Lush Review: Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

I know last week I reviewed a Lush product and wasn't really all that impressed, but today I really can't contain my excitement for this product... Ro's Argan Body Conditioner truly has to be one of the best products I have ever tried! So now I've already ruined the end of this review for you haha I might as well tell you why I was so impressed . . .

I've heard about this product for a while now and have always read good things, that coupled with the fact that I thought it would go some way to helping with my dry skin meant that I was sure to quickly snap this up when I saw it in Lush the other week. As you can see I've already gotten through it pretty quickly!

One of the things that impresses me the most with this product are the ingredients. Other than argan oil, Lush have included cocoa butter, brazil nut oil, almond oil and shea butter, which promise to leave your skin feeling super soft. The other reason is the smell, which is just amazing! The only way I can think to describe it is like Turkish delight. There's definite notes of rose and it's apparently one of Lush's products in their new Rose Jam line.

What I also like about this product is how unique it is. It's meant as a body conditioner, so to use it you smooth it over your body on wet skin, rinse off and lightly dry. I love this concept of having a conditioner as a treatment for your body, just as you would for your hair, and it truly does work! After every use my skin feels so smooth, soft and hydrated. The lovely scent also lingers and it moisturises my skin for pretty much the whole day.

Overall this is just such a lovely product and a pleasure to use. The scent, the feel and the effect are all amazing, but one little downside is the price. At £15.50 it's quite a lot to pay and I got through my pot in record time! If I was to buy the product again (which I'm sure I will) then I think I would probably use it more as a treatment just once or twice a week rather than everyday.
If you wana take a peek at Ro's Argan Body conditioner then you can find it on Lush's website here.

Have you tried this product? If so, what did you think? :)

Simple Derma Intensive Relief Cream

I've always had dry skin and in the past 6 months or so I've suffered with bouts of ezcema. There aren't that many products that deal with this on the market that don't involve steroids, so I was really interested to see Simple bring out their Derma Intensive Relief Line. This includes a lotion, cream and hand cream. As I've now tried out the cream for a few weeks I can give my full thoughts and opinion on this product and hope it might help some other girls out with the same problem.

This line was created by Simple to specifically deal with very dry, sensitive skin and for those prone to eczema and dermatitis. The products are apparently formulated with natural Aquaxyl and Canola oil for non-greasy and fast acting deep hydration and protection that prevents further moisture loss. Simple claim that it will show results within 4 days and advise to use it liberally and as frequently as possible.

When I first tried the cream I wasn't actually that impressed. It's quite nice to use as it's rich but light on the skin and absorbs easily, but I will admit I'm pretty impatient and accepted something to happen straight away. After about 3 days of using it more and more though I began to see dry patches or skin where my eczema was particularly irritable and red calm down and clear up. I've been using it ever since and I really do feel there's been a significant improvement in my skin. I won't go as far to say that it's completely cleared it up but if you're trying to prevent eczema or calm it down then this is an excellent product.

What I've found was key in using this product is that you need to do exactly what Simple advise; use it liberally and frequently. If I felt too lazy to apply it then I actually realised how much of a difference it made and how much dryer my skin would feel. For the price of the whole line I really am just even more impressed as everything seems to be under £5, but with only three items to choose from so far I just hope Simple releases more products soon to add to their 'Derma Intensive Relief' range.

Have you tried any of Simple's products in this range or use any drugstore products to treat eczema and dry skin?

The Concealer Series: Benefit's Bo-ing Concealer

Today I'm reviewing Benefit's Boi-ing Concealer - one problem though...it's at home and I'm at university! So I have scoured Benefit's website for images and will replace them as soon as I can with my own. This is a product I've been using for years and have to say it's a bit of a love-hate relationship.

Benefit state this is an 'industrial-strength' concealer that camouflages dark circles and discoloration for a seamless natural finish, without creasing or fading. What I can say from having tested Boi-ing over quite a long period is that is has amazing coverage, with great pigmentation. However it's claim that it doesn't crease...I'm not so sure! I have very faint fine lines under my eyes and this concealer really likes to settle there which is not a flattering look. If you suffer with dry skin or are more mature this might be a concealer to avoid, and believe me when my skin is dry or I have slight patches of eczema this will be the last thing I reach for! However it normally works really well on the skin and lasts for quite a while which is something I love about it as I never have to worry during the day about it wearing off. It also blends well once warmed up in the pot, with a little bit of product going a very long way.

Like most of Benefit's products though, the real gripe I have is the price! £16.50 is a little bit too much to pay for a concealer in my opinion. However, if you're looking for a heavy duty concealer that will cover up dark circles and pigmentation a treat and can find a shade that matches you (of just three!) then I have to admit...it's a pretty great choice!

Have you tried boi-ing or any other Benefit concealers? 

Erase Paste is definitely next on my list! :) 

Good Things Five Minute Face Mask Review

I really have been in need of a good face mask recently, but always try and steer clear of clay masks that dry and tighten on as they often irritate my skin and cause my face to look like a lovely tomato-esque shade once removed. So browsing in Boots the other week I saw the Good Things range which I've always heard plenty of lovely things about. Their packaging was so fun and inviting, plus the price was just so tempting, and so what did I end up buying? Their Five Minute Facial Face Mask, with the main ingredient being green clay....woops.

I'm not sure why I did buy it, but two weeks on I'm so glad I did! I can't tell you how lovely it is to use and how much of a pleasure it is to find a clay mask that is actually gentle enough to use on my sensitive skin! Even though hydrating masks are great for me as my skin is pretty much always dry, I always feel like I need something extra to help clear and draw out impurities for a more deep cleanse that you get with clay masks.

 Good Things say that it is a "true multi-tasker, designed to make your skin clearer, brighter and smoother" with top ingredients of green clay, kaolin, avocado oil, goji berry extract and willow bark extract. If you actually look at the ingredients (above) you'll see that the majority are natural and apparently also free from parabens, SLS and mineral oils, which is a massive added bonus as I've really been looking for more natural products lately. When I first opened the tube (which is also extremely handy for travel and great to use without mess) I was met by the most AMAZING smell! I really do defy anyone not to like the lovely, fruity fragrance in this mask :p

To use, you smooth on a thin layer, wait five minutes and then rinse with warm water. I've now started to use this mask twice a week and love it every time. I think all the claims that Good Things point out on the packaging I have definitely seen to be true. Not only is my skin brighter after use, but it's soo much smoother and softer, and I actually feel it calms my skin down! For just £5.99 I will buy this mask again and again and can't really imagine investing in another clay mask any time soon.

Sping / Summer Beauty Wishlist!

 

1. Mac Mineralize Skin Finish  

 A product I have wanted for so long that would be perfect for providing 

a lovely soft, dewy finish in spring.

2. Mac Tender-tones 

 The hype around this product has also made me lust over them for quite a while! 

Part of their Cook Mac collection, these tinted glossy lip balms are perfect for a 

natural look in summer. Hush Hush, a sheer gold with yellow gold pearl 

is definitely the one I'm after!

3. Illamasqua Pure Pigments 

These look simply stunning as metallic high shine colours that can actually 

be used to highlight eyes, cheeks or brows, The colour range is perfect for this time of 

year and Beguile, a creamy snow-white shade is definitely one I have my eye on.

4. Clarins Instant Light Blush  

This seems like the perfect liquid blush to perk up the complexion 

and give a natural healthy glow. I can't actually decide which shade I want

...all three preferably!

5. Model's Own Nail Polish in Indian Ocean 

 Models Own have come out with a fantastic summer range, and apart from their neon 

polishes I think Indian Ocean is a summer colour I pretty much need in my life!

 If you haven't seen how stunning it looks on then I highly suggest taking a 

peek at Makeup Savvy's blog :)

6. MeMeMe Goddess Rocks 

 Again a product which has a little bit of hype surrounding it. I've now seen this 

product on lots of lovely blogs and the colour looks amazing; a perfect

 golden sheen for the coming months that I will definitely be purchasing!

7. No.7 Vital Enlightening Highlighter 

 I've also really been loving No.7's latest launches, especially their spring

 collection which includes this gorgeous enlightening highlighter.

What's on your beauty wishlist for spring/summer? :)

The Conclealer Series: Rimmel's Match Perfection Concealer

Rimmel's Match Perfection line is well known and includes everything from primer to bronzer to the concealer I'm reviewing today. From what I've tested out in the line so far I've always been impressed and the Match Perfection 'Skin Tone Adapting, 2-in-1 concealer and highlighter' (wow) is no exception.

 Rimmel say it banishes signs of fatigue and illuminates the eye area, with an oxygen complex letting the skin breathe. I'm not so sure about the second part but I definitely do agree with the first! When I first used this concealer I was impressed as to how it not only provided great coverage but also seemed to make me seem more awake and my skin brighter.

Price and Packaging

At £5.99 it's a great price for the quality you get and now being on my third tube I can tell you that even though it's a small product it seems to last me quite a while every time - I'd say about 3 months (and I use it every day). In regard to the design, it's nothing too fancy, I'm not really in favour of it or against it, it's just rather plain. What I really do love though is the tube and how it makes for such an easy application. The product comes out of the brush at the end by squeezing the tube, which you then simply glide onto the skin. So far I feel the only let down are the shades available...just three! I'm not sure if this is just in England but that makes selection very limited.

 Consistency and Wear

This is where this product excels. The consistency is just so creamy and lovely to put on. It blends like a dream, doesn't cling onto dry patches or fall into fine lines and it seems to cover up my dark circles a treat. The pigmentation is just right and after applying about two layers my dark circles seem to be gone without looking 'cakey' or showing visible signs of makeup. Its claim as a highlighter as well as a concealer is true to an extent as it does brighten darker areas but I would class it first and foremost as a concealer. In terms of wear it lasts a reasonable amount of time, about 4-5 hours. However this is when I don't set it with powder and for a cream concealer I think this is pretty good going.

All in all this is a lovely concealer which I'm currently using everyday and would say its perfect for dark circles and illuminating the complexion without drying skin.

Have you tried Rimmel's Match Perfection Concealer? 

What are your thoughts?

Rio Sonicleanse Review!

Recently I discovered Rio Beauty, an online beauty website that sells the most amazing products, with everything from nail art pens, to IPL hair removers, to the * Sonicleanse I'm reviewing today. I think I could probably spend an unhealthy few hours (for the ol' bank balance) on that website! The product that obviously caught my eye though was the Sonicleanse which yes, you can compare to the Clarisonic as they are obviously very similar beauty tools...but there is one big difference: the price!

At £49.99 I was a bit taken aback (in a good way)  that there was another product I had never heard about on the market that is a third of the price of the Clarisonic! My next thought was then, hmm, maybe it's just not that great a product for that price. But, when I actually began to read through the information on Rio's website my mind began to change.

The Wondrous Technology

The Sonicleanse actually uses micro-pulsating high frequency sonic cleaning for a deeper, more effective clean (hence the name). The head apparently pulses at around 10,000 times a minute to loosen dirt and oil to cleanse your pores! Rio state that using it daily removes the outer layer of dry, flaky skin cells, whilst also removing dirt and grime to leave your skin refreshed and revalitalised.

Packaging, how to use it and who it suits

The Sonicleanse comes in a lovely designed box with the Sonicleanse unit, 2 brushes, charging base, adapter and instruction leaflet. Everything is very clear and concise, with an easy guide of how to exactly use it showing easy step-by step pictures and information. I was a little worried initially that it might actually be a little rough for my sensitive skin, but apparently as the brush head is soft is it suitable for all skin types and the actual tool comes with two settings; high or low power. What I love most is how easy they've made it for you to use as once you start the Sonicleanse will beep every 20 seconds to tell you to move onto the next section.

My experience so far . . .

So it's probably quite clear from the way I'm writing about the Rio Sonicleanse that I'm already in love (albeit a little bit skeptical at the beginning!). Having used it for a week now I can report that my skin is feeling smoother, softer and more hydrated. Everytime I use it I just love it and my products that I use afterwards just sink in a treat now! What's more is that it doesn't irritate my very sensitive skin (which I'm amazed at!). Dry patches of skin have started to clear up and I swear my complexion actually looks more even toned and bumps/spots under the skin that I've had for years finally seem to be clearing! Whilst at first I started using it every other day I've since found that it's gentle enough for everyday use and the benefits I've seen so far are really more than I could have hoped for. With all my skin troubles with dryness, sensitivity, large pores and bumps/blemishes under the skin I think I can only class the improvement I've seen in a week as pretty darn amazing.

I honestly can't think of any downsides so far, but I am trying to find a good foaming cleanser for sensitive skin to go with it (any suggestions?).

So this is one week in and I'm a little scared for the 'purging' stage that I've often read from other blogs, but here's hoping that doesn't happen and the 2nd week proves to be just as good as the first! Either way I'll be updating you soon!

If you'd like more infomation on the Rio Sonicleanse then you can pop over

 to their website or facebook page. I'm already lusting over their other products!

Lush Review: Putty For Your Hands

Lush regularly bring out new weird and wonderful products that are often very different to that of the traditional beauty market...a reason why I absolutely love them. Their creative streak means a load of new goodies often come out in quick succession and I almost missed one of their latest releases: Putty For Your Hands.

 I really haven't seen this product on many other blogs or really advertised anywhere so when I saw it in store, as ever with Lush, curiosity got the better of me and I knew had to try this 'hand putty'. At the counter the very friendly sales girl informed me that it would be £6... a little more than I had presumed, but there is a lot of it to get through so I thought it must be worth a try!

Lush say its an effective and natural remedy that soothes, softens and helps repair skin.

To use it you break a little chunk off and rub between your hands under running water. The feel is quite rubbery and soft and I have to admit it does leave my hands feeling very smooth and temporarily relieved of dryness. A couple of reasons I don't like the hand putty however is that when you use it, it creates a bit of a mess and I always find that any dryness on my hands is relieved only for a little bit, so I really don't view it as a treatment...rather just an expensive soap! But even as a soap I don't feel like it leaves my hands clean and rid of dirt, so it now seems to be sitting in the bathroom having been used a total of three or four times. All in all I'd have to say this is a product that doesn't do that much in my opinion. It does leave my hands feeling smoother but for the price I'm just not sure it's worth it.

What do you think? Would buy Lush's Hand Putty?

Barry M Nail Paint - Peach Melba

With summer on its way I couldn't help myself buying some lovely lighter polishes. Barry M's Peach Melba is one that I've wanted for a while as it's such a lovely pastel peach which is perfect for the coming months...even if there are reports of snow about to hit England soon! :/

At just £2.99 I always think Barry M nail paints are worth buying as the quality's great and the selection is lovely....Blue Moon and Berry Ice cream look very tempting as well! I'm really just loving pastels for spring at the moment, and hopefully when the sun returns I'll be wearing them in Summer too! :)

What are your favourite colours to wear on your nails for spring/summer? 

The Concealer Series : L'Oreal 16 Hours Infallible Concealer Review

Finally my first post in 'The Concealer Series' is here! I know it took just a little while getting to but I will now be posting a review every Tuesday :) Let me know if you have any suggestions for me to add to the list...it could be endless!

Today I thought I'd start off with a favourite and good all-rounder: L'Oreal's Infallible Concealer

 L'Oreal is truly one of my favourite brands for concealer. I have yet to try their latest release in their Lumi Magique line, but I really can't fault the ones I've tried so far. The Infallible concealer claims to conceal dark circles and imperfections, whilst lasting up to 16 hours.

Price & Packaging

First of all, like most L'Oreal products, the packaging is sleek and quite bold. I love that it's a stick concealer with a twist top as these are so easy to apply and no fuss at all. Best of all about this product I would say though is the price. At £5.69, it's pretty cheap by L'Oreal standards and does take quite a while to actually use up.

 

Swatched

Consistency & Wear

I got the shade Vanilla 01...as ever I always suit the lightest colour in any range! Sometimes I don't even match the lightest so I'm pleased that this shade seems perfect for my pale skin. In terms of the texture and consistency of the product, I found the infallible concealer to be creamy and lovely to put onto the skin. It blends easily and has great pigmentation (even enough to cover up my dark circles. Big plus!) This is lovely to wear over both dark circles and any pigmentation or redness as it really does a great job of covering any imperfections. Once applied it doesn't budge or smudge very easily and stays in place as it should, always a good thing!

As to whether it lasts for 16 hours or not, hmm, I'm not too sure about that! I think it wears around 6-7 hours for me, which I still think is pretty good...but of course, not really anywhere near what L'Oreal claims. To be honest I have yet to find a concealer that really does last all day.

Blended

Overall this a great concealer that really does cover imperfections and dark circles extremely well. It's nicely pigmented, has a lovely, creamy consistency and blends easily. I have to say that this is a concealer I know I will buy again and again.

Have you tried L'Oreal's Infallible Concealer? 
What concealer do you recommend next for review in the Concealer Series? :)