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September 25, 2012

benefit 'how to look the best at everything' kit

1. the pore-fessional primer 2. hello flawless foundation in 'champagne' 3. boi-ing concealers 4. hello flawless powder

Isn't this just the cutest make up kit you've ever seen? I'm pretty sure that every beautyholic has one type of cosmetic product that they can't help but keep stocking up on, and for me it's foundation. I'm completely obsessed with trying to achieve perfect flawless looking skin so if there is a new foundation on the beauty scene I'm always eager to try it out, which is where this genius kit from Benefit comes in. I'm already a big fan of all the products that are included in the kit so it's great for me to be able to have them all in one next little box for when I'm travelling around. The sample sizes are all a decent size, enough to try them all out properly if you haven't already. The kit also includes some great tips and tricks on how to use the products to create beautiful looking skin, and also comes in 'Medium' and 'Deep' for other skin tones.

BENEFIT HOW TO LOOK THE BEST AT EVERYTHING KIT - £24.50

September 23, 2012

current make-up #12


Foundation - Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection
Concealer - Benefit Erase Paste
Eyeliner - Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl
Mascara - Avon Super Shock
Brows - Sleek Brow Palette
Blush - Sleek Contour Kit 

September 22, 2012

velvotan products for a streak-free tan

Any experienced self-tanner will know that using a tanning mitt is essential for a streak free and even application of fake tan. There is no use stocking up on expensive tanning products if you don't get the application stage right, as even with the best will in the world you can still end up with blotches. Baring all of that in mind I have been trying out a selection of products recently by Velvotan to try and achieve the perfect tan.


Body Polishing Sponge


Prepping your skin before the actual application of tan is a crucial stage and one not to be missed out. I like to use the sponge with some soap in the shower to buff away any dead skin cells which leaves my skin silky smooth and ready to apply the self-tan. It's also great to gently scrub away any old fake tan that has started to go blotchy.

Self Tan Back Applicator


This is the most genius product of the bunch in my opinion, if any of you struggle to apply your fake tan in those hard to reach areas then this is a must have. The nifty device folds out and doubles in size (as in the picture above) when it is in use and can then be closed up again so it doesn't take up as much space. It has a small sponge on the end and also comes with an extra when the old one has seen better days. It works really well at giving an even application of tan to your back however I'd recommend that you be careful with the lip of plastic that comes just over the sponge as it can scratch your skin sometimes.

Face and Body Mitts


The larger mitt does a great job and applies my tan really well just as I'd expect and the face mitt is equally impressive. I hadn't come across a facial tanning mitt before but after a few uses of this one I'd definitely look into repurchasing it in the future. It's an easier way to give an even application of tan to your face and makes sure that any small areas aren't missed. Overall they are both great products and I saw a huge difference in the look of my tan between using a mitt application on one occasion and my hands to apply the tan on another. Using mitts also makes sure that you don't end up with bright orange palms.

Velvotan products are available in Tesco stores or online at Fragrance Direct for a cheaper price.

September 17, 2012

umberto giannini products for volume


Recently I was sent over a selection of Umberto Giannini products that promise to give your hair lots of volume and have been testing them out for a couple of weeks. My hair isn't particularly limp or flat however in terms of buying products for my hair I usually reach for any that promote volume over anything else as I like to try and achieve big hair just like any other girl. The shampoo has shimmer running through to give hair shine, but don't worry you won't step out of the shower resembling a disco ball. It's not at all noticeable in your hair but I did notice that my locks looked shinier than usual after using this so I guess it did a good job. The conditioner was light and non-greasy feeling which meant that my hair took a little longer than usual to need another wash as it wasn't weighed down with product. I'd say that if you have particularly dry hair to look at other products in the range as these don't offer a lot of nourishment but for oily hair I'd imagine they would be perfect to gently strip away the oil and give your hair volume and bounce. The root boost spray is great too, I just hold up sections of my hair and then spray into the roots as the name would suggest. I usually like to use my Umberto Giannini 'Backcomb in a Bottle' but this can be a bit too heavy feeling on my hair and I have to end up washing it the next day because of product build up, however the root boost spray is like a lighter version of this and gives my hair plenty of volume without it feeling weighed down.

Umberto Giannini products are currently on a 3 for 2 offer at Boots, so get them while you can.

September 06, 2012

models own beach party


MODELS OWN BEACH PARTY - £5

st. ives apricot scrub


I've been using St. Ives Apricot Scrub for a couple of years now, it smells great and is gentle enough to use on your face yet works well at sloughing off dead skin cells on your body too. If you are on a budget then you need look no further for a great scrub that will leave your skin feeling smooth and fresh. The granules don't feel too abrasive so it's an option for people that have sensitive skin, I find that I can just vary the pressure that I rub the scrub into my skin depending on how much of a deep clean I want my skin to have at the time.

St. Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub - £3.00

September 05, 2012

noble isle summer rising gift set


For the past couple of weeks I've been plunging myself into a warm bubbly bath at every opportunity, be it night or day. I'm a huge fan of bath time simply for the reason that it's one of the only places that I can truly switch my mind off and relax, which is why a decant bubble bath is essential. I fell in love with the scent of the Noble Isle Summer Rising bath & shower gel a couple of months ago when there was a trial size included in my Glossybox and needless to say that with the amount of baths I had it soon ran out. I was delighted when I got my hands on the full sized version along with the body lotion to try out. The Summer Rising scent has a lovely light fresh scent which I find relaxing yet not overpowering. I find that I only need to use a couple of pumps to give my bath lots of bubbles which means the bottle should last me a few months at least. When I say goodbye to the bath and head to bed I apply the body lotion from the set which has the same uplifting scent. The lotion feels really lightweight and sinks straight into the skin leaving it feeling soft and ready for bed. I know a few of you may scoff at the price but do keep in mind that the brand is English decadence at it's best, and it's definitely worth having a read on the website at where the ingredients are sourced. The packaging is a thing of beauty and would certainly make a great gift for anyone who likes to relax in the bath.

September 04, 2012

save 1/3 on french pharmacy brands!

I'm sure that most of you are already aware of my love for French skincare products, ever since I made a trip to Paris and picked up the bestsellers from a French pharmacy my skin has been literally flawless and blemish free. I have in-depth reviews of everything that I bought coming up shortly but for now this is just a quick post to let you all know that Escentual.com are offering a 1/3 discount off their French pharmacy brands, amazing! These products aren't easy to get hold of in this country as it is so I highly recommend getting a hold of a few products while they are on offer. 

My top picks that I've tried and tested are -

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Lip Balm - RRP: £9.50 SALE: £6.27
- You simply need this lip balm in your life, I can honestly say that it is the best lip balm in the world. I have a review coming up shortly but in a few words, it's extremely moisturising yet has a matte finish and stays on your lips for hours.

 
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream - RRP: £10.00 SALE: £6.00
- This has been one of my favourite hand creams for a while now, it feels silky smooth and sinks straight into the skin whilst smelling beautiful.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil Spray - RRP: £28.30 SALE: £18.68

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation Stick - RRP: £19.00 Sale: £12.94
- Essentially this is just a really good concealer that covers all imperfections however it's best selling point is that it lasts all day with no need to re-apply.



Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel 200ml - RRP: £10.50 Sale: £6.93
- This cleansing gel is literally the softest on my skin that I've found so far, it has no nasties in and you only need to use a pea-sized amount for usage on your face and neck area.


Avene Thermale Spring Water Spray 300ml - RRP: £10.00 SALE: £6.66
- I've included the Avene facial spray in this list for obvious reasons, every beauty lover will have probably already tried it out but if not definitely get yourself a can. It's great for refreshing your skin and helping make up to last longer.

Klorane Oatmilk Shampoo 200ml - RRP: £6.00 SALE: £4.00

Escentual.com also have free shipping on all orders over £30, so now is most definitely the time to stock up on some French skincare!

my beauty product holiday hotlist



A little while ago I was set a task by VoucherCodes.co.uk to come up with a 'holiday hotlist' of beauty products that total around £70. From past experience when I go on holiday I am the type of girl that packs everything but the kitchen sink and always get caught out with an extra weight charge, so to try and narrow down a list of beauty products to take away wasn't easy. However, that being said, I think I did a pretty good job of mixing up inexpensive and high end products to come up with some great products that are not only travel friendly but won't break the bank.


What products would be in your 'holiday hotlist'?

September 03, 2012

glitter overload


Models Own 'Snow White' - Models Own 'Ibiza Mix' - Sephora Holographic Glitter Polish