Lookfantastic #LFJETSETTER June 2016 Box

So Summer has clearly been slightly delayed but to make up for the miserable weather, this months the Lookfantastic June 2016 Beauty Box #LFJetSetter is bright and cheerful looking and contains specially chosen beauty products to have you looking a million dollars for your travels and because they are all handy travel sized items, you can even take them with you! 

First out of the box this month is the Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream (7ml woth £22). Described as being a wonder cream, it helps to improve and correct dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and dullness, leaving your eye area looking younger and brighter. Silver, copper and iridescent pearlisers visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles by illuminating the skin to give the illusion of bright and radiant skin.  The cream itself is quite a thick texture, so you only need the smallest amount.  As it warms with the heat of your skin, it becomes easier to use.  Whenever I use an eyecream, I always use the fourth finger (wedding ring finger) and then using a dabbing action from the inside towards the outside of the under-eye. then, with what is left, gently spread it up to the temples and upper eyelid.

Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturiser (22ml worth £14.50) comes next and it is suitable for all skin types. Using its blend of Rosehip and Sweet Almond Oils to provide optimum hydration to leave your complexion soft, smooth and supple. Fast-absorbing and ultra-lightweight, the breathable formula creates a flawless make-up base. The cream is quite lightweight, absorbing almost on contact, it leaves behind absolutely no trace it was ever there, other than the sweet scent, which is incredible.

Korres Shower Gel in Basil Lemon (40ml worth £1.33). I am already a huge fan of Korres, so it is great to try out a product I have not used before. Basil Lemon Showergel has active aloe juice, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes which all help to enhance the immune system of your skin. It also contains wheat proteins to form a protective film on your skin, thus maintaining its natural moisture levels. When it comes in contact with water, it turns to a creamy foam which contains green spice, for dazzling freshness, and has a vibrant lemon zest touch.

TanOrganic Self Tan Oil (25ml worth  £6.25) is designed to help you get your glow on before you hit the beach and not only does it add colour to your skin in a safe way, it also moisturises to stop your skin from drying out. It has a really lovely citrus scent to it and the oil is really lightweight, it also neither oily or greasy when on the skin.

Cowshed Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream (50ml worth £3) is described as being a naturally nourishing essential for hard-working hands. Using a blend of chamomile and calendula and pure essential oils of lavender, grapefruit and cinnamon it smells just amazing and the texture is really light, so you only need a small amount to massage into both hands and once it is absorbed, your hands will feel hydrated and smooth. This cream contains no parabens, SLS or petrochemicals. It is 100% vegetarian and has not been tested on animals.

Dead Sea Spa Magik Beauty Balm BB Cream (15ml worth £4) uses Dead Sea minerals, pure plant extracts and antioxidant Vitamin E, the beauty balm applies and blends effortlessly for natural-looking coverage that adapts to suit individual tone, whilst stimulating collagen production and minimising the appearance of fine lines. It also has SPF15 and doesn't leave your skin looking at all orange.

The final item within this box is three sachets of Mr Blanc’s Teeth Whitening Strips (worth £1.80 each). These teeth whitening strips are peroxide-free and are clinically proven to safely and effectively whiten your smile, each flexible strip is coated with a whitening gel and fits perfectly to the contour of your teeth; a host of enamel friendly ingredients work on the surface and beneath, absorbing into the enamel to remove stains and prevent new ones from forming. Deeply embedded stains are reduced, and if used correctly, your teeth appear visibly whiter after just fourteen days.

I think this is a pretty fantastic box for getting yourself in the mood for summer and for your holidays and the handy travel-size products are even better for putting in your suitcase or even your handbag for a staycation!

As with last months box there is the latest edition of Elle magazine and it costs as little as £11.25 a month for the Beauty Box. Bargain!

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

I am a huge fan of facemasks, they are part of my pampering routine and you can never have too many in my opinion. Over time I have learnt that my skin reacts better to using different masks on different parts of my face and this was made even clearer to me at a Dermalogica Event when I was lucky enough to have a signature Face Mapping consultation.  Thankfully, I was told that the Charcoal Rescue Masque is one I can use on my t-zone or all over my face when the need arises.

My skin looks a little dull currently, it certainly isn't keen on the change in weather and work has been extensively busy, so at times like this, I need a little extra TLC. The Dermalogica Charcoal Masque is said to detoxify, brighten and invigorate the skin by using Binchotan Charcoal as the main ingredient, it helps to draw out toxins, excess oil and impurities, refine pores, calm redness and improve skin texture and smoothness. Additional ingredients include:

• Sulfur - promotes cellular turnover for brighter skin and is renown for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when treating acne, sulfur is also ideal for calming rosacea, eczema and sebaceous dermatitis.
• Volcanic Ash, hot spring, marine silt (mud) and Bamboo stem extract are used as the exfoliants to remove dead and dry skin cells to leave your skin smooth and soft to the touch.
• Phytic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid are chemical exfoliants which accelerate cellular turnover to help increase the production of collagen
• Niacinamide which helps to reduce redness and inflammation
• Chilean Wild Mint which clarifies the skin and helps refine pores.

For a clay mask, the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque applies much easier than others that I have tried, even though it has a fairly thick texture. When I apply the mask, I ensure my skin has been cleansed first to remove any surface dirt and grime and then using an old make-up brush, I ensure my face and neck gets equal covering. Then leaving it on my face for a good 10 minutes. Once that time is up, I lightly massage the masque, using wet hands to enhance the exfoliation process during removal, which I complete using a Muslin cloth. As you massage the masque off your skin, you can feel the exfoliation particles working to remove dead and dry skin.

Having tried this you do see results almost straight away. I found my skin was much brighter and definitely smoother to the touch. It is a masque that truly lives up to its expectations and is a delight to use.

You can find the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque 

to order online HERE

P.A.M | Precious About Makeup

P.A.M or Precious About Makeup (Formally known as M.A.P) is a professional makeup store located in West Central London that will celebrate it's 20th birthday this year! I have to hold my hands up and say that I had not come across the brand until recently, but I am very glad to have been introduced.

PAM (Precious About Makeup) was established by makeup artists for makeup artists, in 1996. PAM founders, Kate and Jan, are professional makeup artists, who still work in the field which keeps them up-to-date with the latest tips, tricks and products among other things and you can read more about their story here.

It was established by makeup artists for makeup artists and stocks an impressive selection of makeup brands including:

• Beauty Blender,
• Ben Nye, 
• Japonesque
• Kryolan,
• Makeup Forever,
• MUD,
• Sigma
• Z-Palette,
• Zuca.

Plus so much more. I was kindly sent a selection of products to play with and I have been so incredibly impressed with what I have:

MUD Mai Tai Lipstick £15.50

This is my first contact with MUD and as lipsticks go, this is one I initially thought I would really dislike, but infact I was very wrong and it is a shade I love. Designed similarly to MAC lipsticks with the bullet design, this lipstick is shade Mai Tai which is described as being a deep reddish-pink color lipstick with a muted blue undertone. 

The formula is also really lovely, it glides onto the lips with minimal effort and stays in place for a good 5 hours before you need to touch up.

MUD Blush - Glow £17.95

Again, this was my first time using a MUD blusher and this one reminds me of NARS Orgasm, even the texture is incredibly similar with how smooth it is. 

Described as being a sheer peach cheek color with a subtle golden shimmer it is absolutely stunning and an easy shade to wear.

Make Up Forever Aqua Matic £9.60

I am a big fan of Make Up Forever and this is my first contact with Aqua Matic. Aqua Matic is a waterproof and smudgeproof eye shadow that comes in an automatic retractable pencil. It has an integrated sharpener in the tip so the pencil is always sharpened. 

Aqua Matic S-60 is described as a satiny warm brown with warm undertones and it has a satin-matte finish. It is easy to use and blends incredibly smoothly until it sets, which takes about a minute and once it has set, this crayon has amazing staying power, nothing budges it and nor does it fade or crease and it is of course waterproof. If it isn't quite the shade you would usually use as an eyeshadow, it works just as well as eyeliner.

The prices of the products from P.A.M are incredible and there are some amazing savings to be had, whether you shop online or go to the actual store. Whether you are a beauty blogger, professional Make Up Artist or even obsessed with make up and tools, then P.A.M will have something for you at an amazing price.

Have you shopped with P.A.M yet?

Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Collection

I have been a fan of Palmers Cocoa butter for as long as I can remember, there is something quite special about the scent and the amazing things it does to keep your skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. So when I got to see the launch of the new Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula which comprises of four luxuriously nourishing, and amazing scented products I was in my element!

All four of the Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula products use mainly ethically and sustainably sourced raw organic Coconut Oil. To make it even more luxurious, the range is infused with the ancient Polynesian sacred oil - Tahitian Monoï Oil and is infused with Tiare Flower Petals. Added together with anti-oxidants, Vitamin E and proteins, they all work together to ensure your skin is deeply hydrated, supple, soft and sooth and they all help boost skin's health and radiance. Of course the decadently rich coconut scent is just incredible.

The four products within the range are:

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion 

The one thing I am useless at is remembering to use up body lotions, but give me something that smells as incredible as this and I am lapping it up. I often find after being wrapped up all winter, that my skin, especially on my legs and arms, is in need of extra moisture and hydration having been hidden away under thick tights and chunky knits. This lotion is incredibly luxurious, milky, creamy all without being greasy or tacky when on the skin. It absorbs itself with minimal contact leaving behind soft, soothe and supple skin and a delicious coconut scent. At just £4/250ml via Boots this is worth every penny.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Hand Cream.

As far as I am concerned you can never have too many tubes of hand cream in your posession. I have three or four on the go at all times, plus a hand scrub. This offering from Palmers smells good enough to it, it is just delightful. Again with that luxurious intensely creamy lotion, this hand cream is fast absorbing and is perfect for hands which are dry and cracked or in need of moisture.  As soon as the cream disappears again your hands are left moisturised and smooth.  At just £2.40/60g via Boots this hand cream is worth every single penny and is perfect for having in your handbag, on your desk or even in your gym bag.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Cream

If you want something that is more of a lotion and almost the same as the tub of cocoa butter you might be more familair with from Palmer's then this tub of body cream is that.  The richest moisturising product from the range, the cream is incredibly moisturising and almost cocoons the skin as it comes into contact. The difference between this cream and the body lotion is thickness of texture and the time it takes to absorb.  The Lotion absorbs much quicker than the cream, but the cream is a much thicker texture so it does take that bit longer to absorb, both however leave the skin feeling moisturised and soft.  A 125g tub costs just £5.25 from Boots.

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Oil. 

The hero product of the range for me is this body oil, it is just superb. The oil has a light, silky, non-greasy formula which is designed to quench the thirstiest of skin and it doesn't leave behind any greasiness or tackiness on the skin. I have used this a lot on my legs which is where I turn half lizard/half mermaid with scaly legs owing to dryness and from the first application, the dryness is almost eradicated, but you must allow it to fully dry and disappear onto and into your skin before getting dressed as it may stain your clothes. This oil can be used daily as an everyday oil, in the bath or shower. I personally use it after my long hot bath at the weekend as part of my pampering routine. This oils costs just £7/150ml from Boots.

Free from Parabens, Phthalates, Dyes, Mineral Oil, Gluten and Sulfates, this is such a fabulous range of products and one which won't break the bank, it smells simply divine and it leaves your skin looking and feeling amazing! Even Dexter approves!