The Beauty Blender

The Beauty Blender is a tool that I am sure most people have had, have used, want or dislike. There are so many to choose from that you can be like a rabbit in headlights trying to decide which one will work best for you, well I have amassed quite a collection thanks to a masterclass that I attended and having tried them all out since then, I have just about managed to get to grips with what is what.

The Original beautyblender - The one you might know better as 'the pink one'. This was the world’s first edgeless makeup sponge ensures flawless application of any complexion product - primer, powder, cream blush and more. beautyblender is guaranteed to leave you with a professional finish and its unique shape allows for that effortless blending to ensure a streak-free application everytime. There are three words that you need to remember when it comes to using your beautyblender and that is wet.squeeze.bounce. You can find it here

Before applying makeup you need to thoroughly soak your sponge in water and then gently squeeze out the excess - try to avoid wringing it out entirely to avoid tearing. Once wet, the beautyblender will expand to twice its size and become much softer.  Then bounce that makeup, whether it is a primer or your foundation across your face. Thus using the wet.squeeze.bounce method.

The Micro Mini beautyblender - The 'Green one' which is teeny tiny one which has been designed especially to highlight, contour and conceal. Owing to its size, the micro mini is perfect for applying makeup to small areas of the face such a under the eye, inner corner of the eye, the eyelids, brow bones, sides of the nose and the top of your cheeks.  Again, to use the micro mini you need to wet.squeeze.bounce. You can find this one here.

The Beauty Blusher - The 'Grey one' is the perfect sized applicator for cream and powder blush application. Made from the same exclusive beautyblender material, this is the first medium-sized blush applicator which is designed to deliver the right amount of blush to your cheeks and is made to perfectly match the apples of the cheeks for flawless application of blush. 

The Body Blender - The 'Black one' is designed especially for professionals and best for applying darker toned, long-wear cosmetic products, as well as self-tanners. It is large enough to cover the curves of your body and contoured enough to sit perfectly in the palm of your hand to ensure a controlled, even coverage.

The beautyblender blotterazzi (pink) - This game-changing washable, reusable alternative to blotting papers in iconic beautyblender® pink allows for precise, cushion blotting. Shaped to fit all contours of the face, blotterazzi™ saves you from unused corners like traditional blotting papers. The award-winning beautyblender ® material stays “thirsty” when its dry, absorbing excess oil without disturbing makeup and leaving skin looking radiant. 

The chic mirrored compact contains two blotting cushions for beauty touch ups on the go. A vented back and clear, hygienic separator ensures sponge freshness. Use dry. Wash with liquid blendercleanser® or blendercleanser® solid® and dry in a well ventilated area.

blotterazzi™ is easy to use: simply press the dry pointed side onto smaller areas of the face and the rounded side onto the larger areas of the face, absorbing oils and freshening makeup throughout the day. Wash with blendercleanser® and dry in a ventilated area. You can find it here

One of the newest products that I have been getting to grips with is the beautyblender liner.designer - Designed to become your steady hand and symmetry expert when applying liner to your eyes. It is perfect for use with all eyeliners, pencils, pens, gel creams, liquid and powder. You can find it right here.

liner.designer has a straight edge that is flexible and will stay in place when gently placed against the skin. The three different sides of liner.designer are devised to help create different angles and liner shapes. Its chic compact has a 5X magnifying mirror and suction cup allowing the compact to be used at eye level – anywhere, anytime. It’s also a great no-mess shield when applying mascara! If you are not convinced, the video below shows how easy it is:

So there you have a short but precise guide to the phenomenon that is the beautyblender and what their role in your makeup bag is.  I am a total convert to the beautyblender and find myself using them much more than I thought I would.  You find the entire range here on Cult Beauty.

Are you a fan of the beautyblender? Do you have a favourite?

*this post contains PR samples/AF Links unless indicated otherwise

NEW LAUNCHES | DHC

If you haven't yet come across the brand DHC then 'HELLO' you need to. This month there are two amazing new launches and you basically need them. DHC, which stands for "Daigaku Honyaku Center, are a Japans No. 1 direct skincare company and their Cleansing Oil is a product most people are possibly more familiar with. The vision behind DHC is rooted in the beneficial properties of virgin olive oil, Flor de Aceite – the finest quality, extracted from organic Spanish olives. The entire skincare range was founded on the beneficial properties of olive oil. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it is a highly effective component in neutralising damaging free radicals. Olive oil also helps balance your skin's moisture. With its unique ability to mix with water, olive oil helps moisturise without clogging pores.

So with THREE amazing new launches in the form of a Q10 Face Mask, the Quick Film Smoother and the Gel Pencil Eyeliner EX it is quite an exciting time.

The Q10 Face Mask is a sheet mask that features antioxidant coenzyme Q10 which is a powerful antioxidant which exists naturally within the body but within this mask, it helps to firm and fight free radicals as well as helping to target fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity loss. With key ingredients such as Vitamin C and E which help to brighten and hydrate, collagen and sodium hyaluronate which help to plump fine lines and wrinkles.

As with any mask that you are using, you should apply to a cleansed face to ensure all that surface dirt and grime is removed and then leave on for up to 20 minutes before removing, once removed press any of the remaining treatment into the skin with simple tapping motions. At £4.50 (here) these masks are worth every penny for that soft, smooth, hydrated and clean feeling skin.

The Gel Pencil Eyeliner EX available in shade black or brown is a product that never seems to be on my list of 'must haves'. I do wear eyeliner occasionally but I have to be in the right frame of mine to attempt to apply it, otherwise, I get annoyed when the application doesn't go quite right.  Whether you like your eyeliner to be barely there or if the old cat eye with perfect wing is for you, DHC have created this non-smudge eyeliner which is as precise as a pencil but has the smoothness of a gel and all I am going to say is that this does not budge one each, even with a hand swatch!  

The colour which is super pigmented stays true to colour and creates a line in just one stroke, so you won't need to sit for hours in front of the mirror going back and forth across your lash line to see a bit of colour.  Designed in a twist up pencil format, so no need for sharpening, these pencils are priced at £9.50 (here) and basically one of each is needed.

The final product to share with you is the Quick Film Smoother and it is described as being a lightweight moisturiser which smooths out the look of wrinkles instantly. It houses some amazing ingredients such as collagen-rich eggshell membrane (ESM) peptides alongside a combination of algae extract which instantly firm the appearance of the skin and support collagen levels. Sodium hyaluronate protects the skin's natural moisture levels and soybean protein complex works over time to protect the skin's natural elasticity. Put them all together and you get a more youthful-looking glow. 

It works great as a primer for your makeup and instead of covering my entire face with the cream, I tend to stick to between my brows, around my eyes and around my lips and sometimes on my cheeks.  I absolutely love this and as a Primer, it is simply amazing, my makeup doesn't slide off point way through the day and because it is so lightweight, I don't feel as though I have anything on my skin.  Priced at £17.50 (here) in the DHC sale so grab it quick, this is a product I adore.

Seriously though if you have never come across DHC products before then you need to give them a look, I have featured so many amazing products on this blog and you can find some of them right here on the DHC Website, where there is a sale!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Skinceuticals phyto corrective masque

Facemasks are something I look forward to using, along with an eye mask and a hair mask, I mean if you are going to pamper yourself at home, you might as well go all out and slather yourself from head to toe as much as you can.

The latest mask I have loved using is the Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque which is described as being an intensive botanical gel mask to soothe and calm temporary skin reactivity. Perfect if your skin has become inflamed, is aggravated or during times of stress and hormonal issues. For me, my skin changes around that time of the month, often become slightly sensitive and with more often than not little red patches on my cheeks.

The masque is very much gel-like, think back to times of your Youth when your brother might have been using a hair gel to spike his hair and that bright green tub of joy that proudly sat on his bedside table, well the colour very much reminds me of that. Quick thick in texture too, this mask is one of those I find easier to apply with a brush. I use an old make-up brush for the application and it applies really smoothly and evenly.

Once on the skin, there is an instant cooling feel, really comforting and soothing much like the feeling of Aloe Vera on Sunburn or Calamine lotion on an itchy rash. The ingredients consist of a unique blend of cucumber, thyme, and olive extracts soothe skin for optimum comfort and are referred to as the 'green botanicals. Then there is the Calming Dipeptide which helps reduce the perception of heat sensitivity and finally Hyaluronic Acid which as well all know is a natural humectant (preserves moisture) capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water and the body’s natural hydrator.

I also ensure I have cleansed my face before using any mask, removing that surface dirt and grime is key to ensuring your mask works as well as it can do. Once applied, you leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then remove using a cloth that is slightly damp. Then moisturise after using.  Because this mask is so gentle on the skin it can be used daily particularly during the hot months with sun exposure or after a hot bath, weekly and after some procedures, but always seek guidance first. I have also used this mask after burning my wrist on the oven, I am quite clumsy like that, and it did cool and soothe and no blister formed and I had the smallest of red marks which soon faded.

What I love about this mask is that it is oil free, it hydrates, it is cooling and it does soothe therefore ticking every box that it promises. If you feel your skin needs a little more TLC then you can leave this mask on overnight, but my warning to you is to not sleep on your very best pillows and instead a towel.

This mask is incredible and it is priced between £51 and £56 for 60ml it isn't on the cheap side of face masks, but you do get a product that lives up to its expectations and you can find it here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

House of Fraser Makeup Wishlist

With my Christmas vouchers from House of Fraser still burning a hole in my pocket and little of the sales offerings capturing my attention, there have been a few items from other blogs that I have been reading that have captured my attention.

Starting with Charlotte Tilbury, a store I have visiting many time in Covent Garden but have always left empty handed having struggled to decide what I would really like to own. However this Charlotte Tilbury Quick and Easy Natural Glowing Look kit which retails at £55 here and contains five products which are classed as being hyper-intelligent, multi-tasking, bestselling, award-winners which have you ready to go in just 5 minutes. 

Another brand I have seen everywhere is from bareMinerals and again whilst I have a Moxie lipgloss and a mascara, there is a whole lot more to discover and this bareMinerals Get Started Complexion Kit which costs just £39 here is said to get you on your way to radiant, healthy-looking skin, using award-winning bareMinerals Foundation and signature complexion essentials such as the Prime Time Foundation Primer and Mineral Veil® Finishing Powder. 

Givenchy Rouge Interdit is a lipstick I have seen everywhere and they are just stunning. Yes lipsticks are something I am obsessed with and they are usually the first item of makeup I decide upon when putting my face on. This particular lipstick is is enriched with precious black rose oil, which caresses lips with softness and moisture whilst ensuring an unparalleled texture. Its creamy and silky feel makes it the perfect lipstick for any occasion. Rose Alibi or Rouge Insomnie both have my name on and at £25 it sounds like an absolute must have. You can see it and the rest of the collection here.

NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks are again products which people rave about and as I have said I am not buying anymore palettes until I have used up the ones I have then shadow sticks are not on my horizon. Oaxaca is described as being a quartz shade but in some of the reviews I have read it has been described as a muted, medium-dark taupe brown and some say it warm, rosy undertones. At £21 here it costs almost as much as some palettes I own, but I am intrigued by it. 

When it comes to bronzers I am a Benefit girl and am never without Hoola, it is like a comfort blanket and I adore it. However, Elizabeth Arden is also a brand I happen to adore and the Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Bronzing Powder has caught my attention with the description alone. Using microlight minerals this powder filled with Minerals, Mica, Sea Water Complex, Aloe and Vitamins A, C and E. Priced at £26 here, it isn't overly expensive and it does come in a cute compact with a mini folding kabuki brush.

So those are the products that have, over the last few weeks, caught my attention. If you do have money and vouchers to spend at House of Fraser there is a great Gift With Purchase offer if you spend £75 or more on beauty online because you can then purchase the All About Skincare Kit for £25 (worth over £85), (excluding delivery charges and any other discount), from Monday 9th January - 25th January 2017 (inclusive). Click here for the Exclusive Skincare Set. 

*this post contains PR samples/AF Links unless indicated otherwise

Banish Winter Lips with Carmex

As the weather forecast threatens snow, the wind is quite bitter and the need to moisturise never greater (don't forget the SPF) there is also the need to ensure your lips stay kissably soft and smooth, who wants to kiss someone with bits of skin flaking from their lips - grim!

One brand that you can't help but notice with its bright cheerful yellow packaging is Carmex. This cult classic all began with Alfred Woelbing back in the late 1930's in America suffering from dry, chapped lips and with a knowledge of kitchen chemistry he was able to hand make his special formula. Selling out the back of his car to pharmacists the demand grew and grew. Now over 130 Carmex products are sold every minute worldwide still with the original formulation.

I am sure you will either be familiar with the a squeezy tube or a little pot but it comes in quite a few varieties, shapes and sizes and with that a range of scents too. The thing I love about Carmex is the ingredients include camphor and beeswax to hydrate, soothe and protect along with Camphor Oil which relieves painful chapped skin and of course the menthol scent which tingles.

A product which can be used under lipstick and acts really well as a base or on its own, you can find on the high street in stores such as Boots and Superdrug and it won't break the bank when you purchase it with prices starting at just £2.69.

Are you a Carmex fan?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

The 6 best reasons why Ukraine should be your next holiday destination!

In Europe, Ukraine stands among one of the most visited countries. Spread over 603,628 square kilometers, Ukraine has a population of 45.59 million and the capital of the country, Kiev, is something that you should definitely visit. It sports some of the best churches, castles, squares, buildings and landscapes among other things to offer. If you are a traveller who wishes to explore new destination, Ukraine is one of the best spots to visit.

For people who seek interest in unknown places and the pristine nature in the old architectural backdrop, Ukraine is the best destination you can head to. We bring to you a list of six places that you definitely have to visit whenever you are planning to go to Ukraine:

1 Castle in Gaspra

Set in the middle of Yalta and Alupka in Crimea, this decorative castle is 40 meters high and is inspired by the Neo-Gothic design. It was built between 1911 and 1912 by a Russian architect named Leonid Sherwood. It offers stunning views of the Black Sea coast and it is a prominent place in the south coast Crimea.

2. Chervonograd, Bridge Over Waterfall

Thousands of people visit Chervonograd, Bridge over Waterfall which is located in the waterfall city of Chervonograd. Not many people know about this place and it definitely is a place worth visiting. With crystal clear water flowing down the rocky terrain, the small mountains in the vicinity are green and have some ancient trees, taking you back in time in this serene and lovely place.

3. Former Leipzig Hotel, Pushcha-Voditsa

Pushcha-Voditsa is a historic town and is located in the dense forests and is in the proximity of Kiev. It has several antique buildings that you would love to visit and it will an amazing experience indeed! The Former Leipzig Hotel should be your choice of stay when you are there.

4. Old Church, Kremenets, Ternopil Region

Kremenets has a rich history and it is one of the towns to have witnessed the sad Holocaust. With such rich history involved, you will definitely have to visit this place to explore and know more about history. The botanical garden, architectural buildings and other places of interest are definitely worth your attention and you would have to be here!

5. St. Sophia, Kiev

A marvellous architectural monument and known as one of the best heritage sites in Ukraine, it has made to the World Heritage List and dates back to the 6th century. It is also accounted for one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and is of high cultural and historical significance.

6. Golden Monastery, Pochaiv

One of the most spiritual places in Ukraine, it is a monastery on a 60 meter hell in Pochaiv and it was started by several monks during the Mongol invasion. It offers scenic views and has multiple places of attraction from within, making it one among the must-visit places in Ukraine. 

So why wait?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise/GP

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold Eau de Toilette

Perfumes and fragrances I obsess about, I know what I like and over the years I have moved away from my comfort zone of 2-3 staple perfumes to trying quite a few new ones.  A friend of mine suggested I should try Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold as she felt I would like it and it also happens to be one of her go-to scents. I hold my hands up, I didn't like the look of the bottle and never went near to trying it out, I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but I did.

Anyway, as some of my favourite perfumes ran out, I decided not to repurchase them but instead try others, there are so many on my wishlist that I am never going to get through them if I don't branch out.  I bought Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold and having read a few posts about a site called Love the Sales and a mention of saving up to 75% I searched for it and presented with a lot of choices offering me anything from 14% to a 31% discount on this fragrance.  So I chose my option and was directed Fragrance Direct and instead of paying £63.50 for 80ml I paid £47.99 and it arrived within a few days.

So the fragrance is encased in an elongated diamond shaped bottle with a gold lid and it looks really pretty when it catches the sunlight and creates a prism on the wall.  It has a whole host of ingredients which give a burst of zesty freshness before they settle down to a soft powdery scent that I have actually grown to really like.  The top notes of Mango and Grapefruit open this scent up with quite a zesty explosion from the grapefruit which is ultimately the first scent you get, it is fresh and lively and takes some time to settle. The heart notes of Violet Leaf and Orange blossom give a soft floral scent which when intermixed with that of the grapefruit they come to live before the base notes of Cedar Heart and Ambery Musks settle the fragrance down to give that soft powdery scent. 

Once spritzed on my pulse points Lady Million Eau My Gold doesn't have the longevity of other fragrances, such as YSL Black Opium or Zadig and Voltaire This is Her, but you do get a scent which has a strong start and as the day progresses, you will need to re-apply if you are going out of an evening, or if you are like me, just because you want to smell good all the time.  

I think this scent is perfect for the spring and is one I am glad I gave in and purchased because it is unlike any other scent I own.

*this post contains PR samples/Af Links unless indicated otherwise

Latest In Beauty - Le Fashion Fetish Box

Latest in Beauty have teamed up with Anna Shearer, the London-based fashionista behind luxury fashion, beauty, and travel blog - Le Fashion Fetish. This curated selection features some of her favourite products on the market. With contents worth over £245, this box can be yours for just £60.

In the box you will find:

ROSALENA ROCK & ROSE FACE OIL - This Rock & Rose face oil is much better for your complexion than a rock and roll lifestyle, but it’s just as much of a rockstar (in the face oil world at least). Packed with naturally effective ingredients to give you glowing, healthy, and radiant skin.

CHANTECAILLE BIO LIFTING CREAM - The new Bio Lifting Cream by Chantecaille is a seriously zuped up version of their original bestseller. Infused with five skin-boosting plant stem cells, this buttery smooth cream will give you the skin you’ve been dreaming of. 

NAILS INC GEL EFFECT NAIL POLISH IN COLVILLE MEWS - This pretty nude shade from Nails Inc’s bestselling Gel Effect range looks chic whatever the weather. The clever gel formula uses new plasticizer technology to give you an insta-worthy mani at home!

NIP + FAB VIPER VENOM MICRO BLUR FIX - This fab little tube might just be the key to taking a perfect selfie. Micro Blur works to prime, blur, and mattify skin for an instantly flawless complexion (#nofilter).

MARIA NILA LUMINOUS COLOUR MASQUE - This gentle masque for coloured hair moisturises and nourishes your locks to silky perfection. Plus, unlike many treatments, it will also protect your colour thanks to Pomegranate extract and a Colour Guard Complex.

ORIBE SUPERSHINE MOISTURIZING CREAM - Blogger-favourite Oribe sure know a thing or two about haircare. This leave-in conditioner sleekens split ends, tames frizz, and repairs hair, all while giving you a high gloss finish. On top of that, the multi-tasking formula also evens out hair moisture levels, and protects against heat styling.

OM SKINCARE CLEANSE & GLOW KONJAC SPONGE - If you’re looking to ‘go-green’ with your skincare, OM’s Konjac Sponge is a great place to start. It’s 100% natural, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and is so gentle it can even be used on newborn babies!

OM SKINCARE PURE GLOW CLEANSER - Get your Chi on with OM’s Pure Glow Cleanser. Like all OM products, this results driven cleanser combines cutting edge science and the power of nature to return Chi Energy to the skin.

TADA & TOY CRESCENT MOON STUDS - They say the best things come in small packages, and we couldn’t agree more when it comes to these gorgeous crescent moon studs by Tada & Toy. Perfect for everyday wear, these earrings are pure understated elegance. 

SMITH & CULT THE SHINING LIP LACQUER IN HI-SPEED SONNET - If you’re not already a lip gloss convert, Smith & Cult are about to change that. Hi-Speed Sonnet is part of their bestselling lip lacquer range that delivers big on gloss without leaving you feeling like you might have accidentally glued your lips together. Plus, all lacquers are enriched with portulaca pilosa extract to give your lips a botox-free plump.

SKIMONO ADVANCED MOISTURISATION BEAUTY MASK - This innovative bio-cellulose face mask from Skimono uses a super-hydrating serum infused with rose extract and hyaluronic acid, to give your skin a much-needed moisture and radiance boost.

STRIP WAX BAR FREE BROW WAX VOUCHER - This voucher entitles you to a FREE brow wax, plus a 10% discount on any additional treatments booked at the same time. Through thorough and personalized consultation, Strip’s expert therapists will help give you the brows your face deserves. 

If this sounds like the box for you, then you can find it on Latest In Beauty right now.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Mai Couture Glow-Genius Trio

When you come across a product that you immediately shrug off and then curiosity gets the better of you, you try it and are wowed by it, that is what happened with Mai Couture Glow-Genius Trip, when initially I thought it was a book of blotting papers, but no, it is so much more than that. Designed by professional makeup artist, Mai Tran, Mai Couture Papiers are the mess-free, portable makeup solution for the modern woman. Hailed as the only shatterproof, lightweight and convenient makeup of its kind—the unique cosmetic paper technology is exceptionally formulated to remove excess facial oil while allowing makeup to be applied entirely sans brushes—making on-the-go applications and touch-ups a breeze.

So in a nutshell, designed like blotting papers and whilst they do a great job at blotting, the Glow-Genius Trio is a set of portable makeup papers, which makes makeup on the go an absolute breeze.  Inside the outer gold packaging, which tell you there are 60 sheets of paraben free, talc free papers you will find a:

• Bronzer in shade Sin City which is quite a deep tanned shade and one you need to be careful with if, like me you are pale skinned, 
• Highlighter in shade St Barts which is a light peach shade and is just so pretty and a 
• Blush in shade Prettyful which is a candy pink shade and is also buildable depending upon how pink you like your blush to be.

Also featured at the end of the book, a quick guide on how to use the papers which tells you how to use each sheet and where to put it!

You can find this product right here at BeautyMart and it is priced at £17. If this one isn't quite the shade for you, then there are many other options available.  What I love is the unique genius of the concept and how it is such a brilliant idea, it does work, there is colour payoff and once you get the hang of using them, they are so easy to use not to mention hygienic and just brilliant for on the go.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Note Cosmetics

Until this package arrived in the post I had never heard of or come across Note Cosmetics before. One thing I love about blogging is that you do get to discover some amazing brands and Note Cosmetics is one of those that I am glad to have found, or found me.

With it's headquarters in Germany, Note Cosmetics has quite an extensive range of makeup which covers the face eyes lips, Fragrance and nails. Sold in over 50 Countries their manta is

'Strengthening make-up products with skin-care technologies, never sacrificing on quality, always updating its lines, and developing new lines according to customer needs and expectations, NOTE with its innovative approach and affordable pricing policy, is already the first choice of many stylish women'. 

What's more, is that the products are paraben free, are dermatologically tested and made out of special ingredients (essential oils and vitamins) that benefit the skin, and they do not use hazardous and cancerous ingredients such as DBP, Formaldehyde, Toluene and camphor agents. If that isn't enough, the products are environment-friendly and never been tested on animals.

I was kindly sent some products from the range to try and I am so impressed with the quality that I have a list as long as my arm of products I now want to try.  Starting with the BB Concealer Cream which not only has an SPF15 but also has a special formula containing wheat germ and vitamin E to protect eye contour, citrus skin and grape extract to help diminish dark spots and Sunflower oil to help even out skin tone around the eye contour. 

I have shade 3 which is far too dark for my skin tone, but, what I like about it is how easy it glides onto the skin, it doesn't cake or crease and it doesn't irritate. As this is not my shade, I have only worn it indoors and it has great staying power and lasted the entire day.

Eyeshadow pencils are like a hero product for me and I use them a lot.  This one in shade Blue/Grey and it is really pretty. Smudgeproof and blendable, once applied this is going nowhere, you get just enough time to blend it, which it does really well and then it is set in place all day. 

The formula is soft and silky and it just glides onto the eyes effortlessly, the crayon houses quite a thick nib and it works well on the waterline too.  Available in 7 other shades, these crayons are simply brilliant.

Staying with eyeshadow but in the form of a single shadow this Luminous Silk Mono Eyeshadow, which has an incredible 18 different shades is again surprisingly brilliant. 

I have shade 7 which coppery brown shade and it ticks all the boxes when it comes to application, durability and again it doesn't crease during the day and lasts all day! Impressively Vitamin E is a man ingredient and it protects the delicate skin of eyelids against free radicals.

Smokey Eye Pencils are an item I never think of buying, but this one is not only stunning, it is easy to use and is Ophthalmologist Tested and has a special applicator to create smokey effect. 

I have shade 5 which is called Sky Blue and whilst it is not a shade I will use, I know quite a few people who will just absolutely love its colour. As with the eyeshadow Vitamin E is again used.

Onto the lips with the final two products and I have both a Lipstick and a Lipgloss. The Lipgloss is described as being a Matte Moist gloss and owing to the use of Macadamia Oil and Vitamin E your lips will be moisturised all day long with a matte tone. 

Available in 8 different shades, I have shade 405 which is called First Kiss and it a bright vibrant pink shade which comes out of the tube looking wet but once it comes into contact with your skin, it is very Matte and dries with a slight shimmer. The formula is not at all drying. 

The final product is a lipstick and this Note Long Wearing Lipstick gives you a choice of 18 shades to choose from. Designed to protect your lips, again the use of Macadamia Oil and Shea Butter nourish, balance palmitoleic acid level and protect lips from drying and cracking and vitamin E along with A and D also work to moisturises and nourish the lips.  

I have shade 7 which is Indian Rose and whilst it isn't a shade I would wear as it is too pink for me, it is such a beautiful shade and it glides on effortlessly without that dragging feeling across the lips and it has a similar feel to that of a lip balm and it lasts a good 5-6 hours before you need to apply to it again, even with eating and drinking.

Again when swatching, each product has been swiped just once to see what kind of colour payoff there is and with the eyeshadow using my finger. The BB Cream is slightly too dark, though with moisturising cream or mixed with foundation it can be used lightly.

L-R we have the BB Cream, Eye Liner, Eye Crayon, Lipstick, Lip Gloss and Eye Shadow

As you can tell, I am really impressed with Note Cosmetics, it is a really great brand with products that are competitively priced and has formulas which rival some high end brands for durability, blendability and there is an impressive catalogue of products to work your way through!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

You Beauty Box - The Detox Edit January 2017

The January You Beauty Box, aptly titled 'The Detox Edit' after all that is usually what January is all about, had a shortlist of products which were inspired by Winter Beauty quandaries and as such there was a cross-section of beauty and skincare woes, helping you to make peace with yourself and giving you the confidence to get through January in style.

So there are two treats this month and to be honest I am not at all impressed with them, I could find them inside magazines. However, there is a 3 Minute Miracle reconstructor Deep Conditioner Sachet from Aussie and a Hand and Nail Cream from Lavera.

For my three choices I decided not to go for Haircare or Skincare, though I was tempted by the Dr Dennis Goss Universal Daily Peel, instead, I went for body care because three items just jumped right out at me and I haven't used any of them before.

The first is from Dr. Ceuticals and it is a Pumice Foot Scrub. - Described as being enriched with Peppermint and Menthol works in three ways to exfoliate, soften and moisturise rough and dry patches on heels and soles. Delivering effective results, it is further boosted with Cocoa and Shea butter to help leave feet noticeably smoother.  

I was in need of a foot scrub, it is one item that I don't have and it is a delight to use.  Quite abrasive as you massage onto the feet, it definitely removes dead skin and exfoliates the skin which isn't quite ready to come off (grim). This is a full-size scrub and is priced at £6.99 in Boots

The next two products are from Optiat, a brand I have never come across until now. A nature friendly company, they transform used Arabica coffee grounds into scented scrubs that make you look and feel fantastic. Both products smell just absolutely incredible and whether or not you love coffee scrubs or intrigued about them, you need to try these. They are also not tested on animals.

The first scrub is called "Pick Me Up" Lemongrass Lifter which is described as follows: "Scrub up zesty after getting hot and sweaty. A blend of used Arabica coffee grounds and lemongrass essential oils, this Lemongrass Lifter refreshes you after working up a sweat". Now I absolutely love the scent of Lemongrass, I love the zesty tang of it and I love that when it is on my skin, the scent of coffee, Lime and Lemongrass combined drags you awake and definitely makes you feel more alert.

The second scrub which is aptly titled "Feel Great" Mouthwatering Mandarin Coffee Scrub - has the following description "Scrub up deliciously for date night. A blend of used Arabica coffee grounds and mandarin essential oils, Mouthwatering Mandarin keeps you feeling fruity all night long". Unlike Pick Me Up, I actually do prefer this one to be used of an evening rather than a morning, possibly because I find orange scented products quite relaxing rather than invigorating.  On the skin, again it is a delight to use and the orange scent mixed with coffee is just delightful.

This is a brand I am so glad to have been introduced too and one I definitely want to find out more about as well as work my way through the entire range on offer.  If you love coffee scrubs or want to try one then this is such a lovely brand.

So this months box, despite the pretty rubbish treats, has been really good. I am really glad to have discovered Optiat and I love Dr Ceuticals foot scrub, so I think I made a good choice with my products. Subscriptions for You Beauty start at £6.95 rising up to £10.95.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise