Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Crayon

For those of you who read my post your probably know by now that I do like a good lipstick, and a matte one at that.  So I just have to give these Revlon Matte Balms a go.  I picked up a couple in Boots last week.

Now, Revlon started off this collection with their Colorburst Crayon Balm Stains.  Then launching in January were these Mattes and Lacquer Balms. With a balm feel and a velvety finish, these lippy's have a Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters to moisturise and nourish lips, also have a light peppermint scent. There is an amazing 10 colours in the collection, although when I went to shop for then there was not a great selection and the one I wanted (Shamless, deep purple) was not there. Boo. I did, however pick up two lovely colours that I'd likely wear more.

Elusive which is a cool-toned light to medium pink that would suit an everyday look. Really easy to wear as it does have a sort of nude feel to it with a little extra life.

Showy is a blue-toned bright pink. I really like this and think it would look lovely with a tan in the summer (which I'm lacking at the mo!) 

I really like these lipsticks. I find with some matte lipsticks they do dry out my lips, meaning I have to apply a lip balm before and after I use them. With these though, they are comfortable to wear, very pigmented and last a good few hours before having to reapply.  I mean, I had my lunch the other day and it still stayed on. When I read about them I was a bit weary about the peppermint scent and was worried that would put me off (I'm not a a fan of mint scented lip products) but it's not overpowering at all. It goes unnoticed after a couple of minutes. 

All in all, Imcan honestly say I am really impressed with these. Like I said before there are 10 colours in the collection ranging from, nudes to bright pinks/oranges and from reds to deep purple so there is something for everyone. And for a great price of £7.99.

What colour takes your fancy? 

Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules

I don't normally wear an oil on my skin as it is known to get a little oily and certain products can make it worse, but recently it has been a little drier. So, when Elemis sent me these i was excited to give them a go. I have been using them for seven days, and can honestly say that my skin feel softer, healthier looking and make up looks amazing on. 

So, what can I tell you about these little beauties? Well, They have a unique formulation of pure moringa oil with absolute of rose for day (pink) and Lavender for evening (green). Why Moringa Oil? Well it's an antioxidant and is 1700% more powerful than any other cosmetic oil. Getting rid of all the oxidants in the skin allows nutrients to be absorbed into the skin. This then clears a pathway for the delivery of anti-aging products such as a day cream which contains pro-collagen to work to it's optimum. Elemis launched this product this month in these Limited Edition Supersized jars as it's the 10 year anniversary since they first came out. With this gift set you also get two little travel sized jars, perfect to take on holiday with you. Elemis have collaborated with the Wellbeing of Woman Charity and will be donating £15,000 from the sales of this collection. What a great reason to buy. 

The capsules just contain the right amount of product for each use.  The oil, which I imagined would be really running and not apply well, is actually quite thick in textures and obsorbes right away.  After just the first use I found my skin was glowing, but not in an oily way at all. They smell absolutely gorgeous.  I do love rose scented products. 

How to use: Apply morning and evening to cleansed and toned skin. Squeeze contents of the capsule into the palm of your hands and rub together to warm the oil and apply to face and neck. Follow with your regular moisturiser.  For best results use with an Elemis moisturiser.

I was sent a seven day sample to try but this Limited Edition Supersized gift set, containing 60 of each capsules is retailing at £79.50 (worth £124) 

This is an image of the gorgeous gift set.

Elemis White Flowers Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

I don't usually use a separate eye makeup remover but I know how important it is to use one. The product is designed not to be harsh round the delicate eye area. I was very pleased to be sent this one from Elemis to try which is quite new to skin care scene.

This high tech makeup remover has been designed to be able to gently remove the most stubborn of makeup, including waterproof mascara.  Now, I wear Benefit They're Real Mascara. I love it. When it comes to removing it, it's awful. This takes it off in one clean sweep without excessive rubbing (which we know girls can cause premature lines) or irritating my eyes. The product is scent free and suitable for sensitive eyes. It have been formulated with the Bi-Phase that effectively removes makeup and lip colour, whilst delivering a clean, soft and hydrated after-feel.

So, why use Bi-phase products? Well, waterproof makeup combines pigments, pearls and oils and waxes which can be difficult to remove. This is because they are held together by a waterproof film. As you can see from the image below the product is split into two equal parts.  The oil phase (top), made up of nourishing emollient cleansing oils are essential to remove the make up and the water phase (bottom) helps rinse the oil away. This allows the water soluble activites of marine spring water and white flower extracts to be added to the formulation. 

To use, simply shake the bottle thoroughly mix the two part together. Apply to a cotton wool pad, hold over the eyes or lips and gently sweep away makeup. It feels really fresh on the eyes as is contains poeny extract which is said to cool, soothe and hydrate.

So overall this has definatly become an essential part of my Skincare routine and will be getting repurchased. I love it.

Have you tried it? What dot you think? 

x 

Pecksniff's Candle

Wednesday was my birthday....the big 30! Yes it wasn't that bad at all.  Well as on of my many lovely gifts I received these from my brother and his girlfriend. I am obsessed by candles. I'm always burning them in the house, so I was delighted when I opened this gift. 

This Home Candle Collection is from Pecksniffs - a brand that I am new to - the gift set come complete with with four gorgeous little candles. The fragrance is divine - grapefruit and citron. As soon as I opened the box the scent that hit my nose was....wow! Couldn't wait to light them.  So the next day I put one out, just one. I was a little disappointed that the scent wasn't as rich as in the box - but - when I left the room and came back in it was so beautiful. If I could make this post a scratch and sniff it would be great but I can describe it as so uplifting, light sweet notes of mandarin and bergamot nestled within the sharp zesty grapefruit essence. Really fresh and revitalising. And because of their little glass jars they light up beautifully in my room. 

If you manage to get you hands on these, buy them. Your room will never smell the same again. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I have never used a make up sponge before now. I have read plenty of review o Beauty Blenders but not actually tried any. So when out shopping in Boots I came across this Miracle Compexion Sponge from Real Techniques and thought I'd pick it up and give it a go.

So, how do you use a beauty sponge? To use, simply run under running water - I'd recommend cold water as this makes your base apply smoother - and let the sponge expand with water. Squeeze out water - squeezing it into a clean dry towel  to get rid of excess water - and your good to go. A beauty sponge can be used for a number of things. Firstly, to apply and blend your foundation, using a pressing motion onto the skin leaving you with a flawless finish - and this is what I got when using this sponge. And, secondly it can be used for cream blush and finishing powder.

The shape of this sponge is different from any other beauty blenders I have seen. It has been precisely sculpted for use on all facial contours, and features. It has curves and points, rounded smooth surface for easier and amazing application. Using the flat surface for foundation and under eye correctors, pointed end for concealer on those pesky blemishes and rounded end for cream blush and finishing powder. Making it an all round makeup bag must have.

The sponge is soft in texture and even softer when wet. Don't get me wrong it can be used dry but I find it does not use up as much product when wet or drag on the skin. 

When you have finished using it can be easily washed with a little facial wash or shower gel and left to dry until next use. I like a full coverage foundation and this gives the results that I like. Amazing product. Another brilliant product from Real Techniques.