My New 'Must Have' Hair Product! - COLAB Dry Shampoo

I can't even begin to describe my love for dry shampoo. There have been multiple occasions where the majority of my hair doesn't need washing, its just my fringe or something. It used to really bug me because I know that washing your hair everyday really doesn't do it any good! So when I discovered dry shampoo, I was chuffed to say the least. Dry shampoo is also good for giving texture and volume to your hair, so is great once you've just washed it and it is all slippery and annoying.

 I have only tried three dry shampoos including the one this post is about. It all began with the very well known Batiste collection. I love them but they can be quite expensive and they tend to be quite heavy on the hair. I then tried out the Superdrug own brand version too (because I was trying to save money)... not so great! I then went back to Batiste but selected the formula for dark brown hair (as I had recently dyed my hair). I'm not saying I don't like Batiste anymore but a new product hit the shelves recently that, I believe, is a lot better... and I think is slightly cheaper?! Here it is...

YouTuber and model, Ruth Crilly, brought out a dry shampoo collection called 'Colab'. After having a whiff of all of the fragrances (I think there are six altogether), this fruity one was definitely my favourite! The scent lingers in your hair, so with a gust of this bitterly cold, winter wind, you get hit with a bit of fruity freshness! The formula is very lightweight, it literally feels like there is nothing in your hair at all. It is also invisible. I think this is the main reason I love this product so much... I have had multiple incidents where I have been really tired in the morning and just strayed some Batiste in my hair and not realised that I have a white patch on my head! I no longer have to worry! 

I have actually run out of this product, I just need to get off my bum and repurchase it! I think you should give it a go too! 

Thanks for reading!

Speak soon!

Isabel x

My New Favourite Brow Product: 'Brow Satin' by Maybelline

I had previously used just a dark brown eye shadow and an angled make-up brush to define and fill in sparse areas of my brows. It definitely did the job but it didn't give the effect I really desired. I saw this product advertised on the TV and saw how natural the end result was, so, I thought I would give it  a go...especially as it is only £5.99!

This is two products in one- a waxy pencil on one end and a powder on the other. 

I firstly apply the pencil to add definition, I use small, light, feathery strokes (like the lower demonstration) to create a more natural look. 

I then pop the powder on top to set the pencil and lightly fill in any sparse areas.

It lasts all day and can create multiple brow looks. I personally prefer my eyebrows to be quite dark (to match my hair for one) and it definitely allows for that but of course you could use the powder on its own for a softer look, so the product is very versatile and an absolute bargain. 

There is a very good colour range as well but they seem to be out of stock quite a lot as they are new, but if you can...Go out and buy iiiiit! 

Speak soon!

Isabel x

PRODUCT REVIEW: Revlon- 'Photoready': Perfecting Primer

Here is another product review for you! As you are probably well aware, it is approaching Christmas and the party season. This means that we will most likely be going out a lot more and need our make-up to last as long as possible. I love my current foundation, Rimmel: Lasting Finsih 25 hr (No.100, Ivory), it lasts for a very long time on my skin and doesn't dry it out. However, this post isn't focusing on foundation, but a primer.  Having a clean, smooth base before adding make-up will increase the longevity of the make-up and will also make your skin appear more 'airbrushed' as the products applied afterwards will glide across the skin and not sink as deeply into your pores and attach to dry patches of skin, so overall, allowing an easier, more flawless application. 

The primer I have been trying out recently is the Revlon- 'Photoready': Perfecting Primer. 

Packaging

The packaging is quite simplistic, which I feel makes it appear more chic, this is shown throughout the majority of Revlon products. The pump on top is easy to use and creates little-no mess. 

Price

I have been put off in the past, like quite a few of my friends at the price of this product, it retails at just under £12. I never thought it would be worth the money and always went for the cheaper ones, for example Maybelline: Baby Skin. However, this product completely freaked my skin out so I didn't use it again. I thought that this may be due to the quality of the product which quite often relates to the price. Anyway, enough about Baby Skin... the Perfecting Primer is more expensive so I thought it would probably work a bit better than cheaper ones I'd used yet still not breaking the bank/ indulging into high end brands. I must say, it is worth the money!

Longevity

Although you can use this product alone (it will reduce the visibility of pores), I personally have always worn it underneath foundation, or at least a bit of concealer. Ever since I started using it I have noticed a difference in the texture/look of my skin with make-up on. I have spot prone skin and dry patches and my make-up used to cling to those areas and made me feel quite self-conscious at times, this was also due to the fact that I was setting my make-up and concealed spots with powder which would emphasise the dry areas. I do still powder my face but paired with this primer, the dryness isn't as prominent. I also apply this primer onto my eye lids (I don't know if you're supposed to or not but... it worked for me!). I have had issues in the past with eyeshadow creasing and my eyeliner transferring into my crease slightly. I know you can buy eyeshadow primers but I don't really have the money to be perfectly honest, hence why I popped this primer all over my face! My eyeshadow no longer creases and my eyeliner no longer transfers! Even after a night out where I've been getting a bit hot after having a good 'ld dance.. my make-up has been in pretty good tact! 

Overall, I'm loving this product and I will definitely be repurchasing it once this pot is empty! If you're ever going to buy a primer I would say now is the time... you won't want your make-up slipping down your face at a Christmas/New Year party! 

Hope this has helped!

Speak soon

Isabel x

DIY Weight Loss Drink!

If you've read my previous posts you will probably have gathered that I don't have much money to go splashing on any fancy miracle products, so once again, here is a cheap and cheerful drink to aid weight loss! I thought this was quite appropriate considering its getting closer to Christmas and the party season where the majority of us want to feel and look amazing. This is an easy way to get the ball rolling... I must warn you though... it is rather potent and of course it may not work with everyone, but it works for me so I thought I would share! 

Keep reading to see how I made it!

YOU WILL NEED

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp honey

1/2 lemon (juice)

100ml hot water

STEP ONE

I started with the dry ingredients (cinnamon and ginger) so if I mucked it up I could easily take it out of the mug... but it isn't difficult at all!

Add the cinnamon to the mug...

...then the ginger.

STEP TWO

Squeeze the lemon juice into the mug, making sure no seeds fly out!

STEP THREE

Warm the teaspoon and then scoop up the honey and add it to the mixture, the honey should slide right off!

STEP FOUR

Then pour the hot water into the mug, stir and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

FINISHED!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Drink this twice a day!

(Only drink this on an empty stomach, so in the morning before you have your breakfast and then a couple of hours before you go to bed.) 

You will probably feel quite hungry once you have drunk this in the evening, but don't eat anything...that won't make you lose weight, funnily enough! The reason for this is that it boosts your metabolism so your body can easily digest food and therefore flush your system through without holding as much 'bad stuff'. 

I hope this helps! If it does, I'm planning on doing some more weight loss posts, let me know if you would would be interested! 

Speak soon!

Isabel x

Tip Tuesday: Curling Eyelashes!

I'm starting a little segment on my blog called 'Tip Tuesday', where I will be posting a tip... each Tuesday (such an amazing play on words eh)! So here is your first one!

Unfortunately I have't been blessed with beautiful, long, curled lashes from birth like lots of my friends, so I've got to fake it! 
Volumising mascaras tended to weigh down my lashes so even if I had curled them with eyelash curlers before hand, the curl wouldn't last... which really annoyed me! As you can see, I have written  in past tense... I have found a solution! 

HEAT YOUR EYELASH CURLER WITH A HAIR DRIER! 

Like hair tools, the heat increases the longevity of the style you want to create. This is the same concept. With WARM eyelash curlers (you don't want to burn your eye lid- funnily enough!) curl your lashes as normal and leave to cool. I then usually follow this step with a lengthening mascara, I'm using one by Natural Collection at the moment and then a volumising one afterwards (which is usually by Maybelline). It has made such a difference and really makes a feature of my eyes and opens them up a lot more so I look more awake (which is always welcomed!)

Hope this has helped!

Speak soon!

Isabel x

Homemade Teeth Whitener!

Okay, so I'm in a situation where I do quite like my teeth (since having braces) but I have always wanted them to be a little bit whiter. Don't get me wrong, my teeth aren't overly discoloured... I just feel like they could do with a 'lift' as it were! However, a dilemma... I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY! I have done some research and have wanted to try out multiple teeth whiteners that are on the market, but I can't bring myself to spend the money to address an issue that isn't extensive. Instead, I decided to  research and try out some homemade, affordable remedies. This particular one has just two ingredients! 

( I quite like vinegar, but if you don't... don't do this because it is all you can taste and smell for quite a few hours afterwards! )

Ingredients

1 tbsp Cider vinegar

1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

So, in a bowl I just combined the two ingredients together and stirred. It fizzed to begin with, but settled down reasonably quickly. I then grabbed an old tooth brush and dipped it into the mixture and then simply brushed my teeth. I then left it for a few minutes and then rinsed my mouth out with water! 

My teeth aren't ridiculously white, but I can see a difference with only one use. 

ONLY DO THIS ONCE A WEEK! (The way it works is by lifting  stains from the surface of the teeth, so, too much use and the enamel will start wearing away too, which isn't good what so ever!) 

Hope this helps!

Speak soon!

Isabel x

Rimmel: 'Provocalips' Review

I love a good ol' bold lip pretty much all year round but I am always dubious about the longevity of the lip product. I worry constantly, thinking it has rubbed off, gone all dry and flakey, or smudged across my face! So, when I saw the advert on telly for the new 'Provocalips' lip range by Rimmel I was rather intrigued to say the least. Me being me... I went, quite swiftly, to my local Superdrug and bought one to try out...of course it was a deep, berry tone! (550- 'Play With Fire' to be more precise). 

The Review

Packaging 

I don't really know what to say... it looks slightly childish but quite clearly separates the two ends and successfully shows the colour of the product. 

The product is split into two halves, the vibrant colour on one end and a balm on the other. Each having a spongey applicator. Both of which are easy to access.

Application 

Due to the sponge applicator, the product glides onto the lips very easily and with great precision. Quite a lot does come out on to the applicator so I would advice wiping excess off as a little does go a long way and it could get rather messy, especially with such a vibrant colour (I'm speaking from experience...oops!) Like I said before, there are two steps to this product. You firstly apply the colour but then have to wait a minute or so for it to set and dry, preferably with your lips parted. Once it has dried you then add the balm! Easy!

Longevity

Right then... this is the important section! THIS DOES NOT BUDGE! When I was testing this I didn't reapply at all throughout the day and I drank and ate as usual. The product claims to last 16 hours... I mean I wasn't awake for that long but through the duration I was awake, I wasn't disappointed. When I drank a cup of tea there wasn't any transfer onto the mug and when I ate, it didn't smudge. All of my family were just as shocked as I was... I really didn't believe it would last as long as it did! However, I would say that it does dry throughout the day, so keep it with you if you're out and about so you can use the balm. 

It is quite 'interesting' to get off at the end of the day though... I was sat on my bed for at least 5 minutes with a cotton wool pad drenched in my Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, scrubbing it away, whilst my Dad laughed at me. Even so, it was worth the faff and I am VERY impressed!

Price

This retails at £6.99! I definitely don't mind paying that for this product... I will be popping back to the shops to gather the majority of the collection, along side a few for some family members that I have raved about it too! 

Here are some pictures of me wearing it... I would say though, it is a darker red than it appears in this photo!

I hope this is helpful!

Speak soon

Isabel x

'One Lovely Blog Award' - Nomination!?!

Flippin' 'eck, I've been nominated for the 'One Lovely Blog Award' by The Happy Blog ! Thank you so much, it really means a lot! 

One Lovely Blog Award Rules:

You must display the award logo at the top of the post.

You must thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog in your post.

You must add this set of rules to your post so that your nominees will know what to do.

You must add 7 facts about yourself into the post.

You must nominate 15 other blogs and leave links to each of them in your post.

You must let the people who you have nominated know that they've been nominated.

You must follow back the person who nominated you on GFC and Bloglovin

SEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME

1. Most of my money is spent on shoes or make-up (I'm not stereotypical at all?!)

2. I love vanilla, as a fragrance and flavour. (That has made me want a vanilla yogurt...)

3. My favourite colour is green...deep, forest green.

4. My immune system hates me

5. I love to cook!

6. Autumn is my favourite season

7. Uh...I love cheesy mashed potato and beans?!

NOMINATIONS

Here are some beautiful ladies with blummin' marvellous blogs!

1. http://www.girlwithmakeup.com/

2. http://mash-elle.blogspot.com

3. http://lydiarosexo.blogspot.co.uk

4. http://beautybybrittni.wordpress.com

5. http://gemstonexx.blogspot.co.uk

6. http://drainedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

7. http://thebeautifulbluebird.blogspot.co.uk

8. http://dustypearle.com

9. http://alittleloveheart.blogspot.co.uk

10. http://www.meetmeinmayfair.co.uk

11. http://tinaknights.blogspot.com

12. http://www.iamafashioneer.com

13. http://www.thebritishgirl.co.uk

14. http://daisayy.blogspot.co.uk

15. http://LissyBeauty.wordpress.com

Lots of love! 

Isabel x

Homemade Lemon Body Scrub

Lets talk about skin...

I have oily skin! Although it means I'm is less prone to signs of ageing, like wrinkles, it also means that my pores are susceptible to clogging and dead skin on its surface. And of course, being a make-up lover, I don't help myself by shoving a load of make-up on my face most days. I know it is common for people my age to be rather 'spotty' due to hormones etc but to be honest it is really bugging me and my skin is just DREADFUL. 

SOS (Save Our Skin)
This is what I want to do... try and save my skin without any nasty chemicals (and breaking the bank)! So, I've done a little research and it has become quite clear that honey is the bees knees (whaeeey) along side lemon and olive oil. 

'When life gives you lemons'... make skin care?!

Lemon juice has multiple benefits towards the skin, for example:

- It is a natural exfoliant, the citric acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells.
- It helps heal ache due to its natural antibacterial components, the L-ascorbic acid in lemons is used in lots of acne products on the market. 
- It can also be used to brighten your skin. 

WARNING
- If your skin stings...dilute the lemon juice with a few drops of water until your skin can cope.
- If your skin is already dry, it could make it worse, so moisturise before hand (use honey or olive oil for normal skin and for oily, lemon and cucumber)
- Don't over apply... every other day is the best way forward. This will reduce the likelihood of side effects where for example, broken skin becomes infected (gross)!

With all this in mind, I need to exfoliate, heal ache and moisturise! Hence why I have made this scrub... now let me show you how! 

YOU WILL NEED:
 Ingredients
- 1-2 lemons
- 12 tbs sugar (I used quite find granules because I have sensitive skin)
- 2 tbs olive oil 
 (these measurements vary depending on the constancy you prefer)
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon juicer
- A mixing bowl
- Bowls to split the measured ingredients in to
- A jar to put the product in

STEP ONE

Get all of the juice out of those lemons!

STEP TWO

Measure out the sugar and olive oil (you can use honey instead of the oil)

STEP THREE

Pour the sugar...

...lemon juice...

...and olive oil into the mixing bowl.

STEP FOUR

Stir all of the ingredients together. It should mimic a syrup-like constancy, if not, add a bit more sugar if it is too runny or add a drop of olive oil to loosen the paste.

STEP FIVE

Whilst it is still in the mixing bowl, try the product on the back of your hand before exchanging it into the jar.

STEP SIX

Pour the scrub into a jar of your choice, preferably one that can be closed tightly as the scrub is rather runny!

STEP SEVEN (Optional)

Attach a pretty label!

This should last quite a long time considering its all natural, but really, if it does 'go off' then you haven't really wasted much money! 

The mixture will separate once it has been left to sit, so just stir it a bit before you use it. 

EASY PEASY...LEMON SQUEEZY! 

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

I will let you know how I get on with ma scrub! Thanks for reading!

Speak soon

Isabel x

Autumn Lipstick Picks- HIGH STREET

I absolutely love autumn AND makeup... so it only seems right to write a little summin' summin'! 

A dark, berry lip colour is perfect for this time of year. It not only echoes the autumnal leaves and the beginning of Christmas, but is also quite... sexy! Whenever I put one of these lipsticks on I instantly feel more va-va-voom and the blue undertone in all of these products brings out the whiteness in your teeth (which is always good)! Another reason why I love all of these products is because, I believe, they compliment my hair and eye colour and bring out the warmth in my skin tone.

I'm going to use the image from above as a reference for the rest of my post- starting from the left to the right. 

1. Sleek- Cherry (No.790)

This is a very deep red tone, in some lights it is quite pinky, but still quite earthy and rich. The main reason I bought this product was because I misplaced my MAC 'Russian Red' lipstick. Although I loved that lipstick dearly, it was VERY drying (due to its matte formula). I couldn't afford to spend too much on a replacement, so when I was in my local Boots I decided to look at the Sleek collection as I've been impressed with the price and quality with other products in the past. 

My lips get quite dry at this time of year (like a lot of people)... so I would advise applying a lip balm before this lipstick. Don't get me wrong... this is moisturising but it does dry quite quickly and when having a sip of drink, for example, it transfers easily. It does tend to bleed as well, so wear a lip liner and apply with a brush.

2. L'Oreal: Color Riche- Cassis Passion (No.376)

First of all... the packaging is sooooo pretty. The formula is very moisturising with a slight sheen It also has incredible staying power. It is a rich pink shade, so is a good transition colour from summer to autumn because it still has some vibrancy and punch like those summery neon shades yet is also sumptuous and sexy. 

3. Rimmel: Starry-Eyed (128)

This lipstick is the more purple toned one out of the bunch. Similar to Cassis Passion, it is sweetly scented and reminds me of a mixture between candy floss and Christmas?! From personal experience I would suggest applying two layers of this lipstick, not only will it increase its longevity but it will also make the colour 'POP' a lot more!

4.  Rimmel: Apocalypse- Eclipse (No.304)

I know this isn't a 'classic' lipstick but the formula dries to a lipstick finish although initially appearing as quite glossy. The applicator makes it so easy to put on, amazing precision, creating a perfectly sculpted lip. I believe this is one of the newer shades in the line along side the new matte ones. It does to tend to transfer but personally... I think its worth it. 

Speak soon

Isabel x

MY SEPTEMBER BEAUTY FAVOURITES!

These are my September beauty favourites...they seem to have covered multiple areas of beauty too! YAY!

SKINCARE

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I used to spend aaaages taking my make-up off with a face wipe and always found that my skin felt tight and my eyes stung slightly. Despite the intense eye rubbing I still found residue make-up left around my eyes in the morning. This probably meaning I had also missed some facial make-up somewhere (my poor pores)! But since discovering this product it has made my night time routine a lot easier... and less painful! All I do is pour some on to a cotton wool ball (or pad) and press onto my eyes (closed of course) and leave it there to soak in a tad to loosen the make-up, then wipe. I repeat this until all of the make-up has gone. I then carry on with this method but wipe my face and neck. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, without any irritation and also removes water proof make-up really easily.

MAKE-UP

'Chopper' - Urban Decay: Naked 2 Palette

I can't even describe how much I love this eyeshadow! It is a beautiful, shimmery, goldy-bronze shade. It is extremely versatile, I use it day and night. 

During the day time I apply a light wash all over my lid and then add a lighter, champagne shade into the inner corner of my eye and apply several layers of mascara. To bring the look into night time I add a dark brown to the outer corner and smoke it out, then apply some black eyeliner and create a  flick! It is perfect for clubbing...when the light hits it, it looks blummin' b-e-a-utiful! I also love this shade because it is perfect for the autumn season! I have paired this eye shadow with a warm, berry toned lipstick before and it looked awesome...so I'm sure I will be recreating that look in October and beyond! 

Benefit 'They're Real!' Push Up Gel Eyeliner

I won't write about this for too long as there is a more in-depth review in my previous post. I still thought it was worth a mention, because it really is AMAZING! I have used it almost every day since I bought it at the beginning of the month and it hasn't disappointed me once! It makes my life much easier in the mornings when I'm doing my makeup, a lot less faff basically! It hasn't dried out at all and I'm pretty sure that there is still a lot left in the container. Lovely jubbly! 

Maybelline New York: The Colossal- GO EXTREME VOLUME! Mascara

So, this is the mascara I mentioned earlier (the one I like to use when I wear 'Chopper'). Firstly, I curl my lashes... this makes a HUGE difference to my lashes and the effect that the mascara gives them at the end. What I like to do is to use my hair dryer to heat the eye lash curlers slightly before curling, like a hair curler, the heat will make the curl last longer. Once the curling is done I add one layer of the mascara, making sure i wiggle from the root. I then leave this to dry and then add another layer. This mascara has a massive wand, which helps create the volume. Although it is large, the product is still evenly distributed and therefore isn't clumpy on the lashes, which is where I've had issues with other volumising mascaras. I think the packaging is also pretty darn cool too!

HAIR

Schwarzkopf: got2b POWDER'ful (Volumising Styling Powder)

I stumbled across this product by accident and instantly fell in love with it. Long story short, my friend coloured my hair and the conditioner made my hair soooo soft that I couldn't do anything with it! So, she suggested I back comb my hair a little and then add this to the roots. I mean, I usually do this anyway when I want volume...but use hairspray instead. Ever since that day I haven't '

hair sprayed'! I do worry sometimes that I have missed a bit when I'm rubbing the powder in... my hair is dark and this product is white... not a good mix really! All I would say is that a little goes a long way... I found out the hard way when loooooads flew out the top and made my hair REALLY sticky! But still, I love it and it gives my hair the boost it needs on those 'newly washed hair' days.

FRAGRANCE 

Zara - 'Femme' Eau de toilette (100ml)

I have had this fragrance for a while, this one actually being a re-purchase. But as I have only been blogging this month, I thought it was still appropriate to include it, even if it has been a favourite for a few months! I have quite a few fragrances, most of which are quite sweet, with a couple more sophisticated scents, like my Roberto Cavalli (in the gold packaging) and Calvin Klein, Euphoria. This fragrance by Zara, I believe, sits in the middle. It is quite sweet, with a dominant vanilla scent. But some how it isn't sickly...? I would say it is my signature fragrance and I have had quite a few compliments when I'm wearing it. All I would say is that it doesn't last incredibly long on my skin, but for £10 or so I can deal with re-applying!  

Speak soon

Isabel x