Monday 24 October 2016

Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub - Reviewed!

As a self confessed coffee addict I do get a bit excited when I hear about any coffee themed body products. Coffee scrubs have become popular in recent months and after hearing how effective they are I was excited to finally try one. 
Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub
Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub
Following the coffee theme the scrub comes in a black packet similar to what coffee beans are sold it. I like this touch but I did find it wasn't the easiest of packaging to use in the shower or bath when your hands are wet. The scrub is made of coconut oil, vitamin e, see salt and ground up coffee which makes it very exfoliating but also moisturising at the same time. 
Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub
Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub
The scrub itself looks just like coffee. I have the mandarin scent and when you open the packet you get hit with a lovely orange and coffee scent. You can use the scrub on both the face and body as well as leaving it on the skin for five minutes to make the skin even smoother. I will say that this scrub is a bit messy so it's probably best to use in the shower. That is the only downside since after using it my skin felt so smooth and soft, but not dry. I think this would be a great scrub to use once a week if you have dry skin or before fake tanning as it leaves the skin so smooth. 

Bean Body Coffee Bean Scrub* retails for £14.95. 

If you're a coffee lover and can deal with a bit of a messy scrub i'd definitely recommend giving this a go. They also have a few other scents to choose from including peppermint and coconut. Have you tried this coffee bean scrub?

*PR Sample

Friday 21 October 2016

Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder - Reviewed!

I spotted this on a few blogs a while ago but it passed me by until I saw it on offer in my local Superdrug. I've been really into brows recently so I thought it wouldn't hurt to give some different a try. It is designed to work in the same way as an eyebrow pencil but is actually a powder. 
Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder
Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder
The packaging is very simple and sleek. The lid/handle for the brush is a nice length which helps give more control when applying the product. The fine tip of the brush is designed to give a precise application where as the powder is meant to add volume to the brows whilst giving a natural finish.
Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder
Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder
I was really surprised how little fall out you get and how mess free this is even though it is a powder. The fine point means you can get a really neat edge to the brows as well as add a lot of colour wear you need. It currently only comes in three shades, I went for the shade Blonde which isn't actually that light so probably wouldn't be the best match if you have very fair brows. 
Collection Define and Perfect Eyebrow Powder
The colour is however cool toned which i've found helps it to be a better match for my brows. I haven't found the colour to fade or wipe off throughout the day even without setting it with a brow gel. For me this is a product that I would use if I want a bold and defined brow. If the colour was slightly lighter it would be added to the list of my favourite brow products since I really do like how it looks and last. 

If you prefer the look of powder in your brows but want an easier, mess free way of applying it I would recommend checking this out. It's another great, affordable find from Collection. 


Have you tried this? What are some of your favourite brow products?

Wednesday 19 October 2016

A Trip To Manchester To See Louis Theroux | My Scientology Movie

Last Monday my Mum, brother, his girlfriend and I went to see Louis Theroux's latest documentary, My Scientology Movie. If you know me at all you'll know i'm a huge Louis Theroux and his documentaries are a go to watch for me on Netflix. I had heard that he'd been working on a movie about Scientology a while ago and it seemed to take ages for it to get a release date. It finally did and my brother booked tickets for us to see a screening in Manchester which included a live Q&A after the film (taking place in London).
Louis Theroux | My Scientology Movie
(Source)
We did some retail therapy, got some tasty pizza and headed down to the cinema. We booked gallery tickets which were more expensive but you got comfy seats and free popcorn and drinks. It was definitely worth it. 

The film gives a basic back story on how Scientology was started, who's involved and what each levels are about. I've been fascinated by Scientology for a while so I already knew a decent amount but Louis quickly breaks it down. 

During the Q&A the director of the film said he wanted to combine the funny elements of Louis' Weird Weekends and the more serious parts of his later documentaries. They did this by getting actors to recreate the slightly strange and amusing promotion films Scientology have released. One including a video Tom Cruise made talking about the religion. I wasn't expecting this to be part of the film but it was a nice way to show some of the things that have happened. 

Louis got to meet some big people within Scientology that have since left which showed the other side to the religion that they don't talk about. He did try to get in contact with people within Scientology but they refused to be part of the film, however they did send people out to follow Louis and even started making their own documentary on him. 

I went in being a bit confused about why people join Scientology and after the film I felt the same. I think the managed to show both sides to Scientology and let the viewer make up their own mind however some of the behaviours of people within the group does make it hard to see why someone would want to join. 

It isn't as detailed as the other Scientology film, Going Clear but it does give you the basics as well as making it a funny enjoyable watch. If you're a fan of Louis Theroux i'm sure you will enjoy watching and I would recommend checking it out if it is showing near you. Since seeing the film i've gone back on a binge of his other documentaries and i'm excited to see what he does next. 

Are you a Louis Theroux fan? Will you be seeing My Scientology Movie? 

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Current Hand Care Routine

At this time of year my hands always get dry but since I use my hands a lot, especially at work i've noticed they've needed a lot more care than normal. I thought it might be useful to share the little routine i've put together in case anyone else is suffering from dry hands. 
Current Hand Care Routine
Current Hand Care Routine
I've found that the ends of my nails have been peeling easily so buffing them down every week or so has really helped. My old nail buffer was looking a bit past it's best so I picked up this one from Superdrug and it only cost £1. 
Current Hand Care Routine
Since my nails have been chipping so easily i've been skipping paint them and just sticking with using a clear polish. This is Essence Triple Care Polish which is a clear polish but is also meant to help strengthen the nails. After using it for a few weeks I have noticed a difference in my nails looking healthier and for the price you can't go wrong. 
Current Hand Care Routine
Current Hand Care Routine
My cuticles have been the worst recently so i've started using oils on them to stop them being so dry and flaky. I borrowed this vitamin e oil from my Mum which works really well and the fact that it is packaged as a nail polish makes it easy to apply. I have since picked up a bottle of almond oil which i've been using and really has helped to soften all around the nails. The hand cream i've been using is the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hand Cream which works so well. It feels very moisturising and sinks in fairly quickly. 

I try and do the first two steps every week and then use the oil and hand cream every night. I definitely have noticed a difference in my hands with doing this and all the products i've been using are very affordable which is even better.

What products do you use to keep your hands in good condition?

Monday 10 October 2016

The Perfect Brow Duo For Blondes

I've mentioned in the past that finding the perfect brow product when you're blonde can be a bit of a struggle. I've actually found a few different products that I really like but recently i've been using this combination and I think i've found the perfect match. 
The Perfect Brow Duo For Blondes
The Perfect Brow Duo For Blondes
I've found that a pencil gives the best, natural finish and when it has a fine point you can get a very neat point to the brow. The pencil I always go back to is the Soap & Glory Archery Pencil in Blondshell and the fine means you can almost draw in hairs which I really like. You can also brush the brows into shape with the other end so there isn't too much product build up. The shade Blondshell is the perfect match as it isn't warmed toned and has an ashy colour to it. 
The Perfect Brow Duo For Blondes
I like to set my brows in place with something since it makes them stay in place longer. Although I do like the pencil on it's own, using the Essence Make Me Brow in Blonde adds an even colour to the brows as well as helping to keep them in place. This also isn't too warm toned which makes a great match for blondes. I find I can't get enough definition to the brows if I just use this but when paired with the pencil it's the perfect finish.

I really like this combination of products and it's a quick little routine that gives a really nice, longwearing look to the brows. What products are you using to do your brows at the moment?

Friday 7 October 2016

The Skincare Stand Outs

It's safe to say I use a lot of skincare products, and even though I love each one that I use there definitely has been a couple of stand outs in my routine which I thought might be useful to share. Two of these are masks because I always think I can see the biggest results from a good mask. 
The Skincare Stand Outs
The Skincare Stand Outs
Avene Hydrance Hydrating Serum* - £17.00 - I've been using this serum for a few months now and it's just so lovely. With having combination skin the struggle to find something that is hydrating without feeling greasy on the skin can be pretty hard. This manages to do that as well as leaving the skin feeling so soft and smooth. I use it in the evening but it would also work as a light layer underneath makeup. 
The Skincare Stand Outs
Origins Original Skin Mask - £24.00 - Sometimes you just want a face mask that does it all in a few minutes and that is what this mask does. It contains rose clay which helps to draw out any impurities in the skin but isn't drying. It has very fine grains in it which help to improve the texture of the skin leaving everything feeling deeply cleansed and smooth. It's the perfect clay mask for those who find traditional clay mask to be too drying on the skin. 
The Skincare Stand Outs
First Aid Beauty Red Clay Purifying Mask - £22.00 - I find I can suffer from little bumps on my forehead and around my nose. I've found this to be the best thing to get rid of them and keep the skin looking smooth. It's a slightly sticky red gel that you apply all over the skin and leave to dry. Once dry you peel it off which really helps to remove any dead skin cells and blackheads. It feels gentle on the skin whilst being very effective in improving the texture of the skin. 

So those are some of my current skincare stand outs in my routine. The serum I use everyday and the masks I use once a week. All three of these products have really helped keep my skin in check recently. What are some of the stand out products in your skincare routine?

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Currently Loving | Loose Powders

I've been using powder as long as i've been wearing makeup. As someone with oily skin, powder is a key step in my makeup routine. Recently i've made the swap to loose powder instead of pressed powder and i've noticed that my base is lasting even longer. Today I thought I would share two favourites of mine. 
Currently Loving | Loose Powders
Currently Loving | Loose Powders
Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder - £17.00 - I discovered this a while ago then rediscovered and used it pretty much everyday. Its a fine, white powder which when applied leaves such a light layer of powder on the skin that you can barely feel it. It feels so smooth on the skin and sets your base in place without effecting the finish. The way this feels on the skin is definitely it's stand out but it also keeps your foundation in place and helps control oil throughout the day. 
Currently Loving | Loose Powders
Seventeen Miracle Matte Loose Powder - £5.49 - This is a more recent discovery after enjoying the miracle matte pressed powder. This works in a similar way in that it leaves a matte finish to the skin but I think it makes your base last longer than the pressed powder. It does a some colour to it but I find it to look translucent when on the skin. It feels and looks more matte than the Vichy powder but really helps to keep everything in place and not look oily for a long time. 
Currently Loving | Loose Powders
I used to think loose powders were a bit messy but the fact that these two looks so good on the skin and make my base last longer is worth it. I'd be curious to know if anyone else is a loose powder fan since I see them get very little mention. What are some of your favourite loose powders?

Monday 3 October 2016

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation - Reviewed!

I've actually finally started to finish some of my foundations so i've been looking to try something new. One of my favourite foundations is by Covergirl which isn't the easiest to get hold of in the UK so when I heard this one was very similar to it I knew I had to try it. When I did a bit of research I read some good reviews so I head out to pick out my shade and put it to the test. 
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation
The packaging is very nice and simple. It comes with a pump which you can lock which I thing is such a good idea since it prevents leaking when you're travelling. The foundation is designed to be a 3 in 1 foundation so works as a primer, concealer and foundation all in one. It also has an SPF 20. 
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation
The texture of the foundation is slightly runny with a bit of a gel texture to it. I really like the formula as it means that it blends easily on the skin. My favourite way to apply it is with a damp sponge since that gives a very natural finish. The foundation sounds like it will be high coverage but it's actually very buildable so you can get a medium coverage to high. It evens out the skin nicely whilst covering any marks and redness. I still use concealer where I have blemishes but you could get away without. 
Max Factor Face Finity All Day Flawless Foundation
The foundation comes in 9 shades which I think isn't too bad for an affordable foundations. There seems to be a good mix of fair to dark and the shade I got is Warm Almond which wasn't the lightest. The finish on the skin is very comfortable and is the perfect mix between dewy and matte. I have oily skin so I tend to set it in place but you could probably get away without if you have normal to dry skin. 

The wear time is pretty impressive. I do find I get a little oily by the end of the day but I don't find the foundation to go patchy or look cakey on the skin. I feel like this foundation is one that will suit a lot of people and if you're looking for an everyday base that feels comfortable on the skin but lasts and has I decent coverage I would recommend giving this a try. 




This is the first Max Factor foundation that i've put to the test and i've been really impressed; it's become one of my go to bases. I'll definitely be looking into trying others in the future. Have you tried this foundation?

Friday 30 September 2016

September Beauty Favourites

This month I feel like a rediscovered a bunch of old favourites without really thinking about it. I've also been getting into the Autumn vibes of dark lips and smokey eyes which is probably my favourite makeup look. 
September Beauty Favourites
September Beauty Favourites
Avene Hydrance Hydrating Serum* - £17.00 - I started testing this at the end of last month and have been using it every night since. It's a light serum that feels so nice on the skin and manages to hydrate without feeling greasy, or heavy on the skin. If your skin is sensitive or oily this would be a great serum to try.
September Beauty Favourites
Max Factor FaceFinity All Day Flawless Foundation - £12.99 - I had a clear out of my foundations recently and i've nearly ran out of a few of the ones I use the most so I decided to try this after hearing good things. It gives a decent amount of coverage without feeling heavy or cakey on the skin. I do find I get a little oily near the end of the day but it manages to stay in place without going patchy. Expect a full review next week on it. 
Rimmel Kate Sculpting Palette - £6.99 - I used this a lot at the start of Summer since it is so quick and easy to use. The bronzer isn't orange toned so looks very natural, the blush is a lovely coral shade and the highlighter adds a nice glow to the skin. It also wears really well during the day which makes me love it even more. 
September Beauty Favourites
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - £23.00 - I had honestly totally forgot about this palette until I spotted it in my drawer the other week. It's one of those palettes that looks kind of simple but you can actually create a good range of looks with it. The quality of shadows are really great too so you know they're going to stay in place all day. 
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara - £7.99 - This mascara is an old favourite of mine so I decided to give it another go again. It's a great everyday mascara that adds length and a nice definition to the lashes. I can also pair it with another mascara underneath to create a more dramatic lash look. 
September Beauty Favourites
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo - £5.50 - It's pretty known now that i've become a bit obsessed with these lip creams and now that it's started to feel like Autumn i've been wearing this deep pink shade a lot. It is the perfect mix between a pink and a plum shade plus the formula of these lasts so well. 

So those are this months beauty favourites. At this time of year I find as spend less on beauty products and more on jumpers (and hot beverages) but i'm sure i'll get a few bits which will make their way into next months favourites. What have been some of your favourite products this month?

Wednesday 28 September 2016

The Autumn TAG 2016

I haven't done a TAG post in a long time and since Autumn is my favourite season I thought it was a good one to do. The TAG was original on MakeupSavvy and I just thought they were a great set of question and something a bit different. 
The Autumn TAG 2016
.1What signifies the start of Autumn for you? My birthday is at the beginning of September so that always makes me feel like it is Autumn along with the weather getting colder. I do love being able to dig out my big chunky scarves which always help me to feel autumnal. 
2. What is your favourite Fall scent? I don't really change up my scents for each season however I do tend to reach for stronger scents in the colder months. A favourite which i've been using a lot is Giorgio Armani Si since it has a deep, unique scent. In terms of candles anything that is apple or cinnamon scented are ones I love as well as something like Yankee Candle Fireside Treats
3. What is your favourite Autumn colour? I love all Autumn colours especially the reds and warm brown shades. I have been really getting into deep green colours this time though and may have already picked up a few jumpers in that shade. 
4. What is your favourite Fall drink? I don't really get into Fall specific drinks but I do love a good mocha especially during the colder months. I am also partial to a hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. 
The Autumn TAG 2016
5. What TV show, new or old, are you looking forward to this fall? I feel like TV gets really good this time of year which I love. Currently i'm watching Atlanta which is a new comedy by Donald Glover which I highly recommend. I'm also looking forward to the new season of The Affair, How To Get Away With Murder and whatever is new on Netflix. 
6. What is your favourite Fall fashion trend? Checked shirts, chunky jumpers, boots and thick scarves are always my favourites and pretty much what I live in the minute it starts to get cold. I love this time of year since you can just put a nice scarf on and it can make an outfit look a lot more put together. 
7. What is your favourite frugal Autumn activity? I don't think there's any Autumn activities that are take part in. Unlike in America there seems to be a lot less things to do! I do love going for coffee and cake which can be fairly inexpensive. Other than that a nice long dog walk followed by a lazy afternoon and lots of hot drinks is something I love to do. 
8. What is your favourite makeup look come autumnal weather? I love created brown and red toned smokey eyes during the Autumn time paired with a berry toned blush. A palette i've been using a lot is the Zoeva Cocoa Blend palette which has some beautiful, autumnal shades. I also tend to reach for darker lips colours, anything from a red to a plum lip. Some favourites of mine are MAC Rebel and Rimmel Matte Lipstick in 107

So those are the questions. If you've done this tag or want to I would love to see your answers so feel free to send me a link to it. What are some of your favourite things about Autumn?

Monday 26 September 2016

What's In My Bag | Autumn

I haven't done a what's in my bag for a long time so I thought it would be interesting to do an updated one. I went through a phase of using a big bag but since getting this new one from H&M i've been enjoying not carrying around as much with me. 
What's In My Bag | Autumn
What's In My Bag | Autumn
The thing that mainly drew my attention to this bag was the colour. I hadn't seen many bags in this shade of pink and since getting it i've found it is a great size as well as going well with most outfits. Most of my bags are black since it's been nice to add a pop of colour with this one. What's In My Bag | Autumn
I did recently get a diary from Paperchase which I love. I use it all the time but don't always carry it with me. It does however fit really well in the bag so I wanted to include it in the post. 
What's In My Bag | Autumn
What's In My Bag | Autumn
The bag has two section which makes keeping things organised a lot easier. In one side I have this pale pink pouch (also from H&M) I have a couple of beauty bits in. I have a pressed powder in case I need to do a quick touch up and whatever lip colour i'm wearing that day. Currently I have Essence Natural Beauty and the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul in my bag as they're great everyday pink shades. In this section I also keep my headphones and phone. 
What's In My Bag | Autumn
What's In My Bag | Autumn
In the other section I have my keys, featuring some Scandinavian keyrings, and my purse. The purse is from Fossil and i've had it for a few years and love it so much. On the inside it is this lovely peach colour and I can fit a lot in it.  

I can't find a link to the bag online but it is current season and still available in store. What are some of your must have items in your bag on a daily basis?

Friday 23 September 2016

September Empties

It's that time of month again where I talk about the beauty products i've managed to use up. This month definitely felt like one where I managed to finish a lot of things that i've had on the go for a while including a few mascara which i've finally decided to get rid of. 
September Empties
September Empties
HAIRCARE:
Herbal Essences Naked Volume Shampoo - I've mentioned this shampoo a few times and it is one of my favourites. This manages to make my hair feel clean without being drying or leaving any build up in my hair. If you have fine hair i'd definitely recommend checking this out. Repurchase? Yes. 
L'oreal Elvive Extroardinary Clay Shampoo - This is another favourite shampoo of mine for similar reason as it gets rid of any greasy feeling in the hair. It's also good if you use a lot of product or dry shampoo as it gets rid of that build up. Repurchase? Yes. 
Phil Smith Bombshell Blonde Conditioner - I picked this up on a whim when doing the food shop since i'd ran out of conditioner. I didn't find this did anything amazing or made my blonde hair look any better. The smell was also a bit too strong and floral for my liking. Repurchase? No. 
September Empties
Vo5 Give Me Texture Spray - I've tried a few texturising sprays and some of them feeling sticky or too heavy in my fine hair. This one doesn't do that and I always go back to it since it gives some texture and hold to the hair without creating build up in the hair. Repurchase? Yes. 
September Empties
BODY CARE:
Soap & Glory Fruitigo Body Spray - I got a set of these body sprays and i've been working my way through them. I mainly use them to freshen up during the day and the scent isn't too strong and lasts fairly well. This was my least favourite scent but it is still very pleasant. Repurchase? No. 
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub - I really like Soap & Glory scrubs and i've tried most of them at this point. This scrub as a great texture and really leaves the skin feeling smooth. The scent is lime and sugary so was perfect to use over the Summer. Repurchase? Yes. 
September Empties
SKINCARE:
Garnier Simply Essential Toner - I hadn't used this toner for a while and when I was doing a clear out I noticed I had a couple of uses left in this bottle. It's a nice, basic toner to use after cleansing as a freshen up. I don't think it has any major skincare benefits but it is still a nice product. Repurchase? No. 
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - I've mentioned these pads a few times and they really are great. I use them in the evening and they keep my skin feeling so smooth and bump free. I finished these about a week ago and i've already noticed a difference in my skin not being as smooth. Repurchase? Yes. 
September Empties
MAKEUP:
Revlon Ultimate All In One Mascara - When Revlon brought out their new range of I was curious to try one of them out. This mascara as a small brush which is great for getting those tiny lashes but you really have to build up the product. I find you can only get a natural lash look with this unless you use something over the top of it. Repurchase? No. 
Covergirl Supersizer Mascara - I picked this up when I last went to America after hearing good things about it. I really liked the brush since it applied the product nicely onto the lashes. I did find it to be a little too wet for my liking as it was hard not to put too much product on. Repurchase? No. 
Maybeline The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara - I always get excited when Maybeline bring out a new mascara since I really like them. This one felt a just okay. It gave a nice look to the lashes but didn't hold a curl that well. I definitely prefer the original falsies which is what i'm using now. Repurchase? No. 

So those are this months beauty empties. I feel like there was a really good mix of product this month and I managed to finish a lot of product without realising. Have you used up any of your favourite products this month?