2010 Favourites

Hello my lovelies, here is a little post about the products I have post enjoyed this year.... some new, some old!! Enjoy :)

Hair

Shampoo

Aussie Take the Heat

Conditioner

Aussie Take the Heat

Styling Products

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster

L'Oréal Elnett Hairspray

Body

Shower Gel

Lush Snow Fairy/Glögg

Body Moisturiser

Body Shop Wild Cherry Body Butter

Face

Cleanser

Lush Angels on Bare Skin

Moisturiser

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

Lush Skin Drink

Makeup

Foundation

Benefit Playstick in Spin the Bottle

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid

Concealer

Benefit Erase Paste

Powder

Mac Studio Fix Powder

Blush

Benefit Coralista

Bronzer

Benefit Hoola

Highlighter

Benefit High Beam

Mac Petticoat Mineralise Skinfinish

Eyeshadow

This changes on a regular basis, but at the moment I'm loving Urban Decay's Naked Palette 

Eyeliner

Urban Decay Whiskey

Mascara

Topshop Mascara (black)

Lipstick/Lipgloss

Mac Vegas Volt, Snob and Creme Cup

Nail Colour

Gosh Chocoholic

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Hope you enjoyed this post - can't believe 2010 is nearly over... this year just flew by!! I hope you all have a wonderful NYE and an even better 2011

Review: A'kin Instant Radiance Facial Masque

Having tried out a multitude of A'kin products in the past few months, I felt confident ordering their Multi-Fruit and Willow Bark Instant Radiance Facial Masque.

Directions for Use:

After cleansing and drying the skin, smooth a generous layer of this masque onto your face and décolletage, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

I love, love, love face masks - I find them so relaxing and rejuvenating. I love nothing more than the soft, silky feeling of freshly-masked skin!!

This product is suitable for all skin types and promises "smooth youthful-looking skin". According to the MyPure website, it is packed with multi-fruit Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA's) and willow bark Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA's) which help to enhance skin renewal and remove dead skin cells, thereby improving your skin tone and reducing the appearance of imperfections and pores. The product also contains a blend of rosehip, pomegranate and vitamin B3 to deliver a radiant, even-looking complexion. This masque is "perfect as a pick-me-up before a special occasion or as part of your weekly beauty regime".

I slathered on this bad boy, as I would with any face mask, but the first thing I noticed was the more than iffy smell, a side effect I wasn't expecting. My brother literally recoiled at the scent! My mother was more forgiving, labelling it a "mature fragrance" but admitted it wouldn't be her cup of tea.

However, for the sake of being thorough, I soldiered on...

And boy am I glad I did!! The masque applies easily, and though it dries somewhat over the 10 minutes, it is not uncomfortable in the slightest. It is a dream to wash off, coming away instantly without leaving any nasty residue.

I was thoroughly pleased with the results too - my skin feels perfectly clean, blemish free and oh so soft!! Though the smell isn't wonderful, I will definitely cope, especially with these results :)

If you would like to try this out, have a look over on the MyPure website.

RRP: £16.99

Rating: ★★★★

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

(ps: sorry for the semi-dodgy photo - I left my camera equipment in my apartment and have to cope with my iphone for now!!)

Review: Alva Coleur Baked Foundation Powder

The second product I tested out this month was the Alva Coleur Baked Powder, which you can check out on the MyPure website. The foundation is described as having a "silky light-as-a-breeze texture... with a matt finish and subtle colour at the same time"

The foundation only has two colour choices, light and medium, so it wouldn't be great for anyone with darker skin. However, I'm as pale a person as you'll ever meet, so I selected the light option, hoping it would work for me.

I tried this product two ways... firstly, I tried to wear this as a powder foundation, applying it directly after my concealor (I tried to apply it this way twice - once with the sponge provided and once with a kabuki brush) but it didn't really work out. It provided very little coverage and I was quite disappointed with the results overall.

However, I then decided to try it after applying my liquid foundation, as a setting powder, and I was much happier with the outcome - it blended my makeup really well (my mum commented that it looked like I was wearing no makeup at all) and gave a pretty finish, with a subtle shimmer.

I don't know if I will repurchase this powder - it retails at £16.60 and for that price I would expect a bit more from the product.

Rating: 5/10

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Review: A'kin Pure Emergency Gel

My first MyPure review this month is of the Pure Emergency Gel by A'Kin.

This product has three main uses:

1. A cooling gel to soothe and calm irritated skin

As someone who suffers from irrational skin that is often flushed and blotchy, this product is a Godsend. Applying this gel to irritated skin calms the inflamed red colour and the uncomfortably hot feeling - it provides immediate and lasting relief.

2. A moisturiser (for sensitive or oily skin)

I have oily skin and I find this product great in the morning. I apply it, wait for about 5 minutes and my skin is much less oily than normal!

3. An after shave/waxing balm

I used this after dry shaving (awful, I know, but our water was turned off) and it reduced the red, irritated appearance of my legs - the red bumps literally disappeared!

This product claims to be "unscented" - though this is not strictly true, the light fragrance of chamomile mixed with aloe is relaxing, and adds to the charm of this product.

For more information, and to pick up a bottle, please check out the MyPure website. I really like this gel, and fully intend to repurchase it when I run out. I cannot rate it highly enough!!

Rating: 10/10

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Haul: Lush Christmas - Cinders

"Fizz, crackle and pop, a spicy crackling bath ballistic. Run a warm bath and drop it in... and listen carefully"

This delicious bath ballistic contains "cinnamon, sweet orange and almond essential oils." It is nourishing and refreshing, and it just smells like Christmas. I am overly excited to try out this little beauty. For more information, have a look at Lush's website.

RRP: €2.50

Haul: Naked Shine Hydrating Shampoo

My quest for perfect tresses has pressed me to purchase many a whimsical product in the past, but when I saw this in Boots, I just couldn't say no...

"Naked is a range of beauty products crammed with gorgeous high quality botanical extracts and made from at least 97% plant and mineral derived ingredients".

For more information, have a nosey at the Naked website by clicking here.

I picked up the formula for normal to dry hair.... but I want to try the limp hair version too. It is made with honey and mallow and smells divine.

The blurb below says: "the hair cuticle needs to be moisturised so we use honey and mallow extracts to target areas of dryness, quenching hair and helping to keep it hydrated. Because your hair deserves the kindest treatment of all, we don't use harsh detergents - only gentle, plant-based cleansing ingredients, to give that extra special Swish Factor, so you shine like a diamond in the rough"

 The instructions are the same as almost every shampoo, but in case you're interested: "apply to thoroughly wet hair for a feather soft lather. Rinse really well and repeat if necessary - you will achieve a better foam second time around". I never repeat when washing my hair.... it often leads to a lot of product build-up in my thin hair, and I feel that it is a bit of a ploy by manufacturers to get you to use more and (hopefully) buy more! However, I will happily try this out twice for the sake of being thorough :)

Oh, and they don't test on animals either!

I will update this within the next week or so with my opinion and a review... hopefully a positive one :)

RRP: €5.80 or £3.99

Haul: Kimchi Blue, Silence & Noise (Urban Outfitters)

Today, my wonderful mother and I went for a stroll around the shops and spotted some beautiful things.... and she generously decided to purchase these gorgeous items for me, as an early Christmas present!

 The first item is a gorgeous black and gold dress is by Kimchi Blue and retails at €50. It is incredibly beautiful and really comfortable to wear.... it is a bit on the short side, so I will be able to pair it with jeans or heels during the day or rock some tan and heels for the night time! There is only one downside... the dress is 100% polyester and so it is a bit delicate and hand wash only :(

The second item is a beautiful, military-style, grey cardigan by Silence and Noise. It is so cosy and comfortable... but looks really stylish!! I am planning to wear this with a simple white t-shirt, jeans and boots, but it would also look great over a little floral dress, when the weather heats up a bit!! It retails for €56.

I am so happy with both of my purchases... I love, love, love them!! I have the most generous mummy :)

Haul: Lush Christmas - The Boogg

"Make bathtimes go with a bang and chuck in this herby, frothy and very colourful snowman into your tub tonight"

This delicious snowman is a combination of a bubble bar and bath bomb. It fizzes froth, when added to water, and "fireworks" explode out of the snowman's head! Perfect for a frosty Christmas evening, this beauty contains Myrrh and Armoise Oil, which provides a calming fragrance.

Lush's website has lots of details about this product.

RRP: €2.90

Haul: Lush Christmas - Bearded Lady

"A superbly softening oat milk, shea butter and tangerine scented bar to crumble under running water for mounds of silky bubbles"

The Bearded Lady bubble bar is filled with oat milk, avocado and butter, to maintain silky soft skin during the harsh winter months. The tangerine oil is beautifully scented but also helps tone the skin.... who doesn't want that!? For more information, have a look at Lush's website.

RRP: €3.20

ps: normally the Bearded Lady has two eyes but one of mine fell off - now she's more of a bearded pirate :)

Haul: Lush Christmas - Satsumo Santa

"Mandarins, bergamot and orange blossom give you the reviving bath you need to get though your Christmas chores"

This bath ballistic is a delicious blend of citrus scents, that are perfect for "beating back the lethargy that always comes with winter months". For more information, have a look at the Lush website.

RRP: €3.75

Haul: Lush Christmas - Snow Fairy

"Candy floss pink and sweet as sugar. With iridescent sparkles and a hint of wicked fruitiness"

I don't think I need to introduce this product... it is a Christmas staple at Lush. However, if you have somehow managed to miss this beauty, let me fill you in...

It is simply AMAZING and you need it in your life.

For more information, have a look at Lush's website.

RRP: €4.20 for 100g

Haul: Lush Christmas - Gingerbread House

"Crumble this sweetie scented, candy decorated cottage into your bath for heaps of fragrant froth"

This bubble bar contains powdered ginger, which will "warm your entire body as you soak", as well as cinnamon and a splash of blackcurrent. It is spicy, warming and scrumptious.... and good enough to eat. For more information, check out the Lush website.

RRP: €3.15

Haul: Harry Potter at Lush

Dragon's Egg Bath Ballistic

"An uplifting fizz of grapefruit, lemon, jasmine and dragon's fire"

This yummy bath ballistic was based on the dragon's in Harry Potter. Filled with foam, confetti and fizz, this will turn your bath water orange and make it crackle like fire. It is filled with foam, confetti and fizz. I'm off to see Harry Potter this week, so I wanted to share some magic with you before then :)

For more information, and a tutorial, have a mosey on over to the Lush website.

RRP: €3.80

Review: Alva Rhassoul Volcanic Mineral Clay

With college worries stressing me (and my skin) out of late, I have been searching high and low for the perfect skincare product to rid me of my (visible) woes. It is for this reason that I decided to test our Alva's Rhassoul Mineral Clay.

Alva Rhassoul is a skincare range created to "cleanse problem skin". The selected ingredients are specifically aimed at blemished or combination skin, that gets oily very quickly. The MyPure website lists the following benefits of Alva Rhassoul Mineral Clay:

♥ Skin Appearance Improves

♥ Spots and Blackheads Disappear

♥ Skin Elasticity Increases

♥ Deep Pore Cleansing

♥ Effective Cleansing

It also states that this product "delivers valuable minerals into the skin whilst eliminating dirt, toxins and infection causing bacteria. It is perfect for those who want to make their own deep cleansing skincare products". This product is well suited to people with sensitive skin and allergies, but works very well on oily, acne-prone skin.

Directions for Use

1. Add 3-4 tablespoons of warm water to a bowl.

2. Add powder to the water, stirring slowly until a gel/paste is formed

3. Add essential oils (optional)

4. Apply to the skin with fingers

5. Leave for a few minutes and wash off with warm water.

Having used this product several times, I noticed that my skin felt much more soft and supple. I also felt squeaky clean and super moisturised, without being greasy/oily. However, the process was pretty messy and the product doesn't look or smell that great - it's not an unpleasant scent, just a bit strange. I didn't use essential oils in mine, but I would advise trying that out... it might make the scent a little more pleasant.

Personally, I found that the clay mask was tough to wash off and after two uses, I resorted to applying this product pre-shower so that I could scrub it off properly, without making too much mess. I noticed that my skin felt a bit flushed after using it, but that could have been as a result of the excessive scrubbing and showering.

Overall, I liked the results that this product provided, but there are tonnes of face masks out there that smell better and are easier to use and wash off.

If you want to read more about this product, or to purchase your own box, you can check out the MyPure website.

Rating: 6/10

(ps: my camera is being bratty... I will try to upload the photos tomorrow)

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Review: Lovea Detangling Leave-In Conditioner

This month, the lovely lads and lassies at MyPure gave us bloggers a wonderful opportunity - to select our own products to review for you to peruse and, perhaps, purchase. This was utterly enjoyable, but I found myself eagerly scouring the website, wanting to try almost everything.

Having tried multiple Lovea products already, and having yet to be disappointed by them, I decided that I would start my quest there. The first product that I simply HAD to try was their Detangling Leave-In Conditioner.

I am an obsessive hair straightener - when I add up the damage my poor hair has received from blowdrying, straightening, curling, dying and back-combing, I'm surprised that I'm not bald... yet.  I fry my once-luscious locks almost every day, leaving them dry, damaged and depressed.

Enter conditioner.

Conditioner, especially leave-in conditioner, nurses harmed hair back to health, providing shine and silky texture, without making you feel greasy. Leave-in conditioner can also help protect your hair from all your vicious styling tools - however, you should still use a heat protector, just in case.

As with all Lovea products, the directions are in French, but I can put my French skills to good use and give you a quick synopsis:

"This Leave-In Conditioner, enriched with organic Argan Oil from Morocco, detangles and restores brilliance to dull, lifeless hair. The spray is light, non-greasy and will not weigh your hair down. It can be used every day, on wet or dry hair. Directions for Use: Spray all over the hair, either when wet or dry, then comb"

The first thing you will notice about this product is the incredible scent, which reminds me of summer holidays at the seaside. I used this product almost every day for two weeks, both on wet and dry hair:

Wet Hair

I applied this to towel-dried hair and combed it through. I noticed that my hair felt much softer than usual and was virtually tangle free, which is a rarity.

Dry Hair

I applied this once or twice to dry hair, and though I was not floored by the results, I have to admit that it added some extra shine to my hair (and made it smell divine!!)

You can read more about it, or pick up a bottle of it, over on the MyPure website, for €6.48.

Rating: 9/10

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Haul: Urban Decay Naked Palette

I am now a proud owner of Urban Decay's Naked Palette.

I am a huge fan of neutral eyeshadows - I think they are perfect for both daytime and nighttime. They can be worn alone, mixed and matched or worked into a smokey look.  

 The palette contains 12 eyeshadows - Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep and Gunmetal. It also comes with a dual ended eye liner with Whiskey and Zero.

(click to enlarge the photos!)

 (L-R): Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck (and Zero eyeliner)

 (L-R): Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted

(L-R): Half Baked, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal (and Whiskey eyeliner)

Irish RRP - €36

Review: Inika Mineral Foundation Powder

The third product that I received from MyPure this month was an Inika Mineral Foundation Powder, which came in an adorable little gold pouch, with the cutest little kabuki brush. 

As I had never heard of the Inika brand before, I curiously looked up their website and discovered that Inika is an Australian cosmetics brand, that operates under the belief that women should always know exactly what they're putting on their skin.

Inika is a 100% natural (and 100% cruelty free) cosmetics brand. All of their products are free from harmful chemicals that could damage the skin. Their products are "non-comedogenic" (ie: they won't clog up your pores) and are suitable for all women, even those with serious allergies and sensitivities to cosmetics.

The MyPure website claimed that the mineral foundation powder would provide a "natural, radiant look" so I excitedly opened the jar!

BAD IDEA!!

... having never used mineral foundation before, I was not expecting the mini cloud of foundation that poured out! Thankfully, I have wooden floors in my bedroom so the mess was easily taken care of!!

Following that little disaster, I decided to read up about the product and, thankfully, their are detailed instructions on the MyPure website:

Dip the kabuki brush into the foundation and work it into the bristles, ensuring that the brush is evenly coated. Tap the brush handle on a hard surface to embed the foundation (and the minerals). Apply in light, downward strokes all over the face. For heavier coverage: use a circular buffing motion.

I opted for the heavier coverage method, and was delighted with the results. The product did give me a (somewhat radiant) glow and lasted all day!! I did notice a little caking in some places after the first few uses, but after I got used to the product, that stopped happening!

I really enjoyed this product, but at a steep €30 per container, I won't be splurging on it too often. For a very special occasion, it might be worth it though. If you want to know more about this, or to purchase this product, please check out the MyPure website.

Rating: 7.5/10

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Review: Lovea Tahitian Monoi Moisturising and Restorative Hair Mask

Having previously tried out two other Lovea Bio products for MyPure, I was unbelievably excited when I opened my parcel this month and spotted a tub of their Tahitian Monoi Moisturising and Restorative Hair Mask. The other Lovea products I have tried (which I reviewed here and here) were absolutely brilliant, and I had very high expectations for this product...

... and it didn't disappoint!

Having dyed, fried (*with my ghd) and blow-dried my hair countless times over the past few years, to say it is "a bit dry and damaged" is a serious understatement. I always relish the opportunity to deep condition and restore some vitality and moisture to my poor barnet. This product is aimed at ladies with less than luscious locks that are in need of a good sorting out. 

The tub, like all Lovea products, is in French... but it basically says "The Lovea Bio moisturising and restorative hair mask can repair your dry or damaged hair, after exposure to sun or sea, or to counter the effects of chlorine. Enriched with Tahitian Monoi, this creamy mask restores your hairs fibre, and leaves it soft, shiny and dazzlingly beautiful, without weighing it down."

According to the MyPure website, this product can be used in two ways. Firstly, as a deep conditioning mask. The directions are as follows: "apply to your hair and leave for up to 30 minutes. For best results wrap a towel around your hair".

The second way that this product can be used is as a leave-in conditioner, as follows: "take a small amount of the product and rub vigorously between your palms, then finger through towel dry hair".

I used this product both ways, applying it all over my hair each time (but mainly focusing on the damaged ends of my hair). After using this product, my hair felt luxuriously soft and silky. My mum even commented that my hair looked "much healthier and softer" and it felt much less brittle.

 The consistency of the product is perfect - it's neither too runny nor too gloopy - and the scent is heavenly, like both of the other Lovea products I have tried. This price is a cheap and cheerful £7.99, and with the small amount required for each use, it goes a long way.

If you haven't checked out any Lovea products yet, you're missing out... big time! I am truly in love with this brand!!

Another perfect 10 :)

To read a bit more about this product, or to order one for yourself, please check out the MyPure website.

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

Haul: TK Maxx

A brand spanking new TK Maxx opened up in my town yesterday, so this morning I decided to mosey down to have a little look... and boy, was I impressed!

The first thing I picked up was this black and gold Suzy Smith clutch bag. This will look gorgeous with a black dress, or with jeans and a plain top, for a night out. This beauty only set me back €22.99. Check out the Suzy Smith website for other pretty purses.

The next thing is easily my favourite purchase - this gorgeous dark silver and ruby red Moschino scarf. Yep, you read that right.... MOSCHINO!! This was €39.99 - a total bargain, in my opinion, as this is an "investment piece". You can pick up similar scarves on either the Moschino website or at Net-a-Porter.

The last thing I picked up was this edgy cardigan, by Amy's Paris. It was a bargaintastic €22.99. This cardi is really comfy to wear, and the detailing on the shoulders and sleeves is gorgeous. I cannot wait to wear this :)

I didn't realise, until today, just how wonderful TK Maxx is - I shall definitely be returning to pick up some more gorgeous bits and bobs