GOSH SS16 Launches

GOSH Cosmetics have some amazing new launches coming your way and I was lucky enough to see the preview and take some home and have a closer look at what you will shortly be seeing.

The first product I absolutely loved is the Lip Oils, this is a new 'thing' for me though ive seen a few people mention the Clarins Lip Oils. These new nourishing Lip Oils from GOSH are infused with a blend of oils and natural Nordic super active ingredients such as argan oil, macadamia oil, sea buckthorn and moringa oil and a raspberry oil derivative (Vitaskin E) which is high in Omega 6 and 3 and Vitamin E. Available in 4 shades, they give a hint of colour but are not super pigmented so they are perfect for wearing under your lipstick or over your lipstick. Once on the lips they are not greasy or tacky but are really nourishing and hydrating and they do make a perfect base. Each Lip Oil will retail for £7.49

A GOSH launch wouldn't be the same without a new palette to swoon over right? Well the ‘004 To Be Cool In Copenhagen’ is a palette packed with 9 highly pigmented matte shades, the new palette features shades inspired by the coolness and colours of Nordic lights. 

On this palette you have everything from nude and brown colours to grey tones finishing with the rebel black. This is my kind of palette and I love all of the shades, so it is well worth watching out for and it will be priced at £10.99.

One of my most used products from GOSH is the eyeshadow sticks, I absolutely love them and was delighted to see the GOSH Forever matt eyeshadow Crayons. They have been designed to provide long-lasting matt colour in just one stroke. 

Formula wise they are Creamy, velvet soft and offer colour lasting for up to eight hours without creasing, flaking or fading. With an exceptionally smooth texture, it glides effortlessly over the eyelid and sets with an even finish. The four new matt shades are inspired by the purity of raw nature and the Nordic heritage of GOSH COPENHAGEN and are priced at £6.29 each.

You can never have too many Primers in your collection and again GOSH have released a New Primer+ Base Plus Illuminating Skin Perfector. This primer has been designed to give the skin a spectacular glow together with a youthful, healthier-looking complexion. It is infused with beneficial skincare ingredients and the Primer+ creates a visibly even skin tone, reduces imperfections and fine lines, smoothes pores to leave a health natural glow. The formula includes Silsoft E-Pearl, an emulsion that provides moisture and skin lightening benefit, combined with ProRenew Complex – stimulating the skin’s ability to self-renew, oil from the superfood Sea Buckthorn and vitamin E. It has been available since 20th January and is priced at £14.99.

I have become quite obsessed with the New GOSH Lumi Drops. They are designed to enhance the complexion with a shimmery finish from reflecting pearl pigments. Whether you are into strobing, highlighting or just adding a bit of luminosity to the skin, there are three different shades to choose from. The formula is really lightweight and you only need a really small amount to create your look or you can mix with your foundation or tinted moisturiser too. Priced at £7.99 they are a bargain.

If Matte Lipsticks are your thing, then there are four new shades to get your teeth into and each shade is stunning. The formula is really creamy formula and are enriched with natural waxes and hyaluronic acid to moisturise, hydrate, smooth and soothe lips. They apply really easily and give really long lasting results which I was super impressed with. The new Velvet Touch Matte lipsticks are £6.99 each. 

The final item to rave about is the Rebel Eyes Mascara. Now I love mascara and it is one product I never leave the house without wearing, ever. So a new mascara is like music to my ears. The formula of Rebel Eyes is said to include nourishing ingredients to help eyelashes maintain their healthy appearance. 

Castor Oil conditions lashes with emollient properties while the infused Sea Buckthorn seed Oil prevents damage from free radicals while also protecting and nurturing lashes. The synergy of these two oils is healthier more nurtured lashes, with volume and length in a few coats. The Wand also features a special polymer to give lengthening and curling features and it is slightly curved to help work with the shape of the eye to grab each lash and coat them. I havent found this to be clumpy which is a huge bonus and I find two coats is more than enough. The Rebel Eyes mascara is £8.99.

I think this is a brilliant SS16 launch and it is a collection you should be looking out for, especially for the lip oils and the palette!

What do you think to the GOSH SS16 Collection?

Barry M Spring 2016 New Launches

Barry M have just announced that Lucy Mecklenburgh (TOWIE) is the face of Barry M for 2016 and alongside that announcement came the release of a whole host of products which I was lucky enough to see, play with and take home to share with you.

That's How I Roll Mascara is not just a mascara, it is a mascara and eye lash curler in one. The specially designed wand locks onto each lash and not only lifts it but rolls it to create what is described as a 'seductively curled, intensely lifted and highly defined look'. The mascara is encased inside a beautiful purple tube which is decorated with black rollerskates, making it quite quirky and definitely eye-cathing.  Not only is the wand easy to use, it does grab your lashes with relative ease and it is extremely pliable and bendy too.  This Mascara is priced at just £4.99 and it launches in Superdrug on 10th February and into Boots on 17th February.

Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit is releasing a new shade for medium-dark skin tones. Described as being a 'Kardashian bone structure in a palette', Chisel Cheeks is designed to simply the art of contouring and highlighting with its step-by-step guide on which product goes where. It includes a light powder to highlight, a medium powder to bronze and a darker powder to sculpt. This palette is definitely worthy of watching out for, more so because the highlighter shade also mades for a great eyeshadow base!  Priced at £6.49 it launches in Superdrug on 10th February and into Boots on 17th February.

Shape and Define Brow Kit has a new shade - Light to Medium and inside this little kit you will find a perfect 3 step kit to shape, define and highlight brows. This little palette also includes a handy mirror, a double-ended applicator and a very cute pair of teeny tiny tweezers.  It is priced at £5.99 and it launches in Superdrug on 10th February and into Boots on 17th February.

Finally we come to nails and a Barry M launch wouldn't be the same without some new polishes.  Just before Christmas, I shared the new nail care range and now we have three new collections for your spring wardrobe. Each nail set launches in Superdrug on 10th February and into Boots on 17th February.

Speedy Nail Paint Spring Collection has four amazing shades called In a Flash, Personal Best, Winning Streak and Freestyle.  The Speed Nail polishes are designed for girls on the go. Using a flat control-flow brush to dispense the perfect amount of polish to the nail, it dries quickly without streaks. Price £3.99 each.

Gelly Nail Paint is super glossy and long lasting and again there are four new shades for spring and if you love your pastels, you will love these - Acai Smoothie, Cream Soda, Butterscotch Sundae and Pink Lemonade. Price £3.99 each.

Sunset nail paint are hi-shine, long lasting pro gel polishes which dry without the need of a lamp.  With four new shades, plus a Sunset top coat, they are said to deliver the look, shine and resilience of a pro salon gel manicure without the need for UV lamps.  The four shades - All The Things She Red, Bug a Blue, Pinking Out Loud and Empire State of Mint are beautiful shades to see you through spring and into summer. Price £4.99 each.

I am sure you will agree with me that this is one amazing collection! Have you seen anything you like?

#LFLOVES Beauty Box - Valentines Day 2016

This months LookFantastic Beauty Box** is a thing of beauty. Decorated in bright fuscia pink with a gold heart and lettering, there is no denying that the Valentines theme is alive and kicking at Lookfantastic HQ. As well as the box, this month there is also a copy of the latest Elle Magazine which has been a delight to read.

The theme for this box is falling in love with products which make us feel beautiful and each item has been especially chosen by the Lookfantastic team because they love it so much, they hope we will too and it features everything from haircare, skincare, bodycare and make-up to do just that.

The first item out of the box is from MonuSpa, a brand I really like and it is the Monuspa Bali Massage Oil which is described as being a comforting treatment oil for the ultimate spa experience. Formulated with a blend of apricot kernel and grape seed oils, its formula can be added to the bath or shower to nourish and hydrate tired skin. A scent of relaxing sandalwood and rosewood rejuvenates the body and senses, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed with touchably soft, smooth skin. I have used a full sized bottle of this in the past and really enjoyed it, so I am glad to be able to add a bottle back into my stash.

The second item is from Bliss and it is the Pink Grapefruit and Aloe Body Butter. Described as being a sweet smelling nourishing body butter it is scented with a blend of sweet pink grapefruit and fresh, crisp aloe. Boasting a soft formula which never feels greasy, this body butter is suitable for everyday use and works to keep your skin feeling soft and supple. It does smell absolutely divine and I actually have been using it. Regular readers of Beautyqueenuk will know that I can be a bit lacking when it comes to body butters, but once I find one I like, I use it until it runs out.

The third item in the box is this really cute Denman Mini Keyring Brush. I am a huge fan of Denman Brushes and have a few within my stash at home and at work. I love that this is small enough to keep in my make up bag for being on the go.

KMS California are next with a bottle of Color Vitality Conditioner. KMS California Colorvitality Conditioner is infused with lilac and ginger, which help to calm your scalp and assist in gently cleansing your hair, while protecting from UV rays. Formulated with IOPS, (Inside Out Protective System), it penetrates deep into your hair, making it more vibrant and healthier.

The makeup item within the box is from a matte lipstick pencil from Lord & Berry , mine is shade Intimacy which is a dusky pink shade which is quite pretty, though I have been using it as a lip liner as I find it works well with one of my lipsticks perfectly.

The final item in the box is a new brand to Lookfantastic and it is the Hi Impact Eyes &Brow Perfector Palette. This is a brand new brand to Look Fantastic and it is designed to give you perfect brows, but it can also be used for eyeliner and eyeshadow too. It comes with a handy mirror and angled brush to help you achieve your desired look. 

I think this is a really cute box and I am pleased to see a new brand being included and one with a product I am looking forward to using. This Beauty Box is a monthly subscription box which offers you many different options when singing up, it could be a one off payment of £15 or you can sign up to a plan of 3,6 or 12 months.

What do you think to this edition?

DHC Olive Virgin Oil Swabs

Every so often I come across a product and wonder why on earth I hadn't thought of trying it, inventing it or even thinking of it when in need. So when I came across the DHC Olive Oil Swabs, it was one of those 'OMG this is genius, why did I not think of this' moments and a complete life changer all in one.

DHC, which stands for "Daigaku Honyaku Center, are a Japans No. 1 direct skincare company and their Cleansing Oil is a product most people are possibly more familiar with. The vision behind DHC is rooted in the beneficial properties of virgin olive oil, Flor de Aceite – the finest quality, extracted from organic Spanish olives. The entire skincare range was founded on the beneficial properties of olive oil. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it is a highly effective component in neutralising damaging free radicals. Olive oil also helps balance your skin's moisture. With its unique ability to mix with water, our olive oil helps moisturise without clogging pores. Oxidised oils cause blackheads and a host of other problems, but because olive oil has a naturally lower oxidation rate than your skin's natural oils, it is a perfect barrier to protect skin from irritants.

Back to the product in questions and yes, a cotton bud soaked in Olive Oil is what I am talking about and if you have never seen them, I urge you to look for them because honestly, like dry shampoo, I am not sure how I managed without them until now.

Each swab or cotton bud if you prefer, is individually wrapped to ensure it remains hygienic and clean and so that the olive oil doesn't leak on anything. 

Opening the wrapper, the buds are moist but not dripping in oil and they have a multitude of used and can be used for cleansing delicate areas, soothing cuticles, erasing eye makeup mishaps especially when your mascara runs, if you smudge any make-up, these are so delicate they can erase it and you don't have to do your whole face again - how amazing right?  What's more is each box contains 50 swabs and they cost just £5.50, so worth every penny as far as I am concerned.

Have you tried any products from DHC?

Melvita Nectar de Roses Body Collection

Melvita have got an amazing collection due to launch called the Nectar de Roses Body Collection and if like me you love the scent of fresh roses, then this is right up your street. 

The range combines three wild roses, including wild rose extract, a new active ingredient that's known to activate skin hydration by increasing aquaporin synthesis to stimulate moisture circulation. There are four products within the range and I have been using them all for the last few months and I have to say, the scent is just stunning.

Nectar de Roses Rose Petal Shower Gel(£13) is a beautiful fresh scented gel, which is not too thick in texture but is one which does transform into a foam and is incredibly hydrating and moisturising on the skin.  When combined with the Nectar de Roses Hydrating Body Veil (£15) the scent is one which lingers on the skin. The body veil is enriched with rose floral water to provide intense hydration for up to 24 hours. As a formula it is really luxurious when applied to the skin, as soon as it comes into contact, it absorbs leaving behind a lovely rose scent, one which I associate with freshly cut roses, it is just divine.

You can never have too many balms and the Nectar de Roses (£10) is a balm everyone needs. As multi-purpose balm it can be applied to dry skin, cuticles, lip and even the ends of your hair. It is balm that melts on contact with your fingers, the pot within which it comes, is so cute and dainty that there is just enough room for two fingers to swipe the balm for using. I adore this balm, the rose scent isn't as strong as it is within the other products within this range, but it is there.

The final item in this range is the stunning Rose Sauvages Eau de Toilette (£36). This perfume combines the three wild roses rosa canina, rose gallica and rose mosqueta with woody base notes of the leaves and it is a beautiful floral scent which reminds me slightly of Johnson's Baby Lotion at a first sniff but as it settles on the skin, the scent of the three roses come to life and make for such a perfect spring fragrance which is light, not overly heavy and dominating but one which is long lasting.

For me this is a collection for everyone of all ages. It is purse friendly and just stunning and if you are looking for a little something for Valentines Day that combines the scent of roses rather than buying the roses, well this ticks all the boxes.

Bee Good Youth Enhancing Lift and Brighten Eye Cream

Bee Good have had some amazing products appear on the shelves over the last year and their latest one is right up there with brilliance. The Youth Enhancing Lift and Brighten Eye Cream is one of those products.

I use an eye cream as part of my everyday skincare routine, something I have done since my 20's and something I will always do because I believe it to be as important as everything else I do. The Lift and Brighten Eye Cream is part of the Youth Enhancing range which currently has three products - Plump and Firm Moisturiser which I reviewed here, Youth Enhancing Serum and now the Eye Cream.

Suitable for all skin types, this cream is described as being a powerful multi-action eye treatment which lifts, tightens, reduces dark circles and visibly improves the signs of ageing. It is also incredibly hydrating and it helps to strengthen and enhances skin elasticity.  Plus you can also apply it to fine lines around the lips which is also impressive, though not something I have yet tried.

As with all Bee Good products, there is an extensive list of amazing ingredients and this one is no different. It contains antioxidant-rich British propolis, nourishing British echium oil and protective natural source vitamin E are expertly blended with skin tightening oat extract and silk tree extract to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines. British Wildflower Honey is also rich in anti-oxidants and is high in essential amino acids which help protect against fine lines and wrinkles.

Consistency for an eye cream is quite important for me, anything too thick is a pain to massage in and Bee Good have managed to make a cream which takes on a serum-like texture, as soon as it comes into contact with the skin, it begins to absorb itself.  The tube comes with a pump dispenser and one pump is enough for both eyes.  When I apply eye cream I use the tip of my wedding ring finger to gently apply the cream and tap lightly on the skin as I do so.  One issue that always comes up on a skin scan is the dehydration under my eyes, so I am hoping that when I have my next one, there will be some marked improvement because this cream does feel both hydrating and moisturising, it isn't sticky or tacky when on the skin and if like me, you suffer from bouts of insomnia, you need something to help dull the suitcases which can appear under your eyes.

If you have been on the lookout for a new eye cream then this one is worth looking at. The eye cream is available in a 5ml travel size for £8, a 15ml standard size for £19.75 which are more than reasonable when you consider how long this tube will last.

MeruMaya Iconic Youth Serum

MeruMaya is one of those brands that doesn't get as much support as it should because it is such a lovely brand and each product I have tried, this being my second, I have loved.  As a brand, I love that MeruMaya integrates clinically tested active ingredients and natural resources to ensure that their products offer you the best of everything whilst taking into consideration that not all skin is the same and some are more sensitive than others.  As a brand they have everything you need for a basic, yet thorough skincare system - Cleansers, Cleansing Balm, Toners, Eye Cream, Night Cream, Face Wash, Oils, Serums, hand wash, hand cream, masks, peels, supplements and spot treatments to name just a few and even their gift sets are designed with you in mind and are well worthy of looking at.

The Iconic Youth Serum(£35.50) I loved from the first use. I am total serum convert after having a facial a few years ago and being convinced that one is needed to be part of my skincare routine. This serum is said to integrate ten 'evidence based' active ingredients, with a formulation that is carefully designed to help prevent further skin ageing, perfect existing signs of ageing and help the skin to perform better. Essentially it designed to significantly improve lines & wrinkles, elasticity, radiance, hydration, dark spots and plumpness, resulting in a more youthful, healthy-looking skin. Now it isn't going to do all of these things overnight, so you need to use it regularly. I have been using it for a few months now and one major difference in my skin is the hydration levels, which at a result skin scan, saw my skin nowhere near as hydrated as it had been just 6 months before, so that is a huge plus point. I am one of those lucky people who hasnt yet got lots of lines and wrinkles and nor do I have dark spots, but my skin looks and feels so much better after using this serum.

This Serum uses a formula which contains, minerals, stearidonic acid, stem cells, powerful anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and enhances beta defensins, endorphins, collagen and elastin while evening out dark spots and unevens skin tone and improving lines, elasticity, radiance, plumpness, smoothness. There is also Echium oil which is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 (fatty acids) and is clinically tested to stimulate the production of dermal tissue proteins, soothe the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restore smoothness and elasticity. 

With serums, for me the texture is quite important, this one is more of a rich balm than a runny gel which I really like. It is easy to apply to the skin and is a delight to massage in. It leaves no sticky residue behind and there is no evidence of it having been on and massaged into the skin other than the feeling afterwards of my skin left feeling just amazingly soft and smooth to the touch. I use it both morning and evening after cleansing and before adding my moisturiser and if there is any excess left, it makes a great lip balm for those dry and chapped lips.

This video introduces the Creator and Founder Maleka to you along with an explanation behind the hashtag #beautyhasnoage which you will see across social media.

Have you tried any products from MeruMaya yet?

1-2-3 Detox Ritual from Erborian

If there is one thing I have come to learn about the Korean skincare regime, that is if there is one thing you don't compromise on it is cleaning the skin. The traditional and sophisticated Korean beauty routine includes using different textures which are adapted to different types of make-up and honestly it is so fascinating. So silicone-based textures for mascaras, oil-based textures for lipsticks and water-based for water-based makeup. The 1-2-3 step routine from Erborian is based on this tradition to remove your make in three steps and it looks a little like this: 

Solid Cleansing Oil £29 - Based on the Korean double cleansing method, the Solid cleansing oil combines the performance of a cleansing oil with the gentleness of a cream. 

Once it comes into contact with the warmth of your skin, it transforms into an oil to help dissolve impurities on the face. Then when rinsed with water, it transforms again into a silky lotion, to cleanse skin perfectly and leave behind a protective film leaving your skin feeling perfectly cleansed and free of make-up. 

Double Mousse Cleansing Foam £22 - Double Mousse with 7 Korean herbs is described as being a 2-in-1 beauty solution. It's rich, fine foam gently cleanses the skin to help eliminate impurities. It also then helps to visibly refine skin's texture for a flawlessly smooth effect leaving it visibly softer, more supple and more luminous. 

To use, you apply two pumps to your dry face and leave it on for at least 30 and then rinse with water. It is designed to be used daily, both morning and the evening.

Erborian Konjac Sponge £10 - I am sure most people will have heard of Konjac sponges, but this is honestly the best Konjac sponge I have ever used. 

The Konjac sponge is made from an Asian plant that has long been used in Korea to cleanse the face and body. This natural sponge helps to stimulate microcirculation as it massages the skin.

I am absolutely loving these products in my routine, the solid cleansing oil is just an absolute delight to use and it is perfect as part of my double cleansing routine, I love how soft and smooth it leaves my skin feeling and how it feels able to breathe.  The mousse is also a delight to use and is incredibly easy to use and works so well as a second cleanse.

Have you tried any Korean skincare?

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Bath and Shower Therapy

Cold, dark miserable mornings make getting out of bed a really unwelcome task and that is what it is a task, a chore and something I do not want to do. Having dragged my backside to the shower, there is one product that is guaranteed to make me feel as alert and awake had I just hopped into a cold shower and it is by Bodhi and Birch - Siam Ginger bath and shower therapy!

"Invigorate and revive body and mind with an uplifting fusion of gingery Galangal Root, sharp Cardamom and fresh Kaffir Lime Leaf. Inspired by ancient remedies from the Far East, this is your home spa rejuvenation. Body and senses are vitalised and awakened. Skin feels refreshingly clean and alive with hints of ginger and spice"

Packaged inside this beautiful brown bottle with bright label, it isn't one you will miss when half asleep. The pump action dispenser is really handy to use and a few pumps onto the palms of your hand are more than enough to make enough lather to wash and cleanse your body. As the lather comes into contact with the steam of the water, the scent comes alive and literally kicks you awake and with this amazing list of ingredients, it is not a surprise:

• GALANGAL - Warming oil with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-oxidant and stimulant properties. It is great for muscle aches and fatigue. 
• KAFFIR LIME LEAF - Kaffir Lime Leaf has a sharp, aromatic scent. An indisputably effective cleanser, it refreshes and uplifts the spirit, eases depression, anxiety and a tired mind. 
• CARDAMOM - Cardamom imparts a fresh lemony fragrance that is uplifting, benefiting those who are mentally and physically fatigued. 
• TURMERIC - Turmeric contains curcumin which is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Also naturally improves skin complexion. 
• LACTIC ACID - Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid with anti-ageing and skin rejuvenating properties.

As well as waking me up of a morning, it also leaves me skin soft and smooth to the touch and you can also add it to your bath water which is perfect if you have aching muscles. I find that with a bad back, something I suffer from regularly, a bath with Siam Ginger helps to relieve that nagging ache.

This has been an absolute delight to use and one I wouldn't hesitate to purchase and one that is added to the 'must have' products for the bathroom.

New from Sleek Makeup - Lip VIP lipstick collection

Sleek Makeup have some amazing new releases to be looking out for in your local Superdrug and I am sharing them with you today. 

The NEW Sleek MakeUP Lip VIP lipstick collection boasts six velvety, on trend shades which have been inspired by the luxuries of being a VIP – think red carpet premieres, the front row of fashion shows and celebrity photo shoots. Each lipstick has a luxuriously creamy, long-lasting formula which glides on smoothly to leave an even, semi-matte finish. These lipsticks are also packed with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, a new formula which is really moisturising.

The six new shades are:

• Reserved - A sweet candy pink for everyday wear
• Private Booth - A Classic nude, a make-up bag must have
• Backstage - A warm coral pink to take you from day to night
• Guest List - Bright coral, sure to get you noticed 
• Flaunt It - A punchy, stand out orange
• Night Spot - A chic red for opulent Hollywood glamour

So there is a different shade right across the spectrum and here is how amazing they look:  

From L-R we have Reserved, Private Booth, Backstage, Guest List, Flaunt it and Night Spot

The Lip VIP Lipstick Collection are now available from Boots and Superdrug and are priced at £5.49.

Do you have a favourite shade?