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?