Big shampoo from Lush? No, thank you.

Initially I wasn't sure about using Big shampoo
from Lush. I was like 'What the hell,
why should I rub salt into my hair
and how is it going to do any good?!?'
But after the first use, my hair felt really clean
(it certainly removes all the hair products residue
and junk from your hair and scalp).
Plus, it made it smooth and silky.

However, I colour my hair every 4-5 weeks
and I noticed that Big makes the colour
fade away MUCH faster.
It's definitely not a daily use product
for coloured hair.
It has sea salt, seaweed and lime juice
and used daily, it made my hair feeling really dry.

Now I use it once a week as a 'detox' shampoo
just because it cleans all the junk away and
as I already bought it, I want to finish my pot lol

I wouldn't recommend it to anybody
with coloured hair but it probably works
miraclesfor those with normal/greasy hair.

Did anybody else noticed that about Big?

Hope you're having a nice beginning of the week.

xoxo

Elvive Full Restore 5 range review

Hello my lovelies!

I've been using Elvive Full Restore 5 shampoo and conditioner
for about 3 weeks now and I will be using it for
a while as I got them both in Tesco in
'buy 1 get 1 free' kinda deal.
So what does the Full Restore range do then?
Well, it claims to combat 5 signs of hair decay or
rather five common problems.
It claims to give you back strength, density,
vitality, shine and silkiness.

'Yeah, right!' you might be thinking but
I have to say that the Full Restore range
has surprisingly impressed me,
my coloured hair is looking better all round within
three weeks of using all the products.
The results were actually pleasing from
a high street brand. It left hair soft and manageable
without weighing it down
and it also kept it looking shiny and healthy.

I just noticed that the endings are still
dry and I wantedto try the leave-in conditioner.
I usually stay away from this sort of conditioners
being afraid that they're too heavy for my hair
but this one is really light!
I like the fact that it can be used both
on dry and wet hair.
It leaves my hair smelling great as well.

Overall 5/5.


You might have seen the adverts with the lovely
Cheryl Cole, flopping her big bouncy hair all over the
place and boasting how Loreal Elvive Full Restore 5
has radically transformed her locks.

Well, she is pretty but I've seen that
in other countries than UK,
it's Evangeline Lilly (also the face of L'oreal)
who advertises this range.
And I know that this opinion isn't too
popular but I prefer her much more than Cheryl Cole!
She has this natural beauty and charm about her.
Cheryl is also pretty but when I look at her,
I can see the whole crowd of stylist, make up artists,
hairdressers.. who take care of her image.
Evangeline Lilly seems more natural
and reminds me that
the true beauty comes from within.

What do you guys think?

xoxo

Bio-Oil review

One of my fab followers Divija Reddy
asked me what do I think about this product
so I thought I'll write this review:)

To begin with, I used Bio-Oil's web site to get some details.

Bio-Oil can be used in many different cases:

Improving the appearance of scars
Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of all scar types.
It is also highly effective in helping to maintain the elasticity
of scar tissue on joints and other high-mobility areas.

Improving the appearance of stretch marks
Bio-Oil is highly effective in helping to improve
the appearance of existing stretch marks. Bio-Oil helps to increase
the elasticity of the skin,
thereby the possibility of new stretch marks forming is reduced.

Improving the appearance of uneven skin tone
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone caused
by hormonal fluctuations, skin-lighteners or excessive sun exposure.
Visible as dark patches on the face or body, uneven skin tone
often becomes most apparent during pregnancy, menopause
or after exposure to high volumes of UV light.

Aging skin
Sagging and wrinkled skin commonly associated
with aging is largely caused by the weakening of the
collagenand elastin support system in the dermis.
Bio-Oil contains numerous ingredients that help to
plasticize the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple,
thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkled
and sagging skin. Bio-Oil also moisturizes,
which improves the texture, tone and
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dehydrated skin
Bio-Oil helps replenish the skin’s natural oils
that have been stripped away by factors such as:
Frequent bathing/cleansing with harsh soaps
Excessive perspiration
Atmospheric conditions including exposure to the sun and wind
Central heating and air conditioning
Poor diet and/or insufficient water intake.

The basis of the main, unique ingredient
of Bio-Oil – 'PurCellin Oil'. This ingredient works by coating
a thin protective layer over the skins surface aiding
the penetration of the other more common natural oils
that Bio-Oil contains: Lavender, Calendula and
Rosemary Oil. Bio-Oil contains only
natural herbal ingredients and
has no preservatives, it is not tested on animals
nor does it contain any animal derived products.
There are also more beneficial ingredients to Bio-Oil,
these are included to work in conjunction with
the PurCellin Oil, and these are vitamin A & E -
the vitamins that are required to maintain healthy and supple skin.
It may also be worth noting that I have
very sensitive skin but can use Bio-Oil without
suffering any form of a reaction.
So, so far, we have a unique combination of essential oils
and vitamins, if that isn't good enough it
even has chamomile extract
to help soothe your skin too.

For all of you who are interested these are Bio-Oil Ingredients:
Paraffinum Liquidum, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate,
Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate,
Anthemis Nobilis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil,
Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil, Calendula Officinalis
Extract,Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil,
BHT, Bisabolol, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate,
Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal,
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene,
Linalool, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, CI 26100.


Now, I use it to give my skin some extra boost.
I don't have a problem with scars or
uneven skin toneso I use it under a moisturiser
at night to prevent dehydrating.
Sometimes I used it on my hands or elbows/knees
(where the skin is super dry).
My skin seems plumper and softer the next morning.
I think that if you're interested in reducing scars,
you should remember that this product
needs to be usedtwice a day
for a longer period of time.
It's not the overnight miracle treatment.
I have a combination skin so I can't use it
in the morning.But I have to say that
it doesn't feel heavy,like super oily
when I put it at night.
Also 2-3 drops would be enough for the face.

There are 3 sizes:
60ml
125ml
and 200ml.

And in UK they're priced accordingly:
£8.99
£14.99
£19.99.

I'm all about anti-aging now so I love it lol
I think it's an awesome winter treatment
and if you're curious about it,
maybe the best thing would be getting the cheapest one
and see how is it working out for you.
And just in case you won't find it effective for your face,
you can always use it for your body:)

Hope this is helpful!
Any opinions on that product?
Love/hate?

Have an awesome weekend!

xoxo

Estee Lauder Day WearPlus Multi Protection Cream review

Lovely beauty blogger Kasia
requested that review and I am more
than happy to help:)



First of I'd like to share with you the information
that I found on the Estée Lauder web site.

Day WearPlus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant
SPF 15 Cream is available in 2 versions: for dry skin
and normal/combination skin.

This protective moisturiser actively shields skin to help
prevent lines before they appear —
so your skin looks smoother and healthier, longer.

Helps protect skin from the multiple assaults of the environment:

Anti-Oxidant Protection
An ultra potent blend of anti-oxidants includes rare
South African Red Tea, Grape Seed,
and a supercharged combination of Vitamins C and E.
Re-energises skin's own defenses with
White Birch Extract and Eukarion.

UV Protection
Helps turn away the sun's damaging rays
with a skin-friendly, ultra gentle SPF 15 sunscreen.

Moisture Protection
Dual moisture system keeps skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
A special moisture magnet provides
an instant burst of hydration.
Our nourishing Tri-Lipid Blend boosts skin's own
moisture barrier so internal moisture is conserved.
Normal/Combination Skin creme is lightweight and refreshing.
Glides over skin with a fresh, cooling sensation.
Balanced hydrators keep skin feeling soft and supple.
Dry Skin creme is rich, creamy and wonderfully emollient.
Intensively nourishing moisturisers leave skin
cushioned, comfortable. Also ideal for colder, drier climates.
Both have a fresh cucumber scent

HOW TO USE
Apply every AM and PM after Repair Serum.

FORMULA FACTS
Dermatologist-tested Non-acnegenic

WHY DOES YOUR SKIN NEED DAYWEAR PLUS?
Every day, your skin is under attack from environmental
factors that can lead to visible ageing, including:
UV rays Dehydration Free radicals
— those damaging molecules
that can lead to the appearance of premature lines.
Skin has its own natural defenses against
free radicals and other types of environmental damage.

But in today's world, these defenses can simply be overwhelmed.
To stay looking younger longer, your skin needs help.

ACTIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM
The potent anti-oxidants in DayWear Plus
are part of a unique encapsulation system.
When free radicals attack, these tiny beads
instantly burst—releasing a wave of anti-oxidant protection.

This "active response" system cleverly helps
neutralise skin-ageing free radicals.


Now, it is an investement as the price
of 50ml is £33.
I was lucky to get mine for Xmas.
I have the one for normal/combination skin.
It feels luxorious and moisturising.
A little goes a long way.
This is a seriously nice moisturizer
pleasant scent (almost a bit cucumber-ish),
not greasy, provides moderate protection (SPF 15)
without looking chalky and
it goes well under makeup.
I works really well for my skin.
And I like the fact that it has SPF 15.

Also I found that on www.totalbeauty.com
it got 9.2 out of 10 points.

Skincare is a rather individual case.
Something that works well for one person,
doesnt have to be great for another.
Probably the best way would be to get a sample
and try it out before spending £30 for nothing.

Hope this review is helpful!
Any experience with this cream?

xoxo

review: greatest scrub of all (soap & glory) and aapri scrub cream

So in my Soap & Glory Big Thrill Giant Box
that I picked up before Christmas
one of the products that I was really excited about
was Greatest Scrub of all (£8).

On the package it says: Facial Exfoliator with smooth-boosting spheres
that pop open when you press on them.
I thought that it's quite unique so my expectations were high.

For couple of months now I've been using Aapri Scrub Cream (£3.20).
It contains ground apricot kernels,
apricot kernel oil, aloe vera and
vitamin E to deep cleanse and remove dirt,
grease and dead skin cells.

I must say that I have mixed skin and I need to exfoliate twice a week.

Aapri really worked for me- after using it,
my skin was smooth and felt really clean.

I came to a conclusion that Soap & Glory scrub isn't for me.
It's very creamy and it has some exfoliating spheres
but it's too gentle for me.
I think it could be better for dry skin.

The left one is Soap & Glory, the right one Aapri.
You can spot the difference right away- S&G looks like a cream,
Aapri looks very grainy.

So now as I don't want to waste the whole tube (DUH!),
I mix them together!
It gives this really exfoliating and moisturising paste!
Genius! lol

Big Thrill Giant Hatbox is the first set
of Soap and Glory products that I tried and
in general I have to say that I really like this range.
They're moisturising and rich.
I'm also a sucker when it comes to packaging
and I really love S & G stuff.
It's sort of modern vintage:)
So cute!

Any personal experience with Soap & Glory range?

xoxo

elf 's mineral booster review

As you might remember I was quite excited about this product
when I received my package from ELF.
Initially, I wanted to purchase Origins Multi-grain Makeup
but it was impossible to find a light shade of it, I tried several places and it was
sold out. Plus it is £20. I thought about ordering online but whats the point to order 1 product
and pay the postage?!
So, without further rambling,
I was excited when I realised that ELF has similar product in their line.

ELF's web site promises a lot:
Achieve the ultimate, translucent "photo finishing touch" to your makeup, our Mineral Booster melts into your skin, infusing it with key vitamins A, B and E to promote healthier skin that’s noticeably silkier and smoother. Completely sheer and ideal for all skin tones, Mineral Booster gently absorbs oil and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and pores for a beautiful even finish. Wear alone or buff over our Mineral Concealer and Foundation to lend extra staying power and to achieve a professional and stunning porcelain matte look that will last all day.


How to use it?

Shake the Natural Mineral Booster back and forth to get excess loose powder into the tray. Gently glide over the powder with a Kabuki Brush to grab the powder, bring your brush to the cap to work in the powder to the brush, then tap off any excess. Apply to areas of the face that need coverage by working into the skin in a circular motion.



It comes in two sizes:
Small 5.1 grams £3.50
Large 17.8 grams £5



What I think about the product?

• it is sheer but I wouldn't say that it would match all skin tones, I'm freakishly pale and the powder is very light with pinkish undertone therefore I don't think it would match darker complexions but it's perfect for me,

• it gives a matte, soft finish but its not chalky,

• it feels very light and silky,

• I got a couple of compliments saying that my face looks very fresh when I first started using it,

• I use it to set my makeup and it seems to hold a bit longer,

• it's ridiculously inexpensive (comparing for instance to Origins),

• I like the whole idea of mineral makeup, it's great that it does a little extra for the skin,

• it makes my skin looks poreless.

So YAY, I really like it.

Would I repurchase it??

DUH:)
I will repurchase,
this time a bigger one


Hope you find it helpful!
Have a fantastic weekend!
xoxo

winter special part 2

Winter is here already for good so I wanted to share my favourite winter treatments.

Recently I realised that my skin feels much drier than usual. If I'm in a rush in the morning and forget about a body lotion, it's red and a bit itchy! Yuck!

So I pay more attention now and these are the cosmetics that never fail me:

The Body Shop - Coconut Body Butter

What do they say? 'An intensive, creamy butter offering up to 24 hours moisturisation. It absorbs into the skin easily, helping to condition, soften and smooth the skin. Once you get over the indulgent tropical scent, slick this on and be transported all over again. Containing Community Trade shea and cocoa butter.'

What do I think? It"s perfect for normal/dry (in winter) skin. It has a very rich feeling on the skin. It leaves it feeling moisturised and soft. The only thing for me is that it takes some time to absorb so I usually put it on my skin and do my makeup or something to let it absorb. And the good thing that you need a little amount of the product so the package lasts forever.

The Body Shop The Passion Fruit Dry Oil Mist

What do they say? 'Helps to condition the skin. Provides women in marginalised, rural communities with the rare opportunity of regular work and income'

What do I think? It is a good alternative for classic oil. It dries much quicker. It smells divine and it's less messy. It moisturises really well.

Lush Strawberry massage bar

What do they say? 'Our fruity Massage Bar is made with crushed strawberries and an infusion of hibiscus flowers. It's scented with the same delicious fruit-sundae-with-cream-on-top aroma as our Yummy Yummy shower cream wash. Celebrate the strawberry feels forever.

What do I think? I simply love Lush massage bars! They melt when they touch your skin and make it soft and well moisturised. Lush has a whole range of massage bars and I tried most of them. I'd recommend to check it first in the shop before you buy it because some people might think their scent is a bit heavy. The other thing is that I can only use it after a shower at night as it leaves a really pleasant but noticeable layer of oil on my skin.

And the product that doesn't need an introduction!
Baby oil!

The one I' m using at the moment is Johnson's baby oil with lavender.

That's definitely a night time moisturiser for me.
Sometimes I like to put it on my feet and put socks over it.
In the morning I wake up with the softest feeling ever:)

Hope that's helpful Bellas:)

And by the way, I've seen 'New Moon' last week.
And I'm still definately Team Edward :> lol



And speaking of New Moon, there's an interesting link to check out here.
It was recommended by Kalel on YT.


xoxo

winter special

One of my favourite products for a shower in the morning during autumn/winter time is 'King of Skin'. It's basically a body butter that is meant to be used in the shower leaving the skin feeling luxuriously moisturised and glowing.
I usually don't need to use any lotion after as my skin seems subtle and soft. It has all these nice ingredients: fresh bananas, oatmeal, avocados, essential oils, lavender, sandal wood and rose.

I really recommend it because it's a great product that has been overshadowed by famous 'Buffy' but is a time saver and brilliant for winter!

xoxo

Review: Lush Vanishing Cream

So it's time for a review:) I've been using Lush Vanishing Cream for nearly 2 weeks now but I can already see the diffrence in my skin so I decided to share it with you guys.

What does it promise?

The Low Fat Moisturiser, making your skin troubles vanish.

If you have acne, oily skin, spots on your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) you could use a pot of our new Vanishing Cream. It's not magic though, it's beautifully traditional natural science. We make it with a new low-fat base so it's light as a feather and sinks in, in a trice. There's no cocoa butter; although we love it, we know it's not for everyone. Instead, we use shea butter and deeply softening linseed gel, with low-fat camellia, grapeseed and jojoba oils. Of course, you don't have to have problem skins use it; if you'd like a comforting, balancing moisturiser that keeps your skin clear with lavender, neroli and geranium essential oils then walk this way. But if your skin torments you every day, making you over-oily, spotty, red or sore then you definitely need this. Use it with Herbalism, Angels on Bare Skin, Fresh Farmacy, Tea Tree Water, or a new Tea Tree Toner Tab to take really good care of your face, naturally and safely.

Price: £14,95

Pros:

• it's smells lavender, I love to put it at night, it relaxes me,
• it balances out the oils, moisturises my cheeks and gets rid of blemishes in the chin area (Im fighting with my spotty chin!)
  
• I wake up with subtle and soft skin in the morning
• light, nice texture, easily absorbed, need only a small amount
• it's gentle, it doesn't aggravate acneand its suitable for sensitive skin
  

Cons:

• can't use it in the morning, my make up doesn't last, even with a primer
  
• it makes me a bit shiny, specially forehead area
  
• it's expensive!

Would I repurchase it?

YEAH, I would! :)


So all in all great product! I wasn't sure at first about Lush skincare but I decided to give it a go and I don't regret!

Hope you guys find it helpful!
Have a lovely evening!

xoxo