Hydraluron Moisture Booster





If you haven't seen or heard the hype around this new "wonder" product you just haven't been reading the right blogs. As championed by the brilliant Caroline Hirons this product is a new concept created by the genius people at Indeed Labs. Using hyaluronic acid this serum provides below-surface hydration when applied under your normal moisturiser. (Basically the hyaluronic acid holds so much water in it therefore making your moisturiser practically super charged so plumps the skin.) It also increases the skin's ability to retain moisture over time and reduces the amount of topical moisturisers needed to maintain ideal skin hydration.

They say
Indeed Labs, our objective is simple: eliminate all marketing hype and costs from skin treatments and instead, deliver read results as cost-effectively as possible.

We use high concentrations of the rarest, most effective actives from clinical laboratories in Switzerland, Spain, France and the United States. Quality is our number one priority and we never sacrifice this aspect for any cost. Through efficiency and honesty, we maintain the most reasonable prices in our class. Indeed!

Dehydration leads to the appearance of premature aging. Use Hydraluron every day and night, or as needed to give your skin the moisture boost that it needs.

Hydraluron is a hydration serum insppired by injectable hydration treatments employed in Swiss clinics. These hydration treatments employ a fine needle that is used to administer hundreds of microinjections of hyaluronic acid into the skin. Hydraluron is a less invasive, more affordable treatment that can be incorporated into any daily regime.

The mechanism of action of Hydraluron is two-fold. Firstly, Hydraluron uses the worlds purest grade of hyaluronic acid* from the Netherlands as it's hydration active. Hyaluronic acid is a superb hydration ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times it's weight in water. It is found in abundance in young skin.

Our pure grade has a microgranule-like powder that features a low density and a polydispersity below 1.5, which simply means greater quality, exceptional safety and extraordinary consistency. Secondly, a bio-engineered strain of marine red algae causes controlled and mild stimulation of skin turnover to allow thorough penetration of Hydraluron's hyaluronic acid.

The results are clinically proven.

**Hydraluron uses a premium grade of hyaluronic acid from the Netherlands that can attract 1,000 times its weight in water. Clinical in-vitro and in-viro (12 participants) studies of this grade have shown that it can increase skin hydration significantly, resulting in an increase in elasticity of up to 27% and a decrease in surface roughness by as much as 10%.

I say
You are only meant to apply a small amount on clean dry skin and then use your normal moisturiser on top. This is key, it isn't a moisturiser itself, it makes the best of your normal moisturiser by clinging on to all the water and goodness. It applies well, and disappears into the skin leaving no stickiness or oiliness which i hate about normal serums. I then apply my normal moisturiser or a tinted moisturiser and carry on with my normal makeup routine. And so far so good. 

I do occasionally have dehydrated skin, and sometimes oily, especially when I was a long haul air hostess, and I only wish I had been able to use Hydraluron then. I have been using it everyday for around a month but probably don't need to use it as often as my skin isn't that dry. My skin does seems smoother and the skin tone more even, and is never dry even with the cold Autumn days and central heating coming on. My foundation seems to last longer too as it now has a good base to sit upon and after using it for a month I have definitely noticed an overall improvement in my skin.

Overall this serum is a fantastic boost for cold winter days and sensitive dehydrated skin which needs all the benefits of your normal moisturiser and water without ever making your skin oily or congested. I will definitely buy again especially to try and keep the wrinkles at bay.



If you are looking for nails shop then read the info .

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray Review

Woah, that's a big product name! This spray is my 'secret weapon' when it comes to my hair. I use it whenever I blow dry my hair and I genuinely believe it stops me from having to get my hair coloured as often as normal.

This product is available to buy at Boots for just £6.99 for a 100ml bottle. It doesn't really have a smell and honestly makes such a different to my hair.




The way I use it is to apply it mainly to my roots when my hair is damp after washing, and then comb it through the rest of your hair too. It is heat the activates the 'lightening' part of this spray, so blow dry it paying particular attention to where you applied the product at the roots. Once dry, I normally straighten it a bit too to add some more heat (use a heat defence spray throughout too). Et voila! Blonder hair in the space of 10-15 minutes!

I rave about this product all the time to my blonde friends and I just can't fault it. I have re-purchased it at least four times and will continue to do so!

Benefit Cha Cha Tint Review

This is this month's freebie in the InStyle magazine- you can choose between Benetint, Cha Cha Tint or Sun Beam.

I actually wanted Sun Beam but they were sold out everywhere I went. I have tried the Benetint before so decided to go for the Cha Cha Tint instead. It is mango-tinted but unfortunately does not smell of mango like I thought :(




 



 

As you can see from the 4th photo, this gives a really lovely tint and as you can see from my last photo- it will not budge! I left the product on my hand for about 10 seconds while I got my camera ready and the above photo was the result haha! However, if you blend it in quick enough, what you are left with is a really nice, natural hint of colour.

Really pleased with this but not sure if I would repurchase it. It costs £24.50 for 12.5ml ! A bit too pricey for me unfortunately! Plus, I am not sure it out-blushes my other more reasonably priced blushers, so for now, I will obviously use this and enjoy it but when it runs out, that's that!

St. Tropez Everyday Body Moisturiser Gradual Tan Review

I received this as a freebie in a magazine a few months ago (Sorry, I can't remember which one!) I have used it quite a lot since I have had it so thought I would share my thoughts with you.



The moisturiser that I got is the 'Light Medium' colour, and you guys should know by now I am very fair skinned so I was a bit worried about the 'medium' part in the name!

I used this all over, including my face (!) and was really pleased with the results. It didn't make me look orange or dry my skin out. It just gave a really nice, noticeable glow to my skin which I really like.

The smell is as you would expect- very biscuitty, but that can't really be helped!

As an everyday moisturiser I think it might make me a little TOO sunkissed, so I think maybe use it 2-3 times a week to maintain a natural looking tan.

All in all, I am really pleased with this. I know the name St. Tropez comes with a price tag, but I am fairly confident I would re-purchase this product. I have had a look online and you can pick this up for about £13 for a 200ml bottle- so not too bad at all!



Recipe of the Week - Luscious Lemon Drizzle



Ok so I haven't posted a cake recipe for what seems like ages as I'm really trying to be good and shift the last few baby pounds, so of course haven't been baking as much as it's normally left to me to eat 95% of anything I make, oh the joys of living with a "professional athlete". Anyway I must have been complaining of a lack of treats and sweetness, (I can't cope without cake) so my darling husband baked me a beautiful Lemon Drizzle Cake. And not just any old cake, a gooey lemony delight of a cake. It is best warm out of the oven with a huge dollop of silky smooth creme fraiche, but I can also cope with it cold.

This recipe is one of Tana Ramsays, and the batter seems a little dry but once the cake is baked the syrup is poured over it, intensifying the flavour and moistness.

Ingredients
225g Caster sugar
225g unsalted butter
4 eggs
Finely grated zest of one lemon
225g Self-raising flour

1 1/2 lemons
85g caster sugar

Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Beat together 225g softened unsalted butter and 225g caster sugar until pale and creamy, then add 4 eggs, one at a time, slowly mixing through. Sift in 225g flour, then add the finely grated zest of 1 lemon and mix until well combined. Line a loaf tin (8 x 21cm) with greaseproof paper, then spoon in the mixture and level the top with a spoon.

Bake for 45-50 mins until a thin skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. While the cake is cooling in its tin, mix together the juice of 1 1/2 lemons and 85g caster sugar to make the drizzle. Prick the warm cake all over with a skewer or fork, then pour over the drizzle - the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve. Will keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

The 'best thing I ever did'?

Looking out my window on a dreary, grey, miserable Thursday night in Bristol, it has got me thinking. I start a new job and a whole new career in just over 3 weeks, where I will be working with friends, hopefully doing something I enjoy and will soon be fully qualified in. It takes me back to the day I got my A Level results and all my friends were talking about what university they were going to apply for, what courses they wanted to do...I joined in and said I wanted to do Mental Health Nursing at the University of the West of England.
I got caught up in the moment, it was what all my friends were doing, it seemed the right thing to do.
I applied...was accepted...and started planning the next four years of my life with my best friends.

Then a few weeks later I just stopped and thought 'is this really what I want?' I decided that no, it wasn't. I was doing it for all the wrong reasons- because it was what all my friends were doing, because it was a natural progression from A Levels, because my family wanted it for me.

But did I want it?

No, I didn't. So I rejected the university offer, and started looking for a full time job.

I didn't know what I wanted to do, no idea in fact. I ended up starting work as a dental nurse/receptionist at a local dental practice. I met some amazing friends, who, seven years on I can honestly say are still my best friends and will be for years to come. I learnt new skills, got a customer service NVQ and had the time of my life.

I became very close to my then manager, and when she left to manage another dental practice for a much larger corprate company, she took me with her. Again, I met more people that I still call friends to this day,  became head receptionist and developed more and more skills.

After I felt I had come to the end of my progression as a dental receptionist, I popped my CV on a well known job advertiser website and shortly afterwards received a call from the company I now work for. I started out as an IT Triage (basically reception) and worked my way up to my current role, Applications Specialist working on dental systems, looking after the company Intranet, administration for the IT team and other responsibilities too.

I was sent on a course for an ITIL qualification and joined the BCS for IT Professionals. My boss left shortly after I was promoted to Application Specialist, and has now offered me my new role that I start in 3 weeks, where I will be fully trained up as a Junior Web Developer.

Some of my friends that went to university are doing the jobs that they love, but they aren't earning as much as everyone thinks you get if you have a degree. Having a piece of paper is not the be all and end all these days. Don't feel as though you have to be forced into doing something just because you friends are, or just to get the 'uni experience'. You can do it all without the debt, stress and while getting an experience of your own.

I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life...and as I was talking to my dad when the job offer first came through, he turned to me and said, "You know when you turned down that University offer? ... Best thing you ever did."


Winter Warmers




I absolutely adore this time of year, in fact give me a crisp Autumn morning over a hot Summer's day any time of the year. The cold crisp mornings, dew glistening on the ever present spider webs, the walk to nursery leaves crunching under foot, splashing in puddles and of course wrapping up in cosy knits and whisper soft scarves.
This year is baby Dude's first Winter and I couldn't resist getting him some of the cutest knits imaginable. The Uggs above were Honey's, perfect for keeping little toes toasty in the cold, his little cow hat and cream booties are from Baby Gap and bib is from Cath Kidston. Who knew dressing a little boy was as fun as dressing a little girl!

...let's get emotional

After reading live.food.love's blog, I decided to write a blog post that was not about fashion or beauty in any way. I wanted to write something I feel passionately about and something that is close to my heart. Not only can it help you to get to know the real me a little better, but I think it might also help me to get some feelings out.

Last year there were almost one million violent crimes that were alcohol-related and around half of all violent crime was considered alcohol-related by victims.

3 years ago on May 5th, my 21 year old cousin was killed in a bar fight in a Walkabout in Portsmouth. He was in the Navy and part of the HMS Liverpool, his name was Kyle.


He was charming, charismatic, funny, smart and caring. A 'gentle giant' as branded by the press during the time of the trial. After the CCTV was seen, it became more clear what had happened that night. A fight had broken out and Kyle was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time We think it was caused by some banter about Marines and the Navy, as some marines were in the bar that night also.
I can't describe how it feels to have someone you were so close to just not be there any more. It hurts. It hurts more than anything. I think the fact that I will never get to see him with a family, growing old and being in love is what hurts the most.

I had only just started to get to know Kyle better since his Mum had moved nearby and he would come and visit. I took him on nights out with my friends, went to see films together and I saw what a lovely guy he was. We were the same age so it was nice to chat about relationships, music, TV- all the normal things you would expect to talk about. I can still remember being a small child and Kyle coming to visit at my Grandma's house- we played hide and seek and it was such a massive house it lasted hours!

It has been 3 years and it still hasn't really sunk in. I still sometimes expect it all to be some elaborate lie or a mistake. I know that isn't possible but I sometimes have to remind myself he isn't here any more.

What might hurt the most about all of this is that no-one is paying for his death. The trial found all men in question not guilty...but surely SOMEONE is to blame? Kyle didn't kill himself.
He died of head injuries due to being kicked and stamped on. I know that sounds matter-of-fact and a bit heartless to write it down, but I want people to realise the enormity of what happened. This BBC News article can explain what happened in more detail but it is too much for me to go into: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/8461768.stm

I have a tattoo in memory of Kyle on my wrist and whenever I am feeling down, I look at it and it reminds me to live everyday like it's my last because, like Kyle, you never know when it might be.
'Taken Too Soon' in Afrikaans (Kyle's favourite place)
This whole experience completely puts me off going out into town and getting drunk, and quite frankly it makes me feel sick when I see a fight breaking out or some arguing when I am out. It has definitely stopped me from going out as much as I used to, and although I am not saying people shouldn't get drunk I wish people were more careful.

I am starting a new job soon very close to where Kyle is buried and I will be visiting him as often as I can. It makes me feel close to him and I feel I can talk to him as if he can hear me there.

I saw a clairvoyant earlier this year, and although I am not sure I believe in all that 'stuff', he told me that he was okay and wanted me to be happy. I am not sure how that makes me feel- happy that he is happy or sad that I can't really know that.

I hope that this post might make you be a bit more aware of your actions when on a night out. A bar fight can spiral out of control and Kyle is proof of that if nothing else. My auntie is campaigning for more awareness of the severity of bar fights, the Kyle Bartlett Memorial Fund hold various charity events and the money raised is going towards building a memorial park and continuing youth projects in the area.


Top 10 Lipsticks

I never really 'got' lipsticks until I was about 20! I just preferred lip balms or lip glosses, but now I can honestly say I am a lipstick lover!

I couldn't choose my favourites so these are in a completely random order! But these are definitely my most reached for lipsticks from my ever-growing collection.



L-R: Natural Collection Moisture Shine 'Lotus', L'oreal Colour Caresse in 'Fashionista Pink', Rimmel Lasting Finish in 'Pink Blush', No.7 Moisture Drench in 'Coral Whisper', MUA 'Shade 4'.

L-R: MUA 'Juicy Shade 15', Mac Matte 'Please Me', Revlon Lip Butter 'Berry Smoothie', Revlon Lip Button 'Strawberry Shortcake', Elf Lipstick 'Seductive'.



These lipsticks are definitely all my favourites, I tend to have my 'go to' lipsticks each week which I carry in my bag, but it is always hard to make that decision in the morning!

All of these colours are long lasting as it's a big must for me. You can see pink is my favourite shade but there are some corals and almost red in there too!

What are your favourite lipsticks?

Nails Obsession?!

I have always loved painting my nails; trying out new colours etc, but in recent weeks this mere hobby has turned into a full blown obsession, having got through 5 different nail 'designs' in the past week and a half.

I really enjoy having nice, pretty looking nails, so when I saw some nail tutorial videos I thought 'Yeah, I'll give it a go!'...and here we are, 9 days , one bottle of nail varnish remover, numerous toothpicks and hair slides and at least 4 new colour purchases later...here is what I have to show for it!

'Cath Kidson' Styleeee that I saw in bubzbeauty YouTube video

Polka Dotty :)

French Tips with a bit of glitter...I think these lasted less than 24 hours before a new design popped into my mind!

My current nails, polka dots AND glitter!

My friend liked the floral nails so much that I painted hers too :)
I also did a red and white polka dot design but I re-did my nails so quickly I didn't even take a photo of those!

I can't believe how easy it is to create really different and professional looking designs without having to buy expensive tools or anything!

Do any of you have any ideas of some designs I could try?

JolieBox October Review

This will be my last review of JolieBox because following this month's box, I have unsubscribed.

The past few boxes have been nothing but disappointment, not only with products I just won't use but also because they have started slipping in so called 'luxury' products bearing the own name (last months hair wrap), much like Glossybox shortly before I unsubscribed with hundreds of others from them.

So this month, here is the box:




So, I am sure immediately you can see why I unsubscribed! In Joliebox's defence, one item is missing here- a sachet of a strawberry peel-off face mask which I have used.

So the items that came in the October JolieBox are:
  • Balmi Lip Balm
  • I love...Facemask (not pictured)
  • Redken Align 12 Protective Straightening Lotion
  • Twistband Hair Tie
  • Dr Bragi Bio Marine Exfoliant x2 (one not pictured)
So let's see, we have some lip balm...2 tiny sachets of a face scrub...hair ties...a sachet of a face mask and some hair lotion.

The only item I was happy to see is the Redken hair lotion, and that was purely for the name. The lip balm is nice but I really don't need another strawberry lip balm in my life. The face mask was disgusting to use and even worse to remove. It felt horrible on and frankly I couldn't wait to get it off.
The exfoliant I didn't really feel did anything much,and I don't really consider a hair tie a 'luxury' product like JolieBox promise their subscribers each month.

What did you think of your October JolieBox? Are you happy with your subscription?

No.7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in 'Coral Whisper'

My second No.7 purchase (see my foundation review here) was the Moisture Drench Lipstick in the shade 'Coral Whisper'.

I love a bright lipstick, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint!


 
I love the simplicity of the black packaging, and the colour looks fantastic! It glides on, is moisturising and lasts ages!

 
 
As you can see from the photo above, the shade looks just as you would expect, and I love it!

No.7 Beautifully Matte Foundation Review

I have never bought No.7 make-up before, no idea why, I just never have thought of it! However, what with the abundance of vouchers Boots throw at me on a weekly basis, I decided to use one on a new foundation and lipstick (see my review of that here).

So, I went over to the counter and set upon deciphering my shade. I decided on 'Totally Beige', but when the lady came over and asked if I wanted to try the No 7 Match Made Service, I thought why not!

Well...lucky I did because I was not 'Totally Beige' - I was quite a few shades lighter- the lightest available in fact, 'Calico'!

She applied a bit to my jaw line and showed me in a mirror because I was a bit surprised. She was right though, it was a perfect match.

You can also fill out a quick questionnaire to find the best foundation to suit you. Mine was 'Beautifully Matte'. So there you go, a really quick and easy way to guarantee you have the perfect match- I highly recommend it!

So now onto the actual product!

 



The bottle has a pump, which if you have watched my YouTube videos you will know I love! So that's a massive tick already! It was £12.50 and I had a £3 voucher so I only paid £9.50 and it is a 30ml sized bottle.

It applies really smoothly and makes my skin very matte (obviously you would hope so!) and flawless looking. It has very good coverage, which is good for me as I often have the old blemish or two!

As this is such a good match on my skin, it blends so easily and leaves no streaks woop!

So for my first No.7 Foundation I am pretty impressed to be honest! A fantastic product for less than a tenner - can't go wrong :)

SheSaidBeauty Beauty Box October Review

Hi Guys, I was very excited when my October SheSaidBeauty box arrived - just a day after I received the despatch email (SheSaidBeauty have changed their delivery provider following last month's experience).
When I first opened it, just by sight I was disappointed- all of the items were either tiny or sachets, and when I saw the Palmers Cocoa Butter I thought 'I have a massive version of that already!'.

I like to try new products, and the Palmers item just didn't tick that box.

However, saying that, even though the items were tiny, they are the types of products that you don't need lots of when using, so I can let SheSaid off a bit!

Here is the obligitary photos of the box this month:






So as you can see there are 6 different items in this months box:
  • Cellinique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque (Facemask)
  • B.Liv Off With Those Heads
  • Herbacin Wuta Kamille Hand Cream
  • Biao Beauty Rejuvinating Night Creme x2
  • Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Travel Size Lotion
  • myvitamins Essential Vitamin D3 30 softgels Foot Supplement
I really dislike blogs where people try to give their opinions on items when they have only just bought it or opened the box. I have tried all of these items except the Night Creme, so feel I can give an honest opinion on these products.

The mask was lovely to use, it says it gives you soft, fresh and healthy skin and it definitely does do that- however, that's not really what I look for in a face ask and as I suffer from acne sometimes I normally want something to aid that.

The Cocoa Butter, I think everyone has tried and loves so it is nice to have a travel size bottle but I was a bit disappointed as I have already purchased it myself.

The 'Off With Those Heads' is a night treatment for black and white heads. I suffer with both, so was quite happy to have this in my box. It is a tiny offering at just 3ml but you only need a tiny amount of product so I can still use this for a week or two and get a good idea of how it works. So far I've used it 3 times and it kind of tingles (which I like as it makes me think it's working!!) but I can't say I've noticed any difference yet.

The hand cream smells like someting my Grandma would use (not neccesarily a bad thing!) , I don't like the tin as my lid keeps coming off- not brilliant if I leave it in my bag! And I find the product itself quite greasy, so not chuffed with this one.

The vitamins were an interesting choice for a beauty box- I think they may get a similar reaction to the Pop Chips of last month. I like the idea of taking vitamins every day, and have been taking them (when I remember) since getting the box. 30 gels is a good amount and the card in the box says it is full size, so happy with this one.

All in all, my first impression was not great because of the size of some of the items, but after using the items, I am happy with this months box!

Hoping for some make up next month though...what do you guys think of your box this month?

The Nursery







Here are a few snaps of the nursery as promised in my previous post on updating to accommodate two here. It is now finally ready and raring to go for two babies although the littlest is still in his moses basket, although growing out of it fast, so we haven't used his cot yet. I am pretty happy with the eclectic mix of goodies in their little room, I love the bird mobile friends bought back from South America, and the handmade frames and paintings from friends and family. Still a little feminine, I'm sure a few more dinosaurs and cowboys will sneak their way into the room once the Dude becomes a permanent resident.

Face of the day!

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you a quick face of the day! I went with purples and browns on my eyes today because I really wanted my green eyes to POP! I think it turned out quite nice! For such a natural look, though, I sure did use a lot of products! My skin has been breaking out a ton this week. I can't figure out what is causing it. I haven't tried any new face products recently. Maybe it's just the weather or hormones or something. Anyway, here we go! Ignore my hair in the photos. It has a mind of it's own today, and I just let it do it's natural thing!




::Products used::

Face
Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro face primer 
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour foundation in Ivory

Elf tone correcting concealer in Light Beige
Elf maximum Coverage concealer in Sand 
Urban Decay 24/7 concealer Pencil in CIA (to highlight)
Elf blush in Pink Passion
Elf contouring blush and bronzing powder in St. Lucia (the bronzer to contour)
NYC smooth skin bronzing face powder in sunny (all over flush of color)
Covergirl fresh complexion pocket powder foundation in medium light

Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Elf brighteing eye color quad in Hazy Hazel
Pink color from an unnamed Elf duo as a highlight for my brown bone and inner corner higlight
Urban Decay 24/7  eyeliner pencil in Whiskey
Covergirl lash blast mascara
Elf eyebrow kit in medium
Elf wet gloss brow and lash gel

Lips
EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint
NYC lipstick in Violet Shine