Saturday 31 August 2013

What I've been loving - My favourites.

Hello Everyone! 
Sorry for the delay in posts and silence over the last week or so, work has been super busy and i'm really feeling the effects of it, if you know any good pick me ups that aren't coffee or illegal, let me know!

Okay so today's post is about what i've been loving recently, this is a massive thing particularly on YouTube videos.. as i'm not brave enough to do that and i'm sure you'd all laugh at my accent, it's a blog post for me!

First up, a snack..a naughty one! It's the Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations - the jelly popping candy shells variety. These are.. amazing! When I was younger Willy Wonka chocolate had a popping candy chocolate bar our and these remind me of them. The three different textures of the jelly beans, chocolate and candy shells is heaven! I could eat them all day.. so dangerous!



Secondly is my beautiful Ted Baker light green patent make up bag, Ted baker's designs are always very popular and very contemporary and the patent fashion is just developing more and more in fashion. It smells like something new, you know what I mean? It's very roomy and the pastel softness of the colour is fresh and clean, plus you can wipe the outside of any make up. They come in all different sizes so if you don't have the Ted Baker budget there may be a size that suits your purse too! 




Something else I've been loving recently is the Barry M gelly nail polishes, I only have a couple of these (although i do have a lot of nail varnishes) I haven't invested heavily yet! At the moment I'm wearing Blueberry, it's a lovely vibrant bluey purple colour (dependent on your point of view!) and I have to say I only have one coat on with a top coat and it's lasted well over a week without chips! What's not to love? A real bargain too! 



Finally, my new glasses! I've been a glasses wearer since I was about six-seven, it's had it's ups and downs and i'm not really sure how I feel about the fake glasses trends, when in school you get insulted so much for having them. I also really struggle with picking a pair I love, I'm never drawn to the ones that suit me and some are almost neon! 


These are Rhoda from Specsavers - they were an absolute steal at £25!! I had a lens thinning done on my bad eye side and that was an extra £10, I can't believe how good value that is. They're a bit more professional and grown up. 

(I just want to add that Specsavers haven't sponsored this post in anyway, I bought these glasses myself. I have seen a lot of bloggers - even ones who don't have prescriptions! have been sent some recently.)

Thursday 22 August 2013

Desert Island #3

Welcome everyone, Mandy here with another of my desert island products.

We all know how important a good mascara is, one that doesn't run; smudge or flake- and I have just the right one that does none of these annoying things!

Boots No 7 Exceptional Definition: A nutrient enriched mascara that lengthens, defines, and creates a great frame for the eyes.

This mascara does have a more liquid formulation, so apply one coat from the root to the tip of the lashes, leave to dry, and then apply a second coat.

It's excellent when in humid, cold, or wet conditions, it won't dry out and leave the lashes brittle either.
I personally prefer the black option, but it also comes in brown/black for a more subtle effect too.
You can even apply further coats for a more dramatic look for evening wear.

This is only mascara I now use, I absolutely love it. In fact, I've recently sent some to my sister in the USA and she loves this now too.
It's £11.00 and it's currently on a buy 1 get 1 half price offer in Boots!

Give it a try ladies, we would love to have your feedback on this product- feel free to post in the comment section on here.
M
x

Saturday 17 August 2013

GlossyBox August

Okay, so I couldn't resist another three month subscription to Glossybox, you know just to check I was sure I loved it? 
As I also had the BirchBox I was interested to see how they'd both fair in the stakes for best beauty box, especially as Birchbox had a collaboration with InStyle. 


So here it is! 
So from left to right we have; 

1. Óceane's make up remover pen, it can't be bought in the UK at the moment so I have no price for you either, I'm not sure this is something i'd actively look for. I also am dubious if you removed heavy dark make up how well the tips would fair but handy for in your handbag on the move!

2. TREemmé Keratin smooth concentrated treatment shot; well I've already used this - after swimming when my hair was feeling a little lackluster. I can't say I was bowled over and the results were amazing, I mean it was fine; I can't say I'd immediately run out to get it again and I don't have frizzy hair, if you do this might be perfect for you. It was just a conditioner really, and I can't say it fought the chlorine any better than a normal one. This is £1.49 for the 15ml shot. 

3. Urban Veda purifying day cream; this is a new skin care routine apparently founded on ancient principles. For the full size it's going to be £7.99, I've noticed my skin being a little more oily recently so this'll hopefully counteract that. I wouldn't mind trying the exfoliating facial polish too as my blackhead's are driving me mad! 

4. I'm so excited about this one, it's a Jelly Pong Pong 2 in 1 shadow/liner. The full size is £10.50, so two products for that is a bargain. The quality of Jelly Pong Pong is great, and who doesn't love the name! I'll let you know how I get on with this one, but I'm sure I'll love it, I can't wait to try more from the JPP range. 

5. And finally, the Emite eyelash curler, now this is approximately £20 to buy on it's own! so the box really has been worth the money. I have tried this, my eyelashes are a bit poor so I wouldn't wanna say too much about whether it's good or not but i'm hopeful! 

All in all, I have to say, I really do think GlossyBox is way above in the beauty box stakes.. for now anyway. 

R x

Friday 16 August 2013

The Liebster Award

So we weren't entirely sure what the Liebster award was but closer inspection has found its given to up and coming bloggers - a way of promoting what we all love so much and showing a unity in our community! 


The rules for the Liebster Awards are as follows:

1. Show your appreciation by linking back to the person who nominated you.

2. List 11 Facts about yourself (Optional)
3. Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you,
4. Nominate another 11 blogs, preferably with under 200 followers, to pass the aware onto.
5. Compile 11 questions for your nominees to answer.
6. Notify the bloggers whom you have nominated.

Okay so firstly, the 11 facts about us :- 

1. We're mother and daughter & there is 23 years between us. 
2. We both graduated in the same year from our degrees.
3. We both love pet rats.. they're so intelligent!
4. Neither of us exceeds 5'5
5. We're both book worms, Jane Austen is a favourite, particularly the BBC adaptation.
6. We both love badminton, but whether we're any good or not is another question.
7. We can both sing
8. We frequently rob each others stuff because we think it'll suit the other one better.
9. We speak nearly everyday 
10. Neither of us are morning people
11. Rachel's a good baker and Mandy's a good savoury cook. 

Our Liebster Questions from Rachel of Drugstore Life:
1. What is your favourite make up brand?
R - That is tough! Currently loving Jelly Pong Pong
M - It is a tough one! Probably Boots No 7

2. If you could only have one beauty product for the rest of your life, what would it be?
R - Mascara, my eyes look lost otherwise!
M- Collagen gel, without a doubt.

3. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
R - I quite love my job now, i'm a occupational coach trainer.
M- A travel writer!

4. Do you have a style icon? 
R - I go through phases but Lauren Conrad's style is subtle and classic.
M- I love Grace Kelly, most beautiful woman.

5. What is your favourite skincare brand?
R - Liz Earle fundamentally
 M- Nivea

6. What keeps you motivated to blog?
R - seeing the replies or amount of views we've had makes me think we're doing something right!
M- I get excited about products, and I just really enjoy it, and passing information on to help someone.

7. Is there anything you could not live without?
R - Cheesy but my boyfriend, family, friends.
M - Mascara!

8. Where is your favourite place in the world?
R - Wimbledon Village is an obsession of mine.
M - Rome, Italy (although I haven't been, i'm determined)

9. If you could have 3 celebrities to a diner party, who would it be and why?
R - Lauren Conrad cause I think we'd be bessies, Zoe from Zoella and Louise (sprinkle of glitter) are my new found blogs to nose at, I think they'd be such a laugh. 
M - Jane Austen, she was witty and clever & a reflective person. Albert Einstein - just to try and get into his mind, what motivated him. Terry Pratchett - I love his mind, it's unique and an unusual way of looking at the world.

10. What is the most inspirational thing somebody has ever said to you?
R - That's a tough one.. Can I come back to you on that?
M - Never be afraid to be yourself. 

11. Is there anything you are scared of?
R - not actively, I'm not particularly fond of the idea of dying, the dark, failure, I guess the things most people are scared of. 
M- Rachel dying before me, that scares me. 


So our nominees are :- 

And then our questions to anyone who would like to answer them!

1. What do you look for in a blog?
2. What brand would you be most devastated if it ended? 
3. Best beauty tip?
4. What is your go to make up product? 
5. Favourite perfume? 
6. What blogs influence you the most? 
7. What beauty product do you recommend not buying?
8. Chocolate - with or without fruit and nuts?
9. Favourite social networking? 
10. What is your favourite budget product?
11. Favourite motto or quote?




We'd just like to thank Rachel for including us and showing us all these new blogs! xx 

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Desert Island #2 Liz Earle

Hi everyone, Mandy here.

Well, the weather has turned gloomy. but there is nothing gloomy about my second desert island product.
Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish, is a lovely twist on the old traditional 3-step skincare routine.
This is a cleanser that comes in a pump-action bottle, thus keeping it germ-free and airtight too.



What is the difference between this cleanser, and all the others available out there?
This lovely creamy cleanser comes with its own cloth to clean, exfoliate and tone the skin.
I personally have dry skin, so I like to place a layer of the cleanser on my skin, leave it for up to 5 minutes, then use the cloth to wipe the product off. The cloths are soft cotton, ( you need to wet the cloth first before wiping the cleanser off)...once you have done this, your skin will be soft, glowing and super-clean too. All of Liz Earle's products are mild on the skin, are derived from plant extracts, and carry no heavy fragrance either.

Cleanse and Polish can be used to remove all make-up, including water-proof mascara, without irritating the eyes, or causing any sensitive skin flare-ups too. It's also ideal, if you either do not wear make-up, or you just want a lovely fresh pick-me-up during the day.
All the cloths are made from muslin, and can be rinsed by hand ( do not use fabric conditioner to clean them, as you could cause skin-irritation around the eyes).
(uk.lizearle.com) 

Look out for Liz's products on QVC, often you will find special offers, and tester packs of new products that the Liz Earle range launches. Liz Earle also has a website too, where you can order the products. A try-me/travel size of the cleanser is £5.50 inc a muslin cloth. 
This lovely cleanser has won numerous beauty awards now, and it's really not hard to see why!

M
x

BirchBox - August box

So - with the tempting InStyle collaboration and the free delivery I fell hook, line and sinker for the BirchBox August edition. 
Now, as you've previously read I've had a three month subscription to GlossyBox, so I already had a bar set by them, and it was set very high. 


Okay so the box is plain, recyclable and a no nonsense approach; 
Inside :- So in contrast to the GlossyBox's the BirchBox has seven items (GlossyBox has five normally) I'm not sure if it has this many due to it being a special edition though. 

From left to right we have the LAQA & Co. Lip pencil in Wolfman; full size is £14. I have already tried this and I'm sorry to say I was disappointed, mainly the colour doesn't suit me at all, I have quite pigmented lips naturally and this just doesn't work on me. I would have preferred the red option maybe but that's the luck of the draw. I think this'll suit my Mum's complexion much better than mine.

Then we have the Molton Brown Ylang-ylang body wash; full size is £18. Again, as a Bath addict I have tried this, I only popped a small amount in as the bottle is only 30ml and I can't say that it was overly relaxing or particularly potent but i'm putting that down to the amount I used; not sure I'd pay £18 for bubble bath/body wash. 

Moving on to Montibel.lo Gold Oil Essence; full size £22.50. This claims to nourish, strengthen and protect whilst adding shine. Frustrating that I bought a similar product in my mini haul at Home Bargains the other day! But my hair will need it, i'll keep you updated on this. 

Then we have the Bluemandarines SkinLife Energetic Cellular Cream; full size is £35. Not sure about this one, it's a 10ml 'free sample' which claims to be redensifying and tensing. I can't say these are things I normally look for in a cream but I shall let you know how I get on. 

Lastly in the products is the Gerda Soillmann Hydro Pearls; full size is £30. This 'free sample (as stated on the product) is a moisture lotion that doubles up as a make up primer to provide a 'dewy finish'. I shall let you know what I think when i've tried it - it's quite pricey for a primer.

Finally, the box also included Propercorn - it did make me laugh that the card provided said how to use the product!
Then as a beauty extra came a gel mask that you pop in the fridge and use to decrease puffy eyes, this is quoted as £10 on the BirchBox site - it's quite small and dainty and will of course come in handy but comes as a bit of shock when first popped on.

So overall, I was a little deflated at this box, I'm not sure many if any of the products really suit me; the fact two products have free sample written across them did make me think I don't really want to be paying to be sent free samples that I could request myself at no cost. That's just my view of this special edition, I do think GlossyBox have spoilt me and I'm used to getting at least one full sized product. 

Sunday 11 August 2013

Mini Haul

I've just popped to my local Home Bargains - always dangerous and sometimes disgruntling if you've recently bought a product elsewhere for much more!

It certainly is a mini haul and I actually only went in for one thing; the Re-Gen Cream recommended by Zoella - this pot was £3.99 and promises similar things to bio-oil, I didn't get along well with Bio Oil so fingers crossed for this as it's a cream instead. Will let you know of course! 

Then I found the Easy Nails; fast and fruity nail polish remover, now this has shocked me! it's 50ml for 85p! I've seen these pots (where you pop your finger in the sponge, twist and your nail varnish is off!) and they're normally around the £5-£7 mark so we'll have to wait and see for this one but its peach flavour - a good start! 

My hair is in desperate need of a colour and some TLC and I've heard so many good things about Morrocan oil although the price certainly puts me off for now. This was £1.99 for 100ml and promises to nourish, cleanse and hydrate. 

Finally as you know I've run out of my favourite Marks and Sparks shower gel so I picked up a coconut and lime moisturising one for less than a pound, I'm not looking for much from this, just something to tide me over. 

I'll let you know how it all goes!

R x

Friday 9 August 2013

Marks and Spencer - Nature's Extracts Collection.

Who doesn't love Marks and Spencer? Over the last few years they really have branched out and become desirable to all age ranges and let's be honest everyone wants to have a house of everything Marks and Spencer.
As a brand they are renowned for good quality, truly British staples and being great employers; what's not to love?

The post today is about just two products that I absolutely love from the Nature's extracts collection; this collection is a capsule that encompasses hand creams, shower gels, bubble baths, hand washes, body butters and I believe recently lip balms.

My favourite is the Sparkling Lemon Verbena range -


This is both the hand cream (the little one) and the shower gel; the smell is an acquired taste and reminds me of Lemon tart or tarte au citron if you will! The hand cream depends on the well known saying a little goes a long way; you really don't need very much at all to feel fully moisturised. I keep one in my handbag, one in my bedroom and a couple of spares just in-case.. you never know eh? and I constantly receive compliments on how soft my hands are, all thanks to this little baby.


The shower gel feels very luxurious and as if you're giving yourself a treat, the smell really lingers on the skin for some time too which I just love whilst sat in my PJ's. This is actually my empty bottle just finished this week - so I must put it on my to buy list.
Now if all this wasn't enough to tempt you to try the range, just wait till you hear the prices! The shower gel is £2.00 for 250ml which will last you a month of everyday showers I'd say, and the hand cream is £1.00 for 50ml which will last you about 2-3 months if you use everyday. How unbelievably good is that I hear you say, well don't rush off yet, it gets better! they normally have a 'buy one get one half price' offer on this range as standard.. so you can have the two for £2.50! There are loads of flavours to choose from so if this one doesn't suit you then don't worry they've got it covered.

I can't be without these in my shower, and i'm sure you won't either now!
R x


Desert Island products #1 Collagen Gel

Hi everyone, Mandy here!

I hope you've all been enjoying the lovely weather. Now, thinking about such nice sunny days has put me in mind of desert island products, those you simply cannot live without. With that in mind, I thought it would be nice to share some of mine with you, who knows, they may become some of yours too!



My first product is, for me, an absolute staple. Produced by a company called: Simply Beautiful Cosmetics, and supplied by QVC UK, Collagen Gel is one of the best gel products I have ever used. A lovely lightweight formulation, that can be used on the face, neck and body. It is easily absorbed, suitable for all skin types, and a 500ml bottle; used twice a day, can last upwards of year. Pop it into the fridge to cool, and it is a great pick-me-up for tired puffy eyes, and dry skin too.



 QVC also supply a whole range of SBC'S products, such as: Arnica Gel, ideal for bruises, contusions and aching joints. In addition to Cucumber Gel, which has a lovely de-puffing effect on the eyes. Keep a watch out for smaller packs, which come on offer regularly on QVC too!

SBC also have loads of special offers on at the moment with free standard delivery!


M
x

Burt's Bees lip balm.

As i've previously mentioned I'm a habitual or should I say obsessive lip picker; I've always done it and I just can't seem to stop it. So when I invest in a lip balm I stick with it if I feel it's helping. A couple of Christmas's ago I received a Burt's bees gift set and inside was a pomegranate oil lip balm.


It truly is amazing; I find it very smooth to apply, it smells and tastes soothing and comforting. I've often found with lip balms some can be almost de-moisturising? very bizarre but this certainly doesn't happen with this bad boy. It's £3.69 on the Burt's bees website and there are a number of different varieties you can try; I've got my eye on the new pink grapefruit one. I've also found this does pigment your lips slightly so if you're not feeling up to a full on lip colour or you don't have time and want it to be subtle this is the way to go!

There's also an offer on at the moment on the website (www.burtsbees.co.uk) if you buy any four lip balms you get the fifth for free! and believe me that'll last you a year at least! - my recent one passed away after my beloved popped it into the washing machine!

I've just seen this on the website.. If you're like me with chapped lips most of the year and a painful obsession then I think this might be worth a go, I shall definitely looking into getting one of these and let you all know how I get on!

                                                                                R x

Tuesday 6 August 2013

Nails Inc.

When I was a very young teenager Christmas came around and there was a lot of beauty elements - My had mum spoilt me! and I remember the first time I got a pack of Nails Inc nail polishes.

This was a big deal, firstly they were not a cheap brand and secondly I was building my own collection and not stealing (borrowing!!) from my mum!

Alas that last statement is tangible as the review today used to be one of Mums colours.. It's the Fulham Palace Road polish.

As you can see it's a pale nude colour - it came in a nude collections pack but is outstanding on its own. Although as I mentioned earlier Nails Inc isn't a budget brand the price hasn't changed for a number of years and the quality isn't easily matched by the cheaper varieties. 


It goes on so easily and is so subtle, as always  Nails Inc nail varnishes are a high quality and the pigment is great, you could get away with one coat (with a top glossy coat) and you'd be away. This colour looks great with a tan, good for the office as it's not offensive and can be dressed up for an evening out without having to take it off and reapply!


I can't find it anywhere online at the moment as it's sold out :( but! here is a very similar shade called Basil Street - I've got my eye on this one too! You can't go wrong with Nails Inc, they're investment polishes, I must have about 20 and am yet to run out of one! 

R x

Welcome!

Hello Everyone! 

We have decided to create a small space on the internet to record our views, thoughts and preferences in the beauty/fashion world. There may be a few cheeky other topics thrown into the mix as well - see what takes our fancy!

We are a mother (Mandy) and daughter (Rachel) duo who constantly pinch each others ideas, give each other tips and generally help each other out in these departments. This then brought us to think maybe others would be interested in what works for us too and here we are!

So I'm going to start us off with the first post (of many more to come!) Recently I subscribed to GlossyBox for three months of beauty box samples to try. I've absolutely loved it! and I thought i'd do a little blog post on my favourite samples.

Okay so I've narrowed it down to five definite favourites that I will be buying again.



This is the Figs and Rouge cherry blossom lip balm - it's as good as it's sounds and 100% natural ingredients. I have awful chapped lips all year round and I'm an obsessive picker, although this hasn't stopped me doing that, it really nourishes. An added bonus if you can't be bothered with a lipstick or gloss just throw this on and go! It's so pigmented and no one would know the difference. At only £4.95 it's a very good contender for Burt's Bees. 


This is the Jelly Pong pong fairy lashes mascara in black - one great perk of the GlossyBox experience is discovering brands you would never normally. And here's one of mine! My lashes are terrible they're small, and don't take to mascara very well normally (or is it just bad mascaras?) But this is such a gentle product that doesn't clump, it lasts me all day in work, doesn't run down my face (huge bonus for me!) and makes my abysmal lashes stand out. Gold start Jelly Pong! This is out of stock at the moment! :( Keep an eye out for it.


Now this baby is all over the blogging world! It is of course the Caudalie divine oil , this can be used on the body face and hair but I wanted to use it to make a luxurious bath. I am so glad I did! I was having a particularly stressful week so I popped about a tenth (precise!) into my bath water hopped on in and have not felt so relaxed in such a long time! I am putting my relaxation on a huge scale all down to this - absolutely amazing. I felt so soft, so relaxed and as if i was at an expensive hotel having a treatment. 100/10 Caudalie - amazing product! This is £24.30 on Feel Unique for 100ml. 


This is the MONU professional skincare hydrating moisturiser SPF15 - Over the last few weeks we've been having some insane summer weather in Britain and this has been my saviour. I apply it after i've washed my face in the morning ready for my tinted moisturiser (my skin has needed the double combo). I had a 30ml sample and still have tonnes to use even though I've been using it everyday. It has a very fresh smell, a light texture and I feel all the better for using it during this hot weather - I'm not so sure my normal moisturisers would withstand it. 


Last but certainly not least! I've saved the best for last (cheesy!) this has to be my favourite product from GlossyBox. With the hot weather recently a facial spritz from anatomicals has been a very welcome addition to my daily routine! I've also been using this as a pre-make up remover with cotton wool pads - I have noticed from GlossyBox reviews that many people don't know what to do with it. I would say don't expect too much from the products and you can often find your own uses that suit you! So basically I've used it like a toner, it's refreshing, fresh scented.. I can't quite describe it but it isn't offensive. My only complaint Anatomicals! is that I can't find it anywhere to purchase the specified stockists don't seem to have it, frustrating! But it's £6.00

R x