Benefit Exclusive Cheekathon Palette

Last week I was invited back aboard #thegoodshipbenefit with House Of Fraser for a Cheekathon make-up masterclass with the fabulous Lauren.  

If you haven't yet seen it, the Benefit Cheekathon Blush Palette is just incredible! It contains five full sized Benefit Box O'Powders, yes I did say full sized and it retails for just £44.50 which is amazing value for money when you consider a single Box O'Powder retails for £23.50!!  So my advice is grab it quick before it sells out and it is exclusive to House of Fraser.

On board the ship, Lauren demonstrated on Paige (her model for the occasion) how to get the best use of Benefit Skincare, foundation, highlighters, brow products and of course the Cheekathon Palette.  Now, have you ever though to use Hoola Bronzer as eye make-up? Well you can and Lauren did and admittedly it did look absolutely lovely, especially if like me you are a nudey neutral kinda gal!

The Cheekathon Palette, which is beautifully packaged, has a handy mirror within the lid and it is a decent enough size so you can see exactly what it is your are doing and there is a Soft, natural-bristle powder brush too! Inside you will find:

• Hoola is a matte warm tan bronzing powder which you can double up as an eyeshadow!
• Dandelion is a sheer, ballerina-pink face powder which takes your complexion from dull to radiant
• Rockateur is shimmery rose gold blushr which is a specialised formula that combines the best features of baked, powder, cream and fluid textures for brighter results. 
• Dallas is a lovely dusty rose shade which can be used as both a which blusher and bronzer
• Coralista is described as a warm coral pink with an hint of pearl to give your skin that tropical flush.

To have all five of these full sized products on one palette is just amazing and as a little extra, there is a really helpful booklet included and it details how to get the best from each powder and more importantly how to use it.

Have you bought Cheekathon yet?

Clean Reserve - Fragrance Collection

Every so often, I am lucky enough to be introduced to a product and am simply wowed by it, this is the case with Clean Reserve and their new Fragrance Collection.

Clean Reserve is a new collection of fragrances from the creators of Clean. Created with responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-conscious manufacturing and packaging. The culmination of a unique, creative collaboration with three of the world's top fragrance houses chosen because of their commitment to sustainability and philanthropy.  The idea of something being created that supports the local communities who help cultivate he ingredients used within the fragrances is pretty amazing and so is the the brands ethos with ensuring sustainable beauty is ubiquitous throughout.

The cap on each perfume bottle is sourced from Spain and made from wood from certified sustainably managed forests. The fragrances are manufactured in facilities which use 100% solar energy. The glass bottle is 100% recyclable. Sustainable ingredients infuse each fragrance and they smell just absolutely incredible whether they are on their own or layered with another scent!

Within the range the scent include : Blonde Rose, Smoked Vetiver, Sueded Oud, Rain Cotton and Warm Cotton.  They are exclusive to SpaceNK and retail at £79 for a 100ml bottle - bargain!

I was kindly given Blonde Rose and honestly it is just divine, I adore it. As a Floral Woody Musk fragrance, it has op notes are aldehydes and water notes; middle notes are rose, peony and jasmine; base notes are cedar, sandalwood and musk. Said to have been inspired by an escape to a warm bubble bath infused with rose petals and a day dream. However, Blonde Rose is not strictly a female scent, as I mentioned, all of the fragrances within this range can be paired and layered with others, such as Sueded Oud for the men.

For me the scent of Rose, Jasmine and Peony work so incredibly well together that this is a perfume that can be worn on its own but works so well with other perfumes when layering (coming soon).  What surprised me the most about Blonde Rose is how long it lasts.  Once on the skin, I could still smell it the following morning, even after showering and whilst it does settle down on the skin, as it does so, it becomes even more beautiful.  This is definitely a perfume I am enamored with and a brand I cannot wait to find out more about.

If you are looking for a new perfume for Spring and Summer, Clean Reserve is a brand to search out and try!

L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Skin Care

Anyone who reads my blog will know what a huge fan I am of L’Occitane and when the latest launch L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Skin Perfecting Collection dropped through my door, I was pretty excited to give it a try, especially as it has amazing pink packaging! The range itself consists of eight different products and the main focus is on the star patented ingredient - peony extract. The new Paeonia Lactiflora, to use the official name, is an extract which is not only rich in natural plant sugars which target cells to correct irregularities in the skin’s texture it works to reveal a fresher and more radiant, natural complexion.

I have three products from the new L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Skin Perfecting Collection which I’ve been using and they are the L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Makeup Remover, the L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting 2 in 1 Scrub and the L’Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Toner.  All of which come together to create a lovely little skincare routine.

The Perfecting Make-up Remover is always the bottle I reach for first after coming home from work. Described as being a refreshing gel which effectively removes impurities and make-up, including waterproof make-up, from the face, eyes and lips. It is enhanced with active ingredients that help to transform the quality of the skins surface, it gently cleanses, leaving the complexion fresher and more luminous. First things first, can we high five L'Occitane for making a bottle which has a pump! I am a lazy product user, I want them to be easy and require little effort, essentially pump action and this does make for easy use because I don't have to unscrew a lid and so and so forth. That said, I find two pumps onto a clean cotton wool pad/muslin cloth more than enough to remove the daily gunk from my face and this has currently replaced my make-up remover because I actually feel it does a much better job. Priced at £19 for 200ml it is an absolute bargain.

The second product is a 2in1 perfecting scrub which is a little bit different to what I had expected. Again it does contain peony extract, delicate micro-granules, and micro-exfoliant active ingredients and it is described as an innovative gel which not only has a unique texture but has a dual usage. So on the skin it transforms into an oil to cleanse and exfoliate, so technically it is an exfoliating oil (how clever). For those of you who like a product which isn't too abrasive, then this is one to look out for because it is really gentle on the skin, but it does exfoliate incredibly well. So not only have you got an exfoliating oil but it can also double up as a mask, so once you have massaged it into the skin, leave it for up to 5 minutes to work its magic and then massage the skin as you remove the remainder. This is a scrub I have been using once a week during my pamper time and my skin does absolutely love it. A 100ml tube retails for £19.

The final product within my trio is a Perfecting Toner.  I have admitted on many occasions that I never have been bothered about using a toner, much the same as a Micellar Water, I don't quite see the point.  However, I am always willing to try something before knocking it and with this product I was left pleasantly surprised at how much I did enjoy using it. So having removed the majority of 'gunk' off my face with the Perfecting Make-up Remover, I then use the Toner to mop up what is left or has come to the surface of my skin.  Described as being a gentle toner which completes he make-up removal routine and revives the complexion with natural balancing actives. Enriched with perfecting Peony extract, it leaves the skin hydrated and smoother. So dispensing the toner onto a cotton wool pad, I wipe it across my skin and it is quite refreshing and cooling I find but it also leaves my skin so soft, smooth and hydrated. It costs just £15 for 200ml so is an absolute bargain.

This is such a beautiful range of products and one that is well worth looking into if you have never tried anything from L'Occitane before. 

Too Faced Melted Lipsticks

I am a huge fan of the brand Too Faced and I am a little bit obsessed with these Too Faced Melted Lipsticks. Did you know that the Too Faced Co-Founder and Creative Director Jerrod Blandinowas inspired by lipstick in its melted form when he saw it is a cosmetic lab? Jerrod said he had never seen lipstick more beautiful, intense, rich and glossy than when it’s in its melted form and it was this which inspired Melted.

I have four shades within my collection, two of those are called Melted Metal and you will see from the swatches below how beautiful they are. With the staying power of a stain, the intense color of a liquid lipstick and the high shine of a gloss all in one product, they are more than worth their price tag of £19 in my opinion.

The lipsticks come with a Precision tip applicator which allows for a clean, effortless application each time, one swipe is enough to coat your lips and a lip brush isn't required for these which is also a bonus.

The four shades I have are Melted Metallic Debutante, Melted Ruby, Melted Metallic Peony, Melted Peony and that is the order they follow for the swatches in the last photograph.

Melted Metallic Debutante is a really vibrant pop of coral-pink and as you can see from the swatch it has a golden-orange micro-shimmer to it. I found this one a little harder to wear than the other three on the basis that I cannot really pull off the golden-orange coral, but it is a stunning lipstick and I tend to wear it under other lipsticks so I can use it to its advantage.

Melted Ruby is best described as blood red and really makes an impact when worn. Slightly glossy in finish it looks medium to dark cherry red once applied and it has cool, pinky undertones. Again the lastability on this lipstick is phenomenal, it lasts all day. The consistency for this lipstick is much thinner than the other three that I have.

Melted Metallic Peony is a light-medium pink and as you can see from the swatch, it has a mix of pink and gold micro-shimmer for what is described as being a frosted, metallic sheen. Once applied it lasts for a good 5-6 hours before you need to re-apply and it is just a stunning shade.

Melted Peony is described as being a dusty rose shade. When swatched and then worn, it is a really light-medium, perhaps muted pink shade which has subtle warm undertones and has a satin finish. Once applied, it has amazing staying power and I find it only needs to be re-applied once throughout the day.

As I have said, I adore these lipsticks and have ordered a few other shades to try. I love that they are long lasting, they don't cling to dry parts on my lips and are easy to apply. Have you tried them?

Purrfect Box for Cats - April Edition

Once again, the big pink cat box has arrived and as soon as it is opened my boys are clambering in before I even get a look in.  The cat bo in question is the April Purrfect box**. I have featured a few of these boxes now, but if you haven't seen the posts, the Purrfect box is a UK subscription service which allows you to treat your cat, or your dog (Pawsome Box).  Each month you will receive a box of treats, toys, accessories, hygiene and personal care products customized and based on the cat's age, size, weight, fur type and preferences. Anyone who reads my blog or follows me on Instagram will know what a big part my three cats play in my life, Hector even has his own Instagram!

Each month has a different theme so you get different goodies each month. The cost is £19.50 per month or £15.50 if you subscribe yearly and this was what was in the box.

As you can see, there is a whole lot of stuff in this box from toys and treats to food and again, my boys are more than spoilt for choice.

Now we have left winter behind and have moved in to Spring, my boys are malting and getting their summer coat.  They all like to go outside and explore and Dexter is quite nifty at rat catching, only a few weeks ago there was a live one in the flat which I found in the bath the following morning (yes still alive). With that, comes fleas, horrible little parasites which are just horrid, a cat version of head-lice if you please.  So I was pleased to see Biospotix in the box because ive used it in the past and it is brilliant.

Biospotix acts as a preventive solution by blocking the respiratory system of the parasites by using Geraniol. It also helps to dehydrate the laid eggs so they never hatch too. 

Like most cats, my boys love their food and they love treats and in this box there is a lovely selection.  Starting with Thrive Complete tinned food with Chicken Breast and Tuna Fillet.  What I like about Thrive is that it is cooked with added vitamins and minerals and with no gluten and no wheat.

Karlie Salmon Creme is something Hector just loves.  It is a salmon paste which I give to him direct from the tube, it never gets near his food bowl because as soon as the lid is off he is meowing for the paste.

The treats within this box come in the form of Tuna Cubes by Les Filous which, all three cats absolutely love. Like any other treat I give to them, I always ensure fresh drinking water is available and I stick to the guidelines of how many a day I give to them

When it comes to playing with toys, again all three, despite their age difference (12, 6 and 7 months) love to play.  Again there are three toys which you might assume would mean one each, but no, they always all want the same one.

Trixie is a brand I have come to know since my introduction to the Purrfect Boxes and the toys they create are really good quality. This time we have a spider which is scented with catnip and was the first toy they all fought over. 

Next is a Camon Ball which is made from a material called sisal. Hector loves this ball because it allows him to grip it and fling it around. The act of scratching also allows your cat to eliminate dead nails.

The final toy is a perfumed Dragonfly and its body is infused with a long lasting scent, that strongly appeals to cats and it is a smell can acutely pick up on. The crinkly spotted wings make a noise which entertains Dexter for hours as he pounces on it around the room as though he is hunting.

Finally in the box is some Jolly Moggie Cat Nip. Catnip, for those of you who are not aware of it, is categorised as being a member of the mint family. It is a part of a family of 200+ other mint species and it contains Nepetalactone, the essential oil found inside catnip.For cats who are sensitive to it, Nepetalactone has a very strong effect on cats and can turn even the laziest of cats into an ecstatic ball of energy and intrigue.  All three of mine are sensitive to it, so I only use it in small doses.

This box has proven to be a huge hit with my three boys and the contents are just brilliant. Again, as I have said before, The Purrfect Box is a real treat for my boys to get and as soon as they see the box they know exactly what it is and cannot wait for me to rip it open. If you have a friend who has cats, then this would make a fantastic present!  If you want to try it for yourself, I have a discount code for £5 off and it is ukbdlwba.

Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Make-Up Primer

Laura Geller Make up is just amazing and in a short space of time, I have become a huge fan. One item that I absolutely adore is the Spackle Tinted Make-Up Primer (£25) and I have this in shade Champagne.

I am a huge fan of primers and this one is has been infused to give your skin a champagne glow which works to create a soft, candlelit look. For me, Spackle can be used in three different ways. You can apply it to a clean face as you would your normal primer and then complete your look. You can mix it in with your moisturiser, BB Cream or foundation or you can apply it over the top of your make up where it works well as a highlighter too. 

I find the Spackle Primer really easy to apply, it glides onto my skin and does leave a slight glow, again it isn't so dramatic that I look like an oil slick. If I am adding it after my foundation, I find using the tip of my fourth finger to pat it onto my skin works better than using a brush. If I mix it with another product or use on its own, then I apply using my foundation brush.

Using subtle peach undertones to`neutralize` skin imperfections: uneven complexion, dullness, veins and freckles. It is also both Oil-free and paraben-free, and uses the  soothing botanicals of Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Mallow Flower and Marigold Extracts, plus antioxidants Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extracts which help to protect skin from environmental damage. It smells absolutely divine due to the use of Witch Hazel and as primers go, this one is fantastic, it is like skincare and makeup all in one and it helps my make up last all day.

This is such a fantastic product, it is so versatile and works well with my skin tone and you only need to use such a small amount, that the tube lasts for months.

The Ultimate Guide To Makeup Brushes & Tools

The Ultimate Guide To Makeup Brushes & Tools by Anna Hunter* is described as being 'Your essential guide to the tools, brushes and applicators that make ALL the difference'.  Anna Hunter is an award winning Makeup Maniac columnist for Get The Gloss and this guide is the first in a series of practical, download-and-keep guides and a must read!

The guide is broken down into three parts and throughout you will read about:

• The history of makeup brushes and makeup tools 
• The pros and cons of natural and synthetic brushes
• The tools and applicators that will revolutionise your beauty routine from start to finish
• The best methods, gadgets and products for brush cleaning
• The latest makeup brush and tool development and technology set to change the face of makeup artistry
• How to look after those brushes

The guide is a mere 44 pages long and is packed full of advice from top makeup artists such as Daniel Sandler, Kevyn Aucoin, Lee Pycroft, Justine Jenkins and Lou Dartford and is such a good read, I had devoured it within an hour, thoroughly enjoying a break from reading my usual gory blood curdling Crime Thrillers, to something a little more practical, educational and incredibly useful.

The book starts with some historical factors about makeup with a trip back to Ancient Egypt and the wings of Cleopatra's Eyeliner, to 17th Century Rouge and what use a Hares foot had for blusher or Squirrel Hair for makeup setting!.  I was fascinated by the history of make up brushes and the little unknown fact about a little town of Kumano in Japan, where an astonishing 15million brushes for some big brands such as RMK, Shiseido and Suqqu.  

The past I really enjoyed was the Tool and Brush Wardrobe which offered an in-depth analysis of brushes for concealer, your eyes, cheeks, lips, adding a base and eyeliner.  There is a brush or tool to suit every mood, need, technique, trend, face shape and perhaps most importantly, the ones which are right for you. I have now found some more brushes that I feel I need for my growing collection and some that I already have, but perhaps don't really need.

A chapter I think everything should read from this mini guide is called 'Coming Clean' and it is about looking after your brushes and tools and whilst cleaning them might not be exciting, it is one of those essential tasks. This chapter takes you through how to wash your brushes effectively and how you can do it using different products from shampoos, solid cleansers and even foams and brush conditioners.  How and why you should dry your brushes in a certain why and is there finally a way to use a face wipe without being vilified? Well you will have to read this guide for yourself.

You can purchase your copy of this guide here for just £4.95.

Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Sanitising Solid Brush Cleaner

When the Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Sanitising Solid Brush Cleaner popped through my letterbox I was intrigued to find whether or not something that cost £5 would be any good, remember I have mentioned on many occasions that this is not a brand to be judged by its prices.

Described as being the perfect on-the-go solution to instantly sanitise, cleanse and condition your make up brushes with no mess, little effort and something that is easy to use, I gave it a whirl.  Now I hate cleaning my make up brushes, it is boring, laborious and I always chastise myself for leaving it until I have barely none left, before having to clean them all.

In order to give this a try, I found one of my dirtiest brushes (yes I know, minging) and followed the instructions.  You simple wet the brush and gently place into the solid brush cleanser until it starts to foam, which it does after a few seconds, this then works to remove the residue, the swirl the brush into the palm of your (clean) hand and when you do this, all the gunk that has accumulated literally dissolves, running away into the sink.  Once this has been completed and you are happy, simply rinse with the brush and leave to dry.  Having used the solid balm, there is a little dirt left on the top from where I wiped by brush around it, but to remove that, you simply run it under water to keep the balm clean.

As you can see, this solid cleanser does an exceptional job at dissolving the make up from this brush and leaves it looking like new, the once white bristles that had turned orange are now white again and it works for every kind of brush you have from lip brushes to eyebrow brushes. 

For just £5 this is brilliant value for money and it is perfect for cleaning any brush and is the perfect on the go cleaning essential.

This post may contain PR Samples and/or Affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclaimer page.

Ole Henriksen Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set

Ole Henriksen products are something I feel I should know more about than I do, until now having only ever used Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser and a sample of Truth Serum Collagen Booster from a beauty box, I was delighted to give the Ole Henriksen Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set a try.

The Three Little Wonders Mini Gift Set contains three deluxe samples of products; a 9.76ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster, a 7ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment and a 7ml sample of the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation and all for just £18. What I love about this set is that the sizes are perfect for giving you a weeks worth of usage and in that time you can make your own mind up as to whether or not you wish to purchase a full sized version.

The Ole Henriksen – Truth Serum Collagen Booster contains five potent forms of vitamin C which work within the serum to correct dark spots, uneven skin tone and dullness to lighten and tighten the skin. It is also packed with powerful antioxidants and the serum is like a daily vitamin for your skin, boosting collagen production and keeping your skin nourished and protected. Add to that the Grapefruit and orange extracts purify the skin, green tea helps to protect, whilst rosehip extract strengthens and finally sodium hyaluronate binds moisture to the skin.

Packaged inside this tiny bottle, with a pump (yay) you only need to press it once for enough serum to cover the entirety of your face and neck.  It smells just absolutely delightful, quite citrusy with a hint of Rosehip and on the skin, it absorbs almost immediately.

The Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment is described as being an overnight nourishing cream which works to balance and brighten your skin while you sleep. It is infused with youth- enhancing ingredients to smooth the texture of your skin whilst fortifying the skin’s natural barrier. So with Alpha Hydroxy Complex being at the heart of the formula, they are enriched with what is described as being potent glycolic, lactic and fruit acids and they work to deeply penetrate your epidermis to encourage cell renewal and in doing so, they reveal much smoother skin. If that isn't enough, the Fruit Acid Complex, which is a concentrated cocktail of bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange and lemon all work to lightly exfoliate your skin’s surface, breaking down the bonds of dead skill cells and boosts the elasticity of the skin’s surface - all whilst you sleep!

The texture is quite a watery gel so you only need a small amount as it is a case of a little going a long way. One the skin there is no scent that really stands out but as it settles and then absorbs, I did feel a slight tingly sensation which quickly subsided leaving my skin feeling really hydrated and smooth to the touch.

The final item in this trio is The Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation and it is described as being a lightweight moisturiser that helps combat the effects of sun damage. The forumla is oil-free and is designed to help fade dark spots, freckles and other sun damage concerns as the cream instantly nourishes and evens the skin’s tone and texture. It uses what is referred to as an advanced blend of Actiwhite™ and liquorice which work to correct discolouration and also provide intense free radical protection to prevent further damage. Finally there is the inclusion of Fruit acids which work within the formula to re-texturise the skin, vitamin C to stimulate collagen production for additional anti-ageing benefits and finally, a dose of antioxidant vitamin E which ensures your skin is well nourished.

This is quite a rich moisturiser though incredibly lightweight on the skin. It works really well with my skin and I add it after using the Truth Serum. It does refresh the skin and instantly leaves the really hydrated and nourishing feeling.

So there you have a little trio of lotions and potions which work together to restore the youthful glow back to your complexion and it is currently on offer with Escentual for just £15.30!

Benefit Cosmetics #boldisbeautiful

On Sunday 8th May 2016 Benefit Cosmetics be taking to the streets of London to raise funds for the Bold is Beautiful project, while having a whole heap of fun! But there is a serious side to having fun of course. Throughout the whole of May Benefit will be raising funds for two great charities, Look Good Feel Better and Refuge and there are a few ways within which you can get involved.

Firstly, you can donate directly to either or both charities which are Look Good Feel Better and Refuge:

Look Good Feel Better is dedicated to improving the confidence and wellbeing of people undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. They improve self-image and appearance through free skincare and make-up workshops and masterclasses along with online support to help regain a sense of control and improved self-esteem.

Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated and where women and children can live in safety. They aim to empower women and children to rebuild their lives, free from violence and fear. They provide a range of life-saving and life-changing services and a voice for the voiceless.

Secondly, there is the March which I have mentioned and this is the route:

Start & End Point: Cavendish Square

Registration opens at 10am

March starts in two waves at 11am and 11.45am

The route is 4.5 miles long, so depending on your walking speed, it should take you between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. There will be checkpoints along the route, featuring goodies, activities and photo opportunities galore.

Thirdly you can book a Brow Wax and 100% of the Brow Wax profits will go to these charities.  Or you can be on your look out for a High Brow Tea Event! Throughout May and June, the Bold is Beautiful Project will tour the UK with a pop-up 'High Brow Tea' (on wheels) in collaboration with Tea Pigs.  Guests are able to attend the event in pairs to experience a Tea for Two, with on board brow services to get those brows perfected!  Look out for further details from the Benebabes!

Are you going to join in?

How I De-Stress

As April is Stress Awareness Month, so I thought I would share a post on how I relax and kick back. According to the NHS, stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. Many of life’s demands can cause stress, whether that is work, money and relationships to name the most common causes. As individuals, we all have different ways of reacting to stress, whether that is going for a walk, meditating, using stress relief products such as stress relief gummies, learning the benefits and uses of essential oils, apps such as Mindfulness or Headspace are incredible resources as is  just talking to a friend, someone who will listen without judgement.

We just have to remember that every situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.

Now I have an exceptionally demanding job, I also blog regularly, I am a Wife, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, Niece, Friend, In-law all of which make demands on my time of course. I have a flat and three cats to look after.  All of this comes with stresses and strains, some more manageable than others and often being under pressure brings out the best in me BUT... learning how to switch off, wind down, take time for me and just relax is something I find hard to do and to coin a phrase 'I have ants in my pants', I am often fidgety.  So how do I calm down, take a breath and not let it all get on top of me?

Lists.  I am an avid list writer.  On my desk at work I have a weekly planner from Busy B Stationery and a to-do list and this helps keep me motivated, on top of things and focused.  This list never ever gets completed but I do get some satisfaction from crossing out things I have done, things that have been finished or finalised and by adding extra items, no matter how important (like ordering more envelopes) keeps me grounded.  I find writing my lists by hand quite therapeutic and whilst I am adding that list or crossing out, I am focused on what needs to be done.

Reading.  I am a bookworm and read a lot.  I travel too and from work via bus and get around London via Tube, during that time I read. If you follow me on Goodreads, then you will know that every year I set myself a target of how many books I should read.  Again, this is a list system of sorts because it organises my books in order of date read and there is a comprehensive list of books I want to read and a list of books that people recommend to me.  I am by heart a Crime Thriller girl, though am known to read the odd Chick Lit novel if the story grabs me.

Bath time.  At least once a week, I have an hour to an hour and a half in a hot bubble filled bath.  In that bath I will have on a facemask and perhaps even a hair mask and I will lay back on my bath pillow and just forget about anything existing outside that door, other than Hector my kitten who will sing to me in the hope I will let him in the bathroom to practice his balancing act along the bath. Otherwise I am in that bubble filled bath with my book/Kindle and I am forgetting about you all.

Box Set Marathon.  It is rare I sit down to watch the television.  I don't watch the soaps and I don't have the TV for the sake of it.  I am a huge football fan and I do love a good documentary.  So instead I like to find a series and watch it - Grey's Anatomy, Nashville, Devious Maids, Wentworth, Criminal Minds, CSI, Bluebloods, Quantico, Black List and so on.  Those are some of the programmes I am making my way through and in doing so, once again, I forget about anything else.

Colouring.  I love to colour things in. I have about three or four art therapy books in my collection currently and any excuse to buy pretty coloured pens I am there.  Colouring is actually really therapeutic, my mind is totally focused on not going out of the lines (seriously) and I can lose hours just colouring pieces of paper in, in a book.

I now just need to learn to leave my phone and social media apps alone for a few hours!

How do you relax, sit back and forget about the stresses and strains of everyday life?

Bee Good Lime Blossom and Honey Lip Balm

You might remember last year when I announced there was to be a lip balm competition by the fabulous brand Bee Good and I then featured the winning Lip Balm here.  Well today I am sharing the runner up lip balm, which was inspired by the lovely Aarti from MrsJonasrecommends.

In its beautiful green packaging, Lime Blossom and Honey Lip Balm is described as being a rich, deeply replenishing lip balm to repair, intensively condition and soothe dry, chapped lips. As soon as the lid is removed, the one thing you get a hint of is zesty lime. The main ingredients include protective British beeswax, natural source vitamin E, British borage oil; a rich source of skin strengthening essential fatty acids and British echium oil to replenish dry skin. Add to that bee-friendly lime blossom and it makes for a really lovely lip balm.

The texture of the lip balm is similar the others within the range, not too runny but a slight squeeze of the tube releases enough balm to cover both lips.  The applicator is angled to make the application really easy and it melts and absorbs on contact with the skin, so there is no greasy Vaseline feeling at all.  It does leave your lips feeling hydrated and moisturised and of course the Zesty Lime scent is noteable.

Prices at just £4.75 it is great value you money, a perfect lip balm for the Spring and Summer and it can be bought online or in most Waitrose stores.

What scent would you want to see in a lipbalm?

Colourpop Vixen Lippie Stix Set

Yes, I have finally succumbed to Colourpop and thanks to my mister, I have the amazing Vixen Lippie Stix set which I am obsessed with. ColourPop Vixen Lippie Stix Set is a limited edition set of six shades, all of which are just stunning. They arrived nicely package inside this purple box and in amazing condition considering their journey from America to the UK in just a few days.

If you havent come across Colourpop before (err hello) then you won't be surprised to learn that they are an American Brand right out of LA. They don't test on animals, are purse friendly and if you can find a way of shipping them to the UK, then do it because it is an amazing brand.

Inside the Vixen box are six Lippie Stix which are white in colour with silver writing and they look like felt tips pens, but obviously they are not. With names such as Ruffle, Last Call and Night Owl they are every bit as brilliant as they look.

Ruffle is described as a mid toned warm terracotta which has a Matte finish. The shade to me is a slightly warm brown shade with yellowy orange undertones and whilst it is wearable, it is my least favourite in the box.

Last Call is described as a "soft cool-toned mauve pink and it has a creme finish. Not quite Barbie Pink it does give a nice sheen to the lips and is perfect for everyday wear.

Night Owl is described as a “vivid cool-toned hot pink" and is also a creme finish. Now this is a fantastic shade of pink, it is bright, it is bold and it is one I just cannot pull off, but I love it and just wish it was for me.

Swatches from L-R = 54, Last Call, Night Owl, Plastics, Jingle and Ruffle

Jingle is described as a “true blue red" and it has a Matte finish. For me it is definitely a medium red shade and it definitely has cool undertones and is a shade I can wear, but I need to find the courage to do so because I find the red lip quite a scary thought and I just need to get over it. Jingle has a matte finish but I prefer it with gloss over the top to make it shine.

Plastics is my second favourite shade in the box and it is a matte finish and described as a “deep red violet" though to you and I, it is violet with a touch of red in it. I adore this shade and have worn it a few times, oddly I find no issue wearing a purple lip but cannot bring myself to leave the house with red. 

54 which has the most boring name happens to be my favourite shade of the lot. It is described as a “red wine burgundy with red and hot pink glitter" and it has a pearlised finish to it. Under the lights you can see the glitter within the formula.

As this box was designed for the holiday season, I feel the colours within the set are really well thought out and if like me, you are new to the brand, it is a great little introduction.  I adore the formulas of each Lipstix, they glide onto the lips, are bold in colour and pigment and each one lasts an amazing 5-6 hours.  I didnt find anything drying about any of them and for $20 for the set it is a bit of a bargain.  Colourpop Lipstix retail for $5USD which to be honest is just amazing and I now want to add more to my collection.