Win a Triple lot of Benefit Makeup

As I am currently away for a few days, I thought I would leave you lovely lot with a giveaway featuring some of my favourite products from Benefit, don't worry, they are not the ones I am currently using, I did infact purchase these from Debenhams and they are worth around £70 as a set.

Starting with RollerLash, one of the best mascaras I have ever used and one I find myself going back to over and over again. The wand is an eye-opening Hook 'n' Roll brush which grabs, separates, lifts and curls your lashes and it uses provitamin B5 and serin, ingredients known for their lash-conditioning benefits.

SugarBomb features four shimmering shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose inside this chunky box and there is also a brush included. I love that a swirl of the powder on my cheeks leaves a lovely naturally flush of colour without being too pink, too peach or too plum. 

Finally, one of my most used palettes is called the World Famous Neutrals Kit, most glamorous nudes ever and it contains 6 different eye shadows which are:

• birthday suit (brushed chrome)
• my two cents (polished copper)
• call my buff (pale shell)
• kiss me, i'm tipsy (spiced brown)
• gilt-y pleasure (golden sand)

These shadows are creaseless, longwearing and so easy to apply, I have in the time ive been wearing makeup bought 3 of these palettes because I am such a big fan.

All you have to do to enter is complete the Rafflecopter Widget below and you're in with a chance of winning!  Please do pay attention to the mandatory options, failure to complete them will result in your entry being void and as ever, please ensure you are over 16 to enter or have your parents permission because I will need your home address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Fitflop Cha Cha Flat Sandals

As summer is a bit hit and miss with hot days turning to rain followed by heat and mugginess, I am grateful that I can once again live in my Fitflops. I have said this many times before, but Fitflops are the comfiest pair of sandals that I have ever owned and whilst my black pair have been with me for more years than I care to remember, my new silver coloured version are just as comfortable and easy to wear.

Fitflops stunning Cha Cha leather sandals are different from the two previous pairs that I have owned - basically they are not black! They are silver coloured and have a shiny, beaded, shimmying fringe which caught my attention as soon as I saw them. What I love about Fitflops is that you can wear them with anything - jeans, dresses, shorts and even your leggings and PJs and this pair I just absolutely adore.

Fitflops have a built-in arch contour, so for me, this is perfect because I have flat feet and often struggle to wear heels because I find them so uncomfortable, this is my compromise. They also have what is called Microwobbleboard midsoles which makes each part of the FitFlop be it the toe end, mid section or heel end play a role in the toning of your legs by making your muscles work harder whilst encouraging blood circulation. The cushioned sole of the FitFlop is shaped for your foot to fit snuggly into it and it is said that this sole and the way it fits your foot is designed to slightly destabilse the way you walk which in turn makes you use more muscles in your legs when walking because the muscles in your legs work harder to ensure that the instability is conquered therefore giving you a work out as you walk. I have found that I can wear these when spending all day wandering around London hopping on and off the tube with no aches in sight, no need for a plaster and not a single blister has ever been left as a result of wearing them.

The heel is super cushioned and the thong part which fits between my toes is super comfy and again doesn't rub or eat away at the skin, infact I don't even know it is there at all and forget I am wearing fitflops 

For me, these will only ever be the flip flops that I will wear, comfort wins every time and they are worth every single penny that have been paid because they last such a long time. 

These Fitflops are also made from leather, have a slip-resistant rubber outsole and retail for around £50-£70 depending on where you shop.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Lush - Plum Rain

When I first saw this Plum Rain in Lush, the first thing that jumped into my head was Purple Rain by Prince (yes I am sure you are now singing it too) and being drawn to the name, the shower gel was in my basket doubly quick and paid for (£4.95 for 100g).

Plum Rain is one of these exclusive to Oxford street products and smells just absolutely incredible, something I associate with most Lush products if I am being honest. Now unsurprisingly, I havent seen a lot of information about Plum Rain and with it being a new product, I am surprised it isnt even online.

Anyway, if you have ever tried a Lush Shower Gel, then you will know that they are amazingly thick and creamy, which ultimately means you only need a small amount for lots of lather and bubbles. Bright purple in colour (purple rain.... purple raaaaaain) it shimmers in the sunlight and smells slightly plum like, quite fresh rather than artificial and sweet but earthy all at the same time and as you might have guessed, it has quite a few amazing ingredients.

Starting with Umeboshi Infusion, something I have never come across before, Google tells me that it is infact translated to mean a Japanese pickled plum only it is more like an apricot than a plum and it tastes extremely sour and salty. Also included is: 

• Petigrain oil which helps to clear greasy skin and fight skin blemishes and have calming and relazing properties.
• Sicilian Mandarin oil helps to relieve stress and works to increase circulation to the skin, reduce fluid retention and help prevent stretch marks
• Carrageenan extract which is extracted from Irish moss seaweed and acts as an excellent moisturising agent
• Osmanthus oil is said to help with the body’s removal of toxins and is a great emollient for the skin leaving it feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. 

Plus there is also the inclusion of Fresh plum juice.

I absolutely love this shower gel, it doesn't take the top spot away from The Comforter, but it is just a delight to use and has such an amazing scent to it that I am without question going to purchase a larger bottle next time.  It leaves your skin soft and smooth and with a scent that lingers on the skin for hours after use.  A big thumbs up from me!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Back to Work Handbag Treat!

My poor Radley and Osprey black handbags are on their last legs, I have had both for 8 and 9 years respectively and the time has come to think about replacing them, something which makes me feel quite sad as I do get attached to my bags.

With that in mind, I have a few weeks off work coming up and in an almost 'Back to School' type thought, I think a new handbag is the perfect treat for returning back to the office.  Whenever I buy a new handbag, I always think about what I need to carry in it as opposed to what I always shove in there and this is what I have come up with:

Michael Kors Rhea zip grey stud backpack which I absolutely adore the design of. It is a lovely shade of grey and the studs really stand out and capture the attention, more so than the name 'Michael Kors' even though it is present. It is deep enough to house most of my needs and almost colourful enough not to be bold and brashy.

Coccinelle Blue mini hobo bag is such a beautiful shade of blue that I am almost tempted to buy it for that reason! I love the design of Hobo bags and whilst this one is called a small bag, it would still just about everything I really need to have with me on a daily basis and would stop me adding items to fill the space.

The sensible options comes with Radley and this black Millbank shoulder bag. I like Radley bags because they are strong, reliable and dependable and pretty indestructable. Most of my handbags are, as I have said been black, it is a colour that goes with everything, doesn't really stand out amongst the crowd and is just a beautiful bag. 

The final option is a cross body bag, perfect for London life, doesn't make people hate you on a packed tube as you cram into that precious space in rush hour and they comes in all shapes, sizes and colours. Ted Baker Ellen purple cross-body bag is just beautiful and I love everything about it - the purple pink outer shade, the interal leopard print design and even the gold clasp is stunning. Again, perfect for fitting in the essentials with no room for extras and a great travelling companion in London during rush hour.

The question is, which one is the most practical or does that really matter?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise/collaboration

Ilia Beauty

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a make up masterclass on the luxury organic beauty brand Ilia. If you have never come across the brand before, Ilia is a multi-award winning brand founded in Canada by Sasha Plavsic and they are gluten free and up to 85% organic. You are not likely to find them on your high-street in Boots but they are available at places such as Fenwicks and Fortnum & Mason as can be found online.

At the event, we got to see a live demonstration with make-up artist Emma McRae showing those present, how best to use the products and beauty expert, Nikki Taylor, talk about the products in much more detail.  During the demonstration, each of the products was passed around to be swatched and played with, which I found fascinating and you might have seen some of the products on my Instagram that evening.

After the demonstration, I jumped at the chance to have a makeover, who wouldn't want their make-up professional applied! This gave me more opportunities to ask for more information about how to correctly apply products, discuss which products I felt suited me and make a note of what was used for future reference.

By the end of the evening, makeup applied and general questions answered, I felt I had come to know a lot more about a brand I had only seen referenced on social media.  So having had a nice introduction, it was great to be able to take away some products to try out at home.

I brought home four gorgeous products pictured and I absolutely love the packaging, it looks just so luxurious alongside other brands and I like that it all matches.

Starting with Neon Angel, a beautiful pink lipstick which is described as being a Magenta shade, I was pleased to find it wasn't a hot pink or barbie pink, neither of which I can never pull off. I find it is much more subtle than that (swatches below) and it glides onto the lips so effortlessly, it is a dream. 

It has a semi-matte finish and lasts, once applied, for around 4-5 hours before you need to re-apply.

All of Me is a Multi Stick and is such a beautiful shade. Described as being a Watermelon shade, this product is designed to be applied to your cheeks, lips and eyes for a sheer blush of color. 

It is enriched with cocoa seed butter, shea butter, vitamin E and orange butter to heal, nourish and hydrate the skin.

Polka Dots and Moonbeams is an illuminator which is just absolutely stunning. This one works as a really subtle highlighter, adding dimension and vitality to the skin. I love that it uses organic ingredients with healing properties of Rose Hip Oil to bring out your best features.

You can apply to cheekbones, brow bones, inner corner of eyes, bridge of nose and pout of lower lip for a fresh, dewy glow.

Shell Shock is a tinted lip conditioner and it combines organic ingredients to soothe and condition the lips. Each shade carries a sheer touch of color that increases in intensity when applied liberally. This shade is a light coral shade, not too dramatic but one which I feel I can wear comfortably. 

These products can be layered with others to make a unique shade, which excites me.

Given that they are organic/green beauty products, they swatch just as well as any other brands I own and are just as their description gives them and swatches below show just how beautiful they are in and out of the sunshine:

From LtoR we have Neon Angel, Shell Shock, Best of Me and Polka Dots & Moonbeams

So it is fair to say I absolutely love my introduction to Ilia and it is a brand I look forward to discovering more about. I love the ethos that whilst you wear a product it works for your skin.

Have you ever tried anything from Ilia?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

LIBBIE CLUB – JULY 2016 BEAUTY OFFERS

This month’s Libbie Club offers are live and feature some great products from Cowshed, New CID Cosmetics and Bean Body.

The Cowshed is a brand that always makes me cackle, give a product a quirky name and I am guaranteed to love it. Wild Cow is a really lovely body lotion which uses an amazing mix of energising Lemongrass, invigorating Ginger and reviving Rosemary essential oils and is one of those products which kicks you awake when you are still feeling a bit sleepy in a morning.  

• Lemongrass is known to have antiseptic properties as well as working to tone the skin and open blocked pores. 
• Ginger has energising properties and helps with poor circulation and 
• Rosemary oil, which is one of my favourites, helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling on the skin as well as improving blood circulation. 
• There is also the inclusion of the finest quality Shea and Cocoa Butters help moisturise and nourish the skin.

Cowshed products are made in England using natural ingredients. This months Libbie Offer £5 off the Cowshed Wild Cow Invigorating Body Lotion when purchased with Bean Body Scrub using code BODY5 (300ml, £20)

I am obsessed with Coffee Scrubs right now and have a post coming shortly dedicated to some amazing ones. This is my first interaction with Bean Body and it definitely will not be my last.  It is described as being an 'Organic Coffee Scrub with Robusta Coffee Beans, Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil, Himalayan pink rock salt, Demerara Sugar, Organic Cacao and Vitamin E oil' and working together those ingredients do the following:

• Caffeine stimulates blood flow and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite eczema, stretch marks, age spots, varicose veins and psoriasis.
• Demerara Sugar and Himalayan Salt exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin as well as whiteheads, blackheads.  It also helps with breakouts and other skin blemishes.
• Coconut oil hydrates, smooths and moisturises your skin.
• Cocoa and Vitamin E are both high in antioxidants which helps to nourish and protect the skin, promoting cell repair and rejuvenation.

This scrub is tough enough to remove that dead and dry skin to improve imperfections whilst at the same time, leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother than ever and of course smelling just absolutely amazing.  So if you are tired of using the same body scrubs and want to try something a little bit new and amazing, this is definitely one to look at. This months Libbie Offer - £5 off the Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub when purchased with Cowshed Body Lotion using BODY5 (220g, £14.95)

Finally in the makeup section we have New CID Cosmetics i-smoulder Smokey Eye Pencil and Shadow and I have shade Silver (the other two available are gold and ember). A dual ended Smokey eye pencil with complementing eye shadow. A twist up eyeliner at one end and a matching cream eye shadow with sponge applicator on the other, making it perfect for multi-tasking. 

The eyeliner pencil gives really good colour pay off in one simple stroke, whilst silver isn't a colour I would wear, it is a really lovely colour and the eyeshadow is again easy to apply and doesn't crease, so that gets a big thumbs up too.  I love that it contains the properties of coconut oil offering a soft application without feeling harsh on the skin.  This months Libbie offer is a saving of 10% off New CID Cosmetics in smoulder Smokey Eye Pencil & Shadow (£16.65)

This is a seriously amazing box.  All products are full sizes and if you like the sound of any of them, then the great thing about the Libbie Club, is that as a reader, you can benefit from the offers by visiting my page right here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

L'Occitane 40th Anniversary Limited Editions

L'Occitane* is a brand which continues to excite me, the products, though luxury are priced so competitively it is hard not to want them all. It is also L'Occitane which reignited by love for all things Lavender and opened my eyes to many products that I can now not be without. It has now been 40 years since Olivier Baussan began distilling Rosemary essential oil to sell to local markets and since 1976 Oliviers passion for nature continues to strengthen and with over 3000 stores open worldwide, L'Occitane has an amazing history of Provencal beauty.

So,to celebrate its 40th anniversary and the generous natural heritage of Provence, L'OCCITANE has created a limited edition with a unique spirit. Its design, featuring striking green, diagonal lines, evokes fields of verbena seen from the sky before harvest time.

Lavender Rough-Cut Soaps £10

You can grasp the scent of Lavender before you even open these soaps and gosh they are divine. 

Enriched with lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence and Lavender flowers to help gently exfoliate the body,  these soaps inspired by authentic handcrafted soaps gently cleanse the hands and body, leaving them delicately scented.  

Verbena Moisturising Body Mousse £18

If you need a product to kick you awake in a morning, then this body moousse is just that product.  It is enriched with an extract of organic verbena from Provence and refreshing active ingredients, this moisturising body mousse, with its light-as-air texture, gives an intense feeling of freshness while leaving skin delicately scented with the fresh and sparkling notes of verbena.

It leaves your skin not only feeling hydrated and moisturised, but the fresh scent is just absolutely lovely not to mention long lasting. Perfect for all skin types too.

Lavender Foaming Bath £20.

If you have trouble sleeping, then this is a product you need in your life.  I absolutely love the Lavender foaming bath, it is just divine.  Formulated with a vegetal cleansing base, the Lavender Foaming Bath leaves the skin clean and supple. The A.O.C. lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence has both calming and soothing properties and there is a subtly about the scent in so much as it isn't over the top and won't make you smell like your Grandma, but if you have ever smelt fresh Lavender, then this is what perfumes your bath water to soothe and relax you.

The final product is Verbena Eau de Toilette (£42) which is described as being 'A bright and dazzling' Eau de toilette with verbena from Provence to awaken the body and mind.

With this EDT there is something quite special about it.  There is  a beautifully fresh lemony scent which is immediately noticeable and then the earthy freshness of the freshly picked green leaves of Verbena, rosy base of geranium and lemon tree add a little kick.  This is a scent which is perfect for a hot summers day, it is long lasting, smells just incredible and I absolutely love it.

So here is an amazing line up of products which come together to make an amazing 40th anniversary limited edition list.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Feelunique Pick N Mix

Do you have a list of products you really want to try but are not sure whether they are for you?  Well over at Feelunique, there is a service called Pick N Mix and it is so easy to use along with a great selection of products to choose from a great range of brands.

So how does it work?  Well, for £3.95 which covers the cost of shipping and handling you can choose 5 samples per month for free, it is a bit like making your own beauty box with 5 products you want to try and not being disappointed when it arrives to find there is nothing you can use in a way.

The products I selected are as follows:

	ELEMIS Daily Redness Solution Complimentary Sample 2ml	1		£0.00
	Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm Sample 5ml	1		£0.00
	Emma Hardie Amazing Face Protect & Prime SPF 30 Sample 5ml	1		£0.00
	By Terry Cellularose Hydradiance Mask Sample 2ml	1		£0.00
	By Terry Cellularose Hydradiance Serum Sample 2ml	1		£0.00

All of which I have on a wishlist across a few sites.  I am a huge believer in trying something before you buy it and often it doesn't mean that you need a huge sample to test something. That said, each item you can choose for your selection does state the sample size, so you will need to weigh up whether or not you think it is worth while.

So this is my selection:

All of these have been on a list of products I have been wanting to try and I am glad that I can no give them a go.  So far, the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is one I definitely want as a full size because as expected and suggested I have absolutely loved using it and this little pot last a whole week, so I am really impressed with it.  The Elemis Daily Redness Solution is one I need to try a bigger sample of because I need more than a weeks worth to get a full feel as to whether or not it will work for me, but I do like the feel of the cream. Everything else I am still yet to try and am debating taking with me on a long weekend get away in a few weeks time.

I think this idea from Feelunique is really clever and yes I know not everyone will think so because you can go and pick up sachets in magazines and from beauty counters, but not every product and not every brand do sample sizes for testing, so for me, this is just a great idea and a great way to get a brief introduction to a brand or brands as there are a few here, before buying full sized versions and should you decide to do just that, you get a £3.95 gift voucher in your follow-up email which you can redeem on a future purchase . The only downside is you can only do one Pick 'n' Mix sample selection per person, per month.

What do you think to this idea?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Staying Cool and Refreshed In The Heat

Living in London in the Summer can be both amazing and an absolute nightmare. We all relish seeing that yellow ball of fire in the sky, spending lazy days in the park eating ice cream and watching life pass by - absolute bliss. Then comes the fact that London is a bit of a sun trap and the heat can be absolutely stifling, whether you are at work, at home or on public transport.

Given the temperatures in London now and for the last couple of days, the heat is manageable but there are always some items I have to hand to help cope - Mists!  Be they facial mists or mists in general, they are an absolute god send and are just amazing when you need a cooldown.

These are the ones I have around the house, carry in my handbag or use at work currently:

Avene Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray has a unique formula soothes hypersensitive, allergic and irritated skin by leaving a barrier on the skin to deliver long-lasting comfort and reduce itching. The versatile spray can be used by the whole family and is ideal for cooling sunburn, nappy rash and razor burns caused by shaving.  This mist costs £7 for 150ml

Caudalie Grape Water* is made from 100% organic grapes. Extracted from grapes during the harvest, this mist soothes, refreshes and moisturises the skin at any time of the day. Preservative-free. Fragrance-free. No need to blot after spraying.  The mist is so light, it doesn't leave your skin drenched, but instead it instantly cools and refreshes on contact.  This mist costs £6 for 75ml.

Benefit ultra radiance facial re-hydrating mist* not only looks stunning in the bottle, but it instantly refreshes, revives, soothes and moisurises. Using the exclusive tri-radiance complex to deliver immediate & long-term hydration. Contains magnesium PCA and white & blue lotus extracts, known for their relaxing properties and to help skin combat stress. This mist costs £20.50 for 133.1ml.

Vichy Mineral-Rich Thermal Spa Water* is a unique water well-known for its fortifying and soothing properties. Filtered through volcanic layers, Vichy Thermal Spa Water is naturally enriched with 15 minerals and 13 trace elements. Vichy Thermal Spa Water is recognised by the French Academy of Medicine and has been shown to hydrate and soothe the feel of the skin in order to fortify the skin's natural protective function. This mist costs £7 for 150ml.

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray, a lightweight mist enriched with essential mineral salts. The spray contains pure Evian mineral water from the Alps, which is free from chemical treatments, has a neutral pH, and is hypoallergenic. Each spray releases several million micro-droplets for hydrated and instantly refreshed skin, and can be used at any time of day by the entire family.  This mist costs £2.99 for 50ml.

I never go anywhere without having a mist spray with me, whether it is at home, in my handbag or on my desk at work, they are invaluable to have and incredibly hydrating, soothing, cooling and refreshing.  A tip - keep the mist in the fridge so it is extra cooling.

Do you use a facial mist? 

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Benefit ASOS Exclusive Contouring Kit

ASOS is possibly not the first place you think of when it comes to Beauty, but it should definitely be somewhere you consider. If like me you love Benefit Cosmetics, then this Contouring Kit which is exclusive to ASOS is a fantastic deal.

The contouring Kit by Benefit features a five piece kit which, as you can see, contains:

• 2 x boi-ing Concealer: I have shades 1 and 2 within this kit with 1 being light and 2 being light/medium. What I love about Boi-ing is its ability to conceal and camouflage dark circles without creasing under the eye. It can also be used to conceal minor imperfections and discoloration again without creasing. These are two full sized 1.3g pots.

• Dandelion Shy Beam Highlighter: This is a liquid highlighter and again, I adore it having had a few sample sizes.  It is a soft-matte, nude pink highlighter which is said to put the most natural-looking spotlight and is perfect for strobing. This is a full sized 10ml bottle.

• Hoola Bronzer: I have used Hoola for absolute years and it is one of the first products (along with You Rebel) that I bought. Hoola is a matte warm tan bronzing powder which you can double up as an eyeshadow and it comes with its own little brush! This is full sized.

• the POREfessional PRO Balm: - Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin!  You can apply the balm which is really lightweight alone, under or over makeup. It is a translucent formula which contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin from free radicals.  Within the kit, you get a 7.5ml luxury sample tube.

All of these bought separately would cost in the region of £85 and with ASOS they cost just £43 which is a massive saving and goes back to my first point of why you should not only shop around when purchasing your beauty items, but do look to ASOS for some absolute bargains!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise