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!

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!

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!

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.