Nuxe Samples

The lovely people at lookfantastic sent me a few face cream samples to try from the Nuxe Merveillance range. I got the day cream, eye cream and the night cream. 

The creams are very rich and although a lovely scent, it's not the famous Nuxe fragrance that I adore. 

I tried the regenerating night cream last night and I manged to squeeze a bit out for tonight as when I woke this morning my skin felt so soft and smooth. Whether that was a combination of use with the Eve Lom cleanser I got in my lfbeautybox I'm not sure, but I loved it. My skin felt nourished and pampered when I applied it. 

It's hard to judge on an eye cream, well any cream after just one application. I couldn't tell you if it does what it claims to do just what it's like you apply. 

The lifting eye cream is of decent texture and not too thin and watery like some. Felt light to apply and didn't sting around the delicate eye area. 

Finally I was given a sample of the rich correcting day cream. Similar texture to that of the night cream just not as rich. Absorbed well into my skin for a good base for my make up. Very smooth and velvety. 

All of these can be purchased through lookfantastic 

http://m.lookfantastic.com/elysium.search?autocomplete=searchsuggestion&search=nuxe%20merveillance

Prices range between £29-£39

I'd love to know if anyone has tried a whole jar of one of these products.

Let me know...

Jx

Nuxe Crème Fraiche Masque

This Crème Fraiche Mask by French brand Nuxe is pure pampering perfection!

 

I received a 50ml size mask in my Glossy Box this month and was absolutely delighted! I couldn't wait for a relaxing bath to try it out!

The texture is quite light, non oily and goes on almost translucent so not at all heavy on the delicate skin of the face, this product is paraben free (no nasties) but still comes with that devine Nuxe signature scent. 

I can honestly say that it made my skin feel nourished and and soft, perfect base for make up on a night out where you don't want too much moisturiser. I will definitely be purchasing this!

Pure Saturday Perfection! 

You can buy from Lookfantastic here for £12.99 with free delivery:

http://m.lookfantastic.com/nuxe-creme-fraiche-mask-50ml/10668014.html

Has anyone else tried this beautiful face mask? 

Jx

Nice Nuxe

Nuxe is a French brand and is one oft current favourites. It was founded more than 20 years ago by Aliza Jabes. Its story is all about natural scientific excellence and being glamorous. The brand was launched in the UK a few years ago and it’s also present in more than 64 countries around the world.

I've only discovered Nuxe a few months ago whilst on a flight back from a work trip to Ireland. My lovely boss bought the dry oil spray, NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE - MULTI USAGE DRY OIL and unfortunately for me the airline only carry one bottle per flight! So I had to wait until I got home and I ordered it from lookfantastic. 

The dry oil spray is deliciously divine! It smells so decadent, a scent like nothing else! It's amazing for dry skin, dry ends on your hair, it's fragrant enough you don't have to wear perfume, a few sprays in the bath makes your skin so soft and smelling amazing (my husband loves the scent too)

For a 50ml bottle for £11.32 with free delivery, it would be a shame for you not to treat yourself to a bit of luxury. 

Another one of my favourites from the range is the after sun. It comes with that distinctive scent with a little bit of sparkle. A cooling yet moisturising after sun come body lotion that will remind you of holidays forever more! 

I've also purchased the perfume, hand cream and fondant shower gel- can you tell I'm a fan! Looking forward to trying more of the range.

I got the face mask in my October glossy box- excited to start using the skin care.

All products can be purchased from lookfantastic here: http://www.lookfantastic.com/brands/nuxe.list?s=Nuxe

What is your favourite Nuxe product?

Jx

TIGI Catwalk Honey and Oatmeal Tween

I meant to write a review on this a week after getting this luscious set! But now I've finished both bottles, I thought I'd share my thoughts....

Firstly, to say I've actually finished a shampoo and conditioner in full, without throwing half the bottle away is a miracle. And a miracle is exactly what this set is.  My hair has never felt so lovely. I often have trouble finding a decent combo as most of the shampoo and conditioners I use make my hair feel lank,heavy and not that clean.  But this stuff, is a breath of fresh hair (get it?!)

You get a whopping 750mls in each bottle for a price of £28.86 from look fantastic.com with free delivery, link here: http://www.lookfantastic.com/tigi-catwalk-oatmeal-and-honey-tween/10891811.html?autocomplete=productsuggestion

It is exceptional value for money, and has lasted about 14 weeks (I probably wash my hair twice a week) with my husband using it too! I liked this so much I got regular sized bottles to take on holiday! 

It's a beautiful clean honey based scent, which stays on your hair, ridiculously soft and so easy to comb. I will keep buying this product again and again! 

Lookfantastic says:

Specially put together for dry, damaged hair that's in need of a moisture boost, the TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Tween, worth £44, contains a shampoo and a conditioner that will smooth and hydrate your hair to leave it feeling smooth, soft and supple. - L.M.

Contains:

• TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Shampoo 750ml: Enriched with hydrolysed wheat protein, vitamin E, glycerin and conditioning agent, this moisturising shampoo will gently cleanse away dirt and impurities, whilst leaving your hair with a soft and silky texture. With a colour safe formula, it will transform the appearance and texture of dry, damaged hair.

• TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner 750ml: This luxurious conditioner will detangle your tresses, whilst providing intensive nourishment and moisture to keep your hair feeling soft and supple. Enriched with acacia honey, wheat protein and vitamin E, it strengthens and replenishes your hair, leaving it with a touchable soft texture and a lustrous shine. Meanwhile the beautiful fragrance will linger on your locks, leaving them with an irresistible scent.

In my opinion, if you want shiny, soft hair that stays clean for ages- this is the one! 

Let know what you think,

Jx

MUA £1 Matte Lipstick

I thought I would write a quick post on this amazing purchase I made!

I'm a massive fan of MUA makeup anyway, but this little lipstick deserves it's own little mention!

I love red lips anyway, but I feel glossy reds are a bit OTT for everyday wear. I discovered MUA matte lipstick in Scarlet Siren, and it is only one tiny pound! 

You can purchase from here:

http://www.muastore.co.uk/matte-lipstick-scarlet-siren

I wore this lippie to work and got so many compliments, as the weather is turning it's nice to revert to some warm, rich autumnal colours. 

It has great lasting power I only reapplied a few times during the day. 

Tip: moisturise your lips 20 mins before applying, makes it go on smoother!

What is everyone's favourite £1 lipstick?

Jx

Luton Hoo Fam Trip

Last night a few of my work colleagues and myself went to the Luton Hoo for dinner.  We were invited up there by our Account Manager and the Business Development Manager.  We as a company work with Luton Hoo on a very regular basis, and we were delighted to be invited up on a fam trip to experience what Adam's Brasserie has to offer!



Adam's Brasserie



 When we arrived we were show to Adam's Bar - which is quite an intimate bar area with big, plush comfy sofas, a very relaxing, informal setting. We had some drinks while we waited for everyone to arrive.  i had a delicious glass of Sauvignon Blanc - it would have been rude not too!

Even the coasters were pretty!

After our drinks we had a little showround of the courtyard, spa, meeting rooms and a few bedrooms in the flower garden, just stunning, some were bigger than my flat! Then we were taken to the brasserie for dinner.

I have to say on the website, the photos of Adam's Brasserie do not give it justice, it is a beautiful room, very classic, a bit rustic as it is a converted barn with high ceilings and beams, but with a modern twist with beautiful black and white movie pictures hung around the room.  Do you remember that scene in Four Wedding and Funeral where Hugh Grant in perched on a sink in a cupboard, well that was filmed at the Luton Hoo!  Every day is a school day!

The brasserie menu changes 4 times a year.  We met the Execuive Head Chef, a lovely Scottish chap called Kevin Clark, he was so lovely, he spent ages talking to us about the logisitics behind menu choosing and how he will accomodate our guests in any way he can.  Such service!

The current brasserie menu can be found here

Starters on last nights menu were:

Starters

Soup of the day gf
served with warm bread £6.00

Duck and orange terrine gf
with cucumber jelly and rhubarb puree £7.75

Carpaccio of beetroot gf v
with pecorino cheese and radish salad £7.75

Daily changing pan seared scallops
with appropriate garnish £8.95

Ceviche of mackerel gf
with samphire grass and candied lemon zest £7.50

Baked baby camembert v
with breadsticks and tomato chutney £7.95

Pan seared breast of wood pigeon gf
with whisky corn chowder and wilted spinach £7.50

Braised rabbit lollipops gf
with carrot puree, crisps and orange salad £7.50

Minted feta pomegranate and rocket salad gf
finished with shaved fennel and balsamic jelly £7.75

I chose the Scallops of the day, but still had food envy of everyone else.  The pigeon breast looked delightful!  But my scallops were beautiful.  Cooked to perfection, soft in the middle, a little crisp on the outside, served with pea puree and bacon bits. Beautiful!

The main courses on last nights menu were:

Main Course

Market fish of the day
with Chef's garnish £18.00

Pan fried fillet of salmon with citrus dressing gf
roast baby onions, wild mushrooms and crisp mash £17.50

Braised beef cheeks
with celeriac gnocchi and horseradish panna cotta £19.50

Poached and roast chicken wrapped in Parma ham gf
with fondant potato, with chanteney carrots and black olives £17.50

Caramelised white onion and sage risotto v
finished with flaked Wobbly Bottom goat’s cheese and pea shoots £15.50

Twice baked goat’s cheese soufflé v
with char grilled piquilo peppers and rosti potato £15.50

Pulled spiced shoulder of lamb gf
flageolet bean cassoulet with lemon and parsley and garlic mash £19.50

Very slow cooked Dingly Dell Farm pork belly gf
roast pears, sticky red cabbage, olive oil mash and red wine jus £17.50

Moules mariniere
with crusty bread, mayonnaise and thick cut chips £15.50

From the grill

Luton Hoo burger or chicken burger
with bacon and cheese on a toasted brioche bun and chunky chips £12.95

Grilled lamb cutlets gf
with grilled flat mushroom, roasted cherry tomatoes and chunky chips £19.50

Grilled sirloin of Casterbridge beef (225g) gf
with grilled flat mushroom, roasted cherry tomatoes and chunky chips £22.00

Cote de boeuf (325g) gf
with grilled flat mushroom, roasted cherry tomatoes and chunky chips £28.50

I was not disappointed by my choice of the twice baked goats cheese souffle!  I always like to try something different, and were possible something i would not normally cook at home. This was incredible!  So light and fluffy and full of flavour.  But it was so overpowering like goats cheese can sometimes be.  Just perfect.  It came with 3 litle rosti potatoes and a char grilled red pepper serviced with a pesto and rocket garnish.  Highly recommended!

The starters on last nights menu were:

Desserts, Cheese & Coffee

Chocolate Marquise and roasted pistachios
with mascarpone sorbet and chocolate pencils £6.75

Poached peach
with raspberry mousse,  macaroons and vanilla bean ice cream £6.75

Apple crumble parfait
with caramelised apples and pear puree £6.75

Lime cheesecake
mango puree, diced pineapple and home made shortbread £6.75

Caramel panna cotta
caramelised banana, chocolate cream and honeycomb £6.75

Selection of British fine cheeses
with wafer biscuits, celery and spiced chutney £8.50

Cafetiere of fresh ground coffee £3.75

Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino, Cafe Latte Mocha £3.95

Hot Chocolate £3.25

Selection of Teas £3.75

All are served with home made Amaretto shortbread

We were all so full - but we HAD to try some pudding!! Everything looked incredible, and we all ordered something different.  I ordered the Caramel Panna cotta, and well, it was just scrumptious!  Although i have to admit that i only ate half of it, there was so much!  I was so full that i didnt even manage to try one of the home made Amaretto shortbreads that were put on the table! The panna cotta was one of the best i've ever had, so beautifully silky smooth, and the honeycomb was to die for - sweet with a touch of salt, mmmm.

All in all, we had an amazing evening with Melanie and Jayne, thank you so much ladies for your wonderful hospitality.  The service was incredible, polite and prompt. Lovely to know what the Hoo can offer, and we can make menu suggestions to our guests.

Have you ever dined at the Hoo before?  What were your thoughts?

Jx

#lutonhoo

Protein World - The Slender Blend

I'm not proud to admit I've put on a few lbs since my wedding nearly 2 years ago... This makes me sad, but I've had fun doing it :) being comfortable with your husband is the best!

However, enough is enough and things must change! I've tried nearly every diet known to man! But we all know as we get older weigh gets harder to shift. I did really well just before the wedding on slim fast- I know I know I can hear you all shouting about how bad it is for you and how full of sugar it is but naively I didn't know.

After looking on the internet at meal replacement shakes I stumbled across Protein World. Which are completely different to slim fast in the fact they are low in sugar and carbs but high in protein and have lots of other wonderful ingredients including whey protein, raspberry kertone and green tea all aid to minimise hunger pangs and aid weightloss. 

The website is so user friendly and the products looked pretty - what was I waiting for? So I ordered! 

I ordered the slender blend in vanilla as Protein World suggest blending with fruit or veg and I thought vanilla would be the best to go for. It also comes in chocolate or strawberry. 

I personally am replacing my breakfast and dinner with a shake and eating a healthy balanced lunch. 

I've only had two shakes, I made the breakfast shake blended with banana, oats and almond milk. 

Then my second shake was strawberries, mint and Almond milk. They are so thick and delicious and I didn't feel deprived at all. I was actually looking forward to the next shake! 

Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow - going to try out a protein world recipe:

So wish me luck on my weight loss journey, I hope I keep it up. Here's to a healthier and slimmer me! Hopefully in time for my trip to Tenerife!! 5 months to go - is 2 stone do able? What do you all recommend for weightloss? Tips and pointers welcome! 

Jx

Nivea - my daily essentials

I've been using Nivea in some way for as long as I can remember. But I thought it was time that I blogged about my favourite daily essentials. 

I'm obsessed with their lipbalms and have blogged about the lip butter in raspberry previously. They are so smooth and so lovely. I suffer with dry lips and honestly apart from Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream these are amazing. The Pearly Shine is my absolute favourite though. Currently I have about 5 of them - in my bag, my desk, my makeup drawers, in my living room... You get the picture! I love it - whenever I'm not coordinating my lippie to my outfit I use this. And have done since I was about 19! 

I also religiously use the Nivea Soft body cream. It makes my elephant elbows so soft and smooth. It's amazing as a hand cream and rubs in really well so aren't sticky for too long and it smells delightful. 

With regards to skin care, I use the Daily Essentials 2 in 1 cleanser. It literally melts the makeup off my skin. I apply with my fingers and then use a warm wash cloth to remove the residue andy skin feels so soft after and spotlessly clean. 

If I've been a bit eye make heavy and I can't quite get it all off with the cleanser, Niveas Daily Essentials Double Effect eye makeup remover is the one. It's uber gentle on the delicate eye area due to the 2 liquid formula. You give it a good shake to mix the 2 liquids together and press the cotton wool on the eye area and sweep off - don't rub! And any remains come off easily. So refreshing! 

Since turning 30 I've started to worry about wrinkles, lines and generally looking older, so about 10 weeks ago I invested in the Q10 range. Eye cream, serum and Day and Night creams.

 I've saved this review until now as I wanted to give a fair evaluation on the products. 

The Q10 anti wrinkle eye cream is great. I used it religiously and I can honestly say that it has reduced the dark under eye circles I have. I don't know if this product is a miracle cream but I'm sure it's helped my crows feet too! I love it and use it every day! It's very delicate hardly scented and doesn't sting. I will continue to use this product. 

Now I have mixed emotions about this product. The Q10 skin refining serum. It is definitely silky in texture and feels lovely on my skin- but is that as far as it goes? I use it in the morning after my eye cream and before my day cream. Honestly it doesn't "feel" like it would do much - however perhaps it's a combo of all the products that have helped the appearance of my lines...

The Q10 day cream with SPF 15 is fantastic! Not only does it feel like it is doing something it has an SPF well done nivea for that, and it sinks in well, isn't greasy and makes for the perfect base for makeup. I love it and will now make this my everyday moisturiser ( unless I try out the new nivea cream with argan oil!) I have normal skin and I'm not oily or greasy or dry come the end of the day. Perfect. 

Now the last product, the Q10 anti wrinkle night cream is my favourite! I can honestly say that it is a great product. I love that it's quite thick and nourishing. Now this one does leave you shiny!! However once you wake up - my skin has never felt so smooth and plump! All that as well as the lovely nivea scent. I look less tied and my skin seems to have life in it - I'm buying this forever! 

What is your favourite Nivea product? What do you recommend?

Jx

This is my furry baby Molly, she was "helping" while I was trying to take my photos of the products! 

Makeup Academy MUA Haul, again...

So, I think by now we have all realised that i have a serious make up problem!  I bought some more of my MUA luminous foundation (3 bottles of it!!) as it was £2 in the sale - my review on that can be found here along with my first review on MUA's fabulous products.  And this haul i'm about to tell you about resulted in me having to buy 2 more Muji acrylic drawers for more storage (review on these can be found here- my husband does not understand why i NEED so much makeup!  Its an addiction i tell you, i cant help it!

Anyway, let me begin my review on my latest MUA haul.  I only wanted to go on their website to see if i could get the Luxe Velvet Lips - which i actually couldnt get as it was out of stock, and ended up getting those in Superdrug.  But still ended up spending £30.34 on makeup i didnt realise i NEEDED until i saw them!!

On to my first product....  £1 Nail Polish in Amaretto Crush.
http://www.muastore.co.uk/nail-polish-amaretto-crush
MUA say:

The NEW Nail Varnish range from MUA - new shades, new bottle and a new and improved brush! A great range of amazing shades to suit any occasion- includes 3 new shades (Koala Bear, Bold Blue & Lush Lilac) that will keep you bang on trend! Apply the colour flawlessly with the new and improved brush. Don't forget to use the clear as a top coat too!

I just love this polish!  As soon as the package arrived on my desk, i got it out and put it straight on!  I'm so into pinks/corals at the moment, and this colour is just perfect for the Spring.  It dries really quickly, isnt at all gloopy and is easy to apply.  I found i needed 3 coats to make it as opaque as i liked, but the 3 coats dried well and didnt smudge - perfect! Super amazing value for a £1 when you think i spend over a tenner on most of my polishes!  More colours please MUA!



£1 Nail Polish - Amaretto Crush

£1 Lipstick in Nectar, shade 16
http://www.muastore.co.uk/lipstick-shade-16-nectar
MUA say:

Make a statement with our show stopping £1 lipstick, available in 16 shades. Make Up Academy provides on trend shades on a budget, allowing you to achieve the latest looks without breaking the bank!

This lipstick is beautiful!  I was a bit worried it might be a bit too orange for me, but i just love it on!  I wore it today (you can see it on my OOTD photo on my Instagram @blusherandbrownies ) It glides on so smoothly on top of my foundation (i always put foundation on my lips) its bright and lovely, but not too bright for work, feels really moisturising, will be my staple colour for the summer!

Nectar



 I also love Shade 15, Juicy.  Another pinky/coral colour, not as 'orangey' as Nectar, goes beautifully with my work bag!  As Nectar, goes on so smoothly and lasts really well. I probably reaply 2/3 times a day.  Lots of talking, drinking and eating.  Not bad going!


Shade 15:

Juicy

 

£1 Matte Lipstick in Pouty Pink

http://www.muastore.co.uk/matte-lipstick-pouty-pink

MUA say:

Everything from nudes to bolds, MUA's matte lipsticks are available in 5 wearable shades that glide smoothly over lips to give a beautiful non-glossy finish.
The beautiful natural pink colour glides over lips to give a soft matte finish

A pretty little pink lipstick perfect for these date nights!  I do prefer regualr lipsticks, as i find matte ones tend to dry out my lips a little, but this colour was so cute i had to try it.  Problem solved by putting a little bit of lipbalm on top!



£1 Matte Lipstick in Pouty Pink



Kiss Proof Lip Stain, £3 in Fabulicious

http://www.muastore.co.uk/kiss-proof-lip-stain-fabullicious

MUA say:

At last, colour that stays on with MUA’s Kiss Proof lip stain, the answer to the problem of 'bleeding' lipstick and lipstick that disappears all day long.

This is a very subtle lip stain that is barely there in colour. But its perfect if you are having a minimal makeup day.  Its just like a felt tip pen and it smells amazing, very fruity.  I think i should have gone for the Fruitalicious one, maybe the colour would have been a bit brighter.

Kiss Proof Lip Stain

Prime and Conceal, £1.50

http://www.muastore.co.uk/prime-and-conceal

MUA say:

Rid yourself of redness once and for all!
Our Prime & Conceal colour corrector has a yellow tone to counteract that redness around your eyes and will also tone down blemishes. Apply to your eyelids to give yourself a clean slate to create those amazing eye looks!
Everyone suffers from that annoying blemish that pops up at exactly the wrong time, no matter what you do that redness just shines through - not anymore! Using your F3 Concealer Brush dab Prime & Conceal over the area and blend around it, then apply your foundation. There you go! Your flawless complexion has returned!

All of the above is true!  True i tell you!!  I LOVE this product.  I have quite dark circles naturally, no matter how much sleep i get, they only get better in the Summer .  But this stuff is just a savious!  I purchased the F3 brush (which is brilliant, MUA brushes dont shed hairs) and apply as instructed, and it is yellow let me warm you.  I thought i'd have yellow circles, but you dont, it blends so well with your foundation, and makes me look less tired, and more fresh!  And every day must have.

Prime and Conceal, £1.50

Undress Me Too Palette, £4

http://www.muastore.co.uk/undress-me-too-palette

MUA say:

The Undress Me Too Palette embraces this season’s fresh-faced look and urges you to strip back and go nude! Made up of 12 warm and timeless shades, this palette will suit all skin tones and any occasion.
The pearlescent flesh-toned finish of shades Naked, Devotion and Shy are perfect for highlighting the eyes, while the shimmering bronze hues of shades Fiery, Lavish and Dreamy give a sultry effect. There are even smouldering contour tones in shades Tranquil, Exposed and Wink so that you can transform your minimalist day look into a sexy smokey eye in an instant.
Featuring a shade range that runs from the palest champagne to the grungiest gunmetal grey, this isn’t just ‘shades of beige'. Each shadow has a distinct look that works for everyone.

I have to apologise and say my photo isnt great, the swatch on the website is much better.  But i love this eyeshadow palette.  I have Undress Me as well, in my previous review.  Undress Me Too is perfect for creating some beautiful day time looks, i've had a lot of compliments on my eyeshadow creations this week.  The colours are lovely, some are very subtle, but they do last well all day.  Some say this is a dupe for UD Naked 2 palette.... 

Undress Your Skin Illuminating Foundation in Porcelain, £5 (£3 in Superdrug atm)

http://www.muastore.co.uk/undress-your-skin-illuminating-foundation

MUA say:

The perfect blend of skin-care and make up, the Undress Your Skin Illuminating Foundation covers imperfections whilst maintaining your skins natural glow. With light-diffusing particles this product is designed to create that instant radiance on your skin.

This foundation is so lovely.  Its about this time of the year i switch up my makeup, and steer away from the heavier foundation in favour of a more dewy variety, and this my friends is the one!  I also bought it in beige for when the sun starts shining and the freckles and tan appears!  It glides on well (i use a foundation brush with a final touch up with my fingers) and it lasts all day.  I havent used an powder on the top as i didnt want a heavy look, i dont need to touch up at all, and i'm not shiny by the end of the day.  This is my spring/summer foundation!

Undresss Your Skin, Porcelain

Lash Boom Mascara, £2

http://www.muastore.co.uk/lash-boom

MUA say:

Magnify your lashes for a spectacular false lash effect with the brand new MUA Lash Boom Mascara. Encased in a gorgeous purple tube, this volumising mascara has a long wand that creates length with added drama.
Coat your lashes from root to tip for longer fuller lashes in a flash, minus the irritating clumping. The multi-comb, silicone wand will catch each individual eyelash whilst defining and separating to create a flirty, fanned-out effect.
It’s perfect for short lashes too because the wand is the ideal shape and style to help add much needed love to short lashes – making them long and fluttery!

I really like this mascara.  I was a bit scared about tehe brush at first, i did poke myself in the eye with it once!  But now i'm used to it, it gives me a false lash looks and really gets all the little lashes. I use quite a bit of mascara, i'm not subtle about that, and this is the mascara to give you the boost your lashes need.

Lash Boom

Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer, £3

http://www.muastore.co.uk/mua-luxe/velvet-lip-lacquer

MUA say:

Smooch your way to red carpet glamour with MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquers. Long lasting and kiss proof, these intense formulas come in five rich, vampy shades. Encased in chic frosted glass packaging, these lacquers glide on with the ease of a gloss, drying in seconds into a matte velvety texture. They are the ultimate make-up bag must have.

I ADORE these lip lacquers, and i've been trying to get my hands on them for months, and i finally saw them in Superdrug and purchased 4 of the colours!!

you have to be really careful when you apply these, as once it dries, it aint coming off for no one!!  i had to scrub my arm after doing the swatches - that is staying power!!  The effect is beautiful, bright bold colours, that stays, and isnt sticky, perfect for a night out, sticky summer nights.  I cant wait to wear them all on holiday.  My favourite is probably Criminal, its a stunning fuscia pink colour, Love Love Love them!!

Velvet Lips

Velvet Lips in Funk

I should add in here that the Pro Base Primer i got it really good, feels quite wet when you apply it, but certainly helps keep my make up in place.

But out of all the MUA primers, my favourite is the Matte Perfect Primer £4 You can really feel the staying power, it is very similar to Benefits Prefessional...

http://www.muastore.co.uk/face/primer

Intense Glosses in Sweet Nothings, £2

http://www.muastore.co.uk/intense-glosses

MUA say:

Intense Kisses are high-intensity glosses which come in a wide range of bold colours and adds just the right amount of glamour to lips, whether you're strutting down the street or the red carpet. Wear alone or over your favourite MUA lipstick colour for gorgeous kissable lip effect

In love with this lip gloss!  It really gives the impression of fullness on the lip, its not stick, feels smooth and the colour is mega pigmented. Sweet Nothings ia real Barbie Pink, and i just love it!  When i received it and was doing my photos, i sat there with it on all night whilst in my pyjamas, i think my hubby thinkgs i'm crazy! This is a must buy.

Intense Glosses

So that is my review, well done if you made it all the way through, i hope i didnt bore you too much.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know.

What is your favourite MUA product?  I'd love to know!

Jx

Big Bushy Brows - well not quite...

I'm a massive fan of perfect eyebrows, and I have to say mine have been known to look like spiders on my forehead on occasions, but one must keep up appearances!

After getting my eyebrows threaded on Saturday, i paid my local Benefit Cosmetics counter a visit.  And boy, do they have some remarkable products in at the moment!  I follow them on Instagram, and also a sister site Brow Arch March, and had seen the launch of the new products, Speed Brow and Gimme Brow.

I have used both Gimme Brow and Speed Brow in this photo

I've always pencilled in my eyebrows with the old faithful Rimmel pencil, but by the end of the day, it had smudged off a little and i had stray eyebrow hairs not in place.  But what to use instead of a pencil for colour?  Gimme Brow is the answer!

What Benefit say:
Bring on the brows! This innovative brush-on fiber gel adheres to skin & hair…creating brows where before there were none. It builds easily for thick, lush arches, thanks to a tapered brush for blending & precision tip for shaping. Available in two shades.

 

INNOVATIVE BRUSH-ON FIBER GEL:

• Water resistant  

• Long-wearing 

• Natural-looking 

• Buildable

 

97% said brows looked fuller*

100% said it was smudge proof*

100% said it looked natural*

94% said results were long-wearing*

 

*Results observed in consumer panel survey

 

How to apply: Using short pressing motions, stroke brush tip along brow to define shape. Comb through to blend & build brows

 

It can be purchased here £17.50

 

I purchased the medium/dark shade.  Its like a teeny weeny mascara! Glides on really well, easy to manage, no blobbing and looks a lot more natural than a heavy pencil.  It covers my bald spots and gives amazing definition - i love it!  No more pencil for me!  It also keeps the eyebrows in place.  But for extra certainty i used Speed Brow over the top.

 

What Benefit say:

Why we love it!

Tint, tame and set brows in record time! This brush-on gel dries to a natural-looking finish for instantly beautiful brows. One natural shade dresses up all brows.

How to apply

Brush onto eyebrows in light, upward strokes. With the tip of the wand, trace along brow contour to create a smooth line.

It can be purchased here £13.00

This tamer is by far the best i've ever used.  Long gone are the days of clear mascara keeping your eyebrows in place, this isnt gloopy, and  when i say it lasts all day, it really does.  I put my make up on at 7am and take it off about 9pm and not a strand is out of place, no more crazy brows!  Makes eyebrows look fuller, more shapely, glossy and healthy - a real winner!

We've all overplucked at some point in our lives way back when, and if you, like are trying to undo the damage caused, then these 2 products are a must have.  They are a little pricey, especially Gimme Brow, but it is so much nicer than a pencil and more natural.

So, check out your local Benefit counter and see what the Benebabes can do for you!

Jx

Post Valentines Date Night

Me and the husband stayed in on Valentines night with a Dine in for 2 from M&S which was lovely, I’d much rather go out the night after, bit too cheesy for me going out on Valentines!

 

So with that in mind, we went out on Saturday night.  We had a lovely evening, dinner and we went to see Jason Manford at Watford Colosseum.  I spent a lovely leisurely afternoon getting ready, bath, deep conditioning treatment, took time to do my hair and makeup with a glass of wine, perfect!  I had a new outfit too:

 

Jersey blazer: Primark

Dress: Primark

 

Teamed with black opaque tights and black hidden platform court shoes.  I love a Primarni bargain!

 

We went for a gorgeous meal and a bottle of Prosecco at Zizzis, over ate but it was SO worth it!  I had garlic bread with mozzarella and balsamic caramelised onions served on a wooden board, and for my main a delicious goats cheese and pesto ravioli, amazing!

 

We then made our way up to the Colosseum, got there a bit early to collect the tickets and shared a bottle of pink wine! Perfect, just to get us in the mood for Manford!

 

Well, I’ve not seen much of Jason Manford before, but heard good things about this tour #firstworldprobelms so I was really excited seeing the show.  And our excitement was heightened as we both tweeted Jason before the show and we both got a reply – happy days!

 

He was brilliant! He didn’t have a warm up act, he did the whole show himself – it was over 2 hours long, and I didn’t stop laughing, at one point I had tears running down my face.  He did a lot of audience participation, combined with the fact Watford isn’t a massive venue, the whole gig felt quite intimate. I now want to get some of his DVDs as I know that if I’m ever feeling down, I’ll pop a DVD on and feel happier after.  If you ever get the chance to see him, please do go, hysterical!

 

I had such a good time I almost shit my pants! (show joke!)

 

All in all a really special post valentines date night.

 

Jx