Tuesday 30 June 2015

My June Cohorted Beauty Box


My June Cohorted beauty box arrived! The amount of excitement is unreal, no sooner had the delivery man handed it over - I was tearing away the packaging!
I sadly missed out on last months box so when I finally managed to pre order this June one I was over the moon!


So the box itself is very sleek and sexy, finished off with an adorable ribbon to keep it closed. I will definitely be re-using this to store make-up in, it's far too good to waste.

Next on to the juicy bit, what was inside.....

I got a total of 4 items. Three of which everyone gets the same, with a slight variation of colour for the nail varnish and the 4th is a mystery gift which makes it even more shrouded in mystery!

cohorted june 2015 beauty box blog review cargo essie mac


Cargo Eye Palette - "Let's meet in Paris"
Cargo Bronzer - Light
Essie Nail Varnish - Roarrange
MAC Eyeshadow - 'Shroom'

Having never tried any make-up items from Cargo Cosmetics I am so far really impressed. 
cargo cosmetics Let's meet in Paris Eyeshadow palette review swatches

cargo cosmetics Let's meet in Paris Eyeshadow palette review swatches

The "Let's meet in Paris" palette is full of such pretty unique colours that when swatched are so pigmented and colourful.

TOP ROW L to R
Macaroon, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Creme Brulee, Bonjour, Cafe.

cargo cosmetics Let's meet in Paris Eyeshadow palette review swatches

BOTTOM ROW: L to R
Baguette, Croissant, Versailles, Madame, Bastille, Beret.

cargo cosmetics Let's meet in Paris Eyeshadow palette review swatches


 My fave shades are "Creme brulee" and "Madame". 
Bonjour and Baguette were a bit of a let down for me not being as pigmented. Bonjour felt a bit chalky to apply and Baguette was difficult to seebut other than those two the other shades definitely pack a punch! The baroque design of the case is very eye catching and has a luxurious velvety feel!

Cargo Bronzer
Cargo cosmetics bronzer light swatched

The Bronzer is in the shade light which is perfect for me, as it gives a subtle glow and they say it is waterproof! I love the tin design, it's so cute!
Cargo cosmetics bronzer light swatched

Essie Nail Varnish
Essie nail varnish Roarrrange

I got the shade "Roarrrange" which is a bright orange. A lovely striking summer shade. Not a colour I would usually go for but when on gives a lovely pop of colour!

Essie nail varnish Roarrrange

Last of all my mystery gift was a MAC Eyeshadow in "Shroom"
MAC Shroom Satin Eyeshadow
  
With it being so iridescent, it's difficult to capture on camera, but it is a creamy pearly satin shade.
A very subtle but pretty highlight colour that's perfect for the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone.

Overall I am extremely pleased with my beauty box from Cohorted. It provides such amazing value for just £19.99 + P&P. It was definitely worth the wait!

Did you manage to get your hands on a Cohorted box? What was your mystery gift??


Friday 26 June 2015

Skincare Empties I already have a back-up for!

Empties I will always repurchase and in fact I already have a back up for!!


These are the products I love and use so much, I have already bought a new one before I reach the end of the bottle. 
You know the ones I mean..... You start getting towards the end and you panic a little bit inside, reminding yourself not to forget to order another. These are products that work for my skin and I don't want to be without, not even for a day!

Bioderma Sensibo Micellar Water Cleanser
I've lost count how many bottles of this I have gone through!  I am so glad this is easier to get here in the UK. I get mine from escentual.com fast and friendly service and they pop in a nail file as a little added bonus!
It is just so effective at removing my make-up ...from waterproof mascara to that lip pencil that doesn't budge (NARS lip pencil I'm looking at you!) and of course foundation. It is gentle enough that it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes but works hard at removing all the dirt and grime of the day. Contains cucumber extract so is also mildly soothing and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped or tight at all. Makes taking the day's make-up off quick and easy.

Cetaphil Cleanser
This is usually my second cleanse if I am feeling lazy. (i.e, don't want to trapse to the bathroom sink to use a flannel and water). I'll just swipe a few pumps of this cleanser all over my face to remove any left overs from my micellar water cleanse. Doesn't sting, dry out my skin or irritate or leave it feeling tight either. A lovely gentle cleanser that is gentle enough for my children to use on their precious skin (No they aren't babies... they are 13 and 11 but will always be my babies!!). My 13 year old is starting to get breakouts and this is perfect to ensure that the skin stays relatively clean and bacteria free. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+
This is a moisturiser with a spot treatment in it to treat current breakouts but also with regular use helps to prevent future ones too. Doesn't sting or feel greasy to apply and is gentle enough for my 13 year old to use. It also helps to reduce the redness and in turn help prevent scarring that can occur. Helps also with reducing the shine by having a slight mattifying effect.

La Roche Posay Redness serum
It seems everything from La Roche Posay I try I absolutely love. Their skincare is just so perfect for my sensitive skin. I have redness across my cheeks and I find this serum helps soothe. Feels lovely and slightly cooling to apply. I use this both morning and night, mainly concentrating on any redness. It really is such a lovely serum, has a tint of yellowness to it too. Doesn't feel greasy and sinks in quickly so you don't have to wait too long to apply foundation or spf over the top.

Have you any skincare empties you panic about when you get to the end of them?


Tuesday 23 June 2015

Indeed labs: Retinol Reface My thoughts


"Good skincare is a marathon not a race" this is the philosophy of Indeed Labs.
The only skin care I have tried from their range is their hydraluron jelly which I love and use regularly. My review can be found here: Indeed Labs Hydraluron Jelly moisturiser.

So I thought I would dip my toe even further into their range as boots had £5 off ... also I want to begin more of an anti-ageing routine. 
Hence...

Retinol Reface

indeed labs retinol reface serum anti ageing

What this is...
 Is a retinol skin re-surfacer serum that helps to target the appearance of fine lines, crows feet and wrinkles.

Retinol Reface by Indeed Labs contains not one but 3 forms of retinol:
Rapid action retinol helps to accelerate the retinol activities for rapid results
Retinol Micro-Spheres, ensure a slow release over time as the retinol is encapsulated in plant based micro-spheres.
Retinol like peptide, provides the same benefits as retinol but is known to be less irritating.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivitive of Vitamin A. It is considered to be beneficial in fighting the signs of ageing.

It is generally recommended you won't start seeing the results until at least 12 weeks if not longer, hence the marathon! So it is a waiting game, but I will say it is a nice serum that doesn't aggravate or irritate my skin. I don't have any wrinkles yet but I am hoping that with use of retinol I'll stave them off a tiny bit longer. Here's hoping!!

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Soap & Glory Brow Archery Pencil A Review


Soap & Glory Brow Archery Pencil A quick review...


The shade I picked up is blonde shell...I am not blonde more of a brunette but the next shade seemed a little dark for me as my eyebrows aren't all that dark.
It is so easy to draw fine hairs in little strokes and then to brush any naughty strays back in line!!


What I love about this pencil is the brush spooly on the end. 
So compact, all in one and easy to use. Great to have in my make-up bag.
This eyebrow pencil gives such a nice natural finished look.


I already featured this in one of my monthly round-ups but I feel it is a really good product, does what it says on the tin and deserves its own post!


Have you tried Soap & Glory's Archery Eyebrow pencil? x 

Tuesday 9 June 2015

This Months Magazine Freebies! JULY Issues 2015

Wow this month is a great one for beauty and skincare freebies free with magazines...

Top notch brands that are ideal as a trial size before you buy or even to take away with you on your holidays!
So without further ado I'll catch you up with the magazine mayhem going on this June!
(July Magazine Issues)

july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, elemis, ren, nails inc, malin + goetz

A total of 5 magazines this month of June 2015 that come with a fab free trial size beauty / skincare gift!

july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, malin + goetz


First up we have RED Magazine 
This comes with a free REN Vita Mineral Lip Balm 15ml size worth £9.
A rich balm that helps to soothe and protect the lips, can't wait to try this as have tried the vita mineral eye cream and absolutely loved it so I am hoping the lip balm will be just as good.


july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, elemis, ren, nails inc, malin + goetz

Next is the one I am most excited about.. It's ELLE Magazine with a free trial skincare kit from MALIN + GOETZ
Travel kit consists of a cleanser, moisturiser and a lip moisturiser from American skincare brand Malin + Goetz. Born out of frustration of having sensitive skin these two set about keeping it simple - to two steps cleanse and moisturise for the perfect ph balance. Only really available to buy at select stores in the uk such as SpaceNk, so you can imagine my excitement at being able to try the products for the price of Elle magazine! Eek!


july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, elemis, ren, nails inc, malin + goetz

Then we have Marie Claire which comes with a 15ml sized sample of Elemis Pro Radiance Flash Balm or their Papaya Enzyme Peel.

The Papaya Enzyme Peel is a cream exfoliator packed full with fruit extracts and vitamin E to chemically ex-foliate your face gently without the need for scrubbing and harsh beads. Leaving your skin feeling refreshed and brightened.
The Pro Radiance Flash Balm is a light moisturiser that helps to add luminosity and radiance to your face. Added bonus of containing vitamins as-well as purple orchid, Noni and Acai to give the skin a moisture boost.

july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, elemis, ren, nails inc, malin + goetz

InStyle Magazine this month have a choice of 4 exclusive shades from top nail brand NAILS INC
The theme of this collection is 80's Anthems Collection
featuring....



LOVE WILL TEAR US APART - Hot tomato red
(Joy Division)

THE TIDE IS HIGH - Mint green
(Blondie)

THE BOYS OF SUMMER - Hot Barbie Pink
(Don Henley)

WHEN DOVES CRY - Dove Grey
(Prince)

All 4 shades look amazing for summer and I love the fact the nail varnishes are inspired and named after 80's songs! Brilliant idea!

july 2015 magazine freebies red, instyle, glamour, marie claire, elemis, ren, nails inc, malin + goetz

Last of all is Glamour Magazine which comes with a choice of 3 make-up items from brand ModelCo (which you may or may not know Danni Minogue is their brand ambassador).

Choose between:
Eye-liner, Mascara or Lip-gloss which has a handy cute mirror on the side so you can apply on the go!

For just a bargain price of £1 who could resist? may as-well pick up all 3!!

So there you have it, this months bumper edition of fantastic magazine freebies .... now go grab them all before they fly off the shelves!!!

Friday 5 June 2015

MAC Times Nine 'Purple' Palette A Swatch and Review

New in from MAC 
Eyes on MAC - Times Nine Palettes


Eyes on mac times nine palettes purple swatch beauty blog review

It's a collection of 9 eye-shadows that all go really well together and offer different finishes from matte to satin and frost. 
So you've the Navy, Amber, Purple and Burgundy palettes to choose from. 

Now a quick note, looking at the price £30 for 9 MAC eye-shadows is an absolute bargain, it's only when it arrived that I realized they are smaller than usual. In fact all 9 fit in the same size casing as a 4 shadow. Still provides excellent value and such a great space saver. with a delicious selection of shades to play with I am one happy bunny!

So I chose the Purples, no surprise there... as if you don't know already purple happens to be my favourite colour! But not only that, I tend to stick to browns and more neutral shadows. Urban decay naked palette and several mac shades such as wood-winked, satin taupe all that glitters... the list goes on but you get the jist they're all similar shades.
So I wanted to step out of my comfort zone with a pop of colour and what better time than Spring!! 

PURPLE TIMES NINE

Eyes on mac times nine palettes purple swatch beauty blog review

Eyes on mac times nine palettes purple swatch beauty blog review

L to R:

Sweet Lust - Lustre Finish
A soft champagne with pink pearly finish

Lightly sugared - Frost
A gorgeous lilac shade with a pearl finish

Poignant - Satin
A lovely soft lilac shade with a smooth satin finish

Mancatcher - Frost
Matte lavendar with a slight frosty finish

Satellite Dreams - Veluxe pearl
This one has been on my MAC eye-shadow wish list for ages...
 could never justify though as didn't really have other shades to go with it. 
In this palette they all go nicely!
A plum shade with a violet pearl finish 

Bon Nuit - Matte
Love the name of this one! 
A deep almost navyish plum shade with a matte finish

After Dusk - Veluxe pearl
Soft red wine shade with a pearl finish. This looks a lovely bronze-y-copper shade. 

Beauty Marked - Velvet
Another one from my wish list that is a bit daring from what i usually go for. 
Black-Red with sparkle pearl

Shadowy Lady - Matte
A blackened plum shade perfect for defining the crease and outlining the eye along the lash line. 

Eyes on mac times nine palettes purple swatch beauty blog review

I can't wait to have a play around and create a lovely purple spring eye look!

Did you pick up a palette from MAC's Times Nine Collection?

Tuesday 2 June 2015

MAY Monthly Favourites Round-Up

MAY Favourites Time....


This month I have been using La Roche Posay Serozinc. Finally avaliable here in the UK. My full review can be found here: Serozinc 
 I love to use this as a lovely facial mist which has the added bonus of containing zinc which helps calm and soothe the skin. Helps to prevent any future blemishes.

Elizabeth Arden Primer this was a gift with purchase from debenhams. It's a lovely light primer that's a joy to use. The lipstick was the said purchase in 'WildBerry' and I have been constantly reaching for it this past month. It is such a lovely shade and the formula is spot on!

Bobbi Brown shimmer palette I picked this up from a blog sale. A lovely sparkly shimmer palette, which gives a subtle payoff for those days when you don't really want to wear a lot of heavy eye make-up. Just a little shimmer.

Maybelline Sensational Mascara in... wait for it WATERPROOF! I spotted this in boots and snapped it up double quick. I much prefer to wear a waterproof mascara, mainly because the British weather is just so darn unpredictable. Love this mascara, if I am honest I prefer the effect of the non waterproof but I like the reliability of the waterproof.

TV
I finally caught up with the last and final season of "How I met your mother".... 
(At last! Only about a year later!!)
I won't spoil the end but hmmmm..... It was a thinker!! 
I still can't make up my mind about it. I watched the alternative ending on the dvd and I have to say I much preferred that version, but I guess I'm just a big softy at heart. Don't get me wrong I loved the end but considering the show is called how I met your mother and is all essentially geared up to the big reveal the end just didn't fit for me.

Peter Kay's Car Share has had me in stitches this past month. If you haven't seen it head over to BBC Iplayer. It is so funny. Without spoiling it i'll just quickly mention "I forgot to put my legs in!" oh and the "dogging" conversation with the 80 year old neighbour!! Well done Peter Kay, so glad you're back on our screens hope there is a season 2!!

Oh and have you seen 'The Goldbergs' new on E4? Well if like me you are a 80's chic then you should watch weekdays at 7.30pm for a good old reminisce down memory lane. But also because It's such a brilliant series that leaves you feeling that bit happier for having watched it. Defo my cheer me up show and I look forward to seeing what the Goldberg kids get up to next!

Book
I read "The Good Girl" by Mary Kubica
It was an interesting gripping read, I was in suspense throughout however there were a few times where things didn't quite add up especially at the end. Might just be me over thinking and wanting to know everything. I found myself asking questions to the screen - knowing full well I wouldn't getting an answer any-time soon. So I got to the end and i didn't feel the usual satisfaction i get at the end of a book as I had so many questions and things didn't quite add up in my head?! But that being said it was a great thriller with a twist at the end, that I didn't see coming.

So that's what I have been loving this past month. What have you been enjoying?