Kiko Campus Idol All Stars Make Up Collection

I absolutely love Kiko. I love the stores, especially the Covent Garden one, I love their lipsticks and I love how they have the ability to make me want every new product which comes out. The Kiko Campus Idol All Stars Collection landed on my doorstep a few weeks ago and I have absolutely loved using it and discovering some new must have products. 

The products within this collection are colourful and almost sporty looking but described as being  a vivacious, rather sassy cheerleader transformed into a true leader with an ironic, casual look when she steps into an urban setting. That said, as you might expect from Kiko, the prodcuts are amazing quality and very pigmented. 

The first item to catch my attention was the Kiko Campus Idol All Star Face Palette. This is perfect for those who love contouring.  I had palette 01 which is called Pretty Rose and inside, the palette is divided into three sections - Highlight, Bronze and Blush for sculpting and adding radiance to your face.

The second item from the collection is another palette and this time it is Prom Queen Eyeshadow Palette and I have 01 Lovely Naturals.  Anyone who knows me will know I am a nude eyeshadow kind of girl and this palette is all kinds of amazing.  The six eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented and when used with an eye primer last all day long with little movement, really impressive lastability. There is also a handy double ended applicator and the lid of the palette contains a mirror, so perfect for on the go or travelling with.

The third palette that I have from this collection is the Hi-Brow Palette and I have 01 Blonde and Red haired.  The Palette, again featuring a mirror within the lid hosts  two powders, two highlighters, setting wax, four stencils and an applicator.  So a palette that has everything you need for having amazing brows and again, perfect for on the go and travelling with.

If an eyeshadow palette isn't for you, then how about an eyeshadow and eyeliner in one? I have shade 06 which is Steel and Anthracite and it is not only stunning but easy to use.  One end is quite rounded and this is your eyeshadow, which is easy to apply and to blend and the pencil end is clearly the eyeliner. I personally love multi-use products, so this gets a huge thumbs up from me.

The final item in this collection also falls into a multi-use product with a lipstick and lip liner stick.  I have shade 06 which is perky pink and they are both deeply pigmented bright pink shades, not ones I would wear, but I do love that the liner matches the lipstick and as someone who has one lip liner, this is an absolute dream item to need in my stash.

The Kiko Campus Idol All Stars Collection is a lot of fun, it is versatile and it is currently on offer right here, so grab it quick before it disappears.

Sleek Makeup Cream Contour Palettes

I adore Sleek Makeup and remember the rush to grab hold of Suede and Rose Gold blushes when they launched a few years ago. Since then, I have been lucky enough to be present for some amazing launches and last week saw the introduction of three cream contouring palettes. 

Contouring for me has been one of those things I just don't get. I have never really got what goes where and everyone seems to have their own interpretation, don't even get me started on Clown Contouring... is there a need? Anyway, these kits, which I was able to watch a live demonstation of being used and had a makeover using them, are designed to sculpt, define and enhance. Put bluntly, they work to create the illusion of refined features, higher cheekbones, a softer jawline or a slimmer nose. The cream formulas are velvety smooth which blend seamlessly onto the skin for a flawless, fade proof finish.

Available in three shades (light, medium & dark as shown below), the kit’s work with all skin tones and have two highlighting and four contouring ultra blendable shades. The palettes, are to keep in with the name, Sleek and the lid inside is a mirror. Unsurprisingly, I need the light shades for my skin tone, though I can also use the medium palette once I am more confident with contouring. What I love about these palettes is the easy to follow guide, especially for someone like me, who tried contouring once, looked like Ru-Paul and vowed never to do it again.

Now, I am slowly getting over my fear of contouring and am enjoying playing with each palette, who knows, in a few weeks time I might even be confident enough to show you a before and after shot, but until then, I have managed to perfect the sucking in of my cheeks without falling over in fits of giggles.

These palettes will be available in April from Boots and Superdrug as well as being online and will have a retail value of £10.99

Next Beauty Event and New Make Up

Last week I attended a beauty event by NEXT to come and be introduced to their beauty range and to have a play, swatch, photograph and do what bloggers do, drool over everything. Along with the champagne and amazing canapés, I was offered the chance to have a makeover or a manicure, before watching the lovely Lydia Millen use the products in two live tutorials. I am obsessed with watching people apply their make-up, so was totally in my element.

I have to admit, Next hasn't been on my list of places to run to, to get my make up, infact I had no idea the collection was so extensive and so affordable. The Make Me Beautiful range has Blushers Lip glosses, lipsticks, eyeshadows, make up brushes, nail polish, chubby sticks, eyelash curlers, eyeliners and bronzers which range in price from £4 right up to £20 for an entire 'Get the Look' palette. Alongside makeup there is also perfume, candles and skincare, some of which launches later.

Since the event, I have been lucky enough to play with some of the products on show that night from a very generous goody bag that I was given.

Make Me Beautiful Perfect Look Liquid Eye Pen (£8).  I have shade Praline Brown and it has a a fine nib to make creating that perfect line much easier and once applied, nothing budges it.

Make Me Beautiful Perfect Look Eyeshadows (£7.50).  I have what is called Blue and this quad is just stunning.  If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen this feature.  The quad contains four individual baked shades which can be worn alone or together and you can apply them wet or dry.  Again, they are incredibly pigmented and just absolutely stunning shades.

When it comes to lips, Make Me Beautiful Perfect Lips are something to look out for.  I have Simply Peach which is a matte lip colour and whilst it isn't a shade I would or could wear, the amount of pigmentation it has, is amazing.  It glides onto the lips really easily and is really lovely and velevty smooth in texture.  At just £8, these are well worthy of looking at.

Staying with lips and everyone loves a good Chubby Stick and Next have their own Perfect Look Sheer Chubby Sticks (£8). I have shade Cherry Red which has a really incredible rich red colour which glides on to your lips with incredible ease and has a lovely glossy finish. The chubby sticks are enriched with a blend of natural plant waxes and oils to help moisturise lips. Retailing for just £8 they would more than definitely give some high end brands a run for their money.

The final two products are nail polishes and again I did share some of them on Instagram because there are so many shades to choose from. With a quick drying formula with a shine or matte finish, there is a shade for everyone to try. I have Molten Platinum which is a shiny black shade and one I like very much and the other is Frozen and as you can see, a colour and finish which very much represents its name and it dries matte!.  These nail polishes are currently on a 3 for 2 offer and retail at just £4 each.

None of the products within the Next Beauty range are tested on animals and are designed and developed in the UK.  So the next time you head to your local branch of Next, keep an eye out for the Make Up range, you might just find a gem or two!

Bronnley Zealous Flower Fragrance

Bronnley is brand that I have only just been introduced too, but it is one which is steeped in History which I find absolutely fascinating and it is well worth a read. Started by James Bronnley in the late 880's, James is said to have had a dream to create homemade English fragrances, this quickly expanded to soaps, dry shampoo, hand creams and toiletries. He sadly died leaving the business to his daughter and her husband and after the second World War, the Bronnley brand was awarded its first Royal Warrant from King George VI and later from HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Bronnley still retains its Royal Warrant today. Such a great inspirational history behind an amazing man and brand, I felt that it is only right I share with you, Zealous Flower on National Fragrance Day.

Zealous Flower* is the latest release from Bronnley in their ever growing scent line. When this arrived with me, I was awestruck by the stunning box which is white but decorated with this amazingly bright geometric pattern, finished with gold lettering, totally not what I had expected and there was more to come. Inside the box, I was expecting to find a bottle which followed the same pattern of the box, but was surprised to find an elegant yet chic black bottle, the only connection it has with the box is the name of the fragrance being in gold.

Described as being a truly innovative fragrance, created for the aspirational, imaginative woman in tune with her identities and desires, Zealous Flower is an enchanting complex. Quite an introduction to a scent which when spritzed uses a base of amber, suede, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood and cedarwood create depth and maturity, before notes of mandarin, soft pear and plum help add a distinct lightness to the fragrance.  SO what you have with Zealous flower is a scent which is quite woody, but with the floral notes being present and not too overpowering. Once it settled on my skin, the scent of jasmine was the most noticeable to me alongside the woody notes of sandalwood and cedarwood.

A scent which I could wear all year round, it is just absolutely stunning.  A 50ml bottle retails for just £35, so it is not expensive and would most certainly make an amazing gift.

National Fragrance Day with Les Couvert de Minimes

To mark National Fragrance Day, tomorrow, on 21st March, Le Couvent Des Minimes invite you to take a trip back in time and celebrate with the authentic, botanical cologne recipes which are inspired by the tradition of care and well-being that was practiced at the Convent in the 17th century, these recipes are known as ‘miraculous waters’ and combine plants, citrus fruits and ‘eau de vie’ (water of life) to create natural, curative scents, perfect for everyday wear.

Le Couvent Des Minimes is a range of Simple, Authentic and Natural French products that are true to their monastic tradition of care and well-being. Le Couvent des Minimes is named after a convent located in Mane, in the south of France and you can read more about its fascinating history right here.  

With five different fragrances which are perfect for everyday wear there is:

Botanical Cologne of Serenity Fruity floral scent. Bergamot and lavender create a spritz of harmony on first impact whilst rose, blackberry and lily of the valley offer a delicate sweet twist. Cedar then lifts the base with an energising, uplifting scent.

Botanical Cologne of the Morning. Citrus scent. Inspired by the refreshing scent of morning dew, this fragrance opens with zesty notes of orange and lemon, followed by a delicate touch of energising fresh basil and woody cedar. 

Botanical Cologne of Love Citrus scent. This recipe combines Orange Blossom with five plants extracts, including balancing wild rose and zesty mandarin to perfume skin with a delicate, comforting fragrance.

Botanical Cologne of the Minims. This recipe combines Orange Blossom with five plants extracts, including balancing wild rose and zesty mandarin to perfume skin with a delicate, comforting fragrance. Suitable for both men and women, this scent is fresh from the first spritz and is very much how you would imagine a walk through an orangery to be, for me the scent is just stunning and as it settles on the skin, it becomes much more delicate.

Botanical Cologne of the Cloister Fresh, floral scent. A joyful, light fragrance with a sparkling scent of blooming sundrenched roses contrasted by a shady coolness of woody notes to evoke the feeling of purity and well-being

All Botanical Colognes are priced at £19 (100ml) and available at Boots stores nationwide and www.lecouventdesminimes.co.uk

Garnier Moisture Bomb Day and Night Creams

The release of the SkinActive Moisture Bomb Day and Night Creams was one I felt lucky to be able to try. Garnier is one of those brands that always seems to pass me by, doesn't call out my name or capture my attention.  Put me in a room with water features and some amazing packaging and that attention is caught.

The experts at Garnier created Moisture Bomb from the belief that excellent moistursation is fundamental for plump and glowing skin.  Moisture Bomb is designed to recharge and revitalise the skin with moisture whilst also protecting it from external aggressors - think pollution and free radicals.  The inspiration for the range is inspired by Asian Skincare, something that during the last 6 months has really become the 'in thing' with some brands.  Moisture Bomb uses the latest innovations in hydration, with a unique water-break texture which is designed to deliver an intense moisture hit which leaves the skin feel super smooth, moisturised but not at all greasy.

The day cream, which is a 3-in-1 super-hydrating cream with SPF10 (I would like to see this in the 30's) uses a high concentration of glycerin and water with some vitamins and antioxidants - Pomegranate and Amla (Indian Gooseberry) thrown in, to penetrate deep into the skins epidermis to provide what is called a tri-action mechanism which serves to restore, renew and nourish your skin for up to 24 hours!  Now that is a big claim, one which is often thrown about quite freely, but to some extent, I have found it to be almost true with this cream, in so much as it leave my skin feeling soft and moisturised all day, but I am not awake 24/7 and apply a night cream.

With a pump action dispenser, the texture is lightly scented and silky smooth. Once on the skin, it literally begins to absorb before you have to chance to massage it in, but in doing so, there is not one sign of anything greasy left behind and the moisture hit is instant, you can feel the difference immediately and it works well on your hands, though that is not the intended use! Priced around £5.29 for a 50ml tub, you can find it stocked online from places like Lookfantastic or on the Highstreet from Superdrug.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Super-Recharging Night Gel-Cream is described as being a product which works symbolically with your body's natural rest, relaxation and regeneration regime - when you are asleep basically.  Moisture Bomb helps your skin to recharge and recover a healthier more youthful look whilst you sleep. Using a 15% concentration of plant serum (7% for the day cream) to re-plump the look of fine lines and hydrate up to 10 layers (yes TEN) of skin to guarantee up to 72 hours of moisture/hydration.  It contains a potent antioxidant mixture of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Pomegranate and Amla which again help to protect the skin leaving you wake up to fresh, smooth, plump and healthy looking skin.

I really like the texture of this gel-cream, it is silky smooth and bouncy to the touch and applies like a dream, you only need two small pea sized amounts to cover your entire face and it disappears into the skin incredibly quickly, again leaving no greasy trace behind and no stains on your pillow.  In the morning after using this, my skin always feels amazingly hydrated and nourished.  For me it is a product I will use when my skin needs something a little bit special to work from the inside out because it feels more of a treat than an every day cream, which of course is the intention.  Priced at £7.99 for a 50ml tub, you can find it stocked online from places like Lookfantastic or on the Highstreet from Superdrug.

So two fantastic, purse friendly skin creams from Garnier which you need to try!

Win with John Frieda Frizz Ease

So March is here, it is apparently spring and so far the weather has been pretty awful and April has yet to arrive and bring with it the rain. The rain causes total havoc with my hair and often leaves me rocking the dragged through the hedge backwards look and leaves me with a frizzy mess.

Forever Smooth from John Frieda, uses ground-breaking Frizz Immunity Complex, which deeply penetrates hair fibres to help combat the porosity of frizzy hair, and builds an internal barrier to build frizz immunity with every use. Expertly designed for medium-thick and wavy-curly hair types, but suitable for all levels of frizz, including colour-treated hair.  

With a range which includes six different products, the lovely people over at John Frieda have given me a Frizz Ease, Forever Smooth bundle to giveaway which includes:

• 1x Forever Smooth Shampoo
• 1x Forever Smooth Conditioner
• 1 x 3 Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray

All you have to do to win, is complete the Rafflecopter below.  It is a UK only giveaway and there are a few mandatory entries which must be completed for your entry to be valid.  If you are under 18, please ensure you have your parents permission to enter, I will need your address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bee Good NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask

When the Bee Good NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask landed on my door mat, initially I had no idea it was from the amazing people at Bee Good, it looks totally different to what I had expected. That said, the words 4-in-1 product pricked my ears, more so because I am all for a multi-purpose product. 

Inside this little pot, is a deliciously scented product which is not only suitable for all skin types, it is ideal for addressing a challenged complexion, brightening and revitalising ageing skin and rehydrating dry skin. The balm itseld smells just absolutely divine and it is a combination of British Wildflower Honey and something Citrusy, in this case it is 5 natural alpha hydroxy fruit acids from orange, lemon and bilberry. 

I have used this balm as a lip balm and because I have had a bad cold, on the skin around my nose to help prevent tissue soreness from the constant nose blowing and it works really well.  Other uses include:

• Facial Complexion Booster: There are a few ways you can use it. Firstly as a flash facial which is great if you are in a rush and need a quick fix. Simply apply for 60 seconds and then remove with a warm cloth. Equally if you have 5-10 minutes spare or even longer, then use as above and it is said to refine, hydrate and visibly improve skin suppleness whilst actively targeting the signs of ageing.
• Weekly Scalp Treatment: This is next on my list to try as it claims to gently remove dead skin cells to help visibly hydrate and deliver moisture to the parched skin.  To use, warm a small amount in your palms and then apply to your scalp, massaging as you do so.  Leave for up to 10 minutes and then rise with warm water.
• Hand Rescue Remedy: To add moisture and to hydrate hands and curticles. You can also use this as an overnight hand treatment.
• SOS Mask: Or as Bee Good put it 'Dry or Challenged Areas' which include elbows, knees and feet to soften and gently remove dead skin cells.  Again, simply massage into these areas, remove ot leave overnight but remove with a warm cloth.  If using on the bottom of your feet, take extra care when walking! 

This balm is turning out to be something that I never thought it would be and it is one of those products you didnt really know you needed until you had it try. A full size (100ml) is £39.50 and for a limited time you can pick up a 15ml trial size with any order over a £10 direct from Bee Good and QVC.s

Queen Tea Cosmetics - The Morning Cuppa Detox Box

Queen Tea is a range of fresh and natural skin food inspired by Afternoon Tea. Tea is our main skin lovin’ ingredient, tea has been so many amazing benefits for your skin. 

I was kindly sent the Morning Cuppa Detox Box which came so beautifully wrapped that I didn't want to open it.  However inside was a very pretty decorated box which helpfully detailed what the product was and even better, clear instructions on how to use it - sadly, this is a tea you cannot drink but it is 100% natural, Vegan friendly and not tested on animals.

Inside the box are two 'tea bags' which you put into the bath.  I always ensure there are a few inches of water within the bath before I put anything into my water.  Once the water is run, pop the tea bag into the water which helps to release the fresh de-congesting blend which is designed to uplift your spirits. Inside the tea bag are Dead Sea Salt, Epsom Salts, Rose Pink Petals, Orange Peel, Lemon Balm, Peppermint Essential Oil and Lemon Essential Oil and as soon as you immerse one of the bags into the bath, the scent really does come alive and not only does it literally shake you awake and make you more alert but if you have a cold and need something to help you breathe, these are just brilliant at doing just that.  The peppermint oil, though present, is not too overly powerful that your eyes weep, it is just the right amount.

To make the bathing experience even more special and knowing Cleopatra bathed in milk (yes from an ass but that is mere detail) there is a brown sachet called 'Mini Milk', which is again not for drinking, but a clever inclusion for that perfect imaginery brew!  Inside the bag is Non Fat Dry Milk Powder, Oat and Cocoa Butter and it is designed to soften, nourish and moisturise your skin. You can use it with one the tea bags or on its own and it does exactly what it says it will do.  All you need is 1-2 tablespoons of the Milk powder into your bath water, mix the water and the powder around and carefully climb in, taking care because the cocoa butter can make things a bit slippy. On the skin however, the feeling is just amazing and when dried, my skin is so soft and smooth, it is as though ive used an entire tub of body butter.

You can purchase this delightful box for just £10 here or if you prefer, you can buy the items individually along with many other options to choose from.  So whether you want to relax, wake yourself up or need something to soothe your aches and pains, Queen Tea has something waiting for you to try and in my opinion, I need everything!