Soap & Glory Hand Food Review

The most astonishing hand cream ever? You Decide!

This is the question posed on the packaging of the Soap & Glory Hand Food hand cream, right at the top. Who can not accept that challenge? I’d also seen lots of people doing the September Beauty Blog Challenge post about this last week. I couldn’t post about my favourite because I’d run out, sobs! However, this did mean I tried a new hand cream and found a new favourite!

It contains Shea butter, Macadamia oil and Marshmallow, yes Marshmallow. It smells as sweet as it sounds. The function of the Marshmallow is a mystery to me but I love it nonetheless.

I love that this hand cream soaks in really fast but that doesn’t mean you have to keep reapplying it, oh no twice a day is fine! It isn’t greasy but really is super-hydrating. After just a week of using it as and when I remember (about once over the weekend but more during the week) my hands are softer than ever. I’m prone to dry patches and this has battled them right into history in just 7 days.

So in answer to their question, yes it is the most astonishing hand cream ever. It smells great and works even better, what more do you want from a hand cream. I’ve been the envy of the office this week with this delicious smelling formula and I’ll 110% be repurchasing!

Try it: £5, Boots

NEWS: We’ll be moving over to a self-hosted site this week so that the blog can be bigger and better.. watch this space for more information. I hope you’ll all support us in this move, it shouldn’t cause any disruption to service and those who follow should be automatcally moved over.

#SBBC Day 5 – Good Skin Starts From Within

Foods for healthy skin

As the daily prompts are optional and I wasn’t having any inspiration for either today I decided to do a post that was suggested by our very own Megan on foods that are super good for your skin. It doesn’t matter how many lotions and cleansers you use your skin will always be better if you eat well. Taking care of the inside will naturally take care of the outside.

Water

First up and the one I feel most important is water. Your skin needs to be hydrated to be healthy. Hydrated skin not only has fewer spots it has a natural glow and tans easily and safely when using sun screen. Water will keep your skin young, soft and beautiful.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains vitamin A which is vital for good skin. Just be sure to make it a low-fat version.

Blueberries

Blueberries are my personal favourite super-food. They are rich in antioxidant which fights the anti-aging process and helps to protect your skin from the effects of pollution in the air.

Salmon

I’m not a fish eater, I can’t stand it but I wish I could. It’s rich in Omega and Essential Fatty Acids, these are responsible for healthy cell membranes and the general healthy of cells throughout the whole body. If the cell walls are tough cookies they’ll keep more water in and thus give you healthier cells and healthier skin.

Almonds

And no I’m not talking about the sugar-coated variety! Almonds are jam-packed full of vitamin E and are rich in monounsaturated fat (good fat!). This also keep cells strong and lowers cholesterol too.

Spinach

I love spinach. Mainly in fresh mixed in with mash potato so it is just lightly steamed. (My recipe for the day!) Spinach contains beta-carotene which  helps to repair skin and maintain its youthful appearance.

Avoid!

Too much milk, bread, pasta, cakes – These are all linked to causing acne.

Salt – This can cause your skin to look puffy and can also cause acne.

Candy – This can damage the collagen and elsatin in your skin. These both keep your skin firm and wrinkle free so ditch the candy and hit up the blueberries!

Alcohol – It dries out your skin and causes so many problems and can also lead to more serious skin conditions.

Soap & Glory The Ferminator Body Contouring Gel Review

I won some Soap & Glory goodies recently and this was among them, they sent it out in the old packaging but it is still the same formula as the new packaging.

The Firminator is a body contouring gel that firms and tones problem areas with no hassle and no fuss. It contains Multi-fruit smoothers, Detoxing Sea Weed extracts and elasticity-boosters to diminish the appearance of cellulite. It is advertised for upper arms, tummy and thighs and states that it firms and slims. It also claims to start working after just 2 days. You use it morning and night.

It doesn’t have the nicest smell in the world, it’s very menthol but it doesn’t hang around. It feels all nice and tingley when you put it on which I love.

I have been using this for about a week now and I have already noticed a difference. I’m quite slim anyway so I haven’t noted much change on the slimming side but the firming I most certainly have. My upper arms feel much more toned and my tummy and thighs slightly more so. It is recommended to use it for 56 days for maximum effect so I’ll see how it goes.

I’m very impressed with how firm and toned my arms feel right now, I do press up’s etc regularly anyway but this has really boosted their tone over the last week. I don’t see how a cream can slim all on its own though so I wouldn’t recommend it for some miracle solution instead of healthy eating but if you just want to tone and firm then I’d absolutely suggest this along with some exercise.

Try it: £12 from Soap & Glory

OCEANE Makeup Remover Review

I was really wary of giving this a go due to my over sensitive eyes, I was pretty sure it was going to cause me more problems than it solved so I kept putting off trying it. However, yesterday morning I made a pretty big mess at the corner of my eye and it couldn’t have made it worse than it already was so decided to give it a whirl.

It comes with spare nibs for the top of the pen so when they start to get covered in all your past mistakes you can just change it and use the rest of the product. Also useful if you want to use it on someone else!

I was pleasantly surprised by this product, I was sure it’d either come out too fast or not enough but it’s just perfect. It quickly removed the chaotic mess I’d made, allowing me to simply fix that area instead of starting over. It also didn’t bother my eyes in the slightest which is a small miracle in itself!

Unfortunately, it’s not available in the UK yet but hopefully if we all make enough noise they’ll hear our pleas and send it our way!

L’Oreal Paris True Match – The Powder Review

Reviewed by Tams

I bought this at the same time that I bought the liquid True Match foundation, which seems like an age ago now. You can see my review of that here. It wasn’t the best foundation I’ve ever tried unfortunately.

I don’t often use powders as they can look so caked on. This one can be built up or used as sparingly as you like which is great. But I still don’t really like powders, I only bought it to use to set my makeup but it just makes it more obvious that I’m wearing it! I just don’t think I can pull off powder foundation, my skin does not agree with it.

It’s a real shame as it does seem a really good product, my skin wasn’t shiny at all but it did highlight my dry areas, the curse of combination skin. I’d definitely recommend it if you have oily skin as it would probably be an ideal product.

It also comes in a handy little compact which includes a little application sponge and a mirror. It’s a really useful handbag item and I think I’ll pass it onto someone who will get the use out of it. I’m disappointed it didn’t work out for me but I do maintain that it probably is just my skin causing th problem! Has anyone else tried it? What did you think?

Try it: www.superdrug.com, RRP around £8.00

UPDATE: In last week’s It’s in the Bag Maisie loved the liquid version, I promised to revisit it and I did so last week and I still had the same problems 😦

It’s in the Bag – Professional Special

I can’t believe it’s that time of the week again, this week we delve into the rather large professional Kit of Essex-based makeup artist Kelly Rendall of Kelly’s Beautique. She can be found on Facebook  or contacted on 07568 053608 if you wish to find out more.

Without further ado let’s check out what she has lurking away! The kit is literally brimming with products galore and today we’re going to check out her top 4.

Elemis Softly Softly moisturiser

Kelly has found through experience that this is by far the best moisturiser to apply before applying makeup. It soaks into the skin efficiently leaving it fresh, revitalised and radiant. It helps the foundation to glide on effortlessly, resulting in a beautiful flawless finish.

Beautiful Brows

This is a semi-permanent brow kit, Kelly confidently states that beautiful Brows should be very proud of this product as there is no other kit like it. It includes 3 stencils – sleek, natural and bold – and they are all fantastic. You also get your colour choice of powder, a highlighter, 2 brushes and an amazing set of tweezers. Every single lucky lady she has used this for has adored it. It frames your face and eyes and is perfect for everyone from brides to everyday wear. It does exactly what it says it will do “Guarantees you have beautiful brow every time.”

Benefit High Beam

This one is now on its third appearance on the It’s in the Bag series, that says a lot. This is one of Kelly’s favourite Benefit products, she warns not to pass over the little guys, those that are maybe less well-known in the range. Kelly tells us that High Beam is great for highlighting cheek, brow and jaw bones and you only need the smallest amount to define your best features. It also helps to brighten up the whole face and looks amazing in wedding photos. I can vouch for how amazing this product is myself!

 

Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara

Kelly says this product alone proves  that you don’t need to spend a fortune to own a fantastic mascara. It’s one of the best  waterproof ones she has ever used, it doesn’t clump and produces outstanding results. The brush is perfectly shaped and sized to get from root to tip and the best part is it really is 100% waterproof and as a result Kelly uses is for every bride.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Kelly for letting us see what she uses and sharing her advice. I hope to have Kelly back for some more professional themed posts soon. If you’d like yo get involved with the series and have a link to your business or blog please email me on tams.watt@hotmail.com.

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Maybelline Baby Lips – Cherry Me Review

Reviewed by Tams

I personally don’t understand how a lip balm could get so much hype, after all it is just a lip balm, there are thousands of those available. However, I decided to give it a go to see if there really was anything special about it.

Unfortunately, I was right, it is just a lip balm. It does smell amazing, actually I want to eat it. This one – Cherry Me – smells like cherry pie, one of my favourite desserts! That alone is a good reason to buy it. I only bought the one as I wasn’t sure they were for me.

They are a little more pigmented than some others but if you’re buying it as an alternative to a lipstick you’d be very disappointed. It is probably ideal for those of us that are less inclined to where bold lipsticks. Put it this way, if I had a daughter who was around 10 this is about the level of makeup I’d let her have.

It does feel really nice on, I just don’t think it needs to be pigmented at all, it’s not enough to wear alone but too much to wear with anything else for me. As for the 8 hour hydration it’s gone within 2. I’m sure it continues to hydrate after that but 8 hours is probably pushing it a bit.

I’d recommend this product for the younger generation but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. Sorry!

Try it: £2.99 available from Boots and Superdrug

10 Festival Beauty Essentials

With less than 2 weeks until I head to V Festival at Hylands Park with one of my favourite people my attention has turned to what I need to take with me. So here’s my list of the 10 essentials that I’ll definitely have with me!

1 – Antibacterial Hand Gel – With the toilet facilities lacking and being out in the open for 2 whole days (even though I’m heading home and not camping) this is the thing I could never attend a festival without.

2 – Sleek Pout Paint – This is a festival favourite, it can be used for cheeks and lips but for me it will be used to create pretty designs, perhaps flowers for a cute festival makeup.

3 – Water – If you want to keep your skin in top condition and not be the one passed out under a tree by 3pm then you need to stay hydrated! Most festivals only allow you to take a small bottle of water into the arena with you but have taps to refill, make use of this and drink plenty of nature;s good stuff!

4 – Sunscreen – You’re outside all day, even those of us who tan are at risk in those conditions, keep your sunscreen topped up and head for shaded areas when possible.

5 – BB Cream – Save space and take a BB Cream in place of a foundation and moisturiser, a BB Cream will double up as both and stop your skin from drying out. The Body Shop All-in_one BB Cream is my favourite!

6 – Fudge Urban Sea Salt Spray – With shower facilities limited and the expectation if rain at some point there’s no point in paying out to have your hair straightened while you’re there, instead spritz in some sea salt spray for a gorgeous boho, festival look, you could add some flowers to your hair too!¬

7 – Figs & Rouge Lip Balm – The is hygienic and easy to use without a mirror, it can also be used as a cheek stain and eye shimmer. Multi-taskers are the way forward when at a festival!

8 – The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Spritz – Ideal for a quick freshen up and to keep your skin looking radiant throughout the whole weekend!

9 – Makeup wipes/ wet wipes – Don’t forget to remove your makeup in the evening and wipe your face in the morning, also a good idea for a quick wet wipe bath to stay smelling a little fresh at least!

10 – Sunglasses – Protect your eyes whilst out in the sunshine, I swear half the time you site with the sun in your eyes! Plus sunglasses will always make you look that little bit cooler. Why not select a new fun pair just for this occasion?

I hope this quick guide has been of some use to you. What are your festival must-haves?

Coola Face Mineral Sun Screen Review

Reviewed by Megan

After seeing our Megs sunburnt this year I knew she was the perfect person to test out this sunscreen. The one she tested was the unscented version but it is also available in rose. It was factor 20.

It’s designed especially for the face and protects against the signs of aging too. It’s also hypoallergenic and paraben free. It is water resistant for around 40 minutes so it probably isn’t the best one to use when in and out of the pool.

Megan reported back that it is quite an effort to rub in due to it’s thickness. She looked more like a snowman than a sun-kissed goddess while she waited for it to soak in. However, once it was soaked in it worked well. Megan usually prefers the convenience of spray creams but feels that may have been why she was getting burnt!

Megan has also been converted from clear sunscreens to white ones as this one has definitely protected her much better even though it is a lower SPF. Round of applause for Coola!

Yves Rocher – HYDRA VÉGÉTAL Instant Anti-Wrinkle Moisturiser Review

Reviewed by Tams

Now clearly at 24 I don’t have much in the way of wrinkles but I received this a while ago so thought I’d try it anyway, maybe it’ll prevent them appearing so soon who knows! Targeted skin care isn’t usually my thing, I generally don’t have the time to use a different product for each area of my skin. This is aimed at wrinkle-prone areas. I use it round my eye area as although I don’t have wrinkles it works really well at waking my eyes up. It perks up dark circles and fills my eyes out to a more healthy look when I look more like a zombie than a human!

My 40-something year old mother has also given it a go and reported back that it did reduce the appearance of the couple of wrinkles she has. It also provides a lovely long-lasting moisture, it feels silky and smooth all day.

It has a very natural, barely-detectable scent which I quite like, it also works well combined with the use of my ordinary moisturiser. I’d love to hear from someone older who’s tried it, did it work for you?

Try it: £18.50 (Currently £9.50 in their sale), www.yves-rocher.co.uk