Neom Organics / Real Luxury Organic Body Scrub

 

As you all know I'm a big fan of Neom, a luxury brand which really makes you feel special. I adore their candles, they're amazingly good! I first tried Neom last year and it was love at first application (lol). Trying their body range is very exciting, I first heard about the amazing Real Luxury Organic Body Scrub* from one of my fave beauty bloggers Essie Button. So I had high hopes and couldn't wait to test it out. The Real Luxury scent is one of my favourite scents from the Neom fragrance family, the blend of Lavender, Jasmine and Brazilian Rosewood all work in unison to create such a pleasing invigorating yet relaxing scent. It's one of those scents which has the 'WOW' 'OMG' factor. You just want to keeping inhaling all the goodness, it's like stepping into a spa.

With Spring on its way and with the hope of having some sunshine and warmer days ahead the sugar scrub will definitely be a staple in my body care routine. I naturally have dry skin on my body and using a body scrub which contains oils is a big thumbs up. I find it very soothing and comforting knowing my skin is having a nice drink of moisture. After using the scrub your skin is so soft and supple to touch you don't actually need a body lotion over the top. However if like me you resemble scaly snake skin you may want to top up and slap on some body cream. A little goes a LONG way, the sugary scrub is separated from the oils so you need to scoop with caution. The organic sugar base is mixed with safflower and jojoba oil with Vitamin E. No wonder skin is soft and glowing after using this beautiful scrub.

After reading about the product and the benefits I was happy to see this helps improve circulation. I suffer from terrible circulation so using this has been really positive in lots of ways for my skin and body. As with all Neom products they have the Neom Promise, No nasties and only using the purest of ingredients!

The pure essential oils make the organic body scrub a truly pampering treat!

Have you tried Neom? I'm eager to try their Bath and Shower Oils!

Sherrie xo

Skincare Roundup / Face Masks #1

Face Masks have always been part of my weekly skin care ritual, more so this winter especially through January! I have relied on moisture boosting masks as well as exfoliating and brightening masks. It's trying to find the perfect balance for your skin. My skin is dry at the moment which usually entails a sluggish looking complexion. So I've been trying to boost the moisture levels and gain a natural looking glow. OK...so what face masks have I tried and trusted? Well here's my face mask roundup which I'm hoping will help you decide which mask/s are right for you.

 

Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask is the new 'mask' on the block! It's been a must these past couple weeks. It's the ideal winter mask, comparable to an intense moisturiser which delivers a boost of moisture to the skin throughout the night. Waking up to soft, plump skin is such a nice treat first thing in the morning! It surprised me texture wise, I expected a gel formulation like its predecessor Moisture Surge Thirst Relief. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest and actually rather enjoyed the creamy formulation. Another factor which I like is the application, no awkward sleeping is required when using this mask. You massage the mask into the skin rather than leaving a layer on the skin overnight. It sinks into the skin pretty quickly and It doesn't feel tacky. I always freshen my skin in the morning with some cleansing water. The scent is soft and subtle which is very pleasing for an overnight treatment, some scents can be strong and off putting especially when you're trying to get to sleep. A great overnight mask for times when you need a hydration boost!

Detox Invisible Pores Detox Mask is a traditional clay mask which dries on the skin creating a gentle tightening feeling as you would expect from a clay mask. Only this one is a little different, as you feel it drying REN suggest you begin to remove the mask by gently rubbing it. Then finish off by rinsing with warm water. A great mask to use if you have combination/Oily skin. Whilst my skin is dry in places I'm stuck with my oily t-zone which often gets congested so this is where the Detox Mask comes into its own. It's great for deep cleansing those horrid pores which we all loath! I know I do. The use of tropical seaweed works to draw out impurities giving the skin a detoxifying treatment. Pores are reduced and so are blackheads, skin is purified leaving it smooth and toned! It's a great feeling knowing your skin has had a good deep clean, I like to use this down my t-zone and then choose a moisture mask for my cheeks. Which leads me onto my next facial Mask...

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask has been a firm favourite amongst beauty bloggers and after trying this for myself I can now see what all the fuss is about. Antipodes is a brand from New Zealand. I love their simple packaging, no fuss just good natural ingredients. I've tried a couple products from the range, both very good. The Aura mask is made using manuka honey, this is the key ingredient which magically draws moisture to the skin, to the places on your face you need it most. I would say this is a great 'all rounder' face mask to have in your routine. It cleanses the skin and hydrates. It does feel a little 'tingly' after a few minutes which isn't uncomfortable. It's actually nice, I think you know it's working. This would be a great facial mask for all skin types. A little bit of cleansing with the added benefit of hydrating at the same time, making it the perfect all rounder.A subtle fragrance of vanilla pod and mandarin make it a great treatment.

Nude Miracle Mask is a firm favourite of mine, I've only just reviewed this so I won't go into too much detail but in a nutshell this uses natural AHAs to brighten and tone. You do need to protect your skin with SPF when using this mask in your skincare routine. You can read my full review here.

REN Radiance Peel Mask is another favourite which uses natural fruit enzymes, I love the smell and texture of this mask. Where as the Miracle Mask contains natural AHAs with rice beads making the texture finely gritty. The Radiance Peel is thicker in texture and not gritty, the use of enzymes help to naturally exfoliate the skin without feeling harsh. However it's not recommended for sensitive skins. You can read my full review here.


What do you think of the Face Mask roundup? Have you tried any mentioned or would you be interested to try any?

Sherrie xo

Dr.Hauschka / Limited Edition 'Dear Eyes'

 

 

Dr.Hauschka / Trio Eyeshadow Palette* £27.00

Thankfully Spring is getting closer and closer, I've already been scouting out my pastel nail polishes! My recent makeup routine has totally downsized since the Winter arrived! I'm normally a keen eyeshadow wearer but lately I've just not felt like wearing eyeshadow. However the thought of spring time and soft pastels excites me! When the stunning Dr.Hauschka limited edition eye shadow palette*, from the Dear Eyes Spring collection landed on my doorstep, I was converted instantly! 

The packaging is a beautiful rose-gold sleek slim line compact. It's the perfect Spring compact to have in your makeup bag. The compact comprises of three stunning shades. A sparkling nude, pearly rose and a matte chocolate. The shades work so well together, you can create the perfect day time look and easily smoke it up for an evening look. Also making it the perfect compact to travel with. I must point out these eyeshadows smell unbelievable! Seriously, I never knew how good eyeshadows could smell. The quality is very high, good pigmentation and velvety soft. They apply easily and blend effortlessly. This compact ticks all the boxes.

The limited edition 'Dear Eyes' makeup collection also consists of two makeup brushes, kajal eyeliner and a mascara. 

As with all Dr.Hauschka products the Dear Eyes collection is formulated with anthylis, witch hazel and black tea. These special ingredients take care of the delicate skin around the eye area, making them suitable for sensitive skins.

Keep your 'eyes' peeled because this beautiful palette will be launching march time and will be available nationwide from Dr.Hauschka and drhauschka.co.uk

What do you think of the Dear Eyes collection? Will you be checking it out?

Sherrie xo

Cheat your way to glowing skin this winter...

 Clarins Rose Shimmer / Champagne Shimmer / Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow

Clarins beauty Flash Balm* / Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector* / YSL Le Teint Eclat Foundation / Jemma Kidd  highlighter  / Nars Deep Throat

I'm currently cheating my way through the winter months with some winter glow cheats! If you're struggling to get that natural glow here are some products which help me.

Step 1- I've mentioned Clarins's amazing Beauty Flash Balm which SHOULD be in every ones stash! This has been a staple for me through autumn and winter. I apply a nice thin layer of this all over my face after my normal skincare routine. This gives your skin that boost it needs when it's lacking any radiance or glow. I let my skin drink in the goodness and then set to work on my next step!

Step 2 - This next product is one of the biggest cheats in this step-by-step cheats guide! The Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector. It comes in 3 shades, I have the lightest shade which I've been using a lot lately - Rose Shimmer. This is a pale opalescent sheen with a warm pink undertone, I mix a pump of this with a pump of my liquid foundation. Which happens to be the YSL Le Teint Eclat Foundation, I bought this with my Christmas pennies and boy is it worth it! I love it- but that's another blog post! If you'd rather use a warmer liquid highlighter the other Complexion Perfector shade is Champagne Shimmer, I have used this a few times but tend to use this shade more in Spring/Summer months. 

Step 3- So after I've mixed my liquid face highlighter and foundation together I apply them both using my Real techniques buffing brush and then move on to the next step which is my cream highlighter. the Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All over Radiance highlighter is a dream to apply. It works well over the top of liquid of powder finished. I apply this with my fingertips and dab some on the tops of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose, cupids bow and a little on my brow bones. 

Step 4- The next step is my chosen blusher which happens to be NARS Deep Throat, I adore this blusher and finely caved when I had some Asos vouchers. It's a pretty pink spring shade with a nice subtle glow of shimmer. A sweep of this on the apples of the cheeks finishes the look off.

So there you have it folks, four easy steps to cheat your way to glowing skin! I hope this helps you, I would love to know how you're cheating your way through the winter months? I have a Skincare post coming up soon with some winter treatments!

Sherrie xo

Vichy / LiftActiv Serum 10

 

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 / 30ml £29.50

Seeings as I've now joined the 30s club I've been really strict on skincare and adding some anti-ageing products into my stash. My skin can become sensitive if I'm not careful and try too much too soon so I have to introduce a product at a time and let my skin accept or reject and thankfully my skin accepts Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10*, this is a pleasure to use and it's easy on the bank balance! 

A lightweight serum which doesn't feel thick or gloopy or heavy. I use this under my day cream and the pair work well together, if you have oily skin you may feel a lighter moisturiser may be more suitable to use over the top. However for dry skins I would still encourage you to use your moisturiser over the top. I have combination skin and find I can still use my moisturiser over the top but find my skin doesn't need as much! 

The LiftActiv Serum 10 really hydrates skin and plumps it up almost instantly. Which is very important when you're trying to combat fine lines and the first signs of ageing. I find my foundation looks and lasts better since using the LiftActiv Serum 10.

The chic slimline bottle is pleasing on the eyes and the pipette applicator is great- means no wastage! You can purchase the Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 online from escentual.com. They currently have 15% of which is always a bonus! 

I'm really keen to try more from Vichy and would really like it if you could comment below with any recommendations! 

Sherrie xo

*PR sample

NUDE Skincare / Miracle Mask

 

I've been busy putting some facial masks to the test and one of them is by the skincare brand NUDE. I had heard of the brand  NUDE before and knew it was brand I would be interested to try. I often read rave reviews about their Cleansing Oil. I've been using their Miracle Mask*, this seriously made a difference just after the first application! Amazing right? The Miracle Mask uses natural AHAs which we all know work to renew skin cells revealing a brighter fresher skin. Something my skin desperately needs through the winter months.

The combination of AHAs and rice beads work together to gently even skin leaving it feeling softer and clearer giving a natural glow. The formulation is very good. The rice beads do not feel rough or scratchy on the skin like some facial masks which contain AHAs, I still make sure I'm gentle when massaging the mask into the skin. The scent is pleasant and subtle. I read that the mask may tingle when on the skin working it's magic, this didn't make my skin tingle and if it did then it must have been so subtle. I think that's partly because my skin is a little tougher maybe and use to facial treatments. I leave it for 5 minutes as suggested by NUDE and when you rinse with warm water you can feel how soft your skin really is. My skin looked so fresh and clear and super soft, I found that the following day my skin looked even better! I always make sure I use a face cream containing an SPF when outside, this is really important because of the AHAs in the face mask make your skin more prone to sunburn so be careful and protect your skin!

If your skin is anything like mine this time of year you will probably agree it needs a little extra help to look clearer and fresher. Just as our bodies feel sluggish this time of year I find my skin shows for it also. Thanks to the NUDE Miracle mask I've been able to enjoy my skin looking at its best, not to mention how my foundation looks and lasts. It is on the pricey side but I think it's worth it, especially when you see instant results! This is one to add to your list to try this year, I'm certainly intrigued to try more of the range.

Have you tried Nude Skincare? What do you think of the Miracle Mask?

Sherrie xo

Nature's Winter Wonders Bundle...

 Nature's Winter Wonders Bundle* £29.95

Today I have a medley of products to share with you all by the brand Organic Surge, I've mentioned the brand before on here. This is the Nature's Winter Wonders Bundle and boy oh boy is it a bundle, there's haircare, skincare and bodycare. Winter is still very much here and I don't know about you but the dark early evenings and dark mornings aren't exactly invigorating are they? They just make you feel sluggish.

The Winter Wonders Bundle includes:

Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo

Organic Surge Moisture Boost Conditioner

Organic Surge Spice Lily Foaming Bath

Organic Surge Sugared Almond Shower gel

Organic Surge Lavender Meadow Body Lotion

Organic Surge Super Intensive Daily Moisturiser

These are all full sized products! The bundle is priced at a very purse friendly £29.95, not bad for top-to-toe beauty. Organic Surge products are 100% free from chemicals, including parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and artificial fragrances and colourants.

My top picks from bundle is the Spiced Lily Foaming Bath, this smells so good. Just what you want at the end of a busy day or the end of the week! The magic of essentials oils help your body and mind to de-stress, patchouli and spicy clove-bud work very well together as a scent.

 

The other two products which have made an impression in my routine is the Moisture Boost Shampoo and Conditioner. They work hand in hand and smell so nice, a really nice soft subtle almond and vanilla scent.  The Moisture Boost range does exactly what it says- helps hair to stay moisturised and boosts hair with extra moisture where needed. The conditioner isn't heavy and doesn't weigh hair down, I find some conditioners can be a little too much for the hair and take forever to rinse through. This duo would be great for dry or frizzy hair. 

 

Organic Surge has another amazing deal which is too good to miss. Have a sneak peek here at the Mega Bundle 10 products worth £60 but you can snap them all up for only £24 pounds! A great way of trying a variety of products from the brand. You could also spilt them up and share them with friends and family, all chip in together!

What are your Winter Wonders? Please share your skincare, hair care or body care treats!

Sherrie xo

Beauty Organisation Made Easy...

 

I've had a good sort out and have re-organised my beauty corner where I store my day-to-day skincare products and other daily items. I wanted to share my simple storage solutions with you. I have found over the months you can soon get a little swamped down with beauty products, and organisation is key! I have a generous amount of products as you can see, all of these are used regularly and some are there to be tested. I store them in a shallow clear plastic tray which is cheap enough to buy. You can find a selection of different sizes from Ebay. The one I have is A5 and is the perfect size. If you order a larger size you'll soon fill it and then you'll be bombarded again, so I would recommend trying the A5 size first, but it's down to what you want to store and the size of the space you have free. They're actually sold as stationary storage containers, but I think they make the perfect storage for beauty products. I can't remember which Ebay seller I bought them from but this is exactly what I have. Ebay

 

 

I store my muslin cloths, cotton pads and cotton buds in a little cloth basket behind my skincare tray. I bought a set of 3 for under £5. I use to store them in these cloth baskets from H&M which are pretty and cheap.

As for my makeup brushes, I've recycled my empty glass candle votive's and have put them to good use. I have 2 large ones which house all my face and eye brushes snuggly.

 

I have my makeup bag at hand which has my most recent makeup items which I'm currently using and enjoying. By having my makeup bag on hand it helps make my beauty routine all that more quicker and easier. 

Having my beauty products organised like this makes such a difference, I know exactly where everything is and can put my finger on it quickly without any fuss, a great tip in the morning. 

I hope this quick blog post has been of some use to you!

Sherrie x

Elemis / The Royal Candle

 

Elemis Royal Candle* / £25

I'm a huge candle lover as you all may know, I enjoy burning candles all year round especially through the winter months. I find there's nothing more soothing and relaxing than lighting a candle or two!   I was very kindly sent The Royal Candle by Elemis, the scent is a soothing aromatic scent, it's very subtle and not strong. The scent of vanilla is evident as are the soft aromas of Lily and Jasmine. 

The candle is housed in a a beautiful patterned glass votive with a silver crest on the front, silver patterned swans and crowns and scrolls make up the intricate pattern. The name of the candle and the pattern certainly has a regal charm about it. 

This would make a great treat for any Elemis fan as well as candle lovers like myself. I'm already contemplating what to use the pretty votive for afterwards.

You can purchase The Royal Candle online from www.timetospa.co.uk

Do you enjoy burning candles?

Sherrie xo

Top Beauty Picks / Product Praise

 

It's become apparent that a few skincare products have made quite an impression on me. This fine line up of beauty products are all well worthy of a little praise!

Estee Lauder Idealist Cooling Eye Illuminator as been a favourite of mine for a while, it's found it's way into my new makeup bag and I've been reaping the benefits. The dark early morning starts aren't exactly revitalising so having an eye Illuminator is a top tip for this time of year.

Origins VitaZing SPF15 is one of my top 3 products of 2012 and I look forward to enjoying it through 2013. I would certainly repurchase this happily. It protects the skin, adds colour and hydrates the skin. A triple whammy of goodness all in one tube. This should be on all your lists to try this year, rich in anti-oxidants so perfect for post-party celebrations. You could say a detox for your skin. 

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm needs no introduction, this is a cult classic and one which everyone should at least try once. I like to use this for days when I need a little tightening and a healthy glow. I like to apply a thin layer over the top of my daily moisturiser and wait for my skin to soak it up and then apply my foundation.

REN Hydra-Calm Day Cream is a great all-rounder. The formulation is perfect, not too heavy on the skin but hydrating enough. I really like the natural scent, I think it must be the Chamomile. I was lucky to snap up this little sample when it was featured as a free gift with RED magazine. My skin has been a little sensitive lately and thanks to Hydra-Calm my skin is now soothed and looking good. This leads me onto my next product praise.

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel was also a free sample from the RED magazine. I suffer from dark circles which I've inherited from my Mother. Whilst the Eye Gel hasn't diminished them it has kept my eye area hydrated which has in turn kept the fine lines at bay.

Origins Super Spot Remover has been a key product for me through 2012 and I know it will continue to do so through 2013. It's a small bottle but it lasts an age! I only need to dab a small amount on a blemish and the improvement is noticeable the very next day. Another one of my top 3 beauty products. One to add to your list.

MAC Strobe Cream, this is a small sample I've had for a little while and I'm nearly all out. I'm not sure whether to purchase the full size and wanted your advice. I mix this with foundation for a subtle pearlescent sheen. Please let me know your thoughts.

Clinique Moisture Surge Gel has been a great discovery for me, I use this in exactly the same way as the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. For me it's the gel version, it's cooling and revitalising. The perfect wake up call. I think this would be great to use on warmer days as well as cooler days.

I really hope you have enjoyed this post, I would love to know if you've tried any of my top picks or if you want to.

Sherrie x

Wella SP Luxe Oil / Hair Review

With Christmas well and truly gone and the start to a new year I am back on the ball with reviews and blog posts for you all. To start off the New Year I want to share my thoughts on a new hair Treatment which I've been using and enjoying lots recently.

 

 

Wella SP Luxe Oil* / 100ml / £19.95

I use hair treatments either daily or every other day depending on a number of factors. I tend to use a treatment oil after I've washed my hair, normally through damp hair. Then probably every other day, I try to wash my hair every 3 days if I can. The great thing about the Wella SP Luxe Oil is it's versatility. You can use it on wet or dry hair depending on what you're wanting to achieve from it. It's not thick or heavy on the hair and leaves hair smelling super sweet and luxurious. The pump applicator makes it easy to use and the glass bottle makes it luxurious and hard wearing.

The combination of oils infuse the hair, transforming the hair inside as well as out. Keratin plays an important part,with triple the amount added compared to other conditioning treatments. Luxe Oil  offers lots of benefits, nourishing hair and protecting it. With the added benefits of Argan, Jojoba and Almond Oils. This is truly a nourising cocktail for the hair, I know I've mentioned the smell but I just want to say again- AMAZINGGGG!

You can use 1-2 pumps through the hair for instant shine and smoothness, great for combating frizz  and hair which lacks a natural shine. This is a generous 100ml and I'm anticipating it should hopefully last a while. I have long hair and whilst it's not overly thick I do have a lot of it and I've come to find 1 pump is actually enough for me on dry hair but 2 pumps is nice when using on wet hair

You can purchase Luxe Oil online from www.lookfantastic.com they offer free worldwide shipping which is even better!

Do you use Hair Oils? What do you think of Wella SP Luxe Oil?

Sherrie x

Treacle Moon / Limited Edition Warm Cinnamon Nights

 

 www.treaclemoon.co.uk

Winter is still here for a little longer and the thought of a lovely bubble bath still fills me with joy! The latest bath product to make an impression is the latest limited edition Treacle Moon bath and shower gel- Warm Cinnamon Nights. The packaging is super quirky and inviting. The scent is just as alluring as the packaging, Cinnamon is such a wintry warming scent. The cinnamon isn't overpowering thanks to the orange fragrance.

I'm a BIG fan of Treacle Moon, these giant sized bottles last for ages! They're worth every penny and more. The packaging is very similar to a popular high brand, which I'm sure you've already sussed out.

The price is even better only £2.99, so if you fancy indulging in a nice warm wintry bubble bath I would head to Tesco and grab a bottle or two whilst you can! It won't be available for long.

Have you tried Treacle Moon? What is your favourite scent?

Sherrie x