Elemis Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask Review

Browsing on feelunique.com in the sales I came across some Elemis goodies. Anyone who is familiar with Elemis knows that they are not the cheapest range but are a top quality brand. Everything I have tried from them has done exactly what it says it does. They have a newish range of skincare for teens to twenties skin. I'm 26 so I'm pushing it a bit but thought I would give it a go. I bought the 'Get Up & Glow Skin Treats' gift pack which includes the following:

Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash 30ml

Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser 15ml

Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask 3 x 7ml 

(Original price - £10.00 / Sale price £8.00 @ www.feelunique.com)

I was initially drawn to this as I wanted to try the moisturiser as it's full size is much cheaper than the anti aging creams they do (which I probably need but can't afford at £60 a pop!). Having said that the first product that jumped out when it arrived was the mask!

The mask claims to draw out impurities and soften the skin...let's see if it does!

So I got out my sachet and began to apply. It is a clay mask which smells fairly good, kind of fruity! The consistency was very thick. I think I could probably have used a little less and got two uses out of this if I had somewhere to save the rest. It was easy to apply even though I got some in my hair!

I then left it for 10 minutes like it says on the pack and relaxed. 

I could feel the mask drying and my skin began to tingle...this is usually a good sign in my opinion! If felt like it was working.

Then I used my Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Sponges to remove the mask, it took quite a bit of getting off I can tell you! Then splashed with cold water a few times to rinse the residue off.

I have to say the results are pretty good. I noticed the pores on my nose and chin appeared to be less obvious. Whether this is because it has 'drawn out impurities' I'm not sure but to be honest I don't care! I am very happy with the results and if I am this happy after using the other 2 sachets I will definitely purchase a full size!

 I can't help comparing it with Liz Earles Deep Cleansing Mask, which I do love especially the smell! I think the results of the Elemis mask are instant and it really does 'deep clean' impurities, where as I think the Liz Earle mask prevents too much build up of impurities but isn't as deep cleansing.

So Elemis...You have done it again for me. Keep up the good work!

Loves xxx

OPI Nail Envy Matte Review

My nails are and always have been rubbish! Until I tried OPI Nail Envy Original. When using it correctly and religiously it makes my nails long and strong. However, I came to the end of my bottle and I could not face spending the £18.55 price tag for another bottle! So I just went a bit crazy with nail polish for 2 months. Now my nails are in a poor state.

On Christmas day I opened this little beauty and jumped for joy! Now I can try the matte version and get my nails tip top for the new year!

OPI Nail Envy Matte - £18.55 (*Click*)

As you can see the Matte version is a whitish cloudy polish where the Original is clearer but a little yellowy. With the Original I found that by the end of the week my nails did look a bit discolored from all the layers of polish.

How to use -

With both products you have to apply 2 coats onto bare clean nails, then every other day apply another coat. After a week of doing this remove with OPI Nail Polish Remover (£7.30) with cotton wool and start again.

My nails before applying the OPI Nail Envy Matte -

Short brittle, splitting and pealing!

After applying 2 coats onto clean nails -

As you can see my nails do look a bit neater but aren't overly shiny. With the original they go a lot glossier. You get a much more natural look with the Matte, if anything they just look buffed!

Nails after a week of applying every other day -

Looking longer but a little bit shabby! I have been to Rome sight seeing in the cold every day and forgot to take hand cream!

Removed with OPI Remover -

Nails after filing and re-applying -

My nails had grown longer but because they had peeled before I applied the first coat of Nail Envy, when I removed it I needed to file the tips down where they had flaked. The next time I have to remove the treatment I don't think I will need to file them as much so they will start to look longer. I think you can see from the first picture to the last a definite improvement. Less peeling and they look healthier. 


I think I do prefer the Matte to the Original as it gives a more natural look and doesn't go as yellow as the Original. As for the performance...I feel they both do exactly the same job.


I will definitely be purchasing the Matte once I have used this bottle up no matter how much it pains me to pay the price!

Loves xxx

Present for Mummy and Baby

So when thinking of what to get my friends baby for Christmas I was uninspired by all the same old baby clothes and toys and lets be honest, he's not even 6 months old so he would give a monkeys anyway!

So in the end I decided to treat mummy and baby with these products (and secretly I want them myself!)...

L'Occitane Mum & Baby Cleansing Gel 300g -£13.50
L'Occitane Mom & Baby Cream 50g - £12.50
L'Occitane Bonne Mere Soap Milk 125g - £4.50


(I haven't given it them yet!) 
I hope they like!


Loves xxx

Roma!

So on Monday I am off to Rome. A good way to start 2012 don't you think? I haven't been out of the country for a long time...8 or so years, so to say I am excited is an understatement. I have it all planned out, phrase book at the ready and suitcase out ready to be packed!

I have also bought a book to start on the 3 hour plan ride to Italy! I have a feeling it will be a good read :)

I can't wait to eat some amazing food and see some amazing sights!

I hope everyone has a great NYE and a fantastic 2012!

Loves xxx

SALE BARGAINS...or lack!

If there is one time of the year I look forward to when it comes to shopping it is after Christmas. SALES! Well this year has been very disappointing. Online sales have been poor and I went shopping yesterday and hardly bought a thing. The sales seemed to be the same as before Christmas. Hopefully January will be better.

Here is what I did find...

Topshop Black Knitted Jumper was £36 I got it for £16.20.

James Brown Shopper including High Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner, Frizz Calm Serum and Intensive Moister Mask was £20 I got it foe £10 in Boots.

Umberto Giannini 'Oh So Pretty' Hair Kit including Pure Beauty Shampoo, Intense Conditioner, Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm which all came in a small beauty bag. Was £12, I got it for £6.

Clarks leather ankle boots in both grey and brown. Were £74.99 down to £45.99 then down to £15! So I bought a grey and a brown pair for £30!

I will be taking the Umberto Giannini shampoo and conditioner with me on my trip to Rome so I may review when I get back.

Maybe I will find some bargains in Rome? Probably not!

Hope you had more luck in the sales.

Loves xxx

Dupe Alert!

DUPE ALERT!

MAC Cremesheen - Creme Cup / ELF Mineral Lipstick - Runway Pink

Top swatch - Elf Runway Pink / Bottom swatch - MAC Creme Cup.


Creme Cup is a Cremesheen finish so it is smoother and easier to apply than the Elf Mineral lipstick. Elf Runway Pink is a lot dryer but it is fine when applied with a bit of lip balm underneath. 


Creme Cup is £13.50 so at £3.50 Runway Pink is well worth a try.


Loves xxx

2011 Favorites

So another year is nearly down (cries!) and many products have been used. Here are the ones I have discovered, rediscovered and adored!

Make Up

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC15 - This lives in my handbag. Perfect for touch ups!

MAC Powder Blush in Coygirl - In my make up bag all year. Perfect subtle pink for day and night.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation (Combination/Oily) in Ivory - The foundation I have been searching for all my life! Perfect colour match.

ELF Studio Powder Brush - Used for applying my foundation leaving a flawless finish.

Rimmel Matte White eyeshadow - Everyone needs a matte white eyeshadow and this is as good as any I have used.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black - Claims it lasts 15hrs without smudging...it does last 15hrs and I love it!

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus - Improved my lashes no end and adds mucho volume!

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup - Glides on and looks so pretty. My 'Go to' MAC lipstick.

ELF Mineral Lipstick in Runway Pink - MAC Creme Cup dupe if you ask me! This usually finds itself in my handbag in case I forget my Creme Cup!

Skin Care

Liz Earle Smoothing Line Serum - As I am in my late 20's now I am thinking of lines! I'm not sure if this is helping but it feels nice!

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser in Dry/Sensitive - I use this as a night cream after my serum. Skin soaks it in and feels super smooth in the morning.

Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash - Replaced my Cleanse and Polish and I love it so!

Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner - Replaced my Liz Earle Skin Tonic...Sorry Liz! But Elemis seems to suit me so well.

The Body Shop Coconut Milk Body Lotion - I hate thick greasy mosturisers for my body. I have dry itchy legs and cannot stand emollients. I have fallen for this product so hard! It is light, milky and soaks in so quickly. Smooth, silky, gorgeous smelling legs!

Ultrasun Face SPF 30 - Just to reassure me I am doing everything I can not to go wrinkly! Great base for my everyday make up too!

Liz Earle Muslin Cloths - Now Liz says they don't work well with other products...I use them with my Elemis and they work better with that! I couldn't live without them!

 Hair

Umberto Giannini Backcomb In A Bottle - Some people really don't like this but when you get it right...its fabulous!

Umberto Giannini Volumising Blow Drying Spray - Not sure they still sell this now or they have repackaged it but it gives an extra lift and protection.

Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray - Shine and hold...perfect :)

VO5 Give Me Texture Instant Oomph Powder - Gives my hair a sexy oomph indeed! Seeing these powders a lot in salons now too.

Batiste Dry Shampoo - A Classic!

Goody Cushion Brush - I got a Tangle Teezer for Christmas and must admit I love it but this is a pretty good brush. I use it every time I blow dry and since I'v started using it haven't had to use straighteners which is very impressive if you ask me!

Nails

OPI Nail Varnish Remover - Super fast acting and has helped me keep my nails somewhat healthier this year.

Nails inc. Polish in Victoria - I have had this for a number of years but this year I got A LOT of use!

Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File - I wouldn't ever think of using a bog standard file ever again.

Leighton Denny Precision Corrector Liquid and Brush - You know those corrector pens you get? Well this is 10x better than those!

OPI Original Nail Envy - Has saved my nails in 2011 without a doubt. On it's own, base coat and top... definitely worth the price.

Randoms!

H&M brown across the body bag - I bought this in August and have worn it every day since (well nearly every day!).

DAB Radio Alarm Clock - Great alarm! It is usually tuned into BBC Radio 5 Live...Yeah I like my talk radio!

Filofax Personal Organiser - This was a Christmas present in 2010 and it has my life in it!

ASOS Silver retro digital watch - Got this for £7 in an ASOS sale. Love it for casual outfits and it was a bargain!

Look Magazine - Bought every week in 2011, my bf is sick of seeing them laying around!

Well that's it...

HAPPY 2011 AND BRING ON A HAPPY 2012!


Loves xxx

Mavala Christmas Nails!

From my previous nail post you can see I like sparkle at Christmas.

I saw this in John Lewis and thought it was a little more delicate than my first attempt!

Mavala Mini Nail Color in 213 Pure Diamond - 5ml (£4.10).

Beautiful multi coloured glitter polish.

Pictures are with 3 coats.

This particular nail varnish came in Christmas packaging which and be hung on a Christmas tree....Cute!

Loves xxx

L'Oreal Haul & Freebies!

I was bored out of my mind because I had spent 2 long weeks stuck in my flat doing uni work so I decided to venture into town. What could cheer me up more than having a good browse at my favorite cosmetic stands. Well...it depressed me! I realised how expensive make up is these days. So I dragged my sorry ass to Boots in hope of getting a little something to cheer me up for under £20. This is what I found....

I have bought drug store make up in the past but no drug store make up has ever really stayed in my make up bag for long other than my Revlon Color Stay Foundation. I was drawn to the L'Oreal stand because it had some shiny boxes that said FREE underneath them!

If you spent £15 you got a box full of goodies worth £25 for free...naturally I gave in!

What I bought to get my free gift was Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black (£11.29) and Contour Parfait Lip Liner in 657 Rosewood (£4 ish!).

I have heard very good things about the Volume Million Mascara and it is much cheaper than my usual Estee Lauder Double Wear Lengthening Mascara so I thought it was worth a try. 

(Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black)

I have no lip liners but many pinky neutral lipsticks so though this would be a good purchase even if I only use it when I am going on a night out.

(Contour Parfait Lip Liner in 657 Rosewood)

So here is the free stuff!

In the free box came the following -

Full sized Glam Bronze Trio

Full sized Color Riche Lipstick in 390 Nude Treasure

Full sized Contour Khol Eye Pencil in 164 Golden Brown

Mini Youth Code Day Cream (8ml)

Studio Secrets Resurfacing Smoothing Primer Sachet (1ml)

Revitalift Repair 10 Multi-Action Daily Moisturiser Sachet (1.5ml)

Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo Sachet (10ml)

Save £2 coupon for True Match Liquid Foundation

Worth It Day Competition information

 Glam Bronze in Blondes -

Color Riche Lipstick in 390 Nude Treasure -

Contour Khol in Chrome Brown - 

 Swatches above are: Top - Glam Bronze in Blondes (3 shades bronze, gold and pink), Middle - Color Riche Lipstick in 390 Nude Treasure, Bottom - Contor Khol Eye Pencil in 164 Golden Brown.

I haven't had much of a chance to use all the products but my first impressions are good! The reason why I went for my Double Wear Mascara in the first place was because it NEVER falls under my eyes after a long day like most mascaras do...so far neither does the Volume Million Lashes so fingers crossed I have found a cheaper alternative!

The lipstick is a gorgeous shimmery nude which looks so pretty for a every day look and is very moristurising but you can feel the shimmer particles on ur lips (a bit gritty!).

Glam Bronze is very glam! Very shimmery but great for the party season and nights out...best to use with a light hand!

Finally the Contour Khol is beautiful. A bronze gold brown which I like to line my bottom lash line with to give a softer look than my MAC Smolder. Divine!

So all in all I got 5 full size products for the price of 2 AND free samples, coupons and my Boots Advantage Points! I think this offer is still available in store and online at www.boots.com

Loves! xxx

MAC Eyeshadow Haul

So Debenhams now sell MAC and they had a 10% discount event online (they are now doing a 15% one so slightly irritated!) so I bough 3 shadows to complete my pro palette.

I chose Satin Taupe, Bisque and Espresso each at £8.55.

Satin Taupe

According to MAC - Taupe with a silver shimmer.

Satin Taupe is the most talked about MAC shadow on YouTube from my experience and I gave into the hype! I have not been disappointed it looks gorgeous on its own  or with Shroom on the lid and this in the crease for a day look. For night, with some black shadow it looks super glam! Loving it!

Bisque

According to MAC - Soft muted pinky beige.

Slightly disappointed by this matte shadow mainly because it is nearly exactly the same shade and my actual eyelid so doesn't really do anything. It will be okay for a plain eye and winged liner though so not all is lost!

Espresso

According to MAC - Muted golden brown.

I have only recently started wearing brown neutral eyes. Don't ask me why but I have never really liked the look on me. Now I am getting a little older (sad face!) I feel that that neutral look seems to suit me more and because I wear quite thick dark framed glasses I can't get away with bright eye shadows. I like this because it is a very multi use colour, eyebrows, liner, crease contour and a lid colour. Would recommend this to anyone wanting an everyday matte brown. 

These three little beauties came to join my MAC Shroom shadow in my pro palette!

Shroom is a gorgeous champagne highlight colour, sometimes I even use it on my cheek bones as well as brow bones its that nice!

Thanks you MAC!

Loves xxx

Christmas Nails!

So most of my polishes are at home so I had to be kinda creative! This is the sparkly mess I made but I like it!

First I used O.P.I's Nail Envy Original as a base coat.

  

Then two coats of Nails Inc in colour Victoria, four coats of W7 Silver Glitter and one coat of Nails Inc Albert Bridge top coat.

I am not looking forward to removing this! I plan on soaking in O.P.I's Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover and hopefully that will do the trick!

 Loves xxx

Yes...I ADORE CHRISTMAS!

I love Christmas because it means getting together with friends and family and just appreciating what we have.

Obviously the food, presents, sparkliness and merriment helps!

So here are a few things which I love about the holiday season...

Christmas wishes to you all!!!

xxx