Friday, 31 July 2015

Restore your hair to its former glory with Label M Therapy Rejuvenating Oil Mist


The Hype
The newest addition to the Label M range is the Rejuvenating Oil Mist that aims to transform your hair helping to combat frizz and restore dull and dry hair to its former glory.

The product is a light variant of Label M's best seller RAdiance Oil and is the first oil to combine Rejuven-8 Complex and Moroccan Argan Oil to instantly replenish and protect hair.

The Lowdown
As the London Fashion Week official product you may already have received one of these in your goody bag if you attended. Initially I would say this product is quite unique in that it converts a oil based product into a fine mist. With a spray nozzle it's easy to direct over the different parts of your hair and it avoids the sticky feeling you get from traditional hand based oils. The mist has quite a strong perfumed scent which was probably too old fashioned for my liking. When sprayed it absorbed into my hair instantly was not heavy in the slightest and didn't leave my hair feeling overly wet, sticky or crunchy either. After use my hair was smooth, easy to manage with a high shiny gloss.

A lovely little product that helps you to manage and contain your hair. I give it 4/5

Advantages

  • Contains Rejuven-8 complex and Moroccan Argan oil to restore hair to its former glory
  • Has a spray nozzle that can be directed exactly where you want it
  • Helps to combat frizz and flyaways
  • Leaves hair shiny

Disadvantages

  • The perfumed smell is a bit strong for my liking

Get yours for £21.20 at Look Fantastic 
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Wednesday, 29 July 2015

How to stop yourself burning in Summer with Riemann P20 Once a Day Sun Protection


The Hype
Whether you're basking on a hot beach or simply wandering around town, it's important to stay protected. Whether it's overcast or a bright blue sky the level UVA and UBV rays can still affect and burn your skin.

P20 the iconic once a day sun protection brand has created a new range that makes it much easier for all skin types to stay protected.

Unlike traditional suncreams, P20 contains UVA and UVB filters that provide protection for up to 10 hours after just one application. It has a alcohol based formula that is very different to most products on the market.

The original P20 SPF 20 is available in a light lotion whilst SPF 15,30 and 50+ have been formulated into a spray for easy application. Whilst many suncreams are not water resistant, P20 has been categorised as very water resistant under European health and beauty industry Colipa's guidelines.

The Lowdown
When you're on holiday and you're sitting under the hot sun for the majority of the day, the combination of sweat and suncream can leave you feeling very sticky and uncomfortable. From personal experience I'm not a fan and have to take regular showers to get rid of that horrible feeling.

For the purposes of the review I am testing the SPF 20 Medium lotion and the SPF 30 High spray.

When testing the lotion I was surprised to find it was actually more like a oil with a slightly greasy consistency. Once rubbed in the yellow oil transforms into a transparent liquid. I was expecting it to have a pleasant smell that you associate with suncream but it was very alcohol based and not very pleasant. The bottle isn't really user friendly and I lost far more product then I should have done as it's hard to tell where to squeeze the bottle!

The spray which doesn't hide the fact it has alcohol in smells very strongly of it when applied. I won't lie I don't really like smelling like I've sprayed strong alcohol on. Whilst the spray is supposed to be quick drying it still remained wet after several minutes of application. After a longer period of time the spray changes to a slightly greasy sheen. One of the major benefits of the spray is that it can be directed wherever you want without lengthy application times. I would add also that there is a known issue with the spray damaging clothes and causing them to turn yellow.

The products are the most effective after fifteen minutes which gives the products enough time to settle and protect the skin.  The products work really well as suncream and protect from those pesky burns without having to be applied multiple times.

It's fantastic that these products only need to be applied once whilst in the sun as having to take time out to reapply product can be a pain. I am put off by the alcoholic scent and feel this can be masked but the excellent protection overweighs this.

I give P20 Sun Protection 3/5

The range are available in both 200ml and 100ml sizes.

Get the 30 SPF spray in 200ml for £19.99 at Boots 

Get the 20 SPF lotion in 200ml for £19.99 at Boots

Advantages

  • Offers a range of SPF that is suitable for all the family
  • You only need to apply it once a day for effective sun protection 
  • Available in a spray or lotion format
  • Great sun protection

Disadvantages

  • Leaves a slightly greasy feel on the skin
  • The spray can stain clothes if you're not careful
  • High alcohol smell
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Monday, 27 July 2015

Help reduce the signs of ageing with Ahava Dead Sea products


Ahava Active Deadsea Minerals Time to hydrate Essential Day Moisturiser

The Hype
Time to Hydrate is a fast absorbing moisturiser that is designed to provide long lasting hydration to give a smoother and younger looking complexion. The product has a lot of ingredients although its major selling point is of course Dead Sea Water.

The Lowdown 
The moisturiser is quite basic and does not feature any anti ageing properties, SPF or anti oxidants. The addition of Dead sea water is great for problem skin as the high salt content helps to repair and soften the skin. The moisturiser has a lovely scent and the light cream quickly sinks into the skin. I didn't notice any reduction in fine lines but didn't really expect to. It's a nice product that left my skin feeling really soft the next morning.

Get the moisturiser for only £19.99 on the Ebay store saving yourself £9.01 

Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate

The Hype
Designed to aid moisture and radiance in your skin this boosting serum  uses high concentrates of Dead sea minerals. Over time the concentrate aims to restore your skins vitality enhancing its natural ability to retain moisture and keep hydrated. The serum is quite unique in that is boosts your skins cellular functions to counteract ageing by adding clarity and luminosity. Tests have found that:

  • 85% of users saw more youthful skin
  • 91% of users reported a more luminous complexion 

The Lowdown 
Anything that helps to counteract ageing is a good thing, but does the concentrate live up to its claims As I only had a small sample I obviously wasn't using this over a long period of time, however the product does claim to have some effect overnight. The serum has a light gel consistency and quickly sinks into the skin. It does have a semi strong smell that is neither pleasant nor unpleasant but I can't say it bothered me that much. I applied the serum for two nights in a row and can't say I noticed a massive difference. This may be down to the limited time I was testing the product.

Get it for only £27.99 on the Ebay store (saving yourself £11.01!)
Before and After Dead Sea Mineral TIme to Hydrate Essential Moisturiser

Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate

The Hype
Like its face counterpart the Dead Sea Osmoter eye concentrate is designed to focus entirely on improving the appearance of the skin around your eye. As the skin is more sensitive around the eye it features cucumber and aloe vera to help calm skin and reduce any puffiness. The concentrate features 3x the concentration of the key product the osmoter to help moisturise and transform skin.

The Lowdown
The concentrate is very light which is great as it doesn't weigh down skin. I have quite dark circles and fine lines so I was hoping it would help to reduce those. With a triple dose of the active concentrate I was optimistic that my skins vitality would be restored. The serum appears quite thin but feels thicker when I apply it and it has a slight perfume scent. I felt this product performed the best out of the range as the skin around my eye looked a lot firmer in the morning, although I can't really say the under eye circles were reduced.
Before and After Dead Sea Osmoter Eye Concentrate

Time to Revitalise Extreme Firming Eye Cream

The Hype
Like the eye concentrate Time to Revitalise features Avaha's Osmoter, Extreme Complex and Red Microalgae to help reduce wrinkles and firm the delicate skin around the eyes. The powerful formula claims to help repair your skin by covering it in a protective shield that over time will help to improve its elasticity. You can apply it morning and night to get a more youthful appearance.

The Lowdown
The cream is very thick and a little goes a long way in coating the entire eye area. It has quite a strong chemical smell which I can't say is that pleasant. I didn't notice much difference the next morning but it may take a little longer to take effect. It works well under makeup and helps to soften any puffiness. As with the Eye Concentrate I  had heard good reviews and was hoping for some good results with the fine lines around my eyes and dark circles. The cream has quite a thick consistency but it soon absorbs into the skin. I didn't notice any overnight anti-ageing effect but it may work better over time.
Before and After Time to Revitalise Firming Eye Cream

Get both the Osmoter and Extreme Firming Eye Cream for £47.99 on the Ebay Store 
You will save £20.01!

All these products are available on the Ebay shop and are great value. The shop is really easy to navigate and you can easily find the product you want to buy.

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Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Cohorted July Beauty Box Video Review

Have you heard of Cohorted yet? They are a beauty outlet that offers premium branded cosmetics at a cut price and they offer amazing monthly beauty boxes.

The boxes are so popular they're often snapped up within a day of being launched but I was lucky enough to get my hands on July's box. I had never managed to get hold of one before so I was super excited to see what was inside, and it wasn't disappointing. Watch on to find out what's inside!


Head to Cohorted to sign up to the newsletter to get the insider news on when the next box will be released.
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Monday, 20 July 2015

Bourjois Nude Smoky Sable Show palette review


When holidaying in Calella, Costa Brava this week I found Bourjois Nude Smoky palette in Sable Show. Not currently available in the UK the palette features a trio of illuminating shades to enhance and highlight your eyes.

I love discovering new and unseen products and was instantly attracted by the pigmentation of the middle dark gold shade.

The palette features a double sponge applicator brush alongside the three shadows, taupe, dark brown and dark gold. When applying I found the taupe shade was really hard to apply with a brush or my fingers and is hardly visible even after several applications. The dark brown shade has slightly more prominence but is quite matte and fine. The dark gold shade is of course the most pigmented and works well as a highlighter.

The overall style is a light matte look suitable for work or a casual outing. If i'm honest I am a little disappointed with this palette as on first glance it appeared more pigmented then it actually is. If you're just after a basic palette for a everyday look this is your goto product.

I give it 1/5

Advantages

  • Trio of three shades to mix and match
  • Good for casual occasions such as work or a lunch date

Disadvantages

  • The shades are quite flat and take several applications to get any visible colour especially with the taupe shade
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Tuesday, 14 July 2015

What gives your skin the stress factor?


Life can be hectic and you'll often find your life can get out of control. If your skin is as problematic as trying to keep a day free in your diary it may be down to the stress in your life. Women in the 25-35 generation are finding their faces are often besieged with dullness, spot flare ups and uneven skin patches. This phenomenon according to recent skin studies is down to a generation of women who are permanently exhausted, rushed and worried. Stress comes in a number of forms and is the worst culprit for causing inflammation which is the major trigger for skin irritation. So what can you do about it? Well the solution is in a jar.

Working all hours
Working longer hours then normal can lead to redness, enlarged pores and breakouts due to the body being in a highly pressurised environment. These extra work hours makes the body release more stress hormones than normal which weakens the skins protective barrier. Moisture can seep out letting irritants and toxins creep in which can cause inflammation, red blotches and fine lines.

How can I fix it?  
An emergency skincare formula can help to repair the lipid barrier which will calm irritation and forms a barrier against UV rays and skin destroying free radicals.

My Achy Breaky Heart
Heartache is a highly stressful time of your life when the last thing you want to do is smile. The period of sadness can cause redness, dehydration and eye bags. Studies on how divorce effects women found that psychological stress can damage your DNA. Heartache is effectively very ageing on your face and this is not good news for young women who are regularly on the dating scene.

How can I fix it?
Whilst all stress can age skin it's best to opt for a product that offers superior moisturising in order to avoid the dehydration that can age skin cells. You should also make sure your product has plenty of anti-irritants and barrier building lipids to calm down the puffiness that can build.

Partying the night away
Whilst partying can give you many nights to remember it also leads to fine lines, dullness and age spots. When you party you'll often be drinking which is not good for skin as it contains sugar that dehydrates skin and breaks down the collagen. You'll also find you'll be exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke which is also a major free-radical collagen killer. If your skin is already vulnerable from stress from working excess partying can leave your skin looking dull and haggard in no time. Over time you'll also start to develop irregular pigment blotches forming on your face.

How can I fix it?
Whilst cutting down on the partying will of course help to repair your skin, using good products will also play a part. The skins top layer is always repairing itself and you'll find your skin will regain its glow and tone if you stimulate and protect it.

Sleep deprivation
Not getting enough sleep can cause dullness, dryness and dark circles. If you can't sleep because you're stressed, the lack of sleep can stress you out which is a vicious circle that can take hold and sap the life out of your skin. Sleep deprivation can impair the lipid barrier as well as the production of plumping hyaluronic acid. It can also effect cell function and micro blood vessels around the eyes which can lead to dark circles.

How can I fix it?
If you're one of the 77% who feels sleeplessness is affecting your skin there is a solution at hand. Aim for products that help to absorb tiredness by depuffing the skin, soothing and brightening it.

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Friday, 10 July 2015

Get Ready With Me: Summer Makeup Tutorial Using Burts Bees Natural Lip Crayon

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

If you've heard of Burt's Bees you probably think of them as a natural skincare company with a few skincare products. Burt's Bees has come a long way since it first launched and now has a full range of cosmetic products that are 100% natural. If your skin is very sensitive Burt's Bees products will be perfect for you as they don't contain any natural additives or chemicals.

John Lewis has a great range of products from moisturisers to lip glosses. I had fun testing the products and trying to find the perfect colour for my tutorial.



I'm using Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip crayon in Napa Vineyard as the finishing touch to my Summer Makeover tutorial. The look is all about keeping it relatively natural and glowy for summer. I love how bright the lip colour is and it's fantastic for adding the finishing touch to my look - plus it's completely natural.

Watch on to find out how I created the look.

Find Burt's Bees Natural Lip Colour online. I'd love to know what you think of this look and Burt's Bees products!

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Thursday, 9 July 2015

Ladybug Nail Tutorial


Ladybug is a nail tutorial that celebrates one of the prettiest bugs on earth. It involves only three main products to recreate and is relatively simple.


Here's what you need to do:
1, Get a bright red (I used OPI Coca Cola red) and paint your little finger and index finger
2. Get a good white and paint the middle and ring fingers so they're completely covered. I used MUA All Nude. Bear in mind white nail polishes are often really thin so you will need quite a few coats!
3. Get a black nail art pen and paint little and larger black dots on your red nails. I used Barry M nail art pen in black.
4. Get a fine nail art brush and slowly paint each half of your ladybird. I put them in different orders on each nail.
5. Use your nail art pen to create the head and antennae
6. Use the nail art pen to create small spots on the red parts of the ladybirds body. Try to make them random as ladybirds don't have symmetrical spots.

If you try this I'll love to see your final look!
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Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Simple solutions to get perfect skin


Do you suffer with very dry skin?
If your skin is very dry it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Use a cleansing oil twice a day and a rich moisturiser in the morning to give your skin some extra moisture. Cleansing oils are unique as they use oils that don't dstrip the skin of its natural properties.

Uneven texture getting you down?
You can help your skin to look its best by using products that target pores, skin texture and tone. Whilst it won't be a miracle cure, over time it will help your skin to repair itself and improve the texture. Microdermabrasion is great for helping to rid of the top layer of dead skin cells enabling you to reveal the healthy layer beneath which will help brighten your skin and repair cells.

Reduce the oiliness of your skin
The best tip when you have oily skin is to opt for a oil free moisturiser. Apply a detoxing masque twice a week and leave it on for five minutes to allow it to fully penetrate the skin.

How to cope with pigmentation 
Pigmentation is often caused by skin damage so the best prevention is to use a product with a high sun protection factor. Pigment correcting serum will also help to reduce any existing damage. You may want to use a facial tanner which will help to blend and even out your skin.
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Monday, 6 July 2015

How to fix broken makeup


It can be frustrating when your favourite cosmetic product breaks but you can still salvage the situation with a little bit of creativity.

Dried out mascara
You can revive a dried out mascara by adding five drops of saline solution or eye drops to the bottle and mixing it with the wand. You'll be amazed at how much longer your mascara will last!

Broken powder compact
Bring your compact back to life by putting clingfilm over the broken powder and crush it with the back of a spoon. Add two to three drops of rubbing alcohol and smooth the mixture together with a spoon. Leave to set for 30 minutes and it will be as good as new.

Bashed up blush
If you find your blusher has had its day you can use what's left of the blush to create a cream blusher. Empty the remaining powder into a pot and mix it with your favourite moisturiser to form a  paste. Add some foundation primer to give it some extra hold and mix it up until your're happy with the colour and texture.

Smashed eyeshadow
Get inventive with broken powder shadows by crushing it into a very fine powder. When finished transfer it into a small acrylic pot and you have a loose powder eyeshadow.

Snapped lipstick
Use a lighter to warm the base of your broken lipstick so it melts slightly then press it back onto the remaining part. Place it in the fridge for a hour and the lipstick should have molded together giving your lippy a new lease of life. If it's too far gone to be repaired you can create your own lipstick palette. You can get a kit by Japonesque and use each compartment to create a brand new makeup tool.
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Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Get a Fresh Faced Look With MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette


The Hype
It's time to embrace your natural side as MUA goes back to basics with their latest eyeshadow palette. Undress Me Too is a 12 shade palette that has a range of warm, classic shades to encourage you to embrace this season's fresh faced look.

The Lowdown
With colours from light beige to black the palette covers a broad colour spectrum for a variety of looks. They are so varied that they will suit all skin tones.  There appears to be 7 matte shades, one that appears to be a cross of matte and shimmer and four pigmented shades. I'm not the biggest fan of matte shades as they always appear a bit 'flat' to me but the palette still has four pigmented shades to give it a bit of va va voom. At first glance the shimmery shades appear really pigmented and intense. The matte shades are of course more plain but that is to be expected. It comes with a really long dual eyeshadow sponge applicator but it doesn't have a mirror.

When swatched the matte shades were as I expected, quite light and very hard to actually get any colour. The shimmery shades were very pigmented, which I love, and really add a bit of glamour to your look.

I used Fiery and Devotion as a example of the kind of look you can create. I used Devotion across the majority of the lid and Fiery on the outer corner. The gold sunset look is perfect for the summer months.

Get yours for £4.00 at Superdrug 

Advantages

  • A range of matte and shimmery shades for a variety of different looks
  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Great for this seasons fresh faced look
  • Great budget price

Disadvantages

  • Some of the matte shades are very disappointing and flat 
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