Tuesday 30 June 2015

Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015

My Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015 box has just arrived and I am glad to see that the box is the thin oblong shaped box which fits through the letterbox rather nicely.  This box is packed full of 8 samples to try and test and for just £5 per quarter, I think it is a great value for money subscription box because it allows you try a huge array of fragrance samples at home, away from stores to give you a chance to decide whether or not you like them.


Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015
Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015

Inside the Summer 2015 Box the 8 samples are:

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Salina - This is described as being a fresh floral scent that opens with fresh vine leaves and violet leaves. The heart includes yellow freesia, jasmine and orange blossom. The base notes are amber, cedar and white musk. Having used this for a few days now, I actually quite like the scent. It is definitely a summer scent and is so fresh that it lingers for hours before you need to re-apply it.

Givenchy Dahlia Divin is described as being like an Haute Couture gown, this fragrance of the light envelops you in freshness and sensual softness that reveal the divine within you. This scent I absolutely adore and is possibly my favourite of the box, the scent of Jasmine, one of which I am a huge fan is really prominent alongside white flowers and Mirabelle Plum.


Hugo Boss Boss Ma Vie Pour Femme woman is described as being her most captivating, exuding a glow of femininity and confidence. Fresh, indulgent and unique, experience the blend of cactus, floral notes and cedar for a feminine and elegant fragrance. This is a really lovely scent and again one which is perfectly summery and one I have really taken a shine too.

007 For Women is described as being a dark yet feminine ingredients convey an air of thrilling intimacy. An initial burst of spicy Black Pepper enveloped in Rose Milk ignites an intriguing paradox of danger and sensuality. This isn't a scent that I actually like, there is something about it that doesn't sit right with my senses, so it is a definite no from me.


Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015

I was delighted to see that within the box was also some samples for the Mister and for him we have:

Paco Rabanne 1 Million - A lighter variation of the original 1 Million Eau de Toilette is perfect for Summer, with an energetic and fresh scent.  Im on the fence with this scent, I neither love it nor hate it, I just think it is okay and isn't one that I would likely purchase.

Prada Luna Rossa Sport is said to evoke man’s deepest emotions the night before his defining challenge. Combining unexpected ingredients that express the heightened reality of the race. It was through this box that we both loved the original Prada Luna Rossa, so to find another alternative is brilliant and unsurprisingly it ticks all the right boxes and will I am sure be purchased at some stage.

Dolce & Gabbana Intenso - Intenso is described as being elegant and pure, the iconic signature of a contemporary man.It is a woody aromatic fragrance that opens with green accents of Basil and Lavender. It is a really nice scent though not too sure whether or not I can imagine the mister wanting it to be added to his selection.

Loewe Solo Loewe Cedro is described as being full of contrasts in which the energy of citrus fruits and aromatic herbs are combined with the sophistication, the strength and personality of a great composition based on wood. Im on the fence with this one, it is nice but that is about all I can say about it, nice.  It doesn't wow or make me want to ensure the mister has it, but ive smelt worse.



Fragrance Shop Discovery Club Summer 2015


So there you have my Summer Box for 2015 and I have to say it isn't one of my favourite boxes to date but there are some lovely scents in there that I wouldn't have ordinarily chosen to try.


What do you think?

Monday 29 June 2015

NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

With weather warning promising a scorcher of a week, sun protection should be even more on your radar than it would usually be, though you should wear SPF everyday. With that in mind, NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze range** consists of five different products, two of which are brand new additions to he range - Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil and Nivea SUN Protect & Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion, neither of which contain any self-tan but do incorporate the active ingredient, Pro Melanin into a sunscreen formula to support the skin’s natural tanning process, while also offering a highly effective system of UVA/UVB filters that protect the skin immediately upon application.  

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Spray is described as being an extra light, non-greasy and moisturising formula which contains a highly effective UVA/UVB filter system that protects your skin immediately after application. It contains a natural plant extract which supports skin's own melanin production (in vitro). For an even and natural tan. It is also water resistant and when sprayed it creates a really fine mist which is lightweight and absorbs into the skin really quickly. The spray is available in SPF10, SPF20 and SPF30 and costs £15.99.


NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil contains no self tan but has a silky oil formula which protects and moisturises your skin. The natural pro-melanin plant extract supports the skin's natural tanning process (in vitro). It is also water resistant, so perfect for being on holiday as you go in and out of the water. I am a huge fan of oils, they are often much easier to use and I find them nicer on the skin than some creams which are a tad thick and feel almost smothering. This Oil is available in SPF20 and SP30 and retails for £15.99.


NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Face Cream is described as being a light, non-greasy moisturising formula that does not block your pores which I am delighted with because I absolutely hate sun cream on my face. It always feels to thick and my face always feels extra greasy and unable to breathe. This lotion is quite thick and it does take a good few minutes before it has completely absorbed but surprisingly it doesn't make my skin feel greasy or as though it cannot breathe which is brilliant. This cream is available in SPF30 and SPF50 and retails for £10.49


NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Lotion combines reliable protection with a natural looking tan and contains 0% Self Tan! The product contains a natural plant extract which helps support the skins own melanin production. Melanin is produced naturally within the body and is responsible for protection and tanning your skin. The formula of this lotion is extra light and it is also thankfully non-greasy whilst being moisturising for the skin and contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters that protect your skin immediately on application. I have used this daily since it came into my possession and it is really lightweight. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £14.99


NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

The final item in this quintet is the Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion. I have to admit that I am not a fan of Aftersun, I usually find it to thick and not as soothing or cooling as Aloe Vera Gel. That said, this lotion contains natural pro-melanin plant extract, and is said to help prolong a tan without peeling or flaking, now this I do like the sound of because the one thing that does happen to me if I do tan is peeling shoulders which is really annoying. This formula helps prevent premature skin ageing, fine lines and sun-induced wrinkles and if you keep it in the fridge, it is extra soothing on your skin. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £10.49.


NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

For me, this is a great little package of items, something for both myself and the Mister to use to keep ourselves protected from the sun.  

What do you use to protect yourself from the Sun?

Sunday 28 June 2015

Squeeky Clean Beauty

Squeeky Clean is a brand new beauty range which is said to leave you fruity fresh and full of zest. Available in Poundland, this collection of products comprises of:
  • Scrubaholic Face Scrub
  • Pore Wow Wow Face Mask
  • Daisy Fresh Shower Detox
  • Body Better Body Lotion
  • Super Strong Nail and Cutie Cream
  • Glow Stopper Instant Tan Matte
  • Saint or Shimmer Lotion
I was kindly sent The Scrubaholic Face Scrub and the Pore Wow Wow Face Mask which arrive in these very cute and very pink tube and tub.

Squeeky Clean

The Scrubaholic Face Scrub which is on a 250ml tube (£1) and is described as follows:

"In need of a skin perfecting pick-me-up? No need to rough it, buff it with Squeeky Clean scrubaholic face scrub. This polishing facia scrub gently exfoliates and sweeps away everyday impurities to leave skin feeling bright, fresh and renewed."


The formula is quite a thick texture, more like a moisturising cream than a scrub, but as soon as you start to massage it into the skin, the exfoliating particles are definitely present and you can feel them working on your skin to remove dead and dry skin.  Fragrance wise it is definitely fruity and is Raspberry Scented, not too overly sweet and it does linger slightly on the skin after using.  I have never used this on my face, but have used it on my shins which is where I tend to suffer with dry skin and it does an average job of removing that skin and it does leave the skin silky smooth.  For £1 it is better than I expected.

Squeeky Clean
Squeeky Clean

Pore Wow Wow Facemask is in a 100ml tub (£1) and it has a screw on and off lid.  It is described as:

"Get fresh faced and fancy free with this pore refining wonder mask. Smooth onto skin and massage in gently, focusing on problem areas where needed. Enjoy as a fast acting 5 minute facial or leave on for longer for a deep cleansing detox."

Inside the tub, the mask is white in colour and again is quite a thick texture but it the application is an absolute dream as it glides on to the skin.  Once applied, you leave it on the skin for just 5 minutes before removing using warm water. I personally didn't find that it did anything for my pores, but it did leave my skin feeling quite smooth to the touch and again for £1 it is a pleasant surprise.

Squeeky Clean
Squeeky Clean


The Squeeky Clean range has been something of a surprise and again I am guilty of assuming that a price tag of £1 would mean it would not be any good, but actually they are both did a pretty good job and not one I could complain about.

Have you tried this range?







Friday 26 June 2015

Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads

After long hard day at work or as part of your pampering session, Dirty Works has the perfect product to be included in that wind down/relaxation time - Cucumber Eye Pads.

Tired eyes? Long day? We have the perfect answer! With cooling Cucumber Extract and soothing Aloe Vera, these pre-moistened eye pads are the ultimate remedy to relieve and rejuvenate those peepers that have fallen victim to puffiness and dark circles.

What we have inside the box are 10 pairs of eye pads which are designed to look like cucumbers.  Infused with cooling cucumber extract and soothing Aloe Vera which makes them perfect for when your eyes are feeling irritated, looking puffy or red or when you're suffering from dark circles and there is no need to raid the fridge in the hope you have a Cucumber lurking around which you then have to slice before finally being able to lie back and relax. Instead, I pop one of these sachets into the fridge for an hour before I want to use them to ensure they are extra cool.
Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads
Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads
Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads
Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads
Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads
Then to use, you must ensure that the eye area is free from any traces of make-up. Remove contact lenses before use. Place a pad on each closed eye for 2-5 minutes or usually in my case 10-15 depending on which facemask I am also using at that time. Once they have been used you simply dispose them.

I absolutely love using these Cucumber Eye Pads, they are most definitely cooling and soothing on the eyes and are just divine.

Priced at just £4 Dirty Works products are available from Sainsburys online and they are absolute value for money.



Thursday 25 June 2015

Smartsun UV indicator wristbands

Summer is on the horizon (looks hopeful) and whilst we are all looking forward to the much warmer weather or may even be lucky enough to have booked a Summer holiday to somewhere nice and exotic, taking care of our skin is paramount, not that you should just be using SPF when it is sunny.  I have really pale skin and don't tan that well, so when I am out in the sun, I always ensure my head is covered during peak times and if I am walking around, especially on holiday, having been in the pool or sea, I ensure that I am covered up, usually in a Kaftan which I find comfortable to wear.

Cancer Research statistics show that rates of skin cancer are increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK, and it is now the second most common cancer in young adults aged 15-34, with 6 in 10 of people who die from malignant melanoma being under 75 years old. Although the risk of developing skin cancer is dependent on many factors including age and genetics, UV radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancers cases – with 86% of diagnosed cases linked to back to this. So if a £1 wristband can make you stop, think and be more careful then it is something we should all be investing in right?

Smartsun have invented a wristband is a really simple idea which acts as a reminder to re-apply your sun cream or that you have been in the sun for too long by changing colour. I am sure some of you will remember those hypercolour tshirts back in the 90's which used to change colour when you got a bit hot and sweaty (whoever though they were a good idea?). Well the wristband works in a similar way. 


Smartsun UV indicator wristbands
Smartsun UV indicator wristbands
Smartsun UV indicator wristbands


The wristband works by measuring the amount of UV radiation you have been exposed to and will change colour accordingly. Each band is one wear only, and starts out as yellow, changing to beige and pink to alert you when it is time to top up on sun lotion, or when it is time to avoid the sun for the rest of the day.


Smartsun UV indicator wristbands


The bands are also tailored to different skin types to reflect the different tolerance levels that people have to the sun. For example, a band for someone with fair hair and light skin will change colour quicker than a band for someone with dark hair and dark skin.

The wristbands themselves are also waterproof, discreet and reliable and will alert you before you notice any damage to your skin plus they can be worn by people of all ages.  

The Smartsun wristbands are available in packs of 5 priced at £4.99 from www.smartsunuk.co.uk and are available now.

Do you think this is something you need to use? Have you bought some?




Wednesday 24 June 2015

The Daily Debrief Cleanser Trial with Debenhams Beauty

When I was asked if I would like to take part in a fun Cleanser Trial, I jumped at the chance. Debenhams is my favourite store and I am a big fan of The Daily Debrief and read it religiously.

The three Cleansers which arrived into my possession are from Ole HenriksenTrilogy and  Balance Me and all three were products that I had never used before, so I was looking forward to seeing how they worked.


Each cleanser was totally different to use, whether it was the texture, the scent or how it felt on my skin whilst I was using it.

The first one I tried was Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser. I haven't tried many products from this brand so was keen to try it first and I did so for over a week.  The first thing that stood out to me was the scent, whilst I had read about the product, I wasn't quite prepared for how fresh the scent would be.  The actual texture was also a surprise, to see the gel which is quite watery inside the bottle becomes a foam once it has been dispensed. The foam isn't is not at all runny and is easily applied to the skin.  Once in contact with the skin, it is easy to spread and massage as you work it onto and into the skin.

I found that I only needed to use two pumps on my wet face and then I massaged it onto my skin for few minutes before rinsing. As a product it is packed full of anti-ageing ingredients and uses African red tea to strengthen the skin's outer layer which helps to slow down the aging process. Borage seed oil os used for its moisturising properties and it also acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory. There is also added Vitamin C to stimulate collagen, plus the inclusion of Grapefruit, orange and tangerine extracts which brightens with astringent, antiseptic and aromatic qualities. For me it is the Citrusy scent of the orange and grapefruit which give this product its scent.

This is a soothing, non-drying formula which left my skin feeling clean and fresh and the orange scent was still noticeable. For me this is a something I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a purse friendly cleanser and one I happen to like much more than I expected too.




Trilogy Balancing Gel Cleanser 
This is not a foaming cleanser like you have with Ole Henriksen it instead a gel cleanser, so the texture is much runnier than I had anticipated, I therefore advise only a light squeezing of the tube or you will end up with more than you need.  

Trilogy make use of Witch Hazel and willow bark alongside aloe vera, chamomile and cucumber as ingredients and unsurprisingly this makes for a product with is really soothing and cooling on the skin. The scent however is not quite as you might imagine it to be, instead of being quite heavily scented of Witch Hazel, what you actually get is something quite fruity and very much unexpected and it is due to the inclusion of Elderberry which acts an antibacterial agent.  

Designed to invigorate, refresh and rebalance your complexion this produce is perfect for those of us who have combination/oily skin as it helps balance and tone. I have an oily tzone but dry cheeks, so a product that can help with the balance and tone is one I always looks for.

To use, you only need a small amount and I always ensure I have wiped my face first to remove any surface dirt but always ensure my face is damp, and then I applied this cleanser using my fingertips onto my face and massaged it onto the skin for a few minutes before rinsing off.  After drying my skin, my face felt incredible fresh and clean not to mention really hydrated.


Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm.  

Hurrah, this one comes with a cleansing cloth, an item you can never have too many of and if a product states you use should a cloth, then I always try it with a cloth to see how I get on.  (For those of you who fret about germ harbouring, I wash my clothes after every use!)  

This cleansing balm is 100% natural and is Almond oil based with coconut and adds ingredients such as camellia and rosehip oils, oatmeal, coriander, vitamin E, Cloudberry and finally rosemary. Designed for normal, dry or sensitised skin and is gentle enough that it can be used on oily skin.

For a cleansing balm it surprisingly isn't as smooth as you would expect it to be and that is because it has tiny oatmeal particles which you can feel on your skin as you massage the cleanser onto it and they act a gentle exfoliator which I quite like to polish your skin.  Scent wise, it has that Balance Me scent about it, the one which is fresh and fragrant with Rosehip being something I immediately recognised.

The texture of this balm is really thick, so you only need a small amount and I find it is much easier to use if you warm it between your palms first before applying it to your face.  As you massage it onto the skin and those oatmeal particles get to work, it is surprisingly gentle on the skin and it is as though you can feel it working its way through all that dirt and grime that you have attempted to already remove with either a pre-cleanse or a wash.    Then once finished remove the remains of the with the accompanying cloth, which should be wet as it makes the task a whole lot easier. After using the face balm my skin looks and feels not just clean but really clean as well as being very soft and moisturised.                                                   


For me, each of these cleansers are totally different and choosing a preference between them is quite a difficult task because I like different things about each one of them:



Ole Henriksen - I love the fact the gel turns to foam and it has an amazing scent to it and would be a brilliant travel companion

Balance Me - I love the oatmeal particles because they are something I wasn't expecting to find within the balm and they do give your skin a really good polish and it can be used for double cleansing. But for me it is a product I would want to use for a treat or because I feel my skin needs a good clean rather than everyday.

So that leaves the one which I absolutely adored and would not hesitate to repurchase and that is:

Trilogy has a lovely calming and soothing texture and another scent that I love and I find that it works incredibly well with my skin and does go someway to help deal with the oily Tzone without leaving my skin feeling as though it has been stripped of its natural oils.

Have you tried any of these cleansers?

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Perricone MD Range

I am a big fan of the Dr Perricone range and when I was kindly sent the The Nutritive Cleanser and a bottle of No Foundation Foundation, I was really eager to try them out. I have had a small tube of No Foundation Foundation in the past and whilst it only had enough inside for one application, I liked it.



The Nutritive Cleanser is a foaming face wash which took its time to grow on me, but I now love it. Some people are not fans of cleansers that foam and that is fine, I am and do like them. This Nutritive Cleanser is kind and gentle enough on your skin that it can be used twice a day. It smells absolutely amazing and reminds me a little bit of Baby Talcum powder by Johnson. It also has a really interesting texture because for me it falls somewhere in the middle of being an oil and a gel, not overly runny but not too thick either.

Having used this cleanser daily for a good few months now, it has become one of my favourites and it is so good it even removes the hardest of hard mascara and eyeliner (Benefit im looking at you) with ease. It contains ingredients that provide anti-aging benefits and help reveal a brighter and smoother skin surface and it is also paraban free. Those ingredients being Alpha Lipoic Acid which is an antioxident helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size and refine skin texture to name but a few of its propertied and DMAE is said to also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and deliver a lifted, tightened and toned appearance to the skin.




The second product which is Dr Perricone’s No Foundation Foundation is said to be all about letting your skin’s natural beauty shine through but without the flaws. So if like me you feel that your complexion needs a little assistance but you prefers a more natural sort of ‘no makeup’ look than traditional foundations offer then this is definitely a product worth looking at. This is my second time coming across this product, which was until recently only been available in a shade that suited those with much deeper skin tones, so for someone who has almost translucent skin like me, it was a huge no-no. But now with fairer shades available for those like me, it is all the more exciting and that is possibly the shade I need rather than this one which I tone down with my daily moisturiser by mixing them together.

However, once applied, I love how this feels on my skin. I tend to use my fingers too apply it and then use my foundation brush to give my skin the once over, quite a lazy way to apply things but when you are in a rush it works. Once on the skin, it does leave a really lovely glowy, dewy finish, not too shiny and definitely not that 'troweled on' look, just what is a very healthy looking complexion and as someone who has imperfections, such as redness, this does a great job at almost covering them over.



Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation also contains a natural SPF30 which feels surprisingly light on the skin especially as I had expected it to be quite heavy so that was a huge bonus and it also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid which is said to smooth texture, even the skin tone and minimise fine lines and wrinkles and DMAE to firm, lift and contour the skin. So pretty much everything you need in a product is here plus it doesn't smell horrid like some foundations do and it has a pump which makes using it an absolute breeze.

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation is available now at John Lewis for £47 for 30ml. Whilst I think it is pricey, it is a product that I loved from the start and is one I never want to run out because I just love how it feels on my skin and how much better I feel when wearing it.



Have you ever tried a product from the Perricone range?

Monday 22 June 2015

Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!

Last week I went along to an event organised by the gorgeous girls over at Benefit and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish!  There was a lot of secrecy around what the event was about and no clues were forthcoming upon our arrival.  You might have seen pictures on Twitter, Instagram and even one or two Periscope videos since that event detailing exactly what it was we got up to.  Essentially we had to put on white CSI crime suit, with booties and googles before being taken into a white room full of activities which included shooting, throwing, blasting, flinging and slipping about in paint - notably Red, Green and Purple and oh my, it was the most fun I have had in such a long time.

The point of the event was to introduce us all to the new They're Real range which are available from July this year.  In this range there will be both mascara and eyeliner and here they are:

They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!
They're Real... In Full Colour!

As you can see They're Real Black Mascara now has two new companions in both Blue and Brown shades.  The blue is just amazing, it is so bright and bold that I loved it from the moment I tried it.  The brown shade is also quite light and perfect those girls who have blonde hair and light lashes.

Both shades will be priced at £19.50.

Alongside the new mascara comes four new They're Real Eyeliner shades to accompany the no.1 best selling black eyeliner.

Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!
Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!
Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!
Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!
Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!

Again Benefit have come up with some absolutely amazing eyeliner shades in Brown, Purple, Blue and Green.  There is definitely something for everyone amongst these beauties or there is of course the black shade.  The new shades are as the original eyeliner both waterproof and last for 24 hours.

Benefit They're Real... In Full Colour!

The swatches from left to right show Brown, Blue, Green and Purple and each one of them comes with that soft flexible nib that those of you who already use the black version will be aware of.  Just one little tip though, the orange nib that is in the end of the eyeliner pen, keep that because it helps to keep the formula from drying out!

The eyeliners will be available from July and priced at £18.50 each.


Are you excited about this new launch?

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