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...