Monthly Beauty Favourites | February 2017

It has been far too long since I've typed up a favourites post for one reason and another but the past couple of weeks I've found myself repeatedly reaching for the same products and thinking 'oh I must put that in this months favourites' and so here it is.

Starting with the KYPRIS Cleanser Concentrate* which I have been using morning and night and who wouldn't with such a high end, luxurious and costly cleanser. As I shared in my original review of the KYPRIS range I don't think I would justify repurchasing at £50 but if I had a spare 'pink one' as my SIL and I call them laying around I might just treat myself. In the morning it's lovely to refresh and awaken the skin and of an evening as my second cleanse my skin feels clean and looks radiant.

As you'll see in my empties post, yes there's one of those returning next week too, I used a mascara that hasn't agreed with me and I was glad to have InstaNaturals Eye Gel* to hand from my trip to Center Parcs. As I explained in that post I was indifferent to this eye gel as I like an eye cream to treat the area I identify most as 'showing my age' but when I was suffering some sensitivity and need something soothing and cooling this product was fantastic. As I suggested it'll certainly come in handy once hayfever season hits.

Moving on to some base favourites and the DHC Quick Film Smoother* which I have been using a primer to soften the appearance of my fine lines. This is a light gel like cream, the type of which I've been enjoying lately as I've found that since I'm not back and forth on the London Underground every day my skin is thanking me for it and more country air than from the London streets. You'll recognise hyaluronic acid but it also contains egg shell membrane (!) which apparently act to firm - who knew. My test with a primer is if I put it on and am almost, I say almost, apprehensive to put on foundation as I think my skin is looking so good without it. Often primers can feel heavy due to silicone and the like but this is so light yet works at plumping the skin that it's a worthy addition to the make up bag.

I'm rather excited that I have been enjoying IXXI Skin Enhancing Daily Defence Care Light Elixir* and found the Medium tint version in my stash as I will definitely be taking this along to St Lucia with me at the end of the month. It is the perfect base when you want a natural 'no make up' look but without being too natural. This will be perfect for the evenings we have a chef preparing our dinner (yes really, this holiday will be the dream!) and know there will plenty of photos taken but I'm reluctant to pile on too much make up and want to enjoy the tan forming.

I know I'm becoming something of a bore talking about the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows but I really really love them. I picked up Iced Latte when I was in Vegas last year and on a friends recent trip to the US I asked her to pick up Eternal Sunshine for me. I think I just need to accept the fact that when I hit the drugstores in Orlando come my November trip I will be buying them all. Iced Latte is a pale champagne shade and Eternal Sunshine is a pale gold that you can build up nicely. On the nights out I've had since Christmas I've always reached for one or the other of these as they're such a quick and easy product to use and look like I've spent far longer on my eye make up. Usually I'm conscious of creasing or wearing metallics and shimmer on my 'older eyelids' but these are so forgiving. And pair them with the DHC Gel Pencil Eyeliner* in brown and I'm good to go. I actually had this eyeliner in situ to photograph when I was getting ready to head out the other evening and so returned to an old favourite, the Chanel Kohl Eyeliner in Brown and was disappointed with the effects. The DHC eyeliner will be a staple going forward.

I am surrounded at home by lip balms, forever reaching for one out of my bedside draw or the box I keep next to my sofa filled with my beauty treats. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Creamy Coconut Flipbalm* is the one by my bedside and the one that always makes me smile since I heard someone refer to it as looking like a brussel sprout. Of course similarities will be drawn to EOS Lip Balms understandably so but for me, aesthetics aside that is where the similarity ends as I'm not a fan of EOS balms, actually casting one aside as I wasn't finding it worked for me. My bedroom is very cold so I find the balm stays solid but still warms onto the lip and glides on easily keeping my lips hydrated and of course there is the scent and faint taste of coconut that we know and love Palmer's for. Interestingly whilst it's sat in my warmer lounge during photography and drafting this post it has become softer and has more slip so I guess depend on your surroundings will depend on how it works for you. Either way it's a product I love to reach for.

Now my lips are hydrated I able to add some colour and that is from the new Benefit lip releases. It's no surprise that Revved Up Red* appears here but I've had equal love for Nude Scandal*.  If you read my initial review the concept is a liner and lipstick in one. You tilt the bullet and apply the liner and then fill in with the wider end, flipping to do the bottom lip. I do find this is a little bit of a gimmick and whilst it works I'm not diligent enough to make sure I  follow 'correct practice' every application and you will find the liner end wears down quicker thus becoming harder to make a definitive line for me I'm happy enough applying as a regular lipstick. I'm currently in the midst of interviewing and am not prepared to abandon my signature red lip but do acknowledge perhaps toning down and this is the perfect shade to feel like myself without being too OTT. And the nude, well as I said I'm not one for being completely happy with a nude lip but Nude Scandal looks fabulous and works great when I'm wearing my L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows and need to pair down the lip colour or if I'm going out for a meal and don't want the hassle of reapplying a red lip.

I'm still yet to hit the nail salon and as such am enjoying relying on my false nails from Rosie Bea and Primark when I want to hide my stubby broken nails. Yes most of these nail kits come with glue and whilst I can work with them I've been using Elegant Touch Brush on Nail Glue for ease - especially as I'm often applying whilst I wait for my taxi to arrive.

First use of a regular nail glue bottle is no problem, second use chances are you're hunting for a pin or similar to clear the blockages and allow the glue to flow. No such problem with the brush on glue which you literally paint on like nail polish. This is genius and is a favourite of both mine and my mums who has just picked up her on bottle.

And finally we are ending with a product which I'm sure will amuse, Bush Oil* which yes is as it sounds, an oil designed to groom your intimate hair area. You simply warm of a few drops of this 100% natural Bush Oil into your hands and then massage through 'your bush' providing an instant sheen.

Now I don't think it's necessary for us to discuss the look we're going for down there but just let it be known that thanks to the likes of Vitamin E, making it a great moisturiser for hair and skin and it's lack of colourants, soap or parabens you can use Bush Oil for a closer shave and it will soften hair follicles for a less painful wax - not that I can vouch for that as I'm too scared to let a waxer go down there (or allow the lengthy growth period!). I can vouch that as a moisturiser of sorts for this area when shaving or using hair removal creams and the likes this is a fabulous product.

If you're into multi use products you can of course use this on cuticles or dry skin and it really does smell lovely, but Bush Oil are clear to let you know that this is a beauty product and not a sex aid and should be fitted into your routine like body lotion. And fear not men, there is a Bush Oil for you too.

What has been on your favourites list this month? Would you be tempted with Bush Oil?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Products I've Loved and Used Up Recently

My monthly 'products I've used up' posts have fallen by the wayside recently for one reason or another. In the case of the products I'm sharing today I've managed to use up, or they're at least on their final uses before I've hit publish on the general review so I thought I'd gather them all together to talk about with you today.

First up is the Rosie Bea range in collaboration with Eylure and Elegant Touch and I must admit that before I received the press release I wasn't familiar with Rosie Bea but of course I am familiar with the brads, especially Elegant Touch.

I love false nails as they're such a handy quick solution when time is short. Post Christmas my acrylic nails I've been enjoying recently where a little too long to manage, yet I was unable to find the time to visit the salon and have them infilled.

After removing the acrylics myself at home and deciding to allow my nails a little breathing space they were not looking their best so when I headed to Center Parcs I threw in the Rosie Bea Marina Nails* to wear. I did think these were black as they are quite dark but they are obviously a navy which I found much more flattering to me than a black nail and work perfectly with the stiletto shape. I found them an almost practical length, I was able to go about my normal business although on my return I did find typing a little cumbersome so decided to take them off. I always love when I remove false nails myself as it gives me confidence I can get through a couple of days without worrying about a nail pinging off at an inappropriate moment.

I was able to try out the Rosie Bea Spotlight Nails* on Monday when heading to a job interview and even managed to put them on during my train commute! They're that quick and easy to use. I love the nude colour of these nails but they are my lesser favourite as I'm not a fan of the polka dots nor find the rose gold metallic tips suited me but when I saw my mum later that day she kept commenting on them so it was personal taste rather than any fault of the nails.

Using false nails are perhaps not the most cost effective method but for practicality and trying out nail art when you need a quick fix they are working well for me. 

John Frieda is a long loved brand for me, one I used well before my beauty blogging days and their products are those I always reach for and know exactly what I'm getting. The John Frieda Luxurious Volume* range is one that has appeared on these pages on numerous occasions and I was recently sent some products from the range to enjoy once again. I have been regularly using the shampoo* and conditioner* and it's as good as I remember.

As someone with blonde balayage I need to ensure that the shampoo and conditioner I use do not strip the colour, or with my dark roots they don't appear greasy. John Frieda ticks the right boxes and I find I can manage an extra day or two from my hair (of course with some assistance from dry shampoo).

The new to me product was the John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7 Day In Shower Treatment*, a semi-permanent treatment with 'volume boosting polymers' designed to thicken your hairs individual fibres. You simply shampoo and condition your hair and then apply 3-4 pumps of the product to your hair. You're advised to focus on the roots which always concerns me with a treatment of this kind as I worry about it look greasy so I tentatively used only a couple of pumps and was happy with the results. I find I apply and tend to leg shaving or something similar as you need to leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Its not an additional step I find I need to use often but it is an extra one I take two or three times a week depending on the occasion.

Patisserie De Bain* is a brand I've often seen on the shelves of Superdrug so I was excited to be sent a couple of products to try which in the Orange Crush scent smell amazing. I have powered through the Orange Crush Bath & Shower Creme* which I adore for using at bath time. The scent pairs perfectly with my Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Scrub and this little duo has been a regular staple.

The Orange Crush Hand & Body Lotion* which whilst smells amazing hasn't been as big a hit. It's a thick lotion which I find doesn't sink into the skin without ease and as someone who finds body lotion a faff and a ritual I'm lax in following I am less inclined to reach for it. I have instead been relying on it as a hand lotion, the application of which has suffered from my current at home state. A small amount is easier to apply and sink into hands and whilst it is a little tacky initially that disappears quite quickly and the lingering scent is enjoyable - and thanks to the size and how much I need to use this will take some time longer to use up than the shower cream.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links.

On The Desk Beauty Essentials

Today I’m back to work after a wonderful week spent in Italy – apologies for the social media spam of my trip – so I thought it was appropriate to share with you some of my essentials I keep either on the desk or close to hand.

First up is two less than sexy products, Tweezerman Pointed Tweezer and Elegant Touch Cuticle Nippers and both for less than sexy reasons. Both these are new additions to my ‘on the desk’ beauty after many occasions where I’d see or feel a stray hair or have a hang nail which would be cause of irritation, no amount of chewing (see, sexy!) would tackle or I’d make it worse meant I needed the tools on hand to do the job properly and mean I could carry on with my work for the day.

Tweezerman and Elegant Touch are both great brands that create the ideal tools for these types of jobs. Yes it was difficult spending £20 on ‘tweezers’ but when I think about how often I use them and that they do the job properly – we’ve all had a dodgy pair of tweezers right – I don’t mind so much. And cost per use is always fair.

Moving on to the more pleasant products and it’s no surprises a hand cream is featured. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again I think if there is one ‘favourite’ beauty product of all time it’s hand cream. For someone who had previously never bothered with hand cream I now go through tubes of the stuff and I need one close to hand (pardon the pun) at all times. Currently I’m enjoying another scent from Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Hand CreamSublime* and I’m a big fan of their hand creams. Non greasy and a variety of scents to please everyone and even better for this time of year there’s an SPF of 15.

Interestingly this Sublime fragrance will take you on a ‘radiant journey through the sun-filled orange groves of Italy’ that it’s a timely reminder of my recent trip. I love orange scents and this is just the right note without being overpowering or my hands smelling like I’ve peeled an orange.

Another fruity scent, and reminder of the cocktails I indulged in on my trip is the newest flavour from Carmex,Peach and Mango Burst*. I’ve been enjoying Carmex recently as their Cherry favour resides in my sofa stash and is reached for regularly and then of course there’s the Leopard Print Pot I keep in my handbag. This newest scent, if you’ll allow me to state the obvious is a delicious ‘tasting’ Peach and Mango that feels like Summer every time I apply. I wasn’t, and am not really a fan of the way these tubes dispense the product as I do find them a little messy but I like the product enough that I disregard that and slather on with abandon. As I say the Cherry flavour sits at home and is popped on at night when I’m not too worried about mess and in work I favour Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me as it has a sheer tint that allows me to hide any diminishing red lipstick and saves reapplying when I’m feeling lazy. That said on some occasions I’m finding lips a little drier because I’m perhaps wearing a matte lip and need to moisturise before reapplying on a night out and that’s when I reach for Carmex Peach and Mango Burst.

Of course there are many other products I keep to hand in my desk draw, even a spare dress for impromptu nights out! Do let me know if you’d like a further peek inside my desk drawers and what I have to hand in case of a beauty emergency. 

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Superdrug Beauty 3 for 2 Haul

Despite my 'use what I have' mantra for 2016 I couldn't help treating myself during the recent Superdrug 3 for 2 promotion. I'd seen the Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer's doing the rounds and knowing there were easier to get hold of than fighting on the Kylie Cosmetics website I thought I'd stick with the high street.

The shade that had caught my attention was Smokey Topaz and was top of my list and started the buying process. It swatched beautifully as did Rose Quartz and I dithered, did I really want two of the same product. Did I need two new lip glosses or lacquers as they're known? Of course not but both came home and I'm so pleased they did. Why? Because Smokey Topaz did not work for me but Rose Quartz on the other hand is a favourite at the moment.

Smokey Topaz is just too pale and sheer for me and my dalliance with nudes recently has told me that my lips are naturally too pink so I need to ensure I pick the colours more wisely. Rose Quartz though is a subtle but pigmented shade of pink which to use a cliche is 'my lips but better'. As mentioned it's very much like melted lipstick, glossy but not sticky. I've noticed also that I prefer the brush application than a doe foot applicator. The packaging is pleasing, even the jewel in the top of the applicator doesn't look cheap or tacky as one would suspect.

Once I'd decided on my lip lacquers I needed that third product and I decided to pick up Elegant Touch Nails in Constellation. I am really into false nails at the moment finding them perfect for weekend occasions and then wiping them off so I'm able to hold a pen, type or apply eye creams without danger of blinding myself. I found these particularly pretty and if we're going to love the rose gold trend lets pop it on our nails too.

As it happened the outfit I planned to wear these with changed so I went for another option but I'm looking forward to bringing these out for an event soon.

Finally with all purchases you got a nifty little make up bag. I need more make up bags like a hole in the head but it's cute nonetheless and I'm sure my niece will be very happy to use it on my behalf.

What have you been treating yourself to recently?

Stiletto Nails and me

It's been a long time since I've had long nails and I'm ok with that. Usually opting for a red finish I find that it suits my natural shorter nails and it's far better for me than the acrylics I once wore. That doesn't mean I don't look in envy at others fabulous longer nails and none more so than the stiletto style.

I've dabbled a little in false decorated versions with mixed results, House of Holland nails were just a little too large in size but I was a fan of the Elegant Touch Drama Queen style although acknowledge at the time that they did make day to day business a little difficult.

The biggest issue I was aware of when testing stiletto nails would be typing. I spend much of my weekends blogging so being unable to sit at my laptop would be a problem, hence why I'd not yet tried out the Elegant Touch 003 Bare Stiletto Nails I picked up recently. I was keen to try the nails and be able to choose from my own nail polish collection.

On Friday evening when I was sitting at home a little bored, and disinterested in picking up the laptop I decided to give them a go. If I wasn't going to be writing blog posts then why not. I also knew I had various plans over the weekend which meant that I would not be spending the majority of my time in front of the laptop.

The first issue encountered was before I had event applied the nails. I just could not get the glue to dispense. I tried a second bottle I had in another set in case I had a fault one - no luck. In the end I had to cut the nozzle off which made apply the glue a bit fiddly. It wasn't too much of a problem I just had to be more careful to drop it onto the nail itself.

In terms of size I found the nails a good fit but as expected the length was long but I liked it. I decided to miss base coat and instead went straight in with Nails Inc Coleville Mews* to imitate the nude nails I'd be admiring on Instagram and the like.

The next issue I encountered was managing the fact a longer nail requires more polish and effort to apply an even finish. If I were to look in the light I did see that nearer the tip things had petered off a little and perhaps if I was being more diligent next time I'd go for a third coat to avoid the dragging. I did use a top coat which helped even the appearance of them out and then voila stiletto nails were mine.

So how did I manage with these new talons? It wasn't as bad as I thought and as I was only spending the remainder of the evening on the sofa watching tv the more obvious problem was using my iPhone. I was easily able to get round this by using the side of my fingers, namely my thumb to use. My evening skincare regime came into question when I wanted to use fingers for getting products out of tubs and it was quite difficult to apply my eye cream and much care was needed.

The next day I managed to go through my morning regime with little problems, again eye cream was something of an issue and I tried applying my foundation with fingers and it was a little fiddly but not too bad. Aside from some difficulty pulling a card out of my wallet in Tesco I didn't come across any issues to cause concern.

Returning back to the sofa I did pull out my laptop and attempted to tackle my emails and frustration got the better of me. Anyone with these long nails who manages to type away I am in awe, what is your secret? I'm quite a fast typist but suddenly have to reply on the tips only slowed me down considerably and in the end I gave up.

Knowing that I would be spending Sunday catching up on blogging I decided to try cutting the nails down to avoid having to remove them completely. Of course this has changed the shape of them so defeats the object of wanting the style in question but it does mean that I was able to keep 'nice nails' without having to spend time removing them completely.

As I sit and type this post, with the shorter nails it still a little cumbersome but not enough to warrant their removal and I'll be interested to see how they fair at work today on a regular keyboard.

In conclusion I will definitely apply the stiletto nails again but for nights out and then rely on cutting them down for when my laptop will be in use.

Have you tried stiletto nails before?

Products I've used up | January 2016

My first empties post of 2016 featuring a variety of products starting with the last product to make it's way into the pile, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo. This is an old favourite of mine but as I rotated products around my bathroom I'd shifted this larger bottle into my travel stash and would use to decant into smaller bottles I had. I took those smaller bottles to Florida with me and fell in love once again with this shampoo I'm definitely tempted to make a repurchase very soon. 

I'm a big fan of La Roche Posay and the Physiological Cleansing Gel* didn't disappoint for it's formula, packaging and ability to see when it was sadly coming to an end. Apparently the formula contains ingredients so gentle that they're used in contact lens solutions but that doesn't mean that it's too soft to remove all make up and grime from your face at the end of the day. 

Regular readers will know I'm loyal to Sure Maximum Protection for my deodorant needs but I'm not against trying new products. In this instance it was Dr Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant* which whilst not a competitor for my regular product was a pleasant one to use at night time. If you're a coconut lover this is one for you. Another deodorant I tried was from Soft & Gentle* and unfortunately it just didn't pack the punch I need either. Just call me sweaty betty!

Hot on the heels of the shampoo is L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Conditioner, both of which are great products for giving thick, glossy locks. Definitely one for the repurchase list. 

The MonuSpa Body Buffer* was a complete luxury product that I loved using and shows why sometimes it's worth spending the extra few pounds for bath time product. Whilst I have a healthy stash of Soap & Glory Body Scrubs to work through I will be considering a repurchase for when I want an additional pamper. 

I've had the Elegant Touch Drama Queen false nails have sat in a draw at home for some time and they finally made an appearance for a friends birthday dinner after Christmas. Despite my intentions of a full on manicure as usual time escaped me and instead I reached for these. Unlike the House of Holland nails I'd used these were much smaller in size and whilst still giving me talons I was able to 'function' much easier. They did mean I was unable to type as freely as I would like so I did soak them off the next day but it was worth it for a quick fix before a night out. 

Cocoa Brown Tan* is well known for being a well performing affordable tanning product and I can see why. I seem to have a rather large collection of tanning products without the frequent use and I'm trying to change that, hence Cocoa Brown's tanner finding its way into the empty pile. 

I used Bobbi Brown Corrector for years and whilst there is still a small offering left an end of year declutter I decided to put this in the trash. I haven't reached for it in months and other products are used with more frequency. Yes it knocks out the colour of my dark circles and will not sit in my fine lines but I have other products that I prefer these days. 

A product thats more function rather than one I have much to say on, Nails Inc Base Coat was my go to first step in my nail regimes. Again my end of year declutter highlights the abundance of nail products available to me so there is no need for a repurchase yet and I'm comfortable that many base coat products I've used do the same job.

As I enter 2016 I've decided I need to be more strict with my mascara and rather than flog to death, let them go when the time is needed. Two that have had the boot recently are NYX Propel My Lashes* which I loved and will repurchase when the time comes and L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara* from Just My Look which I didn't. I didn't enjoy the spindly brush nor clumpy look of my lashes. One very much, for the bin. 

I had been using YSL Touche Eclat for years and repurchased constantly. As I became less brand loyal, or shall we say experimental with my product ranges this product fell to the back of the draw and I don't know how long it's sat there. I have used sporadically throughout the year but as part of the already mentioned declutter it was time to let go. Yes I have my eyes on that collectors edition, stay tuned. 

Whilst on holiday and browsing the Sephora aisles I dithered whether to repurchase Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black in full size knowing the small rollerball had reached the end of it's life. In the end I decided to hold fire, sure I'll be in the US later in the year when I have less perfume lining my dressing table. 

And finally is Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion which was an amazing find last year. To target Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin as it's known it's worth the price tag. I'm lucky that I only have a small patch on one of my legs but this cleared it up a treat. As usual with my usage I'm sporadic but nonetheless when used properly this product works a treat. The only reason I won't be repurchasing yet is I managed to pick up an alternative in the US, once again stay tuned!

*this post contains press samples 

Faking it for Christmas

I had my first Christmas night out last weekend and rather than splash cash on a new outfit I wore an old faithful and instead jazzed it up with some fun accessories perfect for the holiday season.

I have been itching to try 'stiletto nails' for some time and after dithering between WAH London press ons yet not feeling their designs I finally came home with the House of Holland Glitterbug False Nails by Elegant Touch. I rarely wear glitter nail polish as it's such a beast to remove so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to have some 'the easy way'.

The first thing to note is that you will receive 24 nails of varying designs. Whilst this was obvious from the packaging to a degree and I wasn't too worried about mixing things up you will be unable to have a particularly matching manicure and will find a block nail here and a glitter tip there. The next issue I had was how big these nails are. I considered myself to have fairly big hands/nails and have never found myself struggling to find smaller tips before. Due to these nails being thinner in design than for example imPRESS nails I did have some trouble trying to find a nail that was thinner for the cuticle bed but not too thin for the nail itself. In some instances there was definitely a larger nail than I would need. Not so much something that bothered me for this one night out but others might want to consider this, especially if you've struggled with finding nails to fit in the past.

I'm of the age I remember the glue on nails which would barely last night with them pinging off all over the place, no danger of that with the House of Holland nails. The glue was amazingly strong, to the point I almost got myself in a right mess, glued two fingers together and struggled to get them apart! Fantastic news but do heed caution.

So how was my experience with stiletto nails? My word they are not for the faint hearted. We've all had those moments of having nails done, maybe longer than normal and enjoyed fluttering our hands about. Well that is pretty much a necessity with these nails. They are so long they do hinder your actions so much and let me tell you, pulling up spanx and tights is an endurance. Although again this does show how amazing the glue was as come the next day there was not one missing nail.

As I progressed with my hangover the following day I was less careful of losing one but they did not budge. In the end I had to soak them in acetone to loosen them as I just knew there was no way I'd be able to manage a day in the office as I could barely type a text.

Equally as long lasting were the Gold by Melanie* temporary tattoos currently available for a limited time only from Glimmer. Temporary body art has had something of craze lately and there was few photos of girls on Ibiza's beaches without sporting some. Despite my trip to Ibiza this was my first foray into the world of body art and I'm impressed.

If like me you're not keen for permanent body art and prefer to pick a more temporary then these are for you. For £13.99 you'll receive two sheets of various images from chains, words and hearts. My first tip is you will need a pair of scissors to cut out your chosen design and I'm glad I remember taking mine to the hotel last weekend.

I went for a star on my wrist which you may have seen over on instagram here (two days later might I add!). My friend eyed it up jealously and I was kind enough to share one for her too. I'd forgotten to wear my watch I had left home in such a hurry so it was perfect, without jewellery either to add something to add some bling.

The metallic gold of these tattoos is bright enough to make an impact without being garish or tacky and whilst it's obviously 'fake' it doesn't look like you've been at home with a sharpie nor are you left with an image that starts as a star and ends up resembling a jumbled mess.

As already alluded to these tattoos will last for days (assuming you're not particularly scrubbing at them etc). I've continued to shower, wash hair and the only time it started to rub away was when I put my watch back on. My only complaint is that some of these tattoos would look fabulous on the back but that will rely on some close at hand for application. Otherwise application is so simple and quick.

As I mentioned, cut out your chosen design. Remove the clear film and stick the design, face down in place. Next take a damp cloth or sponge and dab water in place. The ease with which the tattoo appeared and so evenly was mere seconds. We all remember those tattoo transfers as kids right? When you'd life the backing and find Batmans head left behind on the back and his body strategically placed on your arm. No danger of this here.

I always say a little black dress can take you from desk to disco and throwing on one of these tattoos is easily done in your offices toilets without having to carry around chunky jewellery.

The kind people at Glimmer have allowed me to share a discount with my readers if you want to add some temporary body art to your festive wardrobe. Just add discount code FLORENCEMARY when placing your order here and you'll receive 20% off up till 24th December. With over 20 designs to use that works out less than 50p at full price so with the discount what's there to think about.

Are you tempted to treat yourself?

*This post contains press samples