HAUL!

HAUL!

Hey, Bees!

Today I have a haul post for you; I haven't tried any of these just yet but I am very much looking forward to using them all! I am having to restrain myself, however, until their predecessors run out.

(I am currently using double amounts of everything in order to speed this up.)

I should tell you first of all that these were all presents, so I am unable to tell you exactly what price they were and from where, but I will be placing information about possible alternative sources :)

-Cool Cucumber Eye Pads

Okay, so however good for your eyes it is to place cucumber slices on them whilst you lie back and relax, I find that this is a massive bother to go to, most of the time I don't have cucumber in the fridge because i dislike the taste and to top this off, on the rare occasion that I do use cucumber, they seem completely unable to remain in one place and I cannot relax due to my constant attempts to balance everything!

For this reason, I feel extremely excited about using these, as their flexible shape leaves me breathing a massive sigh of relief, safe in the knowledge that my days of tipping my head at ridiculous angles may well be well and truly over.

These are available widely online ranging in price from £1.50-£7.00.

http://www.lentiamo.co.uk/eyeye-cucumber-eye-pads-24-pcs.html?ref=google.co.uk.source%3Dproductsearch#utm_medium=zbv&utm_source=googleen_uk&gclid=CNKIgdPTkbkCFVDItAodQh0AOg

-Scottish Fine Soaps Co. Wild Rose soap in a tin

If you know me, you'll know that I absolutely LOVE the Scottish Fine Soaps Company! Their products smell absolutely gorgeous and I just think that the packaging is so sweet! There's something really very friendly and comforting about even the website!

This is available for £4.96 from the Scottish Fine Soaps website.

http://www.scottishfinesoaps.com/soap-in-a-tin-c-53/soap-tin-collection-softening-wild-rose-100g-soap-p-155

-Burts Bees lip balm (original)

The very KING of all lip balms.

I have wanted a Burts Bees lip balm for ages, but I've often thought them too expensive for a lip balm whilst i can pick one up for £2 less from Boots. I'd assumed that I was drawn to the packaging and that was it, but since reading many brilliant reviews, I grew more and more determined to get my hands on one, so when I received one as a present I was extremely happy indeed!

This is available for £3.69 from the Burt's Bees website.

http://www.burtsbees.co.uk/natural-products/lips-lip-balm/beeswax-lip-balm-tin.html

-Sea Salt Spray

Since this because an increasingly more desired item over the past 2 years, I have wanted it desperately. The hitch for me was that I, at this point, had short hair, and didn't think it would look particularly good just at that point. Now, however, I have 2 years of hair growth and look forward to chucking my hair into a messy high ponytail or curling it and then scrunching it up!

You can pick up a bottle of salt spray for £3.47 from Superdrug.

http://www.superdrug.com/fudge-urban/fudge-urban-sea-salt-150ml/invt/250091

That's all for now, Bees!

Naomi,

DoesntSheSparkle

xo

5 Beauty things I fail at.

5 Beauty things I fail at.

Hey, Bees!

So today I'm making a list of 5 beauty procedures or actions that I just CANNOT do, no matter how much I attempt them!

1) Applying nail varnish to my left hand.

I'm left-handed and totally useless at doing anything with my right, and so when it comes to applying my nail varnish, I get real troubles!

I cannot apply in smooth, straight lines, and I definitely cannot keep within the perimeter of my nail!

2) Apply eyeliner to my right eye.

For some bizarre reason, I cannot close my right eye without closing the left one also.

This is restricted to the right side of my face, and I can wink perfectly with the left!

This often leads to wobbly lines and a whole lot more time than should be spent in front of the mirror!

3) Dye my whole head of hair without missing a couple of patches.

Okay, so when I apply the mousse or gloopy liquid, I am absolutely positive that I have got every single little individual hair coated, yet when i wash it out and dry my hair, there are still streaks of the previous colour!
How infuriating.

4) Use Hot Rollers!
My gosh I wish I could use these!
I purchased a set after watching several youtube tutorials where they had created gorgeous flowing waves, yet when I attempt this it just doesn't work!
It's not because my hair is stubborn, it is just because I am completely and utterly USELESS and this!

5) Use lip and cheek stains.
I don't know what it is -- I can use both lip products and blushers, but when I attempt to use stains it seems that the sides are never even and the colour is patchy.

So there we have it -- I'm sure there are far more, but those were the ones that sprang to mind when writing this!

Thanks

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo

Products I will use through Autumn (Make-Up)

Products I will use through Autumn (Make-Up)

Hey Bees,

So today has been a really chilly day where I am and this got me thinking about how close Autumn really is(!) which, in turn, led me on to thinking about the make-up products I'll be using this Autumn, as I get truly excited by the change in seasons and feel it completely necessary to have a complete make-up bag overhaul! I suppose this is sort of like a wish list too, as I don't have all of these just yet.

-Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

I have never heard a bad word about this exceedingly cheap drugstore foundation (£8.99 for a 30ml bottle from Boots, UK), and in truth, I don't think I can hear enough good regarding it! Various beauty bloggers and vloggers have praised the Rimmel product, saying that it has an excellent coverage, and blends easily and smoothly for a natural look, but without looking too dewy... So I'm extremely keen to give this a go! Plus the bottle is so lovely and I think the orange detailing on the bottle leans it ever more towards this time of year... If you're going to purchase this at any time, at least make it Autumn!

-Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I must say that I love this concept. The Creamy Concealer Kit contains a concealer and set in one kit -- I think this is a gorgeous little set and I just find it adorable -- I would LOVE to have this sitting in my make-up bag!

I have heard such good things about this kit -- also a good, even coverage, and, (and I promise you this is a pure coincidence and not a running theme through this list!) the name 'Bobbi BROWN', like the colour of the foundation, brings to mind Autumnal shades. (£24 from Bobbi Brown)

-Sleek Contour and Blush Kit in Light

Now, I did a review on this the other day and said how much I loved it and how impressed I was with this drugstore brand kit (£9.99 from Superdrug, UK). I hit a dilemma just now, as I was going to put the Sleek blusher in this colour (Rose Gold) as a separate item, but I thought that the kit was just so impressive that I couldn't not mention the trio!

The contour is brilliant and blends so easily into the skin creating such a great effect, and the Rose Gold blush I think would just look so gorgeous in the autumn months with a knitted scarf and a wardrobe in shades evocative of Autumn leaves.

-Benefit BADgal mascara in Brown

Now, I have a real make-up crush on Benefit products. The packaging is gorgeous and the products are brilliant! I had a tester of BADgal in Black in a travel size, and I absolutely loved it -- and my Autumn shades consist of oranges and browns -- and I think that the softer, more neutral shade on the eyelashes would look great, again, with a wardrobe of Autumnal colours. This lengthens and volumises to perfection, creating an appearance of lovely, luscious lashes. (£17.50, Benefit)

-NARS Laguna Bronzer

Well.

If you are an avid reader of these blogs or watcher of blogs, you will be fully aware and comfortable of this award-winning bronzer! A good, even coverage with a setting ability and the handy non-shine effect so rare to find, this wonder product is available for £26 from NARS. The warming tones of this bronzer will look wonderful in the Autumn months -- I definitely, DEFINITELY want this.

-MAC Eyeshadows

The thing I love about Mac Eyeshadows is that I can buy up three or four and, in effect, use these to create my own trio or quad and they will look absolutely fabulous together! For this reason I would like, in my make up bag this Autumn, MAC eyeshadows in Bronze, Arena, Patina and All That Glitters and Retrospeck.

...Please.

For £12.50 each, I think these Autumnal browns are gorgeous and so worth the buy!

Retrospeck

Patina

Bronze

Arena

-Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss

Now, in the Autumn, I go just a little bit crazy for red lipstick -- and this Autumn, I think it needs to be a deep, rich red, which looks lovely with Autumnal clothes! I liked Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipstick in shade 111 -- a deep red, which is extremely pigmented and stays on your lips throughout the day -- there really is nothing bad to say about this product!

And there we have it -- my make up bag essentials for Autumn 2013!

Thanks for reading, Bees!

Naomi,

DoesntSheSparkle

xo

My Skin Grumbles!

My Skin Grumbles!

Hey, Bees!

I apologise in advance for the rant that is about to ensue, but this really is something that I tend to grumble about!

My skin is the bane of my life.

Let's start at the beginning of my skin story:

When I was younger, my skin was fine, as you'd expect from a child.

Then I hit puberty, and my gosh i had it easy before. If only I'd known how carefree my life had been up to the age of 12!

Seemingly overnight, my skin appeared to erupt into millions of spots -- and not just the odd one here and there, either... I am talking massive, massive nodular volcanoes. They were sore and red and inflamed and I felt extremely self-concious about them. Oddly enough though, I didn't develop much of an interest in make-up until reasonably later.. but My make-up story will make up an entire different post -- so keep coming back for that one!

What made my skin much worse was the fact that I, stupidly and naively, continued to squeeze and pop them, leaving scarring and blotchy patches on my previously smooth and evenly toned skin.

Due to my feeling self-concious about my skin, I researched possible solutions, and decided to sort my skin out using cleansers etc.

I was in a department store and was looking at the Clinique range when a sales assistant offered my some testers -- a solid bar, a lotion to be applied with cotton pads and a moisturiser to be applied with the hands (this was before my no hand application problem!) and it came with a little bag and a sample of some Clinique perfume (Happy) which I began to wear to school. In fact, this is the exact kit (pictured).

I began to use these, and whilst they cleared up my skin well and I happily got through the samples, I developed my issues about touching my skin when applying such things after reading an article about the bacteria and germs on the hands that transfer onto the face upon contact, and began to feel a little odd about using these. In addition to this, I discovered that I had fairly quite sensitive skin, and the lotion really stung me, although for ages I was unaware that nobody else felt that sensation.

I then began using the cheap Tesco 'My Skin' range, and used this for absolutely YEARS as I was so pleased with the results! I purchased the entire range and only stopped using it recently when I tried out Lush's 'Ultrabland' (read my review if you want, I was NOT impressed!).

After the failure for me of Ultrabland, I was reluctant to return to MySkin because, although it works, it didn't particularly aid my dry skin (my skin, you may know from previous posts, is dry and spotty, which creates an issue due to the fact that most skincare ranges treating spots are designed with oily skin in mine -- in fact, I am currently working on my own skincare range for people with similar skin to mine -- so watch this space on that one!) and also, I felt like it was about time for a change and a more mature skincare regime.

With that, I commenced using the Body Shop's Vitamin E range -- the WHOLE range due to an absolute bargain in pricing which I entirely recommend you go and purchase! And I have been very pleased thus far with the results -- again, there is a review on it in my blog archive :)

And that, bees, is my skin story!

Thanks for reading so intently!

Naomi,

DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Claiming my blog so you can follow me if you want :)

Claiming my blog so you can follow me if you want :)

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Pamper Night Essentials List!!

Pamper Night Essentials List!!

Hey, Bees!

So here's one for those stressful days when all you want to do is RELAX!

Or even one for when your body needs a bit more care and attention!!!

Item Number 1:

-Your favourite face mask!
The essential staple for a pamper night -- making the evening leap from a casual evening to a relaxing unwinding night. You want to get a good smelling one, bear in mind, so that you don't spend your entire evening sniffing yourself in discomfort!
I would recommend that you use your face pack whilst in the bath, as this allows for complete relaxation! You could make your own, or if you're having a real lazy day, you can just pop into a drugstore like Boots or Superdrug and buy sachets that contain one mask's worth in a range of delicious scents.

Item Number 2:
-A good smelling bubble bath!

Go all out on this one! Buy a completely new bottle of bubble bath -- make it a dark, rich and deep one in my opinion, something chocolately for example. This just gives that scent that makes you go "Mmmm" haha! One I would definitely recommend is the Arora Chocolate Espresso Bath Shimmer available for about £1.69 from Superdrug -- absolute bargain!! And it has a slight shimmer, a bit more for your money!

Item Number 3:

-A good film!

I would definitely recommend 'In Bruges', which is a dark comedy centred around two hitmen sent to lie low in the picturesque city of Bruges, Belgium. Full of laughs with a wickedly clever and interesting plot line -- you'll be sorry you missed it if you don't watch this one!





So there we have it,
A couple of essentials for the perfect pamper evening

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo

I've become DoesntSheSparkle :)

I've become DoesntSheSparkle :)

Hello lovelies!

My Blog has gone through some minor changes -- namely, It has become 'DoesntSheSparkle'

The content of my blogs has gone through absolutely no changes -- its the very same blog, just under a different name :)

Also, I'm aware that there should be an apostrophe in Doesn't -- only various sites don't allow me to when creating usernames, and this is the reason.

Thank you :)

DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Dead Sea Minerals Face Mask Review

Dead Sea Minerals Face Mask Review

Hey, Bees!

I think it's about time that I reviewed this. It had been sitting in my bathroom for a while and had seemingly got forgotten in the rush of new make-up, brushes and skincare -- also, I used it once and wasn't quite sure whether I really knew what I thought -- it was like I had tried a new food, and then had to have a second mouthful in order to know whether I liked it or not.

When this happens with beauty products, I tend to not buy them again. I am very particular, and only like products that wow me completely the first time round.

Dead Sea Minerals products are something I find to be very interesting -- The Dead Sea contains 26 essential minerals, 12 of which are not found in any other sea or ocean in the whole world(!) How awesome is that?! Some of these have relaxation qualities, some are good for your blood circulation, some are supposedly amazing for your skin, and some are even found to have links to lessening the effects of rheumatism and metabolic disorders!

Now

That makes them sound very impressive and, to be honest, rather heightened my expectations.

This face mask is good, and functions well as a face mask, but as I have established already, it didn't wow me -- whether this was down to my hyped confidence in the minerals I'm not too sure, but I found it to not leave me feeling particularly relaxed or refreshed, which is a feeling I hunt for in a face mask!

When I applied the mask, I found its scent to be rather off-putting aswell -- To me, it held an odour of vinegar(!), which didn't exactly blow me away for the right reasons! Scent is another aspect I look for in face masks, making me a sucker for the classic chocolate or a good fruity smelling goo.

Whilst the mask was on my skin, I found the true meaning of the 'Ultra Intensive' description -- I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but it did create a slight stinging sensation -- not to the extent that I had to get it off instantly, but definitely giving a feeling of discomfort for me.

I'm really sorry to have to say that I am underwhelmed by this product :(

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo

Sleek Face Form Contour Kit Review

Sleek Face Form Contour Kit Review

Hey, Bees!

So today I'm going to review Sleek's Contour Kit.
I managed to pick this up for £9.99 from Superdrug, which is a popular UK drugstore -- it contains a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and a blusher in three sections with a handy mirror in a rectangular compact... I love the Sleek packaging!!

Due to the vampire-like qualities of my skin, I thought that I would struggle to find a kit in colours that would suit my complexion -- but I needn't have worried -- I picked up the light kit -- and it is absolutely perfect for my skin.

A worry of mine was that the contour colour would be too dark for my skin -- and due to my not being too good at contouring, I worried far too much that I wouldn't be able to 'do' it!!
But I needn't have worried at all -- this colour blended perfectly and looked gorgeous! I used a Real Techniques brush (By Samantha Chapman, available in Boots or Superdrug, they seem a tad pricey but they're definitely worth it!) and it was so easy to blend!!! I was anxious and reluctant to use the blusher, as I really do have trouble with blushers -- there only being a couple that look reasonably good on my skin -- but this really did look brilliant -- the contouring powder enhances the slight shimmer of the orange-y blush and both blend together beautifully!

I have nothing bad to say about this kit whatsoever :)

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo

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Concealer: Stick vs Liquid

Concealer: Stick vs Liquid

Hey, Bees!

Ahh, the age-old debate -- stick concealer, or liquid? Armies of women fall on either side of this cosmetics battle!

Let's break them up and look at the benefits of each one:

Stick Concealer

THE BENEFITS

-In my opinion, it's simple and easy to use, and if you perhaps aren't so keen on using your fingers (like me) then you can always dab it on and use a brush.
-I have found that they tend to last longer, as a little goes a long way!
-I believe that the colour is easier to match to your foundation or skin tone.
-I find it to be a nice, light feeling, making it ideal for days when you're not wearing much make-up, and you just want to spare the world from seeing your less attractive parts!

THE NEGATIVES

-I have had several break off on me.
-If you feel that you have a lot to cover it can take a fair few layers -- in my opinion it isn't great for under eye dark circles.



Liquid Concealer

THE BENEFITS

-Liquid concealers tend to fully cover the areas you want hidden very well!
-It's easy to use.
-If applied properly, it can create a very professional looking coverage.




THE NEGATIVES

-It can be fairly time-consuming to apply and then blend liquid concealers.
-I find that it can be a little too heavy for casual, every-day light make-up.
-It can feel a little heavy and 'caked'.



To conclude, although I personally may prefer stick concealers to liquid, I feel that it is perhaps a smart move to have one of each, as both are beneficial for different occasions -- for example, if I were applying make-up in preparation for going to the supermarket, I would be more inclined to use the stick concealer, whilst if I were attending an evening event, thus seeking a thicker, fuller coverage, I would probably be looking at using a liquid concealer.


Of course, all of my points don't apply to every stick and liquid concealer! These are just some general worries and praises that I have thought of -- by all means, if you have any additional points don't hesitate to comment and let me know!

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo

My August Favourites and Autumn Wish List!

My August Favourites and Autumn Wish List!

Hey, Bees!

So this is going to be my monthly run-down of my favourite products and fashion looks/items, and possibly even some other items(!) for August followed by my Autumn wish list -- I hope you like it -- and remember, you're completely allowed to disagree! I won't be offended!!

August Favourites

-Benefit Hello Flawless Powder

The reason this is has made my favourites list is due to its incredible, out of this world results for my make-up. I find that it creates a professional finish, and leaves me looking almost airbrushed... even if I do say so myself! I've had many, many compliments about this product, so to hear people tell me that "Your skin looks amazing!" screams good vibes about this product!

-Marlon Cerise Heart printed Onesie

I picked this up online and I absolutely LOVE it!! It's nice, thin material is lightweight and absolutely ideal for these hottest of Summer months... even if the heat does only last about 3 days over here! It is short sleeved and the fairly slim legs cut off at my ankles. I liked that it fastens with buttons from halfway down the chest, and I liked also the elasticated waist.

Wish List for Autumn

-Physicians Formula Happy Booster Mood Boosting Blush

Okay, so is this just the most awesome product ever!!

"featuring Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress."  - Physicians Formula website

I'm sorry but... wow.

Just... wow.

How freakin' cool is that?!

I want this so so much!

I'm sceptical as to whether this will actually work in the way that the description promises, or whether it will be more of a placebo effect... but the design is just gorgeous and it even makes me happy to look at this blusher! Please tell me that I'm not alone in this!!

-Rampant Sporting transparent wellies

After discovering 'Rampant Sporting' as a brand just this week, I have truly fallen in love with every single one of their products and eagerly wish for the day that I do a Rampant Sporting Haul blog! These, however, caught my eye for a number of reasons, the first of which being that I do ACTUALLY need a pair of wellies... and not in the way that I need another pair of shoes, I mean, I genuinely don't have any. The second reason is that, and I may be being extremely immature here, but the simple fact that they are damn SEE-THROUGH amazes me completely!! I'm drawn into these like a moth to a flame... I MUST have them.

It's completely worth adding here that I also love these socks and all the others in the range.

-Real Techniques brushes (ALL of them!)

Currently, my brushes are a mixture from Superdrug, Boots and the products I have bought with in-built applicators, and whilst these are all perfectly well working brushes serving their sole purpose in a perfectly acceptable manner, I find that there's something satisfying about having a complete set.

The reason I chose the Real Techniques brushes above all others was firstly that they just look so appealing! I mean, look at the colour coded handles for different product types! (e.g, the purples are eyes). I'm easily wowed, and so you can only imagine that these blew me away, and I'm a definite sucker for cute colour!! MUCH better than my dull black drugstore brushes! Another reason for my interest in this range was that, judging by the various reviews, these really are effective and professional standard brushes. Designed by make-up artist Samantha Chapman, everything from the design to the effect of these brushes makes professional standards that bit more achievable. I love them.

'90s Revival?!!

'90s Revival?!!

I am unsure if I'm the only person that's noticed this, or just the only one that's bothered by it.

Flicking through a 'Cosmopolitan' magazine and then an 'Elle' after that, I began to notice something that, to be quite honest, made me shudder at the traumatic fashion memories it brought to mind.

90s fashion, from my memory, was terrible. In fact, the 90s was a decade that I can imagine Fashion, were it personified, would pale at the mention of. A definite lull in style, I believe.

So you can only imagine my shock when I saw various big name designers' new adverts... many of which seemingly reviving the shapeless style and double denim of the 90s.

2013 fashion 'trend'...

90s fashion trends...

Okay, so I will admit that the 2013 style of denim is slightly more fitted, but still, double denim was NOT a good look in the 90s, and I was glad to see the back of it! It definitely does not need resurrecting!

I don't know if I'm missing out on some major style knowledge, but I firmly believe that double denim and shapeless 90s style is best left just there.

DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Benefit 'They're Real!' mascara review

Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara Review

Hey, Bees!

So, in case any of you HADN'T realised already, which I think is highly unlikely, I am crazily into Benefit products, and so you might imagine my joy when I picked up their famous 'They're real!' mascara in a special offer pack holding one full size and one travel size product for the usual price!

This was to celebrate a second year as Britain's number 1 mascara, which I find highly believable from the incredible results!

The extreme lengthening mascara holds within in fibres allowing the lashes to appear lusciously lengthened -- no wonder it's at the top of its game!

I have been extremely impressed with the lengthening effect of this product and the finish allows them to stand out boldly, and for me, I have noticed that my eyes appear larger.

This is NO LIE!!!

I do, however, have a couple of grievances with this product.

Firstly, My eyelashes tend to be very thin, and I so wanted this product to be the answer to my problems, but, unfortunately, it wasn't.

In addition to 'They're Real!' I find myself having to use an additional drugstore volumising product, which is, to be honest, a bit of a pain.

My second problem, is that my eyelashes, in addition to being thin and in need of length, tend to stick out rather than curling, and it would have been fabulous for this mascara to have aided this in some way...

As it stands, it did nothing for that, and I still have to resort to my trusty eyelash curlers.

I still love this product, though.

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Benefit Birthday Haul!

Benefit Birthday Haul!

Hey, Bees!

So my birthday is the 7th August and I took myself to Benefit for a special birthday treat!

I decided that it was time for a complete renewal -- I chucked out my empties and the drugstore buys that hadn't quite done it for me, and decided to purchase, in their place, a completely new range, the intention being to restock my make-up bag as far as I can afford(!)

So into Bristol I go!

The first product I picked up was Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! liquid foundation in one of the lightest shades possible due to my skin being about that of a vampire(!).

I loved the finish and the coverage of this foundation -- it really did create a nice, even effect in a colour that worked and blended perfectly into my skin tone -- overall, I'm very happy with this product :)

The next product I bought was the Benefit Boi-ing concealer. I got this in a shade lighter than the foundation -- a trick I've picked up over the years, as it ensures that attentions is detracted from these areas.

I know that most people apply this with their fingers, but for some reason I prefer to use brushes -- so  that's exactly how I apply this concealer. I once to circle the areas I'm covering if they're spots, and I dab it onto freckles (I have an area of freckles beside my eyes that I cover up at any opportunity!) and I really think that this is the best concealer I have ever used in respect of coverage.

Onto the next product:

Benefit's Hello Flawless Powder.

This product, in my eyes, is a wonder product! I have never found a powder that successfully "mattifies" my foundation without appearing patchy, yet Hello Flawless is brilliant for this! I generally don't need to touch it up, and it creates a smooth surface of a texture which looks professional and airbrushed. I really would highly recommend this produce to anybody! It even comes with a brush AND a sponge for preference of application.

P.S, it's a set powder rather than a loose one, another plus point in my eyes, but not everyone's cup of tea I understand :)

Now that all of the flesh toned products are out of the way, I can move on to another favourite of mine: Benefit's Sugarbomb powder in a box.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I suffer great pains with blusher... I generally have a love/hate relationship with it as I struggle to find a product in a colour that doesn't make me look sickly or washed out, that isn't too intense that it makes me look like a clown(!) or that I just feel goes well with my powder.

Sugarbomb, however, with it's four coloured triangular sections allows for a certain level of choice, almost as if you are mixing your ideal shade -- if I want some more peachy tones, I can add it straight on in there! And that is what I love about this product -- it's flexibility. I know people of all skin tones and shades that can use this product and sing it's praises, myself DEFINITELY being one of them!!!

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this product. 

In conclusion, I feel very strongly that Benefit couldn't create a product I disliked even if they specifically set out to do so!

Bravo, Benefit,

Bravo.

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Body Shop Vitamin E Skincare Range

Body Shop 'Vitamin E' Skincare Range

Hey, Bees!

After the failure for my skin of Lush's 'Ultrabland' facial cleansing GLOOP(!), I continued with renewed determination to search for a skincare routine which works for my skin, and I am holding my fingers tightly crossed for my newly purchased 'Vitamin E' skincare range from the Body Shop.

I do believe that the sales assistant selling to me must be rejoicing and expecting a bonus as we speak... You see, I went in with a mind to buy a cleanser, toner and moisturising cream, but these products would have come to exactly £23.50, whilst a prepared kit retailing for £25 offered a contents of £44, which included a cream cleanser and a toner (both in 200ml bottles), a moisture cream (for use during the day, a night cream, and a 15ml tube of eye cream with a handy nozzled tip!!! 

Excuse me while I *happy dance*

But, my dear bees, I did not stop there! Oh, no!

I found myself drawn to the male skincare range, remembering a comment my father had made not so long ago about the dry skin he had been suffering recently (he works outside a lot), and found myself buying him a small present -- a tub of hemp hand protector, which, coincidentally, he says has made a remarkable difference already!

Whilst at the till, I was drawn into an offer I tend to avoid in most shops: The lure of the loyalty card.

However, whilst it is usually £5 a year to maintain one of The Body Shop's 'Love your Body' cards, I picked one up for £1.50 the first year, and was unable to resist, and became somewhat excitable, I am extremely ashamed to say(!), when I discovered their 8 hearts scheme, whereby with each purchase above £10, a heart on the card's back gets filled in. Upon the 4th purchase of this manner, you receive a product worth £5 for free, and on the 8th, a £10 product(!). Another offer available with this loyalty card is the ability to pop in store any time in your birthday month and pick up a free £5 product... which for me means August (this month)!

When signing up, I was informed that as a reward for signing up I could pick a hand wash from a selection of hemp or rose for free, and, in true 'World's Best Daughter' style, I resisted the temptation of rose, one of my favourite scents of ALL time!!, in order to pick up the hemp hand wash to match my dad's new hand protector.

N'aww.

Aren't I sweet?

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle

xo

Lush 'Ultrabland' Review

Lush 'Ultrabland' Review

Hey, Bees!

'Ultrabland' was the product recommended to me by the (overly and unnecessarily!) excited shop assistant a month ago.
I was recommended 'Angels on Bare Skin' by a friend, but due to my having dry, dehydrated skin (unlike her more oily complexion) I was tempted into seeking assistance.
After cross-questioning me as to the behaviour of my skin, I revealed a problem which has often plagued me when purchasing skincare products... You see, bees, my skin is dry and dehydrated, but I often get nodular spots and break-outs, which drives me absolutely CRAZY!!!
If you have been to Lush, you will know for sure that it is not uncommon to spend a great deal of time sniffing products and having them smeared across the backs of your hands! So when the assistant resembling that old McFly song (5 colours in her hair) smoothed Ultrabland across my hands telling me the benefits of it's natural ingredients, (restoration of the skin's natural pH level, removal of toxins etc...), which include almonds and rose oil. I was instantly bowled over, and bought myself a regular sized pot of the yellow gloop.

Now,

Here is where I believe I went wrong.

Whilst the instructions for the product clearly direct to remove the product with a wet (muslin) cloth, the shop assistant told me;
"Oh, don't pay attention to that... You should take it off with toner on a cotton pad"
And so she lured me into purchasing a new toner (Tea Tree Water). 
Well played, colourful haired girl, well played...

Once I commenced using this product, I found that it certainly did remove the dryness of my skin, just not it the way that I would like, rather, it made my face greasy and far too shiny for my liking! I quickly learnt that my entire make-up routine would be disrupted by this product: My foundation became patchy and the effect on the texture of my skin meant that it didn't stay on my face as much as it had previously. For this reason, I used Ultrabland at night only, and the advice to remove it with a toner?
No.
Just... No.
What a mess! I would still be attempting to remove even the thinnest of layers 5 cotton pads later, growing more and more exhausted as the time taken stretches on and on...
I dislike the feeling left by Ultrabland after it has been removed, as it fails to go away, leaving me lying awake at the discomfort.

Sorry, Lush,
I didn't like it.

Naomi,
DoesntSheSparkle
xo