Updated Lip Balm Collection 2016

January 25, 2016February 3, 2018 - Vicki 7 Comments

Soap & Glory Great Kisser in Juicy Peach

I got this in my stocking and I can’t wait to use it, it smells so good, quite sweet but omg so fruity. If you like peach scented products then this is for you. I have no idea what its like on the lips but I am going to put it in my car so I get a little use out of it. The tin is cute too.

Dr Paw Paw Original Balm

This is a multi-purpose balm with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, the main ingredient is fermented Pawpaw. The Pawpaw has been found to have many soothing properties for our skin and hair, making it a real ‘go to’ product. I swear by this product for preventing and healing chapped lips. I also like to apply it over lipsticks to give them a glossy look! I carry my tube with me everywhere & always recommended it to family and friends. If you suffer from chapped lips you need to invest in this Balm, It really works.

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

This is a really good lip treatment and leaves my lips very soft, its much like the Dr PawPaw in texture. It is fragrance-free and colourless which I like. It protects your lips against moisture loss and is a good one to apply before bed because it’s not at all sticky and doesn’t leave your lips greasy. I like the squeeze tube it makes it hygienic and easy to apply. This is also a great price too, especially for more of a luxurious brand £13.

eos Strawberry Sorbet

Over the years I’ve tried almost all the flavours but the berry ones are by far my favourite. I like that they’re both quite sweet but fruity. So pleased that Boots sell them now, which means they’re a lot easier to get your hands on. There is something cute about a lip balm that’s a sphere, am I right? Which is your favourite scent?

Vaseline Sugar Coated

Vaseline have started doing these limited edition tins more frequently and I am a sucker for anything like that. The tin is cute and the product isn’t too bad either, I wouldn’t say this is the most moisturising but it adds a pretty sheen to your lips and is nice to wear with minimal makeup. It also smells lovely and sweet.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour

I love that this is in stick form, I used to have the pot but I much prefer it like this. I use this all the time and have repurchased it over and over again it just works and that’s all there is to it. It keeps the moisture locked in and my lips feeling really healthy. Oh, and it has SPF 15 which I really like so I know my lips are protected from the sun.

Blistex Cherry Intensive Moisturiser

You can’t go wrong with a Blistex lip product, so inexpensive and their range is always growing. There isn’t a Blistex product I have tried and not liked. This Cherry one smells authentic and not too sickly sweet. It has Shea butter & beeswax so it will protect your lips and also it has SPF15. It ticks all the boxes.

The Body Shop Born Lippy in Watermelon

This looks so pretty and glossy on the lips and watermelon is quite a different scent for me but I like it. It smells like Summer. Nothing groundbreaking about this, it’s just a nice hydrating lip balm with a lovely scent.

Olive & Pomegranate Lip Care

My mum bought me this from Greece & its quite soft and almost melts on to your lips. The scent is subtle and a little fruity. It’s a nice chap stick style lip balm to have in your handbag. It keeps my lips soft and hydrated for hours.

Sleek Pout Polish in The Show

I have had this for a while and I have no idea why I overlooked it for so long. It adds a very subtle pink gloss to your lips & looks pretty. It contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E so it looks after your lips and it has SPF 15. I think the darker shades would be a little more pigmented but this a great everyday gloss.

Jurlique Love Balm

This is a great all-rounder, so it’s not only for your lips but works to soothe dry or chapped skin. I like to use it on my cuticles and find it works to soften them before I give myself a manicure. It’s a natural salve that’s infused with the natural scent of roses and the scent it subtle but pretty. I like to carry this with me when I travel and find it a great multi purpose product.

NUXE Réve de Miel Lip Balm

For me the NUXE lip balm is more of a treatment because it is quite thick and not the kind of lip product I would wear during the day. I like to put it on last thing at night, so I wake up with soft hydrated lips. I don’t think its great at helping soothe chapped lips but it is good at keeping your lips feeling soft and moisturised. A pot lasts forever & don’t be put off by the fact it says honey because it really doesn’t smell of honey.

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

January 22, 2016 - Vicki 2 Comments

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

I love rummaging through my stash each month and switching up products, its such a great way to rediscover old gems and also use products you’d completely forgot about. So these are the products I have added to my current makeup drawer,

HD Brows Quad in Foxy

This was in a Glossybox quite a while ago and I used it a lot when I first got it, I really only use one of the shades & that is Warm Brown it was a good colour match for my brows. Then after I bought Benefit Gimme Brow this quad was pushed to the back of my collection. I do like filling in my brows but I am quite lazy so wouldn’t do it daily and that’s why I love Gimme Brow so much (its so easy & quick to use). I will try and use this HD Brow Quad more this month, I might try and depot the other colours & pass them on to people that will use them. Seems a waste to only use up one colour.

Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream SPF25

Oh I do love this base, it wasn’t forgotten about but I have so many base products that its hard to use them all up. This Clarins BB Cream gives my skin such an even and healthy look, its formula feels lightweight on the skin but still offers a good amount of coverage without feeling or looking too heavy (if that makes sense). Its so easy to blend and over the Winter months it tends to be slightly dark for me so I mix it up with a little of the Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and that makes it just the perfect shade. This BB Cream has SPF25 so its a great everyday option.

Essence Blush Silky Touch Blush in Babydoll

I must make a confession that I don’t always wear blush I find that my cheeks are always a little pink and flushed and I don’t want to look too much like Aunt Sally. When I do wear blusher I like a subtle soft pinky peach colour and think they suit me best, I had totally forgot I had this beautiful Essence blush and thought I should show it a little love. Its a nice dusty pink shade, very soft and natural. I am excited to get some wear out of this & I love Essence makeup, its so affordable and incredible quality.

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Safari

I have three of these mono shadows and I love them, this is in the shade Safari and its a beautiful taupe with a slight shimmer. Its a really easy colour to wear alone all over the lid, Its subtle but pretty. The eyeshadow is easy to blend and lasts so long on my lids. I’m pleased to have this back in my everyday makeup bag and I will be using it a lot over the upcoming weeks. I also like the classic Chanel packaging and its such a pretty product to have in my collection

L’Oreal Colour Riche L’Ombre Pure Eyeshadow in Golden Nude

I have a couple of these single shadows and they’re all beautiful I would say this golden shade is the one I have used the least. I think thats because its not a shade I would wear daily but its so pretty and I wish I had found it in December so I could have used it in my Christmas Party makeup look. This shadow is so silky and buttery and the golden colour looks almost metallic and wet on the lid, it reflects the light which makes it so much more intense. Excited to have a play with this colour again.

Collection Lip Butter in Vintage Rose

These lip butters are so affordable and I love this colour. I have been wearing more berry shades over the past few weeks so this is a welcomed addition to my daily makeup bag. I find this soft peachy pink, is quite a subtle colour, but you can build it up to be more pigmented and bold. It makes my lips look healthy and brightens up my face. It is the perfect everyday shade, the formula is creamy and glossy on the lips.

Shopping My Makeup Stash December 2015

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

I always use a powder and have a few that I love and are on rotation this Soap & Glory one was my absolute go to powder in 2014 but I seem to have neglected it this past year. I must have used it a lot though because I have hit pan on it. I do get oily and this is great at keeping shine at bay, its lightweight and translucent so its not going to add any more colour to your base. Maybe I will be able to use this up over the next few weeks (thats exciting).

Bourjois Delice De Poudre Duo Bronzing Powder and Highlighter

I have had this for so long now & never used it, thats criminal because it looks so pretty. I like that you get a highlighter & bronzer in one product, I will be interested to see how it compares to my beloved Solar Powder from Soap & Glory, I use that all the time.

Urban Retreat Beautique Wishlist

January 21, 2016January 22, 2016 - Vicki 2 Comments

Urban Retreat is the online beauty destination for all things luxury. Not only can you book appointments at one of their beautiful salons including their flagship location on the top floor of Harrods but they also offer a beauty therapy service that will come to your home. Alongside their salons they have an online store Beautique which beauty addicts will love, it offers a really fantastic selection of cult luxurious brands from Sisley, NARS to CoverFX. They sell a wide range of hair, makeup, fragrance and skincare which have been carefully curated so you are getting some of the biggest names in beauty right now.

Urban Retreat Beautique Wishlist

I have been having a browse through their selection and I’ve put together a wish list of products I love the look of.

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick

I am a shadow stick addict and use them most days, they’re so easy to apply especially if you are in a hurry. I like that you can blend them with your finger and they don’t crease. These NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks look right up my street and they come in a really wearable selection of colours.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

I think I must be the only beauty blogger on the planet that doesn’t own this beautiful palette. Its just stunning, you get an edit of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders all housed in beautiful rose gold packaging. Whats not to love?! I have only heard incredible things about this palette and their powders in general.

Cover FX Face and Eye Primer Set

I have tried a few products from CoverFX and I’ve never been disappointed. I like the sound of this primer set and especially the eye primer. I’m always looking for products that help keep my makeup in place and looking its best for longer and I think these could be the perfect duo.

GLAMGLOW Bright Mud Eye Treatment

I love the popular GLAMGLOW Mud Mask that comes in the black pot so would be intrigued to try a few more of their products. These Eye Treatments sound soothing and perfect for combating early mornings.

Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Hair Oil

I seem to neglect my hair when it comes to pampering but this Diamond Oil range from Redken sounds like it will transform my hair in to glossy, more manageable locks. With it being so cold outside this treatment oil would be great to help strengthen and protect hair from breakage. I must admit I adore the packaging too!

MOROCCANOIL® TREATMENT

I have tried this treatment before and liked it for applying through the ends of my hair. This is quite a pricey hair treatment but a bottle lasts what feels like forever. Another great haircare product to have in your arsenal.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Pink

I just can’t resist highlighters and think these Shimmer Bloc’s are just gorgeous, I already have the Golden one and its just beautiful. I think this Pink one would get a lot more wear because it would serve as a blush too (if you applied it with a light hand).

NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration

Another beautiful blush, I have only tried two blushers from NARS and they get a lot of use but this Dual Intensity range looks on another level pretty. These are designed to wear alone of together for more intense colour. There are 7 options and I would honestly take any of them, they all look stunning.

Leighton Denny Pretty Little Things

This year I have got back into wearing nail polish and have been enjoying my Sunday night at home manicures. Leighton Denny is one of my favourite nail polish brands and this cute trio is bright and fun, it also reminds me Spring is just around the corner.

Chanteccaille Lip Chic

I have never owned anything from this brand but think these Lip Chic lippies look stunning & what a great colour selection. Also if like me you wished your lips were a little fuller then these have added collagen to give lips a plumping boost. Which colour would you pick?

Foreo LUNA

This is a PINK (love the colour) nonabrasive cleansing tool, I have a Clarisonic and use that a lot but I’m always intrigued by other options. This is a rounded silicone touch-points glide across the face for ultra-gentle cleansing that gives you healthier-looking skin within just 3 days. It comes in a selection of cute colours and its petite enough to travel with so that could be very handy indeed. Let me know if you have tried this cleanser and if you’d recommend it.

If you like to use more luxurious products and enjoy shopping online then I recommend stopping by the Beautique’s online store. You will be filling your basket in no time.

•Written in collaboration with the Beautique

Three Pamper Products

January 19, 2016February 9, 2018 - Vicki 2 Comments

I’m trying to ignore the fact the weather is awful, the nights are dark and January is historically a month I eat my weight in chocolate & I have been forcing myself to be more positive, active and have regular pamper sessions. I always neglect my body in the winter months and this year I didn’t want it to be that way so these three products have been regular features of my Sunday night pamper sessions for the past 6 weeks and I love them so much!

MONU Warming Ginger Body Oil

This is a gorgeously indulgent product and its all about creating that Spa experience at home. This Oil can be used in three ways, as a body oil, in shower oil or put a few drops in your warm bath. It smells incredible, leaves your skin so soft and nourished and is a lovely indulgent treat. I like that it’s not at all greasy and is the perfect pampering treat for your body. It includes,

An uplifting mixture of aromatic Ginger, Lemongrass and Orange essential oils is sure to awaken the senses and provide an energising kick to tired muscles.
Added active ingredients such as Calendula, Jojoba Seed Oil and Vitamins A and E deliver all you need to gently restore natural softness to the skin.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Taking the day off is what I like to do every evening, cleanse off all the dirt and makeup at the end of a busy day. I don’t just save this for the weekend but it still feels like a treat because it’s so gentle on my skin and it really does take off every stitch of makeup. I scoop a little product out and massage it into my skin for a good few minutes (the balm turns into an oil), taking the time to work the product in and help it dissolve my makeup. Then with a damp face cloth I wipe it all off – my makeup comes off very easily no vigorous rubbing needed, it even removes my mascara.

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud Mask*

My hair has looked and felt so dry and frizzy these past few weeks & this mask has really helped to bring some shine back and also smooth the frizz. This mask is pink and it smells so rich and luxurious. You massage a generous amount into your scalp and through damp hair, sit back and relax for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly. I thought because this is a mud mask it would be a little tricky to rinse out but it wasn’t difficult at all. ESPA also recommend you use this overnight for more of an intense treatment, I haven’t tried that yet but I will soon. The mask contains,

Red Clay stimulates circulation to the scalp improving hair growth
Apricot, Bergamot and Orange Oils nourish and aid manageability and gloss
Vitamin C rich Watercress helps to soothe your scalp

I like that its designed to be nourishing and beneficial for not only your hair but also your scalp too, it leaves my hair smelling lovely whilst feeling so soft and glossy. Its a treat for sure and I love using it when I am having a pamper evening. All ESPA products come beautifully packaged, they make the whole experience luxurious from the scent of the product to the luxurious packaging. You really feel like you’re having an at home Spa experience.

•PR Sample