Balance Me #FACEtheday

BalanceMe Tinted Wonder Eye Cream

Balance-Me #FACEtheday

On the theme of #FACEtheday balanceMe have released a few products to help us do just that. They kindly sent them to me to try out along with some delicious healthy snacks and tea. I’m a complete tea addict and have to say that my early morning cuppa is one of the only thing that helps me #FACEtheday – a Pulsin Chocolate Brownie always helps too (so tasty).

Balance Me Instant Pore Minimiser £22.00

Its aimed at smoothing pores, plumping fine lines and giving your skin that flawless finish. This is an incredibly lightweight product, and is light enough to use on top of your moisturiser. Its quite fluid but doesn’t feel oily or greasy. I like to use it under my makeup too because it gives such a nice finish to my foundation and my makeup applies so smoothly.

It contains a blend of Active Botanical Oils including rosehip, frankincense and bergamot. As well as lots of other skin beneficial ingredients –

  • Visible pores – Acacia Gum refines and lifts the skin’s surface to instantly tighten and blur enlarged pores
  • Mature skin – Acemlla Oleracea Extract relaxes muscle contractions to reduce depth of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing future signs of ageing
  • Normal skin – Hyaluronic Acid instantly smooths and plumps for a flawless, refined skin surface

I found this did give me that smooth, soft focus finish and even brightened my complexion. It was great at lessening the appearance of fine lines, especially on my forehead but I think in terms of seeing a lifting result this wasn’t instantly visible. I think this is a result that may happen over time and be a long term benefit of using this product. It gets my seal of approval but my only criticism is that I wish it was fragrance free because the scent is quite strong.

 

Balance Me Tinted Wonder Eye Cream*

If you struggle to look bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning without applying half your makeup arsenal then I think you will love this simple but effective makeup skincare hybrid. I have naturally dark under eye circles, so even when I want a makeup free day I still find that I have to apply a little concealer to that area just to add a touch or brightness so I was excited to learn that this Balance Me Eye Cream is tinted and offers not only coverage but also hydration and radiance. Its so easy to use and get noticeable results.

It contains some great skin beneficial ingredients,

Cucumber Seed Oil: Gently cools, calms and moisturises skin to reduce puffiness and brighten skin tone

Rosehip Oil: A powerful and vital skin antioxidant that encourages cell growth and renewal.

Arctic Cloudberry Seed Extract: Rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin E this wonder-berry creates a barrier, protecting skin from environmental damage.

A little product goes a long way and as I said on no makeup days this gives my under eyes enough coverage to look fresh and awake and much less dark. Its smoothing and lightweight, I have been using this religiously for a couple of weeks now.

New balanceMe Skincare

*PR Sample

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue EDP

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue EDP

To celebrate the release of the new Ralph Lauren Polo Blue EDP* you will be able to get your hands on this classic Ralph Lauren Weekend Duffle Bag. The bag is very The Hamptons, it comes in blue and white with the iconic Polo logo.

The scent itself is to me classic Ralph Lauren, my husband already wears the Polo Red, but I think Polo Blue is a lighter more daytime scent. It comes in a beautiful cobalt blue glass bottle with luxurious silver detailing and is shaped like a cool hip flask. For me, it’s the perfect masculine Summer scent.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Cardamom, Marine Accord
Heart Notes: Blue Orris Accord, Basil Verbena, Clary Sage
Base Notes: Vetiver, Suede Accord, Patchouli, Vibrant Woods

So it’s a little spicy at first, but it settles down to be very fresh, laid back and Summery. Not at all overpowering or synthetic. It’s the ideal Father’s Day gift, and I think it would appeal to men of all ages.

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Fragrance

Ralph Lauren Polo Blue Duffle Bag

Available in two sizes – 75ml: £55 & 125ml: £72

*Available at House of Fraser, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, The Perfume Shop, The Fragrance Shop

*PR Sample

Spring Awakening Skincare Products

Spring Products

Spring Beauty Products

Soap & Glory Heel Genius

My feet need some TLC after Winter & the fact that they have permanently been in socks or slippers for months. Now that the weather is getting warmer and I’m thinking about more Spring / Summer appropriate footwear I want my feet to look their best. My feet don’t get that dry but I do like to apply some of the Soap & Glory Heel Genius at night and let it soften my tootsies overnight before washing it off in the morning. It is quite greasy but it does a great job so I can live with that odd tacky feeling overnight, sometimes I put on some socks so it doesn’t get on my bedding. This smells lovely, as do all the Soap & Glory products and it’s just a great affordable product. A tube lasts for ages, I think I have had this over a year and its still going strong.

ESPA Naturally Radiant Gradual Tan*

I’m terrible at all things related to fake tan, I’m a complete novice and to be honest, the thought of fake tanning scares the hell out of me. So I tend to stick to the gradual tanners, I find them more subtle and a little more user-friendly. This ESPA one gives a gorgeous (natural) summer holiday glow. It’s extremely lightweight and feels nourishing and hydrating. It has a real no fuss or mess formula. You apply it like a body lotion and leave it to work its magic & give your skin a gorgeous natural glow which develops over four hours and intensifies each day. This smells incredible.

TonyMoly I’m Real Radiance Sheet Mask

I love using sheet masks – they force you to relax and take 20 minutes for yourself. These Tony Moly ones are affordable and come with 11 options for all different skin concerns. I use the radiance one the most, its infused with tomato fruit extract to boost radiance, smooth, and moisturise. Its also contains peach fruit extract, which brightens, hydrates, and refreshes the complexion.This mask is so good if like me you have naturally lacklustre skin. The sheet masks itself a great size for my quite small face and is very moist. I apply it to clean skin and leave it on for about 20 – 30 minutes, then I pat in the residue product and my skin looks so refreshed and glowing. These really are fantastic and so affordable.

Clinique Super City Block SPF40

This is one of my favourite lightweight facial sun protectors, I’m pretty disciplined these days and I wear quite a high factor broad spectrum SPF on a daily basis. It is now part of my daily skincare routine. I have been using the Clinique Super City Block for about a year now and I’ve found that it wears so well under makeup. It never leaves my skin feeling or looking greasy and It provides a high level of protection from UVA & UVB rays as well as environmental aggressors. The cream itself is a light beige and it has a slight tint but it fades once blended into the skin. I wouldn’t be without a tube of this & highly recommend if you’re looking for a new SPF that won’t break you out or feel heavy on the skin.

What products do you always repurchase to get you ready for Spring / Summer?

*PR Sample & this post contains affiliate links

Five Under £5 April 2016

FiveUnder5 April 2016

Five Under £5 April 2016

Last month got away from me & I totally missed the Five Under £5 post but I’m back and I have some great things to share with you. If you want to get involved and link up your monthly finds then head over to Julia’s blog at Rainbeaubelle

Pig Nose Black Head Mask

Korean skincare comes in the best packaging! I included the TonyMoly Sheet Masks in my February post & saw these recommended to me after I had checked out. I am obsessed with getting rid of blackheads (TMI) This is a 3 step mask & although its all in Korean there is a step by step diagram on the back which is easy to follow. I bought 4 packs & only have one left. Its safe to say I really like them & they’re very affordable despite being sent from Hong Kong.

Cute Sticky Notes

HEMA Sticky Notes

I am terrible at remembering things so I like to stick post it notes around my house & even have some in my car just to remind me to do certain things. These cute ones are from a Dutch shop called HEMA but don’t panic they have not only opened a few stores here (in London) but you can also order online from their shop. They carry a great affordable selection of stationery & so many other things. I often spend ages browsing the site and filling a very large basket. The arrows are also post it notes too, I couldn’t resist them.

Metallic Washi Tape

Now this is becoming quite a habit, I purchase at least two new rolls a month and have a growing collection. This is my newest addition and my current favourite. I order mine from eBay as they have such a massive selection and its pretty good quality.

Collection Lip Crayon

Collection Work The Colour Lip Butter 

I really like lippies in crayon form, I find them easy to apply, travel with and they are so fuss free. This is one from Collection which is a Boots only brand and their makeup is very affordable but don’t be put off by the cheap looking packaging because the products are very good quality. This is in the shade Vintage Rose, its a very pretty peach and perfect for the Spring. It has a slight glossy finish, feels comfortable on the lips. Oh & you don’t need to sharpen these – they just twist up! Easy peasy.