Review - The Body Shop - Cocoa Body Butter

I said in my August Favourites that I would do a review of this product, so here it is. It’s late, but I have been very busy lately with college and being ill, but I’m back now.

As I’m sure everybody and their dog knows, the Body Shop has a wide range of body butters with new scents being released quite regularly.

It was a while ago now, but the Body Shop had an half price offer on all of their body butters, so I knew I had to buy one and after smelling all of them I decided on the cocoa butter one as I liked the smell and my skin tends to get dry and I know that cocoa butter is good for dry skin.

The packaging is amazing as it is really sturdy when I went on holiday earlier in the year, I put this loose in the suitcase for both the journey there and back and there is absolutely no damage at all!

This is rich in cocoa and Shea butter, so it’s very hydrating on the skin.

When I was holiday, I got sunburn on my shoulders, so I put this on and it worked perfectly as an after sun with the sun burn not hurting or feeling sore at all and the next day the redness had already started to fade into a tan, which was great!

I have however seen a lot of people say that it has been greasy on their skin if they didn’t really need to apply it, but you can use as much or as a little as you need to, so if you don’t really need any body butter, but would still like to apply some then use a smaller amount.

Another problem that I’ve seen a few people have is that it has been watery, mine is nowhere near watery, even after having not used it for a while, it does not go watery, however when I was in the store, I did open a tub that was watery, so I just put it back checked another tub and it wasn’t watery, so always check if you’re buying them in store. You won’t need to touch it, just by looking you’ll be able to tell if it’s watery or not.

Have you tried any, body butters by the Body Shop? Which is your favourite?

Maybelline Baby Lips Review

left to right: Intense care, mint fresh, peach kiss,pink punch, cherry me and hydrate

Nobody understands how happy this makes me. I have wanted these since I was seeing reviews about them from Americans, as these have been out for about a year over in the states. When I saw on the boots website that they were going to start stocking these I didn't know what to do with myself; I was over the moon.

A couple of days after they had been released I went to boots only to find out that the store hadn't had any yet and I was gutted, so when I got home I got straight on the website and saw that there was an offer on for 3 for 2, so I thought that I'd be stupid to not get all six. 

Now to the important bit.

The six different types are: Intense care, mint fresh, peach kiss, pink punch, cherry me and hydrate. Three out of the six have no colour and three do have a tint of colour; pink punch and cherry me are well pigmented and they provide a good colour considering that they are only a lip balm.

I haven't had these for very long, but when I did get them my lips were in a pretty bad way, as they were very dry and chapped and after about a day of wearing one of these my lips healed and felt soft and smooth.

Scent wise these all smell amazing. 

Mint fresh: (green packaging purple writing) smells extremely minty and the rest smell fruity

 Cherry me: (Orange packaging, hot pink writing) smells like cherries.

Pink punch: (pink packaging, yellow writing) smells like pineapples 

I can't quite put my finger on the other three, but they all smell amazing!

These are good lip balm to invest in, as they are cheap with a retailing price at boots for £2.99 which I think is amazing! The packaging is also sturdy, as there is no chance that the lid will come off if you want to keep this loose in your bag there is no chance that the lid will fall off as it clicks into place.

Yay:

Cheap - £2.99

Nice smelling

Nice variation of colours

Sturdy packaging 

Softens and smooths lips in a couple of hours

Nay:

The fact that it took so long for them to come out in the UK

Overall:

Brand: Maybelline

Product: Baby Lips

Type: All

Price: £2.99

Where to buy: Boots or Superdrug

Packaging quality: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5

Recommend?: 100% This lip balm is my new favourite, it does such a good job at repairing lips, it's seriously amazing! As soon as you apply it, it feels moisturizing and it leaves lips feeling soft and smooth

Grade: A+

Lush: Cupcake Fresh Face Mask Review

Sometime a while ago I picked up a face mask from Lush called Cupcake. This might sound strange to some, but I have never used a face mask before; never. This is mainly due to the fact that I have sensitive skin and I didn't want to use something which would give me a rash across my face, but in lush the face masks are hand made, fresh and preservative-free. As they are preservative-free this means that they last about three weeks which I don't think is that bad, as I have used it about twice a week for two weeks and it is about half empty, so it will last.

Cupcake was created for 'younger skins', and it claims to:

• nourish
• soften
• tone
• moisturize
• absorb grease
•  and give a deep cleanse 

I use the mask on a dry face and work all over the skin avoiding the eyes and mouth (of course.) At first I wasn't sure on how much to use and didn't use a lot, but I learnt that you need a good amount for the face mask to actually do it's job properly. It's advised to leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and the mask will harden and tighten rather quickly to which I'm not a fan of to be honest, but it's bearable. 

This is a face mask designed for oily skin, but to be honest I don't have oily skin, as I'm not prone to breakouts and I've never had acne; I'd say that my skin type is dry. With saying that I feel like this face mask still worked wonders even though on the parts of my skin that are more dry it would often feel very tight even once the mask is off, so I'd put some vitamin E cream on them parts and it's job done. This face mask also has helped to reduce the redness that I have in my cheeks which is amazing, as it really did tone it down a lot and I really struggle to reduce the redness.

The texture of the mask is quite thick, but I think that it's quite hard to spread, as it will go patchy and you will need to make sure that all the skin is well covered. As for the scent... it's not the best and when my brother smelt it straight from the pot he nearly passed out (may sound dramatic, but it's true,) as the smell is really strong and is nothing like chocolate unless that chocolate is couple of years out of date.

Yay:

Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth

Helps to clean out pores

Reduces redness

Not to messy when taking off

Refreshing

Not very expensive - (£5.95)

Nay:

The smell

It can be difficult to spread because of the texture

Has to be used within three weeks

Probably won't become essential to your routine, as it is not a staple or a must have and is just a nice

Not brilliant for dry skin

Overall:

Brand: Lush

Product: Fresh face mask

Type: Cupcake

Price: £5.95

Where to buy: Lush

Package quality:  4.5 (Mines gone sticky)

Overall rating: (out of five) 4.5, if my skin was oily then a five, but it's not, so four haha

Recommend?: I would recommend this to anyone who has oily skin or to anyone who has a natural redness to their face.

Grade: A 

Barry M Wink black eyeliner pen

Would you be surprised if I told you that I've never tried any Barry M product other than their nail varnish?

When my previous eyeliner had ran out, I knew I didn't want to repurchase the same one and then this one really caught my eye; with the bright purple packaging with black detailing, I really like it! It gives off an 80's vibe which I love!

The tip isn't very sturdy, but it isn't that weak so you can't use it, I can work with it just fine to create a small line close to my lashes.Plus the application is easy with only one coat needed for an opaque colour to build up, as it is well pigmented.

It does however doesn't stay opaque for long, as it does fade if not re-applied during the day and it does also move to the eyelid after time as well. I found that for the first couple of times, it didn't do that, but now that I've been using it for about a week the quality has gone down immensely

(I'm pale)

I won't be re-purchasing this, as it's not worth it. It fades easily and quickly and will also transfer to the upper lid, however it is quite cheap, as it retails for £4.59, so that isn't bad.

Yay:

Does it's job 

Easy to apply

Cheap

Well pigmented 

Nice packaging

Nay:

Will fade after a while

Transferred to my upper eye lids

The tip isn't as sturdy as it should be

Smudges easily

Fades after a couple of hours

Overall:

Brand: Barry M

Product: Wink black eyeliner pen

Price: £4.59

Where to buy: Superdrug, boots or anywhere that stocks Barry M

Package quality: 5/5

Overall rating: 3/5

Recommend: No. It's not worth it. The quality will decrease quickly and it will smudge and fade. This eyeliner however this eyeliner will get you from a to b, I would not recommend that you should go out to buy this specific item

                                      

May Favourites!

Pinch punch, it's the first of the month!

I can't believe it's time for my May Favourites already! This year is going by too quick! When I thought of what products to include in my favourites these products were the first ones that sprung to mind.

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Very Volume Supreme Hold Hairspray

I have a love hate relationship with hairspray, as I can never find one that I love and that I'd be willing to stick to, as hairspray either: won't hold my hair; make my hair look and feel like cardboard or make my hair look greasy and dirty. This one however has done none of those things! This keeps my hair in place without making it look like it has a lot of hairspray in, however if too much is sprayed then it will turn you hair to cardboard (not literally.) I have now found my hairspray love and I will definitely be repurchasing one I have ran out.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This brush is my absolute favourite! I love how to the brush can stand up on it's on own and has a big sturdy, yet light handle. The quality of the bristles are so good, especially for a high street brand. Whilst I've been using this brush I've been able to use a lot less foundation, as it spreads out evenly. This brush is around the £10 mark, but the brush will last and it is such good quality.

Maxfactor facefinity All Day Flawless Foundation

I've used this foundation twice now and that may not seem like long enough to get to love the product, but after going from such a bad quality foundation to this one, I'm not surprised I love it so much! With my old foundation you would need at least two or three pumps to get a full coverage, but with this one only one is needed and it goes a long way! It provides a good coverage and doesn't feel cakey on the skin. This foundation however is matte, so if you have dry skin (like myself) then you will either need to moisturize before using this or use a vitamin E cream which I use and then it's not possible to see the dryer patches.

Essie: Turquoise & Caicos

 The colour for this is such a close match to 'Tiffany blue' it's crazy! The drying process for this polish takes about 3-5 minutes which I don't think is bad, as I have had polishes before that take about 7-9 minutes to dry. I've heard a lot of reviews saying that this polish is very watery, but I don't think it is at all with only one coat it was a pale turquoise, but already very opaque and could be worn like that and then with the second coat the colour is perfect and doesn't need another. 

Beauty Haul

Hello lovelies!

The past week I have been shopping quite a lot this week in which I have pretty much made myself bankrupt; mostly because Superdrug have a 3 for 2 offer on which I just can't resist! I may also do a separate post of what clothes I bought, so I can keep all of the beauty items in this post. I would alos like to say that I didn't buy all of these in just one trip.

Essie: Turquoise & caicos

This colour is so pretty! Don't ask my what caicos is or how to pronounce it though, apparently it's an island... I'm not to sure.This is actually my first Essie polish and I'm so excited to try it! The colour is like a seafoam green pastel/ turquoise and at the moment turquoise is one of my favourite colours! This cost £7.99S

Bourjois: Delice de Pordre Peaux claires medianes 51 

Trying to type the name was a bit of the challenge.I have heard so people rave about this bronzer that I had to go and get one for myself, this will be my first bronzer. The packaging also seems amazing as it closes with a magnet and seems to be really sturdy. I'm excited to try it! This cost £6.99 which I don't think is too bad.

  Sleek: Divine Eye Shadow Au Naturel

I've been after a good naturals palette for a while now and I couldn't decide whether to buy this one or the Soap and Glory one and I was all set to get the Soap and Glory until I went into boots and they didn't have any of What's Nude left, so I decided to get this one and plus this one is cheaper, as it costs £7.99, and has a wider variety of colours, with four shimmers and eight mattes. I do apologize for the second picture as I had to try really hard to try and not get myself in it, as when I was taking this it wasn't long after I had woken up.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I've wanted this brush for a while now, but the price has always put me off as I think that £10 is quite expensive for a makeup brush, but I took the plunge and decided to buy it. I use a liquid foundation and this brush is specifically for cream or liquid foundation. The brush handle is easy to hold and the brush feels gentle and soft. I think I may be in love with a make up brush...

Katy Perry Lashes for Eyelure - Cool Kity

If you have seen my beauty wishlist you will know that these were on there. These are my first false eye lashes and I will be wearing or attempting to wear them for prom depending on how well I can apply them, but I've heard that they are easy to apply and they have a good amount of instructions all over the back of the packaging, I'll give it a go and we'll see what happens! These cost £5.95 and I don't have any complaints about that.

Rimmel London 5 in 1 Nail Care

This is another product that I featured on my beauty wishlist. I have tried this product a couple of times and I can see a difference already! Whilst using this my nails are also growing quite quickly as well! I love the brush, as I think the polish applies well and as it is also a base coat and a top coat it makes my nails look shiny, so I think when used over a colour it will really make the colour shine. I think this product is worth the money as it only cost £4.59

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I also hear good reviews about these, so I thought that I would try them for myself (They fact that they were on 2 for £10 at Superdrug also helped me to get them, haha) One thing that I can't seem to stick to is Shampoos and Conditioners, I will rave about them and love them, but then as time goes on I get bored and want to try something new, so in came these. I also love the packaging, as I think that it's different and cute. I've also smelled this and the smell is amazing!

Revlon Lip Butter - Sweet Tart

I have worn this and I was won over by how hydrated my lips felt and how it made my lips look healthy. The colour is a bright bubblehum pink, but can be toned down for a more subtle summer/spring look. This colour also adds a perfect finishing touch to anything fun and girly. This is my second lip butter, as I also have Candy Apple and neither of them have disappointed. 

Maxfactor facefinity All Day Flawless Foundation

I've been after a foundation for a while since the one that I had didn't suit my skin tone and was slightly orange.I would swatch this, but it was expensive and I don't want to waste it, as I took these quite a while after I had originally done my makeup. I have the shade 'Warm Almond' and it is perfect for my skin tone, it is not to pale and looks very natural. The foundation is long lasting, as it has lasted all day and not worn off, smudged or gone patchy. The only downside is that it is very expensive, as it retails at £11.99

Maybelline NY Dream Fresh BB Cream Review

Hello lovelies!

Today I will be sharing my opinion on the Maybelline NY Dream Fresh BB Cream (wow, that's a mouthful.) I got this quite a while ago and tried it once and wasn't really a fan, so I just put it away and never looked at it again. Until I was sorting through my makeup bag and decided to test it again and this is how I feel about it.

The product claims to have eight benefits in one, and those benefits are:

                                                       Creates a natural glow

Compliments skin-tone

SPF 30 UV protection

Hydrates all day

Blurs imperfections

Oil free, non-greasy

Looks visibly smooth

Feels fresh

The reason why I didn't like this product at first is because the coverage isn't great and I have natural red cheeks that I like to cover up and this isn't great for that. This product however is good if you want to achieve a natural look as it does create a 'natural glow', so I think that this product will look fabulous in summer when you don't want to go out with a full face of foundation, as this BB cream feels light and fresh and creates a dewy effect.

I don't think I will wear this a lot as it's staying power isn't good and only lasted half a day which is not helpful, I've tried to love this product, but I just can't. I know a few people are in love with this and swear by it, but I just can't. Mainly because of the coverage I like a happy medium coverage and this to light with a ridiculous staying time.

On a note that has nothing to do with the quality of the product, I'm in love with the packaging I think it's really cute and girly where as other packaging can be quite plain I'm in love with this and how the top bit changes by what tone of colour you have bought (I've got light.)

I will not be repurchasing this product as it also broke me out and not to sound vain, but I hardly get spots, I know people who do and suffer with them, but I've always been lucky and not got them, so after about three days of wearing the product I got a couple of spots to which I'm not happy about.

I will not be re-purchasing this product, as I am really not happy with the fact that it broke me out.

(When I was taking the pictures I may have got a bit to much out and I know that I haven't rubbed it in completely)

Review: Lush Golden Wonder

Once upon five months ago, I got a bath bomb for Christmas from Lush: The Golden Wonder. I used this when I got back from Alton Towers, as I was freezing and could do with a good bath. 

This bath bomb smells amazing with notes of sweet orange and lime which really does create a lovely fruity aroma. I've seen that this product always get's rave reviews by others and compared to other bath bombs it is quite cheap. 

 (All pictures have been taken with my iPhone, so sorry for bad quality)

This bath bomb is huge, so moving it can be a little tricky as it is also covered in gold glitter which looks pretty, but it get's all over your hands when you pick it up. This bath bomb also quickly starts to fizz and burst into action with colours of blue, yellow and orange and then finally turns a pretty blue/ turquoise colour.

I think that if I didn't wait five months until using the product it would of been much better, don't get me wrong I still loved it. I did however notice that mine didn't have the little stars in, and again I think that might be because I purchased this in December and have only just got around to using it. 

A massive positive about this product though is that the beautiful colour, didn't stain or make any mess in the bath what so ever, once the water had been drained the bath was still white with not a single colored mark!

This product is only available at Christmas time and just writing this review is making me very excited for Christmas, as I will definitely be getting another one!

Review | Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I have posted, but my laptop had to go in for repairs and I accidentally left the memory card to my camera in it, so I have not been able to go near the internet for a couple of days now and I also haven't been shopping for a while now, in fact I can't remember what the last thing I brought was, but I have been using this shampoo and conditioner for a while now and I've been loving it. I bleach my hair every five/six weeks and I know that that's not ideal. From using my other shampoo and conditioner my hair would always feel dry and quite ratty (if that's an appropriate word), but ever since I bough these it feels and looks a lot better!

The smell is just beautiful, it's described as orchid and coconut extracts, if they made a perfume smelling like this I would probably buy about five bottles, no exaggeration. When the hair is dry it still smells like it, but it's not as strong and can barely be smelt.

By using these my hair has been left smooth, shiny, healthy and soft which is something that I've been after for a while, I literally can't find anything wrong with this and it was so cheap as well, especially since I got them on offer as well, I can't remember what the offer was, but it must of been cheap, but this product is cheap without it being on offer!

Check them out here!

The Body Shop || Vitamin E Moisture Cream

A couple of days ago, I noticed that my skin was starting to dry out... and I had no cream to sort it out with. I did my research and found out that I needed a good Vitamin E moisturizer, so the first place that I looked was the body shop, as I know they have a range of Vitamin E products. I had a browse through the products on the website and found what I wanted, it cost £4 for 15ml or £11 for 50ml, so my first reaction was to go for the smaller version just to test it out, as my face doesn't like a lot of products on it because I have sensitive especially on my face.

When I actually went into the store, they didn't have the 15ml size, so I got my brother to ask the woman behind the counter and she said that they don't do a 15ml size... Even though I know I have seen a 15ml one on the website, so she started going on about how they must stock more items on the website or something. I went back and had a look at all the products again and decided on getting the Vitamin E moisture cream for all skin types for £10, it may only be a £1 knocked off, but a £1 is a £1.

This is an absolute life saver... I bought it this morning and applied it as soon as I got home and my dry skin has practically no more! It's about 95% clear already! It's not greasy at all and you don't need to use that much, I put a little bit on my finger and do that about 5 times and that's it! The cream it's self is a pale pink colour and has a nice smell to it, the smell is nothing special, but it could be worse. It is a little pricey, but it's totally worth it! It also quickly absorbs, so it is great for quick application and lasts all day, it's also left my skin all healthy looking and feeling soft. I would definitely recommend this product as it has become an instant favourite for me and I'm sure that it will last a long time.

Product Review: Hairspray

This Christmas, my brother bought me a Tresemme set, which came with a small bottle of shampoo and conditioner, a hairbrush and a small bottle of hairspray.

I haven't used the shampoo or conditioner yet, nor have I used the brush, but I have used the hairspray! To be honest... it's not great. It was alright, but it wasn't brilliant. On the bottle it says 24 hour control and I only got a good 2-3 hours from it. A plus side is though that it doesn't make your hair look greasy or make your hair go like cardboard, which my other hairspray does.

Overall, I don't know if I like the product enough to recommend. I for one, won't be rushing out to get a bigger bottle.

♥