The Urban Decay Primer Potion: Review

I said I would not. But I did. I bought a kindle. The kindle Paperwhite. I almost regret it. But it was bought out of necessity rather than preference. I still prefer to read from an ACTUAL book. I still prefer the smell in between the pages of a fresh new book. I still prefer to feel the thickness of the book I'm holding. Nothing feels more therapeutic and satisfying than flipping through the pages of a book and reaching its final page, and with it that feeling as if you've lost a friend. But it had to be done. With a collection of over 400 books, and the lack of space to store more, I had to resort to the kindle with complete reluctance.

However, every now and then I will purchase a real book and read a real book, for my sake and for the sake of Baby Bee, whom I want to grow up seeing me reading and hopefully instil the same passion in him.

One purchase I never regret is buying the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. This is the most popular eyeshadow primer out there, and it deserves the cult following it has. It's a beauty legend!

I have oily eyelids, and without primer any eyeshadow just melts away. This felt heaven-sent to me when I discovered it almost 7 years ago. I loved wearing eyeshadow but I hated that it would always disappear within an hour or two. The Urban Decay Primer Potion is simply amazing! It brings out the colour of any eyeshadow, and the colour lasts forever! Literally, I've slept without removing my make-up, (I know tut tut, but this was during uni days! I know better now!) and my eyeshadow would still look as good as new the next morning!

I absolutely looooveee this product and would recommend to everyone! The full sized product is £16 but it is so worth the price tag, as it lasts forever! One tube lasts me well over a year! Bargain!

RATING: 11/10

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara: Review

I do not snore. I can't sleep next to heavy snorers. For me, having to listen to someone snore is a form of torture and I've been victim to it many, many times. It baffles me that people who snore don't actually believe they snore. I had a friend who used to sleep over at my place every now and then, and every morning when I expressed how tired I was because I couldn't sleep through her snoring (even plugging in headphones and listening to the sound of heavy raindrops and splashing waves, on full volume from Youtube didn't help me sleep), she would exclaim with utter shock and disbelief in her eyes, 'Really?! But I don't snore!' Seriously. It shocked her every time. Hubby Bee lightly snores sometimes, and I have to elbow him or push him to his side to get him to stop.

When I was about 7 months pregnant, I woke up to find Hubby Bee laughing. Apparently I was snoring like an elephant in heat, and it woke him up from sleep. And supposedly my snoring was louder than his brother's snoring (boy, his brother knows how to SNORE in capital letters). Obviously, I didn't believe him- I'm not a snorer! Ppfft! And then one night, something ghastly happened! I woke up to the sound of my own snoring! Can you believe it?! I was immediately wide awake, looking around thinking was that really me?! Only to find Hubby Bee shaking violently next to me. Laughing his head off. Recording me on his phone.

Just as a side note, the snoring was a temporary pregnant thing! I have now resumed back to being a non-snorer and continue to elbow the Mr. if I catch him snoring! Let's move on to my review. Today I am reviewing the Max Factor Masterpiece Transform mascara. I bought this recently from Boots using a £2 off coupon they had sent me. I'm a big fan of the False Lash Effect Mascara also by Max Factor, and no matter how many mascaras I try, I always come back to this one. However, being a make-up fanatic, I'm always on the hunt for something better. Alas, I was disappointed.

I bought this mascara as it has such good reviews and seems to be quite popular. Sadly, the Masterpiece Transform mascara does nothing special. The formula is too wet and even though the wand is thin,  it makes my lashes stick together, rather than separate them. I don't find it lengthens my lashes much, and neither does it do anything about the volume. I also found that due to its wet formula, it smudges easily which is really annoying when you've spent time doing your make-up, as I always apply mascara last. I feel the wand applies too much product which can make it messy and contribute to smudging.

Unfortunately, I really disliked this product. It simply did not work for me. Even a basic, cheaper mascara would work better than this. Definitely a thumbs down.

RATING: 1/10

Bio Oil: Review

Mmmmm...I'm sooo craving a red velvet cupcake right now! Ohh I can almost taste the sweet deliciousness in my mouth...*mouth watering* *tummy grumbling*- damn you, diet! It isn't easy losing all this post-pregnancy weight. Just one dress size down, pleaaseee! It's not much to ask for! [Note to self: Need to stop eating waffles lathered in nutella and ice-cream].

On the bright side of pregnancy, having a baby is such a miracle and a blessing. How our body adapts and changes to cater another human life is simply amazing. Having a baby changes everything, and all the pain, difficulties, morning sickness, constant back aches, lack of sleep, and so much more, just having your little one staring at you with those innocent eyes, needing you, wanting you- makes it all worth it. Even the stretch marks.

Talking of stretch marks, I used Bio Oil throughout my whole pregnancy, and still continue to use it. Actually, I've been using Bio Oil as an all-over body moisturiser for the past 6 years. It's meant to be great for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, ageing and dehydrated skin. Initially, I used it  for acne scarring but I continued using it as it left my skin glowing, soft and supple, and over time it improved skin tone as well as keeping my skin hydrated.

However, I wouldn't say this oil is great for stretch marks. I don't think it did much to prevent stretch marks, which I was quite unhappy about, but then again, stretch marks cannot actually be prevented as it is genetic. But, it does actually help minimise the appearance of the visible stretch marks and scars. 

I like to massage Bio Oil directly onto wet skin, as it is absorbed better this way and sinks in to the skin much quicker. I find it just sits on top if applied to dry skin. I love the way it smells, it isn't too overpowering and I even use it on my face when my skin feels a little dry, by adding a few drops to my moisturiser. I also love to add this to my bath as a bath oil, and it's sinks into the skin so well that you don't need to moisturise afterwards.

I do recommend this product as I do enjoy using it, however, you won't see benefits from using it overnight. It took me atleast 3 or 4 months of regular use before I noticed any change, so it does require dedication and patience. Overall, a great product.

RATING: 7/10

Mac Mehr Lipstick: Review and Swatch

Being a full-time parent now, and spending most my time catering to my beautiful son, a sleep-deprived, caffiene-driven me has many random thoughts going through her head! I was thinking to myself the other day, how would I get along with my siblings or childhood friends, or anybody that I've know for a long time, if I had met them for the first time today?

I think I would actually get along with my brother, Robi, if I had met him for the first time today- he's funny, caring and straightforward. He's actually more intelligent than he lets on and maturer than he shows. As a brother he's soooo annoying, spoilt and never ceases to drive me up the wall! He has many names for me: 'Miss Teacher', 'Miss Dictionary' and 'Miss Doctor', because he thinks that I think that I 'know it all'. Oh and 'Miss Shakespeare' because my english isn't so street-smart. Ppft...whatever bruvz. If I had met one of oldest childhood friend today, Shanaz, I would enjoy hanging with her...she's carefree and confident, but with one foot firmly on the ground. When I had first met her, she was the shy, innocent, new-girl that I had befriended at primary school. Whether  it was then or now, she's still easy to gel with. And my husband...well, let's just say if I had bumped into my husband first time today, I'd pick him all over again. Any day. Everyday.

Something else that I would pick over and over again is one of my favourite lippy- Mac Mehr. I hadn't thought that I needed this in my life, under the assumption that it was too similar to Mac Twig, but I was wrong. I sooo needed this in my life...like bread needs butter, bees need flowers, hubby needs chocolate, men need women...anyway, before I go off on a tangent...I was gifted Mehr by my cousin Ruba, and really fell in love with the colour. Whereas Twig is brown-ish nude, Mehr is more of a blue-ish, pink-ish nude. I absolutely LOVE rocking this colour with a bold, smokey eye!

This is a matte lipstick, but I don't find it to be too drying if I prep my lips with a little scrubbing prior to application. You may need a balm if you have extremely dry lips. The colour applies opaque and has good lasting power- roughly four hours before needing to reapply. As with all Mac lipsticks, I love the vanilla scent it has.

I definitely recommend this colour, and I reckon it would suit most skin tones.

RATING: 10/10

Make-Up Haul!

So yesterday Baby Bee, Hubby Bee and I went shopping for a few things. We had set the goal to be in an out of the shopping centre within an hour, as by the time we left the house it was quite late already and we wanted to go for a meal for lunch after shopping was over. If you're a mother you will empathise with me here that you never get to leave the house on time with a baby. By the time you've fed, burped, changed and dressed them, packed their baby bag and got yourself ready, it becomes time for their next feed, burp and nappy change...going out is like a serious rush against time! Anyway, so we wanted to leave the house at 10.30am, ended up leaving at 1.30pm, by then we were hungry and wanted to get shopping over and done with. Hubby needed a winter jacket (already decided which one before on the net) and baby needed a jacket. '10 minute job', said Hubby Bee.

We got there at 2.30pm, headed straight to Superdry for hubby's jacket, picked and purchased in five minutes. Went to next for little one, but nothing we liked. Went to Gap, but again nothing we liked. We decided to just order something off the internet when we got home and decided to leave. Until of course we started walking past Superdrug... knowing how I am, hubby tried to distract me by talking about something I had no interest in, but I put on my cute face and he gave me '5 minutes' while he waited outside the store. An hour and 15 minutes later I came out cheerfully with these.

- Real Techniques Nic's Picks, containing 3 exclusive brushes

- Superfacialist Age Defying Day Cream (I'm 26 but never to early to start anti-ageing!)

- Sleek Highlighting Palette

- L'oreal Le Blush

- Revlon Cream Blush

By then, we were starving and couldn't wait till lunch. And apparently neither could Baby Bee...roughly another hour later we finally got round to eating a lovely meal, and then going to a dessert place for yummy waffles! 

Anyway, I'm so excited to try these new products, especially the brushes. Looking forward to trying all these and writing up a review for you all! Have you tried any of these yet? Let me know!

Sleek Face Contour Kit: Review

Something that has been driving me a little insane for a while now- there seems to be an abbreviation for everything these days...like OMG seriously, trying to read messages is like having to solve a puzzle! Ok, I am guilty of using a select few abbreviations myself, like LOL (how many of you have actually said LOL out loud in a fit of laughter?! I have...), ASAP- this seems to have become a word now *aysap*, and BRB. But I do not abbreviate the entire english dictionary! Someone messaged me '10Q' the other day...I sat there, blankly staring at my screen, trying to decipher this new puzzle, until I finally relented and replied 'huh'. It's short for 'thank you' *rolleyes*

Also, why do people right 'hugz' if it isn't even a short form of 'hugs'? I've seen people even write 'ily' instead of 'I love you'- don't tell me you love me if you can't even be bothered to type it out! Which reminds me, I was playing Words for you (version of scrabble) the other day, and the opposing player messaged me 'ASL?' I thought THAT had died out a decade ago!! (I did reply. Pretending to be a male. The game was over pretty quickly though...) 

Anyway enough of my moaning and on to my review. The Sleek Face Contour Kit is one of my most used product. I have it in the medium shade, and I absolutely love it. Both the bronzer and highlighter are very pigmented, easy to blend and very buildable if you like dramatic contouring. I prefer to apply the bronzer and highlighter with a soft hand, to a sheer finish.

The bronzer is completely matte, with no shimmer effect which makes it perfect for contouring. The highlighter is very shimmery so you do have to be careful with it. I like apply it to my cheekbones, bridge of nose and on my cupid's bow. Its also perfect to use as a highlighter under the brow and on the inner corners of the eyes.

I would definitely recommend this product and would repurchase again. Although I do not use the bronzer every time, as I'm not much of a contourer, the highlighter is my absolute favourite. I have used this for over a year and still haven't hit pan! It's a perfect size for travel or for your handbag, and costing £6.49 it isn't too heavy on your wallet either. The only problem I have with it is that sometimes it's lid is hard to open as it is quite stiff, otherwise it's a complete winner.

Anyway, I gtg ladies! Have a gr8 weekend!

RATING: 9/10

Pixi Glow Tonic: Review

How many times have we given into a hype and then realised it was not worth it at all?! I remember when everyone was so excited to upgrade their computer/laptop systems to windows vista, which had become such a hype at its release, only to realise it was an epic failure. When I was in school, it had become a sudden hype for all the girls to get their own website at freewebs.com...so we all created our own website and upload tons of pictures of ourselves, extremely excited by this new novelty...and then that was it. We realised it really wasn't that exciting at all.

I also gave into a hype not so long ago. The Pixi Glow Tonic has such a cult following; bloggers rave about it, many have recommended it and it's out of stock many times online, so I had to give in to my curiosity and see what the fuss was all about. My skin has become rather dull since after my recent pregnancy so I ordered myself a bottle of Pixi Glow Tonic, in hope for this promised 'glow'.

Pixi Glow Tonic is an exfoliating, alcohol free toner, suitable for most skin types, with ginseng and aloe vera as its key ingredients. It promises to help tone, firm and tighten the skin. Many reviewers have claimed it has dramatically helped reduce their acne, scarring and preventing blemishes; most they hype around this product is how much it makes their skin glow.

To my utter dismay, this for me was just one of those hyped products that just did not work out for me. I have been using it for almost 3 months, and having tried so hard to like it and look for results, this product did nothing for me that any other toner could not do. It removes the last of the dirt or cleanser off my face and that is all; oh and it smells pretty lovely. But all in all, a waste of £18. 

I personally would not recommend the Pixi Glow Tonic, but it is a very popular product and does seem to work for the majority, it just did not work for me. 

Now to find something that will do something about this dull skin of mine...any recommendations?!

RATING: 3/10

Bourjois Velvet Edition Rouge Lipstick in Nude-ist: Review and Swatch

I have an endless amount of lipsticks. Reds, pinks, a few purples and browns, nudes...I think there's an orange in the collection too... My husband can't seem to fathom why I need so many of the 'same shades' and why I keep purchasing more. There are many other things that he does not understand, like why I spend hundreds of pounds on makeup and then even more money on products that remove the makeup... Men!!

 I am absolutely loving the velvet edition rouge lipstick in the shade 'nude-ist'! Its the perfect nude, and creates that my-lips-but-better look. I love the velvety, smooth texture and it's completely matte without drying out the lips. I only have to apply this once and it literally lasts all day, even if I've been eating and drinking! It is opaque on first application but I prefer to apply a second layer to intensify the colour a little more.

I think this shade is universal and will suit everyone. It is a rose-pink toned nude, with a slight hint of brown. I would recommend exfoliating the lips prior to application as it does emphasis peeling skin. I would say it is worth the £8.99 price tag, and most of the time it is on 3 for 2 offer at boots. Definitely a thumbs up from me!

RATING: 10/10

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation: Review

Hello Ladies! I'm back! It has been so so long- so much has happened and I've been so busy! Since my last post, I've gotten married and had a baby boy, who is now almost 3 months old! But I've missed blogging so much and my passion for makeup has only increased and I'm so eager to share with you all what I have been loving recently! I'm so excited and nervous to be back on the blogging sphere! I have changed the name of the blog slightly and I hope you all still enjoy reading my posts as much as I do writing them.

You know that feeling of falling in love for the first time? Or even falling in love again with someone new?! The excitement, the joy of new-found love, the eagerness to be with them as often and for as long as possible?! Smiling at the thought?! Yeh we've all been there...

On the 26th of May, 2013, the day of my wedding, I fell in love. Again. It felt so new but so natural! It made me all glowy and feel beautiful. Others around me noticed too. I think they fell a little bit in love too. Yup, it was certainly love all over again. But not with my then to-be-husband (whom I love to infinity and beyond). I fell in love with Nars Sheer Glow Foundation.

My makeup artist used this on me on my wedding  day and it left me looking dewy and flawless. I wanted the bridal glow and it certainly did the job! She used the shade 'Punjab' on me, which matched perfectly, and soon after my honeymoon trip to Malaysia and Bali, I purchased this from my nearest Nars counter.

It is a medium coverage foundation and can be built up to a full coverage. I like to buff it into my skin with my Real Technique's buffing brush; it's runny texture makes it ever so easy to blend.  Due to its dewy finish, and since I have combination to oily skin, I do need to use a mattifying translucent powder on top and make a few touch ups during the day, but otherwise I have no issues with it. Although, I wish it came only in pump form, rather than have to purchase a pump separately. Also, for 30ml, the cost of £31 is rather steep, but a little goes a long way.

Overall, I love this foundation. It covers all my scars and blemishes and gives me that dewy finish that I love. If I did not have to make so many touch ups, I would give it a full rating. However, I imagine this to be perfect for dry skin. I definitely recommend this product, and suggest you go and get yourself a sample and see whether or not you also fall in love!

RATING: 9/10

Random Banter: Fifty Shades Of Me

Hello, Ladies! Oh, the weather has been so lovely recently with the odd shower now and again, the Olympics have begun and I haven't had time to write posts! Sorry! This will be a slightly busy month for me, hence there will be less posts from the next couple weeks. It's Ramadan, and fasting drains all energy and thinking capabilities out of me- I tried to write this post the other day, only to find myself staring blankly at the screen, unable to structure a sentence clearly. But that was just the first day of Ramadan...it's getting easier day after day! Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to post as often as I can during the coming month. So until my next post, I thought you all should get to know a little more about me, other than what it says on my profile! So, here is a random post with random bits and bobs about me!



I'm scared of heights.


I lived on campus during my three years of uni. One of the best times of my life!


I love the way a guy changes gear when driving, and the way he switches lanes swiftly.


I think the italian accent is hot.


I wish I had dimples. The one on my cheekbone doesn't count.


I blush easily. I turn a brilliant shade of red.


I'm possessive.


I like the smell of petrol when a car drives past with the engine roaring.


I day-dream alot.


I'm not a bathroom-singer. I'm not any kind of singer. But I love to sing.


I'm an agony aunt.


Me and my mind argue alot. We don't get along.


I like clicking pictures and wish I had taken a photography course.


I like to read people's facebook statuses, butIi don't really care what you ate for lunch. Unless you're offering.


I believe in the motto: if you cannot convince them, you confuse them.


I want to be cast opposite Ian Somerhalder in Vampire Diaries.


I hate feet. I have like feet-phobia. It's the toes that freak me out.


When I'm angry, annoyed or excited, I add extraaa letterrrsss tooo myyy worrrddssss.


My nerves go a little haywire when people tYpE lIKe tHIs- cut it out. Seriously.


I'm not very good at taking compliments.


I could not read a map to save my life.


I forgive, but I never forget!


I'm easily confused, a little complicated and overly cautious.


I think life is a series of distractions to get me out of bed every morning!!


I think there's more to life than shopping. Just kidding!


When I text back with 'LOL' im not always laughing, i just want you to leave me alone.


I philosophize a lot. Is a hot guy cool or a cool guy hot?


I want to dance in the rain.


I like going to the dentists. I always get a lollipop for being brave =D.


The Ali-G voice imitation is quite hot.


I love fish.


I look at the freebies before I consider buying a magazine.


I love it when guys raise their eyebrows.


Its annoying when relying on someone else to take a picture because I want to be in it, and it ends up coming out off-centered and out-of-focus.


I HATE being tickled. It may make me laugh my head off, but it also makes me punch harder.


I love hot chocolate with hazelnut syrup and lots of whipped cream.


Love tea. Green tea, Earl Grey, Apple Tea, Cinnamon tea, Masala tea....mmmmm...


I seriously cannot understand why people try to have conversations with someone who is in the bathroom...it drives me bonkers!


I ♥ Cupcakes. Especially red velvet. Yum.


I love surprises!! 


I cry at the movies.


I hate cooking. Oh God, please may my mother-in-law still love me regardless o_O


I wish I knew how to bake. Burnt mixture of flour, egg and sugar anyone? Did it need milk?


Yes! I DO watch Star Plus and the mother-in-law vs daughter-in-law dramas. Shoot me now.


I want pets one day. Except those that bark, scratch, attempt to fly and require no regular washing. Fish?


I procrastinate. I need to stop. I'll start tomorrow.


I'm cranky when I'm ill, when noone listens to me and when I'm hungry.


I write faster than I talk. And yes, that's possible even for me.


I wanna rush into a cab, point ahead and say 'Follow that car!!'


I ♥ to read classics from and set in the Victorian times. Jane Austen's my favourite novelist

Would love to see a similar post from fellow bloggers!

Korres Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadows in Brun and Bronze Brown : Review & Swatches

*ACCHHOOOOO!* My immune system seems to hate me, lately. Well, right back at it pppffttt. I had only just begun to recover from my previous attack of cold and flu, that its ugly head made a reappearance once again, before I could even dispose of  the heaping pile of tissues in the bin next to my bed. GRRR.


I was on the tube the other day, when I erupted in a series of sneezes. Thank God, I had tissues on me...otherwise, well you can imagine what... Anyway, whilst most passengers around me continued to act all nonchalant and were polite enough to not show the worry on their faces that they too will now be catching my germs (I'm sure they were throwing curses at me in their heads), one elderly lady sitting opposite me smiled at me pitifully and said, "Bless you, dear." I muttered my thanks in between some more sneezes and sat there staring at the floor, silently praying my sneezing stops. The lady continued to 'bless me' a couple more times, laughing nervously, until even she politely begun to ignore me. I actually felt sorry for myself. *Sigh* But more to the point...is it not so awkward when a stranger on the train/tube/bus says something nice to you, or offers you a seat, or something, and then you don't quite know how you should behave with them the rest of the journey? I didn't know if I should smile at the nice lady every time I looked up. Should I have struck a conversation? Or made a joke even? (I couldn't crack one to save my life.) Should I have said bye and wished her a lovely day when she was getting ready to get off at the station? Well, I didn't. In my defense- I COULDN'T. I was sneezing.


Well, that's why I've been away from blogging for over a week. Stress doesn't just cause havoc on my skin, it seeks to destroy me immune system too. I've also been fairly busy the past week. But enough of the excuses, and more about this post. I am reviewing two Korres Sunflower and Evening Primrose eyeshadows in shades #36 Brun and #31 Bronze Brown.

Korres products are made from natural ingredients, free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. Both these shades provide a nice sheen and are quite silky and velvety to touch. However, the colours need to be built up to achieve a darker shade. I had to apply a few layers to achieve the colours in the swatches below:

Aren't the colours lovely?! I had expected the eyeshadows to have a lot more pigmentation, but it failed to live up to my expectations. Although the pigmentation isn't THAT bad, it isn't that great either- but as I said, the colour can be bulit up so both these shades can work for a day time look or an evening, smokey-eye look. The eyeshadows blend easily, lasting all day (I had applied these over a primer) and are crease-resistant. 


I had purchased these eyeshadows as part of a set from StrawberryNET, as I had mentioned in one of my previous posts HERE. However, I would not purchase again as I own better and have used better eyeshadows in the past. Although I love both these colours, the pigmentation lets these eyeshadows down. Saying that, I will continue to use the shadows and I'm sure they will last a pretty long time.




RATING: 4/10

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Blemish Stick: Review

I've been a bundle of nerves lately, for reasons which I won't disclose just yet! Certain things are taking place in my life right now, and it's totally nerve-racking, exciting and ever so slightly stressful. I always endeavor to retain my composure under such circumstances, before my skin decides to go haywire and erratic on me! As soon as I become over-excited, nervous, or stressed, and I need my face looking clear and flawless, my skin never fails to betray me- and this really gets under my skin (please excuse the pun)!


So, when I received a certain news the other day, my heart did a break-dance, my nerves had a mini breakdown, and not so long after- my face had a breakout. Great. Just-frigging-great. Can a girl not experience a little excitement without unwanted, uninvited blemishes raining on her parade? Pppppffttt!


So, with the not-so-little buggers erupting all over my face, I had to start taking extra care of my skin- drinking lots more water, exfoliating everyday, and eating more fruit and veg. But I also needed something to directly attack these buggers face-to-face, one-to-one, man-on-man...err, ok you get my drift...

I came across this blemish stick, containing tea tree oil and witch hazel, in Boots. Witch hazel has disinfectant properties, which can eliminate bacteria and thus reducing inflammation. Tea tree also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which can help eliminate blemishes and reduce spot size. I purchased this immediately.

On opening, the astringent smell is rather overpowering- the witch hazel and tea tree is quite evident in its smell. I applied the product onto clean skin, over the blemishes, and it did make my eyes and nose sting a little so would not be appropriate to apply anywhere near the eye, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Although the actual stick appears blue, it applies clear and invisible onto the skin. It has a cooling effect once applied, and seems to have an immediate drying effect where it is applied, but I assume this is how it works on the blemishes- by drying out the spots and thus causing them to shrink in size. I prefer to use this after cleansing in the evening, so that it may work overnight. And work it does! I noticed a reduction in spot size and the blemishes appeared less the next morning. This product is certainly my new spotty-skin saviour!


I would definitely recommend this product, as I have been using this for the past few days and have noticed a difference. Those buggers don't seem to stand a chance against this! Costing only £2.59, you get more product than what you pay for- this blemish stick would last a very long time. It can be applied as often as you feel, and great for those random, unexpected spots that appear out of the blue when you least expect it. Dirty, miserable buggers. 


Of course, you can just use a bottle of witch hazel in liquid form and a small bottle of tea tree essential oil to apply to your blemishes with some cotton wool or buds, but it wouldn't be very practical and would be time-consuming to apply. This product is a great size and easy to carry in your handbag and practical for constant use.


I will be repurchasing this product, whenever it runs out!






RATING: 8.5/10

Pixi Lip Glow Kit in Tan Topper: Review & Swatches

Don't you just hate it when you have a gorgeous little clutch to match your amazing outfit, but you can hardly fit ANYTHING in it?! The practical thing would be to obviously carry a bigger bag, but at the expense of ruining your whole glammed-up look- you get what I mean? A clutch adds style to your look; it can bling out a simple outfit, and add a touch of elegance to your overall look. I mean, that IS the only reason why most of us spend so much on clutches- they're simply an impractical necessity! Of course, it is nothing short of a miracle when we ladies, who carry around so many items in our handags that we forget what we have in there, manage to fit everything we need into one teeny little clutch! Ok, so perhaps we won't be needing to carry our notebook, current novel and some granola bars in our clutches, but what about lipsticks, eye shadows, blusher, concealer, make up brushes and eyeliners?! We need them for those touch-ups after eating, drinking and perhaps even sweating!


This is why I love palettes! I was at a wedding on Sunday, and I managed to fit in everything I needed, simply because most of what I needed came in one dinky palette! Now that's what I call practical! I love my Lancome Tendre Voyage palette which I bought over a year ago from duty-free. It contains two lip colours with a lip brush, four eye shadows with  a double-end brush, a blush with a brush and a mirror. Perfect!


However, I am reviewing a different palette today, which I purchased not long ago: Pixi Lip Glow Kit in #Tan Topper

This is my first Pixi product, and I must say, although the plastic packaging feels a tad bit cheap, I am impressed! It contains eight different lip colour shades, including a mirror and a lip brush.

 Lips shades from first row of palette- IN NATURAL LIGHT

Lip shades from first row of palette- WITH FLASH

 Lip shades from second row of palette- IN NATURAL LIGHT

Lip shades from second row of palette- WITH FLASH

The colours range from sheer to medium sheer, and are rather moisturising on the lips. I find that if you apply a couple of layers, the colours can be made to look less sheer. They have good lasting power, lasting a couple of hours before fading, and the colour fades evenly. Although the lip colours are slightly glossy, they do not feel sticky on the lips thankfully, as I am not a big user of lip glosses. 

There is not much else to say about this palette, except that it is convenient to carry around, will fit into your clutch easily and great for changing your lip colour from a daytime look to an evening look. The mirror adds to the practicality of this product, and although the lip brush is a bonus, I prefer just to use my fingers. I would recommend this product as I like that the texture of these lip colours are somewhat a cross between a lipstick and lip gloss. I bought this palette on offer for £7, which I think is a great price for what you get, so would definitely repurchase if it is continued to be sold at this price!

RATING: 8/10

Montagne Jeunesse Pulped Pomegranate Passion Peel Off Face Mask: Review

Wasn't playing with PVA glue at school so fun?! I used to deliberately paint my hands all over with PVA glue just so that it can dry and I can peel it off! It was the only part of doing art in primary school that I actually enjoyed. I hated art back then. The painting and colouring was fun but it was the cleaning up part which I hated with a passion. 


Talking of peel-offs and passion, I recently tried a Montagne Jeunesse face mask: Pulped Pomegranate Passion Peel Off. I love peel-off masks! It's that weird feeling you get when you're peeling the mask off- just like peeling off PVA glue! My poor little brother got freaked out when he saw me with a shiny, plastic-y looking face, and even more so when he saw me peeling it off- he thought it was my skin! He kept staring at me half-scared, half-curious and utterly confused!

Anway, more onto the mask...I've never tried a Montagne Jeunesse mask before. I always see them in Boots and Superdrugs, but I never cared to take a good look at them as I always assumed these are one of those cheap products that will be of less benefit and the cause of more blemishes. But after reading some great reviews of these masks online, I thought to myself that I must give these a go! 


The Pulped Pomegranate Passion Peel Off mask has a sticky, gel-like texture but is easy to apply all over the skin. Unlike what it shows in the picture, the colour is red and not purple, but there could be variations in colour due to the natural ingredients used: pomegranate, passion flower, grape, rasberry, cranberry and vitamin E. As you can probably imagine, this smells absolutely divine! I had to resist the temptation to lick it off around my mouth! 

You leave this mask on until it completely dries and is ready to be peeled off- it took 30 minutes for it to completely dry on my skin but this was probably because I had applied it thick to use the whole sachet up. It feels refreshing whilst on my skin, and as with all peel-off masks, has a tightening effect as it starts to dry. I had to avoid looking at my brother, because the look on his face kept making me want to laugh, and you cannot laugh with a peel-off mask on!! You cannot even a move a muscle on your face whilst it's on, else the mask starts to crack and peel! 


It was easy to peel off- this is the fun part! I challenged myself to peel the mask off as a whole ('How old are you?' you ask...23), rather than in bits and bobs, and I did succeed to an extent, except a small patch still left on my cheek! After splashing my face with cold water, my skin felt soft, cleansed and...well, that's it really. It hadn't seemed to have done any wonders on my skin, but it didn't break me out either. My skin just felt...nice. However, the next morning, my skin did look much clearer and the few spots I had on my face from before seemed to have shrunk in size. 

I do recommend this product for a fun, pampering treat! I think this would be a great mask to use the night before an event or a party, as it seems to really clear up your complexion overnight. It's also great for a girly night in with some friends! I would definitely repurchase, and would love to try the other masks in the Montagne Jeunesse range.



RATING: 7/10

Make Up Haul! Korres Natural Look Antioxidant Color Collection, Pixi Lip Glow Kit & CK Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick

Don't you just hate being woken up by the postman in the early morning? ('Early morning' definition= 9:50am.) So the doorbell rings on Monday morning, and I drag myself, half-asleep, up the stairs with a scorn on my face and muttering profanities under my breath. I open the door, grab the package off the postman and sign on the stupid piece of paper, or rather I just scribbled some randomness, to say I've received the parcel, and slam the door shut.

I'm not usually this rude. I'm actually very polite, bubbly and generally very friendly (unless you get on the wrong side of me, of course). I'm just not a morning person! Surely that justifies my attitude?! Anyway, I stare at the parcel in my hand, still frowning, and notice the label on it: StrawberryNET. Suddenly, I'm wide awake, excited and grinning! (See, I'm not always moody...) This was my first order from StrawberryNET, and I had only placed the order a few days before, so I'm very impressed with their service.

What I ordered:

Korres Natural Look Antioxidant Color Collection

• 2 Sunflower and Evening Primrose Eye Shadows in #31 Bronze Brown and #36 Brun
• 1 Soft Eyeliner Pencil in #1S Black
• 1 Provitamin and B5 and Rice Bran Mascara #01 Black
• 1 Cherry Oil Lipgloss #30 Naked Beige

Pixi Lip Glow Kit - #Tan Topper

• Contains 8 lip colours in one case

Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick- #122 Betrayal

• Received this free as it was my first order!

All of this cost me only £18.31, with free shipping! Bargain! (There was a sale on at the time of purchasing). I'm really excited to use these products as I've never used anything from Korres or Pixi before! Will post reviews once I have tried and tested them all!! 

Have you used anything from them before? Any recommendations?

Banishing Spots with Baking Soda!

Source: Google Images

Being women, we have to constantly multitask- and we're so good at it too! How many men can gossip away on the phone, do their shopping and eat a red velvet cupcake simultaneously?!

Source: Google Images

And don't you just love it when you have things around the house that are also multitasking?! I love multitasking products! They make life so much more simple and easier. Here are some of the things I use for many different things:

SELLOTAPE- I use sellotape to get rid of fluff and hair off my clothes. You can also apply a small strip of sellotape below the outer corner of your eye, before applying eye shadow, to blend the colour into a perfectly straight angle- you won't even need an angled brush!

VASELINE- A great moisturiser for dry, flaky skin whether its on the face or body; can be used as a gloss or under/over lipstick for a glossier pout. It's great for cracked heels, and can be mixed with sea-salt to use as a body scrub! Vaseline is also great for removing eye-makeup and for preventing blisters when you buy yourselves a new pair of shoes- simply apply inside the heel of the shoe and on your feet!

ASPIRIN- Have acne-prone skin? Grab yourself a packet of over-the-counter aspirin (non-coated), dissolve in a few drops of water, and apply the paste onto problem areas and leave for 5-10 minutes. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which works wonders for acne. Mix the paste with a little honey and it will also moisturise your skin. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN.

BLUSHER- Oh how I love blush! I also use my blushers as eye shadow, and even to add colour to my lips by applying it on top of vaseline, using my finger. I love the effect of this as my eyes, cheeks and lips all match- all with one product!

So, why splash out on many different items, when one item on its own has several uses?! Especially when it literally costs nothing! However, my most favorite multitasking product has to be baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)! Baking Soda is a brilliant multitasking cleanser. I completely swear by this product! 

Source: Google Images

Here are the many ways it can be used for skincare:

FACIAL SCRUB: Use baking soda as a gentle scrub by mixing 3 parts of it to one part water. Gently massage the paste in circular motions on your face and rinse off for perfectly exfoliated, clean skin! Do this 2-3 times a week and mositurise afterwards! You can also mix a little baking soda with your daily cleanser for everyday, gentle exfoliation. It helps to lighten dark spots, reduces blemishes and scrubs away dead skin cells!

FACE MASK: Mix some baking soda with honey and/or olive oil and apply as a mask for 20 minutes. Results are soft, glowing skin!


BODY SCRUB: Use any of the above mixtures and use as a scrub all over your body in the shower- a great, cheap alternative to the usual shower scrubs which are loaded with chemicals and fragrances. Baking soda also helps in reducing body odour.

Source: Google Images

SCALP CLEANSER: Using baking soda is a fantastic way to achieve squeaky clean hair, and to remove any build up. It can be used instead of shampoo which contain harsh chemicals that cause shedding and drying of the scalp. There are many people who follow the 'no-poo' method- ie no shampoo, and use baking soda as a shampoo replacement as they want to stay away from chemicals and sulphates present in shampoos and conditioners. It is also great for dandruff, as dandruff is fungus and baking soda gets rid of fungus easily. Apply baking soda to wet hair, (or mix it with your regular shampoo) in the shower, and massgage into your scalp before washing off. Finish off with a conditioner or rinse off with a watery mixture of honey and water.

TEETH WHITENING: Baking soda is a mild bleaching agent. Pinch some baking soda onto your toothbrush and brush your teeth as normal. You can also mix it into your usual toothpaste before brushing. 


Well, these are only some of the uses for baking soda! It's also great for stomach pain, for cleaning gold and silver jewellery, and for cleaning your sink and tub! I definitely recommend baking soda, and it is so cheap it will hardly cause a dent to your pocket! If you have sensitive skin, I suggest you use a small amount of baking soda at first and see how it reacts with your skin. It may cause a little redness, if used on the face, at first so I suggest you use this in the evening so that your skin may calm down overnight. 


Do let me know how it works for you!






RATING: 10/10

DISCLAIMER: These images have been taken from Google Images. I DO NOT claim ownership of any of the above images. Images that belong to me will be always watermarked with 'Blushing Orgasm'.