W7 - Makeup and Nail polish

W7 cosmetics widely known as a brand that is affordable and quality product range. I was kindly sent some products to do a review on. As I heard the boxed powders were affordable dupes to some more expensive counterparts. I've decided to buy some to review aswell. So there will be a part 2 for face and box powders from W7.

So I was sent to review mostly eye products from the range, plus a nail polish. 

   

I was kindly sent Rock and roll , Glitter eyeliner in black , Stardust in silver , Magic eyes mascara in black, Eyelid primer and finally a beautiful red glitter polish. 

The Rock and roll eyeshadow is a rollerball mechanism. It is a beautiful brown colour with micro shimmers. So I will do a natural eye, then run the rollerball over my lid to add the shimmer. Perfect for the party season and these come in a range of colours. So if you want to add some zing to a favourite matte shade then use this product. 

The stardust glitter is a mix of different sized glitters, at first I was not too sure about this as a pigment. It seemed very chunky and could be irritating, if not stuck down properly or if you have sensitive eyes. I personally would use this in a special effect look around the cheeks etc. I just don't feel very comfortable to put such a chunky glitter on my lid. I will of course to see and give it the chance to prove me wrong. So il use a mixing medium as a adhesive then pat it on top. 

The black glitter Eyeliner I had expected a splotchy and uneven application. However il admit I was wrong and this eyeliner was very easy to apply. Very pigmented but with the glitter can come across charcoal looking. So I would place a black below this, then apply the glitter on top so it's colour is striking. It is excellent for party and going out looks or too jazz up a natural look. I found this to be the product that shocked me the most. I would purchase more colours.

The red nail polish also shocked me too. Expecting to have to layer this at least twice to gain a sufficient coverage. I found one coat gave me quite a pigmented layer with only a second needed for touch ups. It didn't chip easily which again surprised me and came off easily. I must say the quality of these products has improved since I last used W7.

So into the Magic eyes mascara which reminds me of another brands tube. 

It is a good mascara that offers a brush to seperate lashes. It does not clump but I would leave time between applications. As with every mascara I've used, I would defiantly recommend this step. It allows proper setting and drying time. This is a good affordable mascara for daily use. 

Primer magic eye primer is a creamy white primer. I must admit I did catch a wiff of a almost chemical smell. It applies so easily and absorbs into the eyelid. 

Eyeshadows blend well but it's not particularly tacky so it's more of a primer to lay a base. I would choose a tackier primer for heavy pigments and glitters. For a just eyeshadow primer it's perfect and a nice texture too. 

W7 can be found on fragrance direct or any number of reputable sites online. I would recommend investing in the box powders as you will see from my next review and also the Eyeliners, Nail polishes and shadows. 

YouBeauty Discovery box - Nov 2013

YouBeauty box has been the beauty subscription I've most enjoyed recently, plus feel gives the most amazing value for money. At £6.95 including postage with a choice of your samples rather then a pre-picked box. This maintains that you choose what you love, no one assumes what you may like. The pick of samples is vast, from tanning products including the mitt to haircare products plus tools.

This month was centred all around party glamour it seemed. It was very apparent that the products were aimed, at getting ready for the Christmas and new year party season. 

As well as the 2 samples that come within each box, this month they were 

Flash by Jimmy choo

Green and blacks (Raisin and Hazelnut chocolate)

My contents ; 

Awpawai hair duo 

Becca illuminating shimmer 

I think out of all the beauty boxes I've subscribed to, YouBeauty consistently offers me new and exciting samples. 

No repeats and defiantly no sparcety in sample size. I wish that all beauty boxes had this quality. 

Soap and Glory - Girl O Whirl Christmas set

Soap and Glory Website 

So in the run up to Christmas when we all are looking for the perfect gifts, why not look at Soap and glory's offerings. This year they released a selection of gift ranges from their cosmetics line. So I'm am reviewing the Girl O Whirl set, which has a selection of the Soap and Glory cosmetics within a glossy black casing. Now this will be a picture heavy review as I want to show you the full beauty of the set. 

So Soap and glory discribe the set as ;

A cornucopia of colour, a stack of glamour, a bundle of bestselling beautystuff. Any way you apply it, colours that’ll give any girl the gift of gorgeous. 

This beautiful set includes ; 

- 6 Lid Stuff™ eyeshadows

- 6 Supercolour fabulipsticks™ 

- Thick & Fast™ Super Volume mascara 

- Sexy Mother Pucker™ gloss stick in Nudist

- Glow All Out™ luminising face powder 

- Solar Powder™ multi-shade bronzer

- Eyeshadow brush 

- Lip brush

- Blusher brush

Eyeshadows and Lipsticks

I will go through the eyeshadows and lipsticks first (swatches included). 

The fabulipsticks come in 6 shades, which are a perfect mix of nude through to a red shade. 

Top shades are : Naked beige, Guavarama and Red my lips

Bottom shades are : Missing pink, Perfect day and Man trap 

Now they are creamy and highly pigmented. It has a lip brush included for application, which is soft considering I do find applicators redundant in kits. This brush is suitable if you wish to travel and not bring additional tools.

The eyeshadows I've used before from a lid stuff quad palette. However I don't have these shades, so it was nice to have more to experiment with. 

Top shades : Vanilla, Wild blue and Smokin

Bottom shades : Minky , Dandy plum and Black gold 

Now Vanilla is embossed with the Soap and glory logo (as is like the quads, one shade being embossed). From my experience of the quad which was very creamy, blended well however I found a shade or two a little chalky. These shades seen to be more buttery and extremely pigmented with only a little swatch needed. Wild blue and Black gold are the most pigmented of the set, which was lovely as the blue is beautiful. A very unique shade indeed, then paired with smokin or Black gold could be an amazing smokey eye look. The colour choices are perfect for the season, plus defiantly give you more then one look. 

Beauty powders

The bronzer (Solar powder) and luminising (Glow all out) powder within the kit are just like the boxed versions. 

Solar powder is the bronzer side and a subtle bronzer with slight shimmer when applied. It can easily be built up using the darker half of the powder if you feel it's too subtle. 

Glow all out is the luminizer powder included. Now it looks quite heavily white on the swatch, but this is a heavy to show how it appears. You would not use this much in reality and only need a small amount. It can be used multi purposely for highlighting the cheeks, nose and Cupid's bow. It's not powdery and does blend well to a shimmer finish, help bring out that seasonal glow. I do like this powder as it is easy and blendable. 

Additional extras

The added extras in the kit you will find the brushes needed for eye, lip and powder finishes. They are soft and perfectly usable tools for the application of the products intended for use.

Sexy Motherpucker : Gloss stick in Nudist 

I use this gloss stick as a handbag essential, they are hydrating and offer a hint of colour. Perfect for winter also as they offer the perfect shade to look natural. 

Thick and fast Mascara : is soap and glory's mascara that offers thick and Volumous lashes. A bristled ended brush that seperates and coats lashes, leaving no clumps. A perfect way to finish a look off. 

The contents :

So all in all this impressive kit will give a loved one, a full set of makeup introducing them to Soap and glory. Also offer them quality and the perfect travel case (the plastic holding is not fitted, so can be removed easily).

I do wish that the Cat-eyeliner had been included as this truely would have made it the set to beat. However as whole this set won't disappoint, the colours are pigmented and a mix of usable products.  Very impressed at this years gift offerings from Soap and Glory. 

Do you like Soap and glory's Christmas offerings this year ? 

Top brands and Websites for Christmas

So I have decided to do a few posts before Christmas of natural brands and also bespoke gifts made by talented and inspiring ladies. I will be doing more posts in the run up to christmas but here are a few sites to get you started and also my favourite places to purchase beauty items. 

1. Nourish Skincare 

One of the most amazing finds for me this year. I want to express my gratitude to Nourish for allowing me to review there amazing natural products. 

I love there mini kits and I think they will make excellent presents for those dear to you and if you rather natural products. 

Website : Nourish Skincare

2. Basil and thyme bespoke gifts -

A lovely bespoke company whom offer a beautiful and friendly service. Catering to any need and with the Christmas selection looking delightful. I will be purchasing some Christmas pudding and snowball bath bombs for stocking fillers. 

3. Nima Brushes - 

Nima brushes I had reviewed and would find these to be a lovely addition to an avid makeup users collection. 

Website : NIMA brushes

4. Bagza Character bags - 

One of the most beautiful handmade products ive come across but what makes Bagza character so special is Jackie whom runs and makes the bags. Jackie has now started making baby wear so check out her facebook and email her any orders or enquiries you may have.

Facebook 

5. (Affordable) BH cosmetics / BeautyUK / MUA / Barry M  -

     

6. (Mid-range) MAC / Urban decay / NARS / Stila  - 

7. (Top-range) Tom ford / Charlotte tilbury / Sigma Brushes / Chanel / Dior 

8. Escentual.com

One of the most reliable and well priced sites for beauty and gifts I've used this year. Always wonderful customer service and good loyalty points schemes just been introduced. Sign up to be made aware of 1/3rd off sales and offers. 

Website : Escentual.com

Facebook : Escentual.com Facebook

9. Soap and Glory 

Via boots or online stores. 

Just don't forget to have fun and enjoy the season with those you love.

Its the thought that counts and ultimately if you wish to, then make gifts yourself to show that personal touch. 

Eye of Horus - Liquid Define eye liner

http://www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk



So one of the most eagerly anticipated brands I've been dying to try. After seeing Australian bloggers rave about the products, the've finally arrived to the UK. The sheer beauty of the Egyptian era , makes there slogan "Awaken the Goddess" even more appealing. 

 Brand information about the "Eye of Horus".

Suffering from sensitive eyes and fine brittle lashes, the girls behind our brand researched how the Ancient Egyptians used natural waxes and oils in their iconic eye products. We used the ancient formula as a basis for our eye makeup range. To provide products that are long lasting, non irritating, nourishing and great for sensitive eyes, avoiding the use of nasty chemicals. We are an Australian owned company, who is committed in "Awakening the Goddess" in every woman. We know we are all beautiful, no matter what age. No matter where we have come from or what our life story is.

Ethical Mantra

Our products are not tested on animals and we deliver only the best. All our cosmetics are Paraben Free, and contain as much natural content as possible. We are renowned for ;

- We pride ourselves on fast delivery

- Not Tested on Animals 

- Only offer high standard products 

-  Stand by the product and will listen to our customer, 100% satisfaction  

-  Wont use animal hair for cosmetic brushes 

 

 

So the product I chose to review was the Liquid define eye liner. As I do love eyeliner,  I have yet to find a pen version that delivers. The main reason I want a precise and pigmented pen is for my makeup bag. As gel liner is not travel friendly especially in application. 

So the liquid define arrived in the most beautiful packaging I've seen in a long time. Embossed with the Eye of Horus logo in gold, then faint hieroglyphics running up the centre of the bag. I read the magazine, then just dived right into trying this product. I must apologise as in my effort to capture the pen on my camera, the gold glare made them very blurred. So I will show you the promotional picture.

 

 

So my impression of the packaging is sleek, however it's a pen so it will justifiably look like a lot of brands offerings. The most important questions  are its capability to deliver, ease of use/ pigmentation and staying power. 

Pigmentation

 I will start with saying I did two review tests. The first was to apply a swatch to my arm to see the close up effect, the second was ease of use. I was asking myself :  

- Does it smudge or bleed ?

- Did it chip or flake through the day ?

- Was it pigmented and for how long ? 

 

 

 In the picture is a poor photo of the nib of the liner. Finally the swatches which as you can see are bold, striking and intensely black. They didn't bleed, smudge or flake for a good 7-8 hours and removed easily with a baby wipe. I'm very impressed with this liquid liner and it's pigmentation. Rich and flawless. 

 

Ease of use 

 I then went to trial ease of use by doing a look with the liner. It was a simple natural look, to show off the liners appearance on the eyelid. Application was in my opinion very easy and I rarely use a liner pens. As I find they drag, then clog's so i opt to use a brush and gel formula. I've only found 2 liquid liners I can purchase for travel use. 

 

 

As you can see in these pictures, it gives a thin and even application of liner. You  can build this up to suit your look. I just wanted to show the area we all find troublesome, being the inner eye. I find this is where my mistakes happen and I then need to thicken to make it symmetrical. This didn't happen and my liner took me 5 minutes (usually takes me 10 with a gel and brush) and I was amazed. I will continue to use this liner from now on because of all the points I've raised. 

 

 

So in conclusion the Liquid define did not disappoint in any way. It delivered on all the points I personally look for, if I was to purchase a pen liner. I only have two that I would pick to have in my makeup bag. This liner is on the more premier price point. So I would re-purchase, however I would need to see how long it lasts before any problems arise. (E.g - dragging, drying out, etc)  If it does last a good amount of time then I would repurchase as a treat. I would however look to purchase the eyeliners, as the colour selection looks stunning. 

I can't wait for the palettes release also, as I've had a little look and they are divine. 

 

So thank you to Eye of Horus for allowing me to review for them. 

 

HealGel - Face

HealGel Website

So the lovely people from HealGel sent me a bottle of there Face Serum for review. HealGel was compleatly new to me until I saw a review on Pixiwoo. Highly recommended to dry skins when the weather goes cold and most damage is done. It will benefit everyone whom uses it, even after a facial it's the ideal way to get moisture in to the skin. 

They say

-- HealGel Face is an exceptional anti-ageing formula designed to smooth, firm and replenish to give instantly plumper, revitalised looking skin.

 -- This step-changing complex acts like HealGel Intensive to rescue unhappy skin, but then takes its transformative effect to the next level.  Arnica and Madecassoside are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process.  HealGel Face also contains a unique blend of Omega Oils to replenish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity.  To this another vital dimension is added; a powerful three part hyaluronic acid complex provides a plumping and tightening effect. 

All the HealGel products ive found are light weight, very quickly absorbed into the skin plus lightly scented with natural oils. There is a slight difference with this formula as it's a mix of gel with a cream. It looks like a cream but spreads like a serum. I had worried, as I do love the other products so much because of there gel forumla. However this does not disappoint and I used this regularly. I admit I was glad it was in my bag when I was in hospital. My skin and winter do not mix and dryness is my main enemy. 

So one pump is sufficient to apply to all areas of the face. As it's being massaged into the skin, the warmth makes it disperse with ease. To say that HealGel has compleatly given me confidence, in my winter skin is an understatement. If you suffer dry patches in areas that can be stubborn, then this may assist you. It's quite an investment but I will be saving to repurchase when I can, as I have total faith in the products. 

It lasts a long time (obviously dependent on your use) when used in the morning and evening. The smell for a natural product is not overpowering and disperses quickly. The only scent left was reminant on my hands after I massaged it into my face. I would advise a good massage into the skin, really reach those areas that the may get missed. Especially area's round the nose, cheeks,

corners of the lips and by the ears. 

With the plumping aspect of the product this defiantly does become noticeable. Now I can't say if its because I massage in the evening with it and just apply in the morning. However I've noticed that my skin has been complimented vastly. My main area I noticed was my mouth, now I was very aware of fine lines forming. I had so much trouble with lipsticks beginning to bleed, now they dont do this as before. So if that's down to my hydration being optimised, or my skin improving then another bonus. 

HealGel without a doubt is my holy grail product now and yes price wise it's higher end. However if you could afford one then in a quick run down, they all offer hydration but additional benfits of ; 

  -Intensive intense hydrator & restore

  -Face offers anti-aging & plumping 

   -Eye will rejuvenate & awaken 

 So in my opinion which ever suits your need then its a worthwhile product to have. I know I will have to save for my next purchase, as I really want to have intensive in my daily regime.

So thank you HealGel for introducing me to your products this year. I've felt like this winter has been my most confident within my skin. So it's priceless when you feel that way, against the cost of the actual product. 

Wishing all the staff at HealGel an amazing Christmas and New year. 

HealGel website

Have you tried HealGel ? 

Nourish - Argan beauty Collection review plus Discount code

Nourish website

So it's no secret, one of my great finds this year has been the Nourish brand. They have natural and professional products with a lovely feel to them. They have the option from mini kits to trial, or full sized products of the ones you love. I was sent the Argan Beauty Collection, Christmas set for review. 

They say -

A luxurious collection of shimmering gold, rejuvenating frankincense and revitalising myrrh, with omega-rich organic Moroccan argan oil and a stellar array of ultra-moisturising and radiance boosting bioactives, to enhance your natural beauty.

The packaging is beautiful with the gold snowflakes and presentation box. Within this contains 3 of Nourish's best products. 

It contains - 

Golden glow body shimmer 

Argan skin renew 

Argan skin rescue

They are all of a decent size products to give as a Christmas gift or a stocking filler. 

Now I have reviewed each of these products individually. I particularly favour the golden glow body shimmer and how my skin looks after use skin. Only a little amount is needed and it brightens up your whole look. It can be added to a foundation or any makeup to give a glow. I love to use it as a highlighter as it's beautiful. It's such a multi purpose product that there is no end to the uses. 

The Argan skin renew is just heavenly as I have done a full review on this product. It states how I enjoy this cream, as its light with quick absorbency. Perfect for night time when the last thing you want is a tacky, sticky cream sitting there all night. Smells divine and with the Argan skin rescue is a perfect duo for skin. Especially for me being on the dry side in winter, this is a dream. 

So the Argan skin rescue is a new product to me and now is a favourite. As it's like a serum consistency that I favour for night use. I prefer this at night as the serum has a slightly sweet floral scent too it, which is so calming and relaxing in the evening. However I do find this before my primer very effective. It's absorbant and lighter then a normal cream moisturiser. So again another multiuse product from nourish. 

All in all this kit is just lovely and I've been so wonderfully supported by nourish this year. They offer such high quality products that anyone would adore receiving during the Christmas period. So if this isn't to your taste then look at the mini kits on offer. 

I've been kindly given a money off discount for my readers. 

 Offer of a 10% discount with free P&H on our fantastic Christmas Gift. The discount code is: ABC10 and will be valid until 18th December. So thank you Nourish and a Happy Christmas. 

Argan Beauty collection

British beauty blogger - Beauty box 2

British Beauty Blogger Blog

We have the second beauty box brought to use from British beauty blogger. The first box was amazing and I was over the moon with the quality offered. The second promises to be just as exceptional. So shall we run down the contents to this amazing offering ? 

Contents are as follows : 

Alterna - Bamboo volume spray

Bourjois - Eyeliner (2 in 1) 

CND vinylux - Top coat/ nail polish

Indeed labs - Hydraluron

Loccitane - Angelica cleansing gel

Loccitane - Angelica face toner

Loccitane - Cherry blossom hand cream

La Roche posey - Redermic R anti wrinkle

Mandara spa - Bath milk 

Maybelline - Rocket mascara 

Rituals - Car fragrance 

REN -Glycolactic radiance renewal mask and invisible pores mask

Rouge bunny rouge - lip gloss 

Urban decay - Moondust in Zodiac

Roger & Gallet - D'orange Huile sublime

Vichy - Smoothing and illuminating cream

Washi - Hot cloth 

An amazing 17 products of which most were full size, the ones that aren't are most defiantly duluxe samples. There was an adorable Union Jack stocking included for the impending holiday season. Priced at £27 including postage, I would say this was an absolute steal of a box. I'm so impressed and happy I purchased this second edition, that I'm already excited to see the next. 

The products I'm most excited to use are without doubt the Urban decay Moondust in zodiac. It's absolutely stunning on the swatch I did, with its mixes of greens and shimmers giving it a amazing unique colour. Very apt choice with Christmas approaching and shimmer being a must when in celebration mode. 

Urban Decay - Zodiac

So I can't explain how much I love this edition and whilst it was a little more expensive, it was worth the additional amount. The value far out weighted what I paid plus had products I'd been pining for as a blogger over the year. I finally have them and can use decent samples sizes. I will be looking out for the next edition with trepidation and excitement.