NIVEA SUN RANGE

Hey there beauties. I am so sorry that I was MIA last week, but I just got so busy. I wish I could blog full time, but those bills got to be paid until that dream comes true.

Anyway on to today's post. I was recently gifted with some Nivea products from their Sun Protect & Refresh Range as well as the Nivea Sun In-Shower Refreshing After Sun Lotion and asked to review them for you guys.

Before I start my review I just have to say how cute is my personalised travel bag with my name on :)

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH SUN LOTION FACTOR 30 HIGH 200ML

A non-sticky, ultra moisturising consistency. Enriched with menthol for a refreshing sensation on application. The silky powder and soothing oils nourish and protect against the sun. Water resistant with highly effective UVA/UVB filters.

I applied this to my face and neck. It absorbed very quickly, smelt gorgeous and was definitely not sticky or greasy. It is cooling and the menthol is definitely within the scent, but it's not like applying a heavy duty mouthwash.

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH INVISIBLE COOLING SUN SPRAY FACTOR 20 MEDIUM 200ML

A relaunched, much loved beauty must have with an improved formula. A cooling mist with a light, silky texture. No oiliness, stickiness or white residue and is quickly absorbed. With highly effective UVA and UVB protection. Water resistant.

I applied this clear liquid to my legs and feet. It absorbed quickly into the skin. The only thing I don't like is that it smells like hairspray on application, but you don't really notice it after a few minutes.

I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

NIVEA SUN PROTECT & REFRESH INVISIBLE COOLING MIST FACTOR 20 MEDIUM 200ML

The Beauty Editor's favourite gives an instant cooling sensation with this refreshing mist. With highly effective UVA/UVB filters and a continuous menthol spray action leaving a light even layer over the skin. No stickiness or white marks. Can be used at all angles. Water resistant.

I applied this to my arms, shoulders, hands, torso and back. This clear liquid absorbed very quickly also. This one also smelt a bit like hairspray, but again this was unnoticeable after a few minutes.

Again I did not try the factor 50 in this product as it's just a higher SPF and I was happy with using SPF 20.

Applying any lotion all over for me always seems like a chore whether it's just everyday moisturising or sun care. These products make light work of these rituals. For quickness I would use as a preference the spray or mist. 

They all absorb really quickly with no stickiness or excess residue left on the skin which ticks all the boxes for me. 

I am very pale and although I love to lie in the sun I am always fearful of burning. I had been laying in the sun from 3pm-5pm as it is advised that you avoid sun exposure between 11am-3pm. I noticed slight redness on my knees, face and arms after 2 hours so I was sensible and came out of the sun. These products protected my skin really well as although I had redness I did not burn.

NIVEA SUN IN-SHOWER REFRESHING AFTER SUN LOTION 250ML

The latest wonder product from Nivea offering intensive moisturising to help soothe skin. This water activating lotion is to be used in the shower to instantly cool and refresh the skin after sun exposure.

In the shower apply all of your usual products including your usual shower wash. While the skin is still wet apply this product all over. I applied it to my face also and it didn't do me any harm, but be careful if you have sensitive skin as I am not sure that it was meant for the face. Rinse off the lotion and you are free to get on with your day or night. No residue will be left on your towel.

This lotion absorbed quickly into the skin. The baby soft scent is amazing and the product formula is so moisturising. It feels like a layer of silk surrounds the skin after application. Even my face felt like a baby's bottom. Even if you don't use this after sun exposure I would say this is a great product for impatient people like myself who just hate body moisturising. It takes all the hassle out of it. No sticky feeling. No white residue. No need to stand around naked waiting for it to absorb before you can get dressed. I love it. 

I am very happy with all of these products. I will certainly be more likely to step out into the sun this summer :)

Please note that although the SPF factors I used suited my skin you should use the factors that you feel are best suited to your skin type and length of sun exposure as well as perhaps the time of day.

If you have tried any Nivea Sun Range products let me know your favourites with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

August 2012 Empties

Hi Everyone. This week has gone really quick. I find it really hard to remember what day I'm in at the moment. Today I want to show you the products I have used up in August and my thoughts on them.

Left To Right:

Me To You 80 Handy Wipes Orange Scented, £1.00 From Poundland

Previously reviewed here.

Johnson's Baby Cotton Pads, 99p From 99p Stores

Previously reviewed here.

Beauty Formulas Deep Action Pore Cleanser, 99p From 99p Stores

This product is said to be suitable for all skin types. It's a cream cleanser that you simply squeeze onto cotton wool and wipe over the face morning and night. This was nice enough to use. It had a light blue colour to it which I think is quite unusual as most creams are white or cream in shade. This had a very gentle scent.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream, 99p From Ebay Plus Delivery

I received this product in my June 2012 JolieBox. This was a nice face cream to use. It felt very fresh and smooth on the skin.

Left To Right:

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Intense Rush Toothpaste, 48p through mysupermarket.co.uk

My fella brought this with him when we moved in together so we both used this. It is nice and minty as most toothpastes are. I'm not much of a fan of screw tops on toothpastes. I'm more of a flip top kind of girl.

2 x 100 Johnson's Cotton Buds, 41p for 200 buds from amazon.co.uk

Poundland used to sell these in packs of 200 buds for £1.00, but this is no longer the case :( I have found them much cheaper in the link above though :) Previously reviewed here.

Balea Shave Gel With Olive Oil For Dry Skin, 99p from 99p Stores

I received this from my Mum for Xmas. I know where it's from as I used to buy it for myself. This has a mousse type of formula, but it is a bit more smooth like a gel too. It works well for the price. There is not much of a scent to it.

4 x Bic Razors, £1.27 for 5 razors from chemistdirect.co.uk

I received these for Xmas from my fella's Mum. Previously reviewed here.

Gillette Razor, Price Unknown

I'm sorry I can't tell you the price of this product as I just picked it up on a trip to Morrison's recently and I can't find the receipt. It came in a pack of about 4 I think. I like the grip of this handle. It's made of plastic and rubber. These are not too sharp so I don't nick myself as easily as I would with the Bic razors, but it still does a good job.

Left To Right:

Boots Soltan Moisturising Aftersun Lotion, £4.25 in a pack with the suncare lotion SPF15 from ebay.co.uk

I think that fella of mine nicked this from his Mum when we moved. The second time I got badly burnt this year was in my garden after applying sun lotion throughout the day. I'm a sensitive soul don't ya know :( I was not amused and in need of some cooling relief. This lotion did feel very cooling. I think the packaging of this product has changed now or it may be a different product entirely as Boots is showing 'hydrating' creams in this range as opposed to this 'moisturising' one?

Boots Mango & Orange Blossom Shower Gel, £1.29 from Boots

Previously reviewed here.

Sanctuary Spa Covent Garden Foaming Cream Scrub, £3.99 plus delivery from ebay.co.uk

My fella bought me this a couple of Xmas' back as part of a gift set. This was a nice scrub that had a sheen to it, although it did not look shiny on my skin after use. I do like the scent and the size of the scrub particles. I did become sensitive to the body lotion from this range at Sanctuary which is why I put off using this, but this product did not cause a reaction on my skin at all.

Superdrug Essential Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, Was approx 69p, but I believe no longer available

Previously reviewed here.

Left To Right:

Caudalie Eaux Fraiches (Zeste De Vigne), £26.00 from uk.caudalie.com

I received this in my June 2012 GlossyBox. My thoughts are the same as my initial impressions in that post. Two friends at work said they liked this fragrance.

Juicy Couture EDP, £36.50 for 50ml or £48.90 for 100ml from cheapsmells.com, Various sizes/prices from amazon.com

I think this is known as the Original fragrance from Juicy Couture. I have had this bottle for a few years now and believe me I have savoured every last drop. My fella bought me this in a gift set one Xmas that came with the body lotion and shower gel. I adore this fragrance. If I had to pick one scent for the rest of my life this would be it. I have had so may compliments when I wear this. Even from strangers. I used to save this mostly for going on evenings out as I didn't want to use it all up to easily. I would say that if you are looking to feel sexy, sultry and put together this is the scent for you. This is not child-like at all. I have tried and enjoyed many scents over the years, but this one never fails to make me feel like a sex kitten. I would be happy to receive this as a gift again this Xmas or even for my birthday in January, MASSIVE HINTS THROWN AT FELLA HERE ;) I will enjoy the necklace that is wound around the top of the bottle as a keepsake if nothing else.

JolieBox Nail File, Free with my June 2012 JolieBox

Who couldn't love a pink nail file. I have used this quite a bit, but it has worn out and is starting to bend near the middle so it's time to let it go.

Barry M Nail Paint in the shade 279 - Bright Pink, £2.66 with free delivery

NOTD post and review here.

Primark Ta Ta For Now Magic Undereye Concealer (Light), Unsure if still available?

Previously reviewed here.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate 16 Hour Wear Concealer (Light 2), £3.99 from Boots

'Collection 2000' is now known just as 'Collection' for reference. This is a really good concealer and for the price I would pick up again. It has a doe foot applicator. This tube has lasted me absolutely ages. I am very, very pale, but I got the shade Light 2 as the lighter shade was even a bit to light for me so if you are pale be sure to check out the testers first. This concealer covers blemishes well. I have a few red veins that need a little more coverage really, but for the average spot and/or bit of reddening this works really well. It goes on easily. I tap it in with my finger and it blends in with my foundation no problem. I use this under my eyes too and it does not crease. I does not go patchy or dry on my dry skin either. I could not tell you if this lasts 16 hours as I don't usually wear my make-up for more than about 12 hours when I'm at work, but it does a pretty good job for that long. The only bad thing about this product is the writing on the packaging. As you can see it has all rubbed off.

E.L.F. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black), £1.50 from eyeslipsface.co.uk, $1.00 from eyeslipsface.com

Usually I am a massive fan of buying products from E.L.F., but this one I was not impressed with. I have tried this quite a few times as I don't like to give up on products easily, but compared to other eyeliner pens this one just doesn't do the job. The nib does not stay solid and precise to get that smooth, clean line, but more than that it's just not really black how I want it to be. It's like a faded black. The coverage is not that great as it skips over the skin on the eyelid. When I go back over the line to fill in the gaps it then takes a bit of the product off that I have already applied. I have heard some people rave about this pen and some that have similar woes to mine so it might be a bit of a hit and miss product? I'm glad I tried it, but it's not for me.

So that's all my empty products from the last month. I hope you found these wee reviews helpful.

Love to you all