Tag Archives: beauty

Product review: Guinot Damsel in De-stress gift set

Guinot damsel in de-stress gift box

Oh, Christmas time… Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…. my bells are jingling so vigorously they are about to jingle all the way out of the window in seasonal rage.

Well, maybe it is not that bad. It is however, quite stressful to walk around frantic shoppers. Everywhere you go is so busy. This takes its toll on me. And I thank Guinot for this helping hand – the Damsel in De-stress gift set, that will help you ease away a little bit of the parties anxiety.

The kit contains a full size Mousse Nettoyante Bioxygene (150ml), a foam cleanser that removes impurities and makeup and has oxygenating properties. The liquid inside turns into a very light, airy foam – one full pump is enough for the whole face. It melts makeup well (heavier eye makeup still needs proper removal) and leaves the face feeling clean and soft. It doesn’t dry the skin and smells deliciously floral.

Guinot damsel in de-stress gift box

It also comes with a full size 50ml Masque Dynamisant Anti-Fatigue, a masque that helps reduce the signs of fatigue. It has AHA’s and refreshing mint and eucalyptus cold oils and “eliminates dead skin cells, boosts cell vitality, refines the skin’s texture and leaves the skin perfectly moisturised and luminous”.  The mask is a thick-ish white cream and indeed very refreshing on application. It doesn’t dry on the skin after applied. My skin was feeling moisturised and slightly stimulated by the freshness of this mask. It removes easily and there is no residue or greasy feeling.

Finally, the third item in the kit is a scented candle, which I find great for when you out on your Masque Dynamisant. It has a similar scent to the Mousse Nettoyante Bioxygene and it not lives permanently in my bathroom.

Guinot damsel in de-stress gift box

It makes a brilliant Christmas present that will help the owner get a little post-party lift! And it also great for day to day. The cleanser has become my official morning cleanser.

It reatils at £50, but you can find the Guinot Damsel in De-stress gift set for £40 at Salon Skincare. It can also be found at Guinot salons. All info on Guinot products and treatments can be found on their website and products can also be bought here.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Review: LashPerfect Lash Bar Hi Brow treatment

It is no secret that I love a well groomed pair of eyebrows and cannot live without plucking and filling mine. After trying the LashPerfect Hi Brow filling powder and wax pencil and attending their eyebrow event where they launched their brow extensions Brow Perfect, I was delighted to actually try their full eyebrow treatment called Hi Brow.

Their salon, just by Carnaby Street in London, is lovely. I went in 24 hours before my appointment for a patch test (this is very important, as they won’t tint your brows without it!). They were also very lovely changing the date of my treatment when I forgot to pop in for a patch test. Do-oooh!!!

lashperfect hibrow treatment

Before

lashperfect hibrow treatment

After

Upon arrival, the lovely Liga asked me to fill out a form (I had filled one for the patch test already) and took me down to the treatment area. Then she cleansed my eyebrows, gave me a mirror and asked me what I didn’t like about my eyebrows.

I do like them, so I mentioned I would like to keep them quite thick as they are, get more definition, a general tidy and a bit more of an arch.

First, she measured my brow in three points: inner corner, highest point and end, marking the spots. She asked what shade I’d be more comfortable with for the tint – I said not too dark! She applied the wax pencil around my brows and then the tint, removing the excess with a cotton bud and already defining the shape.

lashperfect hibrow treatment

The tint is ON

After a few minutes, she cleaned the dye and started the shaping process, first by waxing. They use an amazing wax which is has a low melting point so it is not too hot – it is in fact very pleasantly lukewarm, and feels very soft and gentle on the skin. Just what you need for your face! She removed hair from the top, bottom and middle of brows!

lashperfect hibrow treatment

Shaping already started on left brow!

She also used tweezers to fine tune the shape and threading to remove the fluff towards the hair line – a multi-technique operation going on!

She then gave me back the mirror and wow – they looked amazing. But she wasn’t done. Oooh no! There was filling to be done. She filled with the lovely Hi Brow powder (reviewed here), teaching me how to do it best. That is no harsh lines at the top, starting from the middle bottom, make a defined line and blend upwards so you can still see skin and it is not too dark! Now I know! Then she applied the highlighter on the brow bone.

lashperfect hibrow treatment

After shaping

Finally – and I found this a lovely touch – she concealed the redness (although I didn’t even go too red, slightly pink, more like!) so I could return to the office, as I had the treatment, which lasts about 30 minutes inclusive of consultation, on my lunch break!

I had never had my eyebrows tinted before and I really liked the effect. It lasts for about a month, Liga told me. Overall, the service was very friendly, extremely professional and I felt very confident in totally trusting my brows (such an important feature of my face!) to them.

More than a week on, the tint has faded a bit, but the shape is still looking fantastic and the eyebrows are still looking very sharp!

lashperfect hibrow treatment

And voilá – beautifully tinted, shaped and filled eyebrows!

You can book the Hi Brow treatment, a great lunchtime treat, by calling the LashBar (35 Marshall Street, London W1F 7EX – behind Carnaby Street) on 020 7434 4554. It costs £35.

They offer a great range of lashes and brows treatments. All info, including prices, can be found on the LashBar website and you can also follow them on Twitter @LashBar, @LashPerfect, @Hi_Brow and@BrowPerfect_ for news and promotions.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

eyeko black magic mascara

Lately, my mascara life turned a bit odd. Old favourites stop doing the trick and I felt everything made my lashes clump. Luckily for me, in the past month I have encountered a few solutions and the Eyeko Black Magic is one that has given me happy lashes. Drama and curl indeed.

Packaging is very nice – a silver squeezy tube and it has a curved hair bristles brush which feels very soft when applying. The liquid is smooth, not too thick and a shiny, well pigmented black.

eyeko black magic mascara

This is a true bit of magic – it gives good definition (picking up all little lashes), good volume, length and curl – so ticks all the boxes, which is quite hard to find. Plus, it comes with a cute and functional Eyeko branded plectrum which helps application by protecting your lid – you can really get in there without worrying about smudges!

eyeko black magic mascara

This mascara sits very well and lasts all day, no flaking or smudging . After spin (my ultimate test!) there was very minimal transfer to the close to the crease (the studio has been extremely hot lately but I’ll spare you the details!)!

It applies extremely well on top of dry mascara (for that all important top-up when you are going out after work), but it makes it waaay more difficult to remove!

Eyeko black magic mascara

With (L) and without (R) mascara: length and volume!

Eyeko black magic mascara

Good length and volume – drama in a bottle!

Now, if the Black is a staple for day or night, wait for this: Midnight Blue. Yes, you heard it. The Black Magic mascara comes in a new shade: blue.  So beautiful. It really gives your lashes that je ne sais quoi. I was worried it was going to be too out there but is in fact, very wearable . Overall, it has that blue aura, but you only see it is really blue when it catches the light. And it looks stunning!

eyeko black magic mascara

This is the kind of mascara that will change your lashes in a way that sometimes I catch a little glimpse of them and think – wow – they are fluttery! So I probably don’t need to spell out that I love it!

You can get this fab mascara from the Eyeko website – and also take a peek at their amazing liquid metal liners, which I reviewed a while ago.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: Eyeko Liquid Metal Eyeliner

eyeko liquid metal eyeliner

Oh-so-pretty. That really sums up how I feel about these liners. The Eyeko Liquid Metal eyeliners in Black Onyx and Rose Gold and simply gorgeous.

The packaging is very nice, pencil like, with a “barrel” at the end where you can see the liner’s beautiful colour. Black Onyx is a wet look black with a slight silver shimmer and Rose Gold is what is says on the tin, a bright, metallic gold with a rose hint – to be honest, it was more yellow than I thought!

To start applying, rotate the barrel and soon the fine “hair” fine brush is permeated with colour. The brush is not hard, so a little bit of practice is required if you are not used to applying your liner with a normal eyeliner brush!

Be careful though; rotate it ever so slightly not to waste the precious liquid! The texture is very light and quite runny, so to create delicate lines, a little bit will do; the colours are very saturated. I went over the lines a second time after it dried, to exaggerate the effect! It was fairly easy to work with and didn’t irritate my eyes (which are very sensitive!).

eyeko liquid metal eyeliner - rose gold

And boy, they shine. Instead of swatching on my hand, I decided to go all out on a super lined eye and it looked beautiful. It doesn’t dry to quickly but it doesn’t take too long either, so it is important to be careful with transfer to the crease, to the upper lid, to the lower lash line (in this design case!). I barely used anything else on this eye make-up and I am in love with it.

eyeko liquid metal eyeliner - black onyx

It lasted well and after it dries it won’t move. It was fairly easy to remove with a good eye make-up remover though!

I am now addicted and so glad these beauties came my way!

You can get these stunning eyeliners from the Eyeko website – keep an eye out, as they are launching a collaboration with Alexa Chung soon!

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: Naked Brunette Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner

Naked Brunette Radiance shampoo and conditioner

As I love discovering new brands and products, I was thrilled to be sent the Naked Brunette Radiance shampoo and conditioner to try – I cannot believe I had not come across the Naked brand before!

Naked products are 97% natural, made with botanical products – which is great – and they have an extensive range of caring beauty and hygiene products, not only haircare.

The shampoo is light brown in colour, has elderberry and sage to give brunette hair that extra boost. The bottle is made with 50% recycled materials and recyclable, of course!

Naked Brunette Radiance shampoo and conditioner

The smell is very mild and nice, plant-like, very fresh. It lathers alright (I wasn’t expecting it to – it is actually very good for a sulphate-free shampoo) and the second application is even better. It feels a tiny bit tingly, like mint, which I like! My hair felt very clean, my scalp refreshed.

The conditioner is white with a creamy consistency and smells plant-y too! I applied on my hair and left it for a couple minutes before rinsing. It feels very fresh, and the hair felt soft. The tube is 100% recyclable!

My hair dried very soft, shiny and light – I am very pleased with this duo!

Packaging is simple and functional. I like their logo and the text on the back of the products. Both shampoo and conditioner contains no parabens,sulphates, phthalates or petrochemicals; are not tested on animals, are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and made in the UK.Naked Brunette Radiance shampoo and conditioner

At the moment, the new Naked Brunette Radiance shampoo and conditioner are on special offer for only £2.66 each (normal price £3.99 for 250ml) on the Naked website, where can find these two and many other products, including bath, body, shower, kids and baby ranges!

Product review: Simple Kind to Skin+ Perfecting Beauty Balm (BB cream)

simple bb cream - somanylovelythings

Love the Kind to Skin+ package designs!

I must say, before anything, I am not a fan of BB creams. For someone like me, who looks for a full coverage, BB creams just don’t quite cut it.

I was, however, pleasantly surprised with Simple’s very first BBC cream, part of their Kind to Skin+ range.

What I really like about it is that, even though they only have one colour, it did blend extremely well on my face. And over at the event, there were a few bloggers, with different skin tones and they all seem to share this opinion. Also, the coverage is very good. One day, I even wore it on its on (with a bit of powder to set) and it was fine!

It blends very well, absorbs quickly and the finish is very sheer and natural; in terms of colour and coverage is great!

I also tried it as a primer. This worked alright, it didn’t actually make the make-up last longer (which is not really this product’s job, but hey, gotta try!), but made it look good.

simple bb cream - somanylovelythings

Well pigmented, very good coverage

The thing I don’t like about this is that it has light reflecting particles. Although I am a massive fan of the glow they give, because of my skin condition, any shimmer will only make scars more evident, so I have been using matte products only for a very long time now.

For this reason alone,  I don’t think this product is particularly suitable for me. Had the particles not been there, I think Simple could probably have made me change my mind about BB creams. Now, that is something!

As other Simple products, it is suitable for sensitive skin; it has no fragrance (love that – again!), SPF 15, ginger root extract, bisabolol, sweet almond and sunflower seed oils.

If you have much better skin than me (which most people do anyway), I think this is a little gem – and for an RRP of £8.99, you should definitely try (currently at Superdrug for £5.99!!!). It is an item of make-up that also cares for your skin and will give you that nice glow!

simple bb cream - somanylovelythings

This is the kind of lovely glow this product gives your skin!

You can find more information on the Simple website.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Eye make-up look challenge: electric blue, acid yellow

blue and yellow eye make-up - somanylovelythingsWhen this little YSL eyeshadow duo reached me, I knew I had to create a look using both together. I love the brightness in this Ombre duolumieres in 37 – electric yellow and royal blue.

The pigmentation is good, I had to put quite a bit of yellow to build it up. The combination is just great! I decided to do an exaggerated cat eye and add a blue eyebrow – why not?!

blue and yellow eye make-up - somanylovelythingsHave to say I did this pretty quick, about 10 minutes per eye, and here is how I did it:

1. I prepped my lid and using a pencil brush I applied the blue creating a smokey line on about 3/4 above my crease, pulling it at the edges to create the huge flick at the end.

2. From the other corner, I pulled another line to meet the one coming from the crease, and filled the shape with blue, but just on the flick, not on lids.

3. Using an applicator brush, I saturated the whole lid with yellow, blending the edges with the blue on the crease then pulling the colour towards the temple, within the blue, creating a similar shape to the blue.

4. Using a liner brush, I applied blue on the lower water and lash lines. I applied some yellow to the inner corner and blended in with the blue.

5. I then, with the pencil brush, brought the above the crease blue line to the inside of my nose bridge, creating a subtle hook shape below the inner corner. I then carefully applied a little bit of yellow on the inside of this line.

6. I applied a highlighter to the brow bone.

6. I added some mascara to my lashes and then a set of false lashes.

7. Finally, I filled my eyebrows with the royal blue, keeping the strong shape but giving it more definition and colour, of course!

Products I used:

  • Yves Saint Laurent Ombre Duolumieres eyeshadow duo in 37 – electric yellow and royal blue
  • MAC pigment in vanilla
  • MAC Extended Play extra black mascara
  • Blank Canvas double ended brushes E23, E25, E27 and E30
  • MAC brush 208
  • Eldora false lashes in H149
  • Duo eyelash glue
  • Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion

make-up

Difficulty:

eye make up look - easy

Product review: St Ives Renew & Firm apricot scrub

st ives apricot scrubI am pretty sure most of us know the classic St Ives apricot scrubs, after all, it is said to be the number 1 scrub brand in the UK!

Part of the Timeless Skin range, the St Ives Renew and Firm apricot scrub has been in my bathroom for a few weeks now and I am getting at least one, but usually two good scrubs a week with it – especially before my weekly fake tan session.

This scrub contains apricot – which is full of vitamin A type goods and antioxidants and corn kernel meal and walnuts as super 100% natural exfoliators. Also has gentle alphahydroxy, it is non-comedogenic with 100% natural extracts and without parabens, phthalates or animal-derived ingredients.

It has been used as a body scrub and provides soft exfoliation; the granules are firm and well distributed in the cream; you noticed the two textures of exfoliators . It is not super dense with granules and feel very gentle on the skin. when washed away the skin feels soft and quite moisturised.

st ives apricot scrub

The smell is very subtle and pleasant; the scrub goes quite a long way too! I am not quite sure about firming, as I am using all over the body and it would probably take some time to see this type of effect, but my skin feels renewed for sure!!!

By browsing their site, I also found out that they have not only scrubs, but a very extensive range with different care for various skin concerns!

Worth checking out the St Ives site for the Renew & Firm apricot scrub, usually priced under £5 and 0ther products.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Product review: Simple Kind to Skin+ Protecting moisture cream with SPF30

simple protecting moisturiser spf30After attending the Simple Skincare bloggers event, it was no secret the new Kind to Skin+ range product that I was most excited about was the Protecting moisture cream with SPF30 – obviously, because I love Simple face moisturisers, but mainly because it has a very decent sun protection, very handy for for a sun-from-face-blocking person like myself.

And this moisturiser didn’t disappoint me; it has become one of my daily staples. The cream is very light; it is quickly absorbed by the skin and sits really well under make up. It has no fragrance which I love – I always mention that on Simple products, but this is quite important to me!

It contains vitamins E and B3, glycerin and almond oil to nourish and protect the skin.

And best of all, it has a super SPF 30. Oh, wait – if you think it cannot get any better, its RRP is of only £6.99. Yes, you heard it right. A protecting day moisturiser  with a respectable SPF for less than £7. I am impressed. Very.

The Simple Kind to Skin+range is already available at Superdrug and is on offer for an amazing £4.99. Seriously, 1/3 off. Cannot be missed!

You can find more information on the Simple website.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Nails of the week: blue with silver dots

dielle nail polish in modern goddess - somanylovelythingsNow the dotting tools are out, I cannot stop! This week I tried a vintage inspired mani, but failed. Miserably. It looked awful. So I decided to take a step back and simplify.

Took the opportunity to try the beautiful Dielle nail polish in Modern Goddess, a deep midnight blue, glittery (but with no texture), with hints of purple, part of their metallics collection.

dielle nail polish in modern goddess - somanylovelythings

I had never tried Dielle’s polishes before. The packaging is rather nice and the brush applies well. The colour is well saturated and application was smooth and dried quickly. I am using two coats. They also have a non-toxic formulation, free from toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, camphor, & pthalic acid.

I then added three dots to the side of each nail using Barry M’s foil effects in silver. Durability was very good!

If you want to try their polishes, go to Dielle’s website – they have really great colours and nice kits! You can get Dielle’s Modern Goddess here.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.