Updated daily skincare routine featuring Clarins Daily Energizer products

My skincare routine changes quite frequently. There is always new products that I am interested in, plus I am privileged that I occasionally get sent products to try. However I do also have a few staple products in my routine which I wouldn't be without and which I feel have made a noticeable difference to my skin, these products are products which are used at night though. I love reading about other peoples skincare routine, so I thought I would post an updated version of mine and share my thoughts on the products I have been using during the day.

My daytime skincare routine is fairly simple and for the past 3 weeks or so I have been using Clarins New Energizer products. Although the products in this range are aimed at 18 to late 20’s age group, I think the four natural ingredients used in these products benefits any age and skin type.

- Vitamin C stimulates the skin’s natural defences to keep it looking fresh all day, preventing fatigue and dull skin tone.
- Turmeric or Indian saffron a powerful antioxidant which strengthens the above action.
- Purifying Alchemilla, an astringent plant extract that regulates sebum production to keep pores and the complexion clear.
- Ginkgo biloba a radiance boosting ingredient which helps to improve the skin’s uptake of oxygen so it looks brighter and healthier and to strengthen the walls of the skin’s super-fine network of blood capillaries.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel (£10.50)

I have well and truly fallen in love with this cleanser and will be definitely re-purchasing. I do prefer a gel cleanser as of late and this is by far the best one I have used to date. It's so gentle to use and smells absolutely amazing. I use this both in the morning to clean and refresh my skin and also of an evening to remove my make up. When using of an evening, I simply splash my face with a bit of water first then massage the gel cleanser into my skin. Every single inch of make up can be seen breaking up on my skin and when used with a muslin cloth, every trace of make up is wiped away and my skin is left feeling soft, fresh and totally clean. Its a product that is an absolute pleasure to use and I actually look forward to removing my make up of an evening.

Clarins Daily Energizer Wake-up Booster (£15.00)

The Daily Energizer Wake-up Booster is a lotion which is recommended for use in the morning after cleansing the skin. It contains skin awakening properties and I find it instantly freshens, tones and perks up my skin ready for the day ahead. Basically its very similar to a toner, except it is a lot more thicker and it feels like it really penetrates the skin. Again the scent of this product is amazing and it really does stimulate the senses and not only perk up my skin but perks up my whole state of mind too.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream-Gel (£19.50)

There are three moisturisers to choose from in the energizer range, depending on skin type. As I have normal/combination skin, the one most suited to me is the Cream-Gel. It claims to moisturise, protect and treat for clearer, smoother, shine-free skin. I find this to be the perfect moisturiser for morning use. I find it to be nice and light upon application but it still feels luxurious to use and leaves my skin soft and silky immediately. After a few days of use, I started to notice how my skin was looking a lot more radiant and clear, without an inch of dullness apparent.

Clarins Daily Energizer Lotion SPF15 (£19.50)

I have been using this as well as the daily moisturiser, purely because the energizer cream-gel doesn't offer me any SPF protection, which is something I need especially because of the products I use on my skin at night. Sometimes moisturisers with an added SPF can be a bit heavy, but this is incredibly light to use. Its also oil free so its suitable for people with an oily skin type as it doesn't leave my face feeling greasy at all and works really well as a make up base when used over the moisturiser.

Overall the ingredients in this whole line of products certainly do what they say and make skin look and feel a lot more energized and radiant. They are all a pleasure to use and have definitely perked up my skin and has made it look noticeably a lot more brighter, healthier and radiant while also keeping it hydrated.

Keep your eyes peeled for my evening skincare routine, which will be coming soon!

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Updated daily skincare routine featuring Clarins Daily Energizer products

Nars Dogon - Oh how I love thee!

Released as part of the spring/summer collection 2011, Nars Dogon is my new love. I lusted over this duo for so long and finally parted with the cash and made it mine, with no regrets at all.

Upon first looking at it, it doesn't seem anything special. Both shades don't seem particular unique to look at. The Nars website describes the shades as a metallic taupe and a charcoal black. When swatched, the taupe definitely has a metallic aspect, with a slight green sheen and is very pretty. The black just looks like any other black to be honest. The magic happens when the two shades are combined though and that's where I fell in love. The results are the most gorgeous duochrome shade. Just beautiful. Sadly my camera really doesn't pick up the duochrome aspect at all (bag of shite is is!) but take my word for it... this is one gorgeous duo to have.

Swatched separately

Swatched Layered

I only wish my camera was strong enough to capture how truly amazing this duo is. I will however take some more pictures and add them if I manage to get a decent enough one. For now.... trust me and buy Dogon!!!!

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Nars Dogon - Oh how I love thee!

Elemis Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir

I am a huge fan of  Elemis Spa at Home products, in particular the Body Exotic range. I love and have repurchased many times both the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil and the Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream. I do also love the Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, which is part of the Body Soothing Range. The Spa at Home range recently expanded in 5 different categories; Body Exotics, Body Soothing, Body Awaken, Body Performance and Body Anti-Ageing and 14 new products were also introduced.

One of the new products added to the Body Exotics range is the Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir.

"This indulgent bath elixir combines patchouli, cedarwood and vetivert aromatic to help enhance feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. Further enriched with a natural skin conditioning cocoa butter derived cleansing ingredient, these indulgent bath bubbles deliver a luxuriously rich and soothing formulation."

I consider taking a bath a luxury. I don't often get time to myself where I can totally relax and let my mind drift off. When I do get the chance, I like my bath's to be special and this product makes them just that. I think it's obvious how much I love this product, by how much I have used, considering I have only had it for around a week too. It smells absolutely beautiful and covers my whole body with its scent, leaving a lingering trial behind which faintly stimulates the sense, long after my bath. It provides just enough bubble's for me to bury my body underneath them and let my mind totally relax and drift off into another world. Just like the other products I love and rate from the exotics range, this has not dissapointed.

I personally think Elemis produce some of the best products around and if you are looking for something to make your bath time that little extra special, then this is the perfect product.

Available to purchase from Timetospa.co.uk priced at £19.00

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Elemis Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir

Burberry Lip Mist in No.206 Blueberry

Burberry recently launched Its Lip Mist Collection which consists of nine sheer shine lip shades that perfectly capture this seasons prettiest looks. The Lip Mist's can be wore as an every day lip shine or patted on lightly for a natural stain of colour. They also double as a hydrating lip treatment due to the moisture locking wild rose treatment. These new addition of perfect for the upcoming summer months, when Lipstick can feel a bit heavy in the warmer months.

I've been extremely lucky to get my hands on one of the new Lip Mists and have well and truly fallen in love.

Burberry Lip Mist in No.206 Blueberry

First impressions of this shade immediately made me think it was going to transfer onto the lips as a dark and unflattering shade. However once applied, I was actually quite shocked at just how sheer and beautiful it is. The formulation is sheer and lightweight and feels balm like once on the lips. Is a perfect shade for long summer nights, when a hint of colour is needed without leaving the lips feeling heavy and weighed down.

Available to purchase from Harrods priced at £22.50

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Burberry Lip Mist in No.206 Blueberry

Pantene Colour Protect and Volume range

Since dying my hair dark, I've been using a whole new range of products to keep my newly coloured hair in tip top condition. I wasn't originally going to use any product specially designed for coloured hair, as I prefer to use hair volumizing hair products. Pantene's Colour Protect and Volume range is perfect for me though as it protects the colour in my hair and also gives me the added bonus of volume, which is an essential for me.

Pantene is a brand I used to use regularly a few years ago. I personally think it is a quality haircare brand that is affordable, so I had no doubts that I was going to be pleased with the Shampoo and Conditioner. I have quite fine hair but a lot of it. With it being so long, I like a nice lightweight shampoo and condition that will clean and rinse quickly and easily, the less time spent washing my hair the better. These two products fit the bill perfectly. When used together, I find they really bring out the color in my hair and helps it to last longer, without it looking a bit dull after a few days. Both products leave my hair looking full and volumized, while feeling silky soft and smelling gorgeous.

Along side the Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, I have also been using the Pantene Pro V Colour Protect Colour Seal Concentrate (sorry for the mouthful) once a week, as a treatment for my newly coloured hair and all I can say is WOW. I seriously love this product. My hair looks and feels amazing after I have used this, the shine is incredible! Normally after washing and conditioning, Im left with flyaway but full and volumed hair, when I use this though I am left with silky smooth volumed hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down at all. I still have the volume I would have if I didn't use the product, but its not flyaway like it would be. It just looks like perfection. The most noticeable area of my hair are the ends, which are not dry and coarse like normal but are incredibly sleek. For under £5 this product really is - excuse my french - the dogs bollocks!!!!!

If you are on a budget and want some cheap and affordable hair care products to help treat coloured hair, then I definitely recommend you take a look at the Protect and Volume range. I haven't used high street shampoos and conditioners for a while and using these products has made me think twice about spending over £10.00 on products, when there are products like this out there, that do the same job and are much easier on the pocket.

All products can be purchased at Boots and are priced at:

Pantene Pro V Colour Protect Volume Shampoo 250ml - £2.60
Pantene Pro V Colour Protect Volume Conditioner 250ml -£2.60
Pantene Pro V Colour Protect Colour Seal Concentrate 58ml - £3.99

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Pantene Colour Protect and Volume range

Thierry Mugler Womanity

It was all about Thierry Mugler's Womanity last Friday (May 13th) when Lady Gaga revealed on The Graham Norton show that Womanity is her signature scent.

Gaga appeared on the show alongside superstar Gwyneth Paltrow and when Gwyneth commented on how she smelt, Gaga revealed her scent was down to Womanity and gifted Gwyneth with a bottle.

"A salty/sweet sensation. The main top note is a burst of really ripe, sweet, fresh fig pulp, a fruity note but with that milky dimension peculiar to the fig. Next is the salty, mysterious, even leathery scent of caviar, a facet which is surprising, even a little strange. The 'backbone' of the fragrance is based on fig tree wood, a very different woody note that is neither dry, nor milky, nor resinous but astonishingly  velvety and feminine. A warm, 'vegetal' accord, reminiscent of Mediterranean 'scrubland'."

Having had the chance to try Womanity myself, it's easy to understand why this is Gaga's signature scent. Its a unique, complex scent and one that I have found really hard to describe, which is unusual for me where scents are concerned. The first initial spray is very strong and does cause a slight worry as to whether it will settle, once it settles though I find it to be quite sweet, but with something there that I just can't put my finger on. Its mysterious to me. A distinct scent that I haven't been able to liken to any other. I think its because the fragrance combines savoury and sweet notes, something which is quite strange, but it works. It's definitely a love or hate fragrance, a bit like gaga herself to be honest. It needs a bit of time to settle on the skin before an opinion can be formed, as it changes so much on me throughout the day. I wouldn't recommend spraying it in store and then deciding straight away if its a scent for you, I'd recommended spraying it, letting it work its magic for a while on the skin, then forming an opinion.

Womanity can be purchased from Escentual.com

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Thierry Mugler Womanity

Product rave! - Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream

Im quite fussy with my body moisturisers. I like them to apply to my skin like butter (although I have no idea how butter would apply to my skin, Im picturing butter on hot toast maybe?) and sink in immediately. I want to apply, get dressed and be done. No messing. I cannot stand moisturisers that need me to work at it, that need to be rubbed into the skin for a while. Im lazy and I admit it.

For me, Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream is by far the best body moisturiser I have ever used. Being the best does come with its downsides though and that's the price. Its not cheap - but its worth it.

"A high-performance body cream specially designed to help promote skin`s natural renewal cycle for newfound vitality. Formulated with a rejuvenating fresh scent and a mélange of nutrients to provide luxurious moisture and maximise the overall benefits for complete, alluring beauty. Provides incredible softness to skin with excellent moisturising and retexturising effects. Restores skin`s resilience and helps minimise the appearance of cellulite for a beautyfully firm and contoured body. Leaves skin feeling smooth, without a hint of stickiness".

Believe me when I say I use this sparingly and it is a luxury item to me. I don't use it every single day, because of the simple fact that I don't feel I need to moisturise every single day with this. It keeps my whole body so smooth for days. A little goes such a long way, as it glides and spreads so easily, meaning only a small amount is needed to cover the whole body. With this you are definitely paying for quality and I can without a doubt see the difference between this and some of my cheaper body moisturisers. Everything about this is pure luxury, from the packaging to the texture. It is a heavenly body moisturiser. It moisturises like no other body cream I have tried and like I said, the effects last. I would normally have to moisturise twice a day when using other products, but with this I don't have to. So although it is pricey, it is well worth the money. I definitely recommend if you feel like treating to yourself to a top quality product.

Available to purchase from House of Fraser priced at £59.50

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Product rave! - Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream

Current Lipstick Loves

I have seriously been loving a bright and bold lip for the past few weeks, which if you know me, you will know that bright lips is totally out of my comfort zone. I normally stick to nude shades on my lips. Two shades that I have been loving lately are both by MAC and are both stunners!

MAC Impassioned - Most definitely the brightest shade of Lipstick that I own, but boy have I fell in love. This shade is perfect for a night out and because its an Amplified Cream, it literally doesn't budge! I hardly need a top up when wearing this.

MAC Vegas Volt - Another Amplified Cream and another stunner! A gorgeous bold, bright and vibrant Coral, perfect for the summer months ahead.

I have my eye on quite a few shades from MAC at the moment, I think the next I'll be purchasing will be Costa Chic.

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Current Lipstick Loves

Bobbi Brown NEW AND REFORMULATED Creamy Concealer Kit

Being the concealer junkie that I am and hating my dark circles with a passion, Im always lusting over different concealers. Its one product I couldn't live without. I could easily go without my foundation (on some days) but never without my under eye concealer. I've been wanting to try Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer for a while now but I have read a few reviews about it being quite thick so this was something Ive always been a little worried by. The skin under my eyes has always been very thin and I have found that thick concealers always seem to cake on me and seep into my fine lines. Thick concealers are much more suitable for people with a very firm under eye area.

After reading about Creamy Concealer being reformulated and also having a brand new packaging I was eager to give it a try.

Shade New Ivory

“This new formula gives you quick, perfect coverage. It’s rich and creamy without being thick — so it goes on easily and blends smoothly with minimal effort.”

Now obviously having never tried the old version, I cannot compare the two and let you know how the consistency has changed etc. I will however point you in the direction of a fantastic blog and video review of the two versions being compared, at the end of this post.

The Concealer and setting powder are now in a palette style, with the setting powder being pressed setting powder where as it was loose powder before. The packaging gets a big thumbs up from me as its nice and compact, which is perfect for taking out and about with me in my bag.

When I initially swatched the concealer on my hand, I did think it was still very thick. That being said, I am a liquid concealer girl, so obviously the under eye concealers that I am used to are very different in texture. I normally apply my under eye concealer with my fingers, but after trying that method with creamy concealer I do think its much better to apply it with a brush at first and then to just gently blend it in with my ring finger. I find the coverage is excellent, it is a very full good coverage and I only need a tiny amount to cover my under eye area. Once initially applied with the brush, it blends so easily, which really surprised me, as I did think when I first swatched it that it was going to be hard to blend and it would cling to my fine lines and end up looking quite cakey. Such a tiny amount is needed though, that Ive had no problems at all. Once the setting powder is applied, it really does set it and the concealer does not budge all day long. Again I find only a tiny amount of setting powder is needed, a slight swirl in the powder with a fluffy eye brush works really well for me and leaves no obvious powdery look.

Overall Im really surprised by this product, mainly because I did think it would not work for me and it has. The coverage is excellent and really cannot be faulted. I do still think a concealer like this would be much more beneficial for younger women though and if the skin under your eyes is very loose and you have many fine lines then a liquid concealer would work a lot better. I also think the key to this product is the way it is applied. The tiniest amount is needed and to get the benefits it needs to be applied correctly and not just by using a finger and trying to smear it all around the eyes.

If you are interested to see how the new reformulated version compares to the old version then I highly recommend you take a look at London Make Up Girl's blog post and video.

Available to purchase from Bobbi Brown counters nationwide and also the Bobbi Brown Website priced at £23.50.

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Bobbi Brown NEW AND REFORMULATED Creamy Concealer Kit

Birthday Nails!!!

Seen as today is supposed to be a day filled with Joy (Its my Birthday) Im not feeling very joyous to be honest. I hit 30 today and I don't like it. Its going to take some getting used to. As a treat to myself I decided to get myself some lovely new Nails. Nothing like a bit of pampering to cheer me up.

30 isn't so bad when one has got lovely nails.

If any Manchester based Ladies are reading and are looking for a top quality salon to go to, then I definitely recommend The Sun Lounge - Tanning, Beauty &Hair Salon. Based at 1024 Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester.

I've visited The Sun Lounge on many occasions and have always been pleased. Its such a relaxed salon, the Ladies who all work there are so friendly and the owner Collete is super lovely and so down to earth. It was Collete who actually done my nails today. It makes a change the boss still being involved and working hard.

I definitely think I should visit the salon more often and treat myself. Im just looking at the price list now as I type and I quite fancy having a few things done.

Non Surgical Face Lift - £10.00

Eye Lash Perm - £15.00

Full Body Spray Tan - £16.00

Good job I received a nice amount of Birthday money isn't it!!!!

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Birthday Nails!!!

Carita Pearl of Youth

Let me introduce you to the most expensive moisturiser that has ever touched my face. Carita Pearl Of Youth.

"Pearl of youth is a precious anti-ageing skincare product that firms, tones and smoothes the skin, as if it has been lifted, while helping to protect it from environmental factors that contribute to ageing. The remarkable revitalising power of “elixir of long life” fills in and plumps up the hollow areas of the face. Wrinkles are softened and the skin is left visibly smoother and firmer. The face is resculpted and regains its youthful appearance".

Now you all know I am a skincare addict. I could easily spend my days reading about facial skincare, and often do spend hours googling and reading reviews of products that Im interested in. I have a huge fear of ageing and try my best to prevent the early signs of ageing by looking after my skin and using anti ageing products. I'm not against spending a fairly large amount on a product and will save for products I want. Even if its just a couple of pounds a week, I'll get there in the end. Carita Pearle of Youth is one of those products I will be saving for, once my current Jar has run out. The pr for the brand have well and truly spoilt me, when they sent me a sample and now I find myself using my treasured face cream sparingly, so it doesn't run out. I don't think I have ever spent over £100 on a product and I know I said Im not against spending fairly large amounts but I was kinda talking around the £50.00 mark. Carita Pearle of Youth is a biggie and will set the pocket back £122.00 on the Carita website, but I love it!

The packaging of the solid glass jar shows just how expensive this cream is and as it comes with an applicator stick there is no need to worry about contaminating the cream with germs. I have however lost my stick (that's what happens when you have a 2 year old playing with all my stuff while Im trying to get ready!) but I am always prepared and have another stick from a different product to use with it. The texture is light yet rich and I find it melts into my skin upon application. It feels very luxurious and has the most gorgeous scent to it. I know you're all wondering though, is it really worth £122.00? If £122.00 is small change to you then yes. I've been using my jar now for around a month and I love the look of my skin at the moment, so much so that I have actually gone bare faced round Asda with no make up on at all. Only once mind, but once is good enough for me! I didn't feel the need to wear any make up as my skin tone just looked even, smooth and radiant where as normally is looks very dull and uneven.

The Key Ingredient in the product is Pearl Powder which is normally used in Chinese Skincare products. The Chinese always have fab skin!  The powder is made from freshwater pearls, which contains a number of amino acids and several minerals. It can also be made from saltwater pearls. It is said to help improve the appearance of the skin and is also widely used to treat acne as it has a purifying effect and is also said to be  effective at fading acne scars. Another fantastic ingredient is anti-glycation peptides. This is said to be a very important ingredient in skincare products, where age prevention is concerned.  Basically Glycation is a natural process which occurs where excess sugar sticks to protein fibers in the skin and then binds them together causing fibers in the skin to become dry and brittle. The result of this is that skin loses its elasticity which in turn makes it a lot more vulnerable to sagging and wrinkling and also UV damage.

To cut it short, this cream has been made to pack a punch where anti aging is concerned and contains some fantastic ingredients to keep skin looking its best and to prevent ageing and although it does cost a fortune, if you are not cash strapped and are serious about looking after your skin,then this is one product you should take a closer look at.

As for me? I've started saving already!

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Carita Pearl of Youth

Current wants!

There are so many products I have my eye on at the moment, so I thought I would share a few!

Nars Dogon Eye Shadow Duo - This just has my name written all over it and I need it in my life soon, seen as it's LE.

Image taken from Temptalia.com

MAC Costa Chic Lipstick - I don't think this needs an explanation. Its just so pretty!

Nars Copacabana Illuminator - I've seen a few YT videos of people applying this and it just looks gorgeous. I want!

Avene Eluage Cream - Its all about the plumping for me at the moment and I am slightly obsessed with Retinol. I plan to use this as a night cream.

SHU UEMURA pure:nu oil–in–gel cleanser - I love a gel cleanser. So will definitely have to try this one out.

Last but not least.....

Clarisonic Mia - Oh how I would love one of these!!!!

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Current wants!

Rodial Glam Balm

Oh how I love multi purpose products. One product that can be used for a variety of different things. I especially love a multi purpose product that offers some anti aging benefits too, which is why Im currently obsessed with my Rodial Glam Balm.

The product is described as an anti-aging multi-purpose skin treatment, which revitalises skin, refines wrinkles and increases collagen production in skin and lips. It comes packed with some fantastic ingredients which work wonders for the skin.

Pomegranate Ellagic Tannins -Rodial's hero ingredient which is known for natural anti-ageing, firming and collagen-boosting properties

Myrrh Extract - Stimulates fat deposits, plumps up skin, helping to reintroduce a youthful glow

Vitamin C - Stimulates collagen and provides antioxidant protection

Vitamin E -  Antioxidant which prevents the formation of free radicals on the skin and protects it from any kind of damage

Calendula - Stimulates collagen synthesis and cell regeneration for younger-looking skin

Bergamot - Antiseptic and antibiotic effect on the skin – making it excellent for problem acne skin

Glam Balm literally has 101 uses and can be used for so many different things. I generally like to use mine as an intensive overnight treatment a few times a week, when my skin is feeling and looking a bit parched and dehydrated. It also works fantastic on the eye area too and when applied at night and left on, the next morning, my whole eye area seems a lot more smoother and brighter and not so tired and old looking. My fine lines appear to be really plumped out and less apparent. It works a treat on cuticles too and a little goes a long way when massaged in and also as an intensive hand treatment. I like to apply a generous layer at night and sleep in some cotton gloves, to give my hands some real pampering when they are feeling and looking very dry and stressed. I hear its supposed to be excellent for sunburn too and many people also use it while travelling, to keep skin soft and moisturised while in the air.

I could go on and on listing the uses for this product, but Im assuming you all know how beneficial multi purpose balms are and how they can be used in so many ways.

Although Glam Balm's not cheap at £55.00 - you are paying for a quality multi purpose product though that can treat so many skin issues and a little does go a long way.

Are you a fan of multi purpose balms? have you tried Glam Balm?

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Rodial Glam Balm

SURE Motionsense Deodorant

As I write a beauty blog, I think all beauty products should be included somewhere once in a while and one product every single one of us (well I assume so anyway) use daily and couldn't be without is Deodorant. Its not a luxury product, its not something we get excited about buying like we do a lipstick for example, but its something we NEED, its a necessity, well unless you really like the smell of Body Odour.

Now we all know a woman's life is never easy and is often quite stressful, with us being such multi tasker, something men have no clue about, so we need a deodorant which is going to work constantly throughout the day and keep up fresh. Sure, a brand which I have been using for as long as I can remember has recently re-launched with a stunning new ergonomic aerosol design, and a breakthrough deodorant formulation that uses a unique technology called motionsenseTM system.

motionsenseTM system, works by responding directly to body movement to release little bursts of freshness throughout the day. So we are kept fresh all day long, while being constantly on the go. Sure is the only deodorant to include the new motionsenseTM system, so if you fancy treating your pits to a product that will work just as much as you work and keep the dreaded body odour at bay, then this is a product you should be adding to your trolley while doing your weekly shopping. Sure has never failed me, which is why I have constantly re-purchased over the years and their new motionsense deodorant is the best yet!

Available in aerosol, roll-on and stick formats. Priced from RRP £1.77 for 50ml roll-ons and RRP £2.86 for 150ml aerosol.

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SURE Motionsense Deodorant

JAPONESQUE Pro Angled Foundation Brush and Medium Pro Eye Detailer Brush

JAPONESQUE brushes have been around for over 20 years and although they have earned a fantastic reputation and have been favoured by make up artists worldwide, I really didn't know much about the brand and their products until I was recently sent a couple of brushes to try. Now I have had the chance to put a couple of brushes to the test though, I have a wish list as long as my arm for more brushes and some of their other products!

PRO ANGLED FOUNDATION BRUSH

"A make-up artist favorite, the JAPONESQUE® Professional Angled Foundation Brush is an essential tool for creating a truly flawless foundation finish. The distinctive tapered edge allows for precision application around the eyes and nose while the flat brush shape smoothes out cream or liquid foundation minimizing facial pores and fine lines. Perfect for full coverage in targeted areas or sheering out color for transparent coverage."

Im not normally one for using a foundation brush, I do actually prefer to use my fingers and find I get a more flawless natural look this way. However recently, Ive been using a foundation brush on areas that need a bit more coverage and also with my Vichy Dermablend Foundation which I use as a concealer on the troubled area of my skin, which has a lot of spot scarring. Ater trying this foundation brush for the first time and absolutely falling in love, I have now been using it to do my whole face. I love the fact that its angled and makes application around my nose area and eye area such a breeze. It applies my foundation beautifully with just the right amount of coverage. Sometimes with foundation brushes I feel like I am painting my foundation on in a thick layer, but with this its different. It blends my foundation perfectly and sheers it out nicely towards the edges of my face and my hairline. I've had no problem at all with washing it and its held it shape and feels exactly the same as before it was washed. Massive thumbs up from me!!!!

PRO EYE DETAILER BRUSH - MEDIUM

"The versatile JAPONESQUE® Professional Eye Detailer Brush in medium deftly tucks in color on the eyelids with precision. Create soft definition in the eye crease, add color to the outer corners of the eye, or smudge liner at the lash line for an expert smoky effect. Crafted with a professional length handle for control, the Professional Eye Detailer works well with pressed or loose eye shadows, as well as cream eye products."

The description of this brush fits the use of it completely. Its not a brush I use for packing on the colour, it works best for more detailed work. Its quite firm and works fantastic at adding precise definition to certain areas of the eye, for example the crease or just underneath they eye, where I do like to apply my shadow. It holds shadow well without any fallout and it really does make detailed work a bit more easier. Im really interested in the smaller sized one now!

If you would like to build up your brush collection and add some good quality brushes to it, then I'd definitely recommend you take a look at Japonesque brushes. Its easy to understand why they are described as a make up artist favourite.

To view the brushes available and also the other items Japonesque stock, visit the website and have a nosey about. Items can be purchased from John Lewis and also Love Make Up

I've so got my eye on the Leopard Print Train Case now!

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JAPONESQUE Pro Angled Foundation Brush and Medium Pro Eye Detailer Brush

Google reader users - pay attention!!!

If you use google reader to read blog post, let me direct you to a post I just read on Carla's blog. You NEED the next button in your life!

READ CARLAS POST HERE!

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Google reader users - pay attention!!!

George @ Asda NEW Lipsticks

Make up wise, things have been changing quite a lot for me recently. I have literally become addicted to bright Lipsticks. There hasn't been a nude near my lips for around two weeks now :shock horror: and Im loving the change. I've been shopping my stash and using so many Lipsticks that have been forgotten about and have not had much love from me and I've also been buying quite a few new shades.

My recent additions were purchased yesterday while browsing in Asda. I noticed the Asda George Make Up line was looking rather different and a lot of new products have been added, so I couldn't refuse swatching all the Lipsticks and bringing three new shades home with me.

Top to bottom: Small Talk, Casino, Careless

Small Talk -

Casino -

Careless -

How gorgeous are these!!! I could have easily picked up a couple of more shades, but I didn't want to be too greedy. Three is enough...... for now! Although Small Talk and Careless do look quite similar, they are actually quite different shades. I cannot fault these lipstick, they are so pigmented and creamy and a real bargain for just over £3 each.

I want more!!!!!!

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George @ Asda NEW Lipsticks