Lush Cosmetics Christmas 2014

Here are a few peaks from Lush's Christmas range. I wanted to share some photos and write about my first impressions.

'Rose Jam Shower Gel' 

A sweet rose scent, exactly like my favourite product from Lush's range the 'Ro's Argan Body Conditioner' I am already so excited to use this and have a feeling I will be stocking up.

'Snowman Shower Jelly'

A fruity citrus scent which seems very light and fresh. I have never used a Lush Jelly before, so am very much looking forward to trying this out. The packaging states you can use this product in your hair as well as all over. 

'Santa's Lip Scrub'

This product smells just like Cola bottle sweets yum! I do love a Lush lip scrub and it is perfect for the colder months.

'Rose Jam Shower Gel' 'Snowman Shower Jelly' 'Santa's Lip Scrub'

'Snowman Shower Jelly'

'Santa's Lip Scrub'

I can't wait to use these - Lush's Christmas range is available instores and online on the 4th October (this Saturday ekk) I will be purchasing a number of their products so watch this space for many reviews over the next few weeks!

www.lush.co.uk

My Outdoor Cinema Experience

Recently I booked tickets for 'The Luna Cinema' to watch the classic and an all-time favourite film of mine ‘Dirty Dancing’ 

Who are Luna Cinema? Luna Cinema are the UK No.1 open air producer of cinema events. They display classic films on a large screen in various outdoor locations across the UK. 

The event has its own bar, food and inflatable chairs to purchase onsite. You can also upgrade your ticket when booking to VIP which includes a drink from the bar, Benefit Cosmetics goodie bag and a Directors Chair to sit on. However we decided it would be fun to take our own picnic, chairs and blankets to keep warm.

I went along to event with my best friend on the 19^th September at Gatton Park in Reigate. On arrival we were very excited but at the same time unsure what to expect. We were greeted by a number of friendly staff and spotted Luna Cinema Partner ‘Benefit Cosmetics’ – You were able to have your make up done and purchase a few samples which of course I did!

The setting was beautiful we found ourselves a nice spot to sit and got comfy for the evening. As we waited for the film to start the place was getting busier with others setting up there chairs and picnics. I must say I was rather jealous of the couple next to us with champagne and raspberries!

Everyone was in such high spirits, as the film started we sang along and munched are way through the picnic as you can see from the photo below it was a rather yummy selection! There was such an amazing atmosphere throughout the evening. At the end of the film everyone got up and had a little dance to the last song.

It was a brilliant experience and we had the best time. It is always nice to do something a little different and will be looking out for more events near me in the future! 

For event/ticket information visit: http://www.thelunacinema.com/

Chocoholic Heaven - Monty Bojangles

Today I thought I would post something a little different! Although I tend to keep my blog beauty related, I do like to share other things I enjoy now and again.

I am a huge lover of chocolate, well who isn't?!

A friend of mine brought me two boxes of  'Monty Bojangles' Chocolate Truffles. As you can see the packaging is beautiful which I believe has been recently re-designed. I couldn't help but take a photo and was almost sad to open the boxes...

Left 'Choccy Scoffy" Right "Cookie Moon"

My favourite of the two boxes was the 'Cookie Moon' - Crumbly Cookie Cocoa Dusted Truffles. 

Gosh these taste incredible. The chocolate is velvety smooth, rich and as soon as you take a bite the chocolate begins to melt. You get a crumbly biscuit crunch throughout the chocolate which makes it that bit more special. 

I know I will be purchasing these again especially with Christmas approaching as gifts for friends and family and maybe a box or two for myself!

You can purchase these direct from the Monty Bojangles website and they are also available in supermarkets including waitrose.

http://www.whoismontybojangles.com/chocolate_shop/

Have you tried these before?!

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Looking for the perfect top coat?

I enjoy painting my nails and love to experiment with different brands and colours. I find they look so bare when not painted but am very impatient when it comes to waiting for them to dry and often end up smudging them and having to starting over again. I also find no matter what brand of nail polish or top coat I use my nails start to chip after a day or so. 

Reading other beauty blogs and reviews online many recommend 'Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat'

After spotting the product in Boots I was slightly hesitant to buy due to the price of £9.00 which seemed rather high having previously purchased a few high end top coats before which didn't work well on my nails. However I was keen to try it out due to the good reviews I had read so popped it in my basket.

I must say I am so pleased I did – I have used the product twice now and not only does it dry extremely quickly my nails stay chip free for at least a week! I have received a number of compliments on my nails on how shiny and glossy they look. It really does give your nails a professional gel effect and couldn't recommend this product more. 

If you are on the lookout for a new top coat you wont be disappointed. 

http://www.boots.com/en/Seche-Vite-Dry-Fast-top-coat_1321809/ 

The Body Shop "Wild Argan Oil Solid Oil Lip Balm"

I have to say finding a good lip balm is a hard task for me, I find most lip balms tend to make my lips more dry! Not sure why this is.

I decided to pick up a lip balm from the new "Argan" range at The Body Shop. I picked this up because it contains Argan Oil and I feel anything with this ingredient in must be good!

From my research Argan Oil has become increasingly popular in the cosmetics industry. It is used for both the hair and skin and is known as a moisturising oil.

Using this lip balm every night I find I wake up with the smoothest lips. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this product over the colder months to keep my lips nice and hydrated.

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/wild-argan-oil/wild-argan-oil-solid-oil-lip-balm.aspx

Any lip balms you would recommend? 

What I bought in LUSH...

Last weekend I popped into Lush and as usual I couldn't resist buying myself a couple of things...

I knew I was after one of their 'Fresh Face Masks' so I picked up 'Love Lettuce' priced at £6.25 - 

https://www.lush.co.uk/products/love-lettuce

I really love the scent of this product and having used it three times already I feel like I am giving my skin an additional treat! The product contains a range of ingredients including honey, almond oil and lavender oil. You can certainly smell the lavender which I find very relaxing. 

Having previously used Face Masks from Lush I find them great value for money as you tend to get round 10-12 face masks from them. 

I also picked up a cleanser 'Let The Good Times Roll' priced at £6.40 for 100g (you can't go into a shop and buy just the one thing can you?!) - 

https://www.lush.co.uk/products/cleansers/let-good-times-roll 

The smell of this product is incredible! I honestly don't know how I resist eating it. The scent is what I would describe as a fudge/toffee popcorn smell which is very similar to the popcorn lip scrub which I recently did a post on. As you can see it even has popcorn pieces in it! I am very much enjoying this cleanser, it makes my skin so soft and I can still smell the product on my face the next day.

Lush make so many wonderful products it is hard to resist the temptation of buying more and more and I can't help but want to try multiple products at the same time!

Have you picked up anything recently from Lush? 

Hair Ties by Kitsch

For some time now I have been on the search for some “hair friendly" hair ties/bands. I have rather thick long hair which I tend to wear up most of the time. I am always conscious of the way hair ties pull on my hair which causes damage.

Having heard good things about the ribbon form of hair ties I decided to purchase some from the brand 'Kitsch' and so far I love them. First you will notice how pretty they are! They come in a whole range of different colours so something to suit everyone. The packaging is also beautiful you can’t help but buy them.

I have to admit I was unsure whether they would work having such thick hair, however having used them for the past few weeks I have been pleasantly surprised. They hold my hair extremely well and seem super gentle which was exactly what I was looking for!

They also look so pretty in the hair, so will definitely be purchasing more of these in the future! 

http://www.mykitsch.com/

Natural Tie Dye Hair Ties

Volume Million Lashes - So Couture - L’oreal Paris

Normally I am one of those people who can't stick to just one mascara. I tend to use two or three at a time to get my lashes looking the way I like.

I have tried and tested out many different high-end and drugstore mascaras but think I may of found the one!

L'oreal have a range of 'Volume Million Lashes' mascaras, I liked the look of the 'So Couture' version due to the large shaped brush and small bristles.

This mascara has everything I need it gives my lashes great length, perfect separation and like the packaging says "Million Lashes" it certainly does this! I like the way you only need to apply a few coats to get a dramatic look.

I will continue to test out other mascaras but I can definitely see this being the "go to" one!

Volume Million Lashes - So Couture

Have you tried this product? What are you thoughts? 

Gimme Brow by Benefit

I was keen to write a review on this product having used it constantly over the past few months. I have rather thick eyebrows which are shaded a medium brown colour and would often fill them in with an eyeshadow. 

Passing a Benefit counter I spotted this product and tested it on my eyebrows. When looking in the mirror I was surprised at the results I loved both the thickness and colour which seemed to create a 3D effect.

After purchasing this product I have used it everyday, it is super quick to use, long lasting and I love the way it makes my eyebrows stand out. 

The price is slightly higher than I would normally spend on an eyebrow product. However I feel it is extremely worth it - There is nothing wrong with treating yourself now and again is there!

Gimme Brow - medium/deep

http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/gimme-brow

Any eyebrow products you would recommend? 

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream

Recently I visited The Body Shop and having never bought anything from their make-up range before I decided to take a look.

I was on the search for a new foundation as I wanted a light coverage for an everyday use. I spotted the 

All-In-One BB Cream and liked the idea of a multi-function product, being a cream with a tint. I tried it in store and instantly fell in love. The consistency is not too thick and has a light/medium coverage.

 I have used this product on a daily basis for just over a week and have noticed that my skin looks much healthier.

I look forward to trying out more of The Body Shop's make-up range.  

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

All-In-One BB Cream - Shade 01

Has anybody got any make-up recommendations from The Body Shop?

Lush Favourites

Lush is one of, if not, my favourite store. They make the most beautiful and fresh handmade cosmetics.

Every time I go into my local store I can't help but pick something up, okay a few things.

As well as having a great choice of  products the staff are always super lovely, helpful and friendly.

I am already excited for this years Christmas range so I will be reviewing these products as soon as they hit the stores.

Here are a few of my all time favourites...

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
I Love Juicy Shampoo 

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
One of my favourite smells, it is difficult to describe but  I will give it a go. The scent is sweet rose but it is not at all overpowering. The conditioner itself leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.

I Love Juicy Shampoo
The scent is similar to a bubblegum smell but again not overpowering. The shampoo leaves your hair shiny and personally when I use the shampoo my hair feels incredibly clean.

"Twilight" Bath Bomb
"Dragons Egg" Bath Bomb

Twilight
My favourite of all the bath bomb's! The scent is a light Lavender and it turns the bath into a pink and deep blue swirl.

Dragons Egg
Strong citrus smell and turns the bath a lovely light orange colour

Popcorn Lip Scrub

Popcorn Lip Scrub
This is perfect for when you have those days of dried and chapped lips. The texture is similar to sugar and it tastes amazing. For such a cute little tub it lasts for ages.

Products available in store or at www.lush.co.uk


What are your Lush favourites, any recommendations?
Comment below :)

Night time skin care routine

My night time skin care routine has always been pretty simple, for the last few years I have used make-up wipes and nothing else!

I always felt that wipes are the quickest thing to use, but I decided I fancied a change.

So I picked up the 'Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water' http://www.boots.com/en/Garnier-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-400ml_1440752/

I can’t believe how much quicker this is to use! It takes just seconds to get your make-up off and you don’t end up with mascara smudges all over your face which happens to me when using wipes.

I also find I go through a pack of wipes super quick, I have been using this for over a month and as you can see I still have so much left. 

After I remove my make up, I will then use my Liz Earle 'Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser' the smell of this is beautiful! It reminds me of a visit to a spa! This scent is limited edition and is called Orange Flower & Chamomile.

You can purchase their original award winning cleanse here http://uk.lizearle.com/cleanse-tone-moisturise/cleanse-and-polish-hot-cloth-cleanser.html 

My skin feels so soft after I use it, I can’t stop touching my face ha.

I have also noticed how much more hydrated my skin has become!

My skin care tips

-          Drink Green Tea 2 to 3 cups a day the more the better! (My favourite is Twinning Lemon Green Tea)

-          Drink plenty of water

-          Always take your make-up off at night

-          Moisturise before putting on your make-up

-          Use a moisturiser that contains SPF

-          Clean your make up brushes regularly

KB Hair Extensions

I have very thick hair which is just passed my shoulders, I often purchase clip-in extensions to give me additional length and was on the lookout for some new ones.

Being fussy when it comes to my hair I knew exactly what I was looking for. I felt I needed thicker extensions, and the colour had to match perfectly!

I contacted KB Hair Extensions after seeing them on Facebook. The owner Kerry was extremely helpful; she matched the colour perfectly and advised on the thickness/length which I would need. 

Once I received my hair extensions (which she dropped straight to my door talk about excellent service!) I couldn’t believe how much hair there was, I had more than enough and the colour was perfect!

160g Deluxe Clip-In extensions 

KB Hair specialises in micro rings, micro ring weave and Clip-in hair extensions.

Looking for hair extensions? Visit – http://www.kbhairextensions.co.uk/

Be sure to check out their Facebook/Twitter pages to keep updated with offers and competitions! 

Favourite Essie Nail Polish

I have a huge collection of nail polishes and often find myself purchasing the same ones without realising!

Recently I visited boots and found the perfect mint green colour by Essie.

It is a beautiful pastel colour, Stands out but is not overpowering, the brush is easy to use and the polish dries super quick which I find great if you're in a rush or just impatient like me!

Essie - Mint Candy Apple 

Pies for Parkinson's Challenge

Growing up with a Grandad that has Parkinson's Disease it is great to see the Pies for Parkinson's Challenge creating more awareness via Social Media.
Last night I decided to take on the challenge myself, letting my boyfriend film and throw a cream pie in my face!

Here are some photos (feel free to laugh!)

Don't I look lovely? #piesforparkinsons

One person in every 500 has Parkinson's which is around 127,000 in the UK. There is currently no cure. If you would like to donate you can do so by texting PARK14 £5 to 70070 or you can donate online via - http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/27-august-2014/take-pies-parkinsons-challenge 

For more information on Parkinson's Disease visit - http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

Simple Breakfast Smoothie

This morning I decided to get my blender out and make a yummy easy to make smoothie! 

You will need...

Coconut Water

Bananas x2

Kiwis x2

Large handful of strawberry's

and of course a blender/smoothie maker!

You will need to chop up your fruit into small pieces, add the coconut water (about half way up the blender) and blend for around 30-40 seconds

Serve and enjoy! 

Holiday Snaps - Greece

I recently came back from a lovely holiday in the beautiful Parga in Greece here are a few of my holiday snaps! :) 

Hello and Welcome!

Hello and Welcome!

My name is, Rachel and I have a passion for beauty and fashion.

It is near the end of summer, well sort of, and as sad as that is I can't wait to get my cosy jumpers and fluffy socks out ready for the winter........and of course one of my many onesies. I have already started on the hot chocolates!

For the last six months I have really wanted to start reviewing all of the products I am buying and trying so I decided to start my own blog.

So, watch this space :)