Magazine Freebie Time

There’s been a drought since the summer but it’s magazine freebie time again! With winter imminent we all need a good hand cream, or two.

Pick up November’s copy of Instyle Magazine £3.70 with Rosamund Pike on the cover and bag FREE Cowshed  Hand Cream worth £8. There’s two to choose from – Cow Pat Moisturising and Cow Slip Soothing. I opted for the Cow Pat with essential oils of grapefruit and coriander – that’s right, the curry herb! But don’t be put off it smells gorgeous and feels divine.

Grab November’s Marie Claire Magazine £3.60 with Reese Witherspoon on the cover and receive a free L’Occitane Hand Cream 30ml worth £7.50. There’s four to collect, the original Shea Butter hand cream and three limited edition designs. They’re thick, rich, creamy and super moisturising.

Latest In Beauty

I just can’t keep up. First Glossybox, then Boudoir Prive and now Latest in Beauty – the new kid on the block in the ever growing list of beauty subscription services. In case you’ve been in outer space, for a monthly payment you receive beauty products delivered directly to your.

Everyone has an opinion on Glossybox, for me the jury’s still out, but for now I’m sticking with my subscription. I considered Boudoir Prive but decided to give it a miss on the grounds it’s too specalised and concentrates primarily on high end skincare, whereas Glossybox mixes it up with make up, skincare and hair products.

Glossybox and Boudoir Prive operate on a fixed £10 per month (plus postage) cost. What’s unique about Latest In Beauty is you can tailor your subscrption depending on your budget. For just £1 per month you’ll receive 3 sachet samples or for £4.95 per month you can sign up to the “Beauty Insiders Choice Winners” sample box worth £20.

You can choose monthly boxes, bi monthly boxes and themed boxes. Sounds good? Find out more here. Anyone tried it? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Duty Free Treats

I thought I’d share with you the duty free treats I picked up in the airport last week.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Essentials

I bought this one whim – partly because I was caught up in the holiday spirit and partly because every girl should own this kit, and some boys too 😉 I make no secret of the fact  I’m a lifelong lover of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, but I’ve never explored the range further… until now.

This pack contains the following products:

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant – 30ml

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment – 50ml

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick – 3.7g

I fancied the lip protectant as I use the original cream on my lips all the time, so it made sense to have a handy little bullet that’s more user friendly, plus this one has an SPF 15, making it an ideal holiday companion. I wasn’t disappointed – it looks and feels like the regular version, it’s super moisturising and surprisingly didn’t melt in the heat. Now the hand cream, this was a real surprise, it’s one of the best hand creams I’ve used. Incredibly thick, rich and moisturising – Looks like I’ve added another two products to my “can’t live without” list.

Duty Free Price £22 – contents worth over £50

Lancôme Doll Eyes Mascara

I won’t say too much about Doll Eyes right now as I’m planning a full review and some comparisons to other mascaras, but I will say it’s fab and as you can see some the photos, so are the results. It worked well in the heat and humidity too.

Duty Free Price £17.45

15 kg! Are you kidding me?

I’m packing for me holiday and just checked me baggage information. I didn’t realise I’m only allowed 15kg of hold luggage. What! My toiletries alone must weight 5kg…

and that’s before I’ve even considered make up, hairstyling products and, oh yeah, clothes and shoes.

I’ve tried to use minis where possible but it’s all stacking up. I hate being seperated from my products, but then I hate the British weather more!

What’s in August’s Glossybox?

August’s Glossybox is here… and it’s looking like a good un! Can it be a month already? In case you’ve been living on the moon and don’t know what Glossybox is all about, read this. I guess so. The theme is Wash and Glow and this is what I’ve got…

MURAD Time Release Blemish Cleanser 30ml

I’m quite excited about this one, I’m prone to the odd spot or five and Murad products are normally pretty effective.

AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion 40ml

Tested a little on my hand, it feels quite rich and intensely moisturising – beware, it’s highly perfumed though.

DANIEL SANDLER Baby Jet Mascara

I’m SUPER excited about this one! Could it be the perfect partner to 17’s Falsifeye Mascara? The tiny wand means it can get in all those little nooks and crannies.

KMS CALIFORNIA HAIRSTAY Style Boost 200ml

I’ve known and loved many KMS products in the past, so I’ve got high hopes for this.

REBEL NAILS Nail Wrap (for TOES)

Um, toe wraps, What now? Finger wraps, maybe, but toe wraps, not so much! We’ll see, maybe one for my little sister.

First impressions are pretty positive this month! There’s some full size products again, I’m pleased to receive an actual make up product and I think I’ll use 4 out of the 5!

I’ll be back with full product reviews once I’ve given them the third degree.

Let me know what you got and what you think of August’s Glossybox.

Garnier’s BB Cream arrives in the UK

Just a quick reminder ladies (and gentlemen) that Garnier’s BB Cream has hit the UK’s shelves.

If you’re a die hard beauty obbessive you’ll already know all about BB Cream – the wonder product from Asia that combines the benefits of skincare and make-up in just one step – if not I blogged a couple of months ago about the benefits of BB cream – read it here. 

Garnier’s BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector £9.99 in available in Superdrug stores now and Boots from next week.

Tried it yet?

LUST HAVE Steamcream

Ok, I know I’m a sucker for funky packaging, but I’m no fool – the product’s still got to pack a punch, and this one soooo does!

Introducing STEAMCREAM – a multipurpose moisturiser made with unrefined steam that can be used on face, body and hands. The use of steam in its production makes Steamcream break down quickly as soon as it touches your skin, providing an intensive moisturising experience! Steamcream’s light, gentle and loosely bound emulsion allows each ingredient to break back down to its purest form and reach where it’s needed fast.

Made from the finest organic ingredients including orange flower water, healing lavender oil and soothing oatmeal and, now this is the exciting part, comes in a range of gorgeous little aluminum tins with cute designs including the lady bug and leopard print.

Steamcream is a perfect on-the-go product – convenient to slip into your bag, take to work, on holidays or to the gym. And it’s hand luggage friendly at just 75g!

I especially love the Stars and Stripes design “Liberty”. A bit of kitsch Americana to add some fun to your morning moisturising session.

Available from many stockists including Boots. ASOS and Feelunique.com £10.50

July’s GlossyBox has arrived…..

And I’m initially disappointed!

The concept I love (read more about GlossyBox)

The excitement and anticipation I love

The packaging I love

 

 

But the products…

 

 

Not so much?!?!

Ciate Nail Enamel (13.5ml RRP £9)

Illamasqua Powdered Metal in Ether (15g RRP £22)

Orla Kiely Eau de Parfum (5ml sample)

Ultra Sun Face SPF (15ml sample)

Weleda Pmegranate Body Oil (100ml RRP £19.50)

I’m not going to let my initial disappointment cloud my judgement. A full review of the products and service will follow, let’s just say my expectations haven’t been fulfilled.

I would have been really happy with the Ciate nail enamel – but Shrek green aint my style

I realise at face value this looks like a lot of products for £10 – but it’s only worth it if they’re products you’ll actually use.

Whatsmore – such is the power of the beauty blog, a quick search and you can find out what other people received in their box = GlossyBox envy. Variations on the products this month includes Xen-Tan self tanning product, False Eyelashes and Illamasqua Lipgloss – all of which I would have been very happy with, oh and Ciate Nail colours that are much more wearable than SHREK GREEN!

Perhaps we can start a GlossyBox swap service?

Bargain Beauty Buys

With the summer sales in full swing I’ve traipsed around the shops and trawled through hundreds of online pages  to bring you some of the best beauty bargains out there .

Marks and Spencer

Not one of my regular beauty haunts, I must admit but whilst browsing in the home department I wondered along (like a moth to a flame) to the beauty sale. Stock was limited but there’s some bargains to be had – this is what I picked up

Lazy Spa – Shape up contouring gel Was £6 now £1.50

This all over intensive body contouring gel contains CellActive® – Shape and witch hazel. Combined with massage, these active ingredients help to firm, tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite. With a beach holiday coming up, it’s got to be worth a go.

Busy But Beautiful Body Shimmer BalmWas £5 now £1.50

Give your skin a subtle luminescence with this sexy scented body balm. I was more attracted to the tin, which you can re-use as a great make-up brush holder or a stylish case for all your beautiful cosmetics, but the balm itself is a lovely highlighter type balm for the body and smells divine.

ASOS

A lot of people don’t realise that ASOS stocks beauty treats, as well as fashion faves. Their ever expanding beauty department includes brands such as GHD, Nails Inc, Illamasqua and Soap and Glory.

There’s some great bargains to be had in their summer sale, here are my top pics…

Nails Inc SS11 Collection Was £25.00 NOW £16.25

Featuring four on-trend colours, ideal for creating this season’s colour-clash nails. Including Wellington Square, a pastel peach inspired by the coral tones at Fendi, Hampstead, a subtle biscuit beige, Queensgate Terrace, a soft cornflower blue and Brook Street, a vivid pinky coral. Inspired by the catwalks and this season’s on-trend colours, they are ideal for creating fashion-forward looks.

Soap & Glory ‘Clear Here’ Oil Control Daily Moisture Lotion 50ml Was £8.20 NOW £4.75

Oil control daily moisture lotion by Soap & Glory. Designed to smooth and protect then skin whilst helping to minimize pore, prevent spots and control shine.

Cheap Smells

Another of my go to online beauty shops – great for cult favourites at discount prices including YSL Touche Eclat and Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream

I also spotted…

Elizabeth Arden – Color Intrigue Gel Eyeliner and Brush with a whopping 81%off WAS £26 NOW £4.95 Available in Ocean Teal and Brown

Lancome Colour Design Eye shadows from £5.95

Topshop

I picked up a set of 3 lip polishes for just £5 in store – fabulously glossy and available in 3 great colours.

Don’t worry if there’s nothing left in your nearest Topshop, there’s still a few online beauty bargains like Gel EyeLiners, various colours WAS £8, NOW £2

Happy Summer Sales!

Valentine’s Day 2011 Beauty Gift Guide

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and love (apparently) in the air, now is the time to discover the gorgeous beauty gifts we really want this Valentine’s day.

Sorry Men, but  we really don’t want petrol station flowers or giant heart shaped boxes of chocolates this year, and tacky underwear from Anne Summers, do you really think we don’t realise that’s a gift for you and you alone. Ladies,  whether you’re single or just can’t trust the man in your life to come up trumps, here are some heavenly scented products that might help cushion the blow.

Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Skin Care Gift Set

Nothing says I love you like a bit of luxury, and few do it better than super brand Molton Brown. Combining the fragrant oils of African ginger, patchouli and Reunion Island pink pepper, this luxurious skin care duo from will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Presented in a lovely gift box, the set contains:

• Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower (300ml): this bodywash cleanses your skin, helps to protect it from environmental pollutants and reawakens your energy
• Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body Lotion (200ml): with pink pepperpod extract and essential oil of Brazilian peppertree, this warm, sweet and deeply spiced, lotion will nourish and hydrate your skin

Available form John Lewis £35

 

Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner Pots

I know it’s sterotypical but girls do love pink, creams and pots – and this wonder product contains all 3.

This protective emollient balm formulated with SPF 15, gives a sheer wash of colour and an all-natural sheen. Conditions lips, locks in moisture. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamins A and E.

Keeps your lips soft and kissable, just in case he deserves to touch them this Valentine’s Day; the pot looks pretty cute in your bag too.  Available in 3 colours, I’d recommend Petting Pink.

£11 online and at mac counters

 

Horny Cow Seductive Bath & Body Oil from Cowshed

For something cheeky, check out Cowshed’s Horny Cow range.

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s massgae and Get frisky with Horny Cow’s Seductive sensual bath & massage oil

Bath & Massage Oil is a floral, spicy blend that evokes your sensuality and passion with rose absolute, and essential oils. Men, when will you realise, if you put some effort in, you might get something in return!

Available online at COWSHED £20 100ml

 

Soap and Glory Breakfast scrub

Don’t skip…THE BREAKFAST SCRUB™ Oat, Shea Butter & Sugar Body Smoother. But be warned, this product should carry a health warning! With scents of Banana, Almond, Honey and golden sugar , you’ll literally want to eat it, not rub it in. For the perfect start to your day Slather yourself in this wonderfully thick and luxurious products to leave skin soft and sparkling.

You’ll smell so sweet you’ll be fighting them off.

£9.45 for 300ml at Boots.

 

L’Occitane Cherry blossom discovery collection

Relax and indulge with this pampering cherry blossom discovery collection from L’Occitane. The rejuvenating and luxurious properties makes this a truly indulgent and pampering set that is perfect for a little you time! This cherry blossom discovery collection from L’Occitane features soap, shower gel, body lotion, hand cream and shea hand cream.

Available online at Debenhams and L’Occitane stores £17.

Treat yourself if no one else will…