I don't know if it's just me, but it feels that every time I have been on Facebook recently, The Straight Brush has popped up as a sponsored post. Curiosity got the better of me - I clicked through, and saw a whole load of videos apparently made by actual customers, using The Straight Brush with fantastic results.
It was £34 delivered - a bargain, I had thought - if it can produce results like those I had seen in the videos... so I purchased it. I have very thick, long hair... so I thought I'd give it a go on video - to see if it really works...
Video : Hawaii Haul
It was inevitable that a little bit of shopping was going to happen while I was in Hawaii - I hit Sephora, the Drug Store and Bath & Body Works... check out what I picked up:
Video : Hawaii Vlog
I am back from Paradise! Hawaii was absolutely beautiful - I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. We did a little detour to Paris on the way - then on to Big Island where we stayed in the most amazing hotel (Hilton Waikoloa Village) - the grounds were incredible, and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. While we were there we swam with dolphins, and went to Mauna Kea and saw what felt like every single star in the universe from above the clouds - unforgettable memories.
From there we went to Maui where we stayed in the Marriott Wailea - unfortunately it rained for 99% of the time we were on the island, but we did a little shopping and did The Road to Hana which is a road trip with over 600 turns in it, along the most lush scenery. You can stop to look at waterfalls, hike, see ocean pools and pieces of nature that you don't see elsewhere. A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast with a hula dance and you eat traditional foods - we did that there too.
Our last stop was Oahu where we stayed in Honolulu which was a completely different pace of life. Waikiki had the hustle and bustle of a city, while being on a tropical beach - there were all kinds of shops there from Hermes to The Cheesecake Factory. We certainly took advantage of all the American eateries, although now my body has got used to having a short stack of pancakes for breakfast every morning and is crying out at me when I'm feeding it granola and yoghurt. Around the edges of the island are gorgeous white sand turquoise water beaches, so we made the most of those, as well as doing a bit of snorkelling, kayaking and visiting many a bar!
We documented the trip in a little (well, fairly long actually, but we were gone for almost 3 weeks so I think I have done well to get it to around half an hours' worth of footage!) vlog - so if you are planning a trip to Hawaii and want to see some of what's there to add to your itinerary, have a watch. If you just want to see what it was like, have a watch. If you're feeling nosey, have a watch. If you're bored, have a watch.... you get the idea.
Video : Spring Primark Haul
Holiday's are coming... so I made a little trip to Primark (and a tiny one to H&M and River Island too!) I love watching haul videos... so here's my offering!
Back on Roaccutane - My Journey to Clear Skin in Videos
I have suffered with bad skin on and off since as long as I can remember. I have tried so many different things - some which I think have worked, only to find that it was a very short term solution. I have been on Roaccutane in the past, but a very low dose, so I decided to see if it was an option again. I documented my journey through daily vlogs, which I found incredible useful to watch when I was on Roaccutane the first time round. I hope these may help someone too.
Going to the hospital to see if I could go back onto Roaccutane and seeing what my course would be if so:
Month One's (on 30mg per day) progress:
Month Two's (on 40mg per day) progress:
Month Three's (on 60mg per day) progress:
Month Four's (on 60mg a day) progress:
I am now 6 months post-treatment and loving my skin! It has got oily again, which is annoying - I loved the 'normal-ness' of my skin while I was on Roaccutane. BUT... NO SPOTS!
Going to the hospital to see if I could go back onto Roaccutane and seeing what my course would be if so:
Month One's (on 30mg per day) progress:
Month Two's (on 40mg per day) progress:
Month Three's (on 60mg per day) progress:
Month Four's (on 60mg a day) progress:
I am now 6 months post-treatment and loving my skin! It has got oily again, which is annoying - I loved the 'normal-ness' of my skin while I was on Roaccutane. BUT... NO SPOTS!
Video: Spring Primark Haul
I love watching Primark haul videos - it's a great way of seeing if it's worth popping into a store without the hassle of searching through the rails. So, seeing as I did a bit of a Primark shop recently - I thought I would share my haul.... enjoy!
Video: Charlotte Tilbury Golden Goddess Tutorial
I finally have a new computer, which means some blogging may be happening!
To kick it off, I've dipped my toe into the water with a video tutorial.
I work for Charlotte Tilbury - and have the pleasure of working with Sergio, one of the Lead Makeup Artists at Selfridges London. For this video, he created the Golden Goddess look on me - and we get to hear some of his tips and tricks on the way too...
To kick it off, I've dipped my toe into the water with a video tutorial.
I work for Charlotte Tilbury - and have the pleasure of working with Sergio, one of the Lead Makeup Artists at Selfridges London. For this video, he created the Golden Goddess look on me - and we get to hear some of his tips and tricks on the way too...
Video: Quick Summer Evening Makeup
Well I had to break my tutorial / get ready with me virginity one of these days... so I decided to do my go-to summer evening make up - whenever I post a picture of me with this makeup on, someone asks me to do a tutorial - so here it is!
Hope you like it :)
Video: Huge Zara & Primark Spring Haul!
I've done a bit of shopping recently, so I thought, what better way of me easing back into making videos, than filming a haul! I love watching Primark hauls, so I hope you enjoy this!
Please let me know if there are any videos you'd particularly like me to film. Thanks for watching!
Please let me know if there are any videos you'd particularly like me to film. Thanks for watching!
Interview with Holly Smale - Author of Geek Girl - WIN!
This year, The Clothes Show celebrated their 25th anniversary - I headed down experience the excitement for myself, and caught up with Holly Smale, author of Geek Girl, and Geek Girl 2 - Model Misfit for a little chat about her books and how she got into modelling, and more recently, writing.
I have five sets of the books to give away - if you would like to enter, please leave a comment with details of how to contact you if you win. For an extra entry, tweet, tagging @Super_Gorgeous in it too. The giveaway will end on 30th December and winners will be picked at random. Good luck!
To find out more information about the Geek Girl Series, check out the Facebook Page or follow Holly on Twitter @HolSmale
I have five sets of the books to give away - if you would like to enter, please leave a comment with details of how to contact you if you win. For an extra entry, tweet, tagging @Super_Gorgeous in it too. The giveaway will end on 30th December and winners will be picked at random. Good luck!
To find out more information about the Geek Girl Series, check out the Facebook Page or follow Holly on Twitter @HolSmale
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Geek Girl Inspired Make Up Tutorial & WIN!
I was recently sent Geek Girl and it's sequel, Geek Girl - Model Misfit by Holly Smale to read, and create a make up tutorial inspired by the books.
The books are based around self confessed Geek, Harriet Manners, who is 15 and hates anything to do with fashion. She's quite comfortable leaving the house wearing Winnie the Pooh clothes, or last years Halloween costume. Facts are her thing, and she is always reeling them off throughout the book. Her best friend, Nat, on the other hand, is fashion obsessed, and as payback for making her sit through a history programme, drags her along to The Clothes Show Live. Harriet ends up getting spotted by one of the world's leading modelling agencies, and in the hopes it will make her cooler (and less picked on at school), she signs the contracts and we get to see her travel the world and the funny things that happen on her modelling assignments.
The author, Holly Smale, is an ex-model, turned writer, and from my own experience too, you can see that she has experienced it all first hand as so much of it is very true to life. In Model Misfit, Harriet gets the chance to go to Tokyo to become the face of a new brand - and it's the tales of friendship, mishaps, and of course there's a bit of love thrown in too for good measure. Although the books are probably aimed at a younger audience than myself, I thoroughly enjoyed them and couldn't put them down. I think I drove my boyfriend mad as I was a book-worm for two days and read them both straight through, giggling all the while. You can find out more about the books on the Geek Girl Facebook page.
The only parts of the story where Harriet wears make up is in her modelling jobs - which tended to be pretty full on looks, like blue glittery eyes, or a completely gold face. For my tutorial I took inspiration from Harriet and created really quick and simple look for people who perhaps would like to wear make up but don't know where to start. All of the products I used are available from high street stores - I hope you enjoy it!
I have been given a copy of Geek Girl - Model Misfit to give away to one of my readers. If you'd like to be in with a chance then please enter your details in the Rafflecopter widget below. I will pick a winner at random on Wednesday 30th October. This giveaway is open internationally - good luck!
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I'd love to hear what you think of the book and make up tutorial, please leave me a comment below letting me know your thoughts.
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Product Recommendation for Roaccutane Users
I've been on Roaccutane for five months now, so I thought it was about time I shared in what products have been my saviours! So far I haven't experienced any drastic side effects - and these are the products that have helped keep me in check.
I have gone into detail in the video, but for a quick rundown of products mentioned...
The first side effect I had was dry, cracking lips. Dr Lipp is my favourite, moisturising, thick, rich lip balm which I sleep in every night, or use if a crack appears in my lips. Other favourites are Carmex Lime, Carmex Pomegranate, and the Carmex in a pot so I can apply it with a lip brush to avoid rubbing off any foundation.
The face is an important one - I have been using Hibi Scrub cleanser which my doctor gave me, but also enjoy using Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser for when I need something a little more soothing or don't want to rinse my face at the risk of damaging my hair!
I have found using my Clarisonic with my Hibi Scrub has made a good difference - a nice bit of gentle exfoliation helps to stop any flakes - I really notice the difference when I'm not using it. Amaze Mitt does a similar job, at a fraction of the price - a micro fibre cloth which gently exfoliates your skin as you wash.
La Roche Posay Effaclar H has been my go-to moisturiser for the day-time. It doesn't smell of anything and leaves my skin perfectly moisturised - not too oily, yet leaves it feeling soft. When I need a little extra, or my skin needs soothing, the REN Hydra Calm Day Cream definitely does that. It smells very lavendar-ey and I find closing my eyes and breathing it all in helps me to unwind as I massage my face. That said, the smell is a little too powerful for me for every-day use, but it's definitely calming on the skin. For times when I need an extra-shot of moisture, the Perricone MD Chia Serum is perfect. It has an almond smell and warms the face as you put it on. It really delivers on the moisture front. You can add it to your moisturiser, or apply it to the face as and when you need it. I tend to do it on make-up-free days when I'm knocking about the house.
Every night I use the Origins Drink Up Mask overnight. I absolutely adore this product - it's amazing and I want everyone to buy it! If I ever stay at anyones house I have to let them use it so they can be converted - my boyfriends had to have it on a few times too, I just love it! My skin is soft and smooth when I wake, and I don't have any greasy residue on my face. When I need something a little lighter, La Roche Posay Hydramask fits the bill. It's meant to be a 10-minute mask too, but I sleep in it. I also find it good if I want to wear a very matt foundation, such as Double Wear - if I want the staying power but not the flatness to the skin, I apply a bit of this first and it helps to keep my skin illuminated. Along the same lines, rather than trying to make my skin look matt now, I'm all about the radiance. Illamasqua Hydra Veil primer has been perfect for me at doing just that.
The skin around my eyes was a concern of mine as I didn't want it getting all dry and age me beyond my years. The H2o Eye Oasis is an oil-free gel that is nice and cooling and soothing to apply morning and night to the under-eye area. My skin has stayed as soft as the rest of my face so I'm pleased with the results that has delivered. Luckily my eyes didn't feel dry often, although when I was tired or had a very early morning I used Blink Intensive Tears eye drops. Another nice relaxer for stressed eyes is the Liz Earle Eyebright - chilling out with Eyebright-soaked cotton pads on the peepers is bliss!
As for my body, I have been using Sanex Dermo Repair in the shower; it's designed specifically for dry skin, and that, finished with E45 Nourish and Restore body lotion has worked a treat. It's gel-like formula sinks into the skin and really leaves my skin feeling soft. In fact, it's probably the best I've ever looked after my skin on my body, and it feels great! Another product I've recently got is the Neom Body Oil which is lovely to use on damp skin, the moisture just locks itself right in, and the smell is gorgeous too.
The only other side effect I have had is flaky scalp, which I have found a massive issue! The best thing I've found to help is the Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment. Unfortunately it doensn't have 'that' Morrocanoil smell we have all come to know and love - but it does do it's job and is instantly soothing on the scalp.
I know I have spoken about a lot of products, but like I said in the video - this is 5 months worth of experimentation - take bits of it that suit you! All you really need to start with is lip balm, cleanser and moisturisers - then see how the medication effects you. Good luck!
I have gone into detail in the video, but for a quick rundown of products mentioned...
The first side effect I had was dry, cracking lips. Dr Lipp is my favourite, moisturising, thick, rich lip balm which I sleep in every night, or use if a crack appears in my lips. Other favourites are Carmex Lime, Carmex Pomegranate, and the Carmex in a pot so I can apply it with a lip brush to avoid rubbing off any foundation.
The face is an important one - I have been using Hibi Scrub cleanser which my doctor gave me, but also enjoy using Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser for when I need something a little more soothing or don't want to rinse my face at the risk of damaging my hair!
I have found using my Clarisonic with my Hibi Scrub has made a good difference - a nice bit of gentle exfoliation helps to stop any flakes - I really notice the difference when I'm not using it. Amaze Mitt does a similar job, at a fraction of the price - a micro fibre cloth which gently exfoliates your skin as you wash.
La Roche Posay Effaclar H has been my go-to moisturiser for the day-time. It doesn't smell of anything and leaves my skin perfectly moisturised - not too oily, yet leaves it feeling soft. When I need a little extra, or my skin needs soothing, the REN Hydra Calm Day Cream definitely does that. It smells very lavendar-ey and I find closing my eyes and breathing it all in helps me to unwind as I massage my face. That said, the smell is a little too powerful for me for every-day use, but it's definitely calming on the skin. For times when I need an extra-shot of moisture, the Perricone MD Chia Serum is perfect. It has an almond smell and warms the face as you put it on. It really delivers on the moisture front. You can add it to your moisturiser, or apply it to the face as and when you need it. I tend to do it on make-up-free days when I'm knocking about the house.
Every night I use the Origins Drink Up Mask overnight. I absolutely adore this product - it's amazing and I want everyone to buy it! If I ever stay at anyones house I have to let them use it so they can be converted - my boyfriends had to have it on a few times too, I just love it! My skin is soft and smooth when I wake, and I don't have any greasy residue on my face. When I need something a little lighter, La Roche Posay Hydramask fits the bill. It's meant to be a 10-minute mask too, but I sleep in it. I also find it good if I want to wear a very matt foundation, such as Double Wear - if I want the staying power but not the flatness to the skin, I apply a bit of this first and it helps to keep my skin illuminated. Along the same lines, rather than trying to make my skin look matt now, I'm all about the radiance. Illamasqua Hydra Veil primer has been perfect for me at doing just that.
The skin around my eyes was a concern of mine as I didn't want it getting all dry and age me beyond my years. The H2o Eye Oasis is an oil-free gel that is nice and cooling and soothing to apply morning and night to the under-eye area. My skin has stayed as soft as the rest of my face so I'm pleased with the results that has delivered. Luckily my eyes didn't feel dry often, although when I was tired or had a very early morning I used Blink Intensive Tears eye drops. Another nice relaxer for stressed eyes is the Liz Earle Eyebright - chilling out with Eyebright-soaked cotton pads on the peepers is bliss!
As for my body, I have been using Sanex Dermo Repair in the shower; it's designed specifically for dry skin, and that, finished with E45 Nourish and Restore body lotion has worked a treat. It's gel-like formula sinks into the skin and really leaves my skin feeling soft. In fact, it's probably the best I've ever looked after my skin on my body, and it feels great! Another product I've recently got is the Neom Body Oil which is lovely to use on damp skin, the moisture just locks itself right in, and the smell is gorgeous too.
The only other side effect I have had is flaky scalp, which I have found a massive issue! The best thing I've found to help is the Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment. Unfortunately it doensn't have 'that' Morrocanoil smell we have all come to know and love - but it does do it's job and is instantly soothing on the scalp.
I know I have spoken about a lot of products, but like I said in the video - this is 5 months worth of experimentation - take bits of it that suit you! All you really need to start with is lip balm, cleanser and moisturisers - then see how the medication effects you. Good luck!
Huge Beauty Haul!
I went to a beauty sale at the weekend, and picked up quite a bit of stuff! I posted a photo on Instagram of my haul, and a video was requested - so here it is!
If there's anything you'd like me to review first, let me know!
If there's anything you'd like me to review first, let me know!
My Roaccutane Diary : Three Months on Accutane
Somehow, today is the 87th day I have been on Roaccutane - doesn't time fly?! I started on 20mg, then moved to 30mg for month two and three - I've recorded a video sharing my experiences of being on the drug, and also super scary photos of myself before I started and at each month, up until now. I say in the video that I don't see much difference in my skin from the end of month one until now - but once I added the photos in afterwards I realised just how much my skin has changed! If you'd like to know more, have a watch of the video.
What's in my Birchbox?
My June Birchbox is in my possession! I've recorded a video showing what was inside mine. I am really pleased with this months box - check out the video to find out more!
What's in my Beauteco Box?
June is the second month in business for Beautecobox, a beauty box subscription which lets you choose what you get in your box, including two (or sometimes three!) full sized products each month. If you'd like to find out more and see what was in my box this month, have a watch of the video below.
May Empties
Firstly, my biggest apologies for not posting in so long. I cannot express just how busy and hectic life has been in the past month! It started with a Special Effects Makeup course, then Cannes Film Festival, half term with the kids and then Graduate Fashion Week.... and finally I am settling down (and allowed to sleep again - yay!)
I recorded this video on Saturday night, but have only just had the time to put it anywhere.... so it's a little late, but better late than never! For those that have contacted me asking when my next Roaccutane update video will be, I will record it over the next week some time, promise!
Here is the video showing my empties for the month of May.
And if you prefer to read than watch... here's a brief description of what I used up last month.
Roaccutane 30mg (on prescription) - as I said above, there will be a video coming within the next week, so hold tight for that one!
Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips (£11.50 from Space NK), Carmex (£2.69 from Boots.com) , Maybelline Baby Lips (not out in the UK yet, but you could try eBay) - My lips are so dry from the Roaccutane that I am getting through lip balm like there's no tomorrow! Dr Lipp is definitely my favourite. Really thick and moisturising - I've been saving it to put on at bed time to ensure my lips are soft and moisturised in the mornings. There's a full blog post here. Carmex is a great, cheap alternative, but I've heard that the ingredients in it can make your lips effectively addicted to it, so you will forever need to use it! I tried the Babylips from a blogsale - I had an Asian version which was menthol. I wasn't overly keen on the flavour, but it was a nice lip balm nonetheless. It didn't feel as moisturising as the other two though.
Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath (£40 from Beauty Bay) - this is a pricey bath product, but oh so good. If you want soft, gorgeous feeling skin, then it's worth treating yourself. It's so soothing and lovely - it has a delicate clean fragrance, and is so gentle it can even be used as a body moisturiser. I was sad to see this one run out - I would either pop it in the bath, or use it after a shower as a lotion, and my skin was so soft, even though I'm on Roaccutane which really dries your skin out.
Trevor Sorbie Perfect Curl Shampoo & Conditioner (currently 2 for £7.50 at Boots.com) - These were the first products I'd tried of Trevor Sorbie's and I really liked them. They smelled amazing, and my hair was left looking, feeling and smelling clean for a long while afterwards. It helped to define the natural wave in my hair, and also held a style longer, whether that was straightened or tonged.
Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief Toothpaste (£3.55 from Superdrug) - If you have sensitive teeth, you MUST try this toothpaste. Since I started using it, I have never been as pain-free. You can notice the difference in sensitivity in just one minute, and it lasts a long time too. There's a more detailed post about it here.
Simple Eye Make Up Remover (£3.39 from Boots.com) - this is a reoccurring favourite of mine as it's a product I buy time and time again. You just can't go wrong with it! It's cheap, doesn't irritate my eyes and does the job it's meant to do.
Barry M Intense Eyeliner Pencil (£4 from Tesco) - I LOVE this eyeliner. Hands-down my favourite for application, longevity blackness, ease.... oh it's amazing. But, I have a sneaky suspicion they are discontinuing it or reformulating or something. I haven't seen it on any stands for ages, and when searching online there were loads of shops out of stock of it. Eek!
MAC Stereo Rose MSF (limited edition from MAC but you could try eBay) - Since this came out in a collection years ago, it has been my go-to daily blush. I adore it. It came out again recently and I bought two - but the first of them is this one... I am now on my fourth since it came out and I really hope it comes out again so I can stock up without paying over the odds. It's delicate, highlighting and coral. What more could you want from a blush!?
Makebelieve Enhance Bronzer & Brush (£10 from lookfantastic.com) - I got this in a beauty box last year, and, having not heard much of the brand before, was a little sceptical. I started to use it when my NARS Laguna ran out, as a stop-gap, but actually continued to use it on a daily basis. It's a pretty matt bronzer which is great for contour or bronze. My only downside would be that it comes in a massive, chunky box, as it also houses a brush. I'd prefer it without the brush and in a smaller container, for ease of travelling with it, or doing your make up on the run.
Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation (Kits start at £29.99 from SheerCover.co.uk) - this is the foundation I used to use when I had better skin. I ordered it via a shopping channel as I saw how fantastically it covered a woman's scar. It looks so light, yet really has amazing coverage. The only downside was, at the time, you had to sign up to a programme where it's automatically sent to you every 6 weeks, or something like that - I don't really like that pressure! I'm not sure if that's still the case, but that aside it's a lovely product, and now my skin is a little better, I gave it another go... it's still just as nice.
Roaccutane 30mg (on prescription) - as I said above, there will be a video coming within the next week, so hold tight for that one!
Dr Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips (£11.50 from Space NK), Carmex (£2.69 from Boots.com) , Maybelline Baby Lips (not out in the UK yet, but you could try eBay) - My lips are so dry from the Roaccutane that I am getting through lip balm like there's no tomorrow! Dr Lipp is definitely my favourite. Really thick and moisturising - I've been saving it to put on at bed time to ensure my lips are soft and moisturised in the mornings. There's a full blog post here. Carmex is a great, cheap alternative, but I've heard that the ingredients in it can make your lips effectively addicted to it, so you will forever need to use it! I tried the Babylips from a blogsale - I had an Asian version which was menthol. I wasn't overly keen on the flavour, but it was a nice lip balm nonetheless. It didn't feel as moisturising as the other two though.
Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath (£40 from Beauty Bay) - this is a pricey bath product, but oh so good. If you want soft, gorgeous feeling skin, then it's worth treating yourself. It's so soothing and lovely - it has a delicate clean fragrance, and is so gentle it can even be used as a body moisturiser. I was sad to see this one run out - I would either pop it in the bath, or use it after a shower as a lotion, and my skin was so soft, even though I'm on Roaccutane which really dries your skin out.
Trevor Sorbie Perfect Curl Shampoo & Conditioner (currently 2 for £7.50 at Boots.com) - These were the first products I'd tried of Trevor Sorbie's and I really liked them. They smelled amazing, and my hair was left looking, feeling and smelling clean for a long while afterwards. It helped to define the natural wave in my hair, and also held a style longer, whether that was straightened or tonged.
Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief Toothpaste (£3.55 from Superdrug) - If you have sensitive teeth, you MUST try this toothpaste. Since I started using it, I have never been as pain-free. You can notice the difference in sensitivity in just one minute, and it lasts a long time too. There's a more detailed post about it here.
Simple Eye Make Up Remover (£3.39 from Boots.com) - this is a reoccurring favourite of mine as it's a product I buy time and time again. You just can't go wrong with it! It's cheap, doesn't irritate my eyes and does the job it's meant to do.
Barry M Intense Eyeliner Pencil (£4 from Tesco) - I LOVE this eyeliner. Hands-down my favourite for application, longevity blackness, ease.... oh it's amazing. But, I have a sneaky suspicion they are discontinuing it or reformulating or something. I haven't seen it on any stands for ages, and when searching online there were loads of shops out of stock of it. Eek!
MAC Stereo Rose MSF (limited edition from MAC but you could try eBay) - Since this came out in a collection years ago, it has been my go-to daily blush. I adore it. It came out again recently and I bought two - but the first of them is this one... I am now on my fourth since it came out and I really hope it comes out again so I can stock up without paying over the odds. It's delicate, highlighting and coral. What more could you want from a blush!?
Makebelieve Enhance Bronzer & Brush (£10 from lookfantastic.com) - I got this in a beauty box last year, and, having not heard much of the brand before, was a little sceptical. I started to use it when my NARS Laguna ran out, as a stop-gap, but actually continued to use it on a daily basis. It's a pretty matt bronzer which is great for contour or bronze. My only downside would be that it comes in a massive, chunky box, as it also houses a brush. I'd prefer it without the brush and in a smaller container, for ease of travelling with it, or doing your make up on the run.
Sheer Cover Mineral Foundation (Kits start at £29.99 from SheerCover.co.uk) - this is the foundation I used to use when I had better skin. I ordered it via a shopping channel as I saw how fantastically it covered a woman's scar. It looks so light, yet really has amazing coverage. The only downside was, at the time, you had to sign up to a programme where it's automatically sent to you every 6 weeks, or something like that - I don't really like that pressure! I'm not sure if that's still the case, but that aside it's a lovely product, and now my skin is a little better, I gave it another go... it's still just as nice.
What's in my Birchbox?
It's May Birchbox time already! If you'd like to see what's inside my box and my thoughts, check out my video below:
Let me know your thoughts and if you got anything different in your box.
Let me know your thoughts and if you got anything different in your box.
Beautecobox - a New Beauty Box
A new beauty box has launched today - Beautecobox. They are an eco-friendly company, using 100% recyclable materials and trying not to use excess packaging. The box differs from other beauty boxes, as there is a choice of which box you'll get before it comes. Subscribers will get to choose from 3 menus meaning the contents will be much more suited to each individual. Each box will contain 1 or 2 star items (full sized products), and 3 or 4 trial sized products.
I've recorded a video of the unboxing of my Beauteco box if you'd like to have a nosey...
The boxes will be £10 each month, + £2.95 p+p, although subscription packages are available which saves money.
You can sign up for a subscription at www.beautecobox.co.uk
I've recorded a video of the unboxing of my Beauteco box if you'd like to have a nosey...
The boxes will be £10 each month, + £2.95 p+p, although subscription packages are available which saves money.
You can sign up for a subscription at www.beautecobox.co.uk
April Empties
How the hell is it May already!?
I had thought my empties would be saved for every other month, to allow me enough time to have enough empties to warrant talking about - although, somehow, in April, I've managed to use a lot of things up - plus I've got very into the habit of saving empty packets. In fact, even when I use up every-day household things like cordial, it does go through my head that I've emptied it and I need to save it. Argh this is turning me crazy!
As usual, there's a video explaining and showing my empties:
but for those that prefer to read (or are at work!) here's a short summary of all the products.
Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara (£17 from Clinique) - hands down my favourite ever mascara. It fattens lashes like no other, doesn't flake, lasts all day, and doesn't give you panda eyes. This is the second tube I've got through and I need to buy another as soon as possible. Nothing else in my stash compares. There's a full review here.
Philip B Oud Royal Perfect Finish Shaping Fiber (£21 from Space NK) - I was given the first pot of this at an event - it's for styling short hair, so I gave it to my boyfriend - who adores it. It's much more pricey than the usual cheapy he'd pick up at Boots but it is absolutely amazing. I've ended up buying him one for every occasion since. You can style your hair and know that it will be in the same place at night. It doesn't look stiff - you could totally mess it up with your fingers, ruffling it, and it would go back to the place you styled it to be. It smells delicious too.
Roaccutane 20mg (available on prescription) - I completed my first month on Roaccutane! I've done a video about it which is available here.
L'Oreal Feriea Pastel Pink Panther Toner (£4.79 {currently £1 off} from Boots) - This is a pastel pink toner designed to give a baby pink tint to blonde hair. I think it's designed for much lighter hair, even though it showed a photo on the back of hair coloured like mine, it didn't do much for me. My Starlooks video shows my hair after two uses of the toner. There was a very slight hint of pink, and a few streaky bits, but nothing major. Emma from Milkteef used the Lavender one and it looked fab on her.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (£2.99 {currently £2} from Superdrug) - I like to use these to remove the bulk of my make up before using my cleanser. This helps me to know that my skin really is totally clean. The Simple wipes have never given me a reaction, and are nice and wet, so they're easy to work with and don't cause any discomfort.
Nivea Stress Protect Deodorant (£2.50 from Tesco) - I first used this as part of the Nivea Stress Protect Challenge - the idea being that you produce a different kind of sweat when you stress, that when you're hot and sweaty - and this helps to combat that. I had always been faithful to my Dove deodorant, but I'm now converted. This is amazing and leaves me feeling and smelling fresh, even in the most stressful of situations.
Korres Guava Shower Gel (I had a little travel sized bottle from a beauty box, but you can get a full size bottle for £8 from FeelUnique) - this was a really yummy shower gel - it reminds me of that holiday smell, a bit guava-ey, a bit coconut-ey... but I'm not a big shower gel obsessive - to me a shower gel is a shower gel - as long as it smells nice and cleans me I'm happy - and this did both!
Bioderma Crealine H20 (mine's from a french pharmacy, but you can get it for £15.95 from Guru Makeup) - this is actually from my make up kit, not my own stash, but I thought I'd include it anyway. It's a really gentle Micellar water which removes make up and eye make up. It's great for sensitive skin, and models love it - particularly if they're going from show to show, having their make up taken on and off. Sometimes I find it a little too gentle for stubborn eye make up, but it's lovely and refreshing and kind to the most sensitive of skins. I don't use it myself as I feel I need something a little more heavy duty and medicated for my crazy skin, although after facial treatments such as Dermarolling, it was bliss!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum (£45 from Selfridges) - this eye serum is lovely and light-weight; almost water-like to feel. It sinks in nice and quickly and leaves the under eye area soft and hydrated. I haven't fallen in love with it enough that I feel the need to rush out and buy it again, but it did help to reduce puffiness and fine lines slightly. Theres a full review from pictures here.
Bliss Firm Baby Firm (£46.75 from LookFantastic) - this serum is very moisturising, which meant that, when my skin was oily (pre-roaccutane), I had to stop using my moisturiser as both together was just too much for my skin! It left my skin soft, supple and plumped, but I think it's more suited to drier skin types.
I had thought my empties would be saved for every other month, to allow me enough time to have enough empties to warrant talking about - although, somehow, in April, I've managed to use a lot of things up - plus I've got very into the habit of saving empty packets. In fact, even when I use up every-day household things like cordial, it does go through my head that I've emptied it and I need to save it. Argh this is turning me crazy!
As usual, there's a video explaining and showing my empties:
but for those that prefer to read (or are at work!) here's a short summary of all the products.
Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara (£17 from Clinique) - hands down my favourite ever mascara. It fattens lashes like no other, doesn't flake, lasts all day, and doesn't give you panda eyes. This is the second tube I've got through and I need to buy another as soon as possible. Nothing else in my stash compares. There's a full review here.
Philip B Oud Royal Perfect Finish Shaping Fiber (£21 from Space NK) - I was given the first pot of this at an event - it's for styling short hair, so I gave it to my boyfriend - who adores it. It's much more pricey than the usual cheapy he'd pick up at Boots but it is absolutely amazing. I've ended up buying him one for every occasion since. You can style your hair and know that it will be in the same place at night. It doesn't look stiff - you could totally mess it up with your fingers, ruffling it, and it would go back to the place you styled it to be. It smells delicious too.
Roaccutane 20mg (available on prescription) - I completed my first month on Roaccutane! I've done a video about it which is available here.
L'Oreal Feriea Pastel Pink Panther Toner (£4.79 {currently £1 off} from Boots) - This is a pastel pink toner designed to give a baby pink tint to blonde hair. I think it's designed for much lighter hair, even though it showed a photo on the back of hair coloured like mine, it didn't do much for me. My Starlooks video shows my hair after two uses of the toner. There was a very slight hint of pink, and a few streaky bits, but nothing major. Emma from Milkteef used the Lavender one and it looked fab on her.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes (£2.99 {currently £2} from Superdrug) - I like to use these to remove the bulk of my make up before using my cleanser. This helps me to know that my skin really is totally clean. The Simple wipes have never given me a reaction, and are nice and wet, so they're easy to work with and don't cause any discomfort.
Nivea Stress Protect Deodorant (£2.50 from Tesco) - I first used this as part of the Nivea Stress Protect Challenge - the idea being that you produce a different kind of sweat when you stress, that when you're hot and sweaty - and this helps to combat that. I had always been faithful to my Dove deodorant, but I'm now converted. This is amazing and leaves me feeling and smelling fresh, even in the most stressful of situations.
Korres Guava Shower Gel (I had a little travel sized bottle from a beauty box, but you can get a full size bottle for £8 from FeelUnique) - this was a really yummy shower gel - it reminds me of that holiday smell, a bit guava-ey, a bit coconut-ey... but I'm not a big shower gel obsessive - to me a shower gel is a shower gel - as long as it smells nice and cleans me I'm happy - and this did both!
Bioderma Crealine H20 (mine's from a french pharmacy, but you can get it for £15.95 from Guru Makeup) - this is actually from my make up kit, not my own stash, but I thought I'd include it anyway. It's a really gentle Micellar water which removes make up and eye make up. It's great for sensitive skin, and models love it - particularly if they're going from show to show, having their make up taken on and off. Sometimes I find it a little too gentle for stubborn eye make up, but it's lovely and refreshing and kind to the most sensitive of skins. I don't use it myself as I feel I need something a little more heavy duty and medicated for my crazy skin, although after facial treatments such as Dermarolling, it was bliss!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum (£45 from Selfridges) - this eye serum is lovely and light-weight; almost water-like to feel. It sinks in nice and quickly and leaves the under eye area soft and hydrated. I haven't fallen in love with it enough that I feel the need to rush out and buy it again, but it did help to reduce puffiness and fine lines slightly. Theres a full review from pictures here.
Bliss Firm Baby Firm (£46.75 from LookFantastic) - this serum is very moisturising, which meant that, when my skin was oily (pre-roaccutane), I had to stop using my moisturiser as both together was just too much for my skin! It left my skin soft, supple and plumped, but I think it's more suited to drier skin types.
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