Things That Made Me Go 'Mmmm' in 2015...!

Bonjour and a very belated Happy New Year!

Yet again it's been a while! Oh well these things happen and mojos go astray from time to time don't they and I could never seem to find the time to sit down and get stuck into a good blog post!! Anyway ... thought I'd make an attempt at posting my favourite products of 2015 so here goes ... 

Bouffe Dry Spray - I was sent this to review back in June and I've never looked back!  It's not one I'd go for if you don't like the feel of product in your hair but that doesn't bother me, used correctly it adds thickness, oomph and texture and I don't want to be without it now - I've since repurchased ... full review here.

Makeup Revolution Blush & Contour Palette in Hot Spice - I can't tell you how good this palette is ... well I can actually in my full review here.  I use it for a warm pop of peachy toned colour rather than contouring.  The blushers are amazing quality and pigment with a lovely finish that's long lasting and a complete bargain at £6.00 ... yep that's just £6.00!

Pixi Glow Tonic - a fairly recent addition to my skincare routine.  Despite all the hype I wasn't sure I 'd get on with the Pixi Glow at first - as I found it was a little drying but ... used in the evening, followed with a good dose of facial oil over the top ... works a treat! It smooths and brightens and I use every night when I'm not using Alpha H Liquid Gold - I'll definitely repurchase.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - as impressed as I was with this mascara - you can read my review  here  - I didn't think I'd repurchase because of the high end price but when my brother's wedding came along last year I knew I could rely on Roller Lash to stay put and perform all day with no clumps, smudges or flakes ... so repurchase I did and I've not looked back! Although I am partial to/and will use other mascaras I reckon this all always be a firm favourite ... my daughter informed my hubby he should get me one for Christmas so I have another waiting in the wings!

L'Oreal Expertise EverRiche Shampoo, Elixir Masque Spray Oil and Conditioner - the EverRiche products are said to be suitable for 'dry, fine hair' ... yep that's me! You can use the Elixir Masque Spray either in between shampoo and conditioner (for very fine hair) or as a final step after conditioner, rinsing out after application.  I've used it both ways but it seems to do better used in between the shampoo and condition stage for me.  I wouldn't say it replaces a 'session' with a decent hair masque but I find it's good on those in between days for just keeping a bit more condition in your barnet, which - I don't know about you but I definitely need at this time of year when everything is dried out and de-hydrated! Can't seem to find the shampoo and conditioner online at the moment (which is a bit worrying) but the Oil Elixir Spray seems to be around!

SBC Collagen Skincare Gel - a great multi-tasker this one - it was part of a set from SBC reviewed here and I use  it every day in some form or other, either on my kite or on the neck/de-colletage as a bit of a hydration boost.

Pure Super Active Eye Serum and Super Grape Overnight Treatment Oil - I'm a big fan of these two (in fact I've been impressed with everything I've tried from the Pure Skincare range from M&S so far!) and have repurchased both. You can read my reviews here and here.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - this has proved to be a great little product. I thought it would just be a Summertime favourite but I'm still using it on non-work days and weekends and it's still doing it's job and doing it well I might add so I've just repurchased another.  You can read my full review  here.

OPI Nail Envy - I have a really bad habit of regularly picking or peeling my nail polish off once it starts to chip - obviously not good for the old nails!  I think they'd had enough and had been splitting really badly down the length of the nail. I bit the bullet and got hold of the OPI Nail Envy a couple of months ago as it has such good reviews. You just paint it on every other night and it feeds and strengthens the nail bed ... it definitely seems to work as my nails are starting to look 'normal' again and is a great treatment for a week or so 'off the polish' - the only snag is remembering to paint it on!  

And last but not least my Babyliss Big Hair  - which you can see it nestling inbetween the products there!  I'd ummed and ahhed about this styling tool for a while but just went for it in the Summer and I've never looked back ... it great for smoothing out hair and adding shine and eliminates the need for struggling with a brush and hairdryer at an awkward angle! It's also a godsend on those mad mornings when my hair resembles a haystack (that would be most mornings then) for adding shape and tidying up the barnet before running out the door!   

So that's it then ... my favourites or 'Mmms' from last year.  Have you used any of this lot? Which were your 'Mmmms' of 2015?

Jen x

June Empties ...

Bonjour!

So ... June has come and gone ... it was a really busy month with my girl's birthday and my boy's confirmation at church as well as bashing my nose in at the gym ...  as you do! A few empties here then ...

Gatineau Melatogenine Refreshing Cream Cleanser - love this cleanser, it's a bit of a multi-tasker which you can read about in my full review here.  The super-size tube lasts for ages and I've already repurchased!  

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence and Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - these two were included in my 2014 favourites. I do dip in and out of other 'thickening products' but seem to come back to the Dove Thickening Essence - this is my third bottle! Also just cracked open my third of the Charles Worthington Pro-Heat Milk - I tried to manage without it for a couple of weeks but my hair had other ideas so I caved in and got myself another - full review here.

John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate and Rescue Shampoo and Deep Conditioner - another couple of my hair stash used - only another 100 or so to go now (joking!).  I quite like this range - it does leave hair smoother, maybe causes a little build up though so I have to switch my products around. Annoyingly ... I'm still left with a bit of the standard Hydrate and Rescue Conditioner (does everyone have this problem?) so will have to use with another shampoo - no shortage there! I'm not even thinking about repurchasing  as I have so many other products to use up and am completely ignoring the fact that there is also a Strengthen and Restore category from this same range over on the Boots website!

E45 Repair and Protect Overnight Hand Cream - my stash of hand creams is similar  to my haircare products - ok maybe not quite as bad but it's a healthy stash!  This is a really good one for sore hands - applied before bed it's not too thick, thin or sticky. It moisturises well, is non- stingy (so important!) and leaves hands soothed and soft!

M&S Formula Sensitive Eye Make-Up Remover - I picked this up in desperation when I had run out of my usual Gatineau Floracil and didn't expect much but it's a really good little product - does a great job of eye-make-up removal and is a decent price at £3.50/100ml, I've since got hold of some more Floracil but I'll definitely use this one again.  Apologies for being a 'doubting Thomas' M&S!

Sainsburys Coconut Body Wash - cheap and cheerful - sometimes on offer at £0.75, smells fine and gets the job done- what more is there to say!

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - I'm gutted that this has come to an end after many months - I do love my facial oils! Will definitely repurchase - you can read my full review here.  

Seventeen Lip Crayon - this was part of a Christmas kit and I love it - or rather loved it! It's balmy and moisturising with a hint of nude colour but not stickiness - one you can apply without a mirror and it's been a staple in my handbag for months. As a result I've lost the lid and now the shade name has worn off and I can't seem to get a similar one from Boots so I've blown it really!

Benefit Rollerlash and Maybelline Lash Sensational - I've been impressed with the both of these ... reviewed here and here. I could kick myself for not picking up an extra sample size of Rollerlash when it was a magazine freebie,  it's so easy and effective - I may have to break my 'expensive mascara code' and treat myself to the full size! Maybelline Lash Sensational is also a good one that has been compared to Roller Lash - it takes a bit more work as it can clump and as the tube has been coming to an end it's got even clumpier so it's time to move on!

So ... those are June's empties ... I don't even want to think about July's because then we'll be coming to the end of Summer ... nooooo!  Have you used any of these products? What have you used up last month? 

Jen x

Another Birthday, Another Wishlist ...

Bonjour!

If you follow me on Instagram you may have gleaned that Friday was my birthday - I forced myself to wear a dress - get me!  This post was obviously meant to be published earlier on in the week but it didn't get finished in time - we're having fitted wardrobes in my daughter's bedroom and there has been a lot of moving of stuff around! How does one so young accumulate so much crap stuff?!  The floor of my own bedroom is currently littered with boxes and resembles an 'Albert's Bazaar' - that's my mum's term for jumble sale! It's doing my head in but a bit of deep breathing will help - won't be for much longer!   Anyway ... I didn't think it was appropriate to sit finishing off this post on my actual birthday as the husband was patiently waiting to take me out for a spot of shopping and lunch ...  so, a bit late but lets just pretend it's a few days earlier!

'It's my birthday, it's my birthday. I'mma (not a spelling mistake) spend hubby's money!  Yep well that's the plan anyway!'

Another Birthday, Another Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring a beveled mirror

When my mum and hubby first asked ... 'What do you want for your birthday?' ... I couldn't bring anything in particular to mind ...I know ... I must be mad!  Then I realised there are a few things I would quite like ... after all it's ok to have a few treats on your birthday right?

Bronzo Italia Rolo Link Bracelet - I'm into the whole Rose Gold thing and I love the chunkiness of this bracelet. Hoping my mum will take the 'QVC hint'!

Green Shirt and Tangerine Platform Pumps - I'm so ready for a pop or two of colour after the dreariness of Winter! I'd love a bright shirt to wear with skinnies and maybe a new pair of posh shoes (these are posh to me!) to wear with a plain outfit - I'm blaming the latter totally on Donna from I Won't Wear Sludge Brown take a look at her post here and you'll see what I mean!

Adidas/Nike Running Shoes - I'd say these are more of a need!  Being a regular 'gym-goer' my trainers take a lot of battering and I've had my current pair for so long that the tread is starting to wear so they could do with being replaced.  I'm fancying a change from standard white - which would you go for?

Funk Soul Classics - been listening to a lot of 80s groovy stuff recently. Takes me back to pre-house music days of dancing round my huge clutch bag in white stilettos and big curly hair!  I'd love another compilation to put in the car!

MAC Blushbaby/Benefit Dallas - I figured it's ok to buy one more totally unnecessary blusher on your birthday! I've been wanting to dip into the world of MAC blushers for a while and there's something about Blushbaby ...!  Can't decide whether to plump for me ol' matey Benefit Dallas though, which I've never got round to replacing!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - an absolute favourite but one I tend to save as a proper treat as it's rather pricey! I've asked my brother to bring me one back from France when he comes over this weekend. Bet he forgets! 

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - this is a Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream with SPF30 and I don't think it's available in the UK until April but it's a product I really fancy trying for the warmer months so it's on my list!

Dressing Table Mirror - last but not least and yes - a bit of a weird choice but ... I would really like a new dressing table mirror! Although not strictly a need - I already have a mirror but it's not so big and it's balanced on top of a basket on my set of drawers which acts as my dressing table. A taller mirror, properly positioned, so I don't have to squat to look into it every time I want to apply some slap or dry my hair would be such a treat!

So ... that was my birthday wishlist - bit back to front but that's me all over! I did have a lovely day though - the hubby was super nice to me - not that he's usually horrible or anything but you know what I mean! My brother had come home from France for the weekend (and yes he forgot the L'Occitane hand cream!),  my musician brother is on tour in America with Kid Creole and the Coconuts (remember them!) and called to wish me a Happy Birthday from Dallas, Texas (how the other half live!).  My mum baked a superb three tier cake (which also went on Instagram) and we had a huge chinese with the family in the evening - suffice to say we were all stuffed! 

What would be on your birthday wishlist? Is it a big one (the wishlist not the birthday!)?


Jen x

PS. And yes I'm aware that my font is a bit weird in these last few paragraphs but I've had the same problem as you Sarah from Forty Therapy with regards to the font! Don't have time to sort it at the minute so it'll have to do for this post!

Benefit Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

So ... by now everyone and their maiden aunt will have heard about the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara freebie with March's Elle magazine.  I had to try it out (that's obvious right!) ... I never got on with They're Real so was hoping the Roller Lash Super-Curling & Lifting Mascara would be a different kettle of fish!

The wand has slight curve to it and is packed with plastic bristles/spikes - longer on the top (as you may be able to see) gradually reducing in size towards the underneath - almost like rows and rows of tiny canine teeth!   I understand the bristles are meant to hug and roll each lash to provide long lasting lift, curl and definition.  Here it is on ...


Bare on the left and two very quick coats of Roller Lash on the right ...

My natural lashes are, obviously, fine and not very long (bad combination) although they do have a slight natural curl to them (I'd be interested to see how Roller Lash performs on bang straight lashes). Anyway ... it does seem to live up to it's name by grabbing each lash and pulling and curling them up. A good jet black and the formula is not too wet, dry, thick or thin but has a creamy consistency that is easy to work with. The curve of the brush fits my eyelid perfectly top and bottom,   I use the shorter bristles underneath the wand to apply the mascara and the longer ones on top to comb through then turn the wand over for the lower lashes.  I don't leave too long a gap in between coats as it can start to clump up a little, if I go back for another coat later on I use the longer bristled side of the wand to apply as this produces less clumps.  The tube has one of those internal 'brush scraper thingies' (technical term that!) inside but I still do a quick manual scrape now and then just to avoid too much excess on the brush.

I can honestly say this is one of the best mascaras I've used (and I've used a lot!).  It's great for everyday wear as it gets the job done in a jiffy - a real bonus when you're in a rush in the morning! Gives immediate length, curl and lift which opens up the eye area.  It lasts all day with no flaking or smudging but is easy enough to remove with a good eye make-up remover.  You can 'up the ante' on the volume front by adding extra coats carefully or going over with a volumising mascara - makes the lashes pop!

It's definitely a winner - the only thing about it that niggles me is the price - I understand it'll cost around £19.50 on release at the end of Feb/early March - is it too expensive? Am I being a skinflint?

Have you tried Benefit's Roller Lash yet? Would you pay the full price for this mascara?

Jen x

Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Rosey Glow - Review

Bonjour!

This is my Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks Blusher in Rosey Glow.   I once read that it is a reasonable dupe for Benefit Dallas, which I've used, loved and finished a good long while ago but have never got round to repurchasing.  I dithered around for ages over Rosey Glow and then picked it up the other week after reminding myself that it was only £1.99!

This does seem like one of the palest blush powders I've bought.  A fleshy pink in the pan with a touch of the nude vibe? It's not matte, nor shimmery but verges on 'ever so slightly pearly' in finish. The pigment is surprisingly good but I do have to layer it up a little to achieve a decent 'flush' of colour - being a bit darker skinned and all.  Buffing it in with my Real Techniques Blusher Brush seems to work well, although I do find the formula a little powdery - it fluffs up 'Puff the Magic Dragon Style' when you touch the brush to the pan so a good blow/tap is advisable before applying but it lasts well on - most of the day in fact (again surprisingly) - without going patchy.  Rosey Glow does have a tendency to look a bit 'candy pink' when swatched but once on, it's actually quite a flattering tone, not overly colourful on my skin tone but with a pleasant warmth to it, which is sometimes all you want/need on your kite - particularly at this time of year when skin can start to look a little grey?

Swatched below and blended above ...

And on the kite ... ignoring the shocking dark circles please ...!

And here's a quick swatch of Benefit Dallas on the left and Rosey Glow on the right - only snapped on my phone in Boots (as you do - hence the weird angle and bad lighting!).  Dallas is much deeper with more of a burnished tone to it don't you think?

Anyway back to Rosey Glow ... overall I think this a very decent little pot of blusher, especially considering it's £1.99 - isn't that the price of a Starbucks Cappuccino (my favourite by the way!)?  It's a great 'everyday product' and is one that I could probably apply in the semi-darkness of the morning without making too many mistakes - now there's a challenge!

Have you  tried any Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks colours?  What do you think of Rosey Glow?

Jen x

January Favourites/Empties ...

Bonjour!

So that's January over with for another year - I'm so looking forward to the lighter mornings and evenings  - how about you? A mixed bag of favourites and empties over the past month or so then ...

Kerastase Ciment Thermique - been using this since the middle of December and it's a firm favourite! Full review to follow.
L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo and Conditioner  - this duo is coming to an end now. I was pleasantly surprised with it's performance and have re-purchased. Full review here.
Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Moisturising Shower Gel - just finished, gorgeous smelling product this one with a  heady floral scent - reminds me of high summer!
Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - all finished. It gives a good effect once on but is a bit of a smudger. Couldn't make my mind up about it - as you can see from my review here. 
Benefit They're Real Mascara - I'm giving up on this one.  A magazine freebie and something I've been trying on and off for a few months - but it's not to be.  It just doesn't 'do it' for me and I poke myself in the eye every time I try!
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose - been loving this for a touch of colour and radiance (both of which have so been needed!) - review here.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - this finished about a week after my review here and I was gutted and am missing it already! I'm trying another eye cream out but will be re-purchasing as soon as I can snap up a good deal!
Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer in Nude - used mainly for the under-eye area. You do have to be light handed otherwise it has a tendency to cake up but I would re-purchase as it's quite a good concealer for me.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my all time favourites - especially in Winter - it's hard to beat that's for sure. I've repurchased a few times and will continue to do so!

And last but not least ... why oh why does this have to be empty...

Toblerone has to be one of my all time favourite items of confectionery - the chunks are just the right size for a treat after dinner and because you can't (or shouldn't) really fit it all in your mouth at the same time then one is enough on a school night. I've been allowing myself two chunks at the weekends though - get me!  Yes I will be re-purchasing on a fairly regular basis!

What have your favourites been last month? Are you able to fit a whole chunk of Toblerone in your mouth cos I can't!?

Jen x

October Empties & Favourites

Bonjour!

So - I was going to open up with - 'Here we are at the end of another month again - mostly empties here (trying to get stuff used up) and a few favourites thrown in for good measure ....' but by the time I got round to finishing the post with occupying the kids over half term and everything it's now the start of November!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Lighter Lotion and Rejuvenating Night Cream - a couple of products from the QVC TSV (today's special value) back in May which also included a full size of the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm.  The Lighter Lotion is exactly as the name suggests, a non-greasy milky liquid which keeps my skin hydrated all day - sinks in so easily, ideal for busy mornings (still a little left to use up). The pot of Rejuvenating Night Cream is (sadly) now empty. A lovely night cream - which helps replenish and plump overnight. Both these products are packed with fantastic ingredients and smell fab (the aromas may not be everyone's cup of tea but I found myself becoming addicted!). Sadly I can't afford to re-purchase as both are expensive to buy alone - the Lighter Lotion is around £35 (ish) and the Re-juvenating Cream over £50.  Please can we have another Emma Hardie TSV?

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner - just finished these two off. I'm ashamed to say I'd forgotten I had these and recently found them at the back of my (bulging) bathroom cabinet. The shampoo has a weird texture - a bit glupey, almost as if you can see the whipped egg white consistency but cleanses well and rinses easily.  The conditioner is light and creamy.  Both smell lovely and coconutty (as you would expect). Not sure I would re-purchase though as it isn't the best at thickening my ever- thinning locks but then again it isn't the worst. Fence job!

Extracts Fairtrade Mango Body Butter - got this as part of a set with shower gel and sugar scrub and finished the body butter earlier in the month. Really easy to apply (can't stand having to rub in for ages) and smells lovely and zingy (I love mangoes anyway). I would re-purchase but probably only when on offer as it's £7.95 a pot (more than I usually spend on body products) or as part of a kit.

Bionsen Roll-On Deodorant -  love this deodorant, it's gentle, effective, has a great fresh fragrance - which is good because it lingers and you can smell it as you 'waft' your arms around throughout the day! Yes I would re-purchase but think I'll try the dry stick next time because - like most liquid roll-ons -  it does take time to dry.

Ojon Restorative Pre-Cleansing Treatment - got this as part of a kit from QVC ages ago - another from the back of the cupboard I'm afraid - seem to remember this being a quick alternative to the original Restorative Treatment. You apply to dry or damp hair and leave up to 5 minutes then wash and condition as usual. Not sure whether it's been discontinued or replaced with a similar product as I can't see this tube on the Ojon Website or QVC. I wouldn't have re-purchased though as I seem to remember it was expensive (as most Ojon products are) and yes it works ok to restore condition but not to the extent that I couldn't live without it.

Marks & Spencer Essential Extracts Aloe Vera Shower Gel - love this range from good old M & S - only £1 each so complete bargain. Smells fresh and invigorating - a summertime favourite but thought I'd try and use up. Will definitely re-purchase. I want to try the other fragrances in this range and have just noticed that M & S have a 'buy one get one half price' on bath and shower products at the moment so a good time to re-stock.

The Body Shop Neroli Jasmin Eau de Toilette - I love this fragrance, smells of vanilla, sweet and warming, it's a perfect Autumn scent. I got this bottle last year I think and have noticed it appears to have been re-named as Indian Night Jasmine? (not had chance of a sniff yet but hope it hasn't changed much as this was one of my faves).

Benefit Dallas Powder - Is it a blusher? - Is it a bronzer? - It's actually described as 'the perfect combination of bronzer and blush' and for me this really is. I love this blush/bronze whatever! It's perfect for adding a bit of colour and depth, especially at this time of year when I tend to retire my baby pinks and peaches for a while. I've had this box for ages and it's only just finishing - will be putting it on my Xmas list as it's pricey but if there are any dupes out there that any of you lovely gals are aware of please let me know!

17 Peep Show Mascara - love love loving this at the moment. You can see my full review here but it's grown on me even more since then. Some mascaras sometimes need to 'thicken up' a bit after having been opened (do you find?) and this is now at it's perfect level of thickness - it's in it's prime! Just so easy to apply and lasts all day - I've been reaching for this constantly of late - will definitely re-purchase - a gem at only £6.29. Could end up being one of my all time favourite mascaras.


A couple of other favourites.... I'm really into scarves at the moment...

Got this one from our Sainsburys at the end of September when they had 25% off, love it and it's hardly been off my neck since - really versatile as it goes mostly everything.

My H & M scarf here - also from around the end of September - silky and a bit more dressy. Love the colours, tend to wear with black and navy and mostly when I don't wear my specs - I can't do 'fuss near my face' and specs too - I'm weird like that!

And - what the hell - may as well chuck in one of my all time favourites for good measure...!

Just look at the size of this beauty! It's positively HUGE - the height of my kettle! I know it's sad to get exited over washing up liquid but in my book you just can't beat a bit of Fairy. A little goes a long long way  - this should last well into next year! (maybe expect to see it on one of my empties posts in spring/summer?).

What products have you been trying to use up last month? Have you got any all time favourites?


Jen x