The Write Up - Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Another Masque added to my skincare arsenal...

I like treating my skin to a deep cleansing mask at least once a week, and the newest one added to my collection has fast become a firm favourite, enter the Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, this is packed with skin loving ingredients like Amazonian White Clay, hydrating oatmeal, and soothing aloe vera which is proven to calm sensitive skin.  This intense treatment gets deep down into the pores to remove excess oil and bacteria, it also helps to eliminate surface impurities and toxins from the skin as well as minimising large pores.

I do my usual cleanse and tone and then as directed I apply a thin layer of this onto my face avoiding the eye area, it has an initial tingle when first applied but after a minute or so it goes away, because such a thin layer is used it always feels comfortable on the skin, I leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse it off, it comes off very easily and no harsh scrubbing is required.

After using my skin feels deeply cleansed, refreshed, my complexion looks refined and my pores are visibly smaller. This would be perfect for oily/combination skin as it completely clears up excess oils whilst still being hydrating.

Have you tried this cult product yet?

Night Out Essentials

Big night out on the town planned? Add the following to your shopping list...

Heels... not really my forte if I am honest, I am pretty useless when it comes to high heels and nine times out of ten I opt for a more comfortable option, but on that odd special occasion I do love a good ASOS pair, the fit is always perfect and the range of styles available means you can find the ideal pair to go with any outfit, my current favourite pair are the ASOS Positive pointed black high heels, this style is incredibly classic and the curve design really elongates the legs. I will be truthful though, these are most definitely style over comfort, that burn you get after wearing heels for too long? Yep, these sure deliver on that -these babies will kill your feet.

If I am getting all dolled up for an evening out I always like to have big, bouncy hair with lots of volume, to achieve that I use the Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, this can be used to prep the hair pre blow dry or as a finishing spray. This plus a backcombing brush equals big hair, I like to keep everything in place with a truly classic styling product - the L'oreal Elnet Hairspray, available in a variety of hold levels means there is something for everyone. If I am working with freshly washed hair then I like to use a couple of Velcro rollers through my parting for added oomph.

Last of all on my list but certainly not least is a big, dramatic pair of false lashes. Currently I am loving the Eylure 212's, these are bold, black and very full. To secure in place I use the Duo Lash Glue in clear/white, a steady hand and a pair of tweezers. I find I always have to trim my lashes slightly to fit the shape of my eye so have a pair of scissors handy too. Youtube is great for tutorials on putting on falsies if you are a newbie.

So in summary I like big hair, big lashes and high heels, what are your must haves for a night out? Comment below.

Bedtime Beauty Essentials

The low down on the products I apply to my skin just before I get my beauty sleep...

Whilst researching natural remedies for anti ageing an ingredient that kept popping up website after website was Rosehip Oil, the hype around this ingredient is pretty big with claims that this is the holy grail for slowing down the ageing process. There are lots of facial oils on the beauty market which contain Rosehip Oil so knowing which one to go for can be a little tricky, I decided on Rio Rosa Mosqueta Pure Chilean Rosehip Seed Oil after it was recommended to me by a friend. I love that this is 100% natural and suitable for all skin types. This oil is recommended for dry skin, sun damage, scars, stretch marks, crows feet, fine lines etc.. the list goes on, you can see why it is such a popular ingredient at the moment!

I use this as directed every evening, a little oil goes a long way so one pump is normally enough for my face and then I use any excess oil for my neck. I spend two to three minutes massaging this into my skin making sure the product is evenly covering my skin, next I use my Body Shop facial massager, I gently roll this over my face and down my neck. This helps to even out skin tone and improves the skins ability to absorb moisture. I have been doing this routine nightly for a month now and I am really starting to see results, my skin tone is looking a lot more even and the fine lines around my eye area are harder to see, I think that Rosehip Oil is definitely something that will be sticking around in my evening routine!

To follow up my facial oil I like to use a super hydrating night cream, recently I have been using the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream from The Body Shop, this is enriched with Wheatgerm Oil which is great for protecting the skin against pre-mature ageing as well as things like pollution and the environment, like the Rosehip Oil this is suitable for all skin types. The rich cream also contains Community Fair Trade Shea Butter which gives the night cream its thick texture. Again I follow this up with my facial massager to improve the skins circulation.

My skin in the morning looks plump, youthful and hydrated thanks to this darling duo! Have you tried either of these two yet? I'd love to know your current bedtime routine, feel free to leave me a comment below.

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Handbag Must Haves

The busy girls guide to on the go product necessities...

Preparation is key to always looking flawless, you never know where the day might take you and you have to be prepared for all eventualities, by that I mean rain or last minute drinks with the girls after work, I'm not talking survival kit here - just the beauty basics.

No product delivers a hair refresh quite like the Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, if your hair is anything like mine then after an eight hour stint at work it certainly is not looking quite its best, I say embrace the boho vibe - spritz in a little of this magic spray and work it in with your fingers, I promise this will bring your hair back to life, think volume, texture, that little something something that makes the boys heads turn. This feels super lightweight on the hair and delivers a perfect balance of bounce, definition and separation. It is also worth noting that this formula is free from silicones, parabens and sulphates. Next time you pop into your local Space NK treat your hair to a spritz of this.

Another product I cannot stop spritzing is The Body Shop's Fuji Green Tea Eau de Cologne, this fresh sexy summer scent is a recent launch so as you can imagine I have been dowsing myself in this daily for work, It is a classic sophisticated citrus fresh fragrance that is wearable for both day and night with notes of green tea, bergamot, lemon, mandarin and jasmine. The rest of the range is equally as exciting with body sorbets, scrubs and even bath tea - definitely worth checking out.

If I had to choose one product to carry with me at all times I would have to opt for a pressed translucent powder - it is hardly an exciting product choice but believe me it is an essential, my skin type is oily so in a bid to control excess oil I purchased the Rimmel stay matte powder, the formula is fine and very natural looking on the skin, I just stipple this onto my T zone to banish shine, I like to keep my cheeks powder free to keep that glowy radiant healthy looking sheen.

If you emptied the contents of my handbag out I can assure you that you would discover about ten different lip products, from balms, to scrubs to liners my bag is full of them, for the purposes of this post however I will only discuss my very bare essentials so I have whittled it down to three lip laquers and two lip liners. Without a doubt the best lip liners on the high street are the Rimmel Exaggerate Liners, these retractable creamy liners are perfect for creating a full dramatic look. My two favourite shades are East End Snob - a cool toned matte light pink and Addiction - a more neutral tones nude. Both shades are very wearable and compliment my skin tone nicely. If I want more of a colour pop I normally opt for a Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lip- these are very pigmented and have the finish of a satin liquid lipstick with incredible staying power. My all time favourite shade is Frambourjois - a rich deep raspberry hue with warm undertones, this is so flattering and works well with classic cat eye liner and lashings of mascara. Another Velvet Lip hue I have recently been loving is Peach Club - a warm apricot shade, this looks great with a dramatic smoky eye. For more of a day time look I like to use the Bourjois Aqua Laque in the shade Appechissant - a glossy neutral pink with an intense high shine. All three have a lovely easy to use applicator that is always loaded with product.

So there you have it - my beauty basics for busy girls on the go. Have you tired any of these must haves yet?

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

The New Glow Boosting Moisturiser

Dull, Tired or Grumpy Skin? The Body Shop's got it covered...

Recently my skin has been looking a little lack lustre, my current day cream was not quite delivering the glow I was after so I decided to try out this new launch from The Body Shop, unlike my current day cream which has a thick rich texture this one is of gel like consistency which is easily absorbed into the skin making it perfect for applying before putting on make up. Although lightweight this moisturiser really packs a punch in the hydration stakes, after applying this my skin feels refreshed and plump for the whole day.

The gel like moisturiser is infused with Vitamin C from the Camu Camu Berry which contains 60 times more Vitamin C than oranges, it helps skin cell renewal and regeneration revealing skin that looks healthy, younger and glowing, Vitamin C is also a very powerful antioxident which helps to fight free radicals. Other skin loving ingredients in this product are Aloe Vera - which is perfect for calming angry/sensitive skin down with its gentle soothing effect, and sesame oil which helps to hydrate the skin.

After a week of using this daily I can say I have already started to notice a difference in the apperance of my skin, it looks so much healthier and radiant. I would really recommend this for normal to oily skin types but for dry skin this might not be quite as hydrating as a creamy textured moisturiser.  Launched alongside this new beauty is the Vitamin C Glow Enhancer - a rosey tinted hydrating primer, cannot wait to try that out!

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

Finding a cleanser for sensitive skin that is gentle yet effective can often be tricky, but recently I have been using The Body Shop's Aloe Vera Calming Cleanser for sensitive skin, read on for the full review...

After trying out the Skincare Diagnostic Tool on The Body Shop's website I was recommended the Aloe Cleanser and Toner as my skin shows signs of irritation and sensitivity - i.e dryness, tightness, redness etc. The gentle formula ensures your make up is removed effectively without causing any irritation, the community fair trade Aloe Vera soothes the skin and helps to calm down any redness. This calming cleanser also contains sorbitol an ingredient which helps the skin to retain its moisture making it feel hydrated and supple.

How to use - First I use an eye make up remover like Bioderma just to remove stubborn waterproof mascara, then I gently apply the Aloe cleanser onto dry skin massaging it down my neck and on my face, next I use The Body Shop's super soft facial cleansing brush in round circular motions, the soft bristles buff the skin removing dirt, make up and impurities revealing fresh, soft, cleansed skin.

After cleansing I like to tone my skin, recently my skin has been slightly de-hydrated, probably becuase the central heating is playing havoc with my skins moisture levels, so I have been reaching for The Body Shop's Vitamin E Hydrating Toner, this helps to inject moisture into my skin at the same time as cooling and removing any final traces of dirt and cleanser. Like the rest of the Vitamin E range this is packed with Wheatgerm Oil, an ingreadiant that protects the skin agaisnt pre-mature aging and for all you big city gals out there - pollution.

If like me your skin is sensitive I definitely recommend giving the Aloe Calming Cleanser a try, if you like products like the Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion (£14.50) then you will love this, there is a whole range dedicated to sensitive skin types, the soothing aloe gel is next on my shopping list, have you tried anything from The Body Shop's Aloe Vera range?

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop, the opinions expressed are all my own and unless stated the products mentioned were purchased with my own money.

Coming Soon: Benefit's Roller Lash

Volume? Check. Length? Check. Curl? Check. Does Benefit's new Roller Lash Mascara really do it all?

After trying Benefit's They're Real Mascara a few months back I found the formula just wasn't for me, my natural lashes are long and often reluctant to curl so when I read that Benefit were launching a new mascara called Roller Lash I knew it was one I needed to try. Luckily Elle Magazine collaborated with Benefit and the March issue came with a lovely sample of the new release, I often find that I either love or hate mascaras so being able to get my hands on a sample is a great saving money exercise!

The packaging of this is beyond cute, clearly inspired by 50's hair rollers - the pink textured handle of the full size mascara allows the user to have a good grip on the wand as well as looking chic. Benefit are always on point with the design of their packaging. 

Now lets get down to the formula - It's lightweight, water resistant, and contains pro vitamin B5 and Serin which are known for their lash conditioning benefits, it really lifts the lashes and adds volume and the jet black shade is such a dramatic look. I find that using eyelash curlers before applying this mascara helps to curl to stay in place. The small easy to use 'hook n' roll' brush allows you to grab every lash giving you a wide awake look at the same time as setting a curve and separating the lashes.

The formula promises to keep your lashes curled for twelve hours, a bold statement that I just don't think the mascara itself lives up to but hardly a problem if like me you only need it to last the working day. A great beauty tip I did see was to apply this mascara and leave it to dry and then add a layer of Benefit's Lengthening They're Real Mascara on top to give it that false lash effect - this is perfect if your lashes are naturally short!

Will you be trying this when it launches? 

Current Loves - The First Edition

The products that have been tickling my fancy so far this January with a book thrown in for good measure... 

Last year I featured a 'current favourites series' on my blog for a few months where I wrote about products, clothes, food etc. that I had been loving at the time, a monthly favourites type of thing just not necessarily at the end of each month, this year I hope to make this type of favourites posts a regular feature on my blog, I love reading what other peoples favourite items are so here are mine...

First up is an old favourite just in a lovely new bottle as I had run out of my first one, Chanel's Chance Eau Fraiche is such a gorgeous scent, it's light, fresh and feminine without being overpowering. Next up is The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector, this is a must have in the winter months for me, the cold weather can really take its toll on my skin and nothing comes to the rescue better than this rich hand cream. Packed with Community Fair Trade Hemp Seed Oil this hand cream is super heavy duty, it even heals cracked sore skin so definitely one I recommend if you are outdoors a lot.

Another Body Shop favourite is the Camomile Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover, this oil and water combination is perfect for removing stubborn mascara and matt lipstick, I just shake the bottle to activate to formula and apply to the skin using a cotton pad, it lifts away make up effortlessly without having to spend ages tugging away at the lashes.

Soap and Glory's Calm One, Calm All Bubble Bath has been keeping my baths nice and relaxing with subtle girly aroma and moisturising bubbles, the formula is enriched with lemon balm and mallow extracts meaning if your feeling super lazy you can skip the moisturiser and fall straight into bed, which is what you will want to do after using this - this stuff is seriously relaxing!

My final favourite is one I literally struggle to put down, Lena Dunham's Not That Kinda Girl is such a hilariously honest account of Lena's journey into becoming a woman, she is so relatable, as a reader you feel as though she is willing to share anything with you no matter how dark or embarrassing that might be, I especially loved her food diary entries. Definitely recommend checking this book out if you're a Girls fan.

So that's my most recently loved products so far this year, what are some of yours? Leave your blog links below.

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Spring Hair Boutique - Salon Review

 

After seeing Spring Hair Boutique launch late last year I knew I had to pay the salon a visit to get my hair re-ombred as the colour had faded since my last trip to the hairdressers... 

 

I love going to the hairdressers, there is something so nice about leaving with a fresh new look and that salon style blow dry that is impossible to re-create at home. Salon owner Claire has created a stylish boutique vibe in her quaint salon situated in Tarring, Worthing. I love the way she has designed the space, it has a real rustic feel to it with its handmade shelving and hanging flowers in the window. 

 

My stylist Holly wanted to use a Balayage board to colour my hair which created a natural melt/fade as opposed to a prominent line where the colour changes, she used Schwarzkopf colour which left my hair in lovely condition, she also gave my hair a miracle oil conditioning treatment and head massage which felt very relaxing. After my colour was rinsed she gave my hair a much needed trim and added in some layers to give it more body and movement.

 

I really enjoyed my experience at Spring Boutique and my hair looks in such good condition considering it was bleached and coloured. I was treated to a professional blow dry which left my hair feeling bouncy and created lots of volume, I will definitely be going back next time I need my hair doing for a night out! 

 

Spring Hair Boutique - 37 New Broadway, Tarring Road, Worthing. 01903 423123.

Check out the salon's facebook page here!

 

Bath Time Essentials

My must have products for the ultimate bath time experience...

When it comes to it nothing is quite as relaxing as a hot bath especially one filled with fragrant luxurious bubbles, I love the Lush bubble bars as they not only fill the bath with a mountain of bubbles but they leave the skin feeling super soft and moisturised afterwards. Two new bubble bars I have been trying are from the Lush Christmas collection, first up is Holy Golightly - shaped like a Christmas pudding and covered in silver glitter this is perfect for a festive pamper evening, this bubble bar is packed with spicy Christmas scents like clove leaf oil, cinnamon leaf oil and sweet orange oil. Another Lush bar I love is Candy Mountain, this sweet bath treat is packed with comforting vanilla scent and turns the bath water a beautiful shade of pink. 

The Body Shop's Honeymania Bubble Bath Melt is also another bath time favourite, the perfect mixture of honey and wildflower give this bath melt a gorgeous fragrance, the creamy bubbles leave a rich layer of moisture on the skin. My final bath time must have is The Body Shop's Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub, this stuff smells incredible and the seed like texture lifts away dead skin helping to improve the body's circulation.

What are your favourite bathtime products? Have you tried anthing from the Lush Christmas range yet?

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, this is no way effects my opinion.

The Skincare Series: Part Two

I've talked cleanser, make-up remover and toner but now it is time to find out what products I like to use on a daily basis to keep my skin hydrated...

After using my L'Oreal Velvety Soft Toner I like to prepare my skin for moisturiser by using a serum, my current go to is Hydraluron from Indeed Labs, this contains a pure form of hyaluronic acid - an incredibly moisturising ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water which helps to keep skin feeling hydrated and plumped.

To prepare my eyes for moisturiser I like to use The Body Shop's Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate, like Hydraluron this helps keep the skin plump and youthful, it also helps to reduce fine line and eye bags. I love the cooling sensation of the metal roller ball - this is perfect for waking yourself up in the early winter mornings. The active ingredient is Elderweiss - a plant stem cell proven to help with the skins renewal properties.

After my serums have had time to sink in and work their magic I like to apply my moisturiser, the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, again by The Body Shop, is perfect for my combination skin type, this lightweight sorbet texture sinks into the skin very quickly so there's no waiting around to apply my foundation, it is enriched with wheatgerm oil so keeps my skin hydrated all day. For my eyes I have been using the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff. The formula is enriched with coffee bean, ginseng, magnolia extract and natural optic brighteners, these ingredients help to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

Next week I'll be discussing skin treatments and skin saviors so stay tuned.....

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

New Brushes - The Edit

After purchasing my Core Collection set from Real Techniques a while ago I haven't really felt the need to acquire any more make up brushes - but with new releases and collections coming out I thought I ought to treat myself, and my make up, to a few shiny new brushes. Here is what I chose...

First up is the Real Techniques Blush Brush, the tapered head of this makes for a flawless application, I have actually been loving this for contouring - paired with my Body Shop Honey Bronzer, the brush is the perfect size for giving the illusion of cheekbones and giving my face a subtle glow. Another pick from Real Techniques is the Angled Foundation Brush - again I don't use this brush quite as intended, nothing quite beats the Sigma F80 for buffing in my base, this angled brush however is great for under eye concealer, the bristles are nice and compact which lets you build the coverage you need for a high definition result.

Lastly I purchased the Models Own Five Piece Brush Collection which includes brushes for powder and lipstick and three brushes perfect for eyeshadow application - one for shading, one for blending an an angled brush perfect for liquid liner. This set is great for traveling as the bright neon handles are short making them easy to transport. The stand out brush from this set would definitely have to be the powder brush - I like to use this with my M.A.C Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish Powder to highlight the tops of my cheekbones and down the centre of my face.

I am also currently testing out some brushes I recently purchased on Amazon so will update you with a review on those soon so keep an eye out for that one, let's just say the set was a real bargain!

The Skincare Series: Part One

When it comes to my skincare routine I think I have finally got it just right, all that experimenting has paid off and now I am left with a selection of products that suit my skin and a routine that works well, here is what I use to cleanse and tone...

Cleansers come in so many different formulas - creams, balms, foaming washes etc but nothing takes my make-up off better than an oil cleanser, the oil breaks down dirt and make-up like nothing else out there, my current cleanser is The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, this is super gentle and melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft. I massage this into dry skin and then add water so the oil emulsifies, next I take a clean muslin cloth and soak it in warm water, ring out excess liquid and then use to take the cleanser off - make-up and dirt literally melts away to reveal a squeaky clean face.

If I have a little more make-up on than the usual everyday face like a smoky eye or a heavy lip then I like to use something slightly more heavy duty like the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, this on a cotton pad makes removing a smoky eye effortless - again the formula is great for sensitive eyes as its incredibly gentle and soothing.

To prepare my skin for moisturiser I have been using the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Velvety Soft Toner - this is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is infused with skin softening actives which leave skin feeling clean and smooth, I like to apply this day and night after my cleansing routine to help improve my skins texture, this is also alcohol free so doesn't cause dryness or discomfort.

The next step is to hydrate and moisturise, stay tuned for part two...

DISCLAIMER: Although I work for The Body Shop, my opinions are all my own. 

Colour Crush Nail Polish by The Body Shop

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, my views and opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

The Body Shop's new nail polish collection has landed - details below...

When I first found out the The Body Shop were planning to release a nail polish collection I was pretty excited, I am forever painting my nails and can never say no to the idea of a shiny new lacquer lining my bathroom cupboard. The range is packed with some seriously stunning colours, one my favourites being Mint Cream, this shade is super pretty and looks great with tribal jewellery. Meet Me At Dusk is also a favourite, its a gorgeous vintage pink that is a great transitional summer to autumn shade.

Most of these shades require just two coats for a super glossy opaque finish, they are also very long lasting especially if you apply the top coat over your desired colour - this adds extra shine too for that salon style glass like appearance. Application wise the brush is somewhere between an Essie brush and a Barry M brush so if your not a fan of a super wide brush or a very thin brush then you will love these.

What shades have you picked up from the new collection?

Skin Prep - The Edit

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion

Once a week I like to treat my skin to a good scrub, exfoliating helps to improve circulation and remove dead skin cells as well as the remnants of the weeks fake tan, here are a few of my favourite products I use to prep my skin...

Pulp Friction by Soap and Glory is an in the shower exfoliator, it is incredibly foamy so lathers up really well, this is packed with fruity ingredients like frozen yuzu, orange oil, green fig and jungle pomelo essence which combine to give a gorgeous zesty fragrance, it also contains peppermint oil and lemonade tree liquid which give a fresh feel, I like to use this with exfoliating gloves to get the most out of the product. After applying this to damp skin I rinse off to reveal baby soft tan free limbs!

Another Soap and Glory product I like to treat my skin to is the Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub, now the smell of this is literally good enough to eat, the ingredients list which contains a combination of oats, shea butter, sugar, bananas, almond and honey extracts sounds like a recipe for a cake, and all combined give this scrub a heavenly maple syrup scent. The sugar gives the scrub an abrasive texture which gently lifts away dead skin cells, like Pulp Friction I use this scrub in the shower on wet skin and scoop the product out of the tub and apply in circular motions and then rinse.

After all that exfoliating my skin is in need of a little hydration, lately I have been loving The Body Shop's Wild Argan Oil range, the body butter provides 24 hour hydration so is perfect for applying before bedtime, the texture is rich and the smell is luxurious. I apply this all over the body paying particular attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.

What is your skin prep routine? I would love to know your go to products.

Current Make Up Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The products that have made the cut into my everyday routine, The brief? - fresh faced long lasting foundation, a golden glow and a touch of shimmer, the products used? read on...

As the weather has taken an autumnal turn the need for a super lightweight base is no more, and when it comes to foundations offering that little bit of extra coverage no one does it quite like Vichy, their Dermablend foundation is medium to full coverage and gives a slightly velvety finish without being too matte, a little also goes an incredibly long way so less is definitely more when applying.

For contouring I have been using a combination of my two favourite bronzers, the first is one of my most loved make up products - Nars Laguna, this just gives a very natural looking contour without looking muddy or too warm, I like to use my Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply this into the hollows of my cheeks and my temples etc, after I like to use a Kabuki brush to apply another matte bronzer - The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer in 03, the combination of the two create a subtle warmth to the skin and give that much needed definition of the cheekbone area.

The shimmer mentioned in the brief? Well look no further than The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes, incredibly pigmented and bursting with shimmer these little squares of pure beauty goodness are perfect for creating all number of eye looks whether you want a light natural wash of colour on the lids or you want to go for a full on dramatic smoky eye. I have the Spring Bronze quad, this is packed with warm earthy tones that are very flattering.

To keep things in place and lasting all day I like to use a setting spray, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist is perfect for adding a little moisture as well as holding your make up in place - perfect if you have gone a tad overboard on the powder front and need to get things looking a little less cakey. This lightweight spray contains rosewater and is very refreshing, it is great for carry round in your handbag for on the go touch ups.

Let me know if you have tried any of these in the comments below:)

Mini Lush Haul

There is nothing quite like a Lush bath bomb at the end of a long day, here is what I picked up on a recent venture into Lush...

I love Lush products, their Karma scent is one of my all time favourite fragrances and the solid perfume stick is super long lasting, another favourite of mine is the Big Salt Shampoo - the most amazing shampoo if your looking for a voluminous beachy style. On my last trip I picked up two of the Bath Bombs, the first one was Butterball, this smells incredible, literally good enough to eat... I didn't, don't worry. This is perfect for dry skin as it contains some super moisturising ingredients like cocoa butter which soothes and softens the skin, it also contains ylang ylang which adds a sweet floral aroma to the bath water. Although this bath bomb didn't give my bath water a spectacular colour it really did leave my skin feeling wonderfully soft.

The other bath bomb I picked up was Honey Bee. Unlike Butterball this one did turn my bath water a gorgeous yellow hue as well as producing a few bubbles. The three main ingredients in this are Rhassoul Mud - a clay mud that cleanses and softens the skin, Honey which hydrates the skin and gives the bath bomb its lovely scent, and Aloe Vera which soothes the skin. It also contains Sweet Wild Orange Oil which adds to the refreshing fragrance.

What are some of your Lush must haves? Next time you pop into Lush be sure to purchase the Charity Hand and Body Lotion!

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this is no way effects my opinion.

See what my favourites are from The Body Shop's new Wild Argan Oil Range...

Argan Oil is an ingredient that I have been familiar with for a while now, the essential oil's moisturising properties mean that using a hair oil has become a staple in many girls hair routines. So I was rather excited when I heard that The Body Shop were bringing out a body care range packed with new exciting products. The Organic Community Fair Trade Argan Oil comes all the way from the remote Atlas Mountains of Morocco where the nuts are hand picked, hand cracked and slowly pressed to get the purest oil. The Body Shop's trade is helping provide women from six Targanine Co-operatives with a regular income.

My favourites from the range include the Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath -  a wonderfully fragrant bath must have that creates rich, indulgent bubbles. This leaves skin feeling supple and moisturised. For super dry skin in need of a little extra hydrating boost I like to use the Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil, this multi-purpose product can be used on hair and body. I love applying this to the ends of my hair as a finishing styling product to tame flyaway hair and improve the hairs texture if it is looking a little dry. This solid oil is 70% oil so is incredibly moisturising - it is perfect for especially dry areas like heels, elbows and knees.

Have you tried anything from the Wild Argan Range?

An Introduction to Tropic Skincare

Vegan, natural and cruelty free skincare made with pure plant extracts, say hello to Tropic Skincare...

If you are on the hunt for a skincare range that is natural and cruelty free then Tropic skincare could be for you, Tropic's products are certified by the Humane Cosmetics Standard and are listed on the 'Go Cruelty Free' website. The products can be purchased online or through a Tropic representative.

I recently tried out a few products from the skincare range, all of which are suitable for all skin types and are made with natural ingredients. The Smoothing Cleanser is perfect for removing make up, even waterproof mascara, it is enriched with pure plant extracts as well as Green Tea and Eucalyptus which clarify and brighten the skins complexion, I used this with a muslin cloth to buff and polish the product into the skin. The Vitamin Toner is a refreshing spray toner that is packed with skin loving antioxidants that help to detoxify the skin, it also contains cucumber which has a lovely cooling effect.

Another product I sampled was the Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream, again this product is full of ingredients that help to make skin radiant and moisturised such as shea butter, vitamin E, and rosehip. This product also claims to smooth fine lines and improve the skins elasticity so would be perfect for skin that is showing signs of aging. The last product I tested was the Face Smooth Polish, this twice weekly exfoliator contains acai berries and alpha hydroxy acids which help to stimulate skin renewal and brighten the complexion, this gentle exfoliator is a perfect skin treat after a day wearing a full face of make up.

Have you tried Tropic Skincare yet?

The Nourishing Duo

After colouring my hair I knew I needed a shampoo and conditioner duo that was man enough for the job, nothing has compared to Garnier's Ultimate Blends Nourishing Repairer shampoo and conditioner...

I decided to go a little lighter with my hair recently so after a trip to the salon and a little bleach later I had a new do'. As nice as having your hair coloured is, it can often leave your hair feeling a little battered. Garnier's Ultimate Blends Shampoo and Conditioner with European avocado oil and African shea butter are specially formulated for dry and damaged hair. The duo leave hair feeling instantly smooth and soft and the lightweight conditioner means you are left with bouncy voloumous hair.

After using these for a few weeks the results are really starting to show, my hair is starting to feel restored from root to tip and is looking and feeling a lot more healthy, as well as being easier to brush! There is also a one minute treatment in the range which I am looking forward to trying out.

Have you tried these yet? What are your favourite products to use for damaged hair?