Wednesday 30 April 2014

Face by HealGEL

HealGel is a brand I really really like.  The first thing that always catches my attention with the products from this range is the packaging, if you read my review of HealGel Eye then you will know I really rated it because it kind of looks like it has come from some very old fashioned pharmacy with its design and typeface and for me that really stood out.  The bottle itself is also as eye-catching and mimics the design of the box as you can see.
Face by HealGEL
Face by HealGEL
Face by HealGEL

Face by HealGEL

Face by HealGEL

Face by HealGEL

HealGel Face is a product I have been using a few times a week for a good few months now and the lovely people at HealGel say the following about this product:

"HealGel Face is an exceptional anti-ageing formula designed to smooth, firm and replenish to give instantly plumper, revitalised looking skin.

Arnica and Madecassoside are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process. HealGel Face also contains a unique blend of Omega Oils to replenish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity. To this another vital dimension is added; a powerful three part hyaluronic acid complex provides a plumping and tightening effect".

Well if that isn't enough to make you want to try it, I don't know what is.  To date both HealGel Eye and Face are really lightweight, the cream for me is more like a serum and once on the skin it is absorbed really quickly leaving no trace behind that it was really ever there other than this wonderful scent which appears from the natural oils, it is one of those scents that you most definitely get when you have been to a spa, instantly relaxing and you just know it is doing something good.

The bottle as you can see has a pump dispenser which I personally am a huge fan of, I believe products with pump dispensers are created this way because one pump from this is sufficient enough to cover your entire face and when you do so, I find it is instantly cooling on the skin, which is a really nice sensation.   Once on the face the notable difference in my skin is quite something, soft and smooth to the touch and on my cheeks where I often suffer from dry patches, HealGel Face is excellent in assisting me with moisturising that part of the skin, especially if I have just exfoliated and the same effect when I use it on the sides of my nose, which again I have issues with dry skin.

You can purchase HealGel Face for £48.00 and I will be sad when my tube runs out because I absolutely love using it.

What do you think of HealGel Face? 
Have you tried any products from within the HealGel Range?

HealGel was created by a team of leading British plastic and cosmetic surgeons with the help of a renowned dermatological biochemist and a well known actor. They wanted to create products that helped them with their work, and to be able to provide the reassurance of genuinely effective skin care.  

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Yankee Candle Sweet Pea Reed Diffusers

Anyone who is a regular reader of my blog (for which I am very thankful) will know that I have an obsession with candles and I have on more than one occasion written posts about my love for them and the relaxing atmosphere they create for me personally.

Candles aside, I also have an obsession for Reed a Diffusers and there is always one in every room we have.  I usually purchas my diffuses from places like Primark, Wilkinsons and even Camden Market because you can get some unbelievable bargains and the ones from Primark for example are not only brilliant value for money but they have lasted much longer than some of the bigger brands I have tried.





Yankee candles are amongst my favourite candles and I have two scents which I would happily purchase again and again - Clean Cotton and Sweet Pea.  When in my local Asda I saw that they now sold Yankee Candle Reed Diffusers I decided to purchase two to see what they would be like having not yet tried them and at the time they were on offer but usually retail for £12 each.

I opted for two Sweet Pea reed diffusers which are really beautifully packaged and look something like this:




The one thing which stood out to me is the fact the actual glass bottle is round in shape instead of being square and that is really what caught my eye when I was stocking up on wax tarts.  The way in which the bottle is designed means that I can use it for other things once it is empty, unless of course I can find the oil separately to top these ones up.

As with all products of this type, you simply remove all the packaging, remove the lid and place the reeds into the fragrance oil and they say you need to allow up to 24 hours for the scent to become noticeable.  This particular option comes with the following description:

"Like spring in a cottage garden, the air is filled with heavenly floral nectars"

If like me you are a fan of the candle version, Sweet Pea smells exactly the same, the only difference being is that these reed diffusers can be left unattended and the scent is free to linger all day long throughout your home.  I have both of mine in two separate rooms, one is in the hallway and one in the bedroom.  As soon as I step into the hallway I can immediately smell the sweet pea fragrance and the same for going into the bedroom, if the door is shut the scent is also much stronger.

I am a big fan of these reed diffusers and really love this scent that they produce, so much so that I would happily purchase more from the range.  

Do you use Reed Diffusers?  
Do you have a favourite scent and favourite brand?

Monday 28 April 2014

Maybelline Baby Skin

When I saw the new Maybelline Baby Skin primer in Boots a few months ago, I decided to bit the bullet and buy it.  I hadn't seen that many reviews on it and am almost out of Porefessional, so was hoping this would be the perfect dupe.

What they say:
"Maybelline Baby Skin provides a matte finish and leaves the skin fresh, soft and protected. The gel texture in Baby Skin instantly helps to vanish pores and makes the skin feel light. It avoids a shine on the skin and makes the skin feel soft".

So there is a bit of a claim there to instantly erase pores and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Well for me it does reduce the look of my pores every so slightly, but doesn't completely get rid of them completely, though if I am honest I really wasn't expecting it too. Obviously it will depend on how big or small your pores are in the first instance and I don't believe anything really helps make them vanish, just help to conceal them. I do, however, feel it lives up the second part of its claim in that it avoids shine on the skin and makes the skin feel soft to the touch.

Maybelline Baby Skin

Maybelline Baby Skin

Maybelline Baby Skin

Maybelline Baby Skin

Maybelline Baby Skin

The texture, which is most definitely gel-like, is really easy to apply and I use my fingers to apply it all over my face (obviously before any make-up) and for me this is where it is great value for money because once applied, it helps keep my make-up in place all day, which for me is around 6-7 hours and I didn't feel the need to have to re-apply everything before going out in an evening, the only thing I touched up my lipstick and blusher which is something I do anyway.

For me this is a great high street primer and whilst I accept it is not as good as Porefessional, it does do a good job and given the difference in price, I would verge towards Maybelline because it does what I want it too and I am saving over £15 and both products are the same size at 22ml.
Have you tried Maybelline Baby Primer?  Do you like it?

Saturday 26 April 2014

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

When I won a competition some time ago to win a MAC lipstick, I really didn't know what to choose or where to even start with the number of shades available, infact I found the whole task quite overwhelming.  But with some lovely tweets from some fellow bloggers I ended up choosing  Crème  Cup.

Crème Cup is described as being a nude pink shade which some might consider a little bit boring when you can choose amazing shades such as Heroine, Rebel and Dangerous, but for those of us who have yet to feel confident wearing these bold and bright colours, Crème cup is a perfect starting place and I feel a great introduction to the world of MAC - yes this is my first EVER MAC product.

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

MAC Crème Cup Creemsheen Lipstick

Far from being boring, I was quite surprised upon the arrival of the lipstick at how lovely it looks, encased inside its bullet shaped case, it is everything bit as beautiful as I had been lead to believe it would be.  Application is really easy as it goes onto your lips effortlessly, my only issue is its longevity, it needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours, which on the whole isn't too much of a problem, I was just expecting it to last longer.

Thankfully once you are wearing Crème Cup it doesn't highlight any of those pesky dry patches or imperfections on your lips which makes it the almost perfect daily wearing lipstick and it compliments every make-up option I choose to wear, whether from a natural look to the smokey eye effect, infact I am sure it would suit everybody it is that versatile.

Naturally having loved using Crème Cup, I'm now wanting to try quite a few other MAC shades such as Hue,Modesty and Fanfare to start with of course!

All pictures have been taken from Pinterest


What's your favourite MAC Lipstick? 
Which one would you encourage me to purchase?

Pack for the perfect holiday | Beachwear & sunshine essentials

Everyone I know seems to have a holiday booked and my Instagram is packed full of people showcasing their countdown clocks to the big day itself when they board that plane, meanwhile I sit here dreaming of my dream destination and perhaps even a long weekend around a British seaside town where I am most at ease and less stressed.

With summer just around the corner (hopefully) and holidays on the horizon, most shops I have walked in to within the last week have had their 'Summer Essentials' put right at the front of the store so you cannot fail to miss them.
Items such as bikinis, beach towels, suntan cream, flip slops, hats, sarongs, you name it, it is there for you to want, need and buy.

Accessorize have put together this short video to help you pack for that perfect holiday and discover a chic holiday style for every look under the sun with a selection of items from their Beach Shop.


I am one of those last minute shoppers for the essentials, though if I am only going away for a few days, I have light packing down to an absolute art.  That said, I still haven't bought a single item and I am away for a few days in June.

Have you got a holiday coming up?  Do you shop around to find the perfect outfits for everyday and every night to wear whilst you are away?  Don't forget to go to Accessorize.



**

Friday 25 April 2014

My Evening Skincare Routine With Origins

There are two products that feature in my evening skincare routine and I think they work brilliantly together.  Before I go to bed, I always remove my make-up, wash my face and then apply one of these two products:

Evening Skincare Routine


Origins High Potency Night A Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream which is a bit of a mouthful, is the one in the brown glass jar and I was introduced to it back last year at a Company event in Central London which you can read about HERE.  

Described as follows:

"Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature's famed night cream is newly fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. While relaxing aromas lull you to sleep, skin sloughs away dry, dead layers. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins™ helps the appearance of dullness.

98% of those who tested it agreed - used regularly, skin was renewed and refreshed in the AM. Helps the slumber deprived wake up on the bright side of the bed. So why face dull skin. Sleep it off tonight"



Origins High Potency Night A Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream

Origins High Potency Night A Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream


Origins High Potency Night A Mins Mineral Enriched Renewal Cream


The cream itself, which is bright white in colour is also quite thick which means you dont need to use too much of it to cover your face. I find this cream really hydrating and with the weather constantly changing my skin is in need of a little TLC and I like that I can apply a night cream and when I wake up in the morning, I have lovely soft, smooth supple skin. I was told that this cream had a funny scent to it, but I actually quite like it, quite fruity, not quite orangey but definitely a hint of a citrus scent for me.

The cream is said to work best for people who have combination/dry skin and as I have combination skin which is oily but with dry patches, I tick all the boxes for this cream. I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase this when it runs out, a full size 50ml jar costs £34 and is available with free delivery from Origins' website.

The second product that I have been using is the Overnight Drink Up Intensive mask, which I read so much about on other blogs that it soon rose up my wishlist and I bought it.

Described as:

"Origins Drink Up™ Intensive Mask makes skin feel smoother and hydrated

Skin depends on water for its youthful functioning. But all day long, skin loses vital moisture. And the busier you are, the more it loses. This intense moisture replacement mask deeply quenches compromised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow. Japanese Seaweed repairs skin's barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing.


Origins Overnight Drink Up Intensive mask

Origins Overnight Drink Up Intensive mask

Origins Overnight Drink Up Intensive mask

This again is a cream with a fairly thick consistency and a little really does go along way.  I use this as instructed which is is twice a week currently and I simply complete my bedtime routine as mentioned above and then instead of using Night-A-mins cream, I use this in its place.

To apply, you are supposed to literally slap it on ensuring that there is a thick layer on your face, which is what I was told in Boots where I bought mine from, then leave it on your face overnight to sink in and work its magic.  With ingredients like Apricot Kennel Oil (which is amazing for keeping your skin hydrated) Avocado oil and Mango butters, all of which have moisturising qualities that help your skin to retain its moisture, you won't be surprised to find that it is absolutely amazing.  Every time I use this, I am always surprised to find how soft and smooth my skin is the following morning, especially if I have been suffering some dryness on my cheeks or forehead which is where I have problems.

A 100ml tube retails for £22 from the Origins website and again, once mine runs out, I won't hesitate to repurchase it because I absolutely love it and I love knowing that if my skin does need a little more TLC than the cream above can give me, this is just brilliant for doing that.

Both of these products have left me wanting to try more from the Origins range as I absolutely love both products.  

Have you got any favourites from the Origins range?  What would you recommend trying?

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

When Balance Me invited me to a sneak preview of their new product The Stellar Balm, due out in May, I also got the chance to have my skin analysed and try out one of their other new products which is the Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser with SPF25.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25


Described as follows:

A 99% natural protection moisturiser SPF25 which contains a unique blend of natural ingredients to give you the best possible holistic protection from the sun and environmental damage, while also working as a skin nourishing anti-ageing moisturiser.

This is no ordinary product, it took the Balance Me team two years of extensive research to come up with their pioneering formula and within it are five key elements which all work harmoniously together and they are:
  • Innovative SPF - What makes it so special is the use of an innovative sun filter, using titanium dioxide as a physical mineral filter.  It works on both UVA and UVB rays, offering great protection against sun damage and makes it suitable for those who suffer from things like prickly heat.  It is also suitable for all skin types.
  • Antioxidents - These are vital in protecting the skin against environmental factors that can damage the skin,  The antioxidents, one of which is blackberry seed extract, neutralise the free radicals and also encourages collagen production.
  • Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamins - The carrier oils are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins which help to nourish and replenish your skin.  These oils include Abyssinian which is radiance enhancing, Camellia which is softening and Rosehip which protects.
  • Essential Oils - Bergamot, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile and Lavender are all used together to calm, soothe and brighten the skin.  All these elements together also help to treat any symptoms of environmental damage such as redness, inflammation and sensitivity.
  • Hyaluronic Acid - This is used to deeply hydrate and plump the skin making it beautifully soft as well as helping to restore the skins natural moisture balance.
What I really like about this product is that it comes in this handy to carry around 40ml tube which is really slim and sleek.  It features a screw on and off lid and you only need the smallest squeeze of the tube to release enough cream to cover your entire face.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25


Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

To use, you are directed to apply a light layer of cream onto a cleansed face in the morning, it can be used on is own, over your regular moisturiser or under foundation.  You should also apply to your neck and decolletage.  The cream itself is white in colour and it absorbs quickly into the skin without blocking your pores or leaving a greasy film behind and as always with Balance Me, the scent is absolutely stunning not to mention how hydrating it is for my skin, which upon application is lovely and smooth to the touch.

For me this type of product is perfect because I have a real issue with putting suncream on my face from your normal bottle, spray or pump, I don't like the texture of feel of those creams on my face, so I am always looking for an alternative and this is exactly that.  As it is oil based it gives a very light barely there feeling on the skin instead of feeling as though it has clogged every pore on your face, which is how normal sunscreen makes me feel.  Then at the end of the day, again rather than having horrible feeling skin, I have soft, smooth skin.

This product is available now as you can see HERE and it has an RRP of £26 for a 40ml tube.

Are you a fab of Balance Me?  What SPF do you use on your face?


Tuesday 22 April 2014

Everything is Coming Up Roses with Rose & Co.

Rose & Co. to give a very brief introduced was created by Patricia and Caroline Rose when they bought an old druggists shop in Yorkshire. With a love of all things vintage, beautiful and romantic, they restored the shop to its former Victorian splendour and a quirky but charming beauty apothecary was born.  All products are made in the UK with professionally blended handpicked ingredients. Products are made in small batches in the UK and soaps are still traditionally milled and pressed in one of the oldest soap factories in England.

With spring well and truly on its way the scent of fresh blooms is just a sniff away read the card which accompanied the latest release from Rose & Co. Packaged beautifully inside this paper was the following:
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
The first thing I can tell you about these products is their scent is truly magnificent, it was the first thing I noticed before how intricate the delicate the design on each bath fancy was, which as you can see is beautiful, each fancy is finish with a handmade flower to add that little extra wow factor.

The first box of three bath are called "Everything is coming up roses" and it contains three different scented bath fancies which are Rose, Rose and Patchouli and Sugar Rose.  All three of these products contain three common ingredients - Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Almond Oil, all of which are known for their moisturising and hydrating properties on the skin. 
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses

Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses

Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
The second box are Hyacinth bath fancies and i absolutely adore the scent of these.  Each one is as beautiful to look at as with Everything Is Coming Up Roses.  Again, the three main ingredients are the same as before with Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Almond Oil, the one real difference with Hyacinth is the scent and as a child my Grandma always had Hyacinths in a vase in the hallway and the memories came flooding back, it is a scent I adore in flowers and something I have been looking for in candle form for a long time and am yet to find it.
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
Rose & Co Everything is Coming Up Roses
Using these products is one of those things I find hard to do, they look so beautiful that just throwing them into the bath seems such a waste, that is until you actually do put them in the bath, as soon as they come into contact with water and the scent is released, it is simply stunning, the steam vapour carries the scent into each room in your house and it is far more powerful than any candle or reed diffuser that I have ever used and the scent lingers for a good hour before dissipating.

A box of three bath fancies cost £10 and for a little gift these are a fabulous choice and if like me you enjoy your bath as a place to relax and unwind, I cannot recommend these highly enough.













Monday 21 April 2014

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Most of you will be familair with the skincare brand Amie which I have mentioned on this blog quite a few times with the Cooling Clay Mask, Skin wipes, Skin Shield, Morning skincare routine and the skin polish all of which I have loved discovering.

Amie is the French Word for a friend and the skincare company of a woman named Fiona Parkhouse who used to work for Estee Lauder. She had an idea about making skincare products for her daughter and says the reason she decided to do this was because she wanted something that would "respect her still child-perfect skin but deal with the changes that puberty was starting to bring, such as increased oiliness and breakouts. But I didn't want her using harsh, aggressive chemicals or medicated products. I wanted a natural range that would be gentle yet effective, appealing and affordable". Not only that, but every product within the Amie range is suitable for vegetarians and vegans because there are:

  • No parabens 
  • No mineral-oils 
  • No petrochemicals 
  • No sodium laureth sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate 
  • No ingredients of Genetically Modified Origin 
  • No animal testing 
  • No animal ingredients 
  • All products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans 
Amie have now introduced 100% Mineral Make-up to their expanding range with foundation and bronzer and I have been lucky enough to use the bronzer** for some time now and I am really impressed with it.

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed


Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Described as follows:

Amie’s Mineral Bronzer is the perfect way to achieve a healthy-looking, sun-kissed glow using 100% pure natural ingredients.

Available in ‘Sun Bronzed’, a beautiful medium shade that will suit most skin tones, Amie’s Mineral Bronzer gives a light, sun-kissed glow to the skin. It has a shimmer finish with light-reflecting mica that brightens and gives you a beautiful, healthy radiant look.


When I first opened the tub, which features a screw on and off lid, I was quite surprised at how dark it looked.  As someone who has pale skin, I was worried that this would be far too dark for my skin tone.  However, once applied I was pleasantly surprised because with a bit of work using my bronzer brush (of which I need a new one) you can blend it into something you feel comfortable with.

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed

Amie Mineral Bronzer – Sun Bronzed


Hopefully you can see from the three swatches above when it is first added to my skin, slightly brushed and then blended in so there is a very light bronzed look on my skin, I haven't quite perfected taking photos of my face yet, but once I do the photos will get updated.

I am really impressed with this bronzer, if I apply it as I do everything else in a morning for going to work, it lasts all day long if I use a primer and that can be between 7-9 hours, if I don't use a primer (yes yes I know) then it lasts for around 5 hours before needing a touch up.  it costs just £14 and you can see it HERE.

Have you tried this bronzer from Amie? Have you tried any product from within the Amie range?
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