Review - Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips.

I am a complete sucker for lip products - balms, tints, glosses I am even coming back to lipsticks.....

However, since becoming pregnant I can not be bothered with a faffy beauty routine. I wear make-up everyday to work and I like to keep the time spent in front of the mirror to a minimum. I carry a small collection of essential items around with me in my make-up bag (which I move from bag to bag). Then there are the lip products that litter the bottom of every bag, every pocket, the ash tray in the car and from time to time my (fabulous) boyfriend's pockets.

Anyway, since becoming pregnant it is my constant topping up of lip gloss that has fallen by the way side. I have found that some of my favorites have even started to annoy me. Ones with sparkle feel a bit blah and others are far too sticky or scented.

Back in November I started the hunt for something that I could have as a make-up bag essential. I very quickly stumbled upon Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips, in my local Superdrug.
Boy am I glad, it is the perfect product for me at the moment.

It is small so it is no hassle to carry around (and it was fabulous while travelling in November). The tin does not get messy in the way that some glosses do. The scent is lovely and not at all over powering. The tint is very slight and is totally perfect for everyday wear. As well as all of this it has the Vaseline Lip Therapy basics so it moisturises and conditions the lips very well as well as leaving a nice subtle shine.

This product could also act as cheek and eye product, but I have not tried it in this way so I could not comment on how it looks.
For the tiny price tag of £1.49 this is a truly fabulous one stop product.

Review - Caterpillar Bebot Boots.

I was recently asked, by the lovely people over at Fitness Footwear, to pick a pair of shoes or boots from the HUGE range of Caterpiller shoes that they stock to review for them. As you can imagine I was more than happy to oblige.

I then spent the next hour or so going through every single Caterpillar style that Fitness Footwear had in stock. First of all I have to point out that Caterpillar boots are much better now than what I remember from the 1990’s! After having a good look I thought about what I was needing and what (if anything) was missing from my shoe/boot collection.

As you know there is a new puppy in my life and she loves her 2 walks per day no matter what the weather!This was the area that I was going to add to. I have wet, yucky weather covered with my wellie boots, I have the dry nice day time weather covered with my trainers, but there is gap for the cold, frosty, slippy weather.

I needed (as much as a person with a huge amount of shoes and boots can need) nice cosy warm boots that offered some ankle support and that had a good chunky rubber sole. In the end I opted for the Caterpillar Bebot. I chose the lighter colour which is Houndawg.

They are fabulous - I love them. They are so comfy and cosy and I think they look great with my skinny jeans tucked inside!!So far I have worn them to scramble over the slimy rocks on the beach and I did not even slip. I have worn them on very cold but dry nights and my feet and ankles have been lovely and snug. And on Sunday I wore them when we took the dog for a walk in the woods and again they were simply fabulous!

Get yourself over to Fitness Footwear and check out the range of Caterpillar shoes and boots - not to mention all the other fabulous styles that they have on offer!

Fit Flop Review.

Last week I was sent a pair of Fit Flops by Fitness Footwear to review on my blog. I had been genuinely looking into getting a pair for my walk to and from work. I was sent a pair of Walkstar in the red colour. Looks wise they are not the prettiest of flip flops, but oh my are they comfy!! They are not ugly or offensive to look at and with casual clothing or sportswear they do not look out of place. But they are wide and chunky looking! However, I am sure that they are going to be on my feet for most of the next couple of months!

But what are Fit flops?? The following is some information from Fitness Footwear website!

Fit Flops are flip flops designed to keep you fit while toning your legs and bum as you walk. Fit Flops are so comfortable, you won't even notice them working and toning your muscles.
Sporting a trainer inspired design, Fit Flops sandals feature an oversized heel for a fashionable look that's proven immensely popular with celebrities while giving the Fit Flops brand rave reviews in the media due to their affordable price tag and eye catching colourful styling – all while providing a comfortable workout when you walk.
For even more information on Fit Flops and more about how they work click here!

I have worn them at some point everyday since they arrived as they are just so, so comfortable. They are so light, so it is not a problem for me to carry them in my bag and swap between shoes throughout the day.
Over the weekend I wore them none stop to get a good feel for them. I walked along the beach and my feet were perfectly comfortable, supported and I suffered no rubbing at all! I like these so much that I have recommended that my mum and my friend (both do a lot of walking) get themselves a pair soon!

I am now patiently waiting on my bum getting smaller - I am sure it will happen any day now!

Review - Clinique Face Cream SPF40

Before heading on holiday this year I decided that the time has come (at nearly 28 years old) to really honestly look after my face in the sun!
I was not really sure where to start as I have sensitive and dry skin on my face and I suffer from stress Eczema.

I started having a look online at various cosmetic companies and what they offered in their Sun care ranges. I kept being drawn to Clarins (I have no idea why) but I have never used their products and could not get to my local stockist to test some thing out. In the end I decided to go with a range that I know to be suited to my skin - Clinique.

Over the years I have used Clinique a LOT. I love the mascara, the Sparkle Skin Exfoliator, 7 Day Scrub and Take the Day off eye make up remover. I used the 3 step programme exclusively about 8 years ago.

The SPF40 Face Cream is priced at £13.21 for 50ml - a price that I thought to be reasonable for such a well known brand.

This is what Clinique say about this product:

Face Cream SPF40

Innovative SolarSmart™ technology stabilizes high-level protection against the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays. Adds a barrier repair and solar-activated antioxidants to help prevent signs of aging. Dermatologist tested. Oil free. Water and sweat-resistant. Appropriate for sensitive skins.

I found the product to be excellent value for money, my partner and I were both using it throughout our 8 day break and there is still about one third of the product left.
It was perfumed but no overly or offensively so.
The consistency was the thing that I liked most about this - it was like a moisturising lotion not a traditional sunscreen. It was light, it absorbed well and quickly, a pea sized amount covered my entire face. I was not left with the tacky feeling that sunscreen can leave.

But above all it gave an excellent level of sun protection. I did not get my usual pink nose, or burnt area around my hairline - but I do (I think) have a lovely sun kissed glow!

I liked this product so much that I will be looking into buying the SPF products for the body from Clinique for future trips to sunny places!

Review - E.L.F. Eye Shadow Brush

Specially sheered brush tip absorbs the perfect amount of eye shadow and provides long lasting color saturation. The comfort curved brush contours the eye with natural gliding strokes for easy and accurate eye shadow application.
All e.l.f. professional makeup brushes have been designed and tested by professional makeup artist Scott Vincent Borba. Each brush has been ergonomically designed to fit perfectly into your hand and facilitate a flawless finish with every application.

That is what E.L.F. have to say about their eye shadow brush. I have to say that for £1.50 this is the best value eye shadow brush that you are going to find!
It is rally full and beautifully soft. In the past I have used cosmetic brushes from little stocking filler sets that have felt rough and scratchy when applying eye shadow.

With the E.L.F. eye shadow brush being full of lots of lovely soft bristles you get a great coverage of product without any dragging or scratching of the eye lid.
Before getting this product I had been using my finger for application most mornings and I have to say that after a day at work my eye make up now looks as it did just after I put it on - I am sure that this is down to the application.

I would honestly order more brushes from the range that E.L.F. have on offer and I would gladly recommend the products to a friend. I have to say that the service that I received from E.L.F. is the best that I have EVER had from an online retailer!

Quidco

I thought that I would do a little post about the fabulous site that is Quidco - the webs cash back co-operative. Quidco is purely and simply a website that gives cash back (worked out on a percentage of what you spend basis) on items that you buy online. As far as I can tell it is the same as Ebates that is available in the US.

It is very simple to get yourself signed up, just head over and click on the JOIN button and follow the instructions. It only takes a few minutes to do and you can then start earning straight away. I have to point out that there is an annual charge of £5. Quidco pass on 100% of what is earned from retailers to their members so they take a £5 admin fee per year this is taken off your account when you transfer funds into Paypal. However, if you do not earn more than £5 in the year you can not move funds to Paypal.

I have been signed up to Quidco for a few months now and I am steadily earning money for nothing. Being a shop owner I am not usually one to take trade away from the High Streets but there are times that we all use online shopping for ease etc. So, when this is the case pop over to Quidco search for the retailer that you want to shop from and if it is an affiliate you can earn cash back on your purchases.

I have decided to mention Quidco on my blog as I know that lots of you guys in the US use Ebates so I wanted us in the UK to know about what is open to us.
Also, I know that lots of you regularly use eBay, well eBay is one of the sites that offer a percentage of cash back if you shop via Quidco.
Others include: Tesco, Asda, The body shop, Play, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, HMV, House Of Fraser, Republic, Office, All Saints, Miss Selfridge and loads more.

Check it out and sign up!

E.L.F. cont.

This is the best Internet sales service that I have ever, ever had!

I got into the shop at about 9.40am and there was a padded envelope lying on the mat from E.L.F. All of the products that I ordered were with me in less than 24 hours. With the amazing retail prices and the EXCELLENT service I will be recommending E.L.F. to all of my friends.

So far I have only tried the liquid lipstick and I am happy I will let you all know how I get on with the rest of the products.

E.L.F.

The fab cosmetic brand Eyes Lips Face is offering half price shipping on all orders until 1pm on 30.01.09.

Almost all of the items for sale on the website are £1.50 (with exception to the new Minerals range and to some of their Kits) including the make up brushes. They are adding new products all the time and have a good range of colours through out.

There is a shipping offer on at Eyes Lips Face in the US - $2.00 statewide and most of the items for sale retail for $1.00. Check it out here.

** Update**
I placed the order at around 1pm today and I have just checked my email (1.45pm) and I have an email from E.L.F. to say that my order has been dispatched!!

Barry M - Nail Polish

About 2 weeks ago I was in my local Superdrug having a little look before work, I was not really looking for anything, but I noticed that they now stock Barry M products.
I had never used anything from the range, but I am drawn to the wide range of colours available - a la MAC. As I am very happy with all of the facial cosmetics that I use I decided to have a look at the nail polish. I love Chanel Rouge Noir, but my nails chip so badly that I can not justify the cost! Anyway I have tried lots of cheaper brands that stock a similar colour and had not found a good one!

So, I thought I would give the Barry M version, 115, a go. I am so glad that I did. In my honest opinion it is just FAB!! And it is only £2.95!


The polish is a lot thinner than OPI or Creative etc but I think that may be what works??
I applied the first coat (in work - as you do) and was not happy at all with the colour or finish. It was an uneven colour that looked nothing like the colour that I was expecting. Anyway, I had some customers etc and an hour or so later when I sat down to paint another coat I was delighted with the result. It was a deep glossy colour - just what I wanted! From that first application I got 2 days without a single chip to my beautiful coloured nails (oh and I used not top coat!).
I have used it a few times since and it has been just as good.

This morning I bought shade 272 - I have just pained my finger nails and I am very happy with the result.




This is a brand that I am definitely going to continue to buy - I think I am going to go for a bright orange next!

The entire range of products are available from the Barry M website!

Soap and Glory - Clean on Me.

I was given this product as a gift last week for my birthday. I have been using it everyday since.
It is fantastic!!

First of all, it is a huge bottle (well for shower gel it is) 500ml, it also has a pump dispenser which makes for very easy use in the shower. I feel that the pump dispenser will also make this huge bottle last even longer, as there will not be loads of product pouring through the fingers and down the drain.
As well as the great size bottle "Clean on Me" has a fabulous price tag too. It is £4.99!! I know that it is available from Boots and some other outlets in the UK.

I use "Clean on Me" with my trusty shower puff (an exfoliating net) and it gives a great amount of thick and creamy lather. Two pumps onto my shower puff gives enough lather for my entire body.
As soon as the lather starts the most amazing smell hits you. I would describe the scent as clean and zingy (vague, I know) excellent for a morning wake me up.

The Boots website says:

Already a wildly a popular pick this super-sized shower gel has a bonus - built in body lotion - so you can get clean, smooth, sexy skin simultaneously.Fragranced with Soap & Glory's addictive signature scent and rich & creamy texture, we're classifying Clean On Me with 'must-have' status.

Clean Day: Apply a handful of Clean On Me to damp skin, rub it into a thick, luxurious lather, and then rinse. Follow with The Righteous Butter or Easy Glistening Body Softening Spray.

Smells like: Laundry-fresh bergamot, strawberries and mandarin with floral and fruity mid tones, and musk, amber and warm vanilla.