No 7 BB Lips in Blush Pink - Review

Bonjour!

A good few months ago my future sister-in-law waltzed into our house sporting lovely luscious lips - she is quite a bit younger than me though so this isn't totally surprising! Of course the beauty blogger in me had to ask where she got them from so I could go out and get some for myself ...! And that's how I ended up with the  No7 BB Lips in Blush Pink ...

The No 7 BB lips is meant to provide  3 benefits in one tube - nourishment, SPF15 protection and a hint of colour.  Dead easy to apply from the little squeezy tube with it's angled applicator, it feels like a balm and looks like a lip-gloss but without the 'sticky-lip' thing (how many years did I walk around with sticky lips - did you?!).  I went for Blush Pink as I can't seem to do gloss paired with full on colour (just me) so this is ideal as it's pretty sheer. It does look quite bright in the above swatch, but as I guess my own lips are a bit darker, once on it ends up like 'my own lips' with a bit of that  juicy 'just bitten' thing? Keeps 'em feeling moisturised and plumped and the added SPF is a definite bonus, especially for the Summer months. It's all about a dewy, natural looking pout and it's a great little product to pop in your handbag for everyday wear, you know when you want a bit of something you can stick on without having to use a mirror!  Clearly I did not look in the mirror though before I took this pic as my specs are all over the place!

And speaking of pouts, I cannot do that thing.  Others can pull it off  but try as I might I am just not a 'pouter' and end up looking like a complete pratt (as you can see below) - it's one of life's great mysteries to me - please read on for your own amusement!

 a) I need the loo b)  I'm constipated or c) I have trapped wind! Take your pick!

BB Lips cost £9/11ml tube, I guess now would be a good time to get one with all the No7 money off vouchers floating around!  Have you tried the No7 BB Lips? What's your favourite balm/gloss product? And most importantly - can you pout in it?

Jen x

Beauty Haulage ...!

Bonjour!

I haven't done a haul post since January (even then it was pathetic) so here are a few bits I've picked up over the last couple of months ...

E45 Repair and Protect Overnight Hand Cream - on offer in Boots - the old hands need some TLC.  Not tried it yet but it will be placed on my bedside table shortly!

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil and Balm -  I'd run out of my beloved DHC Cleansing Oil and not got round to re-ordering so decided to give the Camomile Cleansing Oil a go. The dilemma set in as I entered The Body Shop and discovered they had a buy one get one half price offer on - the rest is history ...

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence and Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray - buy one get one free in Boots. I'm a big fan of the Thickening Essence so got the Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray as the freebie. I've had a couple of  'tries' with it and can't decide if I like it or not so will follow up on that!

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Everstrong Shampoo and Nourishing Intense Mask - these were both half price in Sainsburys and I've been meaning to repurchase from this range since my review here.  

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - after using a sample from an old beauty box, I grabbed this on offer from Amazon.  Still loving it for it's hydrating properties but you really have to get used to the smell!  It's all a bit confusing but my sample was fragrance free (yet with a bit of scent to it) and this large size is the original - to me it smells a bit strange, really industrial, like new plastic? It's a fragrance (if you can call it that) that you have to get used to ... to my mind (and nose) the fragrance free 'smells' much more inviting so will go back to that next time!

No7 Stay Perfect and Moisture Drench Lippies - I used the No7 Match Made Service to help choose these two colours - Pillarbox and Sweet Chestnut.  I had one of those No7 money off vouchers plus they were buy one get one half price - can you tell I like my offers?!  I didn't intend buying brights, I was after a nude lippie but the No 7 lady informed me that for some reason they don't seem to 'do nudes' at the moment - shame!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - as soon as I heard this mascara was a dupe for the Benefit Roller Lash, which I reviewed here, I had to try it out - especially whilst it was on introductory offer! First impressions are good and full review will follow.

Bourjois One Seconde Volume Mascara and Happy Light Primer - I used the Waterproof One Seconde last summer - review here so wanted to try this Ultra Black version - the primer just 'fell' into my basket too as it was half price! I'm useless aren't I?


Have you used any of these products? What beauty bits have you picked up on your travels over the last few weeks?


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

Mostly Haircare Haul ... !

Bonjour!

I need help ... it's true, my obsession with hair products knows no bounds.  Don't get me wrong, I love clothes, shoes and bags too,  but I can generally walk out of a shop having told myself  I don't 'need' a certain item ... doesn't seem to work so much with hair products!  In my defence though these items have been bought over a few weeks and not all in one go and everything you see is, as usual, on offer. I think our Chaka (Khan) hit the nail on the head with the lyrics "Baby, baby when I look at you, I get a warm feeling inside ...!"  - yep that's how I feel about buying new haircare products - sad ...!

Tresemme 7 Day Keratin Smooth and Deep Treatment Masque - both half price.  As soon as I've slept on my hair (what else would I sleep on actually!) it goes crazy curly at the bottom so ends up being tied up, I'm curious to see if the 7 Day Smooth keeps things on the straight and narrow and a hair masque will always come in handy.

Dove Hair Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner - half price in Tesco so it ended up in the shopping trolley - story of my life!

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence - definitely need some of that thang - the middle three words to be exact! Got it on 3 for 2 at Boots just before going on holiday (can't remember what the other two were - it'll come to me at some stage!).

Herbal Essences Dry Shampoos - Clearly Naked and Uplifting Volume - £1.50 each in Superdrug. I use dry shampoo mostly every other day and need shed-loads of the stuff so I'm always on the look-out for a cheaper alternative to ol' faithful Batiste!.

L'Oreal Studio Line Volume Supersizing Spray - actually my second bottle of this spray - works well to volumise - blaming Sam at Honey Go Lightly for this one when she did her 5 Texture Sprays series!


Well ... that's the hair stuff ... I did say 'mostly' haircare - this is the 'non-mostly' make up stuff. Believe it or not this is all I've bought in the way of cosmetics over recent weeks ... (I think!) ...

Make-Up Revolution Blush and Contour in Hot Spice and Romantic Smoked Eyeshadow Palette - finally gave into the hype which is all over the 'beauty blogging' place. At a tenner for the both you can hardly blame me can you?

Soap & Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick in Perfect Day and a couple of  'No7ers' - Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Warm Beige and BB Lips in Blush Pink - reviews to follow.


So that's it for now - at this rate I'll have to grow another couple of heads of hair to use up my stash ...!  What's your shopping weakness -  what gives you a warm feeling inside'?

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

No7 Instant Radiance Concealer - Review

Bonjour!

I've used the No7 Instant Radiance Concealer on and off for a few years. Originally only two shades were available, there now appears to be a third darker colour, however after swatching I stuck with my usual Shade II ... comes in at £13.50 but I had a No7 £3 off voucher ...

The Instant Radiance concealer includes light reflecting particles which are meant to give the impression of having had 'a good night's sleep' (can't remember the last time I had one of those!) and is meant to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

It comes in a click pen with a brush applicator - I use the brush to dot the product on and then blend in (I use my fingers). I've tried it on it's own but it just adds a wash of translucent colour which doesn't cover my dark circles enough and can look a little grey at times. It's quite a light, creamy fluid but layering it on too much can make it sit in my fine lines and just draw attention to the old bags! It works really well, however, when used sparingly in the inner corners of the eye area and over the top of my colour correcting concealer - adds that bit of extra brightness and radiance.  Swatched and blended below ...

I do tend to use this more often when wearing my contact lenses - ie when my eyes are more exposed to the big wide world and need that extra bit of help. It lasts a few hours on and the pen is handy to shove in my make-up bag for any touch-ups during the day (oh dear how wrong does that sound!).  All in all I do like this product for it's highlighting properties and adding a 'finishing touch'.  It's just a matter of finding how it works best for you I guess and if used correctly it does a good job of freshening up my eye area. I've read that this works in a similar way to the YSL Touche Eclat - if I ever get to compare I'll let you know!

Have you tried the No7 Instant Radiance Concealer? What's your favourite way to use it?

Jen x

Birthday Bits ...!

Bonjour!

So you may or may not know that it was my birthday recently - actually it was a while ago now!   The day consisted of some shopping, some family and some food! My musician brother was home so he cooked a 'birthday' curry and my other brother was over in France (where he lives), so he sat within the confines of the laptop (on Skype) situated on the piano to be exact, watching over us and chatting whilst we had dinner - it was like having all the family in the same room! Here are some of my lovely pressies ...!

The Body Shop Bath and Shower Gels from my friend, L'Occitane and Gatineau goodies from my lovely mum. Mac lippie in Lady Danger from a friend and the hubby treated me to the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 (love it!), Real Techniques Core Collection and Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask - good to know he has my scalp's best interests at heart!

Bought myself the No7 Illuminated Make-Up Mirror (half price) with money from a good friend (now I'll be able to see all my wrinkles and open pores illuminated and magnified!) and couldn't resist this long-line 'Run DMC' distressed T from New Look - go me! The lovely bright scarf came all the way from my Aunt in sunny Melbourne, Australia - thanks Auntie J! x

My brother's tasty Sinhalese style chicken curry with aubergine, red pepper and fresh coriander and mum's wonderful triple layer milk choc birthday cake - once you start eating it you can't stop!

So yes - I can't complain - it was good! The only spanner in the works was caused by the boiler packing up at the end of the day - luckily after we had cooked and eaten but there was no long hot pampering soak in the bath that night!  Thankfully we managed to get it sorted pretty sharpish (I nearly hugged the plumber!) - washing hands in cold water was painful after a while! NEVER underestimate the power of a good boiler or a good plumber for that matter chaps!

What do you think of my birthday bits then?  Have you ever hugged your plumber?

Jen x

A Few Beauty Buys ...!

Bonjour!

So over the last month or so I've been picking up a few bits and bobs, here and there ... as you do ...

Actually the first two products aren't 'buys' as such but thought I'd add them in as recent acquisitions!
Pixi Lash Line Ink in Black Silk - I won this in a Twitter comp a while ago - have swatched but not had a proper go yet - to be rectified shortly!
Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny - a belated Christmas pressie from my brother (chosen by myself of course!) - my first Bobbi Brown product - thanks bro!

Picked up the following items when Boots had their recent 3 for 2 offer on a couple of weeks ago ...
Avene Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream - couldn't get hold of my usual Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light so thought I'd give this a go and first impressions are favourable!
Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top and Base Coat Duo - my current Sally Hansen Instadri has gone rather gloopy so thought I'd give this duo a bash.
Max Factor CC in Tanned - this is one of those products that you grab in a rush - when you're faffing around in Boots - trying to choose the third item in a 3 for 2 offer - and running out of time! I wanted a CC - actually the Bourjois CC but couldn't get hold of a suitable colour so ended up with this one - I think it's going to be too light for me having now tried it although it's the darkest of shades available!

Soap & Glory Endless Glove 2in1 Moisture Mask & Hand Cream - I had a Boots voucher to get £3 worth of points on a S&G purchase - my hands need all the moisture they can get at the moment and you can never have too many hand creams right?
Dove Refresh and Care Dry Shampoo - on offer with a third off in Sainsburys - I can't live without dry shampoo (or rather my hair can't) so thought I'd give this a whirl as a change from my usual brands.

And last but not least I took advantage of the current offer of a No7 Pink Blossom Box with 2 No7 products...
No7 Instant Radiance Foundation in Warm Beige - I was recently colour matched and given a sample of this and a couple of other foundations to try by the nice No7 lady - Instant Radiance won the vote and I used my £3 off voucher!
No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush -  actually wanted the No7 Brush Cleaner as my 2nd product but it was sold out and I was running out of time (again) in my lunch break.  I have an ongoing blusher addiction so this seemed like an obvious choice!
Inside the 'Blossom Box' were sample sizes of No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara, High Shine Lip Crayon, Skin Illuminator and Stay Perfect Eye Shadow - I've not tried any of this lot so all welcome!

So that's that for a while - I definitely need to start 'shopping my stash'! I've had to physically restrain myself from going for the current Bourjois offer in Boots of spend £12 on Bourjois and get a free blush or eyeshadow  - I need  help ... help me please ...!

What have you been tempted by recently?

Jen x

NOTD - Barry M Matte Nail Paint in Mocha & No7 Matte Nail Effects

Bonjour!

This is the second of my Barry M Matte Nail Paints - in Mocha  - you can see my NOTD in Crush here.  I love the colours/finish of these Barry M Mattes but the wear time is not so good, so with my recent £3 off Boots voucher I bought the No7 Matte Nail Effects Topcoat (it only came to £4) ...

I took these pictures on two separate occasions and on both days the sun decided to make a welcome appearance - on and off mind! As with Crush, Mocha is not a true matte but has a bit of a sheen to it (as in the first pic), which I don't mind at all. Easy enough to apply but you do need two coats and drying time is average.  It doesn't last without a topcoat and chipped after a day. It's a good laid back, deep neutral shade though and really does look like one of those chilled iced mocha drinks that go down so well in the Summertime - I now have Summertime on my mind - can't come soon enough!

Anyway - the bottom pic is after having applied the No7 Matte Nail Effects topcoat - although it looks opaque in the bottle it goes on clear.  As you can see Mocha is now a proper 'flat matte' with virtually no light bouncing off the nail. With this topcoat the polish lasted two days before chips - so an extra day's grace - still not fantastic but better and to be honest I'm beginning to wonder whether anything will ever last on my nails more than a few days anyway - maybe if I become a lady of leisure someday and employ a cook, cleaner and bottle washer - yeah right!

I know many of us associate nail polish with glossy finish but I do like this effect for a change, it takes it to a whole new level of grunginess don't you think? The No 7 Matte Nail Effects Topcoat is meant to make any polish matte (not just the ones that are meant to be anyway!) - so you could have a field day (should you have the time and patience) messing about with all your different polishes just to see the difference!

Have you tried the Barry M Matte Nail Paints or the No 7 Matte Topcoat?  What do you think of matte polishes?

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

November Favourites, Empties and Whips!

Bonjour!

I imagine this is probably the latest November Favourites/Empties post on the planet - it's well into December and there's so much to do - I'm verging on hysteria! Anyway - just thought I'd try and get it out there .. I've mixed up my favourites and empties as usual...

Phil Smith 'Be Gorgeous' Heat Defence Spray - bought this (what seems like) ages ago when it was half price at Sainsburys and it's practically empty now. A good little heat protection spray this one - I would repurchase - it does what it's supposed to and smells good too!

Laura Geller Baked Cheek Dreams - Neapolitan - a  QVC purchase from a while ago which I'd forgotten about (as you do!) - anyway - dug it out and have been using it a lot over the past month.  As you can see it looks like ice-cream and is a contour, blush and highlighter which can be used separately or all in one go. I love the 'chocolate' shade which - although looks plain brown in the pot is actually more of a deep, velvety, pinky brown once on. The strawberries and cream shades contain a tiny bit of shimmer but too much. As time is usually of the essence in the morning - I've been swirling my brush around the whole lot to grab a bit of each shade and it's worked really well. Quite a good all year round little blush pot!

L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter - a present (just emptied) from my mum which I've used on and off for months, mainly on hands, elbows and feet (if I remember - so bad at foot care!) as a night-time treatment.  A lovely tin-ful of  nourishment here. It's almost solid and waxy (so has lasted for ages) but melts easily once warmed either in your hands or onto your chosen body part! Has the lovely soft aroma associated with the L'Occitane Shea Butter range which I love.

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my favourite winter hand creams.  My hands get even more dried out once the cold weather arrives and this is again - ideal to slather on last thing at night. If you're familiar with this hand cream you'll know it has quite a distinctive fragrance which  personally I like. It's rich, soothing and almost medicinal - love it and have already re-purchased.

Dirty Works Bye Bye Dark Circles Concealer - another Sainsburys buy here. I use the lighter colour for under-eye shadows, it's a little cakey, so have to use sparingly. Also, there is no brightening factor to it but it does a decent job all the same. The darker colour at the bottom is a good match for my overall skin tone so I use it as a general concealer. It does a good cover-up job and doesn't slide off and need touching up too often.  Overall this is a good little concealing kit - only cost me just over £3.00 so a steal when all is said and done!

No 7 Pore Refining Serum - another empty here. I used this earlier in the year and have now just got round to finishing it off. It's nice for a bit of extra hydration under moisturiser but I can't - in all honesty - see that it's had any effect on reducing pore size - which was my ultimate goal - so there won't be a re-purchase. I've noticed that the packaging has changed on Boots website - not sure if the formula has changed or not though.

Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - I had high hopes for these two. Aussie haircare products are loved by so many and are so affordable and smell great. Unfortunately, I'm afraid this combo does absolutely nothing for me - my fine hair is left devoid of any volume and it just hangs there in a limp fashion  - it doesn't weigh it down with product though so no idea what the problem is.  My hair just does not get on with the duo and it's so much more difficult to style. Such a shame.

L'Oreal Revitalift Perfect 10 BB - I'm still in love with this one - it's my perfect BB for this time of year. You can read my full review here.  I find it so versatile for just a bit of cover, as a primer or for layering for a fuller face-on. Fortunately the colour is perfect for me which always helps! Definite re-purchase.

Sorry but I just couldn't resist! I've not had a Walnut Whip in so very long - it's been years -  so when I saw this pack of three in (yes - you guessed - Sainsburys) I just had to indulge! Tasted just as good as I remember too!

When did you last have a Walnut Whip?


Jen x

No 7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara!

Bonjour!

Following on from my recent Mas(s)cara post here are my thoughts on No 7 Fanomenal Lashes mascara.

I bought this a couple of weeks ago as I had a No 7 £5 off voucher, No 7 mascaras aren't the cheapest (Fanomenal is £12.95) so the voucher makes them much more affordable.

The packaging is 'eye-catching' (no pun intended!) although to be honest if the product does it's job I'm not so bothered about it's 'exterior' if you know what I mean!

According to No 7 -

"The unique 'star' brush is made up of clever cogs which load and comb through the lashes to volumise, lengthen and separate, creating a spectacular fan of lashes."

Sounds ideal doesn't it?  Here's the brush ...

So here's the old puny eyelashes without any mascara (told you they were fine!).

And with a quick couple of coats of Fanomenal ...

Nice bit of bloodshot there!

The brush is a bit strange until you 'get the hang of it' (you'll either love or hate it I suppose) but it's the ideal size for my skinny lashes it coats them top and bottom without getting mascara all over my eyelids.

I'm never going to get a huge amount of volume but it does seem to lift and fan lashes out.  It can clump lashes together though (I actually don't mind a lil' bit of clumpage!) so have a good scrape of the brush, especially if adding extra coats of mascara. I also had to do the old 'wiggle of the wand' from side to side! A decent black pigment and didn't smudge or flake and lasted all day  - went to the gym as well and it was still there in all it's glory when I took it off that night!

I'm happy with this mascara, (you know you like it when you find yourself reaching for the same one each morning) and will buy it again but I have so many others to use up I'll have to resist 'stockpiling' for now!

The final test for me is whether my lashes are 'there' when I wear my geeky specs ...looks like I'm in a bit of a trance there, sorry!

Anybody else fancy a bit of 'Fanomenal'? What's your favourite mascara of the moment?


Jen x