Friday Night FOTD and Illamasqua Lippie ...

Bonjour!

I went out last Friday night (well I went out for dinner with the hubby and kids this Friday just gone too but last Friday was more of a couples 'out out' and not just 'out' if you get my drift!). Anyway just thought I pop up a post with my slap for the night... really should this be entitled FOTN?  I'll just shut it and get on shall I...!

The products ...

Face
Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealers in Medium and Deep - used medium under eyes and mixed the two for the rest of my face
Laura Geller Balance n Brighten Foundation in Tan
Bourjois Blush in Rose Thé - you can see my full review here
Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder (only used a smidgen as it was my first time playing with it!).

Eyes
Mally Evercolour Eye Shadow Stick in Antique Taupe - all over eyelid - so easy to use - stays put all day/night!
MUA Undressed Eye Shadow Palette - to highlight under brow
17 Eyeliner in Onyx (got it in a kit last year)
Revitalash Volumising Primer
Mally Instant Impact Mascara - review coming up
HD Brows Kit in Foxy

Lips
Illamasqua Lipstick in Blaze - won in a Giveaway last year - sadly it's discontinued - what a shame, it's one of my favourites!

Here's the whole lot on the kite - a bit more of a half kite than usual - you can see the nose is screaming to take over the pic - ah well...!

And a quick 'awkard pose' of the outfit - both last year's H & M top and Zara jeans - what on earth has happened to the knees on my jeans - they had been thoroughly ironed although it doesn't look like it in this pic ...!

Trying to get one of me and the pooch but he had other ideas! Must have been where I got my creased knees from!


Jen x

NOTD - Sinful Colors - Sweet Nothing

Bonjour!

I spotted Sinful Colors (over from the USA) in Boots a while ago and was immediately drawn to the vast array of colours and finishes - creams, pearls, glitter, shimmer and mattes (that enough for you or what!). I walked away and then returned a week or so later (must have been mad).  A couple of the colours I'd originally had my eye on had sold out but not this one ... there was one bottle left in the stand ... it was meant to be...!

Sinful Colors - Sweet Nothing...

I found the polish went on easily - brush and consistency wise, it was opaque with two coats and dried fairly quickly.  My nails had chipped on the ends after just short of two days (with topcoat) so pretty standard for me (sigh). I will continue in my quest for the most bulletproof topcoat for us Mums.

Let me just say though that the above pic shows probably one of the messiest paint-jobs in the history of mankind, not because of the polish but due to the fact that a) I hadn't had time to prep my nails/cuticles and b) I was trying to do three things at once - rushing to get ready to go out, get the kids dinner on and get these photos taken - yes folks - that's how I roll...! Anyway - try to imagine this gorgeous colour on a more worthy set of nails. I mean it's got a proper 'Blue Lagoon' vibe don't you think - you just want to take a dip in it!

I will be returning to the Sinful Colors stand in Boots this weekend (and hope they've replenished their stock!) There are just too many colours and finishes to try out and at £1.99 a pop (even less at the moment as Boots have buy one get one half price on) the temptation is too great. If you haven't seen the range take a look here - bet there's something for everyone within this lot!

So tell me - have you 'Sinned' yet? Which is your favourite colour/finish?

Jen x

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush - Review

Bonjour!

I finally got to try some make up from the Liz Earle Colour range - following the recent QVC TSV - about time too!   I do like a bit of a cream blush during warmer weather and now that summer seems to have finally arrived - albeit in a somewhat sporadic fashion - the Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Rose seems ideal.   The Liz Earle website states   "Our creamy blush softly enhances cheeks with a healthy-looking, dewy finish. Enriched with our own natural source vitamin E." 

The blusher comes boxed in a sturdy little compact (which is easy to open!) complete with a handy mirror. Rose is a mid 'fleshy toned' pink which is ideal for adding a natural flush of colour to my old apples! It has a velvety texture in the pan and is easy to blend - not too stiff or sticky and not too 'wet'.  In the above pic. I've swatched on the bottom and blended on the top.  You only need a small amount of the blush as it's really well pigmented but it can be built up for a stronger pop! I apply with my fingers and pat or dab it on (it can also be applied with a brush).  Considering it's a cream formula it lasts really well once on - most of the day in fact and doesn't seem to overly cling onto any spotty/patchy areas on my face as can sometimes be the case with cream blushers I've found.

Here it is 'in situ' (yes I know I'm pulling a stupid face as usual and apologies for the dark circles - I'd been out the night before!). Now although I had a reasonable 'flush' on my cheeks at the time of this pic. for some reason the colour always pales out on camera. Clearly need to adjust my settings - any advice on that welcome!  Anyway hope you can get a vague idea...!

The Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush costs £16.50/2g here - which is maybe a tad expensive for me as a stand alone product - however I do want to try some of the other blushers in this range (already got my eye on Peony ...!).  All in all though I do think this is a lovely product for summer - gives a healthy 'pinched cheek' glow - ideal over a bit of BB and will be great in my holiday make-up bag!

Have you tried the Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush - which is your favourite shade?

Jen x

Mally Beauty and Daniel Sandler Goodies ...!

Bonjour!

Just a quickie... you know those old Twitter competitions where you retweet to win etc - well I recently retweeted and believe it or not actually won on a couple of occasions - gobsmacked or what!

Mally Beauty QVC Customer Choice Trio and Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder

The Mally Trio contains Volumising Mascara in Black (an old favourite), High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Blossom and Evercolour Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight.

Here's a peek of the Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder - looks gorgeous.  I've got a feeling this is a favourite of Binky's (from Made in Chelsea) so if it's good enough for Binky...!

Not going to waffle too much at this point as I'll try to put up separate reviews at some point.

Over and out for now and hope everyone's having a good weekend!

Jen x

Giovanni 2 Chic Flat Iron Styling Mist & Ultra-Sleek Leave-In Conditioning & Styling Elixir - Review

Bonjour!

The Giovanni 2 Chic Flat Iron Styling Mist and Ultra-Sleek Leave-In Conditioning & Styling Elixir were recently sent to me from Skin Nutrition - online beauty retailer offering a range of natural/organic skin and body care and sister company of the Nutrition Centre.  Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics is a family owned company in Los Angeles founded in the 1970s aiming ...  "to create hair products inspired by nature but that were still compelling, high performance formulas....the products are as natural as possible without sacrificing total performance."  According to the Giovanni website their products use lauryl and laureth sulfate free latherers and are paraben-free. 

Both products are suitable for all hair types and contain Giovanni's Dual Smoothing Complex made with Moroccan Organic Argan Oil & Brazilian Phyto-Keratin which are said to smooth and soften, help with the frizzies, whilst providing condition and protection against heat damage.  I've used each product on my daughter's head of medium textured, long, abundant hair and my own short, fine mop. They both have a subtle coconut 'holiday type' aroma.

Styling Elixir  - used on damp hair  before drying - only a small pump is needed for myself - I'd say more like two pumps for my daughter and concentrate on mid lengths to ends - if too much is taken too close to the roots it can feel a bit greasy. It's helped to tame and smooth our collective locks and keep frizziness at bay. My daughter's hair is very tangle prone and this has kept her hair from doing it's usual 'wild thing'.  Also a good one to apply to damp hair if leaving to dry naturally - I've done this a couple of time since the weather has become warmer and it prevented my hair from turning into a frizz ball so I imagine a handy product for holiday evenings.

Flat Iron Styling Mist - can be applied either to wet hair before blow drying or to dry hair for straightening.  I don't straighten my daughter's hair very often so have used it on both our hairs before drying and for myself before straightening. It doesn't weigh hair down at all and leaves it shiny and conditioned - especially important for me now I've had loads of colour put through - I'm desperate to keep the ends from doing their usual 'drying out' trick and so far they look and feel ok so fingers crossed!

Both these products have been great for keeping hair 'tamed' and neither are sticky or crispy.  My daughter's hair has been kept under control with the minimum of tangles, so much so that she's managed to brush and style her own hair in the mornings - apparently my next task is to create the 'Taylor Swift' curls look - whatever that is - wish me luck!

There is a whole range of Giovanni hair and body products available on the Skin Nutrition website here with a current 20% discount. The Flat Iron Styling Mist and Leave-In Conditioner are down from £7.99/118ml to £6.39.  I've really enjoyed using these products from the Giovanni 2 Chic range and being a complete haircare junkie can see myself making a few sneaky purchases pretty soon...the question is which product(s) to go for...too many to choose from!

Have you tried any Giovanni products?  Will you be making any purchases (sneaky or otherwise) from Skin Nutrition?

Jen x

It's a Haul Thing!

Bonjour!

Picked up a few items over the last month or so .... been making use of the current offers .... as you do...!

3 for 2 at Superdrug - got the MUA Undress Me Too palette and Sleek Make-Up Blush in Flushed (the 3rd item was a lip gloss for my daughter). Used my No 7 money off voucher on the Instant Radiance Concealer (which I've used before) and then  buy one get one half price on the No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in brown.

You'll see from my recent empties post here that I've finished my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. I wanted to re-purchase as I really like this product and  feel it's helped to keep my skin hydrated. Also wanted to try the Aqualia Thermal Light (normal/combination skin) as a day cream. But then the 3 for 2 offer had me in a quandary because although I don't need anything else - how can you walk away from the third item? After much deliberation went for Idealia BB Cream - Medium shade, it seems to have a whole host of benefits which I could do with at the moment!

Been meaning to get myself a good topcoat for ages - quick drying and longevity is exactly what I need so let's see how the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat does. Since I've recently had loads of colour/highlights in my hair I picked up the John Frieda Intense After-Colour Conditioner whilst it was on offer at Boots (think it had £2 off) and then John Frieda Shampoo and Conditioners were half price at Sainsburys that same week (the offer was still on when I called in Friday) so went for the Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Shampoo (which I've used and liked before) to go with it.

So that's my lot for a while - I think I need to stay away from Boots and Superdrug and ignore any vouchers but you only live once right? Maybe just the odd lippie or two wouldn't hurt and maybe a new bronzer for summer?

What have you hauled recently?

Jen x

2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This!

Another Friday ... another mad week...!

This week the hubby and I (and Grandpa!) went to see my little girl performing with her school at the regional dance Movefest (she's been practising for weeks!). Out they strutted, started dancing and...the music stopped! Sack the DJ! After technical problems were overcome they started again and performed their routine. So - there I was -filming her (we were allowed) welling up like you've never know - thank goodness it was dark and my phone was in front of my face! What am I like? It was just the sight of her - no longer a baby or toddler, performing so well (I feel exactly the same with my boy too) ... seriously - where has all this time gone - they're both growing up so fast I can't keep up with it and the dreaded hormones take over ... must learn to control those dratted things!  Here's the tune they started off to...

2 Unlimited - Get Ready For This!

Now I know that this is a track played at many sporting events all over the place but this is a favourite of mine and hubby's from back in the early 90s when it was released at the height of my clubbing days. I literally remember the first time I heard it - in The Banker's Draft (to be exact) - where we had all met up for the first drinks of the night - it came on and we all started dancing (just like in the video!) - right there next to the Jukebox - as you do!

Do you remember this track? Can you control your hormones?

Jen x

May Empties and Favourites ... (finally!)

Bonjour!

It's been (and still is) a very busy week with family/work commitments - which has left no time for blogging and probably makes this one of the latest 'Empties/Favourites' posts of in the land?  I'll just get on with it shall I...?

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion - all finished and will be re-purchasing, great for reviving tired, sore eyes - included this in my 'Rescue Products' which you can read here.

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (for Normal Hair) - I've been using this duo on and off for ages. Perfect if my scalp feels a bit stressed and flaky as I know it cleanses and conditions well but is super gentle. Had a bout of eczema on my neck recently and needed to use something I knew wouldn't sting when washing my hair in the shower ... needless to say I'll be repurchasing.

Aveeno Body Wash (for Dry and Sensitive Skin) - more of an 'empty' than a 'favourite', I've used it on and off. Has no smell and just cleanses gently, it's ok but I don't feel the same way about it as I do the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion ...which I also included in my 'Rescue Products' so don't think I'll be repurchasing.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - sadly all gone, happily I've already gotten myself another - love this product. You can read me banging on about this lovely serum in my full review here.

L'Oreal Professional tecni.art Hot Style Constructor - (shopping my 'hair product stash' here ) -  I've had this for so long that the packaging has now changed!  It's a 'thermo-active spray for texture and hold' - provides heat protection (but not stickiness I might add!).  Works best for me to create that tousled 'I'm not trying too hard with my hair' look (famous last words) and  is ideal now I've  had loads of hair chopped off!  Just spray on damp or dry hair and do whatever you want really - can be used with hairdryer, straighteners and curling tongs so quite a useful multi-purpose product and one I would re-purchase (cost me £11.00 but I don't think that's too bad for a professional product?).

Revitalash Volumizing Primer - (got this ages ago in a kit from QVC).  I don't always use an eyelash primer but this works really well to give more oomph and volume to my lashes.  It's blue in colour, dries quickly so you can get on with your chosen mascara application and doesn't cause any clumping or flaking - good product.

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara - an all-time favourite which has done it's stint. Great for volumising and defining lashes, no clumps and lasts all day. A good one to have on hand to sort out a 'bad lash day', used over the top of another mascara it sorts out any mascara clumpage - a great separator!


Oh ... and another favourite here ... which is literally being finished off by the hubby as I type this post!

Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate, tastes like chocolate never tasted before...all that and ice-cream - amazing!

Any of my favourites yours too?

Jen x

Fat Larry's Band - Act Like You Know...

Happy Sunny Friday!

Very nearly didn't manage a post today as the computer was playing up good style and although I have loads of posts in draft they all need finishing off properly - plus I'm off out tonight to a 40th birthday party with the hubby (get me!).  No idea what to wear as usual and I've only just managed to paint my nails (trying out a new topcoat as we speak!).

Fat Larry's Band - Act Like You Know...

Released in 1982  - it's the perfect summertime laid back groovy track ...

This is the sort of funky tune I feel like drinking and dancing to tonight  so will have to put a request in and who knows - the DJ may even play it! Right - must go and decide what to wear...or I'll be late again and get into trouble as usual...!

What tune would you be asking the DJ for tonight?

Jen x

A Few Rescue Products ...

Bonjour!

These are products that I've used on an off (and re-purchased) for a while now- I find they each really help things along in their own little way ...!

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner - my scalp is prone to itchy flaky areas at times if I'm stressed, run-down or have over-used certain hair products (I'm always subjecting my scalp to dry shampoo and hair powders). I just apply this cooling toner directly to the area/in the parting and it helps to calm the area down and temporarily stop those pesky flakes.

Simple Derma Intensive Relief Lotion - I usually stock up on this if it's on offer as it's a must-have if my eczema flares up  - the large bottle of lotion lasts for ages!  I also use it after shaving or if my skin is feeling a bit itchy and stressed (usually tops of my arms - no idea why) - it's perfume free and very gentle on the skin - it doesn't sting and stops any soreness developing.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion - I am a big fan of the Aveeno hand cream but found I was getting through one tube too many so I switched to buying this large 200ml tube of moisturising lotion. I keep this downstairs and use it as my hand cream. I find it just as moisturising as a regular hand cream and if anything more soothing/comforting plus the huge tube lasts and lasts.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion -   Great to sweep over tired/puffy eyes in the morning (yep that's me!) to wake em up or if I'm feeling really decadent to use as a compress/eye mask type thing on cotton pads and get back in bed and lie back on a weekend (get me!).  I don't use it as an eye-make-up remover as I wear too much mascara and it's only suitable for removing light eye make-up. Also brilliant during the hay fever season - myself and my son have used this many a time to refresh sore, itchy hay fever eyes.

Nivea Rescue and Care SOS Body Lotion - leaves skin smooth, silky and plumped.  I've found this to be especially soothing on my hands (again? - yes again - my hands get very dry in all seasons!). Really seems to help lock the moisture in and keep it there and so protects skin from drying and cracking. (I found it especially effective when the weather was extra cold - was great to apply before going out to keep hands supple).  Also good on knees, elbow and any extra dry bits really!

So that's my little arsenal of must-haves, there are a few others I favour but didn't want to bombard you with too many at once so I'll save them for another post!

What are your favourite 'Rescue Products' and why?

Jen x

Bourjois Rose The - Little Round Pot Blusher ...

Bonjour...!

After mascara I'd say my next favourite make-up obsession is blusher. A girl can never have too many!  This is my Little Round Pot of Bourjois Rose The ... I think the translation is Tea Rose (can't work out how to get the accent / over the 'e' so if anyone knows please share!). It's not a proper review as everyone I know is familiar with Bourjois blushers - so just a bit of a musing ...!

I've used Bourjois blushes on and off for years and have a sort of love/hate relationship with them 'hate' is too strong a word I guess.  I love the range of colours, the packaging and they're a good price at £7.49 (got mine on 3 for 2 at Boots). They have a 'baked' texture (and I usually love baked products) but for some reason I  find these blushers somewhat difficult to work with at times - is it just me - maybe they're baked a bit too hard? It's not a blusher I can just 'touch' the brush to, I have to really work the brush around rather a lot to pick up the product (my own brush that is - don't tend to use the little one provided!). Once it's actually on the brush it applies ok - as long as I'm having a 'reasonable' skin day - if I'm feeling extra spotty, wrinkly or 'dry patchy'  it's not one I'd choose as it seems to emphasise all of the above (I think this is more so of the matte options).

Having said all that once it's on my kite it gives a good flush of colour, it can be used either on 'apples' or for more of a contour and it lasts well throughout the day. I absolutely love the colour of Rose The as it's a lovely fleshy, dusky pink with a slight hint of shimmer to it and I know from past experience that the pot will literally last for ages!

As I said - bit of a love/hate thing going on - I suppose it's a learning curve and I've come to know when to use this product and when to avoid for something a little more forgiving.  It's not the first time I've encountered these issues with the old Bourjois blush pot but there are so many tempting shades in the range bet it won't be the last!

What are your thoughts on the Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher?

Jen x