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

Wild About Beauty - Multi Purpose Tint - Review

Bonjour!

Wild About Beauty is co founded by former Eternal member Louise Redknapp and international make-up artist Kim Jacob.  I love the concept of the range which revolves around wearable, easy to use products to create a fresh, glowing look - sounds like a busy mum's dream eh?  You can read more on their website here.

The Multi-Purpose Tint in shade 'Maggie' was part of a 'try-out' kit recently on special offer from QVC  at £19.99 - see the full kit here.  To buy alone it is priced at around £16.50/3.75g

It comes boxed in a sleek compact complete with mirror and can be used to enhance eyes, lips and cheeks. According to the Wild About Beauty website the benefits are as follows ...

"Infused with skin beneficial anti-oxidants, Vitamins A and E, this ultra light, soft and blendable formula is really easy to apply, guaranteeing a natural-looking, glowing finish."  (source)

Swatched/blended and on the cheeks (or should I say cheek!) below ...

In the pan the colour is quite a fleshy tone - once applied, it takes on more of 'girly' rosy hue.  I've worn it over a BB cream for a dewy, almost translucent flush with no shimmer. Unfortunately it doesn't tend to last too long once on - no point applying too much in one go as I don't want to look like Aunt Sally.  I have, however, tried dabbing it over foundation and/or bronzer.  The colour sticks around for much longer used in this way (a good few hours in fact) so a much better result. You don't actually need an awful lot of product - it's easy enough to apply and blends in well (whichever way I use it) and hasn't caused me any spots or breakouts.  On the lips - it's not too light, not too dark with a naturally pretty pink tone. It can be built up for a stronger pout but again, doesn't last too long (on my lips anyway - maybe I just eat and drink too often!).

If you don't mind re-applying now and then and want a juicy wash of pretty colour to enhance/mingle with your natural flush (I took the Multi-Purpose Tint on holiday this year and it was perfect) then this is a lovely option for Summertime!

Have you tried out any products from Wild About Beauty?

Jen  x

My Boy's Birthday!

Bonjour!

This week it was my boy's birthday - it's ridiculous how fast he's growing up - I don't feel mature enough myself to be a parent to a  teenager! Mum did him proud with one of her wonderful cake creations...!

I started with slight twinges that morning (two weeks before my due date) - all those years ago. My husband dropped me off - complete with my pre-packed maternity bag, at Mum and Dads while he went into work. Gradually throughout the day the pains intensified and by early evening I was sat on the settee with my two brothers jotting down the times between contractions (whilst playing on their latest games console next to me!).  Had to ring the hubby to tell him to cancel his footie match after work as the baby was definitely coming.  I asked for an epidural at the hospital but the midwives said it was too late - I was apparently too far on - so that was that - only gas and air!  He was born just after 11 that evening after a short(ish) sharp labour!  A few things that stick out in my mind ... being ferried off in a wheelchair to bed with this tiny bundle in my arms thinking - er..I have a baby! And the next morning waking up with his little face right next to mine - (they'd put him in bed next to me in the middle of the night to keep him warm!) his eyes were open and it was as if he was thinking - right mum - let's get on with it!  Also remember having a bit of a cry that day (pumped full to the brim of hormones) after the extremely stern midwife told me off for not knowing why the baby was still crying after I'd fed, changed and winded him ...!

This was the tune at Number 1 at the time...

Spiller - Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)  

It's a good one alright - not that I got to dance to it for quite a long time after he was born... ;) !

Jen x

NOTD - Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit

Bonjour!

This is the Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit that my daughter chose for herself a few months ago. I decided to take it on holiday with us this year ...

With the Barry M Gellies people seem to either love em or hate em. I'm getting to quite like em!  Granted they can be pretty glupey to apply at times but if you can get the knack (and I'm gradually getting there) then it's worth the effort I reckon.  Freed of my usual pesky domestic duties the polish (plus topcoat) was going on for three days before wearing on the ends, which I was pretty impressed with.  I did take a couple of other polishes on holiday but loved this colour so much I ended up just using this one all week!  'Grapefruit' has that vinyl effect high shine associated with the Gellies - a super-vibrant, almost fluorescent pink with coral vibes - a perfect poolside bright!

Do you get on with the Barry M Gelly? Which is your favourite?

Jen x

Holiday Skincare ...!

Bonjour!

As I may have mentioned we're 'Eurotunneling' into France this year so I can pack more goodies than usual - hurray for big car boots!  However ... when I'm on holiday I just want to faff about as little as possible so the simpler the routine the better...! Quite a few of this lot are magazine freebies or sample sizes from past beauty boxes which I need to use up...

1  Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - part of a recent QVC kit. Removes even the most stubborn of eye make-up so thought it would come in useful as I'm always mascara'd up - even on holiday!

2  Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - a magazine freebie from yonks ago - got a real zesty and refreshing smell so good to use in the mornings.

3  DHC  Deep Cleansing Oil - I have a couple of these sample sizes from past beauty boxes. I reckon an oil cleanser will be pretty soothing and effective at getting shut of all the grime after a day in the sun.

4  Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - decanted into this travel size from my larger version.

5  Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I wouldn't normally take a full size glass bottle but I know this will deliver on the hydration front am/pm. Full review here.

6  Neals Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture - from one of my very first Beauty Boxes last year and still not got stuck into it! I have used this a few times recently and it's light and hydrating and also doesn't upset any eczema which may crop up - so perfect for holiday.

7  Gatineau Defi-Lift Revolumising Lip Care - still a nightly favourite for lip plumping so it's in the bag! Full review here.

8  Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - just taking the one for morning and evening use. This is another from a beauty box that need using - meant to be soothing, brightening and lifting.

So those are my holiday skincare picks this year.  Have you used any of the above products at home or abroad? Which are your favourites?

Jen x