Chantecaille Luminous Lip Gloss in Fig - Product Review and Swatch

My Space NK gift bag is the gift that just keeps giving. I'm slowing working my way through all the fabulous products inside and think I'm going to have to start a series called "Rapid Reviews" just so I can get through them as I wouldn't want you guys missing out on a thing!

Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in Fig available here

The Hype
Apparantly, "innovative shiny polymers created a fluid 3-d like glass effect for volume" and "water binding molecules hydrate and smoothe lips". It's also paraben free.

The Verdict
Here we have Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in Fig, a dark berry red shade with brown tones. Offering up to 6 hours wear, it does actually stay put really well and the gloss is thick without being sticky. Looking much darker in the tube, it comes out more of a red. With a flat doe foot applicator which makes application easy peasy, the most impressive thing about this gloss is the shine factor. Creating a 3D glassy shine, this really made me think of jam for some reason! The colour payoff isn't as rich as you'd think but adds to the glaze effect. Also, it smells divine! You know that sweet almost Christmassy/Yankee Candle smell you get with some products? It smells like that!

Daylight Swatch

Studio Swatch

A glossy gloss without the sticky mess. At £27 for the full sized tube, it's not cheap but the difference between this and drugstore brands is clear to see. There are 7 different shades in the collection and they all look gorgeous and very wearable. In particular, I'd love to try Passionfruit, Lychee and Framboise. Christmas is coming...

Balmi Moisturising Lip Balm Raspberry Flavour Review

My fab friends got me this for my birthday last year and I've just got round to opening it. Tut tut!

Balmi Moisturising Lip Balm available here 

The Hype

Everyone's been talking about Eos and whilst these are still difficult to get hold of in the UK, Balmi is available in your nearest Boots.

"Your Lips are constantly on show to the world around you and you want them look good and feel protected against the elements. Fully tested, the Balmi Lip Balm provides SPF 15 and UVA protection making Balmi the essential accessory for your lips; whether you're off to school, out on the piste or just off for a leisurely stroll protect your Lips with Balmi. GO Balmi! The Balmi Lip Balm has the perfect blend of ingredients to give your lips long lasting daily care and protection. Perfect for even sensitive skin.

Our special blend of natural goodness contains antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, soothing Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil to help leave your lips moisturised, soft and super smooth.

If you love WOW flavours on your Lips then you have come to the right brand; go Balmi and enjoy life! Balmi Lip Balm flavours have been designed to be perfect for every occasion and personality:
Available in: Strawberry,Coconut, Mint * with added tingle and Raspberry.

How to Use

Balmi's new cubed balm enables superb ease of application when you are on the move.
Saving you faffing and fiddling to dip in your finger and contaminating you Lip Balm pot or tin."

The Verdict

First off, I adore this shape. Ok, so the actual cube itself might be a little bulky, but at least you'll be able to find it in your handbag.  Secondly, that colour. Again, I'm always searching for things in my handbag and anything like this bright pink makes life a little easier. Also, it's a really soft, tactile surface which I also love.

I think the old packaging was round like the Eos, but hey it's a cube now! It also has a tiny little cord to attach it to your phone etc; cute.

As for the actual product, I don't know if you can see from the pictures but once you unscrew the lid, the actual lip balm is in a pointed, pyramid shape. As weird as it looks it is actually really easy to use without the need for messy fingers.

As soon as you open it up you can smell the raspberry too, which is so strong but lovely.

A clear, shiny product, the amount of moisture this delivers is incredible. As soon as it slides on you feel the hydration and it literally feels like air. 

With vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil as well as SPF 15, this is a nourishing product too and a great handbag staple at just £5.

Now onto the hard part, which flavour to get next?

Beauty UK Posh Polish no 3 Sunstone - Gemstone Collection

Beauty UK is a brand that I've seen around a few places and I bought this polish from Superdrug.

Beauty UK Posh Polish in Sandstone available here 

I think it was on 3 for 2 and you'll see that I went for 3 colours from this collection that I'll be sharing with you soon.

A pink metallic shade, I went for 2 coats to achieve this finish but could really have done with 3 for a more opaque effect. It dried out really fast like most metallic polishes and I didn't use a topcoat. Next time though I will be using a topcoat as this chipped by day 2! For £3.49, just a touch cheaper than a Barry M polish, I think I'd still expect it to last a bit longer.

The colour is really pretty though, a light pink silver metallic and I do think it's very wearable and versatile for any outfit.

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipstick 06 Rose Tendre - Product Review

This is the first Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipstick I've purchased and I went for the most natural shade in the hope that I'd find a great everyday lipstick to add some glam to my everyday look.

It wasn't until I got it home that I realised that it's 100% natural origin, although I'm not 100% sure what that means. No chemicals I guess? Anyway, onto the lipstick!

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Naturel Lipstick in Rose Tendre

The Hype

100% NATURAL FORMULA
100% RADIANT SHADES
All the benefits of Nature in one lipstick!

Its formula of 100% natural origin brings radiance and care to lips.

Enriched with magnolia oil and shea butter, its melting formula intensely nourishes lips, leaving them supple and providing them with 8 hours of moisture.

The intense and radiant shades illuminate your lips thanks to the 100% natural pigments selected for their purity and benefits: antioxidant green tea and soothing rose.

8 shades ranging from the most natural to the most sophisticated and from softer to more sensuous hues, for naturally beautiful lips!

The Verdict

The first thing I noticed about this lipstick was how easy it glides on. Rather than dragging or puckering, this literally slides over the lip. The colour on one coat is quite sheer but it builds up really well to give a much more solid finish.

The bullet is a nice shape and the packagine is pretty luxurious for a high street brand. The push up button however has been a little temperamental though before and can get stuck. The square case makes it stand out from other lipsticks though and I like the aluminium bullet. 

The formulation is creamy, rich and buildable and it wears well, drying out to leave a light stain. It's a semi matte finish.

The colour is a natural beige pink, mainly a beige really on me with a slight pink tone or coral tone in artificial light, but it looks really natural and great for everyday wear. 

Overall, a little more expensive than some high street lipsticks but better quality and staying power from this Bourjois lipstick.

Daylight

Studio Light

At home beauty - Pedicure featuring Soap and Glory

I've been really in the mood for pampering the last few weeks. I blame the awful weather but I love staying in and putting on a mask or giving myself a manicure. This week, I though I'd share with you a few tips for getting a great home pedicure.

Pumice available here, orange wood stick and Soap and Glory Heel genius available here

First up, you'll need a large shallow bowl. Simply pop your tootsies into some warm water first to give them a good soak. You can add a foot soak to the water, some of which have a brightening effect on nails.

Next, use a pumice stone to slough the underside of your feet (careful this might tickle!). This one is from Wilkinsons and cost just a pound. You can either do this first on dry skin or on wet skin, it's up to you.  If you have any around, then use a foot scrub too. If you want to save some pennies, you could even make one using sea salt and olive oil for extra moisturising benefits.

Next, push back cuticles using an orange wood stick. This one came in a pack from Bodycare and was less than a pound. One end is also rough which is good for getting into the corners of the nail. Obviously, cut and file your nails next.

Last step! Use a cream such as Soap and Glory Heel Genius to soothe and moisturise. Don't forget to give yourself a little massage too, you deserve it.

If you're doing this at night, pop your feet into a pair of cotton socks and leave overnight for super soft skin the next day.

And you're done!

If you've got any other great tips then please share them in the comments :)

January 2014 shopping collective plus Selfridges Sale Bargains!

As you guys have probably noticed by now, I do love a good Primark spree. I nearly made this another Primark Haul but as I've actually been shopping elsewhere this month, I decided on a collective haul.

Black devore shorts-Primark, black ruffle top - Primark, black metallic thread skirt- Warehouse, nude ballerinas - Office and cream pashmina - Amazon

First up, this little lot. The nude ballet pumps were a sale bargain from Office that I picked up for just £6. OK I admit, I don't really need them but I do think they'll come in handly in summer as I always think black shoes look heavy in the sunshine. The black velour/devore shorts are from Primark at just £5! I really wanted to wear them for work but they're just a little too short sadly but I'm sure I'll wear them out when it gets a bit warmer as I love shorts on a night out. The black ruffled top is again from Primark that will be for work also. The black metallic thread skirt is my favourite part of this haul from Warehouse. I've worn it a lot already with a different Warehouse top and it fits like a dream. Lastyle, the cream pashmina scarf was a ridiculous £1.77 from Amazon. I keep losing my scarves so this is great as I don't need to feel guilty.

Primark dresses

Yes I love wearing black! Now we've got that out the way, just check out this black and peach contrast dress. I know the picture doesn't do it justice but it's a dead ringer for that celebrity favourite Philip Armstrong with its structured nip and flare shape and almost neoprene fabric. This is going to come in handy for my next big evening event. The other black dress is a waffle type fabric with faux leather cap sleeves that also came with a belt. At around £13 each, you can't go wrong.

I've left the best until last with these designer denims from Selfridges. J Brand and Citizens of Humanity jeans retail at around £250. These beauties however were, wait for it, £20 each! As you can imagine, I literally grabbed these when I saw them on the rail. At less than the price of a pair from Topshop, this has got to be the bargain of the century! The J Brand pair is shredded at the knee so I'll be waiting until summer to wear them (brr!) and the Citizens of Humanity pair is a tight fit which will be great for going out. Back to Primark, the white long sleeved top is a wardrobe basic to wear under my gillet, the grey t shirt is perfect with a statement necklace (another of my obsessions) and the contrast zip top is actually from M&S and looks great with black jeans.

Phew! Did you guys get anything in the sales?

Monday Manicure: Barry M Vivid Purple

Rifling thorugh my nail polish collection the other day I came across this colour. I've had it for ages but never thought to do a NOTD, so here goes.

Barry M Vivid Purple available here

Barry M Vivid Purple no 161 is a exactly that, a vivid purple. With a super shiny metallic finish, it only needs two coats for a thick opaque finish and lasts around 4 days before looking worn. It doesn't even need a top coat and the polish itself is thick but not gloopy.

I'm not really a purple polish fan these days but I do think this is a lovely colour and a bargain at £2.99.

L'Occitane Jasmin and Bergamote Shower Gel Review

L'Occitane Jasmin and Bergamote Shower Gel available here

As part of my New Year's resolution to get through my stockpile of products, I decided to take the plunge and use this lovely shower gel that I had deemed too lovely to use.

A birthday present from last year, I had felt it was just too fancy to use everyday. However, 6 months later it's still in the cupboard so I decided to give in and try it out.

Part of the Grasse Collection, it is made with jasmine absolutes from Grasse and Egypt and bergamote essential oil from Italy.

The Jasmin and Bergamote shower gel has a delightful floral fragrance which is balanced by that of the bergamote essential oil. It creates a light to medium foam and glides onto skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky.

For me, the scent is perfection. I adore the scent of jasmine and it is my absolute favourite floral so I'm super tempted to get the Jasmine & Bergamote fragrance, although at £49 I'll have to wait for a birthday!

I really enjoyed using this shower gel and at £11 for 175ml, it is an affordable luxury.

Have you tried any of the L'Occitane shower gels?