New In Beauty | October 2017

As I mentioned in Monday’s post whilst things have been quiet on these pages I have been behind the scenes putting some new and old products through their paces and two old favourites are Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser in Aloe Sooth* and The Breath Co Toothpaste. 

The former is the perfect for lazy girls like me those in a hurry who don’t enjoy the laborious process of applying body lotion but still want to feel the effects of using one. I can leap from the shower, running late for me train and still find time to literally ‘spray & go’. Whilst I can forgive a sticky body lotion if I have time on my hands or indeed am simply climbing into bed, when I’m pulling on a pair of tights I do not want a battle on my hands so I’m grateful that Vaseline Aloe Fresh is not sticky at all and does dry quickly without making skin feel drying. Again often spray bottles struggle when manipulated, or just simply upside down but again, I have no battles on my hands and whenever I use this bottle I question why I bother with anything else. 
Recently I decided it was wholly unnecessary to have numerous small tubes of toothpaste sitting in my travel sized stash so decided to use those I had up (leaving one to be used and replaced as needed). I wish I could not appear so sad to ‘miss’ a toothpaste but I did notice the absence of The Breath Co. Toothpaste which I have used and repurchased many times since I was first introduced to it. £9 is ridiculously extortionate and I always look out for it when it is on offer and at a reduced price because love can only go so far. 
I’m a big fan of citrus scents but sadly in the form of Aqua Citra Perfume* it wasn’t for me. This is not through fault of the perfume itself, I’m neither a fan of Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin as I prefer something a little more woody, musky and even manly. If you are fan of this type of scent then I’m sure will like this as did a friend who was able to benefit from my passing over this fragrance which has enjoyed wearing and smells delightful on her. 


As I’ve said when I’ve previously mentioned this is the least ‘toothpaste-y’ toothpaste I’ve used and not one that offends the taste of the first drink you have post brushing yet as a smoker I find it tackles all the things it needs to for my filthy habits. 

Superdrug Natural Radiant Glycolic Toner* has caused something of stir recently as it's been hailed as yet debated as impossible to be a dupe of the blogger favourite Pixi Glow Tonic. Obviously the biggest draw is the more affordable price tag (currently only £2.95 at Superdrug) but is it any good? 

I will not claim to be a skincare guru but thanks to my experiences with testing various products for my blog I do have some amateur knowledge and have found that glycolic acid is a saviour for me, especially as someone that can be slack with their skincare regime, particularly at times when I should be more diligent. 

Simply put glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliator that can be used on a daily basis depending on your skins tolerances and needs and will help any dullness to the skin for a more radiant appearance. I have dehydrated skin and throw in a hangover or two and my skin can become almost snakelike but the morning or even a day or two later a sweep of glycolic acid can start to repair the damage I have caused.

I find that 'at my age' and due to my skins tolerance I can and do prefer more hardy glycolics but that is not any way a critism for Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Toner which is a comfortable dose for daily use and still performs to a high standard. In fact, before I layer on serums and moisturisers using the glycolic toner immediately shows a positive change in my skin - and I'm all about immediate gratification. 

If you're new to glycolic toners and chemical exfoliation then this is a great way to test the waters for only a few pound. 

It was only yesterday a friend at work and I were commenting how we will push our beauty treatments to the extreme; hair should be cut in six weeks, oh I'll give it eight. Such was the case recently when my balagye was taking on a brassier colour and dry as a bone and I was debating on which hairdresser to visit. Luckily I received Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Oil* to help me push my hair to its limit.

Despite my balayge making my hair dryer I am still somewhat reluctant with oil so I ensure to concentrate on on the ends. Coco Loco Hair Oil is fabulous both for its size, scent and pump applicator. It isn't messy and I don't find myself wiping my hands after I've run it through my hair.

The old greasy haired brunette I once was still worries about using an oil in my hair but the difference it made to the appearance, sleek and shiny and almost like I just stepped out of a salon. Having since had my dye job refreshed I reach for the oil sporadically when I feel like things need an extra hand although I find the oil lighter enough I could reach for it ever day and not overload my hair. 

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Beauty Empties | October 2015

Along with my late October favourites, so too is that month's empties. In fact empties have fallen by the wayside more that any other posts of late so there are few jumbled posts that will appear but for now let's focus on what has recently made it's way into the pile.

Quite a few of this months empties have already been repurchased and that includes KMS California AddVolume Shampoo and Maybelline BrowDrama. Both these products are staples and ones I can rely on. For different jobs obviously. KMS California AddVolume Shampoo* isn't the cheapest product but I love the volume it gives my hair and I recently found a bottle at a reduced price in my local Homesense so I couldn't resist picking it up. See my review on more KMS California products here.

Maybelline BrowDrama I've discussed many times. Day to day I'm too lazy for penciling in individual hairs, even with products that make that easy. Instead a quick swipe from this Brow 'mascara' and I'm happy with the look. I have of course replaced already and am tempted to try other versions for comparison but I always resist preferring to stick with what I know. 

Two favourite skincare items ended up in the pile this month, Vichy Idealia Eyes* and L'oreal Age Perfect RefreshingToner. Both of this affordable items hold their own against luxury brands. Vichy is one of my go to high street brands, particularly the Idealia range. The products are perfect for my 30plus skin that I don't always treat as well as I should. With dreadful sleeping patterns and habits dark circles can be a problem for me but Idealia Eyes makes me look more awake than I feel. Toners are always difficult to talk about for me, this isn't the 'refreshing' spritz, nor the tingly acid tone type but it's one I like for those inbetween days when you want something more than just the refreshing spray but not too much for exfoliating toners. There is a lovely masculine scent to this toner which I enjoy and I always feel like my skin looks better for using this.

Unfortunately the Nanokeratin System Re-Vive Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner* was not as much as a favourite as KMS was. Nothing to dislike just nothing to love either - especially for the price point and from a salon brand. Despite being specially formulated for 'virgin hair' like mine it never gave results that I couldn't get from cheaper alternatives. I do have another couple of sachets of this product to use so I will try again and see if I notice better results.

Another month, another hand cream and Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails* is perfect for this time of year and a great size for those of you like me who use a lot of hand cream and an even better price. This isn't the fanciest of hand creams but it keeps hands moisturised, isn't greasy and has a subtle scent. 

Even before we reach the end of 2015 I think I can safely say 007 Fragrance for Women* was my surprise hit of the year. As I talked about in my initial review I had a slightly snobbish opinion of what I would class as a novelty fragrance and was proved very wrong. The 007 fragrance became as loved as my Chanel classics and for a much more affordable price. Perfume is something I usually request for Christmas or might treat myself to in duty free but this is one I could easily justify treating myself to 'just because'. 

If you saw this instagram post then you'll be aware of my love for Sure Maximum Protection deodorant. It literally won't let you down, or me at least. I've dabbled with other deodorants, as much as recently in fact and they just don't compete with this favourite. Sexy it isn't but I'm a sweaty betty and have spent years tackling wet patches under the arms and trying every deodorant known to man and this is the first that ticks all the boxes. My only complaint is I seem to go through them sooooo quickly. 

And finally is a boring product but one I mention for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was introduced to The Breath Co via a press sample and secondly it's important for me that my readers see that I will continue use products beyond the 'freebie' and purchasing with my own money - especially in this case when I could by far cheaper versions. This is a toothpaste that I recommend for anyone who doesn't like that minty toothpaste flavour. Minty it says but it has none of that overpowering flavour that would make you gag if you took a sip of orange juice. If you're interested keep an eye on the usual Boots offers, you can usually get it discounted. Read my original review here. 

Did you spot any products you use in my trash?

*this post contains press samples

Morning Time Saving Tips

I'm not a morning person. And I don't mean the type who needs four cups of coffee before their brain is functioning. I mean the type that just does not want to get out of bed and loves the snooze button. For that reason I need to have a pretty quick morning regime to ensure I'm out the door and on the train before work sends out a search party. Today I thought I'd share some of the tips I have when I'm rushing out the door and I'm short on time.

Body lotion is probably the first step I'd skip if I was short of time but with the current introduction of spray moisturisers I don't have to. Vaseline have recently reformulated their Spray Moisturiser and I've been using them as part of my morning routine - even when I have time to spare. It'll be no surprise that Cocoa Radiant* is my favourite, the scent is delicious. Aloe Soothe* is perfect for applying if you've hastily shaved your legs (and works amazingly if you're really short for time and need to 'dry' shave) and Essential Healing* is a good old rounder so whatever your preference there is certainly something for everyone in the Vaseline Spray Moisturiser range. I'm sure it doesn't need saying but you simple spray, rub and go. It absorbs quickly enough to put on clothes seconds afterward and doesn't leave any greasy residue. Even as I'm writing this post I'm spraying them on arms and legs to familarise myself and am still able to type without fingers sliding off the keyboard. My only criticism is that my enthusiastic spraying does seem to use them up quite quickly.

Many of you I'm sure are lucky enough to goes days without washing your hair, I'm not so lucky and will where possible always wash my hair through traditional methods during the week. At weekends if I'm simply pottering about at home or running errands I do try and give hair a break and reach for the dry shampoo instead. Battling against my usual Batiste and Collab is TRESemme Instant Refresh Cleansing Dry Shampoo*. I really love the smell of this dry shampoo and that's surprising as it's not something I usually notice or factor in when purchasing or reviewing even but this has a fruity scent I enjoy. I was ready to be extremely critical and see powder in my hair but there was none to be found. I'm definitely happy having this in my line up.

If the reason for your late start is lack of sleep them may I suggest Rimmel Scandaleyes Eye Pencil in Nude*. This is one of my holy grail products and I gave a little jump for joy when I received this as I've managed to lose mine and hadn't managed to replace yet. White eyeliners are too stark for me but this nude liner manages to give the appearance of eight hours sleep even when I've had much less. Add some mascara and you're good to go.

I'm a fan of putting my make up on whilst travelling into work by train. Frowned on by some but for me it's essential for those precious extra minutes in bed. Whilst I'm not against getting out a big blusher brush on the train cream blush is much less likely to get glares from your fellow commuters. The Nars Multiples* are perfect for this job and I much prefer the shade Orgasm in cream form than it's powder original. It has enough of a shimmer to save time on highlighters and leave skin look fresh but no excessive sparkle that the powder left me with. You can use the Nars Multiples on your lips and eyes, the former I found too drying but quite liked the subtle tone on my eyelids. Not something for every day but in a pinch works a treat.

Finally we turn to nails. An important date, meeting or event and you need to paint your nails? Typically I would turn to a stash of press on nails in a pinch but as happened to me last week sometimes that stash can run out. Thankfully many brands have brought ranges such as Barry M's Quick Dry*. I have the shade Pit Stop which is a perfect grey nude which will work for any occasion. I put my door keys and train pass on the side, paint my nails and then walk out the door.  By the time I'm sitting on the train my nails touch dry and I can begin scrolling through my Twitter feed.

There you have some of my time saving tips, what are yours?

*This post contains press samples

Top Four Winter Body Lotions

Applying body lotions seems for many a beauty lover the most unloved task, myself included. I go through phases sometimes enjoying the ritual and others finding it a complete bind but it's something I want to change for many reasons. Today I have four different types of body lotion all which serve different purposes and as such have seen an increase in their usage.

Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion link
I first heard about Ameliorate from the British Beauty Blogger and so intrigued was I that I ordered immediately. Ameliorate is your, shall we say treatment body lotion, it's main draw being that it helps improve Keratosis Pilaris what's more commonly known as 'chicken skin'.

I am lucky in that I don't suffer from this in great amounts but do have a patch on one of my legs from crossing them that over the years no exfoliating or body lotion applying has helped and I thought that maybe Ameliorate would do the job, so much so that I paid £27.50 for a tube of body lotion which wasn't sitting in the luxury bracket.

There were some high expectations from me on this product and I'm pleased to say that it met them. Due to it's cost and the realisation that it would have to be applied with frequency to do it's job meant that I have been rather diligent in application and as such have certainly seen a change in the skin's appearance in the area. Obviously I'm not perfect so I have had moments of not using this product and/or using the others that I'll mention so I'm happy that miracles haven't occurred especially as when I'm still crossing me legs and thus causing the main reason for the problem only so much can be done.

It was actually quite rewarding seeing the tube start to empty even if I am mindful of it's cost to replace which I will happily do so. If you suffer from exceptionally dry skin and or chicken skin this is definitely worth looking into.

Roger & Gallet Lait Sorbet Body Lotion* link
When I was asked if I'd like to try the Sorbet range from Roger & Gallet I was keen, especially as I'd always only associated them with soaps for some reason. It's one of those brands that seems to pop up at Christmas or in independent pharmacies that I'd never paid much attention to which will certainly change now.

There are four scents of which I have two, Bots D'Orange and Gingembre. As you can imagine due to my love of Citrus scents Bois D'Orange is my favourite and suited perfectly to this time of year as we move into Clementine and Satsuma season. Each Sorbet body lotion is enriched with botanical oils which help to keep skin hydrated as well as others to leave a luminous finish on the skin. These are my pamper time favourites and the pump bottle is perfect for ensuring tubes aren't slipping out of your hands. The texture is almost gel like yet thinner in that it glides over the skin and sinks in without having to stand around before you can pop clothes on - which is of particularly interest due to the colder evenings. All components of these body lotions makes using them a pleasure rather than a chore.

Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion* link
The Vaseline Intensive Care range of body lotions sits nicely in your no nonsense budget category. A particular favourite of mine is the Cocoa scent although lately it's been the fresh cucumber scent from Aloe Soothe Lotion that has been reached for on days when skin feels a little drier than I would like or I've been a bit overzealous with a razor. I like to use this on my knees and elbows which have slight psoriasis and find this does just the trick to cool the area. This would be amazing in the summer if you were to find yourself with a little sunburn and proved just as useful when I've burnt my fingers on the oven. You might expect a body lotion from the high street for only a few pounds would be watery or sticky but this range sinks into skin nicely and leaves skin moisturised.

How Now Brown Cow Gradual Tanning Cream* link
MooGoo Skincare is a brand I was not familiar with that hails from Australia and specialises in products for psoriasis and eczema suffers. Apparently Gwyneth Paltrow recommended How Now Brown Cow Gradual Tanning Cream in GOOP so I certainly thought it was worth trying. I always find it funny that we faux tan in Summer when the sun is out doing it's thing but come Winter and the festive season when there's more change of us being dressed in our finest and photographed to the max we look like Caspar the ghost. A gradual tanner was just the thing to see me through the next few months with a formula that still acts as a moisturiser for the skin. This is definitely a product for those wanting the subtle effects. Again like Ameliorate I probably do not use diligently enough to see myself go from Caspar to Gisele but it certainly takes of the edge of Winter skin and gives me a warmer colour in between faux tans. This is a very thick cream which does take some working into the skin so you would need to leave some time before popping your pi's on but the yellow tinge of the cream means you are able to see where you have applied. Don't be fooled into thinking my subtle talk means you don't need to wash your hands after this because I made that foolish mistake and was demonstrating some lovely brown patches between my fingers for some time! If you love natural products and a bit of colour to your skin this could be just the product for you.

So there you have some current favourites I'm using at the moment. Let me know in the comments if you're a diligent body lotion user or like me need some encouragement.

*PR Sample

Vaseline Goes Vintage

Vaseline Lip Therapy* link

Early readers of my blog will know that it's roots lay in vintage hauls rather than the beauty variety so the recent special edition vintage style tins from Vaseline certainly caught my attention. Did you know that Vaseline has been around since 1872? Me either.

I apologise in advance but I will likely be referencing Christmas a lot in the next couple of weeks and as I discussed in Friday's post these cute tins would certainly be a worthy addition to any Christmas stocking such as the one I usually receive filled with beauty treats and necessities. 

The line up includes the Original formula we all know and love, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, which is my favourite fyi and finally Rosy Lips which has a slight tint for those at home no make up days. I know many people that would enjoy having one of these attractive tins sitting on their desk at work or bedside table. I for one have a lip balm next to my sofa so that I can lazily reach across for a swipe when my lips are verging on the drier side.

They would also make a great unisex product for homemade crackers or table gifts for visiting friends and family and those of you with children the important gifts for teachers and the like. A quick look online and Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on so it's the perfect time to get ahead with your shopping.

What do you think of the new style tins, are you a fan of the vintage style?

*PR Sample

Vaseline Queen Bee

Vaseline Queen Bee Honeylicious Lip Therapy* link

Last night myself and Carissa headed over to Ham Yard Hotel to celebrate the launch of Vaseline's latest limited edition lip therapy, the fabulously named Queen Bee. Queen Bee is a honey scented Vaseline Lip Therapy to bring out your inner 'queen bee' as we head into the festive season and you become a 'busy bee'.

As one would expect there is a rather elegant and royal black and gold colour to the familiar Vaseline tin and the venue was equally colour themed - even the manicures were available in choices of black, yellow or gold glitter. As you will see I went for yellow. 

Luckily I received a honey themed gift bag which included a Body Shop Soap and the cutest bee bracelet which I will be wearing immediately along with the gorgeous honey scented Vaseline Queen Bee Lip Therapy.

The Limited Edition Vaseline Queen Bee is available at all your usual stockist so go on, channel your inner Queen Bee and give it a try.

July Empties | Part 1

July Beauty Empties

My bedroom is once again having a makeover and furniture is being sold and new items ordered so I am once again I'm trying to use up what I own rather than add more to the piles whilst I struggle for storage. This of course means once again we have a bumper number of Empties posts for July so let's dive in to Part 1.

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser 
Like many body lotions are something I'm rather lazy with so I jumped on the Vaseline Spray & Go bandwagon hoping for quick alternative on rushed mornings. A nice product although I found that I would literally spray and go rather than rubbing into the skin like I would with a traditional body lotion.   I found I'd have to be quite liberal with the spray to have sufficient coverage and moisturising of the skin. It was ok but not something I'll repurchase. That scent the famous Cocoa scent is amazing as always.

VO5 Plump it up weightless mousse 
A favourite product of mine I use daily after VO5's amplifying blow dry lotion. It amuses me no end that mousse is a daily product of mine being a child of the 80's who remembers sticky mousses that would turn your hair to a rigid mess. This is the complete opposite, non sticky and really weightless even in my hair that can turn to a greasy mess with the slightest incorrectly formulated product. I have already repurchased.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish 
Having come to the end of my beloved Dryspun Finish and yet to repurchase I am missing it greatly and on the way to giving it holy grail status. I had a can of the Charles Worthington Texturising Spray which I wanted to try before repurchasing and as you will see in my 'Products that didn't work for me' post I was not a fan. I love the volume this gives my hair and such an instant boost especially after the end of a long day when you're popping out for drinks with friends. One such friend actually used this prior to us heading out and asked 'what is this amazing stuff'. Cue me heading over to Boots to repurchase immediately.

Liz Earle Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish in Grapefruit & Patchouli 
Whilst a fan of the famous Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish I'm just a bit blah about it's original scent and as a lover of anything grapefruit-y I was really pleased when this limited edition scent was released last year. It was definitely a favourite part of my morning skincare regime (which you can read more about here) and I'm very disappointed it's come to an end.

Impulse Be Surprised Body Fragrance* 
I have a can of Impulse in my draw at work and another in my bedside cabinet at home. At work it's the perfect addition on days I've forgotten to put perfume on and at night when I want to wear a scent but not waste my perfumes. Yes it can have a slightly artificial scent on it's first spritz but the scent settles quite nicely. No it's not going to stick around for long but in emergencies it's a cheap alternative.

What did you use up this month?

*this post contains press samples

Limited Edition Vaseline Paint The Town Lip Therapy in Spiced Berry

It's Saturday night, Strictly Come Dancing is back and Vaseline have added a touch of colour to their third Limited Edition Lip Therapy, let me introduce you to Vaseline Paint The Town Red Lip Tint*.

Available exclusively at Selfridges now until mid-September when it will be released nationwide it's fabulous for popping in your handbag to use alone or on top of your usual lipstick. If the weather wasn't enough to tell us Autumn is definitely on it's way one sniff of the gorgeous berry scent will certainly have you thinking of mulled wine whilst wrapped up in a cosy jumper in front of the fire.

Don't be scared of the bright colour, it's sheer and I find it enhances my natural lip colour for a natural look with a glamorous edge. As you can tell by the fingerprints in my photos - yes major blogger faux pas using the product before photographing - I have been popping this intensively moisturising tint on all day and will continue to do so.

The packaging does contain a warning of staining but so far I've been safe so don't be too concerned.

What are you waiting for girls, it's time to Paint the Town Red, nab yours here.

*PR Sample