Summer Holiday 2015 Favourites ...!

Bonjour!


Can I really be writing about this Summer's Holiday favourites already?  Doesn't seem like two minutes since I was rushing around like an idiot trying to get the packing done (getting all stressed out as I do every year!).  And then we were there ... South of France, gorgeous villa,  fantastic weather (30+ degrees most days!), good food and company - what more could you want?  And then we were back ... and it all seems like a distant memory ... so here are few bits that I snapped whilst we were on holiday that stood out for me  ...

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - I knew this would be ideal for holiday and I was right! I only used a small amount to add a smidge of cover and it did a brilliant job of keeping in with the 'no make-up look' - will definitely repurchase for use again next summer. Full review here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 30  -  I'll try and sneak a full review of this on here before  the Summer ends (which basically means sooner rather than later!) it did a good job  of helping me avoid that overly greasy feeling!

Mally Under Eye Brightener - this isn't only a summer staple - it's an all-year-round staple to help combat dark circles and under eye shadows! Reviewed here this particular pot was coming to an end so I just shoved it in my make-up bag as I didn't have a travel size to take. I've since reordered a kit with both the same size pot (which honestly seems to go on for a couple of years!) and a handy travel size which will be saved for next year's holiday!

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry and 1 Seconde Volume in Ultra Black - a couple of winners here from Bourjois! I reviewed Sweet Cherry last year here - it's a lovely natural looking everyday blush perfect for holiday. I'm about to write up my review of 1 Seconde Volume up but I think it will be a good one - say no more!

Philip Kingley Elasticizer and Daily Damage Defence and Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream - moving onto hair products!  I've used Elasticizer for years, this travel size came with a recent Elasticizer kit from QVC and is so convenient to use on holiday, just stick it on late afternoon, sit out in the sun to catch those last rays and then just wash out when you go in to shower - easy and effective!  The Daily Damage Defence is brilliant for reviving frizz prone hair, leaving it soft without any crispiness. Similarly the Color Wow Styling Cream smooths hair with a tiny bit of texture, yet doesn't weigh hair down or leave it sticky or greasy and you only need a small amount! I left my hair to dry naturally after mostly every wash on this year's holiday and these two styling products really helped to control the inevitable frizzies and stop me looking like an extra from the Hair Bear Bunch!

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo - I picked up this travel size on a last minute shopping trip before we went.  It does leave a bit of white cast on darker hair if you spray too close but nothing that can't be 'rubbed out' once massaged in and helps to refresh and give hair a decent amount of volume at the roots. I'd buy again to take away!

Large sun-hat and and equally large box of French Rose - a couple of obvious favourites for a hot holiday ... I don't think I need explain why!

One more favourite ... (sigh!) ... the view from our balcony ... (further sighs!) ... lovely isn't it! 

What have been your holiday favourites this year?


Jen x

Mally Under Eye Brightener - Review

Bonjour...

This is my little pot of Mally Under Eye Brightener - it's something I've used each morning for a good long while now so it's about time I wrote a post ... if you read my blog you'll know I'm  rather partial to a few Mally Beauty products (available from QVC) and this one is no exception ...

Mally states this has been described as 'sunshine in a jar' ... containing hyaluronic acid, barley extract and Swiss glacier water which help with hydration and moisture, we should think of it as skincare with added brightening and colour correcting properties rather than make-up.  It comes in two colour options Lighter (which I have) and Deeper.  Now I know it looks like a pot of Dijon mustard but don't be alarmed! 

I just place a tiny amount on each ring finger (much less than the blob on my hand above) and press/pat lightly (rather than rub) around the eye area - best to start off with a lesser amount and add more if needed.  It's very light in texture but the 'Dijon' vibe is very effective at correcting those dark purple shadows, I love that I can use from the inner to outer corners of the under-eye area and as long as I use the correct amount there is no caking (is that even a word?), dryness or sitting in wrinkles and it definitely gives a hand with brightening and hydrating.  I use this every morning (adding a bit of concealer if I'm having an 'extra dark circle day') - once on it lasts pretty well but is easy to touch up by adding more later on in the day if you feel the need for extra brightness!

Pre and post Mally Under Eye Brightener from left to right ... and as you peruse please remember that my under eye area (in fact all of my eye area) is old ... really old ...

It is expensive at around £28-£30/11.4g to purchase alone (mine was part of a QVC kit making it really affordable) but I've been using for about a year and a half and I still have a good third of the jar left - it's one of those where you actually do get a full jar though so it's going on forever!  There are another couple of under-eye products I'd like to try out of curiosity, but I'd definitely consider repurchasing the Mally Under-Eye Brightener and would certainly grab another QVC kit if it comes up - what can I say - I'm a bit of a Mallynista!

Do you use a colour corrector or under-eye brightener for dark circles?  Which is your favourite?

Jen x

2014 Favourites!

Bonjour!

So ... 2014 favourites here - been trying to get this post out for most of last week and didn't even do overtime one day so I could finish it off but then got embroiled in that thing called 'housework'.  Did four loads of washing, various cleaning tasks and the food shop ... you know when you're on a roll, forget that you're no spring chicken and just keep going ... then wonder why you ache to the bone like a 'mother' in the evening?  Think I'd have been better off sat on my backside at work!   Anyway ... 2014 favourites ... I did intend splitting into different categories but ended up lumping the whole lot together ... I've sneaked in one or two products in that could be classed as 'December Favourites' if we're splitting hairs ... nobody minds ... right?   Some I have reviewed but some I've not got round to yet ... but I will (famous last words)!  Best get started then ...

Mandara Spa 'Amber Heaven' Nourishing Miracle Oil  -  I bought this ages ago as part of a set and decided I need to make a dent in my stash so cracked it open last month - I guess this is classed as a December favourite then!  It's a multi-purpose oil which can be used to moisturise, massage or as a hair treatment.  I've only used as a moisturiser after bath/shower and oh my goodness, the scent ... I'm in love ... it's so warm and musky, perfect for this time of year and it lingers on the skin for hours afterwards ... like I said ... it's love!

No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Deeply Beige - great natural looking foundation which I've been using for the past few months.  I have to say I've become quite attached to it and there will be a full review up shortly!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - the Lipikar range works to replenish dry, excema prone skin which is just what I need.  I use most nights as an overnight treatment cream - some hand creams can sting when my hands are having a 'sore phase' but this is completely soothing and hydrating and seems to have kept my hands in check over the last few months and changing seasons ... I took it away on holiday in the summer and then got myself another when that ran out. At £5/50ml (mine were both cheaper though as they were on offer on the Escentual website) it's something I'll continue to repurchase. Definitely give it a go if you're prone to sore,chapped hands!

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence - I've been using this for a good few months over the top of my Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Milk. Just spray -  mostly around the crown area, smoosh into the hair with your fingers and blow dry.  Should really have done a full review but basically it does what it says on the can. Leaves hair with body and bounce with no sticky/greasy feeling. I'll be repurchasing as it's become a favourite - although I may not need to for a while as this bottle seems to be lasting forever!

Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - love this and have repurchased - my go-to hair protector.  I'm not going to waffle as there's a full review here.
   

OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner - I always reach for this when my hair feels in need of some TLC and it never disappoints.  Full review here.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette - this has a pleasant scent, clean and fresh and floral all in one go. It's not the strongest or even most long lasting spray that I own but there's something about it that I just can't resist.

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top and Base Coat - I've just repurchased this duo.  It's been the best base/topcoat I've tried so far - dries in a jiffy with a good glossy finish and whilst we're not talking a whole week or anything, it definitely gives me an extra day's worth of longevity (always welcome) and tends to chip off at the ends with most polishes rather than peel off in one go - which is good because if I know it can peel then I will peel - such a bad habit!

Cloud Nine Original Iron - I bought this a few months ago after some a lot of deliberation and I'm so glad I did!  I straighten the ends and fringe of my barnet most days and really feel that these beauties have played an integral part in minimising damage.  They have a variable temperature control and literally glide through the hair with no dragging or friction. Not sure whether to do a full review on these so if you want one let me know!

Make-Up Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in Hot Spice - ok so I've swatched this quite a while ago and use it most days - a mixture of warm peachy tones - it's love! . Full review on it's way!

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - my favourite brow product of the year! Practise definitely makes perfect with this one but I've nailed it and never looked back! Full review here. 

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - love this product!  I use every morning to counteract dark circles - it's so hydrating and does a great job with my dark circles.  Full review to follow

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - a proper cult classic - can't believe I've only just discovered how good this is! It's a sample from an old beauty box,  I dug it out last month and stuck in my work make-up bag. It's an all round skin protectant that can be used for dry, chapped bits and cuticles etc. I love it as a lip balm - it feels so hydrating and soothing and sticks around without being sticky (sorry!). I need a full size sharpish!

Phew ... maybe I should have split into categories ... sorry I've gone on so long and congratulations if you made it this far!

What have been your favourites from 2014?

Jen x

Face and Outfit of the (other) Night!

Bonjour!

Bit overdue this post but better late than never! So ... outfit and mug shot from an evening out with the hubby and kids a few weeks back ... yep apologies for yet another awkward pose with yet another pair of creased knees (what is it with me and creased knees?) ...  the husband never thinks to point any of this out - probably as he was impatient (as usual) to get off out, rather than taking silly photos ... men!!

Top - H &M (old)
Creased skinny jeans - Primark
Red Cork Wedges - New Look (very old)
Distressed Handbag - Top Shop (very old)

With the pooch - who happens to be sitting very smartly don't you think?

Make-up ...

Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer and Under Eye Brightener, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer review here, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium, L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation in Nude Beige, Mally Eyeshadow Stick in Antique Taupe and Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight review here, Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - review here, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony review here, highlight on brow bone from MUA Undressed Palette (not pictured),  Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - review here and good ol' faithful Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippie in 110- review here.

And corresponding 'Mug Shot' ...

Had to take this when we got back as I'd run out of time before  - story of my life!

One day ... yes one day I'll do a proper outfit post sans 'creased knees' and make-up before the evening out!

Jen x

Mally Volumizing Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

Mally Beauty products are described as high performance and bulletproof, used by A-listers and busy mums alike! The Volumizing Mascara has been part of my ongoing stash for a couple of years now - you know when you keep going back to that certain something because it just works for you? Can't believe I haven't blogged about it before now!

Mally's mascara includes a combination of natural waxes blended with powders to create a formula neither too thick nor too runny. As you can see from the above pic. the brush is of a standard size with fairly closely packed bristles. The two work really well together to create hefty black lashes with volume, length, definition and curl with minimal transference to the lids! It stays in place all day with no flaking, smudging, melting or running until removed - and as long as you use a decent eye make-up remover it comes off fine. You can also add further coats throughout the day should you want to 'up the ante' - I have to confess I have done just this on occasion before a night out, reapplied more mascara over the top and just changed the make-up around it! Do all mums take short cuts like this or just me? As with all the Mally products I have so far tried, I find this mascara easy to use, it's gimmick free and delivers great, long-lasting results with no faff or fuss. There is also a waterproof formula available which I imagine would be ideal for water babes on holiday. It's not cheap to buy alone at around £17 but mine have all been included in QVC kits so I've never actually paid full price!

A couple of coats on (regular readers will know how puny and pathetic my bare lashes are!) ...

So ... another winning product from Mally - it's easy to handle, does the job with minimal fuss, is reliable, a great all rounder and sticks around (until you need to get rid) ... a bit like some men!

Have you tried any products from Mally Beauty? Which is your most 'reliable' mascara?

Jen x

2013 Favourites ...

Bonjour!

Can it really be a whole year since I did a round up of annual favourites - time flies when you're having 'blogging' fun! I've used quite a few worthwhile products last year but these are the ones that stand out for me ...

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray - a magazine freebie which has become a firm (not literally!) favourite for volume. I tend to save for special occasions and as soon as I finish my existing plethora of hair products I will repurchase. Review here.
Gatineau Radiance Gommage - this has become my favourite exfoliating product, brightening, smoothing yet gentle - review here.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - I first used a travel size on holiday and liked it so much I decided to get the full size. Great cleanser, very effective - review here.
Vichy Aqualia Serum (review here), Vichy Idealia BB Cream (review here) and Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light (review here) - I know this must seem like a 'Vichy' tribute but these products really suit my skin, combination/sensitive/dehydrated with eczema prone areas, I'm on my 3rd serum and 2nd pot of cream and will repurchase the BB when it finishes.
Soap & Glory Super-Colour FabuLipstick in Naked Beige - my perfect nude,  it's so easy to wear. Review here.
Mally Evercolour Waterproof Eyeliners in Midnight and Black Violet - although I only reviewed this duo at the start of December I've been using them for months and love them to bits, remember the line 'Only the 'crumbliest, flakiest chocolate - tastes like chocolate never tasted before ...' - well substitute the words silkiest, creamiest, eyeliner and application in the appropriate places and you should get the picture! Review here. 
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - a product I've been using for the past few months - a proper plumper! My skin loves it a few times a week under moisturiser. Review will follow.

And lastly, a firm favourite I've gotten back into last year ...

Nice lemons! Yes, the humble yet mighty lemon - I drink a cup of hot boiled water with a few squeezes of lemon juice, first thing, most mornings and I think it really helps to keep skin clear as well as a multitude of other benefits. You get used to the early morning 'zing' (I'm not being rude here!) and I actually miss it when I don't have time to have my lemon water!

So those are my favourites from 2013 that I'm taking into 2014 - have you used any of them?

Jen x

Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliners - Review and Swatches

Bonjour!

These are my Mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliners.  I won Midnight (top) in a Twitter competition and Black Violet (bottom) was included in a QVC kit a while ago.

Midnight is an intense velvety black and Black Violet is, as the name suggests, a deep violet with a hint of metallic.  You can use as a standard eyeliner to create a fine line in or outside of the waterline (although I only use out) or as more of an eyeshadow stick and blend for a heavier/smokier look - they must be smudged fairly quickly though - first 30-40 seconds or so - after that they are set for the day.   Mally is known for her bulletproof products and these eyeliners certainly live up to that claim.  If you've ever seen her in action on QVC you'll have seen the vigorous rubbing  of swatches on her hand - I've tried this at home myself and they really don't shift! Applied first thing in the morning before 7, they are still in place with no smudges after 10 at night when I've come to remove - also brilliant on a night out! They are soft and silky to apply and glide smoothly across the lid with no pulling or dragging whatsoever. I reckon these are probably the creamiest eyeliners I've used and are my favourites of all the Mally products so far (I think!).


Just applied on the upper lid here ...

The Evercolor Eyeliners seem to only be available in the UK at QVC in various kits - which actually makes them quite affordable.  I'm sure fellow Mallynistas out there will have picked up a few in their time - you know who you are!

Have you tried any products from Mally Beauty? Which eyeliners are you loving at  the moment?


Jen x

August/Holiday Favourites...

Bonjour!

These are my favourite products from this year's holiday (which was obviously in August!) ... photographed by the side of the pool - she says wistfully...must forget about the pool and the sun for another year!

Clockwise ... (sort of!) ...

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Cream Factor 30 - although the recent bout of eczema has cleared up on my face and neck I needed sun protection which was gentle but effective in case it re-appeared whilst on holiday - this was just the ticket.  I smoothed it on every morning over my face and neck after moisturising - super easy to apply and provided the protection I needed - a lovely product and one I would repurchase.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit - you can see it in action in my NOTD post here. Absolutely love this vibrant juicy colour. Don't want to put it away for autumn/winter - not going to just yet!

Wild About Beauty Multi-Purpose Tint -  a super summer and holiday product. Gives a natural flush which you can see in my review here.

Sanctuary Spa Skin Perfecting BB Cream (Medium to Dark) - can't believe I reviewed this a whole year ago here , it was also included in last year's August Favourites and here it is again! This is in fact the same tube with plenty left (and in date of course) so I've used it again.  I said it last year - because it's quite pigmented it's a lovely product to use on holiday and keeps that bit of glow on yer kite once you return. Another product I'm not yet ready to retire for the season just yet!

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Duo - I got hold of this from QVC on easy pay instalments during the the last Beauty Day. A leave-in conditioning spray, a leave-in Elasticizer?  It was certainly a lifesaver on holiday and kept the frizzies at bay good style. Full review to follow when I've done a bit more road-testing!

Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder - still loving this bronzer - perfect for holiday evenings - full review here.

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - been using this for a couple of months now and it works really well to lighten up those dark circles - full review to follow.

Oh - and then there was this little beauty ...

Now - I have to say I'm not a big drinker but I did find that this super-cheap vino from our local French supermarket went down very easily indeed and is - unfortunately a distant memory! Stupidly we only bought the one box. Must make room for more next year!

So ... those are the favourites. Still wishing I was beside that pool  ... however with the  kids back to school this week I'm pretty sure I won't have time to think about holidays, pools, sunshine and the like!

What were your August or holiday favourites?

Jen x

Calling All Mallynistas!!

Bonjour!

I must admit to somewhat hyperventilating when I saw a preview of Todays Special Value on QVC from Mally Beauty! Anyone who's a  fellow 'Mallynista' will know where I'm coming from...I mean would you just look at it ...!

Mally 6 Piece Easy on the Eyes Collection...all you have to do is choose which eyeshadow palette you want to play with...!

In the Buff 

I  Love Color

Here are the details of the kit from the QVC website...

Contains:

• 1 x Eyeshadow Palette 
• 1 x Volumizing Mascara 
• 3 x Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliners 
• 1 x Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener 
• 1 x sharpener
• 1 x double ended eyeshadow brush in compact
• 1 x instructional booklet                                                                                                            (source)

All this lovely lot is priced at £39.98 (the approximate price of the eyeshadow palette if purchased alone) plus p&p for today only. Further details can be found at QVC here.

Are you a fan of Mally Beauty? Will you be taking advantage of this special offer?

Jen x

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

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

Mally Beauty on QVC Beauty Day!!

Bonjour!

Just to let you  know that it's QVC Beauty Day - all day! Exciting! Apparently it's the 'Biggest Beauty Day of 2013'. Everything on air is in 4 easy pay instalments plus web-only offers ... what's not to love?

Check out the superb 'Today's Special Value' (TSV) from Mally Beauty ...

"Mally Beauty is a collection of high-performance products that encompass simple techniques from celebrity make-up artist Mally Roncal. From gorgeous daytime simplicity to red-carpet-ready glamour, Mally has the answer with proven products that last all day."

'source' 

The 7 piece kit is amazing value - contains Mally's Poreless Primer, Under Eye Brightener, New Instant Impact Mascara in Black, High Shine Liquid Lipstick in 'Delish', Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner in 'Black Violet', Evercolor Shadow Stick in 'Antique Taupe', Brow Fix plus silver shoulder bag ... all this lot for £43.96 (plus p+p) in easy pay instalments! For more information about each product full details directly from QVC are here!  If you haven't seen Mally on QVC you can check her out on one of today's shows - she's brilliant - always brings a smile to my face!

Looks like Beauty Day also includes shows from Liz Earle, Leighton Denny, L'Occitane, Decleor and more!  I've already ordered the Mally TSV and can see that I'll be tuning in - on and off - all day at this rate - dangerous! Don't forget that the TSV is on offer for today only (if it lasts that is!) and with the QVC '30 day money back guarantee' you can't go wrong in my book!

Will you be tuning into QVC to check out today's offers?


Jen x