Clarins Paris - Instant Eye Make-Up Remover

Ok so I have another make-up remover review. I have never bought anything from Clarins before because I have seen it as a brand more targeted at mature skin. I was buying a present and was pulled into buying this. It cost £16.50 which for its size is quite expensive but not the most expensive removers I've seen out there.

At least now I have a positive review to tell you about!

This make-up remover is an oily consistency and needs to be shaken to mix the two layers together. I then pour the product onto a cotton pad and hold it over my eyes for about 10 seconds for the product to start breaking down my makeup -especially my mascara. Then I gently pull away the pad repeatedly to remove the product, sometimes softly rubbing my eye to remove the stubborn liquid liner and mascara. I find that one pad is enough for each eye (if you wear little make-up, one would be enough for both).

This makeup remover really breaks down my makeup so well! I really feel an oily liquid is the best method to remove make up and I have decided that cream make-up remover like the Yes to Carrots one I previously reviewed see here are just not for me. It does not at all sting my eyes or my skin when use it, and really doesn't make removing make-up such a chore. Being an oil means that it doesn't dry out my skin and leaves it feeling really silky and soft.

When shaken, it turns this colour ^. As you can see in this photo only a fraction has been used, probably a weeks worth of product. Now however I'm nearly finished and really don't want the bottle to end :(.

• £16.50 for 125ml
• Clarins website
• Clarins website on this eye make-up remover

Origins - Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Cream

Ok so you guys must think I'm crazy for spending SO much money on a face cream. I did resist slightly when it was time to hand over the money. My skins been really dry from the wintery weather recently and really needed some intense TLC!!

This well known face cream promises to calm and soothe the skin as well as reduce redness and sensitivity. It contains Narcissus Lily Bulb which reduces ageing.

I apply it morning and night and it looks like it will last me a long time. The cream is thick and luxurious and not much is needed to cover the whole face. It provides a great base for my make-up in the mornings as well as fully hydrating my skin in the evenings. It gives the same results as face masks in my opinion, really freshening up my face.

The cream comes in a lovely dark green tub and is just very simple and old school which I like. It also has a very unusual smell that I can't quite describe which personally I am not keen on but it does not bother me enough to not use it.

Due to it's expensive price tag, I can't say that when I eventually run out I will be rushing out for a refill, although it really is a fantastic cream if you have dry skin. 

If you can afford it, then I would definitely recommend it (see price below) however for me, if I had some extra money lying around then maybe I would be tempted to repurchase. Shame :(

• Cost £46.00
• Origins website

Topshop - sale jewellery

I just wanted to do a little post on some really lovely pieces I picked up from Topshop. The jewellery at Topshop is lovely but sometimes quite expensive so I have now gotten into the habit of only buying sales pieces. It's such a good feeling when you see something you really want but resisted to buy it because of the price, that then goes into the sale.

I think Topshop have a high turn around of jewellery as there's always a sales section in most Topshop shops and things I see turn up in the sale a few weeks later.

The stuff I bought would have cost me about £26.00 but instead I bought them for £13.00 + 10% student discount!

From left to right

Necklace - I really love that the chain is chunky and heavy because it makes the necklace feel more expensive. I think the contrast between the chain and the slightly more delicate crystal is really cool, especially with the different metals. It sits high on my neck and goes with a lot of things. I normally pair this with a plain top to make it seem more interesting.

Earings - I thought these studs were really smart and would be perfect for the days when I don't feel like wearing big dangly earrings, but want some kind of pop of jewellery.

Rings - I wish I got these in a size S because they are slightly too big for me. Nevertheless I love wearing them. As with the necklace, there is a contrast of metals which I really like. The crosses are small and really make the rings seem unique.

Earings - I've gotten quite a few complements from these unique dangly earrings. I'm not one to love heavy earrings as I find them uncomfortable but these are just about alright. These are quite long, reaching my shoulders so personally I think they looks best when my hair is up.

• Link to Topshop Jewellery

GLOSSYBOX (November)

This months Glossybox is filled with stocking fillers that Glossybox felt would make great Christmas presents. It contains three well known brands, as well as two new ones. When I felt the weight of this box, I knew it would be filled with some great stuff :). I was so shocked at the fantastic things I had received and I think Glossybox have done really well with this box, it might even be my favourite one.

Items in the box;

1) Ayuuri face cream

2) Burberry perfume

3) Alison Claire Natural Beauty body butter

4) Nails Inc nail varnish

5) Dermalogica exfoliator

1) AYUURI - INDIAN ROSE FACE CREAM

   - 'These Ayurvedic face creams moisturise your skin without leaving it feeling greasy. The beautiful fragrant Indian Rose cream contains Jasmine and Aloe Vera to keep the skin moist and protect it from ageing elements.'

   - This was the biggest size shocker of the whole box!! A lovely full size product. Glossybox gave out two differently scented face creams and I received the Indian Rose one. The other one being Sandalwood oil. It is highly scented of rose and I could smell it as soon as I opened my box. Its a beautiful moisturising cream that does its job and can be used on all skin types. To be used every morning this thick white cream makes me feel I'm applying good ingredient to my face. (£4.95 - 200ml)

2) BURBERRY - BURBERRY BODY EAU DE PARFUM

   - 'An effortlessly sensual, feminine fragrance with an eclectic combination of green absinthe, rose and cashmeran.'

   - I've wanted to try out this perfume and was really happy to see that its a really good size for a sample product. In the past I've received those tiny tiny ones that only have a couples of sprays in it but this is huge and has the same design as the bigger full size bottles. (£75.00 - 85ml)

3)ALISON CLAIRE NATURAL BEAUTY -  MANGO BODY BUTTER

   - 'A delicious blend of organic mango and cocoa butters will leave your skin feeling wonderful.'

   -  Doesn't smell of mango! It reminds me of biscuits and the smell ligers on the skin for a long time. I like creams that have a pump and you can see how much you have left as the bottom rises. (£15.00 - 200ml)

4) NAILS INC - PORCHESTER SQUARE

   - 'Nails Inc best sellers.'

   - I have a couple of Nails Inc nail varnishes and really love them. I received a fantastic neutral grey-purple which I am very pleased about. Other colours that could be received are a hot pink and a clear top coat. (£11.50 - 10ml)

5) DERMALOGICA - DAILY MICROFOLIANT

   - 'A unique rice-based powder that gently exfoliates skin, leaving it noticeably smoother & brighter.'

   - I think Glossybox really love Dermalogica products because they seem to appear in a lot of boxes! This is a really unusual product that I cannot wait to try. Its a powder that you make into a paste with water and use as a exfoliate. It's also again, another really generously sized product. (£38.50 - 75g)

I am really pleased with this box and cannot wait for my Christmas one in December

• You can subscribe for a Glossybox at http://www.glossybox.co.uk (£10.00 + p&p)

Yes To Carrots Make-up Remover Review

I have seen these 'Yes to Carrots/Cucumbers/Tomatos/Blueberries' a lot recently and I thought I would try out this Makeup remover. The one I picked up says its suitable for all skin types but normally I'm more reluctant to buy products suitable for a range of skin types because then they aren't targeted for my skin (dry & sensitive), so could be drying or irritate my skin. As Yes to Carrots is targeted for dry skin I thought I would be alright.

To be honest I had higher hopes for this product ☹. When I put some of it on a cotton pad it was difficult to dispense resulting in me either getting nothing out, or an excessive amount. It stung my eyes quite a bit and made them water for ages after. It did not even completely remove all my makeup without me using tonnes of product. After using this makeup remover it made my skin feel dry and un-moisturised. I feel other makeup remover I have used in the past, such as Bioderma is much more affective as well as gentle to my eyes.

I think that it was reasonable priced for the amount of product you get (although a fair bit is needed each time) and I like the packaging. It doesn't have much of a fragrance and is simply a thick white creamy consistency. There aren't many positives apart from this. I do however still want to try out other products from the range. Possibly "Yes to Carrots" isn't for me? I think next time I will try out the Cucumber range.

A little bit of background on the whole range..

There are four different brands within this collection.

1) Yes to Carrots (nourishing)

2) Yes to Cucumbers (soothing)

3) Yes to Tomatos (clear skin)

4) Yes to Blueberries (age refresh)

The whole collection are free from parabens, SLS and petroleum

more information about each brand Yes Brands

• 250ml - £8.99
• http://www.yestocarrots.com/index.html
• Where to buy (UK) Asos , Beautybay , Victoria Health , Bath & Unwind

Recent Purchases

ZARA

Combined Fur Clutch Bag £49.99

Not sure why they refer to it as a clutch bag when it has a strap. I loved the edgy unusual design and thought it would be perfect for an evening bag. Ive used it a couple of times and have fallen in love with it :) also unlike a lot of Zara bags, it has a zip.

Bucket Bag With Buckles £19.99

I have currently been using this as my everyday bag. Its such good quality for only being £19.00. For me, its the perfect size to put in my uni books and folders.

 Vamp Shoe With Heel Back And High Heel £39.99

I had seen these shoes in all the magazines and I couldn't hold back anymore! They are just such beautiful shoes. They are quite high but are just to die for! I think these would look fantastic with a simple pencil skirt and bare legs.

Military Shirt With Studded Shoulders £29.99
This shirt hits two big trends this season; studs and military. I wasn't too keen on the military trend because it has been over done and so many people are now wearing camouflage leggings and coats. I saw this and thought its subtly displaying the trend and I just have a weakness for studs.

Cablestitch Trenchcoat £45.99

Unbelievably soft and cosy, I have been wearing this a lot especially with this temperamental weather. Also I wouldn't describe it as a trench coat, It's more of a big cardi/jumper.

NEW LOOK
I think the two pumps above are really a staple pieces because they go with everything and are really comfortable. I re-purchase the same ones from Newlook because I think their reasonably priced and good quality.

Black Simple Ballet Pumps £7.99

Light Brown Simple Ballet Pumps £7.99

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion £14.05

My all time favourite primer. This was a repurchase. Pricey.. but lasts a long time.

I went to Brighton with some of my friends recently and we decided to go shopping (big mistake) I bought a couple of things from a few small shops there. I thought I'd show you these really cool tins. Something interesting besides fashion and beauty!

First Aid Tin

Family Drugs Tin

GLOSSYBOX (october)

 

The items in the box;

1) Anatomicals body scrub

2) Dermalogica night kit

3) Skinetica anti-blemish solution

4) Yves Rocher France lipstick

1) ANATOMICALS - DON'T JUST CLEAN IT WOMAN, SCRUB IT BODY SCRUB
   - A pink grapefruit body scrub that buffs with a bravura sense of charm and wit.
   - Smells yummy, I wouldn't necessarily say it smells of grapefruit though. It has large bits of grain that would be great as a scrub. I think I would also love to try out other Anatomicals products and receiving this has definitely spurred me on to doing so. (£3.49-200ml)

2) DERMALOGICA - 3 STEP DAY AND NIGHT KIT
   - Cleanse, tone and moisturise with the Day/Night 3-step mini kit.
   - Not really sure why I've received this product in this months Glossybox, when in June's box there was also a 3 Step Day and Night kit. Very disappointed with Glossybox for doing this and I know other people are too. (£12-kit)  (Review of Junes Glossybox)

3 SKINETICA - ANTI-BLEMISH
   - A unique solution for clearing skin blemishes, showing results in 2-3 days. Kind to skin with no side effects.
   - It has that strong alcohol smell that I think could disturb some peoples skin causing dryness and redness. I would use this by targeting problematic areas as opposed to generally applying the solution all over my face like the bottle says to. (£6.99-100ml)

4) YVES ROCHER FRANCE - MOISTURISING CREAM LIPSTICK - FRAMBOISE
   - Perfect coverage from the first application: a smooth, supple luminous film covering the lips.
   - Love the packaging of this lipstick, and the smell reminds me of the old Lancôme lipsticks. The shade I received is 'Framboise' a raspberry colour. It glide on really well and doesn't try out my lips. (£14.50-3.7g)

NO 5TH SAMPLE PRODUCT?!?!?

This box for me was a real disappointment. Receiving ANOTHER Dermalogica 3 Step Day And Night Kit was just unfair and outrageous. I decided to contact Glossybox and they said that the kit was actually meant for people who hadn't yet received it previously in the June Glossybox. They apologised and kindly offered to send me two replacement products which were a StriVectin face and neck cream (which is actually for older skin, so not appropriate for me) and an Eyeko eyeliner and I received both the next day.

Also, some people received 5 products in their box when I only received 4. I saw a tweet from Glossybox claiming that the Dermalogica Kit was worth 2 products when firstly in Junes box had 5 products and secondly why have they given out the kit within 5 months of each other. I've read some other blog reviews and the ones that received 5 products seem to really like them and I wish I had received those products. Beauty Swot's Blog review

When receiving a Glossybox, just remember it can be temperamental. Some boxes are great, some are alright and some are terrible.

• The website http://www.glossybox.co.uk
• £10.00 (+p&p)

TOPSHOP - Accost Pin Stud Boots Review

When I first saw these shoes, I instantly fell in love. They were exactly what I'd been looking for; a black heeled boot with studs.
The first few days were great, they looked really good with jeans and dresses as well as being comfortable to walk in and could be dressed up and down. The only problem I had at this point was that driving was slightly uncomfortable, as the front of the boot around the ankle dug into my foot/lower leg but nothing I couldn't deal with.
After only wearing them a handful of times, a couple of the studs fell out and I was so disappointed because it was so noticeable. I decided to take them back and get them replaced for a new pair, Topshop were very helpful and just simply switched them for a new pair and told me they were faulty.
After only wearing the second pair for a day, another couple of studs fell out. I couldn't believe it!! For £90.00 I just didn't expect the studs to fall out so easily. I decided to just get my money back and look somewhere else.

• £90.00
• Topshop Website
• I do want to make the point that maybe I was just extremely unlucky and got two faulty pairs. But I thought it was important to blog about it incase it happens to someone else.

The Setting Brush by Real Techniques

This brush is part of the 'perfect finish' selection.

The setting brush is very similar in shape to the Contour brush, just about half the size. You can use the setting brush to apply highlighter, concealers and fine powder (e.g. under the eyes) as well as applying many other makeup products. It really is a multi-task brush and unlike any brush I've had before.

When using this brush, I did find that a light hand was needed, as it picks up a lot of product.
Currently I have been using it to apply highlighter to my cheekbones, which I find it the perfect shape and size for the job.

• Link to my main post about the brushes Real Techniques makeup brushes
• Links to previous posts on Real Techniques brushes - Expert Face Brush, Powder Brush, Stippling Brush & Blush Brush, Core Collection

The Expert Face Brush By Real Techniques

This brush is part of the 'Flawless Base'.
It can be used to apply cream and liquid foundations. Instead of being round like the buffing brush, it's slightly flatter (but not as flat as a standard foundation brush) denser and firmer.

This brush leaves no streaks on the face unlike a lot of foundation brushes and sweeps the foundation evenly. I also find that it does well at getting into the smaller places, such as around the eyes and nose as it has no straight edges on the brush. It also has a stand which is useful for storage, although I know a lot of people aren't too happy with this as it takes up too much space in a makeup brush pot.

So far I have been loving this brush just as much as the buffing brush. I think there is little difference between the two and as far as I'm concerned it gives the same results. So if you wanted to purchase the buffing brush but don't want to buy the whole Core Collections, then the expert face brush is perfect.

• It costs £8.99
• Real Techniques website
• My Main post about Real Techniques makeup brushes
• Links to my other posts on Real Techniques brushes Core Collection, Powder Brush, Stippling Brush & Blush Brush

GLOSSYBOX (September)

 

The items in the box;

1. Lady Gaga perfume

2. Rodial serum + facial

3. Balance Me eye cream

4. Vichy day cream

5. Maghrabian hair oil

1) LADY GAGA - FAME FRAGRANCE
   - 'An opulent, crushed floral fragrance that's black like the soul of fame but transparent once airborne'
   - I had heard about this perfume, along with mixed review about it. It's definitely not what I expected. Its a lovely girly foral scent with a twist. (£25 - 30ml, £32 - 50ml, £61 - 100ml)

2) RODIAL - GLAMOXY SNAKE SERUM AND 5 MINUTE FACIAL
   - 'Glamoxy Snake Serum is a revolutionary product with instantly visible results, helping to reduce the appearances of frown lines and wrinkles. 5 Minute Facial is a triple action resurfacing gommage clay mask.'
   - Such small samples and I'm not sure how i'll benefit from testing out these products, especially as their for wrinkles. (Snake Serum £29 - 10x 1ml) (5Minute Facial £10.95 - 10x 1ml)

3) BALANCE ME - WONDER EYE CREAM
   - 'A triple-action designed to soothe tired eyes, smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines.'
   - A light cream that smells of citrus fruits. I've tried it out and its lovely to apply, soaking quickly into the skin. I'm really excited about this eye cream, as I haven't had much success with them.(£20 - 15ml)

4) VICHY IDEALIA DAY CARE CREAM
   - 'A soothing and illuminating day cream that smoothens skin's texture and improves complexion radiance.'
   - This pink cream has a slightly thicker consistency than the eye cream above. Although I'm not sure if there is anything special about this cream.(£25 - 50ml)

5) MAGHRABIAN HAIR OIL
    - Nutrition, hydration, conditioning, softness, shine and long-term vitality. Hair absorbs the oil quickly, instantly improving its appearance.'
    - I always love receiving and trying out new hair oils, Although I think I will always stick to my MoroccanOil. (£24 - 100ml, £13 - 50ml)

• You can subscribe for a Glossybox at http://www.glossybox.co.uk (£10.00 a month + p&p)

MoroccanOil Travel Kit

This travel kit is really useful when going away. Not just for the weight limit some of us struggle to meet, but also because you have everything you need when your away! All four products come in a white wash bag, which on it's own is really useful and good quality. The products that come inside are a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and the original MoroccanOil. I went away this summer and decided to try out this kit and tell you what I thought of it.

MOROCCANOIL TREATMENT

As you may know from my previous post (see here), I love the original MoroccanOil. It smells amazing, and makes my hair extremely soft. You get 25ml which is a great size and enough product to last a holiday. This kit also comes with a tiny 10ml sample (not sure why when they already give you a larger one).

MOISTURE REPAIR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Both products are extremely moisturising and smell amazing. Only downside is the conditioner didn't last me the whole of my holiday which was a shame.

INTENSE HYDRATING MASK

I didn't use this that often away, because I was already using the MoroccanOil and thought it would be a bit much to constantly use both. But when I did use it, it left my hair feeling so soft afterwards. I just left in in my hair for a few minutes and then washed it out. Lovely results.


- As an end note, I really enjoyed using this kit and found it extremely useful when away. There have been times in the past when I've forgotten to pack some shampoo or hair oil, but by having this kit there's one less think I have to remember to bring. Each product is fantastic and leave my hair silky and hydrated which is exactly what my hair needs, especially in the hot weather of summer.

• Costs £33.85
• Their main website www.moroccanoil.com
• Where to purchase - Feel Unique, Bath And Unwind

Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream Review

I am not sure where to start with this product. Whether to start with its extortionate price of £19.99 or it's terrible performance and packaging. But I will start off by saying I am very disappointed.

I have used this eye cream for quite a while, hoping to see even a little bit of a difference to my eyes. Quite frankly I felt it pointless applying it, firstly it is a chore to put on due to the smell and texture of the cream. Secondly, in the mornings I found putting make-up on top of the cream (even after I had let it soak in) didn't feel right and felt slightly uncomfortable.

The smell of this eye cream is terrible, I'm not even sure how to describe it. To me, it smells like gone off cream. This is not what I want to be smelling in the morning or at night.  The cream itself is thick and white that feels sticky and stiff when I apply it to my eyes. The packaging, I just do not understand. Compared to all other Burt's Bees products that have lovely bright interesting packaging, this eye cream is really bare. Of course as you can see the box is decorated, but the actual tub of eye cream is plain and boring. Not what I expected when I bought it, however I think they have slightly changed the packaging now.

This product is such a shame because I really like Burt's Bees products (specifically their face wash, body scrub, lip balm's and foot cream)

• Link to their website Burt's Bees
• Link to Burt's Bees products on Feel Unique

Dry hair? This is what I use...

I thought I would do a blog post on my current favourite products to combat dry hair. I used to have extremely long hair which took a lot of work to keep healthy. Now my hairs shorter, its 100 times healthier and these are the products I use to keep it silky and soft. I don't use all of these products one after another when I wash my hair, I just switch them round every so often or however I feel at the time.


REDKEN - ALL SOFT CONDITIONER

This conditioner smells of coconut and makes my hair silky soft after I've washed it. Its my normal every day conditioner but I do like to occasionally change my conditioner. Conditioners do not last me long and this bottle is quite small so I have to repurchase quite often. £11.40

TRESEMME - NATURALS

This conditioner makes my hair feel so soft. I had never tried Tresemme products before this one and I am very pleased with the results. As a plus it contains no silicone which as we all know isn't good for your hair. I have a feeling this may take the place of my Redken's conditioner as my favourite conditioner. £4.05

JOICO - K-PAK MOISTURE

This is a hair treatment used after shampooing. You leave it in your hair and then wash it out. It smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling silky. The bottle is also a really good size lasting me a long time. £13.95

AUSSIE - DUAL PERSONALITY CURL DEFINITION + SOFT FEEL SERUM

 I like to use this when I leave my hair naturally to define the curls and reduce the frizziness I sometimes get. The texture of the serum reminds me a little of the texture of Moroccanoil and I often take this on it's own on holiday when I cant take too many products. Like all Aussie products, it smells really good! £4.99

 MOROCCANOIL

 I've been using this for months now and absolutely love it. If I ever forget to apply this, I feel a difference in my hair. It an orange oil and I find that 1-2 pumps is enough for my hair. I like to apply this to my hair when it is damp after I've washed it, but occasionally I apply a little when its dry day to day. Personally I love the smell, which I know isn't for everyone. £30.45

ORGANIC ROOT STIMULATOR - OLIVE OIL

 I bought this on a whim when I was absolutely desperate to find anything that could sort out my dry straw-like hair. Its a thick pale green cream that smells of olive oil (surprise surprise). Olive oil has been known to improve elasticity and hydration to the hair. It's such a fantastic product that I'm so surprised its not more well known in the blogging world and Youtube. £4.90

AUSSIE - DUAL PERSONALITY ANTI-FRIZZ + CONDITIONING MILK

This conditioning milk I like to mix with the previous Aussie serum above. It controls my curls and also helps to define them, reducing the frizziness. I can feel it also has a hold (rather like a hairspray) which hold my curls in place. £4.99

V05 - MIRACLE MIST

This miracle mist sprays evenly over the hair (unlike some sprays that just targets its spray in one area). Its really light and I don't feel as though I'm piling products into my hair. I spray it on when my hair is dry (but you can use it when it's wet too). £4.39

• All bought from either Feel Unique or Boots