Pommade Divine – Nature’s Remedy Balm

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I only became aware of Pommade Divine (Nature’s Remedy Balm) approximately a year ago when I was looking through products online to see if there were any other products out there that could compare with one of my favourite products, the  multi purpose Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream (really a thick gel / salve).  When I found Pommade Divine and saw it was recorded as being a multi purpose remedy,  based on a 200 year old British recipe I was v curious so just had to try it to see how good it actually was.

The full size comes in a 50 ml screw top jar, is £19.80 and available on a number of online stores including https://www.birchbox.co.uk/, https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/ and https://www.lovelula.com/t/brands/pommade-divine (no specific offers on at the moment , but remember to always shop around if you thinking of purchasing – may also be available in-store as well but none available locally where I live). It states on the back of the jar that ‘it is a natural multi purpose remedy which helps to quickly soothe calm and protect skin, sensitive skin’.

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It is a honey colour thick salve with a delicate almost antiseptic scent of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg which I love and although not an overpowering fragrance may not be for everyone.  I found you need very little of this product, it lasts for a long time and I personally think it is definitely a multi purpose product and is on the same level as the Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream.  I used as a treatment for a number of ailments and found it was  / is perfect for cuticles, slight scratches / grazes,  irritated areas of skin, patches of dry skin and left my skin hydrated no adverse reaction and cleared any discomfort / skin irritations within a day or two.   I have seen reviews that state it is also perfect for the lips but I personally did not find it as good for my lips as the  Ultrasun lipbalm (please see my post on this for more details).    The one negative about this product is the screw top jar – not as hygienic as a tube.    Although I would still definitely recommend this product as a multi-purpose handbag / bathroom cabinet essential.

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

Best wishes Liz x

Lookfantastic Beauty Box – July 2016

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I was delighted when I arrived home this wet Monday evening and saw my July Lookfantastic beauty box had arrived (www.lookfantastic.com) – it is a monthly subscription box which costs £15 per month (inc p&p) or from £11.25 for a 12 month subscription (if you are signed up to topcashback.co.uk you can also obtain cashback by subscribing to the Lookfantastic beauty box via the topcashback site http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/kellyl).

Included within this months box is the August 2016 edition of Elle (£4.10), the product  / beauty information booklet and the following six products (pictures / slide show below):

  • Bellapierre Pink Lip & Cheek Stain – 5g (full size) –  £12.99
  • Nuxe Shimmer Multi Purpose Dry Oil – 10 ml (full size =£19 for 50 ml);
  • Thisworks in transit camera close up primer – 20 ml (full size =£30 for 40 ml);
  • MiTi hair tie x 3 (full size) = £4.95;
  • Silk anti frizz cream – 15 ml – (full size -30 ml but unable to find RRP for this alone);
  •  and
  • New Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Light (no 2) – 0.11g (full size = £18.50 for 0.34g) – (Please see my review on this product – love it so although I already have it – pleased to receive another one)

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I am very pleased with this months selection although only two full size items still great value and a good mix of makeup, skincare and haircare products which I am happy to see as although last few months boxes have been excellent value too they have been more skincare related and I love to either see a good mix of products / or more makeup items included (my personal preference) – also the addition of the Elle magazine I feel is a great idea (has been included in the last few months boxes too) as I just love relaxing when I get the chance with a good magazine as I am sure you can see from my magazine offers post.

Thank you for looking – any queries / comments please let me know and if you would like a separate review on any of the above products just let me know.

Best Wishes Liz x

The New Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

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Benefit is another of my favourite makeup brands – especially their eyebrow products and I was excited when I seen they were bringing out a new range of brow products -see photo below – which has now launched.

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Therefore I was over the moon when I seen that a travel size (0.11g) of the new Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil was free with the July 2016 issue of Elle magazine – you may still get it in some retailers as the August 2016 edition is not out yet but be quick as the August issue should be out v soon also please also see my monthly magazine offer post(s) which might help you not miss out on any future magazine / beauty offers that are of interest to you.

I was lucky enough to receive the correct shade for me with the  magazine – shade 2 (light) as this is light brown / taupe – perfect for me – however the brow pencil is available in six shades – please see details below and swatch of the shade  I received (the full size also has a spoolie brush at one end is 0.34g and RRP is £18.50):

My initial thoughts were I love, love the packaging, futuristic but very stylist and elegant.  I followed the instructions and used the pointed end of the twist up pencil to define my eyebrows and I then I jut used the wide tip to fill my eyebrows in – perfect for filling in any spaces or uneven brows  – I was v happy with results, my brows looked shaped, natural and colour was perfect for me and although  I needed to swipe pencil few times at the beginning the product glided on smoothly after that and you can build the colour up the more product you put on. I also found that although the product was long wearing it is smudgeable for a short period after application.    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 where offers are available at the moment but as always shop around online or in store for best offers before purchasing – hope this helps.

  • Debenhams: – http://www.debenhams.com/ – £18.50 – free mini It’s Potent, mini Porefessional and mini Boi-ing with 2 or more Benefit purchases and remember your beauty card points too;
  • Boots: – http://www.boots.com/ – £18.50 –  golden gate passport cover  (online orders only) with any three selected Benefit purchases and currently there is also a free beauty box offer on at Boots with purchases of £50 or over and remember your advantage card points too;
  • Benefit: – https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb – £18.50 – currently a choice of a number of offers available including a choice of a mini and bag with £40 or over spend.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

Magazine Freebies (August 2016) & July Subscription Offers

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I love beauty and fashion magazines especially the monthly magazines but it can work out expensive to get them all so I always keep an eye on what monthly magazines has offers / free gifts with them and any future subscription offers with free gifts.  So going to do a monthly post on what is available that month and subscriptions offers available for the forthcoming months-will update post when I see them or when relevant offers become available. (just a reminder that magazines always dated month in advance i.e. you get the August issue in July) Hope this helps.

Marie Claire = £3.99 – the new Benefit 24 hour invisible shaping & setting brow gel (worth £9) free with magazine – photos below ( I also will do a separate review post on this gel once I get chance to try it):

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Subscribe to Marie Claire from £18.99 for 12 issues by Direct Debit (DD) (once this DD is taken just cancel DD if you do not want to continue subscription in case you forget later – you can always take out another subscription if you want after this period) – free Alpha-H daily moisturiser worth £36 with subscription  – (see photos below for details)  states for first 250 subscribers however usually always an offer on so if this has finished just check online.

Harper’s Bazaar = £4.50 – choice of 4 L’Occitane travel size items free – choice of either moisturiser, handcream, perfume or 75ml almond shower oil (which is a beautiful product & perfect travel size) –  (please see photo below for details)

Subscribe to Harper’s Bazaar for £10.00 for 6 issues – free eyebrow kit from Shavata worth £36.50 with subscription  – (please see photo below for details)

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Red  = £4.20 – free Travel set from The Organic Pharmacy (worth £20.95)   – double rose rejuvenating face cream (10ml), lip balm (5ml) & hand cream (10ml) ( perfect travel sizes) –  (please see photos below for details)

Subscribe to Red for £9.99 for 6 issues – free gift from Vita Liberata (worth £37) with subscription  – valid to 04.08.16 or while stocks last (please see photos below for details)

Glamour  = £2.00 – free Benefit Gimme Brow  – Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in No 5 (1.0g)   and a sample sachet (10 ml) of Garnier Ultimate Blends weightless hair balm in magazine as well –  (please see photos below for details)

Subscribe to Glamour for a trial offer of £1.00  for 3 issues – free MUA makeup set  (worth £22) with trial offer  – valid to 13.08.16 or while stocks last (please see photos below for details)

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

Best Wishes Liz x

BareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion Serum

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Although BareMinerals is one of my favourite makeup brands I had never tried many products from their skincare range so when I seen the recent offer below (states available to 31.08.16 while stocks last – just ask at your nearest BareMinerals counter and show the sale assistant this photo if they are unsure, but you should not need to) –

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– which enabled you to try  a 10 day sample of their vital power infusion serum from their new Skinsorials  skincare range for free – full size is £45 for 50 ml.   I went  to my nearest BareMinerals counter in Boots  to ask about / request the sample to try.

I was very impressed with the size of the sample I received – 7.5 ml (photos below) and it did last me 10 days.

BareMinerals state that this product  ‘is paraben free and helps to promote skin’s vitality, replenishing it with moisture and reawakening the look of youth. Skin is left feeling empowered, renewed and fortified, with enhanced resilience and a glowingly healthy look’.

I loved the consistency of this serum,  it is lightweight , non-greasy and only has a very light fragrance. I applied two pumps over face and neck daily, morning and night, and I found the serum sank into my skin very quickly and did not leave a greasy residue and even after the first application I could see a healthy glow to my skin.  After a week I found my skin felt softer, hydrated with a healthy glow and fine lines appeared to have diminished and I also had no breakouts at all from using this product.   I think this a great way to try this serum as it is quite expensive and the size of the sample allows you to try for long enough to enable you to know if serum is suitable for your skin and if using it will achieve the results that you want.  I am definitely thinking of purchasing especially when I see  some of the current offers available below  – I have listed three  stores below and the offers currently available  but as before always search / shop around for best offers before you purchase.  Hope this helps

  • Debenhams – http://debenhams.com/ currently £40.50 as 10% off – also you get a free gift and points on your Debenhams beauty club card if you have one and also at checkout, if you can collect your order  in store,  if you click and collect you will get a £5 Debenhams voucher when you collect your parcel (also please see my blog post  – cashback with purchases as you can claim cashback with Debenhams purchases too);
  • Boots – http://www.boots.com/ – currently at full price of £45 but currently there is a free beauty box when you spend £50 or more after discounts – valid to 04.07.16 or while stocks last and you can collect points on your advantage card if you have one (also please see my blog post  –  cashback with purchases as you can claim cashback with Boots purchases too); and
  • BareMinerals– http://www.bareminerals.co.uk/ – currently £45 but with a 20% code discount available on all purchases at the moment (IHEARTYOU) available until midnight 04.07.16 which when applied leaves it costing £36 and currently you can also apply the EMPOWER code at checkout and you will get a 10 day sample of the serum too (same one) – even if this sample not available majority of times you get a free sample with purchase(s) too.

Also when  / if you get your sample would love to hear your thoughts on the serum when you get a chance to try it.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

 

How to Get Cashback with Purchases

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As I just love helping people save money where they can (especially on fashion and beauty products) I wanted to let you know of a way to claim cashback with your purchases through TopCashback (Quidco or both).  I understand a number of you may be aware and already signed up, but for those of you who are not, just wanted to give you a quick overview.

I am signed up to both the Quidco (http://www.quidco.com/) and TopCashback (https://www.topcashback.co.uk/) sites however TopCashback  is the one I currently use the most.

  • First step is to check out the cashback sites above and decide if you want to sign up, and if you do this then enables you claim  / withdraw any cashback earned when it becomes payable and then all you have to do when you shop online is to simply sign in to your for example; TopCashback account and click-through to the store you want to shop at (remember not all merchants offer cashback but always remember to check first to see if they do before purchasing to make sure you earn cashback where you can – I find it very easy, just an extra step, the only problem at the beginning is actually remembering to do this especially when you are in a hurry to order something). By doing this, you can earn cashback on every purchase you make (where merchants are offering cashback) – whether you are booking a holiday, flights or train tickets, buying your groceries, taking out car, travel, pet, home insurance, taking out a beauty box subscription, selecting new beauty products, looking for savings on Group-on, choosing gifts for birthdays etc  I personally have found at the moment that any type of new insurance, phone contracts, broadband contracts  give the highest amount of cashback, this can also vary – however they can also take the longest for the cashback you have earned to become payable;
  • Also remember to check out the voucher codes on TopCashback, which you can use alongside the cashback offers, meaning you can make double savings when you buy. Just be aware, ONLY use vouchers from TopCashback, otherwise, you may not be able to earn cashback;
  • When it comes to taking the cashback rewards you have earned from your account, TopCashback offers many payout methods, including some which will give you a bonus of up to 10%. So, if you have earned £100 in cashback, you could receive up to £110. As well as being able to have your cashback paid directly into your PayPal or bank account, you can choose to have it paid out in Tesco Clubcard points or Argos, Amazon and Boots vouchers;
  • You can also earn money by getting your friends to sign up to TopCashback through their Tell-a-Friend bonus scheme. You just invite your friends  / colleagues etc to join their website and you will earn a referral bonus for everyone who signs up via your link and goes on to earn £10 or more in payable credit.

I have inserted both my referral link and direct link to site at bottom of post whichever you prefer to use if you decide to sign up – as my main reason for making you aware of the cashback facility is to save you money / earn you cashback where you can when you shop especially on those beauty fashion items that we all love so much.

However one thing that you need to be aware of is that some cashback claims can take a longer period of time before they become payable – some of my cashback claims have taken 3 months (some can take longer) however I always have received any cashback due in the end.  Hope this helps.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

Direct Link to Topcashback site: – https://www.topcashback.co.uk/

My referral link: – http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/kellyl

 

L’Oreal Paris Nude Cushion Foundation

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One of the more recent makeup launches from L’Oreal Paris which has received a lot of press coverage recently  has been their  Nude Magique Cushion Dewy Glow Foundation.CUSHION FOUNDATION 2

I was curious to try this foundation to see if it lived up to all the claims I had read about it.   I purchased it in the no 6 Rose Beige shade which was the best shade match for my skin, it is available in 7 shades and has SPF 25.  Please see link for the other colour shades available – http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Paris-Nude-Magique-Cushion-Foundation_1838528.

My first thoughts were I adored the packaging, very secure closure, love the separate area for the sponge applicator and built-in mirror.  Also perfect compact for on the go application too.   I followed the instructions and gently pressed the sponge applicator  onto the cushion sponge to release the liquid foundation, comes off onto the sponge easily and allows for easy buildable application  – you just tap a little for a sheer finish or tap more for medium buildable finish depending on the coverage you want.  I loved the finish on the skin it give good natural coverage and left my skin with a fresh light dewy, healthy finish.    I am v impressed with this product and would definitely recommend trying –  I will be  repurchasing.   Also reasonably priced at RRP £14.99 – however Boots have 3 for 2 on L’Oreal selected cosmetics at the moment (cheapest free) and when I bought it was also on special at £9.99 so remember always shop around for best price before you purchase.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

 

 

You Beauty Box Overview & July 2016 Shortlist

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I just love receiving monthly beauty boxes and one of the UK beauty boxes I am currently subscribed to is the YOU Beauty Box (YBB)  ( http://box.you.co.uk ) which is very reasonable and prices start at just £6.95 a month (with FREE P&P to all members).  I have included an overview of how this beauty box subscription works at the bottom of this post for your ease of reference as this is my first You Beauty Box post (in future I will just show shortlist of products for upcoming month plus a post of what I have chosen / received).  I love this particular box because of the value of the products you can choose / receive, the extras included and the option to cancel your subscription at any time.

This is what I chose / received in the  June 2016 selection / box which was excellent value for the £6.95 I paid.

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The July 2016 Jet Set Edit Shortlist Preview (details below) is available on 1st July 2016 from 7.am (I suggest you make your selection as soon as possible after 7am as some items go out of stock pretty quickly)  – details of how to subscribe / different plans are detailed at bottom of this post.

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 Shortlist / your choice of products are:

  • Illamasqua Precisions Ink Liner in Abyss (3ml);
  • Alpha-H liquid Gold (50ml);
  • Aethic L’Air Bien in-Flight Face and Hand Cream (30 ml);
  • Philip Kingsley Swimcap (50ml);
  • Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection SPF 15 (200ml);
  • M&S Beauty Rosie for Autograph Nuit Parfum (15ml);
  • White Rabbit Skincare Lime & Coconut Cleansing Water (30 ml);
  • Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish by Rita Ora in Glaston-Berry (8ml);
  • Carmex Peach & Mango Burst Moisturising Lip Balm (10g);
  • Resultime Regenerating Collagen Gel (15ml).

Plus each box will include: St Tropez New Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion Medium (50ml), £2 off St Tropez coupons and White Rabbit skincare £10 gift card.

As a YOU Beauty Box member you are entitled to choose between two to four samples from the YOU Beauty Box shortlist each month, depending on which price plan you are on (from July 2016 there are now three different memberships to choose from – details below).

Payment Plan 1 – Gold – 4 products, £10.95

The ultimate beauty bundle for self-confessed beauty queens/addicts. New and existing members can now choose (or switch to) the NEW Gold Monthly Beauty Box. With a Gold membership, you can select any four available products from the monthly shortlist for just £10.95 per month and some exclusive VIP offers will be thrown in from time-to-time. These boxes also include usual monthly treats, brand offers, FREE P&P, email previews and the option to cancel at any time. Gold membership subject to availability.

Payment Plan 2 – Silver – 3 products, £8.95

The extra gorgeous monthly beauty haul, for those who just can’t decide! You can now select a third product from those available on the monthly shortlist, for just £8.95 per month. With the Silver membership, new and existing members can pick any three available products and will also receive the usual monthly treats, brand offers, FREE P&P, email previews and the option to cancel at any time.

Payment Plan 3 – Bronze – 2 products, £6.95

The classic beauty box, for beauty enthusiasts everywhere! Nothing changes – Bronze members will still get to choose any two available products from the monthly shortlist for the same price of just £6.95 per month and you’ll still get the usual treats, brand offers, FREE P&P, email previews and the option to cancel at any time.

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.

Also would love to know if you are thinking of subscribing / already subscribe, have you decided yet what products you are going to select?

Best Wishes Liz x

Antipodes Divine Face Oil

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Another skincare brand I have fell in love with over the last two years is the New Zealand certified organic brand Antipodes – it is not as well known as a number of other skincare brands in the UK  but I just love this brand.  Currently one of their hero products for me is their Divine face oil with avocado oil & rosehip.

It comes in a 30 ml glass bottle with a dropper applicator and recommended retail price is currently £18 .99 – £19.99 on most online retailer sites.   It is an oil and  I find two drops is enough for both the face and neck and I just apply it in gentle upward strokes daily both morning and night and leave a short time before applying moisturiser or makeup (if a non makeup day sometimes do not even need / apply moisturiser) .   The oil has a natural light fragrance and is not overpowering.  Since I have started to use this product I have found it gives my skin a boost, I have less blemishes / breakouts and my skin is smoother, brighter and appears more refreshed and healthy.

Product information on back of bottle states: ‘give a lift to tired, stressed and sundamaged skin with the nutrient rich certified organic face oil that helps deliver the the antioxidants and nourishment essential for fresh, healthy skin’

I try to always have one spare bottle as  I can notice a difference in my skin if I do not use it,  even for a few days.  The Antipodes brand  / products is not as widely available as a number of other skincare brands and to date I have not been able to find it available in a store where I live but a number of retailers sell it online.  I have listed three  of these below and any offers I have found available at the moment but as before always search / shop around for best offers before you purchase.  Hope this helps.

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

Best Wishes Liz x

 

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Anti Ageing Lifting Treatment for Neck & Bust

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One of my favourite skincare brands is Elemis and their stand out product for me over the last few years has been their Pro-collagen Anti Ageing Lifting Treatment for the Neck and Bust (http://www.elemis.com/pro-collagen-lifting-treatment-neck-and-bust.html– which I see now has the new packaging too), which comes in a 50ml pump container.

It has a creamy consistency and a natural light / not overpowering fragrance and one or two pumps is enough for the neck and bust area and you just massage in with light upward strokes – I found with regular use it leaves the bust and neck area hydrated, smoother and also more youthful looking and any visible signs of aging are reduced and I also personally found that it was very gently on the skin – no adverse reaction at all.

Only downside to this product is the recommended retail price of £73 – however I always look out for special offers and currently there are a number of offers through the online retailers below (think this may be in part to Elemis bringing out a new neck and decollete balm recently – I have only tried a sample of this so verdict out on it at the moment – will do a blog post on this new product when I get a chance to try it properly).

  • Elemis has it at full price however you can select a free deluxe sample with purchase and there are often other offers on as well E.g. when you spend a certain amount you get a free gift too –  I also have found a code in the July 2016 edition of the Instyle magazine for 20% off until 31.07.16 – link to site http://www.elemis.com/ and discount details belowimage.jpeg
  • Essentials Pharmacy – currently it is reduced to £54.75 and you get a free 15 ml Pro-collagen marine cream as well and also an Elemis free gift worth £47 if you spend over £100 on Elemis products – link to site http://www.essentialslondon.com/
  • Treatyourskin – currently reduced to £53.59  – link to site http://www.treatyourskin.com/.

Remember the above offers are only for a few retailers / stores online and always search online to get the best offer possible at the time – hope this helps.

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

Best Wishes

Liz x