Beauty Haul - March 2015

I do love a good beauty shopping trip, especially when you nip into Boots, and this Haul is no exception. It is a mix of the old, the new and when you finish a sample and buy a full sized product. So this is bit of a mix bag of all those three so lets get to it.

My Eczema is a little bit on the bad size at the minute and i do love a bit of E45 to help me out. I have never tried the body lotion, but as some of my others are a huge no, i would rather have a lotion that will not make it worse. I also love a good bath but when you have eczema it is difficult to enjoy but this bath oil, because your skin really plays up. I have used this for years. This is especially great in the winter but who doesn't love a bath when you have had a hard day?

Since my favourite tea tree flower mask seems to have vanished by this brand, I decided to pick up this Salicylic acid clay mask. I have been meaning to try this one so i was happy to pick this up. I do suffer from a lot of Acne, with any hope, the change may be worth it.

I have heard so many things from this brand of shampoo recently and since my hair loves organ oil, this was the perfect opportunity to pick this up. I really can't wait to see how this makes my hair feel after a long days work.

After walking around the store, my final stop was the Clinque counter and my my, this was dangerous, and luckily could have been a lot worse, but i was good and picked up only what i needed. Luckily too it was bonus week. 

I finally finished my Dr Organic moisturiser, and after loving a sample of this, i picked up the moisture surge full size and i could not be happier. I also caved and picked up the bottom lash mascara which i have been meaning to do for some time. My bottom lashes are so tiny and i end up with more mascara under my eyes than i have on the wand, so this was a worth while investment. 

As for clinique bonus time, when you bought two or more products, you would receive this gift bag. It included an exclusive eye curler, a dramatically different moisturising lotion +

 a take the day off make up remover, a blushing blush in pink love, a chubby shadow stick in shade lavish lilac , the high lengths mascara and of course this fancy exclusive make up bag. I love getting free gifts and everything this bag i would happily use. I am thrilled. This is something more brands need to do more often. Free Gifts like beauty boxes's are a great way to try products and i have never tried a lot of make up from Clinique so i'm excited to try out the chubby eye stick and blush.

And that's it for my little haul in March, what have you been picking up or what do you plan to pick up as we come into April?

Let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. 

THE BRITISH BEAUTY BLOGGER - DREAM BOX III - Review

It was last November when the last Dream Box dropped and it was amazing (See my review here), so the day the 3rd box from the duo that is Latest in Beauty and The British Beauty Blogger i could not pass up on this. For £21.95  you get a mix of full size and sample sized brands all in this amazing box.

So let's get into the products:

Essence Nail Polish - I love Trends-  Pastel range in the shade Sweet at First Sight - Full size - £1.80 at Wilkinsons but this shade is N/A - This a lovely pinky / rose gold shimmery shade and for £1.80 the formula of this nail Polish is really lovely. I can't say how long it will wear but i have had it on for three days now and it has not chipped.  A great everyday / Night out colour. I think this brand will slowly rise in the affordable nail polish brand.

Essence Nail Polish I love Trends - Nudes Range in the shade I'm Lost in You.  - Full Size - £1.80 at Wilkinsons but this shade is N/A. - This is the perfect brown colour, not really a colour i usually go for in nail polish as it doesn't suit me. See above for more thoughts.

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Self Tan Lotion - Medium 150ml - Sample Size 20ml with Mitt - Full Size £25.00. This is my second sample of this tanning lotion, the first which came with the You Beauty Christmas Calendar. I really liked the formula, i would say it lasts more to the 2 week mark and it begins to fade. However with this being the Medium shade, it was too dark for my skin. So I will be gifting this sample. However, because of the formula and how easily this blends into the skin, I will most likely give the lighter version of this a go.

Eye of Horus Pencil Eyeliner - Charcoal Obsidian (Various shades) - Full Size -  £17.00 - I can say I have never heard of this Lux brand. This has got to be one of the softest and most creamiest eyeliner, and is very easy to apply. I believe I will be able to smoke this out, especially on my lower lid line. Looking forward to learn more about this brand.

Roger and Gallet Fleur di Figuer Parfum - Vital size - COMING SOON (Water Spray £31.00) I believe this is a coming perfume, so i have added the water spray fragrance to the link. This scent is right up my street for spring and summer and i cannot wait till this drops, the fruit and floral notes really give a spring to your scent and make you smell wonderful. I have had a few compliments when i have worn this and now I only wish there were more in this vial.

Dr Organic Ice Mint Lip Balm (Flavours vary) - Full Size- £3.45 - I was extremely glad the mint one of these were in my box because my love for Mint lip balm is unreal. The mint smell and taste is really pleasant and as someone who has used Dr Organic products I was very happy with this one. I have only been using this a few days but i can tell my lips are starting to feel more nourished.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in the shade Nude-ist! - Full Size - £8.99 - I have been meaning to try these lip stains for ages and thank you to the BBB for putting this in the box. The shade is utterly perfect for me with my pink lips. It hasn't shown up any cracks when my lips have looked dried and has stayed on my lips pretty much all day. I can see what the hype has been about.

Benefit They're Real!  Remover - Sample Size - £14.50 - I have stayed away from this product from this price and i am glad that i have. I can't say i noticed too much difference to remove my eye make up from an oil make up remover or even a balm and to be honest i feel this product made my under eye area feel a bit sensitive and dry. This product does remove eye make up, but it doesn't add anything  that balm's and oil cleanser's don't already use. A bit of a branding gimmick product for me.  I don't think I will purchase a full size.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company in Sea Kelp - Full Size - £4.95 - Soap with Kelp in it? Yes please. I love these kind of soaps. This soap really lathers and smells so fresh. My skin felt so nourished and soft and after applying body lotion i noticed the next day my skin felt softer, more than the lush sea vegetable soap. Definitely a winner. Will have to treat myself to one of these once it runs out.

Make up Revolution One Fluid Blusher in Pink Dew - Full Size - £3.00 - I have heard about this brand all over the web and was excited to see that one of their products were featured. I have also heard about the fluid blusher craze and was a little scared this would be so runny. The formula is great and you can easily get the right amount to apply to your face. Very bendable and gives me a lovely flushed finish. Very impressed and need to try more from this brand.

NUXE Creme Fraiche 24hr moisturising mask 100ml - Full size - £18.50 - I love a bit of NUXE and this mask is no exception. My skin is very dry at the moment and this mask made my skin feel so soft and well nourished. The texture is lovely and very easy to take off once the ten minutes is up.  The redness on my cheeks had gone the next morning and worked well with a mask.


Orelia Gold Tattoo's - £8.00 - Full packet - This is not something i would purchase and most likely something i will not wear, however for festivals and such, i think these are a fun idea. The pattern's are really cool and they come in a mix of designs.

Ole Henriksen Pure Trush Melting Cleanser 100ml -15ml Sample Size - £24.99 - This brand has really been shouted about so i was thrilled to see this was in this box. I love a good melting cleanser and this was no exception. The amount of good products in this such as many vitamins and oil's this cleanser does not just feel great and smells great. My skin feels so amazing after this.

Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex 30ml - £7.99 - This hand cream is lovely and i am one of those people that needs more hand cream than ever as my hands are so dry. My skin feels so soft after using this product. I can't say much for the 10 days of yet, but i will be sure to let you know if this helps. The cream is really creamy and makes my hands feel soft. It doesn't peel of the skin like a lot of hand creams i have used do.

Crabtree and Evelyn Pear and Pink Magnolia Body Lotion 250ml - Sample Size - £16.00 - I haven't used this body lotion myself as my skin isn't great with fragrance, however my mum has found this really lovely. The product smells great and her skin looks so lovely. It is great for people with good skin to be able to put on a lotion and still smell good for a good few hours, i could still smell this scent on her a few hours later. Might be a little christmas treat for my mum this year for sure.

Salon Science Regloss Smoothing Serum GSP-T Swiss Grape 50ml - Full Size - £18.00 - Never before have i used a hair serum but this has already given me high expectations. My hair is a little dry and due for a cut tomorrow and i think this serum has tied me over the weekend. My hair feels full of body and very soft. I think once my hair is cut i will be using this a lot more to keep it feeling and looking great.

WOWEEE this box is packing the punches and still my all time favourite and this is no exeception, if you are new to skincare and beauty these box's are really a great place to start. Have any of you bought this box, what do you think? What product are you looking to purchase from this box? Or are there any items you already own and love from here?

Let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Mother's Day's Gift Guide

We all love to give a little back to the special lady in all of our lives on Mothers day, and here are a few gifts i have really fallen in love to make that day extra special for her.  

Mixed Tulip Vase (Vase Included) - Interflora from £29.99 - Flowers are always something that is so special, we all love to see a beautiful bloom. They always brighten a room and always make your mums day extra special.

For My Mum Collection - Hotel Chocolat £8.99 - If your mum is a chocolate lover, giving her, her own personal box for her own consumption. Hands off you chocolate minions, this is for her and her only. 

Elie Saab La Parfum - Boots - £37.50 - Every Mum loves a really good perfume and Elie Saab is a staple, so make your mum smile and make her smell beautiful this spring. 

Champney's Citrus Blush Collection- Boots - £15.00 - Spoil your mum with the luxury of Champney's with this amazing collection, which contain everything a mum needs to feel and look glam this spring. 

Oudinot Rose' Pink Champagne - Marks and Spencers £28.00 - Go on, run your mum a lovely hot bath and give her a glass or two of this beautiful Pink Champagne, because every mum deservers that little tipple treat. 

Je Taime Pajama Set - Matalan £14.00 - Every mum needs some comfy pajama's to get through this mothers day weekend in her utter relaxation. These from Matalan are simple yet elegent and are extremely comfy. 

Swarovski Attract Necklace and Earings - Goldsmiths £79.99- Every mum deserves a bit of glitz and this set, yet simple really symbolises that glamour. 

What are you getting your mum this mothers day? Leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. 

February Favourites 2015

One month ends and another month starts anew, and now it's time to review the products I have been loving this month. My February Favourites.

Let's start with the larger products. 

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator 70ml- £15.75 - Everyone raves about the skin and polish, which i do love but people fail to give a lot of other Liz Earle products a try. This exfoliator is one you should try. My skin really hates Exfoliators at the best time and as i have had a bout of Eczema on my face, having something as gentle as this to get the dead skins cells of my face has really helped. I love the smells and how the Jojoba beads gently clean my face. Love it.

Caudalie Moisturising Toner 200ml - £14.25 (Pictured 400ml which seems to be have discontinued) - Not sure why they have gotten rid of the 400ml size but this is the best toner i have used. I used to think toner was a bit of a fad stage because everyone toner i tried seem to be more chemical than anything nice. Caudalie uses grapes, mint and plant extract to make its product so nice. I love this day when my skin needs a natural rescue. 

La Roche-Posay Serozinc - £8.50 - People were not lying when they told me about how amazing the product was. This spray containing Zinc, a natural mineral really has helped to clear up my recent break out of spot. I especially love the little spray pump, it makes it so easy to apply. 

Co Lab Dry Shampoo 200ml - £3.49 - You may look at the price tag and think how can such a cheap product be good. Well you are wrong, this is what we have been waiting for. I Love Batiste but the amount of brushing you have to do to hide the dry shampoo is ridiculous. I love this for it's invisibleness when you really do not have time to wash your hair or are trying to leave your hair. I think i will be definitely trying to the Extra Volume version in this range.

Now onto the smaller items. 

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 10ml - £15.00 - This handy travel size oil is perfect for Travel and for ease of use, the little roller ball makes it so easy to apply the oil and the results are amazing. My face naturally glows the next morning as the oil has had time to restore my face. I highly recommend this as a night treat. It is a little sticky at first but once it has dried you will barely even tell it was there. 

Bareminerals Original SPF 15 Foundation - £25.00 - I decided to switch to fair this month and i really do not regret it. This is my favourite mineral foundation and it never disappoints me. There are so many shades and it is so easy to apply. The great thing is, you barely used any and the coverage is very high and lasts all day. Very much in love with this foundation.

Clinique Mouisture Surge 10ml (In a gift set) Full Size £34.00 - I wanted to try this before investing in this moisturiser and i have noticed that my skin has looked far less dry and with me having Eczema on my face this month, i have had no irritation on my skin. My skin has felt so much softer and I have noticed this has helped give my face the hydration it has needed from the cracking of my cheeks. Will be buying the full sized pot soon. 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 30ml - £21.50 - I have never tried MAC Prodcuts really before but after picking this up, i was thrilled, the coverage and ease of application was fantastic. My only grip is the pot doesn't come with pump and the smell is a little like paint, however once this is applied, your face is set for the day, it stays on all day and never once budged from my face. Amazing product and i am starting to see why people love MAC so much. 

And that is all my favourites from this month. Tell me what you loved in the comments below. Until next month. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and are products I love. 

Cleansing Oil - Una Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C+

As you can see, I do love this product, from the amount I have used. I first picked this up two years ago after scouting in Boots after kicking the Micellar Water habit and i am so glad I have. This product really gets off the grime of the everyday make up, and not just that, it really makes your skin feel beautiful. It feel's soft and nourished and really does give my skin a glow.

This product smells like a fresh fruit dream, the product is made from a lot of fresh ingredients such as Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Grape Oil, Raspberry Oil, Orange Peel, Passionflower, Rosehip and cucumber oil. I mean look at all these amazing natural ingredients, no wonder my skin smells and feels dreamy. I much prefer more natural products, they always seem better on the skin and make me feel better for using them.

I have noticed this has recently got a little bit of hype in the skincare world and too right it should. This is a reasonbly priced product and i have to say is way better than Micellar water. I have to say they make Micellar Water made my skin feel dry and my skin felt more toxic than before. My skin didn't feel clean and after using a cleanser i still found a lot of make up on my flannel when cleaning. I barely get any with this product.

So throw you Micellar Water away and pick up this Oil. You won't regret your decision to change.

Cleansing Balms - Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balms VS Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Blam

Cleansing Balms have become a cult beauty favourite in the community. Personally they are one of my favourite products and i really do prefer these over the Micellar Water craze (Which to be honest I still don't quite get the hype over.) which has been sweeping the beauty world.

So when i took the two best selling cleansing balms and decided to tell you which i prefer. I decided to weigh up the pro's and cons of both products and answer many questions about what I feel we all love and want from a cleansing balm. But before i do that, i want to describe each product and what i feel the differences about them are:

Emma Hardie - The Emma Hardie is a much softer balm, with a honey like colour tone to it. The idea of this balm is that you scoop a small amount onto your hand, warm this into your hands and then smooth this over the face, with massaging it over the face. With the hot cloth, you work this around the face, work this with your lines and help to work around with acne. 

Clinque: This is a more oily balm, which is completely white. The idea is you rub the product onto your face, this turns from Solid to an oil texture and then this is easily then rinsed off the face. 

Pro's Of Emma Hardie

• The product comes with it's own cloth.
• The balm is very easy to work into the face and melts very easily on the face.
• The balm has a slight soft but gritty like texture to it, to take unwanted make up.
• The hot cloth method really gives the feel of the spa like atmosphere.
• The smell is wonderful and extremely relaxing.
• This product i feel can be used in the bath when you having your me time.
• The cloth makes you change your wash cloth often as the cloth doesn't rinse well. 
• Made from a Morgina plant, so it has a really natural product which can easily be grown and has anti oxidants in it. 
• Promotes collegen renewal (It claims)
• Amazing for all skin types and brilliant in winter time.

Con's of Emma Hardie

• The cloth can easily stain, i have had a few now which i have had to throw because they look disgusting.
• The cloth isn't the best i have tried, i prefer cheaper ones from Boots.
• The packaging is such a waste, i don't get why it needs a huge box all the plastic outer casing around the gold part is unnecessary.
• I feel this product is best used when you have the time, when trying to use the product quickly it doesn't work so well because you need to really work and buff it to work it off the face. 
• Not great on eye make up. 
• Pricey at £36, for a lot of us, this is a real lux treat. 
• I would use this as a secondary product and not as a first product, so you need to use something before using this. 
• I feel this product temps you to use Micellar Water or a gel cleanser as the first step, which for me is a huge no. 

Pro's of Clinique

• This product is great if you really need to quickly clean your face, as this is a quick, put it on your face and then rinse
• It's non scented, so very good for allergies.
• Amazing for all skin types - but more so for Dry skin types.
• Has plants oils in it which makes it more natural.
• A lot cheaper than the Emma Hardie one at £22.00
• More than the Emma Hardie, this can be used without the need of anything cleanser, it gets rid of literally everything of the face.
• It dissolves eye make up way faster than the Emma Hardie. 
• You only need this product and not another to get rid of the face base. 

Con's of Clinique

• It doesn't really promote collegen renewal and doesn't have anti-oxidants in it, so if you are wanting a balm with an extra part to it for skin repair you really would want to use the Emma Hardie one. 
• You can't really tell that this product removes anything, i barely get any residue, i do and don't like this as you cannot tell when you have finished cleansing it into your face. 
• It doesn't come with a cloth, can be a pro or a con I guess but for the price it would be nice as even the Liz Earl comes with a cloth at £28.00 for around the same ml.
• Sometimes for me if i don't use the right amount, the balm melts very quickly which makes it a little hard to put on the face sometimes as it can easily melt into you hand very fast. 

For me both balm's are great, and it really is down to personal preference. For me i would use the Clinique first and use the Emma Hardie second when i have time to really give my skin that extra treat. For most people i would say the Clinqiue is better. If you have younger / non problem skin, there would be no need for the Emma Hardie product for you. If you have aging or problem skin, both of these i feel would be a top combination to have in your routine.