Essie - TLC collection

TREAT LOVE & COLOUR RANGE

Introducing gorgeous new shades for essie’s first advanced one-step care and colour collection. Following the successful launch of essie’s TLC range in January 2017. 

Treat: restore strength to dry, brittle nails in just one week.

Love: pamper your nails with a formula that locks in moisture. 

Colour: enhance nails instantly with visually brightening pigments for a healthy glow. The collection is being extended to include four stunning new shades. 

The range is the perfect solution for women who want to continue to add colour to their manicure whilst caring for their nails. By fusing the benefits of active ingredients with a range of pigmented sheers, the collection offers mani-lovers an even wider range of gorgeous colours that deliver immediate relief to dry, brittle nails. 

The advanced-care formula contains collagen, msm*, camellia extract and visually brightening pigments which all work to guarantee 60% less peeling and 35% less breakage after just one week.  

Better still, the extended range heroes a beautiful collection of beige tones for those who prefer neutral shades to pinkier hues. Essie's TLC works to turn stressed out nails into knockouts with seven heavy hitting sheers:

Tonal taupe: catch the light with hints of gold in this beige taupe

See the light: for just a touch of colour opt for a beautiful and reflective ivory beige

Treat me bright: be bright in white with a sheer, powder hue

Existing shades available:

Tinted love: if you want a delicate, romantic look, the soft peach glow is just the thing

Sheer to you: for a gorgeous ‘better than natural’ look, the pink will blend seamlessly with your nail tone

To add beauty back to your nails, celebrity manicurist and Essie Global Lead Educator, Rita Remark gives her tips:

1. Moisturise with a rich cuticle oil to keep them in tip top shape, perfectly framing your nails for colour

2. You would never moisturise without cleansing first so treat your nails the same way you treat your skin. Cleanse thoroughly with polish remover before applying any treatment or colour.

3. Never use a base coat  – it should be applied directly on the nail to provide optimal benefits.

4. Apply in long, straight brush strokes, place the brush near the cuticle and pull to the tip, then fill in with a stroke each side. The brush makes application a breeze.

5. TREAT LOVE & COLOUR is a one-step formula, so there’s no need for a top coat. Enjoy your instantly perfected nails.

This formula from Essie is universal to any look you may want to achieve. Using as a base coat if you so wish with the lighter shades to protect and strengthen the nail. I had very weak nails very prone to "side catching" then loosing any nail I had grown  as Id have to file them to save any progress. Its why I often used acrylic nails which are not the best for already weak nails. Having used the palest shaded  polish for over 2 weeks, my nails have hardened and grown and they continue to be at the length they are at with no side catching incidents. 

I love that some shades have a glittery tinge, so that the light catches correctly and it gives an impression of length. You still have the option with giving your nails healthy growth, yet also jazz up your daily look. These shades are fantastic and my nails have never been this strong. 

Ihearthomes - May edition

  

Ihearthomes Website

It's that time of the month again when we recieve the ihearthomes box. This box is becoming a real favourite of mine. 

They say :

ihearthomes are passionate and a little excitable about all things home. We have always loved making that house into a home and love gorgeous items that really make the difference. From quirky wooden signs to romantic rustic hanging hearts, we love all the items we sell. 

We have beautiful wedding decorations and gifts, stunning children's items, heart warming hearts, gorgeous signs and plaques. Take a look around the site and see what takes your fancy.  Don't forget to come back again, as we are always looking to add new items.

We wrap all our items in white tissue paper as standard (size permitting), to add that extra special niceness when you receive your order. 

Content's : 

- Polka dot case

- Rose bud chocolate

- Paper tape

- Fridge magnet (Dance like no one's watching) 

- Blue stripey bag (3 Paper clip's)

- Vintage photo frame 

- "Wish upon a string" bracelet 

Polka dot case & Rose bud chocolate

Polka dot case 

I really love this case which can be used in a variety of way's, as a pencil case, makeup bag etc. The simple design goes with any occasion, so perfect if you want to travel with it.

Rosebud chocolate 

 What a lovely addition for the box and such a well made treat. A pink rosebud chocolate on a stick, wrapped and then bound with twine. I cant wait to enjoy this treat. 

Paper tape & Dance like no one's watching magnet 

Paper tape 

This paper tape is fantastic if you like crafting, scrapbooking or using a jazzy tape to make your gifts more special. It has a lovely decorative pattern and will serve me well. 

"Dance like no one's watching" magnet 

 This magnet is a quirky decorative element for what can be a dull appliance. It can also hold paper's up if there is something you need to remember. Its small and in no way offensive or overkill to uplift your fridge/freezer. A nice little gift addition to the box.  

Blue stripey bag : 3 paper clips 

Blue stripey bag : 3 paper clips 

The blue stripey bag is always a lovely surprise and this month was very handy. 3 felt decorated paper clip's which again can be multifunctional. Mine will be used in my planner so i can keep track of important day's. 

Vintage photo frame & Wish upon a string

Vintage photo frame 
 This frame is beautiful and perfect for small photo's. It has a hook for hanging up. You can also hang it as is, with the lovely drawing within as a feature. Either way it will brighten any room. 

Wish upon a string bracelet 
This is beautiful and its the type of jewellry i love. It has meaning and significance when its worn, plus can be a beautiful gift for a close friend. This addition is a lovely way of taking something so simple and making it special. 

This month's box, wow what a lovely set of treat's. All have a stationary or to be used purpose. I love all the item's as i avidly use writing and craft material's. The additions of a Rose-bud chocolate to have as a treat, while you use the other item's was a nice touch to the box. As was the "wish upon a string" bracelet is beautiful, lovely way of giving something special. All in all i think this box is becoming a firm favourite for me. It gives me something i will use, plus they are quality product's that support british brand's. So im all subscribed for future boxes and im so excited for June's box now. 

Nourish : The Glow set

Nourish Website

So the natural and stunning Nourish have  given us some lovely products. So at this time if year, when your looking for that special gift. Why not try Nourish have released some truly beautiful christmas sets. This beautiful set is "The Glow set" .

Illuminating face shimmer

Containing Golden mineral powders to lift and define your complexion. Active Tonka bean extract to give the skin a vibrant, healthy glow. Reducing the appearance of uneven skin tone and age spots. Aloe Vera stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother skin plus to repair damaged cells. 

Apply a small amount to fingertip, dot over the face then lightly smooth over the skin. Can be worn over or under moisturiser or blended into foundation for added radiance.

I love this product from Nourish. It gives a beautiful base for makeup to even out the skin. It really does work well especially with it being the winter. It leaves skin looking more radiant and also i feel more confident. Its a stunning product to have in your collection. 

Radiance rejuvenating peptide serum

With a unique blend of botanical extracts, this is an effective hydrator and primer. That leaves your skin visibly healthy and radiant. 

Apply a small amount to fingertip, dot evenly over the face and neck, then lightly smooth over the skin. 

If your like me and winter is not your skins friend, then the peptide serum is a must. It absorbs to give hydration and actively will make your moisturiser work better. Also as a primer it ensures any makeup products, will have a beautiful base to sit on. You can be confident in your skin being nourished and being hydrated. Winter is the worst time for skin and this serum covers all the bases. 

I love nourish and the products it produces. The face shimmer has been a favourite product of mine for a while now. Its so versitile to use and can be the ideal product to just help your skin look less dull.

Degustabox - October edition

Degustabox Website UK

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.

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Memebox : Sleeping beauty box

Memebox Website

Sleeping beauty is probably the princess i relate to the most. I love my sleep but i dont have flawless hair and skin, like this princess when she wakes up. So anything to help me awaken with the birds singing, would be a small wish thats Once upon a dream. 

They say : 

 When you need more than a kiss from a prince to break your beauty spell… use our Sleeping Beauty Box. Break out of your beauty rut and pamper yourself in the PM for an instant beauty transformation! Revitalize dull and tired-looking skin with ultra-moisturizing, and super nutritious formulas to lock in hydration and essential vitamins and minerals! Give yourself the ultimate skin care therapy with beauty goodies that retexturize, repair, and renew skin for petal-soft, radiant skin the next morning.

Contents :

- ReinPlatz : Intense moisture hand pack

- Vella : Neck tight cream

- D'ran : Aqua wonder cream

- Dermahouse : Aloe vera aqua gel

- E choice : Aloe vera all care cream

- Dewytree : Aqua collagen sleeping mask

Dewytree : Aqua collagen sleeping mask is a huge full size product. Applying this sleeping pack for overnight moisture and hydration. Its a lovely product that is a new concept to me. This is a perfect product for winter dry skin. Also perfect for a Sleeping beauty box, to gain your beauty sleep.

 Dermahouse : Aloe vera aqua gel is again another huge full size product. Aloe vera being a well known product for hydration. Its a very absorbent product, moisturising and light. Again to add aprotective layer to the skin. 

D'ran : Aqua wonder cream is a eye cream that can help lift, hydrate and brighten any weak skin. So after your serum application, take some of this eye cream and tap it in. Using natural seaweed properties and collagen to help the eye area, remain free from sensitivity. 

ReinPlatz : Intense moisture hand pack is a fantastic product, that gives dry and cracked hands a new lease of life. Deeply nourishing too skin and removing the dead skin cells. This is a perfect way to give your hands the boost they need. 

Vella : Neck tight cream is a totally new concept to me. However a nice concept to be able to use a product, that could rid me of the slight forming double chin. So any product that can help prevent the pace, is a welcome product in my regime. 

E choice : Aloe vera all care cream is a small container that can be a multi use product. Use it on everything from lip, nails, body etc. To help give you a on hand and handbag ready product, too offer instant dry skin relief. Beautiful to have this over winter. 

Simple skincare

Simple Website

Simple is a well known and respected brand. Known for its motto "Kindness to skin" which also includes anyone with sensitive skin. Reliable and always a brand you can turn too if your skin needs, hydration to cleansing.

They say ; Simple® was born in the UK in the 1960s and was the first skincare brand to formulate a product that contained no colour and no perfume; designed to care for sensitive skin.  Simple have been the experts in sensitive skin since launching. Staying committed to our philosophy, as our product range has grown. To be the UK’s No.1 Facial Skincare brand.

 We don’t want to overcomplicate things, we believe good skincare should fit around you. We've pioneered a kinder approach to skin. We really understand skin, plus the everyday challenges it faces. Skin deserves only the kindest care.

Protecting moisture Cream

They say ; Regular use of a moisturiser is essential, to boost skin hydration levels.

Our special blend of moisturising goodness includes Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Sunscreens etc. This helps to moisturise, soften and nourish the skin. Our Protecting Moisture Cream is a perfect blend, to help to defend your skin against the environment. Keeping it replenished all day long, even sensitive skin types.

After using this as my daily moisturisers and also I found it calms my skin. When im having a day where my skin has more need for hydration. This is perfect as it absorbs at a rate, so I don't need to keep adding layers. It will protect and calm my skin. Plus a little goes a long way, especially considering its a cream. 

Illuminating radiance cream

They say : Instant radiance boost, infused with multi-vitamins, skin loving ingredients and light reflecting minerals for immediate natural radiant looking skin with UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection. Perfect even for sensitive skin.

I really found the illuminator was a good base. Whilst it was great as a primer and added a great base. It was not really noticeable in other ways for me. If your using natural makeup with just the illuminator, it will give a more alive glow to the skin. Full makeup will mask the glow it's trying to give. 

Blackhead eliminating face scrub

They say ; Spotless Skin (Blackhead Eliminating) Face Scrub is the perfect blend, of antibacterial and cleansing to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Our blend of antibacterial and cleansing contain's Zinc PCA, Chamomile, Witch Hazel. A natural anti-bacterial, which helps to absorb excess oil and fight spots and blackheads.

I am lucky not to need oil absorption. I will use it however when my skin is dry, I need to remove some flaky areas. It would be no more then 3 times a week if I needed too. As scrubs need too be used with care. 

 I have my 1 day each week, where I will use a treatment and this scrub to really clean my skin. I'm very lucky in that water and coconut or natural light soap, is all I've needed. However as I'm getting older, I am finding having a good skincare regime plus more is needed. I would probably use this more in the winter, when my skin is at its driest. On using I have found that it doesn't irritate like some scrubs I've tried. However this is all relative to how hard you use this product. I will rub very gently to protect my skin under the dry layer. This is I think advisable with all scrubs. I would have this as a regular scrub as it does what I need it for and is affordable. 

I'm always impressed with Simple products and never let down. I love Simple wipes for travel and when I'm in hospital, I feel they really clean my skin. So I'm not surprised that the quality was as good. Simple are trusted and they make affordable quality skincare. I really enjoyed these products. 

New releases - Playboy

Now this is a brand where you just see the bunny, to know the name of the company. With a new set of high quality products, in my opinion. Playboy has really come into contend with the beauty community.

They say ; 

The Playboy brand has been synonymous with sensual glamour. Now one of the most highly recognized logos in the world, the cheeky bow tied bunny can be found on a new range of high quality colour cosmetics. It is that playful glamour that has been encapsulated into the new Playboy Make Up collection.

So the rundown of the products for your face. "Blushing Bunny" is multi tonal Blush/Bronzer. With the mixture of bronze, tans and vibrant pink within the bronzing pan. The rich warm hues of this matte powder will add a subtle glow to your face. In saying that, its very pigmented and i would use this more as a bronzer then a blush. The darker shade is very pigmented so just be aware when swirling your brush. 

The compacts have a leopard print design into which the infamous Playboy Bunny logo is embossed. The compacts contain a large mirror and a brush. Its also a secure compact and wont click open within your bag. I would say this type of blush is more of a bronze with a rose gold undertone to it stunning.

 I've used this for a while now, plus use a small angled brush. I love this blush bunny compact as it's so pigmented and just lovely. It's finely milled and a must have. 

Lipstick

I was kindly sent 2 lipsticks. Amazing packaging being that of a lustrious, alluring red with black writing. The shades I have are below and for a brand relaunch into makeup. Playboy really stepped there game up.

So as above you can see above, the red packaging with the bunny logo all over. 

Also on the bullet on the tube says "Playboy"in a way it's like a signature. 

I love centrefold pink, it's a vibrant and hydrating lipstick. Gives a beautiful even coverage on application. It's a really beautiful addition to anyone's makeup collection. 

Bunny girl is a vibrant vivid red. I was amazed how pigmented this lipstick is. Plus reds have a habit of not being so kind to wear. I didn't see any feathering or bleeding. Just a beautiful lipstick. 

Nail polish 

Is not usually my forte as I don't wear much. Il do the odd coat, as I do have shakey hands. 

Again vibrant pink with an extra bottle of polish sparkle. So application I must say was flawless. I only needed one coat and the above picture is the one layer. It goes on really smooth plus so vibrant and well pink. The pink is beautiful shade I would use. As for the sparkles will give you some bling for the weekend.

So the new releases I've not had the pleasure to review as yet, are below. Im looking into finding a supplier, so you can purchase if you like the cosmetics. Plus i myself wish to purchase some more facial items to try.

Introduction to the New Eye products from Playboy

Eyes 

Liquid Eyeliner & Mascara Kitten Eyes is a fabulously flirty, Liquid Eye Liner by Playboy Make Up. Kitten Eyes comes in a sleek black pot, the long wand and thin brush enables precision and perfection during application. Kitten Eyes has a wet look, jet black finish. 

Sleek Lashes

Sleek Lashes has lengthening, qualities ensuring your lashes appear longer. 

Playful Lashes

Playful Lashes volumizing to spread your lashes, too create fabulous 3D effect lashes.