John Frieda Full Repair Style Creator

I've had this product for quite a while now, having bought it when it first came out.  I'm a sucker for a heat protector and am constantly trying new ones and few live up to my expectations, this one does.

This is a styling spray and heat protector in the one product.  It helps to improve manageability, natural movement and long lasting hold, it also contains Inca Inchi Oil and is safe for coloured or chemically treated hair.  You can use this on wet or towel dried hair and according to the instructions use more or less depending on hair length and thickness.

I use this on towel dried hair and I spray it till I think my hair is covered, its probably a different amount every time.  How much is more or less of what? I think that that part of the instructions is a bit strange.
I really like this, it gives me the heat protection which I want and also gives me hold in my style.  I tend not to use products like hairsprays so this gives me some hold to my style as well. I like the fragrance of this, kinda reminds me of Hugo Boss Deep Red, which I love so that is a bonus. I find that it doesn't leave my hair greasy even if I am a bit heavy handed with it.

This product has become one of my two go to heat protectors. I love the shine and hold that it gives to my hair, even after using heat styling on my hair it still feels soft and looks good.  This doesn't affect the colour I have in my hair. It's a great product and I'm nearly finished mine and I will be repurchasing this soon.

W7 Lipstick and Mascara

I'm so sorry to have not posted in ages, I have been having computer problems which I had hoped would be fixed last week but that wasn't to be.  So after having to take everything off my computer and start from scratch again, I'm finally back.  This post was meant to be done a while ago but it's here now.  The one good thing about the computer issues is that I've got to try these to items really well.

I haven't actually tried anything from W7 before and i have to say I really like these and would like to try more items from the brand.  These are PR samples that I asked if I could have samples of.

First up is Magic Matte Lips, as I've said before I've only recently started using lipstick and I'm really liking matte look on lips.  This is in the colour In the Pink.  Which if I'm being honest is a shade that I wouldn't have picked myself but I'm glad I got it sent to me.  It looks quite a dark pink but for day time I like to apply a little to my lips then use my finger to blot it out and it makes it a bit more subtle which I like.  If I'm going out then I will apply this normally and have the stronger look.  I also like that because it is matte I can apply a lip gloss over the top of it for a different look. I really like the fact that I can use this in a number of different ways.

I really like the packaging.  It looks really sleek and smart. I like that you can see the colour at the bottom. I think the packaging looks really expensive.

I really like this lipstick and would like to have some of the other shades.

The other product that I asked for was a mascara.  This is the Double Up Volume Waterproof Mascara, in the shade Blackest Black.

This is a two step waterproof mascara.  The first brush gives even coverage so it creates an even base in preparation for step two.  Step two gives you the length and volume.

Step one.

Step two

The brush in step one is actually quite a good size (sorry for the blurry picture) and gives a really good effect on its own.  In step two it is actually the same brush just with more product on it.  I did find that the mascara was really wet and there was a bit too much product on the brush but a quick wipe on the top of the tube and it was fine.  This second step does give lots of volume and  length. I really like this mascara, I must admit that I do prefer using just step one most days.  I find that this gives my lashes enough volume and length for daytime and I prefer to use both steps for a dramatic look.  Again I love that from one product I can get two different looks, saves on having to have different mascaras for different looks.  The packaging is great, I love the pink against the black.  Being a waterproof mascara I find that it lasts really well, doesn't give me panda eyes and is really easy to remove at the end of the day.

I really liked both of these products and enjoy using them.  I had heard of W7 before but had never tried anything from there and after trying these two products I would like to try other things from the range.  I was really impressed with both.

Dr Jart+ BB Cream

I have aways liked the idea of BB creams, everything in one product.  From watching various people on you tube and reading blog posts on the eastern BB creams, the original ones they looked really good.  Then they were introduced over here and various companies released their own version.  Some I like, some I don't. I'm not so sure that they do the same as the orginal.  When I saw that this was being released in Boots I couldn't wait to try this.

Dr Jart+ is from Korea, first released in 2004 and has been very popular over there since its release.

There are four different versions of this, designed for different skin types and concerns.  I picked the water fuse version, whichi is £18.

Water fuse has a water holding system which helps to maintain moisture levels in your skin to keep it looking moistrurised and dewy.  It also helps to control sebum so that you don't look greasy throughout the day.

This is has a very thick consistency and a little goes a long way. I have found the best way to apply this is using my fingers as it really works it into the skin, using a brush leaves my skin looking really shiny which doesn't happen if I use my fingers.  I find that it gives really good coverage, I only really needed to use a bit of concealer on a few troublesome spots, but a lot less than what I would normally used.  Also covered the little bit of redness in my cheeks really well.  I have really pale skin and the colour of this works really well with my skin colour.  I can struggle with things that just come in one shade as they are usually not pale enough but this is great.

It lasts really well on my skin, I do apply a little bit of powder on top of it. I have found this to last really well on me when I'm working.  I do 12hr shifts, I usually do my makeup about an hr before I start work and usually by about 3/4am my foundation starts to go a bit patchy on my cheeks which do get really dry at work, this doesn't happen.  I find that I don't end up with the usual dry patches on my skin during a 12hr shift, it does keep my skin moisturised while it is on.  I also don't end up looking shiny which means that I don't need to powder throughout the day.

I will buy this again when this one finishes, it is really good and works well on my skin.  Since I bought this I haven't actually used any other foundation or base product.

Lee Stafford, Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist

You can't miss Lee Stafford's hair products on the shelves in their pretty pink bottles and thats not the only thing that attracted me to this range when it was first launched, I used to watch the tv programmes that Lee Stafford was involved in like The Hairdresser.  So when he launched his own range I was excited to try it.  The one product which I love and have repeatedly bought over the years is the Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist.

It contains heat protective agents to protect from heat styling and green tea extract which helps to reduce the free radicals that form by UV and heat styling.  All sounds good and what you would expect from a heat protector.

I love this product, it was the first heat protector that I bought and now about 10years later it is the one I always have a bottle of sitting on my dressing table and it is my go to heat protector.  I love the smell, love how it make my hair feel, what it does to my hair.  It doesn't make my hair go greasy and with hair that can go a bit on the greasy side I really like that in a product.  A bottle lasts for ages even though I use this after I have towel dried my hair before I use my hairdryer and then on dry hair before I straighten it.  I think the packaging is fab, I love the shade of pink.

I must admit I do from time to time try other heat protectors but they are never as good as this one.  I always end up going back to this one. 

August Empties

Another new month, another empties post.  I'm really enjoying writing these as I never realised how much I do use up until these post.

I love seeing the bag I keep my empties in get full, bit sad I know.

The Body Shop, Body Butters in Strawberry, Mango and Brazil Nut:  I love these body butters, it may actually be a slight problem.  I always have to have at least one on the go but usually its two or three.  The mango and strawberry ones I only get in the summer as I prefer the lighter texture and I love the scents for the summer.  On their own they are not enough to keep my legs moisturised but that is ok as I use a different lotion/cream every day so on the days I'm not using  these I use a richer one.  The brazil but one I got in a sale, it is really rich one and I love the smell of this.  I normally hate anything that smells like nuts, I am not a fan of nuts, but these don't have that horrible nutty smell. Infact none of the nut ones from here do.  I would repurchase these again.

Skindivina, No More Shine Makeup Finish:  A makeup setting spray. I got this to try to see if it helped my makeup stay on longer. Normal day to day wear I don't have too much of a problem but for long days and work I find my makeup won't make it till the end of the day.  This is great does what it says on the tin.  I got the no more shine as I do have a bit of an oily t-zone.  Although it is a small bottle it did last me a good 3/4 months using it nearly every time I wore makeup, which I think is really good.  Would repurchase this.

Elemis, Visible Brilliance:  This is a small sample/travel size of this that I got as part of a set.  Have used this before in the full size.  This is a serum that is meant to  brighten and re-energise dull, tired and stressed skin.  I really like this, it does make my skin look better.  I would buy this again as I like the effect it has on my skin, though I probably wouldn't buy it on its own but if it was part of a kit and good value for money I would.

Save The Nail, Ridge Filler:  I got this as I needed a ridge filler base coat and it was one of only two in the shop and was better value for money.  It is from the peopple at Nails Inc but I can't find anymore information on it.  It's ok, not the best but I have repurchased it.

Bourjois, 1 Second Magic Nail Polish Remover:   Love this! I do my nails three/four times a week and this makes the whole process so much easier and quicker, plus stops the whole room stinking of polish remover making it better for everyone else in the room!  It's not quite as fast as they say but it is pretty quick.  I like this as well because it isn't harsh on your nails and fingers and it leaves them smelling quite nice.  Have already repurchased this and will do again.

Once again another load of products that I love and would repurchase.  I tend not to buy many things that I would not repurchase as I put some time in before buying things to research and read reviews to  help me make my decisions.

August Faves!

Once again we have come to the end of the month, they realy are going in faster and faster.

Quite a few makeup items this month, have found some things that are going to be staples in my makeup collection.

Rimmel Mono Blusher:  This is in Santa Rose, its a lovely peachy shade which works really well on my pale skin. been wearing it everyday since I got it about 3 weeks ago.

L'oreal Lumi Magique Foundation:  I have this in Rose Beige.  This gives luminosity to the skin as the name suggests.  But it doesn't make the skin look oily, I can have oily skin but this just makes my skin look good.  It is also almost an exact shade match to my Bobbi Brown foundation which is perfect for my skin. Love the effect and the way ot makes my skin look, lasts a good length of time on my face. Would def repurchase.

Mally, Brow Beauty Universal Brow Wand:  This is not a pencil but as the website describes it a coloured  brow fix.  It lifts, gives hold and some colour in one.  It's great.  i use this for work and on the days I don't want to be messing about with powders.  It gives a nice natural but better looking brow look.

Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Oil Free:  I have this in light.  It's good, much better for me than the orginal one. It's good for those days when I don't want alot of coverage.  I use this for work alot.

ELF, Complexion Perfection:  This is a face powder that has four different colours in it, a yellow, blue, pink and green.  It is meant to even the skin tone, neutralise redness and brighten.  I love this! It is amazing. I wasn't sure if this would be any good but thought I'd try it. I love it that much that I've only had it for over a week and it made it into this months favourites.  It does what it says on the tin.  I have red cheeks and a little bit on my nose, this gets rid of that.  In fact it is that good that I even wear this alone with a little bit of concealer.  My skin looks amazing, when wearing it alone I have been getting loads of comments about how good my skin looks and asking what I have done. It's this little powder and all this for only £3.75, you can't really complain!

Vichy, Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Cream Starter Kit:  I got this in a beauty box and I've been using this not as a fooundation but as a concealer when I've had particularly bad spots, like I have had this month.  It does an amazing job and when I have ran out of my shade in this I will be buying the full size of this.

Tresemme, Split Remedy Leave-In Treatment:  Is meant to help improve the look of split ends, I like this think it works well.

Bumble and Bumble, Surf Spray:  This is great. Works really well on my hair. Got this when I had long hair, was brilliant now I've had my hair cut I still love it.

Caudalie, Fleur De Vigne Fragrance:  Again another beauty box product.  Love this, so want to buy it in the full size.  Get lots of comments saying I smell great when wearing this.

The Body Shop, Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream:  Got this as part of a set.  This is really good, moisturises the dry areas but also keeps shine at bay.  Will buy this in the full size when this finishes.

L'Occitane, Shea Vanilla Hand Cream:  The shea hand creams from L'Occitane are amazing, great on really dry skin which I can have on my hands.  This one with vanilla is just yummy.  I use this at night and my hands are in great condition in the morning.

August's Joliebox

This month's box was delayed a bit because people were going away on holidays, which to be honest was a bit annoying I don't see why the box has to be delayed. 

This month the boxes were designed by Timai Hua and I got a lovely blue box with various other colours.  I really liked the look of this box.

The theme of this box is a jolie holiday, now that we are supposedly in the middle of summer, though given the British weather you might not think that, definately doesn't feel like we are.

Excuse the cat in the top corner of the picture.

Dr Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap 'pillows':  I was really happy to see these in this box, I have been wanting to try these for ages and now I am able to.  I got peppermint, citrus orange and unscented baby mild.  I love the packaging that these come in, it is so cute.  These are vegetable oil based organic liquid soaps that you can use not only on yourself but also to clean almost anything else.  I have reaf about people using it to clean makeup brushes, floors, their dog and clothes just to name a few.

Phil Smith Be Gorgeous, Dry Clean Revitalising Dry Shampoo:  Love the pink, looks really good.  Not tried this yet, but looking forward to trying it. Having recently got into dry shampoo after geting my hair cut, I'm looking for a good one. 

So Susan Cosmetics, Lip Cushion:  Love the packaging.  It says a sheer gloss to tint and moisturise chapped lips.  In the little tub it is bright pink with sparkle, on the lips it is a lovely sheer gloss.  I really like it, I like having a subtle shimmer on my lips most days.  Some people may not like this.  It smells so yummy, its a joy to use.  Not to sure about how moisturising it is, but I tend to put a lip balm under my glosses anyway so that doesn't matter to me.

So Susan Cosmetics, Wide Awake Face Palette:  Sorry for the finger marks in this but I just had to try it when I opened it.  It has an illuminating cream, highlighting cream and an eyebrow sculptor, it also has a pair of tweezers and from other pictures I've seen my one is missing a brush.  The illuminating cream is used to hide under eye circles, the highlighting cream to highlight cheeks and brow bones, both of these are really good, easy to use and work really well.  The eyebrow colours I won't be using for my brows as there is too much shimmer in them, but they make lovely eyeshadows.  Even with the missing brush I love this.  Also this is palette is fragrance free and both So Susan products are cruelty free, and have no nasties in them.

And as a bonus product we get a leather hair styling lace and on Jolibox's you tube channel there will be varios videos showing how to use it.  This is a great idea, if my hair was longer I would have loved this idea. But as it isn't I'm going to use this as a wrap bracelet as I love the teal/green colour.

Once again another box I love.  Joliebox just seem to get it right every month.  Even with a missing brush, that doesn't dent how much I like this box.  I am quite happy to pay the money for this box every month.

You can sign up for Joliebox here.

Revlon, Just Bitten Kissable.

As I am loving Revlon lip products at the moment I was excited to try these.  I really like the idea of not having to reapply a lip product during the day and as these are a stain, you shouldn't have to reapply as much.

I got this in Cherish and Darling.

L-R: Cherish, Darling

L-R: Cherish, Darling

These combine a moisturising balm and a stain, so they are not meant to be as drying as some stains can be.  I felt that they are very moisturising.  I do like stains but do find that they can be drying on the lips and that was not the case with these.  The balm is great, really moisturing and gives a hint of a shine when these are applied.

They are easy to use, in an retractable chubby crayon style which means there is no need to sharpen them, brilliant.  I hate having to sharpen makeup pencils.

I really like these and may purchase some more of these.

Garnier 7 Days

Being addicted to body lotions the way I am, I am always keen to try out new ones.  I got this sample from the Garnier website. 

This sample included 7 sachets of the 7 days body lotion with Shea butter for dry to extra dry skin.  I was really happy this is what I got as I have really dry skin on my legs and some body lotions even the ones for dry skin just don't work.

This is meant to be used daily for hydration that is meant to last.  These are meant to be non-greasy and absorbed into the skin quickly.

I tried this for the 7 days using it everynight and was impressed with this until day 6. It sinks into the skin really well and is not greasy at all.  Up till that point it was doing a really good job of keeping my legs moisturised, smooth and looking good.  On day 6 they started to feel a bit itchy and uncomfortable.   This is what my legs are like if they are not getting enough moisture. So I used one of my body oils under this moisturiser and finished the last two sachets.

I did enough using this and I felt that for 5 days it did keep my legs moisturised well. I normally have to use quite thick heavy creams every couple of days and with this I didn't.  Yes I had to add an extra level of moisture on day 6 but this was still an easier routine than what I normally do. 

I think I am going to buy the full size of this and see how I get on, if it goes as well as it did in the 7 day challenge I will be happy as it will be a better routine to use during the summer. Yes it didn't give me enough moisture for the 7 days but 5 days is a lot better then what I get from lighter body lotions so on me it worked well. This will be good to use during the summer months as it is a lighter texture.

Maybelline BB Cream

Having tried other BB Creams when they first were launched, I really didn't like them, I wanted to but the texture and finish were just not right for my skin  type.  I recieved some free samples of this from the Maybelline website, as I wanted to try it before spending my money.

Maybelline state that this will do the following things:
(taken from website)
 • Imperfections look blurred
• A natural looking glow
• Fresh feel
• Compliments skin tone
• Skin looks smooth
• Hydrates
• Protects with SPF 30
• Oil free, non greasy

I really like this, I wasn't expecting much but I'm impressed.  It applied really easily, I tried this using fingers and brushes, I liked either way.  It did look and feel good on my skin, worked well with my skin tone.  I am very pale and the light shade worked well.  It did help blur some imperfections, I only had to conceal some red looking spots.  It lasted well on my skin, I did have to powder my t-zone but I do with most things.
I could easily wear this by itself to give an even look to my skin or also with other makeup.

I will be purchasing the full size of this, itis a great product.  I really liked being able to try it before buying it.

Leighton Denny Nail Polishes

About 4/5 years ago my partner bought me a kit from Leighton Denny and I have used and loved the brand since then.  For me it is not only his colours that are great but also his nail care products.

I buy from either Leighton Denny's website or from QVC.  On QVC you can get really good prices on different kits and also some polishes are made only for QVC.  I love watching Leighton on QVC, I like the fact that he goes on to show, demonstrate and talk about his products.  I also enjoy the chemistry between Leighton and Nina, the model he always uses and also the QVC presenters, the hours are always fun to watch aswell as informative. 

All of the Leighton Denny polishes that I own.  Just a few there, not many at all!!

I love the whites in the range for doing a french manicure, they give great coverage and are easy to apply.

His pale pinks, cream colours are great. I use alot of these for wearing to work which they are great for and as part of a french manicure.
                                                                   

Some of the colours I use the most.

I love his beige/neutral colours.  From Supermodel when it first came out I love wearing these colours.  They look great on and are so easy to wear.

I thought I would pick my top 10 polishes but it was harder than I thought it would be to get 10, some of these are always my fave and some are changeable. I enjoy using all the colours that I have but these are what ones I love the most. Excuse the pj bottoms, it was the only place I could get them looking their best!

L-R: Jailbird, Doing Time, Zero Gravity & Butterfly Wings.

Lolly Pop

L-R: Stormy Weather, Rebel, Steel Appeal & Your Planet Or Mine.

Healthy Glow

                                              

 Doing time I think is the colour that surprised me the most.  I got it as part of a kit, criminal collection I think it was called and it was the one I thought I wouldn't like and once I tried it, its become one of my faves.  Jailbird is also from that collection.  There is one colour that I don't have yet and I really must buy it, this is Big Bang, it is a black and silver glitter polish that looks so good. I think this will be my next purchase.

 I also use some of Leighton Denny's treatments, removers etc and these are just as good as his polishes.

L-R: Brilliance Treatment Remover, Essential Remover

These are great nail poilsh removers work really well and smell not too bad.  The Brilliance remover is part of the Brilliance treatment set and helps to improve the nail appearance.

L-R: One For All, Brilliance Treatment Shield, Brilliance Treatment Serum, Slick Tips & Illuminating Hand Cream

I love the Brilliance treatment range, it is designed to help keep your nails looking healthy and the whites white.  Works really well on my nails as my nails have never been the greatest looking.  I will always use this as part on my weekly manicure.

Slick Tips is a nail and cuticle oil and its great.  Works really well and so far the only oil that doesn't aggravate the dry skin I have on some of my fingers.

Illuminating Hand Cream was part of a TSV and I love it, makes my hands look healthy anf is also really moisturing.  I use this very carefully as it is not part of the core range and I don't want it to end.  Will not be happy when it finishes.

L-R: Miracle Mist, Corrector Fluid & Miracle Drops

Miracle Mist and Miracle Drops speed dry your polish.

Corrector Fluid is the secret to my nails looking so good.  I use this to tidy up my nail polish when I've finished.  I'm always told my nails look professionally done and this is my wee secret  to help achieve that look.

L-R: VIP Diamond Buffer, Crystal Nail File & Brush for Corrector Fluid

VIP Diamond Buffer is my favourite buffer that I've ever tried, nails are so shiny after using this.

Crystal Nail File:  My holygrail nail product! Turns nails into dust.  So easy to use. I used to have nails that split, peeled but since using this my nails are great.  This has gave me the nails I've always wanted and I can grow my nails now.

A quick mention to some products that I love but don't have at the moment but must repurchase soon!

Remove and Rectify: A cuticle remover, really easy to use.

Diamond Skin Like Silk:  An exfoilator for the hands. Easy to use, smells great and the best hand scrub I've found so far.
Best Defence:   The hand cream that is available all the time, works really well.

Sorry this post is so long but I love these products and I wanted everything in the one post.  As you can tell I love Leighton Denny's products.  The colours are amazing and the nail care products really work for me.  Oh and all of these products have been bought by myself.

July Empties.

I never thought I was much good at finishing products, but seem to be pretty consitant with these posts which is a good thing.  Just need to tackle the huge amount of shower gels that I have.

As you can see, theres a few things here.

Garnier, Simply Essentials 2 in 1 Makeup Remover:  This has been featured before and I still love this.  Had a bottle in backup waiting for this to finish.  It's one of those split solutions that you have to shake before you use it.  It's great, doesn't annoy my eyes removes all makeup really well.  Will rebuy this again.

Avene, Eau Thermale, Thermal Water Spray:  I use this in place of a toner in the mornings.  It's great my skin is looking really good.  This is my second bottle and I will rebuy this again.  When we had that week of nice weather in May I also sprayed this on my sunburn and it was really refreshing.

Clinique, High Impact Curling Mascara:  This used to be my work mascara because it doesn't budge at all.  It's not too dramatic which is what I want at work.  I don't know how many I've used of these. It's great and I would rebuy it again but I have found a cheaper mascara that so far is just as good.

Mally, Volumising Mascara:  I get this from QVC and this is an American brand.  It's a great mascara, it is so black.  I don't find that it smudges at all.  Infact in the past I've worn this to work if I've not had any of my Clinique one as it will last a 12hr shift.  Have another couple of these in my collection to use.

Talika, Lipocils Expert:  I got this in a beauty box, Joliebox I think and it really worked. I had always wanted to try a lash growth product but was reluctant to spend money on them.  I got just over a months use out of this and there was def an improvement in my eyelashes.  I wil be buying this once I've finished the eyelash conditioning gel I have.

Decleor, Aromessence Neroli:  This is an oil that I used in the mornings.  It's great, need only a very small amount so it lasts for ages.  It's meant to soothe and relax the skin and comfort the skin exposed to the stresses of daily living.  Makes my skin look really good, doesn't leave it oily looking at all.  Would repurchase this in a kit, as at £44 for full size I probably  wouldn't spend that but in a good value kit I would purchase it.

Soap & Glory, Dr Spot Invisible Spot Fighting Gel:  Haf one of these in backup so that tells you how good I think this is.  I use this at night and it makes a big difference in my spots by morning,  would repurchase this again.

Eucerin, Dry Scalp Relief Shampoo 5% Urea:  This is my second bottle of this and I had one in backup ready to go when this finished.  Doesn't annoy my scalp at all.  Will always have a bottle of this in the house.

Lush, The Olive Branch Shower Gel:  Really like this, would buy this again.  It had loads of olive oil in it so you do need to shake it before you use it as it sits on top.

Jessica, Nail Polish Remover:  Again another product that I had a backup of.  This has acetone in it so I only use this to remove my glitter polishes, which it is really good at.

Leighton Denny, Precision Corrector Fluid:  I have used so many of these and I will always use this.  It comes with a brush that you dip into this then correct any mistakes you have made while painting your nails. I have two of these in backup. It makes painting my nails hassel free.

Mac, Brush Cleaner:  Does what it says on the tin.  I really like it for cleaning my brushes, have ordered another one.

Not a bad amount of things used up, all of which I would repurchase.  I tend not to buy things that I don;'t like.  I put a lot of research into something before I buy it so generally I'm not disappointed.