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Exploring Manchester Week #9

- Vicki 4 Comments
Cactus Heaven Plants

Manchester Town Hall

Joe & The Juice Manchester

Wagamama Manchester

Manchester City UK

Cactus and Succulent Heaven Plants

Manchester Exchange Square

Manchester City Library

Urban Outfitters Home

So a couple of weeks ago we made the long drive to Scotland from Cornwall, we did manage to stop off for a few days in one of our favourite cities. Manchester holds a special place in our hearts, we lived there for 5 years whilst my husband was at University and we had so many wonderful, happy times there. Whenever possible we like to visit and catch up with friends that still live there.

We are never usually so lucky with the weather but we managed to get four sunny days in a row, so we could really enjoy the city. Another reason for stopping off in Manchester was the fact that one of our favourite bands, Puscifer were playing at the Bridgewater Hall. Puscifer is a band you my not of heard of but it is fronted by the lead singer of Tool (another awesome band) & they put on a fantastic live show. It was the bands first European Tour, so we were so excited to finally see them live & they did not disappoint.

I took full advantage of the great shops, in Cornwall we do lack good fashion & home shops – we don’t have a Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters or even IKEA (cries). So I spend quite a bit on clothes, I just couldn’t resist. We also visited our favourite coffee shops TAKK, Foundation and Fig & Sparrow, Its nice to see the Northern Quarter flourishing although its such a far cry from how I remember it in early 2000, I just hope it doesn’t become too cool for school & all the character gets lost.

It was lovely to relax in the city before heading up to our final destination in Scotland – next weeks post will have lots of photos from our visit to my home town.

Products Currently in Use #3

- Vicki 2 Comments

Products Currently in Use

Its been a good few months since I gave you a peak into my bathroom and let you know about a few of the products I’m currently using.

Imperial Leather Spring Meadow handwash

OK So I know handwash isn’t something to get too excited over, but I bought this the other week & it smells so good. It’s not the most hydrating but I will overlook that because I just love the scent. Its English blossom and gardenia, so fresh, floral and quite sweet. Perfect Summer scent.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Shampoo*

I only have good things to say about this brand, I’m currently using three haircare products from the Superfruit range and to say they’re good is a massive understatement. After using them my hair is full of bounce, its so glossy and feels incredibly healthy. I haven’t used many sulfate-free shampoos but I like that this one is gentle, it never irritates my scalp. I’m almost running out of the shampoo & I will 100% be repurchasing it. If you want to read my full review of this Superfruit Range just click the link.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower

Last year I used the original version of this, when it was only available in one shade but this year they seem to have relaunched it with a Medium version. The original was just far too light & I found it never built up or developed into any real colour. I will say that loitering in the shower for 3 minutes with the water off whilst this works its magic is a bit of a faff but if it makes me look bronzed then I am down for that. I have used it twice so far & It does make my skin look slightly tanned but nothing to get excited over. I am going to stick with it & see if I can get it to work. Let me know if you use this & how you get on with it. Or if you have a better product for a complete tanning noob.

Lacura Argan Oil Shower Oil

This is a fab product for using after you have shaved your legs. It has the consistency of a thick oil, which is unusual and I really like it. I massage quite a generous amount of product on to my legs then wash it off and it leaves my legs very soothed and soft. I have quite a few favourites from this Argan Oil range from Aldi but this shower Oil is lovely for getting Summer ready legs!

Elemis BiOTEC Skin Energising Cleanser*

I have been using this for a couple of months & I’m still undecided if I like it or not, but determined to use it up. I do like using it more in the morning as the gel consistency is nice and refreshing on my skin. I wouldn’t use this to remove my makeup but I think its a good cleanser for leaving my skin feeling smooth, soft and ready for the day. I still don’t think its very hydrating but If I use a facial oil afterwards it seems to combat that. Let me know if you use this in your routine & how you make it work for you.

*PR Sample

Shopping My Makeup Stash June 2016

- Vicki 2 Comments
June2016 Shopping My Satsh

Shopping My Makeup Stash June 2016

I love doing these Shopping My Stash posts each month, I discover makeup that has been neglected & forgotten about & fall in love with it all over again. These are my rediscoveries this month & I can’t wait to see everything.

Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint

During the warmer months I always reach for a lightweight base, thats not to say this Rodial BB Skin Tint doesn’t offer a good amount of coverage because it does but it feels extremely comfortable and lightweight on my skin. This is a great natural looking base that wears very well throughout the day and having quite a few foundations I seem to go through phases and this BB Cream had been pushed to the back of the drawer but Summer is here (in Cornwall anyway) and I will be wearing this on the days I want coverage but also a nice fresh, glowing finish.

bareMinerals BareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer

I don’t think I have used a concealer as good as this one, its amazing coverage, hydrating and so easy to blend. I like that it brightens whilst covering dark circles and it has a lovely lightweight consistency. I’ve been trying to use up a few half finished concealers and so I hadn’t reached for this one in a while. I’m thrilled to have it back in my makeup routine & if you’re in the market for a new concealer then I highly recommend this one.

Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette

BareMinerals Pop Of Passion Lip Oil Balm

I haven’t been wearing much makeup everyday but I do like a little colour on my lips & these bareMinerals Lip Oil Balms feel like you’re wearing a lip balm but they still have a really good amount of colour. I have been wearing the more neutral Blushing Passion shade quite a lot and thought it was time for more of a brighter Summery colour & Pink Passion is a perfect sweet pink shade. This is going straight into my handbag & I can’t wait to wear it.

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette

LOVE LOVE LOVE this palette and I can’t believe Its been so neglected. I haven’t used this in so long, (I blame my out of control eyeshadow collection), I have looked this out & will only be using this all month long. It has 8 gorgeous shadows and they’re richly pigmented and just the best quality. You would never know this was a $3 palette, its up there in my top palettes. If you can get your hands on one of these you must add it to your collection, I promise you won’t regret it.

Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

It’s not a secret that Roller Lash is my favourite Benefit Mascara, in fact its up there in my top 3 mascara’s of all time. I love that it separates my lashes, holds a curl like no other and makes them look fluttery. I get no clumping or smudging throughout the day, it is jet black too! I forgot I had a fresh, unopened tube in my drawer so I am excited to have this as my mascara over the next couple of months. I think the packaging of this is just super sweet too.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Moray

I have quite a few of these Stila Eyeliners, I really like the colourful shades. This green one had been totally forgotten about and I swatched it the other day & thought how well this would go with the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette. It is a pretty deep green and has a touch of shimmer running through. These eyeliners glide on & are easy to smudge out but also stay pigmented for hours.

June 2016 Shopping My Satsh

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Formentera*

This is a beautifully packaged cream cheek tint and if Summer isn’t the perfect time to use this then I don’t know when is. It is a pretty sun kissed rose shade and I think its a great shade for my quite pale complexion. I’m aways a little scared of cream products but this is just too beautiful to sit looking pretty in my makeup collection. I have been watching YouTube videos on how best to apply, blend and wear this product & I am ready to use it, A LOT! Oh & this has the most delicious vanilla scent, I haven’t smelt a makeup product quite like it.

*PR Sample

Ooh! Oils Of Heaven

- Vicki 2 Comments
Ooh Facial Oils

Ooh! Facial Oils

I love being introduced to new brands, especially when they’re quite new and have a strong ethical mission statement & I think Oils of Heaven are a company that really do that

‘Oils of Heaven was established to scour the world for the most effective beauty oils known to humankind and bring them to a wider audience. Oils whose effectiveness in repairing cells and healing skin has stood the test of time over centuries. Once identified, Oils of Heaven strives to source these oils from small local suppliers in a fair and equitable manner, trying to help particularly women to establish a  livelihood for themselves and for the community. Oils of Heaven strives to bring you the absolute best of nature in a sustainable, equitable and natural way to make the world a more beautiful place.”

I have been trying out two of their facial oils and being someone that loves using face oils in their skincare routine I was excited to see how these compared to some of my holy grail products (lets just say one of them has become a firm favourite).

Ooh! Natural Cacay Anti Aging Face Oil* £39.00

This face oil only has one ingredient, it is 100% Caryodendron Orinocense Nut Oil, (Cacay Oil). This oil originated in Columbia and Oils of Heaven are the very first brand to bring pure Cacay Oil to the UK market. This Oil has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin E and Linoleic Acid (omega-6) which have effective results in skincare.

Vitamin A (retinol) – is an wonderful anti-oxidant which helps to kick start the skin’s natural renewal process, rebuilding, replenishing cells and skin tissue. It also leaves the skin velvety smooth, radiant and wrinkles appear less noticeable

Vitamin E – again this is anti oxidant rich which helps replenish moisture in the skin. It will also repair and protect the skin against environmental aggressors and treat the first signs of aging by promoting new skin cell growth and speeding up cell regeneration.

Linoleic Acid (omega-6) – which helps provide a healthy balance of moisture in the skin, soothe inflammation, minimise scaring and protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

So this is quite the wonder oil & it does a little bit of everything. This oil doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy and after a couple of minutes its absorbed in to the skin leaving it soft, smooth and very hydrated. This facial oil can be used day or night and I have used it in place of my serum and that seems to work well under my moisturiser without feeling too greasy.

Cacay Facial Oil

Ooh! Organic Moringa Anti Oxidant Face Oil* £19.00

This oil also only has one ingredient, it is 100% Organic Moringa Oleifera Kernel Oil.

Organic Moringa Oil is an excellent cleanser and moisturiser as it contains high levels of natural anti-oxidant as well as oleic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C. It is ideal for preventing free radicals and other skin damaging agents.

Oleic Acid – this is a really effective moisturiser and will also help reduce inflammation.

Vitamin A (retinol) – is an wonderful anti-oxidant which helps to kick start the skin’s natural renewal process, rebuilding, replenishing cells and skin tissue. It also leaves the skin velvety smooth, radiant and wrinkles appear less noticeable

Vitamin C – keeps your skin supple, radiant and it also fights the effects of free radicals.

This face oil is great at giving the skin a real luminosity, so if like me you have quite dull skin you would benefit from adding this to your skincare routine. I also love using a few drops under my face masks, just for a little extra hydration and glow.

I think Ooh! Oils of Heaven are a brand to keep your eye on and if you’re into natural, organic skincare then they’re a brand you will want to check out. I found their oils gentle, hydrating and very nourishing on my skin. I have to say the Cacay Anti Aging Face Oil was my favourite of the two. It calmed redness in my skin, gave such a boost of hydration and helped reduce dark marks left from blemishes. How could I not love it.

Have you heard of this brand? Let me know what your favourite face oils are.

Oils of Heaven are available in the UK from www.lovelula.com

*PR Sample