W7 Tinted Kiss Lip Oil

It is no secret that I have become a huge fan of lip oils, all started by GOSH some months ago. Now it seems a lot of brands have begun to introduce them into their product line and the ones I am currently loving are from the budget friends brand that is W7.

W7 is a brand that should not be ignored. Famed for their many dupes they have a huge catalogue of prodcts waiting to be discovered and none of which will leave your Bank Manager with a headache. So on a recent trip to Westfield with the mister, I came across a budget store which had a section dedicated to W7 products and it is there that I came across the Tinted Kiss Lip Oils.

Available in four different options, these Tinted Lip Kiss Oils come packaged inside a rather attractive looking chrome tube with a brightly coloured lid and it is the packaging which caught my eye and upon opening them, it was again clear that this was yet again another clever dupe, only this time of a product I have hankered after and still not bought - YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil.

So with Bellini, English Rose, Cherry Brandy and In the Pink being the options to choose from, they look like this:

• Bellini is described as being a delicate coral nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish
• English Rose is described as being a pale pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.
• Cherry Brandy is described as being a deep pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.
• In The Pink is described as being a light pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.

Now they are very subtle when adding colour to your lips and as it is a lip oil, it is not quite the texture of a gloss but then it slightly tacky for a few seconds after applying to your lips.  The wand really helps with the application to ensure it is smooth and it can be worn alone, under lipstick or over lipstick.  Each oil also has a subtle scent to them, nothing too odious, more floral and what I love about them, other than the price (under £5) is that they are actually hydrating, not as much as others that I have used, but for the price (I paid £1.95) I really cannot complain at all.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic

I am obsessed with Facial Mists and right now they have really taken off and are everywhere, over the next few weeks there are a few others that will also appear here, especially because I have enjoyed using them.

For me, I always ensure I have a few facial mists at work, a mini in my handbag and I obviously have some at home too. I personally find them really refreshing and if like me you spend the day in front of a computer, you might find your skin becomes quite dehydrated, same with air conditioned offices and even in the winter with heating. I also find that they keep my makeup looking fresh and prevent the need for constant need to re-do it.

I have recently been trying the Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic (200ml £21). which is a vitamin packed Mist which provides not only a fine layer of instant hydration but it is also really cooling and soothing on the skin as well as helping to lift your spirits. Described as being a 3-in-1 product, it works as a toner, a spirit lifter and a facial freshener all whilst being an alcohol free formula. Using refreshing cucumber extract and marine oligo elements alongside mineral salts, the mist works to remove impurities from your skin to leave it feeling both revitalised and energised whilst at the same time it helps to enhance your skin’s elasticity and keep it balanced. The mist also contains vitamins C and B, mineral salts and marine extracts, zinc and copper.

The Tonic has a surprisingly fresh scent to it which I wasn't expecting, but it is one which I absolutely love.  One press of the nozzle is more than enough to coat your entire face with the spray and  the first thing I noticed was how incredibly hydrating it is and how lightweight it actually is.  With some facial mists they do leave your face slightly wet, this one doesn't, it is as though it absorbs upon contact with your skin.

I use this Tonic all the time and it has played many different roles with my skincare routine - as a toner after cleansing, after I have applied my make-up, especially my foundation so that I have that dewy look. I also use it when I feel ive been sat in front of a computer screen for long enough that my skin needs a bit of TLC, ive used it on hot days, cold days, rainy day and just because I wanted to use it as I like how it feels on my skin. You can literally use it in any way you feel it would work best for you, it is such a lovely product to use.

Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic comes in a 200ml bottle so it is going to last me a good amount of time and I am really glad I have had the opportunity to try it and be introduced to a brand I might not otherwise have known about.

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