Every Day Beauty Essentials

Everyone has them, including the boys -  even though they might not openly admit it.  It's the morning beauty essentials you use without fail to start your day.  These items (some new finds and some used time and time again) I use these without fail. Every single day.... What are they. 

Deodorant - Currently Using: Sanex Roll On | LINK
Considering how many deodorants line the supermarket shelves I always gravitate back to Sanex.  It's a reliable favourite of mine... No stinky pits, no white marks on my black T-shirt, no cold sharp shock from a spray.  I don't find this sticky or too wet after I roll it on and there is no nasty left over residue.  I usually find this lasts so much longer than sprays plus it's so inexpensive you can normally find it in Poundland 

Hydrating Eye Serum - Currently Using: Dr Organic Rose Otto Eye Serum | LINK
I only found this by chance as it was a free magazine gift and glad I did try it.  I really enjoy having this in my skin care routine.  It can be a little too rosy smellings for my liking on occasions but it is light and fast absorbing.  Plus it makes the delicate under eye area feel all lush and plump with hydration.

SPF Moisturiser - Currently Using: More Than One!!  (see below) 
Getting moisture in to my skin and SPF is very important - I don't want skin damage before... well basically before I'm dead!!! I'm currently using two different moisturisers that I have open which are Simple Day Cream and Avene Rich Hydrating Cream.  Both are light on the skin and give great hydration...ooo I love my hydration.  Their SPF factor is not too light and not too high (20 and 30).  I personally feel great protecting my skin from harmful rays whilst moisturising it - two in one SCORE!!!

Anti-Aging Serum - Currently Using: Clarins Double Serum | LINK
One of my greatest fears is to look old and wrinkly before I'm actually meant to.  I've used a lot potions in my life time - creams ... gels ... oils and serums but this famous Clarins Double Serum is my best bud to use.  I find it so much more user friendly in the packaging department which makes it faster to use.  I love the pump!  There is no lingering sticky residue...no one likes that do they!  And most importantly I swear I have seen a difference in my skin!! Yayyy!

Tooth Paste - Currently Using: Colgate Pro Gum Health | LINK 
Not technically your usual beauty essential like the deodorant but essential to life just like water!!  I sometimes have issues with bleeding gums as mine are quite sensitive.  Pro Gum has done wonders for knocking it on the head.  Almost - I still get a little bleeding but not half as much.  Apologises if TMI?!

So those are my essential items but there are a few other goodies I like to use for instance perfume...  but I have that on a constant rotation due to the numerous amount of bottles i'm attempting to get through.   What are your essentials for the day?  Sharing is caring! 

Ax

Clarins Skincare Haul

Between you and me (don't tell anyone) I have to admit that I'm slowly becoming a Clarins junkie.  Thats right.  I have a small growing addiction which isn't too wise for my credit card, but it's our little secret right??  Here are my new goodies from this popular French brand.

Clarins Double Serum | LINK 
I'm almost out of my other bottle of this so I decided to stock up on the bigger bottle.  Ever since this award winning anti-aging serum hit the beauty shelves I've wanted to try it.  I've used other famous skincare serums notably the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, which I've never fallen head over heels for.  This serum is a duo phase formula which is held in two separate tubes... Press the pump the both appear just like magic.  If I had a choice between the Estee Lauder and Clarins I would always knock Estee to the kerb.  The packaging is far more user friendly plus I always reach for it morning and night over Estee.  Sorry Estee!!  #sorrybutnotsorry
Please note this does cost a small fortune but hey it's far cheaper than botox or a face-lift!

Clarins Multi-Active Early Wrinkle Correction Day Cream | LINK
I got a free to teenie tiny sample of this a few weeks ago and I have really enjoyed how it makes my skin feel and look.  I have been trying to actively prevent wrinkles and any signs of aging basically.  It smells lovely, sinks into the skin fast and your skin looks fresh and plump when using it which makes me look far younger... Yes please.  I use this after the serum in the morning.  The only downside is there is no SPF in it.  Save up for this as you won't get much change back from a £50 note.

Clarins Instant Concealer shade 1 | LINK
I've heard lots of good things about this new-ish concealer.  Specifically created for those who suffer with dark circles.  It refreshes and fights fatigue. It's long wearing and smoothes the skin.  The consistency is light but covers well.  However I do personally find it settles in to my fine lines just a wee bit.  The colour selection is poor with only 3 to select from plus it is also quite pricey at £21.50 for a tiny tube.

That is it folks.  Do you have any Clarins recommendations??

Ax

Beauty Favourites

I don't try to do favourite videos too often as they can become very repetitive, predicable plus a tad boring after a while in my opinion.  I personally like to try and use the same products to finish them up.  Attempting to be a good girl here when it comes to buying bits and bobs lately.

This video shows my latest loves.  We've got some body care in the form of the Fortune Shower Body Scrub from Rituals and Wild Argan Oil from The Body Shop.  Also from The Body Shop we have the Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate.

I'm also loving the new Rouge Edition Velvet Matt Lipsticks from Bourjois in the shades Frambourjoise, Nudist and Peach Club.  These beauts last all day long which I lovvvvve!!!

Ax

February Favourites

Guess who is back?  It is I! 

This February I took a break from the blogging world to concentrate on me.  I don't want to force blog posts if I'm not in the mood or they'll be rubbish.  After a rest, I am now back.

The first post in March of course would be my February favourites...

Botanics Microdermabrasion Polish Radiant Youth hands down is my favourite skin care product... ever!  I wish we'd met long before now.  It is amazing at giving you silky baby soft skin and getting rid of the grime hidden in your pores.  Review here if you fancy a look.

Botanics BB Cream Radiant Youth is the best BB cream I have ever tried so far!  Light and gives amazing coverage at the same time!  Perfect for those days where we don't want to cake on our foundation.  What more do we need ladies and gents?!?

Soap and Glory Hand Food has been my saviour for my hands.  My hands have been suffering because of the gym and I had little calluses form from using too many heavy dumbbells!  This stuff has been working wonders on them.  Plus it smells so good, you could eat it... but don't try to please :-p

L'Oréal Shine Caresse Glosses in Romy, Eve and Princess have not really left my lips all of February.  The stains last for hours and are very glossy looking without being too sticky.  The three shades I have are very wearable.  They need the occasional touch up but are simply lovely.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is overtaking the buffing and stippling brush as the ultimate foundation brush. Flawless application is achieved every time I use this and I love it!  Certainly worth the investment.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette has been my go to palette of shadows for February - as well as my NARS Isolde eyeshadow duo... yes I still love it.  I was and still am a big fan of the original naked Palette and I seriously don't know what took me so long to buy this!

ELF Warm Bronzer was something I initially didn't like and was planning to sell.  But after hearing some good things about it I changed my mind.  A little bit of this goes a long way.  The right amount of shimmer and golden glow is in this bargain product.

Benefit Hervana Blush was another product which I wasn't head over heels in love with initially   But it has been a grower and I like this little box.  A subtle pink which looks very English rose and delicate on the cheeks. Love love love.

Seventeen Doll'd Up Three Way Eyeliner is definitely going to be high street/drug store hit... A dupe for the Clarins version and about £15 cheaper. If you watch the video below you can see swatches on my hand and you'll understand why I'm loving this.

Seventeen Doll'd Up Curl Mascara is great mascara for keeping a curl and you do look all dolled eyed wearing this.  This is the first Seventeen mascara I have ever tried and I'm liking it lots.

Essie Chinchilly is the perfect neutral beige grey shade. Great for every day wear.  If you're a lover of Nails Inc Porchester Square I think you'd love this beaut!

Rimmel 5 in 1 Top and Base Coat is a cheap product which hits a lot of excuse the pun nails on the head in one sweep.  A base coat, treatment and top coat in one bottle.  This is the perfect item for those of you wanting one product does all.

So that's everything.  I have also uploaded a YouTube version if you want to have a peek!

What have you been loving lately?

Angela xox

Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser

When ever I see a new hot cloth cleanser hit the beauty stands I always say to myself 'I wonder if it's as good as my Liz Earle?'

Hands down my cleanser from Liz Earle is my ultimate favourite, but I like to try new things.  So I thought I'd give this cheaper version from Superdrug a whirl.

At £4.99 this cleanser is peanuts compared to Liz and other brands. I was skeptical about trying it at first as I didn't believe anything could live up to my beloved Liz.  Sadly I was correct with my gut feeling. Let me explain...

Even though this is a nice product and the bonus is it comes with its own muslin cloth (a good quality one too I might add), I feel like I need to cleanser more than once to remove all the dirt and grime from the day.

LE removes everything in one sweep but with this I've sometimes had to apply and reapply three times... which is quite a hand full. Even after that I don't feel like I'm completely cleansed. The small print says this provides a gentle exfoliation to the skin, but I do not think so personally. The only exfoliation you get is from the muslin cloth when you remove the product from the face.

Resembling LE in consistency, the white cream to me smells more like a moisturiser than a cleanser. It is a little off putting. You are also advised not to use this around the eyes, I have done and it has been fine.  But I find this struggles to remove mascara and eye liner, even if it isn't waterproof.

I'd personally recommend this to someone who likes to wear light makeup, like a powder and minimal eye makeup. But if you are someone like me who likes three coats of mascara, eye liner and a long lasting foundation... you may struggle to remove it from your face with this product.  I would however recommend this for morning cleansing, where you've worn no makeup... so it is cleaning a 'clean' face.

So on that note once this has finished, I wouldn't repurchase :-( *sigh*  Can you recommend any nice cleansers that do the job well?

Angela xox

Taaj and I.

Heeeeey you guuuuuys! Who doesn't loves the Goonies!! 

So yes I know I have been a little absent on the blogging front.  I went through and am still going through a loss of blogging ‘mojo’.  Every blogger gets it now and again and it can strike at any time just like flu.  I’ve mostly been concentrating on life and living it.  Reviewing a mascara and a lipstick just wasn’t on my list of must do’s.  Hitting the gym and eating pancakes has been on my to do list...  even though they kind of cancel one another out!!  However the Breakfast Club pancakes sure were yummy! See my Instagram for a picture :-)

So enough of me, I’m back with a mini review of the Taaj Ayurveda Mains Delhicates Hand Cream.  I got this recently in my January Birchbox.  I’m not usually a fan of receiving hand creams as I find them quite a personal thing.  That may sound strange to say that about a hand cream but its a cream/lotion which you apply to your hands.  People have a personal preference of what they may like.... however the Taaj has not disappointed.

A light cream which is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a yucky residue on the hands.  The scent is light and fresh with a hint of a natural smell, almost like the sea but without smelling salty (in my opinion anyway).  This is also good for your nails and cuticles... a excellent all round product.

Containing ingredients like shea butter, wheat germ oil, cinnamon, aloe vera and sweet almond oil this certainly adds that well needed moisture to your hands.  For those of you who are animal testing conscious, you'll be pleased to know that this is not tested. Plus it doesn't contains parabens either. Yay!

This is my first experience with the brand Taaj and I give them a high five for their creation.  You can pickup your very own tube of Taaj from here and a mere cost of £10.

Angela xox

Crabtree And Evelyn Citron

Yay I won a giveaway!!

Early this month I won a Crabtree and Evelyn giveaway hosted by the lovely Miss A who writes for Beauty And Makeup Boudoir.  I was one of the lucky winners, which was really exciting for me.  Reason being 1) I've never won a blog giveaway and 2) I've never tried anything from Crabtree and Evelyn before.  

Lucky winners won Crabtree and Evelyn's Citron Honey and Coriander Perfect Pair*.  Inside a beautiful ribbon tied gift box you received a full size shower gel and body lotion. How adorable is the packaging?

I love the freshness of zesty lemon, somehow it always makes you feel fresh and awake. Luckily you don't smell much honey which is good as I'm not a fan of sickly honey scents.

I really like the fact the body lotion comes with an inbuilt pump, great for us lazy girls. I might take this to work as I'm always applying lotions and potions when I have a spare moment or two.

Something like this would make a fantastic gift for someone. You don't need to wrap it up due to the stunning box.  Once I've finished these, I'm going to recycle the box and maybe store my jewellery in there. The box is too cute to throw out.

Thank you Miss A for hosting a great giveaway.  If you fancy trying this, you can purchase this online here.  

Have you ever won a giveaway? Or have you ever tried anything from Crabtree and Evelyn?

Angela xox

*PR/blog Prize

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil

I love the feel of moisturised skin, who wants dry skin?  Hmmm no one!  I do love and own a few body butters, lotions and creams but there is something else I’ve been really been loving lately.  So much so, the bottle is fast becoming empty.

Since I took this picture, the amount left is hardly nothing.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil is a nourishing body oil which I have been using for a few months now since I went to Tunisia in October.  I picked it up to use in the evenings to add moisture and a glowing look to the skin after being in the glorious sun shine all day.  Since then I’ve pretty much used it every day since.

A weightless oil with a beautiful scrumptious scent that leaves your skin glowing and radiant.  It makes you look very refreshed and healthy.  Dull skin is gone with this beauty!

Containing yummy ingredients like argan, macadamia, almond and rose - this leaves smelling so... what’s the word... there isn’t one - just ahhhhh!  It is just a lovely relaxing smell if that makes sense.  I love my rosy floral scents and macadamia and argan are the king or queen of moisture, so this is a winner for me.

You might think because this is an oil based product that your skin would feel like an oil slick after applying it.  I promise, no it doesn’t unless you apply too much obviously then it will feel too oily.  The oil is very light weight and with the spray application it is lightly and evenly distributed on to the skin.  Just rub into the skin and your are finished.  You can dress or go to bed within minutes as it’s absorbed into the skin very fast and the oil doesn’t transfer.

Afterwards your skin will be left glowing with a healthy looking sheen.  This on the legs and arms looks lovely, you’ll have the super model sheen.  My top tip is to shower or have bath first, then pat the skin dry and whilst the skin is still slightly damp then put this on.  Your pore will still be open from the heat of the shower/bath.

This usually retails for £7.99 but Boots had it on special for £5-ish so go get yourself a bottle... I have!

Angela xox

Beauty Tip: You cannot escape!

Random name for a post I know but I thought it was fitting.  Kind of.  These days products are a tad expensive and you always want to get every last drop, scoop, ounce of products from you tubes and pots.

I mentioned these products in an empties post a while back but as I was about to recycle them I thought I'd see what was trying to escape without being used.

So taking a pair of scissors... be careful now if you try this.  I cut the packaging about half way down, all the way a cross.  You have to remember to keep the cut off part as this will come in handy.

Once I cut it off I looked inside and was surprised by how much left over product is inside.  Lots of expensive beauty product would of ended up at a plastic recycling centre some where if I hadn't been a little curious!

As for the other end of the tube... I popped this back on the other end by slightly bending the main part of the tube into a curved C shape.  The products will be safe and sound and ready for use.

Cool tip which you've probably heard before but I thought I'd share :-)

Have a great Sunday!

Angela xox

Sephora / French Haul

Last weekend my hubby and I... plus my parents took a day trip to France. Nothing fancy, we usually go to grab bargains in the supermarkets as they are usually cheaper.  Plus with the festive season approaching the French usually have some cool Christmas items to be had.

This trip I demanded we stop off at Citie of Europe and visit the shopping centre there. Main reason...I know there’s a Sephora there!!! :- )

My mini haul

I love Sephora... for me it's a die and go to heaven place - I love it.  Sephora's in Europe differ to the US slightly as they don't sell all the brands which is unfortunate   More annoying they have yet to open a Sephora in the UK.  I wish they would open one.

So in the shopping I put a nail polish by Sephora called My Favourite Jeans which is dark indigo blue (just like your favourite jeans).  I can't wait to try this.  I also picked up these cute fragrances by Sephora as well: Coconut, Cotton Flower, Peony and Vanilla.  Great for throwing your hand bag at €4.50 I thought they were a bargain.

My most expensive purchase at €14.50 was a Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Liner in 2L which is a dark brown with a slight shimmer. I've heard some good things about these liners so I 'm going to put this to the test.

I also got some non-Sephora beauty buys....

Randomly I picked up boring hair slides, they only cost about €3.50 and i needed some so I thought why not.  Random item over lets get on to the cool stuff.

In the shopping basket I put this Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo in Timeless Black.  Why do we not have this colour in the UK?!?! It seems France and the US get all the fun.  They had a few shades which we do not have on the shelves in the UK which is sad but I picked the black shade which I thought would be fabulous for a smokey eye base.

I also got a mini Bioderma (Mummy Jolly bought me this... thanks Mum).  I have always been intrigued to see if all the hype around this product was actually worth it.  So watch this space for my thoughts.  This little bottle cost €4.20.  I didn't want to spend anymore on a larger bottle just in case it was not love at first sight.

Angela xox