Makeup Revolution Oil Control Fixing Spray

Like most people, I am enjoying the journey that Makeup Revolution are on right now.  To see all these amazing products being released one after another is nothing short of amazing and I am sure for the people behind these amazing products it is very much like having their very own Chocolate Factory like Willy Wonka.

I was very kindly sent the Oil Control Fixing Spray to try and as I have had quite a lot of social events both work related, blogging related and family related, it has been really good to have something to put to the test and in all kinds of weather too!

I have combination skin which can be an absolute nightmare, make-up can either cling to my dry bits or slip off the oily bits, even with a primer.  Before this Makeup Revolution spray, I was using my trusty faithful setting powder from GOSH, which has been mentioned many times on my blog because it does help alleviate my problem slightly when it comes to keeping things in place on my face much longer, but that is a powder and not a spray, so switching from one to the other was no mean feat, especially when you have become quite used to and quite comfortable with it.       

Stop the shine & matte finish all day! New Oil Control Fixing Spray! Screams the product description with this Pro Fix Oil "New sister product for our PRO FIX, fixing spray.. Our Oil Control Fixing Spray is a lightweight setting spray that helps deflect surface shine for a natural matte finish. High Tech ingredients keep foundation and eye makeup in place, with NO smudging and NO fading. That ‘Just-Applied’ look for up to 12 hours". 

Amazing claims for a product that costs just £5 when it will not only prevent smudging but also reduce the oily shine, prolong your make up and maintain a natural matte finish - wow!  The packaging isn't too over the top or fancy, what you see if what you get and I like that.  A white plastic bottle with some gold finishing to add a really nice finishing touch.  But what you really want to know is, does it work?

Having used this now for a few weeks, I have to say I am impressed. Once sprayed, the spray itself is really light weight, in so much as it doesn't feel like you have just spritzed some hairspray. Once you have sprayed Pro Fix, it literally dries in a matter of seconds, so you can spray and go essentially, no having to wait around for it to dry and it is also unscented which I am really pleased about because I am not a fan of chemically scented sprays for anything.

What has really impressed me though is that it does help to reduce my oiliness, especially on and around my nose and my forehead, which are my oiliest areas and is always the first place I use blotting paper when I feel the need. Does it keep my make-up matte? Yes I think it does and I also find that my make-up doesn't disappear mid-morning or even mid-afternoon, it stays all day I am at work, though naturally I touch up my lipstick because it is just something I do, but everything else remains in place and if I have an evening function, I actually don't need to re-apply a single thing, I am comfortable enough knowing that my make-up looks absolutely fine.  Add to that, it somehow manages to keep my skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth.

So Pro Fix gets the big thumbs up from me, it does as it says it will do, lasts an average of 8-9 hours and keeps my shine at bay with one quick spritz as I am running out of the door and all for just £5 here it is an absolute bargain.

This post may contain PR Samples and/or Affiliate Links

Davaj Face and Eye Serum

Every so often a product comes into your being which sounds amazing, you use it before taking photos like a naughty blogger and that is true of two serums I have been lucky enough to try by Davaj. Like many people, I love natural skincare and I especially love anything which contains essentials oils, I am a tad geeky when it comes to them because I like to read up and see what benefits they will or should have for me. The oils in these Davaj serums are not diluted with cheaper base oils and the ingredients in both formulas are picked carefully to work in synergy to bring skin nourishment with anti-wrinkle benefits!

Davaj Natural Serums blend together high quality ingredients to deliver dramatic visible anti-ageing benefits. Withing their range are three products - Eyes, Face and Body Serum. I was kindly sent the eye and face serums and they ooze luxury from start to finish.

As you can see the dark violet glass bottles, which are designed to store the natural products, not only work prolong the shelf life of each serum, but also boost vital properties of each ingredients. Each bottle also comes with a pipette, which makes using each serum an absolute breeze.

The Davaj Eye Lifting Serum was made with two main goals in mind, the is the ability to deliver dramatic skin improvement and to offer a one of a kind concentrated formula using quality organic oils and actives.  What I like about this serum is the ingredients.  We start with what are referred to as the base and for this Argan and Rosehip oils are used, both have powerful wrinkle reducing properties with Rosehip also being rich in Vitamin C and both help increase hydration in the skin.

Further ingredients in the eye serum include Broccoli, Pomegranate and Moringa Seed Oils, as soon as I saw Broccoli, my interest was pricked because I have never used a product with it as an ingredient! It turns out that it is packed full of anti-oxidents and it also contains vitamin A, is highly moisturising and absorbs into the skin really quickly. All those seed oils come together to create a formula which is highly protective and restorative on the skin. The final ingredient I feel needs a mention is Carrot Seed Oil, which is described as having nearly magical rejuvenating effect on the skin, to not only soften and smooth the skin, but to assist with cell growth and skin rejuvenation and effectively repairs damage caused by free radicals.

What I love about this serum is that it isn't over oily and it isn't super runny.  When applied to the skin, it instantly disappears beneath the surface and leaves no trace behind that it was ever there.  I am lucky enough to not yet have notable wrinkles around my eyes, but the skin under my eyes, always looks much brighter.  This Serum has an RRP £55.

The Davaj - Intense Remodelling Face Serum, like the eye serum also has two main goals - to dramatically improve the overall condition of your skin and create a one of a kin concentrated formula to do just that.  The active ingredients in this formula starts with Omega 3,6, 9 Fatty Acids from Organic Argan Oil, they penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. The use of Spillanthes Acmella Flower Extract which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and Pomegranate Seed Oil which leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.  

After using, the first thing your skin feels is soft and smooth not to mention supple.  I was also surprised to find that there was no oily residue left anywhere on my face, though the oil does absorb itself super quick.  This Serum has an RRP £65 for 50ml.

Again within this serum there is one stand out ingredient and for it is Hazelnut Oil which contains Vitamin E, making it essential for the skin.  It is also described as being an effective skin tonic and moisturiser. Its astringent effect helps to tighten skin tone, regenerate cells and strengthen surface capillaries. It works really well for a good facial massage and is said to be particularly good for oily/acne prone skin types.

With all of these essential oils being included in each serum, I was surprised to find that there was no oily residue left on my skin after application and they both absorb themselves incredibly quickly into the skin.  With the eye serum, I have found that I only need to use two small drops from the pipette and I drop them onto the top of my hand, then using my index finger, transfer the serum to my under-eye.  With the facial serum, I have found that again, less is more and no more than 4 drops are required to complete the application to my face. 

Scent wise, you don't have to worry about walking around smelling of broccoli because neither smell of vegetables, infact to me, the scent of fruit is the first thing to capture my senses and as you massage the serums into your skin, the smell disappears.

Overall, these for me have been a fantastic discovery.  I use them both morning and evening when I feel my skin really does need some TLC, rather than using them everyday and you love discovering new products with natural ingredients, then Davaj must be your next stop.

Home Pampering for the Mums

My Mum has quite a busy job, if she isn't running around after my dad and the dog, she has 6 grandchildren, with another on the way (no not me) to entertain her, she is a knitter and is always knitting something for someone because she enjoys it so much and she never charges for it, she is on the committee of the local social club, or she can be found buying prizes for the bingo she and my sister run to raise money for local charities - so yes, she is one busy lady.

So for Mothers Day, the one thing she does need is something to encourage her to take time out, relax and have a bit of me time, something I am an expert at doing because it is important. With that in mind this incredible Moroccan Rose Bath & Body Collection has really caught my attention along with the Weleda Wild Rose body care collection.

 The Moroccan Rose range has been specially formulated to not only leave you smelling wonderfully of fresh roses but to also ensure your skin feels the benefit of long-lasting hydration. The Moroccan Rose Collection contains the exclusive Argan + synergy complex, an all-natural 100% blend of precious Moroccan Argan oil combined with four other amazing oils, each specially chosen for its ability to restore, regenerate and nourish the skin. 

Moroccan Rose Nourish & Renew Body Wash is described as being a beautiful Rose Otto scented body wash counteracting the drying effects of water on the skin due to its luxurious combination of the exclusive Argan + synergy complex. (£4.95, 200ml)

Moroccan Rose Calm & Sooth Bath Soak is rich in both nutrients and vitamins, and uses a combination of precious Moroccan Argan Oil with Avocado and delicately fragranced Rose Otto Oil to leave the skin, soft, smooth and sweetly scented. The luxurious fragrance will bring a sense of relaxation and serenity for total wellbeing. (£5.95, 300ml)

Moroccan Rose Super Repair Hand & Nail Cream is formulated to soothe dry, cracked hands and strengthen weak nails, is a softly-scented, non-greasy cream packed full of antioxidants to heal, repair and protect the hands. (£7.99, 75ml)

Moroccan Rose Nourish & Soften Body Butter uses a subtle, rose fragrance and has a luxurious soft texture which increases cellular turnover to leave skin deeply hydrated. Rose Otto Oil, moisturising coconut and soothing hibiscus increase the skin’s elasticity for a soft and youthful appearance. (£8.99, 300ml)

The collection has four products and they available from Waitrose.

 

Weleda also have an amazing Wild Rose body care collection, which is made from handpicked and pressed organic musk rose seed oil, with each product providing the ultimate multi-sensory pampering experience right at home.

Weleda Wild Rose Cream Bath is described as being a beautifully scented pampering cream that nourishes skin, awakens the senses and transforms your bath experience. Providing intense moisture using gentle jojoba and olive oil, skin is left feeling velvety soft and smooth. Fine seed oil of precious organic musk rose, which is naturally rich in unsaturated fatty acids, deeply nurtures skin. (£9.95)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash is formulated with nourishing Rosehip Seed Oil which contains vitamins A, B and E as well as essential fatty acids blended with organic essential oil of Damask Rose to provide the delicate, mild fragrance. If you have dry or stressed skin, this is a perfect product because it combines intensive care for dry skin whilst maintaining the moisture balance in normal skin. (£8.95)

Weleda Wild Rose Body Oil uses precious Wild Musk Rose Oil which is gentle on the skin, leaving it supple and elastic. The further ingredients of Gentle Almond Oil, finer and lighter oil, along with moisturising Jojoba Oil, compliments the Rose oil’s revitalising properties. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids support the natural functions of the skin so that it becomes smooth and silky.

All of these products are available from www.weleda.co.uk
 

How to find an emergency dentist

One of my biggest fears is losing all my own teeth.  Why? Because I have an irrational fear of false teeth, something I have previously mentioned on this blog before.  It is a fear that started when I was a child and has stayed with me.  I cannot be in the same room as or see them, I freeze, break out in a sweat and want to vomit. As part of my beauty regime, one thing I do is look after my teeth.  I have got to my 30 years and have never had a filling or a tooth out, something I am quite proud of.

Source

No-one relishes a trip to the dentist, and when you're going as an emergency case, it's even more traumatic. Help is at hand though, as the smart, efficient and simple booking service available at Toothpick.com will guide you through the process step by step. It's really easy to book a dentist local to you, and, even better, it's completely free.

With 3500 NHS and private dentists throughout the UK listed on the site, you should be able to find an out of hours dentist close to home and book quickly online, for example dentist Marlborough, an experienced family dentist has everything you need, from a routine check-up for your family or a cutting-edge dental implant. The site's reach is expanding all the time, too. Every dentist featured on Toothpick.com has to meet what's known as the "Toothpick Promise", which means that they have the relevant qualifications, independent reviews of their practice are given, and they offer a fair price for treatment.

Toothpick's 100% Best Price Guarantee also promises that the price shown online will match what you pay at the surgery- if it doesn't, Toothpick.com will refund you the difference.

To use the service, simply type in the name of the town or city where you live or work, the postcode, or the name of the practice you wish to book if you have one in mind. Toothpick.com's search function will then bring up all the practices local to you, and from the bar above, you can then select "emergency", and whether or not you're looking for a private or an NHS appointment.

Available dates and times will then appear, and all you have to do is select the one that's best for you. You then type in a few quick details including your name and contact number, and the appointment is arranged. Appointments can be booked 24 hours a day, so there's no hanging around pressing the "call back" button on your phone when surgeries open at 8am.

For emergency NHS dental care, you will be charged a flat rate of £18.50, although you may require a follow up consultation which will incur a separate charge. For emergency dental treatment offered by the NHS, you don't need to bring paperwork or your ID, unless your dentist specifies otherwise.

For private dental care, if you have insurance then it is usually wise to bring a copy of your policy with you if practicable. Depending on the terms and conditions of your private dental insurance, you will usually have to pay for the treatment upfront, and you can claim it back later.

For when you're feeling better, it's also possible to search dental surgeries, such as dentist Reading for specialisms and treatments offered (for example, you can search for dentists who are especially sympathetic to nervous patients, or for dentists who offer Invisalign treatment, or those who treat broken teeth, etc.).

Collaboration all words are my own

Tips for preventing Hair loss

Source (edited)

Losing my hair is one of my biggest fears (after losing my teeth) and every time I brush my hair and see loose strands, it baffles me.  It is apparently common place to lose between 50-100 hairs a day, not that I take time out of my busy schedule to count them.  For many of us, our hair is something that defines us, for some of us it is a way to stand out from the crowd and for most it is their pride and glory, regardless of colour, length or style.

There are of course many reasons why our hair might fall out more than normal - stress, post-pregnancy, menopause, over-styling, poor nutrition, hereditary genes and age can all impact on the health of the hair and hair growth.  But there are ways in which we can try to help prevent hair loss. Consider using Calecim's stem cell serum, applied through micro-needling. It is known to significantly help with hair growth, as a powerful men's and female hair loss treatment. 

1.  Scalp Massage - My hairdresser always tells me that a good scalp massage can have amazing effects on your head and hair (and it is incredibly relaxing).  Activiating and stimulating blood  circulation in turn channels more nutrients to the roots of your hair to give the best starting conditions for every individual hair.

2. Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements - There are many products out there on the market which promise to transform your locks.  There is obviously no magic cure but what supplements can do is nourish your hair and the hairs follicle which in turn leads to hair looking and feeling much healthier, stronger and vibrant.

3. Hair Care - Alongside vitamins, there are many hair products which can help your hair.  Whether it is a thickening shampoo and conditioner, a hair supplement such as KeraNew or even something for the scalp, anything that leads to your hair looking and feeling much better is a good thing. This also goes for regular trimming of the hair and one thing I will always do is use a regular deep conditioning hair mask and heat protection products when styling my hair, the last thing my hair or anyone else's hair needs is to become brittle, straw like and snap.

4. PRP Hair Treatment - PRP or platelet rich plasma, is a non-surgical treatment for hair loss in which the scalp is injected with a client’s own platelets as obtained from a blood sample. This is a relatively new treatment which is clinically proven treatment with several studies showing PRP injections reduced hair loss, increased the diameter of the hair and improved overall growth density.

5. You are what you eat - You hair consists of keratin, a protein which is made up of amino acids. In order to new hair to grow, your body needs to produce these amino acids: high-protein diets are therefore great for your hair, so make sure that you are including to your diet ingredients like eggs, meats and even dairy products like yogurt. Besides proteins, it is very important to remember that beauty is a reflection of what you eat, so be sure to stick to an overall healthy diet.

6. The specialists - If your hair loss is something that is worrying you then you can seek professional advice.  Shuna Hammocks from Sussex Trichlogy is  a qualified and experienced trichologist.  Trichology is the study of the hair and scalp, in both health and disease. This may range from hair loss, genetic thinning, flaky or oily scalp, to hair that is just out of condition and in need of some attention!  Shuna says:

 "I am so passionate about my profession, hence being in the business for over 12 years, that I would like to raise awareness about trichology so that it’s the first port of call when an individual experiences changes in their hair. I completely understand how the negative appearance of one’s “crowning glory” can destroy a person’s confidence and sexual identity.” 

Do you suffer from hair loss? Have you ever sought help? 

**sp

You Beauty Discovery Box - March Edition

This months You Beauty Discovery Box is titled 'Best of British' and homage is paid to all the fantastic home-grown brands and their brilliant products. This month the list to choose from was again amazing and I was chuffed to find two products listed that I have wanted to try for some time and this is my box:

The extra treats for March starts with Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner and comes with the following description - Dove Advanced Hair Series Youthful Vitality range helps to replenish hair’s lost nutrients, whilst natural coconut oils help increase elasticity and enhance the strength and feel of your hair. Hair is left deeply replenished and with double fullness.  Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner formula cleanse and condition, leaving sophisticated smoothing benefits for hair that is softer and more nourished than ever before.

I am not a fan of any Dove product, I have never felt they work for my skin or my hair, but as I have two 50ml samples to use, I will give them a try.

The second treat this month is a Nakd Bar and I have Cocoa Orange which is one I like and have reviewed HERE on my blog already.  Nakd bars are a great way to snack in a nutritious way and they are not only one of your five a day but dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, Vegan friendly, Kosher approved, free from sugar, GM Free and low in saturated fats.

My first chosen item this month was #LipGlam which is a 100% natural Lanolin Lipbalm and is a product I have had before and loved it, so I just had to get it again and a full review is coming soon.

Described as being the ultimate multipurpose moisturiser that not only acts as an amazing lip balm, it can also be used to prime, banish dry patches, treat cuticles, smooth split ends and set brows in place. It is proven to reduce skin roughness by 40% in just 60 minutes and with results lasting up to 8 hours, this 100% natural, rich balm sounds just amazing!.   This balm costs £9.99 to purchase.

The second chosen item this months comes from Illamasqua and it is a lipstick called Sangers which is a blood red, matt finish lipstick and full sized too.  The reason I chose this is because I was intrigued by the shade and the description issued a challenge to try it. 

Described as being a long-wearing formulation which contains Vitamin E, it is said to provide an immediate intense pay off from the initial stroke and can also be applied lightly as a lip stain that wears all day - this is the part I liked the sound of and I am going to be daring and try a red lipstick, I am told there is a red for everything, is this a red for me?  If you like the sound of Sangers it costs £18.50 to purchase and there is a further post coming on this lipstick and why I love it!

So that is this months box.  It costs just £6.95 and look at the contents, isn't that just great value for money?  This box is worth around £30 which is almost five time what I have paid for it to begin with, amazing.  I would love to know if you also subscribe and what you chose from the list!






 

Harajuku Lovers POP ELECTRIC collection

If there is one celebrity couple that I absolutely love it is Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale (or his music to be precise).  Some of you might know her better for the Harajuku Lovers fragrances which were founded in 2005 by Gwen herself.

Today I am introducing to you a new limited edition collection of Harajuku Lovers fragrances named the POP ELECTRIC collection. Building on their past success, the much loved and award winning Harajuku Lovers Fragrance POP ELECTRIC collection has five new luscious scents packaged in vibrantly coloured bottles that look like they’ve been dipped in molten chrome. Keeping with tradition, the doll shaped bottles are whimsical pieces of pop art inspired by Gwen's love of modern street art and contemporary sculpture.

Speaking about the new fragrances, Gwen Stefani commented - “Harajuku Lovers Fragrances are something I’m really proud of. We have put so much energy and love into not just the creation of the fragrances but into making the bottles like little pieces of collectable art.”

I was very kindly sent one of the scents to try out for myself as I am such a huge fan and when 'Music' landed on my doorstep, it was love at first sight. Described as being a fresh, aquatic fragrance with dry down of sun-wrenched woods, it has the following notes:

• TOP NOTE: Splashes of Crisp Apple, magical Water Lily, and the sweet surge of Crushed Berries.
• MID NOTE: Flirty bouquets of Dewy Freesia, whispers of Pink Peony and delicate kisses of Jasmine Petals.
• BASE: Smooth Sun-drenched Woods, sensual Transparent Musks and luscious Amberwood.

One spritz and you get a really light floral fragrance mixed with the crisp apple and it reminds me of DKNY Be Delicious once it has settled down onto my skin.  It has great lasting powers too and when I have worn it, not only have people been asking me what it is because it smells so nice, but it has lasted all day whilst I am at work which averages 8-9 hours. 

As I mentioned, there are five beautiful new scents to choose from and they each represent a fresh and modern interpretation of each girl’s personality and they are:

• LOVE: A mouthwatering fruity floral, featuring juicy apple, dewy pear, surrounded by jasmine, cashmere woods and creamy musks. 
• LIL’ ANGEL: Irresistibly addictive, this fragrance features juicy berries blended with candied violet and sugared rose, laced with a lollipop accord and rich amber. 
• G: A creamy modern gourmand featuring a delectable whipped coconut accord, enveloped in soft florals and musky woods. 
• MUSIC: This vibrant fragrance opens with crisp apples and crushed berries and unfolds into a water floral and wrapped in sensual amberwood and luminous musks. 
• BABY: Soft and comforting, this sophisticated powdery fragrance features a baby soft musk accord which blends with delicate florals and nuzzly vanilla. 
I love the sound of each and everyone of them and cannot wait to try more from the five.  Available in three sizes 15ml, 30ml and 50ml they are priced at £14.95, £24.95 and £34.95 respectively. 

Harajuku Lovers “POP ELECTRIC” are available exclusively in The Perfume Shop from the end of October 2014, then Nationwide from January 2015.

International Women's Day with Pink Parcel

Today is International Women's Day and unsurprisingly, my inbox has been pretty quiet about any product relating to said date, apart from one brand whom I have featured on my blog before - Pink Parcel and this is what they had to say:

As a female brand with a mission to care for and bring joy to women every month when their period strikes, Pink Parcel is naturally proud and passionate about International Women’s Day. What could be better than a day dedicated to uniting with fellow mothers, daughters, sisters and friends, to honour womankind and celebrate the encouraging, inspiring women in our lives who we love and admire?

Pink Parcel is a subscription box which has been specifically designed for women during their monthly cycle. The idea being that your box arrives before your period is due and inside it will be tampons and sanitary towels that are obviously essential items and as an added extra there are some beauty products and comforting treats which aim to put a smile on your face, almost like a hug in a box. Brand partners include St Tropez, Elizabeth Arden, OPI, ROC, Maybelline, Rimmel and Bio-Oil.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Pink Parcel is offering one free parcel to anyone that signs up to the subscription service on Sunday 8th March.

Pink Parcel also recently launched a teen-only version, Teen Parcel, designed especially for girls between the ages of 11 and 17 featuring brands such as Teapigs, Flamingo candles, Yardley and Binky London.

How does Pink Parcel Work?

Step One: Visit www.pinkparcel.co.uk and select ‘subscribe’ to get started

Step Two: Choose your favoured sanitary brand (Tampax, Lil-lets, U by Kotex or Always)

Step Three: Choose the level of absorbency required – Individual (Lite, Regular, Super or Super Plus) or Multi (a selection of different absorbencies)

Step Four: Choose your delivery dates based on your cycle

How much does Pink Parcel cost?

The subscription service is £9.99 including delivery and is debited from a nominated bank account monthly, with an introductory offer of £5.95 for the first month.   You can cancel at any time.

As I have said before, both of these boxes are absolutely fantastic and I just love the concept it is brilliant. I love how refreshing it is not to have to think about your period and that there is a little something too make you smile inside too, of course, the content of the 'for you' box changes every month to add a little more excitement to the whole concept. Teen Parcel again is just a lovely concept and one I have enjoyed sharing with both my goddaughter and friends little girl, both of whom are a little too embarrassed by their monthly cycles, which is quite sad in many ways, but thankfully, this is discreet enough for them to not to have to feel it is a subject they need to mention too often.

Happy International Women's Day!

LookFantastic March Box

One beauty box that I am loving right now comes from LookFantastic, every month I have loved the contents this month is no exception.  The box costs just £15 and you more than get value for money for the items that are included and all of the brands that feature are available on the Lookfantastic website.

So the March box is here and this is what I found inside:

bliss Fatgirlslim - I quite like a few Bliss products, but this is one im not too impressed with the name of. That aside, this is said to make the skin look and feel firmer and more toned.  You apply it twice a day and massage it onto your skin for 20-30 seconds to simultaneously stimulate circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage to improve body contour.

This sample has a value of around £10

Lil' "Wet" Brush - This is my first dealing with Wet Brush, though I have seen them mentioned quite a lot on other blogs, so I am quite looking forward to see how well it works. This is a handy travel sized brush, so it has gone straight into my handbag. Even though this is a mini version of the classic Wet Brush it is still described as being fierce on knots and tangles but a big pussy cat on scalps! It has what are called IntelliFlex™ bristles to ensure snag-free brushing as they bounce back to their original form after every brush stroke and the SofTips™ on the ends of the bristles  gently massage your scalp to stimulate circulation.

This brush costs £7.99

Lord & Berry Line/Shade Kajal and Eyeliner Pencil in Travel Black - I am told you can never have too many black eyeliner pencils, though as I dont wear eyeliner I will have to accept the majority rule. This Lord & Berry Couture Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil is described as being silky and smooth and it creates a semi-matte look, whilst the highly pigmented formula gives a rich colour for ultimate definition.  It has also been Ophthalmologically-tested and is suitable for those with sensitive eyes.

This eyeliner is worth around £5

Cowshed Lippy Cow Natural Lip Balm - I am a huge Cowshed fan, particularly of their bath range, not only do the product names make me laugh, they are insanely good. One thing I have never tried is their lipbalm and as a lipbalm addict I am always happy to add to my collection. This product contains no parabens, no petrochemicals and is free from sulphates, artificial fragrances and colours. It is suitable for vegetarians and has not been tested on animals. It does contain the essential oils of linden blossom to protect and nourish, rose geranium to help rejuvenate, and ylang ylang to stimulate circulation.

This balm is available online from Look Fantastic for just £5.00

NudeStix Magnetic Colour Gift in Gilt - This is my first look at Nudestix and there are 8 different shades in total. In my box I have the shade Gilt which is a really pretty light gold shade, something I would refer to as a champagne. For me it is a brilliant multi-purpose stick in that it can be used as all over the lid, in the inner corner and even on the inner lower lash line and it gives a really lovely natural colour, I absolutely love it.

This product is available online from Look Fantastic for £24.00

The Final item in my box is by Nuxe and it is called the Nuxellence Detox, Detoxifying and Youth Revealing Anti-Aging Care cream - what a mouthful that is.  This is described as being an innovative anti-ageing treatment that uses 10 patents to recharge your skin and detoxify cells overnight. It is suitable for all skin types and ages. This nightly detox also helps to promote cell renewal, allowing you to wake up every morning with a refreshed, youthful glow! Full of natural ingredients Nuxellence Detox helps to smooth wrinkles, plump skin and brighten your complexion.

This 15ml sample has a value of around £14.

So there you have it, the contents of my March Lookfantastic box and I absolutely love, it is possibly the second best box there has been and as usual there isn't a product I don't like in the box, I like them all and cannot wait to try them out.  

What you think about this month's #LFBeauty Box. Which product would you be most excited to try out?

Nutmeg - Are you Savvy?

“Greed is good” or so said Gordon Gecko from the 1980s hit film Wall Street. With inflation rates and interest rates running at all time lows, the simple reality for most savers is that simply depositing money in the bank will see little returns or the actual erosion of the initial capital (the amount you originally put in the bank).

Nutmeg, who London’s Evening Standard (the evening newspaper in the capital) called “an online wealth manager causing a stir” is a website that offers all kinds of financial products, tips and advice from Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to personal pensions.

When I was asked to take a look at their website and jot down my thoughts I have to admit that I logged on with some knowledge of financial services, BeautykingUK having worked in the sector for a good ten years (ten years ago) and some of that knowledge (read boring facts) rubbed off.

For the less investment savvy Nutmeg is perfect. The site is brilliantly laid out for the novice, written in plain English and really is geared up to help you and I, the general public navigate the veritable minefield that is investing your hard earned cash.

This is what Nutmeg say about themselves:

‘Based on your information, we build and manage a portfolio for you, diversifying your investments to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Our experienced investment team monitors your portfolio, adjusting the asset allocation appropriately and rebalancing every month — at no extra cost.

In this way, we aim to produce our best return, at low cost, for the risk level you choose.’

After scouting around the site some of the most important things to factor into your own investment portfolio and decision making process as to whether you should actually invest are your own attitude to risk, the fees your investment manager will charge and the size of any pooled investments.

While attitude to risk, affordability and product choice is down to individual circumstances, the Nutmeg website is clear and dedicates an entire page to their fee structure. So, all open and above board.

In addition to this, there are lots of helpful sections of generic advice for new investors or those who already have holdings elsewhere. Great stuff.

Before deciding whether or not you should take the plunge and develop your own portfolio I would strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from an advisor regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The website is easy to navigate, has a great search function and explains everything in language that the man, or woman on the street will understand. Investing doesn’t have to be a minefield and I would recommend Nutmeg as a good place to start your investment journey.

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