L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution: £3.33

Over the last few months it seams that Micellar Solution based cleansers have taken the beauty world by storm, starting with the much raved about Bioderma. While noticing that I was nearly running out I had to find something that was quite similar. I came across L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution which is an alternative to Bioderma. 

If you aren't familiar with micellar waters, they're basically water based cleansers, with microscopic oil molecules floating throughout. these oil molecules lift make-up and dirt from the skin, giving the most gentle cleansing you could dream of. They don't interfere with the skins natural barriers or PH balance, and the no-rinse formula leaves the skin refreshed without feeling dry or tight.

The way I have been using the micellar solution is as an eye make-up remover only. I apply a small amount of the solution onto a cotton pad, and then place them over my eyes for a few seconds, I then gently wipe over my eyelids and lashes to dislodge the make-up and repeat another time to fully remove any traces of make-up.         

In terms of effectiveness, I would say that the micellar solution is effective and just as powerful. The L'Oreal micellar solution takes off even the toughest waterproof mascara's without harsh rubbing. What is really fantastic about this water based solution is that it removes your eye make-up without smearing it all around your face as it would with regular cleansers/face wipes. The L'Oreal micellar solution is completely alcohol and perfume free which means there is none of that stinging feeling and doesn't irritate the eyes.

Have you tried the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution? 

Apologies for the lack of absence. Days Out Guide are offering 2for1 entry to over 150 top London attractions, restaurants, theatres, exhibitions and more, when you travel by National Rail. Last week, I opted to visit London Zoo. This was my first time visiting. Luckily, it was a beautiful day and perfect for a long walk through Regents Park - which needs a map of it's own to navigate yourself through unless you are familiar with it's layout and know where you are going. Fortunately, with the help of my iPhone and street signs we got there without getting lost and this didn't waste anytime. I got to see so many animals, including my favourite animal, Penguins. It was great experiencing the feed at Penguin Beach. It was a shame as there was no sign of the Tigers and Lions. Other than that, I had a brilliant day out! If you have never been to London Zoo, I would highly recommend visiting.   

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Recently Travel Supermarket seem to be nailing it with their competitions. Travel Supermarket have launched a competition called Worldwide Wardrobe. One of five winners will be whisked off to their destination with £200 spending money. Basically, all you have to do is create an outfit that sums up the destination, the five categories are; 'sightseeing in Paris' 'clubbing in Ibiza' 'Shopping in London' 'cocktails in New York' and 'Partying at a Full Moon party in Thailand. The competition is being judged by other bloggers (Hiya Lily Emma, Ella, Alexia and Lily P) I have participated in four of the five categories because I really enjoy putting these together and a holiday would be a bonus!

Nails Inc. Grosvenor Gardens (Summer Party): £12.00*

This is the Limited Edition "Summer party in a bottle" varnish Grosvenor Gardens from Nails Inc. Grosvenor Gardens is a 3D glitter varnish featuring a blend of pastel shades. The Varnish is made up of two different sized pieces of glitter, holding it in place with a clear base. The larger pieces of glitter is a mix of pastel pinks, silver and lilac, which are the most visible shades from a distance with a mix of silver and pastel green finer particles of glitter bringing the polish together. The polish applies effortlessly with the standard Nails Inc. brush, a few strokes creates a high impact finish. It dries quickly and evenly. It's optional to apply this over a nude polish, I paired this with Barry M 'Lychee' and liked the overall finish.     

Grosvenor Gardens is available to buy from HQhair.com for £12.00

What do you think of this nail varnish? Whats your favourite Nails Inc. varnish?

June 2013 Elle Magazine with free Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara

It feels almost ages since I've bought a magazine! In the June '13 issue of Elle Magazine featuring Miley Cyrus on the cover. The 10-page spread, the singer dons several edgy pieces from Saint Laurent, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and Simone Rocha. 

In this issue of Elle Magazine it comes with a free miniature Benefit 'They're Real' mascara. UK's No.1 bestselling mascara worth £19.50. I already own the full size and with it being one of my favourite mascaras, I just had to pick this issue up. 

I highly recommend this mascara and ideal for those who simply want to try it but don't want to fork out for the full size. 

Have you tried Benefit 'They're Real' mascara?

Garnier Moisture Match Ultra-Hydraiting Rich Cream: £5.99* 

Moisture Match by Garnier is a simple range that features five different products that aim to meet all skincare needs. The introduction of these tailor-made moisturisers ensures that skin doesn't only benefit from 24hr hydration, but customised active ingredients help to make skin look its best.   

I really like the packaging as each variant has its own colour which isn't only just featured on the pack, buy within the actual shade of the moisturiser itself. Created with nourishing but ultra-light oils, its texture is rich but non-greasy. With the cream becoming thicker as the hydration demands become richer.   

Goodbye dry is enriched with Camellia oil, known for its nourishing properties it immediately leaves the skin feeling soothed and silky soft. Nourished with moisture, the skin feels plumper and looks dewy. It also contains Mannose which helps to boost the moisture levels in the skin leaving it feeling and looking hydrated. Once applied the moisturiser sinks into the skin almost instantly. The biggest benefit from this product was the fact that it kept my skin hydrated for the whole day. 

Have you tried the Moisture Match range?

Skinetica Anti-Blemish Treatment: £9.99*

Skinetica is an anti-blemish solution that smoothes, calms and clears. It's fast acting, skin clearing and king to the skin. It's dermatologically tested and leaves no side affects. "Skinetica is a genuine product that actually does what it says on the bottle! A unique new solution that clears unsightly breakouts with visible improvements in 2-3 days."   

The packaging is simple: a plastic tube, blue green and white colour scheme, flip open top, nothing fancy, all functional. It looks like water, the smell is almost non-existent. The indication is to apply to clean skin (if you apply over a product, it wont work!) with a cotton wool pad twice a day, and let it dry. Once dried, it is chemically inert (it won't come off or dilute) and you won't feel anything. You should re-apply ever 12 hours, as this is the one application will keep working.      

The active ingredient is Quaternary Ammonium Chloride with a Sylyl base, to stick to the skin - none of the usual Benzoyl Peroxides and Salicylic Acids. Basically, it means that this is straight from a chemistry lab to work at a molecular level on the skin (the particles are really small and absorb quickly by the skin, staying put) and killing the bacteria.

I didn't notice immediate results within the 2-3 day period. However, a week later I did notice that my skin was looking a lot better and redness had reduced in size, as for the spots they were completely gone! Having used so many products in the past, this is by far the most quickest, effective treatment.     

Have you tried Skinetica? What do you think? 

Barry M Hi Shine Gel Effect Nail Paint in Lychee: £3.99

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine are currently the most talked about nail paints. Barry M has always been known for their nail varnishes of good quality and value for money. These Hi Shine Gel effect Nail Paints are designed to provide an extra glossy finish, similar to a gel manicure. I absolutely love all the colours in this range, 'Lychee' was the one that stood out to me the most and after many trips to my local Boots in search of it, I finally tracked it down. 

For me this didn't live up to my expectations. If you are familiar with Barry M polishes you would know that the formulation wasn't quite the same. It is a little thicker than regular polish, which I imagine is due to the 'gelly' element. Upon applying I did notice some streaks, another layer would be needed for a desired look. A top coat would also be essential. As for the 'High Shine Gel Effect' I didn't notice too much difference. However, after trying them out on false nails, I liked the results a lot more and will definitely continue using the polish this way.       

Have you tried any of the High Shine nail paints? If so, what do you think? 

Congratulations to Katie Atkinson from golddustk. I will be emailing you shortly and a Yardely of London gift set will be making it's way to you soon. Thank you all so much who entered. For those who didn't win this time, I will be doing another giveaway soon. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for that! 

Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara: £10.00

Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara is one of the many cosmetics I own from the range. I haven't yet come across a product that I have been disappointed with. The description of this mascara ticks all the right boxes for me. Within a few stokes Thick & Fast mascara creates amazingly, longer, fuller lashes.    

On the packaging front, once again Soap and Glory have created something that has the right level of vintage/nostalgia without being too fluffy or cheesy; mixed with something thats cool and seductive. The use of bold type in black combined with a close up photo of the brush gives it that harder edge, telling you that it is functional designed to do the job, while 40s pin up girl eyes and cute pink add to the feminine touch that many mascaras packs lose whilst trying to shout out on shelf. The gold mirri carton on the one side of the pack a level of quality and luxury that is needed in the cosmetic sector, just like this little touch makes it seem something a bit more special. 

 Whats your favourite product from the cosmetics range?       

Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer: £29.00*

   

Murad, the high-end skincare brand has products called 'Hybirds'. This range aims to disguise skin flaws, smooth skin texture and improve the appearance of skin in the long term. As the name hybirds suggests, it's basically make-up combined with the benefits of skincare.

The primer creates the perfect canvas by masking imperfections as you reduce them. This revolutionary formula creates a smooth and resilient canvas while evening skin texture and tone. The oil-free formula keeps skin shine-free while minimising the appearance of pores for a flawless finish. Perfect under foundation as a base, this unique primer creates a look that will last all day or on its own for a perfect dewy finish.

  

The product comes in a hygienic bottle with a controllable pump and comes out as a creamy tinted consistency. When I think primers, I think of a clear 'liquid' so I was unexpected. However, the colour matched my skin tone perfectly. The primer really delivers on it's claims. It spreads out quite easily. It minimising the look of pores and uneven skin texture, and most importantly, its long lasting. 

Murad Hybirds Skin Perfecting Primers come in two different versions, 'Matte Finish' and 'Blemish & Shine Control" and can be available online.      

What do you think of this primer? What is your all time favourite primer?   

100th follower giveaway

This morning I woke up to 100 followers, which was a lovely surprise. I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog, and follow me. I love reading all the comments/messages I get. If you remember a few posts back, on my Yardley London review (read here) I had promised a giveaway. Thanks to Yardy London one lucky winner will receive a Yardley of London gift set, which includes a nourishing hand & nail cream and luxury soap. 

Mandatory:

 ♡ You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect 

 ♡ Leave a comment below

Optional entries: 

For additional entries and a higher chance of winning, you can:

 ♡ Follow me via Bloglovin'

 ♡ Follow me on Twitter here (leave your name in the comment below)

 ♡ Tweet about my giveaway and leave a link with your comment

That's a possible seven entries in total. Please tell me which of the above you have done in your comment along with your email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. Open to anyone and everyone (+ International readers!) The giveaway will end at midnight on the 14/04/2013. There will be ONE winner and will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter and contacted on the 15/04/2013. 

GOODLUCK EVERYONE! XO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Brush Guard Variety Pack $5.50/£5.00*

While spending a lot of money of brushes, we want to take really good care of them. From washing them regularly to maintaining them. Washing brushes can be the most dreaded beauty chore, but washing them can lead the brushes to lose their shape. With The Brush Guard there is a way this problem can be avoided.  

The Brush Guard is a flexible, breathable tube (kind of like a Chinese finger trap) that slips over a brush's handle and over the bristles to give makeup brushes the best possible protection. Only The Brush Guard allows brushes to dry bristle-down so water can't damage the ferrule. The brush dries in perfect shape and lasts longer! With The Brush Guard in places, makeup brushes can go anywhere safely. 

The variety pack includes an Extra Small (Shadow), Small (Blush), Medium (Foundation), Large (Powder/Kabuki) These are perfect sizes and fit every brush nicely. The Brush Guard slides on the brush from the handle up to the bristles causing the brush to hold its shape whilst drying. The expandable mesh vents allow ventilation. Just have to be carful if you do slide it down too much, not to pull it back up as this will trap the hair. Instead, slide it all the way down.

This is definitely a great little invention, in terms with maintaing your brushes. I would highly recommend The Brush Guard. They will last you a long time and keep your brushes in brilliant condition.   

Have you tried The Brush Guard or anything similar? 

Dahlia fashion was created by two devoted sisters Tracey & Leigh, both with fashion backgrounds, they decided to stray from the high street path and do their own thing in the fashion world. Blossoming from London's Portobello Market, the brand became rapidly an essential stop off point for fashionistas and celebrities alike. Collections developed and grew with a distinctive style that is innovative, quirky and girly. Proud of it's roots, this unique clothing has a real British twist that plays on traditional pieces, cleverly cut with unique prints and bespoke detailing. Styling mixes, retro eras and trend lead inspirations to give Dahlia a real modern, eccentric feel that defines a look for a new generation of fashion devotes. 

From dresses to playsuits, coats to jewellery, Dahlia have a wide range of fabrics and prints that will suit anyone. I love quirky vintage style that Dahlia brings to their pieces, to they're detailing and  style.

  

Dahlia just released their Spring/Summer 2013 collection (take a peek here) I'm not going to lie, I did spend a few hours browsing and lusting over the new range. Above are just two of my favourite pieces, there's loads more I have my eye on.

Want to win yourself a whole seasons worth of Dahlia clothing? 

Head over to Dahlia.com and fill in the form for your chance to win. 

Stylfile S-file: £4.49*

A few series ago of The Apprentice (UK) a gentleman called Tom Pellereau came up with the idea of an S-Shaped file for your nails. He basically said that your nails are curved so why do girls use a straight edge file? The Stylfile collection, a range of nail files designed with a unique curved shape that follows the natural shape.

"The S-file follows the nails natural shape, making it easy to file your nails, even when using your dominant hand. For a professional finish, use on surface to shape and the other to smooth. Always file from the edge of the nail to the centre and use as directed. As an engineer I've specially selected the abrasive to be long lasting."

This file, like most others you can buy, has two surfaces; one to file, another to smooth. What makes this file extra special is the claim that due to the specially selected high quality abrasive, which makes it last 12 months. The unique curved design makes filing quick and easy.

I rarely ever file my nails, I always find a straight edge file awkward and quite annoying to use, just because of the shape. When I saw Tom Pellereau talking about this design on The Apprentice, I instantly thought it made more sense to have a shape that follows your nails, instead of a straight edge file. I now enjoy filing my nails and the shape of the file is so much easier to work with.

The Stylfile S-file is available to buy from Amazon, Boots and many other stores.

What do you think of the S-file? Have you tried anything from the Stylfile range?  

Treacle Moon Bath & Shower Gel: £2.99*

Treacle Moon is a brand I have only recently heard about. Treacle moon has been created by the team behind the Sanctuary and Normandie bath and body brands. The range is made up of a variety of bath and body products with a selection of scents, all of which are simple but effective, centred around one particular element such as Vanilla, Raspberry, or Coconut. Let's talk about the packaging, look familiar to you? Reminds me of Philosophy, with the striking name and the cute text on the front, but for only half the price.

My Coconut Island

My Coconut Island reads "I'm going to a faraway place she said… just for a while… her toes wriggled in the warm sand and a silly seagull laughed and danced in the sweet wind." 

That Vanilla Moment

That Vanilla Moment reads "My moment of sweet calm… just to think with carefree abandon about… maybe I wont tell you she said shyly some things are not for sharing." 

These both smell absolutely unreal! Good enough to eat, although I wouldn't recommend doing that. It leaves your skin feeling nice and soft. With bath and shower gels I usually end up putting crazy amounts, with this you only need a little for it to lather up. I love how you can use this in the shower or bath; I'm definitely more of a bath person, and this is perfect as it gives 10x more bubbles than your standard bubble bath. 

Treacle Moon is available to buy online and Tesco 

Have you tried Treacle Moon before? 

Happy Birthday to me

Yardley London Eau de Toilette: £6.66*

Yardley of London is one of the world's oldest cosmetic, fragrance and toiletry company. Today's Yardley of London embodies rich and wonderful heritage with pride. And is quintessentially English fragrance brand and prides itself on offering authentic and credible quality floral fragrances and ancillary body products, which are affordable and accessible.

Lily of the Valley

"Lily of the Valley fragrance is a light and elegant scent with citrus top notes, combined with a heart of fresh, spring flowers, including Lily of the Valley, jasmine, geranium and Magnolia; dying down with an amber and woody base."

Royal English Daisy

"Royal English Daisy is an elegant dewy fresh, green floral fragrance, reminiscent of flower filled meadows in the spring sunshine. It opens with a burst of energetic top notes in the form of fresh green leaves and apple, combined with a heart of hyacinth, white rose, enhanced with warm base notes of sandalwood and musk."

This reminds me of 'Daisy' by Marc Jacobs, the scent is very similar, and it lasts for a very long time. This would be perfect for Spring.   

Royal Diamond

"Royal Diamond is a sophisticated, sparkling fragrance opening with a touch of pear and bergamot surrounded by a subtle note of honey, with a delicate romantic floral bouquet at its heart of rose, peony and Lily of the Valley, enhanced with a soft, woody and vanilla base."

This fragrance is a light and really beautiful and very floral. Very pleasant and feminine. 

Yardley of London is available to buy from Boots and online. 

I will be giving away a Yardley of London gift set to one lucky reader when I reach 100 followers. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Have you tried Yardley of London? What are your favourite scents?

Real Techniques Core Collection

Real Techniques Core Collection: £21.99

Hello bandwagon I believe we have met before. Yes, I jumped on it and finally got the Real Techniques Core Collection. Better late than never, right? I know, I know, you are probably sick to death of 'Real Techniques' Brush reviews that are floating around. But I thought I'd share my opinion on these brilliant brushes.

These brushes are designed by make-up artist, beauty blogger and YouTuber - Samantha Chapman, one half of the Pixiwoo sisters. Samantha worked with creators of EcoTools to create an affordable brush range and she has most definitely been successful with that mission. All of the brushes are 100% cruelty free and because the bristles are made of synthetic material (Taklon) - it means that they won't soak up or absorb any of your product and lead to wastage which some other brushes do. 

There are three different ranges of Real Techniques brushes, all of which are separately colour-coded by the colour of their handle: yellow (your base/flawless), pink (your finish/perfected) and purple (your eyes/enhanced) "Each brush is hand-cut to the perfect shape, allowing for precise application from dense coverage to a soft, delicate finish."   

The Core Collection set contains four brushes a contour brush, buffing brush, pointed foundation brush and a detailer brush. Packaged in a clear plastic box with a black travel-case that you can use as a stand to store your brushes. This is a brilliant idea for travelling. The brushes themselves are of excellent quality, they are incredibly soft and don't shed. I have gotten the most use out of the buffing brush, which I use to apply my foundation. I always used to use my hands to apply foundation as it was just easier but I have noticed a lot of difference using this particular brush. I believe it gives flawless coverage and makes applying foundation a dream. The handles are incredibly light which makes them easier to work with.

For twenty quid you're probably thinking that's crazy, but it's definitely an excellent value as you are getting four high quality brushes, that are £5.25 each! 

Have you tried the Core Collection (any other set)? What's your favourite brush?