March Makeup Lust List 2017

Spring is on its way and the clocks go back in just a few weeks time, so finally we might see some sunshine in the sky. With that in mind, there are some amazing beauty products around right now, especially if you are wanting to cheer up your makeup bag and give it a bit of a refresh. There are so many products I am loving the look of currently, that I have put together just a few of them below.

Benefit Cheek Parade Blusher and Bronzer Palette - I adore these palettes from Benefit and this one features some of Benefits iconic bronzers and blushes. A limited edition cheek palette you will find TWO new products - the amazing GALifornia golden pink blush and the NEW hoola lite bronzer which sit alongside the original Hoola, Dandelion and Rockateur. All of that one one palette for an amazing £49.50.

Hourglass GIRL Lip Stylo in shade Inventor - GIRL Lip Stylo is described as featuring the colour intensity of a lipstick fused with a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower Seed for softer, fuller lips. The shade inventor is a soft rose shade. Retailing for £23.40.

glo Minerals Elemental Collection Palette - Described as being a neutral, eight shade palette that hosts four warm hues and four cool tones. The eyeshadow powders boast a buildable and blendable formula, giving you the option to transform your look from day to night in an instant, whilst always ensuring a seamless, professional-looking finish. Priced at £35.95.

YSL The Shock Mascara - Described as being 'The most volumizing mascara by French luxury fashion house, The Shock coats each lash with maximum volume in just one stroke and without clumping'. The brush which has an hourglass shape allows more of the exclusive shock formula to grab hold of lashes. With brilliant, high-intensity colour, this long wear mascara will give you dramatic lashes that don?t smudge. Priced at £23.

Violet Voss Laura Lee Palette - Featuring 20 warm and über-flattering hues perfect for day or night. Whether you prefer a polished, understated look or want something slightly more statement, you can have hours of fun experimenting with the different colour combos. With colours echoing shimmering precious metals (‘Hiss Fit’, ‘Fleeky’, ‘Yoshi’); together with peach, coffee and chocolate nude mattes (‘Wiskers’, ‘Bubs’, ‘Britches’, ‘Fried’); as well as pretty glittery pinks and rose golds (‘Tickled Pink’, ‘1988’, ‘Rammer Jammer’, ‘Bitty’). Limited to 2 per customer it retails for £45.

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Liquid Lip Creme, Truth Or Bare in shade Slow Burn. These liquid Lip Cremes are described as having a unique hydrating formula which contains indulgent Brazilian cupuaçu butter for rich, creamy texture that feels cushiony and moisturising on lips, delivering unexpected full nude coverage with a subtle, satin sheen. The collagen-infused formula and optical plumpers help lips look full and voluminous, never dry, lined or cracked. Slow Burn is a medium-dark rosy mauve shade with warm undertones and it is priced at £24.

Beauty Bakerie Neapolitan EyesCream Palette - With twelve sugary shades, this cute collection of suedette and shimmering shadows are described being able to "grant an array of hypnotic eye make-up effects. Super-soft and crease-resistant, you can experiment with subtle, daytime smoulder or achieve arresting, after-hours drama with the stunning smoky hues.  With shades such as (‘I Scream’, ‘Powdered Sugar’ and ‘Wafer’) which are described as being chic and understated through warm, soft and smoky shades (‘U Scream’ and ‘Drive Thru’) via the vibrant accent hues to make eyes ‘pop’ (‘Sliced Almonds’, ‘Pistachio’ and ‘Strawberry’). Retailing for £40.

Makeup Revolution Renaissance Lipstick - Described as being the most elegant and beautiful lipstick, this collection of 20 high payoff lipsticks which range from nudes to darks are encased in a beautiful rose gold container and at £4.

What have you got your eye on right now?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Thinking of Getting a Purse Dog?

"couture baby" (CC BY 2.0) by istolethetv

Despite being cat people, we have always wanted to have a dog. I’ve been told that dogs are great companions and wonderful pets to have, but my only worry is finding the right dog breed for my lifestyle. Anyone who follows my blog knows how much I love handbags, and after seeing photos of celebrities carrying around their miniature pups in their bags, I decided to explore the idea of a purse-size dog more. I mean really it exists.

There are actually quite a few dog breeds that are categorised as ‘small’ or ‘purse-sized’, but my personal favourite so far has to be the Chihuahua. My sister-in-law as one and not only are these dogs adorably small, they are incredibly loving.

Besides, I would love a dog that wouldn’t require a huge financial investment, especially considering that an article by Voucherbox indicated that owning a dog could cost you over £15,000 over its lifetime! A Chihuahua wouldn’t shed as much in my purse and I wouldn’t have to spend outrageously on grooming necessities. I’d like to look as glamorous as actress Jamie Lee Curtis did while walking around with her Chihuahuas in the film Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

My only worry concerning adopting a Chihuahua is that it’s a breed with common health problems. That’s why I have also taken quite a liking to the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie for short. What I love most about this pup is that it’s considered to be the first dress up dog, so not only could I carry it around in my bag, but I could also tie cute bows on it, to match my outfit. Since Audrey Hepburn used to own a Yorkie, I thought it would be nice to own a dog similar to the kind one of my favourite actresses used to have.

"IMG_0971" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by deanwissing

However, despite how important picking a dog breed is, I also decided to do a bit of research on the type of handbag that is said to be best suited for a 'purse dog'. I’d prefer a stylish pet purse carrier, but it’s also important to pick a carrier that is roomy enough for the dog, but not too roomy that it could jump out at any moment.

A highlight recommendation for carriers that I have found is the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier, currently valued at £66.72. Sherpa is a well-renowned dog carrier brand, and its carriers are well ventilated and come in different styles to suit everyone’s needs. The Sherpa Original Deluxe can be used for any occasion, and is roomy and comfortable enough for a pet to feel good in.

For a more stylish alternative, and a cheaper option, there is also the MG Collection Dog Carrier Purse, currently valued at £24.99. This carrier resembles a handbag more than a carrier, and includes two large side pockets that I could use to store some of my personal items. As a soft-sided carrier, it is also lightweight and easy to assemble.

At the same time, if I were looking for an option that best fit my style, a tote would be a more suitable option. Totes look like purses, and are generally more appropriate to carry around when going to locations where a carrier might seem out of place. Argo by Teafco Pet Carrier is a popular designer tote, valued at £140.78, and one I have taken a liking to because of the cute pink colour it comes in. It is also well-ventilated and includes convenient extra pockets.

Now all that aside, I obviously would not buy a dog just for a bag. But it is surprising what you can find online and that there are such items available.  The only carrier I have for a pet is my cat carrier, which whilst a complete pain and awkward to carry, serves its purpose and that is where this article stems from.

Would you buy a dog for a bag?

Benefit GALifornia Sunny Golden Pink Blush

Benefit have another new release and this time it is the beautiful GALifornia, a new sunny golden pink blush that will be added to the Benefit Cosmetics Box o’ Powder permanent Collection. I love the Box o' Powders from Benefit, they are sturdy never ever break and keep the product they house in an amazing condition.

Benefit’s GALifornia comes housed in a 0.17 oz mirrored square box with a cute artwork inspired by vintage California surfer girls print. Like all of the box powers, Galifornia comes with her own traditional flat bristled blush brush which fits really easily into the box. Now I love the print. It is bold, it is bright and it is most definitely cheerful, but not wanting to judge a book by its cover, it is of course what is inside that counts!

Embossed with a sun design on the pan with flecks of shimmering gold is the blusher which I just absolutely adore. The gorgeous mix of peachy pink and gold together really grab your attention, though please do not worry, the gold is just an over-spray and does wear away. That said the blush is one of those easy to wear and flattering shades which gives you a flush of colour, a shade which will suit everyone.

So if you need a new blush for the spring, this is it! Benefit GALifornia is £24.50 and available HERE and HERE.

But that isn't all... the lovely Benebabes have given me an extra GALifornia Blush for one of you to win and all you need to do is head over to my Instagram and enter.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Jurlique Signature Facial

Image Credit - Jurlique

I am a huge fan of Jurlique and am obsessed with their Rosewater Balancing mist and back in December they opened their very first UK Store here in London and I went to that opening which you can read about here. This time I was back in store for a facial which I was really looking forward to after a stressful working week and of course, it is a real treat on a Friday.

Inside the store, it is incredibly calm and serene, so much so that you actually forget you are in on one of the busiest streets in London and are right in the heart of shopping heaven. Inside the store, the girls who work there are just divine knowledgeable, warm and friendly. Having been offered a lovely freshly brewed peppermint tea, I was taken through to the treatment room to familiarise myself with the surroundings, take a deep breath, sit back and relax. Then after a quick questionnaire about your skin and your main concerns, your therapist will then go through the treatment with you and at any point, you can and should ask any questions that you may have.

The signature facial lasts an hour and it is one which is customised to your skincare concerns, hence the questionnaire. Then it is time to remove some clothing, only the top half, climb onto the bed and lay down all comfortable under a huge towel, a warm blanket and then if you are a little chilly there is the option of an electric blanket too. The bed is the comfiest I have laid on, there is a perfect curve so your back isn't flat out. My hair was covered with a muslin cloth so there would be no transfer of products and having chosen my signature blend of oil, which in my case was the Balancing Blend Essential oil which is used to create a sense of balance and harmony.

As the facial begins a professional cleanse and a warm compression is used as this deeply cleanses the skin and boosts micro-circulation. My cleanse started with Replenishing Foaming Cleanser which is perfect for dry skin and it lifts away surface impurities leaving the complexion fresh and clean. Then as the massage began, I was almost ready to drift off as the relaxing and calming music in the background was simply incredible. My face was massaged to stimulate the lymph, plump the face and generally give my whole face a good work out, it wasn't at anytime uncomfortable, in fact, it was just heavenly. I was also given the option of steam which helps to unclog and cleanse your pores, enhance circulation and just remove anything clinging to the skin. My eyes were covered with a warm, slightly damp towel and as the steam was sprayed over my face, it was a lovely gentle burst of heat. My skin was then exfoliated using the Daily Exfoliating Cream which is a non-granular exfoliating cream making it perfect for everyday use and it cleans deeply to lift away dead skin cells leaving skin smooth and radiant.

Further products used within my facial included the Calendula redness rescue Treatment serum which is designed for sensitive skin. It helps provide a natural protective barrier against environmental aggressors and restores the skin's epidermal defences. The Nurturing Mask which is a gentle treatment mask using soothing botanical plant oils and natural clay to help address signs of redness on the skin and protecting against environmental aggressors. Then the Soothing Day Care Lotion which is a light-textured moisturising lotion for sensitive skin that helps hydrate and restores delicate skin whilst once again protecting against environmental aggressors. The use of my favourite Rosewater Balancing Mist and the Jurlique Water Essence (reviewed here) were also used

As the products are used on your skin and you are relaxed a neck and shoulder massage also takes place and again this is just so incredibly heavenly, especially if like me, stress seems to settle itself on your shoulders and across the back area, anything that helps relieve those knots gets a thumbs up. Then as my face mask was applied I was treated to a hand and arm exfoliation which also comes with a further massage and sometimes there is nothing more delightful and soothing than a hand massage. 

The treatment was finished with a little Rose Silk Finishing Powder which is a silky translucent facial powder that refines the complexion and helps reduce unwanted shine giving the skin a matte finish. Then finally came the Rose Love Balm for the lips and this is a natural balm that is infused with the natural scent of roses. On the lips, it helps to moisturise, soften and protect dry or chapped skin but can also be used on the cuticles, dry skin and essentially as a multi-use product.

As you can imagine, I felt incredible after this facial. My face and skin had been through a proper workout and I was now glowing.  After I had dressed and gathered my belongings, time was taken to go through each product which was used, the reason for using it and some little advice and tips with continuing skin care.

The Jurlique Signature facial at the Jurlique Boutique costs £65.00 and I more than recommend it whether or not you are a fan of the products if you have never tried them if you are curious about the products and so on. Not only do you get an incredible facial, but you also get an education in your own skin, time to relax, a full facial work out, the pleasure of being pampered and an hour of uninterrupted your time.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise