My Hangover Kit

It is no secret that I enjoy a glass of wine or two with a side of jaegarbombs which often leads to hideous hangovers and some serious making up to do where my skin is concerned. As we head into the party season where drinks will likely be flowing freely I thought I'd share a few of my saviours to repair the effects of a boozy night out.

Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask* link 
I commonly have the Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask's in my stash for flights but lately they've been having a more positive effect the morning after the night before. Drinking leaves the skin seriously dehydrated so the boost from these masks containing the famous Hydraluron serum is necessary and there's something comforting from just lying still with nothing more than let the mask do it's work. Due to their ability to lock in moisture they're handy to pop on the night before an event to start the repair work early. Thankfully these sheet masks whilst scary to look at whilst on do stop you from looking so scary the next day!

Vichy Idealia Life Serum* link
This is my current serum of choice as I find it suits my lifestyle perfectly and thanks to it's effects against 'daily excesses' such as stress and pollution. Thankfully this serum transforms the appearance of the skin quality and masks fatigue especially when you have crawl out of bed for a day in the office.
The Idealia Eye Cream is also a hit for tired eyes and you can find out more about that in this post.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo[+] link
The Effaclar Duo from La Roche-Posay has been mentioned countless times on my blog so we'll keep this short and sweet. Let's just say after strolling in drunk from a night out it's not unheard of me for me to skip a thorough cleanse of my skin leading to the appearance of one or two spots. A dab from this handy tube means they disappear in time for the next night out.

Urban Veda Reviving Exfoliating Facial Polish* link
As part of my daily skincare routine I rely on exfoliating toners but as mentioned above these routines fly out the window when I arrive home late and I'm lucky if I remove my clothes let alone my make up. Even the morning after if I'm feeling particularly fragile the thought of tending to my skin is farthest from my mind which causes my skin to feel like sandpaper and I go in with the manual exfoliating. My current product of choice is the aptly named Reviving polish from Urban Veda. Containing pomegranate juice, borage and jasmine which all help to hydrate and nourish the skin as well as rose hip, Evening Primrose and Geranium which help preserve the skins ability to retain moisture. This is cream exfoliating with light gritty particles which aid bringing my skin back to life and a scent which is comforting when feeling sorry for myself.

Liz Earle Instant Skin Tonic Spritzer link
Finally the product which is needed for a wake up call when I need to be wide awake and ready to face the day no matter how hungover I am and that's Liz Earle's Skin Boosting Tonic. A few sprays from the pump and I'm just about ready to take on the world. It's the refreshing boost my skin needs especially after sleeping in a layer of make up.

Let me know if some of my recommendations become of use to you and don't forget to share any secrets you have after a night of indulgence.

*PR Sample

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

Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories Eyeshadow Palettes Review & Swatches

Bourjois Smoky Stories Quads* link

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the launch of some festive releases from Bourjois and the stand out product from the range were the Smoky Stories eyeshadow quads. I was particularly excited by these as Bourjois had been my eyeshadow brand of choice back in my clubbing days piling on a dark grey glittery shade from their round potted shadows range. It seems Bourjois is an oldie but a goodie as since getting these new palettes in my hands I have abandoned all other eyeshadow products with Good Nude becoming a firm favourite of mine .

Each quad features a light, medium and dark shade to create a smoky eye along with what they're calling the 'light touch' which is a glittery shade which can be used as either highlight of packed on to give a sparkly look as you transfer your look from day to evening.

L-R: Over Rose, Rock This Khaki, Good Nude and Grey & Night

As mentioned Good Nude has been my favourite but I'm starting to cheat on that with Rock This Khaki which is perfect for this time of year and nice to go outside of the usual comfort zone. Grey and Night is perfect for the traditional grey smoky eyed lovers and I found it easy to work with and no fear of panda eyes. I have since passed it on to a colleague at work who prefers this shades.

The most impressive thing I've found from these palettes is the longevity. I have oily eyelids and always expect some creasing from eye shadow towards the end of the day no matter what primers and such I use but these stick around long after I've left the office which is perfect as we head into party season.

The shades are all well pigmented and blend well together and have me even thinking I'm a master at the smoky eye look. The medium shade is perfect for applying in the crease and I've been using the darker shades as liner by day but can intensify the look in outer corners by night along with the light touch to sparkle under disco lights.

For £7.99 this isn't the cheapest palette nor the most expensive but it's definitely value for money and would be something I could rely on in most eventualities.

If interested you can see photos from the event here.

*PR Sample

Renunail Nail Colour in Pomegranate Review

Renunail Nail Colour, Pomegranate* link

It wouldn't be unfair to say I love planning my holidays almost as much as the holiday itself and my Vegas trip was planned down to the exact detail including beauty treatments prior to departure, one of which was a Biosculpture Manicure.

Unfortunately 'just one drink' after work on my last day in the office led to many and as I was leaving a club at 830am the next morning it was quite evident I would be not be making that 9am appointment. Thankfully Dr LeWinn's latest release in the Renunail's range was on hand to save the day.

With a lingering hangover which confined me to the sofa there was no way I would be making a trip into the outside world until I was ready to board my flight so it was time for an at home mani, about all I was up for. I was conscious that whilst there are many top performing nail colours in my collection after a day or two there would be the inevitable chips appearing and I didn't want to take an arsenal of nail polish remover, nail colours and top coats to spend my evenings repairing any damage. 

The Renunail Nail Strengthener is a cult product in the beauty world and you may remember my review of the Nude shade I posted back in May here. It's a great product to aid nail strength and I've actually been using it a lot lately whilst suffering from a cold and lack of motivation to dedicate time to a painting my nails but wanting to avoid breakage. 

Dr LeWinn's have now added colour to the famous Renunail Nail Strengthener which meant that whilst I would not have the sturdy biosculpture mani I would have both the perfect shade in Pomengranite for a holiday in the sun whilst ensuring my nails were strengthened and the colour would last during my trip.

I was extremely impressed that whilst I went for two coats, just one gave the high shine glossy finish I love. I did take the bottle with me and it's actually taken so long for me to post this review as I couldn't find the bottle and feared I had left it as a parting gift to Caesar until mum turned up having pinched it from me!

I did experience a few minor chips during my trip towards the end which wasn't unexpected due to fighting with luggage and playing around with cameras and such but I was able to apply another coat to tidy things up and because of it's glossy coverage no top coats were needed. Mum too put some on her nails and wasn't fussed about top coats either. 

Currently there are only five colours in the range, with I'm sure one to suit everyone from Marshmallow, a pale pink to a very season appropriate Dark Plum. I'd love to a see a fuchsia pink and true red appear in the collection as this range is definitely one that appeals and saves some pounds on other treatments. 

*PR Sample

Lush Seasonal Haul

Cinders Bath Bomb link

I must confess I've never been a big Lush fan finding their products gimmicky and can remember days out shopping with friends when I would refuse to go into their overwhelming scented stores. Obviously over recent years I've become more open with my beauty tastes and have begun dabbling with various Lush products and been pleasantly surprised. As you will see with the following items I've recently used it's actually the products qualities I'm impressed with and less the gimmicky side so it shows how wrong you can be. I must also add that my bath is beige so I don't always get the colour benefits that a white bath would give so do bear that in mind if I'm critical there.

First up the Cinders Bath bomb which is part of the Christmas range launched recently and was a bit of a disappointment for me. I don't know if my water was too hot but it appeared to disappear rather quickly with no crackling to speak of. The colour doesn't lend itself to anything to pleasant turning a mustard shade and there minimal bubbles to speak of. Luckily the scent saved it from being a complete dud although again I didn't find it overwhelming which having a look around it seems most people state the size of this bath bomb may be where the problem likes.

Fizzbanger Bath Bomb link

The Fizzbanger I did enjoy and as implied above maybe the size of this bath bomb is where it comes into it's own. Nothing to look at but a big yellow ball it took quite some time fizzing around my bath and I can't deny I was amused watching it take effect. It didn't kick into it's fizz banging qualities till the blue colours were released but there was the distinctive snap, crackle and pop which made me smile and of course watching the small square of paper shouting 'bang' release itself. 

The scent was stronger from the Fizzbanger and lingered during my bath although not overwhelming but I was particularly impressed with how soft my skin felt just from the soak in the tub. Apparently this product contains Petitgrain which is used to calm breathing, slow the heartbeat and reduce feelings of anxiety. Whilst none of these are cause for concern I definitely felt that I had had a relaxing bath and was able to climb into bed quite relaxed.

Sparkler Bath Bomb

Another disappointing product which was saved only for the glittery sparkle in the bath that was left. Again this bomb disappeared quickly, no bubbles and just a milky film in the bath with the mustardy colour which doesn't feel enjoyable to lay in. Again the gimmicks aside the scent was pleasant if short lived and skin was left feel soft to touch.

Candy Mountain link

Candy Mountain part of the famous Snow Fairy scented products  that hit Lush every Christmas. As mentioned these products have escaped me each year so far and I can't quite understand how a sweet smelling range becomes such a Christmas institution. That aside I love vanilla scents and found that this filled my bathroom and created a mountain of bubbles to provide an enjoyable bath time treat. Would I mark this out as part of my Christmas traditions, probably not but as a standalone product I'm a fan. 

Finally we have the Halloween Sparkly Pumpkin which unfortunately already appears to have disappeared from the website but you may find in stores. I was able to get too baths from this bar and both had an abundance of bubbles having mastered my bath running technique to ensure maximum effect from the Lush products. The disappointment with this product is that it isn't pumpkin scented which I would have enjoyed as a preference but otherwise this is a great seasonal gift for teachers or Halloween party hosts. Most people seem to complain about cleaning the glitter from their baths after using this product but I'm pleased to say that I didn't find it a problem so that is a thumbs up from me.

As you will have read the products were mixed in favour for me although I did find it a pleasure to use them all and was definitely impressed with how my skin felt after bathing which is more important than where I received sound affects of colour displays. Lush bath bombs are definitely fun to explore and if you want to treat yourself to something for a few pounds these are a great idea if not pricey for a per use breakdown.

I'll definitely be returning to my Lush store shortly as there's a few more items from the Christmas range I want to try out. What about you are you a Lush fan?