm’s reach to avoid any hair disasters.
Tweezers – Not the most glamorous of tools but certainly an essential piece of grooming equipment for keeping brows trim and tidy at any time or place.
Mini Hair Brush – Whether you’re rushing off to a last minute meeting or heading out after work this travel sized brush is perfect for looking polished 24 hours a day.
Pink Mirror – This handy pocket mirror is essential for avoiding any lipstick on teeth scenarios and other makeup mishaps.

NEW Everyday Essential Kits from feelunique

Bright Pink Bag – Keep all of your everyday essentials together in this buttery soft pouch and with a pink this bright you won’t be able to lose it!
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Lipbalm – With ethically and sustainably sourced coconut and Tahitian Monoi Oil you can nourish dry lips on the go whilst keeping your beauty conscience in check with this moisturising lip balm.
Popband London Essentials – These are hair ties that double as a fashion accessory. So when you’re not using them to keep your hair out of your face you can wear them on your wrist & style it out.
NUXE Reve de Miel Crème Mains et Ongles – Our hands are the biggest indicator of ageing so give them a daily dose of TLC with this deeply conditioning cream.

FeelUnique #iamready

I really like those Popband hair ties as they don’t leave that dreaded dent / kink in your hair and their super gentle so these won’t snap or pull at your luscious locks. A hand cream is a must have for me too. I get terribly dry hands so I’m counting on this luxurious NUXE one to keep my hands soft and nourished.

The other Beauty On The Go Kit has all your travel essentials for surviving a flight and that kit is just as handy as this one. Seen as I am not jetting off anywhere exotic this Summer this Everyday Essentials Kit is perfect for my day to day needs. I’m going to pop in a small can of dry shampoo and a hand sanitiser too, just to tailor my kit to specific needs but apart from that I think it has a well rounded selection of beauty tools and products which I reach for on a daily basis.

Feelunique Beauty On The Go Kit

Which of the two kits takes your fancy? Are you a fan of the Travel Essentials Kit or the Everyday Essentials Kit? Both are £15 each and you can snap one up on www.feelunique.com

* This post contains PR samples

ORLY Coastal Crush Collection 2017

July 24, 2017September 4, 2026 - Vicki 2 Comments

Orly Coastal Crush Summer Collection*

This collection from ORLY features six new shades for Summer. It seems ORLY has stayed away from the NEON trend and opted for more subtle but still vibrant shades and I like that. I think ORLY have covered all bases and offer a selection of shades which most people would associate with a Summer holiday. Although I have to say I’m on the fence about the dark blue shade – Under The Stars, I am not sure it fits in with the collection for me, what do you think?

I found the two shades I was testing to be opaque in two coats and the formula was fluid and easy to work with. The shade For The First Time (Pink) is my favourite out of the two I have tested and it looked instantly Summery on my nails. This colour would look gorgeous with a nice tan (which I do not have). Under The Stars (blue) had a little sparkle to it and it is a pretty shade but I think this is more of a Autumn / Winter shade.

The collection features six shades,

No Regrets – Vibrant, bold fuschia pink
Sea You Soon – Sweet blue with a shimmer running through
Summer Fling – Gorgeous peach
Surfer Dude – Stunning bright orange
Under The Stars – Deep blue shimmer
For The First Time – Pretty bright purple / pink cream shade

The blue took a little longer to dry and I wish I’d have used three coats as I felt it wasn’t as opaque as I’d hoped. The pink shade was stunning and I am still wearing it on my toes, having chosen to reapply it for the 3rd time in a month. It looks super cute with my open toe sandals and it is for sure my go to nail polish for Summer 2017.

I do like the look of a couple of the other shades in this collection – No Regrets and Summer Fling. They both are very beachy shades and I can imagine they would look beautiful with a tan.

Have you picked up anything from this new ORLY Coastal Crush Collection? Which are your stand out colours?

*PR Sample

My Favourite Cafes in Cornwall

July 19, 2017September 4, 2026 - Vicki 6 Comments

There are no shortage of aesthetically pleasing cafes and restaurants in Cornwall in fact I think we’re spoiled for choice down here. Working from home means I tend to spend a lot of time quite isolated and in my own space which can often feel suffocating. So one thing I enjoy doing is taking time out to go to cafes either to meet people or to work from as it gives that much-needed change of scenery and I find I’m quite productive working remotely. It is safe to say I have visited more cafes than I dare admit and when I find one that not only looks amazing but the food and service are on par too I have to tell the world about it & that is how I feel about Loveday’s in Charlestown.

Loveday’s is a fairly new addition to my local village, there has always been a restaurant there for many years (which wasn’t the nicest) but this year it changed hands and there was so much buzz about the renovation which made me very excited. Although it has taken me a few months to actually visit, it was well worth the wait.

My husband & I are Vegan so we often struggle to find anything on the menu that we can order without having ingredients changed and are often left disappointed that the choice is very limited, so when we saw that Lovedays had a wide selection of Vegan & Gluten Free options we were beyond thrilled.

We have both had the Acai Bowl and Homemade Baked Beans on Toast and on every occasion the food has been delicious. Very well presented and the service was fast and so friendly. The waitress was enthusiastic about the menu and knew what options were suitable for Vegans so that put our minds at rest (always have to check those ingredients). They also have milk alternatives so that is good news for us plant-based tea & coffee drinkers.

I like it when everything from the furniture to the crockery has been well thought out and Lovedays felt like it had such attention to detail. The atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming, they also have a few different seating options so if you want to eat a table or read the paper on the huge sofas they have you covered.

The lunch and evening meal options also sound really appetising and I am planning on visiting soon to try it out as I hear it is a great place for drinks in the evening. Oh & it is dog friendly so dogs are welcome inside until 5pm too which is so cute.

I’m already a regular and have started a Saturday morning Acai Bowl Club with my friends so that makes me one very happy lady. So if you’re ever in my neck of the woods in Charlestown, Cornwall then make sure you pay Loveday’s a visit and let me know how you find it.

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Author: Vicki