The Weekend Face #3

Products Used

Origins BB Cream / 01 Light

Dirty Works / Dark Circles

Urban Decay Brow Box / Gingersnap

Frontcover Cosmetics / Matte & Metallic kit

Mac Blush / Style

Topshop Highlighter / Sunbeam

BURT'S BEES Lip Balm / Honey

Miners Matte Factor / Peach

 I wanted to share a quick outfit post with you guys as well, if this is something you would like me to add to the Weekend Face series let me know!

  

H&M Horse tee / H&M Grey Jersey Blazer / H&M Skinny Jeans / H&M Pumps / Topshop Spike Necklace / Silver Turquoise Cuff

I hope you're all having a fab weekend and making most of the sunshine!

Sherrie xoxo

June Favourites

Skincare

Clarisonic Mia

I've used this regularly this month, it's helped keep my skin under control. I'm still suffering from the odd blemish here and there but my skin is noticeably smoother. I also feel that products sink into my skin better. I've been using it with the Antipodes Juliet cleanser, this leads me onto my next skincare favourite.

Antipodes Juliet Cleanser*

This is the first time I've tried Antipodes, I've heard lots about this particular cleanser.

Designed for normal-oily skin types, it claims to help clean skin making it blemish free. I've noticed my skin looker clearer but I'm still getting my monthly break outs. Full review to follow.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir 

I've used this so much and love it! After using this for over a good month now I can say I've noticed my pores shrinking! I always use to rely on my Clinique Instant Perfector to fill in my pores but I've not needed to in the past couple weeks. I will without a doubt be picking up another bottle when this finishes. You can read my full review here.

Origins Drink Up Intensive

This has been my skin saviour this month, I've reached for this lots and if you suffer from dehydrated skin you NEED this. I won't go into detail because I've reviewed it here.

Haircare

The Body Shop- Moringa Beautifying Oil*

This has just scraped it into this months favourites, I've just started using this the past week and OMG it smells amazzzzinnggg. I've never heard of the ingredient Moringa. The Body Shop suggest you can use this for the body, face and hair. I've been using it through my hair and enjoying the lingering scent all day. Have you seen the new Beautifying Oils? They have another 10 different fragrances to pick from!

Amazon Series MuruMuru Anti-Frizz Conditioner

I've mentioned this before on my blog sometime ago now, but seeings as I'm trying to work through my way of finishing products I picked this one up this month. I can't beleiev I ever stopped using it, it smells so good. I would go to say apart from American Cream by Lush this is the best scented conditioner I've EVER tried! It is a little on the pricey side so I won't be re-purchasing just yet but I would add this to my birthday list for sure.

Orofluido Sahara Hair Protection*

I've tweeted about this product a couple times now, this is one of those hair products which is great to travel with. I took this on holiday with me and used it daily, I even used it on my little girl. It acts as a heat protector and a treatment. It sprays a fine mist of dry oil which nourishes the hair and leaves a nice soft subtle amber and vanilla scent. I've been using this on clean damp hair, you only need a couple sprays. I've used this a fair bit and I have 90% still left! Infused with argan oil which we all know is the Mutt's Nuts!

Revlon Professional Equave*

This has been a product which the whole family has enjoyed using. My little little girl gets terrible knots in her hair. This is another hair product which smells lovely, I picked this one because it's not a floral feminine scent. My son has also been using this, I just like putting it through his hair so when it dries it has a subtle fresh scent. 

Self-Tan & Perfume

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanning*

I first read about this product from the lovely Anna who writes Vivianna Does Makeup, if you don't already follower you need to! I've tried a few self-tanners on my face and whilst they've looked fine they've never looked great. I'm always left with darker areas especially around my eye brows and nose, I know this is gross but I also find that the self tan collects and sits in my pores. So my nose was looking like a dot-dot puzzle! The Clarins Liquid Self-Tan develops into a natural golden glow. It doesn't collect in pores nor look fake. Full review to follow.

Vivienne Westwood Boudoir Jouy EDP

I'm a huge fan of the original Boudoir so there's no surprise I was going to love this. It's a softer floral scent which has been my go-to day scent.

Makeup

BURT'S BEES Lip Balm / Honey*

My new favourite lip balm, I love the smell of this. A nice sweet honey scent which feels creamy on the lips. I've been keeping this in my handbag and using it lots during the day.

Mac Blush Springsheen / Style

I'm so happy I decided to give these a go this month, I've been loving them ever since. Springsheen is a sheertone Shimmer finish described as a peach with pearl. I would say it's the perfect peachy-pink shade which has a hint of shimmer. The shimmer isn't heavy on the cheeks at all which is why I think I like it so much. It has been compared to Nars Super Orgasm. Mac Style is also a coral-peach shade but much more of a orange peach shade and has a gold pearl undertone to it.

Clinique Eyeshadow Duo / Victorian Pink

I had to feature this in my monthly favourites, if you've been reading my blog you would've seen me mention this eyeshadow duo a few times already. I love how it makes me look wide awake and brightens up the eyes. Plus I adore the packaging, I use the sponge tipped applicator to place the shadow then use my blending brush to blend the edges. The lightest colour is a pretty soft shell.

Clarins Lip Perfectors

This is another product which I've loved using all through the month and no doubt will continue to use and love through July and probably August! You would've seen me use these in a few posts and rave about them. I love their scent and subtle wash of colour it leaves on your lips. I like the fact they're not sticky at all like other lip glosses. It would be fab if they launched some more shades don't you think?

I've really enjoyed these products this month and will no doubt continue to use them well into next month.

 

If you would like any further in depth reviews or swatches please let me know!

What were your favourites this month? Have you tried any of the favourites mentioned above?

Sherrie xoxo

What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

After having such a good response to my Makeup Bag post I did promise I would share my travel goodies with you. If you didn't see my everyday makeup bag post you can catch up here.
A few of you have commented on both the bags, they are so pretty and girly which I love. I still can't quite believe I got both of them for under £6!
I carry a mix of makeup and some skincare essentials but I carry my main skincare products in a separate bag. If you would like me to blog about them please let me know and I would be happy to do so.

 Skincare Essentials 
Caudalie Beauty Elixir

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Masque

Origins Drink Up Intensive

Face 

Origins BB Cream

Lacura Foundation / Beige

Clinique Instant Perfector

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator

Clinique Invisible Blend powder

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer / 02

First Light Eye Light concealer

Eyes

MUA Eye Primer

Urban Decay Brow Kit / Gingersnap

Clinique Victorian Pink e/s duo

Benefit eye Bright

Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil / Binge

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara

Mac Chromagraphic Pencil

Revlon CustomEyes / Naturally Glamorous

Clinique e/s duo / Victorian Pink

Cheeks

Clarins bronzing powder duo SPF15 / 03

Nars / Deep Throat

Stila Convertible / Peony

Topshop Highlighter / Sunbeam

 The Body Shop Cheek Tint

 Lips

Figs & Rouge lip balm / Cherry & Vanilla 

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser

Clarins Lip Perfectors 1 & 2

Clinique Chubby Sticks / Whoopin Watermelon & Whole Lotta Honey

Clarins Crystal Balm /  Crystal Coral

 

Extras

Kleenex Blotting Sheets

Brow Brush- I need a new one!!

Old Lancaster Double end pencil sharpener

Personalised Compact Mirror

Perfume

Stella- This limited edition bottle is great for travelling!

If you would like any further reviews on any products mentioned above please let me know and leave a comment below.

If you would like to see what makeup brushes I take with me you can see that post here.  

I hope you all enjoyed the post and keep an eye out for my Handbag post coming soon!

Sherrie xoxo

The Spitalfields Candle Company

If you've been a regular reader of my blog you'll know I love candles, some say you can never have enough handbags but I think in this instance you can never have enough candles. I have a candle in every room downstairs and upstairs apart from the children's rooms. I've been burning a candle from The Spitalfields Candle Company- Grapefruit, Bergamot & Lime in my front room recently. The packaging is beautiful and very chic, I love the simplicity of the brands logo featured on the front of the glass votive. This particular candle stands out and catches my eye amongst my other candles purely because of the design and packaging.

The scent is amazing, I couldn't believe how fragrant the scent was and it soon filled my front room with a very uplifting happy aroma. The candles are made from 100% natural soy wax. The larger votive candles (200g) have a generous burn time of 50 hrs whilst the smaller 65g votives still have a burn time of 12 hrs. The larger candles retail £25 and the smaller votive candles retail £8.99. I know these are more expensive than your shop bought candles but they're 100 times better. I always say it pays to invest in good quality candles. I wouldn't waste my money on cheap candles which don't keep their scent.

Grapefruit, Bergamot & Lime

Invigorating, uplifting

Grapefruit’s sweet and inviting fragrance is said to have a positive effect on the emotions, and is widely recognised as a natural anti-depressant.

Bergamot has a refreshingly sweet citrus aroma with warm spicy undertones which invigorate the spirit.

Fruity and refreshing, limes have been a kitchen staple for centuries.  Lime oil has a wonderfully uplifting scent.

You can purchase The Spitalfields Candles online www.spitalfieldscandles.co.uk have a look at the other scents and let me know which ones appeal to you! 

Just looking at these photos wants me to snuggle up on the sofa with a cuppa tea and my book! There's other fragrances which you can pick from, I like the sound of them all but if I had to pick one I would pick the Lavender & Chamomile. I think the smaller votive candles are great to give as gifts, you can get two for the price of one and try two different scents.

 
Sherrie xoxo

Adina | Phone Case

I love swapping my iPhone case and enjoy seeing different designs. I think phone covers have become a big accessory now, just as much as your hand bag or purse. I've been sporting the beautiful Adina* butterfly case from Case*Mate  for a little while now and haven't gone to change it. So I thought I would share some photos to show you. I prefer silicone cases, only because of the feeling when holding the phone, I think you have better grip and control. Plus I think if you were to drop it the silicone cushions the blow a little. Adina caught my eye because of the vibrant mix of colours and pretty butterfly design, plus the little charm is a cute little extra.

Being a big Instagram fan I think their DIY Case is amazing! You can pick your own layout, then add your favourite photos including Instagram images!! I know my hubby would love this, so I've ear marked it as a birthday present!

What cover do you have on your phone?


Sherrie xoxo

ABAHNA || The Ceremony Of Bathing

I enjoy relaxing in the comfort of my own home, I don't have the time nor the money to spend on expensive spa treatments. Abahna allows you to create a spa in your own home without breaking the bank. Abahna was launched by Claire and her husband Edward after being inspired by the exotic bathing ceremonies and spas of India and the far east. The name Abahna is derived from various words for bathing in different cultures.
It's no surprise that their luxurious products and chic packaging have made Abahna a favourite of members of the British Royal Family as well as Hollywood Celebrities.
I was contacted and asked if I would like to try a product from their range. I was sent one of their miniature candles and a bottle of their luxurious bath oil. I knew that I would enjoy using both of them because I love to relax and treat myself to a lovely bath after a
hectic day.

White Grapefruit & May Chang is a refreshing fragrance. A burst of citrus notes to lift your spirits whilst a hint of May Chang fills you with positivity. I love burning this candle during the day and settling down to a good book. This is another way I enjoy relaxing, because of the refreshing scent it's great for concentration levels. The candles are made from 100% natural wax (palm oil free). This enables them to burn more cleanly and evenly. This is a miniature candle housed in a beautiful printed glass votive. It's actually surprising to learn how long the miniature candles burn for, this should burn approx 18hrs. I would be happy to pay £10 for the miniature candle, the fragrance is very strong in a good way meaning it will last with each burn. Unlike so many other candles which initially smell lovely then soon lose their scent.

Frangipani & Orange Blossom is a soothing fragrance. A mix of tropical flowers help soothe and calm the mind. I enjoy nothing more than sinking into a warm bath at the end of the day, but just by adding a candle and lovely scented bath oil to the mix really makes a difference. The Abahna bath oil is presented in a very elegant bottle, printed with beautiful intricate patterns. The Bath oil is made with natural sweet almond oil, vitamin E and organic sunflower. The bath oil is great for dehydrated skin, I'm not afraid to use a little in the bath because after all you want to benefit from the rich natural ingredients, but at the same time you don't want to waste the product. A word of warning, be careful when climbing out the tub after using a bath oil. Trust me, you don't to do the splits on the edge of the bath! This bottles contains 200ml and retails at £20 which is very reasonable considering the natural luxurious ingredients and packaging. Both these products would make amazing gifts.

The packaging and products are without a doubt eye catching and luxurious. I would be a very happy lady if I received a bespoke gift from them. If you want to treat your mum or a friend, buy something which they'll really love and wouldn't normally think to buy themselves.They offer free gift wrapping and plus they pop in free samples with every order which is another great way of trying other products from the range and the other fragrances.

You can learn more about the range and the other fragrances available online www.abahna.co.uk

What products do you use to help relax and unwind?


Sherrie xoxo

Revlon || Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

 

 Top to bottom- Darling / Crush / Lovesick

Following the Revlon Lip Butter craze they're launching the NEW Just Bitten Kissable balm stains*. They're a lip stain, which is great because not everyone has time to keep re-applying their lipsticks. When I first saw these yes I did think Clinique Chubby Sticks but was totally smitten by the vibrant packaging. I know these are going to compared to the Chubby Sticks so I wanted to put my two pennies worth in and tell you what I think.
These are totally different formulation wise, remember the old saying 'don't judge a book by it's cover'? The pro is the price without a doubt, these will set you back £7.99 each which is great! However the Clinique Chubby sticks are double, setting you back £16 each. Now for the con these are no way as moisturising as the Clinique Chubby sticks. Plus they don't smell as luscious as them either. They have a not so nice 'minty' aroma, which I've become to like thanks to the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. So if you dislike mint scented products you may want to give these a miss. Once they've been applied on the lips you can't smell or taste the mint so that's fine with me I can live with that.

I have dry lips all year round and rely on lip balms. So I've been using a lip balm first on my lips to soften and hydrate them and then using the Just Bitten Kissables over the top.
I think you also have to take into consideration these are balm stains, which in my mind stain your lips and dry to a matte/satin finish. Where as the Chubby Sticks are a lip balm and lipstick in one. Does that make sense?

Out of all three shades swatched above I would say Darling and Lovesick are my favourite for this time of year, mind you the way the British weather is right now you might as well pack away your suncream. I think I would wear Crush in the evening, these also work great as a base if you team them up similar lip shades.

The colours are beautiful and I intend on trying some other shades once they're available in my local Boots. I can't wait to see the other shades, there's 12 different shades in total. Overall I think these are certainly worth £7.99 and think they will fly off the shelves.

What do you think? Will you be trying the New Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stains?

Sherrie xoxo

Lacura Foundation

A few of you have been asking me about the Lacura foundation, I have featured it a couple times now on my blog but wanted to leave it a little while longer before I gave a honest review.
I first heard about the Lacura foundation from Milk Bubble Tea who mentioned it, I immediately thought right 'I gotta have some of that'! So after coaxing the whole family into the car we set off to venture for the Lacura foundation. Lucky for me we have an Aldi pretty close which is great because living in Devon we don't have much- Believe me!
Anyway once inside I dashed around trying to locate the beauty isle, picture 'Supermarket Sweep' and you'll be picturing me. Once I'd found the small beauty section the nest step was locating the foundation and checking out the shades. Sadly there wasn't many shades, from what I can remember I would say 4 shades. After swatching the testers I decided that Beige was best suited, this was the second darkest shade. The first one was too light and more pink toned where as I'm slightly more yellow toned. Then after trying to find my shade from the boxes above I couldn't find it, you know when your heart starts beating a little faster and you can feel yourself getting a little warmer. Yep sad I know but once I see something I want it's all I can think about. After frantically climbing on the lower shelf and lifting myself up higher I finally found my shade. Phew! Sweat bands at the ready. Then I casually strolled back to the car grinning like a Cheshire cat- MISSION complete.

OK sorry about the ramblings!

Packaging is packaging, what would you expect from Aldi? After recycling the box I soon found myself unscrewing the lid and trying it on my hand. The bottle is slim line and fits perfectly in my makeup bag, no glass bottles weighing it down. The applicator is friendly, just a little squeeze of the tube and the product comes out easy and quickly. So far so good.

The texture is lovely and creamy, to be frank it's a dream to apply and leaves my skin looking flawless. Out of all my BB creams and foundations I would say this is without a doubt the best value for money. I would 100% recommend you try to get your hands on one if you can, just be careful of shades. Like all foundations you do need to try them first. What has impressed me most about this foundation is the finish and longevity, this lasts me best part of day. Which is the same as most other foundations/BB creams I use. I have used a loose powder over the top to set it and this gives me an extra hour or so. When my skin has been more on the oily side I've used the Lacura foundation and it's applied and lasted relatively well. It's not a dewy finish but a satin finish which suits me fine. It covers blemishes and dark circles well but I still rely on my trusty concealer for extra coverage.

 
Is this for you?
Well it doesn't contain an SPF so you would need to apply one separately. It's not easy to get hold of, especially if you don't live near an ALDI. Another factor which I must mention is the scent, it's not a terrible scent which bothers me enough to stop using it. However it is a scent which I personally dislike. Having said that, once the foundation has been applied there's no after smell, so it's just me being picky but I want to be honest and let you know.

Oh and do you want to know the best bit?? This only costs £2.39!! I will without a doubt be re-purchasing this!

Will you be trying the Lacura foundation?


Sherrie xoxo

FM Fragrances & Beauty.

A little while ago I was contacted and asked if I wanted to try a fragrance from FM Fragrances. I had heard about FM Fragrances before but never tried anything from them. Basically, in a nutshell they have a vast selection of fragrances for both men and women. The fragrances are sold under the Federico Mahora brand, made in the same factory by the same manufacturer using the same oils as your favourite branded ones. However, they are packaged in an unbranded bottle and given a number, so no need to pay for endorsements, advertising, packaging etc. 

So if you love Angel by Thierry Mugler you could in fact buy a bottle from FM Fragrances which has the same notes but branded differently. I love some of the designer perfume bottles but I'm open to try other alternatives because of the price difference. I like the fact you can pop the FM Fragrance bottles in your handbag and use it throughout the day without the worry of your fancy bottle getting damaged.

As you know I love perfume and was sent a fragrance which is very similar to Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle. The 30ml bottle (as seen above) retails at £11.99, this is a HUGE saving from the £46 which it would normally cost online or in department stores. Whilst I would still pay out for my my favourite designer brands this isn't necessary for every single fragrance. So in my opinion FM Fragrances offers a really competitive alternative.

Below are a few items from the makeup range. They do remind me of Avon in terms of quality, packaging & prcing. There is a good range in nail polish shades which are both current and with colours you can wear all year. 

The process for ordeing FM Fragrances is really simple. Its on a par with how Avon operate. You order through a representative, who can help with queries or just simply place the order for you.

When the representative receives your order, they take care of the rest and arranges delivery to you.

If you have any questions, I know a distributor called Louise who contacted me originally and would be very happy to answer any queries i.e. if you're looking for a particular fragrance etc.

For more information on FM Frangrances or to contact Louise click here


Have you heard of FM Fragrances? 


Sherrie xoxo

The Weekend Face #2

Following on from last weekends response to The Weekend Face post I had a nice lot of comments so thank you that really means a lot.
I've been reaching for the same 2 blushers all week so it wasn't no surprise I reached for one of them this weekend! Mac Springsheen and Estée Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, I'm not sure if this is the right shade for me because when I initially apply it I can't help but think I look a little 'orange'? What do you think? This was a free magazine sample, formulation wise it's lovely and light. The main thing which I've been impressed with is the longevity of the foundation, I applied this and haven't needed to touch up my makeup all day. To be fair the weather hasn't been overly warm or hot.

Products Used

NIP +FAB- Sheer Makeup Fix

Estée Lauder- Invisible Fluid

Dirty Works Concealer

Urban Decay- Brow Box

Clinique- Victorian Pink e/s duo

Clarins- Eye Khol Violet

Revlon Mascara

Mac-Springsheen

Mac-Shimpagne

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser

Clarins Lip Perfector #03

So glad I kept this necklace! I love it!!!

What's Your Weekend Face?

Sherrie xoxo

Clinique New | Superbalanced Powder Bronzer

Clinique have launched a new bronzer- the Superbalanced Powder Bronzer, the packaging is divine and different from anything I've seen. As you can see in the photo above this is not like your traditional pressed powder, in this case you simply twist the dial around to shave off pieces of the powder to become loose powder.

There's two shades to pick from, this is shade 2 and probably a little on the dark side for myself. It's fine if I have a little self tan on but I still need to careful when applying it. I recommend using a big fluffy brush and tapping off any excess product first before placing it straight onto the skin. Then buff like mad ha ha!
The formulation is great for oily, shiny skin because it's long wear and absorbs oil making it perfect for the warmer months- when they arrive!

The limited edition pouch is perfect for carrying a few items which you may need to touch up throughout the day. I've been reaching for the Clinique Duo Eyeshadow in Victorian Pink, my Mum gave me this which she got free from her GWP. It's such a pretty duo and easy to wear. I can't believe I've not tried Clinique eye shadows before, the packaging is amazing! You use the compact to look in and apply your shadow, great for travelling. As for the Clinique Chubby Sticks I think you know these are just as fab! I've been wearing Super Strawberry, I've not tried any of the new shades but they look gorgeous.

Here's a quick photo showing the products mentioned above.

You can purchase the new bronzer online www.clinique.co.uk or at your nearest Clinique counter. I'm sorry to say the limited edition pouches have sold out now online but still check at your local counter!

Have you tried the New Clinique Superbalanced Powder Bronzer OR New Chubby Sticks?


Sherrie xoxo