GOSH AW16 Copenhagen Collection

So last week, I got to spend an evening with some amazing bloggers, PR Girls and the fabulous Sidsel Marie Bøg, the Global MUA for GOSH eating dinner at the stunning Mondrian Restaurant whilst getting to have a sneak peek, play and introduction to the new GOSH AW16 Copenhagen Collection. 

The main focus of the AW16 Collection is the Nordic/Danish raw beauty of nature, think views of the coastline, barren landscapes and the beauty of the sea. All of the ingredients used are natural and vegan friendly (except the lipsticks which contain bees wax) as well as nourishing and as you might expect from GOSH - amazing.

Within the collection you will find the following:

Overnight Primer Oil Essence

This is the product that I am most excited about and the one most people wanted to know more about on my snapchat. The Overnight Primer Oil Essence is a bit of an innovative product.  Packed full of antioxidants, fatty acids and caring oils, which combine to care for your skin and influence the amount of moisture, vitamins, nutrients, the degree of ageing and environmental stresses. The formula works best overnight and it preps your skin while you’re sleeping so that you can wake up, de-stressed, well-moisturised with glowy and primed skin ready for your makeup. It comes packaged inside a bottle rather than a tube and has a handy pipette for application.

Lash Sculpting Fibre Mascara 

Now I do love GOSH mascaras and this new lash sculpting fibre mascara not only adds volume and length but as it’s made with antioxidant rich Nordic seaweed, it also cares for your lashes. The formula contains fibres which are up to 2mm long, they attach to your natural lashes to create volume and add length to your lashes.  The mascara round Tynex brush is optimally shaped to help create that volume and length whilst at the same time ensuring there is no clumping.

Brow Sculpting Fibre Gel 

As with the Lash Sculpting Fibre Mascara, the Brow Sculpting Fibre Gel also contains fibres which help you achieve thicker looking brows. The brush is specially tapered so you can really use it to create a natural but more defined brow.   It is available in two shades Nutmeg and Chestnut.

Giant Pro Liner 

The new Giant Pro Liner is most definitely a giant and has a nib like a Sharpie!. The intense black colour and pointed nib make it incredibly easy to apply either a thin or stronger line with accuracy, it is water based so incredibly easy to remove and is easy to hold.

Foundation + Cover and Conceal 

The GOSH Foundation Cover & Conceal is a foundation and concealer in one! It can be used on the whole of the face for full coverage or  used in selected areas as needed.  It has a really natural feel when on the skin and has a smooth satin finish.  It is formulated with liquid sea minerals, seaweed and hyaluronic acid making it incredibly moisturising and nourishing on the skin. It also has SPF15 and is availabe in 5 shades - Ivory which is the lightest shade plus Natural, Honey, Golden and finally Tan which is the darkest shade.

Contour’n’Strobe 

As we all know contouring and strobing is very much on trend right now and it is apparently here to stay.  So with that in mind, GOSH have launched their contour’n’strobe kit which is a must-have if you want to master the basics.

The kit is split into quarters and features a highligher, a semi matte blush, and 2 matte bronzers and there are some instructions about how to use it on the back. The four shades are quite creamy and incredibly pigmented making them easy to apply and blend. The kit is available in two options - Light and medium and is designed to suit all skin types. 

Velvet Touch Matte Lipsticks 

No collection from GOSH is complete without lipsticks and there are four new shades this season. The shades are Matte Cinnamon, Matte Grape, Matte Purple and Matte Cranberry.

Using natural waxes and hyaluronic acid to moisturise, soothe and smooth your lips, they are incredibly creamy, long-lasting with an intense matte colour effect. 

The GOSH Copenhagen AW16 collection is available to order online today here. 

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

August's must-have beauty products, exclusively at John Lewis

I call it a lust list, but John Lewis is one of those stores I find myself wandering around happily looking without getting stressed and as ever when I have vouchers to spend, I am always torn when it comes to what to purchase because I want everything, hence the term 'lust list'.

If you look online, John Lewis have helpfully put together a helpful guide of exclusives for August and my pick of the must-have beauty products are:

I am a huge fan of Hot Cloth Cleansers and have to date tried three different ones. I am please to see that Lancome has their own version which is a purse friendly £15.50 and Lancome as a brand is one I have seen people raving about of late, so this is something I really want to try and I love that it comes with its own cloth too.

NARS Narsisist Dual-Intensity Blush Palette is also more than lustworthy, just look at it! The four shades on the palette house a highlighter, blush and contouring powder. The shades called Soft Tulle, Damask with Gold Sheen, Peony and Titian are just beautiful and can be applied dry for a natural-looking finish, or wet for more intense colour

Another palette I absolutely love the look of is  Laura Mercier Eye Art Caviar Palette. The mirrored palette features 6 matte and 6 crushed pearl-shimmer eyeshadow shades in a range from light to dark. Shades include:

• Rosegold (pearl)
• Tuxedo (matte)
• Ginger (matte)
• Morning Dew (matte)
• Copper (pearl)
• Ganache (matte)
• Buttercream (matte)
• Khaki (pearl)
• Sandglow (pearl)
• Steel (matte)
• Amethyst (pearl)
• Burnished Bronze (pearl)

Everything you need for day and nighttime and the transition between the two. The final item that has caught my eye and one I have seen a few snapchats, youtubes and facebook videos of are the Bobbi Brown Retouching Face Pencils. There are ten different shades to choose from depending upon your preference but you can use them on bare skin as an all-in-one skin perfector, or layer it over foundation for added coverage where you need it most for a natural-looking finish that’s never cakey, you can illuminate, contour and even cover dark spots, and neutralise redness.

Those are the products which have caught my eye from the John Lewis August must-have beauty list, has anything caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and affiliate links unless indicated otherwise

#LFBestofBritish Look Fantastic Beauty Box

This months LookFantastic box is hashtagged as #LFBestofBritish Beauty Box and it is filled with some amazing British brands, brands we should all get to know, love and celebrate and some might say it is quite a timely named box given some of us will be sat on our sofas cheering on #TeamGB at the Olympics n Rio. So, here is what you will find in the box:

Ren Flash Defence Anti-pollution mist

Anti-pollution products are on the rise and this one from Ren has been on my watch list for some time now. Perfect for those of us who either live in cities this Anti-Pollution Mist; a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula to instantly defend against free radical damage and environmental aggressors.. It can be used over make-up to revive radiance, or reapplied throughout the day to combat signs of fatigue. Formulated with ingredients such as Biosaccharide Gum, derived from Corn and Yeast, the non-greasy mist forms an invisible barrier on the skin's surface to shield from pollutants, whilst Zinc and Manganese Amino Acids (from Wakame Seaweed) prevent oxidative stress.

Bee Good Vanilla and Honey Lip Balm
Bee Good is an amazing brand that I have had the fortune to test out for some time now and a full review of this Lip Balm can be found here on my blog. With a tapered tip makes it incredibly easy to apply, this is a deeply nourishing lipbalm. It softens, protects and moisturises to bring welcome relief and rescue to dry or chapped lips using ingredients such as British Beeswax, Crambe Oil, Echium Oil, Wildflower Honey, Borage Oil and has Vitamin E included.

Percy & Reed Wonder Balm

I have a tube of this which I am yet to try but the idea with the Wonder Balm is that it acts as a primer for your hair. You leave it in overnight so that you can then create a versatile base for any hair-styling product which serves to enhance your style. So much like a makeup primer helps your makeup stay in place, Percy and Reed have created one for your hair to keep your 'do intact.

Balance Me Congested Skin Serum

I have tried this product before, a full review of which you can read here on my blog.  This non-greasy, non-drying gel that targets imperfections and problem areas, leaving skin calm and clear. Using Roman chamomile, anti-bacterial may chang, calming lavender and eucalyptus alongside super soothing and cooling organic aloe vera and spruce knot to calm as soon as a blemish begins to show without drying out the skin.

Renu Lip and Eye Active Lift

Renu is a brand I am also familiar with and one I have enjoyed getting to know. I have been taught from a young age that no matter how young or old you are, a good eye and lip cream is a must. The skin around your eyes and lips is thinner than on any other part of you body and it can be one of the first to show signs of ageing. Renu Lip and Eye Active Lift contains a blend of Amino Acids, Wild Yam, Soya Extract and active Marine Magnesium, to help stimulate collagen and  firm the skin with the addition of Arnica to help banish those pesky under-eye dark circles to keep you looking fresh faced.

Bloom and Blossom Rejuvenating Facial Spritz 

If you and your skin is in need of a boost, then this is the spray you should try. I am already obsessed with facial mists which you can read about here and adding another one to my stash only excites me more. With a total of 11 ingredients such as horsetail leaf, lady’s mantle and gotu cola leaf extracts, it helps reduce dark shadows, wrinkles and add a new lease of life to a drained complexion.

The Look Fantastic Best Of British Beauty Box is the latest release in the Look Fantastic Beauty Box Club. The box is valued at £55 and is available to order online for £11.25. Find it here

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

I Heart Lip Balms

I am one of those Lip Balm obsessives, I have a few in every drawer, handbag and on my desk and I also use a lot, applying and re-applying several times a day. 

The latest release from I Heart makeup, who are the sister company of the Makeup Revolution group, introduced 5 new flavoured balms which are kooky, fun and smell delightful.

Packaged inside a unique capsule style tube which is brightly coloured and works with the given flavour, they fit into your handbag really easily and stand up unaided which is even better. The five falvours are:

• Raspberry Fizz - Pink
• Lemon Sorbet - Light Blue
• Cool Vanilla - White
• Wild Strawberry - Red
• Blueberry Crush - Dark Blue

Whilst they don't contain any SPF, they are really moisturising and hydrating for the lips and .  

The scents are pretty good for their description and you will be in no doubt as to which one is which, picking a favourite is quite a hard choice and I am stuck somewhere between Raspberry Fizz which reminds me of Barrs Cherryade and Lemon Sorbet which reminds me of Lemon Bon Bons.

You can find these lip balms priced at just £2.99, right here and they are an absolute bargain.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

Sleek MakeUP Colour Corrector Palette

Sleek is an amazing high street brand and with the addition of their colour corrector palette, I am just so incredibly impressed. Yes palettes like these are not something new and they have been around for a while now, but whenever brand introduces one, I do love to find out whether or not it is a) any good and b) different to anything else I have used. 

Colour correcting palettes can tackle pretty much any problem area you have from blemishes and dark circles to discolouration and would you believe it freckles, something which is too big a challenge for me to cover and a paper bag would be of more use. I use these palettes to either cover dark circles under my eyes, blemishes on my cheeks or the small scar I have on my forehead which you would never notice unless I pointed it out.

The colour correcting palette from Sleek houses six different shades which work as follows - 

On the top line we have:

• Green to neutralise redness making it perfect for concealing scars and blemishes.
• Lilac to neutralise yellow areas, brightening sallow & dull complexions. 
• Blue to neutralise orange which is perfect for freckles. 

Then on the bottom line there is:

• Rose - which adds radiance and evens our dark spots. 
• Yellow - which neutralises purple areas such as under eye areas for lighter skin tones. 
• Orange - which neutralises blue which works best for dark circles on darker skin tones.

The texture of these colours is quite creamy and not as powdery as I was expecting it to be. I tend to apply under my eyes using my concealer brush and then finish by patting with my finger and I was surprised to find it didn't crease or make my look even more tired than I was. I always apply products like this over any creams I am wearing - serum, moisturising cream and often primer. Green and Lilac with a smattering of rose are the shades I have been using the most and I am happy with the coverage, especially with the redness on my cheeks. I love the inclusion of orange for darker skin tones, though it is the only shade I possibly won't use of the six.

This Sleek MakeUP Colour Corrector Palette launched on 29th July 

and is priced at £7.99.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Libbie Club - August Beauty Box

The August Libbie Club box has arrived and I was quite excited about this months box for one paricular product which you can read about below. The box and its contents have been put together with Summer still in mind. So there is something to protect and perfect your skin whilst adding some subtle colour for the ultimate natural look! Introducing K-beauty superstar brand Mizon and their super hydrating, anti-ageing Placenta Ampoule Cream, made using plant extracts. Follow up with Nanoblur by Indeed Labs for a flawless, camera-ready complexion which can be used with or without make up. Finally we have a fabulous 100% natural, vegetarian lip stick from Nizz Cosmetics! Finish your summer look with one of 3 nude shades from this exciting new UK brand!

Nanoblur by Indeed Labs was originally developed for on-camera talent to smooth out HD-visible imperfections. It is formulated with advanced optical prism technology, so nanoblur’s™ ground-breaking formula changes the way light reflects off skin. As nanoblur describe "Once applied, micro-prisms diffuse light in a multitude of directions, creating a smoothing effect on skin similar to an air-brushed photo. Photo artists use techniques in digital retouching to make subjects’ skin look perfect. nanoblur™ does the same thing, but in real life". 

This isn't a primer and as it is water based, it can be patted on over makeup or under makeup depending upon your preference.

Reader Offer - 15% off Indeed Labs Nanoblur.

Next we have a brand I have never come across until now and that is Nizz Cosmetics. Nizz Cosmetics specialise in creating vegetarian, hypo-allergenic, paraben-free lip colours using a sophisticated blend of trade fair butter, oils and waxes, for a smooth application and the creamiest finish.. The Lustre Lipsticks are enriched with moisturising properties NIZZ Cosmetics lipstick is long-lasting and highly pigmented with an opaque lustre finish.

I have shade Cashmere Nude and I absolutely love it and find that is a great dupe for MAC Velvet Teddy.  It glides onto the lips, doesn't cling to dryness and lasts a good 4 hours before reapplication is needed.

Reader offer -  Nizz Cosmetics Lustre Lipstick.

The final product in the box is the one I was most excited about and that is the Mizon Ampoule Placenta Cream. Yes you did read that right. I love weird and kooky sounding products as you will know by now if you read my blog regularly. However, this does not contain anything human or animal, infact it instead utilises nutrient-rich plant placenta which helps to promote skn regeneration, plump out lines and using some amazing ingredients leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, nourished and moisturised.

Within this cream you will find:

• Placenta contains minerals and amino acids that revitalise the skin and help with cell renewal and protection
• Raspberry extract prevents skin acidification
• The product is certified by the KFDA as a whitening and anti-wrinkle treatment
• The hyaluronic acid works together with the trehalose to provide intense moisturisation
• Plant-based ingredients, such as sagebrush, yarrow and rose extract soothes and calms sensitive skin

Reader Offer: 20% off Mizon Placenta Ampoule Cream.

I think this is a super box and it is packed with products that I have already been using, the lipstick is an amazing shade and I adore the placenta cream You can find all of these items in the Libbie Club Shop so that you can treat yourself?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Erborian Liquid BB Creme Cushion Compact

Erborian is one of those brands I just adore, it is exciting, it is new and different, it is a little bit quirky and it does amazing make up - especially the PP Creme which I adore.  So landing on my mat is a new product which is called the cushion BB Creme and if you like original, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't like this, cushion products seem to be all over the show right now, so I am glad to see Erborian on the case. I am a big fan of the original BB Creme, so I was excited to give this a try, more so because it arrives in a small little compact, meaning less room taken up in my handbag.

Erborian say that this BB Cushion creme will help to enhance the complexion and immediately moisturize your skin and the formula provides sheer coverage and helps to:

1. Even out skin tone

2. Conceal the appearance of flaws

3. Soften the visible signs of aging

4. Provide a feeling of freshness and instant moisture

5. Give a baby skin effect

Unsurprisingly this product is packed full of amazing skincare ingredients which are known for their antioxidant and hydrating properties and others which have soothing benefits such as Ginseng, liquorice, yam and kigella africana.  There is also the inclusion of horsetail which is known to help strengthen the skins barrier functions.

I really like the formula of this BB Creme, it isn't sticky or tacky on the skin and once applied my skin feels so smooth the touch and instantly fresh feeling. I have shade Clair which is the lightest of the two shades (the other being Golden) and it is a perfect match for my light skin tone. On the skin, whilst it isn't entirely weightless, it feels no different to having applied a tinted moisturiser or BB Creme but the big difference for me is how it makes my skin feel - moisturised and I find I don't need to use as much as I would do with a foundation because the coverage is pretty darn good.

My only issue with the compact is the sponge applicator, I am yet to get to grips with it properly and currently prefer to use my stippling brush to apply, but I haven't quite given up on the sponge yet and feel that as it is part of the product, it is there for a reason.

The Erborian Cushion BB is a QVC exclusive and it will be priced at £26.50 when it launches. Designed for all skin types, this is a product well worth waiting for and is like skincare and makeup all rolled into one, perfect for the Erborian brand and if you are yet to discover them, do so, it is amazing.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

8 Fresh Ideas for a Romantic Date

If both of you are bored with going to the cinema, cafes, and picnics, it’s time to try something new and rekindle your relationship. Run out of ideas? A bit of brainstorming for you has been done the following ideas came up that you can use for the next date with your sweetheart.

Image Credit

Dine at home. Eating out is no longer fun? Cook dinner yourself and spend a romantic evening at home. It’s much more pleasant to eat the dishes prepared with love in a home environment. Perhaps, you have your signature dish but if not, ask your girlfriend or wife to cook and offer your help. If both of you can’t boast outstanding cooking skills, prepare something together strictly following the guidelines you’ll find on the Internet. The main idea is to do everything together from A to Z. Choose the dish, make up the list of all the necessary ingredients, go to the supermarket (don’t forget to buy a bottle of wine), and cook. The whole process will bring you closer together and help you get to know each other from a different angle.

Go for a bike ride. If you and your partner are fond of active leisure, consider taking your girlfriend for a bike ride. If you don’t have bicycles, you can always rent them. Take some food and a blanket and have a snack in some picturesque place where your ride will take you.

Take a stroll in the old part of your city. There is always a special romantic atmosphere in the old town of a city. Leave your car in the garage, wear comfortable shoes, and set off to explore your city. Don’t plan your route in advance – just choose the starting point and wander aimlessly. Walk down the unknown streets, drink latte sitting on the bench, take pictures, and enjoy each other’s company.

Go to the library. Yes, you read that right – library. Although it may seem not a very good date idea at first, you should go there together at least once, especially if your girlfriend is keen on reading. Choose the biggest library in your area and spend several hours in the “temple of learning”. Enjoy the silence and that special smell of old books walking along the rows, staring at the shelves. Take your favorite hardbacks or something from periodicals and sit for a while on a sofa and read.

Go to the place she always wanted to visit. Ask your partner where she wants to go but never finds the time to do it. It may turn out that you have one and the same place on your mind and now you can get there together. In case you think about different places, break them into two dates.

Fly a kite. Make her childhood dream come true. Pack a picnic basket, get two kites, and go to the windy open terrain. You’ll have a great romantic date and both of you will remember it forever.

Watch the sunrise. Although dates are usually associated with the evening time, why don’t you break the rules and go out when the world is still asleep. Isn’t it romantic to see the first sun rays appear over the horizon? Your city sleeps and it’s only you two standing on the roof of a high building (or in any other place that provides a clear sight of the horizon) watching how the sky changes its color and how a new day starts. Yet, the best sunrises can be contemplated at the sea. This is the case when a picture is worth a thousand words.

Write a love letter. Have you ever written a real letter, not an email or message, but a real paper people send via snail mail? If not, it’s time to. Offer your sweetheart to drop a line to each other in an old-fashioned way. Organize a romantic evening at home, drink some wine, sit back-to-back, and write the letters. After that put them into the envelopes and drop them into the nearest mailbox.

*this post is a guest post

Sarah Jessica Parker NYC

When NYC, the new fragrance from Sarah Jessica Parker landed on my desk I was immediately drawn to the bright, multi-pattern funky box and bottle which is said to be a tribute to her famous alter ego Carrie Bradshaw. Now I personally am not a fan of Sex and The City and have seen half an episode, so have no idea what Carrie is like, but the description states she has a unique sense of style, passionate attitude and love for New York which echoes the design.

From the very first spritz I adored this scent and if you love a fruity floral then you will to and it has a beautiful mixture of notes:

• Top notes: Mandarin from Italy, White Osmanthus and Wild Strawberries.
• Heart notes: Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Mimosa and Red Damascena Rose.
• Base notes: Vanilla Absolute, Sandalwood, Rum and Creamy Musk.

The scent opens up with a sweet floral mix before settling on the skin whereupon which the Rose and Gardenia scents come to life and finally the sandalwood scent, which is quite earthy and thankfully drowns down the vanilla scent which lasts for just a few seconds. Once it has settled onto the skin, the wild strawberry sits alongside the florals to create an amazing summer scent which is long lasting and lasts on my skin for hours after application. 

This is a real fun fragrance from start to finish, not at all like the celebrity fragrance I was expecting but one I have grown to love and wear a lot more than expected. It is available nationwide at stores such as Superdrug, Boots, Debenhams and The Fragrance Shop and has an RRP £48 for 100ml.  

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Win a Triple lot of Benefit Makeup

As I am currently away for a few days, I thought I would leave you lovely lot with a giveaway featuring some of my favourite products from Benefit, don't worry, they are not the ones I am currently using, I did infact purchase these from Debenhams and they are worth around £70 as a set.

Starting with RollerLash, one of the best mascaras I have ever used and one I find myself going back to over and over again. The wand is an eye-opening Hook 'n' Roll brush which grabs, separates, lifts and curls your lashes and it uses provitamin B5 and serin, ingredients known for their lash-conditioning benefits.

SugarBomb features four shimmering shades of peach, soft plum, pink and rose inside this chunky box and there is also a brush included. I love that a swirl of the powder on my cheeks leaves a lovely naturally flush of colour without being too pink, too peach or too plum. 

Finally, one of my most used palettes is called the World Famous Neutrals Kit, most glamorous nudes ever and it contains 6 different eye shadows which are:

• birthday suit (brushed chrome)
• my two cents (polished copper)
• call my buff (pale shell)
• kiss me, i'm tipsy (spiced brown)
• gilt-y pleasure (golden sand)

These shadows are creaseless, longwearing and so easy to apply, I have in the time ive been wearing makeup bought 3 of these palettes because I am such a big fan.

All you have to do to enter is complete the Rafflecopter Widget below and you're in with a chance of winning!  Please do pay attention to the mandatory options, failure to complete them will result in your entry being void and as ever, please ensure you are over 16 to enter or have your parents permission because I will need your home address.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise