N-Spa Beauty range

We both absolutely love the N-Spa Bath and Body range. They stock a range of deliciously lovely body butters, bubble baths and shower gels. Plus at Christmas they tend to release a range of chocolate, toffee and gingerbread scented products. Finally they're more than reasonable priced at around to £2-£3. I usually buy my selection from my local Asda.

Now I've been aware of the beauty range for a while but haven't really given it a go despite looking over the range on a few occasions. Well a few weeks a go, Asda had an offer on with price reductions over the whole range so I thought why not. I picked up the Melting Cleanser and the Illuminating Beauty Serum.
The Melting Cleanser is a gel that once massaged into dry skin and once a little water is added turns into a cleansing milk. I then buff off with a muslin cloth. It removes all traces of makeup and even got rid of my mascara - not bad at all!

The Illuminating Beauty Serum is described as 'sleep in a bottle' as it illuminates tired, dull skin. I'm not sure I'd go that far, but applied after my moisturiser and before my primer it definitely gives my skin a lift in the morning and perks up my whole complexion. I've actually been using this every morning since I picked it up and is definitely one of the better serums I've used.

Got to say it's not a range you'd expect to find in your local supermarket. It has a much more expensive feel to the whole range. Both products I tried definitely had a luxurious feel to them. I've already got a list of a few more of the range to try out.

Priced at,

Melting Cleanser £6 for 125ml
Illuminating Beauty Serum £7 for 50ml

There's currently a 2 for £8 offer on - bargain given the individual prices.

Liz Earle on QVC

The lovely people over at QVC have been kind enough to send over the Liz Earle 4 Piece Essential Discovery Set to try.  After scrolling through the Beauty section of QVC , I'm so impressed with the long list of Beauty brands that are available.  There's a wide list of products from makeup to skincare with some great sets and offers thrown in.

Now we're huge fans of Liz Earle on the blog.  Seriously obsessed with the Cleanse and Polish which was my first real taste of the brand.  Anyway onto the set,

The set includes the core selection from their skincare range - namely the Cleanse and Polish, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and the Repair Moisturiser day cream, along with two Muslin Cloths (love these things!).  The products are 50ml sizes for cleanse and Polish and Skin Tonic, and 15ml each for the moisturisers.  Impressively the kit included both the Normal/Combination and the Dry/Sensitive which at least gives you a chance to try out both formula's to decide which is best.  

Personally the Dry/Sensitive is the one for me.

There was also a handy Product Directory included in my box,

For me, all the products are gentle on my skin and I have to say my skin is left feeling soft and refreshed.  The Cleanse and Polish is without doubt the best cleanser I've ever used and the only one I've ever repurchased (lost count of how many I've been through).  The products just work fantastically well together and the easily deal with the horrible way my skin had got with the cold weather.

The Discovery Set is a great way to try out the brand for the first time or give as a present for someone else to try out - we did this a while back for my mum to have a go!  At £21.76 it's a great price for what your getting especially with the choice of the moisturisers and two muslin clothes and baring in mind that the full sized Cleanse and Polish at 100ml costs £14.25 and includes one muslin cloth.

Given my obsession with love of the Cleanse and Polish, I've included a little video clip for a bit of insight,

*PR Sample

Chocolate Cupcake...

As Lush state on their website 'Who wouldn't want to site around with Chocolate on their face?'

This is a facial mask aimed at oily teenage skin, but I find it works great at any age if you suffer from breakouts.  It helps to remove excess oil and calms breakouts.  It contains Rhassoul Mud which absorbs grease, cleans and soothes, Linseed which nourishes and softens the skin, Fresh Mint for toning

Cocoa Butter to moisture.

I tend to use once or twice a month when my skin needs it.  Apply all over and leave for around 5 to 10 mins.  I tend to wipe it off with a muslin cloth as I just find it easier. It's a great little treat for your skin.

Advice - it needs to be stored in the fridge due to the ingredients.

Haven't tried any of the other facial masks, so if anybody has any recommendations or favourites?

Avene - solutions for sensitive, redness prone skin....

(l-r Antirougeurs - relief concentrate for chronic redness, Hydrance - rich hydrating cream, Creme pour peaux intolerantes - skin recovery cream)

(as above)

Both myself and K suffer from sensitive skin that tends to get a a lot of redness around around our nose and on our chin.  It's an absolute nightmare when applying foundation/concealer as you always feel you've got to use a bit more in these areas to hid it!  So when we were offered the opportunity to try out some of the range we jumped at the chance as we've both heard good things about the range for sensitive skin.  What made the  whole thing even better was that we were then specifically asked what our skin concerns were and we would be sent products to deal with it.

So we received the Antirougeurs - Relief Concentrate for Chronic Redness, the Hydrance Rich Relief Cream for dry skin and finally the Creme pour Peaux Intolerantes for Skin Recovery Cream.

Now as you can see above, we only received 5ml sized tubes - which isn't much at all, but we actually received around 3 of each which makes a much better sample size.

Antirougeurs Relief Concentrate for Chronic Redness

This is a daily cream to help reduce sensitivity and reactive prone skin.  It's instantly become my go to moisturiser, as I've noticed a reduction in the redness on my chin almost instantly as well as a slight reduction in the redness around my nose which has all lead to me applying less makeup and hence looking less cakey in these areas.

Hydrance Rich Relief Cream for dry skin

This is for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin.  Ticks all the boxes for me really.  I always feel like my skin is lacking in moisture and on these days I just apply this in the morning or the evening to perk it up.  It's not something I would use every evening but definitely on the days when I feel I need the extra boost.

Skin Recovery Cream

Now this is a calming cream for sensitive skin which is great to apply in the evenings after you've cleansed and toned.  It's great for me as my skin does tend to go a bit crazy sometimes in the evenings after I've taken my makeup off.  I tend to look way to flushed in my cheeks (not always but now and again) so this is brilliant at relief it.

Overall I think the selection of products we received are fantastic for people who suffer with dry, sensitive, redness prone skin.  They range seems to be gentle and calming as well as providing the moisture you need.

*PR sample

Naked Skin Up Tone Girl

With my skincare I've definitely found that since starting the blog that I'm seeking out more and more natural/organic products.  It's probably been a knock on effect of really looking at what's out there and I have to say my skin is thanking me for it.

So on to today's new purchase.  I've been using Lush's Breath of Fresh Air for a while and fully admit I love it, however in recent months I've found that my skin didn't really agree with me.  So off I went to try something else.  I've used a lot of Naked products before and in particular I love the hair care range.  I find that the products are lovely and gentle to use.

The tone contains witch hazel and calendula and is for Sensitive Skin.  It smell lovely and refreshing and you can really smell the witch hazel.  I just put a little on a cotton pad and sweep over my face and neck after I've cleansed every morning and night.  My skin's left clean and refreshed.

It's £4.49 for 200ml - bargain.  I now need to get hold of the cleanser as well.

Omorovicza Radiance Renewal Serum

Today's post is on Omorovicza Radiance Renewal Serum.

Here's what Omorovicza say,

'This oil-free soothing serum helps to brighten dull complexions and erase any signs of tiredness.

• Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) binds moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration.
• Vitamin C corrects skin tone and reduces the appearance of age spots.
• Calming and detoxifying, zinc (as gluconate, PCA and mineral compound) regulates sebum production to eliminate shine.
• Watercress leaf extract brightens complexion, increases radiance and enhances skin tone to diminish the appearance of imperfections.
• White lupin energises and revitalises.
• Mineral Cosmetology^TM , a patented mineral delivery system, leaves skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.'

So the claims are quite big!

I love tha packaging of this, it's a pump dispenser and you hardly need any so it will last well. The texture is a gel but it is very fluid like (it's quite runny) and it sinks into your skin well.

This serum feels nice once on And though I don't feel it's lived up to all the claims (there was a lot). It's not improved my imperfections etc but I do think my skin feels softer and a bit brighter. My skin also feels perkier once I have applied this in the morning.




This retails for £68 for 30ml, you find out more here.






Thanks

PR Sample

 

Superdrug BB Cream 5 in 1 Skin Perfecting Day Cream in Light

Today's post is on a prize I actually won through a retweet comp that Superdrug was running. I ended up winning Superdrug new BB Cream in Light.

Here what Superdrug say about it,

'• Conceals imperfections and enhances skin tone• 24 hour hydration• Antioxidant protection• UVA / UVB filters• SPF 15What is BB Cream?BB or Blemish Balm is the ultimate all-in-one cream, combining a moisturiser, a primer, a concealer and a foundation to create a naturally flawless-looking complexion in an instant.Scientifically formulated with a unique combination of skin nourishing ingredients and mineral pigments, Superdrug BB Cream imparts a light, creamy coverage which effectively conceals imperfections, boosts radiance and smoothes the complexion. With SPF 15, it helps to protect against sun damage and premature skin ageing whilst also providing 24 hour hydration. '

This is available in two shades light or medium and retails at an introductory offer of £6.99 (normally £8.99).

I have received light and as I was expecting its a little dark for me.

The consistency starts off thick but begins to get thinner/lighter as your blending in.

The finish is more matte than most BB creams and it's more like a tinted moisturiser finish than a foundation finish. But it does give a lovely glow. So it would be my ideal base but the finish is too dark for me.

This is ideal if you like your coverage light and your BB cream with a matte finish. This is not ideal if you are pale or dark skinned as there are only two shades choice.


Price wise as I said above is currently £6.99 which seems reasonable but as its only Superdrug branded it's not cheap. You can get the MUA bb cream for £4 and I have heard good things about it.

As for the claims it makes of being the 'ultimate all in one cream' I am not totally convinced. I had to still apply my usual routine with this e.g. Moisteriser, Concealer and my Lily Lolo Blush Away. It really didn't hind my imperfections (I have a lot).


There are a lot things to like about this I am just not convinced it is right for me, even if the colour matched. But I know there will be a lot of people that this would suit and that would like it. But if I took this as being just a normal foundation base than I think it would be good.


Here is the swatch next to my other foundations,

L-R Bourjois 10hr Sleep Effect in shade 71, Boots No7 Lift & Luminate in Alabaster, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Porcelain, Liz Earle Skin Tint in Fair, Missha BB Cream in No 13, Estée Lauder Invisible fluid in 1CN1. Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in I'm pure 4 sure, Lancôme Teint Idile Ultra 24hr in 005 Beige and Superdrug BB Cream in Light. As you can see it very dark next to the other shades.


The next on my list to try is MUA BB Cream in light as that does look like it might be more of a colour match for me.

What do you think?

Thanks

 

Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser

Today's post is on a brand I had not heard of before yet it has a long history, the brand is Omorovicza.
To find find out more about Omorovicza you can read here.

I was kindly sent a product to try out from the range, I received the the Gentle Buffing Cleanser.
Here is some more information on the product,
'Gentle yet effective, this high-performance exfoliating cleanser swiftly removes complexion-dulling dead skin cells and impurities to reveal softer, smoother, more radiant skin.

• Diathomaceous earth, a porous, mineral-rich sedimentary rock, gently buffs skin and provides a pure, non-abrasive alternative to harsh, aluminium-based micro-dermabrasion treatments.


• Pineapple and rosemary extracts clear the skin by removing dead skin cells and minimise the appearance of pores.


• Capsicum peptide, rich in antioxidant vitamin C, stimulates micro-circulation and promotes a healthy glow.


• Mineral Cosmetology^TM, a patented mineral delivery system, leaves skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.

I decided to use this once a week on a Sunday first of all, but I have tended to use it on a Wednesday night as well. You can't really see below but it contains tiny exfoliating particulars (sedimentary rock) to help remove the dull dead skin care.

My skin felt so soft after the first use!

The first thing I noticed was how lovely the packaging and the bottle is, very nice to have out in the bathroom. The product itself all has a very nice enticing smell...always helps when your apply to our face. Sometimes as my skin is sensitive if I use a scrub I am left a little red afterward. I was amazed as this did not happen with this scrub. I just felt soft and my skin really is beginning to pick up.

I have mainly been concetrating it on my t-zone as my cheeks don't always appreciate using scrubs on them. It states it can be used 2-3 times a week but I am happy with just twice a week.

I will certainly using this in my routine and I don't think I can justify repurchasing as it costs £43. I love the fact it is a scrub that actaully works for myself and doesn't irritate my skin.

More product information - 125ml for £43, stockist include store's such as Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Four Seasons, Harrods etc., and online at Cult Beauty

Thank you

PR Sample

No 7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser

Today's post is on an item I purely picked up as I got 2 items from the new No 7 spring collection and it was 3 for 2. I decided to look at the new Beautiful Skin collection, you can read more here on the range. Its mainly all about allowing busy women solutions to achieving radiant, healthy-looking skin in just two steps. No7 has also colour-coded the packaging, spring green for normal/oily skin, pink for normal/dry skin and lilac for dry/very dry.

I picked the Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser from the range.
Here's what Boots No 7 say,
'The first step to beautiful skin is effective cleansing. Specially formulated to effectively clear away dirt and impurities, No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser leaves dry complexions feeling as soft and supple as normal skin.

The gel develops into a non-drying oil to protect the skin’s natural moisture levels and hydrate dry areas at the same time. It then changes into a light milk formula for easier rinsing, so skin is left residue-free and totally refreshed. What’s more, it’s enriched with rosehip oil to really lock in moisture and offer a fuss-free approach to truly tailored skincare.'The whole range does have a nice look to the packaging and the colour coding is also a nice touch.

I decided to switch the product into my Skincare routine instead of my cleanse and polish for a week. My routine was then made up of use the Melting Gel, followed by Lush Breath of Fresh Air, followed by some Clinique Moisture Surge.

The product has the gel texture and when you start to rub it in it turns to oil. Once it's rubbed you are then suppose to wash it off. So it's very straight forward to use and has a nice scent.

My main issue with this product is that it started to cause dry patches on my cheeks. I also didn't feel that it removed all my make-up....and I don't wear that much! But I might just be picky as I feel Cleanse and Polish does such a good job at removing my make-up.

I have already had to switch back to my cleanse and polish, as I ended up with quite a few dry patches. This may just be my funny skin as it is quite sensitive and I do struggle to find products that work well.

Have you tried any of the new Skincare range?

Thanks

Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser

I ran out of my usually Hot Cloth Cleanser - the amazing Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, and because I don't have a local store etc that I can go and pick up another one, I actually thought I would give the Superdrugs' Vitamin E version a go.  I'd heard a lot of good things so thought what the hell!

Firstly you get a lot of product for the price (around £5.99) and you also get a muslin cloth in the box. Absolute bargain!  Secondly the texture is similar to that of the Cleanse and Polish - although I still feel the Liz Earle version is thicker, which I do prefer.  I also quite like the smell.

It goes on easily and does remove my makeup including my eye makeup - although I do feel like I have to go over with a bit more toner to remove the last few traces.

All in all its a great cleanser and I love removing my makeup this way and it leaves my skins soft and moisturised.

But, yes there is a but! I still prefer my Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish despite the savings.  I feel like it removes all traces of my makeup and leaves my skin in such fantastic condition after use.  I seriously miss it in my routine if I'm not using it and I have to admit that with the Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser I just don't feel like that.  Don't get me wrong it's a fantastic product if you don't want to fork out for the Cleanse and Polish and does exactly what you need it to do!  For me, Cleanse and Polish is the only skincare product I have at the moment that I would constantly re-purchase.

And with that in mind I got very excited on the weekend as I got this little treat of my mum.  She's recently made a purchase off the Liz Earle website and got this little sample,

I am beyond happy and so will be skin be in a few uses!

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector

So this is a long overdue post.

I actually still haven't got by hands on a BB cream, despite really wanting one. At the moment there are so many out there that I'm just not sure which one to go for. My mum on the other hand decided to give the Garnier BB Cream a go after seeing a few reviews. The whole idea of a product that can hydrate, illuminate, cover and even your skin.

So here's how she got one,

No Makeup,


With just the BB Cream,

here she is with a bit of concealer under her eyes, powder to set, a bit of bronzer and mascara.

The products blends in easily and works well under foundation or on it's own with a little bit of setting powder over the top.

She feels that it helps to evens out her skin tone as she suffers from discoloration and she's also noticed that the overall appearance has improved. She's impressed but still feels that she needs a product that's more a foundation type BB Cream than the Garnier so that she can skip the foundation part of her routine.

Verdict - 3.5/5