Yon-ka Skincare - Fruitella Age correction and Lotion yon-ka

Yon-ka UK website

So I am aware of the lovely brand Yon-ka as I have tried the lovely pomplemousse before and now I have been given the chance to review two more of the skincare line. Very grateful.

They say 

1954 to 1967 : turning passion into creation; 

Pioneers in aromatherapy, Cécile, Ernst and Charles Muhlethaler are passionate about aromatherapy and in 1954 they found the Laboratories Multaler. At the time, the wealth of ancestral and empirical knowledge they were able to draw upon was shared only by a small number of scientists, chemists and doctors.Skin care for face, body and sun, for men and women, imagined and developed by a family driven by a passion for botanicals. 

Pioneers in aromatherapy  - Essential oils therapy- , in phytotherapy – plants therapy-, phytembryotherapy – the therapy using vegetal buds-, all applied to skin care.  The discoverers and creators of a unique beauty secret with unparalleled powers: an exclusive and treasured formula combining 5 essential oils with extraordinary synergetic properties. "

Plant and fruit extracts

But why limit oneself to the essential oils, when so many other wonders known for hundreds of years can be drawn from plants?  They broaden their research, blend essential oils together with plant and marine extracts, in lotions, creams and massage oils, unveiling new synergies.

The Essential Oils 

At first they focus on the subtle aromas of the botanical world, the essential oils charged with solar energy. They experiment on themselves, family and friends, the therapeutic properties of the plants: purifying, healing, psychotropic. Their research leads them to a breakthrough discovery: “Quintessence” a unique combination of 5 essential oils from the Mediterranean which becomes the cornerstone of their future skin care line.

An Exceptional location for Exceptional Treatments

Located on the left bank of Paris (39 rue de Sèvres), this 4,300-square-foot Spa is a haven of peace and relaxation. It offers you an array of multi-sensory treatments in the enchanting world of Yon-Ka aromas. It is the inspiration of new treatments for it is at the heart of the clients expectations.

So as it shows above the mix of natural and fruit extracts, that the Yon-ka brand use to make the natural spa products. 

So the first product is the Lotion Yon-ka which is a toner for dry skin. Its a lovely fruit smelling toner which you can feel being gentle on the skin. It's helped to give me something to not only replenish my skin after cleansing, but its alcohol free so I have no worry in my skin being dried out. 

This toner just makes my skin feel like it's been tightened slightly as I'm noticing that my eyes look fresher and my skins not so difficult in this period of summer leaving and winter coming in. Usually it's this time of year where I'm moisturising over and over during the day to ensure that when I come to use makeup, I'm not having to then excessively exfoliate for fear of the dry patches under my eyes flaking off. So this has been a lovely addition to my morning and evening skincare regieme. As I do use this in the morning when after I shower as i do moisturise so I want as much hydration I can get, with this toner it's been giving me the extra step I want. 

So the next step is the moisturiser which I'm actually in love with as the Fruitelia age correction is an amazing product. It smells divine and is so light but absorbs so quick and hydrates just with such ease. I love this especially for an evening moisturiser as winter if your dry skinned you need a heavy duty moisturiser, they however tend to sit on the skin so much. I hate the feeling of a heavy moisturiser sitting on your skin just waiting and waiting ....... And waiting for it to absorb. 

This is so lovely that its natural using fruit extract and I literally can know that my skincare just now absorbs so quick I could put another layer on if I wished. I usually do for the winter, as I just don't think it hurts. 

Above you can see the consistency of the cream and how it's like milk that just easily melts into the skin. If your a dry/combo skinned person like myself and winter is just a nightmare then maybe look into this amazing Yon-ka offering. A little goes a long way and its just made me want to stick to a lovely mix of this Yon-ka branded product and another brand I love in gel form. 

Winter is looking good for my skin this year.

Nails Inc. - Breast cancer Polish in Pinky pink / Wear it Pink dayOctober 2013 !!

So as October has drawn in and quite to my surprise we all are on the topic of breast cancer awareness. Now having known and the most amazing figure of a woman to look up too in my life, whom has suffered from this deadly form of cancer. She never fails to inspire me to be as strong as she is and that's why I'm so passionate about raising awareness. 

So this month : 

wear it pink day 2013 will take place on Friday 25 October and registration is open !

Find out more and register on the wear it pink website. Whether you take part at work, at home or at school - we've got lots of ideas to make your day fun.When you take part in wear it pink, you join forces with scientists, researchers, supporters and people affected by breast cancer. Together, we can make real progress in research that saves lives. It's easy to join in, simply get together with your colleagues, friends and family, pull on something pink and raise money for breast cancer research. We believe everyone who joins the fight is a hero, from people affected by breast cancer, to our scientists and all our amazing fundraisers. In the last ten years, these people have raised more than £23 million to help save lives and you can join them by signing up to be a hero and wear pink to help us make this year's event the biggest and pinkest yet! Please check out the many ways you can get involved with wear it pink here.

Last year, hundreds of thousands of you got together, put on something pink and raised over £2.1 million to fund breast cancer research. But sadly, one in eight women will still be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s why we need you and your colleagues to leap into action once again, wear pink and raise as much as possible to fund research that saves lives. October might seem a long way off but there’s one easy thing we’d really like you to do now. This year when you register, you’ll receive a personalised poster for your office and entry into a prize draw! Then in September we’ll then send you a fundraising pack full of ideas of how to have fun whilst raising money for breast cancer research. Together we are a force more powerful than breast cancer. 

- See more at: wear-it-pink#

So I was lucky enough to be given a chance to show you the Matthew Williamson contribution in collaboration with Nails inc.

I will of course be making a donation, as to mark my thanks and also so that I can contribute my portion.

Its a lushious pink sparkle that on one coat comes off as opaque as in the bottle, it dries fast and is no less a polish that nails inc. is known for. The quality is outstanding and also can be built up in layers if you want that bling bling but really two coats is all you will need.

It's fairly chip resistant and more has a new formula where it peels off then chips, as I found with glitters they can be a aweful time and as difficult to remove as acrylics at times.

This luckily when you remove just peels off in one and I will use my nail cream and then redo my nails. It's no major issue and ones of the most plesant glitters I have in my collection.

I commend nails inc. and Matthew Williamson for there amazing "pinky pink"

Colour which I will be sporting in the whole of October. So grab your pink and wear it proud.

The Breast Cancer website  

Nails inc. Website 

Urban Decay - Vice 2 (Winter 2013 collection)

Urban decay - Vice 2 Palette

So the most awaited palette has arrived, for the winter season Urban decay have graced us with Vice 2. 20 new shades of beauty with a double ended brush included, there is also more additions to the collection and I'm hoping to grab the Anarchy face case to review.

They say 

Experiment with insanely cool brights, not-your-average neutrals, and sexy hits of smoke, all in our decadent, revamped formula. In case you weren't around for the frenzy of the original Vice Palette, here's the deal: yes, Vice 2 is limited edition and it WILL sell out. (With 20 EXCLUSIVE shades you won't find anywhere else, what would you expect!?) Every shade features our Pigment Infusion System™, the proprietary blend of ingredients that gives the formula its velvety texture, rich color, serious staying power and blendability. Even the case is luxe. It's drenched in a pretty-but-edgy, abstract orchid design that's applied with a special process-so no two palettes are exactly alike - and topped off with a gunmetal jeweled UD icon. With the touch of a button, the case opens slowly, seductively, to unveil all those gorgeous shadows, along with an oversized mirror and a double-ended, cruelty-free shadow/crease brush.

So as you can see the outer casing is just so impressive, I'm loving the marbled effect of the butterflies and the urban decay mix they do with there palettes. Its had so much thought put into it and when i opened it, magical. Seriously magically i took a deep inhale as i marvelled at the magic. Its embellished in crystal Urban decay initials, even has a protective foam around it. Then the biggest change is the button to open this palette, you know the cars that have the button and the boot opens slowly.... this is the Urban decay new High-end top spec palette with the works. 

So now we come to colours and lets saviour this together my fellow Urban decay lovers as its like fine wine it needs inhaling and just a pure appreciation of all the shades in depth and also which are the standouts of the palette. Sorry Matte lovers this has 2 only so if your hoping for a equal distribution then unfortunately this will not be your cup of tea. 

Ok so we have : Smokeout, Lovesick, Shellshock, Coax and X-rated 

Now the colours that make this row are Shellshock for sure is a lush buttery silver not to unlike the silver in Glinda palette. So glad to have another of this colour. Then coax and X-rated are two shades of purple mauve with Coax having a shimmer jewel tone to it and X-rates being the lighter shade. Now the first two colours Smokeout is almost black with a brownish tinge to it and Lovesick is a black with silver sparkle inside. Both don't have the greatest payoff but I did have a better effect with them wet so il show that in my Halloween looks.

So the second row : starts with the blue of Prank, Madness, Strike, Stash and poison.

This row consists of amazing jewel colours in the rich blues of Prank and Madness then transitions into the most amazing gold of Strike. Stash has a gold to green tone with it and just looks amazing then poison is a dark purple almost dark brown shade.

Third row : Radar, Damaged, Voodoo, Betrayal and Derailed.

So the third row starts with the amazing bronze of Radar which just is stunning mixed with the reddish browns in the palette. Then my personal favourite Damaged is just stunning as I love greens and this just screams amazing to me and what I was drawn too the most. 

Then the two standout purples Voodoo and Betrayal are just stunning urban decay at its best, Voodoo is shimmer shimmer and purple again working better being packed on with a mixing medium. Again il show this again in a look. However betrayal is just wow a lush amethyst colour that's just unique. Again the last colour Derailed is a darker brownish with green that almost looks like a taupish colour. 

So lastly the last row : Dope, Toxic, Habit,  Ambush and Rewind. 

So dope is a lovely off pink shimmer inner highlight tear duct colour and I would probably use habit too light under my brow. Toxic is the most amazing peachy light brown colour that's amazing with the deep red tone of Ambush. Perfect colours for the season ahead, I cannot wait to use these. Rewind is a matte taupe colour and great base for these bright looks.

So this palette is an amazing addition to the Urban decay family. It is a perfect mix of golds, reds and bronzes for the autumn season and then pop colour for the party's ahead with the Christmas festivities. So below is my first Halloween look with this palette and well you can see how amazing the colour payoff is and blend ability.

Did you buy the Vice 2 ? What colours do you love ? 

Miss Glossybox - Sept/October 2013

Miss Glossybox/Glossybox UK 

Now I don't subscribe to glossybox anymore as the difference in quality between one person and the next was in my regard unfair. To have a palette in one box then give another a box full of sample well... That didn't sit well with me.

However I enjoyed my miss glossybox as it was only £10 incl postage every 2 months. Plus all the contents were the same for each subscriber. Now you may think why subscribe to a box aimed at a teen market. Well honestly I like the offerings of new makeup brands for a affordable price and what they offer.

So the September/October box 

Contents were -

BeautyUK - pout pencil 

NYC - nail polish 

Katy Perry's - killer queen perfume

Compact mirror with free album

Jessie's girl - kohl pencil

NYC - nail art 

Skinetica - blemish treatment 

Now I'm aware of skinetica as a brand and think it is good but maybe just as a point treatment and the sample is good for trial to see of it works.

I love the new Katy perry fragrance - Killer queen as it's just my sort of fruity lovely scent and reminds me a lot of my lady gaga and guerlain le petit noir robe.

Both have similar base notes, just I noticed this scent like lady gaga doesn't last a long time, but then I can smell hints  where its settled down. So I'm glad I received this perfume as I may invest in a bottle.

The BeautyUK was as always a quality affordable makeup product and brand I've come to love. The colour was certainly to my taste being a light pinky lavender, however some may not like the tinged this pout has. But compared to all the others swamping the market I think BeautyUK gives a good product with pigment and lasting colour. 

Now the only issues I have are minor and just because I've had beauty boxes a long time. I don't like nail polish at all especially red. I always get red and I was glad of the silver art polish to accompany this as it seemed like a way to get a little festive now. So not hugely impressed but they made the effort not to just fling a polish willy nilly again. 

Then the compact which was a great idea as had a album entailed of a new artist I'm assuming but being a rocker of a woman and well set in my ways. I gave this item to someone whom would appreciate it more.

The Jessie's girl pencil I'm going to do a review on as I'm not sure if this is the said and acclaimed Jessie's girl everyone's raving about in the blog world. (I'm kinda thinking this isn't but just a brand that's got the same name, different logo etc )

So I will get back to you with this item and what I find on it. 

All in all I really like the miss glossybox and it's always sold out for good reason. If you have a teen this is the perfect little set up to give them an opportunity to experience products that don't break the bank. For me its a glossybox with fairness which is what I think they should do with all the boxes. It's gotten no complaint on the site like I've seen the monthly box get and its a major reason in my eyes why this box sells out, yet they still have mountains of unsold monthly boxes to do special offers with. 

So yes I liked the contents and can't wait for the Christmas edition. 

Eldora lashes Review

Eldora False Lashes Website

Eldora lashes are a company whom are a master of there trade, after being accepted to review 3 sets of there lashes I just was ecstatic. I will be doing a individual review of each set to show you how they look applied and also what I would use them for. I myself have only being using lashes a short time.

They say at Eldora lashes ,

Eldora is about beautiful, quality and value-priced lashes. With its vast range from natural to extreme, there is a pair of eyelashes for everyone for any occasion!

H125  

                       

Believe me that's true, you may go on lash haul like I'm going to do after seeing them. 

They have a vast selection so if you haven't put lashes on, then a YouTube makeup artist can set you on your way. This is how I learnt my tips and tricks.

As it is tricky however, its like anything practice makes perfect. So the lashes I was kindly sent to review were

                            H125   

     (L-R With lashes and Without) 

These lashes have a pretty thin spine (the curve part that will applies to your lid) and natural looking hair layout. They add a extra omp to my natural lashes. I found them to be comfortable and easy to apply. The glue is the kind that goes from white to blue, which helps to show you its ready to apply. I found these were easier to apply with tweezers (if your just starting get plastic eyelash holders) I am thinking of investing in a lash applicator for ease, when I purchase more lashes. Also i think it will stop the glue running into the hair if you squeese to much glue. I liked these lashes so much, as I found they looked really amazing with a natural look. As they blend to your natural lashes with no trouble at all, plus being the same length you can trim them without making the design change. 

                                                                                                                                  

 I didn't need mascara, as I personally find mascara just clumps my lashes together. I would use a clear mascara if my lashes are needing to be separated. However I've never needed to and my natural hair is very dark, so these are a two thumbs up.

 Im loving these H125 lashes and they are on my list to repurchase again for a natural look.                                   

                        ------------

                

                       B178

So these lashes as you can see have a thicker amount of hair by the spine and look softer plus almost over-lapping. They are very easy to apply and I think its because the spine is slightly larger and the spines less fiddly to handle. With any big lashes you may feel a little odd like you can see the lash in your line of sight. You can just slightly curl the tip of them too elevate this feeling which isnt unpleasant it's just distracting at times,  just takes a little bit of adjustment as its a new experience for you. 

Now with a bold eye look can be tempting but I find just a blend of a colour to the lid with then a bold lip really does set these lashes off. I used mine with a cream eyeshadow then packed on a darker colour to the V of my eye, blended together slightly. A thin layer of eyeliner and then lashes applied and curled if need be. Adding a bright lip colour will make these lashes pop, as the eye colour is not overly bold. Which keeps the balance and ensures it wont take away from the detail of the lashes. 

I prefer this balanced look , as you want them to look as natural as possible. So from head on I don't think they are that noticeable but from above you can see. 

I would defiantly recommend the B178 for a night out or special occasion. Plus when they come to the last few uses you could trim them to decorate and have for an artistic-bold look. 

                     ------------------                      

                           D135                                                                              

So these beautiful lashes I have yet to do a look book on as I have a Halloween look I'm saving these for. However they are calling me to use them, so I think I may have to do a look this week. 

So have you tried Eldora lashes ? Any sets your favourites and recommendations for my next purchase ? 

The Balm Cosmetics

TheBalm cosmetics is finally over here, horrrraaaayyyyy !!! It's just amazing when a brand you see so much of being released and able to try. I have so many products I would love to try on my list that whilst the Lookfantastic sale was on, I decided to try one, then I bought one off a friend and was sent two as a surprise gift. So I have 4 products to review and show you they are well known in the USA, which makes researching so much easier.I'm in love and the hype is justified. 

Ethos by, 

Marissa Shipman, Founder & CEO

theBalm cosmetics boasts a complete line of makeup, skin care, hair care and nail polish. With a "beauty in five minutes" philosophy, theBalm's multi-use, mega fabulous products have become its calling card, offering quick fixes and wondrous solutions for a wide range of beauty wants and needs. The company's wearable colors and fantastic formulas allow women to release their inner artist so they can look and feel fabulous. In 2004, Marissa Shipman, founder of theBalm, realized there were a few simple products she needed to help her look and feel glam all the time-and if she needed them, other women did too... Marissa decided to indulge her cosmetic curiosities and went to Amazon where she bought 11 books on how to make makeup and started mixing in her kitchen. "I went makeup crazy. I incorporated the company, worked out a budget, hired a chemist and designed a website." She began integrating anti-aging ingredients, triple-milled pigments, fabulous scents...and theBalm was born. Fast forward ten years, you can now find theBalm's Paraben and Cruelty-Free products worldwide.

So the products I have to show are of course the two main powder compacts, Mia Moore lipstick and Hot mama Blusher. I love the names and play on words packaging, its my main love of our Soap and Glory range. So firstly let's jump into packaging of the compacts and blush then review them separately. 

Now I love how the Mary-Lou and Betty-Lou were made to look like pin up beauty babes, who obviously push the boundaries as being in jail means some naughty product is concealed. I like to think they are sisters and cleverly made the hair colour to show the contrast in highlight and bronzer. 

Mary-Lou is blonde and the Highlight powder which is an amazing golden blonde colour. Its highly pigmented so you only need a dab, as you have a potential to overdo it then pores become noticeable. However it can be used on the Cupid's bow, eyeshadow but its a bit to shimmery for all highlight areas of the face.

 The Betty-Lou Manizer is this most amazing bronzer that blends to a golden tan, again hugely pigmented. A dot is all you will need as the rich, buttery powder blends down to cover the cheek.

 I tried to use both together but honestly the shimmer would make you look like a 1980's glitterball. So one or the other paired with a matte product is brilliant, also the powder can be used multifunctionally. I would use Mary-Lou or Betty-Lou as eyeshadows, Betty-Lou can be used as a body shimmer for a night out also and to enhance a tan etc. Plus the compact is so pigmented I won't hit pan for a very long time.

So then we come to Hot mama blush and wow it's a stunning blush with a almost matte consistency but then blends to this lovely natural pink blush with a hint of shimmer. I like this colour as dusky rosé type blushes are nice for everyday use but can be built on for that extra pop of colour. So I will be making more purchases of the blush collection. 

So now the yummy lipstick called "Mia Moore" and my understanding is that its a play on James Bond. Just by the packaging, would you agree ? The balm girls play on words instead of being "bond girls", very cleverly done. 

So Mia Moore I expected to be a dry matte formula, as its what I've experienced with most red lipsticks. The Mia Moore is really creamy and pigmented. It's lasts the day, also as the shine goes then a light touch up with a balm is sufficent. I won't lie this lipstick is so pigmented it will leave a nice stain to the lips. So I'm really impressed with thebalm so far and debating the nude-attitude palette or The bon jovi as its just a must have for a rocker like me.

What do I think about thebalm ? Well the lipstick I think is stunning and much more manageable then a matte consistency, plus with winter setting in fast upon us and my chapped lips. If you want a red for celebrating the coming festivities then try this lovely offering. I can't say how impressed I am with all the powder compacts as they have blown me away. I do still think all three used together is shimmer overkill, personally I would pair with matte products. So they blend together better and more naturally. I'm really impressed and can't wait to add to my collection with thebalms palettes next then add to my blush collection. 

Quality products all round from thebalm.

The Balm cosmetics

Sibu Beauty- Nourishing Facial Cream

Sibu Beauty

Sibu Beauty maybe new to a lot of UK consumers. Made with Sea buckthorn a natural ingredient with many properties, I was kindly sent the facial cream to try. 

So it's main properties are 

Our sea buckthorn facial cream, with omega 7 fatty acids, creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect. This light, non-greasy cream is ideal for daily use and offers a pleasing, light citrus scent. It is paraben-free and cruelty-free, and contains NO dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives.

• Rejuvenates sun damaged skin
• Protects against environmental stress
• Preserves healthy skin tone and texture
• For all skin types
• 1 fl. oz.
• 100% natural

This nutrient-infused facial cream is ideal for daily use, with a light citrus scent and non-greasy feel. 

This cream is packaged with a simple white box embossed with the logo. Its in a frosted glass bottle but also has a lock within the pump. So no leaks when travelling. So I have Normal to Dry skin and when winter hits is when I notice this. When I read about the properties of the sea buckthorn berry I was intrigued.

So apologies for the light the weather in the UK is grim and trying to photograph glass or an box is quite a task, especially with a flash.

 Aimed towards helping all skin types by offering a day cream to help maintain healthy skin and keep fine lines at bay.  So with winter coming and I like to have a cream with me at all times so i can moisturise regularly. Hoping to gain the upper hand and moisturise my skin sufficiently, as It helps to keep a good routine.

 Then hopefully not need to much coverage. So as with every year passing, i am noticing changes to my face. This is why I encourage having a skincare routine too women of all ages. Even if your in your early 20's, as trust me it takes more time  to fill in the lines and dry skin later in life. I wish I had started earlier on to keep my skin healthier. 

Now whilst i haven't seen much difference to my face in terms of lines, I do like that its a really good as an aid to hydration. This doesn't sit on the skin and cause it not the breathe. It's a light, durable and most of all absorbs quickly. I only required 2 pumps to cover my whole face, which was very good as the warmth disperses it evenly. I wish other creams would do this and be value for money. The colour of the cream is a light peach/ orangy to the eye with a light citrus almost peach/tangerine scent. I love this scent its so subtle and not overwhelming. Very natural and pleasant to which I always had it in my bag for days I could feel my cheeks and eyes suffering, it also moisturises the hands very well when applying. 

I have noticed that the damage in my hands is getting better, as I have loads of "broken" veins from being stabbed by dr's needles for blood tests. Half a pump rubbed in just makes them more soft and also the skin less thin looking. So I'm happy the Omega 7 rich cream could help with healing naturally, its not a quick fix but its a lovely skincare item.

Also its fair-trade where the workers whom grow and pick this wonderful sea buckthorn earn during the harvest period. They maintain it as a sustainable resource which grows high in the mountains of Tibet. This fair trade relationship ensures the villagers safe working comditions and also offer fair wages. This money to which the whole family can work towards saving, ensures that the winter passes and has kept the next generation safe and healthy for the next harvest. It has been so successful that each harvest brings a bigger wage and more resources to the people in the Himalayan mountains.

Nourishing Facial Cream Link