Friday 21 November 2014

Urban decay - Vice 3



So we are treated to another Vice palette and new shades. Stunning packaging and this time we are given a beautiful bag to protect the palette. I love the Vice palettes and this one has become my favourite. 


They say :
You can never have too much of a good thing. Satisfy your eyeshadow vice with 20 velvety, Never seen before shades—from an amazing soft black and a stunning burgundy to a rich, smoky red-black. Even MORE covetable than Urban Decay’s previous Vice palettes, this mesmerising, jewel-inlaid case holds 20 All new shades, a huge mirror, and a double-ended shadow and crease brush. The perfect finishing touch to this palette, a gorgeous matching bag. 


With so many different finishes—matte, satin, sparkle and even metallic, this palette is made for experimentation. The shades are arranged in columns: neutrals on the left, jewel tones in the middle and smoky shades on the right. Pair up the vertically colour-coordinated quads or go wild and mix them up. Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion System™ gives each shade its velvety texture, rich colour, serious staying power and blend ability. 


With Vice3, UD pulled out all the stops. The extra slim case features hypnotic new artwork in an abstract stripe design, topped off with a bright, neon-green jeweled “Vice” icon to match the highly metallized green base. Use the coordinating bag to keep your Vice3 palette protected, or as a place to store your UD brushes and other essentials. 


Vice3 contains 20 shades of Eyeshadow: 
So below i have done swatches of each row to show the graduation of the colour.


Row 1 (from top to bottom on picture)
Revolver (soft black satin w/subtle floating iridescent pearl)
Defy (smoky taupe satin)
Angel (light taupe w/silver micro-glitter)
Last Sin (shimmer w/silver micro-glitter)
Beautiful row of neutral shades.

Jewel tones and Pink shades 


Jewel tones (from top to bottom)
Bobby Dazzle (metallic white w/pale gold micro-glitter)
Reign (rich brown satin)
Lucky (metallic bronze)
Vanity (smoky metallic eggplant w/multidimensional micro-glitter)

I love metallic colours to give my looks a pop of colour. So i can see myself using this  row alot. 
Pink shades (from top to bottom)
Sonic (metallic red-copper) 
Bondage (deep, smoky burgundy shimmer)
Alchemy (deep fuchsia satin)
Alien (pink-peach w/golden shift)

Nude shades and Jewel shades row 2 

Nude shades (from top to bottom) 
DTF (taupe matte w/subtle floating pearl)
Downfall (warm light brown matte)
Undone (pink-beige matte-satin w/subtle floating tonal pearl)
Truth (pale pink-nude matte)

Jewel shades row 2 (from top to bottom) 
Brokedown (metallic golden brown shimmer w/gold micro-glitter)
Heroine (deep navy blue w/subtle floating tonal pearl)
Freeze (metallic medium blue w/multidimensional micro-glitter)
Dragon (bright metallic green shimmer)

My Look using Vice 3


My look above is using a mix of Sonic, last sin, Alchemy and a small amount of  bondage. All blemded together and graduated to have last sin on the inner "V", then take sonic and alchemy lightly working them onto the lid. I only use pinks on the lid, as to graduate it up too the crease can look like a bruise. So to use more sonic for blending and then work the outer "V" with bondage. Defines the look more and keeps the look sharp. 

The Vice 3 shadows are buttery and creamy as all urban decay can be. Lovely array of neutral with colourful shades within this palette. Plenty of options to choose from. I cant wait to try more looks with this palette. 


Thursday 20 November 2014

Memebox : Tony Moly edition




So this month i have quite a few Memebox's to review. The first in this series are known for there amazingly cute packaging. Plus there apple shaped products. I cant wait to share them with you.  


Famous for their signature swoon-worthy packaging and its incredible effectiveness. Tony Moly is one of the most sought after beauty brands in all of Korea. In this Box you’ll find all of Tony Moly’s holy grail beauty essentials – intensive skin care goodies, makeup must-haves housed in precious packaging. 


Contents :
Mini peach lip balm
Egg pore shiny skin soap
Black gel eyeliner (long brush)
Delight tint neon crayon
- Luminous Aura Beam
- Panda's Dream White Cream
- Appletox smooth massage peeling cream


Egg pore shiny skin soap

Luxurious handmade soap & pack for pore management, Pore & keratin removal, Skin tightening & pore contraction effect, Deep cleansing effect Egg White. DirectionsSoap – Create sufficient foam, rub onto face as if massaging, and wash off with lukewarm water. Pack – Create sufficient foam, spread onto face, avoiding eyes and lips, and cleanse off with lukewarm water when it becomes creamy. 

Is a very cute concept of using egg holders as storage. The soaps will lather up and give you a lovely fresh feeling. Enriched with keratin that will help rebuild damaged skin. Looking forward to seeing the effects of cleaning with these little eggs.

Mini peach lip balm 

Sweet peach scented moisturizing lip balm. Superbly hydrating lip balm contains a blend of peach essence and shea butter for an intense moisturizing effect. Non-sticky formula spreads on easily, enveloping lips in a glossy and sweet fruity scented veil that softens while healing chapped lips at the same time. Whimsical, peach-shaped container is sure to delight lovers of all things cute and fanciful.

Beautifully presented lip balm that smells lovely. Lovely for travel as hydrating and it's smell size. I have so many beautiful lip balms and scrubs from memebox.


Panda's Dream White Cream 

Tonymoly Panda’s Dream White Cream is skin brightening and perfecting cream that locks in moisture and brightens dull complexions. This super nourishing cream will bring vitality back to skin while evening out the skin tone.Skin will feel soft and smooth after each application without the greasiness. The adorable panda packaging and the light fruity scent is an added bonus.

Cannot wait to try this cream as ive heard so many amazing reviews. Hopefully it will balance out my inperfection's. Then give me softer skin to apply my makeup. 


Appletox smooth massage peeling cream

Cream with keratin control, massage & moisture pack. Moist hydration type soft cream. Excellent keratin removal effects. Instant brightening effect. Usage : After daily cleansing, apply an appropriate amount onto the skin and gently massage in a circular motion. Once dirt particles appear, simply rinse off with lukewarm water. Recommended to use 1~2 times a week.

Ive not used a peeling cream before, if i was to choose one then this would be the one i would pick. Its packaging is very cute and can be re-used. Yet the products been given high praise. So im excited to try a peeling mask.



Luminous Aura Beam 

Tonymoly’s Luminous Goddess Aura Beam is a luminous gel type cream that adds supple, healthy glow to the skin, and minimizes the look of skin imperfections. Mixed with your favorite BB cream or used alone, this miracle product will help you achieve that infamous gorgeous Korean skin glow.

Ive had a sample of this Aura cream and it gives a lovely glow. I personally use this to allow my powder highlight adhere too. It makes my areas of highlight last vastly longer. So i would recommend this multi-tasking product. 


Black gel eyeliner (long brush)

Point eyeliner that makes your eyes distinct and gorgeous with vivid color. Before makeup, adjust the amount of eyeliner on the tissue and draw along eye-line. How to Use: Put on the colour on both side of brush. Spread the color quickly before it gets dry. Make sure the cap of eyeliner close tightly. 

I love gel eyeliner and ive heard this product is lovely. It applies easily and under control with the brush provided. The brush has a longer handle so this will be easier for those just starting to experiment with eyeliner.  


Delight tint neon crayon 

 A very bright and vibrant lip crayon. Its neon pink colour is enough to have anyone going OMG. I love bright colour so this was right up my alley.  Cannot wait to try this shade. 

Ive had a delight neon colour before in a previous box. Its a creamy lovely coloured chubby pencil. 

Really lovely box full of cutely packaged offerings from tony moly. I can't wait to use a lot of the products. The great thing about the packaging is when its finished you can depot another item into it. It truly is the most amazing packaging and i wish that it was more accessible in the UK. 


Monday 17 November 2014

Nivea - Moisturisers and Lip butters


Nivea is a well loved and trusted brand. Known for there affordable yet high quality skincare. Its become the must have product during the winter for dry skin. Or if your like myself, then its a daily essential no matter the time of year. I have some amazing new additions to show you. 


The moisturising formula of NIVEA Lip Butter with Hydra IQ contains Shea Butter and Almond Oil and provides intense moisture and long-lasting care. The indulgent formula creates sensationally soft lips.

Flavours :
Raspberry Rose
Vanilla & Macadamia 
Lip Butter Original 
Blueberry blush

Beautifully presented tins of lip balm. Perfect for on the go and keeping within your handbag or pocket. They are a creamy balm on apperance. The little body heat in your finger, will melt this butter quick and lightly. Smooth and non grainy, perfect for lip preparation before lipstick application. Also helps keep lips supple and prevention of cracking. This is the holy grail of lip butter's.

When it comes to the scents, I found that they are so unique.
- Original : is a clear and fragrance free balm. Perfect unisex lip balm. 
- Blueberry blush : is just the most amazing  lipbalm that smells divine. I usually pick up the Vanilla and macadamia tin. However this will be a really hard choice now to pick from now on. 
- Vanilla & Macadamia : is like i said my favourite lip balm from Nivea. My handbag holy grail lip balm. I will be rotating my blueberry blush with vanilla & macadamia. Using vanilla & macadamia in the autumn and Blueberry blush for the spring and summer months. 
- Raspberry rose : is a lovely mix of fruity and slight floral. Taking from a beautiful spring fresh smells. 


Rich nourishing body moisturiser

We know that dry skin needs extra care, we developed this enriched formula containing Almond Oil. Too intensively moisturise and care for your skin. What does it do: Restores and replenishes lost moisture, enhances the skin's natural protective layer. The result : For best results apply daily, for a noticeable long-lasting improvement to your dry skin.

This has been a staple in my skincare routine. Its fantastic for the whole body and does enrich your skin. Eluminating dryness i found on my legs and face, especially after a shower. My legs can become rough, so after a final buffing away of the dead skin. I apply this moisturiser, where it absobs quickly. It gives a long lasting hydration and i havent experienced any side effects. So its become my go to trusted moisturiser.



Express Hydration body lotion 

We believe that it is good to care for your skin everyday, so we have developed  this sensationally light feeling formula containing Sea Minerals and blue lotus scent. Best results : apply daily, absorbs in seconds, moisturises for hours. - Provides fast absorbing long-lasting moisture,  Gives a fresh feeling and scent all day long, 24 hour moisturisation


Is a beautiful addition to Nivea's product range. I used this for when i needed a boost during the day. So areas like your elbows or knees etc, where the skin is constantly being in motion. This can offer  a instant boost to the skin and in my case, reduce the risk of my skin cracking.  Definatly fantastic for when your skin needs, a hydrating and quick absorbing cream. I would use this cream for my travel bag, as this will allow me to give boosts of hydration to my skin. Its quickly absorbed which allows me to apply some cream,so when in hospital i can see an area becoming dry due to the conditions. Again this is an addition from Nivea that will help me hugely. In maintaining soft skin within an enviroment i have no control over. 

.
Smooth nourishing hand cream
A fast absorbing hand and nail cream that keeps hands beautifully smooth and soft. How? The improved formula with Hydra IQ supports the skin's own moisture supply, whilst Macadamia Nut Oil helps strengthen the skin's protection barrier. Proven result: Noticeably smoother, softer hands for longer.
Hand cream is lovely and gave my hands softness. Plus my nails improved vastly, as have my cuticule's. My nails have been stronger and its been in my handbag. My nails and first to be affected by the cold. So to have this on the go, is an essential. 

Irresistibly smooth body lotion : Dry skin shea butter  

For beautifully soft and silky skin. Regular use ensures that your skin feels smoother and softer. Longer lasting smoothness with hydra-IQ , gives a deep moisture and a long lasting feeling.  This smells beautiful and i found that it was best used after the shower. As when the pores are open it absorbs so well into my skin. It really does give a lovely long lasting feeling that your skin stays soft and hydrated. With no lingering stickiness and a calming aroma that gives your skin an amazing layer of hydration. Really helped on days where my skin needed more help.







Friday 14 November 2014

Degustabox - October edition




My first Degustabox and i have to say October has me hooked and November sign up here i come. Have a look why this box is not like your usual subscription box. 

They say : 
Enjoy your Degustabox, share with friends and family. Review your products. Then give your opinions and suggestions to the brands, who you did and didn't love. They want to know what all our Degustaboxers think, so tell us and make a difference.


Enjoy 9 to 14 surprise products, many are completely new to the market. Receive your Degustabox every month filled with goodies. All for much less than you would pay in the shops.
Sign up: Only £12.99 inc. delivery. 


So this first box you have to get to the bottom of the box for the card. Which i didnt mind much, as hey i got to see the goodies.



Special K : Cracker crisps (£1.29) in flavour barbecue. 

Now perfect for the bonfire season, i however love barbecue flavour. So these will be demolished.
Taste : They taste amazing and light, full of barbeque flavour. They are not scrimping on the flavour and dont taste overly healthy. They are light and ive found a handful is enough to snack on. As the flavour is so intense i drank alot of water.

Brioche Pasquier : Pain au lait with choc chips (£1.60) & Brioche loaf (£1.69) supplied. 

Pain au lait : Tastes amazing and just like the beautiful french addition. Again i needed just one and it was sufficent to fill my sweet craving. Beautifully made and just enough to chocolate. 
Brioche loaf : Is lovely toasted sweet tasting bread. Now you can make desserts or add some sweetness to spicy meals. I found sweet bread can cut the chilli to make the flavour intense. Like raisins adding sweetness to nan bread. This can be a lovely alternative. 


Get Buzzing: Flapjack (£1.30) is a beautiful snack. 
It really was very filling, i struggled to finish it. I will next time cut this bar into 2 portions. I love healthy snacks.
Bear : Paws fruit snacks (£0.55) & a sample of Alphabites cereal. 
 Alphabites Cereal : is amazing and tastes really wholesome. Has a light honey taste with a filling balance of wholegrains. Great for kids with the design's. I really lovely this cereal. 
Paws fruit snack : is a lovely nutritious snack, with just the right amount per pack. Plus with the natural sweetness from the fruit, this is perfect for those whom need to watch there sugar intake. I will be looking into more Bear products, as i found just sucking one gives you that distraction from feeling hungry. 

Jelly Belly : (£2.50) Over 200 flavours, your bound to find one you like. 
 Are really fun and tasty sweets. I love fruity sweet flavours and again, i really only found i needed a few. 
Solo : Toasted Marshmallow (£1.99) creme whip. 
 Is the most addictive item in this months box. Ive used this in a dessert and the smooth spread is just so tasty. Ive had to hold back and resign myself to having it with my weekly treat. 

Dr Oetker : Premium 90% dark chocolate (£2.49) & Fine dark (£1.89) cocoa powder.
Dark chocolate : Is not really my taste, however it was lovely drizzled on dessert. My husband loves dark chocolate, so tasted it in raw form. He said it was rich and great quality he would purchase again.  
Dark cocoa powder : Is lovely dusted over any dessert. We have made hot chocolate from the powder with milk. Its so rich and there is alot of powder in one sachet. It really is a product for multi uses. 

 Enhance Drinks : (£2.49) Orange & Passionfruit flavour
Is an amazing flavour and i prefer this too just plain orange. The tiny concentrated container is perfect for me. Going in hospital alot, not wanting huge bottles. This is perfect to refil a small water bottle with. Will be investing in more flavours. 
Kent's Kitchen : (£2.50) Bengali kit included  
I have not used this curry as yet. (We will be using this kit, with week chicken). It has oil, spices and coconut with the sauce provided. I think there is alot of oil, in the pot. It is a perfect amount of sauce for 2 portions. 
Blue Dragon : (£1.39 for 2) Sweet chilli sauce 
I love this sauce to accompany any dish or even raw vegtables. A small little amount can turn a once boring snack, into something with a bit of flavour. Not too spicy either. 
 

Degusta fridge : Benecol
Yogurt voucher which can be used in any supermarket. Cant wait to try this brand because of the health benefits. I want too see how they compare to the normal yogurts sold with no added benefit. 
This is one of the most amazing boxes I've had the pleasure to review. It gives you a chance to try new foods and experiment. We have a pretty straight forward diet and can stick to the same foods. My husband's the cook in our house, he is not afraid of new recipes. Which is good as then we can try the box for new ingredients, we would have never thought too before. My husband made a dessert that we will be showing in a separate post. 
   


I have a discount coupon code, which gives my readers a £3.00 discount when registering. My code is: 4HLU8. Using the social media links provided, what do you think of degustabox ? Use the @degustaboxUK.




Wednesday 12 November 2014

Memebox : Cutiepie edition #3



So here we have edition #3 from the collaboration with Cutiepie. Its really full of some adorable products. Plus honey products that are lovely for the skin.  


CutiePie fans rejoice, Memebox is thrilled to bring you the 3rd collaboration with the fabulous CutiePie. With over 4 million subscribers on YouTube, CutiePie beauty channel is filled with darling moments.
Her 3rd box is brimming with 8 full-sized delights that will satisfy your sweet tooth for K-Beauty. Her hand-picked items for the third collaboration is a must have for your daily routine. Don't miss this last chance to be a part of Marzia's world, it will be the best decision you make this month.

Contents :
- Sua Young : Berristure cream 
- Purederm : Nose pore strips
- Dearberry : Ice cream, hand cream
- Skin food : Honey lip balm
- Pure smile : Honey cleansing balm
- Étude house : Melting summer nails
- Missha : Lucid nail polish CR05
- EnSoap : Lollipops natural soap


Dearberry : Ice cream, hand cream 
This creamy hand balm penetrates the skin quickly to protect, moisturize, and replenish dehydrated hands. Its formula is enriched with naturally nourishing and emolliating ingredients to give you the softest hands ever. Plus, it looks like an ice cream.  How to use : Apply to clean hands and nails. 
Smells amazing and i really love the consistancy of the cream. 

Étude house : Melting summer nails
I havent used as yet but the ice cream nail art is a lovely idea. Presented beautifully and uniquely.  


Missha : Lucid nail polish CR05
For the perfect manicure, Vivid colors, high gloss, fast drying, long wear formula. Flat brush for one-touch, smooth and precise application.
Is a lovely coral colour and perfect consistancy. Has a lovely shine and dries quickly.

EnSoap : Lollipops natural soap
This lovely lollipop soap is 100% natural, personally crafted one by one, and formulated with high concentrates of centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and hydrogenated camellia oil, and thus gentle enough to be used by all skin types and conditions. How to use : Lather well before use.
A stunning presented soap that can be given as a gift or used personally. I really think its perfect for the shower, plus gives me a great moisturising soap. 

Purederm : Nose pore strips
Botanical Choice Nose Pore Strips "Choco Cacao" are one-step cleansing treatment specifically designed to unclog pores and lift away unwanted blakcheads. The strip removes dirt and oil which clog pores, leaving your skin clear and smooth. you'll feel a dramatic differece after just one use, and continued use of Nose Pore Strips works to tighten pores, keeping skin looking and feeling fresh. 
* Contain Chococacao Extract.

Are perfect strips that you apply to a wet nose, as they dry it will take the dirt from the pores. Then strip it from the skin, to take it from clogging into spots. 


Pure smile : Honey cleansing balm
An organic cleansing oil suitable for all skin types, this gentle formula removes makeup, dirt and impurities as it soothes and softens skin. This gentle formula removes makeup from the face and eyes as it soothes, moisturizes, and softens skin. It also contains honey and royal jelly extracts to replenish skin’s lost moisture and soothes inflamed and irritated skin. How to use : Dispense a small amount of cleansing oil into palm - Warm by rubbing - Massage dry face to remove makeup, dirt and other impurities - Remove by rinsing with warm water.
Smells amazing and you can use this as makeup remover. Its natural and i love  honey based products. It really does dissolve the most stubborn of eyeliner. 
Skin food : Honey lip balm
With its jelly texture, this lip balm applies easily and stays on, creating clear, shimmering lips. When lips feel dry, or to create moist-looking lips, apply with contained stick or with finger. Keep stick clean after each use.

Its beautifully presented with the little spatula provided. Sometimes i think too cute to use. Not sticky or horrid on your lips. Helps moisturise and keep your lips supple especially before applying lipstick. 


Sua Young : Berristure cream
This refreshing and lightweight gel type cream instantly hydrates and steadily releases moisture, leaving skin refreshed and rejuvenated throughout the day. Black Collagen capsule, looks like strawberry seed, and gelatine provide antioxidant protection. Ideal for all skin types. 8 different berries in Berristure :Acai Berry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Aronia (Chokeberry), Bilberry

Is a huge sized product that smells amazing. Has black collegen included to help skin and great for winter. Hydration is perfect for winter and well needed in my case. 

Again another lovely box and full of beautiful products picked. All items i will use and are perfect for the winter cold setting in. There is a 4 edition due for release soon. It will be the final box for cutiepie. It's a shame but i will be happy to see new collaborations coming to Memebox. 




Where have i been ?

Many of us use makeup as we have a passion or or it is nessesity of our daily life. For me it is a mixture of things. It is one of those ...