OWL WATCHES | The dainty choice

Bloggers are blamed for many clichés and trends, none more so than the rose gold Michael Kors watch which yes, I own one too. For the most part it’s a watch I’ve enjoyed wearing but some outfits and occasions require something a little more delicate on my wrist. Luckily for me O.W.L Watches offered me the opportunity to try something from their brand therefore providing the perfect opportunity to test drive a more slender style.

O.W.L Watches are British brand founded by Annette Allen who decided to branch out from the well-known brands she was working for. Designing a collection of beautiful, feminine and trend drive watches featuring British elegance and contemporary styling with concepts found in such places as beautiful old towns and stately homes . Made from quality materials each watch is packaged in a Victorian inspired travel case making this the perfect gift, especially if you’re looking for Mother’s Day ideas.

The watch I decided to test run was the Greenwich Gold and Tort Multi Dial* as I couldn’t resist the tortoiseshell and gold stainless steel strap. I was also drawn to the 33mm face featuring three layered sunray dials combining day, date and 24 hour clock functions. I have a date function on my Michael Kors watch and I was surprised how used to looking at it I was so this is a feature I rate highly when picking a watch to wear.  I feel like I’m wearing a bracelet with this watch which is exactly what I was looking for. With lack of cocktail parties to attend to I’ve been wearing my O.W.L watch going about my usual business and I’ve not found I’m missing the chunkier style I was used to. Neither one will replace the other but it’s clear there was a place for different designs in my watch wardrobe and both styles are to be enjoyed.

Typically I would have written off a more slender style assuming my preference is for the chunkier style but this is proven to be not the case. In fact if I wanted a watch that was perhaps the combined efforts of the two it would be the Balmoral Rose Gold Vintage Style Watch. I’m sure that would be perfect for those of you want something less delicate than the Greenwich I picked but not as large as the Michael Kors designs.

You’ll find a two year guarantee with O.W.L watches and have no fear there is a substantial men’s range too for the man in your life.

What are your watch preferences?

*this post contains press samples 

Disney Secret Santa

Prior to my trip to Walt Disney World I naturally got involved with a lot of the lovely Disney Bloggers on Twitter. When Lottie announced a Disney Secret Santa I decided to get involved.

My Secret Santa was Sam from The Belle Jar and she sent me a perfectly suited package of Disney goodies. I mean so many Alice in Wonderland references could it be more perfect.

Firstly my Cheshire Cat socks which I wore on the plane travelling to Florida back in January. It was quite funny during my trip as my niece and nephew had brought me a cuddly Cheshire Cat to sit in my front room (see it here) so anything with the Cheshire Cat on it during our trip they'd excitedly point it out to me.

Next was a fabulous hand made Alice in Wonderland themed charm bracelet. Could this be any more perfect? This too was taken on holiday and there were many arguments between my niece and I that she couldn't wear it!

Finally what blogger doesn't love a notebook and a Disney themed one, how perfect. I love the old vintage movie poster images so once again it was spot on for me. I can't wait to fill it with all my musings over 2016.

Thank you Sam, you couldn't have put a better selection of goodies together for me.

Did you join in any Secret Santa's last year?

ReCover Correct and Conceal Review

Concealers are not what I'd call my specialist subject. Aside from to hide my dark circles I rarely reach for concealer on other areas of my face, more from laziness and being lucky enough to have little to conceal - or certainly anything that causes me great concern. For others facial redness can be a problem and I know myself as a frequent sufferer of a sniffly nose and already fearing hayfever season that perhaps to avoid looking less Rudolph like it was time to try out ReCover Correct and Conceal*.

ReCover is not a brand with a variety of products, instead professional make up artist Annabel Jardella has worked to create a product that is close to her heart. As someone who has investigated and perfected make up camouflage techniques following an accident that left her with scarring in her teens she worked to create ReCover Correct and Conceal.

ReCover Correct and Conceal is a yellow based full coverage concealer created with today's advanced cosmetic formulations and let me tell you a little goes a long way. I was rather over zealous on my first use around the nose area trying to hide general redness and a broker capillary but once I got the hang of it I can see that for me certainly it's a product that could last some time as you need to apply so little.

A small application does indeed apply flawlessly which stays in place throughout the day without your redness peeping through. If like me you're a fan of lighter coverage but have redness to conceal this is a great product to meet both needs, it really does apply lighter than you would expect for the coverage it provides.

The packaging from this product is particularly fancy although I could argue style over substance. Certainly in the case of my minimal amount required whilst the 23kt gold plated nib is pleasing to look and designed to be hygienic and cool against skin I still find I prefer to use my fingers and a brush if I'm doing more detailed work.

As mentioned it is yellow based to help neutralise any redness so stay away from your dark circles, it will not be your friend but otherwise I'd recommend giving this a try. You'll find ReCover online and available in five shades from Light to Deep Tan and it's priced at £28 for

Do you suffer from skin redness?

*this post contains press samples

Now in Paperback | Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes

Despite being a blogger and therefore someone who spends a lot of time reading content online I cannot get along with reading books that way. My mum loves her kindle and I've tried to adapt but for me there's nothing like turning the pages of a good book. I even borrow most of those I read from the local library, that's how 'old school' I am.

So I personally am very pleased to see that Pretty Honest* by Sali Hughes is released on paperback today. It's highly likely if you're a beauty fan, and certainly if you're a blogger, you already have the hardback version of Pretty Honest like I do. The problem is that aforementioned online reading means that the only time I really read physical books is on my daily commute. Hardback books do not lend themselves well to this.

Sali Hughes is a well known journalist who can be found at the Guardian, Pool or her very own website, and we all love her 'In the bathroom' series on YouTube don't we? Sali is straight talking and whilst not limited to, really knows her stuff about all things beauty from budget to high end. I'm not going to lie I quite happily take to reading her Twitter feed when I have a spare moment. In short 'when I grow up' I would be happy to be Sali Hughes.

Enough of the fan girling and back to Pretty Honest, a book which is touted as 'the only beauty book you'll need' and rightly 'the straight talking beauty companion'. In a world when beauty blogging is more mainstream than ever you wonder if this book has a place and let me tell you it does.

Sali is extremely passionate about make up and combined with her wonderful writing style you have a book which covers chapters such as the typical 'what is your skin type' to the less spoke about such as 'Beauty in Illness'.

A favourite chapter of mine is 'Public displays of grooming'. Sali and I are both fans of applying our make up on trains. We also agree that foundation should be done at home and wait to depart the train and get into the open air before spritzing our favourite perfume. In Sali's typical no nonsense manner she rightly says if you don't like it, look away.

The style of writing is typical of Sali, she empowers you to experiment and more importantly enjoy make up.  Pretty Honest is not just pages of Sali's opinions, of course she shares the wealth of her experience in the beauty industry and gives you some help along the way. Looking for tips on how to apply red lipstick, that's here and if you're baffled by foundations Sali gives easily digested summaries.

Pretty Honest is a book I had enjoyed dipping into in it's hardback version but now I'm looking forward to it accompanying me on the train and devouring every chapter in it's entirety. I would happily gift this book to every woman I know, young or old with a money back guarantee. Even those who aren't beauty enthusiasts would find pleasure from this book and I defy anyone to not learn something new.

Will you be picking up a copy of Pretty Honest?

*this post contains press samples

Now in Paperback | Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes

Despite being a blogger and therefore someone who spends a lot of time reading content online I cannot get along with reading books that way. My mum loves her kindle and I've tried to adapt but for me there's nothing like turning the pages of a good book. I even borrow most of those I read from the local library, that's how 'old school' I am.

So I personally am very pleased to see that Pretty Honest* by Sali Hughes is released on paperback today. It's highly likely if you're a beauty fan, and certainly if you're a blogger, you already have the hardback version of Pretty Honest like I do. The problem is that aforementioned online reading means that the only time I really read physical books is on my daily commute. Hardback books do not lend themselves well to this.

Sali Hughes is a well known journalist who can be found at the Guardian, Pool or her very own website, and we all love her 'In the bathroom' series on YouTube don't we? Sali is straight talking and whilst not limited to, really knows her stuff about all things beauty from budget to high end. I'm not going to lie I quite happily take to reading her Twitter feed when I have a spare moment. In short 'when I grow up' I would be happy to be Sali Hughes.

Enough of the fan girling and back to Pretty Honest, a book which is touted as 'the only beauty book you'll need' and rightly 'the straight talking beauty companion'. In a world when beauty blogging is more mainstream than ever you wonder if this book has a place and let me tell you it does.

Sali is extremely passionate about make up and combined with her wonderful writing style you have a book which covers chapters such as the typical 'what is your skin type' to the less spoke about such as 'Beauty in Illness'.

A favourite chapter of mine is 'Public displays of grooming'. Sali and I are both fans of applying our make up on trains. We also agree that foundation should be done at home and wait to depart the train and get into the open air before spritzing our favourite perfume. In Sali's typical no nonsense manner she rightly says if you don't like it, look away.

The style of writing is typical of Sali, she empowers you to experiment and more importantly enjoy make up.  Pretty Honest is not just pages of Sali's opinions, of course she shares the wealth of her experience in the beauty industry and gives you some help along the way. Looking for tips on how to apply red lipstick, that's here and if you're baffled by foundations Sali gives easily digested summaries.

Pretty Honest is a book I had enjoyed dipping into in it's hardback version but now I'm looking forward to it accompanying me on the train and devouring every chapter in it's entirety. I would happily gift this book to every woman I know, young or old with a money back guarantee. Even those who aren't beauty enthusiasts would find pleasure from this book and I defy anyone to not learn something new.

Will you be picking up a copy of Pretty Honest?

*this post contains press samples

Dermalogica Top Three Products

I was recently sent Dermalogica's newest product the Hydrablur Primer* to try out which reminded me I had a few other products worth sharing hence today's post. As a brand Dermalogica is one that I've always been aware off, long before beauty blogging, yet to my knowledge had never go so far as trying for myself. Many friends had and there's even a pop up salon in Westfield which I've eyed up but never stepped into but after picking out these three favourite products from the brand I think I need to look a little further.

Starting with the newest release Hydrablur Primer* which is not just to prim your skin for foundation but retains the Dermalogica mission towards skincare. Like your regular primers Hydrablur will blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mattify the skin, create a silky, smooth finish, refine enlarged pores and offer intense moisturisation.

As someone who has combination skin which lately has been drier than usual the 'moisturisation' aspect was interesting, as well as wanting the regular benefits from using a primer. I can say that this primer is fantastic to use. It blends into the skin and you feel like you're watching an instagram filter being applied. It's similar in finish to Benefit Porefessional but feels less drying. I've used this primer under a number of foundation products I have tested lately and it still allows for any luminosity to show but also tackles dry spots. Overall it's a fantastic product I just wish it didn't have such a high price tag.

The second product I can only say good things about is the Skin Hydrating Mask*. Returning from my long haul adventures and straight back into the bitterly cold weather my skin didn't take too kindly. Dry patches were appearing and so one night at the end of my tether I reached for the Skin Hydrating Mask. Literally overnight my skin was free from the dry patches. Thank you hyaluronic acid. I can feel this mask being a regular staple in my regular skincare regime.

Finally is Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair* an ultra-rich eye cream to combat premature ageing and damage which I actually used quite a bit many months ago when I first received it. Due to it's hydrating qualities it was the eye cream I took on many flights last year.

What products from Dermalogica have you tried?

*this post contains press samples

The Oscars | Ready Carpet Ready

This weekend marks the culmination of my favourite time of the year, awards season and on Sunday The Oscars. Without stating the obvious I will not be attending and my nights out rarely involve a crack team of stylists and make up artists but I'm not without making a few steps by way of preparation.

The first step whether it's the real paparazzi or your friend being over zealous with their new camera making sure your smile is complete with some pearly white teeth which means reaching for some sort of teeth whitening product. I have a few teeth whitening kits on hand at the moment to work my through and as both a smoker and heavy tea/coffee drinker this would come as no surprise.

My first foray into teeth whitening was with iwhite instant teeth whitening kit*, a very simple and easy to use offering. Each box is priced at £29.99 with ten ready to use mouth trays that you simply fit onto your teeth after brushing. The trays are filled with an active gel that should be in contact with the teeth although the soft and not too uncomfortable trays make easily done. Wear a set of the trays on your top and bottom teeth for 20 minutes and voila you're done.

I was worried about sensitivity but didn't experience anything at all and the results were worth 20 minutes of my day. Of course for the reasons I've already mentioned I wasn't in Ross Geller danger territory but there was a marked improvement beyond regular brushing. Depending on the staining on your teeth you can wear the trays for up to five consecutive days perfect for the week leading up to your big event and it's something I'd like to add to my weekly regime, regardless of the nights out.

A bronzed tan is necessary if you're showing a bit more skin than normal in your party frock as my nan would call it and you don't always need to hit a salon for that professional touch. I've said before I'm not the best with applying self tanners and have found mousse tends to be a preference but that changed when I used Tantruth The Ultimate*. I had this sitting in my 'to test' pile for some time but eventually plucked up the courage with pleasing results.

Starting with the bottle whose plus point is actually a negative. The pump dispenser makes it easy to reach for multiple times without things getting too messy. Please tell me I'm not alone to get myself in a right old muddle with a tube and mitt. The problem with the pump is that despite it having a safety feature in that you'd twist the pump back down I couldn't manage it without dispensing more product. In the end I had to keep the bottle in my bathroom to avoid finding my carpets looking more bronzed than I would like.

I would apply with a mitt and found that the cream would smooth over skin nicely and the guide colour was sufficient for me to see what I was doing - always a plus. There's always a scent of some nature with tanning products but Tantruth didn't have anything to cause offensive and it felt most like a professional salon spray tan than other at home products.

The next morning skin after the required shower skin was and looked tanned. Often I'm so scared of self tanners that I wonder if I'm too cautious when applying and then look down and can't even tell a difference but that was not the case with Tantruth.

The third item on my list is perhaps not really something you would prepare in advance but you may need to practice if like me applying false lashes is not your specialist something. False lashes are guaranteed to make you look different and show a little extra effort with your look that night. I've been playing around with Invogue False Lashes* recently and they're the ones I've been practicing and reaching for.

So often we think wearing false lashes means finding the biggest fluttery pair possible and if it's a big night out you have planned the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable. Invogue have lashes to suit everyone whether you want to Glamourise or Volumise your look - just practice and be comfortable.

You've heard three of my big night out preparations, what are yours?

*this post contains press samples

Transformulas Skincare

Transformulas may not be a skincare brand you're instantly familiar with but if you've browsed the Duty Free catalogues whilst mid flight you may have spotted it. Transformulas recognise that whilst genetics play a part in the condition of your skin so to does your lifestyle. But they also know that if you add a bit of science to mother natures secret ingredients you will find some great products to tackle those daily stresses. 

I was sent two products to try from the vast range of products, Miracle Daily Glycol Priming Cleanser* and Marine Miracle EyeZone* and I've been using them for a few weeks now.

Starting with the Miracle Daily Glycol Cleanser* which is priced at £19.95 for 100ml, just a few pounds more than the equivalent size from Liz Earle. My first thought with many products is how good they are for travel, you'd think I was some sort of globetrotter but this would be a fantastic size and product to take for you and your friends if holidaying for a week. The packaging is simply plastic but it doesn't look cheap and makes it ideal for those journeys abroad or to keep in your gym bags.

Skincare has never been more specific, fussy even and whilst I might be storming through my late thirties I sometimes just want to simply cleanse my skin and not have the effort and faff of double cleansing or massaging in balms and the likes. This priming cleanser is part of the 'Transformulas Promise' to restore a healthier, silkier, younger looking and face and neck. Say no more. 

This is a gentle cleansing gel but feels thicker than those I've used previously and a little goes a long way. I'm having to ensure I don't become over enthusiastic when dispensing as you don't need much to cover the whole face. Deep-pore cleansing it also gentle exfoliates and leaves you with fresher skin.

Tested by doctors and experts this very basic looking cleanser really does pack a punch and if you're looking to take the step up from micellar waters or such this is a great product to try.

Slightly more expensive at £41.50 is the Marine Miracle EyeZone* housed in shiny silver circular packaging, hence why you can only see the box in the above photo, it was a nightmare to photograph!

My main cause for concern is often my fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes as well as those dark circles from sleepless nights. This product claims it will restore the condition of your eyes skin tissue (and lips which is great for us smokers) with powerful, five times ultra-concentrated aldavine. Aldavine is a powerful ingredient proven to reduce dark circles, eye puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines. That really does sound a miracle and shows that Transformulas are serious about providing products that allow you to avoid and find alternatives to evasive treatments. 

The formula is light, wet and applies easily to the eye area avoiding any dragging to the area to offer instant relief. Despite my recent jet lag and suffering a winter bug and my skin showing the signs, interestingly my eye area remains unaffected thanks to using this product.

Are you familiar with the Transformulas brand?

*this post contains press samples 

Kawaii Box Review and Giveaway

Hands up if you're familiar with the Kawaii trend? For those who aren't kawaii simply means cute in Japan. The trend spawns all manner of products from the more mainstream Hello Kitty and Sanrio brand you're probably familiar with to the more niche characters and simply anything that is deemed 'cute'.

As with most trends of this type there are those who fully immerse themselves in the kawaii world and others like myself who just like the odd little piece here and there. Enter Kawaii Box, a monthly subscription service (is there nothing we cannot get on monthly subscription anymore?). Each month you'll receive a box of cute products (10 - 12 items per box) from Japan that fit the kawaii mould. The type of items vary but tend to feature things such as cute stickers, Japanese sweets, cute characters.

The price of these boxes is pretty comparable to others of its type. There is little price difference in signing up for the monthly service to the yearly one but you will get one free box on that plan but there's a plan for everyone if this is your thing. The boxes are $18.90 on the monthly service which can be cancelled at any time. These prices are also inclusive of free worldwide shipping.

I was sent a Kawaii box to review and share with readers and keep reading as there's a chance for you to win a box of your own. Inside my box was 11 items which fell into a stationery theme from the giant plush pencil case to stamp sets and envelope seals.

I'm fully aware that perhaps my age and not being a kawaii purist that the box wasn't necessarily aimed at me and whilst the Lollipop pen still sits in a jar on my desk and is used and I happily samples the Meiji DIY Sushi-Bar Gummies for the most part the items in this box weren't really something I would use.

What I did find was that all the items in this box were perfect for me to pack as in flight entertainment for my niece when we travelled to Florida recently. She loves these sorts of items and had great fun on the plane with the Popcorn Rolling Stamp Set and writing notes she'd put in the Patterned Envelope Set.

The main item in this selection of products was the Flan Dakigurumi Plush Pouch. I knew little about this character but it seems a familiar one to those in the Kawaii world and is available in all manner of styles. They retail around the same price as the box itself so you can consider everything else in your box 'free'. And of course my niece loved that too.

As I've mentioned and just a look through the Kawaii Box site there are different themes to your Kawaii Box each month so some will appeal more than others, but we know that is the 'risk' you take with any subscription service.

Whilst I don't think the Kawaii Box is something I would personally sign up for it's definitely one I would consider for gifts when looking for something different. Depending on budget I think these would make unusual gifts for children's parties.

For those of you still intrigued there is an opportunity to win a Kawaii Box for yourself to try, all the details are in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and have a Kawaii Day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*this post contains press samples

Soap & Glory Massage Glove - A Brush Cleaning Secret

Cleaning make up brushes. Isn't that just the worst job in the world? I'm not a fan of washing up anything if I'm honest but the task of cleaning make up brushes is one I hate.

Back in the day my make up brush cleaning regime was shocking and it's a wonder my brushes survived. After a cursory run under the tape I'd just dump them all in a jug of water. Shocking really.

Nowadays I'm of course more knowledgeable about how and why I need to ensure my make up brushes are kept in tip top condition and whilst I may not still be as diligent as I should be I've found the tool to make my life so much easier.

The first problem I encounter when cleaning my make up brushes is my taps. I don't have dual taps which means that you run the hot and cold taps separately, resulting in one scolding stream of water and another icy cold. Not exactly the pleasant conditions for an unloved task.

Of course I didn't come up with the idea of purchasing the Soap & Glory Massage Glove all by myself. I had seen a YouTube video featuring the extremely pricey Sigma Cleansing Glove and thought to myself, I'm sure there are similar more affordable versions available out there. And there was.

Currently the Soap & Glory Massage Glove is on offer for £5.67 and it's well worth purchasing if you're not a fan of your make up brush cleaning routine as it makes it effortless. I actually don't mind cleaning my brushes now and I'm not left dealing with scolded hands from ice or heat burns.

First I squirt my brush cleaner of choice onto the glove. Dip the brush under the running taps and then swirl on the glove, adding in more water as needed and watch as the water turns from the murky colour of what product is being removed to clear. A quick swipe on some kitchen towel and then leave to dry. Absolutely brilliant.

The glove is thick enough to tackle the temperatures of my taps and the 'bobbly bits' help with getting the dirt of my brushes. And even better. No pruning hands. You can either go the extra mile and pile on some hand cream before putting on the glove.

I know Real Techniques have just launched their cleansing mitt for brush cleaning and whilst I can't speak with any authority because I haven't tried it for myself, at £12.99 at Superdrug I think I'll stick to my find.

How do you clean your make up brushes?

FaceGym Workout Review

As neither a fan of facials nor visits to the gym today's post might be rather surprising as it reviews something of a combination to them both. FaceGym in fact ban the use of the word facial and instead refer to their treatments as workouts and those providing such a workout are trainers. And even better all you have to do is lay there and let them do the work.

During the busy month of December last year I was invited down to FaceGym in Selfridges to try The Hangover Cure* which is a 'workout' focusses on lymphatic drainage to help detox and reduce puffiness. Their special face ball is used which raises the brows and opens the area to help give you a fresher faced appearance.

FaceGym is tucked away on Selfridges Ground Floor which I have to say is my only slight criticism. As mentioned I'm not a fan of facials with tinkly music in the background where I feel that someone simply paws at my face but if you are you might not appreciate the lack of music and being able to hear the shop floor in the background.

Moving on to the 'workout' itself. The trainer explained all the elements of the treatment and what would be done and then I lay down and allowed her to do her work. What I appreciated was at stages during the treatment she would hand me a mirror so I could see, specifically when using their special face ball, the difference between the side of my face which hadn't been tackled.

After the 40 minute workout I left feeling like I had had something done. Unlike other treatments where I often feel almost sore from the constant stroking and massaging of creams, the Hangover Cure felt like I'd actually had something of note done. It's quite difficult to describe and as I say it depends what you look for in these sorts of treatments but I didn't feel uncomfortable and there was no pain just that there was effort being made on my face.

The face ball was a very bizarre experience which actually amused me as it would lift my upper lip or areas of the face as it went to work and you can obviously feel it, like a very light and not so painful electric shock or maybe similar to using an epilator.

There are a variety of 'workouts' available and I can certainly see how if you had the funds available regular trips to the FaceGym would certainly make a difference to appearance. If your bank balance doesn't allow such regular trips I think there is significant value in visiting before a big event.

My mum recently read an article about Facegym and was talking about giving it a try as like me she's not a fan of the regular facials we're familiar with. If you're look for a different experience I'd recommend treating yourself.

Does this sound like something you'd like to try or are you more of a fan of the traditional facial?

*please note the cost of my treatment was paid by FaceGym

Maybelline USA Beauty Haul

There were a number of products from Maybelline that were newly released when I visited America and others simply not available on the UK high street I wanted to pick up. As you can see I did quite well. I thought I'd start today with sharing some of my thoughts on what I was able to purchase.

First up were new products, the Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks. There were not too many options available when I saw the display but I was able to pick up a red and a nude for comparison purposes. Those shades are Orange Shot and Nude Flush. I actually took to wearing Orange Shot quite a lot whilst in Florida and was impressed with how long it stuck around on me. My SIL on the other hand picked up some of these after my first impressions and found the opposite to be the case so I think it's a bit hit and miss depending on shades.

Application is via a long thin doe foot applicator and the most important thing to note is whilst being called matte, they are not. They take some time to dry down but I didn't find them to be drying. Orange Shot is a fantastic shade I'm still really enjoying and reach for more often that Nude Flush but I do find there is some smudging and it moves around as the day wears on.

I dithered about purchasing any of the Maybelline Master Prime Eyeshadow Base and somehow ended up with both its version, matte and illuminating. So far I'm yet to find a drugstore eyeshadow primer that stops creasing and sadly these are not making the cut either. The matte version feels like my faithful Lorac Eye Primer but that's where comparison ends. Creasing still appears although admittedly this is the best high street version I've found so far. I also preferred applying with the doe foot applicator than my finger as it's easier to blend.

As for it's illuminating sister this didn't really seem to make any difference when eye make up was applied over it and again the creasing appeared in due course. What I have found a use for is a subtle highlight down the bridge of my nose.

It's well known I'm a fan of Maybelline Concealers, the Fit Me Concealer has long been a staple and just a few months ago the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer appeared in my monthly favourites. For some reason, known only to Maybelline there is a Brightening version only available in America so I wanted to pick it up to try for myself. It's still in my testing pile but I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts. The other concealer, only available outside the US is the Master Conceal. I picked this up in the shade 20 Light. I've only used a couple of times but it's another thumbs up from me.

The final two products I added to my basket were Master Fix Setting Powder and Fixing Spray. Off the bat I can tell you straight away that the Maybelline Fixing Spray is identical in both packaging and ingredients as the L'Oreal version. This is not surprising as they are both owned by L'Oreal and I can't speak for the versions we're seeing in the UK (packaging is different from the US branded products) but it's worth looking at before you think about purchasing both.

The Setting Powder is a product I've really come to enjoy using and I'm looking forward to comparing to another that I also picked up from another brand. I've rarely been a powder user other than my Chanel Les Beiges Powder but this is a whole different product.  Finely milled I literally see my skin blurred out and have seen my make up lasting far longer than without. I do have to be careful if skin is on the drier side as the effect is less than perfect so be mindful if you're dry skinned. The only other negative is the packaging could make travelling with it preventative. Usually with these types of products which have the fine holes in the packaging to shake product out there's a way to cover them up to stop wastage. There is of course a lid to the packaging and you could perhaps use some sellotape as a temporary measure but I'll cross that bridge when it occurs.

Are you a Maybelline fan and what products from the US would you like to find on the high street?

Make Up Revolution Ultra Pro Brush Collection Review

Did I need new make up brushes? Not really but when I saw the the Make Up Revolution Pro for around £10 I couldn't resist - anything that meant I wouldn't have to clean brushes so frequently due to more choice.

We all know that Make Up Revolution is a budget brand whose make up really does take on it's higher end competitors but how would their brushes fare? I have a mix of brushes in my collection, predominantly Real Techniques with the odd Sephora or Mac brush thrown in for good measure but if these brushes, priced at a few pounds if purchased individually were a success this could be very good news.

Before continuing I can't seem to find this set available online to link up as it was part of a Christmas set, hence the gold detailing but I'm sure aesthetics won't be too much of a concern if the product works its magic.

The set contained six brushes; Powder Brush F104, Contour Brush F105, Stippling Brush F103, Eyeshadow Blending Brush E103, Eyeshadow Brush E101 and finally an Eyebrow Brush E104 which on opening I noticed that the bristles were extremely soft and they felt as much of a match for any luxury brand.

The Powder Brush, F104 is a nice size in comparison to Real Techniques Powder Brush which I find so big I rarely reach for it. If I'm more interested in an all over bronze look rather than contouring The F104 is just the thing for the job.

I am by no means an expert in Contouring but I do like to try. If I mean serious business I use the Nars ITA brush but day to day I'd use the contour brush in Real Techniques Core Collection. The Make Up Revolution Contour Brush, F105 is a very different to the Real Techniques in shape and perhaps better suited to blush. I've used for more subtle contouring if you can call it that but it is nice to use for blending out more focussed contouring.

I've yet to test out the F103 Stippling Brush which I'm keen to try with my cream products and see how it works on applying foundation. With a flat top will it be a competitor for my favourites the Real Techniques Buffing Brush or Sephora's Pro Airbrush #55.

Finally are the brushes for your eyes. I'm pretty faithful to my Mac eyeshadow brushes and have multiples and rarely stray but I do like to experiment with other brands blending brushes, especially if I'm in between cleaning. The Eyeshadow Blending Brush E103 is a fair competitor to the Mac 217 
Brush I love. It's much softer and less dense but still allows me to blend my eyeshadow out nicely.

Again I've not yet tried out the Eyeshadow Brush E101 or Eyebrow Brush E104 as I'm scared to stray from my Mac 239 or 208. I've only just replaced my 208 as I somehow lost the one I had and was using one from L.A.B.2 Strokes of Genius Eye Brush Set*. I use this style of brush to apply powders as eyeliner and L.A.B.2's offering was much thicker than what I was used to. It was nice to smudge things out and but I did miss Mac for thinner application.

I'm impressed with Make Up Revolutions brushes and at such an affordable price point. I think it's great to see high street brands battling the higher end in make up tools. The right brushes can really make a difference to how your make up applies and I think we've come a long way from sponge tipped applicators - although why brands are still including those with their products I don't know.

What make up brushes are your favourites?

Happy Valentine's Day

Today's post is a little late in wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day but appropriately enough it's due to enjoying what the contents of today's post were due to be about, Haagen-Dazs ice-cream. The lovely people at Haagen-Dazs heard that sometimes a single girl needs a Valentine's treat and sent over a tub of Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream.

I know that as a single girl I should be cursing such a day but let me tell you I've throughly enjoyed pottering at home, making my way through Series 3 of The Walking Dead (I'm obsessed!) whilst eating far too much of my Hagaan-Dazs ice cream.

I know it's not quite ice cream weather but there's something about Hagaan-Dazs Strawberry Cheesecake* which marries ice cream and dessert perfectly. In fact I had put the tub away whilst I typed this post and I think it's time for me to enjoy another couple of spoonfuls before bed.

I hope you've had a fabulous day with your loved ones, whether that's a significant other or a tub of ice cream like me!

*this post contains press samples