L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands

I am quite picky when it comes to Mascara Wands and I often switch the brushes between formulas to make it work for me. For example, I absolutely love the brush with Rollerlash from Benefit, but I am not so keen on the formula, so what I do, is use the brush from Rollerlash in other mascaras to make them work for me. However, if you still haven't managed to solve this issue, then you need the L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands from beautyMART. 

The L.A.B.2 Lash Out Loud Mascara Wands are priced at £5.50 and the box contains twelve disposable mascara wands which come in four different styles. So depending on the look you want, depends on the wand you would use and of course, we all want eyelashes we were not gifted with at birth! So the options here are:

• To Lengthen - This is the orange/coral brush and it has a mixture of rounded spikes, and sharper spikes to encourage length.
• To Volumise - For this, the Yellow brush is in play and it has lots of long sharp spiky bristles on the sides as well as the tip.
• To Curl - The Pink brush is the one you need for this and it has lots of shorter spiked bristles with none on the tip.
• To Define - Last but no means least is the Purple brush which has lots of shorter spiked bristles similar to the Curl wand except it has a ‘ball’ shape at the end with longer bristles for catching the outer and smaller lashes.

The wands are made from silicone and are reusable, you obviously just need to wash them. I find they are really handy for having in my makeup bag and desk drawer at work as well as for taking on holidays and weekends away.  What's more, if you run out of spoolies for your eyebrows, then you can also use these brushes for a bit of an eyebrow groom too! 

For £5.50, I think these wands are great value for money. I really like that there are four different styles to work with and that there are three of each within the box, giving you chance to experiment and see which brush works best for you and your lashes. For me, it ultimately depends on my mood and I do switch between them, if the mascara formula I am using is quite a wet formula then it is either Pink or Purple to help separate the lashes that little bit more.

I’d love to know what your favourite mascara wand type is?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Bio-Extracts - Your @Home Lab

As part of the Thirty Plus initiative of which I am a member, a few weeks ago I was invited to dinner with Marina Shcherbinina the founder of the Bio Extracts brand. A brand up until this dinner I had never heard of or come across, but the introduction I was sent by email intrigued me. In short Bio Extracts use the latest biotechnology to develop creams and boosters for you to combine at home - pretty much giving you the chance to make your own skincare, after all no one quite knows your skin as well as you do.

Marina was incredibly passionate about her brand and what stood out during her presentation is what she is not only dedicated to making each product the very best that it can be but she will not cut any corners when it comes to the ingredients or quality. It is through using highly purified ingredients derived from plant extracts that skincare benefits are delivered in this unique skincare brand.

There are two elements to the Bio-Extracts system - Creams and Boosters, pretty straightforward and relatively easy to get to grips with.

The Bio-Extract Creams use what is called a Multi-Lamellar System which is explained as follows "the Multi-Lamellar System has a very distinct structural similarity to these natural layers in the skin and mimics the skin’s own lamellar structure. It is designed to act like a “patch” on the skin, restoring its barrier function thus preventing trans-epidermal water-loss (TEWL), improving hydration and protecting the skin from external irritants. Now for someone who isn't techy I get this.

Then come the Bio-Extracts Boosters  and they use a phospholipids-based delivery system to ensure actives penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Again it is explained that Phospholipids are essential constituents of the cellular membranes of all living organisms and they regulate cell life.

Bringing those boosters and the creams together you have the opportunity to create your own skincare product for whichever skincare concern you might. The cream comes in an airless jar and the booster are contained in syringes.  What I like about this is that the airless jar of cream dispenses a precise amount of moisturiser each time with just one pump and although you can use it on its own, the combination of using the syringes allows you the chance to address one or more concerns.

Within the range there are 3 creams and 9 boosters to choose from and for my skin type my prescription was:

 

Light Cream - This is an oil absorbing, mattifying moisturiser with uplifting scents to help people with combination, oily or problem skin. What I like about this cream is that it does absorb excess oil and does mattify the skin, something which if like me you have combination/oily skin the oil slick shine can often be an issue, so it is nice to use a product which helps to deal with it.

Antioxidant Boost – contains a powerful combination of fruit extract, minerals and flavonoids to counteract the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Rutin and Rosmarinic acid help in scavenging free radicals, while manganese, zinc and selenium support the antioxidative defence enzymes.

Hydro Boost – The Hydro Boost will enhance skin radiance and give a firmer, plumped up appearance to the skin. It also gives intense hydration with botanical Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to prevent further signs of premature ageing.

Redness Relief Boost - helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier integrity, improving the ability of the skin to act as a physical and mechanical barrier against external factors. The bio-extract from the bark of White Wallaba, a tree that grows in the Guyanese rain forests, is a true botanical powerhouse. High in tannins, the bark and resin contain anti-inflammatory properties and have been used traditionally by local people for wound healing, toothache or ease of joint pains. White Wallaba bio- extract immediately helps to visually neutralise skin redness and restore skin clarity.

Now that I have my cream and boosters, which I have used up, I liked being able to create and tailor my own skincare in so much that I could decide how much of the booster I felt my skin needed and if you’re thinking that this might be a skin care system that you want to try for yourself then the sets that you can buy that come with a cream and 2, 3 or 4 boosters  and you can choose per issue that you have and there are even sample sets for just £5!

This brand is vegan, paraben free, non GMO, British made, not tested on animals and all ingredients are natural.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

A Guide To Wearing Flat Shoes

The morning after a night out in your favourite pair of strappy stilettos, and you’ve probably sworn never to wear them again. The blisters, the pain, yet when the next night out comes around you just can’t resist. Flat shoes however, have always been associated with comfort – but could they finally be party ready? Whilst, unfortunately, it’s still not appropriate to head out in your fluffy slippers, Daniel Footwear suggest that shoes, such as Melissa shoes and flat designer sandals are parting the way for party flats. 

Embellished sandals

Summer comes hand in hand with pastel colours, embroidery and embellishment – and your shoes are no exception. Embellished sandals are your summer alternative to heels. In fact, many A-listers have even walked the red carpet in the sparkly flats. The worst thing about them is that they can only be worn in the summer — step out in them in the winter and prepare for some strange looks and exceptionally cold toes!

Whether you’re sipping cocktails in Marbella or in your local beer garden, they’re perfect for channelling that beach-to-bar look, while their added glitz adds a dash of glamour that every night out needs. Keep the rest of your outfit formal or smart-casual at the very least — wearing them with jeans is too casual for a night out with friends. Instead, choose feminine dresses and skirts in cool colours and delicate prints. 

Backless loafers

Whilst heels in the workplace can make you look professional and smart, we all know they can also be extremely uncomfortable, especially if you’re on your feet all day. Backless loafers are a great alternative to heels for around the workplace. Originally made popular by Gucci, other brands have since replicated the trend, making the loafer one of this season’s must-haves.

These designer-inspired flats eliminate the chance of blisters and keep your feet cool. Because of their formal style, they’re the perfect addition to your work-wear wardrobe. Choose a black pair and wear with plain-coloured culottes and a chic sleeveless blouse.

You can also wear them as part of your off-duty style — a light-coloured loafer works great with loose-fitting, light wash ripped jeans and an easy t-shirt. Bring the look together with a chic tailored blazer for a look that successfully bridges the gap between smart and casual.

The pointed flat

The ballet pump has been a popular choice amongst women for years now – for comfort and casual fashion. From work to play, is there anything this super-versatile shoe can’t do? 

Apparently not. The pointed pump is the ideal choice for a night out, as it is not just comfortable — it’s this season’s must-have shape. For extra evening glamour, choose an embellished or lace-up pair to add detail to your look.

*this post contains a paid for link

GOSH AW17 New Releases

GOSH are one of my favourite high street brands and when there is a new collection to be had, it is always amazing. The AW17 Collection collectively referred to as Nordic Magic, launched on 26th July features products for your brows, to highlight, to set and prime, to colour correct, line, define, strobe and of course there is a palette!

When it comes to Primers, GOSH has three within their AW17 Collection and all three of them do something completely different!  Starting with the Primer Plus+ Skin Adaptor Anti-Pollution which is said to not only tone and enhance your skin with a healthy looking glow, but it will also smooth, hydrate, rejuvenate and protect your skin against pollution and free radicals and this is thanks to the infused anti-pollution active CITYGUARD+.  The CITYGUARD+ is a novel complex made up of two components of Marine Origin.  I suspect anti-pollution products will be on the rise and whilst I have an anti-pollution mist, this is the first time ive come across a primer with anti-pollution claims. 

On the skin, this primer is incredibly lightweight and it does leave my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.  The application of makeup after adding the primer works incredibly well as you would expect and my makeup lasts pretty much all day, just as it has done with other GOSH Primers that I have used.  It will retail for £14.99 here.

Prime'N Set Primer and Mattifying Setting Powder - With a hint of yellow, this is the GOSH take on banana powder. If you have never used a banana powder before, then this is just as good a place to start as any. As a powder it suits most skin tones and as well as colour-correcting redness, it also neutralises dark under-eye circles. 

I like that you can use it either under or over makeup and it does do quite a good job with my redness, though it isn't too pronounced that concealer would usually cover it anyway.  The powder is finely milled and applies like a dream.  It will retail for £9.99 here.

The third primer in the set is one which I am really enjoying and it is the Eye-Shadow Primer. Formulated with polymer technology, the primer preps the eyelids for all-day wear and it glides on just effortlessly and smoothly and is invisible when dry.  

I have, in my time, used a few different eyeshadow primers and this one is so far, though I have only used it a few times, proving to be a great little makeup bag addition. It retails for £8.99 here.

Colour Correcting is something I think I have mastered quite well and this kit from GOSH is a handy size to carry around and it has five shades rather than the usual four because there is a concealer, which I think is a brilliant idea to have. 

Alongside the concealer is Yellow to perfect or cover up purple/blue bruises, veins and under-eye bags, Green which neutralises redness, Purple to eliminate yellow undertones and Peach which is ideal for brightening the eye area and cover up signs of fatigue.  The shades are easy to blend and are not too pigmented that they show through your foundation or concealer. Retailing for £11.99 here.

Not too ready to give up the strobing yet? Well GOSH have a choice of two Strobe and Glow kits on offer! Each kit contains four shades and one is for highlighting and the other is blush, the textures are not only light and creamy, they apply like an absolute dream to the skin.  

I have kit 002 Blush which has a white/rose holographic highlighter, two highlighting blushers and one matt blush. They each retail at £12.99 here.

Lumidrops are an underrated GOSH product as far as I am concerned and I absolutely love the new releases.  They first launched back in 2016 and as a liquid highlighter, they are incredibly easy to work with and use.  

The AW17 release sees the inclusion of 012 Rose Gold and 014 Gold which are said to dress the skin in an illuminating vale of beautiful radiance.  You can use them on bare skin or over makeup and my one piece of advice is shake well before using and a little goes a very long way.  Priced at £7.99 each here.

Still with highlighting we have Lift & Highlight - an ultimate duo pencil which highlights, lifts and defines.  A double ended pencil which is available in two shades 001 Nude and 002 Rose, the formula on each end of the crayon is creamy and therefore blendable. 

I have shade 001 Nude and have found it an easy product to work with especially when applied to my brow bone, cupids bow and even the inner corner of my eye.  The crayon retails for £9.99 here.

If Mascara is your thing and I am a bit of Mascara fiend, then My Favourite Mascara from GOSH is formulated to deliver perfectly separated natural looking lashes with volume and definition. Infused with Oak Extract, an active with antioxidant properties which helps ensure your lashes maintain their healthy appearance.  

The brush for the mascara is a fibre brush which gets between the lashes with relatively easy and doesn't clump or give the spider legs look, featuring a mixture of long and short brushes, each lash should be coated to not only give length but to also add that volume. I like this mascara, I like the brush more than I expected too but as I have fairly long lashes, I didn't notice much of a difference in the lengthening, but what I do like is the no clumping natural look.  Priced at £8.99 here.

If brows are your thing right now, then there are two brow products from GOSH.  The first is the Brow Shape & Fill dual-ended pencil which contains a retractable brow pencil and powder.  The sharp end of the pencil is used to define the outer shape of the brow and the powder, which is really soft, is used for filling in gaps and creating that fuller brow look.  

I think having the 2-in-1 product is quite a good idea and there is the option of the more natural looking brow or the defined and bold version. It is currently available in three shades 001 Brown, 002 Grey Brown and 003 Dark Brown.  I have 002 which is not quite the shade for me, but I do love the concept. Priced at £8.99 here.

The second brow product is the Growth Serum and something my brows definitely need as they just do not grow! Using the proven ingredient SymPeptide XLASH, the serum is said to fuel the natural growth of the eyebrows. 

By stimulating the keratin genes, it enhances the appearance of length and thickness of the brow. You need to use this twice a day on clean, dry eyebrows and allow it to absorb before applying any other products.  I have just started using this, so I can't comment on whether or not it lives up to its claims, but watch this space! It is priced at 16.99 here if you want to give it a try.

The one thing I am not a master of is the application of eyeliner and I am not afraid to admit it.  With the AW17 releases from GOSH comes the 24h Pro Liner. Described as being a wax based multi purpose pencil, it features a smooth, soft and creamy textured nib which allows for blending before setting. The smudger on the opposite end is perfect for blending and well... smudging. This is the one item which doesn't feature in my box but it can be found here for £7.99.

Finally is probably the product most of you have been waiting to see and that is the 9 Shades Eyeshadow Palette - To Party In London. 

The Palette features both pearly and metallic shades in different textures and has everything you need from soft rose and nude shades to Copper and Greys.  Each one of the shades is pigmented and easy to use and blend and the colour payoff is as good as the other palettes I have had from GOSH. With a mirrored lid, this is a great palette for being on the go and it retails for £11.99 here.

I think this is such a good launch from GOSH and I absolutely love the palette (obviously) and the whole collection is just so easy to work with and use!  Has anything caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise. Please see my Disclaimer page here for more info.

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara

I am an absolute mascara fiend and it is one of the items in my makeup bag I wear every day. The Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara is new to my stash and is the very first mascara from Lancôme that I have tried. As much as I love my mascaras, I am quite picky. I like a mascara that if it claims to be volumising then that is what I expect. I don't like overly wet formulas and I don't like spider lashes, I like the natural look and don't want to spend hours scrubbing my eyes to remove all trace of mascara.

So Monsieur Big claims to give the look of up to 12x more volume than bare lashes and also claims that there will be:

 --> No flakes, no smudges: smudge-resistant mascara with up to 24-hour wear
--> Intense colour: ultra black
--> Easy, soft application
--> Tested under ophthalmological control
--> Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

The first thing to note about the Monsieur Big Mascara is the brush. The bristles are made up of soft fibres which claim to not only "hug your lashes" but to also separate and coat every single lash to give that lifted look of your lashes. The ultra-creamy formula has supple waxes and polymers to adhere immediately to your lashes to give you that big, buildable volume and length. Then there is the wand, it is huge and the name Monsieur Big Mascara most definitely lives up to its name right there. I like a big wand and brush, I like to feel the bristles work through my lashes as I zigzag it through from root to tip and I absolutely love this mascara - there I've said it.

The bristles on the brush are incredibly flexible and they bend and move accordingly through your lashes and they coat every single one, even the teeny tiny ones right in the corner and i've also not poked myself in the eye as yet! I like how volumising this mascara is and thankfully it isn't clumpy, one thing that I really dislike in a mascara is clumping after one or two coats, with this mascara my lashes are defined and fluttery as well as not being over the top spidery looking, instead they are more natural. I have worn this mascara every day and even in the heat of what is now the UK's version of Summer, the mascara hasn't smudged or flaked and I definitely haven't had crispy looking lashes.

The tube contains a generous 10ml of product whereas other mascaras that I use contain anything from 6.5ml 50 8.5ml and are within a similar price bracket. A full sized Monsieur Big retails for £21 and there is also a mini version of this Mascara available from Boots for £12 HERE.

I would love to know if you’ve tried the new Monsieur Big Mascara? 

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Mbotanicals Mini (M) Box

When this cute little mini box of skincare products arrived I was taken aback as to how cute it was. Coming from a brand known as (M) Botanicals this selection of products is a great idea to give you a welcome introduction to a brand, an opportunity to try some of their natural skin care plus it would make a lovely gift too.

Within the box you get five products and those products are sized so that they last between 2 and 4 weeks. I am a huge fan of sample products and I always take them with me on holiday, nights away or long weekend breaks and to get something that lasts this amount of time is fantastic. The box was simple and understated which I really liked and think it fits in well with the company ethos. The logo which is emblazed across the top of the box again, understated. Inside there is everything you need including all of the products which were individually wrapped in tissue paper and an information card with details about all of the products. The powdered cleansers and oils come stored in good quality glass jars, while the creams were sealed in small metal pots to keep them as fresh as possible.

Inside the Mini Box you will get;

10g Exfoliating Bamboo Cleanser - This for me is best described as being a very gentle yet effective facial cleansing powder and it is designed to revive tired skin. Using a combination of Copaiba balsam, Acai and Andiroba the cleanser will protect the skin from break outs and add much-needed emollients. 

It also has the addition of both Bamboo and Kaolin Clay which gently but mechanically exfoliate the skin to not only leave it soft and smooth but also give that clean feeling. Andiroba is an ingredient I haven't come across before but the notes tell me that it has been proven to decrease acne and combined with the anti inflammatory properties of Copaiba and Acai this kaolin rich clay cleanser will brighten and detoxify acne prone skin.

10g Hydrating Beauty Balm - Hydrating beauty balm is a water and preservative free balm and it uses high levels of Rosehip oil – a potent anti-oxidant that repairs, firms and hydrates the skin along with Borage is high in essential fatty acids which support the skins natural healing process and Sea Buckthorn Fruit CO2 extract which is an amazing wound healer, wonderful as an after sun treatment and  it also helps restore prematurely aging skin. 

It also smells just incredible and is the kind of product I would love to have a room spray for when I need a bit of a lift.  On the skin, it is luxurious and rich and incredibly delightful to catch the scent of.

10g Daily Rejuvenator - This is described as being a potent targeted moisturiser and it is the perfect natural solution for protecting and keeping mature skin looking great. Using ingredients to plump the skin, revive and rejuvenate you can expect to find:

• Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 prevents collagen breakdown.
• Vitamin B3 otherwise known as Niacinamide, a multi-functional superstar,  is proven to help fade hyper-pigmentation and discolouration, improve skin barrier function and gently exfoliate.
• Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws in moisture, keeping skin plump and youthful.
• Amino rich emollients of Prickly pear, Rosehip extract and Pumpkin seed oil help improve skin texture, revive and rejuvenate.
• CoQ10 and Vitamin E acetate are anti-oxidant powerhouses to help defend against free radical damage

Having used the Rejuvenator, what I liked about it was the natural spa like scent and how easily it absorbed into the skin.  

I am not too sure that I fit into the 'mature skin' age range just yet, but it definitely did moisturise and hydrate my skin.

5mL Rejuvenating Facial Elixir - Prickly Pear Elixir is described as being a light weight oil that absorbs easily into the skin and in doing it not only nourishes but also tightens pores. Add to that, the use of Squalane helps to create a protective film on the skin as blackseed oil adds amino acids and other vital nutrients. 

This lovely Elixir is said to be an oil which is good for mature, oily and combination skin types.

The Final product is a 10g bar of Pink Clay Soap for face and body - This soap is based on red kaolin clay which imparts a rich brick red colour.  

What I love about it is the scent as it is scented with Rose Geranium, Lavender, Orange and Patchouli essential oils which give it the most amazing sweet but floral citrus scent which has a hint of earthiness to it as well.

This Mini Box of products is priced at just £15 which you can find here and I would love to hear your thoughts.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Erborian Cleansing Water with 7 Herbs

If you didn't know by now, then Erborian has become one of my favourite brands and has featured on my blog quite a few times now and I am yet to find a product that I am disappointed in or dislike. Its name derived from 'Herbs of the Orient', was born back in 2007 when two women, both experts in the demanding world of cosmetics happened to meet. Blending the power of Korean textures and ingredients with French sensoriality and know-how and they are really worth checking out.

To date, there are just two cleansing waters that I have found and liked. La Mer which I just cannot afford to keep repurchasing and this from Erborian which I just absolutely adore.

Using a combination of 7 Herbs used for this Cleansing water are:

• Tiger grass: anti-inflammatory, helps to heal
• Rosemary: anti-stress and antioxidant
• Small Chamomile/: restorative effect on dry, sensitive and Irritated
• Japanese knotweed: Relieves pain and treat scrapes
• Licorice: Reduces melanin generation at the origin of pigmentation
• Skullcap: Promotes skin lightening and mitigation tasks
• Green Tea: Prevents damage Caused by UVB rays

The ingredients come together, those ingredients manage to gently cleanse the skin and remove every trace of makeup along with dirt, grime and lord knows what from my skin after a day travelling around London (grim). When I come home from work or wherever I might have been, as soon as my shoes (Fitflops) are off then the first thing I do is clean my face and this is what I use, it is then just before bed that I will double cleanse.

The micelles contained in the formula help to trap impurities and a single step, the face looks clean, moisturised and it does it all without leaving my skin feeling dry and in need of moisture. The scent that accompanies this micellar water is one that is best described as fresh, in fact it is quite pleasant and once used it makes your skin feel incredibly clean. 

Priced at just £19 you can find it right HERE at House of Fraser.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Love Me Beauty - July Edition

This month's Love Me Beauty has arrived packed full of some pretty amazing brands and from them, some incredible products and not forgetting the rather beautiful little bag which accompanies all of the products. This month sees some changes at LMB HQ. Whilst you will still get 60 credits for your £10, there will no longer be any limited edition edits, which means products will remain available to purchase for as long as they are in stock. I personally think this is a really clever move as it means there will be more choice on products and you can continue to keep buying that one product you really like, without paying the full whack!

This month the bag has five products in it, some I have seen before, some I have used and some I haven't.

Eco Tools Sponges | 20 credits

I absolutely love these sponges and have said my sister needs to switch from using a brush to a sponge and these come as a pack of two. I use mine all of the time and featured them here. I like that these sponges come in two different sizes and colours are said to help create that airbrushed camera-ready look. The dark green blender is soft and flexible which makes the application of foundation and the lighter green sponge which is much more firm is the one you would use for the precision application of products such as your concealer.

Ecotools Buffing Brush | 20 credits

This second offering from Eco Tools is a Complexion Buffing Brush which has densely packed bristles and a flat top. I really like using this for my liquid foundation, it is really soft and buffs effortlessly. I like the chunky handle which makes holding it much easier to apply your foundation.

Nails Inc | 25 credits

I was really happy to see Nails Inc with this months selection and this particular polish is called Bayswater Avenue and it is described as being your on-trend nude-pink which it absolutely is. Perfect for everyday wear, you only need to apply two coats of this polish for a beautiful finish. I find it is similar to Fiji from Essie shade wise, though the formula for Nails Inc is slightly thicker.

Nip+Fab Gycolic Pads | 5 credits

These pads are ones I have used before and I do like them. They are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid which helps to retexture and resurfaces your skin, then witch hazel which helps to tone. Then we have both hyaluronic acid and soothing blue daisy which helps to reveal brigand smoother looking skin.

Rodial Dragons Blood eye Mask | 15 credits

I am a huge fan of eye masks and this is one product I haven't tried from Rodial. Dragon’s Blood does sound like an odd ingredient, but no Dragon's were harmed to make this product, Instead, it is created from the resin from the Croton Lechleri Tree which is also known as the ‘Dragon Tree’ and the sap has been used for centuries for medicinal and healing purposes. Putting that together with Rodials expertise in bio-cellulose technology, these eye masks work to intensely hydrate and moisturise the delicate eye area. When used, the skin is said to be comforted and refreshed and the added use of arnica extract helps reduce the look of under-eye puffiness for an instant, brighter-eyed appearance.

So there you have the July Edition of Love Me Beauty and if this is something you need in your life (you do) then here is an offer for you:

Love Me Beauty Offer:

Sign up today and use my exclusive code beautyqueenuk17 to get a FREE GIFT.

www.lovemebeauty.com

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise