Body Shop Buys

Hi all, just a little post today.

 

I have recently noticed that The Body Shop is become increasingly popular amongst skin care bloggers, and especially when I did the 'Skincare challenge' in January, I saw so many Body Shop items pop up. I went and purchased some of the items I saw the other day, and with a 3 for 2 offer being on, I managed to get a nice little trio of products.

Firstly I will start with the free item I got as it isn't massively exciting to talk about, but I have wanted a fan brush like this for ages as they are perfect for gliding on highlighter without being to heavy handed. This one is really gentle, and it is something I probably wouldn't usually pick up to buy, but as it was part of a deal, I thought why not!?

 

Next is the Chamomile cleanser which I have seen being talked about everywhere and I can understand why. This cleansing balm is so gentle and fantastic at removing makeup. It has become a bit of a cult product and for £10 it really is a great cleanser for all skin types. It melts on the skin and is really hydrating. As Chamomile is a calming ingredient, it is great for sensitive skins.

Lastly, I picked up this self warming Mineral and Ginger face mask. The only problem I have with this mask is that it is so hard to squeeze out of the tube as it is clay, but once it is one, I love the comforting way it warms up your skin, allowing your pores to open and have any dirt drawn out. This only needs to be on for 5 mins and it works absolute wonders!

 

I hope to use some more Body Shop skincare soon, and now I have a loyalty card with them, you can expect to see a lot more!

Origins Ginzing Foil Face Mask

I am fairly new to Origins as a brand as I have only tried products from the Ginzing Range, however I absolutely loved the revitalizing range. The mix of coffee beans and orange zest really invigorate the skin and make it brighter and more radiant.

I saw via social media that there was a new mask to the GinZing range, and I wanted to try it straight away. I went to my local Origins counter in Boots and asked for a sample of the mask where the lovely lady gave me one to try as well as a mini sized GinZing moisturiser #megababe.

From what I'd seen online, it looks like a gold piece of foil on the face, so I was skeptical to think it actually looked like that, and thought maybe a little bit of photo editing had been used. Sure enough though, the mask appeared to have a metallic consistency, so I was impressed that it could live up to the expectation.

To apply the mask, I used an old foundation brush. I wouldn't apply the product with your hands as it is really thick, and feels like what I can only describe as melted down gold (whatever that feels like). The mask had a really citrussy smell, and when going under the eye area, it felt like the fragrance was wafting into my eyes so felt a bit stingy temporarily.

The lady at the counter said to leave it n for as long as possible so it hardened. I left it on for about half an hour which was really comfortable, and I knew when it was ready to peel due to that cracked feeling when I used any expression.

So next was the fun bit! With the help of my 9 year old sister who was itching to peel off the mask, we peeled it off in large chunks.

It took about 5 minutes to peel off, and it came of in bits rather than one whole mask. I needed to wash off any excess at the end, but it was really easy and not messy at all (provided you have a bin nearby). When peeling off slightly hairier areas near the eye brows and hairline, it felt a bit tender but other than that it was a really enjoyable and satisfying event!

Afterwards my skin felt unbelievably smooth, and appeared brighter due to dead skin cells being removed from the mask.

I would highly recommend this mask. At £24 for 75ml I think that is a good price for a mask that shows instant results. I used my whole pot in one go, but I imagine you can get at least 10 uses out of one tube. Is is suitable for all skin types and is a fun way to spend a Friday night!

Ren Glycolactic Mask

Ren's radiance range biggest seller is this Glycolactic renewal mask. It contains the natural citrus of fruits to exfoliate and invigorate the skin, helping remove the dead skin cells from the surface, and to reveal soft, bright skin underneath with reduced wrinkles.

I used this product a couple of years ago and found it gave me a slight rash where my skin was more sensitive. But as I said in my last post, my skin has now normalised so I'd like to focus more on brightening the look of my skin. I used this mask for 10 minutes and had no problem this time. As it's quite an active mask, I wouldn't recommend this for skin that is undergoing treatment or is sensitive. I found this time round, my skin looked a lot more luminous, and it felt really soft afterwards.

This is fairly similar to the 1 minute facial they have recently launched, but this is more of a luxury treatment than a quick fix. I would highly recommend this mask for anyone who wants more luminosity to the skin whether it's for an occasion, or just for general maintenance.

December Birchbox

Apologies for the long delay in Birchbox posts, but I am finally getting round to review my December Birchbox! This Sophia Webster box was so pretty and made my eyes gleam when I saw the (granted very fake and printed) gems on top. There really is something about shiny things that grab a girls attention.

Inside were lots of lovely goodies that came in handy over the Christmas period, plus a cute little leopard print zipped case that can hold a little lipstick in your handbag.

So here is what was inside...

Electric Hair London Shampoo

This shampoo by 'Electric Hair London' smelt really lovely, like coconut. It lathered nicely in my hair and felt like it was really moisturising, which is good as it's a hydrating shampoo! It has meadow foam and sugar beet extracts which aim to add shine to dried out hair, and add a weightless finish. I liked this shampoo and felt it gave a healthy boost to my hair.

Models Own Velvet Glitter

'Models Own' are a brand I can always rely on the love the products, and this is no exception because I am so so impressed with this nail varnish! These 'velvet' polishes are glittery but come in coloured polish rather than a clear coat most glitters come in, so one coat will leave a glittered matte finish that is ready to go. You get the same (if not better) finish to a glitter effect but with one coat. A brilliant time saving product that looks great! Also perfect for the imminent Valentines say!

Ilcsi Rose Petal Gel Mask

I have never heard of this brand before, and by the looks of the packaging, I think it may be a Hungarian company, or at least get its ingredients from Hungary. In the pot, this mask smells mainly of almonds strangely, but with a hint of rose. It smelt really delicious and leaves bits of rose petal on your face when its on. It recommends leaving it on for 15 mins, in which time the mask goes semi hard. After washing it off, my skin felt soft and smooth, but still a little tight. It was a bit of a chore making sure all the rose petals were off so I probably wouldn't buy this product, although I love trying international products. 

Benefit High Beam

This is one if those products that you never thought you needed until you've used it. I actually saw a friend wearing this before I tried it, and it highlighted her cheekbones perfectly and added a really

pretty glow to her skin. Once I saw this, I rushed to try it and haven't stopped using it in my makeup routine since. You just draw on the areas you want highlighted and tap in to the skin to blend.

Eyeko Eye Stick

I was slightly skeptical about this product. I loved the Eyeko eye liner pen but something about putting a big black crayon on my eye lid instantly makes me thinks panda eyes. Sure enough I tried it though, and was impressed at how easy it was to blend and create a smokey eye effect. It also claims you can use it above the eye which I did, and again was shocked at how un-crayola like it looked. It's better for a smudgey eyeliner on the lid, think Kate Moss' makeup-from-the-night-before-but-still-look-effotlessly-cool look. I wouldn't even attempt a cat flick with the chubiness of the stick though, and for me, it doesn't go quite near the lash line as I'd have liked. However you can get quite a neat look, be it smokier than usual. Personally I wouldn't buy the product just because I love liquid eyeliners to much for precision, and when it comes to a smokey eye, I prefer to blend with a brush rather than fingers, as I feel like I'm rubbing and stretching the eye lid skin which is quite delicate, and I don't want it to sag anytime soon. If you prefer a quick way to achieve the smokier look though, or want a handbag sized quick fix from day to night look, this is a good thing to have.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil

This oil is a really lovely treatment to pop on overnight if you feel your skin needs some TLC. Trilogy is a brand I've wanted to try for a while now, and this organic rose hip oil has a dry oil finish so it doesn't leave your face feeling greasy like some other facial oils. It's not great to massage with, but to pop on your face without the worry of a greasy pillow, it's great. The other thing I like about this which may seem a bit weird, is the fact that it has no smell to it. Some rose products can be really overpowering and have that dusty rose smell to it but this is a scentless. Rose is a great ingredient to help hydrate and to also calm and soothe.

Have you tried any of these products before?

October Glossy Box Pop Art Edition

This is my last Glossybox now because I have been meaning to unsubscribe for ages, but they kept putting in little hints as to what would be in the next box and I couldn't stop! The Nuxe face mask is what sold me on this box, but now it's time to stop! The theme was Pop Art which again, really drew me to the box as its so fun and colourful. 

So Susan Mascara

I really didn't get on with this mascara. The wand's bristles were barely there, and it just didn't do anything for my lashes. I put it on once, and had to put my Lancome Grandiose on top because they didn't really look any different!

Rimmel BB Cream

For some reason, I had bad preconceptions about this product and I couldn't tell you why. I just thought it wouldn't be very good coverage and wouldn't feel very nice. I guess that is packaging for you! On the plus, I actually really liked this BB Cream. The consistency was more of a foundation though. It gave really good coverage and stayed put which is my only issue with some BB creams. It also had a very creamy consistency even though it has a SPF in which is good news for your skin in the future. It proved me very wrong as this is probably one of the best BB creams I've ever used!

Lip Exfoliator

I was really pleased to get this product in my box, as Autumn is the time of year I like to wear darker lipsticks which can really dry out and stain my lips. This lip exfoliator has an easy lip applicator which you squeeze on and rub between your lips. It quickly vanishes and tastes nice so it doesn't matter if you swallow it. (Not sure if your meant too but I did, oops). This is perfect and quick to pop on in the morning just before you apply your lipstick for the day, to provide a nice smooth base for it.

Yves Rocher Perfume

The Quelques Notes D'Amor is meant to be the fragrance of falling in love in a bottle. It is very sweet and has what seems to be a black current undertone which is pretty. It has Rose, Patchouli, guaiac wood, and simmers down to a very feminine scent.

Nuxe Face Mask

This Nuxe face mask is one that you leave on and wait to soak into the skin. I really like masks like this, as I slightly resent having to wash away a lot of product, especially when I have to go and wash mud out of my hair after some masks sometimes. This clear gel can be wiped of with a pad and some toning lotion. This is a soothing and moisturising mask, and I used this when I had some aggressive red spots on my chin. The smell was so fresh and clean and lovely, and you could definitely smell the calming and soothing ingredients getting to work. My skin felt really soft and like it has been really looked after from using this. I really liked it and have been using it regularly and will continue to do so in the up and coming cold damaging months. I really want to try more products from Nuxe so watch this space.

Ciate Nail Polishes

So it now comes to the awkward time I need to confess something. I actually got sent two Glossy Boxes this month which was great for me as Ciate is my favourite nail brand and I was lucky to get two different colours! I know its bad that I got box for free but I've been reviewing them for about 2 years now so I will take it as a personal 'Thank you' from them to me :)

Anyway, the two colours I recieved were 'Talent Scout' which is a cool deep purple which I used for Halloween and 'Skinny Jeans' a gorgeous flat toned blue colour which is my favourite.

Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial

This is a product I have been patiently waiting for, for a very long time now. The first time I saw it was way back in October last year on 'It's a LDN thing', and I eagerly anticipated its arrival since. If you read Millie's post you will see it has changed a lot since then, thankfully the phallic looking pump has been ditched, and replaced with a much more bathroom appropriate tube.

The flash rinse is applied to cleansed, dry skin, and it feels like a really really fine exfoliate. It comes out in a green sort of paste, which is unlike any other beauty product I have ever seen.

You then wet your fingertips and massage the face again to activate the ingredients, and leave on as a mask for a minute. Once washed off, you can instantly see the results, and my skin felt smooth and it looked much brighter. It is the vitamin C in the product that creates the brightness, and it is an ingredient I am falling in love with as it is in a lot of the skin care I'm using at the moment. It also means it has a fresh and fruity smell to it which is another great aspect to it. It is advised not to use on sensitive skins, and I must admit the sensitivity around my nose didn't enjoy this product as much as the rest of my face. It didn't hurt or sting, it just felt slightly dry after using it.

This product can be used every 3 days as a boosting treatment, and I love how you see the effects instantly. It is also meant to have long term firming effects too. This product launched TODAY on the website, and I would highly recommend the product! At £32 it is a product that will last a while, and is a perfect quick and easy way to brighten your complexion.

Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Face Mask

Hands up if you got a little too excited by the English sun this weekend and got a little bit burnt? I for one, have my hand firmly up in the air. I now have a very rouge T zone which is not only unsightly, but also a little painful when I laugh too animatedly. At times like these, the only thing you need is moisture moisture moisture, so my first point of call was my Aromatherapy Associates moisture mask.

The mask contains Aloe Vera which is particularly great for sun burn due to its cooling properties. The clear mask goes on for 10 minutes and is washed off after, or alternatively it can be used more thinly as a night treatment. It is a bit like an intensive after sun. Rose is a fantastic ingredient to help redness and after just one treatment as a mask, my sun burn was pretty much healed. This mask retails at £37.00 so I don't use it as regularly as I should, but I think over the summer this will become one of my hero products.

My First Birchbox Review - January

This year I decided to kick start the new year by treating myself to not only a Glossy Box subscription, but join the Birchbox craze too. As my Glossy Box reviews are usually months late it got me thinking, that maybe the reason for the lateness is that I don't really like the products in Glossy Boxes. I will probably keep both subscriptions for a while then decide to drop one. The first Birchbox for January certainly made a good impression. I think Birchbox deals with more high end products, whereas Glossy Box showcases more up and coming brands. So lets get started and look at each product individually.

Laura Mercier Body Cream

Laura Mercier was one of the products I knew Birchbox, did so when I opened it and saw one was in there I was very pleased. Laura Mercier is a luxurious counter I have admired from afar at work. Their makeup is really good quality and their body creams smell so delicious and can be smelt across the whole shop. My sister got the creme brulee scent for Christmas and I received the Vanilla scent. I think I prefer the creme brulee but this is still delectable. The cream is highly nourishing and dries quickly so you can get dressed again. The smell is really nice and lasts for ages on the skin, like a perfume. This little sample size will last for ages as well as I've hardly dented it!

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I have used Elasticizer and reviewed it before here. This pre shampoo treatment is to be left on for 10 - 20 mins to make hair feel revived and less frazzled. It's great for heat damaged or bleached hair.

Del A Rom Face Mask

I had never heard of french brand 'Del a Rom' until now. Having a 10 minute face mask tied in really well with the Elasticizer product meaning you could have a good pamper session! This hydrating mask is a cream consistency, and at first I thought I may have mistaken it for a moisturiser. As the instructions where in French I had to find the product online to realise that it is actually a thick mask, with pomegranate extract which smelt amazing. After 10 minutes, the mask was completely absorbed in the driest areas of my face, and my skin felt so smooth and healthy afterwards. I really liked this product.

Anatomy Nutrients

Having the Laura Mercier cream and this body oil was quite nice as some people prefer different textures. I personally prefer an oil on my legs, and to have a cream in the upper part of my body. I find oil absorbs better into my legs, and allows you to put even jeans on shortly after, and makes your legs feel amazing after shaving. This oil was quite thick but still easily absorbed. I applied this in the morning and my legs were still highly moisturised by the end of the day. This oil had quite an earthy smell to it which I liked. The yummy Laura Mercier smell would be wasted on my legs as I can't smell that far down!

Birchbox Eye Mask

This little Birchbox own product is a cooling eye mask. It's great for cooling eyes and reducing puffiness due to tiredness. This is even better once it has been left in the fridge, for a cool cucumber effect, but without the mess.

Benefit Pore-fessional

The Benefit Pore-fessional is THE product of this box. Birchbox release a spoiler into what the hero product of the box is going to be, and this was the one they were shouting about. Pore-fessional is a pore minimizing primer and can also be used on top of makeup to keep it in place. My past experience of primers has always been a clear gel liquid, but the Pore-fessional had a tan colour to it, meaning it covered up blemishes as well as pores. I don't have too bigger pores but liked the texture of the product on my face. I also used it on top of my makeup and found my makeup stayed put all day quite flawlessly. As large pores aren't my main skin concern I probably wouldn't buy the product, but I very much enjoyed my sample of it.

Ren Cleansing Balm

We may be coming to the end winter, and entering the Spring season of April showers and the occasional burst of sunshine, but in the UK the weather could not be wetter or windier if it tried. During the days of sideways rain and whipping winds, my skin really goes into panic mode and becomes, dry, uncomfortable and flaky. Anyone who reads my blog will know I suffer from severe dryness around my nose area, that looks like eczema or something similar which I really battle with, and I would say is probably my number one skin concern. Walking to work when the weather is like this, makes my nose so unsightly but also really chapped and painful. I have friends who seem to be suffering with something similar, is anyone else?? When my nose becomes as painful and sensitive as it is, I have to really give it some TLC. My latest saviour is the Ren 'Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Balm'. Just to clear up any confusion, Ren have recently repackaged a lot of their stuff, and this used to just be called 'No.1 Cleansing Purity Balm' with a grey band at the top. Now thats sorted let me tell you why I love this balm.

I usually keep this Cleansing balm at my boyfriends house. It is such a versatile product its the only thing I really need to keep round his. This Cleansing balm is similar to products such as Eve Lom's famous cleanser, because as soon as it touches the skin it turns into a oil, and melts into the skin. When water is added, it turns into a milkier consistency, and washes away leaving skin feeling comfortably cleansed. This cleanser removes all traces of makeup, including waterproof eye makeup (although it stings slightly if you get it in your eye), and comes with a cloth that allows you to gently buff and exfoliate.

The Rose in the product makes it really soothing, and perfect for my dry nose. When its feeling particularly sad, I apply the balm to soothe the sensitivity and just leave it on. You can see why it is the only product I leave at my boyfriend's as it cleanses, removes makeup, exfoliates and makes a lovely face mask. Not only all this, but the brands is a natural brand and has no parabens, sulfates or mineral oils, meaning the product is helping your skin in such a gentle way, which we all know by now is a big thumbs up from me. I have had to bring this product home so I can use it more often, but I am also away on a skiing holiday in a couple of weeks where the whipping winds and cold will really harm my nose, so it is the first product going in my suitcase.

Ren has so many exciting new products and ranges coming out, including a hot cloth cleanser to rival Liz Earle's cult product, which will join the cleansing range along side the balm. Their new V-Cense range also has some interesting products coming out such as the one minute wonder facial product, which I cannot wait to try! I've been using a lot more Ren recently so keep your eyes peeled for more reviews!

Elemental Herbology - Facial Glow

Elemental Herbology is a “naturally active results” brand , meaning their aim is to use natural ingredients from all around the world, but to have effects on the skin that you can actually see. I used the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow, which is a radiance peel and aims to make the skin look more radiant.

Facial Glow - 30ml

The peel had a thick exfoliate texture, and smelt pleasant and slightly of oranges. It says to target between the forehead and the décolleté area (which is neck and chest to you and me) and to apply onto damp skin. After leaving on for 4-5 mins, I washed of the peel with warm water and wipes. Although my skin was not immediately visibly more radiant, it felt clean and refreshed. I have dry skin and have to use moisturiser after most products used on my face, and found I particularly had to lather on the moisturiser after using this product, but found once moisturised my skin looked slightly cleaner and had more of a glow than it did before. The product clearly states that a hydrator with a high SPF must be used after use of the product as it contains hydroxy acid, which increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Priced at £39.00 a pot, I think this is quite reasonable for a high end skin-care, not only that but when you visit their website, they have a lot of online offers to get you started such as 20% your favourite product when you register. I have yet to try a few more products from the range and am excited to see what else it can offer.

http://www.elementalherbology.com/


*I was given these products to test by the company, as I was fully trained on their brand and products.