Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas at LUSH without that familiar pink hue glowing on the shelves! Yes, the Fairy is back again with a makeover for her fans.

First things first, this smells AMAZING. It won't be to everyone's taste as it's extremely sweet-smelling. Lush describe it as smelling of "candyfloss and pear drops", a scent which "transports you back to days of standing in the sweet shop with your pocket money clasped in your fist, trying to decide what to buy". I have to say, this description is pretty much spot on. It smells just like candyfloss, and it certainly does remind you of a sweet shop.

This can be used in many ways too. The obvious use is as a normal shower gel, but it can also be used as a shampoo, and even as a detergent when doing your washing. I haven't ever used it as a detergent so can't comment on that use, but it does make a good shampoo, and leaves your hair smelling lovely and sweet.

Used as a shower gel, the smell lingers on your skin for a good while afterwards, which I love as I can not get enough of the smell. Although it contains glitter, the glitter doesn't stick to your skin, and doesn't stay in your hair if you use this as a shampoo either.

Overall, I really recommend this. If you have a Lush shop nearby, just go and smell this if you haven't already, I promise you won't regret it.

Snow Fairy prices are as follows: 

£3.50/100g

£6.25/250g

£10.25/500g

Soap and Glory - Scrub Your Nose In It

Whenever I visit Boots I constantly find myself drawn to the Soap & Glory range. The pink, retro packaging seems to call! Last week whilst browsing the 3for2 in Boots I came across Soap and Glory 'Scrub Your Nose In It', which is a scrub and mask in one.

The scrub is really easy to use: Simply apply a pea sized dollop to a damp t-zone and massage it in using gentle, circular motions. You can then move on to the less clogged areas of the face before rinsing off with warm water.

To use as a mask: Just leave a thin layer on the skin for 3 minutes. I found that the mask is great to use once a week as it absorbs oil and leaves skin looking lovely and bright.

The scrub has a lovely peppermint scent to it which I love and I think the product will last quite a while as you only need a small amount per use. It's available from Boots for £7.40 125ml.

Soap and Glory - Peachs and Clean 4in1 Deep Cleansing Milk

It's that time of year, Boots 3for2! I couldn't help myself! I picked up Soap & Glory - Peachs and Clean 4in1 Deep Cleansing Milk.  I'm a big fan of Soap & Glory products and was surprised I hadn't come across Peaches & Clean before, so I thought I'd give it a try.

The milk is very thick, rich and concentrated. You don’t need too much to cover your entire face but it does depend on how much makeup you wear. It has a great texture and melts into a lovely light cream that almost sinks into the skin like a moisturiser. After it’s massaged into the skin and you’ve rinsed it off, it leaves the skin smooth, plump and fresh.

It smells amazing. It genuinely smells and looks like a really high quality peach yogurt and if it was presented to me in an unmarked tub, I probably would eat it. It not an overpowering scent when it’s on the skin but it does linger making you smell like fresh fruit all evening.

Soap & Glory - Peachs and Clean 4in1 Deep Cleansing Milk is available from Boots £7.00 200ml

MUA Undressed Palette

I finally got my hands on an MUA Undressed Palette last weekend, I've been after this for months as I keep reading reviews on this and it really reminds me of Urban Decay Naked Palette 2 that I really want.

MUA Pro Undressed is the latest permanent addition the Pro palette range.  Don't worry if you can not source this in your local Superdrugs just yet as there is plenty of time to do so or you could always order via MUA's web store for only £4.00.

Much like the packaging of all the MUA Pro palettes the 12 shades of the Undressed palette are housed within a transparent and black plastic case that is sturdy and practical as you can see all of the shades inside with a quick glance.

Top Row

Bottom Row

MUA Undressed features a neutral colour scheme in a variety of both shimmer and matte based

formulated eyeshadows.  I would say that the shimmer based eyeshadows are the better formulated

shades in this palette as they have higher colour pay off and blend fairly well.

I highly recommend this palette and at £4 its the perfect price too!

October 2012 Glossybox

My Glossybox landed on my wet doorstep on Wednesday and as it is based all around pampering yourself it really couldn't have came at a better time.  Truthfully I'm a little underwhelmed by this months box and don't really deem it to be all that pampering however there is one or two lovely products contained within so all is not a loss.

• Anatomicals Don't Just Clean It Woman, Scrub It - Body Scrub - I have used this in the shower this morning and it is a lovely punchy bright grapefruit scented product that does buff the skin, leaving it smooth and beautifully scented.

• Skinetica Anti- Blemish Treatment - I've been using this for about two days now and I have already seen a difference on my chin.  This treatment which is aimed at clearing up spots, blemishes and acne, claims to do so in 2-3 days.  It's doing the trick!

• Yves Rocher lipstick - I didn't get a chance to review this, as soon as my mum saw it she grabbed it.  She loved the colour and said it kept her lips moisturised unlike some lipsticks which dry your lips out.

• Olay Regenerist 3-Point Treatment Cream -   doesn't really say much on the info card about it. Olay say it is for areas prone to ageing - eyes, jawline and neck. 

• Dr Jart Premium Beauty Balm - This Dr Jart+ BB cream provides high SPF40 protection with anti-oxidents. A slightly glossy, low coverage cream which helps fight ageing. Particularly suitable for those over 30.  I tried a little bit and I like it.  It appears quite dark when you squeeze a little out so I was expecting to be a bit oompaloompa like after applying it but I wasn't.  

MAC Perfect Cheek Blush

I was very excited for the release of MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection and was very happy when my best friend brought me back MAC Perfect Cheek Blush from her holiday in Mexico.

The Marilyn Monroe collection came in these sleek black boxes that contain a red lip kiss on the inside flap. It is so cute! The front has the Marilyn pose picture in black and white. The actual blush container has the same picture of Marilyn on it in black and white and is also slightly see through.

MAC Perfect Cheek Blush is described as a “neutral pink beige.” It’s a rosy pink with neutral undertones and a matte finish.

The blush has great colour pay-off and doesn’t look dramatic, this type of colour will look great with a great variety of looks.  Because this blush has a matte finish it won’t emphasize any imperfections on my cheeks. MAC powder blushes have a great texture that’s easy to blend and lasts long on your skin.

MAC The Perfect Cheek didn’t disappoint me, it made my cheeks look perfect.

House of Gelish Collection

The new House of Gelish Collection has just been released and they are so cute.  

The Colours: 

So far I have already brought My Favourite Accessory and Cocktail Party Drama, and I don't think that's where I'll stop.  It's such a great collection!

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energising Gel Scrub

I bought this scrub to see how it compares to my St. Ives - Apricot Scrub, and so far so good, it smells lovely & leaves my face looking so fresh & radiant.  It's for oily skin which prone to imperfections. It unclogs and visibly tightens pores leaving skin with a radiant glow.

This smells divine... ultra fresh and really one to wake the skin up!  It becomes a lovely foamy wash that leaves the skin feeling well refreshed. It does leave my dry skin a little bit tight though, I find that I have to apply moisturiser straight away before thinking about putting make up on. It smells beautiful.

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Daily Energising Gel Scrub is available from Asda £3.99 each.

Montagne Jeunesse Dry Skin Mask

It's another Sunday afternoon which only means one thing......a relaxing pamper session!!

This Sunday I thought I'd try Montagne Jeunesse Dry Skin Mask as I had allergic reaction to something which left me with rather flakey dry skin.  

This is another two-step mask including a second step of a serum packed with antioxidants.  The mask contains blueberries and raspberries to moisturize and protect your face from free radicals. So applied the mask and let it sit on my face while I took a nice luxurious bubble bath.

This mask did really do wonders for my skin, it was incredibly hydrating and my dry patch disappeared.  The moisturizing serum helped seal everything in after I wiped away the face mask.  If you have dry skin, I would definitely recommend this.

September 2012 Glossybox

This month we have a really pretty mint green box designed by Maggie Li, with the theme of Rising Stars! 

It's just in time for London Fashion Week, Glossybox have worked hard to introduce some of the most exciting rising stars across beauty.  The first product I received was an exclusive preview of pop star Lady Gaga's controversial and extravagant fragrance 'Fame'.   I was reasonably happy with this sample as it's something that can be used a good few times. And also there's a fair amount of hype surrounding it at the moment, so great to have a sample to sniff! It also really reminds me of something else, but I can't put my finger on what? But has a somewhat floral fragrance to it. 

Rodial Skin Samples - Glamoxy Snake Serum & 5 Minute Facial is a revolutionary product which instantly reduces the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.   I haven't actually tried either products yet, but I will probably tweet a little something once I've given it a whirl! 

Vichy Idealia Day Care Cream is a smooth and illuminating day cream that smooths skin texture and improves complexion radiance.  

Maghrabian Hair Oil – Nutrition, hydration, conditioning, softness, shine and long-term vitality! Your hair will absorb this oil quickly, instantly improving its appearance.

Finally, a good eye cream is something I'm always on the lookout for so I'm excited to try the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream. It promises to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines. We shall see if it lives up to those claims, I'm not expecting miracles, but on first impressions it feels really nice. It's hydrating but importantly it doesn't feel too heavy.

Nail Harmony Gelish Nail Polish

I finally decided to splurge on Nail and Harmony’s Gelish, one of the first soak-off gel systems.

 I got the basics which included:

• Gelish pH Bond – to be used prior to application by prepping the nail as a dehydrating step. 
• Gelish Foundation Base Gel – base coat. 
• Gelish Soak-off Top It Off Sealer Gel – top coat. 
• Gelish Structure Clear Gel – a clear gel that can be used on its own or to help strengthen thin, weak nails. 
• Gelish Gel Cleanser – removes any sticky residue from the gel after you have cured them. 
• Along with 4 Gelish Soak-off Gel Nail Polishes:

           Black Shadow (Black)
           Good Gossip (Glittery Red)
           Cocktail Party Drama (Plum)
           Make a Difference (Hot Pink)

The nail is prepared like a normal manicure, then there is some sort of ph bond, a foundation gel, two coats of colour and then a top coat. Each layer is cured or set with a UV or LED lamp. I have a LED lamp so each layer only needs 10-30 seconds to cure although a UV lamp can be used it takes a bit longer. I would recommend Gelish 100%. It is so far the best thing that I have tried and meant that my nails stayed chip free for the longest time possibly ever.