30.10.15

Take 2: Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos

Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
As I flick through the 200+ photos of my recent holiday to the Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel in Kos, it's clear I'm in a deep state of post holiday blues. I mean, who wouldn't be? Just look at this place... 

For the second year, Ben and I returned to Kos and for good reason; the Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel is breathtaking. I'm not usually a creature of habit when it comes to holiday destinations, but with functional pools just for show, beautiful views, a pebbled beach, fantastic service, numerous outdoor swimming pools, pretty gardens, friendly staff, fresh pancakes, tasty cocktails, multiple restaurants including Chinese, Mexican & Italian it was inevitable we would return. I felt very much at home lying on a sunlounger, sipping the best lemonade throughout the day to then swap my bikini for a dress and sip on a few piƱa coladas in the evening. And unlike previous holidays, you can stroll over to the poolside at anytime and find yourself a sunlounger. No sunlounger wars here. And in the evening there is no need to queue at the bar, they'll take your order at the table. Bliss.

During our stay, we signed up to the Mitsis Friend's Club, a loyalty program offered exclusively to repeater guests. It's free of charge and as a member, you can enjoy many benefits and privileges including free Wi-Fi and late checkout. And get this, you collect points per night during your stay at selected Mitsis Hotels and once you have collected x amount you get a free stay! Looks like we need to book a few more holidays hint, hint! All in all we both had a wonderful time, I bought home a decent tan, a happy man and a few cheeky products from World Duty Free

Read all about my previous visit here

Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, KosMitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, KosMitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos
Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, Kos

Where's your favourite holiday destination?
Emily
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28.10.15

Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
Vivianna Does Makeup's skincare recommendations are usually a hit and in true form I've become a little obsessed with my latest skincare purchase; the Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

The Peter Thomas Roth's Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is more of an exfoliating treatment than your traditional mask. It's formulation is intense and highly effective as it exfoliates, peels and polishes with three main ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acid a peeling agent eradicates dull surface cells, Aluminium Oxide Crystals, an emollient used in microdermabrasion treatments that polishes the skin and Pumpkin Enzyme, a natural component that gently exfoliates. 

The orange mask is a fine granulated gel and unlike anything I've tried before. And it smells heavenly, like warm pumpkin pie. Admittedly it's a little expensive costing £34.50 a pot, but a little goes a long way. I like to apply a thin layer after I've cleansed and gently massage it into the skin with wet fingertips. I leave it on for around 10 minutes (recommended 3-7 minutes) and let the AHAs and enzymes do their work. Now, a word of warning, you can feel it working. On first application, it can feel a little uncomfortable, in fact when I first used this mask I thought I was having an allergic reaction! So I immediately washed it off, but that wasn't the case at all. In fact, my skin didn't look irritated or pink - if anything it reduces redness! The burning sensation subsides after a minute or so and isn't unbearable. I can imagine for some, this would be a deal breaker, especially for those with sensitive skin. But once the 10 minutes are up, I rinse off the mask and the results are incredible. After one use, I could see a visible difference and no exfoliating face wash, mask or treatment has come close. My skin felt smooth and soft to touch and appeared more even toned and radiant. It's also great at combating imperfections and those pesky under the skin spots. What more can I say, it's a fab mask that delivers on its promise. Holy grail status has been awarded. Uh huh. It's that good. 

Have you tried anything from Peter Thomas Roth?
Emily
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21.10.15

SEVENTEEN Define and Conquer Contour Kit

SEVENTEEN Define and Conquer Contour Kit
The SEVENTEEN Define and Conquer Contour Kit* has quickly become my favourite drugstore contour kit to help me achieve chiseled cheekbones in a matter of minutes. And is a must-have for the contouring newbie, or for those who are on a budget...

SEVENTEEN (previously known as Boots 17) are possibly one of the most underrated high-street makeup brands offering competitive, high quality, yet affordable makeup products starting from as little as £1.00. I've been a fan of SEVENTEEN for a long time and one of my all time favourite mascaras is SEVENTEEN's Doll'd Up Mascara - it's seriously good stuff! And the SEVENTEEN Define and Conquer Contour Kit (medium) hasn't disappointed. 

The contour kit is encased in a simplistic black compact, which is similar to NARS packaging, but without the rubberised finish. The compact is sturdy and comes with a decent sized mirror and guide demonstrating how to use the powders, to help you conquer your contouring fears! The kit offers two equal sized matte powders; one to define and one to illuminate. The illuminator isn't your typical illuminator/highlight as it does not contain any glitter or shimmer and I personally feel it works best as a setting powder opposed to a highlight (rather like banana powder). The contour shade is a medium brown with warm undertones and when applied it doesn't appear orange or muddy on the skin. Although it's not overly pigmented, it's ideal for beginners, as you won't end up with dark patches or hard lines. Both shades are buttery smooth, buildable, last around 4-5 hours, blend incredibly well, available in two shades and priced at £5.99 it's a bargain.

SEVENTEEN Define and Conquer Contour Kit
Listen up fellow beauty bloggers! SEVENTEEN have recently launched their Blogger Network where you can share your blog posts, access exclusive content and connect with likeminded bloggers. If you want to get on board, all you have to do is sign up here.

Have you tried any products from SEVENTEEN?
Emily
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16.10.15

New MAC Eyeshadow Additions

New MAC Eyeshadow Additions






































It will come as no surprise that my MAC eyeshadow palettes are the pride and joy of my makeup collection. And although I have no more room in my MAC x15 Pro Palette, I have recently bought 3 new eyeshadow pans; Nylon, Star Violet & Contrast.

Costing £10 per pan it's understandable that building a MAC eyeshadow palette is not within everyone’s budget and if that's the case for you, I recommend you give this MAC eyeshadow quad alternative a try, which costs just a fraction of the price. But in my opinion MAC eyeshadows although a little more expensive than most, trump the rest. They are buildable, blendable, smooth, highly pigmented, have great longevity and the colour choices are endless.

New MAC Eyeshadow Additions

Contrast (Velvet): is a "purplish-blue with blue pearl". This shadow is a beautiful deep blue with purple undertones and flecks of turquoise glitter. Contrast is perfect for creating a smokey eye and a great alternative to black or dark brown.

Nylon (Frost): is a "pale gold with shimmer". Nylon is a welcomed addition to my MAC eyeshadow collection and a great staple. The shadow is a white gold with a shiny iridescent finish without being glittery and makes for the perfect inner corner and brow highlight. 

Star Violet (Veluxe Pearl): is a “pinky-brown plum". A beautiful shade for this autumn, Star Violet is a warm-toned plum with a bronze undertone. 

New MAC Eyeshadow Additions Swatches left to right: Nylon / Star Violet / Contrast
What are your favourite MAC eyeshadows?
Emily
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14.10.15

Duty Mind If I Do... #2

World Duty Free Haul
It would be rude to depart from Gatwick North Terminal without picking up a few bits from World Duty Free. And yes, I'm fully aware that I bought not one, but three nude lipsticks and no, they aren't all the same - promise! 
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11.10.15

Shortlisted | 2015 Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

Shortlisted | Cosmopolitan Blog Awards
I never thought I'd be writing this post, but British Beauty Addict has been shortlisted for 'Best for Beauty' in the 2015 Cosmopolitan Blog Awards and to put it simply, I can't quite believe it! 

Cosmo unveiled their shortlist on Monday whilst I was sunning myself in Kos and thinking I didn't stand a chance, I didn't even check the shortlist! I was notified by a fellow beauty blogger and shortly after congratulated by many - thank you. Being shortlisted amongst well-established beauty bloggers, I couldn't be more shocked, honoured and grateful for the recognition. I want to thank each one of you who nominated me and have shown your support. This is an exciting time for BBA! If you're an avid reader and think my blog is worthy of winning you can cast your vote online here.

Good luck to everyone who has been shortlisted!
Lots of love,
Your resident British Beauty Addict,
Emily
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9.10.15

Beauty Wishlist #3

Beauty Wishlist #3
I would be lying if I said I hadn't bought many beauty products recently, but with autumn well underway and new releases hitting the high street, my beauty wish list has become increasingly long. So in true British Beauty Addict style, I’m going to share with you my top 5 beauty products I’m currently lusting after.

Any girl that owns as much eyeshadow as I do require multiple primers! And having just purchased the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette, I have become increasing curious to try their eyeshadow primers. The Too Faced Shadow Insurance range includes multiple primers including 'Lemon Drop' which is a creamy yellow intended to neutralise redness and 'Candlelight' a sparkly, shimmery primer. But as a lover of a neutral shimmery eye, I have my eye on their 'Champagne' primer. Described as a "nude shimmer”, the "featherweight" primer promises to be crease, fade and waterproof, whilst intensifying colour and keeping your shadow in place for 24+ hours. A product full of promises that I have to try! 

2. Morphe 35O Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette £22.95
I've wanted to get my mitts on this palette since it released here in the UK last month. But to my disappointment the Morphe 35O has come in and out of stock within a matter of minutes on multiple occasions. But it's not surprising as the sell out palette includes 35 eyeshadows, with both matte and shimmer finishes. And the orange toned, rather autumnal palette includes everything you need from soft beige to warm copper. I've read and heard great things about Morphe eyeshadows and with new stock on its way, I'm on a mission to get this into my online shopping basket before it sells out yet again.

3. YSL Le Teint Sahariennes Bronzer £31.00
Having been impressed with the Bourjois Bronzing Primer, I have spied a similar product from YSL that's got a handful of beauty bloggers talking. The YSL Le Teint Sahariennes Bronzer is described as a "healthy glow blur in a compact” and is effectively a balm-to-powder bronzer with a built-in primer. By far a step up from my Bourjois Bronzing Primer, the latest YSL release is encased in a deep brown and gold glossy compact - YSL packaging never disappoints! Anything that boasts a healthy complexion for everyday and every season is a must try in my eyes. 

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick $20.00 (£13.12)
Up until I tried the Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick in ‘Serenity’ I never had any desire to try any form of matte liquid lipstick. But the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks have fast become a cult favourite and if they are anything like their new illuminators, I’m sold. Their liquid lipsticks have a matte finish and claim to be smear-resistant whilst having the pigment of a lipstick but apply like a gloss. The colour range is beautiful and I have my eye on 'Pure Hollywood' and ‘Blush’. But hold your horses, unfortunately they are near enough impossible to get a hold of here in the UK and although available online directly from Anastasia Beverly Hills, I can imagine the shipping and tax charges are extortionate. 

5. MAC Cream Color Base In Hush £16.00
It feels as though it's been a long time since my last MAC purchase. And I’m sure I could name a few products I’d like to try, but MAC's Cream Colour Base In Hush has been on my wish list for far too long! The cream highlighter is a favourite amongst MUAs and is a beautiful soft peach with a frosted finish. I’m a big fan of cream products and like most this can be applied either using a brush, sponge or fingers to bare skin, or over foundation.  

What's on your beauty wishlist?
Emily
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7.10.15

September Beauty Favourites

September Beauty Favourites

September? Or do you mean Septemblur? Yep. I’m not quite sure where September went! I know I consumed a vast amount of coffee and spent a lot of money, but other than that I can’t recall what I got up to! How sad is that? But I do recall discovering a few new beauty gems and rediscovering some old beauty favourites... 

Gerard Cosmetics Hydrat Matte Liquid Lipstick in ‘Serenity’ £11.50
Kylie Jenner approved Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick in ‘Serenity’ is pretty much perfection. The matte liquid lipstick is a beautiful pink nude with a hint of brown. The formula is comfortable, light and extremely long wearing. No joke. It lasted a full 10-hour shift! You can read my full review with swatches here.

Scholl Velvet Smooth Diamond Pedi Electronic Foot File £19.24*
My soles will never be the same ever again. The Scholl Velvet Smooth Diamond Pedi Electronic Foot File has fast become one of my favourite beauty gadgets. To use the device you simply switch it on and slide it over the hard parts of your feet until the dead skin disappears in a puff of skin smoke. The process is painless and weirdly therapeutic. You can read my full review here.

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser £24.00
In my opinion repurchasing a beauty product is a sign of a good beauty product. Am I right? The Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser is one of the two moisturisers my skin fully approves. The lightweight, oil-free formula instantly refreshes and revitalises my skin upon application and not to mention it smells like chocolate orange! The skin-boosting moisturiser keeps my combination skin balanced and leaves it feeling soft and plump after use. I have just picked up the Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub - I’ll report back shortly.

MAC Pro Eyeshadow Palette
My MAC eyeshadow palettes are rather like my pride and joy of my makeup stash. In my opinion MAC eyeshadows are the best of the best. They are highly pigmented, apply evenly, and blend extremely well, not to mention the colour choices are endless. I’ll admit I own an unhealthy amount of eyeshadow palettes, so up until last month I hadn’t been paying my MAC palettes all that much attention, but having dipped my brushes into them once again, I remember just why I rate them above the rest.

Arran Aromatics Citrus Shores Salt Scrub £15.00*
Body care has been something I’ve divulged into during 2015 and Arran Aromatics Citrus Shores Salt Scrub is a luxurious body scrub that boasts a beautiful citrus scent. The scrub contains mixture of fine salt and coarse sea salt, grapefruit oil and is enhanced with coconut oil. After use, the zingy scrub leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft, leaving a non-greasy moisturising residue.

What did you love during the month of September? 
Emily
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4.10.15

Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss

Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss

I don’t rock red lipsticks very often, but the infamous bloggers favourite Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss, is the statement lipstick I always crack out during the autumn/winter months and a lipstick every beauty addict should own.

Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss is a deep berry red lipstick packaged in a simplistic matte tube. The vampy shade is borderline raspberry opposed to plum on my lips and is very flattering on my skin tone. The finish is not a true matte; it’s more of a velvet matte. The formula is creamy and the pigmentation is intense. On application it doesn’t drag, although a steady hand is required as it has the tendency to smudge a little. But to avoid looking like a clown, I like to use a lip brush. The lipstick can be dabbed onto the lips to give a stained effect, or applied heavily for a vampier intense colour. And although the colour is rich, it doesn’t bleed. Due to it’s velvet matte formula, it’s lasting power isn’t all that bad either (but it's nothing on my Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick!) it lasts around 4 hours and although when initially applied it feels rather moisturising, after a few hours wear it can feel dry, so apply a little lip balm before hand. #107 does have a light fragrance, which I’m not a huge fan of. The scent is very similar to the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers.

Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss
Rimmel #107 Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss is a bold lipstick and a great alternative to a classic red lip. It’s also great value for money priced at just £5.49 and can be bought online at feelunique.com.
What’s your favourite drugstore red? 
Emily
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2.10.15

My Go-To Beauty Bases

My Go-To Beauty Bases
Like most beauty addicts my makeup stash is a little larger than the average Joe’s. But when it comes to base products - foundations, BB creams and tinted moisturisers, I know what I like and I like what I know. So today I have gathered my top 3 go-to beauty bases that I have reached for religiously throughout 2015.

Diorskin Nude BB Creme £32.00
The shade range may be poor and the SPF may be low, but this base from Dior gives a fresh, flawless, yet natural finish. The weightless base is comparable to Bourjois's CC cream and is best applied with fingers. Its coverage is more like a light liquid foundation than your traditional BB cream, disguising redness and discolouration all whilst allowing my freckles to show through. The Diorskin Nude BB Creme is not as glowly or moisturising as my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, but offers a higher coverage. I highly recommend this base for those of you with normal/combo skin that like a 'no makeup, makeup look'

L’oreal Infallible 24HR Foundation £9.99
This quality long-lasting drugstore foundation has become my go-to when I require a higher coverage (aka bad skin days/girls night out). The L’oreal Infallible 24HR Foundation offers me everything I ever wanted from a high coverage foundation for just £9.99, without those high coverage foundation traits. It’s applies beautifully, has a satin/luminous finish, feels comfortable on the skin and combined with a little setting powder it can withstand the heat and a 12 hour shift! I’ve put this base through its paces and it’s safe to say I can’t fault it. If you have tried the matte version and weren’t impressed, I’d give this a go instead and if you like MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid these two foundations are very similar.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser £34.00
Now available online at feelunique.com the Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser quickly became a firm favourite of mine after a cheeky duty free purchase last year. And a year on, Laura Mercier and myself are still getting on pretty darn well and I’m happy to announce I’ve awarded this base with Holy Grail status! Best applied with fingers, this tinted moisturiser is the perfect blend between skincare and makeup. Offering a SPF of 20 and being non-comedogenic, the hydrating base wears well without clinging to dry patches and leaves my skin glowing. It’s perfect for when my skin is looking a little lacklustre and needs an instant pick me up. You may wince at the price, but I’ve only just finished mine after using it liberally for a little over a year. It’s worth every penny. 

What’s your current go-to beauty base?
Emily
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