24.2.14

Hair Hero: Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray

Hair Hero: Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray
Hair Hero: Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray
Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray
Say hello to my hair hero - Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturizing Spray. This product is simply wonderful - like magic in a can. Im going to put it out there, I have fallen head over heels for this product. I have very long, fine hair and a lot of it! It often lies flat and it is difficult to style. I have tried powders, sprays, volume shampoo and the dreaded backcombing brush and nothing has worked. So when I saw in Boots a couple of weeks back that you could buy two Charles Worthington products for £8 (this offer is no longer available), I just couldn’t resist picking this up - especially after reading how it is so similar to Oribe's Dry Texturing Hair Spray, which is raved about online and priced at £18-£38 a can! If Im honest I wasn’t expecting this spray by Charles Worthington to be a miracle worker, but this product really is big hair in a can! 

This texturising spray does exactly what is says on the can, it gives a backcombed effect without the damage, it gives height, texture, volume and is non greasy. This product is to be used on dry hair and it can be sprayed onto the roots, or at mid-lenghts. The spray is a dry formulation and is invisible, so doesn’t leave any coloured residue on your hair. It gives a little bit of hold (which is great for hair like mine!), with a slightly firm finish and the results are incredible. It is so enhancing and uber volumising and really does give you big, bouncy, textured hair at home - I cant get enough of it! And the smell! The smell is so intoxicating! In fact, it reminds me of the fragrance Ralph, by Ralph Lauren, which I have worn for years. The only downside, is that it does have the tendency to make your hair a little knotty and has a slight gritty texture, however you will find that with most texturising products - to be honest I can look past that! 

I used this product through my hair saturday night and it worked like a dream and lasted all night and my friend Georgia said that if it works on my hair it must be good - which is so true! This product is priced at under £10 at just £6.99 - a purse friendly product that actually works = WINNER! Im so impressed that I have finally found a product that works on my hair, which I can use daily to give my hair a bit of oomph, or on a night out to give me BIG hair, without the back combing! Also it doesn’t irritate my sensitive scalp, so I recommend this to everyone. I will be heading back to Boots this week to pick up another can, especially whilst Boots are running a 3 for 2 offer across the store (and that alone is saying something, I have never repurchased styling products before as I have always been so disappointed!).

Round of applause for such a wonderful product.
Have you tried this? (If you haven’t you’d be silly not too!)
Emily
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20.2.14

Beauty Product Expiration Explained

Beauty Product Expiration Explained

I’m a beauty hoarder... well thats what I seem to have found when I had a little spring clean of my beauty collection at the weekend! Mascaras that where so old they had dried the lid shut, powders that I have completely forgotten about, not to mention the solid nail varnishes and brown clear eyebrow gel (I know Im not the only one!). Be honest, when was the last time you had a good clean out of your makeup bag and beauty stash? Keeping our favourite lipstick for too long isn’t a crime, but we all should be aware of how old a product is and face the reality that just like the contents of your fridge, our beauty products expire too.

Beauty Product Expiration Explained

Firstly, let’s take it back to the basics. All beauty products from mascaras, to toner should have a symbol on it, that looks like an open pot with a number in, usually 3M, 6M, 12M or 24M - this tells you how many months you should keep the product after opening. 

Mascara | 2-3 months: 

Now this is something that I admit, I must get into the habit of doing - chucking my mascaras!  My excuse is that I like mascaras better, when they are a little dryer than they were when I initially bought them. However, redness, itchiness or even worse, conjunctivitis, is not attractive nor nice and lingering bacteria on your mascara wand can cause this. If your mascara is thick, dry, smelly or not lengthening your lashes like it used too = toss it! 

Tip: Don’t have more than two mascaras open at one time. Also, when using your mascara swirl the brush around in the tube, rather than pumping it - as pumping will invite air into the tube, which will dry out the mascara quicker. 

Liquid Foundation & Concealer | 24 months:

When it comes to liquid foundation and concealer use common sense, does it smell? And has the texture changed? If it has, then its time to say goodbye. If the product is in a pot you need to apply it with your fingers, bacteria from your fingers will contaminate the foundation (I feel like I’m teaching a biology class!). Anything you have to apply using your fingers, will need to be binned earlier than those with a pump. Concealer is to conceal blemishes - not to cause them! Also keeping your favourite foundation on the top of your cabinet in direct sunlight, is a big no no, as sunlight can shorten the products lifespan, so put them into a drawer - same goes for your perfume. 

Tip: Try to buy liquid products with a pump and keep them out of hot and bright areas as heat will encourage bacteria to grow and sunlight will shorten the products lifespan. 

Lipgloss & Lipstick | 12-18 months:

You’ll know when they have gone off, when they start to smell. Also look out for changes in texture - no one likes a gloopy lip gloss! 

Tip: Use a lip brush to apply your lipstick and scoop out the last of your lipstick into a container.  

Powder Products | 24 months: 

This includes blusher, bronzer, eyeshadow etc. Powder products last a lot longer than liquid formulations and cream blusher on the other hand, should be replaced after a year. Also, if your powder products get wet, you are basically inviting bacteria to party in your pan! Moisture can come in the form of residue from your foundation. Basically if you are applying powder products over foundation or your moisturiser, oil can cling to the brush and then transfer onto your blusher, or finishing powder. So wait a couple of minutes before you apply these products and keep your brushes clean. 

Tip: Wipe them regularly with a dry tissue to avoid the build up of oil and dirt at the surface - this goes for all cream and powder products. 

Eye Liners | 12-18 months:

Pencils last longer a little longer than liquid liners - especially if you sharpen them regularly. Have you ever got a white film on your favourite pencil that can’t be sharpened off? Or your liquid liner starts to smell a little odd? Well thats when it is time to buy another! 

Tip: Keep your pencil liners sharpened and ensure your liquid liners are shut properly. 

Nail Polish | 24-36 months: 

Nail Polish won’t go bad from bacteria, but unfortunately nail polish will eventually dry out and become thick and clumpy. If the formula has separated and you give it a good shake and it remains separated, its time to bin it. 

Tip: Pouring a teeny tiny amount of nail varnish remover, into your polish when it starts going a little dry and giving it a good shake, can give it the kiss of life it needs, but won’t make it last forever. 

Tools:

Your makeup brushes need to be cleaned weekly. Im sure you have heard that many a time. When was the last time you cleaned your brushes? It isn’t just bacteria buildup you need to be aware of, but also dust - especially if you keep your brushes in pots. If you don’t clean them regularly, your effectively brushing bacteria onto your skin, which in turn will cause breakouts. So clean those brushes ladies! Also you wouldn’t share your toothbrush, so don’t share your makeup brushes. Don’t forget your shaver, eyelash curlers, hairbrush and tweezers too. Out with the old and in with the new! 

Tip: Baby shampoo is a cheaper alternative to professional brush cleaner. Im aware that in the US you can send of your Tweezerman tweezers to be sharpened for free!

Skin Products | 6-24 months: 

As with all products pumps are best, but unfortunately not all products are blessed with a pump, so make sure your hands are clean first - no one likes a dirty day cream! The biggest tell, tell sign, with skin products is the smell and separation either of these is a sign you need to re-buy! Eye creams normally last around 6m, whereas body butters last a lot longer. 

Tip: Make sure all your products are closed properly after use and try not to have too many of the same products open at once.

Have you had a spring clean yet?
Emily
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17.2.14

Giveaway Winner

Giveaway Winner
Hello! I hope you all have had a good start to your week today, but for one of you, your day is about to get a whole lot better - it’s time to announce the winner of my international giveaway! Congratulations to Jane Lambert from Is That You Darling! You have won! All the products shown above are yours! And a huge thank you to everyone who entered and for all your blog post suggestions. I’m currently noting them all down on my to do list! 

 Thank you and well done Jane!
Emily
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14.2.14

Worth The Hype? Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm


My skin has changed over the last couple of years, it can be prone to the odd spot (or two...) and is extremely dry and sensitive. As a result, I have been swapping and changing skincare like theres no tomorrow, trying every cleanser under the sun, in the hope of finding one that works for me. And although I have liked a few of the cleansers I’ve tried (Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish deserves a mention here), I never found one that has wowed me and made a huge difference to my skin. So when I saw that FeelUnique had the cult cleanser that's Emma Hardies Cleansing balm on sale for £28, I just had to buy it and Im so glad that I did. This cleansing balm is certainly a talked about beauty product in the beauty blogging world and a product which I have forever had on my wish list. I don’t always jump on the ‘hype’ bandwagon, however after Caroline Hirons recommended this product I just had to have it. Caroline, is an amazing skincare expert and I trust her opinions and recommendations 100%. You can find her blog here. I have been using this cleanser every evening for over a month now and I have been itching to share my opinions with you all.

This balm cleanser is a skincare hero in my eyes - I cant fault it! Let me start with the ingredients; moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel, vitamin E, orange, mandarin, jasmine and rose and no mineral oil in sight! All of these ingredients work in wonderful ways, to help hydrate, moisturise, smooth, calm and brighten your skin. This 'luxurious botanical cleansing balm’ smells fresh and very natural, it is super nourishing and has honestly helped my skin no end! I saw instant results the first time I used this cleanser and I remember thinking "wow - my skin!" and a month on, Im still seeing results! My skin is less dull (which is often the case with dry skin), my skin is far softer, hydrated and calmer - especially since I have started using this product with my Magntione Pulsar*. I must say it is the first product, that has truly helped to minimise pores and reduce breakouts - HURRAY.

Worth The Hype? Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm

I use this cleanser mainly in the evenings, after I pre cleanse using Bioderma, or more recently Garniers Micellar Cleansing Water*. I apply a small amount to my (dry) face and massage it into my skin, including all round my eyes. The balm then melts into my skin and turns into a milky oil - it feels lush! I then wipe the product away with a warm flannel (no fancy muslin cloth, just a plain white Primark flannel). And my skin feels so clean, but not stripping like gel cleansers and moisturised, which is a nice change, as most cleansers leave my skin feeling tight and dry. I also love the fact this balm is multi functioning and can be used as a quick, or overnight mask and can also be used as a rescue balm for your lips, knees and elbows (bonus points for a multipurpose product - we all know how much I love those!). And if I’m feeling a little lazy and can’t be bothered to pre cleanse, it doesn’t matter, as this is the only cleanser I have ever used that actually takes everything off - including waterproof mascara.

I was a little apprehensive initially at how long this tub would last, as it is on the pricey side at £34 a pot (100ml). But actually, a little goes a long way (the pot is deceiving) and like I mentioned I have been using it for just over a month now and I haven’t even used half of the tub, or hit the bottom. I would happily purchase this product again at full price. 

Worth The Hype? Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm

I really look forward to cleansing in the evening now, its like a skincare treat! If you haven’t tried it, you should! I honestly can’t recommend it enough, this product is worth the hype without a doubt and is great for all skin types. Thank you Emma Hardie for creating such a lovely cleanser, that does exactly what it says on the tin.

Have you tried this cleansing balm? 
Emily
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10.2.14

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Look what the postman bought to my door today (YAY)! Finally, after what seems forever (11 days to be exact), Im a proud owner of four products, from Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails range. Due to popular demand many orders have been put on hold, so I thought I would share these products with you all today.

If you haven’t heard of Tanya Burr already, where have you been!!? Tanya is a beauty guru on youTube, with over 1.8 million subscribers. Tanya is a fully trained makeup artist and comes across as a very genuine and kind person (she’s very sweet!). I have watched her videos for years and was very excited for Tanya when she announced that she had teamed up with EyeCandy and has spent the last year and a half creating a lip and nail collection. Tanya has been very hands on in creating her collection and I think she has done a brilliant job - even if I might be a little bias! 

She has created two lines - lip glosses and nail polishes. Across both lines, there is a fabulous mix of colours to chose from (something for everyone) and all of the products have very cute names such as mini marshmallows, picnic in the park, Aurora, riding hood and penguin chic. 

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

There are 10 shades of polish to chose from, all of which are in square, NARS-like bottles, with Tanya’s logo on the front and a little love heart on the top of the lip (cute little touch). I bought the colours Little Duck which is simply a duck egg blue (reminds me of the Tiffany packaging) and Peaches & Cream a peachy coral. Im not going to lie, the moment this parcel arrived, Little Duck went straight onto my nails and I love it! The applicator brush is a standard shape, but the formula is fab for just £5.99 a bottle! I was pleasantly surprised at how opaque the colour is in coat and even more surprised at how quickly it dried. The polish was easy to apply and the finish is smooth and glossy. The polishes claim to be long lasting, chip resistant and non fading - only time will tell and I will update you all on this. Overall I’m very impressed with the polishes.

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

There are 12 shades of lip glosses in the collection, from nudes to reds. The glosses come on a cardboard back, which could be seen as a little unnecessary, however this does stop people from trying them in store, rather than using a tester and I presume they will be displayed on a rack. Also on the back of the packaging, is also a nice little message from Tanya herself. The glosses are in hard, square bottles, once again with Tanya’s logo on the front and a little love heart on the top of the lid. I bought the shades Afternoon Tea, an everyday pink with a peachy undertone and creme finish and Just Peachy, which if the name doesn’t suggest is a peachy nude, with a very subtle shimmery finish. Both of the glosses are highly pigmented, however I would suggest to those with very pale complexion, that Just Peachy may get a little lost on you as it is very nude. 

The glosses have a subtle sweet scent (rather a candy shop smell) which is a nice touch. They apply beautifully to the lips and have a rich, smooth texture and a wet finish. And you will be glad to know that they are not sticky in the slightest. The applicator is a very soft, double sided flat sponge, making the application very simple and even. And lastly the formula is very moisturising and hydrating.  Once again, overall Im very impressed - bravo.

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Like I said, I may be a little bias, but I’m honestly so impressed with this range and I will without a doubt be getting my hands on a few more products when I get paid. Just to clarify my opinions on these products would be exactly the same even if they weren’t from Tanya Burr’s collection! Im also very excited to see her range develop - maybe a few mascaras too or even foundations? Tanya Burr’s Lips and Nails is available online at both FeelUnique & Superdrug - get yours now! You’d be silly not too - especially at such a reasonable price! And congratulations to Tanya on such a fabulous collection.

Tanya Burr’s Lips & Nails // First Impressions & Swatches

Have you bought anything from Tanya’s collection? 
Emily
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6.2.14

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

When I got home from work this afternoon, I came home to find the loveliest box of flowers from Bloom&Wild, which I had luckily won in a giveaway, hosted by Em Sheldon (EmTalks) via Twitter and I’m so impressed by what I received, that I had to share them with you all.

Bloom&Wild are unlike any other flortist I have ever come across. I have on occasion bought flowers online, to be sent to friends and family and in all honesty, I wish I had known about this company  before now. When I found out I had won a bouquet of flowers, I never imagined they would come in a box, that could fit through my letter box (they are the UK’s first subscription letterbox florist). I opened the box to find white flowers lying side by side, wrapped beautifully and in what where effectively little socks, to stop them from getting damaged. Once I emptied the contents of the box, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of flowers that came out of such a small amount of space! I received:

1x Lily
5x Roses
5x Lisianthus
5x Carnations 
3x Sandriana Victory 

On the inside of the box were simple instructions about the ideal vase size, water and flower food (which was included). I also received a little card which listed what I had received, along with a personal message congratulating me on winning the competition. The booklet also had an arrangement idea, which I followed and it was actually really nice arranging them myself. The flowers look stunning and are actually better than anything I have ever purchased from a florist before. Soon after I went online to have a look at Bloom&Wild and was once again pleasantly surprised at the price range of their flowers. The cheapest bouquet is £16.95 and the most expensive bouquet is just £27.95! I honestly thought that the bouquet I received would have been far more expensive - it is so luxurious! They also offer flower subscriptions which is another fab idea. They also claim their flowers will last for over a week! I will have to update you all on this. 

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

Bloom & Wild | Subscription Flowers By Post

If you are looking to buy flowers this valentines, or looking to treat a friend or family member, I really recommend Bloom&Wild - the whole concept is fantastic.

Once again, thank you to both Em Sheldon and Bloom&Wild.
Emily
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5.2.14

Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads

Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads

You apply a face mask, light a couple of candles and slip into a nice hot bath and something is missing and no, its not 1D’s album, or a nice cold drink, but a good beauty read (although 1D’s album isn’t a bad shout - don’t judge, we all love them really)! I have in the past spent £10 plus, in my local supermarket on magazines, in the hope of finding a decent beauty section, amongst oodles of pages of adverts and style sections. Im never quite satisfied with one magazine and the five or six pages it offers too me, I want nothing but beauty... So, today Im going to share with you my top three beauty reads, which are just that. 

Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads
Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads

STEAL = Boots Health & Beauty Magazine

I have been picking up Boots magazine for as long as I can remember! And let me start by saying that Boots Health & Beauty Magazine is such a steal at just £1, or free with a Boots advantage card! Its normally the last thing I pick up, as I head towards the counter (with normally a full basket might I add!) and often one of the first thing I do when I get back, is to throw myself onto the sofa and give it a good read! Boots magazine is edited by Helen Daly, who used to be deputy editor of Cosmopolitan magazine and she is doing a grand job. The women on the cover of Boots magazine have not been airbrushed or retouched etc - I think it is great, that Boots are celebrating real, realistic women. Now moving onto the content, in the magazine you will find everything, from how to recreate the look of the model on the cover, to health and fitness articles and of course, it is jam packed with beauty products, all of which can be bought at Boots. You’d be silly not to pick it up next time your in store - the content of this magazine, is far better than some of those you pay for! I also forgot to mention that in the back of the magazine, you will find vouchers to use in store. You can also find Boots magazine online here

Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads
Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads

SPEND = Allure Magazine

I wasn’t aware that this magazine existed until I started blogging back in June and it didn’t take me long to sign up for a subscription to the US published magazine! Every month, I throughly look forward to receiving a copy of Allure in the post. It is possibly the best magazine ever, there is page, after page of beauty features, which are without a doubt giving me the beauty fix I require (yes I do require this!) without buying several magazines. The content is second to none. I have learnt so much from Allure and one of my favourite parts of the magazine is the 101 Beauty page, where Allure share some top tips about makeup, hair, fragrance and tools. I can’t get enough of this magazine - I love it! I buy Allure online here, as it is renowned for being hard to get hold of and although I have heard it is now available in selected WHSmith stores, it certainly isn’t at my local smiths (boo!). One copy is £5.95, but there is the option to buy a subscription of your choice which makes each copy cheaper. I cant recommend this magazine enough, like I said the content is second to none. Allure also have online website which can be found here.

Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads
Steal, Spend & Save: Beauty Reads

SAVE = Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual 

I was lucky enough to get this book for Christmas from best friend Laura (thanks again beautiful!), for a long time I had wanted to get my hands on this hardback book of beauty! I cant fault this book and I spent many of my evenings over Christmas, tucked up in bed reading page after page, rather than spending my time reading my university textbooks - its defiantly one of those books, that once you start reading it, its hard to put down! The pages are glossy and the pictures are beautiful and the content... ahhh the content, what more could I ask for!? It well and truly lives up to the name of being a makeup manual, written by Bobbi Brown herself, this book has 25 years plus of makeup artist experience, all written in just over 200 pages, with chapters on what you should have in your makeup bag, how long products keep, how to care for your skin, how to conceal, how to highlight, how to apply eyeliner and the list goes on. This book is brilliant and suitable for anyone, whatever your age or makeup ability. So put it on your wish list ladies! Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual can be bought here for £20. 
What’s your favourite beauty read?
Emily
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2.2.14

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Best Of Being A British Beauty Addict 2013

 INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Best Of Being A British Beauty Addict 2013
Hello my lovelies! I hope you are all well! If you hadn’t already guessed, Im hosting an international giveaway - Yay! I decided that for my 50th blog post and also as a thank you,for all of your support, I would giveaway five of my top beauty products featured in my Best Of Being A British Beauty Addict post. One lucky person is going to win all the products above! Please ensure you read the terms & conditions before entering. 

1x Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream (Fragrance Free)
1x Seventeen Doll’d Up Mascara
1x Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Enamel (09)
1x Dupe Beauty Blender*
1x Tangle Teezer Original 

TERMS & CONDITIONS 
The giveaway is International
1 person will win all 5 products
To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below
You MUST be following me on bloglovin’ to enter:
The giveaway will be open for 2 weeks from the 02/02/2014 to the 16/02/2014
There’s a few additional entries too, if you want to increase your chance of winning
The winner will be selected randomly by Rafflecopter
The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing and if they haven't got back to me within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen at random.

Good Luck & Much love,
Emily
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