Introducing the Expert Edition from Beauty Expert

At Beauty Expert, they believe that when it comes to skincare, everyone has the ability to be their own expert. With that in mind, they have a great collection of products which have been hand-picked products chosen for their unique, innovative properties.

Image Credit: Beautyexpert.com

Choosing a variety of luxurious, pioneering products for both the skin and hair, this collection has been specially selected to provide optimum results and with it comes the following products:

• ila-spa Body Wash & Lotion Duo (2 x 150ml) - This expertly hand-picked duo can be used as a regular treatment to keep skin feeling soft and revitalised.
• Joico Colour Endure Treatment Masque (250ml) - Visibly improves the condition of your hair with this restorative, luxurious masque.
• Su-Man Face Polish (30ml) - This stunning exfoliator gently buffs away daily impurities, leaving the complexion feeling smooth and refreshed.
• Màdara Brightening AHA Peel Mask (60ml) - This expert mask gently exfoliates skin providing instant radiance and shine.
• The Hero Project Glow Drops Facial Oil (30ml) - This ultra-silky, dry touch facial oil helps to nourish and brighten tired complexions, giving you skin that glows.
• Nuxe Fondant Body Scrub (50ml) - This unique blend eliminates impurities whilst refining skin’s texture to leave it cleansed, smoothed and nourished.
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid (118ml) - This powerhouse treatment gives improved texture whilst restoring vital nutrients, leaving skin looking renewed and radiant.
• Shiseido Ibuki Refining Moisturiser (15ml) - This ultra-light formula renews the appearance of skin without stripping away essential oils to reveal a hydrated, softened complexion.

Worth over £125 but available to buy for only £50 and the bag is fuller than ever and you can find it right here!

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

Dressing up with JD Williams

I am a bit predictable when it comes to clothing. I like black it is my comfort colour and every day for work, I will usually wear black trousers or a skirt with a black top and coloured cardigan or a colourful top and a black cardigan and my shoes are always black - see the theme?  Out of work, pretty similar when it comes to clothing, though at home I am always in lounge pants or leggings. I am a creature of habit.

So, when I was given the opportunity to choose a dress and some shoes/boots from JD Williams, I had decided that black could be a feature but not the entirety of my choices. So I started looking through the site making a shortlist of the dresses I really liked and I managed to get down to a list of three:

My final choice being the dress in the middle from Scarlett & Jo, it is called leaf floral tea dress which has a really beautiful all-over leaf print which I feel I can wear to the office or dress up for a night out. It falls just below the knee on me and with the short sleeves and rounded neck, it is perfect to be worn with or without a cardigan. The elasticated waist is really flattering and it is perfect to be styled with tights and boots or heels for a chic look. With that in mind, I also chose the following:

I have flat feet so high heels are a huge no-no for me, but these shoes are the perfect height and because I need wide fitting these heavenly soles shoes comes in an extra wide eee fit. They have been made using a combination of materials for the front and back parts of the shoe and they have what is referred to as the 'Ultimate Comfort 3 layer padding' to provide comfort all day thanks to the memory foam insert and latex foam under the foot. Priced at £30 they are an absolute bargain.

The sole diva buckle high leg boots also come in different sizes, particularly with the calves in mind, for the comfort fit. The boots have a side zip and feature a double buckle strap which adds a bit of character to these boots. The heel is almost flat and with a gold trim running around the sole of the boot, they are so comfortable and can be styled with so many outfits I might possibly live in them for the next few months.

And here they are:

What do you think to my choices?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Patience Bath Oil from Beatitude

One thing I look forward too after a long day in the office or a long working week is a nice hot, relaxing bath. A whole hour, maybe longer if the water stays warm, to me with a book, a brew and no interruptions.

Beatitude is a luxury aromatherapy brand that has been created by beauty therapist and aromatherapist Rebecca O’Connor. Launched in Scotland in 2011 is 100% natural with no parabens, no petrochemicals, no sulphates and no artificial colours or fragrances. Beatitude is the ultimate feel-good brand and represents a luxurious high-quality product that has consideration for the environment.

I was kindly sent Patience Bath Oil and in a word, it is incredible. The description reads:

"The hectic pace of modern life can place gruelling demands on your time, leaving you exhausted. When that happens, you need to renew your patience and your energy. Let our Patience Bath Oil release those knots, untangle the tensions of everyday aches, and detox your body with the therapeutic essential oils of Rosemary, Lavender, Ginger and Juniperberry".

So this pretty much describes how I envisage my bathtime to be and as soon as the oil comes into contact with the water and steam, the essential oils really come to life and stress just melts away. This is oil is made up 100% natural ingredients which include so many amazing essential oils such as:

• Rosemary is wonderful for clearing the mind and helping with mental fatigue as well as exhaustion.
• Lavender which has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, helps to relieve tension and nervous exhaustion.
• Ginger oil is great for aches and pains
• Juniper can help calm the nerves, relieves anxiety, nervous tension and mental exhaustion.

If that isn't enough to tempt you in, there is also the use of the nourishing oils of Oat, Camellia and Peach Kernel. All together you have one amazing scented product.

To use, all you need is 1tsp of the oil which you disperse into running bath water and then sit back, relax, take in the aromas and you will feel just amazing when you get out of the bath. On the skin there is no greasiness, no signs of the oil having been on the skin, instead, all you have is soft, smooth and moistuised skin.

This bath oil costs £25 for 50ml which you can find right here, along with more information about the brand and other products from within the range.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

You Beauty - Beauty Sweethearts Edit

January seemed to drag on and on, so I was so glad when I got the email from You Beauty to alert me to the February box because it meant moving forward and getting closer to Spring. The February box is called the Beauty Sweetheart shortlist and it is an assortment of the latest hair, skin and make-up finds - all of which deliver speedy and noticeable results!

Inside this box are two treats and the first is a perfume sample from Jimmy Choo called L'Eau which is said to capture the scent of a delicious thirst-quenching hibiscus flower blended with barks, fruits and vibrant woods, to create a radiant feminine sensuality.

As a scent, it will please those who love fruity florals but with the added musky accent it is just absolutely stunning and I wasn't expecting to like it at all.

Sukin Detoxifying Clay Masque - Sukin is a brand that I am just getting to know and to see this masque in the box was really exciting. This is a clay based masque infused with Kale, Spirulina and Parsley to promote a clean, healthy and glowing complexion. Kale, Spirulina, Parsley and Chlorella offer a super green blend of detoxifying antioxidants and vitamins to promote healthy, youthful skin. Avocado and Baobab lock in moisture while Goji berry encourages a dewy complexion. 

Finally, there is a burst of Cranberry which provides an invigorating scent for refreshing the senses. Worth £11.95 you can find it here from Boots.

So impressed with those two treats, I then needed to select three more products and this is what I went for.

Transformulas Lip Volume - This is a product which has me totally intrigued and the description is as follows - A pain-free alternative to cosmetic surgery and collagen. Lip Volume is a clear gel serum that will plump, define and contour your lips, enhancing the moisture and their natural, rosy look with proven, long-lasting results. You can use it up to 3 times a day on its own or under your lipstick and the effects are noticeable immediately with full results after 30 days of treatment. 

What's more, as your lips increase in size, the stimulation of your own collagen synthesis will ensure they look absolutely natural!  So, I am intrigued enough to try it out and see what happens and if you feel the same, it is available here from FeelUnique for £29.95.

Sanctuary Foaming Micellar Cleaning Water - I have tried this before as I got in my advent calendar and I really liked it and so much so, I am glad to have it back again. 

Described as being as quick as a cleansing wipe but 50% more effective at removing foundation & 46% more effective at removing everyday grime, it uses soothing rose water & nourishing argan oil which when combined with micelles act like magnets to gently lift away make-up & impurities from the skin. Super gentle but incredibly effective at removing make-up & daily grime, skin is left feeling instantly clean, fresh and soothed. A 200ml bottle will cost just £8 and you can find it right here.

Oskia Skincare Renaissance Mask - This mask is again one I have tried but one I absolutely love and am happy to be able to use it again. Described as being a 'Nutri-active Brightening & Resurfacing Mask' it is packed with OSKIA trademark blend of beauty-boosting clinical nutrients and bio-actives such as MSM (Organic Sulphur), Vitamins and Minerals to increase cellular efficiency for a more youthful appearance. Natural Fruit Acids (AHAÉs) including Passion Fruit, Lemon, Grape and Pineapple exfoliates the skin by gently unbinding cells in the top layer of the epidermis to activate renewal. 

Papaya Enzymes cleanse the skin thoroughly and remove excess and tired skin cells to clear congested pores. Finally, it is also infused with Lactic Acid which reduces the appearance of fine lines and softens the skin whilst Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes leave the complexion perfectly balanced, even and bright by reducing melanin production. 

Now this mask is a real treat and one that you only need to use as and when you feel your skin needs it and the advice is no more than twice a week. I have found it to be non-irritating on my skin and after use, I just love how my skin feels. A full-size pot of this balm is priced at £49.50 and you can find it here from Cult Beauty.

So there you have the February 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

Glossybox - February Edition

So January has been and gone and February, the month of love has arrived and the first beauty box through the door is the rather splendidly designed Glossybox, which leaves you in no doubt as to its theme.

The box has been created around the theme of love rather than specifically Valentines and it is about celebrating the ones you love, be that your squad, tribe, crew or whatever you choose to refer to them as. They are the ones who have your back, keep your secrets and of course come to your rescue when you need them.

Inside the box, there are five products and the one which jumps right out is a perfume called L'Eau de Rose.  Jeanne Arthes has spent 35 years working closely with master perfumers from Grasse, the centre of the perfume world and it is there that Jeanne has created many perfumes. L'Eau de Rose is described as being a wonderful modern reinvention, combining the classic scent with dreamy elegant and crisp notes.  

This perfume is undeniably rose scented there is sadly no further information on any of the other notes so I am unable to say anything else about how it should settle.  However, if you are a fan of floral scents and like the scent of Roses, then this is a nice scent and whilst it isn't the longest lasting perfume I own, it does smell of actual roses and isn't a synthetic scent.

Next, in the box, we have Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Strength Restorer Balm! This hair mask is said to harness the hydrating properties of the beehive with Honey, Royal Jelly and Propolis to leave the hair feeling nourished and glossy. 

To be used after washing your hair, you squeeze out the excess water and smooth generous amounts over mid-lengths and ends. Leave on for between 1-5 minutes depending on your needs and then rinse. 

The Ciate Paint Pot in shade Iced Frappe follows and this is described as being the perfect nude, or nude coffee delight at the very least and the kind of shade that everyone should have in their stash.

The hue is said to flatter any skin tone and the coffee undertones beautifully warm and uplift your skin.  It has been a while now since I have used a non-gel nail polish so this one will get an outing during the summer months, right now I am still into my dark berry shades.

MeMeMe Beat the Blues liquid highlighter in shade Oyster Gold. This beauty is said to boost the radiance of a wintery complexion and is ideal for creating a youthful dewy finish thanks to its light reflecting pigments.  

You can use it on the brow and cheekbones to highlight or mix with your foundation for an all-over radiant look. 

The final item from the box is the Noir Eternee Youth Potion Face Scrub and using mineral-rich volcanic paste, this mask cleanses and purifies. Said to be enriched with anti-ageing ingredients, it plumps and smooths the skin.  On application, the once pink paste turns a deep shade of grey and gets to work removing impurities and dead skin cells.  It contains no nasties, is 90% natural and Vegan.  

I have used this already from the box because I was curious about the colour change and what I do like is how it is not at all abrasive, but you can feel the past working to remove all the dead and dry skin. 

So that was the February Glossybox and I don't think as a box it was too bad, all of the products included at ones that I have either used or will use and I absolutely love the face scrub.  If you are not a subscriber and are wanting to sign up (here), you can use the code GLOSSYLOVE and you will receive a free Emite Make Up Lip & Cheek Tint!  Next month subscribers will get to choose from one of four Sleek eye and cheek palettes, but you will have to be quick because you will only have 48 hours to make your choice!

The February ‘LOVE’ GLOSSYBOX is presented in a collector’s edition design and available for £10 (+P&P) throughout February 2017 from www.glossybox.co.uk while stock lasts. 

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

NIP + FAB GLYCOLIC FIX RADIANCE SHOT

Nip + Fab is a brand I am quite a fan of, it started with the Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads which I reviewed here and when ASOS let slip they had some Nip + Fab exclusives for me to try, I jumped at the chance and I have now been using the Glycolic Fix Radiance Shot ever since it landed through my letterbox.

Nip + Fab describe this product as a lightweight moisturiser which is designed to hydrate and protect the skin whilst its oil-free formula helps to control shine. It uses exfoliating acids to reveal a natural looking luminescent glow whilst aloe vera and allantoin care for the skin. In short, you will find:

• Glycolic acid: retextures and resurfaces the skin to reveal smoother, softer and radiant skin.
• Fruit acids: stimulates skin cell renewal, resulting in skin appearing younger and fresher.
• Amino acid derivatives: reduces the appearance of pigmentation.

Incredibly easy to use, you can either apply it directly to the skin or you can mix it with your moisturiser, depending on your preference and again it can be used once or twice a day. I currently use it once a day and that is in a morning once I have showered and cleansed my face by adding it into my moisturising cream. The lid contains a clicker which you click once to gather u the product into the pipette style dropper. Once out of the bottle and depending on your preference, you click twice for two drops and this is more than enough for your entire face.  It is so lightweight you won't notice it is on your skin or that it is an additional step within your routine.

The product has a pearlescent blue tint to it and once on the face, it gives a slight golden hue making you look brighter and more radiant or glowing. Since using this on my skin, there has been no tingling, no irritation and no reaction. It also smells absolutely incredible with a citrus aroma and it is once which I find to be quite uplifting.

Priced at £19.99 here it is a delightful product and if you are a fan of Nip + Fab then you will love this!







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

Stephanie's Organics

I absolutely adore candles and I am sure if you read my blog regularly enough you will have noticed that.  For me they present an opportunity to kick back, relax and as the scents and aromas come to life, watching the flame of a lit wick flicker is quite mesmerising.

Stephanies Organics is a little independent business who I am glad to be able to bring to the blog. Stephanie kindly sent me 4 of her own hand poured candles to test and try.  When they arrived, well packaged in a brown box, I was taken aback by how strong the scent was, a mixture of all four together creating this heavenly, almost spa-like scent.  Opening the box, that scent intensified and I just wanted to light them there and then.

Stephanie herself describes her range as follows: "Each fragrance has been developed with serenity in mind; escape to an oasis of calm, with the opulent, warmth & richness of Stephanie’s Organics. Stephanie’s Organics incorporates sophistication with indulgence and sustainability: a stylish addition to any home, or present for that special someone".

The collection which contains no paraffin is made from the finest quality essential oils, sustainably sourced soy wax, cotton wicks, and premium and recycled packaging come in four fragrances: Lemon, Bergamot & Lime, Mimosa, White Jasmine & Rose, Rose & Red Berry and Highland Pine. Each scent, as you can see, has a different banding on the box so you can identify which one is which.

I have found it really hard to pick a favourite candle. Each one is totally different and has a scent just as you imagined it to be.

Lemon, Bergamot and Lime is a really sharp fresh scent, naturally citrusy and was iInspired by the wonders of Italy when creating this beautifully clean, citrus-fresh Lemon, Bergamot and Lime fragrance. 

The description as follows "Zesty, vibrant top notes of Lemon, Lime and orange are wrapped with the heart notes of crisp fresh basil and the base notes of cedar, patchouli and Vetivert add a warmth to give an uplifting, contemporary fragrance. 

Highland Pine was a scent I wasn't sure what to expect. Described as being a Clean and invigorating Scottish Pine, Eucalyptus and Galbanum to instantly soothe and calm, evoking the essence of fresh air in the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish countryside. 

So with this candle, Stephanie has utilised upon the essence of unique Scottish ingredients. With top notes of Scottish Pine, Eucalyptus as mentioned, the heart notes of Cypress and Lavandin which add a slightly earthy tone but the deeper woody base notes of Cedarwood, Amyris and Olibanum are just incredible.

Rose and Red Berry is a scent which can only be described as elegant and if you love a fruity floral then this is definitely for you. 

With top notes of fresh, citrus Sicilian lemons and Buchu Leaf, which has a beautiful blackcurrant type scent if you have never come across it before, you get a candle which opens quite fruity with a citrus twist.  The heart notes of Geranium and Galbanum add a light floral twist as the base notes of Cedarwood and Vetiver enhance the intensity of the scent and what you get is an absolutely incredible scent which I just adore

The final candle if Mimosa, White Jasmine and Rose and quite a romantic sounding candle with those three. 

I am a huge fan of anything Jasmine, it is such an amazing scent and for me, this candle is truly stunning.  Starting with top notes of both Rose and Jasmine, the floral notes compliment one another as crushed violet, Lemon and Bergamot, as the middle notes create a clean scent with a bit of twist because in coming next are Cedar and Beeswax as base notes to add depth and a slight sweetness to what has so far been a beautiful fresh scent.

What I love about these candles is that they are not only incredibly scented on their own, but you can mix two, three or even all of them together at once to create this amazingly fresh, vibrant scent and you only need to burn them for a few hours and that scent drifts right around the home filling each room.  Each of these candles has a burn time of approximately 15 hours which is also really impressive.

A 220g Candle with a burn time of 45-hour burn is priced at just £28. If you love candles and likes the sound of these candles, then please go and visit Stephanie right here on her Facebook page to learn more about the brand. 

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Valentines Gift from Gatineau

The fabulous people over at Gatineau have put together an amazing value for money Valentines gift which is just incredible. It comes packaged inside a beautiful pink and silver Gatineau bag and is the perfect gift for your wife, girlfriend, best girl pal or even for yourself. Designed to cover everything from the eyes, lips, cheeks and more, not only is this one luxurious gift, if you keep on reading you will find a special discount code!

Inside the pink and silver bag, you will receive: 

Radiance Enhancing Gommage 75ml - Worth £35 on its own, this is a gentle gel exfoliator that eliminates dead skin cells to reveal a renewed and naturally radiant complexion. Using three amazing ingredients:

• Vitamin C – energises skin to boost its natural defence
• AHA from apple extract – eliminates impurities
• Enzymes – eliminates dead skin cells

I love this product, it is so gentle on the skin and is free of beads and grains. You apply over the face and neck massaging in circular motions and as you do so, the texture liquefies, after 1-2 minutes rinse with warm water.  

I have used this a few times now and it is so gentle on the skin and it removes so much gunk and leave my skin silky smooth to the touch. 

DefiLIFT Perfect Design Revolumising Lip Care 10ml - Priced at £32 again this is a moisturising lip treatment which instantly adds long-lasting volume whilst soothing and repairing chapped lips. Using Lavender extract which smooths and strengthens the lips and Shea butter which nourishes and softens. 

Described as being Revolumising, this is a cosmetic alternative to filling techniques. A powerful lip balm dramatically plumps and fills for a more defined appearance. After just one application, lips are smoothed, hydrated and plumped with long-lasting volume.

DefiLIFT Perfect Design Cream 30ml - Priced at £52 when bought on its own, this product is described as being a high-performance cream designed to lift, firm and re-sculpt the skin and it is packed full of amazing ingredients such as:

• Soy and corn proteins – lift the skin Wheat and soy proteins – boost skin's collagen and elastin production
• Vitamins E and F- protect the skin
• Sesame, sweet almond oil, mango and shea butter – nourishes and protects

As a volume enhancing moisturiser which is designed to firm and lift sagging skin, boost your skin’s collagen and elastin to dramatically plump and smooth this is something I am really looking forward to trying.

Collagene Expert Collagen Eye Pad - At £39 for a 6 pack these are really intriguing. Described as being an intensive treatment which cools and refreshes tired eyes and smooths wrinkles, again there are three ingredients to note:

• Collagen – smooths lines and wrinkles
• Glycerin – hydrates
• Allantoin – soothes the skin with anti-irritant properties

I love eye products like these and find them incredibly relaxing. With Gatineau, they are a bit of a multi-tasking pad because they not only diminish dark shadows they also reduce puffiness whilst smoothing lines and wrinkles. 

I am lucky enough not to have wrinkles, but I have used these after a night out to soothe my tired eyes and they really are refreshing and I looked more alert having used them and there were no telltale signs that I was winging it at work on less than four hours sleep!

So, if this sounds like something you would love to try and added together you are saving over 60% but I have something a little further to add, simply use the Code BEAUTYQUEENUK to get £5 towards your Valentine’s Collection

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Pierre Marcolini Valentines Collection

When it comes to chocolate, I can honestly say that I am a choc-a-holic and just absolutely love it. So when the chance to experience the new Valentines range from expert chocolatier Pierre Marcolini I wasn't about to say no.  Pierre Marcolini established his luxury chocolate brand in Brussels in 1995 and it is renowned for its use of rare and exotic ingredients such as Sichuan pepper to Moroccan pink berries. 

The Valentines range has imagery which has been commissioned by Parisian illustrator Séverine Assous, to illustrate its cases in the theme of a romantic Provençale dance and it features mythical characters and fairy tale heroines which are just totally divine.

The Duo of hearts comes presented in an incredibly cute minimalist box which is dressed in a Collection case. Inside there is a duo of raspberry hearts which are just so beautifully packaged and would make such a lovely romantic gesture. 

What you get are two hearts which are a dark chocolate ganache with a raspberry pulp and as soon as you open the box, the scent of chocolate is just mouthwateringly good. Priced at £4 you can find them here.

If chocolate isn't something you are a fan of but Macarons are more your thing then there is a gift for you too. Again the Macarons come presented inside an incredible luxe box which is dressed with a case adorned with those mythical characters and fairy tale heroines and if you do look closely enough you will see Little Red Riding Hood dancing with a wolf or throwing macarons and Snow White receiving a love letter from a beast.  Inside the beautifully presented box are 12 macarons which smell just absolutely incredible and look beautiful. 

The macarons which are neatly packaged in rows feature an array of amazing flavours such as: 

• Roasted pistachio from Iran with a hint of Maldon sea salt
• Caramel, sweet butter and Maldon sea salt flakes
• Blend of vanilla from Tahiti and Madagascar
• Rose water from Morocco
• Summer raspberry pulp and milk chocolate from Ecuador and Ghana
• Buttercream praline with a crunchy centre of roasted and caramelised hazelnuts from Piedmont
• Bergamot and lemon zest infusion
• 78% Grand cru dark chocolate from Venezuela
• Caramel and bitter chocolate ganache flavoured with vanilla from Tahiti
• Java coffee infusion
• Flakes of speculoos with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and a hint of ginger
• Passion fruit from Brazil

If you are a fan of macarons then you will love these. They are light and pack a punch when it comes to the flavour, in fact they taste just as you imagine them to from the descriptions given above. Like all good Macarons, they are chewy but so much that they stick to your teeth and they are the best I have ever tasted. Find them right here 

With a flagship store here on Marylebone High Street where you will find a bespoke chocolate counter, a macaroon carousel, a tasting area and a sweetie bar, I cannot wait to pop in the next time I am in the area, because having had a little taste of the brand, I now want to try more!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

L’Occitane Solidarity Balm 2017

For over 30 years now L'Occitane has been working with the women of Burkina Faso to produce the Shea Butter that is used within their award winning products. I posted about the Solidarity Balm last year (here) and again this year the balm is back with a violet scent which is just absolutely divine and is quite sweet. This tin of Solidarity Balm is dressed in patterns inspired by African wax fabrics to celebrate women in Burkina Faso. 

Again, L'Occitane will give 100%* of the profits from this balm to support women's leadership in developing countries. Partnering with UN women, the L'Occitane Foundation (read more here) broadens the scope of its involvement by supporting two thematic areas covered by the Fund for Gender Equality.

Since 2009 the Fund has supported 120 programmes in 80 different countries which in turn has touched the lives of 10 million direct beneficiaries, with a focus on the objective of achieving a more equal world, a 50-50 planet, where women and girls can freely exercise their leadership in all areas of public, economic and political life.

This balm which costs just £4 is quite a handy handbag essential. As a multi-use balm, it not only nourishes your lips but is also handy for elbows, cuticles and other bits of dry skin. The Shea butter melts when it comes into contact with your skin and leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, nourished and moisturised. But skincare aside, this one tin is doing a lot of talking, supporting and empowering in parts of the world where independence isn't as free as it is here. Grab your tin now!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise
*Sales price in store minus taxes, transport and production costs.

Blank Canvas Brushes, Sponge and a Solid Cleanser

Blank Canvas is a brand that is one worth getting to know and one which I have featured a few times on this blog with this amazing palette.  As well as makeup there is also makeup tools and I have a few to share today.

Make-up brushes are items that we all will have within out stash, of all varieties, shapes, sizes and brands I am sure and there is possibly one thing that we all collectively hate having to do with those brushes - washing them! What if there was a product that could make tis boring but vital task less of a faff? Well there is and it comes in the form of a Solid Brush & Sponge Cleansing Soap.

We all know that taking care of our brushes is a vital task, not only does it help to keep maintain the quality but it also helps to avoid bacterial build-up which can harm you and your skin.  So this Brush & Sponge Cleansing Soap comes packaged in a tin and inside is some soap which you moisten with water. Once that has been done you rub the bristles over that now damp soap to create a lather and then rinse your brush under lukewarm water until it runs clear before laying it flat on a piece of cloth to dry.  Before cleaning any other brushes, wipe the soap of any suds and residue and repeat the same task until all of your brushes are clean and shiny.  Before putting that lid back on the soap, again wipe it free of any residue and suds and store it ready for next time.

The Blank Canvas Cosmetics Solid Brush & Sponge Cleansing Soap costs £12.87 (here) and it is worth every single penny. 

When it comes to makeup brushes and blenders, again I have quite a few different ones and the Blank Canvas Hero brushes have had a bit of a classy looking makeover and now come in various colours including the gorgeous Champagne Pink and Rose Gold. Now anything that is shiny and metallic is going to capture my attention and the F20 and F08 are simply stunning.

The F20 Multi-purpose Brush has the Champagne Pink metallic finish and ideal for creating light, medium and full coverage makeup. Perfect for foundation, cheek blush and even contouring and because it is made from short synthetic fibres it works really well with cream, powders or liquids and is ideal for buffing. Priced at £12.95 (here) if rose gold really isn't you, there is a choice of 7 other colours to choose from for your brush handle.

The F08 Rounded Dome Multi-purpose brush has a Champagne Pink finish and is ideal For the application of foundation, concealer, bronzer, blusher and can even be used for contouring because of Its soft dome shape. Again it can be used with cream, powder and liquid products and to use you simply buff the product onto the skin first and then blend using a stippling motion. I find this brush really easy to use and the handle is just the perfect size and is weighty enough to keep hold of. Again it is handmade from extra soft, high quality anti-bacterial, easy to clean synthetic fibres. Priced at £12.95 (here) you can choose from 5 different finishes.

Beauty Blenders for me right now are like a revelation, I just love them. The two I have from Blank Canvas are the Airbrush Blender Sponge ( Pink Teardrop Shape) and Airbrush Blender Sponge (Slim Pear Shape In Pink). 

Both of these beauty blenders are perfect for using with liquids and even cream products, but the star of the show for this blender is the pointed edge which is just perfect for blending hard to reach areas such as the sides of your nose and it is great for the application of concealer. Priced at £6.04 (here) they are not going to break the bank.

If you have yet to try any product from Blank Canvas the definitely look them up, there are so many amazing products and accessories that you need to add to your stash.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise