January Favourites

We made it through the dismal month of January!
Let's all buy ourselves beauty treats as a reward, yes?

Here are my top five Beauty products which got me through January in one piece;

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque
Available in much much larger sizes, this was a skincare sample provided to me by my local Skin Clinic after having a treatment (blogging about this later in the month). My skin being hyper-sensitive means exfoliating scrubs are not always the best treatment for my skin. I was recommended to try this sample by my skincare specialist and i've now used it twice, savouring every last bit that is left in the tiny pot. It exfoliates through use of powerful enzymes, yet hydrates your skin. I am going to be getting my hands on the full size for sure. This is similar to the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask in it's function, but is perhaps more hydrating and more suited to sensitive skins.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A I Blemish Corrector
Having used this throughout January and reviewed it here. I have been really finding this spot on corrector a benefit to my routine. I have had quite nasty breakouts on my chin through January and routine application of this has kept them from getting worse.

DermaQuest Skin Therapy Advanced B5 Serum
My skin was suffering from dryness in January (wasn't everyones?!) so I was foraging through my skincare stash and found this product which I never finished up as part of an old routine. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the second ingredient in the makeup of this serum (the top being water) was Sodium Hyaluronate, (the amazing hydrator and glow giver Hyaluronic Acid). I have been applying this all over my face each morning instead of my Silver Serum or Hydraluron (the B5 Serum is less sticky) and my skin has been loving it. You can see my morning & evening skincare routines here: Morning / Evening.

Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Essential Eye Palette #8
This is one of the fabulous products from the Limted Edition Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Kit, which is STILL on sale on SpaceNK -  you would be mad not to pick this great value kit up. This five colour eyeshadow palette enables you to create such a soft and gentle eye look and is really fun to play around with. This has been my go to eye shadow combination in January.

Bare Minerals Ready to Go Complexion Perfection Palette
I have been experimenting with mineral makeup more. I think it's generally better for my skin than layers of liquid foundation. This change was all brought about as my mum gifted this to me in January in preparation for my trip to the Philippines this month! This kit is so compact and so easy to use (although it does come with a booklet if needed), you can achieve amazing results with all of the products here, designed to even out skin tone and provide a natural finish even the brushes are worth using to maximise coverage!

What products are you looking forward to trying throughout February?



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Top 5 Winter Foundations

In the winter it is very common for your skin to be more problematic. What with the heating blasting away, and then going out into freezing temperatures, it's hard for your skin to find it's comfort zone. For this reason the winter brings our favourite higher coverage foundations out of our makeup stash. Here are my top five below;

From left to right; 
Nars Sheer Glow, Laura Mercier Silk Creme, Dior Forever, Rimmel Wake Me Up 
& Bourjois Healthy Mix.

1st Place: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc | £30.50
Available in 14 various shades, I would recommend at least trying this foundation out if you have never before. It's got a huge following and a lot of people, like myself always return to it when in need of a reliable but natural coverage. It's not sheer in coverage as the name suggests, but is very much build-able - I would say you can get a medium to high coverage with this. You can apply with a sponge, blending brush, fingers or foundation brush. I love it for it's versatility, and the way in which it can make my skin look dewy and refreshed. The formula itself is quite watery, and I would suggest shaking before using to get a good mix of the product. I believe you can now purchase pumps for this product too! This will help dispense the foundation in a less messy way (unscrewing the cap and just pouring the liquid out).

2nd Place: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Rose Ivory | £33.00
To skip the building of layers in your foundation routine and realising 'I just want a high coverage, but a natural look' then this my fellow beauty bloggers has to be tried and tested. If I am venturing out on the town and I need the best coverage for my skin but something to last a whole night, I always reach for this. The formula is thick, so best not to start off with too much (it's the old rule of you can add more, but you can't take away!). It has always reminded me of acrylic paint both in texture and smell. I have found best results stippling this on, over my Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, with a Beauty Blender or sponge (however the blender can end up sapping most of your product :( ) these are great to use together. You can get a real airbrushed finish with the blender and stippling motion. I have found with some uses that this can oxidise on my skin, for instance turning more orangey in tone that it started - if this happens to you shake the product well, and check the date you brought it. Oxidising is trait of a gone off product. Having said this, when not oxidising, this is a holy grail for me when good reliable coverage is needed.

3rd Place: Diorskin Forever Liquid Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Foundation in 010 Ivory | £32.00
This is the first foundation in the list which features an SPF of 25  - PA +++. The glass bottle, and Dior name means this is a fabulous product for your dresser. For your face it gives a medium coverage, but I wouldn't say that for me this foundation was as build-able as those above. It also doesn't provide as dewy a finish, so if you like something more matte that creates the minimal makeup look I would try this one. It comes with a pump delivery which is really handy and hygienic. I was recommend to use this foundation with the Diorskin Forever Pressed Powder for extra coverage, however I don't have a huge thing for powders so often skip this step. The formula is the in between of the Silk Creme and NARS Sheer Glow, a solution which you need to work quite quickly with but using your fingers works well with this one to get a good application.

4th & 5th Place: bring on the high street wonders -

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 100 Ivory | £8.99
I purchased this when it first came out, whilst at uni and was going for 'beauty on a budget'. Rimmel really did well with this product, it comes in a glass bottle with a great pump dispenser which provides you a lot of product per pump (so beware!). Depending on which light you apply this in, you will find sparkles appear. You can see from the bottle, when held up to light this foundation has an iridescence to it and whilst it is not going to make you sparkle like glitter-ball do be aware if you have oily skin, this could make for more dewiness and attract particular attention to more oily areas. I remember when I first applied this thinking I'm going to need loads but I was thoroughly surprised at the coverage it was able to provide and the effect it really did give in brightening my face. On really bright sunny days though, you can look a little Edward Cullen as many beauty bloggers have deduced. I like to use this foundation as a back up, on a lazy day when instant brightening is needed!

Bourjois Paris, Healthy Mix Foundation in 51 | £9.99
Bourjois have been known over the past few months to have brought out some high end compatible foundations. Healthy Mix was Bourjois' first 16 hr, radiance boosting anti-oxidant foundation, and it really did get some amazing reviews. I still like to use this foundation, and have thought about going for the Happy Light foundation, since the pay off of this formula has covered so well for a product under £10. I even find it does last like the promotional write ups claim without drying my skin right out and caking into every pore. This is great for travel, on the go, and everyday!

Thanks for reading, and let me know your favourite foundation for winter.

Review: Effaclar A.I Corrector

The New La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo was of course going to be out of stock in my local Boots stores. Left with a few items on my wish list to pick up, and still suffering from breakouts, I didn't want to and couldn't afford to leave with nothing. 

Pondering over the array of LRP products I decided to pick up a wild card spot treatment - 

Effaclar A.I Corrector from La Roche-Posay | 15ml | £10.50

This is a localised treatment and as such is to be applied to only those areas that need calming down, and clearing out. It can be applied under or over makeup - but personally I apply a pea sized amount on bare skin at night. 

The paraben-free formula comes in a clinically packaged tube, like all other products from the brand. I really like the clean, simple approach to packaging and I believe good packaging will sell itself, but aside from that it also makes the whole line suitable for young, old, male & female. 

This product includes a selection of clearing ingredients, such as Niacinamide and an LHA (Lipo Hydroxy-Acid) which promotes a high cell turnover to stop scarring. As an exfoliant LHA does not come with the astringent PH of popular acne treatment ingredient Salicylic Acid - this product is a well thought out duo of ingredients specifically designed to help get your skin back to it's better self.

The Effaclar A.I. gave me exactly the results I needed; 

• I could apply just to the area of concern.
• Once a day application for 3 days was enough to see improvement. 
• Skin didn't tingle or sting as would have happened with Salicylic Acid based products.
• After each nightly application the spot(s) had reduced in size, and reduced in their anger.
• The price was affordable, so much so you are not scared to smother it over the infected zones! 

I have tried only two other products from the French brand before, one being the Micellar water which I love, and the other is the Effaclar K primer. A primer which smells just as good as this product and is suited to oily skin types - the primer was not a huge hit with me, but sufficient as I have combination skin.  

I can definitely see the A.I Corrector becoming my staple spot zapper! I particularly like the trait of the Niacinamide which stops the breakout from developing further - you know once you have applied this your skin will only get better. 

I will no doubt try the new Effaclar Duo at some point, but for now this product has got my vote as a great skincare staple, great for all skins suffering from full blown acne to the odd monthly blemish.

Have you tried the Effaclar A.I Breakout Corrector? Perhaps you have tried the Duo?
Let me know below. 

Travel Bag Essentials

With January and February being the most depressing time of the year, many of us are looking for a quick getaway to sunnier and more relaxing climates. Whether you are grabbing a quick selection of stuff to stay at a friends for the weekend or jetting off across the continents, here are my travel bag essentials.

I will stress at this point, the amount you take is obviously adaptable. I aimed at this post as if going away for a long weekend in Europe. 

1. A review on this La Roche-Posay product is coming up this week so I won't say too much, but this is a great little tube to have if you are susceptible to odd breakouts which you need to keep under control. Whether you have sensitive skin or not this is a great clearing product which stops breakouts in their tracks. La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector | £10.30

2. A slim, compact, battery powered tooth brush which fits into a funky cylindrical container and comes in a variety of designs with an additional brush head and batteries - is so ideal for on the go! The container not only looks stylish but keeps your toothbrush head from being contaminated amongst your other travel goodies. Violife Slim Sonic Tooth Brush (Pink) | £25.03

3. I have two cleansing products in my travel bag in this post, so this would be a non-essential for many. I normally like to cleanse twice, (you can see my AM cleansing routine here). I take my travel Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk which contains calming Chamomile and leaves your skin feeling comfortable and ready to go. This is a good travel size (50ml) which I brought in a travel kit, and helps to bring that little bit of luxury with you on your trip away - it's a product even the most sensitive skins will get on with and it smells great. Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk | 200ml | £27.00

4. It is a known fact our skin doesn't like to be dehydrated, it is also known that travel dehydrates the skin. If you can whilst you are soaking up the sun or enjoying the snow use a product such as a serum which contains the holy grail ingredient sodium hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid). This will penetrate deep through the layers of skin to give you the best shot at keeping your skin happy and full of moisture. This sample of Vinosource (Caudalie's Moisturising range) I received in a beauty box is ideal at 10ml. Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum | 30ml | £26.10

5. Not an essential, but nice to have is a good face mask which you can rely on if your face just isn't playing ball. One of my favourite travel sizes is the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque | 75ml | £34.50

6. A good travel friendly brush is a must have. I love the Tangle Teezer and it's handbag friendly sizes. Tangle Teezer, Compact Styler | £11.99 

7. Whether you are staying at your fella's place, a best friends or even just had a long flight, no one likes bad breath. This is ideal for refreshing throughout the day or using the morning after the night before. Corsodyl Mint Alcohol Free Mouthwash | £4.65 (Full size, travel friendly sizes available in store.)

8. The Model Mirror, I think I first saw this in on of SWalkerMakeup's videos. This is such a great invention, available in plenty of designs you can have a thin, compact, quality light up mirror which gives you the perfect excuse to apply makeup on the go. I think a mirror like this is essential for traveling, or as an everyday handbag essential, you never know when you might need it.
Model Mirror Compact | £19.00

9. Moisturiser is a must have whether its just for your face or your body, a good quality cream is going to bring your sallow or travel tired skin back to life. This is also great if like me your skin is hyper sensitive and shows your tiredness from travelling.
I like to use this intensive Darphin Intral Soothing Cream | £40.00

10. A good wash cloth is ideal to travel with, whether to be used for removing the daily dirt and grime in combination with your cleanser or as a cold press for headaches, burns or scrapes. I love the Emma Hardie Wash Cloths for the duo of micro-fibre and muslin.
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Dual Action cloths | £8.00 

11. I forgot to include hand sanitiser in with the OPI Avojuice hand creams, but I think both are necessary for any handbag or travel kit. Applying hand cream can be quite therapeutic and also refreshing, not only for the skin but the mind. You can find out more about my hand care routine here.

12. My favourite way to get the hair out of my face. The Popband - you can read more here.

13. Revlon Lip Butters are for me the best way to ensure lips are left nourished and good colour pay off is achieved. My favourite is Strawberry Shortcake, and there are now even more shades available to the UK! You really can feel good and look great with these. Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter | £5.00

14. Transporting your hair care regime can be a bit of a struggle when travelling. I can not compare dry shampoo with the feeling of freshly washed hair so I like to use samples when travelling. Sachets of shampoo and conditioner I was given at once upon a time at Boots, come in very useful when travelling - very handy if on a beach trip too! Bumble & Bumble Thickening range 

15. Emma Hardie Amazing face Moringa Balm - this cleanser is an absolute staple. Whether you love  or hate the hype surrounding this product, I have never stayed faithful to a cleanser for so long. This travel size which you can get with other Emma Hardie kits is worth keeping for traveling as you don't need much per application to get a good cleanse in. Again this product is mentioned throughout my blog, most recently on my Winter Mid-Week Indulgence post.

16. Travel size toothpaste, every man and women shouldn't be without this toiletry kit necessity. I love the dinky travel size tubes, and you can always throw away before you return home from your trip!

You are likely to have realised 1) I forgot the ever important deodorant and SPF products 2) If I can take samples, testers or travel sized products away with me I will.

I am that person in the line at the airport for security forcing the plethora of small sized cosmetics into my zip loc transparent bag to make them fit. You can take so much more with you if you think 'How much am I really going to use?' and take those newer sampler products you want to try out on your trip with you!

I hope you have enjoyed this super long post,
be sure to check back in the week or subscribe using Bloglovin'.

New Year, New Resolutions; Happy New Year

In this post I will be sharing those obligatory resolutions for the coming year. Let me know yours in the comments below! Some of these I am pretty sure are the same if not similar as the resolutions made in last years post here. 

• Drink More Water - It's simple in theory, but in method so hard to do. I intend to be carrying an Evian bottle around with me at all times, for the purposes of keeping me hydrated & to see if the amount of water I consume affects the headaches I keep getting! 

• Save, Save, Save - this year it is happening, I am going to put my spare monies away & this year it's going somewhere I can not delve into and spend it from (stupid bank accounts!).

• Use products up, before taking to the shops to buy more! - I have draws full of body products, skincare products and nail polishes never before used. I find happiness in knowing i have a lot of products & I will be ok if ever caught in some kind apocalypse (is this hoarding?). But in reality 2014 will be a year of using up, and making space for new products.  So watch out for lots of reviews along the way!

• Keep NLMORGAN.com alive! I love blogging, and am slowly becoming more involved in the blogging community, working full time as most of you will know creates difficulty in keeping the posting momentum going, but every comment and page view pushes me on and I really appreciate any help I can get in getting my blog out there. I am aware that the beauty blogging industry is just saturated and bigger than ever. Now recognised in all different media forms - as valuable sources of information and opinion, bloggers are more recognised now than ever before. When you are starting out us newer bloggers find it tough to get recognised. This year I want to work with you, the other beauty bloggers reading this to get our readership recognised. 

Thanks for reading, I think this small but ambitious collection of resolutions is achievable and will get 2014 going to a great start...

... now where's that bottle of water?

Top Beauty Finds of 2013

The New Year brings time for a little reflection on the last one. Although we are still a day away from 2014, I thought that this is a great time to share my best beauty picks from 2013. 

The inspiration for this post came from having read around Kirstie's (of a Yellow Brick Blog's) post.

Whilst I know not all of these products mentioned were released in 2013, I was having a rummage through my collection and all of the products I am including came to my attention as a ‘must feature’ in this post for one reason or another. 

Why not let me know what’s on your list of Top Finds for 2013 in the comments?

Let’s kick off this product packed post with a star product from Estée Lauder; 

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 
30ml for £48.00 or 50ml for £65.00

In 2013 I began being treated with Intense Pulsed Light therapy to target Rosacea (you can read more on this here). As part of this treatment my skincare changed to a brand called Image Skincare as recommended by my consultant. Having run out of the hard to find products I needed - I had to find a substitute for my night treatment as I can not sleep without having slathered something into my skin! I took to an Estée Lauder counter on my own one weekend (fyi - this should never happen!!) and asked about the Advanced Night Repair serum. I had seen the scientifically enriched ads, and had heard other bloggers live for this stuff, so I caved and gave it a go. 

Well, I’ll just say you notice when you do not use this product, a few drops of this serum goes a long way and just needs to be patted in the skin before bedtime, and a moisturiser application. Wowed by all the patents this products has against it’s name, this is a product I have almost finished, and my skin never fails to feel lack lustre in the mornings. Definite re-purchase into 2014. 

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme
Available at Dermatology Clinics

One product I can not live without, along with their Vital C Cleanser, is the Image Vital C, Hydrating Repair Creme this rich creme, (introduced to me through IPL treatment) which is used at night, is particularly suited for irritated skin types such as Rosacea. Cooling, hydrating, and again it is one of those cremes that I know through how my skin feels and looks in the morning, whether I used it the night before. You can buy this on the internet I believe - but I never like to do that with skincare unless it is a reputable retailer. Most of the IMAGE products, which are created in Florida are brought my cosmetologists and skin consultants and sold only in clinics for high, high-end prices, but my skin would not be in such a good state without it. 

Sleek Face Contour Kit in Light
£6.49

Bringing the budget down a notch, but keeping the performance levels as good as you would expect from any product in the high end market, is the Sleek Contour Kit. This has been around for a good few years, and is a steal at under £7! Now available in Boots stores as well as Superdrug this is easier than ever to try out and the contouring you can achieve with this fail safe product is fabulous. Take the dark ‘bronzer like’ colour under your cheek bones (permission to make the fish face is granted) and then use the highlight under the brow and on top of the cheeks, for a slimmer looking face and cheekbones you never knew you had. I have really got to grips with contouring this year, and its all down to this little compact. 

HD Brow Palette in Vamp
£17.00

Back when I was subscribed to GlossyBox, I received the HD Brows, Brow Pallet in Vamp - this consists of 4 colours suited mostly toward the eyelids or brows - and can take my mild and meek looking brows to spruced up and face framing in no time. I use this daily and am a believer that brows are a game changer when it comes to facial features, even if you go out with no makeup take those precious minutes to put your brows in place!

Bulgari Mon Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml
£54.00 

Having already posted about this fragrance earlier in the year here, it has maintained to be a solid favourite. Not only does it remind me of my trip to Edinburgh this year, but it is so wearable for any occasion. I do think its lasting power for an Eau de Parfum is a little weak but it will keep me buying many a bottle. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
£2.99

Earlier in the year I was itching to get my hands on these, US beauty bloggers had them, UK beauty bloggers who had been to the US had them, and then finally the humble boots shoppers were able to get them around September time. My favourite is the hydrating one (in the blue) but the other colours are really versatile and smell heavenly. Its a great lip balm that feels like its not just siting there covering your lips, but actually hydrating them. Definitely a competitor with the Rimmel Lip Butters, they too are packaged in great colours and deliver the same great pigments. I only apply lip products when I know the product I am using works, and I miss not using it, and needless to say I have these in my handbag at all times. 

Barry M High Shine Gel Finish Nail Polish
£3.99 

As a self confessed nail polish junkie / snob, I was pulling myself back from trying these Barry M Hi Shine Gelly nail paints, because to be honest I thought the application and the staying power was not going to be up there with OPI, Essie and your other salon brands. I have always brought Essie, OPI, Orly, Leighton Denny and my collection is bursting at it’s seams, however, this never stops me! I was pleasantly surprised with these and thought the application was so great, simple, fast drying and long lasting - just what you want in a polish - I am definitely hoping for more great things from Barry M in the next year!

NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Mont Blanc
£30.50

I consistently swapped between two foundations this year, one being Laura Mercier’s Silk Creme, the other Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc. I like everything about this glass bottle of skin tone evening, and concealing joy. It’s lack of SPF means true colour and less shine in photos, it also has a hydrating consistency and feel on the skin. Above all the GREAT coverage and good staying power got me dipping back into the bottle for more - I will be getting a pump dispenser in 2014 though! 

Maybelline-Fit-Me-Concealer in 15
£5.99

Having only discovered the Maybelline Fit Me range quite recently - the good things I had heard about this concealer pushed me to the checkout with shade 15 in hand. This concealer does not dry out, or cake around the area I am trying to conceal, it works well covering the red areas around my nose and it stays there like you would not expect a high street concealer to do. The colour is a great match and after hearing how similar this is to the NARS Creamy Concealer I have been continually using this through the festive season and it has not disappointed. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

£19.50

I always go fail safe on a night out or in tough weather conditions with my Urban Decay Makeup Setting spray, after your look is complete for a dewy glow hold the product about 4cm about from your face and spray away which ensures your makeup stays as is ,until you want to take it off. Its been a hero product in 2013. 

It’s been a rather long post, to commemorate an equally long year. Enjoy the New Years celebrations and make sure you look fabulous to welcome in 2014! 

Winter Sale Selection

I hope everyone had a great Christmas for 2013?

If you, like me were already thinking about the sales before Boxing Day had began you will know there are some amazing deals out there to be snapped up. The tough part really is deciding what you can afford not to put in your basket.

A little deflated after all the chaos Christmas day brought I settled down with my favourite online retailers to check out the real deals which were to be had. 

If you are planning to buy, or are just browsing, I have compiled some of my favourite picks from the winter sales below which might help the tough decision process.

Real Techniques Sam's Picks Collection 

RRP: £29.99 Sale Price: £20.99 

I asked for some more of Sam Chapman's great makeup brushes for Christmas, as I now use them daily and pick them above the more expensive brush collections - they are normally great value for money, however FeelUnique have them on sale!  If you have been wanting to try a selection of new brushes for a while, this is a great price to do it at! 

Yves Saint Laurent Forever Foundation 30ml

RRP: £34.00 Sale Price from £28.90

Not quite sure why some shades of this top rated foundation are offered at different prices (note the wording 'From £28.90..') a lot of the shades are going fast too. I have a feeling this is the last time you'll see this foundation as low in price, so it is understandable that shades are limited. It has been raved about in 2013, and I just wish I was in need of a new foundation to justify this spend. Purchase if you can as this is a subtly more reasonable price for one of the top foundations from YSL.

Whilst products like cleanser and makeup remover may not be the most exciting to get your hands on in the sales, it is the essentials which you use each day that you will be pleased you purchased. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution 500ML 

RRP: £14.50  Sale Price £11.60

This much acclaimed Miceller Water is hard to resist for a large size, at just over £10.00 - this stuff does go a long way. 

Laura Mercier Body and Bath Luxe Quartet - Ambre Vanille

RRP: £60.00 Sale Price £30.00

If you really do need to de-stress after the Christmas period, then do it for half the price with Space NK. This is one of their last Laura Mercier offers left on their site, after just a couple of days of sale mania. This is a gorgeous set, with three bath / body products in the Ambre Vanille scent and on top of that you get a candle too. This is one of those special selections you use exclusively when really needed - these products deliver luxury every time and smell almost edible. Be quick with this one!

Satsuma Shower, Scrub and Soften Collection

RRP: £17.00  Sale Price: £10.00 

This would be a great little gift if you know someone who has had a really tough Christmas. This is a great product to start the New Year with from The Body Shop, included is a zesty revitalising shower gel, Soap, Body Polish and Body Butter - get to your nearest Body Shop to see if they have any left, as it is still on their site but no longer available.

Laura Mercier Les Petits BonBons Eye Palette

RRP: £135.00 Sale Price: £94.50

Perhaps not for those just starting out in the world of makeup, this truly eye opening palette from Laura Mercier, contains 30 baked eye shadows, taking your eye look from pastels right to the sultry browns and blacks, in a variety of shimmer and matte finishes. This is exclusive to Selfridges, and naturally not for the sale shopper on a budget (unless you really have to have it - I'll let you off!). My eyes lit up at the sight of this, and then I realised it's still nearly £100. If you can afford it, go for it - as I am not sure we will see this in 2014. 

Let me know your top retailers for sale picks, and your favourite sale selected products below!

Maybelline Baby Lips

Is it ridiculous that I am excited about receiving a Boots online order?

One Sunday afternoon a couple weeks back, I literally trawled 2 massive Boots stores in the hope I would find these lip balms, but nothing - not even a clue as to the arrival of the BabyLips balms in UK stores.

I have seen / heard so much about these, I love the fun packaging and feel they are going to become favourites.Its a feeling very similar to the one I had when Revlon brought out their lip butters, I pretty much brought the whole range of colours within 10 minutes! I'm sticking with trying one of these for now, but I was tempted with the 3 for 2 Boots has going on.  I find all too often that this is the trouble with reading Allure (US Based beauty magazine) you see and want everything in it's ads and then realise you can't actually buy anything until it is released over here across the pond. I saw in last months copy they had Neon BabyLips additions! 

I've gone for the 'Blue' hydrating choice out of the original 6 choices. 

Have you got your hands on these? 

Is there something special about them or are they not worth the £2.99?

Natalie x

SpaceNK Summer Picks

Welcome to the weekend everyone! 

I am going to take you back a few months to June, an occasion when I happened to pop into SpaceNK in Bluewater Shopping Centre, on it's last day before closing down (don't get me started on how sad I am about this). Whilst it wasn't like the whole Space NK emporium was closing down globally, the Bluewater store was my little 'local' piece of heaven... which led me to panic buy some bits I had on my list for quite some time. 

Normally I pick up a few bits, and there is one product that will disappoint - but oh no, not with these products, I continue to love each one right into the end of August. 

Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer in Radiance - Travel Size £18.50 @ SpaceNK.

I have heard so many good things about this primer, and after having the Oil Free formula from Laura Mercier I was eager to try this one. I brought the travel size because they didn't have the bigger 50ml size in stock, but also was happy with this as it wouldn't be a waste of money if I really didn't like it. When articles, and makeup artists reinforce the power & importance of the primer, they are referring to this amazing formula from Laura Mercier. This primer is fleshy in colour, and has a 'glowy' appearance - and I'm not talking big bits of glitter, this is subtle 'radiance' as the name would suggest. It smoothes, re-energizes and just generally creates a great base. 

I pop this on just a few minutes after my morning moisturiser and my skin will immediately look better for it. More illuminated and full of life, I even wore this without my normal foundation topper yesterday. This has now become my go to product in terms of primers and I know that it does its job of holding on to my foundation (whether it be a LM brand, or my favourite Nars Sheerglow) but it also gives a dewy, fresh faced look that works with your foundation to make your face look flawless. Give this a go! 

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser in Nude £57.00 @ SpaceNK.

Along with Chantecaille's many rave about products this Tinted Moisturiser had been on my list for so long, and I never thought I would spend £57.00 on a foundation, let alone a tinted moisturiser. I don't have a great love for tinted moisturisers, apart from the Dr Jart Waterfusion, nothing has given me the right skin tone, or coverage. I was prepared for this to change my life, and when you have to think about whether you can afford to spend this amount on a tinted moisturiser, you hope it's going to be life transforming! 

I purchased in the shade Nude, which I thought and in some lights now think it maybe too dark for me, but after colour matching several shades (half of which are now out of stock on the SpaceNK website) this was the one to go for. It's buildable coverage, that injects life into your skin without looking like your layering it on, and I am quite frugle with this product, at this price. Although if I am running late, it's hot out, or I just need something natural - this is the pick up product that stays put. 

Laura Mercier - Secret Camouflage in SC-3 - £26.00 @ SpaceNK.

A good concealer can cover a multitude of imperfections, and I had never really invested in one - I was just layering on the foundation in areas that needed it more than others. However this is a great product for the summer, when you don't want the full application of a foundation or even a tinted moisturiser. 

I apply this by mixing both shades together, either with a Real Techniques Concealer brush - or on a few train journeys I have been known to dig this out of my bag and use my fingers - as the heat from your hands helps the shades blend amazingly. To cover more annoying imperfections I do one layer and blend out, then dab the product nto my skin in a stippling action to ensure I get a better coverage & thats the best thing with this compact - you can pick the shade, the application and the type of coverage you want to go for. This doesn't cake, or sit in pores (especially if you are using your favourite primer) and it's creamy consitency works wonders. It's available in 8 shades, from SC-1 to SC-8 which I think is a great range.

I tend to not use this for under my eyes, as this area doesn't hold product very well at all for me, but also I learnt that apparently the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is a better fix for those circles. 

I will be posting a few photos of my skin using these products in the next few posts so be sure to follow using Google + or Bloglovin! 

What beauty brand / retailer could you not live without & why? 

natalie x

NOTD: BioSculpture's - 'Jackie'

In the last couple of months, I have been incredibly bored of my nails. 

I decided to take the plunge and go back to Bio Sculpture Gels. I do have 'at home' facilities to do my own gel manicures but let's be honest nothing is quite as nice as getting your nails did for you, and I am a little heavy handed when it comes to applying gel! 

Bio Sculpture are notorious for their wide range of colours, and the protective barrier in addition to strength which their gel formulas bring to the natural nail. They also tend to last closer to three / four weeks when having solid colour in comparison to OPI Gel / Shellac which can go for two weeks only.  But it all depends of course, on how much activity your fingertips see. For instance I don't do a lot of washing up, so my nails probably have a better chance of lasting well, compared to those who spend hours with their hands in water.

I have now had this colour (pictured) on over a week and I am still loving it - Although yes you are going to get 're-growth gaps' my nails feel so much stronger and have a good shape. 

The colour is part of the recent Hollywood Collection of colours, named after all our favourite ladies of the Hollywood hills. This colour in particular named 'Jackie' is a coral / orangey / pink which honestly looks different in a lot of lights, a bit like a sunset. I don't really think the photo I took above does it justice, however it does make your hands look tanned - and who can argue with that! 

With my nails, I paint them normally twice a week, and although I feel bad for my huuuuge stash of paints which are sitting pretty. I have not missed the frustration at last minute smudges, waiting for the paint to dry - or my bed sheets impressing upon last nights late night paint job! 

If you have the disposable income to do so, I really recommend going for a Bio Sculpture Gel manicure - you'll find most good salons do them. Cost wise they are around £30.00 every three to four weeks. 

The Hollywood Collection Swatches were taken from the BioSculpture blog.

Have you had BioSculpture before? Would you like a post on history of BioSculpture? 

Let me know in the comments. 

Natalie x

Current Favourite Fragrance; Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir

All of my favourite perfumes are discovered through samples. I love a great sample, especially when you get those little atomisers. They are great for traveling and just keeping in your handbag - and they last forever. 

I had a sample of this particular perfume, Bvlgari's Mon Jasmin Noir - and hadn't touched it. When traveling to Edinburgh for a short break with friends, I packed this without hesitation for some reason. Sometimes I think its nice to go on holidays, and travel with a totally new scent - that scent will then remind you of all the experiences it was worn with you on. I am a true believer in buying a new one at every duty free oportunity! 

It was no exception with this one either. Flying back from Scotland I brought the full size of this gorgeous bottle. 

Launched in 2011, this fragrance is addictive, sophisticated and yet musky. 

I don't find it heavy, but at the same time no one stops & says 'What perfume are you wearing?!' as a result I use quite a lot! There is something about this which is elegant, feminine and classy all in one go. I think this might be my new signature scent, replacing Emporio Armani's She. 

The 75ml size of this perfume is available at CheapSmells for £38.99.

The 50 ml size can be found @ CheapSmells too for £30.15.

I have found the 75ml size on other sites, for A LOT  more, over double the price offered at CheapSmells. It totally makes sense to go for the 75ml if you are already a lover of this perfume and need a top up! 

Or if you haven't tried this scent yet, give it a whiff the next time you are near a fragrance shop. It will brighten your day! What's your favourite fragrance right now?

Natalie x

The Popular Hairband - Popbands

I have for many of my 'long hair' years brought the Scunci effortless beauty hairbands, they seem to do the job and are reasonably priced at £2.49 for 18 bands. I am one of those girls however, who sticks her hair up into a mess on the top of her head - whenever needed, especially when at work. I can't stand my hair around my face. 

Whilst the Scunci bands are great to have, I live & sleep with my hair up, and found even these bands were now pulling my hair out, & as a result I have limited myself to using crocodile clips etc, to put my hair in it's place so as not to break the much needed hair on my head! 

I had previously heard about Popbands from some of the much loved beauty box subscriptions.

From a quick google search I found myself at thepopband.com where I was spoilt for choice at colours and designs. I really loved how you could have such individual style whether in your hair on your wrist. 

The Popband is so different to your normal hair elastics in that they wont dent your hair after taking it down after a long day of sporting your favourite braid or bun style. But in addition the band stays in place and doesn't pull your hair out or fall out on it's own.

I brought one of the Mulitpacks in 'Spring' (pictured). 

A set of 5 popbands which are great summer colours. 

Priced at £6.00 for the five, I was able to apply the 20% off code, which was promoted on the site. 

With free delivery in the UK I was super happy when the Popbands arrived in fabulous pink packaging! Such a simple design, and easy on the eye the Popband is a great way to incorporate style and function into your hair style. I would definitely go for the Popbands if you find your average elastic isn't doing your hair too much good and you have some extra money to spend. 

All this week thepopband.com are celebrating 2000 followers on their twitter account (@lovethePopband) and therefore are offering 20% off all purchases.

Great as gifts for girlfriends - the Popbands have really suprised me in their results and I am loving not having to worry about my hair being pulled out with my elastic. 

Have you seen the Popbands before? Let me know what you think! 

Natalie x

DIORSHOW NEW LOOK Mascara | Review

Whilst popping to the bathroom at work this afternoon, I discovered my mascara had travelled from my lashes, to underneath my eyes.

Shocked firstly that anyone would let me walk around in public like this, and horrified secondly that I evidently had been walking around like this, I decided to share with you a review on a product that I really do not rate at all and will not be using again.

Below you can see what my mascara had left underneath my eyes at the end of the day, after I had taken the worst of it off at work, this photo also shows my lashes without a lot of real volume either. 

 Dior Show New Look Mascara | £23.00 

I was sold this mascara as part of a set last year, and decided whilst sorting out my makeup yesterday, to try and get this premium brand product back into my routine, as I hadn't even touched it. It has to do great things, it's from a great brand I kid myself...

Come this morning, and the time of application - I really do not know why I let the counter assistant push this product on me - I mean she made me try it OVER the mascara I already had on - what difference was this mascara going to do over the top of a mascara that had already had a days wear? 

Don't get me wrong, I love Dior products - however this is one of the most disapointing products from the brand in my opinion.

I don't like the wand of the mascara, as it is plastic & has tiny little bristles. For my eyes, anything with a plastic wand and bristles will only give me length - not curl, and not volume. When you apply to the lashes, the mascara is very wet in formulation. I have quite small eyes, and found I have to wait with my eyes wide open so that one layer of this mascara could dry, so as not to smudge all round my eyes in the first place. Not what you want when you are rushing around in the mornings. 

The results were very black, which is great for lashes, but not when all over your eyelids. I decided to take a gamble, after using a cotton bud to take away most of the mess and proceed to take a day wearing this mascara.

It was a gamble, that didn't work out in my favour & I really do regret ever applying this. My eyes were sore throughout the working day, and the black from the mascara under my eyes constantly made me look like I had been hysterically crying. 

I give this mascara a definite thumbs down, especially when you think of how much you could have paid for a perfectly decent one!

In conclusion, if you do see any women with Panda Eye Syndrome, help a sister out & let her know (maybe even lend her your mirror & an emergency face wipe!). 

Let me know if you love / hate this mascara? 
What's your favourite mascara?