Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup

I have always struggled to find a foundation to match my skin tone, my freckles don't really help  matters. I find that most foundation come in only a small range of colours and are either too light or too dark for my skin tone. 


So the first selling point for Jane Iredale's pure pressed mineral foundation is that it comes in a huge array of shades and there is a comprehensive guide on the site to help you get the perfect match.  


Second selling point, the compact that it comes in is easily the loveliest I have ever used. It's elegant while still being hardy enough to be put in your makeup bag without the worry of it cracking. 


Thirdly the foundation inside is simply magical. It feels weightless on your skin and glides on. It can be used a concealer, powder and foundation so saves you having to use other products and saves space in your makeup bag when you go out. It looks better as the day goes on so you don't have to worry about touch ups at lunchtime. It can be applied wet or dry, you can build the coverage you want and it applies evenly giving you flawless skin that looks natural. 


Just incase you need any other reasons to try it out, its SPF 20, gentle on sensitive skins and very water resistant. 


Simply put it is a perfect foundation. 

St. Ives

St. Ives has had a bit of a makeover recently but still at the heart of their range is quality products made with 100% natural quality ingredients. Regularly exfoliating keeps the skin radiant and youthful looking and I find that I feel happier with my body if my skin is in good condition.  

I choose to test the warming apricot scrub (£5.10 at Superdrug) and its made my mornings more enjoyable as well as making a difference to my skin. I find it hard getting out of bed on a good day but when the weather is as cold as it is at the moment the thought of leaving a warm bed isn't a nice one. Knowing that I have a warming face scrub eases that horrible feeling immensely. The scrub has just the right amount of grittiness but is still gentle enough to use daily and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. There is no point spending ages on putting on makeup if you don't have the base right and daily scrub keeps my skin in perfect condition.  

The apricot body scrub (£4.97 at Asda) is fabulous for a weekly treatment and I always feel renewed after a good exfoliation. It makes my skin softer and look more even, it also makes me feel better about problem areas such as my thighs as the exfoliation and massage helps to boost circulation.  

Competition

 

NOBLE ISLE

THE NEW TRADITION IN LUXURY BATHING, INSPIRED BY THE BRITISH ISLES

 

New Luxury Brand Offer the Chance to Win a Product Hamper Worth £500.

May 2012 will see the unveiling of Noble Isle, a new, distinctive and exquisite modern Bath & Body brand, made in the UK and inspired by the natural and cultural riches of the British Isles. Shunning the ordinary in favour of the original, Noble Isle combines the finest fragrance and natural extracts sourced in the British Isles with the best of design to create a luxurious collection of 24 unisex bath and body products. Each Noble Isle product leaves a unique and lasting sensory impression set to become The New Tradition in Luxury Bathing.

Creators of Noble Isle have travelled the length and breadth of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to source authentic, quintessentially British ingredients that celebrate our rich cultural history and deliver results worthy of the Noble Isle crest: the Coat of Balms. For more on the story so far, visit: www.nobleisle.com

As part of their brand unveiling, Noble Isle is offering the exciting opportunity to be the first to try the new collection, weeks ahead of their official launch. For the chance to win a luxury product hamper worth £500, you can visit their blog at:

www.nobleisle.com/blog/post/39-luxury-product-hamper

Entrants must simply “like” Noble Isle’s official Facebook page and share a link on Twitter to be eligible to win. The competition closes on Saturday 31^stMarch and the winner will be announced 3 days later. In addition to being the first to try their luxury bath and body products, the winner will also receive two tickets to Noble Isle’s exclusive London launch party with champagne reception.

Radox

Due to my shower being broken for a few weeks I have had to have more baths than usual, I know terrible right? So not only have I been reading more books I have also been using more bath bubbles. 


I have always loved Radox as the products are always extremely well priced but still feel luxurious and give plenty of long lasting bubbles. I like to spend at least an hour in the bath and not all bubble bath bubbles can last as long as I would like which isn't a problem I have with Radox. Recently I am loving Eastern Spirit bath therapy which has notes of Lotus flower and orange blossom, guaranteed to make a bad day that little bit better.   


Due to the water crisis that is effecting parts of the country at the moment Radox have come up with 5 tops tips for saving water in the shower.

1.)    Take a slightly shorter shower:
Every 1 minute less time spent in a power shower will save 17 litres of water per person in your household per day / 6205 per year - with a total of 24,820 litres of water for the typical UK family (a family cash saving of £116 per year)
Every 1 minute less time spent in a standard shower will save 7.7 litres of water per person in your household per day / 2810 per year - a total of  11,242 litres of water  for the typical UK family (a family cash saving of £52 per year)
To help you do this use the Radox facebook shower app - the app will select a song that will match your desired shower length, allowing people to sing along while in the shower and know when their allocated shower time is up - simple.
Find it on facebook at :- http://apps.facebook.com/232275133499029/ 

2.)    Multi-task - To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth whilst in the shower.
3.)    Turn the shower off when you shampoo - Turning the shower off for one minute while you shampoo your hair and one minute while you condition and 1 min whilst shaving those legs ladies! - could save a typical family £104 per year
4.)    Try a  low-flow shower head - Replacing your existing shower head with a more efficient alternative can reduce water and energy use, particularly if you currently use a power shower
5.)    Check your water temperature - Many people have their water heater set at too high a temperature.  The ideal temperature is between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius, but remember to test the temperature of the water that comes out of the tap with a thermometer - thermostats are often inaccurate.

My tip for saving water in the bath is to share the bath with your other half, not only will it save bath water its also a great way to get romantic! 

Philip Kingsley

Philip Kingsley's moto is 'healthy hair is beautiful hair' and to help us all achieve healthy hair they have come up with a range of shampoo and conditioners specifically targeted to different needs. They have also developed the worlds first pre-shampoo conditioning treatment and it was this that I got the chance to review. The elasticizer is worked into damp hair before shampooing and left on the hair for 20 minutes which is a little bit of faff but the results are worth it. Afterwards my hair felt like I had been at a salon, it had a silkiness and bounce that you only really get from professionals. As hair treatments go this is one of my favourites and certainly worth a bit of effort applying it before you shampoo for gorgeous hair.

Miners Cheek of It £3.99

I really do love the Miners brand; all the products I have tried so far are just so fun and such good value for money. Recently they sent me their ‘cheek of it’ collection and I have been using it ever since. The collection contains a blush, a flirty pink for your cheeks that has an instant awaken quality. I sometimes use it as a lip colour too and for days when I look really tired blend a small amount on the inner and outer corners of my eyes to make them appear more open. The bronzer has a great golden tone to it, the perfect shade for my skin but darker skins might want a slighter darker colour. Never the less for me it is just great, easily blendable and long lasting. I have even been known to use it as an eyeshadow on a few occasions. Finally the highlighter, a gorgeous champagne gold which is fantastic for cheekbones, under the eyebrows and the inner corners of eyes. The small size and multiuse of these makes them perfect for keeping in your handbag for touch ups and those times when you need emergency makeup.

Billion Dollar Brows £17

Billion Dollar Brows have designed an eyebrow pencil that is useable no matter what your hair tone and skin colour. At first I was a little wary that this would be possible so had to give it a try for myself. The first time I used it I was a bit too heavy handed with it so I ended up with ridiculously dark brows, my fault for not reading the instructions. On my next go however I managed to use short light strokes and build up the colour. The pencil nib its self looks quite dark but if you just use it lightly it only adds a hint of colour. The more you build up the colour, the darker it gets. What I found fabulous was that you can outline your brows in a light shade then go back over them in little strokes so which makes it look so natural. I have a couple of sparse patches and to be able to fill them in like this with one brush is really lovely. Billion Dollar Brows indeed.

Elemis Pro-Radiance hand and nail cream £22

I think by now you don’t need reminding of the importance of moisturing your hands, I mean no one wants to end up with hands like Madonna right? Not that I don’t Madonna is great, it’s just her hands are a little scary.

Elemis pro-radiance hand cream is silicon free which means it absorbs quickly into the skin. It is probably the quickest absorbing hand cream I have ever used, and I have tested a lot! It’s fragranced with white flower and it has a very soft scent making it perfect for use throughout the day. 

Seascape Island Apothecary

Jersey has always been known for its beautiful scenery and gorgeous beaches, now its also going to be known for its fabulous bath and body products from Seascape. Local produce and herbs distilled on the island go into making these sensual products which are spilt into seven ranges. There is a range for children, men, an uplift set, a revive set, an unwind, and a soothe set. The ranges feature body lotions, bath foams, body washes or hand lotions.


You all know how much I love having a bath so I decided to go for the unwind bath foam. Made with Jersey Lavender and Ylang Ylang it has fragrance that is breathtakingly wonderful. The lavender takes me back to being in the South of France where lavender goes everywhere and fills the air. I only needed to put a small amount into the bath to create a foaming layer that reminded me of the bubbles you get in the sea when the tide comes in. All that was left to do was to light a couple of candles, slide into the bath and gently breath in the gorgeous aromas. In a world that is increasingly hectic moments like that need to be cherished.

Butterfly Boutique

If you are lucky enough to live in London then this unique beauty boutique is something you should take a look at. I asked founder Louisa Barnett to tell me a little about the idea and the philosophy behind Butterfly Boutique. 


Set up by Louisa Barnett two years ago after spending more than a decade in the City. She often wished that there was somewhere she could go to sort out how she looked, very quickly, before braving meetings, presentations and client events, but she didn’t want the hassle of a full on hairdresser or sitting at a public make up counter. So the idea was born, bringing the world of celeb/tv styling to the high street. A real pitstop for busy working women, based in two locations in the City of London.

One of our most recent innovations is our unique membership scheme, where clients can come in as and when they need to, all for a regular monthly fee. Just like a gym, you get a members card and it means women can look and feel fabulous every day, all at an affordable price. At Butterfly we believe that taking care of you is not just a luxury but a necessity. This is, as far as we know, the first scheme of its kind to be introduced at a beauty boutique.

As well as hair, make-up and nails, Butterfly has expanded its offering by opening up two treatment rooms in its St Paul’s boutique. Treatments include reiki, acupuncture, deep tissue massage, chiropractic services and natural face lift massage. We also offer waxing, semi permanent lashes and luxury pedicures. Everything that a woman could want (and need) for a full pampering, rejuvenating or recuperative experience.

Body Lush Leeds

If you are lucky enough to live in leeds then you may have noticed the change in The Corn Exchange in recent months. Left as an empty shell a few years ago it is now full of wonders to discover. Among them is Body Lush, an innovative way to buy luxury bath and body care products with a bespoke finish. 

All ingredients are from ethical sources, paraben free, SLES free, allergen free and not tested on animals. Focusing more on the benefits of olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil, all products are mild and suitable for most skin types.

What really separates this shop from others is the individuality and passion within, from the friendly service to the tailoring of products. The products are simply divine, the body lotion melts into the skin leaving it lightly scented and deeply moisturised while the bath oils are decadent with scents that leave you feeling magical. 

There are a handful of superior products on offer including body oil, hand and body lotion, bath oil, facial wash, bath salts, room diffusers and shower gel. Choose which one you want then add one of the 30 deliciously crafted fragrances. My favourites are cucumber & melon, candyfloss, coconut citrus, fig & cassis, milk & honey, vanilla and arctic. 

If you want you can also add the colour of your choice. Treat yourself or someone you love with a gift bag that’s been customized to your exact taste. Body Lush is the place to go for affordable luxury that can be as individual as you are. I hope this brand goes from strength to strength and leads the way in how we buy beauty products in the future. 

Jason Shankey Expert Perfect Shave Gift Box £48

Give someone the gift of the most pleasurable shaving experience this year by gifting them this collection of premium shaving products. Jason Shankey has won countless awards for his male shaving and body products and he has used all his knowledge to craft this box of treats. Research showed that 97% of men experienced irritation and pain due to shaving so Jason produced a step by step guide that teaches you the perfect 'barber' shaving technique. The products tackles shaving irritation by including ingredients that use natural hair growth inhibitor which slows down beard growth.  

I tested this on my dear dad, who like many, has been using the same technique to shave for years. He uses the cheapest bic razor he can find and if he is feeling a like a bit of a treat might get some supermarket shaving foam. Obviously this causes shaving to be a painful nuisance so he tries to avoid it as much as possible. He does look very good for his age but I know he would feel so much better about shaving if it was a pleasurable experience and in my opinion men do look so much better clean shaven.

The set includes exfoliating face and scalp scrub, smoothing shave cream and skin soothing moisture balm. You start with the face and scalp scrub which removes dead skin cells and has an amazing scent that I can only describe as the smell of the ocean, its fresh and revitalising. Next up the shave cream smooths and softens the skin so you get a comfortable shave with no irritation. I insisted a new razor was purchased as you really do need a good quality, sharp razor, you only have one face so its best to be nice to it. After shaving the moisture balm moisturises dry skin and helps to slow down hair regrowth with a groundbreaking complex of botanical extracts and peptides. 

My dad was so impressed with the whole experience of shaving this time round, I don't think he will ever go back to his old ways. His face felt the smoothest it has ever done and by improving the quality of his skin it has taken years of him. This really a gift that shows someone you love them, they not only get to enjoy the products but in the long term they will have learnt the art of the perfect shave and loving their face. 

Betty Hula

I got some lovely little samples of Betty Hula’s scented body lotion to try and they smell lovely. Both remind me slightly of Christmas, the champagne and spice especially. The body lotion has a thick creamy texture but it’s really the scent’s that are something special. I think they would make a great gift for somebody this Christmas.

Bliss Fatgirl Treatment Kit £30

Bliss has brought out a trio of treatments and a unique ‘Fatgirlslimulator massage tool’. The idea is all about stimulating circulation around your thighs to reduce cellulite and make thighs appear firmer and softer. The first step is to use the scrub over your wobbly areas, it contains menthol and has a really intense heat / cold sensation as you apply it. It’s got the right grainy texture and combined with the heat / cold sensation instantly makes thighs feel smoother. The second step requires you to use the slimulator to vigorously work over the problem areas in circular movements. It has the same basic principle as a massage but the slimulator has been specially developed to stimulate the skin deeper with raised bumps on it. It’s not painful in the slightest and you do start to feel all your blood rushing to that area. Finally there is the choice of fatgirlslim and fatgirlsleep. Both contain active ingredients to dispeal cellulite and tighten skin, the night time cream is slightly more powerful and has a relaxing lavender scent to it. After one use my skin on my thighs and bum certainly felt a lot smoother, after using regularly for a week I was much happier with the quality of the skin, it was much softer and slightly firmer.      

Laura Geller baked foundation

The swirling colours make this foundation easily one of the prettiest before you have even applied it. It takes a little while to get used to as you build up the product gently and can shade certain areas as you go along. It has the softest finish ever so your skin looks perfectly smooth and even. I stupidly decided to take mine out with me and halfway through the night predictably it fell out my bag and smashed everywhere. It was from quite a height so I wasn’t surprised that it burst into pieces, I was upset as it’s not cheap. I think I would probably buy this one again as I really liked the finish, I just wouldn’t take it out the house.   

TQ Manicure

One day this makeup sponge arrived on my desk, I wasn’t expecting it and it was a lovely surprise. I don’t normally use sponges for foundation, normally fingers or a brush, but I wanted to try it and see if I could get used to it. The problem I had with sponges was that they either left little streaks or I couldn’t get them to blend properly around my nose and mouth. This sponge though was great at getting into all the curves of my face and brilliant for blending. I found the sponge is the right denseness so it evenly applies foundation to your face and doesn’t just stay on the sponge. For the price I think it is a really good beauty buy and it will save you having to wash fingers after you apply foundation whilst still giving you a flawless finish.

Montagne Jeunesse

Montagne Jeunesse have been using facebook to build up a strong following by giving away facemask samples to those who like their page. They have done this a couple of times over the past few months and the other day a sample of their cucumber peel off mask fell through my door. For want of a better world it is a quite unusual feeling when you peel off the mask, not unpleasant just unusual. The cucumber gives it a lovely refreshing scent and feel and if you get a chance to try one of their masks you are bound to find one that suits you. 

Benefit Powderflage £19.50

I have had this sitting in my make case for a while after my sister gave it to me. She had bought it for herself but didn’t get on with it. It comes with a tiny brush to blend the powder under your eyes but it’s all a bit fiddly. My love for Benefit still remains but on this occasion I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. I just felt it didn’t make a difference to my appearance; it wasn’t as covering as a cream concealer and not as light reflecting as a liquid concealer. The only Benefit product I wouldn’t buy again.

Jinny Lash Conditioner

Lashes have been huge this year, from glitzy false lashes to the lash extensions that are favourites of celebrities; my eyes it seems have tried all of them. All the gluing and sticking has taken a toll on my lashes. After I had lash extensions (which I naughtily pulled off myself) my lashes were significantly shorter and brittle. To get them back to their fluttering best I used Jinny Lash conditioner whilst I was wearing the extensions but also for a good six weeks afterwards. My lashes have come through all the damage I have put them through and they now look better than before with help from Jinny Lash conditioner. 

Myface my mix foundation £12.99

I tend to change foundations every couple of months and recently I have been using Myface foundation. The texture is a lovely creamy texture which means it fills fine lines not shows them up. You can build up layers depending on what sort of coverage you are after, I tend just to use one layer which just evens up my skin tone. For the price you get a great amount of product which will last you much longer than some other brands. I also got the powder to go with it which I tend to keep in my bag for touch ups. The powder puff that comes with it is a little small for my liking but does make it perfect for keeping in your bag and it has a large mirror inside. You only need a small dusting to set the foundation perfectly for the rest of the day.