Beauty
Dare to Bare Lip Gloss
If you know me, you will know that I have an addiction to lip gloss that dates back to the beginning of time! So can you imagine how delighted I was when I discovered this little beauty bargain from Poundland?
Not only is the product seriously cheap, but it also has everything you want in a lip gloss. When it comes to purchasing lip glosses, I don’t have a particular brand loyalty, style or colour that I stick to. If it looks good, smells good, has a beautiful colour, texture and size, I will usually buy it. The prices typically range between £1.99-£12.99 per lip gloss. Albeit, just because you spend more on a lip gloss, it doesn’t necessary mean that it is the best product out there. This is why I am so impressed with the Dare to Bare Lip gloss from Poundland’s Make Up Gallery range. It feels great, looks great and if I didn’t know any better I would assume that it was a high street branded product, that I would usually be paying a lot more money for, yet this little beauty favourite is a fraction of the price.
The Dare to Bare lip gloss is a perfect size to stick inside of you makeup bag, handbag or even pocket. The squeezy tube makes it easy to squeeze the lip gloss out at a controllable speed, which is a must! Nobody wants lip gloss all over their face, not even me! You don’t need to put that much on either, one layer of the Dare to Bare lip gloss instantly looks fabulous on your lips. It smells nice, and if you do happen to taste any by accident, of course, it tastes quite nice too! (Not that I would recommend you eat it!)
The quality of the lip gloss is simply superb, and once the Dare to Bare lip gloss is applied onto your lips, its lasts for a good couple of hours too. Of course, if you’re eating, drinking or kissing it’s going to wear off faster and you will need to top up your lips afterward.
I would say that the only downside to this product is the lack of colour shades that are available to purchase. Although Poundland manufactures eight different shades in total, I can honestly say that I have never seen this many available to buy in any of their retail stores across London. I don’t know; maybe they just sell out super fast? I personally love the peachy and clear shades as they look nice and natural on your lips, while softly plumping them out with a mild hint of colour. However, I would like to see a wider range of colours available. It’s nice to mix it up and wear something brighter from time to time. I also think if the Make Up Gallery produced a range of glitter products, including glitter lip glosses they would soon become best sellers and sell out across the country! I certainly would buy and wear them! When you’re going out somewhere special, I think that it’s nice to glam up and have glittery lips, so this is something that Poundland could think about doing to expand the Dare to Bare product range and brand. I sincerely believe that a glitter product line would appeal to a lot more people.
Other than this I literally don’t have anything negative to say about the Dare to Bare lip gloss range. Therefore, if you’re a lover of lip gloss just like I am, I would strongly recommend that you try this product. This lip gloss has become one of my makeup bag essentials, in fact, I usually have one in my makeup bag and one in my handbag at all times.
Therefore, is the Dare to Bare Lip gloss worth the money? Absolutely it is! You can’t go wrong for a pound! It’s a fantastic little gem to have in your make-up bag. You can literally buy five or more of these Dare to Bare Lip glosses for the same price as one branded one from the high street, that looks, feels and lasts the same as this one does. If anything the Dare to Bare Lip gloss tube is a little bit longer than other lip glosses I usually buy that are typically 10ml. The Dare to Bare lip gloss give you a fantastic 15ml, so you’re actually getting a little extra for your money. What a bonus!
Subsequently, I would like to rate this Dare to Bare Lip gloss a fantastic 5/5 stars. Well done Poundland for creating an excellent cosmetic that is also such great value for money.
Bobbi Brown Highlighter
It’s no wonder to me that the Bobbi Brown Highlighter has become a cult favourite by women worldwide.
As always this Bobbi Brown Highlighter is of exceptional quality. It has an immediate impact as soon as you apply it to your face. I am so in love with the pinkish shimmer; it’s simply beautiful. It looks good on its own or when worn above a blusher. The Bobbi Brown Highlighter enhances your natural beauty in an effortlessly prestigious way.
The light reflective powder gives a beautiful shimmering pink highlight when applied to your skin. The high impact powder comes in a great sized mirrored compact, so it’s perfect to keep in your makeup bag or to take it out with you in your handbag.
I purchased the Bobbi Brown Pink Glow as it suits my skin tone more. However, Bobbi Brown also offers a Bronze Glow if you would prefer to try this shade. The Bronze Glow is ideal for medium to dark skin tones, whereas the Pink Glow suits light to medium skin tones. The highlighter isn’t blotchy, or too powdery, it’s really flattering and gives you a truly superb glamorous summer glow.
I only ever use the highlighter on my cheekbones, although you can use it anywhere that you would like to add a shimmer and glow. The powder feels delicious and silky on the skin, and it doesn’t soak into the skin like other highlighters and blushers frequently do. The superfine powder sits nice and pretty on top of your skin.
The Bobbi Brown Highlighter allows you to create an illusion of light within seconds and you don’t have to be a qualified make-up artist to do so. I have found since I first started wearing the Bobbi Brown Highlighter that I don’t feel the need to wear blusher, and if I do, it’s only ever a small amount.
The Bobbi Brown Highlighter looks great when worn in the day or on a night out. Whether you want a casual radiant summer glow or you are looking to glam up for a night out, the Bobbi Brown Highlighter is versatile and can do both.
The Bobbi Brown Highlighter lasts for a long time too. You don’t need to brush a lot of the highlighting powder onto your face, a little blushed onto your cheekbone goes a long way, and it will last for hours. I apply a thin layer early in the morning, and then if I am going out, I will usually add a fresh layer in the evening.
Although this highlighter is a little more expensive than other highlighters available on the high street, I would say that it is still absolutely worth the money, because you are paying for outstanding quality. I purchased my Bobbi Brown Highlighter last year, and I have had so much wear out of it, yet the highlighter isn’t even a quarter empty yet. The Bobbi Brown Highlighter has lasted me for a whopping ten months, and it is still going on strong!
Therefore, for me, the Bobbi Brown Highlighter has been worth every last penny. I don’t have anything negative to say about the Bobbi Brown Highlighter, and because of this, I rate the Bobbi Brown Highlighter a prestigious 5/5 stars and I recommend this highlighter to anyone who is looking for a gorgeous shimmer glow. Once again, I have to say well done to Bobbi Brown for creating a truly wonderful cosmetic.
Beauty & Health Benefits of Olive Oil
I haven’t always been a fan of olive oil, it is something that I grew to love over time with much thanks and persistence from others. Italian food is one of my favourite types of cuisine, and I have been cooking Italian food since I was a young girl. Olive oil has always been around me and a main ingredient for various recipes of mine. Olive oil is a rich in health benefits, when both consumed and used on the hair and skin.
For centuries, olive oil has been celebrated as nature’s liquid gold, revered for its myriad of health and beauty benefits. Derived from the fruit of the olive tree, this ancient elixir is not only a staple in Mediterranean cuisine but also a cherished ingredient in skincare and wellness rituals around the world. Join me as we delve into the rich tapestry of benefits that olive oil offers for both beauty and health.
Nourishing Skin Elixir
Olive oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that work wonders for the skin. Rich in vitamin E, it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, keeping it youthful and radiant. It’s emollient properties make it an excellent moisturiser, deeply hydrating the skin without clogging pores. Whether it is being used as a standalone facial oil, added to bathwater for a luxurious soak, or incorporated into DIY skincare recipes, olive oil leaves the skin soft, supple, and glowing with health.
Natural Hair Care Wonder
Say goodbye to dull, dry hair and hello to luscious locks with the help of olive oil. This versatile oil is a godsend for hair care, thanks to it’s nourishing properties and ability to promote healthy hair growth. Packed with vitamins A and E, olive oil helps to strengthen hair follicles, reduce split ends, and impart a glossy shine. Whether used as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner, or an ingredient in homemade hair masks, olive oil revitalises and restores hair to its natural beauty.
Heart-Healthy Elixir
In addition to its beauty benefits, olive oil is also celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly for heart health. Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and joint pain. Incorporating olive oil into your diet as a cooking oil, salad dressing, or drizzle over dishes not only adds a delicious flavour but also promotes overall health and well-being.
Aids Digestion and Weight Management
Olive oil is not only good for your heart but also for your digestive system. It aids in the absorption of nutrients, supports healthy digestion, and helps to regulate bowel movements. Additionally, the healthy fats in olive oil promote satiety and keep you feeling full for longer, making it a valuable ally in weight management and maintaining a healthy weight.
From nourishing the skin and revitalising hair to promoting heart health and aiding digestion, the benefits of olive oil are truly remarkable. Whether used topically as a skincare elixir or ingested as a dietary supplement, this ancient treasure offers a wealth of beauty and health benefits that have stood the test of time. So, why not incorporate a dose of liquid gold into your daily routine and experience the transformative power of olive oil for yourself?
Bourjois Palette Les Nudes
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is a perfect little cosmetic for your make-up bag. The palette is an ideal size with a variety of stunning colours that have an incredible staying power.
Frankly, I have never really been that big on eyeshadows; I am somebody who can take them or leave them. Quite often I don’t wear any eyeshadows at all. However, when I purchased this little beauty from Bourjois, I was stunned with how powerful the little eyeshadows actually are. Although the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is a fair size, the colours themselves appear to be small. Therefore, I wasn’t too optimistic about the eyeshadows lasting me for a decent amount of time. It turns out that I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Firstly, because I am so impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows and the beautiful effect they have on my eyes, I have been wearing the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes almost every day since I purchased them, over seven months ago! After a full seven months’ worth of use, the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is still going on strong in my make-up bag. The white eyeshadow, which I use the most has now almost entirely gone, followed by the bronze shade which has just under half left and the rest are still completely full.
The pigmentations of each of these colours are purely outstanding, and the durability is just as amazing. I usually apply the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes eyeshadows early in the morning, just before the school run and it literally lasts on my eyes for the entire day. Bourjois claim that the Palette Les Nudes eyeshadows last for up to 12 hours and I would have to agree with this statement. The eyeshadows barely even fade, if at all. After several hours of wear, the colours still look just as vibrant as they did when I put them on. Although I am talking about a typical casual day, so if your day is more physically active you may need to top the eyeshadows up again in the evening. Even when I have worn the eyeshadows in the bath or shower, they don’t slide off and smudge down my face as most eyeshadows do.
As a sleep deprived mummy, long gone are the days where I could get a full eight hours of sleep. Quite often I am lucky to get four or five good hours of sleep, and the crack of dawn wake ups are now an everyday thing. So I need all of the help I can get with my puffy eyes and enormous bags which have now become the norm. So I am so thankful as to how this little palette of gold can immediately glam up my eyes and have me looking like an ordinary woman once again, rather than a like zombie.
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes has eight beautiful different shades in them, which allows you to create a variety of looks to wear during the day, night or to suit any occasion. The texture of the eyeshadows is so soft, and I believe this is the reason as to why they have lasted me for so long because you don’t need to use a lot of the eyeshadows on your face nor do you need to build up multiple layers. The eyeshadows blend really easy with just one simple brush and layer.
Since I have started wearing the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes a lot of people have asked me about and commented on the type of eyeshadows that I am wearing. I would definitely recommend these eyeshadows to anyone who wants to glam up their eyes, without looking over the top. I think the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes is perfect for any woman’s handbag.
If the nude collection isn’t for you, don’t worry because Bourjois also offer a Palette Les Smoky, which I imagine is just as fabulous as the Palette Les Nudes.
The Bourjois Palette Les Nudes box alone looks so adorable and chic. The box comes in a nice compact little shape, and there is a good size clear mirror inside. So if you want to take the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes out with you in your handbag, there is no need to take out a compact mirror as this already has one. Another unique thing about this product is how it opens and closes. It isn’t just an open and shut eyeshadow as most products are. Once opened, the mirror can swivel 360֯, and it also tilts at an angle which is perfect if you need to capture some good lighting. I really do love it!
Overall I can’t fault the Bourjois Palette Les Nude. In my eyes, I would have to say that the eyeshadows are worth the money and I am glad that I purchased them. Therefore, I rate the Bourjois Palette Les Nudes a glamourous 5/5 stars. Well done Bourjois you have converted me into loving eyeshadows. I will defiantly be purchasing this product again.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer
I first purchased the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer after I tired the product with a beautician in a Boots store at the beginning of the year. I can genuinely say before I had ever tried the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer I was quite sceptical when it came to trying and buying any tinted moisturizer products, this was due to bad experiences that I have had in the past. However, as soon as the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer was applied to my face I was immediately impressed by the quality of the product. The beautifying mineral pigments that it boasts, helped to even out my skin tone and left my skin looking fresh and radiant.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer really does leave you looking like you have a natural healthy glow. I am so impressed with this moisturizer that after over fifteen years of wearing foundation daily, I have now stopped and have instead started wearing the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer because I love how natural looking it is. This product has made a huge impact to my life, and it has changed how I feel about buying and wearing tinted moisturizers.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer has a SPF of 15, this makes wearing the moisturizer in the summer months easier and more suitable. I personally wouldn’t be happy with a SPF lower than 15 as I think this is the least that we should be applying in order to protect our face, especially when you are out in the hot sun. Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer have got the sun protection just right as it provides a threefold protection against UV rays. In addition to this it has 100% mineral protection together with pollution and free radicals. If you would like to apply a stronger a SPF to your face before you apply the Clarins Tinted Moisturizer it shouldn’t change the look, coverage or texture of the moisturizer on your face. This is a huge bonus, especially as this can be so difficult to achieve with foundations.
I think Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer is a great product for the summer time, especially if you are trying to build up a tan. The moisturizer isn’t cakey like most foundations; it also doesn’t leave any marks on your clothing which is also a plus factor. The moisturizer feels so light on your face; it literally feels like you are not wearing anything at all.
Some tinted moisturizers can leave your face feeling greasy and oily, and after a few hours of wear they can begin to feel like they are sliding off of your face. Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer doesn’t leave your face feeling like this. From the very start of applying the moisturizer, it leaves your face feeling comfortable, soft, light and velvety, even after hours’ worth of wear.
Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer contains a natural ingredient called, Katafray. Katafray is a native tree found across Madagascar. Its essential oils are renowned for its fortifying and soothing actions. It is anti-inflammatory and possesses analgesic actions as well as being a relaxant tonic. Katafray has traditionally been used to ease redness and itching of the skin, including eczema. It is also habitually used in face mask products, as it is believed to help with fine lines and wrinkles.
If you are wanting to go for a more natural look, then I would strongly recommend that you try Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer. The moisturizer has a hint of colour that provides you with a very light and natural looking coverage. There are seven different shades of Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer to choose from. A beautician picked the correct shade for me as I was trailing the product in store. If you would also prefer this option you can pop along into any department store such as Boots or Debenhams and ask the Clarins concession stand for a free trial, they will be more than happy to help you out.
Moreover, the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer also lasts for a good amount of time. I have started wear this moisturizer almost every day, from the moment that I first purchased the product, and I still have a fair amount left in the bottle. This means that so far the moisturizer has already lasted me for nine whole weeks and the bottle is far from empty. This is probably due to the fact that you don’t need to apply a large amount of the moisturizer to your face, nor do you need to add multiple layers. Just one small layer will give you a full face of coverage and it lasts for hours. The tinted moisturizer doesn’t last as long as some foundations do, and I personally find that after eight hours of wear I need to top the moisturizer up and add a fresh layer to my face in order to brighten it up. Really, there probably isn’t no need for me to do this, it is just a bit of a habit. I also choose to wear a thin layer of powder over the top of the moisturizer. Once more, there probably is no need for me to do this, however it makes me feel more comfortable and less naked, after all I am used to wearing foundation every day for the past decade. I do think that a light powder over the top of the moisturizer just gives you’re face that perfect finish.
One of the negatives points that I have noticed with the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer is that it isn’t strong enough to cover or hide the bags underneath my eyes. Therefore, if you have just had a baby or have a toddler that still wakes you up in the middle of the night, you may need to get some extra help and purchase some additional products to help conceal the bags. I have been using a light concealer underneath my eyes before apply the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer to my face, which seems to do the trick in brightening my eyes up. Also, if you have a lot of blemishes or scaring on your face, this coverage probably wouldn’t be strong enough to mask them. I would say that this is the only major downfall of the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer. Albeit, it is still only a moisturizer and not a foundation.
In conclusion, I am extremely impressed with the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer, and it has most definitely won me over. It is a product that I will be purchasing again in the near future. So the main question is, is the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer worth the money? Yes, I would have to say that it is, and I am very pleased that I purchased this product as it has done me proud and been worth every last penny.
Unfortunately, the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer isn’t perfect, the coverage doesn’t last for as long as I would hope for and I feel the hint of colour could be increased just a little bit. Despite all of this I am extremely pleased with the product and will continue to wear it daily. Overall I rate the Clarins Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturizer a brilliant 4/5 stars. Well done Clarins for converting me!