Review: NYR mineral foundation in shade 03 medium cool

Hi everyone. 
Today I am reviewing a mineral foundation from Neal's Yard Remedies. NYR is a natural and organic British brand I mentioned on my blog a couple of times. 
I reviewed some products from their makeup range (here) and also 2 of their skincare must haves (here). 
A couple of weeks ago I also blogged about NYR's Bee Lovely campaign and I really hope that all of you lovely ladies and gentleman signed the petition to help save the bees. If not, please do so here. 
It will mean a lot and will only take you a minute.

"Smooth, silky-soft natural finish. Create a radiant, natural, beautifully silky-soft finish with our loose, mineral-rich skin-kind foundations. Light, easy to blend, our buildable Mineral Foundations are a blend of natural minerals and super-fine organic corn starch, with natural light-reflecting mica to minimise the appearance of lines and blemishes, and give a beautifully soft, smooth, lasting, natural finish. All are enriched with protecting antioxidant white tea, sea kelp and vitamin E, with organic skin-nourishing shea butter and oils of sweet almond and sunflower. Talc free. 18% Organic 67% Mineral. No talc. No parabens. No silicone. Certified by the Soil Association"

I have been using NYR's mineral foundation for the past 2 weeks and I really like the way it looks and feels on my skin. It is a very light powder and gives light/medium coverage. I wouldn't say that you can build it up to achieve full coverage, but you can easily build up 2-3 layers, as it blends beautifully, especially with Real Techniques buffing brush. The finish it gives looks very natural and the shade I got (medium cool) is perfect for my light olive skin tone.  I found three uses for it:
  • I used it as a foundation on good skin days, to cover minor imperfections, blemishes and redness.
  • It can be used as a finishing powder on top of liquid foundations. I have been using it on top of Ginvera's BB cream and my old time favourite Lancome Teint Miracle and it gives a lovely full coverage finish, without looking cakey.
  • I use it to set concealer underneath my eyes, it is very lightweight and keeps concealer in place all day. 
After trying INIKA's mineral foundation, I had very high expectations for this one. It is a lovely product, but the coverage it gives isn't as good as I expected. That's why I started using it as a finishing powder and this way it really works for me. I am sure that when my bad skin days are over I will be able to use it on it's own again. It is perfect for summer and enriched with ingredients full of goodness for your skin.


How To Cope With A Significantly Reduced Libido

Pexels - CC0 License


Let us preface this article by saying a reduced libido is not always something you need to “solve.” If it decreases as you get older, as you’re dealing with health considerations, stress at work, or perhaps even pregnancy, then the causes are obvious and won’t require intervention. Moreover, it may just be that your interest has waned over time, and there’s nothing wrong with that nor do you have to justify it to anyone. However, it’s worth communicating this with maturity in your relationship.

NOTD

After trying glitter tips with grey I thought I will try a different combination. I used Barry M in Fuchsia and added a matte top coat. On the tips and the accent nail I used Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday.
It doesn't look as good as the last one, but I liked the way matte and glitter polishes look together :)

Have you tried the grey and black manicure yet?

Special Edition Rose and Lavender Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish


Hi everyone. 
I am very excited to share this news with you. Here is a sneak peek of the new Special Edition Rose and Lavender Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. It will hit the shelves on the 6th of September!
I am a big fan of the original cleanse and polish and it is my holy grail cleanser so I can't wait to try the special edition one! Here is the press release:

"This year we have been working with Rebecca Taylor - a young entrepreneur supported by The Prince’s Trust - who is being mentored by Liz for the Tomorrow Campaign. The Tomorrow Campaign was created to inspire the next generation and paired six Trust-supported young people with iconic mentors to create a product that will be retailed nationwide to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust. Together, Liz and Rebecca have given our original Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser a new twist. Our award-winning formula has been updated to include rose and lavender essential oils. The calming and relaxing lavender oil combined with the soothing properties of rose make this product ideal for night-time use, and gives our much-loved beauty essential a new twist for an exceptional cause.  In addition, we will donate £2.00 from every product purchased to The Prince’s Trust, helping young people into jobs and training."
 
“Our Special Edition Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser includes the same award-winning concentrated cream formula to remove daily grime and make up to leave skin clear, smooth and exceptionally clean, but with a special twist - a unique blend of rose and lavender essential oils to calm and relax your senses, ideal for use to ensure a good night’s sleep. Perfect partners; use our original Cleanse & Polish in the morning and our Special Edition in the evenings.”

PS. Liz Earle is currently giving customers free p&p on all UK orders to celebrate their recent CoolBrands award win! A panel of experts and over 2,000 consumers voted Liz Earle Beauty Co. as one of the nation’s coolest brands for CoolBrands 2012/13. This exciting offer is live right now and runs until 3pm on the 31st August, so don't miss out.

ARK SKINCARE: Age Prepare Skin Purifying Masque and Clearing SkinResponse Serum review

I have been trying out two ARK  skincare products and I am quite impressed with both of them.
I received the Age Prepare Purifying Mask and Clearing Skin Response Serum.
ARK Age Aware Skincare introduces a revolutionary way to look at skin defined by your skin’s changing needs as you age rather than by skin type.  "Age appropriate" products are divided into 3 age-related categories: age prepare (Teens to early 30s), age maintain (Mid 30s to 50) and age repair (50s and beyond). I really like the idea of creating skincare appropriate for our age and the products I've been using worked really well for me. 



Age Prepare Skin Purifying Masque* 75ml £25.00

"For congested skin our purifying masque is ideal. A marvellous multi-tasker, it absorbs excess oil, reduces the size of pores and diminishes blemishes. Skin is left feeling calm and clear. Drama over."

I love face masks and I use them every day or every second day. They always make my face look more radiant and fresh and make me feel good. I was very excited to try Ark's Prepare Skin Purifying Masque. I love clay based masks, because they are perfect for my skin type and my age.
My skin isn't at it's best at the moment and I am doing everything to control the situation. I am getting quite a lot of breakouts and I am more on the oily side. I always had normal/combination skin, but at the moment it feels like my skin is going through some major changes and not looking good at all.

I use the mask every second day and it helped with reducing the irritation and redness. It does exactly "what it says on the tin" and calms and clears my skin. Some masks I use leave my skin a bit red, but this one leaves my face looking very fresh and clear and after a couple of uses I noticed a massive difference. My pores are under control and my skin feels less clogged.
I apply a thin layer of the mask onto my face after cleansing, leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with warm water. It dries totally after a couple of minutes, but it is really easy to remove.
Overall, it is a really good face mask, worth trying if your skin feels congested.
Clearing SkinResponse Serum* 30ml £39.00
"This serum draws out impurities and tightens pores with a blend of sebum regulating botanicals and the astringent properties of Margosa Leaf. Minimises the appearance of breakouts and skin congestion. Maintains normal sebum secretion and diminishes the look of shiny skin. Reduces the appearance of redness and itching caused by oil build-up and skin irritation."

Serums are my favourite skincare products and I really enjoy using them. I have been using serums for normal skin for the past few years, but after a sudden wave of breakouts  and excess sebum I switched to ARK Clearing Skin Response Serum.
Just like the masque, the serum is perfect for congested skin and helps to reduce the appearance of redness and enlarged pores, minimises breakouts and prevents them. It is very light and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue. It makes my skin feel less oily instantly and the effect lasts all day. I use it twice a day and I adore it. Most of the time I use it on it's own and skip moisturising, unless I feel like my skin needs a bit more moisture. I am really happy with the results and would definitely repurchase this product. It is a bit pricey, retailing at £39, but  I paid this amount of money for other serums before and longs it keeps my skin happy- I will buy another bottle.


Review: MUA lipstick in shade 3


Hi everyone!
I finally received my MUA order. It took ages to arrive, because the demand was really high with the 25% off code and free delivery a couple of weeks ago.  I ordered 6 shades, but I only  received 4 :(
Anyway, I am very happy that I gave MUA a chance. I am in love with the consistency of all the lipsticks, they are very creamy, moisturising and very pigmented! I cannot believe they cost £1 each!!! I paid 75p for each lippy with the promotional code. AMAZING!
The packaging is simple and sturdy, although all 4 lipsticks are different sizes... weird, isn't it?
They are from the same collection, so I would expect them to be the same size.

The shade I am reviewing today is shade 3- I wish MUA named the shades with some quirky names, it would make a big difference. Shade 3 is a bright and warm fuchsia pink. I am in love with it!
It goes beautifully with my olive skin tone, but would also suit pale complexions.
The lasting power isn't amazing, but I don't mind, the colour fades evenly.
As soon as you get a chance, try MUA lipsticks, you can't go wrong, they cost £1!


Bargain worth mentioning: Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit

I am sure you've tried Burt's Bees before, but this is my first ever Burt's Bees purchase!
I paid £12.99 for it, but you can get it for £9.95 at the moment from Feel Unique here.
The delivery on all orders is free, so it is an absolute bargain, especially for Burt's Bees virgins like me :)

BURT'S BEES TIPS AND TOES KIT £12.99 from FeelUnique currently £.9.95

The kit consists of six mini products including: 

- Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream 7g
- Burt's Bees Hand Salve 8.5g
- Burt's Bees Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream 20g
- Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream 20g
   - Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream 8.5g
- Burt's Bees Replenishing Pomegranate Lip Balm Tube 4.25g 

I will be reviewing my favourite products from the kit separately in the future. They all smell amazing and leave my hands, feet, lips and cuticles soft and nourished. If you want to treat yourself to something really nice, take advantage of the feelunique offer and order one of the kits.
I am very pleased with mine and I already know that I will be purchasing some of the full size products soon :)


If I were a boy...

Hi everyone. 
My post title might sound a bit mysterious, but have you ever wondered what kind of style you would prefer if you were a man? I always liked the elegant look and every time my husband wears a suit I actually find him more attractive. He agrees with me and feels like wearing a suit and tie makes him look much better and he would like to wear it every day. 
PS. At the moment he lives in jeans an t-shirts :)

There is many online shops offering elegant menswear but Alfred Dunhill really stands out and screams luxury! The site is very easy to navigate and you will find everything you need, from shirts,  trousers and belts to wallets, bags, cufflinks  and pens. Everything an elegant man needs is there. 
I browsed through every single item in the shop and could do it allover again.
 Alfred Dunhill also offers a selection of stylish knitwear, polo shirts and chinos for a more casual look.

PS. When I was looking at all the bags for men, I had an image of Joey from Friends in my head, when he went for an audition with the bag he got from Rachel :) Do you remember this episode?

What do you think about elegant menswear? I think it is extremely sexy and sophisticated.


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Top 10 drugstore makeup products and FOTD

Hi everyone.

I asked on Twitter if You would like to see my favourite drugstore makeup products and the response was very positive. I went through my stash yesterday :)  and picked my top 10 items. I created a makeup look as well :)  Some of the products are my everyday essentials, some of them I haven't used in ages. 
I will definitely do my everyday makeup post soon, with everything I use on a  daily basis, but today it is all high street brands and the total is just under £60.
All the products have "my thumbs up" and I would definitely repurchase them. 



 MY TOP 10 DRUGSTORE MAKEUP PRODUCTS:

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid in shade 03 Sand £7.99
Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer in shade 03 Sand £6.99
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in shade 01 £3.99
Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying powder in shade 53 Beige Clair £8.49
Accessorize Baked Blusher in shade Scandal £5.00 review here

Revlon Lip Butter in shade Cotton Candy £7.99 review here
MUA Undressed Palette currently on offer for £3.00!!! BARGAIN!
MUA 3in1 Contour Pen £1.50
Bourjois liquid liner in black £6.99 review here
Maybelline Falsies mascara £7.99

TOTAL: UNDER £60

Sparkle Sparkle Boston jewellery and GIVEAWAY!

Hi everyone.

I was contacted by lovely Lisa from Sparkle Sparkle Boston asking if I would like to review some of her handmade jewellery. I am a jewellery addict, so when I had a look at the wide selection of sparkly bracelets and earrings I immediately said yes :)  All the pieces are handmade with Swarovski crystals and the quality is amazing. I picked two bracelets and they arrived in a couple of days all the way from Boston! The packaging is lovely an girly- zebra print gift boxes with hot pink ribbons. They would make a perfect gift!
One of the bracelets is made of purple  Swarovski Tanzanite Crystals and one is crafted with Peridot Green Swarovski Crystals. They are both absolutely gorgeous and very sparkly. The crystals catch and reflect the light beautifully and make a great accessory to a casual or elegant outfit. 
You can find these beautiful pieces and more lovely designs in the Sparkle Sparkle Boston Etsy Store here or on ebay here and follow the shop on Facebook here  and Twitter here.


Good news! 
You can win a gorgeous Sparkle Sparkle Boston bracelet of your choice by following simple rules in the Rafflecopter  widget below! The giveaway is international! Good luck! 
PS. Thank you Lisa for being so generous! I really appreciate it and I am sure the winner will love the bracelet as much as I love my sparkly arm candy!
To see all the designs you can pick from click here.

NOTD: Dark grey + black and glitter tips.

Hi everyone!
Happy Friday! Any exciting plans for the weekend? 

I don't usually go for dark colours on my nails, but I bought the grey Barry M nail polish ages ago and never used it, so when I noticed it in my nail polish drawer I gave it a go :)
I added Deborah Lippmann's "Forget You" from The "Get this party started" set on my ring finger and to create glitter french tips :) I love the outcome and I am sure I will be painting my nails with this combo in the future.  What do you think?

Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer and Healthy Glow Powder Blush in Peony - perfect for summer.

Liz Earle is definitely one of my favourite brands and I adore their skincare and makeup.
I was recently sent two gorgeous products to try out, the Natural Glow Bronzer and Healthy Glow Powder Blush in Peony.
I already own one powder blush from LE Colour in shade Nectar and it is my favourite cheek product :) I love the packaging, the consistency, the colour payoff and the staying power. It is 100% perfect.

 


 
LIZ EARLE HEALTHY GLOW BLUSHER IN SHADE 07 PEONY* 6g £16.50

When I first opened the blusher I thought that it will be too dark for me. It is a soft raspberry colour perfect for darker skin tones, but also works on lighter skin if applied lightly. The colour payoff is incredible, the pigmentation is amazing and the consistency is soft and easy to blend. As soon as I applied it onto my cheeks I discovered my love for the gorgeous raspberry shade. The fact that I only need one delicate sweep of the product on each cheek makes me think that this little blusher will last forever and I will never hit the pan :) Which is a good thing :)
There is 7 shades available, Peony being the darkest one. 
If you want to treat yourself to a lovely, good quality product, this one is perfect. 
I bought a NARS blusher recently and to be honest- the quality of the Liz Earle Healthy Glow Powder Blush is much better and it comes at a lower price.


LIZ EARLE NATURAL GLOW BRONZER* 10g £19.50

I use bronzers on a daily basis to add a healthy glow to my face, create a sunkissed look and to contour my cheekbones. I was very excited to try the Natural Glow Bronzer after reading many positive reviews when the Liz Earle Colour range launched. I am not disappointed, in fact ... I am blown away! The bronzer has the softest consistency and it looks very natural on my skin tone. There is only one shade available at the moment and it isn't suitable for darker skin. My complexion is naturally light olive, I also use fake tan on my face sometimes and this shade works really well for me.
The quality is amazing, so I don't think I will be buying a new bronzer anytime soon. This one is perfect. Have you tried Liz Earle makeup? Let me know what you think about it.

PS. All Liz Earle products are 100%  bunny friendly :)
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