A keepsake for remembrance of my beloved Bo Bo

Regular readers of my blog will know that as well as my love of all things beauty related there are a few other people in my life.  The mister who also blogs here and my boys, the fur kids.

Almost three months ago to the day, one of my little fur kids was fatally injured by a car and I had to make the agonising decision to have him put to sleep.  A decision that broke my heart into a million pieces and whilst I know I did the right thing, it is something that I am going to take a very long time to come to terms with because nothing and no-one can prepare you for it and the feeling of numbness is as raw now as it was on that day and I miss him terribly.

A really good friend of mine, whom I speak to everyday suggested I get a memento to remember 'Bo by, something that would remind me of him and something that made me smile.  We did have him cremated privately and his ashes are back home in a beautiful Urn and I admit, I do chat to him as though he is still with me, but I wanted a memento.    

Anyway, I spent a while browsing the internet and there was a lot of nice things I could have bought and initially I wanted either a cat shaped ornament or a charm for my Pandora bracelet, but I found neither that jumped out at me. Then I came across this shop on Etsy which has some dog and cat themed jewellery and I just love it. Best described a Sterling Silver bracelet, it features a Sterling Silver Cat Charm which could be initialised, which I had done with the letter A, as the name we gave him was Asbo.

After I ordered it, it then arrived a week or so later looking exactly as it had on the screen, only so much better and beautiful than I had ever imagined. There you see we have a dainty yet beautiful bracelet and upon it is a perfectly sized silver cat charm and there upon it is an engraved letter 'A' for my boy. Now I know it won't bring him back and it doesn't replace him, nothing ever can or will, but it is quite comforting.

New Badger Hair Rescue Oils

I am a huge fan of Badger Balms, infact I use a lot of the Sleep Balm when I need a little help drifting off, it is one of those products that works for me. 

Now there are three new hair rescue oils** which I have been trying out for the last few weeks.  There are three different ones to choose from - Dry & Damaged Hair, Dry Scalp and All Hair Types.  Each Oil is 100% natural and contain no Silicone or Silicone Dirivatives, no artifical fragrance, no colour or synthetic ingredients, no mineral oil and they are cruelty free.

It is said that over time hair is weakened by natural elements such as pollution.  Day to day pressures can strip away your hairs natural lustre and strength.  The people behind the Badger products have a simple approach to hair care which is simple - enhance the beauty, lustre and body of the hair by using 100% natural, nourishing products that are said to work in harmony with the whole body. Oil is a key component for healthy hair, I use a lot of hair oils that my hairdresser recommends, if used properly they can make so much difference.  Badger use a unique blend of carefully selected natural oils that easily absorb into the hair to help repair, rescue and protect.

Badger Hair Oil - Seabuckthorn, Apricot & Pomegranate Replenishment Blend is overnight antioxidant hair oil treatment with a blend of powerful oils which help to deliver naturally occurring vitamins A, B, C, E, and K to nourish and replenish hair. Using the ingredients of Seabuckthorn CO2 Extract and Pomegranate Oil promote hair strength and elasticity plus Apricot Oil to deliver moisture and shine. This oil also contains Rosehip CO2 Extract with regenerative properties to helping hair return to its healthiest state. 

It smells absolutely divine and to use, you apply the oil to dry hair and then massage it from root to tip.  You can either leave it on for an hour or overnight and then shampoo and condition as normal.  After using, my hair is soft, smooth and shiny, not to mention static free.

Badger Hair Oil - Argan, Jojoba & Baobab Damaged Hair Rescue is a nourishing oil is applied to damaged hair, it re-establishes its healthy balance and protects hair from heat, chemicals, and UV damage. Precious Argan Oil is rich in vitamins, proteins, and essential fatty acids, which strengthen and soften hair at the same time. Jojoba deeply moisturises the hair, while Baobab strengthens it. Each oil selected for this blend contains potent antioxidants that prevent free radical damage, and protect hair from the elements.  

To use, you apply the oil sparingly over damp hair, working it from root to tip and then style as normal.  As this is an oil designed to be left on the hair, you can use it daily and it isn't too thick an oil that it will weigh your hair down.

Badger Hair Oil - Jojoba, Rosemary & Tea Tree Dry Scalp Rescue is my favourite of the three oils. Is is described as being a "synergistic blend of plant oils designed to deeply moisturise, while soothing itchy and dry scalps and improving hair texture". The use of Rosemary, which is the traditional herb for hair health, stimulates the hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair from the root. Tea Tree and Rosemary deeply cleanse the scalp and help to deliver moisture, while Jojoba and Sunflower oils penetrate deeply into the roots, where they are most beneficial. Menthol and Peppermint cool and refresh, while imparting an energizing, cleansing tingle to the scalp. Sunflower Vitamin E nourishes dry skin and hair while generating a healthy shine.  

I suffer with a dry scalp which can become quite itchy especially if I am stressed.  This oil is a lifesaver and one I have used the most.  To apply you apply the oil directly onto the scalp and roots, I find sectioning my hair is easier, then massage your scalp until the oil begins to absorb and then wrap your hair in a hot towel for an hour or again leave overnight, then shampoo and condition as normal.

All three of these oils are brilliant and all work really well with my hair.  Each bottle has a pump action spritz to make application really easy, you can either apply direct to your hair and scalp, or onto your palms.  They cost just £17.99 each for a 59.1ml bottle and they are available from Superdrug.

Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection by Makeup Revolution

If ever there was a brand who would create something that was not only quirky and kooky but also has that 'OMG' factor, it would be Makeup Revolution, who have, right now, some amazing products soon to hit the shelves.

The Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection is literally quite something and I am pretty convinced there will be something for everyone within it.  Consisting of five shades Magical, Myth, Throne, Legend and Magic.  If you are looking for some new lipsticks, want something a little bit different or just want to be every bit daring, then look no further!

Each and every one of these five lipsticks are not only really pigmented, much more than I expected them to be considering they cost just £1 each but the shades, I mean look at them, they are just crazy brilliant.

Horn of Magic is a fabulous light yet bright blue shade which in the sunshine looks to be almost ice blue in colour but it is actually mint green.  It glides effortlessly onto the lips and looks every bit cool. 

Legend is my favourite shade of all the lipsticks within the Unicorn Unite range because it is every bit the mythical shade I expect to be associated with a Unicorn.  It is a bright yet sparkly shade which glimmers in the sunshine.

If ever there was a shade to excite me, it is Pink Myth.  I absolutely love the colour pink and this lipstick is bright, sassy and bold.  A beautiful shade which again glides on effortlessly and looks fantastic.

Throne is a stunning shade of purple, quite dark and mooding but it looks fabulous on the lips. This is the kind of shade I wish suited me because it is so pretty.

Finally we have Magical which looks blue in the sunshine but on my skin it is a brilliant bright purple that shimmers in direct sunlight so you can see how purple it is, but when not in the sunlight it is a brooding dark shade, almost blue.

I think these lipsticks are a lot of fun, they are totally different to anything else I own and I sincerely believe there is something for everyone.  Not only that but if you are bored with your pinky nude shade, then these are perfect for trying something new and they cost £1 each, which is amazing value for money!

What is the most 'out there' Lipstick shade you own?

theBalm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette - Naughty GIVEAWAY

One of my favourite products right now is theBalm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette in Naughty.  It features shades such as Selfish, Sexy, Sleek, Sultry and snobby to name just a few and makes for an amazing nude palette which is perfect for Autumn and Winter.

So, as I am feeling in good spirits, I thought it would be quite nice to share my love for this palette with one of you.  No, I am not going to give you my used palette (grim) but instead a brand new, untouched one, not only that, this particular version comes with its very own 'Put a Lid on It' mini eyelid primer, something I have not yet even tried, so you are in for a double treat.

As you can see it is a really lovely palette and there is a nice mixture of colours to use depending on your mood.  The brush which is included with this palette, is one I really like and do use.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is use the widget below. There are some mandatory entries, so please ensure you complete those otherwise your entry will be null and void and please also ensure that if you are under 18, you have parental permission to enter because I will need your address.  It is a WORLDWIDE Giveaway, so Good Luck!

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Luxurious Travalo Milano – an absolute essential for the new season

Are you like me and have a favourite perfume, only it is in a humongous bottle and isn't one you want to carry around with you?  Well what you need in your life is a device which is just so handy, I don't know why it has taken me this long to try one! The Travalo Milano!

The Travalo Milano is the perfect handbag accessory for transporting perfume. It is exceptionally designed and is available in a range of 8 different colours, mine, as you can see if the perfect bright pink and it is so light, you won't even notice it in your handbag.

Until the Milano came into my possession, I had always wondered how the perfume was transported from the perfume bottle to the atomiser and with thanks to the easy to follow instructions within the lid of the box, I know now and it takes seconds using what is referred to as the patented Genie-S pump-fill system. Once filled, it is designed to last for at least 65 sprays, obviously depending on how often you use it, but what it does do is dispense really well and with 5ml per spritz. The lid, fits really securely so it won't be bouncing around inside your handbag spraying perfume all over everything.

If this sounds like something you need, the Milano launches this September and has an RRP £35 and for me, as someone who travels around a fair bit, it is a handy to have, on the go gadget which ensure I never smell of dust and fumes, but instead of my favourite perfume.  It is also handy for taking away on holiday and not risking a broken perfume bottle in your suitcase, an issue I am sure most of us have suffered.

Fragrance Shop Discovery Club - Autumn Edition

The anticipated delivery of one of my favourite subscription boxes has ended because it has arrived! If you are a regular reader of BeautyqueenUK, then you will know how much I love The Fragrance Shop Discovery Club box. 

This box arrives every quarter and costs just £5. Inside there will be samples of some of the latest fragrances to have launched. The reason I love it so much is because I absolutely love perfume, I am obsessed with it but one of my pet hates is testing them out in a department store because I never feel like a quick spritz is enough to make a decision as to whether or not that perfume is for you. It might smell good whilst you are wandering around, but you never really get a chance to let it settle on the skin and it is more often than not mixed with other scents. So for me, this box is a great idea.

The Autumn edition of the discovery club features six different scents. Three for us ladies and three for the misters, again a feature I like because then Steve can be involved and as an aftershave obsessive, he often ends up wanting something new. So in my box we have:

Paco Rabanne Olympéa
Olympea is a unique olfactory adventure, at the crossroads between the sensuality of salty vanilla accord and the freshness of floral notes. A fresh oriental fragrance whose balance of the accords forms a genuine Paco Rabanne signature. Before I came across this perfume a few weeks ago, I hold my hands up and admit that I was not a fan of ANY Paco Rabanne scents. Olympea I loved from the very first sample I was sent and it is one I intend to purchase because I absolutely love it.

Loewe Aura Magnetica
Aura Loewe Magnética by Loewe is a Floral Woody Musk fragrance for women, with top notes of pink pepper, bergamot and mandarin orange, with a heart of rose oil and jasmine sambac; On a base notes are leather, Australian sandalwood, patchouli, siam benzoin, bourbon vanilla and musk. I didn't like this scent at first, soon as a sprayed it, I wrinkled my nose and thought no, this isn't for me. Then it settled on my skin and I liked it a lot more but then part way through the day, I decided I really did like it and it is one I would considering buying.

GIVENCHY Live Irresistible
It is a good day to start an irresistible life! Your mood: happy and irresistible. Your motto: you only live once.Your fragrance: Live Irrésistible, a flirtatious floral fruity spicy Eau de Parfum that awakens the senses, making every moment a happy one. Opening with top notes of Juicy Pineapple, the heart of Spicy Rose and then the beautiful accord of Amber. Now for me, I wanted to love this scent because I absolutely adore Givenchy Irresistible and again, it is on my list to buy, but this one there is something about it that I am not liking once it has settled on my skin.

The three male fragrance are:

007 Fragrances - SEVEN.

Described as bein a premium installment in its collection of male scents inspired by the powerful elements within the James Bond world. Fresh citric notes blend with exotic spices and fuse with powerful Mahogany wood and rich Leather to deliver a fragrance that captivates . It has top notes ofTangerine, Bergamot and Crisp Apple with Cinnamon, Saffron and Nutmeg for the heart notes. The base notes are Musk, Leather and Mahogany. 

GIVENCHY - Gentlemen Only Casual Chic 

Said to be the fragrance of natural elegance. While remaining true to the original accords of Gentlemen Only, this new Eau de Toilette nevertheless asserts its own lively and refreshing personality. With the inclusion of Cardamom, Ginger and Juniper it is described as being a woody, spicy fresh fragrance.

Hugo Boss - Boss The Scent
Reawaken the senses with the seductive power of BOSS The Scent: HUGO BOSS introduces BOSS THE SCENT, its new seductive perfume for men. An irresistible fragrance, unforgettable like a savoured seduction. Using Exquisite notes of Ginger, exotic and exclusive Maninka and Virile Leather it is described as being powerful, rich and full-bodied.

So I am impressed with this box. There is a nice mixture of fragrances and two I absolutely love from both the male and female choices. What do you think? Is it something you would think of subscribing too?

Vichy Cleansing and my daily routine!

Vichy recently launched some new cleansers into their Purete Thermale range which are Purete Thermale Fresh cleansing gel and the rather intriguing sounding Beautifying Cleansing micellar oil. What I have found with Vichy over the last year is that they do seem to have a skincare range for almost every skin type which is amazing and as my skin is classed as oily/combination plus a touch on the dehydrated side then these cleanser should work exceptionally well.

These cleansers have been designed to work on the most sensitive of skins and provide optimum skin comfort. As always with any Vichy skincare these are made with Vichy thermal spa water and is hypo-allergenic, paraben-free and dermatologically tested.

The Fresh Cleansing Gel (RRP £12) is the perfect for that morning shower face wash. It's so light and re-freshing and cleansing the skin very gently to remove any excess sebum production and grime that may have gathered on the skin as you slept. Described as being "The perfect partner for city living, this lightweight gel cleanses deeply and protects cells against pollutants. The foam feels so fresh on the skin, leaving it pampered, clarified and extremely soft". 

The ingredients used are the expert anti-pollution complex Purisoft, which is composed of Amilite Technology to soften the effect of hard water, Glycerin to moisturise, and Moringa to cleanse dust, excess sebum and pollution from the skin. So, when it is used, it does foam lightly as you massage it on the skin and it has a really clean fresh scent which isn't too overpowering. After showering my skin feels really clean, soft and smooth.

For the evening, I have been using The Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil (RRP £13.75) as the first part of my double cleansing routine. This is described as being a "Lightweight, effective and non-greasy, this luxurious oil ensures pleasurable make-up removal. Both oily and dry skin types will benefit from its clarifying care as it won’t overload the skin, instead transforming from an oil to a milk on contact with water". 

Within the formula there are 'Micelles' which help to gently remove waterproof make-up, impurities, sebum excess and dead cells with no need for rubbing for the skin. Once the oil comes into contact with water, it turns to a milky formula which you then wash off. I always apply this onto my dry skin and wash off using a warm cloth. The use of Camelia Oil helps to moisturise and smooth skin, while Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection.

I adore both of these products from Vichy and considering I am not a fan of Micellar waters generally, the oil is so nice to use and leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft.

What do you use as your morning and evening cleansers at the moment?

By Terry Light-Expert Click Brush

A few weeks ago, I went to a fab event for the new launches from make-up brand By Terry. The range was created by the amazing Terry de Gunzburg, the woman who created the infamous YSL Touche Éclat, but this event was to celebrate the launch of the Light-Expert Click Brush.  This is my first venture into the world that is By Terry, so I was quite excited.

The Light-Expert Click Brush is totally brilliant. I wasn't too sure whether or not it was going to be my thing until I got the opportunity to test and try it at the event, the second I did that, I loved it and wanted it. The Light-Expert Click brush is one of those clever little items that can do more than one job, it is a proper little multi-tasker and can be used as a foundation, for contouring, for illuminating and to freshen up to your make-up as and when you feel the need! The whole concept is to make the application of make up simple and effective to achieve that radiant and flawless look.

The technology behind Light-Expert called 'Intensive Mimetic Camouflage' and it is used to conceal imperfections and give a flawless base, whilst light prisms give radiance and it is suitable for all skin-types.

The kabuki brush is short, incredibly soft and gives amazing coverage. Designed at an angle, the brush works to adapt to all facial forms and it is also removable to enable washing. One click at the bottom of the brush, very Touche Éclat, and the fluid is released in four dots, this is said to give an ideal measurement for the ultimate application and since using it, I have never had to click more than once to cover the entirety of my face. The fluid itself is really lightweight, so much so you don't even known it is there and it blends so effortlessly and looks so natural, I absolutely love it.

There are six shades currently available with No.1 Rosy Light being the lightest and No.11 Amber brown being the darkest shade. I was one of the lightest called Apricot Light and it is a perfect match for my skin tone.

Aside from the texture, which I absolutely love and how easy it is to use, blend and wear, I love how much coverage it gives with minimal effort. I have redness on both cheeks, it tends to flare up when I am stressed (regularly) and whilst it doesn't hurt and isn't itchy, it does make me self-conscious at times, Light-Expert does an amazing job at covering it over so that I forget about it which therefore makes it amazing and I can imagine it will become a very popular item to have. 

It has just launched at SpaceNK and for the 19.5ml it costs £48 which I would be more than happy to pay when mine runs out. For me, this is a handbag keeper!

Skin & Tonic London Steam Clean

The one thing about beauty boxes that I absolutely love, is the opportunity and chance to try products that I might never come across. The beauty world is awash with lotions, potions, gels, scrub, rubs, serums, creams and liquids all promising to rewind time and leave you with baby soft skin.

Skin and Tonic London Steam Clean is one product I have absolutely loved using and I came across it in this Libbie Club box. Josh and Sarah created Skin & Tonic London after Sarah was diagnosed with endometriosis and began a journey of looking into what she was putting onto her skin and into her body. So Sarah began making her own skincare and finding herself unable to find a single product that was completely free from synthetics and preservatives, or silly-frilly names and promises. Instead, all I found was overt gender discrimination and huge amounts of excess packaging. There was nothing out there that was simple, straight-talking, organic and cool and decided to do something about it. She quit her career in TV and re-trained in Aromatherapy and Skincare Formulation and the end result was - Skin & Tonic was born.

Skin & Tonic London Steam Clean is a solid cleansing balm that thoroughly cleanses the skin. Not only that but it is a versatile little balm that can also be used as a nourishing moisturiser for dry skin and chapped lips too. What I love about this balm is that it contains only six ingredients: Beeswax, Grapeseed Oil, Thistle Oil, Borage Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil and Spearmint Essential Oil which all work together to lift dirt and grime, rejuvenate dull and tired skin and it smells absolutely divine. All of the ingredients are certified organic and contain no little nasties. It is also made by hand right here in the UK.

As you can imagine, the use of both Spearmint and Eucalyptus Oil gives this cleansing balm an amazing fresh mint scent which if you happen to be bunged up with a cold can act s a decongestant if you mix it with warm water and inhale the steam! On the skin, which is its main use, you need only a small amount to melt between your palms before gently massaging it onto dry skin. I also pre-wash my face first to remove any surface dirt and grime and to allow the balm to penetrate deeper into the skin to push everything out. Once on the skin, I leave it to sink in and work its magic for a good few minutes before washing it off using a warm clean face cloth. It works incredibly well at removing make-up and even waterproof mascara, it simple melts everything off to leave clean, soft skin which feels amazingly hydrated. It doesn't strip my skin to leave it feeling dry or dehydrated and nor does it irritate my skin, it is just a delight to use.

If you are looking to try a new balm cleanser then I cannot recommend Skin & Tonic London Steam Clean enough, plus there is a whole range of products to try alongside this one. The Balm costs £27 via Skin & Tonic London.

The Daily Soothe Bath Float from Soap and Glory

I picked up The Daily Soothe Bath Float from a recent blog challenge and it is one Soap and Glory product I had not tried from the range.  I'm not going to lie, Sugar Crush is my absolute favourite scent from Soap and Glory and given that Bath Float is scented with Mist you Madly, my second favourite scent, I knew I was going to love it.

Described by Soap and Glory as "Our new super-soothing, pre-bedtime foamy tub float is seductively scented, intensely relaxing, delightfully deluxe with luxurious long-lasting suds and sleep-inducing, muscle-relaxing and aphrodisiacal actives" it does smell incredible and is a perfect treat for some self-indulgent bath time.

To use you Scoop up a handful of The Daily Smooth and then swirl it under warm running water until it bubbles up. As soon as it comes into contact with warm (not hot) water, the pink pearlesque liquid turns into foamy bubbles and quickly fills the bath.  If like me you like bubbles in your bath, the this will not disappoint, you get lots of them.  Once in the bath, surrounded by the scent of Mist you Madly and it does make you want to drift off right there and then, it is so relaxing.

This is a great edition to my bath time routine and even the mister has taken a liking to it (sadly) and costing just £8 for a 300ml tube, it lasts for ages.  So next time you are in Boots struggling to what buy on a 3 for 2 offer (ha as if) then take a look at Soap & Glory because this was the best buy for ages!

Bee Good Raspberry & White Chocolate Lip Balm

You may remember some months ago that I posted here about a competition the fabulous Bee Good were hosting for one lucky blogger to come up with their dream lip balm which was won by Beauty Vlogger Joseph Harwood with his Raspberry and White Chocolate idea. Over 5000 people voted for this lip balm and here it is in all its glory.

Described as being a rich, deeply replenishing lip balm to repair, intensively condition and soothe dry chapped lips, it uses subtle, fruity raspberry notes which are balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the white chocolate. Not forgetting of course the inclusion of British beeswax, natural source vitamin E, British borage oil; a rich source of skin strengthening essential fatty acids and British echium oil to replenish dry skin.

So the lipbalm is encased in this raspberry shade tube, quite fitting for the product I feel and it has the slanted applicator which makes it really easy to use.  The balm glides onto the lips and almost immediately absorbs itself, it works really well as a primer before adding your lipstick too.  it is definitely moisturising and hydrating, something our lips are definitely going to need in these colder months.  The balm is also clear, so there is no hint of colour left on the lips and when it comes to the scent, it reminds me of those white chocolate mice you once got in a pick'n'mix with the red gooey middle, which I have to admit, I do really like.

This lipbalm launches later this month and will be priced at £4.75 which is an absolute bargain and you can find more about it right here. 

COLLECTION Dupes

Collection is the make-up brand I first ever used as a teen and as a brand it is one I have fallen back in love with, mainly because of these two products which team up as amazing dupes!

The Collection Gorgeous Glow Bronze Brick which costs just £3.99 is brilliant. There is a great range of shades from a highlighter to a much darker bronzer and they are all highly pigmented, much more so than I would have expected at that price. They are a velvety smooth powder formula which makes them really blendable. Then I have the Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick, which I have duped before and whilst it is an incredible product, highly pigmented shades and as blendable as you want it to be, it costs £32.50.

If I had to choose a favourite, Collection edges it for me with this Glow Gorgeous palette because it highlights as well as bronzes and the shades are much more workable.

The Collection Speedy Highlighter, which is priced at £2.66 in Superdrug. As a Crayon it makes the job of adding some highlights to your face an absolute breeze and it is perfect for on the go. Then there is the Boots No.7 Instant Radiance Highlighter for which the Collection Speedy Highlighter is the perfect dupe and again I have duped this before. I love this No.7 Highlighter, it is has an amazing formula which dried incredibly quickly and creates an amazing highlighting effect and it costs just £9.95 but the Collection version is almost a third of the price!

Again this Collection offering is incredible, I absolutely love it and have already bought a back up in case I should run out.  It is so similar to the Boots No.7 version it is impossible not to love both, but the highlight that comes from Collection, as you can see below, is amazing and for me it is the winner of the two.

So these are the two current dupes that I am loving right now!  What do you think? Have you found any decent dupes lately?