Real Techniques and W7 In The Buff Giveaway!

Just a few weeks ago this happened:

Literally was so happy because to me that is ALOT of people... add to that 2500 of you follow me on Twitter, my instragram numbers are growing as is everything else my blog is linked to.  So, I decided to run a competition to thank everyone who reads it and in doing so, have bought with my own money, two products that I am absolutely loving right now

Real Techniques are a brand bloggers love and I have until recently always sat on the fence about them until I got this actual kit.  It is the on location travel essentials and comprises of an Essential Foundation Brush, a Multi-task Brush and a Domes Shadow Brush - all of which are totally fantastic and I have a review coming of them soon.

Then we have the W7 In The Buff Natural Nudes Eye Colour Palette which again is superb and is mentioned on my blog as a bargain purchase I got somewhere.  Since I bought it, I have used it alot, obviously I am not giving you my Palette, I have bought two and it looks something like this:

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is complete the rafflecopter.

Terms and Conditions

If you are under 18, please ensure you have parental permission to enter as you'll have to provide me with your address details should you win. 

This competition is worldwide. The winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and emailed, with the winners name printed on the Rafflecopter widget once announced, all of this will happen withing 24 hours of the competition closing. All entries will be verified, with any false, incomplete or duplicate entries being removed from the giveaway entirely.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

La Roche-Posay Anthelios

A few nights ago I was lucky enough to be invited to a La Roche-Posay event at the most amazing hotel I have been in for many year, Number 16, to see and swatch the Anthelios range.

Anthelios is a complete suncare range for sun sensitive skin which is suitable for adults and children, it provides high sun protection for sensitive skin by offering:

• high protection against not only UVB rays but also provides protection against UVA rays, which together are responsible for 80% of the signs of premature ageing.
• minimalist formulas (fragrance-free, no parabens, non-comedogenic, tested under dermatological supervision).
• specially formulated textures to suit all skin types and skin concerns.

There are four different sections of suncare range such as Face, Body, Children and then Aftersun/self-tanning and within each range there is a product to suit every need.  For example, I will never ever pop into Boots, buy some suncream and put it on my face, I hate it, I dont like how it makes my face feel all heavy with every pore becoming blocked leading to a break out, so I always will look for a product that is designed for the face and voila La Roche-Posay have done just that with this cute little fellow:

This little fellow which is a rather funky shape costs £16.50 for 100ml in Boots and is so lightweight when it is on your skin, you hardly know it is there and ever since I got my hands on it, I have been wearing it daily.  It has an SPF50+ and is a dream to apply.

As mentioned, some of the other products from the range include products which are designed for dry skin, oily skin and combination skin and each one is labelled differently. There is also the option of choosing a lotion or an oil, again with an SPF50 and all promise to leave no white marks, be ultra light, be invisible and non-sticky.

The one item that did catch my attention was the Cream Compact which is described as follows:

New, clinically-proven Anthelios XL Cream Compact SPF50+ melts into the skin for a smooth, even complexion. A great alternative to foundation, it offers natural, matt coverage all day in the sun and very high protection against UVB rays. It also provides protection against UVA rays, even for sensitive skin and is:

• PURIFIED MINERAL PIGMENTS GIVE A NATURAL EVEN COVERAGE
• AVAILABLE IN 2 SHADES
• WATER RESISTANT
• WON'T CLOG PORES
• NO PERFUME OR PARABENS
• SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

I really enjoyed this event and was also able to have my skin scanned for sun damage in this rather funky booth and quite nerve-wracking it was to think someone can tell that for years I didnt wear suncream but I was surprised to hear that my skin is really really moisturised and in excellent condition with no excess lines or wrinkles and that the one issue which stood out was the need for moisture under the eyes - so I intend to find a product to sort that out.

Thank you La Roche-Posay for the opportunity to try your products and also for this wonderfulo gift bag

Do you use sun cream? Do you buy specific products for your face?

Eve of St Agnes - Hydrating Facial Silk

Every so often the arrival of an email in my inbox grabs my attention instantly and that was definitely the case with Eve of St Agnes.  A company which was founded in 2011, Emma Heywood had a vision to create a skincare company that would give the finest quality, all- natural skincare products, with a commitment to sourcing the best natural and organic ingredients from Fairtrade and community projects from around the globe.  Having suffered from Eczema and dry skin and failing to find a skincare product which delivered on their promise, she decided to create her own - Eve of St Agnes.

I was very kindly sent the Hydrating Facial Silk which was so very beautifully wrapped and it offers the following description on the back of the very beautiful box:

"Our customers agree that silk is the perfect word to describe our moisturising cream. Can be used as a day or night cream and is perfect for normal, dry and mature skin types. Bursting with skin hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, (sometimes referred to as the fountain of youth!), our Facial Silk leaves skin feeling nourished, moisturised, smooth and incredibly soft"

Inside the cardboard box is a glass jar which replicates the beautifulness of the box and as soon as you remove the lid, the scent which hits you can only be described as stunning. It is packed full of goodness for your skin and includes ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Macademia Seed Oil, Thistle Oil, Safflower Seed Oil not to mention Hyaluronic Acid, Frangipani, Champaca and Sweet Orange Oil to name just a few (the rest can be found listed online and on the product). Not only is it 99% natural it is:

• Handmade in Britain
• Free from artifical colours and fragrances
• Not tested on animals
• Free from Parabens
• Free from Alcohol

The cream itself is exactly as described, like silk.  To use to simply apply it to your face and neck directly after cleansing, this cream can be used in the morning and night. It is so soft and smooth to the touch and as you apply it to your skin, the feeling is just so lovely, it glides on and instantly absorbs itself leaving no trace behind other than the lovely orangey scent that stays with you for a good few hours after application.  

It also lives up to its claims of leaving your skin feeling nourished, moisturised, smooth and incredibly soft and given that I have been using this cream for the last month, I was told at a recent blogger event where I had my skin scanned to look for sun damage that my skin was in incredible condition and the most moisturised she had seen all day.

I really am excited about what else Eve of St Agnes has to offer, I absolutely love this cream (if you haven't guessed) and cannot wait to see where Emma and Eve of St Agnes go, definitely one to look out for and try!

Top UK Music Festivals 2014

The UK comes alive though the summer with some amazing music festivals. There are the biggies like Glastonbury, along with the less well known ones, offering music to suit all tastes. So grab your tent, pack your maxi dresses and head off to one of the great festivals around the UK this year. Why not take a look at what's on to find your favourite:

V Festival

Held at two locations in the UK, Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire, over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August 2014, this is a massive concert featuring huge names and a great atmosphere. Expect to see Justin Timberlake, The Killers, Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Example, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers, Blondie, Rizzle Kicks and so many more. It's a real mix of music genres with old favourites and great new bands and singers sharing the stage. A brilliant weekend full of music and dancing.

Accommodation wise, there are so many options. From yurts to beautiful old gypsy caravans, stunning American style Airstreem caravans and wooden huts, to exotic Bedouin tents and Luxury Emperor Suite tents, to colourful village style accommodation, you'll find the perfect accommodation choice for you.

Wireless Festival

Another festival held in two locations over two dates, the Wireless Festival is now in its eleventh year and still going strong. Featuring the best pop, rock and dance acts combined with a great festival atmosphere. You'll find a festival village here featuring a huge beer garden, food stalls and chill out zones. You can't camp here but as the festivals are held in London and Birmingham, you'll have no problem getting in and out of town thanks to the readily available transport and hotels.

The line-up this year features acts like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Drake, Rudimental, Knife Party, Bruno Mars, Outkast, Salt n Pepa and Ellie Goulding. You'll find it In Finsbuy Park in London and Perry Park in Birmingham on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July 2014.

Racing Rocks

Rockington Motor Speedway will play host to Racing Rocks on the 17th and 18th of May this year. It’s an eclectic music mix, including folk, country, rock and cover bands, combined with a beer festival, where you'll find 40 hand crafted beers and ciders. There’s also a food fayre including cookery demonstrations as well as street vendors and artisan foods and, of course, plenty of motorsport action. It's a two day extravaganza that's great for rock and racing fans.

With lots of hotels and B&B's in the surrounding area and even a free prebookable campsite, there are plenty of opportunities to stay and enjoy the whole weekend of the festival.

Festivals are of course a great excuse to buy some of the great maxi dresses at George and rock that festival style. Also popular this year are dungarees, bright patterns, teeny shorts, comfy sandals, Aztec ponchos, pretty playsuits, flowery cover ups, big sunglasses, pinafore style dresses - and don't forget to pack your wellies too. Get ready to rock, dance and party in style!

**Guest Post

You Beauty Discovery Box - May Edition

For the past few months I have been getting the You Beauty Discovery Box which you can see February,  March and April with previous box contents.  This month my fourth box has arrived and I have said I am just as impressed.

This months box is themed "CEW(UK) Beauty Awards" and when I got my email to let me know my options for selection was now ready, I logged straight in with excitement to make my choices and I am so chuffed I got the products I really really wanted to try and surprisingly some of my choices were already sold out.

As I have said before, I love is how the box fits through my letterbox, it is packed really delicately and the box really study

Within the magazine which comes with the box we are told that for May's box they have joined forces with CEW(UK) in celebration of the holy anticipated CEW(UK) 2014 Beauty Awards. So as a dedicated subscriber, I have been given the opportunity to try both the finalists and winning brands which included:

Philip Kingsley - Elasticizer, Percy & Reed – Eau My Goodness Shine & Fragrance Spray, Oriflame – Tender Care Protecting Balm, Margaret Dabbs – Foot Hygiene Cream, Manuka Doctor – Mini Hero Kit, LOLA Make Up – Finishing Brush, L’Occitane en Provence – NEW Almond Milk Concentrate, GLAMGLOW – YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment & SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, Fake Bake - 60 Minutes Self-Tan Liquid & Professional Mitt, Elemis – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Dr.Organic – Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum, CHEEKY – Nail Paint in Tongue ‘n’ Cheek, Carmex – Moisturising Lip Balm, Burt’s Bees – Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, Batiste – XXL Plumping Powder - Just how much choice is there - WOW

Again as with previous boxes, with this subscription you get some extra treats and mine came in the form of Charles Worthington - Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner, a sachet of Caudalie – Divine Legs and a sachet of Lizi’s – Naturally Toasted Granola in Treacle and Pecan flavour.

Then comes my actual selections.  

As soon as I saw one of them there was no doubt it was going to go in my box and it starts with Lola Make-up Finishing Brush which has the following description:

"This multi-purpose brush is designed to create a natural and airbrushed look.
It can be used to perfect and blend powder or liquid formulations.
Ideal for buffing face primers or foundations to a flawless finish".

This is obviously a full sized product which has an RRP of £17. This brush won the Best New Beauty Tool or Accessory Award.

The second choice of mine was Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum which comes with the follow description:

Produced with the finest Moroccan Argan Oil, this sumptuous but light hair treatment is instantly absorbed into the hair, resulting in a silky smooth finish with brilliant shine.

With the heavenly scent of Patchouli, Cinnamon and Rosewood and the combination of African organic extracts including Kukui, Moringa and Sacha Inchi Seed Oils, this bioactive formulation leaves hair beautifully conditioned.

This is a 100ml tube which you can purchase from places like Holland and Barratt and it has an RRP of £14.99

So for a £6.95 subscription, my box has a value of around £32 which is amazing value for money!

What do you think to do this? Do you subscribe to these boxes?  What would you have chosen? If you subscribe, link your post below so I can see what you got.

Next month the attention will be dedicated to Beauty Hero’s - quite excited already!

Lush - Let The Good Times Roll

Lush’s Let The Good Times Roll** fresh cleanser for the face and body is not just for Christmas anymore. Back by popular demand, this cleanser has become an all year round product and is a treat for the skin. Made with maize flour and polenta to gently exfoliate, and cinnamon powder to stimulate and leave your skin feeling soft. Let The Good Times Roll is topped off with corn oil and popcorn to leave your skin with an irresistible caramel buttery scent and a natural glow.

Well if that isn't enough to grab your attention, then I don't know what is, but when this little pot of joy came through my door I was so delighted because this had been one of my favourite Lush products for a long time and it suddenly went and disappeared. But now it is back and it is all mine. 

For me this cleanser is quite similar to 'Angels on Bare skin' which I also love, but instead of having the exfoliating ingredient of ground almonds this has ground corn or maize.

WHAT LUSH SAY Fresh Cleanser "A Maize In, gentle facial wash We popped corn oil, polenta, maize flour and cinnamon in here. The perfect recipe to gently exfoliate, moisturise and soften your skin for those times when you want to get ready for close-ups. Let The Good Times Roll is a gentle treat for the skin, leaving you soft to the touch with a lingering buttery caramel popcorn fragrance - when you look and feel this good you can give your Body Double the day off.." 

As with most Lush products there is a huge list of ingredients and within this one there are some worth mentioning:

• Maize Flour - gives the product a nice doughy consistency whilst also effectively cleansing the skin, helping to scrub away excess dirt and leaving skin clean and soft. 
• Polenta - is packed with good amounts of iron, thiamine, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. It's also a good source of fibre.
• Cinnamon Powder - good cleansing herb, it also has powerful antiseptic properties. Its sensual aroma has been proven to have an aphrodisiac effect when used in baked cinnamon rolls! 
• Corn Oil - Corn oil is great for good skin and hair due to it being a rich source of linoleic acid, which is one of two essential acids necessary for growth. Corn oil is also recognized as an excellent source of tocopherols. Tocopherols function as antioxidants and provide a good source of Vitamin E.

To look at, this looks like some dough, it has a rich buttery colour and as soon as the lid is removed the scent is really lovely, reminds me of biscuits.

Once on the skin it has a slight sandy texture to it and naturally there are bits of popcorn which gives it some added oomph.  

As you mix it with water to make a paste you simply massage it onto your face using your fingers and as you do that you can feel those fine particles working on your skin to remove anything dead or dry, sounds gruesome but it does actually do that.  Then once you have finished simply wash any excess off with warm water and then pat your skin dry. Ideally this is designed for those with normal/dry skin but given I have combination skin, I do find it works really well with my skin.  As this is an exfoliating cleanser the ingredients are designed to exfoliate, stimulate and nourish your skin and no sooner had I patted my skin dry, my skin was soft and smooth to the touch.

Lush’s Let The Good Times Roll fresh cleanser for the face and body has an RRP of £6.35 for 100g / £15.88 for 250g

I absolutely love this product and am so glad Lush have brought it back, have you tried it?

Sample Sunday - Perfume!

Over the past few weeks I have been delving into my stash of sample perfumes to see if I can find one or two that take my fancy.  I am a subscriber to The Fragrance Club Discovery Box and the one good thing about it is that I am sent samples of fragrances I might not perhaps think to try.  

Having also been to one or two events and been lucky enough to receive some more samples and  as spring has arrived and summer will soon be upon us, I have found this is a really good opportunity to try out and test some of those sample perfumes.

So the ones I have tried are:

Elie Saab - L'eau Couture.  This is the only sample which comes in a cute little box and offers the following description "From the house of Elie Saab comes a new deliciously addictive, soft, almondy floral fragrance. Created to offer a taste of summer, the scent kicks off with a citrusy top that sparkles with zest which leads into a couture-inspired heart topped off with an addictive base".  

This scent I also really like, it is a light scent which is perfect for spring and can be worn either during the day or at night for me.

GUERLAIN - La Petite Robe Noire Couture.  It is described as "The third fragrance to join the hugely successful La Petite Robe Noire collection by Guerlain. The range is inspired by the little black dress, a must have for any fashionista wardrobe. La Petite Robe Noire Couture is a fruity floral vivacious scent fit for the red carpet, perfect for when a splash of luxury is needed!".  

I am indifferent about the scent of this, it is nice, but I wouldn't purchase a full sized bottle, I am happy enough to use the sample.

Loewe Quizas Quizas Quizas pasion which is a Spanish brand that has just come to the UK and is said to be inspired by The Art of Tango - The deep red juice bursts with fruits for a romantic fragrance that leaves a lasting trail wanting those left in its wake wanting more.

I am still on the fence with this scent, it is quite floral and fruity and definitely has a wow factor as soon as it is sprayed but I find it doesn't really last that long once on my skin and I need to reapply it later in the day.  That said, it is a lovely fragrance.

Givenchy Very Irrésistible is the perfume world's first Aromatic Floral. This fragrance is feminine, energising and timeless. It pays homage to the brand's historic culture and reflects an Irresistible woman. floral notes centre around a plethora of roses. Its central floral harmony is made up of five Rose notes: Daring Peony, Spontaneous Fantasia, Intense Passion Rose, Sensual Emotion Rose and Elegant Centifolia Rose. Following this is the aromatic notes of the fragrance, a harmony of Star Anise with a pinch of Verbena leaves. 

If there was one perfume from this sample I would buy from those I have been trying, this would be it.  I absolutely love it, not a perfume I would ever think of trying but now having tried the sample, it is a hit.

So those are the perfumes I have been testing.  I have another batch to test over the next few weeks, so look out for that review too.

Have you tried any of these perfumes before? 

Have you got any samples to try?