Dainty jewellery

Today I thought I would share with you a few of my recent jewellery loves. I’m an avid jewellery collector so have been adding to my already huge collection. I’ve noticed that 925 silver is best as it doesn’t tarnish that easily. And the style I go for is usually anything dainty as it is easy to wear and perfect for layering and stacking.

So for starters..

Fashionology had a sale on recently and after seeing Barbara and Sammi’s glowing reviews I just had to place an order. These 2 Above Knuckle rings were around £8 each, (half price I think). Barbara has been wearing hers for quite a while and they haven’t tarnished; this is usually the problem with cheaper jewellery so It made sense to pay more and buy these as they’re 925 silver. I love them, they look so delicate yet grungy - perfect. I have been wearing them for a few weeks now and they still look brand new; no green marks! 

 

A jewellery brand I recently came across was Jewellery Box who only recently launched. This is the same good quality silver so I was excited to receive these, they are also really affordable. I have been wearing the cute Swallow necklace and the Heart charm Bead bracelet since they arrived. I tend to layer them both with other jewellery - I really like that look. I’m loving the layered necklace trend in particular, I think it’s a great way to dress up plain outfits. I chose the Mother of Pearl ring also as I don’t own anything like it, it will be perfect worn with smart or more dressy evening outfits as its quite a statement ring.

Both brands made an effort with packaging which is a win! Gift boxed items will always have a safe place to be stored in, it also makes gifting easier as you don’t need to package it yourself. I love when companies make an effort with boxes and ribbons!
Have you got any favourite jewellery brands? What do you think of layering and stacking jewellery?
♡

Real Techniques makeup brushes: Sam’s Picks Collection

I have been after a new set of makeup brushes for quite a while now so of course I spent ages looking through blog posts to find peoples favourites and must haves. Real Techniques is a brand that is always spoken about in the beauty world and until very recently I was potentially the only blogger who did not own any. 
A few weeks ago I reviewed my first set of Real Techniques brushes here and wasn’t impressed, (it was the mini trio) but recently I had a voucher to spend so after reading all of your comments on that post saying how the normal sized brushes were better I thought I would opt for these.
I thought the Sam’s picks Collection would be the best option for me just because it kind of contains everything I will need. Also five of the six brushes are already available, but the essential crease brush is exclusive to the set. 

Real Techniques - Sam’s picks collection (£29.99 free del)  

(from left to right) 

Multi task brush - This brush is for powder, blushers and bronzer but I have mostly been using it for blusher and bronzer. This brush is the fluffiest brush I have ever come across, it is so soft but still quite dense. It applies an even layer of powder onto the skin and when used with a powder it blends it out perfectly.

Setting brush - This brush is used for setting makeup with powder. I use it for applying translucent powder under the eyes as well as dabbing it into my favourite highlighter to apply to the tops of cheekbones. The brush itself is super soft and fluffy once again.

Buffing brush - Ideal for powder and mineral foundation. This brush was one of the most recommended in my the comments section of the post mentioned above. This Summer I’ve opted for a tinted moisturiser for days I want coverage but usually mineral foundation is for me. This brush is firm and dense, it picks up just the right amount of powder and applies the best natural finish to the skin, it buffs out powder foundation to perfection.

Pointed foundation brush - The suggested use with this brush is with liquid foundation. This brush however is the only one I found to be a bit meh. It is dense but very thin and flat, I also don’t understand why it is pointed as opposed to the normal curved foundation brushes. I personally haven’t used this brush as much but would probably say size wise it might be more suitable for concealer. I prefer to use my hands for foundation and concealer application.

Essential crease brush - Suitable for contouring the eyes. This brush is a set exclusive. The brush is super soft and tapered, it is perfect for blending out crease work. I have also been using it to apply highlighter under the eyebrow.
Fine liner brush - For precise lines whilst using cream or liquid eyeliner. I have been using the same liquid eyeliner for years (re buying obvs, not the same one - that would be gross) so trying out another way to apply eyeliner was a bit daunting for me. The first time I utilised this fine brush I instantly thought it was a winner. I have used this with liquid and gel liners and both have worked fine. It creates thin and thick lines and is pretty easy to use as the handle has a grip on it.
The brushes are synthetic and I have washed them twice already and they haven’t shed. The are definitely good quality and well worth the price.
Overall I am very happy with the set. I have tossed away the majority of my old brushes and have just been using these and have found they are enough for daily use. I’m glad I didn’t give up on the brand after my last experience because these brushes definitely live up to hype that has been created around the blogging world!
Have you tried any Real Techniques brushes before? Any more I should try out?
♡

Makeup Revolution Blush & Contour palette - Hot Spice

Makeup Revolution, Blush & Contour palette - Hot Spice (£6)
I love palettes, in particularly blush ones. I just find I am more likely to try out different shades rather than stick to the same colour had it come in its own little pot. And also they are perfect for travel.  Makeup Revolution is definitely making a name for itself in the beauty world. This is definitely the brand that everyone has to try something from. I can assure you you will slowly start building a collection of all their goodies because they are so affordable. I have reviewed a few of their items before, here and was given the opportunity to review some more.
The Blush & Contour palette consists of 8 different shades; 2 matte, 4 shimmer and 2 marble. This palette in Hot Spice is more peach compared to the other palette they sell in Sugar and Spice which has a lot of pink in it. The colours in this palette are gorgeous, and apply so nicely to the skin. They vary in peach/orange shades. They are blendable and very pigmented, you only need the smallest amount. I like mixing up the colours too to create new shades. The lighter marble powder is perfect as a highlighter for the cheekbones and on the arch of the eyebrow, it has little gold shimmer running through it too. I don’t think I can pick a favourite because I have actually been using them all! I can see myself buying the pink version now too!
The only negative I’d have to say is one of the matte colours is quite chalky when you apply your brush on it so just a light dab would suffice as they are very pigmented anyway. Also I personally couldn’t use any of these colours as a contour but if you have really fair skin maybe you could. Overall I am super impressed with this lovely palette. This would be great for traveling with as the lid has a huge mirror on it. For the price, £6, you can’t really go wrong!
Have you tried anything from Makeup Revolution? Thoughts on this palette?

♡

Summer make up staples! Rodial Instaglam Skin tint + Glamstick

I like most people have changed up my makeup for the Summer. Most of us still want some coverage with foundation and a pretty lip colour but with the weather like this even the thought of wearing makeup makes me feel a little sickly. With the heat your makeup either slides off or gets excessively oily.

I was offered to try a few items from Rodial a while ago and because Summer was just around the corner then I thought it would be a great idea as I could let you guys know about it if it was any good. These two items have literally been all I’ve been utilising this Summer in terms of make up.

Rodial SPF30 instaglam Skin Tint 
I have tried out a fair few tinted moisturisers in my time and have noticed how picky I am to labelling one as my favourite. But this definitely is. The instaglam Skin tint is a tinted moisturiser which feels very lightweight on the skin. I personally also feel like there is some sort of built in primer in it as it evens out fine lines and makes your face appear really smooth. I was very impressed with the medium coverage it gave too. The application is also very easy, it applies just like a moisturiser so no need for brushes and perfect if you are rushing out the door in the mornings! Another positive is that this contains an SPF of 30 so it is ideal for this season in particular. The Skin tint comes in 3 other shades; mine is in 02. I love the dewy look it gives. The only negative i’d have to say is that this retails at £45 so will definitely be a high end purchase but if you are looking for a good quality light weight tinted moisturiser which provides a brilliant coverage then this is definitely a winner!

Rodial SPF15 glamstick, Blow
I love lip tints so I was very excited to add this to my collection. The packaging itself is just beautiful it looks so classy. This is definitely the type of makeup you would have on display on your dresser. The glamstick comes in a lip stick form and applies like a lip butter. On application it instantly moisturises your lips, unlike some other brands this moisture lasts meaning your lips stay hydrated for longer. The colour I have is in Blow, it is such a pretty fuscia and the colour is intense. For a lip tint it leaves a lot of colour on the lips, I’d say similar to an actual lipstick, the longevity is a good few hours. 
The glamstick is highly pigmented and very moisturising on the lips and there are a few other shades which I now really want! But this again would be a high end purchase as it is priced at £25.

Overall aside from the big price tag the products themselves are of such good quality. 

What has your summer makeup consisted of? ♡

BLOG GIVEAWAY: 1000 followers! (closed)

Hello everyone!

I am so pleased to finally bring you this give-away. I hit 1000 blog followers the other week and have also recently launch my blog design site! I am so happy and grateful for everyone who enjoys reading my blog. It’s been great interacting with so many other bloggers who share the same interests.

My Giveaway will comprise of lots of item in one big box which will be packaged up with lots of tissue paper! Some items were purchased by myself but I have also brought in 3 other brands who’d also like to add something into the prize box for lucky winner!

I have actually reviewed a good few of the items that are included in this giveaway so if you’d like to see reviews check out my blog archives.

So to start, I will be providing items I have been loving and think highly of!

Avene, Gentle cleanser (200ml) | La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + (40ml)  | Liz Earle, Cleanse and Polish pump (100ml)

The Body Shop, BB Cream (25ml) (I’ll message you for colour you’d like) + Any two Barry M nail polishes of your choice! 

_____

The lovely girls at MediaHubb, an award winning boutique PR agency have put together a lovely selection of products from brands they are currently working with.

                                          Nip + Fab, CC Eye Fix (light)  | Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Serum

FaceB4 Dual Cleansing foam (100ml) FaceB4 After cleansing serum (30ml) 

Focus & Fix Eyebrow shaping kit - Medium/Dark | Lip Lacquer Intense - More than I could give | Vivid Blush lacquer - Rush | Amazing lipgloss - Coral | Lipstick, Vamps collection - Rebel with Cause | Lipgloss tube - free 

                                                                                       _____

The next prize is courtesy of Unineed who sell over 150 premium brands from beauty to designer bags! The items at Unineed are priced lower than rrp so you are sure to be getting a bargain! Who doesn’t want a Prada bag up to 15% off the rep?! This Chubby Stick trio is amazing - perfect for the Summer.

Clinique Exclusive Chubby Stick trio 
 (07 super strawberry, 11 two ton tomato, 13 mighty mimosa)

                                                                                        _____

Sanctuary Spa is a brand I have always loved since first discovering. Their high quality products are what draws me in as well as the affordability. This is a brand I always gravitate to when trying to buy a present for others!  They even have a blog which coincides with the site which features beauty, lifestyle and wellbeing. 

The lovely people over at Sanctuary Spa were kind enough to put together a box full of lots and lots of goodies for you to enjoy the Spa experience at home! This whole box which was kindly put together for the purpose of this giveaway is worth over £85! The box features items from facial cleansers, scrubs, oils, lotions and more and the best bit is a lot of these products have won awards so it is definitely going to be a great box!

Radiance Exfoliator (100ml) | 4 Day Moisture, Body Oil Spray (125ml) | 7 Day Moisture Miracle Oil Balm (40ml) | Ultimate Facial Cleansing Oil (150ml) | Illuminating Moisture Lotion SPF 15 (15ml) | 2 Day Moisture Shower Oil (250ml) | Unwind Luxury Bath Soak (400ml) | Luxury Foot Polish (75ml) | Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil (30ml) | Time Reversal Face Mask Sachet (15ml) Salt Scrub (60g) | Body Butter (300ml)

The Giveaway will run for 1 month and will close on the 14th of August at midnight.  - Please bare in mind that on the date you must still be following the mandatory steps below to be selected as a winner.  - I will be posting all the prizes in one box. If a person in the UK wins we will discuss a nominated day for delivery, this ensures the box reaches you safely, to the best of my ability, though I am not liable for anything damaged by the postal service or if anything goes missing.  - Mandatory steps MUST be completed (these are the first steps you see) I will be checking on the Rafflecopter site, you will be disqualified if you don’t follow these steps.
The lucky winner will be contacted by email within 2 days of the Giveaway ending. I won’t be publishing their Twitter handle unless they are okay with it. If they don’t respond within 1 week then I will chose another winner via Rafflecopter.    a Rafflecopter giveaway


CLOSED: Winner has been contacted via email.

♡

New in: French Pharmacy Skincare

My french pharmacy collection is building up slowly but surely. I am massive on skin care and I can honestly say french pharmacy is right up there with my all time faves. The variety of french pharmacy skincare I’ve used have all been really gentle. I’m assuming a lot of their skin care is like this as the main brands are Bioderma, La Roche Posay and Vichy to name a few.

Because my last two reviews went down so well (Avene Gentle Cleanser & La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +) I thought it would be good to try out some more products thanks to the lovely people over at Escentual. 

First up we have the BIODERMA Atoderm Creme levant (£12.50), or for those who don’t speak french the Bioderma Nutri-protective cleansing cream! To start with this is potentially the biggest cleansing product I have ever utilised, there is 500ml of product in this pump bottle. I have been using this for a good while now and you can’t even tell it’s been used. The pump bottle makes it easier as you don’t waste product, you only need the smallest amount so one pump will suffice. This product is actually suitable for the face and body so it serves a dual purpose.The cleanser itself is very good, when you apply it it lathers up a lot and this helps remove excess dirt and oils. I’ve took note that I haven’t had any break outs while using it and it has also prevented any possible break outs since using so I am super pleased!I've heard so many good things about the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream but have never gotten round to buying one. I came across the La Roche Posay CICAPLAST Baume B5 (£5.50) and after being impressed with Effaclar Duo + from the same brand I know I’d have to try it. It is such a bargain for the results you get. It can be used on the body, face and lips and repairs the skin adding moisture back in when it is extremely chapped and dry. Now with the Summer here this is an ideal all rounder; It’s perfect for rashes, dryness and flakiness. Like the other product this is also fragrance-free, lanolin-free and paraben-free.A soap style cleanser isn’t something I’d thought of using before but I’be been loving the Avene Cold Cream cleansing bar(£3.80). I’ve been using this on my face but it is suitable for the face & body. This bar is actually a combination of Avenes Cold cream and their highly raved about Avene Thermal Spring Water. The PH balanced formula aids in balancing the skin too. The white beeswax nourishes the skin and the Thermal PH spring water helps to soothe and heal the skin. The bar itself lathers up a lot (similar to a soap) and this again helps get rid of all the dirt and excess oils in the skin. Your face feels a lot smoother after using this cleansing bar and gives it a very fresh clean feeling. Unlike regular soap this does not leave your skin feeling tight and dry. 
Finally a brand I have never tried. I have heard so many good things about the brand Vichy so I thought I would try the Normaderm 3 in 1- it can be used as a cleanser, scrub and mask. The product doesn’t contain any alcohol, soap or paraben and is advertised as also being suitable for Acne prone skin. Sounds good to me! I have used this product in all 3 of the ways but have found for me it works the best as a mask. This is literally the only ‘mask’ style product I have used that hasn’t caused me to break out or come out in a rash. Finally!I leave the mask on for around 5 minutes and it leaves the skin feeling super firm, smooth and deeply cleansed. It also reduces the appearance of pores and gets rid of blackheads. If I had the time to wear a face mask everyday I would. And this would definitely be the one!Escentual sell a multitude of products and always have discounts on, right now a lot of their french pharmacy is on sale so check them out.Have you tried any french pharmacy products?  ♡

Real Techniques: Mini Brush Trio (disappointing product)

I would class myself as a beauty blogger but I’m potentially the only beauty blogger who didn’t own any Real Techniques brushes until the other week. I ordered these online after seeing another blogger collaborated with a site which offered cash back. So I made use of the offer and essentially only payed postage for these.

When they arrived I was astonished at the size of them, the Real Techniques Mini Brush trio is like a miniature versions of regular mini brushes, they are really small. The three brushes come complete in a clear pouch, you get a mini face brush, a mini foundation brush and a mini shading brush. I don’t own any of the regular Real Techniques brushes so can’t really compare to them but will review as they are. 

The mini face brush which is pink handled is a really dense but soft brush. For me this makes an ideal blusher brush just because of the size. But for travelling if you wanted to really compact your brushes you could still use it as a face brush I suppose but I personally prefer a more rounded fluffy brush.

The next brush is gold handled and it is the mini foundation brush, I personally found this one a little too flimsy, I suppose it might be okay for packing on an eyeshadow onto the eye but otherwise It’s really small and not dense enough to use for foundation or concealer in my opinion. 

The final brush is the purple handled mini shading brush. I find this brush perfect for blending out eyeshadow and even for crease work as it’s fluffy. 

I don’t own any of the full sized Real Techniques brushes so can’t really compare to them but overall yes they are cute little brushes, but would I pay £9.99 for them? Nope. They are also a little scratchy.

I’m glad I never spent that much on them as I would have a serious case of buyers remorse right now. I’m looking into buying new makeup brushes so will have a look at the full sized ones and see if they are any better. I am assuming they are as the majority of online reviews are positive.

Do let me know your favourites in the comments please.

*I should add I ordered ‘Sam’s top picks Collection’ yesterday and it’s on its way. I am very excited to try them out, hopefully they are better. :)

♡