Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Vegan Lipbalms

Fairypants -  I love the name. 

Fairypants is a home business started by Natalie Pierce - Jones. It started as a a dress making enterprise but has since expanded and now includes jewelry, vegan cosmetics and hair accessories. Natalie sent me one of her vegan lipbalms to review. 

     There are 8 scents to choose from in the Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Vegan lipbalms. These are Strawberry Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Banoffee Pie, Mojito, Raspberry Sambuca, Amaretto & Cola and Ice cream Soda. I am bit a foodie and when presented with the choices, "I had a rumbly in my tumbly" to quote Pooh Bear. lol  The  lipbalm in Mojito was my choice,  what can I say, I am an island girl ----> mint tea and rum all the way. Along with the lipbalms, I received some samples of the new artwork. For a moment (maybe 5 minutes) I thought they were stickers and I "might" have tried to get the stickers off the page.  lol lol lol I quite like the Mojito as a cocktail and especially with the great weather we have been having in the UK, that has been my chosen cocktail this summer. 

Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm

     The Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm comes in a little steel tin, similar to the sample tins at lush, which I twisted apart to reveal the product. When I opened the lipbalm the gorgeous scent was the first thing I noticed. Scented products should smell like what they say they smell like. 

     In terms of texture, the Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm is quite smooth, which surprised me since the main ingredient is Shea butter. Unless Shea Butter is whipped it can be a bit waxy when applied, which has been my experience using other hair/ body products containing pure Shea Butter. When I applied the Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm to my lips, I had moisture as well as shine and there was no waxy feeling on my lips. The Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm goes on quite light unlike other lipbalms which can be heavy. 

   Another thing which I like about the The Fairypants Cakes & Cocktails Mojito lipbalm is the fact that it contains no petroleum. A girlfriend of mine cannot use petroleum based products and as a beauty blogger, it seems to be my job as the designated ingredients checker. lol lol 

lipbalm applied to back of hand.

Packaging - Simple, easy to carry around, does not take up a lot of space in my makeup bag. 
Product - Easy to use, moisturizes my lips well, and layers up under lipsticks.
Price - GREAT price point £3.99 for an handmade lipbalm is excellent. 

Would I recommend? - Yes
Would I purchase? - Yes
Would I buy full priced? - Yes 

Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen - Pillow talk

    "Manicure on the move without the need for lots of different bottles. The COLOUR & GO MANICURE PEN is a handy double ended pen that contains the HIGH PERFORMANCE COLOUR and the ONE FOR ALL base & topcoat." - Leighton Denny 

 

                 

Pillow talk - A lighter tone than Passion, this red has a touch of dark pink through it.  A luscious berry shade.

As I said in my review last week of the Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen, I wanted to try the shade Pillow talk. I managed to find a copy of Harpers Bazaar with this shade in the Colour & Go Manicure Pen at a WHSmiths. I love  a neutral nail with shimmer, such as the Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen in Butterfly Wings, but sometimes a girl just needs some colour in her life. PillowTalk is a great colour for the summer months, and can be worn on both fingers and toes. Upon application, after two coats the colour was even,   solid/opaque, a very rich berry. I did not see any streaking, which is sometimes common with nail polishes of a solid colour. 

There is just something about a product that does exactly what it says it will do. In addition to being easily portable, perfect for touch ups while travelling or girls on the go. The Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen is one of those products.  

There are a few copies Harpers Bazaar lingering in some shops, supermarkets, and newsagents.  A top coat, base coat and high performance nail colour all in one. This product is worth a try if you are a nail polish lover.

 Have a great day my lovelies.

xx

Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen

    "Manicure on the move without the need for lots of different bottles. The COLOUR & GO MANICURE PEN is a handy double ended pen that contains the HIGH PERFORMANCE COLOUR and the ONE FOR ALL base & topcoat." - Leighton Denny 

     At first I thought this was just spiel, I do not like all in one products. I find they do not work as effectively as two separate items. However I already own the Leighton Denny Crystal nail file (if you do not have one, you need to get on that ASAP) and it is hands down the best nail file I have ever purchased/owned. Harpers Bazaar is not really a freebie magazine, but when they offer a freebie it is usually some "good shyt." I bought the magazine and recieved the Colour & Go Manicure Pen in Butterfly wings (after searching numerous news agents, 3 different WHSmiths and a Waterstones.) I specifically wanted Butterfly wings because I knew it was a colour/shade that I would wear a lot.

        Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen in  Butterfly Wings.                                                               

Butterfly Wings - "A sheer peach with an iridescent shimmer. This versatile colour can be worn on its own or as part of a french manicure. Also great for colour cocktailing." - Leighton Denny

 Also I love a travel sized product, which is useful. Topcoat, base-coat and polish, you just cant get more useful than that. It has been 4 days, 8 showers, numerous hand washings and even a run in with some dead sea salt. My manicure is intact. Not only am I impressed with the Colour & Go Manicure Pen, it has been elevated to the status of "handbag essential." I must admit that I purchased a second Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen in Butterfly Wings. I am also considering the purchase of two more Harpers Bazaar magazines, I would like to try the Colour & Go Manicure in Just Perfect and Pillow Talk.

 

                 Pillow Talk 

Just Perfect 

  

Pillow talk - A lighter tone than Passion, this red has a touch of dark pink through it.  A luscious berry shade.

Just Perfect - A timeless shade with warmth and sophistication.  A great neutral shade that warms the nails and gives a beautifully groomed finish.

There is just something about a product that does exactly what it says it will do. In addition to being easily portable. The Leighton Denny Colour & Go Manicure Pen is one of those products. Plus I got to trial it without agonizing over the initial £11 spend. 

Photo - Leighton Denny

Colour & Go, Crystal Nail file 

My heirs and my spares 

 Happy Sunday my lovelies, 

xx

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NW45

MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation is described as a powder +foundation by the MAC website. At times when I am lazy and cannot commit to applying liquid foundation, I use this product.  I like the effect of foundation, but not the messy fingers. This is a product I would definitely recommend for my ladies with oily skin, or if you just prefer long lasting makeup. I apply this at home before going out and  pop my MAC Blot Powder in my bag to touch up.  This is a powder but it provides heavier coverage than the MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural, it does a great job of evening out my skin and keeping the oils at bay. However I do think that application affects the level of coverage.  

When I apply Studio Fix  Powder + Foundation with a sponge, the coverage is very heavy/ mask like (which is very similar to that of the Estee Lauder  Double Wear Light Foundation). This is for when I want everything to be flawless and smooth.  A sponge is included in the compact, and replacement sponges can be purchased at MAC stores/counters.

- Application with a kabuki brush, gives me a lighter coverage, which is still flawless, but not as heavy as with the sponge. 

- Application with the MAC 129 gives a light coverage, which I would describe as my skin, just better. 

There you go my lovelies, 

my roundup of the MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation.

love and light

xx

MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW45

MAC Studio Finish Concealer spf35  

Hello everyone this will be my second installment in my MAC series.  Some would say that MAC products are pricey/expensive. This concealer since it is such a small item (7g of product) with the price tag of £14.50 would feed right into that claim. However this is a product which gives VALUE for MONEY. I use  the MAC Studio Finish Concealer almost daily (mon -fri for work, and then evenings & weekends if I am going out) £14.50 for a product that lasts roughly 6 months with everyday use is a bargain in my book.  (cost per wear theory makeup edition)

This product is known as MAC's industrial strength concealer,  it claims to cover everything from tattoos to blemishes.   It definitely  gives great coverage over  blemishes (I have to blend blend blend, but it does the job VERY WELL) and is a dream on covering darkness/puffiness  under my eyes. Let us NOT forget the all important eyebrow, whenever I want to ninja my brows I use the MAC Studio Finish Concealer to line them after i have applied my brow pencil and power.

In terms of application for my under eyes I use my index finger to apply the concealer. The heat from my finger helps the product to warm up and it is easier to blend it out. I do not use a brush for this area because I would like to forgo the cakey look and have it as natural as possible. This is a very thick concealer, which makes it very easy to go left and end up looking like you are wearing a mask under your eyes. There has been many a night/day back in 2008 where I would have to remove my entire face of makeup and start gain because I used too much concealer. A little goes a LONG way with this product, keep that in mind when you purchase. 

For my brows I like to use a small concealer brush + MAC Studio Finish Concealer, to line my brows, then I use my fingers to blend the edges. This method enables me to get precision and my brows looking very neat and uniformed.  

That is my little roundup on the MAC Studfio Finish Concealer,

 hope this is helpful to you my lovelies

xxx

  

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

MAC says:  "A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day".  Mac is known for it's Mineralize Skinfinishes  such as Soft and Gentle & Gold Deposit and Comfort, these can be used as  highlighting products blushes and eyeshadows. 

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: MSF Natural powders are very popular in the beauty community. The Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a lightweight powder which can be worn alone or over foundation. They apply very smoothly to the skin, give a natural luminous glow. When the sun hits your skin the minerals reflect and help to bring out the natural dimensions on your skin.  I usually apply using kabuki brush, since I find that this gives the most even coverage upon application.  Another good point about the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder is the fact that it doesn't oxidize, like many others do.  Mac offers several different shades in the range,  from very light to a medium dark.  This is definitely a must have product for me I used it every day I had classes while I was at uni and even now I carry it with me everyday to work along with my blot powder.  The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a product I always recommend it to others and when my friends are stumped on gift ideas Christmas/birthday they just pick me up one of these. 

The negatives: there is no mirror in the Mineralize compact, for others this is an issue. For me not having a mirror is not an issue, my Blot powder compact/Studio fix compact/Rubie and Millie mini Brush set all contain mirrors. I also have a small stand alone mirror in my bag.

There is a bit of fallout after swirling the brush around in the product, but that happens with most powders.

 Til next time my lovelies........xx

Review - Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hand Cream SOS Repair

If you read my winter skincare series you would already be familiar with this product, but in case you did not I will include the link below. 

      I know washing hands, moisturizing hands, hand creams at times it all seems so trivial. However your hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing, and one way you can help this is to moisturize. Battling this never ending winter, along with the hand soap battle can leave hands extremely dry. 

     I bought this hand cream through the positive endorsement of my friend Paula. She loved it and it costs £2.99 (£1.50 I bought it in the sale in October at ASDA) a lot less than £8 which is the price of a standard 30ml L'occitane Shea Butter hand cream. This cream contains an ingredient called L-Bifidus which forms a barrier over the skin to prevent all the moisture from escaping.  This is the same ingredient used in the Garnier Intensive 7 Day Nourishing Lotion. The Garnier 7 Day Hand Cream keeps my hands moisturized without a greasy feel and when I wash my hands they do not feel stripped and dry. Though the cream comes out slightly thick, a little goes a long way. If you do decide to purchase this product, only apply a little at a time. I keep this on my desk at work, since it is the largest of my hand creams at 75ml. 

Would I repurchase? - Yes
Would I buy full priced? -  Yes
Would I recommend? - Yes


Winter Skincare Series Hand Creams

L'occitane Shea butter Hand Cream

Garnier Intensive 7 Day Nourishing Lotion

Review - Bioderma Crealine H2O Solution Micellaire

     This is to be without a doubt one of the most hyped products in the beauty community. A go to product of makeup artists (this along with the Embryolisse lait creme concentrate, have been used to revive the skin of many a hung over model). With makeup artists admitting to stocking up on this on trips to France one has to ask "is it really THAT good?" French skincare has def been on the map for a while, but now with the advent of mainstream vlogging/blogging it is really coming out on top. We love French food, French fashion, it was only a matter of time before we became enthralled with French skincare.  

     For as long as I have been interested in fashion/beauty/cosmetics, the saying "less is more" has always been associated with the french women and their view towards makeup. Lipstick, eyeliner, mascara and that is all you need. Now the secret is out makeup is not the secret weapon, great skin is the weapon. Surprisingly unlike women in other countries, French women do not flock tot counters in droves to purchase the latest lotions and potions., Why because some of the greatest skincare products in any French fashionistas arsenal can be found in the local pharmacy. 

     Bioderma is among the most frequently prescribed laboratories by French dermatologists. Bioderma laboratories offer a range of different products for all skin types. The Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution is one of their best selling products, a makeup remover, gentle enough for people with sensitive skin. 

Bioderma Crealine is a clear fluid which looks like water, however it contains many gentle and effective particles and even oil. these small particles of oil work to remove even waterproof makeup. The solution is perfume free (without perfume/fragrance) and hypoallergenic. It also contains cucumber extract which soothes irritated skin, cleans dirt and makes sensitive skin even more resilient. (Three cheers for my sister who spent a year in France translating the back of my Bioderma bottle) lol.

   I use this product in various ways, as a makeup remover (after removing my makeup with 2 cleansing wipes, I wipe my face with a cotton pad soaked with Bioderma solution), as a moisturizer  (to freshen up my skin before applying makeup), as a light cleanser for days when I am just wearing powder to keep the shine off my face. Sometimes I even use this as a single step cleanser in the morning. The Bioderma Crealine does not leave any residue on my skin after use and I am very pleased with this. 

This is available in 3 sizes, 100ml (the travel size), 250ml and 500ml.

Would I recommend - Yes

Would I purchase - Yes

Would I buy full priced? - Yes

xx

Review - Embryolisse Lait - Creme Concentrate Nourishing Moisturizer

Just some more skincare lovelies from another French pharmacy brand.

  A wonderful care  product - a real beauty secret, favored by dermatologists for decades; a combination of ingredients  of natural origin with recognized virtues, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Provides the skin with all the nutrients and water needed for its balance, reconstitutes its hydrolipidic film - the barrier that prevents skin from aggression - and accelerates cell renewal. Moisturized, nourished and repaired, the skin is plumped, smoothed and incredibly soft. Signs of dryness and discomfort disappear, leaving the skin soothed. Its creamy milk texture leaves a satin film, even on dry skin. 

Ingredients 

Emollient oil and a combination  of natural active ingredients: shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera, and soy proteins.

Instructions 

Moisturizing and nourishing care product for a smooth and elastic, supple and soft skin. Apply to clean dry skin in the morning and/or evening. Spread gently, and leave to penetrate. 

     This cream is light weight but it is a godsend when it comes to moisturizing. I like to use it after I have had a face peel or exfoliated my skin, to get the full moisturizing benefits. This cream is also great for those days when I feel like my skin just doesn't look as plump as possible. I put it on and then my makeup on top goes on smoothly. If you are someone who likes maximum moisture but minimum gunk on your face this is a lightweight but effective nourishing moisturizer.

Would I buy full priced? - Yes

Would I recommend? - Yes

Would I purchase? - Yes 

xx

Little Black Dress

 

"One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress." - Karl Lagerfeld

A little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress cut in a simple pattern and is often quite short. Fashion historians credit the invention of the little black dress to CoCo Chanel. Though formally brought to the market in 1926, CoCo had begun researching and planning the little black dress since 1915. Her intent was for the LBD to be used as a sort of uniform, a dress with simple pattern yet appropriate enough to be work in the evenings and afternoons to various functions. Her inspiration for the little black dress may be subconsciously attributed to her upbringing in a convent orphanage.

The first little black dress was made available in 1926, featured in October issue of VOGUE that same year. American VOGUE nicknamed the the dress by CoCo Chanel "Ford" because like all Ford Model T cars it was only available in black, but accessible to everyone. Accessorized using a single strand of pearls and a low black pump, the "dress" became an instant hit and that "look" remains a classic.

Traditionally a little black dress should be simple in design, yet flattering to the wearers body. It may have cap sleeves or short sleeves. The simpleness of design makes the dress timeless, allowing it to be functional and chic. Devoid of patterns, detailing and trends a little black dress will never be seasonal.

In the modern day like the white shirt is the cornerstone of the work wear wardrobe. A little black dress (LBD) is the foundation upon which any stylish wardrobe is built. Work/date/interview/funeral/P.T.A. meetings the list goes on and on. A LBD will keep you looking stylish and sophisticated each and every time. Worn with a jacket/blazer and a pump the little black dress is a part of the work wear wardrobe. Add a statement necklace/shoe/bag, or something more ornate such ah a sequinned jacket and the dress is ready for the evening. A flat shoe, a colored cardigan w with a LBD makes for a chic but clean look, ideal for the Spring.

The Little Black Shift "dress" part of TM. Lewins new generation of womenswear

Featured

Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes - Dune

xx

Review - Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil

This is a light weight non mineral cleansing oil made from a combination of Sunflower, Safflower, Olive and Seasame oils. Basic chemistry tells us that like attracts like. This is the basis for the Oil cleansing method. The oils in the cleanser attracts the oils produced by your skin, fuse together and breakup the makeup. Though this is an oil based cleanser it is suitable for all skin types. I love love love this stuff, especially now with the winter water. It cleanses my skin very well and leaves it feeling quite nourished but not over dried or stripped. 

To use: I press out two pumps into my hand then apply to my DRY skin, massage it all over.  Then I run my hands under water from the tap so that they are slightly wet, then I start massaging again. Adding water to the oil emulsifies it and it becomes a milky looking liquid. Then I rinse off with warm water. 

( The Gentle Cleansing Oil  does not come with a pump, I strongly urge you to purchase one, it extends the life of the product and helps with dispensing.)

Would I purchase? - yes (ther l'oreal facial cleansing oil is something I would like to try though) 

Would I recommend? - yes

Would I buy full priced? - yes, (if I absolutely had to

have a great day lovlies
xx 

Review: Joules Print Wellies - Navy Stripe

What Joules Say:

     From festivals to farmyards, Joules wellies have making a splash all over the land for years. For women’s traditional wellington boots with a twist, look no further. If you’re after a bright, printed patterned welly, you’re in the right place. Our prints include floral prints, stripes, flying pheasant prints, dog prints and many more. All are classic, practical and made for you to stand out from the crowd in style. Our new Premium Welly Collection includes glossy wellies, zip back wellies and even lace-up wellies, all truly individual and in a handcrafted shape for ultimate comfort and flexibility. They all have a new tread pattern for enhanced grip and a new rubber lining for extra strength and durability. Our new Premium Wellies also come packaged in a beautifully crafted box. Our famous Wellibob ankle boots are also brilliant for keeping feet covered in style. 

What I say:

If you live in England or any of the British Isles you should own a pair of Wellies. In between the rain, hail, sleet and snow I must declare my love for my Joules Wellies. These are my second pair of all weather boots and though I have had Hunter wellie dreams. I am in love with my Joules Wellies. I was trying and trying to hold out from purchasing new wellies but after my last pair of wellies split in the back after 2 years of good service (I literally wore them every day between december 09 - March 10) I decided to take the plunge and just buy these since office had them of offer for £25 reduced from £45. Well my wellies did not come packed in a "beautifully crafted box," but they did come with a plastic draw string bag. At first I was a bit stunned at the bag but then I thought this bag would be quite useful even more so than a box. If there ever is a time where I need to carry my wellies I do not have to worry about getting mud, dirt, snow or water on my clothing. 

All in all my only complaint is that the draw string bag be a little bit stronger. I have not worked my way to committing to a welly bag as yet, therefore I would like a few ore uses out of my drawstring bag before it starts splitting. 

Would I buy full priced? - Yes
Would I repurchase? - Yes 
Would I recommend? - Yes

Stay dry my lovelies 

A Review: Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil (hair care range)

       These are the three products which I own from this range (hair mask, shampoo and conditioner  I opted not to purchase the hair oil since I had a bottle of Argan oil in my stash. After my run in with the Ojon Miracle Elixir serum (whatever they want to call it) I am just not on the oil hype. Give me some organic cold pressed Almond oil/Coconut oil/Olive oil from health food shop, my pocket and hair will both thank you.  I know that Argan oil is supposed to be one of those cure all products of the hair care community. However I find that many products sporting the Argan oil tag are full of silicones. 

     I too wanted to try the Morrocan Oil products but at an average of £20 a product, with 5 products in the core range. To my and my pocket that was a bit steep for a product which could not be tried or tested. (Someone needs to tell Morrocan oil to make a sample kit including the shampoo, conditioner, and both the restorative and hydrating masks). Enter stage left while I was browsing online I went on the Avon website to peruse the offers and came across the launch of the "Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment  Moroccan Argan Oil" hair care line. Immediately I was intrigued and after a few weeks I ordered some products through my Avon lady. 

     The products themselves were not overly expensive,I bought the 250ml shampoo, 250ml  conditioner for £1.10 each and the hair mask for £2.50. Yup three full sized products for less than a fiver. Now I was not prepared to be blown away or anything, I mean it is Avon we are speaking about here. In the end I was more than impressed. The shampoo had a pearlescent colour but the formula was opaque like a good shampoo should be. It cleansed my hair, but did not strip it or leave it feeling like I had not washed it. My hair felt nourished, not hydrated but nourished. Next up the hair mask this had a nice thick formula, as one would desire in a hair mask but it spread  well, and coated my tresses. When I detangled my hair using my shower comb it gave good slip and I was pleased. I left this on for 40 minutes and then rinsed. After this I applied a blob of the conditioner and combed that through as well. The conditioner has a slightly less thick formula compared to the hair mask, but it complimented the hair mask well as a finishing product. 

I must say that even the packaging design I was very pleased with. Kudos to whomever designed the bottles they are very eye-catching and sleek. The bottles which have a slightly inverted shape fitted quite well in my hand.

The results: My hair felt great, I was pleased with the results of my wash day experience. 

The Price: On these products are amazing. Great quality for the price point. On offer you could purchase the entire line for less than £12. Full priced all four products still come up to less than £20. 

Cons: Like the Morrocan Oil range the Avon Advanced Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Oil hair care line does not sell a sampler kit.

Pros: These are great products, price, product, packaging and availability these products are winners. 

Would I purchase? - yes
Would I recommend? - yes
Would I buy full priced? - yes