MAC Eyeshadows ~ Sable, Greensmoke & Retrospeck

On a recent visit to the big smoke that is Cardiff (I live quite rural) one of the first stores that I wanted to go to was Debenhams for the MAC counter. I was wanting to purchase three shades that were Sable, Greensmoke and Retrospeck. I had already chosen these colours prior to my Cardiff trip when I was in Birmingham in November, but were unavailable in pan format. Although I also bought a quad I didn't choose a fourth to fill it as the counter was extremely busy and people were just pushing and shoving, and generally being rude!
I have been using the shades quite a lot with my Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette which I blogged about here.
It's very easy to get carried away when it comes to MAC as the products are amazing and has quite a cult following. I have another MAC quad that I use quite often and the four colours compliment each other so well. Future blog post??

Any recommendations for a shade to fill my new quad so I have another excuse to go to MAC.

Rachel xx

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Lips

Once again, I venture in to Boots, and the beauty stands catch my eye, but as I was being good, I made a promise to myself that I would not buy a single item of make up. I did however, try a couple of swatches of the new Gelly Hi Shine Lips by Barry M.

There are actually five colours available, but these products must be hugely popular, as only two colours remained, which were 1 & 4.

They glided on my hand really well, and didn't feel sticky. Quite a nice subtle shine which I was pleasantly surprised with, although I didn't purchase them (even though I was tempted).
I have never really taken much notice with the other products that Barry M produce as I just associate the brand with their nail paints. After seeing these I will try out the other products. Currently selling at £4.99 but at ASOS they are £3!

Any Barry M products that you like that you could recommend or ones to avoid? Leave your links to the reviews below.

Rachel xx

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

I have to admit that I'm not a frequent visitor to Lush, as although the products are ethically sourced and are not tested on animals, I do find that it is just so expensive, and I really have to justify spending so much on one product.
One product I do really like though is the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. This is basically moisturiser for lazy people or those in a hurry and haven't got time once out of the shower to fully moisturise.
I use this after fully washing my body and then apply, leave for 5mins whilst doing my hair then rinse off. Once I'm out of the shower my skin is so soft, it's unbelievable.

The smell is very pleasant with it's 25 ingredients from Almond Oil to Gogi Berry Juice. For one 225g tub it costs £15.95 which is a huge amount of money to part with so after this has gone I'm not really sure if I'll repurchase. Nivea have recently launched their own version for around £3.50 which I would like to try eventually.

Rachel xx

May Favourite ~ Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Corrector Pen

I have decided to do a monthly feature of a favourite product or item after reading so many posts by bloggers that I follow. I decided to start with a product I reach for time and time again. The eye make up corrector pen by Simple is an ingenious product to 'tidy up' mistakes. This even removes water proof mascara with a few strokes of the felt-tip like brush.

After removing the mascara I gently dab on a tissue to try to keep the tip clean. I have got some staining on mine but doesn't transfer on to my skin. It is alcohol and oil free with no perfume or colour. Currently sold in Boots for £4.99 it has lasted me ages and really gets rid of mascara that I routinely get on my eyelid, so I will definitely repurchase.

Any favourites on your blog?

Rachel xx

Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Rosewood

This palette by Clarins is one that I've had a few weeks but have only started to use it. I walked past the counter in Boots and the soft colours caught my eye.

The palette consists of four mineral eye shadows that can use used wet or dry.

The shades blend really easily and compliment each other so well. On the back of the box is a picture to show where to apply for easy application.
The palette in Rosewood costs £32 for the four shadows from Boots and it is becoming my new go-to eye shadow set. The only downside is the shiny case which leaves finger prints and makes it look quite messy, otherwise I love it and might swatch some of the other quad colours in the mineral range.

Rachel xx

YSL Forever Youth Liberator - Eye Zone Serum

Since having my daughter three and a half years ago, there have been quite a few sleepiness nights, from late night feeds to middle of the night sickness to nightmares, so it's no wonder that my eyes have begun to look tired.
I have been looking for something to tackle the dark circles that have developed under my eyes for quite some time and decided to try Eye Zone Serum in the Forever Youth Liberator range by YSL.
It claims to tackle dark circles, fine lines, crows feet and smooth unevenness.

After washing my face and applying toner I put a small drop on the back of my hand and with my ring finger I gently pat under my eyes. It feels a bit sticky at first but soon dries quite smoothly. I usually leave it for about the time it takes to brush my teeth and put my contacts in to then apply my usual face cream.

The serum is clear as shown above and once dried it blends to my skin colour. At £48 for 15ml, this is not cheap, but I've been using it for two months and I'm not even half way through it. It has made a difference to my dark circles and the fine lines have become smoother which is what I expected it to do. Overall I'm very happy with the results and feel more confident on no make up days!

Any products you've tried to combat signs of tiredness and ageing?

Rachel xx