Tag Archives: beauty

Vegan Friendly Toiletries from A Pony Called Steve

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A Pony Called Steve is an ethical and vegan friendly company that produce the most utterly divine scented products to fill your bathroom with joy.  With a quirky edge and retro feel, the array of fragrances are ones that bring back memories and sound edible but have been brought up to date in a modern natural way and can now be part of my daily bathroom routine.

If you’re wondering where the name ‘A Pony Called Steve‘ comes from then I suggest you read this, but for me I’m won over by their unique but familiar fragrances.   It’s clear from the initial sniff that they source high quality, cruelty free ingredients to make the most highly fragranced, but natural smelling products.  Their range is toiletry based so think along the lines of soap bars, liquid hand soap, body wash, bath fizz, body lotion and even candles.

The quirky scents are what draw you in with names such as Pear Drops, Cherry Cola, Parma Violets, Mojito, Honeyed Raspberry to name just a few, they all sound great and if they smell as good as the Pink Lemonade then I can assure you that they will be worth worth trying out.  Everything is packaged in fun, colourful designs that will look great in your bathroom and make delightful gifts.

Onto the Pink Lemonade products that I’ve been trying out, the hand soap and bar of soap.  To be quite honest these smell totally luscious – I could sniff them all day and I do love smelling my hands after washing them.  The fragrance is just divine – not at all artificial, just natural and quite frankly amazing.  The product itself lathers well in both liquid and solid forms and leaves my hands/body beautifully clean.  I love these products and they are most definitely the sort of thing I’d add to my birthday/Christmas lists and think would make a great gift for others too.  Being as natural as they can, no testing on animals whatsoever and vegan friendly, they are well worth checking out as one of the fresh new brands around and one I’d be more than happy to receive myself!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty & Make Up

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Joan Collins Timeless Beauty is a new international luxury beauty brand consisting of skin care and beauty products and I’ve been lucky to try some of the glamorous base products recommended by Dame Joan Collins herself.  With her own personal industry experience she has been able to collaborate on products that give sought after looks normally provided by top make up artists.

With anti ageing properties the products are just what I’m looking for as being in my early 40’s I’m definitely seeing the signs of ageing and fine lines creeping in!  The Joan Collins range consists of both skin care and make up and all come styled in glamourous glass and gold packaging, the sort you’d expect to find on the dressing table of a Hollywood starlet. With the high-end bottles it was time to check out the contents and put the make up to the test.  Having fair skin I went for the ‘Warm Extra Fair’ foundation and ‘Fair’ concealer.  A sample of the Sleep Active Night Cream was also included for me to put to the test.

The Joan Collins Fade to Perfect concealer (£18) comes generously sized with an easy to use wand to apply to the eye area, around the nose and anywhere else you need a bit of cover.  It blends easily and helps reduce dark circles and puffiness.  As you can see I have a dark area under each eye and I found that this covered it perfectly leaving my under eye area flawless and perfectly blended.

The Joan Collins First Base foundation (£25) comes in an easy to pump bottle which I always like as you can dispense straight onto your brush, blender or fingers. This smoothed easily over my skin giving a good medium coverage, enough for me and gives my skin a good even tone.  Hyaluronic acid is a great plumping ingredient and is used in this to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles, definitely a plus for me as I hate the lines on my forehead and between my brows.  The foundation has a soft velvety texture which helps to blur imperfections but leaves you with a radiant look.

At the end of the day I always remove my make up and carefully wash my face to help protect my skin.  It’s then important to apply a moisturiser that can work at night to repair and revive the skin and Joan Collins has come up with a great solution for the over 30’s.  At 42 this is very welcome and I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Sleep Active Night Cream (£40) works to energise cellular activity and revive the skin, helping lift and reduce the signs of fatigue and advancing age so the face looks fresher, brighter, more alive and younger. With 28 active ingredients including 7 anti-oxidants, 10 anti-ageing, 11 moisturisers, albizia, julibrissen (persian silk tree bark) extract, ectoin, avocado butter, jojoba oil I have to say this felt like heaven on my skin at the end of the day.  Light, refreshing, reviving, moisturising it just felt bliss and certainly was a great help to soothe and renew my skin overnight.

Overall I’m thoroughly impressed with the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty brand and would definitely recommend giving it a try particularly if you are 30+.  It looks glamourous, feels glamourous but is mid priced so accessible to many especially as it can be picked up at your local M&S store as well as being sold at various places online!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

no!no! Thermicon Micro Home Hair Removal System

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no!no! Thermicon Micro Home Hair Removal System is a painless gadget that removes hair by transmitting heat to the hair and down to the follicle to gently and effectively remove unwanted hair.  This can be used on all areas of the body minus the sensitive parts so I was keen to give it a try and see how it worked.

The no!no! device comes with several accessories, two heads a small and a larger one dependent on the area you are removing hair from .  There is also a cleaning brush, buffer and pretty storage bag.  It is rechargeable so a charging cable is included.

Once charged it’s ready to go and you can literally just turn it on and start.  The first thing I noticed was how small the no!no! is, much lighter and smaller in size than I expected but that makes it easier to hold, easier to store away and easier to use as you don’t get a tired arm after a while.  All that is required is to press down on the skin and swipe in one direction only and the heat will burn away the hair.  You may need to go over hairs several times especially at first and I found with thicker darker hair I had to go quite a few times before the hair came off.  It also takes a little bit of practice to get the pressure and speed right but I soon got there after a little practice and you know when it’s correctly working as you get a solid blue light whilst swiping across your body.

After using you need to buff the area to remove any hard bits of burnt hair left on the skin and then you are left with soft hairless areas.  I must also mention the burning smell you get with the hair removal but once you get used to this it’s fine and it’s easy to just get on with the hair removal job in question.

I found this really simple to use once I got to grips with it but it was slow to remove the hair at first although this does speed up the more you use it as the hair gets thinner and finer.  What I’m keen to see is the results further down the line, as claims are that you will be almost hair free with just top ups required as and when.

I’m keen to persist with the no!no! to see how much decrease in hair I get but so far I’m finding it simple to use and totally painless – I haven’t felt a thing, just the burning hair smell!  So far I’m happy with it’s performance and love the little storage pouch to keep all the bits together.  Due to it’s size it makes it very portable so you can even take it away with you.  Why not check it out for yourself?

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Win a SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush worth £90

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SENSSE Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator is a rechargeable cleansing and anti ageing device that looks rather stunning in its pretty pink shade and soft silicone shell so I was excited to give it a try.  Once charged is will last for up to 180 times based on a one minute usage which is pretty good going.

Inside the box you get the device, USB charging cable and what I have to say must be one of the cutest storage bags that I’ve ever seen come with a device like this.  With its rose pink sequins, copper coloured zip and fluffy pom-pom, it’s the perfect place to keep your SENSSE product clean and dry when not in use.

Now onto the product itself, this has been a revelation in the cleansing brush market for me.  Not only does it look small and sleek, the smooth silicone outer is silky soft and a joy to hold, fitting perfectly into your hand. The main side features a silicone cleansing brush featuring three different types of textures.  Simply add a few drops of your own cleansing lotion and move in circular motions across your face ensuring your skin is dampened beforehand.  When you switch it on it delivers thousands of pulsations per minute to gently remove dirt oil, makeup residue, and dry dead skin leaving your face feeling clean and rejuvenated.

The back of the SENSSE brush can be used to massage the face after moisturising especially around wrinkles and fine lines.

I found the device exceptionally user-friendly, it’s desirable to look at, it works efficiently being fully waterproof up to 1 metre, it’s a joy to hold fitting so easily and comfortably in your hand and above all gives a really good and pleasurable cleanse and massage to the face.

Some key features include:

  • Built-in Timer – The pulsation pauses every 15 seconds to remind you to move onto a new area.
  • Six different intensity levels to suit all skin types.
  • Long Battery Life – Get 180 uses per charge from internal battery that’s easily charged with included USB cable.
  • Auto Shut-Off – The device will switch off after 3 minutes of inactivity to save your battery.
  • Waterproof – You can use in the bath or shower without damaging the device.

I’ve really enjoyed using this product for a number of reasons including its ease to hold, the feel on your face is ultra soft and effective.  It’s so much gentler than other facial brushes yet just as effective.  The whole unit is ultra compact and comes with multiple speeds, more than other brushes I’ve tried and looks great sat out on your bathroom shelf.  It’s pretty, small and leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh and supple.  The massaging tool really does uplift your facial skin pushing the moisturiser deeply in to the pores to really boost healthy, supple and youthful looking skin.

Don’t just take my word for it, why not try one for yourself!

Just fill in the form below for your chance to win the SENSSE Facial brush worth £90!

Win A Sensse Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush and Exfoliator #4

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Oyster Brightening Eye Serum

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Oyster Brightening Eye Serum is a brand new premium brand formulated in British laboratories.  It is also vegan and contains a multitude of natural active ingredients to produce a lightweight serum that gives results.  Although perfume free it has a subtle aroma of essential oil – lavender, grapefruit and mandarin.

It comes in an easy to dispense pump style bottle and just enough serum comes out to use around both eyes.  It’s easily absorbed and I found it great to use both morning and at night time.  It’s more powerful ingredients include smoothing Hyaluronic acid, anti-wrinkle Pentapeptides and Co-enzyme Q10 along with antioxidant Green Tea & Raspberry Extracts and gently soothing Cornflower.  Combined the ingredients tackle anti ageing, puffy eyes and dark circles.

I have been using this for the last couple of weeks and love the feel of it around my eye area.  It is a transparent gel like serum that feels soothing and hydrating on application but you can also feel it’s gentle firming effects.  My eye area looks brighter and more youthful which is a great way to start the day and the perfect base for my eyes before applying moisturiser and make up.

I’m really pleased with the Oyster Brightening Eye Serum and will enjoy continuing to use as well as being a product I would be happy to purchase again in the future.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

Time Bomb Today’s Special Value on QVC

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Check out QVC Sunday 12th March 2017 to get an amazing deal on Time Bomb.  The Today’s Special Value offer is selling for an amazing £46 for products that would cost £220 if purchased individually.

The ‘Big Deal Collection’ consists of:

  • Take-Off Time Cleanser (200ml; supersize) – engineered with dermatological grade crystals that gently slough off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, smooth, glowing skin beneath. Free from drying surfactants or harsh detergents, leaving your skin feeling moist and looking dewy
  • Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel (50ml; supersize) – highly charged with collagen, this potent, moisturising formula is designed to counteract environmental effects on your skin to create a fuller, firmer and smoother-looking complexion
  • Trouble Shooter Neck, Jaw & Chest Cream (100ml; supersize) – visibly diminishing the signs of ageing while soothing and hydrating your skin for an instant firming effect, this targeted treatment helps to enhance the appearance of suppleness and elasticity, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the appearance of pigmentation for a more even-looking skin tone. Formulated with chrysanthellum extract, vitamin C, lanachrys, pea extract, olive oil, abyssinian oil and hyaluronic acid
  • Complexion Cocktail with a shot of H20mega (150ml; supersize) – a hydrating cocktail designed to support your skin’s surface layers, help retain moisture for an immediate plumping effect, and counter signs of skin fatigue and dehydration. Formulated with a powerful blend of 12 amino acids, two types of hyaluronic acid, high levels of vitamins B12 and B3, plus chia oil, coconut oil and brown algae

Check it out now as this offer is for today only!!

Having used various Time Bomb products both currently and in the past I can confirm that you won’t be disappointed.  They are all packed with high quality ingredients that deliver and help to protect, improve and enhance your skin.  Being in my early 40’s I need skin care with anti ageing properties to keep a youthful glow and Time Bomb works and feels great on my skin.  Get this offer while you can as it’s a great value pack to experience Time Bomb either for the first time or to stock up on your favourites!

This post is in collaboration with Time Bomb skincare.

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Lee Stafford Lighten Up Mirror

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The Lighten Up Mirror from Lee Stafford Electricals is perfect for everyday use either for doing your make up or hair.  I do have a great dressing table mirror but in the early mornings when I don’t want to disturb anyone this is great for taking into the bathroom or elsewhere and use to get ready whether it’s my hair or make up.  With it’s soft glow illumination and 3x magnification on one side the Lee Stafford mirror just what you need for close ups.

The mirror takes 3AA batteries in the base and the light is operated with a simple on/off switch at the front.  The mirror swivels 360° very easily with one side showing a normal size reflection and the other being three times magnified.  I’ve found this great getting ready in the morning as I can move it around and it has helped as I only have a dim centre light in my bathroom so this is great for applying make up.  I can also take it to wherever my hair straightners are plugged in and use it as I do my hair.

The light is a soft glow and although useful isn’t as bright as I expected.  It does increase visibility and add light to your face but in a soft way, so okay for general use but you’d probably need something brighter for fine detail.

Overall the hot pink Lee Stafford mirror looks great, is relatively lightweight and great for everyday use.  A definite addition to my mornings where I can escape with it anywhere around the house to get ready without disturbing the family or trying to peer in a wall mirror!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Vegan Beauty Must Haves for Spring

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The world of cruelty free and vegan beauty has come a long way in the last few years and I’ve been lucky to try out some amazing products that will be perfect to fit into your Spring beauty regime.  From various brands, all of these products stand out for me with premium ingredients and high quality results that leave the products desireable to use and a pleasure to place on my skin.  Not only that, they look gorgeous on your dressing table too!

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jojoba and rosehip oil bottle

The Jojoba company 100% natural Jojoba and Rosehip Oil is a multipurpose oil, perfect for hair and skin.  The combination of ingredients is crucial to the benefits in that they help deliver the product to the deeper layers of your skin where it is really needed.  By massaging 2-3 drops onto clean damp skin the product is absorbed and nourishes where needed.  I loved using this before bed to really hydrate my skin as I’ve found with age I get dry around the chin area.  I love to let this work it’s magic overnight for a really healthy glow and thoroughly moisturised skin in the morning.  The bottle is stunning by the way – you won’t forget to put this on, because it’s a must have on your dressing table!

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Embryolisse is a French brand I’ve used before with their Radiant Eye Cooling Stick so I knew the quality would be good.  I don’t normally use a CC cream, just foundation so thought this would be interesting to try out.  The product has colour adapting technology and literally changes on your skin to suit your tone and colour.  With SPF 20 included and high coverage I absolutely love this product and was amazed at how well it applied to my face.  It covered all my blemishes, is moisturising, left my skin fresh, glowing and blurred away those fine lines – definitely a replacement for my current foundation.

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The Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Multi-Benefit Hair Masque from Shea Moisture is a luxurious treat for your hair that leaves it ultra soft, shiny, nourished, strengthened and more.  I found this easy to use in the shower by applying then letting the water run down my back while the hair masque worked it’s magic before rinsing off.  As you put your fingers through to rinse, you can feel that your hair is so smooth and soft, it feels fabulous, like a real treat and worth doing once a week when you have a few minutes to prevent dry, ageing hair.

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No Bleeding Lips from Know Cosmetics is a secret lip liner, clear in colour that can be applied around the edge of lips before lipstick or gloss to prevent bleeding.  I found this super soft and easy to apply, leaving me with a well defined lip line and lipstick that looked well applied. Definitely a staple for the make up bag!

 

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Transformulas EyeLightening Serum

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Transformulas EyeLightening Serum is an innovative skincare treatment for the eye area that is designed to counteract dark circles and fine lines that are caused by the ageing process along with stress induced symptoms. It’s a really simple to use treatment and comes in a high end looking package.

The tube contains a potion packed full of high end ingredients to treat the eye area and give it the best results possible.  It aims to treat the following issues and give relevant results:

  • Dark circles gradually lighten
  • Soothing eye serum for immediate and long lasting reduction in facial lines
  • Minimises tear sacs
  • Reduces Puffiness
  • Lightens dark circles
  • Strengthens fine capillaries
  • Improves firmness
  • Restores structure and collagen

I found this treatment an abosolute pleasure to apply.  No messy fingers, this treatment is applied with a wand that is simply wiped across your eye area to apply the product and the ingredients immediately sinks in to give results.  It leaves no residue or greasiness and make up can easily be applied practically straightaway!

For me I applied the wand under my eye each morning and evening and it was really simple to use, my eye area felt smooth and revived.  The serum is really light and sinks quickly into the skin.

It’s hard to capture a difference in photos but I do feel that my under eye area looks brighter and a lot fresher from continued use of this product.  It definitely feels good on the eye area and leaves it really soft and hopefully prevents fine lines which I feel I’m doing pretty well from right now around the eye area.  Just which I could find the a product that could do the same for my forehead wrinkles!!

Transformulas ia a brand I admire and thoroughly enjoy using, and the Eye-Lightening has been another product that adds to my recommendation of their range.  Do try them out if you are looking for high end beauty and anti ageing care – they really do work and leave your skin feeling fabulous!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Time Bomb’s QVC Today’s Special Value Offer

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QVC’s Today’s Special Value bundle on the 4th December 2016 will be this amazing Time Bomb skincare bundle!  Don’t forget to check it out as it can be yours at the amazing price of just £47.98!

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The offer includes the below products:

  • Brand new Instawow Sparkling Facial Mask
  • Supersize Flashback Night Cream
  • Complexion Cocktail with a shot of Chlorophyll
  • Supersize Collagen Bomb
  •  Supersize Hand Cream

All for just £47.98, which is an incredible deal!!

I’ve been lucky to try out some of the products included in this deal and I can tell you that they are brilliant for protecting and looking after your skin.  They are great for ageing skin and use high end technology and ingredients to really care and treat your skin.

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You can read about most of the products in my previous review for Time Bomb but I must just tell you about their newest product.  Instawow is a sparkling facial mask that is new to the Time Bomb range and this is the first time I’ve tried it out myself.

A clear gel is applied to clean skin and almost immediately it starts to fizz across your whole face.  Little white foam bubbles appear and spend the next five minutes fizzing away which does have a slight tickly sensation, nothing like I’ve felt before with a face mask. You then massage any excess away into the face and then rinse off.  It is super light but also very effective

The Results

Wow! This product certainly should be called Instawow, my face was left glowing and fresh, with a light, luminous effect to it.  It also felt ultra soft and smooth, like baby skin – I love it!!

Packed with energising citrus extracts and sparkling glycerine, this mask works deep down in the pores with it’s fizzing to remove make up and debris whilst leaving your skin brighter, cleaner and tighter!  A must have this party season to get your skin looking tip top before a night out, and also clearer the morning after!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

 

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