Nivea Creme Care Cleansing Cream Wash*

Nivea was founded in 1882 and is a German based company that specialises in skin and body care. The cleansing cream wash is part of the daily essentials range which includes cleansing lotion and facial wipes. Apart from their thick body cream that comes in a pot that I've used to treat sunburn, I hadn't tried any of their facial products. The cleansing cream is a lotion that's supposed to cleanse thoroughly and protects the skin from drying out, and is suitable for all skin types. Sounds lovely, but I don't quite like it. I should have realised this purely because it's a lotion, and not a foaming cleanser which I like and use daily. When I applied some on my wet hands to make a lather, it didn't. I had to check the tube incase I picked up the body lotion instead. I assumed it would make a little bit of lather. When I applied it to my face, it had a greasy texture and it left me feeling that my skin wasn't washed properly. However, after a few minutes my skin did feel soft, but then it usually does with my regular facial cleanser. I will persevere with it, but I think I will most probably not use it for much longer. It retails around £3 in Boots, Superdrug and Wilkos.

Rachel xx

*PR sample as part of a subscription box I was sent for review.

My MAC Lipstick Collection

Make-up Art Cosmetics (MAC) was founded in Canada in 1984 by make-up artist and photographer Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo who owned a salon and is now the world's leading professional make-up authority due to celebrating diversity and individuality. Aimed at all races, ages and sexes MAC regularly updates their collection and launches collaborations with celebrities like Rhianna, Ariana Grande and Brooke Shields. I was 16 years old when I first discovered MAC and I remember walking into a beauty hall and being amazed by all the colours. It was then I become seriously interested in make-up. Although I wasn't able to purchase anything, I knew that one day I would return with plenty of pennies in tow.

And so I did...

The great thing I like about MAC lipsticks is the quality and application; what I don't like is the price. The cheapest lipsticks are a whopping £15.50 and that is ALOT of money to fork out on. My collection has built up over time. If you read other beauty blogs, especially by make-up artists and models, they recommend throwing out products that are over a year old. I don't; and I'm not afraid to admit it. They're only used on me, but I do always throw out old foundation as this can cause spots and skin irritation, which is not healthy.

As you can see, I have quite a few lipsticks and at present I don't intend on getting anymore...I probably have enough to last a life time!

Rachel xx

Bodymonth Beauty Subscription Box*

When the founder of Bodymonth contacted me to ask if I would like to review their October box, I was a bit dubious as I haven't blogged in ages and I thought it was a scam. I quickly Googled for Bodymonth and was delighted to find that the company was real and actually sounded rather good.
Here's what they say on their website...

‘At BodyMonth, we are body-care experts and addicts driven by our passion for high-quality beauty boxes, products, and delightful service. We recognize that our members are body-care enthusiastic looking for great beauty subscription boxes that would work for their specific needs and tastes, but do not have enough time, access or resources to try out and experience all that is available’.

So basically, Bodymonth is a monthly body care and beauty box subscription service (for both women AND men) where you receive daily essentials that allows you to try products that you may not have used before. Well known brands are included such as Dove, Veet, Baylis and Harding and L'oreal to name a few.

Every month you are able to receive new body care products under these categories:

- Electric Facial Brush

- Face mask

- Face wash

- Shampoo

- Body wash

- Moisturiser

- Deodorant

- Body puff

- Hair removal/shaver

- Free gifts/samples (I received a box of Milk Tray and sample perfumes).

Before signing up you are asked five questions in order for your box to be tailored to you; gender, age, skin type, hair removal and choices of bath/shower gel or both. Prices start at £18 a month or £54 for three months and six months for £105.

You can sign up by visiting bodymonth.co.uk

Rachel xx

*PR sample

Jo Malone | Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne

On my last big shopping trip which was in Bristol, my friends decided to pop my Harvey Nichols cherry and take me inside. O my, everything was quite expensive. Although the clothing and shoes were very nice, they were way out of my price range. I tried on a pair of black patent Louboutins (to see what all the fuss was about), but honestly, they were nothing special and at £425 I soon discovered they were extremely painful to wear. I sat down on the really expensive chairs to catch my breath, and the Jo Malone selection of colognes caught my eye that were on the display table. I'd been to Jo Malone in Cardiff before but never had smelt this one. Mimosa and Cardamom was released in the September last year. I spritzed myself with it and left to join the others. The scent lingered for absolutely ages and the girls were asking me what it was. For the two days in Bristol I kept wondering if I should treat myself to it, but seeing as though I was Christmas shopping I didn't, (I was being good).
This cologne is listed with the florals on the Jo Malone site, with mimosa as a heart note which adds a honeyed and warm floral character with cardamom as the top note with a hint of lemon. To complete this gorgeous scent is the base note of tonka beans that add accents of vanilla and aromatic tobacco which brings together a richness which is quite different from scents I normally go for.
I was luckily enough to receive this as a Christmas present after weeks of dropping hints. This is the 30ml size (£42) and is ideal to keep in my handbag. I use it every day and I've hardly made a dent in it, which is good considering it's rather expensive for the amount you get. The 100ml costs £85, but I do like to purchase smaller sizes as I like to change what I wear quite often.

Rachel xx

No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Serum*

Last Wednesday No7 launched a brand new product to their every expanding range of anti-ageing serums. Before it was even announced what the product was, eager lovers of skincare were signing up on the Boots website to hear first hand all about it. This serum is part of the Lift and Luminate range and clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, leaving skin with the feeling of being firm and evening out skin tone. The age guide is 45-60, but any age can use it. Like with the Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced serum which I talked about here, the new launch contains No7's breakthrough ingredient of Matrixyl 3000 Plus. This is crucial in supporting the skin's elastic fibres to help give it a more youthful 'bounce'. Hyaluronic Acid and Hibiscus Extract help to improve and support collagen to maintain your skin's firmness with Vitamin C to combat uneven pigmentation.
Ok, that's the leaflet and No7 advisor details, but what is it actually like? Well firstly it smells quite pleasant. A light fragrance that does fade once rubbed in, so not a lingering scent which I prefer. It's a light consistency and absorbs really quickly into the skin. I do tend to let it 'set' by then cleaning my teeth prior to applying my moisturiser, but that's just me. Practicality with my everyday make up, I haven't had a problem with it. In fact, I feel my foundation sits better than with the Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced, and my skin did feel smoother, which it claims to do after the first application.
Results are supposed to be noticed after 2 weeks of continual use, both day and night. It comes in two sizes 30ml (£27) and 50ml (£34.95) and is available right now on a 3 for 2. It's worth noting that if you spend more that £4 in Boots you get given a £5 voucher to spend on any the serums.
I will continue to use this, and I'm most looking forward to this time next year when it will be interesting to see what the long term results are.

Rachel xx

*PR Product - All opinions are my own

Essence | Express Dry Spray

You've just painted your nails, you're ready to go out, but bloody hell, you've just caught a nail and the polish has smudged. Pain in the arse right? Best thing I use to avoid this is Express Dry Spray by Essence. To be honest, it's the only spray I've ever tried and I've actually repurchased it 3 times. For me it works well, it's cheap (£2.50) and it smells nice.
You use it by simply waiting 30 seconds for your polish to dry and hold the can roughly about 30cm from your fingers and spray. I tend to hold the nozzle down and move from side to side over the nails. It works by basically accelerating the drying time of the polish (and glue if using nail art) to the nail bed while also providing extra shine.
And that's it really...a short and sweet post about a super quick product that I've come to love. It's available from Wilkos on the highstreet at £2.50 for 50ml.
Any alternatives you've tried?

Rachel xx

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum*

Anti-ageing is big business. There isn't a month that goes by where there isn't a new miracle cream or treatment that has come onto the market. It's hard to find the right one that works and actually suits your skin type. One that I keep going back to is the Intense Advanced Serum from the Protect and Perfect line by No7 at Boots. The serum is the UK's first to be clinically proven to deliver anti-wrinkle results that improve over time, when used regularly. This was relaunched last May with a big campaign and a lot of coverage in the media. The serum has been around for the past decade but has now extended its formulation for the ages of 30-45. The consistency is very light and absorbs quickly into the skin. It tackles the 3 main problems of ageing; fine lines, deep lines and crows feet with target ingredients such as Matrixyl 3000 Plus that helps restore the skins' youthful appearance. Trials were conducted over 12 months on 182 women with positive results. I actually ran out a few months ago and didn't repurchase for a while and noticed the difference. I soon went back to it. 

Sizes come in 30ml (£24.95) and 50ml (£32.95) and is currently on offer with a 3 for 2.

The serum is also available for the 20-35 age group called Protect and Perfect Advanced.

Rachel xx

*PR sample

Ole Henriksen ~ African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser

Back in July last year I wrote about the Clinique skincare products that I was using. Back then the cleanser really suited my needs but at the beginning of this year my skin seemed to change, going back to the breakouts that made me switch in the first place. Whilst reading other blogs and clicking through links on various products, I came across the African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser by Ole Henriksen. Suitable for all skin types, this is really gentle and doesn't dry my skin too much where I'm left with that tightness after drying. The longer I have been using this the more benefits I have noticed to my skin. The red blotchy areas to my chin began to fade again and the faint lines around my eyes started to be less noticeable. The cleanser itself, once pumped onto your hand, is a foam but once rubbed in turns to a lather and is quite creamy. The smell is divine with a gentle citrus scent of grapefruit, tangerine and orange. I first bought the 45ml as the pictures show for £7 from Feel Unique and has lasted me ages. I have since purchased the full size of 207ml. At full price this is pricey at £26 but I was sent a discount code for 20% as I hadn't placed an order for a while, and I was enticed back there... All in all I really love this at the moment, but unfortunately my skin, over time, seems to adjust back to its old ways and I have to look for something new to sort it out, but at the moment this is working just fine.

Rachel xx

Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo

It's taken me quite a while to deviate away from my beloved Lee Stafford shampoo which I wrote about here as I still really love it, but I fancied a change and for me, a change is good as I get to put my thoughts about different products here on my blog for you all to read. After sniffing and googling my way around Boots I decided to try Surf Foam Wash Shampoo by Bumble and Bumble after reading some good reviews. For me, B&B is quite a luxury high end brand and personally I think the prices for the products are a tad expensive so I was delighted to see they offered some mini products. The shampoo itself smells really nice - a clean and fresh scent that leaves hair completely squeaky clean. The first application didn't lather quite so well but the second certainly made up for it. Once out of the shower the scent lingered in the bathroom. After drying my hair and styling it in the usual way with my usual products my hair was soft but also had that textured feel to it that helped keep my waves in place throughout the day without becoming frizzy and wild which sometimes happens. I also noticed that my hair was less oily the next day and I was able to restyle it by adding some curls without the need to use any dry shampoo. Bonus! For 60ml I paid £6.50 which isn't going to last me very long. For 250ml which is full size, will set you back £18.50. Would I pay this much? I don't really know, but I if I did purchase the full size I definitely wouldn't use it everytime my hair needed washing, just on the occasions where I wanted to really cleanse my hair and make my style last all day.

Any thoughts on Bumble and Bumble products?

Rachel xx

The Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadows

I bought two eyeshadows from The Body Shop back in November last year. During the Christmas season I bought one more and I have to say I really like them.  They're part of the Colour Crush range and these three are pearlescent. They also have some matte colours. These can be used wet or dry and are really easy to blend and really pigmented. Steel My Heart is a beautiful silver metallic colour and is really great for the inner corner. Grape Expectations is like a cranberry colour which works well blended out for a subtle smoky eye. Melt My Heart is a beautiful gold with a hint of peach shimmer which I wore frequently over the Christmas period.

Light application

Heavier application

I actually really love these three colours, although perhaps not together, but there are still some shades I would like to get that compliment them. I personally feel that these can rival MAC if you're on a budget costing £7. The packaging is simple and clean looking, very easy to store due to being slim and the lid is clear making it easy to see the shades. Love, love love!

Any shades you've tried?

Rachel xx

No7 Early Defence ~ #SlowMoYourSkin*

It's no secret that I have a love affair with all things No7 as my regular readers will know, so when their new skincare range landed on my desk, I was obviously quite excited.
The Early Defence range is targeted for the 20-35 age bracket to keep young skin looking younger for longer.  

With three products released, Early Defence skincare protects and boosts young skin's natural defences. With lightweight texture that is non pore clogging, it keeps skin free from breakouts. The day cream has unbeatable 5* UVA protection and an SPF of 15. Both the day and night creams are Hypo-Allergenic so even the sensitive of skin can use the range. The smell is lovely too which is a huge bonus as I hate facial products that smell clinical. The eye cream is for the delicate area under the eyes and contains Vitamin C to de-puff and reduce dark circles. This is great for targeting those first fine lines that appear in your late 20's. Use this day and night as part of the skincare routine. Even if you're over the age of 35, this would be ideal if you're not keen on using thick creams, as I find can sometimes make my skin look oily (depending on the brand).
Although not cheap (facial creams are £19.50 and the eye cream £13.50) you don't need to use a lot. With regular 3 for 2's and £5 off vouchers throughout the year, there are savings to be made, so why not give this range a go and #SlowMoYourSkin.

Rachel xx

*PR Samples

Boots

Colab Dry Shampoo ~ Invisible Sheer

Back in October model and beauty blogger Ruth Crilly launched her own range of dry shampoo. I have a been a big fan of Batiste for many years and always repurchase whenever I run out, so when my latest can finished I decided to try something new. Colab is branded at being sheer invisible leaving hair without the chalk like residue that makes hair look like you've aged 10 years in just one spray. The dry shampoo come in five scents ~ London, Rio, New York, Tokyo and Paris. I picked up the travel size version of 50ml but they all come in a full size of 200ml for £3.50.

So, do I like it? Well yes, I do. It leaves my hair feeling fresh and soft and excess oil seems to disappear. The London scent is quite subtle which is something I always look for. There is a little bit of chalk residue but only if you don't shake the can vigorously and brush hair through.

I never thought I'd find another dry shampoo that I'd happily give up Batiste for, but Colab has won first place so I will purchase the full size.

You can currently buy both the travel and full sized from Superdrug and Feel Unique.

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments below.

Rachel xx

 

Essie ~ Sunday Funday ~ A Pop of Colour for Spring

Spring is on the way! Days are lighter for longer and the birds are chirping first thing in the morning. I hate Winter, especially January so when March comes I start to feel happier.
I generally love a bright nail colour, but tone it down in the colder months, so this week I treated myself to a new colour by my favourite brand Essie called Sunday Funday. This was part of the Summer 2013 collection and is a lovely coral colour with a hint of shimmer and is a cross between red and orange. As always, a great formula and I applied two coats. I bought mine from Boots for £7.99. Happy days! :)

Any colours you recommend for Spring?
Rachel xx

MAC Lipsticks | Odyssey & New York Apple

I can never go to Cardiff without stopping at the MAC counter in Debenhams. During my last visit there I knew I wanted to pick up some make up to take me through the Winter months. Although I can't wear lipstick to work I do like to indulge in MAC, as I like the quality and wearability. I chose some other products as I was making the most of the recent 10% discount, but the two lipsticks I bought were Odyssey and New York Apple, both in a frost finish.

Odyssey is a really nice rosy purple and it's not too dark for my skin tone. I do like a wine/berry colour and this has a nice hint of shimmer to it but not overly. I feel this might be best suited to evening time due to the darkness of the berry tone.

New York Apple is actually the first red lipstick I have owned, and I feel I've taken a bit of a chance with this. It's described as a muted red with a hint of gold shimmer and perfect for the festive season. A typical classic red just doesn't suit me. The good thing about this shade is that it can be applied quite lightly for a sheer coverage if preferred and buildable to an intense red. The only downside to this colour is that it dries quite matte, which is something I don't particularly like in a lipstick, but can live with as a good gloss over the top rectifies this.

Both lipsticks are part of the permanent collection and cost £15.50

Rachel xx

Jack Wills | English Velvet Eau de Toilette

I'm one of those people who won't take a chance and buy a perfume without smelling it first. Even if the description sounds like the kind of notes that I usually go for, I just will not risk it.
I have about ten bottles of perfume; some about five years old (I probably should throw them out but they still smell the same as from new) some for day, some for evening, but I was looking at getting a little something to take me through the winter.
A recent trip to Cardiff saw me stop off at the Jack Wills store. After spraying ALMOST everything in Debenhams and Jo Malone I couldn't find one I liked that I'd already got in a similar fragrance. While my husband was talking to the sales guy (it turned out he knew his parents) I wondered off to the beauty section.
English Velvet has a hint of floral and warm amber, but I quite like the musky smell as I think I wear perfume mostly of an evening and this suits the colder months. I like the style of the bottle too, nothing fancy or outrageous just straight to the point. I think it looks pretty on my dressing table and it's light enough with a secure lid to throw in my handbag.
I purchased the 50ml at £29.50.

Rachel xx

Bloglovin With Bloglovin ~ My Current Top 5 ~ Winter 2014

For the past 15 months I've been part of the amazing blogger community that is Bloglovin. For those of you that might be unfamiliar with it, it's simply a place to follow your favourite bloggers easily and also to find various blogs on a range of interests such as beauty, fashion, cooking, gaming etc...
I love to read (of an evening mostly) and settle into bed with my iPad and catch up on 'my feed' on my homepage. My current top five that I enjoy reading the most are listed below.
Lydia - Fuzzy Peach Drops I first came across Lydia on twitter a few weeks ago and I have been reading her new and old posts ever since. She's a fellow Mummy and lives in Cardiff and writes about beauty, baby and thoughts.
Sarah - Sarah Loves Makeup Sarah has a popular Instagram account and this is where I found her first when using #bbloggers in a photo I posted. Her blog has great photography and I love her daily looks and general layout of her page.
Allison - Allison Anderson I'm hoping most of you know who Allison is. She is a popular beauty you tuber and I especially love her tutorial posts and homeware hauls. Her photography is to die for and I can't get enough of her videos.
Lisa - China Doll Diaries Lisa writes in detail in her posts and I love her product swatches and has really great photography.
Grace - Graceyblossom Grace is another beauty blogger I came across on Instagram. I love her blog because it's fun, girly and gets to the point.

I hope that those of you reading this visit my current top five blogs. I think that Bloglovin is a great community and we should share and support each other.

Rachel xx

Collective Beauty Haul ~ Autumn 2014

This is a little round up of some recent beauty items that I have purchased over the last few shopping trips that I thought I would share with you. Even though I have this blog and I try to post regularly, I don't all that often buy lots of beauty items together.
I'll start with my most recent lipstick which is by MAC in Naked Bud.  This was part of the Fantasy of Flowers collection and I purchased this as new from Depop. It's a lovely nude shade with buildable colour application. A very natural lipstick which I'm wearing mostly everyday.
When it comes to mascara I'm a bit of a whore. I have so many that I often forget what I have if I don't keep them in once place. My newest addition is the Wonder'full by Rimmel London. This formula contains Argan Oil for smooth clump free lashes and this is exactly what it does as I use this daily at present.
I haven't bought any single eye shadows for a while, as I tend to use my palettes but at two recent stops at The Body Shop I picked up these; Steel My heart which is a silver pearlescent and Melt My Heart a gold/brown pearlescent, both I've yet to use. The colours looked quite pigmented when I swatted them in store, so we'll have to see.
The other eye shadow is from Lancome which I bought from a sale shelf in Debenhams. I wasn't able to swatch it but I thought I would take a chance at £4.20. It looks a smokey green/grey shade. It says G20 underneath so this could have been a display only one, but was in new condition.
I was going to purchase the Clinique cleansing brush, but at almost £80 I thought this was way overpriced when I looked at it. As I'm a huge fan of the No7 range at Boots, I decided to purchase their version at £24.95. I'm using it everyday so I'll you know later on how I'm getting on with it.
Lastly is a product I've been wanting to get for quite a while as I've read/watched many beauty bloggers talk about how good the Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is. This was an online purchase from Space:NK. As with the cleansing brush, I'm using this daily so will let you know my thoughts on it.
Please feel free to leave your comments on my recent haul and if you have any questions about any of the products I've bought.

Rachel xx