Author: Vicki

Five Under £5 July 2016

- Vicki 5 Comments
July2016 Five Under 5

Five Under £5 July 2016

I can’t quite believe I am doing my July edition of Five Under £5, where has the last month gone? If you want to get involved and link up your monthly 5 Under £5 finds then head over to Julia’s blog at Rainbeaubelle. 

This month I have a real mix of all my favourite things, food, products, stationery & a little LUSH treat!

July 2016 Five Under £5

WASHI Tape £1

I know, I have featured Washi tape in a few previous posts, but I usually buy them from eBay and I was thrilled when I came upon these in Poundland. You get 3 rolls of tape in each pack and I stocked up! I bought all options they had & I think they had about 10 different packs to pick from. These two were amongst my favourites. I love the bright more Summery trio and the gold & silver ones too. I use these for all sorts of things and I like to have a stash of fun options.

Washi Tape Selecton

Hotel Chocolate Orange 70% £3.50

So I do have a sweet tooth but since going Vegan a few years ago I now crave dark chocolate so I do like to treat myself to a few bars from Hotel Chocolate every now & then. This one is 70% cocoa and has a subtle zest orange taste, I love to have a piece of this with a cup of tea in the afternoon. Its such a delicious treat. These bars are not the cheapest but each pack contains two bars & they last me a while. I did buy a mint chocolate one too but that one was devoured first.

Hotel Chocolate Orange

Yankee Candle Melts 50p

I used to burn a lot of candles but I found the more affordable ones let off so much black soot which worried me slightly. I was also running out of crafty things to do with all the glass jars so my Mum suggested I get some of these Melts. They’re so inexpensive, I use one every couple of weeks before the scent starts to fade. Yankee have a huge selection of scents & each season they bring out limited edition ones too. The Sage & White Tea one smells so fresh & the Peach Smoothie one is the definition of Summer. Oh & I found these ones in Home Bargain for 50p each!

Aussie Festival Fresh Dry Shampoo £2.99

I am a dry shampoo fiend, I use is all the time but still haven’t found one I absolutely love. The CoLab one is a contender but I saw this Aussie one on sale in Superdrug & thought I would give it a go. It smells nice & as far as dry shampoo goes it doesn’t leave that much of a gray / white cast to my hair. I wouldn’t say its amazing but its a lot better than the Herbal Essence one and on par with Batiste. If you have any dry shampoo recomendations I would love to hear them!

Yankee Candle Melts

LUSH Honey Bee Bath Bomb £3.50

I very rarely go into LUSH these days, only for the fact I spend a fortune when I do. I have zero self control. On this occasion I only allowed myself to buy one thing & that had to be something I hadn’t tried before. I succeeded and left with the Honey Bee Bath Bomb, this smells so good and a little citrusy. I haven’t used it yet but I can’t wait – LUSH say,

A good soak in a Honey Bee bath will soothe and cleanse the skin thanks to its wonder trio of honey, aloe vera, and rhassoul mud.

So there you have it, my July Five Under £5 – if you’d like to see my previous months just click here. Let me know if you take part or leave mea comment to tell me what bargains you have picked up this month.

New Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks

- Vicki 8 Comments
New Vice lipsticks UD

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Collection

So recently, Urban Decay revamped their lipstick collection & released 100 beautiful Lipstick shades in 6 indulgent finishes. All the Vice Lipsticks come in a modern, sleek gunmetal case with a rose gold base and UD embossed on both the lid and the actual lipstick bullet. The packaging feels luxurious and vampy which I like a lot.

The 6 finishes are

  • Mega Matte – Super Intense Matte
  • Comfort Matte – Urban Decay’s Creamiest Matte
  • Cream – The Original: creamy, badass, luxury
  • Metallized – Cream with a high level of pearl
  • Sheer– A punch of colour with a sheer, shiny finish
  • Sheer Shimmer – Slightly transparent finish with a floating pearl and a smooth texture

UD Vice Lipsticks

All the lipsticks have the most lovely formula, easy to apply and rich in colour, as well as feeling comfortable on the lips. They contain Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Avocado and Babassu Oils which nourish and soften your lips. Vitamin C and vitamin E provide a hit of antioxidants & Illipe Butter provides that all important long-lasting moisture.

I have 6 of them to show you & my gosh what a beautiful selection of shades & finishes they are!

Pandemonium / Mega Matte*

This is a bold, bright, vivid pop of purple and isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a really rich shade and I like that it’s a nice bright purple rather than a dark purple. It was quite hard to get an even application of this shade as it wasn’t as creamy as the other 5 shades, but once on it does look beautiful. This is a little drying on the lips, but as it is a matte finish I guess that is to be expected.

New Urban Decay Vice Lipstick-collection

714 / Mega Matte*

This beautiful bold red is from the recent Gwen Stefani Collection & is now a permanent shade. It is a mega matte finish and this shade stays put on my lips for ages. The colour is a rich red with orange undertones and I would say, if you can, use a lip liner with this shade as it does bleed. It does drag slightly when applying it to your lips but it’s worth the perseverance as it is just the most gorgeous easy to wear red.

Firebird / Cream*

Did someone say PINK! If you like a pink lip then this is undoubtedly the most intense, rich creamy pink I have ever worn. The colour is vibrant, and the creamy formula means that it feels nourishing and smooth on your lips. In the bullet this lipstick looks a little more on the purple side but don’t be fooled, it is a true fuchsia pink. Even though this has a cream finish, it’s still long wearing on the lips and the colour stays looking vibrant for hours. This shade is also a shade from the recent Gwen Stefani collection, and I’m in love with it. I tend to shy away from bright shades, but this has won me over, and I have been enjoying wearing it.

New Vice Lipsticks from Urban Decay

Backtalk / Comfort Matte*

OK this is totally in my comfort zone, it’s a rose pink nude, and it just looks effortless and pretty on the lips. This has become my everyday lipstick, it applies so evenly and is opaque in one application. It doesn’t feel at all drying on my lips, and this wears so well without going patchy or fading throughout the day. I am in love with this shade. I do like the bright colours too, but we all have those shades that we feel most comfortable in & for me this is that shade.

Big Bang / Metallized*

This is one of those lipsticks I wish I had the balls to wear out in public & not just in the house. This is a sweet sheer pink with a glossy silvery pink fleck finish. This is a statement lipstick, and it looks very metallic on the lips, almost duo-chrome. I think it’s pretty, but quite hard to wear. Out of the 6 shades I have this was the hardest to apply & achieve an even coverage, I had to go over my lips quite a few times to build up the colour and get a clean even finish. It does feel creamy on the lips & smooth too. It’s such a fun shade and not at all subtle!

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Swatches

So there you have it the Vice Lipsticks are a huge exciting launch from Urban Decay, and they have everything from bold bright, vampy plums to beautiful wearable neutrals and everything in between. What shades do you have your eye on?

Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks

*PR Sample

Introducing BRYT Skincare

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BRYT Skincare

BRYT Skincare

I was recently introduced to the brand BRYT (Bright Young Things) who are a lovely British skincare brand who not only produce wonderful skincare but they also have a very strong ethical and environmental mission statement. I also get excited trying new brands, especially British ones and BRYT seem to be ticking all the boxes and delivering affordable, ethical and botanical premium skincare. How cute and bright is their packaging too!

All the products in their range contain the Advanced Phytoscience System (APS) featuring naturally derived Antioxidents which encourage skin to detoxify, exfoliate and regenerate while soothing, calming and moisturising every step of the way

This APS formulation contains

  • Wild Harvest organic Kakadu, Burdekin and Illawarra plums from the Australian Outback. These contain up to five times more antioxident power than blueberries and help detoxify and exfoliate the skin
  • Aloe Vera in its purest form which noticeably soothes and calms skin
  • Nature mimicking Allantoin, found naturally in Comfrey roots (a centuries old healing remedy) which helps heal, soothe and calm.

So as you can tell BRYT is ideal if you have quite sensitive skin as their ingredients are so gentle and targeted towards healing, soothing and calming the skin.

British Skincare Brand BRYT

BRYT Cleanse – Foaming Facial Cleanser* 150ml £12.99

I was skeptical of the word ‘Foaming’ but after using this for a couple of weeks I can say that its not stripping or drying on the skin, as it contains no synthetic foaming agents. I wouldn’t say this was an effective makeup remover because it struggled to remove all my makeup, specifically my eyeliner & mascara. I felt like there wasn’t much product to really massage into my skin in order to remove my makeup. I have been using it in the morning just to cleanse my skin and it leaves it feeling soft and quite soothed. It works well for this because it is so lightweight, but I wasn’t wowed by it.

  • Apple Extracts – which produce a skin compatible light foam, preserving and enhancing skin’s natural barriers
  • Olive Oil Extracts – this provides extra nourishment for sensitive and reactive skin
  • Essential Oils of Bergamot – which is effective against acne. Whilst Mandarin, Orange Blossom, Rose Absolute, Mimosa and Sandalwood nourish and nurture leaving skin soft, soothed and cleansed.

It is very gentle and nice as a morning cleanser but I think this would be better for someone in their 20’s. So if you’re new to skincare & want an easy to use, no fuss cleanser then this would be an OK option.

BRYT Boost Serum for Dehydrated & Tired Skin* 30ml £22.00

There are four serums in the BRYT range and they target specific skin concerns. I have the one for more dehydrated and tired skin, my skin needs all the hydration and radiance it can get! This has quite a thin oily texture – one pump is absolutely enough product for your face. This is a lovely hydrating, lightweight serum but I would say its a product I only use as part of my night time routine, simply because it is more on the oily side & my t zone looks too greasy as the day goes on.

  • African Baobab Oil – this is intensely moisturising
  • Hyluronic Acid – helps the product absorb and retain moisture
  • Essentials Oils of Lemon, Basil, Coriander, Rosemary, Lavender, Petitgrain, Jasmin and Tonka Bean – these enrich the formulation, leaving the skin feeling luxuriously soft, relieved and rehydrated.
  • Vitamin A, D, and E – which help to combat the early signs of ageing, protect the skin against damaging free radicals and rejuvenate fatigued skin

This is a really lovely serum and it feels like it quenches my skin, especially after a long day. The oil consistency means its easy to massage into your skin and feels instantly hydrating. If you have thirsty, parched skin then this would be a great oil based serum to add into your routine.

BRYT Skincare Products

BRYT Night Cream* 50ml £18.50

This is quite a rich but lightweight cream, it has a strong botanical scent but it didn’t irritate my skin and the scent does fade quite quickly. The product is for all skin types and BRYT say it has beneficial effects on eczema & rosacea, I do have quite a lot of redness in my cheeks but after using this for almost a month I haven’t seen too much of a difference but I will continue to use it.

  • African Marula Oil – moisturise, heal and promote cell regeneration
  • Active Vitamin E – reduces the appearance of redness and swelling of acne
  • Essential Oils of Rose Absolute, Chinese Geranium, Palma Rose and Lavender help soothe and relax skin regulating and improving tone

This is a really gentle cream which helps smooth skin and nourishes skin whilst we sleep. I do like how hydrating this is and I’m really hoping over time & with more consistent use that I see an improvement in my rosacea.

I think this is one British brand to keep an eye on, their skincare is all made without the use of parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, phthalates, silicone and GM ingredients & is Cruelty Free.

I’m hoping in the near future that they release a face mask & a toner but as it stands their skincare range is concise and easy to use. It delivers gentle skincare using some wonderful natural ingredients. I would 100% recommend the serum.

*PR Sample

Favourites Products June 2016

- Vicki 2 Comments
June Favourites 2016

June 2016 Favourite Products

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven – Cacay Facial Oil*

I hadn’t told my Mum that I’d found my HG facial oil but when she told me my skin was looking healthy and glowing I knew I wasn’t wrong about this product. I had thought to myself that my skin was looking and feeling brighter, my complexion more even and generally healthier but you never believe it until someone else points it out.

I’m completely sold on this 100% Cacay Oil Facial Oil from Oils of Heaven. It works so well on my skin and I’ve been wearing it day & night. I do like to apply a drop or two throughout the day too, when I’m not wearing any makeup. Cacay Oil has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin E and Linoleic Acid (omega-6) which are all proven to have effective results in skincare.

I did review these Oils of Heaven last week, if you’d like to have a read of that & get a little more information.

Essence Make Me Brow 

OK, so I really like my Benefit Gimme Brow but I live in a REALLY small town and its not that easy to get hold of & it can be a little pricey. So I had heard a few good things about the Essence Make Me Brow and had my fingers crossed that it could be a good dupe. Excitingly I can say, YES it is a damn good dupe & its only £2.50, I am thrilled with the quality and the colour match for my brows is so good. It gives good colour and hold to my brows, I bloody love it. I’s available in 3 shades and I have the darkest one. If you have an Essence counter near you then buy one & test it out for yourself. Its my number 1 favourite product this month.

Essence Blush Up in Pinky Flow 

I have a few of these Essence Blushers, this one is a really pretty everyday option. It’s a trio of pink shades from a deep pink to a light soft pink. Its not too pigmented but you can build it up if you like to a more intense colour. I don’t like to wear too much blush, simply because I have quite a rosy complexion & I don’t want to draw too much attention to it. This is a silky soft formula and it blends out well. I wouldn’t say its the longest wearing but I love this colour its so subtle and fresh on the skin.
June Favourites 2016

Chloe Love Story EDP

I like this perfume a lot, its such a fresh, feminine scent. It has notes of stephanotis jasmine, orange blossom, cedar and neroli. So it has a sweet, floral very fresh scent. I have been wearing this most days, its a really light daytime scent which lasts a very long time on me. I can smell it hours after I apply it. The bottle is also very pretty and sweet, I like to have this out on my vanity area.

Origins No Puffery Cooling Eye Roll On

Goodbye tired, puffy eyes! This is one of the first products I reach for once I’ve cleansed my skin in the morning. I like to keep it in my fridge so it stays extra cold & is soothing on my eyes. This is a roller ball that you apply to your under eyes to help de puff, wake up & hydrate that area. It feels so nice, especially when you’re struggling to wake up on those early mornings. It has Cucumber to cool and sooth, Yeast to de puff & Hoelen Mushroom Extract to calm. So for a little extra help banishing those under eye bags & dark circles this is a great product to have in your skincare stash.

Origins No Puffery Roll On

Nails Inc Gel One Coat Nail Polish in Chiltern Park*

This is truly a one coat nail polish, its opaque and vibrant without having to apply more than one coat. I love this bright pink shade and its gorgeous on my toes, its going to be my Summer polish of choice. It wears well and looks glossy and really vibrant. I do enjoy Nails Inc polishes but this was the first time using one of their Gel One Coat polishes & I was impressed.

*PR Sample