Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm

Good morning!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend, we had a wedding yesterday so we're recovering from lots of themed cocktails and copious wine!

Today's review is of the Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm. Not only is this a fabulous product in itself, but it's celebrating its 10th Anniversary and so has limited edition print courtesy of British artist Alice Shields, how gorgeous is it??

Having never used this before I was intrigued as a beauty balm that has been around for 10 years is sure to have a  huge list of uses and therefore a big following.
The key ingredients are:

Rosehip Seed oil: Antioxidant and vitamin rich oil that helps to improve skin elasticity
Borage (starflower): Anti-inflammatory properties and helps to restore the moisture barrier
Patchouli: Stimulates and strengthens skin to help with dry and damaged skin
Geranium: Balances, strengthens and smoothes making it perfect for any skin type.

The design from Alice Shields incorporates all of these key ingredients into the packaging which is a really nice touch and the colours go so well together.



The balms ability to smooth skin and restore its natural radiance is well loved by NYR's customers and the multiple uses they have found for it. These include:

1) Cleanser
2) Moisturiser
3) Mask
4) Lip balm
5) Make up primer/highlighter
6) Cuticle oil
7) Foot cream
8) Flight Repair
9) Eyebrow tamer
10) Sunburn relief

There are many more uses that I'm sure other people will know about, I wonder if it is any good to use on hair? I haven't got that far in my usage of it yet but it would be interesting to know.

This product has won so many awards and it's not surprising, after using it for a few short weeks I am blown away by how moisturising it is. I've been using it mostly as a moisturiser, mask and lip balm but have used it to help with pesky bits of dry skin on my elbows and for my cuticles too.

It really is a wonder product! My skin has felt so much more hydrated and smooth after using it and as my skin has been so dry recently its great to have finally found something that has helped to combat it. I've also not broken out at all which was something I was worried about with my temperamental oily t-zone and penchant for getting spots on my chin. 

The balm comes with its own muslin cloth which is a nice touch and helps you to use it in its many ways. I haven't yet used it as a cleanser as I've been trying to use up other cleansing products but i have no doubt that it will be hydrating and exfoliating,  

I love that they detail all of the ingredients found in the balm and it has been certified as 99% organic by the Soil Association. I don't think you can go wrong with buying a product from a company that boasts countless awards for its products and numerous 'eco-principles'.

Just a few are listed below:

UK's first certified organic health and beauty company

World's First health and beauty company to achieve 100% for ethics in an independent audit

World's first company to produce Soil Association certified cosmetics

World's First Carbon Neutral high street retailer

I can honestly say that I've really enjoyed using this product, its perfect for downsizing as you won't need multiple products if you have one with multiple uses. The results from using the balm are brilliant and my skin has thanked me for it, the packaging is also gorgeous and would look great in any bathroom or vanity unit. This is my first NYR product and I'm really impressed with it, there's so much I'd love to try from their range and the Frankincense products were amazing when we tried them at the event.

The beauty balm comes in at £37 for 50g which sounds a lot but just imagine how much use you will get out of it, and how ethical it is. Almost worth buying for the good world brownie points right??

I'm certainly a fan and will be researching into some more NYR products to try in the near future!

Have you tried the Wild Rose Beauty Balm? Do you like multiple use products? What's your favourite NYR product?

L xxx

Hey All

As L said yesterday we were at a wedding so so far today has been spent in bed or on the sofa. I absolutely exhausted today!

When the balm was rose scented I was concered I wouldn't like it as heavy floral scents aren't something I go especially rose as it always makes me think it's quite an old fashioned scent. This is quite refreshing though and not overly floral or powerful.

So far I've loved it. I've been mainly using it as a overnight mask. My skin just soaks it up. I wake up with the softest skin and it doesn't feel greasy. Even though I have oily skin it has been loving using this balm.

Like L I've also been using it for dry skin on my elbows and it's really helped so far.

This is my first NYR product but my wishlist is massive already. I can't wait to try more. They have some amazing scents I especially can't wait to try the frankinscense range more.

I'm off to smother my face in the balm as I slept in make up last night and my skin now needs a pick me up!

Love M xxx

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Beso

Evening all!

Sorry for the late post. The weekend and today have just rushed by. I've literally just got home after the gym. I definitely have the fitness bug at the moment so I'm trying to push myself as much as possible while it's still here. 

Hope you all had great weekends!

A few weeks ago L and I went to a showcase for Urban Decay and we were lucky to have these in our goodie bags. Over the last year I've been loving a glossier lip and have been trying to find lip glosses I like. Lately I've been wearing my hair up more so I've been wearing more and more lip glosses so I couldn't wait to try these.

I was instantly drawn to the packaging. How gorgeous is it. I love that it matches the Naked 2 palette and how sleek it looks. The colour at the bottom makes it easy to see what colour it is if you have more than one. It's also stayed scratch few even when it's thrown about in my bag.

When we were swatching away I was instantly drawn to Beso. It's such a gorgeous soft plummy colour and very much a 'me' shade. When I found out that Beso meant kiss in Spanish I loved it even more.

The Urban Decay Naked lip glosses are nourishing on the lips and contain vitamin E, Avocado Oil and Shea butter to keep lips in great condition.

It has a slightly longer applicator so it makes it really easy to apply.

I love that the lip gloss isn't sticky, as nothing puts me off more than when my lips stick together. With the Naked lip glosses they provide a soft wash of colour, high shine, moisture and make my lips look plumper.

Beso has been a firm favourite since I got it. I love it on it's own for a simple daily gloss look or pairing it over dark lipsticks for a bold lip!

I also got liar. I've not worn this one as much as I'm loving Beso more!

Liar is a softer pink shade and nearer my natural lip colour.

I'm a big fan of the texture of the glosses and love how conditioned my lips feel. They are great for everyday wear or for wearing over lipsticks. I do wish the colours were slightly more pigmented as I am a fan of a bold lip.

Have you tried the Naked glosses?

Love M

xxx

Review: Maybelline Baby Lips

Some products get loads of hype. Especially it seems when products are built up pre release or released in America first. We all rush to get them but lately I seem to find myself finding the hype was better than the product turned out to be.

Baby Lips were something I'd heard so much about. Everyone seemed to have them and love them. They were a tinted lip balm that everyone seemed to love.

When L and I popped into our local Asda we decided to pick them up to test out. We both went with the cherry baby lips as we love red lips and colour on our lips.

The packaging isn't something that appeals to me. It just looks bright and aimed more at a younger market in my opinion. I also prefer if they were going to be different colours that they were coordinated to the colour of the product.

As someone who likes fruity smells the cherry in this is very fake cherry. Not something I mind too much but I imagine for some it would be overpowering.

For me the texture was the most disappointing thing. It feels like a thin almost greasy coating on my lips and the tint wasn't anything that wowed me. I guess I'd just come to expect more from the hype.

This shows the colour pay off and was after a few swipes.

My natural lip colour

With the product on. As you can see it leaves a glossy finish with a slight colour change.

They are very purse friendly though but for me they almost remind me of something you'd have as a child. For a lip balm I want something more balmy and for a lip colour I want more colour pay off. For tinted lip balms I think the Korres Lip Butters (review here) or the Carmex Moisture Plus have better moisturising and colours.

That sounds such a negative review but for me they just aren't something I'd buy again.

How did you find the baby lips?

Love M

xxx

Review: Dr Organic Lip Balms

Hiiiiiii all!

Today I will be talking about my new favourite lip balms.

Back a few months ago when me and M attended the Bristol Blogger meet we were lucky enough to get some Dr Organic products in our goodie bags.
This was the start of a beautiful friendship!

I have been using the other products so much that when I saw these lip balms on offer in Holland and Barrett  I couldn't resist.

Dr Organic are a relatively new brand to my ears but I love their ethics; organic, natural and bioactive ingredients, no use of animal products or harsh chemicals, preservatives, mineral oils, or GM ingredients and they do not test on animals.

There were a few different types available but I chose the Manuka Honey and Vitamin E balms as they are both supposed to be super moisturising and that's exactly what I was looking for.

Both balms are paraben and SLS free with no artificial colours, fragrances or harsh preservatives.

They're also BioActive, moisturising, soothing and hydrating with both UVA and UVB SPF 15.

I very much like that they are all individually packaged and you know that nobody else has been dipping their fingers into it or spreading it over the back of their hands.

I also like that the packaging is colour coded, all the Vitamin E products are yellow and the Manuka Honey are in orange. There are plenty of other products available in their range including Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Argan Oil, Lavender and Rose Otto.

After taking them out of the packaging the tubes are quite simple in design but really sturdy, something you need with lip balms knowing you're going to be throwing them into your bags.

So.....what did I think?

These balms are so hydrating they've worked perfectly. I've had trouble with my skin being dehydrated for the past year or so, and my lips have been cracking terribly.

Both these balms are really moisturising but not greasy at all. I like to be able to feel lip balm on my lips but not still be there a few hours later like Vaseline. These balms sink in quickly enough but also last long enough on your lips not to need reapplying all the time.

My lips haven't been cracked now in a good few weeks, largely down to these beauties!
They're so soft and have lasted me well, they're still both over half way and I use them multiple times per day.

When they are finished I will definitely be picking up some more!!
The Pomegranate and Rose range are both for anti-aging so I will be heading there, as well as the Coconut range as I'm partial to the smell of that!

I have really enjoyed using these products and can see me repurchasing regularly, as well as wanting to try out their other products too!

I've personally got my eye on their award winning Coconut Oil Moisture Melt and Pomegranate Eye Cream!

Have you tried Dr Organic products? Which is your favourite??

L xxx

Skincare Wardrobe - Update

Hello!

I keep meaning to write this post for SUCH a long time now that I thought it was about time it actually got done.

Since starting this blog I have of course spent a shed load of money on various products but primarily on skin care. When starting this blog I was a culprit of using only a face wipe and occasionally eye make up remover along with moisturiser as my daily routine. This shocks me immensely and I now cannot believe I did this!

Obviously I soon realised this wasn't going to cut it and I have significantly changed my 'Skincare Wardrobe' if you like, and here is the updated contents!

I currently use this box which contained a Christmas present in 2011. It isn't ideal as I'd prefer to have them all standing upright but nevertheless it's a great box for me to separate my skincare products from others (ever so slightly...)

So trying to get things in some sort of order I will start with cleansers.
This is what I am currently using;

Origins Checks and Balances, a lovely minty foamy face wash which is one of those that gives your skin a deep clean and leaves it with that 'tight feeling', sometimes I love this feeling and others I don't so it's nice to have options. This is where...

Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish comes in, a creamy cleanser applied to dry skin that miraculously removes all types of make up so easily. It feels great on my skin and did so when I had oily skin and now with my dry/combination skin and we are both fans of this cleanser.

Having used these two primarily for the past few months I'm pretty happy with how they work for my skin. However on those nights when I come in quite late (4am is getting to be quite a regular time for me!) it's a little bit too loud to start running hot water and splash around in the bathroom waking everyone up.

For this reason I picked up La Roche Posay's Toleraine Gel Dermo Cleanser which you just rub into your skin and then remove either with a muslin cloth or wet wipe, which is what I use at 4am. It isn't ideal I would agree as I'd prefer hot water but definitely better than just the wet wipe as this removes every trace of make up even mascara and lipstick!
I am yet to post about this but so far I'm loving it especially as it's so easy and fuss free.

The Clarins eye make up remover was given to both myself and M just before Christmas at a Pharmacy event in Cardiff. I'd been using micellar water before that but this make up remover is great, requires minimal 'scrubbing', doesn't sting my eyes and gets rid of all traces.

Next up is Exfoliators:

These are without a doubt some of my favourite products to come out of my 'Skincare Epiphany'.

Origin's Modern Friction is well renowned for being good but I just adore how quick the results are from using it and although it's expensive, even with a use of 2/3 times a week this huge tube has lasted me months.
I'm about half way through and have had it well over 8 months, would 100% recommend.

Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is something we posted about recently and I truly believe this will be staying in my weekly routine for a long time to come. Not only because this huge bottle will also last you a while but because the effects are again pretty quick and show up after 4/5 uses which is great considering it feels like a normal cleanser.
The acids and tiny tiny jojoba beads (which feel like a powder!) definitely have a positive effect on my skin sloughing off cells and revealing a glow. Basically.....buy it!

Origins have also brought out Brighter By Nature which I got as a GWP (Gift with Purchase) before Christmas time. These pads are filled with enzymes and fruit acids and just require a swipe over the face for them to work their magic. These feel great and are definitely a less abrasive way to exfoliate your skin on days where a scrub just isn't what you're looking for.


A definite new addition to my weekly routine are masks:

As you can see I have an array, and what is quite clearly becoming an obsession with Origins, yikes! so from L-R...

Drink Up Intensive - another GWP and still going strong, this is the intensive overnight version of the other Drink Up mask coming up. This was the first hydrating mask I'd ever used and even on my then oily skin, was absolutely amazing and didn't break me out.
The next three; Clear Improvement, Out of Trouble and Drink Up were all bought together in a set after using up my first Out of Trouble mask. I absolutely love it for getting rid of blemishes and reducing spot size! 100% recommendation from me.
Clear Improvement and Drink up are both great for when my skin is in need of them, the charcoal definitely helps to reduce pore size and the Drink up is great for when my skin feels dry but is breaking out and too much hydration might overbalance my skin,

REN's Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask really does do what it says on the tin (tube?), it smells like oranges, feels like orange juice and marmalade whizzed together and takes me to a happy summery place as well as making my skin look renewed.

Eye products:

Having never used an eye cream before this blog my collection is certainly increasing!

Starting with Origins Eye Doctor: I picked this up due to my severely dry eyes and sore skin due to rubbing my eyes. I've still got no idea what has happened to make my body so depleted in hydration regarding my skin and eyes and lips, but this was my first eye cream which I chose due to it's lack of any kind of chemicals at all. It's so hydrating and as I was so worried at the time about a reaction, it's the perfect comfort blanket for me to go back to.
The same with the No Puffery eye gel, it's so soothing and helps my eyes relax after a long day at work. This and Eye Doctor combined helped to reduce my dry eye effects and eliminate the lines I was getting around my eyes, presumably from dehydration.

Ginzing was next on my list when I felt more comfortable and I love it's reflecting properties for day wear when i have massive bags under my eyes.

Starting Over is a recent addition as it was on sale and I couldn't resist picking it up to rid myself of potential crows feet! It's thicker than the Eye Doctor cream and I will be writing about it soon.

Eysilix was picked up in a 3 for 2 deal a few weeks ago so is what I am currently trialling. I like the small nozzle and how it allows a small amount out each time, but I'm not sure if my eyes like the cream as i think they sting sometimes after use. Will have to investigate this!

Serums and oils:

Clearly my anti-aging and anti-blemish tendencies are running away with me here!

Both Antipodes and Clarins oils I have written before and I am in complete love with them both and they transformed my opinions on oils for oily skin.

Aesop's Parsley seed Serum is something I have been using recently and am interested in how it will affect my skin. I've heard rave reviews!

The Make a Difference Serum is absolutely gorgeous. Sinks in like a dream and I'm completely gutted to find out that it was only available at Christmas time exclusively from Selfridges. Heart broken!

Pepta Bright and Hydraluron were the other 2 items I picked up in my 3 for 2 deal with Eysilix (Indeed Labs got me good!). Hydraluron is a great extra step for adding in more hydration as it sinks in easily and doesn't clog your pores but my skin feels a lot more hydrated.
Pepta Bright has definitely had a brightening effect on my skin and I'm pretty sure has also helped to reduce the size and colour of the scars on my face but shhhhhhhhhh let's not say that too loudly as it might stop working! Posts on all of the Indeed Labs products will be up in the future when I feel like I've tested them properly.

Lastly onto moisturisers and other bits:

My first and only product from Apivita is this gorgeous organic lip balm with honey which has been a saviour in keeping my dry lips from worsening. It's been a god send in work as it's not a pot and really moisturises.

I'm sure everyone on the planet has heard of Effaclar Duo and I am one of them having picked it up a few weeks ago during a mass break out on my skin. It works a treat on drying up the white heads but on my bigger spots it only helped to reduce redness and size, not eliminate it completely. It works great but it isn't a miracle worker so don't expect it to remove all traces of a zit!

Normaderm is one of my favourite day moisturisers as it sinks in so easily and doesn't add to the oil on your skin. It prevents breakouts and helps combat scars and all other blemishes and it just works. This was a god send when I had oily skin and I still use it now, get it! You won't regret it.

Perfect World was a freebie from Origins when you took in an empty bottle of moisturiser and its taken me a while to warm up to it. Initially confined to the bottom of the pile it's now a firm favourite with my dry skin especially for day time due to it's SPF 25. Really loving this now!

Make a Difference is something I posted about fairly recently and am still raving about. The rejuvenating treatment glides onto skin and your skin drinks it up in seconds. It's helped to reduce scarring, even out blemishes and skin tone generally and hydrated my skin without overdoing it. Love.


This has been a gargantuan post and if you got bored I'm rather sorry, I had no idea there was quite that much to write about.
I have learnt a few things:

a) I'm obsessed with Origins

b) I need to condense my skincare down. Nobody needs this much on a daily/weekly basis!

c) Skincare is expensive but worth every penny, you only get one face which everyone sees every day, spending £30 on one skincare item lasting 6 months is much better value for money than £60 on shoes you'll wear once!


Have you written up your Skincare Wardrobe?? Do you have as much as me?? What are your favourite products and brands?

L xxx

Rambling

Today I have an exam...so in my stressed and 'I'm in a bad mood, have given up cake for lent and nothing else will do' kind of mentality I ended up picking up these:

For any more information on why I picked these up you can be directed straight to Caroline Hirons blog Beauty Mouth (which I'm sure most of you know by now) as she has a very subtle way of making you want things. Expensive things!

I also picked up this, as my lips have been cracking so badly due to the ice cold air conditioning we have in work that I just cannot cope with the amount of lip balm I'm putting on!

Fingers crossed this will work.

That aside, I have had a super busy week with my first work social gathering since starting my new job in January.

It involved an all-you-can-eat buffet meal out with 10 of us and I am hoping that I won't have completely embarrassed myself by piling my plate high with meat and vegetables and avoiding carbs as much as possible.

You see I have my friends hen weekend in 2 weeks, and it involves a bikini.

Yes you read that right, an actual bikini. In March.

I've been gymming and swimming it as much as I can but as my gym requires a car to get to and is in the opposite direction of my bus to work it's been a little complicated with the shocking appearance of my previously lost social life.

If all went to plan this morning I will have attempted for the first time in history, swimming before work. 

I start late today, but let's face it, after an all you can eat buffet it's probably going to be an achievement just getting to work! I'm sure you'll see tweets from me with an update on this. 

So really today's post has been a bit of a ramble but I like to keep you on your toes sometimes with a post that basically is a whole load of waffle because my brain doesn't seem to be switched on today.

Hope you're all having a great week, i will be doing a NOTD tomorrow so check back for that:)

L xxx

My Mini American Haul

Today I'm sharing with you my American goodies. I'd asked L to pick me up a foundation and primer as they were cheap and she also got me a lot of birthday presents! She spoilt me.

My goody box Eos lip balm, Revlon cuticle remover, Revlon just bitten kissable balm stain, L'Oreal  Magic perfecting base, Eos hand lotion and China glaze magnet. How lucky was I!! L knows me so well she picked me the perfect balm stain.

This has always been a favourite of L's for evenings as it's quite pricey but I hadn't tried it. Avon's Magix face perfecter was a firm favourite of mine. This does beat it though. It's so light and mouse like and blends into the skin amazingly. Makes my pores look better and leaves a perfect base for foundation. It has a different name in the UK and is the studio secrets smoothing resurface primer. It can be bought from boots for £14.29

Next the eos lipbalm. I absolutely love this. It deserves all the raves it gets. I love the packaging. No sticking dirty fingers into a product is a huge bonus when it comes to lipbalm. It has a gorgeous scent and leaves my lips so soft. Eos is a brand that boosts using natural ingredients something we both love!! They retail for £5.95 in the UK and I'll definitely buy a second when this runs out. The huge dome made me wonder how to apply it with out covering my face but it's really easy. It can be bought from Cute Cosmetics

The eos hand lotion. Amazing, it's a cute little bubble shape and very handy for the handbag.  This is in the fragrance sheer petals and has a soft fresh fragrance. Not to over powering at all and leaves hands lovely and soft. The fact its paraben free is always a bonus. It retails for £7 which is a higher price than Soap and Glory Hand food but I do prefer it. It can also be got from cute cosmetics.

I think L must be a mind reader. I was using a similar product to this when I visited my parents last and almost slipped my mum's Sally Hanson one into my bag. I prefer the Revlon one though as it's a gentle one whereas the Sally Hanson one was gritty. It's available for £6.49 in boots and is currently on buy one get one half price

If you read Sunday's post you'll have seen we both love these already. For a bargain £5.99 at the moment in boots and superdrug I've already bout a second.

Last but not least in my present box was this China Glaze Magnet. L knows I've been umming and ahhing over magnet polish for a while so this is the push I needed. Hello magnetic polish and playing around. I love that there are three different designs in one place. The magnet and the China Glaze polishes can be bought from eBay here. I'm hoping to win some of the nail varnishes in auctions cheaper. I need Instant Chemistry and Draw to you, gorgeous shades.

How lucky was I. I also got the Almay primer L reviewed here and the Revlon ColourStay foundation which I love already.

I can't wait till I go to America in October for the shopping!!

Love M

xxx