Saturday 31 May 2014

Papaya Gold PAW PAW Balm Review

Papaya Gold
PAW PAW
Papaya Moisturising Balm


Papaya Gold PAW PAW Papaya Moisturising Balm review blog


Shopping in Boots I saw this for £5.99 for 25g. 
I was intrigued, I'm not going to lie the red packaging drew my attention, but upon reading the label I knew I needed to try it!!

What is it? I hear you ask.....

Thursday 29 May 2014

Liebster Blogging Award ....

I was nominated for a Liebster Blogging Award…


Sophie from Pretty and Polished nominated me for a Liebster Award 
You can visit her blog here

Now I am told this is awarded to bloggers with under 200 followers, a sort of well done and acknowledgement of your blog. 
THE RULES:
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
2. Display the award on your blog
3. Answer 11 questions which provided to you by the person who nominated you
4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself
5. Nominate 5-11 blogs that you feel deserve the award
6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer
7. List these rules in your post (you can copy and paste from here)

8. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (because they might not have ever heard of it)

There are 11 questions she has set for me to answer...

So here goes…..on to the Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging for some ‘me-time’ and to basically chatter and recommend beauty & skincare I love. 
Before I buy something I always research and look to blogs for information and swatches, I hope to be able to provide the same service to others unsure about a purchase.
2. What's your favourite thing about blogging?
I really enjoy taking the photo pictures and getting creative with the backgrounds and angles. I also love how I am learning so much such as html, how to do page headers and other essential blogging related items I did not know how to do before.
3. What made you choose your blog name?
My initials spell out A.C.E and as for the ‘sparkle star’ bit thought it sounded pretty.
4. Night in or night out?
Definitely a night in!!
Love nothing better than a candle lit bath, pampering face mask and a good film or series to watch. Snacks essential!!
5. Tea or coffee?
Without a doubt Tea. I’m not fully awake until i have had a cuppa tea in the morning.
Clipper’s Sleepy tea before bedtime really helps me to unwind and chamomile tea with a spoonful of honey is lovely to soothe tension.
6. Do you have any pets?
Erm 2 kids, does that count! I joke. Nope, no pets.
7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to go to New Zealand, looks amazing on the Lord Of the Rings!!
8. Dogs or cats?
Neither! Sorry, but I’m not really an animal person.
9. What's your favourite thing to write about?
Beauty of course, skin-care, lipstick and eye-shadows to name but a few!!
10. What's your favourite social media platform?
When i started, it was Facebook, however Twitter is rapidly becoming my favourite way to connect with other bloggers and join in the twitter chats.
11. Favourite thing you've ever bought?
That would be the ‘Bare Minerals foundation set’ since purchasing haven’t looked back! Their foundation really did change my skin for the better. It was a bit of an eureka moment when i had found what i had been searching for after trying several different foundations and my skin ending up irritated and red. 

My other favourite thing would be my CD player, I saved up for ages as a teenager, was over the moon when I got it! And do you know it is still going today!! Considering it was quite a while ago!! Good going! 

11 Facts about me
1. My initials spell out ACE!
2.I still haven’t perfected the art of winged eye-liner
3. My idea of a perfect day is beauty shopping around the department stores beauty halls, ideally with unlimited funds! Ha
4. I have 2 children who are my world.
5. I have a sister who is my sister by birth, best friend by choice. Is there when I need her.
6. I love anything tatty teddy (Me to you bear) - yes I know I am too old, but he is just so cute x
7. My favourite colour is Purple
8. My favourite flowers are Freesia’s
9. My top authors are Jane Green, Adele Parks, Sophie Kinsella (also known as Madeleine Wickham)
Cecelia Ahern too. P.S I Love you is such a good read.
10. I prefer romantic, drama type movies and films. Will not watch any scary films or horror as I am guaranteed to have nightmares for days!!
Love Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, The Big Bang theory, How I Met Your Mother and Friends never fails to cheer me up.  Any drama series such as the white queen, luther, line of duty and of course Derek. (Think that show is just genius!)
11. Lastly if I could choose one brand of make-up it would definitely be Bare Minerals... But you probably guessed that didn’t you!?!

So there you have it 11 facts about me

Now I am going to nominate:

Ruth from The Beauty Scriptures here
Helen from LittlehelsB here
Ashleigh's Beautea Party here
Charley from Beau Elle here
Jenny from Caramel and cats here

My questions to you are:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What’s your favourite part about blogging?
3. Where did the inspiration come from for your blog name?
4. Do you prefer a night in or out?
5. Describe your ideal day out.
6. What’s your favourite film and why
7. If you could choose only one brand of make-up what would it be
8. High-End or Drugstore?
9. What’s your favourite colour?
10. Do you have any pets, if so what?
11. What’s the one item of make-up you can not live without?


Thank you Sophie for the nomination!!
Hope this has provided a little snippet into the person behind Acesparklestar!

Take care, take time for you and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv Acesparklestar xoxo


Sunday 25 May 2014

Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturiser Review


Vaseline
Spray & go
Body Moisturiser Review

I picked up the cocoa butter flavour and have to say it has a pleasant, almost summertime smell about it.



Sometimes, I am just feeling far too lazy to apply body moisturiser especially after a long soak in the bath 
but this is a moisturiser with a difference..... it is in a spray can!!

Liz Earles Cleanse and Polish Review

Liz Earle
Cleanse and polish Review.

I am very, very late to the bandwagon on this cult beauty product.
Better late than never!


I usually use Bare Minerals cleanser, which i adore but mine ran out so thought i would give this cleanse and polish a try see if it is worth the hype....

Thicker hair just from washing it?? L'oreal Fibrology Review


L'Oreal Elvive
New
Fibrology
Thickness Creation
Shampoo / Conditioner / Double Serum


Well i just couldn't resist the promise of thicker bouncier hair 
just by washing, conditioning and applying the serum!!

Make up on the go.....

Make-Up On The Go!

You know the drill….you hit snooze far too many times on your alarm clock and now you are out of the house sans make up!!
Shock, horror!!

Don’t panic, here is my guide to getting ready on the go, be it the bus train, tube or passenger seat in the car.


Keep a makeup bag in your handbag at all times.

MAC Lipstick Coral Bliss Swatch & Review

MAC Lipstick
Coral Bliss

MAC Coral Bliss Lipstick swatch review beauty blog

Best described as a lovely light peachy nude colour.

Saturday 24 May 2014

MAC Lipstick Angel Swatch & Review

MAC Lipstick
Angel
Swatch & Review



This has to be one of my favourite MAC lipsticks 
(as you can see from the picture - it's well loved and worn!)
When it runs out I will definitely be repurchasing.

Sexy Specs. Make-Up tips for Glasses Wearers


When you wear glasses it draws attention to your face and more importantly your eyes. 
Here are my top tips for us glasses wearers…..



The aim is to bring attention to your lovely eyes beneath your glasses.

EYE-LINER
Make your eyes noticeable through your glasses, by making a winged or cat-eye look. Alternatively a white or nude eye-liner along your lower water line can make you appear wide awake and really brightens your eyes up. 

Most importantly use your Eyelash Curler!!
Using an eyelash curler opens up the eye area allowing more light to the whites of your eyes, making you look wide awake. Curling your eyelashes also ensures they don’t end up hitting up against your glasses too.


Friday 23 May 2014

MAC Syrup Lipstick Swatch & Review

MAC
'Syrup'
Lipstick
Review and swatches.

MAC Syrup lustre lipstick swatch review beauty blog your lips but better

MAC's lipstick in Syrup is a 'Lustre' formula.

Highly pigmented with a glossy finish.

Like with all MAC lipsticks has

Thursday 22 May 2014

Vichy Dermablend to cover a Multitude of Flaws!!

Vichy Dermablend
How I use the Foundation, Concealer stick & Setting Powder.

Who knew these little hero's were hidden away in the skincare isle of Boots?
Not where they should be... pride of place, on display in the make-up section!!

These little gems from Vichy do a fantastic job of disguising unwanted flaws or imperfections. The foundation is light to wear, that even if you dislike the feeling of foundation on your skin, this one is worth a try. There is no mask effect and is very comfortable to wear.
When used with conjunction with the Vichy setting powder, sets to a smudge and water resistant finish.



So here's how I use them...

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder Review

Vichy Dermablend
Setting Powder Review.
The best setting powder ever!!


What is it?
It is an extremely finely milled translucent powder that sets your foundation in place. Ensuring smudge and water resistant all day.
Originally designed to ensure the Vichy Dermablend Foundation and Corrective stick stay in place and are waterproof.
Can also be used on top of other foundations for the same purpose.

Is fragrance free and adds no colour to your face at all. Keeps you shine free and helps keep the oiliness at bay. Very light hardly notice you have it on and seems to stay put all day.



The pot is huge, 28g to be precise. I can see this lasting absolutely ages! It comes with a powder puff, but I prefer to use my real techniques powder brush or setting brush for around under eyes and bridge of your nose. It can be slightly messy due to the loose powder and the packaging, however the plus is the powder is colourless, so won't stain.

This powder is especially great if like me, you wear glasses. 
Apply to under eye area and bridge of your nose to prevent your glasses from slipping throughout the day and foundation transferring onto your glasses. 



How to use:
Use the powder puff or brush to apply to your face on top of foundation as your last step. 
Leave to set for a minute or 2, then remove any excess lightly with a brush.
Et-Voila, a flawless face come rain or shine!
Long lasting and reliable.


Have to say am seriously impressed with this setting powder and so far is the best I have tried.
Highly recommend this, especially in the warmer months when shine and sweat make keeping foundation on your face a difficult task!
Does a fantastic job of keeping everything in place, I don't get oily or greasy on my t-zone when wearing this powder.
Can be used on the top of any brand foundation or even on it's own to help prevent oil and greasiness.


 If you are interested in using this setting powder with the Vichy foundation and concealer, my reviews can be found below:

Hope these reviews have helped highlight the excellent coverage make-up that can be found in the Vichy skincare isle at Boots as-well as www.escentual.com.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Monday 19 May 2014

Vichy Corrective Concealer Stick Review

Vichy 
Corrective Concealer Stick Review

For targeted concealment of scarring, redness, dark circles, acne and uneven skin tone.
Can be used alone as a concealer or used with the dermablend foundation to create a desired coverage, hiding imperfections. Layered to customize your finished look.


I like to dab this on any imperfections, such as spots, redness after applying the foundation. To ensure my flaws are covered up. Then blend out with my finger tips or a Real techniques buffing or stippling brush.

Again like the foundation feels light and not cakey. Water and smudge, rubbing resistant once set. 
Contains SPF30 

Matches upto the foundation shades:
The 5 shades to choose from...
15 Opal being the lightest
25 Nude
35 Sand 
45 Gold
55 Bronze

I have the shade 15 Opal to match up with my foundation. 

Top Left & Right un-blended swatch. Bottom Left and Right blended in.
Blends nicely and I feel really helps to neutralise my redness and hide any annoying spots.
For extra reassurance set with the Vichy dermablend setting powder to really make sure face is water, smudge oil and sweat resistant.

Overall I highly recommend all three of these Vichy products. A little goes a long way due to the pigmentation. 
Perfect if you require a high coverage and have sensitive skin really does what it says on the tin!



I have also previously reviewed the Vichy Dermablend Foundation and the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder is coming up!

Hope these reviews have helped highlight the excellent coverage make-up that can be found in the Vichy skincare isle at Boots.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Sunday 18 May 2014

Vichy Dermablend Foundation Review

Vichy Dermablend
Foundation Review


16 Hour wear, high coverage corrective foundation that is suitable for sensitive skin.
Designed to camouflage flaws, redness, dark circles, scarring and uneven skin tone.

This little gem is hidden away in the skincare section of Boots, so you would be forgiven for overlooking and not realising it was even there.

Friday 16 May 2014

Urban Decay Super Saturated Lip Colour Pencil 'Love-Child' Review


So on my last trip to Debenhams I was browsing the beauty hall, as I love to do! Stopped at Urban Decay to swatch their Naked lip-glosses. They are a fairly new release and hadn't chance to see what they were like....

Long story short I left the counter with a Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Pencil Stick! 
Don't know how that happened... as I already have my Soap & Glory Gloss sticks I love and adore, as well as my Nars one in Mysterious red!!
I'm normally quite good when it comes to shopping at beauty counters, I know what I'm going for. Am not normally easily swayed but this day, either the beauty assistant was on her game or I was off mine!! 


Anyway having said all of that....I'm really glad I bought it. It is such a pretty pink, so creamy and easy to apply, even without a mirror.

Thursday 15 May 2014

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eye-shadow Palette Swatches


Urban Decay 
Naked 3
Eye-shadow Palette


A romantic rosy take on the Urban Decay Naked palette. Filled with 12 gorgeous eye-shadows, ranging from mattes, shimmers and metallics.
Butter soft and such a dream to apply. Stay put and blend nicely together. I love Urban decay eye-shadows really are so good, highly pigmented and long lasting on the eyelid.

Wednesday 14 May 2014

MAC Fix Plus + What is it?

Mac Fix Plus
What is it?

A refreshing face spray enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Refreshes, calms and hydrates.


Calms the skin with a blend of cucumber, green tea and soothing chamomile.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Fearless Review


Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in 'Fearless'


A subtle rosy pink, very slight hint of coral. A dream to apply. Not too intense. Gives a natural flush to the cheeks.
A matte blush finish with no shimmer, sparkle or glitter.

Monday 12 May 2014

Body Shop Face Massager Review


The Body Shop
Facial Massager...

No.... it's not a torture devise, I promise its gentle to use and actually very relaxing!!


This is a nifty mini massager with nodules on for massaging your face.

Sunday 11 May 2014

Magazine Freebies!! Nails Inc, Benefit Pore-Fessional, Aromatherapy Associates Skin Care.


This month of May 2014 sees plenty of magazine freebies......


In Style ~ Nails Inc Nail Varnish. Choice of 3 colours.
Marie Claire ~ Aromatherapy Associates Skin Care. 
Elle ~ Benefit Pore-fessional

Saturday 10 May 2014

Real Techniques Retractable Brushes New additions

NEW Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer & Kabuki Brush


Love Real Techniques brushes for their sheer quality and affordable price. (Usually 3 for 2 in boots or some other fab offer). 
I use my collection of Real techniques on a daily basis and they have survived through cleaning and all sorts.

If someone asks me for a recommendation of brushes, hands down I will say Real Techniques

The latest addition to the family of brushes are these 2 retractable brushes. Both come with lids making these perfect for in your make-up bag for on the go and travelling.

Friday 9 May 2014

Soap and Glory Gloss Sticks Swatches & Review


Soap and Glory 
Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks 
Swatch & Review



I have 4 colours of these amazing lip pencil gloss sticks. 
Fuschia ristic, Bashful, Plum Jam, Nudist

Thursday 8 May 2014

Clinique Feathering Lash Power Mascara Review


NEW Clinique Feathering Lash Power Mascara

Am a huge fan of the original lash power mascara, for its sheer power to not budge all day!

So when this came out I had to try it out to see if it live up to the original.

Happy to say it's so good, may even say its better!




Top wand is the original lash power.
Bottom wand is the new feathering lash power.