Face of the day - Last uni exam

L'ancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 hour foundation in #13
Rimmel brow pencil 004 in Black Brown
Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara in Black
Nivea Milk and Honey lipbalm

Instyle, Red, Glamour, Marie Claire July 2012 Magazine freebies

Grab the July 2012 Edition of Marie Claire magazine (£3.70) and get a free Ciate nail polish worth £9. There are three shades to choose from Bon Bon, Jelly bean and Purple Sherbet.

• Purple Sherbet is a pastel purple shade

• Bon Bon is a greige shade (mixture of grey and beige, very work appropriate)

The July 2012 Edition of Glamour Magazine (£2) is also offering some great freebies in this mag in the form of three travel sized products. Benefit that Gal primer, Benefit Porefessional primer and a travel sized version of the Benefit Bad gal lash mascara are all up for grabs. **Please note that this is in conjunction with the Glamour Women of the Year Awards so there are 3 different covers on the magazine.**

The only fashion monthly that you can shop from Instyle Magazine (£3.80) has teamed up with The Body Shop to offer some fabulous freebies as well the July 2012 Edition. Choose from either two full sized (yes you heard me FULL SIZED) eyeliners in a French Navy & Black, or a full sized Big and Curvy mascara. 

Not to be left in the dust Red magazine July 2012 Edition is back at it again this time they have collaborated with Jemma Kidd Makeup School and they are offering full sized products as well. The items to choose from are a black eyeliner or a black mascara. 

Elle magazine July 2012 Edition which features the scrumptious and delectable David Beckham on the cover I offering a limited edition vest from English fashion house REISS. Colours to choose from include White, Grey, a mint Green and Coral. I am personally not a fan of freebie clothing, but its from REISS so I can see how others may be tempted. The Coral is hands down the best one, just saying. 

There you have it a good stash, I must say if anyone is indulgent enough to purchase everything listed. 


My stash

My returns

Hair Update May 2012

 Wearing my dad's shirt and my first pair of leggings. The hair dresser claim say this was a roller set, added to the fact rain was pelting down like waist when I left the salon.


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Pay Day Purchases

Hey there, a  quick update post sharing the few essentials I picked up when I got paid. Just a small haul and when I say small I mean small everything in total came up to less than £10. 

 Ted Baker Butterfly Body spray 50ml £2.55

 Oil of Olay facewipes £1.24

Nivea pure and natural face wipes £1.49

 Witch Cleansing and toning wipes £1.49

Jergens naturals Cocoa Butter Body moisturiser £2.55

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Review - Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter Body Moisturiser

What they say 

On the front - Body moisturiser with VITAMIN E deeply conditions and doubles skin's natural radiance

On the back - Introducing Jergens Naturals, highly effective moisturisers created with the knowledge that your skin is natural and your moisturiser should be too.

Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter Body Moisturiser

• 96% natural ingredients.
• Visibly transforms dry skin and boosts skin's natural radiance.
• combines Cocoa butter and Vitamin E to help tone and intensely hydrate skin.
• Applies smoothly, absorbs quickly and lasts all day. 

What I say 

     If you read my February Beauty Haul post you would know that after a disastrous run in with the Garnier skin gel moisturiser, I went on a bit of a Cocoa butter kick. After I posted  that post I went out and purchased another Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Butter since they were still on offer at the supermarket. Well those two finished and I needed some new moisturiser. I decided to try the Jergens Naturals Cocoa butter Body moisturiser after waiting for weeks for the Palmers body butters to go on sale, (plus the Jergens was 50% off). 
      To begin with the Jergens has a very light scent, which makes it very good for everyday use. The formula is a very rich cream, the colour is a blend between  light beige + pastel yellow, it does sink in quickly, and blends quite well. It has a thicker consistency than the Palmers Body Butter, but it does not leave the sheen on your skin that The Body Shop - Cocoa Butter Body Butter tends to leave behind when used in the summer/hotter months. 200ml costs £5.10 however they can be found a sale here and there with different offers, recession proof. 

this product even got a good review from my roomate who suffers from really dry skin.

would i repurchase?- yes
would i recommend? - yes especially as a winter moisturiser, or for person with really dry skin.
would i buy full priced?- yes

Miss Mai

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Review - Dove deep nourishing body wash

What they say

     Dove difference - only dove body wash has  NutriumMoistureTM - our unique blend of moisturizers enriched with skin natural lipids that can absorb completely to nourish deep down while you shower. Deeply Nourishing, clean rinsing always beautiful.

  What I say

     As I mentioned before here my-winter-beauty-essentials I am a lover of body washes and shower gels. to me this is the body wash form of the age old dove skin soap. I picked this dove shower gel up a few months back with a few others. I had tried the dove Go fresh cucumber body wash + body mist last summer and I was sold. The consistency is quite thick so a little goes a long way, and even with the added moisturisers, the body wash lathers quite well (aka alot of bubbles). I liked the way my skin felt afterwards, I was clean yet there wasn't that dry tight feeling. I would not suggest using this with a wash cloth/wash rag/flannel, the cloth tends to get slimy after about 3 uses due to the moisturisers in the body wash.
        Preferred bathing accessories to use are a bath lily or exfoliating gloves, the ones sold at The Body Shop are the best and they are recession proof. using the bath lily/exfoliating gloves does aid with longevity of the product so if you were interested in getting your money's worth with this product, definitely invest in a bath lily.   

would i recommend? - yes
would i repurchase? - yes
would i buy full priced? - yes

Miss Mai

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Review - Darcy's Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl smoothing Creme

What they say

    Smooth a small amount throughout damp or dry hair. great for all hair types. Excellent for styling twists, curls and braids. (Top three ingredients are Distilled water, Cocoa Butter, and Almond oil.)

What I say

      I have had success with products from Darcy, since I had tried the Pumpkin Seed curl moisturising conditioner before as a pre-poo and loved it. Okay I admit I did not use a small amount on damp hair, I used a bit more than I think I should have in retrospect. However I must say this was great on my relaxed hair.  I used it as a leave in and it detangled my pretty matt hair quite well (decided to wash my hair over the side of the tub ----> big mistako).  I used it directly on my hair after washing without my usual Infusium 23 leave in conditioner spray + Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Reconstructor.The next day my hair still felt soft and moisturised. This is a thick cream, but its moveable not as stiff as the Elasta QP Mango butter. 
       Very appropriate for the Spring/Summer do whatever you like weather we are having here in the United Kingdom at the moment.  If you are the type of person who is heavy handed when using products or someone who does a full moisturise and seal every night. This is not a product to purchase unless you were prepared to make the investment or purchase them when they are offer.  This product is £12 for a 8oz bottle, not recession proof at all. However a little goes a long way, my hair is just past shoulder length so the bottle I have should last me a while. Added to that I have a pump on my bottle so that has increased the life of my product x2. Plus I only moisturise and seal my hair fully twice a week. (that works for me, and my hair) 

Would I purchase? - Yes
Would I purchase at full price? - Yes (I would suggest to those intending to use these products as staples,  to save up and order when they have their big blow out sale/ black friday sale.)
Would I recommend? - Yes

For a picture of the Darcy's Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Curl Smoothing Creme check this link Sweet Cocoa Bean

Miss Mai

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Review - Qhemet biologics Amla and Olive heavy cream

    

What they say

     Amla and Olive heavy cream - Softens and moisturises extra dry, coarse, hair. distribute a small amount on damp or dry hair. this product also can be used as a regenerative scalp butter to soften growth and smooth edges or as a overnight deep treatment. (Top ingredients include Castor oil, Olive oil and distilled water ---> in that order.)

     What I say

     I love, love, love, love this it is a rich thick cream enriched with loads of nourishing oils. I applied it to my relaxed hair after washing and deep conditioning. I specifically applied the heavy cream to my edges  my edges as I moisturised my hair for the air drying process. My edges felt moisturised and soft, yet were not greasy or wet looking or limp which can be a by product of some haircare products. The heavy cream sunk into my hair quite quickly and there wash no remaining residue. 
       I would say that it reminded me of the Elasta QP Mango butter however it was much more creamy, and had a lighter texture. The full size of this product is $16 for an 8oz jar, so it is a bit expensive. There is a 2oz jar which retails for $5.50. The 2oz jar would last quite a while, if like me you only used this product on your edges when you washed your hair. However there are edge/temple balm recipes online that any recessionista could use to whip up some product for herself.

 I have also used this to do a twist out on freshly washed hair and it really tamed the strands and made the twists nice and juicy (yes juicy)

To check out a picture of this product check the link here Amla and Olive Heavy Cream

Miss Mai
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Review - Avene Thermal Water Spray

     What Avene says:

According to legend the curative powers of Avene Thermal Spring water were discovered more than 250 years ago by chance. (as these things always happen) Due to a terrible skin complaint a horse belonging to the Marquis de Rocozels was turned loose to wander the slopes of the black mountains in the Southwest of France. The horse found a thermal spring near the small village of Avene. After drinking from the Spring and rolling around in its waters the horses coat became shiny again and soon it was completely cured. 

As the tale of  this marvellous cure spread, local doctors advised patients to treat their skin problems with water from the spring, now named - the spring of Sainte Odile. The Marquis de Rocozels recognizing his springs potential built Avene's first baths in 1743. (yep the French have been hip to the skincare game a long time)  In 1826 scientific leaders in dermatology such as Professor Jean-Louis Alibert endorsed taking baths in the spring waters of Avene. 

Later. the Marquis' baths were acquired by Victor Descays, who established a hydro therapy centre That combined not only treatment but accommodation for the patients. By 1860 the descendants of Victor Descays  were welcoming more than 500 patients a year to visit the springs. 

The waters fame spread far beyond Avene to physicians across France and as far as  America, where the water was exported to treat burn victims after the great Chicago fire of 1871. The spring was declared to be of public interest in 1874 by the President of the Republic of France and officially approved as a dermatological Hydrotherapy centre.

The soothing effects of the Avene Thermal water has been tested on over 500 people with sensitive skin. Its unique and constant composition gives it a soothing effect and anti irritating properties have been proven by numerous scientific studies. 

(source Avene)

MAC Fix + An aqua spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm the skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber and topped off with a fresh natural energizing scent of Sugi. adds radiance, finishes make-up. Spray it on, skin drinks it up. 

(source MAC)

     What I say:

Cult favourite MAC Fix + has a dupe. The Avene Eau Thermal Thermal spring water. The Avene Spring water comes in 3 sizes the small (handbag) sized 50ml £3.15, compared to the MAC fix + travel size 30ml which costs £7. MAC only recently introduced the travel size fix +.  The second size up of the Avene Thermal water comes in a 150ml sized can, which is the same amount as the regular Sized MAC Fix +, the Avene Water is £6.50 and the MAC Fix + costs £12.50 for the same amount of product. The largest Size of the Avene Thermal Water comes in a 300ml can and costs £10.50, now many personal might say 300ml --------> that is huge. However if you are a budding makeup artist, makeup enthusiast, makeup lover, skincare junkie  the large bottle of Avene Thermal water is cost effective and useful in the long run. 

The Avene Thermal Water is a very versatile and useful product, especially for those who have sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic, and irritated skin. It can be used for diaper rash, various irritations, razor burns(we love products that are guy friendly), after hair removal, to set makeup, sooth sunburns, facial redness, after exercise, during the hot summer months and during travel (to refresh the skin and keep it moisturised). Thermal water is a lifestyle product unlike the Fix + which has a select and limited use, the Thermal water has you covered on all fronts, and also your baby and/or husband. It is a heavy hitter not only is it an all round product, it comes in various sizes and it is also recession proof. 

Check out the Avene Thermal water here Eau Thermal Avene Thermal Water Spray

Miss Mai

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