Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Bar

Hello! 

Recently we went to a gorgeous event thanks to Salon Success, they took us out to Porro in Cardiff for an amazing meal and we went home with a lovely selection of goodies.

Knowing my love for deep hair treatments they gave me a great set specifically for hydrating hair, and even better it smells of lavender and mint!

Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer

Hey All

Laura Mercier is a brand we've both loved trying products are. L swears by Silk Creme (review here) and it's one of her top foundations and M loves the Mineral Powder foundation which is one of her favourites (review here).

We've also both tried  and loved the undercover pot! (review here) After loving so many face products from them we couldn't wait to try the hydrating primer. We'd heard lots of many positive reviews about the original one.

Both of us have combination skin which has a tendency to be dehydrated so a few years ago we wouldn't have considered trying a hydrating primer. Even though it's hydrating it's more of a gel formula so it doesn't feel heavy on the skin or leave the skin feeling greasy, it actually feels cool and refreshing. It also sinks into the skin quickly. It also contains vitamin A,C and E which help protect the skin from aging due to the environment.

It's made applying make up so much better and feels like another product we can't live without. It's not like other primers we've tried and it just gives the skin a smooth base and makes foundation sit better and apply easier.

It would be interesting to try the difference between the normal and hydrating one.

M xxx

This primer is so lightweight - it feels just like a gel or serum and sinks into the skin super fast and creates a base without feeling like there is a layer on the skin at all. This was super impressive.
When applying it, it feels like another step to your skincare routine rather than make up.

M would like to try the normal primer but I was lucky enough to get it in a beauty box a few months ago. I like them both and the main factor that I've noticed about the two is that the hydrating primer is just that, slightly lighter and more hydrating.
I'd probably lean towards the hydrating just to add in an extra hydration step for my skin as it really needs it, I actually can't apply any more hydration to my skin sometimes!

Have you tried the Laura Mercier Primers? Which do you prefer?
Do you have a favourite Laura Mercier product?

L xxx

Nip and Fab: No Needle Fix Serum

Hey All

Another joint post from us. After I found a great deal on Nip and Fab products in Debenhams last year L and I have been hooked and loved most of them. This is a product from the original haul but it's taken me a while to use it as I forgot about it in my stash.

We are both skincare fans and we're hoping that in the long run all the money we spend on skincare will be worth it and that ultimately prevention will be better than cure. As our skin at the moment is ok wrinkle wise (we're both starting to occasionally notice the fine lines on the forehead!) I find it hard in some ways to review skincare.

For me anything that leaves my skin feeling hydrated without greasy and sinks into the skin is usually a hit with me.

We got the No Needle Fix serum in a set as it was even cheaper that way. We'll be reviewing Frown Fix soon but it wasn't one we enjoyed so we wouldn't recommend the set. We love serums. At a Neal's Yard Remedy event we were told the importance of serum and it's stuck with me ever since. Moisturisers moisturise the layer of skin on the surface and serums work on skin cells below the surface.

As I have combination skin I love serums as they help replace some of the moisture my skin needs without making it greasy.

The Nip and Fab No Needle Fix serum has a light gel texture that easily sinks into the skin. I find I need more of this product than I normally need with a serum but my skin loves it and so far it's lasting well. Above you can see some of the key ingredients which help to improve the skins texture.

Since using this morning and night my skin has stayed clearer. It easily sinks into my skin and doesn't leave my skins feeling moisturised but not greasy. After a few weeks of using it my skin has been left feeling plump and healthy. It just looks better. One thing we love about Nip and Fab is the affordability. For this reason I think this will definitely be a repurchase and as L has tried other serums I'll be asking her recommendations and mixing it up. This has been a favourite serum so far.

M xxx

I have to agree with M that I love the serums that hydrate my skin without feeling heavy or greasy on my skin, the last thing I need is more grease!
Serums are really important to hydrate the skin at its lowest levels as moisturisers don't reach that far down. I've noticed a massive improvement in my skin since I've started using a serum and its my second most important product after a cleanser.

Using this serum both morning and night has hydrated my skin but not left a greasy layer on it, nor has it reacted and caused breakouts. For £14.95 this serum does a really good job, but I have found that the Dragon's Blood serum (review here) was better for my skin.

This product had a good effect on my skin but I just felt that the other serum was better. I'd repurchase this if the Dragon's Blood serum was sold out in shops, but if I had the choice of the two I'd pick the other.
This serum is quite thick, and sometimes it doesn't absorb as fast into my skin as some other thinner serums, and that's probably the only thing I can pinpoint that might be a downside to this product as it really does exactly what it should.

Have you tried many products from Nip and Fab?

I think between us we have tried almost everything! 

Do you have a favourite range or product from them?

I can recommend the Viper Venom, Glycolic and Dragon's Blood ranges, I've not met a product I didn't like from them!

L xxx

Nip and Fab Bee Sting Fix Cream Deluxe

Sometimes I look back at my shopping trips and wonder what on earth I was thinking; recently I seem to have purchased the entire Nip and Fab range without batting an eyelid.

It's hard not to when I've loved everything I've tried and there have been so many offers on recently.

N&F claim that the Bee Sting Fix Cream Deluxe is a 'second skin' anti ageing shield that helps to reduce the look of lines and wrinkle by hydrating the skin.

The ingredients list is pretty interesting and have some really good properties:

Bee Venom: controls the facial muscles, increases blood circulation gently plumping out and firming the skin. Also fills and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles 
Propolis Extract: this is a resinous substance harvested by bees on flower buds and it is a great skin healer, anti-oxidant and antiseptic
Hyaluronic Acid: increases moisture retention while being hydrating and moisturising
Shea Butter: helps strengthen skin + repair damage
Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant and protects cells against free radicals damage

With so many ingredients and promises I was concerned this would be one of those things that would fall short of all of the claims.

When opening the pot I was relieved that it was actually a full pot, and not a disappointment like the matching Eye Cream (review here) as that was definitely a concern. 

However the pot was EXTREMELY full and inside was a lovely thick cream that almost felt hard to the touch. This is probably the thickest cream I've ever used but on the skin it seems to melt a bit and spreads a lot easier. 

I've been using this morning and night for a few weeks and my skin has felt a lot more hydrated. I feel an improvement in my skin since the colder winter months have arrived and the increased moisturisation has definitely helped. I would agree with the claim it acts as a second skin as it seamlessly absorbs into the skin and fingers crossed it is helping my skin prevent any signs of ageing!

What do you think of Nip and Fab ranges? Do you think ingredients such as Bee Venom can help your skin? Would you be willing to try it out?

L xxx

Nip and Fab Dragon's Blood Plumping Serum

I cannot BELIEVE there is only two weeks until Christmas Eve!
TWO WEEKS!!!

It's definitely getting to be a lot more Christmassy and festive now; I cannot wait for Christmas Day to come along with all of the food and festivities.

That aside I'm sure everyone has noticed that Nip and Fab have a fabulous new range out, this one dedicated to Dragon's Blood. This comes from a plant and has been used over many years for a variety of medicinal uses. I've really been enjoying using the Cleansing Pads from the same range and the serum was next on my list.

I picked this up during an introductory offer and then went back and picked up another. No wonder I'm in so much debt....!

The plumping serum is lightweight and sinks into my skin so quickly. My skin feels hydrated but not overloaded and I'm left with a lovely plump feeling like my skin has just had a facial.

I've mentioned many times before how I like Nip and Fab products and how the ranges are colour coded. This colour might be my favourite so far and the range is yet to disappoint me. I haven't picked up the mask yet but once I've used up other hydrating masks I will have to check it out as I've been impressed with the hydration of these products so far.

The pump is really sturdy and dispenses enough for half of my face and neck so 2 pumps is normally ideal. Another thing I like about this is that it is a 50ml bottle and this can mean it can be super expensive, most bottles can be 30ml meaning you don't get much for your money. This one however is £19.95 for the 50ml bottle and is a pretty good price considering what it contains. It has been on offer recently in a range of stores so keep your eye out as I got it for £13 which is even better!

I've never met a product from Nip and Fab that I haven't liked but the Dragon's Blood range seems to be pretty good to me and I'd recommend all that I've tried so far.

Have you tried any of the Dragon's Blood range? Are you a fan of Hyaluronic acid?

L xxx

Good Things Manuka Honey Daily Moisturiser

Hi pals!

Skincare addict here with another review. I've been trying to keep my products to as natural as possible and recently with my skincare issues I've been reluctant to try anything that I haven't used before on account of reacting to anything and everything.

Good Things have always been pretty good in my opinion and their Manuka Honey cleanser (review here) was really nourishing on my skin whilst also cleansing it pretty well too. When running low on moisturiser (as low as I ever run on products...) I picked up the Manuka Honey Daily Moisturiser with Royal Jelly and Bee Venom.

Firstly, sunshine yellow packaging always makes me happy. I like yellow and it always reminds me of my kitchen when I was growing up which was a farmhouse style with sunshine yellow walls. It was lush and the colour takes me straight back to that - and the food memories that come with it.

It also fits the theme of honey and bees so it works well. As with all Good Things products this is free from SLS, mineral oils and parabens which is always a great thing as the less chemicals the better.

So the range claims to help keep skin clear and hydrated and also help against skin ageing. This is fully the category that I find myself in now; hormonal breakouts have very much reduced but the fear of the first few wrinkles are definitely here. Maybe my wrinkles are here too but I'm not about to go and check and ruin my mood! *time to slap on more hydration*

The moisturiser is lightweight and also contains echinacea to promote skin longevity. Although it doesn't advertise much about the sunscreen it does claim to be present though it doesn't say to what factor so I wouldn't rely on it.

I've been slapping this all over my face for the last few weeks as my morning moisturiser and my skin drinks it up. It absorbs easily, smells edible and doesn't leave a greasy layer on top which means I can apply make up without it sliding down my face.

I'm not sure if the bee venom really does anything noticeable but the manuka honey is lovely and I think it's one of the best things to be included in a skincare product.

I love it and now want the rest of the range.

This costs a whopping £7.99 and I firmly believe its worth every penny. Even better that it's at Boots and is usually in a deal let alone the fact you can get points for buying it.

I've got the matching scrub on my list next for £4.99 and the mask for £6.99. just cannot go wrong for those prices!

Have you tried anything from Good Things? Do you like Manuka Honey in your products?

L xxx

Balance Me Extra Care Wonder Eye Cream

Morning lovelies!

I've never really used much from Balance Me apart from an oil I received in a beauty box a while ago, so receiving this in one too I decided to give it a go.

The Wonder Eye Cream claims to soothe, brighten and lift the skin around your eye and claims to be suitable for all skin types whilst being 99% natural, that sounds like something I want in my collection!

The size I received in the beauty box was 7ml but the full size is 15ml and retails for £20. This is quite a generous size as others I've bought have been a lot smaller for the same price.

The eye cream is light enough to absorb into the skin easily but also rich enough to contain coconut, rosehip and carrot oil to soften skin, chamomile, cucumber oil and witch hazel to smooth away dark shadows.

As if that wasn't enough there is also hyaluronic acid and spruce knot (very antioxidant rich) to plump and boost the skin, phew what a list!

I also like that the cream is 99% natural and you can see the list of EVERY ingredient on their website for EVERY product.

So how did I get on with the cream?

I applied it as per the instructions below, I find I need to apply a good blob of eye cream as my eyes can get really dry with constant air conditioning and this seems to help a lot. I apply it all over my eye area which is probably not advised but it works well for me, and then try and tap it in or move slowly in small circles to ensure it has distributed evenly.

First off I'm glad to say that I didn't react to this one bit, my sensitive eyes and skin can react quite randomly to things and this just absorbed in almost straight away with no greasy residue and no reaction, hurrah!

Secondly my skin felt really hydrated for quite a while afterwards and I really do think it has helped to iron out a few tiny creases that have started to appear. I am hoping it's just tiredness and dehydration and not my first wrinkles appearing so I'll keep my fingers crossed! But nevertheless, they did diminish.

The last factor to consider is the dark shadows which for me didn't seem to have any change. I don't know if that is because it has been a particularly busy and stressful time for me or if the product doesn't really combat shadows as much as I'd like, but let's face it a good concealer would still be needed anyway!

I'd rate this product pretty highly on the eye cream scale. I use Origin's Eye Doctor as my staple as I haven't ever reacted and my skin loves it. This also rates about the same for me and seeing as it is £20 for 15ml and the Origins one is £28.50 for 15ml, potentially I have found a replacement.

Balance Me have won quite a few awards for their products and they have been given rave reviews by bloggers too which is always reassuring. I've heard a lot about them and have seen lots of products I would love to try from them particularly the Extra Care range, of which this eye cream is a part of.

It also contains the Radiance Face Oil and Anti Ageing Serum, both of which sound fabulous to me and I may have to look into going to Waitrose again soon and picking some up!

Have you tried the Wonder Eye Cream? What did you think? Have you any recommendations for the Balance Me range?

L xxx

Una Brennan's Super Facialist Range

Happy Saturday lovelies!

Hopefully the weather is shaping up to belong to this time of year and everyone is out and about. i do love the first pub garden visit of the year! If not....at least it's EASTER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND! Hurrah! Chocolate galore!

You've probably heard of Una Brennan's Super Facialist Range by now. I picked these up quite a while ago during a 3 for 2 deal as I'd heard such rave reviews about the range and for some reason they've just sat in my drawers.
I've decided to be good and rotate my products a lot more to get the best use out of everything so I've recently rediscovered them and here they are!

Her ranges are designed to give you the opportunity to give yourself an at home facial without expensive products and so you can get salon skin without the price tag.
It's quite a big claim and I do wonder if anyone at all can succeed in this!

First up, the Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask. This has been created so that it is even suitable for sensitive skin and is a thick white cream that you apply to dry skin for 5 minutes before removing it.

This allegedly boosts skin moisture levels and radiance by utilising white willow extract, vitamin U and urea with marshmallow to hydrate and replenish skin.
Applying this once or twice a week this should save my skin from the dehydration issues its been having lately.

As my skin has been that temperamental I was initially worried it would irritate my skin or make it extremely oily. I'm glad to say that this didn't happen at all and my skin more nourished after use. I've even applied it as a moisturiser at night and left it on until the morning which was great too, no irritation and baby smooth skin!

Definitely a thumbs up from me!


Next up is the Miracle Makeover Facial Oil from the same Rose Hydrate range.



This pre cleanse treatment oil contains many natural oils including raspberry, carrot and avocado to eliminate impurities from the skin and encourage cell regeneration. It also contains brown algae and Calendula oil to soothe even the most sensitive skins leaving it feeling supple.
Sounds quite a lot from a little oil used before cleansing doesn't it??

It's directions state you apply a generous amount to your hands to warm it up before applying to your facial skin and massage it in circular movements to dissolve impurities and open pores before cleansing as you normally would.

I've used this a number of times and you need a few pumps (3/4) for a normal face of make up but if you've got heavy eye make up on you'll probably require an extra 1 or 2 as it can be a bit stubborn when the oil is absorbing into your skin. Having said that I really like it and it does a great job of dissolving make up and has become a fixed part of my skin routine. I sometimes use a face wipe to remove the make up from my face before cleansing to dissolve some of the crap but this is definitely a less harsh alternative and works well without irritating my skin or coating it with oil. I just wash my face with my cleanser of choice as normal and I'm good to go.

The Mask retails at £8.99 but is currently on offer with £3 off, and the Miracle Oil retails for £14.99 but is currently £9.99 both from Boots.

Will you be trying either of these products out? What products have you tried from Una Brennan before?

I've heard so much about the Vitamin C brightening products I'm going to have to give them a go!

L xxx

Clarins Hydra Quench Cream and Mask

Good morning!

I've another skincare post for you today. I've been really taking care of my skin the past few months and especially over winter my skin needs an extra hydration boost.

I was lucky to be given both of these by a friend who could no longer use them. I'm not sure why but i was grateful for the chance to use them as they were still pretty full when she gave them to me and I've been loving them!



Clarins are obviously a well known brand and their Hydra Quench range is very popular. I've previously tried samples of their Hydra Quench Bi Phase Serum and loved it, so I was looking forward to testing these out.



The Hydra Quench Cream was the first product I tried. The moisturiser was designed for normal to dry skin and is to applied to your face and neck in the morning and evening. As with all other Clarins products it has been allergy tested and is non-comedogenic.

This product is a thick white cream that sinks into skin really nicely on application. I've found that it moisturises my skin really well without overloading it during the day or night. Due to my oily t-zone I do have issues with 'dry skin' products sometimes causing my oil levels to overload and therefore create more spots and problems.



I've had no problems at all with the moisturiser with twice daily use and my skin is loving it, I would definitely repurchase this in future. For £34 for 50ml I think this is an expensive product but again, you get what you pay for and this is a great moisturiser.


The Cream Mask is very much the same. I applied this once or twice a week when my skin was feeling dehydrated and left it on for as long as I could, normally around 10/20 minutes or so. It's hard to time it so I normally do a job or paint my nails whilst its on!



After application I then removed it by washing it off with a muslin cloth. It says to remove it with a cotton pad but I'd prefer not to leave any excess on in case my skin is overloaded and there's not a lot of difference between the two methods!

This was great at hydrating my skin and I've had no problems with blemishes caused by it. This retails at £33 for 75ml. I'm not sure I'd repurchase this as readily as the moisturiser as I feel that the cream does the job on its own now I've upgraded to a more hydrating moisturiser on a daily basis.




The whole Hydra Quench range can be viewed on their website here; I've got my eye on the lotion which might be better for oily skin during the day and then the cream for my nightly application.

I've also got my eye on the full size of the serum which I really enjoyed using.

Are you a Clarins fan? Have you tried anything from the Hydra Quench range?


L xxx

Review: Murad's Pore and Line Minimising Hydrator

Good morning! I've got another review for you today on a skincare product that's a little different and definitely a lot exciting!

Murad have recently launched their new Pore and Line Minimising Hydrator along with their Replenicell Hydration technique.

Hopefully I can relay this to you in a non-confusing manner that you will understand, the technique is obviously very scientific and I don't want to confuse you all! Here goes:

The brains at Murad (Dr Howard Murad and his son Jeff Murad) have devised a concoction of osmolytes, amino acids and trehalose to pre treat water used when creating all of their products. Replenicell is basically a new kind of water that is added to everything during production.

By doing this, water molecules are attached to compounds that can access the skin and pass through its barrier, taking water in through the barrier with them and therefore hydrating your skin. Because of the way skin is designed, water molecules cannot simply pass through of their own accord, if that did happen every time it rained or we had a shower we'd just swell up!

There are three ways that Replenicell helps your skin:

1) It attracts water molecules
2) It binds the water already within the skin's surface
3) It strengthens the skin's barrier to help it retain more water.

This is a really clever and simple way of getting more hydration into your skin without using complicated chemicals that could be more harmful to your skin.....why on earth has nobody though of this before?!

This technology is currently debuting in their new products the Pore and Line Minimising Hydrator (£49.50 from October 2013) and their new Rapid Collagen Infusion (£78.00 in February 2014).

So...how does the Replenicell technology affect the skin?

I was lucky enough to be given a tube of the Pore and Line Minimising Hydrator to test it for myself which I have been using religiously for the past couple of weeks.

This Hydrator claims to clear and tighten pores for a refined complexion, boost collagen and plump skin for younger and smoother looking skin.
Having done their research Murad have found that pores are just as highly rated as wrinkles in women's number one skin concern and so they have created this product to help combat both in one go.

Its key ingredients are:

Kombucha Collagen Defense - which stimulates collagen production and inhibits its breakdown

Lentil Seed Extract and Witch Hazel - controls excess oil and tightens pores

Cinnamon Extract - this restores the skin's surface by reducing inflammation and oil production

The Hydrator is a white lotion with a very thin consistency, I'd say it's a lot more like a serum than a moisturiser, it's almost like a gel and unlike any other product that I currently own.

I've been applying this morning and evening after cleansing, toning and applying my serum. This sinks in super fast and my skin hasn't had any negative reactions to it whatsoever. It feel quite cooling on the skin which has been nice, not so sure it will be so appreciated now that were reaching colder temperatures in the UK but nevertheless this feeling doesn't last long.

I was worried that this wouldn't hydrate my skin as much as it currently needs. My skin is temperamental at best and is oily in the centre and dehydrated everywhere else, therefore I thought the serum like quality wouldn't be enough for those areas.

I was very wrong and have been enjoying using this twice a day, it has certainly hydrated my skin without overloading the t-zone area and I've found that I haven't needed any extra hydration like I thought.

I'm lucky in that I don't have too many wrinkles as of yet...but I'm 25 so that time is coming very soon! Hopefully this product has helped to keep my lines at bay for a while longer and I'd definitely be interested in knowing about the other products that Murad will be including in their Replenicell range, which I believe will be all products eventually.

Fingers crossed!

Murad are such a great brand, not only do their products really work, their research is outstanding and they just have such a family vibe about them. God knows I couldn't work with my dad all the time, he'd drive me crazy!

What Murad product is your favourite? Do you like the the sound of the Replenicell technology?

L xxx