The Best Beauty Crackers 2016

If a Beauty Advent Calendar is not something you want, like or can afford there are always alternatives and a good one comes in the form of a beauty cracker, though it is unlikely you would get a Christmas Hat and an unfunny joke to go with it.  Instead, you could have an amazing Beauty Cracker or Crackers (as some are packs) as a nice little treat or a gift for a beauty lover out there.

As with last two years (2015 and 2014) there are already a lot of these readily available to be purchased now, but what more could any beauty blogger want than a Christmas Tree filled with beauties like these and better still, there are even some for the men in the life. 

Jo Malone - This has to be the cracker of all crackers at £205 and of course with a 100ml bottle of a signature cologne, candle, bodywash, body cream and all from Selfridges!

Vintage Cosmetics Company - Six beautifully packaged crackers which contain full-sized items, a paper crown and a beauty tip within each. Priced at £55.

Jo Malone. Surprise and delight dinner guests with a festive Christmas Cracker at every place setting. Pull it to reveal a surprise treat – fresh Basil & Neroli Cologne, juicy Blackberry & Bay Body & Hand Wash, and compelling, addictive Mimosa & Cardamom Body Crème. Available now for £33.

Espa Nourishing Lip Trio - At £29 this cracker from Espa contains a trio of natural, pink, and red Nourishing Lip Treatments.

Nails inc. Festive Cracker Nail Varnish Collection, a set of six crackers housing six full sized nail polishes including 1 x NailKale Superfood Base Coat and five shades of Nails Inc polish such as Hampstead Grove and Regents Park. Available now for £28.50.

L'Occitane Holiday Trio (£20) - Each cracker contains a hand-picked selection of three L’occitane products. Whether it’s delicate cherry blossom, delicious almond or relaxing aromachologie & lavender and within each set is a hand cream, shower gel and bath cube. 

Essie Crack'a'Colour Christmas Gift Set is a set of 4 crackers which each contain an Essie shade such as Fiji and Bordeaux. Priced at £20.

Molton Brown - Again this year there are two offerings from Molton Brown, one for him and one for her and both are really good value for money at £20. Inside Heavenly Gingerlily Cracker which is for her, you will find three really good sized products Gingerlily Replenishing Hand Cream, 40ml, Gingerlily Body Wash, 50ml and Gingerlily Nourishing Body Lotion, 50ml. 

In the cracker for him, Black Peppercorn Cracker, you will find three good sized products again with Ultra Light Bai Ji Hydrator, 30ml, Black Peppercorn Body Wash, 50ml and Black Peppercorn Nourishing Body Lotion, 50ml. Again this cracker is priced at £20.

Oskia - (£18.50) Housed in a pretty paper cracker is a mini version of Oskia’s bestselling Renaissance Cleansing Gel (40ml) – a non-foaming cleanser that restores radiance and reveals super soft skin.

Autograph (£17.50) have A set of 4 novelty crackers containing luxurious Autograph items. Each cracker contains a mini cosmetic surprise to help create the perfect winter look - items include a nail file, lip lacquer, nail polish and a mascara, all in mini sizes. Available now right.

Soap & Glory What a Cracker (£16). Soap & Glory bring 6 crackers into the mix this year and within them you will find amazing products ranging from a 75ml bottle of Clean Girls Body Wash to a 50ml tube of Hand Food.  Available now via Boots.

Nails Inc Festive Cracker (£14.25). This Cracker houses three mini nail polishes in shades York Row, Buckingham Terrace and St Johns Avenue, all three beautiful shades in one cracker and it is available now.

No7 Gifts For The Girls Cracker Collection. Each cracker contains a full size No7 Nail Colour to get fingers looking festive or a No7 Lovely Lips Tinted Lip Balm for mistletoe ready lips. Plus you are also promised a naff joke and a paper crown with these. Priced at £14.

Feelunique Beauty Tools Christmas Cracker £12. These crackers are described as being 'loaded with beauty treats that will see you through the festive season. Update your dressing table with our handy Beauty Tools Cracker'. They are on sale now here.

Decleor Surprise Cracker Skincare Gift Set £12 contains a 50ml hand cream and looks very festive with bright yellow bows, one which stands out for sure. Available now.

Zoella Beauty Just Crackers Set - Each cute cracker contains a delightful miniature gift such as a hand cream or a shower cream. Available at £10 for a set of four crackers.

Nuxe Holiday Skin Cracker (£10) includes for super cute products - Rêve de Miel Nourishing Hand and Nail Cream, 15ml, Micellar Cleansing Water, 35ml, Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, 10ml and Crème Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Cream, 15ml which are really amazing sizes considering they are found inside a cracker. Available here.

Cowshed Bullocks Wreath Cracker Skin Care Kit (£10). This is one for the men folk and it is filled with two of their best grooming essentials - Bullocks Soothing Moisturiser, 50ml and Refining Facial Scrub, 20ml. 

Then we have Cowshed Wreath Cracker Skin Care Kit (£10). This one can be for either sex and contains two winter skin must-haves formulated with pure essential oils to soothe and soften the skin. So inside you will find a Cow Slip Soothing Hand Cream, 50ml and a Lippy Cow Lip Balm, 5ml and is available now.

This works' Sleep Spell Cracker (£10) contains a 10ml bottle of Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, a best-selling natural sleep aid that inspires feelings of calm. Available right now.

Sanctuary Spa Surprise & Enjoy Crackers (£10). These come as a set of 4 crackers which contain a Green Lemon & Orange Blossom body wash and body lotion and White Lily & Damask Rose Body Wash and Body Lotion with each item being 75ml. Available right now from Boots.

Caudalie Vinosource Christmas Cracker Gift Set (£10). This Caudalie Christmas Cracker contains some of their best-loved Vinosource products to hydrate the skin. Includes: Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum, 10ml, Vinosource Moisturising Sorbet, 10ml and a Moisturising Cream Mask, 15ml.

L'Occitane Pampering Shea Butter Christmas Cracker (£10). L'Occitane's first ever Christmas cracker contains a duo of nourishing Shea Butter products to leave skin feeling soft, clean and comforted. It includes: Shea Butter Hand Cream, 30ml and Shea Milk Extra-Gentle Soap, 50g.

The second offering from L'occitane when it comes to a single cracker is the Verbena option. Inside you will find a Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel 30ml , and a bar of Shea Verbena Extra-Gentle Soap 50g. Priced at £10.

L'Occitane en Provence Indulging Delights Christmas Cracker is a third offering and this one contains a duo of Almond Hand Cream and a gentle Shea soap. Priced at £10.

Boots No.7 Fresh and Gorgeous Cracker (£8). The No7 Fresh & Gorgeous Cracker contains a Mini Eye Pencil and Intense Volume Black Mascara ideal for on-the-go beauty, inside a festive bronze cracker with ribbon ties. Available from Boots.

St. Tropez have three crackers on offer this year.  Starting with the Classic Cracker contains the brand'sClassic Bronzing Mousse; an ultra-lightweight self tan that delivers natural-looking, long-lasting colour with a streak-free finish, cracker also includes a tanning mitt. Priced at £8. 

The second is the St. Tropez's Luxe Oil Cracker contains the brand's ultra-hydrating Self Tan Luxe Dry Oil. A Fast-drying and easy-to-apply, the Brazilian-inspired tan delivers natural-looking, streak-free colour that lasts up to ten days. Priced at £10.  The third option is the  St. Tropez's InSt.ant Tan Cracker contains the brand's Wash Off Face and Body Lotion in a Light/Medium shade and this cracker is priced at £10.

Bomb Cosmetics also have two offerings of crackers this year and they are really cute. The first one is called Bath Blaster Bang which contains three bath blasters - Snow Good Bath Blaster, 160g, Gingerbread Trees Bath Blaster, 160g and Holly Go Lightly Bath Blaster, 160g.

The second one is called Bath Blaster Snap Cracker which also contains three full sized bath blasters which are Father Blissmas Bath Blaster, 160g, Dash Away Bath Blaster, 160g and Blueberry Funday Bath Blaster, 160g. Both retail for just £7.99.

Steamcream - Again this year, Steamcream have their cracker with a mini tin of Steamcream encased within festive packaging. Freshly handmade in the UK using high-quality and natural ingredients, the lightweight whipped emulsion can be used on the face, body or hands as a pampering treat and provides long-lasting hydration, whilst minimising excess oil. Available for just £6.71.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream Cracker - £6 and inside you get a Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream 30ml and a sample Fleur de Figuier Fragrance 1.5ml. Find it here at FeelUnique.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pink Pineapple Hand Therapy Cracker £6. - Cracks open to reveal a Rose Pineapple perfumed Hand Therapy cream and it is available at FeelUnique.

Weleeda Skin Food Cracker £5.95 on Amazon this cracker contains a 30ml tube of the cult beauty product Skin Food.

So far there is quite an array of beauty crackers already available and I am more than sure over the coming weeks more will be released, so keep an eye out on this post for even more beauty crackers.  

Have you seen any that you like?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Egyptian Magic Multi Use Skin Cream

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream is one of those products that you need to try, there you go in the first sentence I am already raving about it and to be fair, this is my second tub - it is THAT good.

Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream is described as being 'a phenomenal healing balm with legendary powers due to its unique mixture of all natural ingredients derived only from living plants and organisms'. Having been on the market since 1991, this cream has quite the cult following particularly among the world of celebrities, Supermodels and world famous Makeup Artists and whilst I may not be one myself, I love it just as much as they do. Made in America, the formula is said to be the exact same recipe for cream found in ancient Egyptian tombs. All natural you will see ingredients such as Olive oil, Beeswax, honey, Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Bee Propolis. It is 100% natural and contains no additives, GMO, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens and nor is it tested on animals.

Like most multi-use creams or balms, this one has a multitude and they include:

facial moisturiser, overnight mask, shaving balm, hair mask, sunburn, cuticle softener, sore chapped hands, scar and stretch mark healing treatment, eye cream, ingrowing hairs,  cream for babies, heel and elbow softener, lubricant, massage oil, tattoo aftercare,  eyebrow and hair tamer, makeup primer and a spot treatment. If that doesn't wow you or make you want to rush out and buy it, this magic formula can also be used to treat skin irritations, redness, eczema, and it also works well as a wound and burn relief, the latter I have used it for when I burnt my arm on the cooker, instantly soothing and not a scar left behind.

For me, this cream is more of a balm given its texture. Unlike a cream, this is quite thick when you first dig it out from the tub and as it begins to melt, using your own body heat, the formula then becomes an oil making it easy to dispense and spread.  All you need to remember is that a little goes a very long way and depending on what you are using it for, you can either rub your fingers along the top of the cream whilst it is in the tub, or take some out using your fingers to warm between your palms if you are using it on a big surface area like your arms or legs. 

I love the texture and formula of this magic cream and I love how many uses it has, even more than I am possibly aware of.  It is handy to keep in your bathroom cabinet for when you feel you need that little something extra.  Right now, having spent most of the summer in flipflops my feet need a little TLC and it makes such a lovely foot mask, as well as being great on my legs, which are now hidden behind tights or trousers, to keep the dryness at bay.

You can find Egyptian Magic at Cult Beauty retailing at £25-50 for a 118 ml pot. Also available at LookFantastic, Liberty, Boots, Feel Unique and Naturismo.


*this post contains PR samples/Aff links unless indicated otherwise

Sleek Cleopatra's Kiss

Sleek highlighting palettes are always exciting. The Solstice Palette (here) I absolutely loved and now Cleopatra's Kiss has come in to claim the its rightful place as the go to palette.  The packaging once again has that wow factor of being gold, bright and shiny and inside, well it is just as amazing.

The palette has 4 different shades with name that are inkeeping with the Ancient Egyptian theme - Sphinx, Delta, Dynasty and Goddess, all as stunning as each other but all completely different. Sphinx and Dynasty are baked highlighters where as Delta and Goddess are creams. Goddess being the one to really stand out for me because it takes on a rose gold hue whereas the other three have bronzed gold tones.

From left to right with the swatches you have Sphynx, Dynasty, Delta and Goddess and there have been so many tutorials and examples on how best to use this palette, so I asked a makeup artist friend of mine how she would use it and her advice was

• Use Sphinx which is the darker of the shades to make your brow-bones glow
• Add shimmer toyour cheekbones using Dynasty which takes on a bronze gold shade 
• The bridge of the nose can be highlighted using Delta which is the palest gold shade
• Finally, use Goddess, the rose gold shade, to enhance your lips with a dusting of Goddess on your cupid’s bow

This  compact also comes with a mirror and a mini powder brush, so using it on the go is perfect and the mirror takes up the entire top section of the palette and is really handy to have. Available now in Superdrug for £9.99 this palette is just amazing and superb value for money.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

You Beauty Box: October

This month You Beauty Box is titled the Changing Seasons and this edit is a compilation of powerful new season saviours that promise to leave you feeling refreshed and energised. After last months box being a bit of a letdown, I had high hopes for this one as soon as I saw the contents that I could choose from.

As ever there are always treats inside the box and this time there are three within the box and the first comes from 7th Heaven who used to go by the name of Montagne Jeunesse and there is a Soften Glove Masque which is infused with ultra-moisturising rose flower and shea butter to banish dry hands, so I am looking forward to giving these a try.  The other sachet is a pair of sock masques which are infused with Shea Butter and Almond Oil to nourish dry skin and help repair cracked heels along with Peppermint and Soyabean to freshen and rehydrate your feet.  Both treatments are easy to use with instructions on the back of the packet.  Priced at £2.99 each I am hoping these are a real bargain.

The second treat is a voucher for a company called Everdine. Everdine is a subscription box service of gourmet yet clean meals delivered to your home on fortnightly basis. We believe in clean eating and shun artificial flavours and processed foods. We focus on the positive goodness of the best ingredients. We think eating clean should not compromise the delight. Our chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants and keen on creating delicious and clean dishes that will surprise you and won’t be harmful for your wallet. Your time is precious for us. Our meal plans are delivered every other week and contains curated selection of exciting and wholesome heat-to-eat meals which can be ready in less than 10 minutes. Having looked at the online menu, there is an impressive list of food to choose from and it is something I think about trying, just so I can see how good it really is.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Gel - Now this is a full size 200ml tube which has an RRP £35. The first thing you notice about this gel is the amazing aroma before it is even removed from any packaging, it is just absolutely divine, the kind of scent you get from entering a spa. The description which accompanies the gel says "Experience the refreshing and invigorating powers of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper to even out skin tone and texture and to maintain a healthy microcirculation. Massage into your skin each day, focusing on areas of concern, like hips, thighs, stomach, ankles and feet". 

Also included as an ingredient is Eucalyptus Oil, which has added benefits for sing this, more so because I have just had the onset of a cold coming, this is perfect for helping clear the sinuses making breathing that much easier.

Foreo Day Cleanser is my second choice and again this is a full sized bottle at 100ml thus giving it an RRP £25. Anyone who reads my blog will know what a fan I am of the Foreo cleanser tools and I also like this cleanser too. Designed to awaken and protect, the creamy yoghurt like texture turns into a foam that works to lift away dirt, makeup and impurities from the skin with 95% natural origin ingredients.

Formulated specially to complement the T-Sonic™ pulsations of the LUNA™ device, the cleanser works in tandem with the vibrations to enhance performance; actives are stimulated and absorption is maximised for deeper delivery. Its blend of bergamot and mandarin extracts (rich in vitamin C and essential antioxidants) leave skin feeling refreshed and purified, whilst its dose of apricot oil and pressed probiotics nourish, moisturise and protect. Pores are targeted and a deep penetrative cleanse is achieved. Skin feels clean, protected and radiant.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream comes in a sample size 15ml tub and has an RRP £14. New from Caudalie, this intensely nourishing day cream has a really lightweight ‘soufflé’ texture which melts within seconds helping to replenish precious moisture and diminish signs of crêpey-ness, fine lines and sagging.

Described as being 'Deeply penetrative', this cream has a patented combination of Vine Resveratrol and micro-hyaluronic acid, two of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients, it leaves the skin smooth, plump and re-defined. The addition of ‘soft focus’ mattifying powders then create a flawless base for make up – priming skin and blurring visibility of imperfections.

So there you have the October You Beauty Box and I think there is an interesting mixture of products and I am happy with my choices at £8.95. What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules

Over the past few weeks I have been away for a long weekend and Wales and back home to my parents for a few days.  In doing so, I have been able to use a few products which are perfect for travelling with and Elizabeth Arden Ceramide capsules are just amazing.

We all know how hard it is to decide what to pack into our bags and when it comes to toiletries I often need a suitcase just to take everything I use with me. Partly why I love mini products and perfume samples is that the smaller they are, the more you can take and it is always good to try out new products and use your trusty faithfuls.

The two Ceramide Capsules that I have been using from Elizabeth Arden are the Ceramide Time Complex Daily Youth Restoring Serum and Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules with Advanced MIX Concentrate.  What I love about these is that they are stored in the amazing tube like bottles, but even more important than that, they are amazing for travelling with, just look how small each one is and they take up no room at all.

The Ceramide Time Complex Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum is designed to revitalise your skin. They are described as being 'Lightweight, silky and youth-enhancing' and the anti-ageing formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by replenishing the skin's natural production of ceramides, whilst retexturising and hydrating the epidermis. Phew! Using essential fatty acids which help to firm and strengthen the skin, I love that serum is non-greasy and it quickly absorbs into the skin upon application and leaves behind no sign that it was ever there in the first place, other than your skin looking and feeling hydrated, moisturised, soft and smooth to the touch. For a little capsule, you get more than enough inside each for one application of the entire face and neck. 

For the evening, I have the Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules With Advanced MIX Concentrate™. These capsules are designed to work their magic to leave your skin looking brighter whilst you sleep. Now I love a lotion or potion that I can apply to my skin as I sleep, especially with this constant change in weather which really aggravates my skin. Using the exclusive Advanced MIX Concentrate they are described as a concentrate to work synergistically with skin’s natural repair process to help minimise the appearance of excess pigmentation and dark spots and support skin’s natural collagen and elastin matrix. In doing this, it gives the skin a smoother, brighter look.

These capsules are extremely satisfying to squash and roll between your fingers and then they are so good to open, the kind of satisfaction you gain from popping bubble wrap!  I find that gently rolling them between my thumb and forefinger before opening makes it easier to gather the cream into one space before squeezing it out on my fingertips to apply to my face - I do this with both capsules.

Priced at £82 for 90 capsules for the day time capsules and £60 for the night time capsules they are on the pricey side but you do get 50 capsules which is just over £1 per capsule and in my opinion worth absolutely every single penny!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Roger & Gallet Le Soin Aura Mirabilis Skincare Range

When it comes to skincare, Roger & Gallet is not a brand I would think of I have to admit, I put them within the French Fragrance department and soaps that I am more familiar with. A few weeks ago I was treated to an event which taught me the history of the brand which is Roger & Gallet and it was simply fascinating. Now as they launch their new skincare range – Roger & Gallet Le Soin Aura Mirabilis, I would urge you to find it and try it because it is tout simplement magnifique.

Aura Mirabilis is at heart of this new skincare collection and it stems from the great adventure of Roger & Gallet which started back in 1695. Jean-Paul Feminis, who came from Italy and settled in Cologne, claimed to have been given the secret of a unique formula for water with amazing healing properties known as Aqua Mirabilis. In 1806, Jean-Marie Farina, the heir to the formula for Eau de Cologne, opened a perfumery business in rue Saint-Honore, Paris. He supplied the great courts of Europe. Napoleon was a wholehearted user and had a boot flask specially made for him to carry in his boot. It was then in 1862 that the heirs to Maison Farina, Armand Roger and Charles Gallet, formed a partnership which sealed the company's future and the brand Roger & Gallet.

Fast forward to 2016 and the inspiration behind this new skincare collection takes its inspiration from that history and using the original formula have used 18 distilled officinal plants to create this new range.

The four part Roger & Gallet Le Soin Aura Mirabilis skincare which are designed to be used in conjuection with one another and as a four step process includes:

Extra Fine Cleansing Mask £15

This is step one and it is inspired by oil-based formulas that are known for working wonders on the skin. It concentrates all the natural powers of 18 officinal plants combined with the extra fine Helianthus flower oil (Sunflower).  This mask can be used in two ways - firstly to remove your makeup. Once on the skin the mask turns from a gel into a fine oil when massaged in and you simply can apply to dry skin or mix with water.  Its second use is that of a detoxifying mask.

Beauty Vinegar £15

Step two and one of the products I was most fascinated by, purely for the world Vinegar. This product is inspired by the vinegar based formulas that are known for their refreshing and purifying properties. Delicately scented, it can be used to remove makeup residue, smooth your skin or eliminate dead cells. It helps to refine the skins texture, tighten your pores, clarifies and refresh your complexion.

Then the two that I was kindly given from the collection which are:

Double Extract £40

Step three and again this unique treatment concentrates the 18 officinal plants and distilled plants in a unique fluid formula.  It penetrates the skin quickly and works to restore the skin’s barrier, corrects irregularities in your skin while adding radiance. It also offers a protective barrier against dirt and grime referred to as external aggressors and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and revived.

Legendary Cream £32

The final step in the skincare process is with the Legendary Cream.  Again, the creamy formula uses the natural powers of the 18 officinal plants combined with an extract of white lily, which is said to have been particularly effective at tackling redness and irritation.  This cream melts instantly on application and offers the freshness of a gel in that it is cooling to the skin but the comfort of a cream, which I find really refreshing.  The cream is designed to re-hydrate your skin while boosting your skin’s radiance and texture.  Again,  it also offers a protective barrier against external aggressors.

This collection of skincare is designed to help your skin look the best it can and I love that it is centered around its own history in an attempt to do just that.

The new Roger & Gallet Le Soin Aura Mirabilis is available to order online here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

The Greatest Family Activities To Do In Sicily

Sicily is a lovely place and a great destination for families to visit together since there is something for everyone. Parents and kids are well catered for when it comes to accommodation in Sicily. With a bit of planning, you can easily rent one of these beautiful villas in Sicily online , which is a great way to relax and enjoy your stay while exploring the place. that is a great way to put up while exploring the place.

Mount Etna - Mount Etna is the tallest volcano in Europe and it is still active! It has a very special place in history as a sacred mountain and still retains its fascination. Children and adults alike will enjoy a trip up the mountain. You can also go on a ride on the cable car, which given an excellent view of the mountainous lava and the surrounding scenery.

Siracusa - Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, Siracusa is one of the oldest cities in Sicily and a UNESCO heritage site. The site contains many buildings from ancient times and is also the birthplace of the mathematician, Archimedes. You can also learn a lot at the Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological Park of Siracusa, where there are also activities for children.

EtnAvventura - Located on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, EtnAvventura is an adventure park. The park offers a fun day out for the entire family, with adventures for different ages, cafes, and picnic spaces. It is also provides a very scenic setting and is apt even if you are travelling with older people who don't want to partake in adventure activities.

Stagnone Salt Pans - The Stagnone is the largest lagoon in Italy and the salt pans there are a captivating sight. Watching the huge piles of salt drying in the sun is an experience not to be missed, and you can learn more about this ancient tradition. The Stagnone is also a marine reserve with a large wildlife population as well as a historical settlement.

*this post is written by Mary Johnson

ASOS Fantastically Weird and Wonderful Items

I love ASOS, it’s one of the first places I look online when I need a new dress, coat, some shoes or because there is a sale on and who doesn't love an ASOS sale? Well there is one right now with 50% off so all those items saved to your favourites might very well be on offer.

One of my favourite things to do with ASOS, other than buy clothes, is search for all the weird and wonderful items they have on offer, you know the ones which make you laugh loudly, wonder who on earth buys them, send the links to your friends and look at the screen in pure bewilderment - well... I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the most weird and wonder items I have found over the past few weeks when looking for a dress to wear to a wedding (where I am right now wearing said ASOS purchase) and well, let me know what you think!

So...erm yes as you can see there are some items which leave you lost for words. Starting with the Unicorn Mask is there ever a need to wear something like this? I mean I love Unicorns as much as the next person but a mask that is massive and costs £35? Next to said Unicorn is an item which is called the Vixen Caged Elastic Short Slip (the skirt) or you can get the full on outfit, I would just love to know when you would wear it! The last item on the top are pretty cool and I think I would possibly really want to wear them, the problem is the price - £285 to be exact. But these Minna Parikka Aero Pink Unicorn Trainers are just everything and they are just amazing right?

Onto the bottom row is the weird, lost for words items. Starting with the Bones High Neck Sheer Mesh Unitard Jumpsuit which retails for £35 erm.. well how would you wear it? The Bluebella 'Unwrap Me' Bridal Body Bow got a fair bit of media attention and is still on ASOS at £16 it just looks so incredibly uncomfortable to wear but quite a quirky product. Finally is the Tell Tails Shinosaur Tail and I just don't know when you would wear it, unless you were going to a Pete's Dragon party but it did make me chuckle.

Do you stalk ASOS for the weird and wonderful?

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

Blank Canvas Cosmetics Master Series Palette One

Blank Canvas are a brand that is new to me and until this palette came into my life, I had never come across them. They are an online cosmetic brand based in Ireland who want to bring you quality at an affordable price and with a simply philosophy which is " We see the face as a "blank canvas" with endless possibilities". 

Now this palette is just absolutely beautiful, from the outer packaging to the actual shades themselves, it has wow factor. This Blank Canvas Master Series Palette One contains 12 beautiful neutral, but mostly matte eyeshadows that can be used to create a range of looks to take you from daytime subtle to evening smokey eyes. Of these 12 shades, 11 are beautiful velvety matte shadows and what I love about them is that they range in shade from a palest shade (Lily) which you can use as a base right up to what is the very deepest brown (Corruption). The final shade is a shimmery champagne-toned highlight shade called Goddess which is stunning.

The Master Palette also contains the Blank Canvas bestselling vegan friendly E40/41 Double Ended Tapered Crease Blender/Smudger. The stiff flat shader end (E40) can be used dry/damp to apply eyeshadow and the fluffy dome side (E41) can be used to blend seamlessly.

The palette is gluten free, vegan friendly, fragrance and paraben free and is not tested on animals and I absolutely love it and have not stopped using it since it came into my possession.


*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Vincent Longo Cosmetics

Vincent Longo is a brand I am just getting to know, but it has been around for 20 years! Since its inception, Vincent Longo Cosmetics has sought to celebrate the individual woman. Having gained cult status, this brand is a beauty and fashion insider's make-up brand of choice, trusted among A-listers, Supermodels and Professional make-up artists. Regularly used on television, the red carpet and the runway, Vincent Longo Cosmetics is returning to the UK this month and with it comes six key products which I was lucky enough to see used in a live demonstration.

Water Canvas Base (£33.50) - Described as being a must-have for naturally beautiful skin, this product preps the skin for a silky smooth complexion. Surprisingly unlike other primers, it is silicone, oil and paraben free but does still have the gel like formula which is really lightweight on the skin.  Formulated with 81% Microwater for continuous hydration, infused with Seaweed Extract to nourish the skin and local in moisture alongside Bistoria and Liquorice Root which work to minimise pores and fine lines.  I love how this feels on my skin, it does hydrate and it is s lightweight you forget that it is there.  Taking just 20 seconds to dry, I have found my foundation be it liquid or powder literally glides onto the skin.  

Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation (£43.50) - Part of the best selling Water Canvas range, this creme-to-powder foundation provides featherlight, light-medium coverage which feels like a second skin.  Again this is oil, fragrance and paraben free and is formulated with 75% Microwater which intuitively seeks out imperfections, helping to diminish the look of fine lines and to smooth the skin to create a flawless look.  Seaweed extract is also used to nourish and lock-in moisture as well as to prolong hydration.  Again, I love how this feels on my skin, it is a texture like nothing else I have ever tried, almost bouncy to the touch and using the Water Canvas sponge, it glides onto the skin.  I am impressed that there is a choice of 15 shades and rather than being my usual lightest shade, I am Shade #5 which is Bisque. 

Water Canvas Blush (£33.50) - Again a creme-to-powder product which glides onto the skin with minimum effort. Ultralight and again oil, fragrance and paraben free and is formulated with 75% Microwater and seaweed extract for nourishment and long-lasting hydration. Again for me, the formula, which is similar to the Foundation, is just a delight to work with and one I find myself feeling really comfortable using.  Available in 4 shades, I have Swan Lake which looks quite pink in the pot, but on the skin, it is so blendable you can tone the colour down to your liking.

Lip and Cheek Gel Stain (£18.50) - This is a dual purpose water-based stain which delivers a sheer wash of colour which is not only long-lasting but one which doesn't budge easy. Described as being an innovative and water-based formula, it does blend really easily for the cheeks and is perfect if you want a pop of colour in an instant and you like that deep colour.  On the lips, it isn't tacky or sticky and nor is it drying, the formula is simply lightweight but with great colour pay off.  It is hypoallergenic as well as being oil, paraben and gluten free.  Available in three shades, I have Baby Boo which is a deep pinky red shade.

Pearl X Eyeshadow (£19) - Now if you follow me on Instagram you will have seen these already and I have to say they are just absolutely stunning. Described as being a sophisticated multi-textured eyeshadow which pairs matte and shimmer which effortlessly blends for a seamless application.  Enriched with Vitamin E for hydrating wear, the multi-tonal formula can be used for shading, highlighting and lining the eyes depending on whether you want the natural or smoky look.  Available in 5 different shades, I have Gypsy Rose which is beautiful. Flecked with purple, golds and burgundy shades, it is the kind of product I want to look at not spoil.

The final product from the six is a Creme Gel Eyeliner (£19) which is incredibly pigmented and infused with subtle pearls for added depth and dimension. Available in 6 different shades, there is something for everyone whether you like blacks, blues, greens or something a little more colourful such as a shade called Flamenco.

I am enjoying using these products, they are far removed from the brands that I am used to using and working with. Available now from Cult Beauty.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise