August Empties

 

 

It's that time again peeps where I share all my monthly empties! I've had a good month finishing stuff up and can't wait to work my way through products next month!

• GOOD THINGS- Soothing Exfoliating Scrub. Your standard normal body scrub, smells of passion fruit and peach. With superfruits kiwi fruit and papaya extracts. It's not what I would call an abrasive scrub, it's very gentle and moisturising. If you wanted a deeper exfoliation you can apply apply to dry skin. Repurchase? No
• Amazon Series MuruMuru Anti-Frizz Keratin Conditioner- OMG! OMG! This is amazing, I have NEVER EVER smelt anything like this. This conditioner is my HOLY GRAIL conditioner and all other conditioners should take a bow in it's presence. Seriously you can't appreciate how good this is until you try it. I will be buying another bottle without a shadow of a doubt. You can only buy it from Nuusuite.com. There is a shampoo which I've not tried yet but would love to. Repurchase? HELL YEAH!
• Estee Lauder Idealist- I enjoyed using this so much, I like the scent and the formulation is lovely. My skin feels a million dollars when using this. This was only a small 7ml sample but you don't need a lot and I only used it on my T-Zone area to help minimise my pores. I can't I noticed a difference in the short space of time using it but my skin felt amazing and my foundation applied like a dream. Repurchase? It's going on my Birthday list!
• TOMMYGUNS Colour Save Intensive Masque- I used this masque up pretty quickly, I think the key is having your hair Masques in your bathroom within arms reach rather than you getting in the bath or the shower and then remembering that you wanted to use a hair masque! ha ha! So once this pot made its way in my bathroom organiser thingy it soon got divulged and used up. It felt nice and my hair felt hydrated, I can't say I noticed anything special about the colour of my hair. Repurchase? No
• Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath & Shower Gel- This rather hefty travel size came with a Glossybox a few months back. I'm so glad it did because I don't think a lot of people had heard of the brand before hand. Noble Isle have a range of luxury products for the body and home. I've just reviewed their beautiful scent Willow Song. Repurchase? No, not yet because I have a small cupboard full of shower gels to use up, however if I didn't and wanted to treat myself- yes I would.
• Caudalie Vinosource Serum S.O.S- This has to be one of my favourite products (besides the Caudalie Beauty Elixir) of 2012! I'm so thankful to Glossybox for putting this in their Natural box. I didn't use it till a little while after and then after the 2nd/3rd application my skin looked plump and healthy! I knew it was going to be winner then. Great for dehydrated skin which mine can sometimes get despite been combination with a terrible t-zone. The consistency takes a little getting use to but a little goes a long way. Repurchase? YES!
• Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel- I've mentioned this product many times on my blog and this is probably my 3rd tube. It's very effective and very gentle on the skin. Great if you're concerned about ageing. Special ingredients such as Pineapple, Papaya, Bladderwrack, Sunflower and Vitamin E. As you can imagine it smells good! I use this the same way as a facial masque and remove the same way. My skin looks and feels great afterwards. This is a true treat because it's a little on the pricey side for a facial exfoliator but that's because it is special. Repurchase? Go on then! 
• Caudalie Vine Body Butter- I'm going to make this one pretty quick, don't like the smell, don't like the texture. Repurchase? No thanks! 
• NUXE 24HR Moisturizing Anti-Fatigue Concentrate- I LOVED using this sample up, the texture is lovely, like a gel/cream. The smell was pleasant and my skin enjoyed the extra moisture.  Repurchase- YES! 
• KORRES POMEGRANATE Cleansing & Make up Removing Wipes- I have a love hate relationship with facial wipes. One minute I love them, I love the convenience of them the next I hate them because they leave me with break outs! Repurchase? NO- Yes? I don't know!!! 
  
• NUXE Nirvanesque Eye contour Cream- This eye cream really intrigued me, it has a opalescent sheen to it. Which helps diminise the look fo dark circles, the scent is nice. It contains Blue Lotus Flower. Repurchase? Yes, but I have an eye cream ready to use so will probably hold off at the moment but I really want a full size!
• Percy & Reed Moisturising Shampoo- This smells amazing! My hair felt great afterwards. Repurchase? No I have heaps of shampoos to use up, plus this is a little out of my price range!

So there you have it my lovelies! Have you tried any of these products?

Have you been good and used up any products this month?

Sherrie xoxo

Elemis- Fabulous TSV Tomorrow on QVC!

Elemis have an amazing TSV tomorrow (Saturday 1st September) which is not be missed!
To celebrate 10years of the Cult Favourite Papaya Enzyme Peel. Elemis have teamed up with an exciting new charity SOCO. For every product sold Elemis will provide a 5-in-1 Pentavalent vaccine to immunise a child in Africa against 5 leading diseases. The Papaya Enzyme Peel has been vamped up by British designer Laura Oakes, she designed a beautiful exotic print which is very eye catching. The anniversary Papaya Enzyme Peel has been included in a gorgeous anti-ageing kit made up of Elemis's favourites, this is an EXCLUSIVE set just for QVC viewers.

Shows- 12am, 10am, 2pm, 5pm, 7pm. & 10pm

The kit includes five Elemis anti-ageing products including NEW Pro-Intense Lift Effect, NEW Pro-Intense Eye & Lip Contour Cream and two other favourites which will be revealed live on air,  along with the price. However you will be saving over a whooping £70!! The collection will be presented in a gorgeous silver keepsake box! Making it the perfect treat for yourself or the perfect gift for someone special.
I know I'll be staying up tonight to watch the midnight episode. I love watching the Elemis shows, I sit with my pad and jot down all the tips. With Christmas around the corner this would making an amazing gift, or why not split it up and make a couple gifts from it!

Will you be tuning in and treating yourself or a loved one?

Sherrie xoxo

Noble Isle \ Willow Song bath & Shower Gel

Today's blog post is very exciting, just take a moment to really appreciate this beautiful packaging from Noble Isle.

 

What do you think? Stunning right? Noble Isle is a very stylish chic brand which I think more people need to know about. You may have heard of them recently, since Glossybox featured a nice travel size Bath & Shower gel of the Summer Rising in one of their boxes. Anyhow onto the exciting Willow Song bath & Shower gel*. My first thoughts about the packaging was Oh la la! I likey likey. Then after unpacking the beautiful ribbon I was not disappointed, I knew I wouldn't be after using Summer Rising from the Glossybox. The packaging is very luxurious and stands out, it looks very professional and distinctive. Willow Song smells a beautiful as it sounds, willow bark and water lily are the key extracts. Noble Isle use the finest ingredients and natural extracts, meaning the fragrance lingers on the skin for many hours after. Noble Isle have a range of different products, body lotions, hair products, hand wash, hand lotion, soap bars and candles!

I would love to try their body lotion, hand wash and hair care products! They do come at a cost mind you, but these would be perfect for treating yourself or a loved one.

Noble Isle say-

An unreservedly romantic fragrance, remindful of floaty green florals and mellow woods, enriched with extracts of willow bark and water lily, known for their soothing properties.

 250ml / £20.00

I think their fragrance Sampler Set is a great way of trying the brand and sampling the scents, the set contains the four key scents, 30ml bottles presented beautifully in their chic stylish packaging. The sampler set only costs £10. This would make a wonderful gift, I know I would be made up if I received this.

Have you tried Noble Isle? What scent would you like to try best?

Sherrie xoxo

Antipodes / Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum

30ml / £41.99

Antipodes is becoming a popular brand, founded in New Zealand. I'm using their Juliet Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser which is a keeper! You can read my full review here. I've since been using their Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum*. I'm going to jump right in and say the formulation is lovely, very light and sinks into the skin quickly which I like. That's because it's a water-based serum. The colour looks very similar to the Juliet Cleanser, I'm guessing that's down to the fruit ingredients, grapes and kiwifruit. These are grown and sustainably managed in New Zealand vineyards and orchards, and are traceable back to their origin. They are naturally extracted by a method that uses nothing more than pure water.

www.antipodesnature.com

The key Ingredient, Vinanza Performance Plus, is scientifically shown to have a very positive skin brightening effect after 5 days of use.
Apostle claims to target pigmentation and uneven tone. Brighten your complexion and reduce redness or erythema. I don't have pigmentation but I do suffer from redness and having an oily complexion my skin can look dull. All of these factors have a dramatic anti ageing effect and the Apostle serum is almost like a youth elixir! Pro-longing youth! I use this day and night after cleansing and toning before my moisturiser.
I like the simplicity of the packaging and the pipette applicator means no wastage on the product front which gets the thumbs up from me!

Antipodes is available online from feelunique.com

Have you tried the Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting serum?

Sherrie xoxo

Deep heat / Muscle Rescue

I was sent some products a little while ago targeted around muscle discomfort. Well I unfortunaltey I recently hurt my back and reached for these right away. I've always had a weakness in back which happened many years ago but I really hurt it bad the other weekend which put me out of it for a week. I've been to a physio a couple times and since seeing the physio, exercises and using these products I'm now happy to say I'm on the road to recovery. 

 

Deep Relief / Ibuprofen & Levomenthol
This is the one product I've used the most and reached for the most, the Deep Relief gel helped to numb the dull ache and ease my discomfort. of course you can't take any Ibuprofen tablets, and if you're in any doubt you should always speak to your doctor or pharmacist first before using any type of pain relief or medication. I've used Ibuprofen Gel before so knew this would be fine to use. After reading about Deep Relief Gel* and seeing the benefit and effect it has had it's really impressed me. It helps relieve rheumatic pain and muscular aches, pains and swellings such as strains and sprains and sports injuries in adults and children over 12 years.  YOU MUST WASH YOUR HANDS after using this!

 It is a licensed medicine, available in 50g | £5.10 and 100g £10.20.

  
Deep Heat Muscle Rescue
These next two products where more of a nice treat, I use the Muscle Soak every time I have a bath. The smell is amazing and very therapeutic, essential oils rosemary, patchouli and orange help to soothe and ease daily stress, aches and muscle tension. I love that this is soothing for my mind and back.
I haven't used the neck & shoulder Cream yet, because thankfully I've not had a sore neck or shoulders. I have smelt the product and it has a very similar herbal aroma as the Muscle Soak. I like the packaging, a tube is great for travelling making it perfect for the handbag or coat pocket. There's a special sponge applicator at the end which means you don't need to get your hands messy.

 

Bath Soak* £5.49 / Neck & Shoulder Cream* £5.99

Available from Pharmacies and Supermarkets.

Do you suffer from a bad back?

Sherrie xoxo

Facial Sprays -Five of the best

 

Facial sprays have become quite the accessory now, thanks to Caudalie and their very popular Beauty Elixir I think a lot more people have and are becoming more familiar with a facial spray. I have a few in my stash and wanted to share why I love them all.

Institut Esthederm / Eau Cellulaire Spray

110ml | £12.25

Institut Esthederm is a brand which I've become more familiar with, I've been reaching for this when I've been feeling hot and bothered. This is a great spray to carry with you in the car if you're feeling hot, suitable for all skin types. It contains the same water found in our skin, so this is basically replacing our skin with skin friendly water! I love the cold burst of water sprayed on the face, the aerosol and packaging is very good, it disperses a good generous layer of water.

Liz Earle / Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritizer

200ml | £13.00

Liz Earle is famous for her natural  honest products, Instant Boost Skin Tonic smells very aromatic and relaxing. This is actually a toner but in a spritz bottle. I have the normal packaged bottle on my cabinet which I use often but find the spritz great for revitalising you during the day or through the summer as part of your evening routine. Suitable for all skin types, contains organic aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, cucumber and Vitamin E.

L'OCCITANE / Angelica Hydration Face Mist

100ml | £15.00

Voted Cosmopolitan's Best Facial Refresher, the Angelica Hydration Facial Mist is another great scented facial spray. Great for instantly refreshing skin and hydrating skin fast. The scent is a must if you like white floral scents. Also great for helping makeup last longer. Full Review here.

Institut Esthederm / UVinCellium Spray

100ml | £28.50

This particular facial spray is very special and sadly this comes with a hefty price tag! The price does reflect the quality of the ingredients and benefits. You can read a full review here.

Caudalie / Beauty Elixir

30ml | £9.90

Sadly I am nearly all out of this and have been trying to make it last so I've not been using it as much and boy have I noticed a difference in my skin! I've been getting blemishes left right and centre, my pores are looking rubbish again! I can't praise this enough, I know it's not for everyone but if you suffer from blemish prone skin I would recommend you try the purse spray. You can read a full review here. 

Have you tried any of the facial sprays mentioned? What is your favourite facial spray?

Sherrie xoxo

NEW GOSH BB Cream / Beige Review & Swatch

Listen up GOSH fans and also BB Cream lovers, GOSH are launching their very own BB cream. An 'All in one' making it a foundation, primer and moisturiser and I've been putting it to the test. I'm a huge BB fan, I've tried lots so I know what to look for. Everyone has different expectations and for me I look for coverage and finish. I've tried the GOSH BB cream as a primer and worn alone as a foundation. Some BB Creams cover well but I find they can leave the skin looking a tad wishy washy, hence using them as primer and then using a foundation over the top for even coverage. Luckily this is not the case with this one.Since my skin has become slightly problematic I've opted for a heavier coverage, I use to feel completely happy with a tinted moisturiser or a BB Cream alone, but sadly this is no longer the case. I like medium coverage which covers up blemishes and fine lines without looking caked or heavy on the skin.
The coverage is great, it covers up fine lines and imperfections which are important to me now I'm getting older. You're also protected with an SPF15.

 

 

 

 Gosh BB Cream 30ml / £7.99

This is the perfect shade for me, I'm normally beige or nude in most foundations or BB creams, which tends to be the 2nd lightest shade. I'm not normally ever the lightest shade because I find them them to be pink toned where as I have more of a yellow under tone to my skin. There are five adapting skin shade to pick from, so hopefully no one will have a problem finding one.You can purchase GOSH online from Superdrug and also in store, I couldn't find a link to it online so your best bet is to check your local store.

Will you be picking up the New GOSH BB Cream?

Sherrie xoxo

MURAD Hybrids \ Skin Perfecting Primer

 

 MURAD Skin Perfecting Primer* £29.00 / 30ml

www.murad.co.uk

Primers have become a staple item in my foundation routine and one which I rarely miss out. Having combination skin normally means an oily t-zone which I happen to experience daily. Some times of the month it seems worse but generally I have it under control. Other benefits to using a good primer under foundation is longevity, even finish and one which I like- minimises pores. I've been using Murad's new 'blemish and shine control' skin perfecting primer for a little while now. The Murad Hybrids are special because they treat the skin making the skin healthier over time whilst helping to reduce future breakouts and minimise shine. I don't use this every day but every other day because I found my skin started to peel slightly. The tinted formulation is great, it helps cover minor flaws and gives a nice base ready for foundation application. I love the matte finish it gives and I know when I have this underneath my foundation I know it will last all day. Depending on your skin concerns I'm sure you'll find a hybrid suitable for you!

MURAD say-

Reduces and prevents breakouts with Salicylic Acid while evening and refining skin texture. Used under or in place of foundation, this dual-functioning cosmetic treatment minimises the appearance of pores and eliminates shine, leaving the skin with a smooth, matte finish. 

You can purchase Murad's new Hybrids online from Beauty Bay, they currently have 20% off which is fab!

Have you tried Murad's new Hybrids? 

Sherrie xoxo

NARS Autumn/Winter 2012 | Eyeliner Stylo

 

 

I've taken a big liking to wearing eye liner recently which some of you may already know. I'm not the best at applying eye liner but find felt pen liners are relatively easy. I've been using the new Nars Eyeliner Stylo* in the shade Atlantic. I love this eye liner and can't get enough of it, the packaging is very sleek and chic which you would expect from Nars. The nib is the perfect length and dense enough to give a nice neat line but also flexible enough to create a nice curve or flick. It doesn't leak or smudge when applying which is another bonus, so many eye liners leak and then smudge when applying. The colour is very intense and evenly pigmented, it's quick drying which is great for impatience people like myself. I found the formulation to last all day even without any primer.

The beautiful deep blue really looks striking against green hazel eyes, this is the perfect Autumn shade which looks amazing worn alone or with a smokey taupe eye. It's a very classy and stylish shade.

 

 

You can purchase the Nars Eyeliner Stylo and the full Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection online www.hqhair.com

Have you tried the New Nars Eyeliner Stylo Pens? Have you seen the New A/W collection?

Sherrie xoxo

Anna Sui \ Fairy Dance EDT

My latest fragrance crush has to be the newly launched fragrance by Anna Sui. Meet Fairy Dance*, the box is very eye catching and bright. Adorned with a plethora of flowers, the box even shimmers like fairy mist adding to the whole experience. The bottle is 3-sides reminiscent of the original Secret Wish bottle. The bottle is adorned with a fairy on the top! The fragrance is a soft peachy shade making it very feminine and alluring.

Sparkling Top Notes

Tangerine, Mango & Pink Pepper

Heart Notes

Rose (Anna Sui's favourite flower), Peony & Bamboo

Base Notes

Sandalwood, Vetiver & Vanilla.

The combination of the notes gives the fragrance a playful magical seductive charm, a must for all ladies. Overall I adore the packaging, this is definitely a perfume which would catch my eye. I love the scent even more, I've been using this perfume daily since it joined my little perfume collection. It's the perfect daily scent which can be worn all year round.

50ml / £36

Available from your local Debenhams or online www.debenhams.com

Have you seen Fairy Dance?

Sherrie xoxo

The Bakewell Soap Co

The Bakewell Soap Company has a big range of soaps for the face and body. I was kindly sent their Bee Keeper's Delight facial soap and their Rejuvenating Detox Facial Soap which smells unbelievable!All soap are handmade with scratch, with full control over the oils and contents making them very natural and pleasing on the skin. I wanted to point out that the natural soaps contain 3% Golden Jojoba Oil which remains in the bar, leaving skin cleansed and moisturised. The two soaps which I have are both from the problem skin range, they help sensitive skins.

Bee Keeper's Delight 80g / £4.95

For people with highly sensitive skin or sufferers of common aliments. Made from a blend of goats milk, organic honey and beeswax to provide the mildest of anti-bacterial lathers that help protect skin. This is the perfect soap for sensitive skins, plus anyone who loves honey!

Rejuvenating Detox Soap 80g / £4.95

Packed with anti-oxidants and retinoids that help protect against cell damage. Pink and white Argiletz clays help draws toxins while witch hazel helps keep skin clear. Made with 100% botanical extracts.


You can purchase both of these soaps and many more online from www.bakewellsoap.co.uk

Have you tried any facial soaps?

Sherrie xoxo

Miner's Cosmetics | Tin O' Tint Lip Balm

I'm a big lip balm fan, I use lip balm every day. I have always suffered from dry cracked lips so need to use a balm all year round. I have lip balms in my car, in my hand bag, in my coat pockets and by my bedside. I enjoy wearing a colour on my lips so finding a lip balm which hydrates the lips and leaves a wash of colour is my ideal product! The newest lip balms which I've been testing out are by the brand Miner's Cosmetics. The Tin o' Tint lip balms* not only look good but they smell good! They tint the lips whilst caring for them, they gave a lovely noticeable tint and feel very hydrating on the lips. I think these look fun and would make a great gift for a friend. They're super cheap as well only costing £2.99 each. I have been using the new 3 shades but they do have their original shades, Cherry, Watermelon and Vanilla. I bet the Cherry and Watermelon flavours are good enough to eat!

A baby pink tint, smells very refreshing

A nude natural tint, smells like yummy caramel

 

A peach/coral tint, smells very fruity

 You can purchase the new Tin o' Tints online from www.minerscosmetics.co.uk  

These shades are so wearable and also look great over the top of lipsticks, if you find your lipstick dries quickly these would be great to apply over the top for added moisture. Plus they give you a nice sheen to the lips, the Tin o' Tints certainly get the thumbs up from me! 

Have you tried any of the Miners Tin o' Tints? What's your favourite flavour?

Sherrie xoxo

Avon | Ideal Flawless

 

I recently bought Avon's most talked about foundation, Ideal Flawless foundation. I've seen this particular foundation raved about on a few beauty blogs and finally got round to ordering it from my grans catalogue ha ha! I was really stuck on the shade, there were heaps to pick from. So in the end I opted for a sample, I think I only paid £1.50 for this little sample. I decided to go for NUDE and I'm happy to report this shade is perfect for my skin tone. It doesn't make my skin look washed out and gives a nice even coverage. When I first tried this I wasn't won over and was in fact very disappointed, but after trying it again with a primer I liked the finish better. I wanted to point out that the sample felt empty, I had to squeeze the tube together to get any product out. I've had 3 applications from the tube and think I can just about squeeze one more. Which isn't bad going I know, but I expected to the tube to be filled up. I'm not totally won over by this foundation so don't think I will be purchasing a full size for the full price. However if this comes up on offer which chances are it will, I would probably purchase a bottle then but I'm in no rush. You can see me wearing this foundation in this blog post here.

 

 Sample Size £1.50 

I've been addicted to watching YouTube makeup videos, especially the lovely Pixiwoo sisters. So when I watched a couple tutorials by Sam using the Flawless Cream to Powder Compact I knew I had to order it. Plus when I did order it, it was only £5! Normally priced at £12, so that was a great bargain. I have combination skin with a menacing oily t-zone, I often have to blot mid afternoon and re-apply loose/pressed powder. So I thought if I tried a foundation like this it may last longer on my skin. Well how wrong was I? I really wanted to love this compact but the finish looked awful on me. The foundation clung to my fine lines and my dry areas and just didn't give me the coverage I wanted despite it claiming to give a medium to full coverage. I'm not sure if I'm applying it wrong, I've not bothered using the sponge which comes hidden beneath the foundation. I've been using my Sigma F82. I have also tried a primer but still no luck, I'm not going to give up on it because I really think this type of foundation would be perfect for my skin. Any tips or advice would be great. I picked the shade NUDE and it's perfect match, I may even be able to go one more darker.

Full Size / 9g £12.00

You can purchase either of these products from your local Avon representative or online.

www.avonshop.co.uk

Have you tried either of these foundations?

Sherrie xoxo

NATorigin Pencil eye liners...

There's no guessing which shade is which here peeps! 

100% Naturally sourced ingredients

I've totally been smitten with wearing eye liner recently, I never really use to apply it purely because of time and also I'm going to say it how it is. I'm totally rubbish at applying it, I seriously think a trained chimp could apply eye liner better than me. However after using a few eye liners from a few different brands I've come to accept I'm never being to be great at applying it but when I do apply it I love it! I've been trying out 3 pencil eye liners by the brand NATorigin, they're a natural rand who source out natural ingredients and have won many awards for their products. They have a range of skincare, makeup and body care. I was a little apprehensive when I saw them and thought they may be harsh or pull on the eye but they are so soft and apply like a dream, my favourite is Lilac. Lilac and Grey are the newest shades to the collection. I think grey and black will be shades I use more for evening wear or Autumn looks. You always need a black eye liner, that's like the makeup law! lol

Eye, eye!

 

I want to point out that these babies are hypoallergenic with a formulation which in beeswax, oily extract of organic arctic raspberry seeds and organic shea butter. Thanks to these special extracts they help soothe the eye area making them perfect for sensitive eyes. They are also reasonably priced at £7.05 each.

You can purchase these eye liners from www.natorigin.co.uk 

Are you an eye liner gal? What do you prefer, pencil, gel or liquid?

Sherrie xoxo

Dr. Lipp

I know you're all probably going to hate me when I say this but it's Autumn next month! Jeese where has this year gone? I know for sure when the colder weather hits us my poor lips will suffer dearly, but thankfully I will have something up my sleeve, well not literally up my sleeve but certainly in my pocket or handbag. Meet Dr.Lipp*, he maybe small but don't be fooled by his size. He is without a doubt the No.1 product you'll need for the winter months let alone all year round for us mummies. Dr. Lipp is the original nipple balm for lips. It has so many uses and benefits plus Dr. Lipp is 100% natural.

 

 15ml/£11

www.drlipp.com

Dr. Lipp say-

The original beauty secret for sexy lips and soft nipples... A 100% Natural, hypoallergenic multi-purpose balm with no parabens! Ultra hydrating for any dry skin areas including lips, nipples, cuticles, elbows and feet. For glossy lips apply liberally. Loved by London's make-up artists. Long lasting, tasteless and odourless....soo kissable!

I've been using Dr. Lipp before applying lipsticks or any lip stains, I've even used it on my children. I would definitely repurchase.

Have you tried Dr. Lipp?

Sherrie xoxo