Review - Botanics Hydrating Night Cream All bright

Skin Type - Oily/Sensitive with some scarring/blemishes from past acne breakouts. 

What they say:

Brightens and hydrates overnight for normal/dry skin  with brightening hibiscus. 

This rich moisturiser gets to work when skin is highly preceptive, promoting surface renewal for brighter looking skin by morning. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, proven to immediately boost moisture levels, the nourishing formula leaves skin ready to face the day.

Hibiscus is nature's brightness booster and a wonderful hue of pink. Natural AHA@s from the flower act as mild exfoliators to help leave skin smoother and brighter. 

What I say:

This cream applies smooth, and it is easy to blend. My skin feels nourished but there is no oily or excess residue. It soaks in quickly which is definitely a plus when dealing with these lotions and potions. To me the finish is velvety, or semi matte. I wanted to try this range because I have seen it in boots and I have been stalking it, but I didn't want to commit myself to purchasing it while my other night cream the Avene Cleanance K was not finished (marginal perpensity to consume and all that). I was able to purchase this on the very last day of the offer of Boots, yay me. So far it has been working all right as a night cream. My skin does look brighter but that could be due to the fact that I have been using the Elemis Papaya Enzyme peel, so who knows.

Would I re-purchase? - Yes

Would I recommend? -  yes

would I buy full priced? - Yes it costs 4.99 hardly a bank breaker. 


miss mai

xx

Winter Hair Haul - Afroveda Hair butters

      Even though I have a relaxer my hair loves thick moisturisers and hair  butters. ie ORS incredibly rich moisturising lotion, Qhemet Boilogics Amla and Olive heavy cream, Elasta QP Olive and Mango butter, My honey child Type 4 Hair butter, are all products which worked really well in my hair. British Curlies was having its summer sale the other week and I bought these hair butters to see me through the winter months. 

My stash 

Used a lil bit it is nice 

Cannot wait to smell this!!!!!!

this should be good for the hair

The tub was full to the brim, I used it down tot his level, i got 9.5oz for the price of 8oz.

     These products according to my naturalista friend are made with that "good shyt". the ingredients list include aloe vera juice, the many different aryvedic herbs (and spices lol) shea butter, distilled water and many more natural friendly ingredients. 

     I still have half a bottle of Elasta QP recovery moisturiser which I have been using as my summer moisturiser left. After this is finished and I will move onto using these butters, so look out for my review, so far I am loving the lil bit that I have used. 



you are always fully dressed with a smile 
xx

What to Wear to Work - Classics Black & White

        There is nothing which can beat a classic pairing for a presentation, an interview or a day at the office, crisp white shirt, tailored black trousers and black leather court shoes. It is great to try new things, inject colour or various fashion elements into your work wear wardrobe. However in this time of austerity one needs to project an image of sobriety and capability. The classics will have you looking capable and suitable always.

El capitane

A bit more posed

 Fooling around

                     T.M. Lewin new collection of womenswear video - same look different year. 


Shirt - T.M. Lewin

Trousers - Tailored by Next (trousers were further tailored /taken in at the waist)

Shoes - Barrats 

Fashion fades by style remains eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent

xx

Haulage

This is a small haul, basically stuff thrust upon me by my mother, lol lol. However I am grateful for the supplies she gave me.

The Somerset Toiletry Company Olive Oil moisturising shower creme 450ml

The Somerset Toiletry Company Olive Oil moisturising body lotion 450ml

The Somerset Toiletry Company Olive Oil antibacterial handwash 450ml

Nivea double effect anti-perspirant deodorant 150ml

Nivea calm and care anti-perspirant deodorant 150ml

Listerine  milder flavour mouth wash 250ml

Nivea milk care soap (soap blink blink)

Moroccan oil light formula Argan oil (sample bottle)

Imagine after all of this I had to run some covert ops for a box of tea!!!!!

Reviews coming soon especially on the Moroccan oil. 


stay sweet..xx

Review - Nivea Sun Sunblock spf 30

What they say: 

Nivea Sun  Pocket size spf 30, high protection always at hand

UVA/UVB Protection systen EU compliant

     Nivea sun pocket size provides immediate sun protection in a convenient pocket size, readily available whenever and whereever effective sun protection is needed. The ultra light and non sticky formula for face n body is easy to apply and absorbed. water resistant. 

What I say:

     This is the highest spf lotion in my skincare regimen. The lightest being the Nivea daliy essentials moisturising lotion and the second being the Avene Hydrance Optimal Rich hydratiing cream with spf 20. I am all about the spf, it should be a very present part of any skincare routine. I purchased this sunblock after watching Brit Pop princess's video on her skincare routine. Yes, it does leave that blue look on my skin after I have applied it, lol. As a sunblock I believe that it has been effective, since using this and the Avene Hydrance Optimal I have noticed that my spots have not been darkening as much as they would have in the past, also my overal complexion is a lot brighter/clearer. I use  this on the really really hot days when the sun was out and I knew definitely I would be leaving the house, maybe to go into town or walking to uni or the supermarket. It takes a while to sink in, but I expect that with a sunblock with a high spf factor such as this one. 

   It is 50ml which is a great size, it enables me to walk with it in my handbag for when I want to re apply (sunblock should be reapplied every 2-3 hours). The price point was very attractive as well, I puchased it when it was on offer for 50% off at my local supermarket. It is funny how essential products such as sunblock can be so expensive. smh 

Nivea sunblock spf 30 along with the rest of my skincare regimen. 

Would I repurchase? - Yes 

Would I recommend? - Yes for all my gals, my girls and my kiddies, sunblock is very very very important.

Would I buy full priced? - Yes I rather spend £6 today and save myself skin cancer and wrinkles tomorrow. 

cheerio my lovlies. 

The Summer Body Mist - FCUK,Ted Baker, Soap and Glory

Everytime I see Soap and Glory I am tempted to say Glorayyy, lol. 

     Summer is here, though you would not think that from the crazy weather we always have in England. However I have decided to rage against the machine, I refuse to be upset and not have fun just because the weather is poor. That being said I wanted some nice fragrances for the summer. I chose not to go with a perfume from one of the traditional fragrance houses because that would mean shelling out alot of dosh, and committing to wear that scent all summer. I for one when I spend a bit of money on an item I  use it to death. Instead I went rummaging through my stash and I found a Strawberry body mist from The Body Shop which I bought 3 years ago, the scent was so overpowering I have placed that aside to give to my little sister. I also found the Body Shop Green Apple body mist (I have the entire set) which my dad bought me a few years ago on a shopping trip on Oxford Street (the first and last time I ever saw my dads gold credit card I tell you), 1. that fragrance has sentimental value and 2. the way I like to spritz up that would not last a week. 

      Off to the shops I went, after much much perusing I picked 3 body mists, 1 from Soap and Glory and 2 from Ted Baker. 

    Soap and Glory "Mist You Madly." - spritz mist you madly on whenever you need a flash of fabulousness. I def agree with this somewhat, this scent is def the most summer appropriate out of the three mists, it is very light, fruity and refreshing with a hint of (what I think is grapefruit).

    Ted Baker "Butterfly" - for all you social butterflies you'll certainly stand out from the crowd with a quick spritz of this beautiful body spray scented with elegant bergamot, and red fruit, highlighted with tuberose and patchouli. To me this scent is more floral, it has a bit more body to it, its more grown up than the "Mist You Madly."

  

Ted Baker "Origami" - A vivacious body spray of rose , sandalwood, and juicy raspberry and a touch of vanilla might look good on paper, but you better believe it smells even better on your skin. this is the most heavy out of all three scents, I do like it, it dries down to a lovely finish. I did rotate it with the other two fragrances, but when I was going out in the evenings I wore this alot, since it so much heavier than the other two.

FCUK "Signature" - accessorize your body with a fruity oriental fragrance. FCUK signature a sparkling oriental fragrance simply exotic. This is another noteworthy fragrance, it has depth, but it is not an overpowering or cloying scent. 

I do recommend these if you are on a budget or you would like to try some inexpensive fragrance alternatives. they have lasted quite a while and I am a person who wear fragrance every day. 

stay sweet my lovelies

Review - Nivea Daily Essentials Oil Free Moisturising Day Cream spf 8

Moisturises and regulates shine for a fresh skin feeling 

What Nivea  says:

Nivea visage daily essentials oil free moisturising day cream enriched with Natural Lemon grass and Rice extract, supports the natural balance of your skin:

• Regulates your skin:s oil balance to leave your skin shine free
• The light formulation hydrates your skin without clogging pores
• With spf8 and extra uva filters it helps to protect your skin from environmental influences and premature aging. 

What I say:

      This cream I have been using since February I purchased it since I had in spf and you guys know if you follow me on twitter (@Rebelle01) that I am very big on spf, I wear it daily. This was my first venture into the spf/suncreen moisturiser arena. As a face cream it does what it says on the packaging, it does keep my skin moisturised, and hydrated. It sinks in quite quickly,  spreads easily which I love, and there is no greasy after feel, to my skin. It lasts a really long time, which is def a plus point in my book. (yes it is STILL going strong, since I mostly wear it if I am staying inside the house these days, or if I need a moisturiser before I go out at night under my makeup)  
      The price point is very very very affordable, I paid less than £4 for this and it was 1/3 off the full price, though I am no budget fashionista, I do want to be as financially savvy as possible. As a girl with Oily skin this cream is a peach, I absolutely love it. The only downside is the spf factor, now that I have done thorough and in-depth research regarding spf, I am disappointed in regards to the amount of spf that is in this cream, it contains spf 8 where as the other two creams in this range contain spf15, so I feel we oily girls are getting jipped.

Nivea visage cream in the middle, current skincare routine.

Would I repurchase? - yes I would repurchase this cream for during the winter months dec/jan/feb

Would I recommend? - yes i would,  really like this cream, my only disappointment is the spf factor.

Would I buy full priced? - no probably not, it is always on offer somewhere.

Stay savvy my lovelies

What to Wear to Work - The Monochrome suit - Navy Blue

   

      The Navy blue blazer is a timeless classic which works with everything. Though it is summer a bright red or orange suit would be gorgeous, but if you are looking for something that is versatile, stylish (not trendy) and timeless look no further than the Navy Blue suit. The Navy suit can take you from the office, to the parent teachers meeting, to your bridesmaid dress fitting, to dinner or drinks with a suitor, to partying it up with your girlfriends like it was 1999. 

     
     Guys do not feel left out the Navy Blue suit looks great on you as well. From the England Football team to Daniel Craig as James Bond; there has NEVER been a man who does not look, stylish and poised (yes poised) in a Navy Blue suit. 

T. M. Lewin - Navy Linen suit 

Suit - H&M
Shirt - TM Lewin Cutaway 2 fold poplin
Leather courts - Barrats

   Fashion fades, but style retains enternal - Yves Saint Laurent 

Award - Liebster

So I received a Liebster Award (squeals with excitement) I recieved this award from Lisa over at Lisa's Nail Obsession. For those who are not aware what the Liebster award is I will post a little about it below.

"This little award is all about discovering new blogs and helping those with less than 200 followers to get recognized."
Here are the rules:

1. Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves.
2. They must also answer the 11 questions the 'tagger' has set for them.
3. They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag.
4. They must then choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers and tag them in their post.
5. These lucky bloggers must then be told.
6. There's no tag backs.

Here are 11 random things about me:

1. I was voted best speaker at the Mock United Nations General Assembly 2 years in a row.

 

2. I love Economics and anything to do with Economic development/financial development especially in relation to the Caribbean.

3. I love kissing.

4. I hate boiled dumplings.

5. I make lists of specific gifts I would like for special occasions (Christmas, Birthday)

6. My birthday is exactly 1 month after Christmas.

7. I learned to swim this year.

8. I love any physical activity like running, walking playing sports going to the gym etc.

9. I am a bit ocd about some things, I like things done in a certain way. 

10. I am an island girl through and through Antiguan born and bred, Montserratian heritage. 

11. I am the oldest of 7 children and the youngest of 6 children BUT I am not a middle child. (Just a very special child, lol)

Here are the answers to my questions from Lisa:

1. I started blogging because I like to write and I have always kept a journal, this seemed like a good way of writing. lol lol

2. I was born and raised in Antigua  (an island in the Caribbean) and there it is very hot and breezy.

3. My favourite outfit is  shirt/shorts/loafers.

4. no pets

5. My favourite polish is "Bournemouth" by Nails inc

6. My least favourite polish is "Something about Pink" by MAC.

7. My first boyfriend was a boy named Arden when I was about 7. lol He was nice.

8. I polish my toes any colour, I do not discriminate.

9. Favourite Tv show is Grey's Anatomy.

10. My least favourite tv show is Basketball wives.

11.  I like Soca, Reggae, R n B, Classical and any Dancehall recorded before 1999. 

My questions for my 11 bloggers:

1. why did you start blogging?

2. what has been your best vacation?

3. describe your best qualities

4. what is your favourite fruit?

5. how often do you exercise?

6. do you buy things specifically to blog about them?

7. do you like your toes?

8. what is your one clothing item you could not live without and would always recommend to others to purchase?

9. how often do you go to the dentist?

10. what did you have for dinner?

11. what perfume will you next buy?

http://i-am-driven.blogspot.co.uk/

http://orrchidslines.blogspot.co.uk/

http://blackgirlinthering.blogspot.co.uk/

http://peaceloveandglitter.com/

http://harajukugirlfl.wordpress.com/

http://www.mybeautybinge.com/

http://liquorlubeandlipstick.blogspot.co.uk/

http://formeitworks.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.makeupwishes.com/

http://www.galacticlacquer.com/

There you go guys now it is your turn to show the love to others. 

What to wear to work - TM Lewin 1898 Fresh Look Collection AW12

     Fine shirt retailer T.M. Lewin is  on the move again, they are launching a new collection of womenswear for the Autumn season. Aptly named the "Fresh Look Collection," which woman doesn't want a fresh look as she transitions into the cooler months? However instead of succumbing to the "darkness" the new collection from T.M. Lewin had been introduced with a splash of colour to their traditional tailored shirts. A warm Berry, a rich Teal and a sophisticated Watermelon are the colours to chose from the upcoming collection. 
     The designers have also added detailing to the shirts for the Fresh Look collection in the form of simple frills and stylish bows. An ode to the Victorian style era Black Plain Fitted shirt with bow & frills  White Plain Fitted Shirt with bows & frills  White Plain Fitted shirt with Frills  Black Plain Fitted Shirt with Frills. The little details on the shirts the prints, bows, frills  bring  feminine touches, that we often find must be sacrificed when purchasing work  wear clothing. These shirts will transition well from office to meet ups with girlfriends. As always these shirts are made from 100% cotton. 

The Fresh Look Collection AW12

Teal/ Black check fitted shirt - currently on display @ the TM Lewin Bristol Cabot Circus Store

Navy Dogtooth Check Fitted shirt

Warm Berry Cardigan 

Pink check fitted shirt 

    The new collection will be available in-store from the  August 6th. Ahead of the launch date I was contacted by the company and sent some material to look over and give my thoughts. In regards to the collection I love the fact that they are using colour, I always say shirts are a great way to add colour to your everyday work wear wardrobe. Even if you are in a corporate environment, a room full of colour is sure to boost the mood in the dead of winter. It is good to see a company like T.M Lewin adding new colours to womenswear, breaking away from the monotonous pinks and light blues, after summer it seems that in the UK designers give up and start making black clothing. 

My top picks are the Blue shirt with the flower pattern, the Red coat and the Watermelon checked shirt. 

To view the fresh look collection click here TM Lewin Fresh Look Collection AW12

Fashion fades but style remains eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent

Miss Mai 

Review - Nivea Pure and Natural Facial cleansing wipes

Yes another one of these lol lol

link to product ------------>  Nivea Visage Pure and Natural face wipes

What they say

Nivea Visage Pure and nautral cleansing face wipes for all skin types. combinign skin experitse with nature. the pure and Natural skincare range combiunes trusted skincare expertise with effectyive ingredients that work in harmony with your skin.

95% of the cleansing lotion ingredients are from natural origin including Aloe Vera and exotic Morrocan Argan Oil.

•  Argan oil is a natural source of Vitamin E
• Aloe Vera is knows for its hydrating and caring properties
• Gently cleanses an, removes makeup and mascara. 

Free from

• Parabens 
• silicones
• colourants
• mineral oils 
• alcohol

what I say:

These wipes smell foul, they straight up smell like egg rish rish. They had a good amount of cleansing lotion on them, not ad wet as the Garnier wipes but definitely close say 95% as much. What really impressed me was the face wipe itself it was very thick, very much like a piece of cloth. It did not stretch out or lose shape like some other wipes I have used in the past. The texture was very smooth and gentle against my skin. I quite enjoyed using these facial wipes. The solution was not drying on my face and sunk into my skin quite quickly.  I hated these I did not even finish them i would up giving half the pack away. 

Would I repurchase? - no

Would I recommend? - not really / with caution, if you like things that smell nice, these wipes are not for you.

Would you buy full priced? - will never buy again.

Miss Mai

What to wear to work - Kylie Tie Print Shirt - Blue TM Lewin 1898 AW12

     Ahead of the launch of the new Fresh Look Collection  AW12 by TM Lewin, I was asked to choose my favourite shirt from the collection and it would be sent to me by the powers that be at TM Lewin to review. I chose the Kylie Tie Print shirt, listed on the website as ---> "Blue Dot Print Fitted shirt"  however I was torn between the Melon checked shirt, which I will feature in my next what to wear to work post. I would describe this shirt as a deep blue with a 4 petal flower pattern. The material is durable but as we all know TM Lewin shirts are made with 100% cotton fabric.

      Compared to my other TM Lewin shirts the material for this shirt is a bit lighter, however this is a good thing as it makes this shirt perfect for layering under a blazer/suit jacket/cardigan/vest. The pattern and jewel toned colour of this shirt makes it a versatile piece, it can be worn not only to work, but with jeans on a day out, some linen trousers for a casual look or over shorts and a cami to enjoy the rest of the summer weather. (looks to follow in upcoming weeks)

Packaged 

Material Sample 

Shirt on hanger

Collar

The cuff - cufflinks needed asap

This shirt features:
- a soft rounded collar
- a fitted body shape
- contoured side panel and seams
- double cuffs (shirt needs cuff links, which is why I have not done any looks wearing it as yet)
- this shirt is best washed at 40 degrees Celsius (C)

To view the new collection click here TM Lewin Womenswear AW12  A review on the entire collection will be avilable next week. 


Fashion fades, but style remains eternal. - Yves Saint Laurent

Miss Mai

Review - Avene Hydrance Optimale spf 20

        Now that I have told you about my cleanser, toner  and night time treatment that I am currently using, it is time to introduce those products work for me during the day. The #1 anti-age-ing skin product is SPF, sunblock, suncream whatever you want to call it. If you want to be looking at svelte and youthful in your latter years it is important to not only invest in a good skincare regime (which I am currently trying to do) but to also invest in some sunblock. 
     The harsh rays from the sun burn not only the top layer of skin but the under laying layer as well --------> this is what causes ageing. Not any old suncreeam will do, the one you choose to put ony our face and body must be a BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreen, meaning that it contains not only UVA but UVB protection as well. 

What Avene says:

Gentle, creamy moisturiser that restores skin;s hydration and helps protect it against environmental and UV aggressors. 

What I say:

     When you read the packaging it says for sensitive skin, however my skin is also oily, so at first I was apprehensive about trying it on. I later got over my trepidation and applied some of the cream, the formula was very light, easy to spread and it sank into my skin quickly. Another thing that I do love about this hydrating cream, is that even with its fairly high spf number, it does not leave my face with a greyish tinge, or a white circle where my hairline meets my face. I use this on days when the weather is overcast and then on days that are bright and sunny I wear Nivea Sun spf. 
      A little goes a long way with this product,  which I have tried and tested for myself. The cream comes in a little handy 40ml tube , so it has been very easy for me to pop this into my bag to apply on the go, or to re-apply as and when it is needed. Please note that between the time i acquired this product and presentday the level of spf has increased from 20  -----> spf 25.

Would I recommend? - yes

Would I repurchse? - yes (though this was given to me as a gift)

would I buy full priced? - Yes it is def worth it, skin protection in a light easy to use formula.

Miss Mai