Review: Collection Fix Me Up Spray

I was so excited when I opened a She Said Beauty box a few months back and found this little delight in there. Being an Oily/combination skin type a Make up Setting spray has been something that has interested me (and L who was equally eager to try it) for a while. I can't wear foundation without a bit of powder to set it or I'd just look like a shiny mess, but I've never been a fan of the powdered look. So a spray that reduces that was something I'd been meaning to try for a while.

There are so many of these type products around including the ever famous in blogsphere Caudalie Beauty Elixir and the Urban Decay up all night. For me it was just nothing I thought to spend my money on. Other more pretty make up appealed to me. Both these products have rave reviews and I will probably end up purchasing them at some point to compare. Especially as a quick google has bought up some reasonable prices for the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Escentual have the 30ml bottle for only £9.99 (here). Note to self order that soon!!

The Collection Spray comes in at £5.99 for 18ml which when compared with other sprays seems cheap but is in fact more expensive than the Urban Decay ones which are currently on offer in boots for £16.15 for 118ml. Even when not on offer they are still cheaper than collection ones at £19.00 for 118ml. Urban Decay also do 3 different types for different skin types.

The packaging is a simple black bottle with a black sticker and pink writing. I like the combination of black and pink together and the fact it's plastic means I don't have to worry about throwing my bag around. I'm not the most careful of people. The lid to protect the spray pump stays on securely until you lose it in the pit of lost lids (you know the same one that swallows socks) I lose the lids to all things cosmetics annoyingly.

Ignoring the price of the spray how did I find it. I like the spray and have bought a second bottle since receiving it in my box (prior to comparing prices of others). It says to use three sprays but I usually use four. I absolutely love this product some days. But other days I find you can see where is has been sprayed on my skin and leaves marks in my foundation. It has a fine ish spray to it but I think it could be finer to help leave a more even finish.

The days I've loved it (I switch up my foundation a lot so I think it probably just doesn't agree with some of them) it has removed the powder look. I don't think it makes my make up last better but it definitely gives it a better finish. More smooth and fresh looking. This product is quite scented. It does dry pretty quickly so you don't end up with a wet face.

The big question would I repurchase. Probably to just chuck in my bag and for nights out it's size makes it good, but for a use everyday product I think there is better I just need to test them out and find it. I'd like one that's better value and with a finer mist. I kind of feel like this is one of those products I've made myself think is perfect but I'm not sure it really does too much.

Do you use setting sprays? What are your thoughts on them? Any recommendations on ones to try?

Love M

xxx

Like M I'd never tried a setting spray before this one came along.

I heard it had come in the Beauty Box so was intrigued when M said it was pretty good and so I picked it up on a 3 for 2 deal from Superdrug a little while ago and road tested it when we went out for Halloween.

It has since become an everyday part of my make up routine as I find that it leaves my make up looking dewy and has helped with the lasting power.

I do agree though that when you compare costs with other more widely known setting sprays the difference is minimal and I would be so interested to see how they compare.

I found that the Collection one was a little bit 'dribbly' for want of a better word, it could do with being finer as sometimes I did end up with droplets on my face. They weren't big enough to make my make up run or anything, but a mist would be far better!

This is great for a first try of a setting spray and perfect for throwing in your handbag for touch ups at work as the bottle is handbag sized.

I will be picking up the Urban Decay one though for comparison purposes!

What are your thoughts on setting sprays?

L xxx

Review: Origin's Modern Friction

If you hadn't noticed, me and M are biiiiiiiiiig fans of Origins.

A few weeks ago we went to a Christmas event at John Lewis Beauty Hall and I spent quite a bit of money on some Origins goodies.

I picked up Modern Friction after wanting it for ages, along with the box set of masks and consequently a goodie bag of samples too.

Modern Friction is what Origins call 'natures answer to microdermabrasion'

To me this sounds like an amazing all natural way to resurface and smooth my own skin without blasting it with harsh chemicals and leaving it red raw.

This product uses rice to buff the skin into looking fabulous.
You apply to to dry skin normally and then wet it afterwards but for sensitive skin can apply straight into wet skin if you prefer.

It also contains lemon juice which we all know is great for use in scrubs due to its lightly acidic properties, just whatever you do do NOT get this in your eye. Lesson learnt!

I massage this all over my face and neck twice a week and have noticed a massive difference to the texture and overall appearance of my skin.

After short term use my skin looked brighter and less grey, definitely from sloughing off the most recent layer of skin.
After longer use my skin surface has definitely improved and I can say it is smoother to touch and also looks more refined.

This product is pretty pricey being around the £31 mark but I believe it's worth every penny and my twice weekly use of the 125ml tube has left me with 3/4 left after 2 months of use.

As I'd spent a certain amount at the origins counter (sucker!) I also came away with this amazing goody bag!
Check out the beauties in this!

This was exclusive to the event and the Brighter By Nature face pads were alone worth £20 so this was an utter bargain.
We've both been using them for the last few weeks and will be reviewing them shortly!

Have you used Modern Friction before? Would you spend £31 on it?
What Origins product(s) are your favourite?
I just love how natural everything is and it all smells DIVINE!

L xxx

P.S. don't forget to enter our giveaway! It's ending this weekend so don't miss out!

Beauty Rehab

So far this year I have made a bit of progress using up oold products and attempting not to buy many more.

I've been charting my progress with my Beauty Rehab series which you can catch up on here.

The latest update is as follows:

Tigi CatWalk Fast Fixx Leave In Conditioner Spray - Have been spraying this on for months and hoping for an improvement. I usually use this after the gym and it's so easy to apply and never greasy.

I bought it from TK Maxx so wasn't full price and I think I'd pay for it again, but not at full price.

Molton Brown Indian Cress Conditioner - I am always bought Molton Brown products at Christmas by my auntie, I enjoy using them but I'd never buy them for myself as I just don't feel they're worth the money...

Batiste - Probably my 20th can. Will buy forever!

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash - I am aware this is from the baby range but even so, it came as a set with the lotion and I absolutely loved it. No tears from me in the shower and it's super natural and helps save the bees which EVERYONE should be doing by the way.

Bees are amazing and without them we'll die, so go buy some bee products!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - Bought many times! Will buy for the forseeable future/forever

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturiser - Picked this up in America as I was told it was better than Dove/Johnsons. I can't say the colour was better/streaked less but the smell was gorgeous and it would be a contender to the market if only they'd bring it over to the UK!

Avene Gel Cleanser - Was sent this to try and it really was gentle on my skin and removed the majority of my make up. It was quite runny so I would have preferred a pump a la Liz Earle so I could control it more, but lovely all the same.

Origins Eye Doctor - Saved up my Boots points since purchasing this in March time ready for when it ran out, and so have already bought a replacement!

My super sensitive eyes love me for it and I will buy this for a loooooooooooong time.

Botanics Eye Make Up Remover - I thought this would be great as it's organic etc but this gel cleanser made my eyes fog up for a few minutes after use meaning it was actually getting in my eyes and although it did remove eye make up, I had to use it a few times to get it all.

However it was really gentle and did feel soft on the skin. 

My tube broke in my wash bag so I'm having to throw it out anyway!

Etat Pur Actives - A01 is a anti wrinkle treatment, loved the feel of the serum but didn't notice much long term benefit aside from the instant smoothing of applying a serum

After attempting to use A22 without success the lovely Etat Pur sent me A20 to review alongside it to maximise the effects.

Sadly as my skin problems seem to now be caused by stress and not oiliness these products unfortunately didn't work as a permanent solution for me, but I can 100% recommend them to fellow oily skin sufferers as combined they did make a difference.

Botanics Moisturising Eye Cream - This isn't a patch on Origins Eye Doctor I'm afraid. It felt a bit too heavy and greasy on the skin around my eyes and I wouldn't buy again

Technically this isn't an 'empty' but I was far too excited to share with you my new Real Techniques purchases.

I absolutely love all of the brushes in the range and just needed these two to complete the face brushes collection!

How have you gotten on with using up products this year?

I think over Christmas i will have to have a clear out of products I just know I won't use.

I NEED to stop as my obsession is massively out of control.

Would you like to join me in my quest to rid my room of retail therapy ridiculousness??

Let me know via twitter or email if you'd like to join in from January :)

L xxx

Review: Chloe Perfume

The other day while casually browser twitter I noticed on the Escentual Twitter account were asking if any bloggers would like to review Chloe perfume. Being someone who loves perfumes and smelling new ones I emailed across my details and I was so pleased when I got a reply back saying they'd love to send me one.

Escentual is an online store selling premimum beauty brands at very reasonable prices. They offer free delivery for orders over £30. I for one always hate pay for delivery so was very pleased to see this. Free gift wrapping on orders which is a brilliant touch especially now we are in the fesitive season. Anything that stops me having to wrap presents is a bonus. They also offer priority dispatch which I can confirm. Firstly I can't believe how quick the delivery was. Escentual provided an excellent service. I emailed my details on Monday afternoon and by Tuesday there was a package on my doorstep when I got home from work. Nothing like a speedy delivery!

Apologies the photos aren't the best. It's the standard it's winter excuse. I leave for work and it's dark and I return and it's dark. Bring on spring!

So far I was impressed. Inside my package was the perfume and a branded nail file. I love touches like this in parcels. Any little thing gets me happy. Nothing like opening a parcel and being greated with something extra. I love those little bags of sweets you sometimes get! This nail file has gone straight into my bag.

Onto the perfume before my mind drifts to sweets (I'm now thinking of going to grab cookies). I love the brand Chloe. Their bags are one of the times on the top of if I ever get rich lust list.

Packaging wise I think the perfume is perfect for the brand. It's classic, chic and a hit of Parisian. I love the addition of the ribbon and the simple Chloe embossed on the silver. This is the original Chloe frangrance and is an Eau De Parfum. This made me happy straight away as I find on me Eau De Toilette scents just disappear ridicously quick so I'm always happier to pay more for a Eau De Parfum.

Chloe is described as

a light and fresh yet seductively strong and self-posessed scent, capturing the creative, confident individuality of a free spirited woman with an utterly innate sense of chic and natural sexiness.

The fragrance playfully twists notions of femininity, taking the classic beautiful rose and translating it with modernity into a vibrant, powdery floral Eau de Parfum. It is translucent, turning warm and seductive, totally addictive.

Top Notes: Peony, Freesia, Litchi.

Heart Notes: Rose, Lily-of-the-Valley, Caribbean Magnolia.

Base Notes: Amber, Virginia Cedar.

I'm not great at describing perfumes so got that from the Escentual's website. I really like this perfume. It's really florally which I like and reminds me of a stronger, longer lasting version of Marc Jacobs Daisy. The fragrance is strong and one spritz will do you till the afternoon. It has great lasting power which I love.

I like to think of this is my new grown up scent. I'm trying to get away from Vera Wang Princess and have been trying lots of other perfumes lately and finding I prefer other scents. 

You can really smell the peony in the perfume and the cedar in it gives it a nice fresh edge so it isn't too over the top. I do think this is quite a strong fragrance on the skin so if you aren't a fan of strong smells it may be too much for you. I find it works best to do a bit of legally blonde style and spray it into the air and walk into it so it's a subtle spray all over as opposed to a shot of it on the neck.

I can imagine my mum loving this too and would make a great Christmas present for her.

Chloe is a surprisingly reasonable price for an Eau De Parfum. My recent purchase of Vicktor and Rolf was much more expensive. And as and added bonus Escentual currently have this on offer with 15% off making the 30ml bottle only £33.50. It also comes in 50ml and 75 ml. You can purchase it from here. 

I'm loving having a more grown up scent and will purchase this for my mum's birthday in January while it's on offer as I think she'll love it too.

I'm also eyeing up some bed head products. The dumb blonde shampoo and conditioner is currently 40% off which is too good to resist (or so I'm telling myself as I'm desperate to shop). You can find bed head deals here

Have you tried Chloe Perfume? Or used Escentual's to order from online? I'm very impressed with both and will be doing more online shopping with them. Do you find your perfume tastes change? I'm definitely moving away from sweet fragrance.

Love M

xxx