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Just a quick post today on my favourite Nail Polish! Summer seems to be already coming to an end (not really sure if it ever started?!) and seen as I can't express that sunny feeling through my clothes I have been constantly swapping and changing my nail colour with various bright and sunny colours. Because I change my nail colour so much, I tend not to look for expensive polishes as I think you can get some really great budget ones that are of the same quality, which brings me to my favourite - Barry M Nail Paint.
For £2.99 each you can't go wrong with the price and I even prefer them to some of my Nails Inc polishes when it comes to lasting power. For how cheap they are, the colours really are highly pigmented and you can buy a few at once and create a bit of nail art if you fancy, which is what I did HERE.
What are your favourite polish brands?
Sarah x
The Body Shop has to be, in my opinion, a little overlooked when it comes to buying make-up and tools, they just don't seem to get much praise! So I thought I'd let you know how much I love them, in particular their range of make-up brushes.
Blusher Brush(£12),Concealer Brush(£9),Slanted brush(£9)
The Slanted Brush was the first brush I purchased from The Body Shop during a tutorial a few years ago, and it's actually great used as an eyeliner brush or shadow brush. The assistant also used it to create eyeliner with a wet eye shadow which worked really well! It's really sturdy and doesn't budge so you can get a straight line easily.
My second purchase was the Blusher Brush which I absolutely love! As soon as you feel how soft it is you know its amazing quality and after having it for a few years now I can honestly say I haven't lost any hairs from it and has kept it's softness and shape all the while. Also, it stops you from using too much blusher so you only need a little product and it makes your application buildable.
Aaaaand finally the Concealer Brush which is what I use it for but it's also meant to be a lipstick brush, which would be fine as well because of how sturdy and short the brush is. This one just does what it's meant to, nothing special apart from never losing its' shape!
Yes, the price is a little expensive when buying individual brushes, but the quality is great, and knowing the slanted brush and Blusher brush has lasted me over 2 years, you know you're getting the quality you pay for! I think they definitely rival the high end professional make-up brushes out there.
Sarah x
I have no idea how I haven't reviewed this earlier, as I've had it a while now, but better late than never! This product is probably one of my favourites as far as make-up goes, it just never disappoints. I received this sample of Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance from Harvey Nichols after I purchased my Clarisonic, and how glad I am that I got a chance to try it!
The reason I love this primer is the gorgeous dewy, fresh look it gives my skin, and the perfect base to apply my foundation. It basically does exactly what it says, makes your skin look radiant, without leaving an oily layer, and the product just sinks in immediately, you don't have to wait around before applying foundation afterwards.
The full size price is £28, which seems expensive, but I had a 15ml sample (how generous is that?!) and it lasted me at least 2 months. A little goes such a long way because of how light the product is so it really is worth it, it truly is my favourite primer!
Sarah x
So, as you all probably know, the battle to help my acne scars has been an ongoing thing for what seems like forever now, and in another bid to help reduce them or even better get rid of them is this Aloe Vera Gel. This one was £5.99 from Holland and Barret and that's for a 200ml bottle which will last you forever!
The reason I decided to give this a try was from researching everywhere for more natural products that help skin recover, because the amount of expensive products and frankly CRAP I've been putting on my skin just seems to have confused it even more and brings me out in more spots! Aloe Vera is known for its cleansing, soothing and recovering properties for skin, and is used in most after-sun creams, so I knew it wouldn't react badly with my skin.
The gel itself absorbs really quickly and a little goes a long way as the gel seems to melt across my face. The only thing that is pretty strange is that once it dries on your face, it leaves a very dry layer across your skin, which I didn't like at first as I thought it would dry my skin out and make it flaky. But putting it on before bed and leaving it overnight, you wake up with super soft skin with no residue left, I really like it! Also, I love putting it on after using my clarisonic, as it takes the redness out of my skin after a deep cleanse.
I really have noticed an improvment in my skin so much more than the expensive products like the La Roche Posay moisturiser I'd been using, so it just goes to show you don't have to spend much to get good results. I've even just started to use this as a night time moisturiser instead of any other creams as it gives me soft skin without being oily. And as for the scars, it's taken at least a month but this has given my scars chance to fade without getting new spots over the top, which is amazing!
It's definately worth a try if you have irritated skin or acne like me!
Sarah x
So last summer was a serious overhaul for my hair, I think I was going through some sort of 'early in life' hair crisis, chopped it all off to my chin and had it dyed brown…big mistake! I remember crying as soon as I saw my hair brown for the first time, and it’s taken a LOT of getting used to. At the time I thought it was all a good idea to get my condition back after repeatedly having my hair toned white and pastel purple, and my hair was beginning to look dry, damaged and a little worse for wear.
So, now here I am trying everything possible to help it grow longer, faster and easier because waiting is no fun for my impatient self! The two products I’ve been using recently are Lee Stafford hair growth Treatment and Aussie Luscious Long Leave-in Conditioner.
Both smell absolutley amazing, but for people who don’t like heavily perfumed products I’d not recommend the Lee Stafford; some of you probably know his products have a very distinctive smell, but I love it!
The hair mask surprised me because I thought as soon as I rinsed it, like with most masks, it would feel super soft, but that wasn’t the case. However, once my hair was dry I did notice it felt healthier, in particular, my scalp!
With the leave in conditioner, I've started using it religiously because I love it so much. The fact you leave the product in is a bonus as the smell stays in your hair much longer, and I find it stops frizz and just makes it feel so smooth and shiny! I do use a conditioner in the shower also to rinse, as my hair is so dry I still feel like I need it when I shower.
The retail price for the Aussie Conditioner is £4.99 at Boots , and the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment is £7.99, also at Boots.
Have they helped my quest for long hair? Well, I can’t really say they’ve revolutionised my life but the main way to get long hair is to have great condition and a healthy scalp, which these certainly do for me. Soooo, it’s worth a try to keep on going!
Sarah x
Wanna hear what we got up to at Bloggers Boutique? Check out Sarah's post here
The goody bags from Blogger's Boutique were insaaane. Sarah and I haven't attended an event before so have no idea if this was a normal sized goody bag but, wow. When we got given them we were nearly anchored to the ground!
Check out the garden shots, so very summery
Look at all that stuff! Sarah's varied ever so slightly from mine, but generally they're the same. Lauren's Way, HD Brows, Eye Candy, Witch, E.L.F, Crown Brushes, Filthy Gorgeous nail polish, My Face Cosmetics, Sue Moxeley...and more!! And hello, new face primer, could this be what I've been looking for?!
Also I won a prize in the raffle, cue me awkwardly walking up to collect it.
I've never actually bought any Benefit make up and now I have lots! Really excited to give it all a try and will let you know how I get on :) Also that eyebrow book is perfect timing as I have recently started taking a real interest in my brows and it's interesting to see how different brows shapes can affect your face, but that's for another post!
Thanks again girls!
Annie x
So last Saturday was a very busy day for Annie and I as we were lucky enough to attend the Bloggers Boutique event at The Drift Bar in London. Lucky is a complete understatement as we were travelling on the day, and nearly didn't make it after being stuck in a 2 hour traffic jam on the motorway!! But thankfully we made it, even if it was a little late, and really enjoyed the day!
The event, organised by 3 lovely girls Shore, Shope and Amy, brought together talks and tutorials from various brands; the ones we were able to see being Filthy Gorgeous, Motel Rocks and a talk from Sue Moxley, creator of FAMOUS cosmetics, but we were also able to walk around and check out the products and try some out ourselves. We were also lucky enough to get our nails done by the Filthy Gorgeous team, which by the way have an amazing set of polishes and we LOVED our nails, the colours are beautiful! I also tried out the Lauren's Way Glam Tan on my arms and was really impressed by it, the colour was great and I'd definitely give it a go again.
Shope, Amy and Shore
Filthy Gorgeous Polish
Lauren's Way Products
Drift Bar
It was such a good day and a chance to meet and chat with other bloggers, we were also given a huge goody bag at the end which was full of amazing things (read about them here) so a big thanks to the girls for organising the event, and we both can't wait for the next one!
Also thanks to the girls for letting us use some photos taken on the day :)
Sarah x
Hellooooo, hope everyone's enjoying the Bank Holiday! Today's Skincare Review is a product I've been using religiously for a while now. I first heard about it when watching videos from Lisa Eldridge about how to cover up acne using make-up which you can find HERE.
I bought La Roche Posay Cicaplast from Boots for £13 which is pretty reasonable for the quality and how long it lasts for. Cicaplast is a 'Pro recovery skincare' and is mainly used for dry skin and for use after cosmetic peels as it helps the skin to recover quicker. I started using this as a make up primer as recommended by Lisa and I can see why! It literally makes your skin feel like silk before you apply your make-up. You only need a pea sized amount for your whole face which means this product will last you ages; I've had mine for about 5 months and still have plenty left, so I think it really is worth the money!
In some reviews I read before buying it, lots of comments said they used it to help with scars from acne, which I have to say hasn't done an awful lot to mine, but the texture of the skin around my acne is normally flaky and sore, and this has sorted that out, so I am happy with the results. Also, as a base for my make-up I couldn't recommend this enough. Foundation is now so much easier to apply, doesn't get streaky because it soaks in quicker and seems to stay on my face all day. So for people looking for a primer along with the bonus of treating your skins condition at the same time, this is definitely something you should check out!
Has anyone else tried this as a Primer before? What do you think to it?
Sarah x
First of all, let us apologise for completely disappearing this past week, we've just been busy with uni this week. Should get back to normal posts soon!
We've been nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award by Pretty Little Obsessions, thank you!!
The Rules:
1. Nominate 5 Bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.
2. Let them know you have nominated them.
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
4. Thank the bloggers that have nominated you.
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your blog post.
Seven random facts about us...
1. We've both been blonde at one point or another
2. We're both going to live in Spain next year
3. Sarah is proud owner of a Pashley Princess bike, called Polly
4. Annie has a dog called Barclay (not named after the bank)
5. You can never have too many shots! Words we like to live by
6. We both love a bit of traffic cops, Silent Witness... or any crime show going
7. We're both struggling coming up with seven random facts!
So there we have it! And we're going to nominate the following;
S.W.P Never Overdressed
Life, Love & Pretty Little Parcels
You Look Dashing
Call Of Beauty
A Pretty Wardrobe
Helloooo. First things first Happy Easter! I hope that everyone is having a lovley day and not eaten too much already (can't really say I've held back on the food marathon!)
Today is my week 2 review of my Clarisonic, and I have to say I haven't got too much to report back on, but that's not a bad thing! My skins condition is better than it has been in months, if I think back to the end of last summer when all my skin problems began. I've really started to notice a change in the texture of my skin this week. Normally my skin is desperate for extra moisture but recently when I wake up in a morning it feels silky smooth without needing anything extra on it, which is always a bonus for me as I want to spend as little time as possible and have extra time in bed!
Also, the scars on my cheeks they have definatley improved and it seems as though the scars are in their first stages of disappearing, thank the Loooord!! This has been my main problem, as no matter what I've used in the past, the type of acne I have been getting across my cheeks has left really dark looking patches as if the spots are still there, so hopefully I'm on the way to better looking skin!
Apart from that not a lot has happened, but seen as I expected a big purge with the problematic skin that I have, it still hasn't happened, which I'm beyond thankful about, because that is the last thing I'd want now the scars are clearing. Just to let you know I don't have pics up of my skin this week as the laptop is playing up so can't upload any, sorry about that!
Does anyone else know of a product that gets heals scars quicker or helps acne scars inparticular? Enjoy the rest of your easter!
Sarah x
Helloooo, hope you're all enjoying the Easter weekend, to me it just means food,food and more food! This weekend I have literally been obsessing over nail art! To some of you, this is probably not too new and exciting, but I've never been that bothered about it until now. Especially when to me some of the ideas seem really hard to do, so I've been too scared to try.
But last night I was doing a bit of blog browsing when I came across a blog created by Lauren Conrad (I'm sure most of you will know of her, but she starred in The Hills and Laguna Beach a few years ago) along with her makeup artist and hair stylists Kirstie Ess and Amy Nadine. She has created 'The Beauty Department' which has beauty features and tutorials, in particular 'Mani Mondays', which is where I've found my inspiration! There are son many good ideas, so check them out and see whether you fancy it!
My polka dot nails above were done using Barry M polish in various colours (currently 3 for 2 on beauty in Boots), using a dressmaking pin dipped in to create the dots, so easy! Hope you like them. Have any of you got any tips and ideas for sprucing up your nails? Let me know!
Sarah x
As some of you might already know ( I'm sure you're seeing the trend of products I use!) I am always looking for a miracle it seems for my acne like patches and problematic, annoying skin I have the pleasure of owning. So, this weeks skincare review is a spot treatment cream I have been using for around 8 weeks now: La Roche Posay Effaclar AI .
I bought this from Boots for £9.19 which for such a small amount of product is definitely an expensive option! But seen as I've liked some of their products before I did have high hopes for this spot treatment, and I had seen so many good reviews online!
However, I have to say my own verdict is a little mixed to be honest. As far as the application goes, you hardly need any for each area and it seems to soak in really quickly. Also, the one thing I prefer about this in comparison to other 'on the spot' treatments is the fact I never got that dry feeling that you get a lot! Normally around the spots I get flaky, dry areas but this didn't do that at all, and sits under my makeup perfectly, I don't need to worry about patchy foundation.
But the end result that I actually wanted, for my spots to disappear, hasn't really happened. I would say that if you apply it straight away when you can feel a spot coming, it does stop it being as red and angry looking, but as for the spots themselves, they still seem to come and go at the usual rate and haven't noticed a lot of improvement. I am still holding out for it to kick in and suddenly start working, but at this rate it seems doubtful. And because of the price, I can't recommend this product when I know for a fact other budget type treatments have worked much better in the past, for a fraction of the cost!
So, still on my quest for a spot fighting miracle treatment for my skin. Could anyone recommend something they've tried? Or did this product work for you? Let me know :)
Sarah x
Hellooooo :) I hope you're all enjoying the sunshine as much as I am currently sat outside in the garden!
Today's post is going to be my week 1 review of the Clarisonic Mia that I bought. After what seems a lifetime of wanting my very own Clarisonic, I parted with the £120 from Harvey Nichols and made the purchase, yipeee!
Ive posted some photos below of how my skin looks from the beginning and have decided to do this every Friday to give you an update each week with the condition of my skin and so you can see improvements, if any, yourselves. After seeing other peoples' reviews before I bought my own, I really wanted to actually see the proof, so I hope you appreciate the pics, seen as they aren't the most flattering if I say so myself!
First things first though. I've been using the brush for just over a week now, and my initial verdict is so far so good. The brush itself is really sturdy and heavier than I thought, but I like that it feels as if it will last! Also, I did expect it to feel far more abrasive against my skin than it actually did, as you don't really feel like its brushing your skin, more vibrating against it.(maybe I was literally thinking it would be like an electric toothbrush for your face.)
I use it with my normal cleanser Avene Thermale Extremely Gentle Cleanser, and it literally makes my skin feel squeaky clean, soft and really smooth. I chose not to use the free cleanser sample that came with this as I'd rather my skin get used to using it with my normal cleanser, and then I know whatever reaction I might get will be from the Clarisonic and not from the cleanser. So far I haven't had the dreaded purge, but if you have seen our intro video, I have really problematic, acne prone skin anyway, so I'm not sure I would notice whether I'm getting any more spots than usual. But so far, my complexion just seems brighter and skin much smoother. My products now also feel amazing to put on after, they seem to soak into my skin much easier and I don't feel a film of product across the surface, which I would sometimes get. Also, I had alot of dry skin around my nose and this has already started to disappear and seems much smoother!
I'm hoping that after another week, I'll start to notice an improvement with my acne type skin across my cheeks, so fingers crossed! Have any of you got a clarisonic? What do you think to it?
Let me know what you think!
Sarah x
Might contain something beginning with Clari...
Hello there, hope you're all enjoying Mothers Day! This week I decided to review a cleanser I've been using for about 6 weeks now, so I think it's a good enough time to give you my verdict.
Avéne is a French dermatological brand that specialises in skincare for different types of sensitive skin, whether it be intolerant or allergic. They say each product contains Avéne thermal spring water, which is endorsed by dermatologists all over the world.
I was excited to try their Extremely gentle cleanser, as I had heard good things, and lately my skin has been worse than ever, really sensitive from the harsh winter weather, and generally irritated and spotty, so I wanted to see whether this lived up to my expectations; which it certainly did! The retail price in Boots is £8, which I think for a well established brand is really good (plus it looks more expensive!). My initial thought after the first use was a little disappointing, being that there was no nice smell or sensation when massaging it into your skin, and no foaming formula to feel like it was doing anything straight away, so for those who love that really squeaky clean feeling, and a nice scent whilst cleansing, this is probably not the right product for you.
However, the fact that none if this happens is why the product is so good. My skin has had no reaction to this cleanser, and feels smooth and gently cleansed, without any irritation or any dry patches on my face. I suppose that's why they call it extremely gentle; it does exactly what it says. After 6 weeks of religious use my skin has calmed down so much, and it no longer feels like I need a heavy moisturizer to compensate for the stripping effect some cleansers can have. Also, as you can see from the photo above, after 6 weeks I've not used much, which shows a little goes a really long way.
All in all, a brilliant cleanser for anyone who wants to keep things simple, and know they aren't damaging their skin before the day even starts!
I'd also like to add I have heard that this cleanser is really good for use with a Clarisonic, and after a lot of time on the wish list, I will be getting one soon, so hopefully I will do another review along with the Clarisonic to let you know how it goes. Watch this space!
What cleansers do you recommend for sensitive skin? Let me know what you think.
Sarah x
Hello! This is our first blog post and we decided to start with a weekly feature for our blog, Skin Care Review.
For those who don't already know, La Roche Posay is a french dermatological range specialising in sensitive skin. The Effaclar range of skincare products specialises in spot-prone skin, particularly for clogged pores and oily skin.
La Roche Posay say that Effaclar M will restore skins natural balance, whilst moisturising the skin and over time reducing the size and appearance of pores, creating a mattifying effect on the skin.
The retail price in Boots is £13.50, which I think is quite expensive, but I did buy it while the range was on offer for 2 for £15 so not as bad! However, once you've used this, the price is pretty much justified. After three weeks of use, my skin is much less oily, also the large pores around my nose do seem to be reduced, which I've never experienced from using other products which claim to target these problems.
Also, as I have sensitive skin, this has been really gentle and I haven't had a reaction from using it. I do think though that unless you have oily skin, this wouldn't work well under your make up as it can make some foundation seem cakey, and I think you'd need a proper primer over the top. It is also recommended to use for day and night, but I still prefer to use a heavier night serum or cream as even though my skin is oily, the parts on my forehead and cheeks get really dry, and need something extra.
All in all, if you have oily, problem skin that still needs a daily moisturising I would definitely recommend this product. A little does go a long way as you only need one pump and it's enough for one use.
Let me know if you've tried it and any thoughts you have on this product!
Sarah :)
Moustirising Lip Balm
Glow Shine Highlighter