Review: Skinician Skincare Trio; Purifying Toner, Advanced Time Delay Day Cream and Restoring Night Cream

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Hi Everyone

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

As I have said before one of the many reasons I love attending beauty / fashion events is because we usually v kindly receive goodie bags containing a number of products including various beauty products from different brands which we may not be aware or got round to trying before we received them in our goodie bags.

One brand I discovered this way was the Skinician skin care brand and as I attended a lot of events in 2017 I was v lucky that I received a 50ml Purifying Toner and 30mls of both the Advanced Time Delay Day Cream and Restoring Night Cream from their range in different goodie bags which was a great way to try a number of their products together over a period of time .

About the Skinician Brand

In Ireland in 2012, mother & daughter team, and owners of the already successful 4Beauty Group, Hilary McMurray and Shelley Martin stepped into the ultra-competitive world of skincare with the launch of SKINICIAN – a  professional skincare brand focused delivering results.   In the 15 years previous Hilary stepped out of a successful corporate career in insurance and into entrepreneurship with the purchase of her own beauty salon in County Down, Ireland.   Later Hilary created the now internationally recognised He-Shi professional self-tan which developed Hilary’s resolve to do something exceptionally exciting in skincare.  This time, with the support of Hilary the development of SKINICIAN was spearheaded by her daughter Shelley.

Shelley worked with a range of skincare salons and professional therapists on the needs of salons and what was really important to them. Over a period of 3 years a small army of engaged skincare professionals diligently briefed, formulated and tested thousands of products. In the search for perfection, that process of formulate and test re-started, then re-started again until the SKINICIAN products we see in salons all over Ireland delivered on promise and were finally approved.  You can find out more about the Skinician range via the link here.

I love the sleek but practical packaging – always prefer when brands emboss their logo, details onto the packaging instead of using stickers, though does not affect the actual products, dislike the way some brand’s stickers start to ‘move’ with usage.

1.  Purifying Toner (100ml – £19.60) – suitable for Normal/Combination Oily Skin Acne Skin.

 

Described as a refreshing, hydrating and mattifying lotion for reducing shine whilst brightening skin tissue:

Benefits:

  • Reduces and regulates sebum production
  • Reduces skin blemishes by up to 30%
  • Reduces shine, leaving a long-term matte finish
  • Reduces the development of breakouts
  • Protects from damaging free radicals
Directions / Results
Use twice daily after cleansing both morning and night to face and neck area; – I personally am not a ‘toner’ fan as although I have tried a number of toners from different brands over the years and understand what the benefits should be,  I have yet to find one that has made any great difference to my normal / combination skin after using, my favourite toner type product to date would be the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic.
The Skinician purifying toner although not too overpowering still has that ‘toner’ type smell which I do not really like, the Liz Earle one doesn’t.    Very easy to apply with cotton pads (full size will be even easier as it has a spray applicator, good for applying during the day as well) – I used as directed twice a day and although it did seem to help reduce the shine on my t-zone area slightly over a period of time, I have not noticed any other benefits so still not convinced but saying that think this toner may be better for an even oilier skin.  Therefore as I still not a ‘toner’ fan will not be rushing out to purchase but if you enjoy using toners and have really oily / skin prone to breakouts I think this may be a good one for you to try.
 
2.  Advanced Time Delay Day Cream SPF 15 (50ml – £39.50) – suitable for Ageing Skin / Dry Skin /Dehydrated Skin /Sensitive Skin Normal/Combination Oily Skin.
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Benefits described as:

  • Radical technology boosts energy potential to that of younger skin
  • Brighter, younger looking and softer skin within 4 weeks
  • SPF 15 to protect against UVA & UVB rays
  • Intense moisturisation with hyaluronic acid
  • Botanical B-Gucans increases skin softness by up to 21%, suppleness by up to 26%, and moisturisation by up to 23%
Directions and Results
Apply after cleansing and toning, warm a small amount gently in the palm of your hand and apply generously to the face and neck area (avoiding eye area), leave skin to absorb moisturiser for five minutes before applying makeup  – So happy to see this cream, and the night cream, come in squeezeable tubes (full sizes are in similar packaging).  This white cream has a v light spa like fragrance and when applied as directed it sinks into skin so easily with no greasy residue, initially skin may feel a little sticky but within a few minutes this disappears and skin then feels smooth and looks refreshed  with a slight glow, skin also feels hydrated.   I have had no extra breakouts and  found this is a perfect base for my IT Cosmetics foundation but if using a  heavier foundation I would still suggest mixing a little serum or a slight bit of moisturiser into your foundation before applying especially if you have any really dry areas.
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I love this cream can be used on the neck area as well and although I usually try most facial moisturisers on this areas as well this is the first moisturiser I have started to notice a difference after using, my skin on my neck area also feels smoother and looks more hydrated as well.  I am really impressed with this moisturiser, exceeded my expectations  – I do think it is suitable for all skin tones,  ages especially mid twenties up – my daughter received this moisturiser as well and she loves it as well, she has normal to dry skin.  I will be purchasingv soon as it has now become my favourite day time moisturiser.   Definitely recommend trying it for yourself. 

3.  Restoring Night Cream (50ml – £39.50) – suitable for Ageing Skin /Dry Skin /Dehydrated Skin /Sensitive Skin /Normal/Combination Oily Skin.

Benefits described as:

  • Radical technology boosts energy potential to that of younger skin
  • Brighter, younger looking skin within 4 weeks
  • Botanical B-Gucans increases skin softness by up to 21%, suppleness by up to 26%, and improves moisturisation by up to 23%.
Directions and Results
Use daily at night to face and neck  – allow to fully absorb and nourish the skin for at least 8 hours.  As before this cream also comes in a tube.  It is an off-white cream and again with just a v light spa type fragrance.    I applied  / apply at night as directed after cleansing although initially feels v slightly tacky on the skin it quickly absorbs into the skin.  After application my skin looks more refreshed and in the morning  my skin did / does appear fresher, fines lines are not as obvious after prolonged use and again skin feels hydrated, smoother and looks revitalised as well, again when applied to the neck area it also helps to keep it hydrated and smooth.   

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I feel when I use both the day and night creams together with my Antipodes serum underneath this is currently my best combination so will definitely will be purchasing this night cream as well.  I also feel that if I continue to use both I do not really need an additional neck cream as these both do such a good job.  Again recommend trying if you can.

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Overall

I am so impressed with these products, although will not be purchasing the toner this is only because I am really not a toner fan, think it may be able better for a more oily skin.  However I love the day and night cream delighted with results and although at £39.50 it may seem expensive compared to some other brands, it is still more reasonable than others and as they are 50ml sizes and you need so little product they will last for ages.  I definitely think they are well worth the money and an added bonus is they are an Irish brand which is fantastic.

I have already checked out the rest of the Skinician range and now also want to try the Pro-Radiance Enzyme Cleanser, peel and advanced eye repair as they sound good as well – they are now on my list of products to purchase soon, after I get using similar products I already have.

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Currently Skinician have the following great offer online, when you purchase either the Advanced Time Delay Day Cream or Hydrating Day Moisturiser you get a FREE facial exfoliator, come together in a pack, which is fantastic as wanted to try the exfoliator anyway.  You can check out,  see more from the  Skinician range via the link here.

Look forward to any comments you may have.   Have you tried any products from this range before?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up tomorrow and / or during the week.

Thank you – take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Cherish.Love.Indulge Ltd Ed. Beauty Box

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Hi Everyone

A quick post to let you know that The Cherish.Love.Indulge Beauty Box  is now available to purchase for £28, (worth over £95), at Aveda.co.uk and the associated brands online sites (check which online site suits you best i.e. type of samples available with orders, products you may want to try etc.) while stocks last – this limited edition Beauty Box, contains a number of beauty essentials for Spring.

The Beauty Box  contains the following products:

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  • Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme, 40ml ;
  • Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, 15ml;
  • Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, 7ml;
  • Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Eye Balm, 3ml;
  • MAC False Lashes Extreme, Black, 8g  – FULL SIZE – love this mascara;
  • Bobbi Brown Lip Color Sandwash Pink, 2.25g;
  • Darphin Stimulskin Plus Divine Cream, 5ml; and
  • Glamglow Youthmud® Tinglexfoliate Treatment, 15g.

Please see link here for full details.

If there are products you need, wanted to try, or have gifts you need to get – good time to get them if you can.    From past experience similar beauty boxes do not last long.

Thank you and take care – will have more posts up later in the week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Insert photo – Credit Aveda.co.uk.

Review: ‘Gambettes’ Box Subscription Service & February 2018 Box

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Hi Everyone

I v kindly received the *February 2018 Gambettes Box last week to try, my first box.  I was delighted when I was approached by the company as was so disappointed last year when My Little Box, which is connected to the Gambettes box (French box), decided to stop shipping their boxes to the UK as just loved receiving that box each month.

The Gambettes Box  is a subscription service; delivery of two surprise pairs of quality tights to your door every month.  Box costs £13.90 a month (inclusive of international shipping), you can pause / cancel  your subscription at any time and currently  if you decide to sign up for your first box you also get the option to sign up to their newsletter as well to enable you to get 20% off your box.  When you sign up you just need to select your size and then your first Gambettes Box should arrive within 3 weeks.   After that, you should receive your Boxes between the 15th and the 25th of each month.

Background

From Autumn through spring, the Gambettes Box will arrive in your letter / mailbox every month with two surprise pairs of tights. In summer, when bare legs are in season, Gambettes enter into vacation mode and stop your shipments till autumn.  They also state the following:

  • The deal: two to three times a year, they will send us a super high-quality, super-opaque pair of tights in classic black.  The rest of the time, they will send us something a tad more original.
  • Most of the pairs we get will come in black.  Occasionally, they  will also collaborate with big name designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Inès de la Fressange, and Courrèges.   Love the sound of this.
  • Come rosé season (i.e. June through August) when it’s too hot for tights, they will hit ‘pause’ on our subscription and stop taking out payments until September.

It also states within the Terms & Conditions that some months, the Subscriber may receive a swimsuit and / or other textile products, at the same price as his/her current subscription instead of the regular monthly 2 pairs of tights, which sounds super exciting.

You can find out more even more details about the service via the link  here

 

I was really excited to receive my first box as I love all different types of tights but especially different versions of black ones – as just so versatile.

 

Everything comes in a cardboard exterior illustrated box with ‘Gambettes Box’ embossed on it in red writing and inside there are three cards; an information card and two lovely illustrated cards for February.

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 The following two pairs of tights are included this month:

Black Ajoure Patterned Tights – 50D – 90% Polyamide & 10% Elastane (made in Italy): – love this diamond style pattern as this just adds that little bit extra and also feel good as well.

 

‘Jane’ Plain Plum Tights in 60 D – 93% Polyamide & 7% Elastane (made in Italy): – love this colour and 60D are usually look lasting as well.  These would be perfect with so many outfits.  Could be worn with so much and any colour i.e. Navy, Grey, Brown, Black etc.  Again have not got a chance yet to wear but feel so good really silky feeling.

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V impressed with this box, quality of items and packaging   – I think it is a great idea as it is something different as although love receiving beauty subscription boxes there are not that many subscription boxes offering accessory / fashion items.  Perfect box for me as I love wearing tights in the colder weather and with our climate that covers a lot of months – one pair of 50D/60D high quality tights in for example Marks and Spencer costs approx. £6-£8, sometimes more anyway.    I would definitely recommend checking out or subscribing if you can especially if you love tights, want to discover even more or just want to try a different type of subscription service.  If you do sign up using my link thank you in advance.

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Look forward to any comments you may have – have you tried or heard about this subscription service before?  Also if you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up tomorrow and / or beginning of the week.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Thank you and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

*PR Sample / affiliate links

Review: Feelunique Pick ‘N’ Mix Feb 2018

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Hi Everyone

I received my  Feelunique’s Pick ‘N’ Mix  at the weekend.   As advised previously you can choose five ‘free’ samples from a selection of samples available while stocks last (one selection of samples per month) – you are charged £3.95 for shipping and handling fees although you can redeem this against any future order  (excluding Pick ‘n’ Mix) via a £3.95 gift voucher you receive in your follow-up email.

It has been a few months since my last selection but when I seen the current choice of products just could not resist any longer.

 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm (15ml jar) – I have used this product previously and also selected a sample of it before through the Pick N Mix service – although it might not be my all time favourite cleansing balm, it is good and I enjoy using it as it smells refreshing, leaves your skin cleansed, hydrated and feeling soft – perfect travel size;

Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream (5ml jar) – I have also received this product before through the Pick N Mix service.  It has a lovely creamy texture with only a light fragrance, feels lovely on the skin and definitely helps give skin a boost – a good size sample and in a jar as well;

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theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Luminizer/Highlighter (0.57g) – really love theBalm samples.   Beautiful packaging with a magnetic closure.  This powder highlighter is perfect for under the brow bone, eye shadow base, top of the cheeks, top of the lip, inner corner of the eye, just about anywhere you want to highlight – love this product;

Benefit Goof Proof Brown Pencil in No 2 (0.03g) – although a smaller sample than normal still enough product to see if suitable – a handy size for my makeup bag;

Xen-Tan Fresh Tanning Mouse – Weekly Self Tan (50ml) –  this is a really generous sample size – I have not tried before but I have read some good things about this tan so really looking forward to trying and if impressed will do a separate review post.

Delighted with my selection this month, maybe my favourite to date as I was able to get a good selection of generous sample products this month – will definitely continue to use the Pick ‘N’ Mix as and when I see samples I want to try or already love. Remember the more generous sample sizes / make up samples  go quickly but as long as you regularly look through the sample choice you should always see something you want to try.  

As always I highly recommend trying this ‘service’ for yourself as a great way to try products for ‘free’ prior to purchasing especially if you make a future purchase through Feelunique to enable you to redeem your £3.95 gift voucher (the charge for shipping & handling fees) (if new to Feelunique you can use my code here to get £10 off your first order with a £30 minimum spend). 

Look forward to any comments you may have – would love to hear if you have used the Pick ‘N’ Mix service already, what you thought of it?

If not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up during and / or end of the week.

Thank you – take care and hope you have a great week.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: Birchbox UK February 2018

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Hi Everyone

I received my February Birchbox last week .  Theme of this month’s box is Beauty through the decades – ‘True Beauty is Timeless’ – subscribers were again able to choose their box design this month.  I chose the one below as just liked the design / colours of this one that bit more.

 

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Usually five personalised beauty treats are included each month.

 

This month a Full Size Beauty Crop Eyeshadow Trio is included in every box. A product  / beauty information booklet and the following four products were also included in my box:

The Beauty Crop Eyeshadow Trio in Love You So Latte  (Birchbox Exclusive)- Full size RRP £7– I had never heard of this brand before and although packaging is quite flimsy the pigmentation is good and quite long-lasting as well.  Although worth the price as a trio and will use occasionally, I would not go on and  purchase as  just not as good as several other eye shadows I have at the moment but still nice to try;

 

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Pixi Pink (FULL SIZE)– RRP £8 – already received this lip balm before through Birchbox and still have not got round to finishing it yet so have not opened this one.  As it is a balm it is not that pigmented but it does still leave a nice light pink sheen to the lips with one application which is buildable and also feels hydrating; 

Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish (Sample Size 30ml) Full Size is 100ml RRP £10 – states work a small amount through hair to smooth and define your finished style and add shine.  I have used a number of Percy & Reed products before and although ok products they have not impressed me enough to go on and purchase.  This finishing polish has a cream texture and a light fragrance similar to other Percy & Reed products, although not overpowering not my favourite hair care fragrance.  I have only used a few times and although it is an ok product and it does seem to help to smooth my hair after styling, not sure I would go on and purchase as initially results not just as good as with my normal oils / serums but need to try for a longer period of time to confirm.   This may only be a  sample size but as you only need a little product each time it will last for ages;

Luseta Coconut Milk Hair Mask (Sample Size 30ml) Full Size 16.9oz RRP £26– again another new brand for me.  It advises to apply to damp hair after shampooing, leave for 5 minutes and then wash away.  It definitely has a strong coconut fragrance which I do not mind.   I have tried both this way and also over night (love applying a weekly hair mask at night) and I am impressed with results already, when you rinse or wash it out of your hair it left / leaves my hair looking smooth, feeling soft with a beautiful light fragrance. Definitely would consider purchasing; 

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Laura Geller Double Take Baked Versatile Powder Foundation in Medium (sample size 1.8g) Full Size 10g RRP £28– Although this is only a sample size it is still a good size and even though it is in the shade Medium it is still ok for my me –  I usually use light in a foundation.  It states you can use wet with a sponge for a full coverage but even though I applied it this way & it give a heavier coverage did not really like the finish,  prefer to apply over a lighter creamy foundation as a finishing powder or as a touch up during the day. Not sure I would purchase but happy to see included as do like a number of Laura Geller products already.

 

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Happy with this months box as although may only go on to purchase one of the items will still use the rest.   Pleased to receive two full size items and three good size samples this month.

 

SPOILER:  March Sneak Peek (below) is either a choice of a BLAQ Hydrogel Eye Mask or Peel off Mask for subscribers – we will receive an email to enable us to choose which one, think I will pick the Eye Mask.  In addition I have seen on social media we should also be receiving a sample of the new Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara in our March box – hope this is correct as it is on my list to try.

 

If you subscribe during FEBRUARY for your first Birchbox you will get a FREE full-size Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer (worth £21).  Just need to use the code GLOSS at checkout.
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Photo credit:  Birchbox.co.uk
Or just in case you prefer money off your box (cannot use both) you can get £5 off your first box -(box is normally £10 +£2.95 shipping – you will get for £5 +£2.95 shipping) by clicking  link here and then copy and paste code at checkout to get your discount.    Thank you in advance if you use this link.

Look forward to any comments you may have – if you have received this month’s box would love to know what you thought.

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up tomorrow and /or during the week.

Hope you all have a great week.

Thank you & take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Magazine Freebie(s) – ‘March 2018’

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Hi Everyone

The last few months have not been great for magazine freebies however happy to see there is a freebie with at least one magazine this month (below) – ‘March 2018’ issue, as usual will include details of any freebies below and when / what free gifts are available if you are considering subscribing as well.  I will update post when I see or if there are any further magazine freebies throughout the month:

ELLE = £4.40– Free Rodial Exclusive Dragon’s Blood Eye & Lip Mask Set (worth £12) – perfect for applying before that special day or night out.

 

Subscribe to Elle for £9.99  for 6 Issues by Direct Debit and you will get a free Skin Laundry Night Renew Treatment (worth £36)  with the subscription  – (see photo below for details) – always usually an offer on so if this particular offer has finished just check online for other offers.

 

Also states there will be a 25% Warehouse card / code to apply in-store or online with next month’s Elle – April edition (on sale 7th March).


(Once again a little reminder for any new followers, that magazines always dated a month in advance i.e. you get the March issue in February).

Hope this helps – any comments / queries please let me know.   If not already subscribed, following my blog would love you to follow – would mean a lot.    Intend to have more posts up later / or tomorrow and beginning of next week.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Thank you and take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

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Hi Everyone

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

One of the reasons I love receiving free beauty samples / goodie bags with purchase(s) is discovering new brands / products I may not have heard of / or got round to trying yet. So when I got sent a sample of the Mario Badescu  Seaweed Night Cream  a while back with a Beautybay.com purchase I was v happy as although had heard of the brand had not got round to trying this particular product yet.  As this was a sample size it  only lasted for a short time however I was impressed enough to purchase the Full Size as wanted to try for a longer period of time to confirm results.  Please see link here for more details about the brand / range of products available.

The Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream 28g is RRP £18.50 (on beautybay.com site but as always check around where best value is if you decide to purchase) is described as a non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with Seaweed, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to soften, hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores.

Stated:  Suitable for combination, dry & oily skin types.

Results described as:

  • Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid help maintain maximum moisture without the use of heavy ingredients.
  • Seaweed extract contains nourishing trace minerals and has the ability to form a protective barrier on the skin.
  • It leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.

Directions:

  • Apply nightly to cleansed skin.

The product comes in practical white jar with screw on lid.    It has a sticky label around the jar with the name, ingredients etc.  however with use this label loosens slightly.  As it is an open jar would be nice if a ‘spatula’ was included as well.

It is a green cream with a balm type consistency and a light ‘powder like’ fresh fragrance, not overpowering.    When you first apply to the skin feels slightly different to other night creams that I have used due to the consistency.  However it does apply really well and feels like you are applying a ‘barrier’ to protect the skin although does feel slightly tacky at the beginning, does not sink into skin completely.  This is the only slight negative about this product but I personally do not mind because of the results, as in the morning when I wash it off, my skin feels hydrated, smooth to the touch and looks refreshed with a slight healthy glow.    I also mix with my Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask when I am using it as a nightly treatment and I find this enhances the results even more.

I definitely would recommend trying this seaweed night cream if you can especially if you have dehydration concerns and / or are looking for an extra boost for your skin, as I found this product is perfect for that and it is  so easy to fit into your ‘usual’ skincare routine as well and perfect for all ages.      However if you are near any stores that stock Mario Badescu products check if you can get a sample to try first.

Although I personally am not a fan of the Mario Badescu cleanser I did purchase the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion (29ml £16) (spot treatment for pimples / whiteheads) as well recently and although have been v lucky and have not needed to use it too much, as my Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask helps avoid too many breakouts, I have been impressed with results to date – will do a full review when I get a chance to try for a longer period of time, however would recommend checking out this product in meantime if you are prone to breakouts.

Look forward to any comments you may have.   Love to hear if you have tried this product before and if so do you enjoy using it as much as me?  If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot.  Will have more posts up during, or end of the week.

Thank you – take care & enjoy the remainder of the weekend.

Best Wishes Liz x

 

Review: West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK – SS18 Media Launch

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Hi Everyone

As you know as part of my passion for fashion I love attending fashion events so when I was kindly invited by the lovely Cathy Martin CMPR, the organiser of Belfast Fashion Week, to the Spring / Summer (SS18) West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK (WCCFW) media launch last week I was delighted (#WCCFW is on from 22- 25 March 2018).   Hard to believe it is the 25th Season of Belfast Fashion Week, what a fantastic achievement for Cathy and all her team – a Huge Congratulations to them all.

This was my first time at a media launch for Belfast Fashion Week so as well as being excited about seeing trends / colours for SS18 I was looking forward to seeing everyone.   The launch was held last Thursday 25th January 2018 in the The Ormeau Baths building, Belfast – lovely location and my first time there.

 

We were kindly offered West Coast Cooler drinks as soon as we arrived, even though I do not drink myself, really appreciate how West Coast Cooler NI (Sponsor of Belfast FASHIONWEEK) always look after everyone so well at these events – there were little snacks placed on each ‘table’ for everyone to enjoy as well.  Then after some socialising, catching up with some friends the fashion show began.

 

Below are just a few photos showing the trends, fashion, colours for SS18 (from a range of Boutiques / High Street stores) modelled beautifully by all the stunning models – fashion photos are courtesy of Colette O’Neill as my phone decided to give up – need an upgrade.

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Lilac, pink, green, textures, stripes, pencil skirts are a few of the trends for SS18.  My favourite colours for the forthcoming season will be green, pink, lilac and Black as always (I know –  but for me Black always is in fashion and is my go to colour, always has been).   Although I love pink on everyone else I have only really started to wear it over the last few years and now really like it as well.   I love pencil skirts anyway so was delighted to see they are on trend for the season ahead as well.

 

A MASSIVE thank you to everyone for a fantastic day, especially Cathy for invite, all her team, West Coast Cooler NI, The Ormeau Baths staff, and all the companies who v kindly provided us with goodies at the end as well (see below) – which was / is greatly appreciated.

 

Now cannot wait for the 25th Season of Belfast FASHIONWEEK to start – it is on from Thursday 22nd March – Sunday 25th March 2018 with the main runway shows taking place in the stunning St. Anne’s Cathedral.

As well as the two fashion shows (high street and designer) there are a number of other events – see below and  www.belfastfashionweek.com for more details, to purchase tickets – lovely treat for yourself or as a gift.

I hope to get going to at least both fashion shows and the Sunday Style Event – great event & a fantastic cause.

Thank you for reading – hope you have a fantastic week.  Intend to have more posts up tomorrow and during/end of the week.

Take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Insert fashion shots: Credit  Colette O’Neill & cathy@cmprireland.com.

Review: Birchbox UK January 2018 & 2 for 1 Offer

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Hi Everyone

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend.

My review on my January birch box is later this month as my first box arrived damaged and although Birchbox v kindly arranged a replacement promptly it took a little while to arrive due to weather conditions etc.  However although late I decided to go ahead and post short review as currently Birchbox has a great offer on, until 31st January 2018 or while stocks last (more about that at end of this post).

Theme of this month’s box is ‘OHH DEER’ – this month Birchbox have teamed up with Ohh Deer, a quirky British stationery brand.    Love the design of the box again this month.

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box which costs £12.95 (inclusive of p&p) per month and 3, 6 & 12 monthly subscriptions are also available.  Usually five personalised beauty treats are included each month.

 

This month every subscriber received a FULL SIZE  Lord & Berry Blusher Crayon.   A product  / beauty information booklet, offer and the following four products were also included in my box:


Lord & Berry Blusher Crayon in Camelia  – Full size RRP £15 – Camelia is a lovely dusky pink colour and the pencil application leaves it very easy to apply, however I find when you apply sideways it applies more gently onto the skin.  Blends out very easily and leaves a lovely fresh gently colour to the cheeks.  Not as long-lasting so some of my other blushes but do not mind as so easy to reapply – definitely will use and I am glad I received in the shade Camelia as perfect for my skin tone – the other shade you may receive is Peach;

 

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Charcoal Deluxe Sample  – Full Size RRP £10.99 (reduced to £4.40 on Birchbox.co.uk) – I am always happy to see eyeliners included as one of my favourite makeup items.  I received an eyeliner before from this brand in an earlier Birchbox and although I find them quite creamy, easy to apply I do not find them as long-lasting as other brands.  However I do like this dark grey shade so will definitely use over a black liner for added definition – though do not think I would purchase;

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Benefit Cosmetics the Pore Professional Pearl Primer (3ml sample )- 7.5ml £10.50 this is a small sample of the new primer from Benefit.  It is pearl / soft pink version of the original Pore Professional.  States…‘helps skin look bright, boosted & awake’.  It is the same consistency and the only slight difference I see that it does give a v slight brightness to the skin as well.  Although a small sample does not take that much product each time -I will use this but not that impressed that I would go on and purchase – however still a great way to try although I personally do not see a lot difference from the original;

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Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil (Sample Size 15ml ) Full Size 100ml RRP £48  – although this is only a sample size, will still last a long time because you need so little product each time.   Has a  fragrance but not too overpowering.   I had never heard of this brand before and although only tried for a short time I am very impressed already.  It states will condition, add shine, tame frizz and care of scalp.   I have used small amounts on both wet hair prior to styling and afterwards as a final step and have found it definitely seems to help smooth the lengths of the hair and also to keep hair smooth throughout the day.  I have also applied a small amount to the ends after being outside when it has been windy/raining slightly and it helped straight away to tame the ends of my hair.  This product definitely has exceeded my expectations and although the RRP is quite steep I would definitely consider purchasing especially if I see an offer on – my favourite item out of this months box;

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Afterspa Amazing Makeup Remover– Full Size  RRP £5.50 – again another brand I had not heard of before.  This is a soft cloth that when washed in the washing machine first, prior to using states ‘will break down impurities and remove all types of makeup with water alone and lasts up to 1,000 washes’.  Although I found it does remove makeup ok after you have removed your eye make first with a micellar water/cotton pads, which I always do anyway with any cleanser, I still find it hard to get used to as although my skin looks clean unless I use my own cleanser as well I do not feel my skin is clean enough. Therefore although I would still use this I would only use as  a double cleanse routine, this first and then fully cleanse my skin with my L’Occitane Shea Cleansing Oil. 
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  Next Month’s (February) Sneak Peek:

 

I am happy with this month’s box as a good variety of products and I am delighted to have discovered at least one new product that I would go on and purchase the Charlotte Mensah Hair Oil.  As well as being a treat each month that is one of the main reasons I love receiving beauty boxes, is discovering new products, brands.  I am not that excited with the sneak peek item above for next month’s box but hoping there is a good mix of other products as well.

 

BIRCHBOX OFFER

I definitely would recommend checking out Birchbox if you haven’t already as currently until 31st January 2018 or while stocks last you can get two boxes for £10, the January box and another surprise box (probably selection of items from 2017 boxes) when you enter code HAPPY at checkout – link here – only for new subscribers on rebillable subscriptions. 

I do not think you can use this offer with the offer above but if above offer is over when you see this post and you are still thinking of  subscribing to Birchbox UK – you can get £5 off your first box -(box is normally £10 +£2.95 shipping – you will get for £5 +£2.95 shipping) by clicking  link here and then copy and paste code at checkout to get your discount.    Thank you in advance if you use this link. 

Look forward to any comments you may have – if you have received this month’s box would love to know what you thought.  I will have more posts up later today or tomorrow.

Thank you – enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Take care.

Best Wishes Liz x

Review: CC Beauty Box – January 2018

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Hi Everyone

I received my third CC Beauty Box, the ‘January 2018’ box, end of last week.   You can see what I got in my second box at bottom of this post.

CC Beauty is a monthly subscription beauty box which costs £29.99 a month (including p&p), 3, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are also available.     Currently a 3 month subscription is £75.

Products come packaged in a larger outer black magnetic closure box with white /gold lettering and a yellow ribbon tie closure at front.  Items also come wrapped in a piece of brown silky material.

 

This month’s box contained the following four items:

 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (100ml) – RRP £16 (but this includes a cotton cloth)– have already used this cleanser a number of times and it still is my favourite hot cloth wash-off cleanser – you can see my earlier review here.  It is a gentle, slightly fragrant effective cleanser.  Leaves skin clean, smooth and refreshed.    V happy to see this included but would have been even better if a cloth had been included as well – for cleanser to be truly effective you need to remove it with the cotton cloth;

MAC Cosmetics Patent Polish Lip Pencil / Lipstick in ‘Look Lively’ 2.3g RRP £18 – this is a twist up chubby lipstick/pencil in light candy pink colour.    It is like a lip pencil/stick with the look of a gloss finish.  I already have this in a few colours but my favourite is ‘Kittenish’ – Mauvey Pink shade.  It is so easy to apply, is creamy with a beautiful sheen not a full pigmented shade because of the formula but I adore it as it feels so comfortable on the lips – not very long-lasting so need to reapply a number of times during the day which I do not mind as so easy to apply.   As with all my MAC lipsticks it smells lovely as well –  also lasts ages.  Over the moon to see this included  and especially in a shade I do not have – perfect every day or spring colour – on trend spring colour;

Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 338 ‘Mirage’ (light peach colour)- RRP £26.50  – states ‘Dior Addict’s Fluid Stick is a brand new, do-it-all lip hybrid that combines the rich color impact and longevity of a lipstick with the shine and finish of a gloss’ – definitely has the creamy feel of a lipstick but the finish of a gloss – this shade is not too pigmented but is still a lovely every day shade and does feel comfortable on the lips and not sticky either.  Love the packaging as well and although does not affect the quality of the actual product would still be nice if it had came in an outer box to help to protect the silver tone detail as mine came with a lot of scratches on it.  V happy again to get the chance to try, will definitely use, may consider purchasing in a different shade after I  try for a longer period of time;

 

YSL Red Patent Zipped Case with Built in Mirror  – love the colour and perfect for storing every day essential makeup, jewellery or accessory items.  Love it has a secure zip closure and the built-in mirror is great as well.  Happy to see this included in this month’s box but still would have loved to see another makeup / beauty item included as well.

V happy with this month’s box and also loved my second one (below).    Although this box is more expensive than a number of beauty boxes, it does contain full size high quality items.  Although I do like the red YSL ‘case’ would still like to see at least 4 beauty items in the box.     I have a referral link here for using in the CC Beauty shop to enable you to get discount – however seems to be a problem with link at moment, have contacted CC Beauty and waiting for them to respond, will update post when they do.


Contents of the December 2017 box

The Gucci Lipstick and eye pencil were my favourites – may do a full review on them when I use them for a longer period of time.

Would love to know if you are already subscribed to this box, what you thought of this month’s box?

If you are not already a follower would love you to follow my blog too – would mean a lot as always and be v much appreciated.    I will have more posts up during / end of the week.

Thank you – take care.

Best Wishes Liz x