Liz Earle Festival Kit

To Celebrate the start of the festival season, Liz Earle are Launching a gorgeous Festival Kit which is packed with a lovely selection of fuss-free products.

 

 The Kit contains a 30ml Instant Boost Skin Tonic (the spritzer type), a 50ml tube of normal/combination Skin Repair, a 50ml Eye Bright, a 30ml Orange Flower Hand Wash, a 30ml sun cream and Botanical Aftersun Gel and a 5g Superbalm. It costs £25.55 (£12.00 less than the products would cost if you bought them separately!) and comes in a lovely blue, zip up bag.

I already use (and love) a couple of products from the kit but I'm still really tempted to buy it for the other goodies it contains. I've been wanting to try the Superbalm and Eye Bright and the hand wash and aftersun gel both sound like great products too!

Quick review: Avene Cleanance Gel

I picked up a bottle of Avene's Cleanance gel last week after reading a review written by the lovely Miss A over at Beauty and Make-up Boudoir. I actually picked it up for my boyfriend who's a huge fan of Avene products (he absolutely loves Cleanance K), but started using some myself after he told me how impressed he was with it. I've used quite a few different products from Avene in the past and have always been really pleased with them, this is actually the first cleanser I've tried from the brand though.

Cleanance gel is aimed at oily, blemish prone skin types and is designed to eliminate impurities and excess sebum without stripping skin. It's soap free, has a PH level of 7.2 to minimize the trigger of excess sebum production and contains Avène thermal spring water to soothe and soften skin.

So, what are my thoughts on it? Well, my skin really seems to like it. It feels nice and gentle, smells really fresh and does a pretty good job at cleaning too. I often find that washes which are aimed at oily skin types are too harsh and drying but Cleanance gel manages to clean well without leaving my skin feeling dry or tight. It removes any last traces of make up and my face feels soft and looks calm after using. 

Avene claim that Cleanance gel will help to reduce excess oil, and after using for the last few days I can say that I've definitely noticed an improvement. My skin's been less oily and shiny than it normally is and I've found myself blotting my problem areas less often throughout the day. My boyfriend who has combination skin, has noticed similar results too.

Recommended?

Definitely. If you have oily or combination skin, it might be worth giving Cleanance a go. I imagine it would also work well on normal and more sensitive skin types too because the non drying formula really is nice and gentle. At £8.25 for a 200ml bottle (Boots) it's quite reasonably priced and because such a small amount is needed with each use, the bottle should last quite a while too.

Do you have any favourites from Avene?

Becca Guava Beach Tint Swatches

Becca Guava Beach Tint

As promised a couple of days ago, some swatches of Becca Guava Beach Tint from the Halcyon Days collection. For those of you who haven't tried Becca's Beach Tints, they are described as an oil free 2 in 1 crème tint that can be used on cheeks and lips. The tints are non greasy, non drying and are both kiss proof and water resistant.

Guava Beach Tint

Becca Guava Beach Tint

Guava is described as a fresh coral pink which I'd say is a pretty accurate description.

Becca Guava Beach Tint

The juicy coral shade looks really pretty on cheeks and leaves a hint of really subtle, incredibly natural looking colour. The shade doesn't seem to work quite as well on my pigmented lips and I've had problems getting the colour to show up. I can't say this bothers me too much because I find Beach Tints to be a little bit drying on lips anyway. 

Blended (Photo taken in direct sunlight)

Lasting power on cheeks is fantastic. I find the gel type formula really holds up well on my oily skin and doesn't irritate it or cause any problems with break outs.
 

Photo taken indoors

If you're a already a fan of Beach Tints or you like cream/gel blushes then I'd definitely recommend trying the shade because it makes a beautiful blush. For those of you with less pigmented lips than my own, I imagine Guava would also make a pretty lip colour too.

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

I normally try to take pretty good care of my feet. I use a foot file often, exfoliate a few times a week and make sure I moisturise them everyday to keep them looking presentable. I'm not particularly fond of my feet (or feet in general) but keeping them in nice condition makes me feel a lot better about them. A few weeks ago I was sent a new foot product to try (Liz Earle Foot scrub) which I've been using in place of a similar product from Sanctuary so here are my thoughts on it.

Liz Earle Foot Scrub is described as a hard-working scrub which gently exfoliates hard, rough skin on heels and soles. It contains an array of naturally active ingredients including, natural pumice to remove dead skin cells, softening avocado and wheatgerm oils rich in vitamin E. It also contains peppermint and rosemary essential oils which give it an invigorating scent.

How to use

Massage daily onto damp skin, concentrating on dry areas such as heels, toes and balls of your feet. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Follow with Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser.

(For best results, use a large foot file beforehand to buff any stubborn areas).

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

Results 

I've been using the foot scrub 3-4 times a week on nights when I don't use a foot file and I'm really pleased with the results. The product is really thick in consistency and is jam packed with lovely, grainy scrubby particles which do a fantastic job at exfoliating. The scrub feels wonderful when it's applied and massaged in and the scent is lovely. Like the Brightening Treatment mask I've been using from the range, the product smells quite herbal. I can mainly smell the rosemary and peppermint essential oils which it contains, but I'd say it also smells quite strongly of eucalyptus. The aroma is quite intense but lovely and fresh, clean and pleasant.

The scrubby particles which I mentioned sit in a a soft cream type base which also feels really nice when it's rubbed in and stops the pumice from feeling too harsh on more sensitive/delicate areas. The oils in the base seem to stay on my feet even after I've washed the product off and leaves them feeling soft and smooth. The scent also lingers for a long while after I've used it too. 

A close up of the grainy bits

I've been using the scrub for the last few weeks now and I've definitely noticed an improvement in the condition of my feet. The scrub I was using beforehand was nice and was doing a good job at exfoliating but didn't leave my skin feeling as soft as the Liz Earle product does. It also doesn't smell as nice or feel as refreshing. With regular use of a good foot file (sanctuary's is nice), the Liz Earle foot scrub and a hydrating foot lotion or cream I'm managing to keep my feet in pretty good shape at the moment,  which is great considering sandal season is almost upon us!

Recommended?

If you're a foot scrub fan, Liz Earle's is definitely worth checking out. It exfoliates brilliantly, smells gorgeous and leaves feet feeling soft and smelling beautifully sweet!

(Liz Earle foot scrub is available from the Liz Earle site and costs £10.45 for a 100ml tube)

What products do you use to keep your feet in shape?

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment is a product I'd been wanting to try for a little while. I'd seen the product demonstrated on QVC a few times, read quite a few positive reviews and it sounded like something that would really help my fine but dry and colour treated hair. I finally took the plunge and purchased Restorative a couple of weeks ago when I noticed QVC had a pretty good deal on (two100ml tubs for under £35.00). 

What Ojon say about  Restorative Hair Treatment

Ojon® Restorative Hair Treatment is a hair rejuvenator that helps hydrate and improve the condition of dry, damaged hair - without weighing it down. After just one treatment hair is extraordinarily soft, silky and manageable. Restorative Hair Treatment contains our highest concentration of pure Ojon® oil. 

Clinical tests show :

• A 52% improvement in the condition of very dry, damaged hair after just one use.
• A 64% improvement when left on hair overnight.   

Ojon Restorative Hair treatment

How to use

Apply to dry hair for best results. Scoop ½ teaspoon into the palm of your hand; warm by rubbing between your hands until it becomes an oil. Distribute from scalp to hair ends until hair is fully saturated. Massage 1-2 minutes to stimulate hair follicles and scalp while allowing oil to penetrate. Comb hair thoroughly to ensure all strands are completely saturated; leave for 20 minutes or longer. The product can also be left on overnight if hair is really dry or dehydrated.

Restorative can also be applied to dry hair between treatments to smooth frizz and add shine and can also be used as a cuticle treatment.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment

My thoughts

Well the first thing that hit me when I opened the tub is the smell. A lot of people have complained about this in reviews but it's not something I paid much attention to when I was reading them because I was more interested in the results I'd get. I'm not entirely sure how to describe the scent because it's quite odd. It's nutty, earthy and really quite heavy and overpowering. Some people don't seem to mind it, others really dislike it, I personally hate it.

The product itself is almost like a thick wax which turns into a soft, oily paste after it's warmed up. I started out with the recommended half a teaspoon but found I had to add quite a lot more to completely cover my slightly longer than shoulder length hair. When I'd finished working the paste in, I stuck in a clip and let the product sit for a good hour before shampooing out. I did plan on leaving it in for slightly longer than an hour but I found the smell was just a bit too much.

Results

My hair definitely felt a lot softer than it did before using and looked shinier too. My ends which normally feel a little bit rough and dry felt smooth and there was a lot less frizz to deal with. Ojon claim that Restorative wont weigh down hair but I did find that mine looked a little bit flat and lank after using. I think this is probably something I could avoid in the future by applying less to my roots. I do feel that Restorative is maybe aimed at hair that's thicker than mine though and think someone with coarser hair would probably see more of an improvement than I did.  

After it's been warmed

Would I repurchase?

I don't think I'd buy again at the moment. It did hydrate nicely and left my hair soft and frizz free but I've had similar results with other conditioners and treatments that have cost a lot less. I really dislike the smell of the product and while it does disappear completely after it's washed out, it really bothers me when I have it on. I was planning on trying the treatment overnight before I got it but I'm not sure if I could put up with the scent for that long.

Overall it's not a bad product and it does do what it promises but I have to say, I was expecting a little bit more from it considering the price. I think I'll use it a few more times over the next couple of weeks and update on the results. I'll also pass on the other tub to my mum who has extremely thick and quite coarse hair and see how she gets on with it.

Has anyone else tried this? What are your thoughts on it?

NARS Happy Days Velvet Gloss Lip pencil

I've always had a bit of a thing for NARS velvet matte lip pencils but find the formula a tiny bit drying, so when the velvet gloss pencils were released recently I was excited to try them out. I seem to be favouring my lipsticks over glosses a lot lately so a gloss in crayon form seemed liked a good option for me and sounded like a product I'd reach for a lot.

What NARS say about the pencils, Gorgeously glossy, intensely hydrating. NARS takes everything beloved about its Velvet Matte Lip Pencil—the convenience of a pencil with the application of a lipstick in a jumbo-size crayon design—then swaps the matte formula for one that lends lips luminous.

There are six pretty shades available but out of the colours on offer, Happy Days is the one that appealed to me the most. It's described as a Fresh Pink Coral infused with Gold Shimmer and sounded like a perfect summery shade. 

NARS Happy Days

The formula is actually a lot softer than I expected it to be. The pencil glides over lips with ease and leaves a very subtle hint of delicate colour. I am left with a slightly sticky/tacky feel after applying but my lips still feel quite comfortable and a lot less sticky than they do with most of my glosses. NARS do describe the pencils as being Intensely hydrating, I can't say I find them particularly moisturising though.

NARS Velvet Gloss Pencil: Happy Days

I'd say the description of Happy Days is pretty accurate and when swatched on my arm, the shade does look like a lovely peachy/pink coral with tiny delicate gold sparkles.

Swatched lightly

Slightly heavier swatch

On my lips I find the colour looks quite a bit different because the pencils are sheer and my lips are quite pigmented. I do still get a nice hint of peachy color but I have to say, I am a little bit disappointed that the shade is so sheer. I've seen Happy days swatched on lips which are less pigmented than mine and the colour seems to look quite a bit different. If you're interested in the pencils I'd definitely recommend visiting a counter to swatch the shades on offer before buying.

Overall I'm pretty happy with my purchase. The shade looks a little bit different to what I thought it would on me but it's still nice. I like the formula of the pencils and how they feel and lasting power isn't bad either (longer lasting than most of my glosses). Happy Days is probably something I'll be reaching for a lot when I want something that's quick and easy to apply or to layer over the top of peachy and coral lipsticks.

Velvet gloss pencils are £17.50

Have you tried velvet gloss pencils? What are your thoughts on them?

NOTD Nails Inc Electric Teal

I didn't have time to try Electric Teal out on my nails yesterday so I thought I'd post a photo today. I've had a few application issues with freebie Nails Inc polishes in the past. Elizabeth street and In Style Coral which I picked up a couple of years ago (I don't remember which magazine they came with) were both really tricky to apply and looked streaky and uneven. Electric Teal seems to be fine though. The formula is nice and it applies well and dries fairly quickly.

Nails Inc Electric Teal three coats

With Flash

I'm not normally a fan of teal but this nail polish has changed my mind about the colour. I'm even contemplating getting a teal eye liner/pencil now actually! Do you ladies know of any nice ones?

Another Magazine Freebie post (Nails inc)

InStyle Magazine are currently giving away a free, full size, Nails inc polish with their June issue which costs £3.70. There are three exclusive shades to choose from; Candy Orange, Electric Teal and Fashion Fawn. The magazine are also offering 20% off of Nails inc services and online purchases.

I picked up a copy today with the shade I had my eye on (Electric teal) which is a really pretty colour. I think I might grab another copy too because Candy orange also looks great.

Electric Teal

I haven't had chance to swatch on nails yet but managed to do a quick tape swatch to show the colour.

Electric Teal

Are you planning on picking up a copy? Which shade are you going to go for?

Benefit Freebies with next months Glamour Magazine

Just a quick post about something I spotted in this months issue of Glamour magazine. Next month the magazine are giving away free Benefit products (high beam, benetint and posie tint)! I'm not sure what sizes the products are but they're worth between £8 and £10 so they must be quite generous sizes.

The magazine is on sale on the 9th of June

GlossyBox!

I've been reading lots of posts recently about the Birchbox on different blogs and have complained quite a few times about how we don't have anything similar here in the UK. Well, this morning I found out about GlossyBox which looks like it's the UK version. The idea is that you pay a monthly subscription fee of £10.00 and every month you receive a little pink box filled with five luxury sample sized/mini products to try. 

 When you sign up for the box you fill out a personal beauty file so the products that are sent to you each month suit your skin type and tastes. Each box also contains product info, application notes and tips and tricks on beauty and style. There also seems to be an option to leave feedback for the items/products you receive which you can earn Glossydots for. You earn a Glossydot for each product you leave feedback for and when you've saved up twenty dots, you get a free box!

Sounds pretty good to me. I love sample sizes and it seems like a great way of trying out new products. I think I'll be signing up for mine tonight! 


www.glossybox.co.uk

Anyone else going to be ordering?

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask

Over the past month or so I've been sent a few different products from the Liz Earle daily essentials range to try. Everything I've used from the brand has so far been lovely. I love Cleanse & Polish and my skin still seems to be getting on well with the the Instant Boost skin tonic and Skin repair moisturiser I received and wrote about last month. Recently, I was sent another product from the range: Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask which I've been testing out over the last couple of weeks.

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask is described as a fast-acting ‘minute’ mask which is designed to revitalise and stimulate dull skin. It contains aloe vera to help cool and sooth, toning witch hazel, purifying white clay and camphor oil to stimulate. The mask is suitable for all skin types, except for sensitive.

How to use 

Use whenever your skin needs a quick fix to leave it radiant and revitalised. Apply to clean, dry skin. Leave for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Soak the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and gently wipe away residue.

(You will experience a slight tingling sensation. This is normal. However, as a common sense precaution, do not use on sensitive skin and avoid the lip and eye area)

Results 

Liz Earle's brightening treatment mask is the first brightening mask I think I've ever used. I normally tend to stick with clay based face masks which deep clean because blocked pores are normally one of my main skin concerns. I've really been battling with my skin recently (break outs) and have only just managed to get it under control again. Most of the blemishes I had are healed, or healing but my skins generally looking a bit drab and worse for wear so I was looking forward to giving the product a go.  

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask

One pump of the mask is enough to cover my face in a fairly thick layer of product. The consistency is similar to clay masks but isn't as dense and has more of a creamy feel to it which makes it easy to spread. The scent is quite strong and herbal, but I personally like it and find it quite refreshing. The tingling sensation that you're told you'll feel is nothing major and actually feels quite nice and cooling, not uncomfortable in any way. After I've let it sit on my skin for a couple of minutes I rinse off with the cleansing cloth which came with it and what I'm left with is skin which feels and looks really clean and fresh. My skin also feels lovely and soft and seems to look more even toned and less red. 

The mask doesn't promise to help with blemishes but I feel as though it's definitely helping to dry any spots I have left from the recent break out and I also feel it's helping a little bit with scarring which is probably due to the lactic acid the mask contains.

Liz Earle Brightening Mask

Recommended?

Yes! The mask is probably something I wouldn't have chosen for myself but I'm really pleased with what it's done for my skin since I started using it. As with the other products I've tried from the Liz Earle range, Brightening Treatment Mask is easy to use, smells lovely and actually does what it promises to do. I love the fact that it works so quickly too and I don't have to sit around waiting for it to work it's magic. I've even managed to find time to apply it in the morning which is great because the refreshing scent and cooling sensation does an excellent job at waking me up!

(The brightening treatment mask is available from the Liz Earle website. The 50ml starter kit which contains a zip up bag and cleansing cloth costs £13.00)

What are your favourite brightening masks?