Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

After coming to the end of yet another bottle of MAC Green Gel Cleanser I decided it was time to change things up and see what else was out there. I have quite sensitive and oily skin so after hearing it mentioned in many videos and reading about it in various blog posts i decided upon the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I got the 100ml pump starter kit - £14.75 which comes with a 100ml bottle of product, two muslin cloths, an instructions card and comes in a small zip up bag which is handy for travelling. I think the price is really reasonable for the quality of the products and everything that you get and it's cheaper than the MAC cleanser. It is also mint green/blue which is a big bonus for all us mint lovers! 

The actual product is quick and easy to use and is gentle on the skin, unlike some other cleansers you don't have to scrub your skin, it gently glides over delicate areas. I have had no reactions with the formula and even though I haven't seen any drastic improvements i do think my oily skin has benefited. When rinsed off using the hot cloths my skin is left feeling fresh and clean and when in use it smells a lot like vapour rub which is the ointment that you rub on your chest when you have a cold.  Although this cleanser leaves almost no trace of face makeup, it does state "swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara" so I was quite disappointed as to how well is removes eye makeup. I often find myself reaching for something like Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to remove any remaining mascara and eyeliner. However, this being said I am actually really enjoying this product and my skin is too!

Have you tried this product, what did you think?

Bethan ♡

Sample Reviews

 Samples and testers are great because they enable you to discover products that you may have not thought about trying and if it is something you have been thinking about getting then you can see whether the product is suitable or if its worth you spending your money on. I had a few samples laying about that i wanted to try out so here is what i thought of them.

Benefit - They're real! push-up liner 

This product took a little time getting used to as you have to squeeze the base of the tip to push the gel liner up, whereas with the full size product you have to twist the base which I'm guessing is much easier. I think this product is a great invention as I prefer gel liner but you don't have to fuss with brushes and the pots drying out.The gel applies smoothly across the lash line, is a bold black colour and and the AccuFlex tip does 'hug the lashline' as I was able to get a neat line very close to my lashes. It dries fast so you have to be quite swift when applying it but this also means that is it is long wearing, waterproof and and doesn't smudge. This tester has definitely persuaded me to get the full size product!

CHANEL Les Beiges All-In-One Healthy Glow Fluid
So my sample was in the shade N°30 which was too dark for me but as this product is so sheer it wasn't a problem. It is a soft and gentle formula that gives light coverage, evens out your skin tone and gives a natural glow. It has a fresh scent and is applied and blended easily. Initially I was unsure about this product as I usually opt for a base with a higher coverage but the whole point of the product,as it says in it's title, is to improve your skin and make it look healthier not to cover it. I love how the product evened out my complexion and it also has an SPF 15 which protects your skin and is also great for the summer months. 

ELLIS FAAS MILKY LIPS - L201 Blood Red
This is a fluid lipstick that has a glossy finish and very good pigmentation. It applies smoothly and lasts quite well over time. My sample was in the shade 'Blood Red' which is basically what it says. A dark and bold red colour that is suitable for all seasons as it's not too dark. It is a light formula making it comfortable on the lips but can be slightly sticky. 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

With this sample you get four types; Original, Sin, Eden and Anti-aging. So far i have only tried the Original but i can say that it is overall the best primer i have ever used. Even after watching The Fault In Our Stars and leaving the cinema in a pool of my own tears, my make up wasn't half way down my face! You get a lot of product in the sample that has lasted me a long time and i like how they give you different types. The product is smooth and it applies well but sometimes it was difficult when blending it in as it dries so fast. Eyeshadow applies and blends well on top of it and I noticed a big difference in the condition of my eye make up at the end of the day when using this compared to other eyeshadow primers. 

Bethan x

Manuka Honey

I love using natural remedies and it is fantastic to find something that actually works! Manuka honey has healing properties and I'm sure that if you googled it you'd find stories that seem hard to believe as it is only honey.

It helps build your immune system and I put a spoonful in my coffee every morning to ensure I get my daily dose, as I often catch the bug that's going around. I have to admit it is expensive to buy but if you look around you can find cheaper options  especially in certain supermarkets it costs about £5 compared to £15 in a specialist shop.* My grandparents are also big fans of the honey and believe that taking a spoonful everyday is the reason they're still going even though they're in their mid 80s!

I am also someone that often suffers from troublesome skin with painful and annoying spots appearing at the worst of times. I have struggled for a few years trying to find something that works for me and I've finally found it! It's the Manuka Doctor - apiclear Skin Treatment Serum.

This is a serum that uses Manuka bee venom (sounds scary but it's not). It is a clear gel that is easy to apply with your fingers. It feels light on your skin, is absorbed quickly, doesn't feel sticky and only a small amount is needed to cover your face.

I apply this every morning and night after washing my face without fail and along with regularly cleaned makeup brushes my skin stays clear. Now it is very rare for me to have a major breakout I might just get a spot every now and again. This is my favourite skin care product at the moment and I have already bought my next two bottles! It is quite expensive at around £15 but I personally think it is worth it however, it is regularly on offer in Holland & Barrett which is a bonus. There are also other apiclear products available but this is the one I like. In total Manuka Doctor have 5 types of products that provide aid for almost every skin problem including ageing or malnourished skin, these are: apiclear, apiwellness, apinourish, apirevive, apifocus.

*I would recommend that you buy the 10+ Honey.

Have you tried any honey products? Let me know in the comments!

Alice xx

June Favourites 2014

As a month ends and another one begins i thought i would share what i have been loving throughout the sunny month of June...

Girlz Only Dry Shampoo - £2.00

We all have those days where we simply can't be bothered to wash and dry our hair, especially if you're like me and it takes what seems like forever. I have tried a few different types but I'm not that fussy when it comes to dry shampoo and usually end up back with Batiste. However, on my last visit to the dry shampoo section I felt a peculiar urge to try something different and I'm glad I did. Foe me this Girlz Only dry shampoo leaves my hair looking naturally clean and fresh. It feels nice in the hair and is practically invisible. I also like like the smell, it's a lot nicer and more gentle than some others I have tried. The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the volume it gave my hair. Don't get me wrong it does give me more volume than I would naturally have but having the name 'Xxl Volume Plus' I was expecting more. Nether the less, I am very much enjoying this product and it's very affordable.

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine - Papaya - £3.99

We all have our favourite summer products and I think I have found my perfect summer nail polish. For me coral is my ultimate summer colour and and this nail polish is the loveliest peachy coral shade. Finding the right shade of nail polish to suit my skin can be quite hard for me and when I bought this for a wedding i was attending i was rather sceptical and didn't expect to continue wearing it. I was pleasantly surprised by this polish, I really like it with my skin tone and feel comfortable wearing it. Especially when the sun is shining and I have a bit of a tan. Being someone who has no talent in nail painting I also love the fact it applies evenly and lasts well.

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm - Audacious - £7.99

I had my eye on this product for a while but when I saw Revlon were having a 2 for £10 deal I took the opportunity to try it out. The product comes in a range of colours but I went for the shade 'Audacious' which is a beautiful orange toned red, perfect for the summer months. It is a matte balm which means you need to make sure your lips aren't too dry before applying, however it isn't completely matte especially when you initially apply it which I have no problem with. It is very creamy and glides on effortlessly without drying out your lips. It lasts well but does need re-applying a few times throughout the day. For a more natural look I like to dab the product on gently but i also love it applied generously for a pop of colour.

Kiko Boulevard Rock Glow Touch Lips&Cheeks - Analogic Nude - £6.90 £4.00
I heard a few people talk about this product a while ago and whilst in London I took the opportunity to get it. It is limited addition from the Boulevard Rock collection which they currently have a sale on so if you're interested in getting anything from the collection then i would do so pretty soon. I really like the packaging, especially the fact in comes in a tin. The only issue I have is that the tin can be quite tricky to open. I went for the shade 'Analogic Nude' which is a peachy nude(there seems to be a theme of oranges and peaches in this post). The product works well on both the lips and cheeks. I use a stippling brush to apply it to the cheeks giving them a natural flush and is very natural on the lips, depending how much you put on it's almost like a balm. 

(Wearing on lips and cheeks)

Dorothy Perkins Black Swish Strap Sandals - £20.00

Finding summer shoes that fit and don't rub is sometimes quite difficult but I think I may have found the comfiest sandals ever! They are very easy to walk in and very comfortable, great for travelling. The buckle does up easily without having to fuss around and the silver detail in the heal makes them seem a bit more dressy so you can be comfy and fancy at the same time. 

That's what I have been loving recently, what have you been loving?

Bethan x 

Trusty Travel Essentails

So whenever I am going out or travelling I usually carry a small makeup bag just in case i need to refresh or in case of emergencies, and i never regret it! I am usually one of those people who has a Mary Poppins type of bag and that friend you go to if you need something that you wouldn't contemplate bringing yourself. These are a few things i find always come in handy.

To begin the makeup bag I use for travel is a Ted Baker bag, I couldn't find the link to this actual design so this is a link to the selection of wash and makeup bags on their website. I like this bag because it is not too big but is spacious enough to hold everything i need, i like the design and it is also waterproof just in case of any leakages, we've all been there. 

Makeup

I like to carry a range of makeup with me as I usually need to touch up throughout the day or just in case my plans change and I need to make myself look presentable. The most important product for me is a powder as I have oily skin and tend to get quite shiny. I prefer to use a press powder when travelling rather than a loose powder one as I find it tricky using a loose powder on the go and it usually ends up all over my lap or the floor. I also like to carry a concealer to touch up any spots or blemishes, some sort of bronzer or blusher, an eyeliner,mascara and a lip product...or five.

Shine Absorbing Sheets

Another item that is very handy when it comes to shine is the Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets. These are very simple and quick to use and allow you to dab away excess oil and keep your makeup intact. 

Miniatures
It is very useful to carry travel size products with you as they make things much easier instead of having to carry around huge products that weigh a ton and you simply don't have room for. I personally like a carry travel size hand cream, hairspray for any loose or flyaway hairs and perfume because you always need to smell nice!

Bits and Bobs
Some other little bits I like to have to hand are tissues, plasters, tablets, clips, bobbles and some floss. 

So that was a few nifty things I always take with me, is there anything you find useful when out and about?

Bethan x

Origins GinZing

Being someone who exhibits rather distinct under eye circles I am constantly on the look out for new tricks and products that could help. After seeing and hearing about Origins 'GinZing' Eye Cream various times throughout the beauty world I thought it was time to give it a go and see if it lived up to its expectations and its title of COMPANY Best Eye Cream 2013.

 It claims to:

• Be a refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff'
• Help reduce the look of dark circles
• Unsightly bags and puffiness seem less visible
• Rapidly wakes up, refreshes and restores radiance to tired eyes

For me this eye cream does all that it claims to do! It applies with a silky texture, effortlessly settling on the sensitive skin around the eyes. As soon as it's applied the appearance of my once before dull looking eyes appear much more radiant, healthy and awake. This cream also provides light coverage against dark circles and a much softer feeling. This aids tremendously when using concealer as it applies smoothly without tugging on the skin and helps give a flawless finish. Great for any skin type and all ages.

This blissful eye cream has certainly earned a permanent spot in my skin care routine and I have to admit that I do get a tad excited when it comes to applying it in the mornings.

Has anyone tried it, what do you think?

Bethan x

Spring Lookbook

So, spring has finally sprung, the temperature is rising and the flowers are blooming. This means peeling off the woolly layers and replacing them with the pastels and bold patterns. Here are a few looks we are loving at the moment...

This season trend seems to be statement trousers, so here we have paired out patterned trousers with a block coloured blouse and patent shoes. Perfect for the spring weather!

Top -  H&M

Trousers - River Island

Shoes - River Island (sale)

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Trousers - Dorothy Perkins (old stock)

Shoes - Topshop

Bag - Zara

These spring dresses can be dressed up or down and are perfect for an evening 'doo' or even a garden party (if you're lucky).

Dress - NEXT

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

Dress - River Island (sale)

Shoes - New Look

Bag - H&M

Wearing colourful patterns can bring a sense of summer into spring and a pop of colour into your wardrobe.

Top - Primark

Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins

Skirt - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Topshop

Dress - Primark

Shoes - New Look

Sunglasses - Boots 

Jeans suit any season but in spring we like to pair them with a patterned top or jacket to make a statement, whether it's brave bolds or pretty pastels.

Top - Topshop (sale)

Jeans - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

Sunglasses - Primark

Top - River Island

Jacket - Primark

Jeans - Primark

Shoes - Primark 

Bag - Primark 

 The classic kimono can transform a dull outfit into a both chic and casual look, in the hot temperatures this is a key piece to any wardrobe as it's cool and very comfy!

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Kimono - Topshop

Jeans - Dorothy Perkins 

Shoes - Dorothy Perkins

Sunglasses - Lacoste (T K Maxx)

Top - Primark

Kimono - H&M

Skirt - H&M

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Primark

These were a few of our favourite spring trends and combinations, what are yours?xx