The Very Beauty Bus Tour

Last week the Very Beauty Bus rolled into town.  Well, not strictly my town, but in Leeds so I hopped on a train and went along to have a look and also get some shopping on.  I never miss a chance for some shopping!

As well as grabbing a Very goodybag, there were also manicures, hairstyling and mini makeovers by some of the brands on Very, including Babyliss, Bourgois and Illamasqua.

Very Beauty Tour Goodybag

We had lunch at Fish + Chip at the Trinity Kitchen, my Thai Fishcakes and sweet potato chips were yummy!

Fish + Chip

Overall, I thought it was a great idea, with a good turnout and plenty of interest in the brands. Maybe next time they could make a pit stop in Bradford! :)

Organic Fantastic: Tea Tree Oil

We've all got a vague general knowledge about using natural products for health and beauty but once your eyes have been opened up to how amazingly effective they are, you can't help but rave about them.  So that's exactly what I'm going to do about Tea Tree Oil! :)

We've probably all been afflicted with an unattractive zit from time to time, and most of us are familiar with tea tree being used in spot treatments and facial washes.  I was unfortunate enough to suffer from teenage acne up until recently and have always resorted to using them to get rid of spots.  Although it's not a huge issue for me anymore, I do still get the occasional bazinga.

Tea Tree Oil

I saw this 10ml bottle of 100% pure essential tea tree oil in my local pound shop so decided to give it a go.  On the bottle it advises to apply a couple of drops on a cotton bud and apply as required.  However, please note that this is an essential oil, so is very strong so apply with caution! You may have to dilute it with another oil such as almond oil before using directly on the face.

Did you know that Tea Tree oil is an antifungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory?  I think thats very impressive, considering its 100% pure natural! I also read online it is great for other conditions such as athletes foot, eczema and even headlice!

A little of this goes a long way, and using this is quite addictive! I've added drops of this in my hair conditioner, my night time moisturiser and personally have noticed a big improvement.

Have you tried Tea Tree Essential Oil?

Perfume Diaries: Be Delicious DKNY

Although my trademark fragrance is sweet and floral, when I took a whiff of the DKNY Be Delicious in Boots a few months ago, I was smitten!  This fragrance is light and fruity, based on an 'apple-y' sort of scent which is perfect for summer and for the office.

DKNY Be Delicious

It comes in a sturdy little apple-shaped bottle and I bought the 30ml Eau de Parfum, which currently retails at Boots for £34.99.   The website describes the fragrance as below

DKNY Be Delicious

'Be Delicious opens with crisp and edgy top notes including American Apple, crisp Green Cucumber and sparkling Grapefruit. The middle notes are sweet and sinful with Magnolia, Tuberose, White Muguet, Rose and Violet. In the base, Sandalwood and White Amber round out the scent with an innocent and sexy appeal.'

There are a few variations of this perfume, and I have my beady little eye on DKNY Be Delicious Red. What do you think about the DKNY Be Delicious range?

Stila Steals!

A few months ago, I was alerted to some Stila bargains at Poundland by the Money Saving Expert website, so I skipped along to the local Poundland on the hunt for these products.  Luckily for me, there isn't a shortage of pound shops in sunny Bradford, and I managed to track the products down.  I got the Stila Angel Light, which is the whitening powder foundation refill in a Shade B.

Being a Stila virgin, I was quite excited to try out this product but being a refill product, it meant it came in a metal tray and a plastic case, with a sponge.

I emptied out an old NYC Colourwheel Mosaic powder case and simply stuck this refill inside instead.  It wont last very long in a makeup bag or for travelling but fine to use at home.

Although it probably is a shade lighter for my skin tone, I have enjoyed using this product, and it contains SPF 26 which is an added bonus. Looking at their website, it looks as though the product has been discontinued, and now replaced by their Illuminating Powder Refill at £18.00.  They also are available from Boots.

I know Kim K is a fan of the brand, but are you a fan of Stila cosmetics? Let me know which items you recommend!

Perfume Diaries: Lacoste A Touch of Pink

When it comes to perfumes and eau de toilettes, I definitely have a type - it's usually very girly, light and floral.  So 'A Touch of Pink' by Lacoste falls into this category.  Described as ruity floral fragrance, that is feminine, fresh and playful. Touch of Pink combines a playful burst of blood orange with the fresh sparkle of coriander, followed by sensuous, honest notes of jasmine and violet. The radiant prelude is prolonged by a refined dry down of sandalwood and completed by a dreamy, lingering kiss of vanilla. Lacoste Touch of Pink is an expression of magnetic and carefree sensuality.

Lacoste A Touch Of Pink Set

Lacoste A Touch of Pink

I bought this gift set from The Perfume Shop, around the beginning of last year and includes a 30ml eau de toilette, a 50 ml Body Lotion and a 50 ml Shower gel.

A Touch of Pink Eau de Toilette

With fragrances, I always recommend you look online before buying in store (eg in Boots) as you can often buy the perfume as a set which includes body lotions or shower gels for the same price as the perfume on its own. I also quite like the bright pink cardboard box which is the perfect size to store my earrings.

What's your everyday perfume?

Organic Fantastic with Angels on Bare Skin by Lush

Last week, I was over in Manchester and I happened to walk past a Lush store and as predicted, got lured in by the delicious smelsl escaping from the doors.  Although I do approve of it's ethical and vegetarian ways,  I've never actually bought anything from Lush.  As well as the popular bath bombs and shower gels, they also have a range of facial washes and masks.

After having a good sniff around the range, I was intrigued by an everyday cleanser for the face called Angels on Bare Skin.  This is a gentle clay-like cleanser which consists of ground almonds and and crushed lavender flowers and comes in a 100grams plastic pot for £6.40.

Image from Lush website

To use, simply take a small amount in one hand and wet slightly so that it becomes like slightly watery and massage this onto your damp face.  This bit is quite messy as bits of lavender flower will fall off your face but persevere as the results are amazing! It cleanses your face but is quite nourishing at the same time due to the essentials oils and rose absolute to calm the skin.

Angels On Bare Skin Cleanser

However, although my skin feels and smells lovely after using this product, it doesn't remove makeup very well, especially since it's not appropriate to use around the eye area.  So I would usually use a small amount of this in the morning when my face requires only a gentle cleanse. You can also use this as a mask by adding less water and like a paste, smooth on and leave on for 5-10 minutes.

Are you a Lush Lover or a Lush Newbie?  Let me know your faves to try next!

Mini Body Shop Sale Haul

A few months ago, I happened to stumble across a Body Shop sale, so found it very hard to resist buying some makeup! I was drawn to some tinted lip balms and some mineral powder blush, however, I've noticed that they have since been discontinued from the online store.

The Body Shop Haul!

First up is the Nature's Minerals Cheek Colour in Warm Copper which I bought on sale of £3.00. This 2g blush comes in a little pot, with some instructions how to use it.  Although 2 grams doesn't like a huge amount, this blush is extremely pigmented, and you only need a tiny amount.  

Nature's Minerals Cheek Colour - Warm Copper

As it's a loose powder, it has a sieved top, which you can then tap a bit of powder on to the lid - extremely handy for clumsy fingers like me! You then swirl around the product with a kabuki brush, tap off the excess and blend on your cheeks.  

Delipscious Papaya Crush Lip Balm

Delipscious Peach Crush Lip Balm

I also got two Delipscious Tinted Lip Balms for £1.00 each; in shades Peach Crush and Papaya Crush...how lush! :) Looking at the lip balms they seem quite pigmented, however when applying they are very sheer.  I was slightly disappointed on just how sheer they were, however the texture of the product and it's neutral scent has won me over! These stylish little silver lip balms are perfect for keeping at your desk at work or in your handbag.

Have you experimented with the mineral powder range from The Body Shop?  Let me know what you think!

Starter Brush Set - Studio Basics Complexion Brush Set

Last Christmas, I got my first ever cosmetic brush set - The 6 piece Studio Basics Ultimate Complexion set from a TK Maxx store in Bradford. I was quite excited by this discovery as although I have a number of blusher brushes and eyeshadow brushes, I have been looking for a good foundation brush for every day use.

Studio Basics Brush Set

This set of 6 assorted brushes comes in a handy little case and contains a foundation brush, a precision concealer brush, a mini concealer brush (which I might use as a eyeshadow brush), a mini powder blush and a highlighter brush. I love the deep pink handles, perfect for cheering me up in the morning!

                                           

5 Piece Brush Set

Although it doesn't state it, the brush hairs appear to be synthetic and quite soft.  I haven't been using these very long, so I have yet to complain about the quality.

What I love about TK Maxx is their product mix, and how you can stumble upon a range of brands from high end to the unknown.  I can't say I've heard much about the Studio Basics brushes, but for a starter kit priced at just £5.99, I'm very happy with them!

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion

I know I'm not alone when it comes to dry skin, and I admit my moisturising routine isn't as regular as I'd like it to be...just like my exercise routine!  However, I've recently really enjoyed using the Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion for Dry Skin.

Personally, I love trying out new products and formulas, and although it's an established brand, I've never really been too excited by Dove, and the trademark fragrance - the faint powdery, sweet musky smell.  It's reliable, safe and almost motherly.

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion fro Dry Skin

But during a recent visit to the local Boots store one lunchtime, with my cold chapped hands in need of some moisturising lotion, I decided to give it a chance.  And I'm glad I did, as it absorbed into my hands within seconds, without leaving that sticky feeling.

What they say

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion has been especially formulated to work deep down.  This body lotion not only moisturises the surface of your skin, it also delivers deep nourishment for long lasting beautifully soft and smooth skin.

And I can testify, indeed it does!  The Dove Essential Nourishment Body Lotion is currently on offer from Boots at £3.33.

Olay Essentials BB Cream Complete Care Review

Despite the fact that it has been over a year that BB creams have exploded on to the market and shaken up our makeup routines, I have to admit, I never really 'got' them.  For me, my skin is quite dry and flaky so a good moisturising cream is an essential, and with my blotchy blemishy skin, so is a foundation with decent coverage.  So I always regarded the BB cream to be neither here, nor there - only for those blessed with normal skin which requires little or no face paint.

However, browsing in the aisles of Superdrug one lunchtime, I spotted the Olay Essentials Complete Care BB cream on at half price for £4.97, so it became my first :)  What's interesting about the Olay BB cream is that it has teamed up with Max Factor to provide the foundation element to the cream.

What they say: 
As a BB cream, it moisturises, perfects and protects thanks to an all-in-one formula for an instantly even look everyday.  All-in-one BB cream formula: 24 hours moisturisation for long lasting hydration, a touch of Max Factor foundation to even out your complexion for an everyday light finish.  

Olay Essentials BB Cream Complete Care - Light

Olay Essentials BB Cream Review

One thing that struck me immediately about this cream is the scent - it's absolutely yummy! Quite fruity, and makes it so enjoyable to use.  I also find it quite moisturizing, however once blended into the skin, doesn't provide much coverage at all.  Therefore I apply my liquid foundation and powder over this base.

I guess this means I still dont 'get' BB creams, or maybe I just haven't found the right one for me.  The search continues...

Perfume Diaries: Heat by Beyonce

Today I thought I'd share my thoughts on one of Beyonce's early forays into the perfume industry with her debut scent; Heat.

What originally drew me to this fragrance was the science behind it.  According to the sales assistant, the top notes of the perfumes are apparent in the first few minutes of spraying this perfume and as the perfume reacts with the heat of your body, it releases further base notes which were unique to your body.  After several weeks of using this perfume however, it also soon became apparent that this was complete nonsense, so here is the official description:

An irresistible force. Just one breath of it and it ignites something inside you. You feel a rush. Your senses heighten, your pulse races, your skin warms. You feel sexy, powerful, more alive than ever before. Let yourself feel the Heat.Top notes of Heat are decorated with red vanilla orchid, magnolia, neroli and peach. A passionate heart offers honeysuckle, almond and musky cream, while a base finishes with sequoia wood, tonka and amber.

Heat eau de toilette (30ml)

I originally bought this as a gift set from Boots at a bargainous £10 for a 30ml bottle and body lotion in their pre-Christmas offers period last year.  The eagle eyed readers will notice that not only is the lid missing from the photos, the bottle is also empty, so by now I have had plenty of time to make up my mind about the fragrance. 

I found that when spraying, the scent has a very harsh chemical quality which I can't quite put my finger on, but not one that I'd associate with fragrances. However, in time, it did progress into a musky floral scent which soon fades away completely a by mid morning.  

My Verdict?  I had very high hopes for this perfume, but unfortunately it didn't work for me. Although the floral notes and woody mix is subtle and feminine, it doesn't last long enough to be memorable.   Sorry Bey - stick to your day job :) 

Hydrating Body Mist by Waterfall Spa

Moisturizing.  One of the simplest yet most essential part of any beauty regime.  Yet I'm ashamed to admit it is something I skip most days.  Although I have a whole cupboard bursting with body lotions, oils, creams and souffles, my morning rituals doesn't always include slathering on any moisturiser. 

However, I think some of the reason is partly to do with ease - I've found that moisturisers which come with a pump or spray tend to get used and one that I have loved using recently is the Hydrating Body Mist by Waterfall Spa.

I got this from the Waterfall Spa in Leeds when I went for my best friends pre-wedding girly nights last year.  

What it says :

Jojaba & Sweet Almond Oil combine to give intensive, instant moisturising.  A light but moisturising blend using Sweet Almond Oil combined from the dried kernels of the almond tree, especially effective for chapped and irratated skin.  Jojaba Oil is esiliy absorbed and has exceptional suppleness and rejuvenation properties.

Who doesn't want a little bit of that in the morning? I sprayed a little bit of this all over straight after the shower, leaving my skin feeling soft and smelling beautiful.

Unfortunately, it seems that Waterfall Spa have discontinued selling this product online, but I would recommend visiting this ladies only Spa in Leeds for a fabulous girly pampering day with your mates.