MASCARA REVIEWS: A.K.A COSMETICS & GIVENCHY

Hi there cherubs. I am back with another post today including a couple of mascara reviews. 

TOP: A.K.A COSMETICS MASCARA BROWN

I was first introduced to the A.K.A Cosmetics brand at their launch back in May 2012, Link! They have lots of gorgeous products which make-up lovers should check out for sure. This brown mascara was gifted to me at the event. I don't wear brown mascara too often, but you can see how it looks on in this FOTD post. On the lashes it is very natural in appearance and separates well. The bristle brush head is the usual mascara shape that tapers towards the tip. I forgot that I had this until recently. I have been using a brown mascara for my eyebrows which had just ran out so I thought that I would give this a go. It worked perfectly and the fact that it had dried out a little meant that it worked even better holding my brows in place. The writing on the packaging has worn off quite a bit though.

BOTTOM: GIVENCHY NOIR COUTURE MASCARA NO.1 BLACK SATIN

I received this mascara in my May 2013 GLOSSYBOX. This mascara made promises of curl, length, volume and care. It actually gave a nicely shaped curve and volume to the lashes with added length. I wouldn't say that there was any change to the condition of my lashes, but they are in a healthy condition anyway. This mascara had a deep black pigment and was very buildable to give a fuller effect. It did smudge under my eyes on the lower lashes, but I think that most mascaras do that I have been trying lately. I didn't really get much clumping with this mascara until it started drying out towards the end of use. The three bobble head bristle brush design is quite unusual and I wonder if this had something to do with the mascara not clumping together.

I am trying out another mascara at the moment and so I will update you of my thoughts on that soon.

What are your favourite mascaras and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

CLICK HERE TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!

BEAUTY BLOSSOM GLOSSYBOX

Hi there you gorgeous lot. My March GlossyBox has arrived which has aptly been named 'Beauty Blossom' to spring us into action.

MITCHELL AND PEACH BODY CREAM ~ £36.00 FOR 180ML

Described as being light as meringue this body cream rubs in easily without stickiness.

This cream does sink into the skin quickly. I am a little undecided whether I like the scent or not. It does have an English country girl vibe about it though.

SLEEK MAKEUP POUT POLISH (BARE MINIMUM) ~ £4.49 FOR 10G

With a shade of light nude beige this tinted conditioning lip balm has a glossy sheen to enhance the pout of your lips. It also contains SPF15 to protect the lips. Available in 9 shades. Not tested on animals.

I wasn't too bothered about this shade when I saw it in the pot, but I actually think that this shade will look gorgeous on the lips suiting any skin tone. It is a nude beige which is a little peachy too. It does feel very conditioning on the lips which is no doubt due to the shea butter and almond oil. It does have a sweet almond scent also.

BELLAPIERRE COSMETICS LTD SHIMMER POWDER (BUBBLE GUM) ~ £12.99 FOR 2.35G

100% pure Mica shimmer for long lasting vibrant colour without smearing, creasing or fading. Suitable for all skin types. Can be used as an eye shadow, cream eye shadow, blush, eyeliner, lip colour, nail polish, tinted mascara or bronzer. See link above for different ways to use.

This shade is a very pretty pale pink shimmer that would be gorgeous on the eyes, especially for the inner corners. I think it would work well also over the top of a blush to create a blush/highlight. Before reading about all the ways this product can be used I thought it would look fab over the top of my Sleek MakeUp Pout Polish.

JUICY COUTURE MALIBU COLLECTION ~ VARIOUS SIZES/PRICES

COUTURE LA LA MALIBU EAU DE TOILETTE (PINK PACKAGING)

This fragrance embodies the effortlessly glam California attitude as well as the bold and colourful spirit of L.A.

I really like this fresh scent. It's sweet and uplifting with mandarin zest. A gorgeous spring/summer fragrance.

JUICY COUTURE MALIBU EAU DE TOILETTE (ORANGE PACKAGING)

 Reflecting the free-spirited California attitude while embracing the glamorous and confident essence of L.A. 

This scent has more of a subtle zest without being sweet. A great everyday addition to your fragrance wardrobe.

DOVE HAIR THERAPY INTENSIVE REPAIR 60 SECOND TREATMENT SHOT ~ £1.49 FOR 15ML

Available at Sainsbury's and Superdrug. After shampooing massage through mid-lengths and ends. Rinse out after 60 seconds.

A quick hair treatment for those who are always busy. It looks like the same type of product we had in another GlossyBox from Tresemme. It's good value if it works well as the stopper can be reversed and popped back into the top for further use.

This month's GlossyBox is a good one I think. I love the make-up products and the fragrances so far and I will definitely use the body cream and hair treatment.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.

Are you happy with your GlossyBox products this month? Let me know with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

balance Me. Super Moisturising Body Wash

Hi there my loves. How are you all? I have another product to review for you which was sent to me for free by balance Me.

 balance Me. Super Moisturising Body Wash ~ £4.50 for 55ml or £12.25 for 260ml

Information:

 This product is free from sulphates so that you will feel fresh and clean whilst treating your body to an intensive moisture hit. The richest and thickest of the balance Me. washes, so a little goes a long way. For head to toe moisturising without any effort, add a cap full to your bath water for a naturally foaming, truly soothing skin soak.

My thoughts:

Hands down I love this product. I have to say that first as there is nothing bad about it. The scent I just can't get enough of. I feel like I am in a spa when I shower with this. A very pampering product which is a real treat for my body. Relaxing, calming, soothing and heavenly are all words that spring to mind. I also reviewed the Super Moisturising Hand Cream from this range too and as you will see in my review I fell in love with that product also because of the scent. I find it very therapeutic which is why I enjoy that the products in this range linger on the skin for hours and hours.

Aside from the gorgeous aroma the body wash itself is a gel like formula that glides over the body leaving you with very moisturised skin. I think this is mainly because of the shea butter.

I tried this in the bath last night and OMG talk about aromatic. The whole bathroom filled with the aroma of this product. I think it would actually be great for those with a cold too as the scent feels like you are breathing something in to make you feel clearer. No joke!

For information on the balance Me. Debenhams launch check out this link!

Which are your favourite body washes from balance Me. ? Do you have a favourite balance Me. range? Let me know with your reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

 

balance Me. Rose Otto Hand Cream

Hey hey there beauties. How are you on this fabulously sunny day? I have been running a few errands this morning and although I have lots to do I still wanted to blog for you lovelies. Today I will be reviewing a product that was sent to me for free to review.

balance Me. Rose Otto Hand Cream ~ £14.50 for 100ml

Information:

Combining the best elements of the balance Me. multi-award winning super moisturising hand cream with their most cherished rose essential oil blend. This product has the lightest of textures and is perfect for dry, delicate and sensitive hands. Deeply smoothing and moisturising dry hands with its emollient blend. Providing soothing, plumping and super smoothing effects. This emollient blend can also be used on other areas of the body such as heels, feet and elbows.

My thoughts:

This hand cream I could imagine sitting well with someone who loves vintage. The rose scent and the soft pink packaging all add to that powder room feel. It would sit beautifully on dressing tables of all ages. It is quite a clean, soap like scent. If you like rose scents you will no doubt love this product. This comes in a flip top tube which is easy to open, yet secure.

I fully admit that although I do not find the scent as appealing as the balance Me. Super Moisturising Hand Cream I don't find it unpleasant. I don't usually like many rose scented products, but this is quite softly scented.

This does leave a silky feeling on the hands. I lathered on quite a bit on my first use which was definitely too much and made them feel a bit oily. Around a pea sized amount should smooth over both of your hands nicely.

I do think that this product would also work really well if you have particularly dry areas on your body too.

For information on the balance Me. launch at Debenhams check out this post! 

Have you tried out any of the balance Me. hand creams? Which are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all  

Balance Me Debenhams Launch

 

Balance Me is delighted to announce that Debenhams will be stocking its skin and body care ranges from August 2013. The British high-performance natural skincare brand will be available first via www.debenhams.com from the 19th August and will begin to launch in-store from September.

Balance Me will debut at Debenhams’ flagship Oxford Street store (which is currently undergoing a £25m refurbishment) from the 23rd of September and will feature prominently in the retailer’s new “assisted-select” area of its Beauty Hall. Balance Me will then launch into 18 newly refurbished Debenhams stores before Christmas and be rolled out to further premium Debenhams stores in 2014.

Sian Jones, co-owner and director of Balance Me states; “We are thrilled to be partnering with such a well-established British high street retail brand, as it allows Balance Me to reach a brand new audience of over two million beauty customers through their highly acclaimed beauty club.”

Debenhams will be stocking the full Balance Me face and body range. It will also be stocking the new Autumn launches from October and November: 

- Balance Me rose otto face oil 

- Balance Me rose otto body oil
- Balance Me skin perfector BB cream 

- Balance Me tinted lip salves; ruby red, rose blush, nude

Debenhams will also sell the Christmas gift boxes.

Balance Me is a multi-award winning natural British beauty brand; known for cutting-edge, high-tech natural formulations and chemistry, which combine high grade essential oils, powerful natural actives and extracts. Founded in 2005, Balance Me products promise sophisticated textures and exquisite aromas, at affordable prices. This unique combination ensures Balance Me are leaders in sophisticated natural beauty, which deliver impressive results without compromising on quality.

Prices start from: £10.25.

I have enjoyed trying out a couple the Balance Me products already so this collaboration with Debenhams is exciting news. I will be reviewing more Balance Me products for you soon, but for now you may want to check out these two review posts if you haven't already:

Super Moisturising Hand Cream 

Cleanse And Smooth Face Balm 

You can check out the Balance Me website in this link also.

Are you new to Balance Me products? If yes, will you be checking out this brand, especially now that it will be launching in Debenhams? If you are already familiar with the brand will you be checking out the new Autumn launches? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vampire/Goth Girl For Halloween

Hello again my special people. Today I have my final Halloween look for 2011 to show you. Again I had fun doing this. I hope you like it.

BEFORE FEEDING!!

AFTER A GOOD MEAL!!

If you are interested in how I created this look and what products I used then follow these steps:

Step 1: Mix Avon Mattifying Foundation with White Cream Make-up and apply with fingers to face and neck. I could not find the foundation on the Avon website, but here is a link to the Poundland White Cream Make-up, Link :)

Step 2: Apply E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in the shade Sheer all over the eyelids. Link here :)

Step 3: Using the Sleek MakeUP I-Divine Bad Girl Palette apply the shade Innocence to the inners of the eyes, under the brows and on the cupids bow. 

Apply the shade Gun Metal next to the inners of the eyes. Above and below the eyes.

Apply the shade Obnoxious to the outer part of the eyes into a wing. Above and below the eyes.

Apply the shade Rebel as an outline around the shade Obnoxious and blend slightly into it.

Apply the shade Blade to the centre of the eyelids with your finger.

Here is a link to this palette.

Step 4: Apply NYX Cosmetics Single Eyeshadow in the shade Frosted Ocean to the outer part of the eye shape, especially the wing. Here is a link to the eyeshadow, Link :)

Step 5: Apply Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner Pencil in the shade Black to the top and bottom lash lines into a small flick at the wing. Also apply over the eye brows making an angled shape to the inner part of the eye brows as seen in the photos. Here is a link to this product.

Step 6: Apply Sleek MakeUP Glitter Dip It Eyeliner in the shade Steel over all of the Avon eyeliner. Here is a link to this product.

Step 7: Apply NYX Cosmetics Single Eyeshadow in the shade Black over the shape of the eye brows. Here is a link to this product.

Step 8: Apply Poundland's Red Face Crayon to the waterline. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AS I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS SAFE TO DO!! Here is a link to this product.

Step 9: Apply Jane Iredale Purelash Extender & Conditioner to the eye lashes to prime the eye lashes for mascara. Here is a link to this product.

Step 10: Apply Red Herring @ Debenhams Mascara in the shade Black to the eye lashes.

I have to say that this mascara is truly the worst mascara I have ever used. I hope you can see from this photo just how gloopy this is. This is why I must apologise for how rubbish my eye lashes look in the photos as they are clumped together. When you put the wand back into this mascara the product escapes which I did not realise until I saw the black mess all over my make-up bag. Needless to say this has now gone in the bin. This was part of a make-up set that I got last Xmas. I hope I don't get another one this year. I could not find this on the Debenhams website thank goodness so use any Black mascara that you have.

 

Step 11: Apply Illamasqua Powder Blusher in the shade Kiss to contour cheeks. Here is a link to this product. Apply the NYX Cosmetics Single Eyeshadow in the shade Black over this to accentuate the contour of the cheeks further.

Step 12: Apply NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Lip Pencil in the shade Vixen over the lips. Here is a link to this product.

Step 13: Apply NYX Cosmetics Mega Shine Lipgloss in the shade Maroon over this. Here is a link to this product.

Step 14: My vest top was from Primark a couple of years ago, but try to put on something gothic and black. The fangs and velvet choker are from Poundland. Here is a link to the kit with fangs in it, Link :) and the velvet choker. I originally purchased two individual fangs that came with putty from Amazon, but I really could not get them to stay in place. The Party Wig is in the style Black Male Wig from 99p Stores. I could not find this on the website, but any long black wig would be fine.

Step 15: Apply Sleek MakeUP Pout Paint in the shade Pin Up to the fangs and down the chin to look like blood. Here is a link to this product.

 

PLEASE BE CAREFULL IF YOU APPLY FACE MAKE-UP TO THE WATERLINE AS I CAN NOT BE SURE THAT IT'S SAFE!! IF UNDER THE AGE OF 18 SEEK ADVICE FROM A PARENT OR GUARDIAN!!

If you do wish to recreate this look you do not have to use the specific products that I have. Play around as you like. If you did not add the fangs and the fake blood you could make this into a goth girl look?

Do you like this look? What looks have you come up with for Halloween? Are you going to wear them to a party or event?

Love to you all

Red Herring at Debenhams Kohl Liners

Hello Darlings. Today I want to talk about some kohl liners that I bought around Xmas time. I had some points on my Debenhams Beauty Reward Card and thought I would put them to good use. I saw this pack of 11 kohl liners from Red Herring at Debenhams for £5 and thought I just had to have them.

Swatches as above. They do not have individual names/numbers

So my thoughts on these pencils are not good. I really had to press quite firmly on my hand to do these swatches and when you are applying them to the eye area it is not so easy to do this. These pencils are not smooth. They dray along the skin and are very bitty which I hope you can see in the swatches. The pigmentation is not great as you can not press this firmly around your eyes. I even tried the trick of warming them for a few seconds with the flame of a lighter to soften them, but this did nothing at all. My final bug bear is that the lids do not stay on at all. I pressed hard on the one at the end on the right one day as this was bugging me so much and cracked it (see top photo). So in other words these are going in the bin. I really don't see the point in asking my family/friends if they want to try them as they simply do not do their job. I know they were only £5 of my Beauty Club Reward Card points, but that's £5 I could have put towards something much nicer.

Have you tried any other Red Herring products? Are they of the same quality?

Love to you all

Lips Of The Day: Estée Lauder

Bank Holiday weekend. Woooooooo hoooooooo. I am skint and have no plans, but I get an extra day off work so that's good. I hope you gorgeous people are out to have some fun though. Today's post includes two lip products which I bought the other day from Estée Lauder at Debenhams.

 LEFT: Pure Color (A0) Vanilla Truffle Lasting Creme



RIGHT: Pure Color (27) Pink Kiss Shimmer 

Pure Color (A0) Vanilla Truffle Lasting Creme

Pure Color (27) Pink Kiss Shimmer


 

Here Are Both Products Worn Together

I have never bought products from Estée Lauder before other than my Double Wear Light Foundation, but I have to say I will be going back for more. The lipstick is so creamy and smooth. I think it will be the perfect nude when combined with a smokey eye. This shade can look a little bit concealerish so beware and try before you buy. This retails at £18.50. The lip gloss is a gorgeous, shimmery shade that I think would suit pretty much anyone. This retails at £16.00. I love the lipstick, but with the lip gloss over the top it is definitely more wearable. 

What are your favourite lip combinations? Are there other Estée Lauder products worth trying?

Love to you all