Category: Blog

Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray Review

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I was delighted when I received my most recent order from Benefit  during the week, beautifully packaged as always  as although I only ordered one item, the Stay Don’t Stray  in Light / Medium,  I also had been able to claim a free cosmetic case as well as the normal two free sample items.    (A friend had used my referral link to place her first order / obtain the free cosmetic bag  which meant I was also able to claim a free bag with my order too – this offer is still currently available here for first time orders ).

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The Stay Don’t Stray is available in two colours Light/Medium (this colour is perfect for my skin tone) and Medium/Deep – full size is £20.50 for 10.0ml.   I discovered this product approximately 6 months ago and fell in love with it as a primer for the under eye area.  It is described as a Stay-put primer for concealers and eye-shadows and you are advised to apply 3 tiny dots under your eyes and blend, next apply 3 dots on eyelids and blend, let all set and then apply concealers and eye- shadows as usual.

It comes with a light sponge type applicator which I find very easy for applying to eyelid under eye areas, although it then needs blended in.  I always apply as advised and find 3 dots is the perfect amount.  Although I feel it does an ok job as an eyelid / eye shadow primer I personally find it does not help eye shadows last as long as my Absolute Eye Primer – please see my earlier review on it here.  However I absolutely love it as an under eye primer as it is so creamy that it applies really well with a small beauty blender, brush or just your fingertips, is not cakey, does not settle into any fine lines around the eye area – perfect base for concealer and does help it last all day and not ‘Stray’ so for this reason alone this  product is always on my repurchase list.  I recommend that you ask at your local Benefit counter if they have any samples of this to try or ask them to try it on for you if you don’t mind getting this done in store

FREE GIFTS

I absolutely love the free zipped cosmetic bag, beautiful holiday print, secure, easy to sponge clean any spillage and perfect size for travelling – the eye cream samples are also perfect for travelling so they are now in my bag ready for the next trip.

As advised above I definitely intend to purchase again but as always will look out for the best offers available at the time – have included some online sites below where offers are available at the moment but as always shop around online or in store for best offers before purchasing (Benefit counters in stores usually have free samples available with purchases) – hope this helps.

  • Debenhams: – 3 free travel size products with 2 Benefit purchases and remember your beauty card points too, currently £10 worth of points with a £50 or over spend;
  • Boots: – free Benefit Mannequin bag with purchase of 3 Benefit products and remember your advantage card points too;
  • Benefit: – currently a choice of a number of offers available including a skincare duo with £40 or over spend, or a gift using my referral link with any new order and your two free samples too.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.  If you have tried the Stay Don’t Stray already would love to hear your thoughts.

Best Wishes Liz x

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Cleanser

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I recently was lucky enough  to get two free 30 ml Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleansers at the Liz Earle counter in Boots (at separate times), one through a consultation and  the other  through a voucher in a recent Daily Mail.  (If you missed out on this offer please consider following my Instagram page (beautyfashionchitchat) where I post notifications of any offers when I see or become aware of them)  Although the Daily Mail offer was  very popular, is now finished, still worth asking if they have any samples left you could try.

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I had previously used the cleanse and polish and was always happy with it but then moved on to cleansing oils so wanted to give the cleanse and polish another go again.  I have now had a chance to try properly again so wanted to let you know my thoughts.

The cleanser is known as award-winning, for all skin types and can be used with the pure muslin cloth gently to remove daily grime and makeup even stubborn mascara.  The cleanser has a white thicker creamy consistency and once you open it you are enveloped in all the aromas of the natural ingredients, especially the Eucalyptus essential oils.  Contains Rosemary, Chamomile and Cocoa Butter as well.  You are advised that Cleanse & polish is a 2 phase process and you first need to massage gently onto skin including the eye and neck areas and then using the muslin cloth, which should be rinsed in hand hot water, to gently polish off the cream. 

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I applied the 2 phase process as advised and found the creamy consistency is just beautiful on the skin and the natural oils give a calming element too while you are massaging the cream cleanser onto the skin.  I personally find you need to massage a bit more, though still gently, round the eye area  if you have a lot of eye makeup on, as you would expect.  The muslin cloth takes off all traces of makeup / cream after a few rinses and I personally found my skin was left clean,  refreshed, glowing with no irritations/ redness / tightness  at all.     However you need to apply the 2 phase process correctly i.e. use the hot muslin cloth to remove the cleanser to see the full benefits of this product as I know we can all be tempted sometimes to take a shortcut and just apply the cream and then just rinse off with warm water.

I will definitely be purchasing and will keep using this alternatively with my DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (will also do a separate review on this soon) and would recommend you trying this product, if you have not already.   As always I will look out for the best offers available at the time. I have included some online sites below where offers are available at the moment but as always shop around online or in store for best offers before purchasing – hope this helps.

  • Boots: –  travel sizes start from £5.50 for the 30ml cleanse and polish but seems to be without the muslin cloth but you can polish cloths separately and also currently there are a choice of a number of sets available which include the cleanse and polish –  remember if purchasing in store just ask if they have any samples that you can try and your advantage card points too;
  • Liz Earle: –  travel sizes start from £6 for the 30ml cleanse and polish and muslin cloth and there currently a choice of a number of offers available including five travel size products when you spend £50 or more  and in addition if you use my link here  until the 11.09.16 you will get £5 to spend (I receive £5 too).

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know.  If you have tried the cleanse and polish before would love to know your thoughts.

Best Wishes – take care  Liz x

YOU Beauty Box – August 2016 Review

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I received my August 2016 YOU beauty box  selection yesterday  – I was not as excited about the choice of products this month so still stayed with the standard subscription – £6.95 (including p&p) for two items plus the extras. (please see my previous post here for overview and how to subscribe  and the August shortlist / selection of products  post here). I  selected / received the following two products and extras:

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 111SKIN – Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask – One Sheet 23 ml

FULL SIZE = £20.00

States on the information booklet ‘utilising the most advanced mask technology on the market this treatment delivers beneficial nutrients into the dermis.  The mask adheres to your face like a second skin’.

As this is a high value item I am expecting great results, hope I am not disappointed.  Will do a review if I notice any difference to my skin after using the one mask.

THIS WORKS In Transit Camera Close-Up – 20 ml 

 

DELUXE TRAVEL SIZE  (full size 40 ml) = Approx £15.00

States on the information booklet  ‘instantly banishes signs of fatigue counterbalancing redness reducing wrinkles and leaving skin naturally radiant – wear it alone or use it as a base for makeup’.

Although only a travel size It is the perfect size for your makeup bag – cannot wait to try as it is described as a mask, moisturiser and primer in one so if it does all these things will be impressed – will do a review once I get a chance to try properly.

Plus the extras included in this month’s box are a sample size of the Perfect White Black Toothpaste (12ml), a £5 off gift card for Leonie Saliba and a Best Secret £20 gift card for new members / when you join.

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Although I was not as excited about the selection of products available this month. I am still happy with the products I selected and pleased with the extras included this month as still excellent value as always.  I would just love to see more makeup items available for future boxes.  However I still would definitely recommend trying the YOU beauty box if you can because of the value of products / cost of box – subscriptions start at £6.95.   However as always, please remember if you are interested in specific products you need to make your choice early as some products may sell out quickly.

Thank you for looking –   if you are already subscribed would love to know what you thought of the selection of products this month and also love to know if you are considering subscribing.

Best Wishes Liz x

Libbie Box – August 2016 Review

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Was delighted when I received my *August Libbie Box earlier in the week.  For details on the  Libbie Box  and  the July 2016 box please see my previous review here.    The August Libbie Box  contained the following three full size items (worth over £53 – prices of products may vary online so could work out cheaper), additional sachet samples this month and product information card:

NIZZ COSMETICS LUSTRE LIPSTICK IN ‘CASHMERE NUDE’ – £16

I had heard of the brand but had never tried any of their products – The brand was founded by a Nurse turned Beauty Buff Charlene and they state that Nizz Cosmetics specialise in creating vegetarian, hypoallergenic, parafen free lip colours.  The lipstick is described as being a fab lustre lipstick made with luxurious blend of fair trade butter, oils and waxes for an ultra smooth application and the creamiest finish.  My initial thoughts were I loved the chic silver tone unique packaging and the way you could see the colour of the lipstick at the bottom.   I was bit disappointed when seen the colour but loved the smooth application, glides onto the lips, colour is buildable and has a beautiful creamy consistency and left / leaves my lips hydrated not dry at all – although would have preferred a different colour this is the perfect colour when you prefer a cool tone nude lip.  Definitely would recommend trying these lipsticks.   I intend to purchase in a different colour – maybe the Rose Nude.

INDEED LABS NANOBLUR– 30ML – 15% off Now £16.99

This is a brand I had heard off but never got round to trying so was happy to see it included in this months box.   The cream is described as instantly correcting and perfecting the appearance of your skin, miracle in a tube, whether used directly on moisturised skin or on top of your makeup. Nanoblur noticeably reduces the signs of skin ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s-feet and enlarged pores.   You are advised, without makeup – apply over moisturised skin, with makeup – pat gently over liquid foundation or under pressed / loose powder.   I used this product as directed and although I found the cream slightly sticky at the beginning this only lasts a short time and the trick is less is more – you need very little product and the results are excellent – leaves your skin smooth and refreshed, my concern would be fine lines round the eyes and this is perfect for that – definitely reduces the appearance of any fine lines and I believe you would achieve / see even better results if you had deeper lines too – no strong fragrance either which I love – definitely will consider purchasing once I use this up but I believe this will last a period of time as I personally find you do not need much product.    Although cream worked all ways for me my preference is mixed with moisturiser but happy with the results either way.  Highly recommend.

MIZON PLACENTA AMPOULE CREAM  – (50ml) – 20% off Now £20.40

I had never heard of this brand or this product before – but the name alone is slightly off-putting.  However information card states the Placenta Ampoule Cream contains no animal products, instead utilises nutrient-rich plant placenta to promote skin regeneration.  Described as a double functioning ampoule cream to improve whitening  and wrinkles.  You are advised to apply onto clean skin at the last stage of skincare.   It is a thick cream with a spongy consistency and thankfully has no overpowering fragrance.  I applied as advised and found it sank in quickly, not greasy and although I did not have any breakouts, reactions and it did initially leave a slight glow to the skin,   did not notice any real difference to the appearance of my skin and although will try it for another week to see if I notice any benefits I currently could not recommend this product.  However if I see any changes after further use will update this post.

The Libbie Club currently have offers available on these products (and offers on items from previous boxes) – would love you to check out the offers on my page and read my reviews on these, previous products and to take advantage of any offers you may be interested in,  you will also get 10% off your next order for signing up, if not already signed up.

I have not seen a preview of next month’s box yet but fingers crossed will contain more makeup products.

Thank you for looking – welcome any queries or comments.

Best Wishes Liz x

*Products received free for review.

Magazine Freebies (September 2016) & August Subscription Offers

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Magazine freebies this month so far – I have also included details of what free gifts are available if you are considering subscribing as well:

  • ELLE = £4.10 – Free Benefit Dew the Hoola Soft Matt liquid Bronzer for Face 5.0 ml  – worth £9.95. 
  • Subscribe to Elle for £10.00 for 6 issues by Direct Debit (DD) – free Benefit They’re Real Mascara worth £19.50, plus new Benefit Firm it Up Eye Serum and mini Benefit Dream Screen with subscription  – (see photos above for details)  states for first 1000 subscribers however usually an offer on so if this particular offer has finished just check online.

    GOOD HOUSEKEEPING = £4.20 – Free Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for Dull Dry Hair – 50 ml each ( perfect travel sizes) and a sample sachet (5ml) of Palmers Cocoa Butter included in Magazine.

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  • Subscribe to Good Housekeeping for £9.99 for 6 issues by Direct Debit (DD)– free Ole Henriksen’s Pure Youth Activating Oil (30ml) worth £47.00 with subscription  – (please see photo above for details).image
  • INSTYLE = £3.99 (normal price but the offer I got was £6 for two copies) – Choice of one of 3 free Balance Me Products, either a Lip balm worth £8, super toning body polish – 50ml worth £10 or a pure skin face wash worth – 50ml worth £10 (perfect travel sizes) and sample sachets of Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion (10ml), Clarins Perfecting Touch (1.5ml) and a paper swatch of the New Gucci Bamboo fragrance included in each Magazine as well.   I bought two magazines because of the offer on at Asda, 2 copies for £6, as I wanted to try both products – will do a review on them when I get a chance to try them too.  Only issue is I currently could only find this offer available at ASDA.
  • Subscribe to InStyle for £18.99 for 12 issues by Direct Debit (DD)– free  Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate (30ml) and Bouncy Sleeping Mask (90ml) worth £49.00 with subscription  – (please see photo below for details).image

As advised last month will update this post when I see additional magazine freebies this month or when relevant offers become available. (just a reminder again that magazines always dated month in advance i.e. you get the September issue in August).

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.  Would also love you to comment if you have / or are thinking about getting any of these magazines or subscribing.

Thank you for looking

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Caudalie ‘Divine’ Candle

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I love fragrant candles but my favourite is the Caudalie Divine Candle 150g – £24 which actually does smell ‘Divine’ and is from the Caudalie Divine range.  The Divine Oil candle which states contains pink peppercorn, rose, cedar, vanilla and musks is described as helping to relieve stress and relax the mind.

The brown glass container is so chic and love that it comes with a lid, which is perfect for standing the candle on too when lit.  I also use the empty containers to hold makeup brushes, eyeliner and lipliner pencils as well as holding hair grips and hair bands with the lid on – see photo below.   Once you take the lid off you find a subtle smell of the  ‘Divine’ relaxing fragrance and then  within few minutes of the candle being lit  you begin to smell a stronger warm, woody slightly musky fragrance, not overpowering but incredibly relaxing – perfect way to ‘chill’ and relax whether you are watching TV, catching up on your emails / your blog posts or with a good book.    I find by using the candle correctly , not burning for too short or long a period and trimming wick etc.,  has 20-30 hours burning time and burns v evenly.

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I find that it also does not leave any black smoke residue either on walls surroundings as although I love Yankee candles and do what is advised I personally find they leave a slight black layer on walls or tiles so I only intend to burn Yankee candles occasionally now and only where I can wash easily.  When I light a candle I do not want to have to think, just want to relax and enjoy the fragrance.

The only one negative is the price – £24 for one candle, but because I  love it so much I try to wait for offers (as always) and when good offers on, I try to purchase a few at a time.  A few months ago Caudalie  had two offers on, where candles were half price and another offer where you got a free candle when you purchased over a certain amount, which was brilliant – these particular offers not on at the moment but always check search online for best offer before you purchase as some retailers may have different offers available for example 10-20% discount, free postage, free samples, or free gifts with a specific spend etc.  The Caudalie Candle available to purchase in a number of online stores with current offers at Caudalie – free weekend bag with a £40 or over purchase(s) with code SUMMER and three free samples, LookFantastic – free shipping worldwide and always different offers on , Beauty Expert – 15% discount with code SUNSHINE, free shipping worldwide and always regular offers on.

Love to know if you have ever tried the Caudalie Candle and what you think of it – do you love it as much as me?- love to see your comments.

Thank you for looking – any queries please let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

Tili Beauty Box First Edition – QVC UK

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When I seen that QVC UK were launching the Tili First Edition Beauty Box  at a total cost of £20 all in (no additional postage charges) and saw the variety of brands, value of products included just had to get one.   I received my box end of last week, impressed as always with the quick delivery from QVC.

The products came beautifully packaged in a light blue box with a pastel pink trim and pink paper / shredded paper.    Included in the box were the following 8 products (counting the mousse and mini mitt as one item)  and information card containing each of the products ingredients (although slightly disappointed product prices not included on card too)

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Fleur de Force-New Book ‘The Luxe Life’

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When I seen Fleur de Force had a new book out called the ‘The Luxe Life’ I just had to get it as love looking at her blog and watching her YouTube and vlog videos.  I  pre-ordered a signed copy from WHSmith which arrived today.

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Could not wait to open and I was not disappointed love, love the hardback cover, the illustrations and colour combination is perfect with the rose gold spine and mix of rose gold and black lettering – two of my favourite colours.  Beautiful illustrations / photographs throughout and includes detail on beauty, fashion, lifestyle and food.    I have not got a chance yet to read it all but v impressed already as content is laid out so well, so clear and easy to read and follow, cannot wait to sit down over the weekend and finish reading it.  So as not to spoil it for anyone I have only included photos of the front and back cover and not going into too much detail on the content  but can confirm includes useful / interesting detail advice on beauty, fashion, lifestyle as well as some beautiful recipes.

I would definitely recommend getting this as a treat for yourself or gift for someone especially if they love tips / recommendations on beauty fashion or simple tasty recipes or even if they just love beautiful books as I think this is the perfect book to take pride of place on your dressing table, cabinet or dress room.  You can purchase this book for £9.49 at a number of stores including WHSmith, and Amazon and I think Selfridges currently have it available in store.

I hope you found this helpful – any queries or questions please let me know.  Would love to know your thoughts if you have already received this book.

Thank you for looking.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Body Shop Drops of Youth Serum

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One of the freebies I got recently was The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate serum,  7ml sample,  (available to purchase in two sizes 30ml at £25 and 50ml at £32)– applied for it through a freebie notification which is still available through this link , you just need to apply for it and then you show your confirmation email / voucher on your phone in-store to get the sample while stocks last.  However if this offer is finished when you read this post ask in-store if they have any samples available.   (Remember if you sign up through online freebie sites e.g. LatestFreeStuff, Magic Freebies, Free Samples UK– other freebie sites available too just search online – you will get early / daily notifications of what freebies are available and the earliest you claim the more chance you have of getting freebies before they are gone)

The 7ml sample comes in a hard plastic green bottle with a black dropper applicator.   It is described as an innovative concentrate which helps to enhance surface skin condition, leaving it looking smoother, fresher and healthier.  It helps to condition, smooth, moisturise and 99% of ingredients are of natural origins.  You are advised to gently massage two to three drops into skin, and allow to sink in before applying your usual moisturiser or serum.   I applied as advised, I found two drops was enough and was happy that the serum was not sticky or greasy and sank / sinks into skin v quickly, so no need to wait v long before you apply your moisturiser.   Makeup applied well over it, did not cause any breakouts and I had no issues throughout the day.   I found the dropper applicator very easy to use and although the serum, which has a  watery gel consistency, has a fragrance it is not overpowering and the smell does not linger on your skin.

Although I enjoyed getting the chance to try this product and was happy with the size of the sample I received, I did not find any noticeable changes to my skin and did not feel my skin looked or felt any more smoother, hydrated or healthier.  Therefore at this stage will not be rushing out to purchase this serum as I personally did not achieve any better results with it than with my normal skincare, although would still recommend trying to get a sample to see how it works for you.

Thank you for looking – if you have any comments / queries please let me know.  Would love to know if you have received this sample or when you receive it and get a chance to try it – what your thoughts are?

Best Wishes Liz x

Lip Monthly Bag – July 2016

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I received my July 2016 Lip Monthly  bag yesterday and in case you are new to the US-based Lip Monthly  bag which costs $12.95  per month (free shipping worldwide – and always special offers on for your first bag) please see my previous post here which also includes my thoughts on the contents of the June 2016 bag.

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Love the bag this month as it is a beautiful summery orange colour with a pair of ‘Sunglasses’ and ‘Summer’ embossed on front – perfect for holidays and so secure with the zip closure – (each month you receive a lip monthly makeup bag and most months there is a different design).  Inside were the following – the usual three lip products, one makeup item and the product information card:

 1.  Mirabella Lipstick in ‘Coral Flash’ – $26.00

Already love Mirabella lip products so v happy to see a Mirabella product included – Love the new two-tone packaging so slick and stylist with a click closure and the lipstick colour is perfect for summer or any other time you choose, it is a beautiful orangey red colour and so creamy  – v impressed – would definitely recommend trying Mirabella products as well if you can.

2.  Cougar Plumper – $29

Was intrigued when I seen this product as have never heard of the brand or the product before – described as the Perfect Pout – volume and shape definition.  The exterior box and squeezy tube packaging looks appealing enough until you screw the top off and smell it – there is an overpowering fragrance similar in my opinion to a type of disinfectant so definitely not what you would expect from a makeup / lip product so this was enough to put me off product straight away and then when I tried the clear gel product on my hand and lips it was so, so sticky and unpleasant on my lips that I had to remove it straight away – would definitely not recommend this product and will not be using it again or giving it to any of my friends or family either to try – in my opinion this is the worst product I have ever tried and this is saying something as I have tried so many makeup / beauty / lip products.

3.  City Colour City Chic Lipstick in ‘Heartbreaker’ – $4.99

 A beautiful dark pink creamy colour – no overpowering smell either – one swatch gives a strong opaque true colour but also buildable for an  even stronger colour – very reasonable price for the quality and also love the way it shows the colour of the lipstick at the bottom without having to open the packaging.

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4.  Bellapierre Shimmer –$15.00

The non lip product this month is a Bellapierre eyeshadow shimmer in ‘Cinnabar’, a dark pink colour with hint of shimmer, which can also be used mixed with a blusher too –I do like the colour and the consistency of Bellapierre eyeshadows – however I am not a huge fan of loose powders / shimmers but will still use this mixed / along with other colours because of the quality of the product.

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Although overall the bag was definitely excellent value this month – total retail value of $74.99 – because the most expensive product in the bag, the Cougar Plumper, at $29 is in my opinion unusable I am taking the value to be $45.99 which is still v good value and thankfully I will use the other three products so this makes up in part for the one product I dislike.   I would still recommend trying this beauty subscription especially if you love lip products and because of the value of products included.

Please see my Lip Monthly referral link for more details on subscriptions / special offers etc.

 Link directly to the Lip Monthly site for more details.

Thank you for looking – any comments / queries please let me know.  If you received this month’s bag would love to know your opinion and also your opinion on the Cougar Plumper, did you dislike it as much as me?

Best Wishes Liz x