Beauty samples: haul & review

I haven't done one of these in a long time and I thought it would be a really fun idea to do it again. I have so many samples of things lying around from lots of different places; some are from Glossybox's, some came as a free gift with magazines and others I have ordered to try before buying. I am a firm believer that first impressions always count so samples are a really convenient way to try out a product and see what I think of it instantly, before buying.

 

Elizabeth Arden - 'Visible Difference' Skin Balancing Exfoliationg Cleanser

 

Elizabeth Arden is one of my favourite skincare brands but I was pretty disappointed with this cleanser. It irritated my skin and made me break out in spots, but maybe this was more of a personal thing which won't affect everyone. It is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling soft, but it didn't exactly do me any favours.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Sad to say this - but no.

 

 

Elemis - 'Loving Lips' Quenching Lip Balm

 

I had high hopes for this but it was a case of me comparing it to my favourite lip product, so not liking this one as much as that. The Elemis lip balm had a peppermint taste, which was really nice but I felt like it didn't give my lips enough moisture and softness and I had to reapply quite frequently.

 

Would I purchase this based on my sample? No.

 

 

Yves Rocher - Nutritive Vegel 24H Comfort Nourishing Cream

 

I received this moisturiser in a Glossybox and remember being really excited to try it out. It is a fantastic product; it sank into my skin really quickly and felt soft and nourished for 24 hours - as promised. My face was glowing healthily after use - would definitely recommend this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sampe? Without a doubt!

 

 

L'oreal Paris - Anti-fatique Nude Magique BB Cream

 

This was the first ever BB Cream I had used but personally, it wasn't for me. I prefer wearing a proper foundation instead. I just didn't feel like I had enough coverage - maybe if I had flawless skin, I'd love this.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

 

Balance Me - Moisture-rich Face Cream

 

I like face creams with a thin and creamy consistency but this one was incredibly thick and took much longer than other moisturisers to sink into the skin. Not a bad product as such, but it felt so so heavy on my face!

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? No.

 

Balance Me - Radiance Face Mask

 

Another Balance Me product, but such a different opinion. I have used this face mask twice and both times, I hae been really impressed with the finished result. Skin felt soft and even after use with a much brighter, radiant complexion.

 

Would I purchase this based on the sample? Yes.

Review: No7 Stay Perfect Foundation & Natural Blush Tint Powder

 

On my recent trip to Boots, I stopped by the No7 counter to try out their 'match made service' to find the best-suited foundation for my skin. I found out that I am 'Cool Vanilla' (which is actually the second fairest shade! Wow!) and was really keen to give this a go! The No7 advisor explained that the foundations come in lots of different variations and coverages and I would probably be here all day if I had to name them all but it's a fabulous idea that everybody will be catered for, whether you need lots of coverage or just a small amount for a natural-looking finish.

 

I opted for the 'Stay Perfect' foundation which is a natural/semi-matte finish with medium coverage. I am super happy with the results! Good riddance to them awkward make-up lines around your face; this liquid foundation blends into the skin beautifully and I needed just a small amount to feel fully covered. I felt like my face was glowing and looked incredibly healthy after use. Of course, if your natural skintone is pale (like mine) then sweeping a bronzer or blusher across your cheeks will solve all problems and result in a natural, truly stunning finish. I would definitely recommend using the match-made service to all girls out there. It takes only a few seconds of your time and the finished result is amazing.

 

Would I repurchase? Oh yes - this foundation isn't going anywhere!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Stay-Perfect-Liquid-Foundation_1273498/

 

 

Whilst buying my foundation, I also picked up No7's Natural Blush Tint Powder in 'Coral Flush' which is a light but elegant pink blusher. I have been on the look out for a good blusher for a long time and I picked it up and bought it without even thinking or trying it out first... because I just fell in love with it and knew that it would work. On the cheeks, it isn't as crazily vibrant as it looks; it's so natural and subtle and finishes off any look. I particularly love wearing this with my match-made foundation. I have heard lots of people raving about the 'Soft Damson' shade of this product so maybe I will give that a go next time too. Yep, I'd repurchase - without a doubt!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Natural-Blush-Tint-Powder_1273442/

Review: Soap & Glory 'No Clogs Allowed!' Face Mask

 

Im sure you all know by now how much I love Soap & Glory products. Im so dangerous when Boots have a '3 for 2' offer across the whole Soap & Glory range! So yep, as usual I went crazy buying pretty much everything in sight.

 

I really wanted a good quality face scrub/mask and loved the sound of this one, and it's received fabulous reviews too. It's super easy to use; you apply a grape-sized amount to your fingertip, wet your hand and rub together before scrubbing into the face, where it will heat up. Then you have the option to wash off straight away or leave on for a few minutes before cleaning off with a wet exfoliating sponge - which comes with the product for free.  I decided to leave on for a few minutes and now use twice a week.

 

Now with my very mixed review! I love how soft and even my skin felt afterwards; I could really feel the benefit from leaving it on my face for a few minutes. I genuinely had a glowing complexion afterwards and my face looked much more brighter and awake. This costs £11.50 from Boots which I believe is very fairly priced and considering you do only have to use a small amount, it would last a long time. HOWEVER, the only downside is that it is supposed to be a 'deep pore detox' but my (very stubborn) blackheads have not budged yet. Perhaps it requires quite a few uses for this to happen? (I'll be sure to let you know if my opinion changes!)

 

So overall - I love this product, but it doesn't really do what it says on the packaging.



Review: Nivea In-shower Body Moisturiser

I heard about the Nivea In-shower Body Moisturiser and thought that it was a fabulous idea! Im terrible at using body lotions or body butters because I hate how sticky and awkward skin feels afterwards - and plus, it's just another chore to add to my already long enough, daily routine. So being able to still moisturise the body, but in the shower seemed like the perfect solution as it's fast, simple and so much less annoying.

 

 

 

I was definitely not disappointed with this product! After using my usual shower products, I applied the silky moisurising cream to my arms and legs and let the water assist in absorbing the product into the skin. It is so simple to use , especially if you're always on the go. It's an amazing alternitive to body lotions as skin feels soft to the touch, but definitely not sticky or awkward. There is no doubt that I will be repurchasing.

 

I purchased the 'normal skin' version of this, but there are also 'dry skin' variations. The 250ml version retails at around £2.50-£3 whereas the 400ml version retails at around £4-£4.50. What a bargain for such an essential!



Garnier Moisture Match Review

(I posted recently that I won't be blogging as regularly due to my internet being broke but I will try to post as often as possible via my mobile's internet. Hopefully, my internet will be fixed in 2 weeks.

 

Also, this is totally unrelated but has anyone else not received their April Glossybox (UK) this month? I usually receive mine around the 10th of each month but I haven't even had a dispatch email yet! :( please let me know.)

 

 



 

I received a sample of the Garnier Moisture Match for dull skin, normal skin and normal to dry skin. I was a little bit 'in between' when decided whether I have normal or dull skin, so trying out three samples was really useful.

 

 

Normal Skin

 

The 'normal skin' sample was the best suited to my skin and worked much better than the others - so this would be the one that I would repurchase. My skin felt instantly moisturised and soft but not oily. This creamy moisturiser did exactly what it was advertised to do. Trying out all three of the samples before buying has really helped to make my decision as I probably wouldn't of purchased the 'normal skin' moisturiser beforehand.

 

 

Dull skin

 

I tried this moisturiser out first because I thought that it would be best suited to my skin and I was hoping that perhaps it would awaken and revitalise my sometimes tired skin. However, this was the moisturiser I hated! It was way too oily and made my face look shiney instead of giving it a slight glow. An oily face isn't the look I want to go for! I will definitely not purchase this moisturiser.

 

 

Normal to dry skin

 

This moisturiser worked but it didn't wow me. Of course, this would probably be one of the least suited to my skin which is probably why I didn't see a huge effect. It defintely moisturised but not much else. I wouldn't repurchase this one.

 

 

I found it really useful to be be able to try out three of Garnier's five 'moisture match' moisturisers before buying. I did actually only request the 'dull skin' product but unexpectedly recieved these three instead but I'm so happy about that because it turns out that it was a completely different one which suited my skin best. I would defintely recommend getting the samples before purchasing one of the moisturisers as I was surprised at which one actually best suited me.

 

I believe that Garnier are still offering their tailor-made moisturisers to be sampled, click HERE to try before buying.



My Favourite Blemish Treatment

I don't get many spots but when I do, they tend to be big and in the worst and most obvious places possible. For me, most spot treatments either just don't have any effect or break me out even more but I've found the answer and wow, I love it!

 

Skinetica anti-blemish skincare treatment

 

 

The treatment is a liquid, which comes without any kind of applicator. To apply, I dipped in a cotton bud and then lightly 'dabbed' that on to and around the affected area. For best results, you should apply twice a day before you use any other products on your face or apply make-up. Leave it to dry naturally, which usually only takes a few minutes.

 

Skinetica is super easy to use and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals or toxins, so is 100% kind to skin. I have been using this product for months and I don't know how it isn't more well-known as I have never come across a blemish treatment which works so well. Not only does it help to get rid of spots but it reduces blackheads too! The website also suggests that if you apply it regularly after blemishes have disappeared, it can help prevent their return. I usually see results within the first day of use - and that is such a rare thing with products like this.

 

Not convinced? Skinetica are giving out free samples to try before you buy - click HERE. Though the sample is free, you do have to pay £1 for P&P and I believe that this service is only available for UK residents.

 

http://www.skinetica.co.uk/buy-skinetica-online.html

Elizabeth Arden 'Beauty Gift' Haul/Review

On last weeks 'beauty deal of the week' I wrote about the Elizabeth Arden beauty gift worth £77, which you could get for free if you ordered two Elizabeth Arden products - at least one being skincare - from the Boots website. (Click HERE to read this post.) I just couldn't turn down this offer! After being converted to the brand through their amazing Eight Hour Lip Protectant, I had to give this a try. I believe that the offer has now ended - so it looks like I got in there at the right time.

 

I'll be honest; my first impression wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped but this was due to me being confused about some of the products! I'll go through them individually and give you my opinions - though after trying them all, I like every single one.

Oh and I think that the bag which the products came in will be very useful as a travel bag, filled with all my make-up and beauty bits. It's the perfect size and looks very cool and stylish too.

 

 



Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant - £25/50ml

 

This product is a massive essential in the world of beauty! Like I have said previously on my blog, I am not a huge fan of this product on my skin because it is basically a vey thick gel with an oily consistency so it is literally only best for particular dry or damaged parts of the skin, as opposed to using in various places. However, I have recently discovered this product as a lip balm and yes, I have been absolutely raving about this ever since this find. It is literally the best lip product I have ever come across. I have never been able to find a lip balm which comes anywhere close to this product; I've always had to put up with 'average' alternatives. I can't go anywhere without it now! One downside is that it is advertised as a fragrance-free product, but it definitely has some sort of scent, though I can't quite figure out what it is...

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Eight-Hour-Cream-Skin-Protectant-50ml_9783/?cm_re=ElizabethArden_Home-_-P2B-_-C9083_Link1&cm_sp=ElizabethArden-_-8_Hour_Cream-_-ElizabethArdenC9083_Link1

 

 

Visible Difference Skin-Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser - £17/125ml

 

I was really excited to try this product out - my favourite cleansers are those that you can use in the shower as it is much more convenient and less time consuming, especially if you have quite a busy lifestyle. It couldn't be any more easier to use: you put a pea-sized amount on to your finger tips, rub your fingers together and apply to a wet face, which creates a foaming substance and then you wash it off with warm water. I love how it feels on my skin and it contains microbeads - which is something I look for in face products! It is slightly cheaper than most of their other products but it is still great to use. My skin feels soft and squeeky clean! It makes my skin look much more bright and awake - so would be a perfect match for women with tired or dull skin.

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Visible-Difference-Skin-Balancing-Exfoliating-Cleanser-125ml_1268917/

 

 

Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum - £80/90 Capsules

 

My first thoughts on this product was something like "what is this? How do I use this? They look so weird!" I did receive the sample version of this product, which contains 14 capsules, though I still think that this is a generous-sized sample. It must be the strangest, most confusing beauty product I have ever come across. To use, I  ripped open the end of the capsule - which did get a little messy so have some tissues ready if you are going to use. I then applied the product to my face and was very surprised at how quickly it sank into my skin. It's a very weird serum; it is like a clear oil, which doesn't sound convincing but I saw instant results. It moisturised my skin naturally, without the feeling of having products on my face. It removed any dry areas instantly and left me with a noticeably softer complexion. However, the full sized version of this product is very, very expensive and I don't think that I would be prepared to spend £80 on this!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Ceramide-Capsules-Daily-Youth-Restoring-Serum-90-Capsules_1291197/

 

2.2g Quad Beautiful Color Eyeshadows in Sterling, Sugar Cube and Black Tie-Contour - £20

I love the shades of all of these eye shadows and to be honest, this was the product I was most looking forward to trying. These four shades are perfect for either smokey-eye looks or even to just complete a different look. I have only tried the shade on the far right, which is a smooth mid-grey colour - which I applied from the outer corners of my eyes and into my crease and blended. I wore this with a thin line of black liquid eyeliner and black mascara for a classic, simple smokey eyes look. The quality of this product is flawless and I now definitely want to check out more make-up from Elizabeth Arden.

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Beautiful-Colour-Eyeshadow-Duo_1276312/

 

 

PREVAGE Anti-Aging Moisture Cream - £105/50ml

 

Wow, this is a really expensive product! This cream works as a great moisturiser, though I believe that it would be more beneficial to 'older' people, as it is an anti-aging cream. I am unable to comment on the anti-aging side of this product - though I have read excellent reviews on this. But yes, it is a very extensive moisturiser which leaves skin feeling softer to the touch and lasts all day. You do only have to use a very small amount of this product for it to work, which I guess makes the hefty price tag seem a little less worrying as it will most likely last longer than most other moisturisers. It is also recommended to use on sun damaged skin as not only does it revive moisture but it also has a Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to help shield from the sun. I can see this being an essential during the summer months!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-PREVAGE-Day-Intensive-Anti-aging-Moisture-Cream-SPF-30-50ml_1238614/

March Favourites

So we are coming towards the end of March now and (hopefully) closer to Spring weather - it is still freezing here in sunny Britain! I've loved quite a few products this month but here are my favourites.

 

 

Elizabeth Arden - Eight Hour Lip Protectant

 

This lip protectant is absolutely perfect! I have always had an issue with getting chapped lips easily but this product has helped me so much. It is the 'lip version' of the very popular Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden, which moisturises your lips beautifully, leaving them soft for hours on end. I only find myself having to reapply this once during the day. This lip product is a million times better than most, average lip balms which moisturise your lips for a short while and after years of using cheap brands, you really see the difference when you start using this. It is expensive but it is worth every single penny - one of my proudest purchases ever!

 

 

Murad - Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture For Eyes

 

This eye cream is an essential during the cold weather. As well as my usual moisturiser, I am also applying this product daily too. Of course, the eye area is a lot more sensitive and gets damaged much more easily than other parts of the face so having a good quality eye cream is a must. It keeps the area around the eyes feeling soft all day long, while also brightening the eyes and reviving tired skin.

 

 

Soap & Glory - Rich & Foamous Body Wash

 

I'm sure you have already seen my review on this product? (Click HERE to read this review!) A few weeks later and I am still in love with the smell of this - it seriously smells like cakes.  Its ingrediants are M-Suds MoistureBoost, raw flower honey, almond milk and supersoft skin conditioner with a yummy almond, oats and brown sugar scent which is such a brilliant combination. Not only does it smell gorgeous but it leaves your skin feeling super soft and moist too.

 

 

Miss Selfridge - Black Ankle Boots

 

I have been wanting to buy some ankle boots like these for ages and ages! After visiting almost every shop in the Trafford Centre, I finally found these. They are black suede boots with a slight 'wrinkley' effect on the front and black tassles on the back. They are flat-heeled which is preferable seeing as I'm very tall. They are the type of boots you could wear with a nice dress on a night out or pair with some leggings and a casual shirt, which is another reason I love them. They're stylish and comfy - brilliant find!

Beauty deal of the week #1

THIS IS A NEW WEEKLY POST TO MY BLOG!

 

Like all beauty bloggers and other product obsessed young women out there, I love trying out different products but haven't always got the money to splash out so I've decided to start writing a weekly blog post featuring the 'best beauty deal of the week.' I'm hoping to make this a weekly addition to my blog but of course, this depends on the availability of offers. Hope you enjoy this! :)

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden/#1

 

My favourite offer this week is a FREE Elizabeth Arden beauty gift, worth £77, when you purchase two or more Elizabeth Arden products - at least one being skincare - from the Boots website. Also, you don't have to worry about delivery costs as Boots deliver free to your selected store within 3-5 working days, when you spend more than £25. They also deliver for free to your home address when you spend over £45 - though their are many cheap delivery options available if neither of these apply to you.

 

The gift contains:

• 50ml Visible Difference Skin Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser
• Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, 14pcs (replica)
• 15ml Prevage AA Moisture Cream SPF 30 PA++
• 15ml FRAGRANCE FREE Eight Hour Cream Skin,
• 2.2g Quad Beautiful Color Eyeshadows in Sterling, Sugar Cube, Black Tie-Contour  

 

I've ordered mine - I'll share with you what I think when I receive the products!

 

 

Would you like to see a beauty offer every week? Let me know!