Perfectly Pink Pepperpod.

If I had to pick a Molton Brown scent that I could happily live out the rest of my days with, Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod would win the race each and every time. The Bath & Shower Gel is a treat I relish, It will always make me happy. So, imagine my delight when Molton Brown released an Eau Fraiche in the very scent that had always made showertime that little bit more special. Cue a very happy blogger. 

To bring the uninformed into the know, PPP is a irresistable blend of Pink Pepper, Tangerine (Top Notes) Ginger, Black Pepper (Heart) with Oakmoss & Patchouli at the base. I won't remind you about my on going obsession with pepper & ginger. It was meant to be. 

Those up to speed with Molton Brown might be wondering why it took me so long to get my paws on the scent, but despite the recipe for success I was put off by whisperings of poor staying power. Well my friends, It's true. If you're looking for that delightful fragrance to hang around all day, you're looking in the wrong place. To be frank, the longevity is embarrassing. I sprayed it on my wrists before sitting down to write this post and I'm struggling to smell it already. It hangs around marginally better on clothing but skin? Close but no delicately scented cigar. 

I took the plunge because I was walking into it with my eyes open. It is essentially an elegant body spray, ideal for layering or freshening up with, but don't try and overreach with it. If you're really intent on keeping it around, try using in conjunction with the rest of the range. 

To keep with the theme of alliteration, it truly is Imperfectly Perfect Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod. 

xx

Ode to Origins.

As a perpetual beauty enthusiast (fickle product fiend) It's rare for me to build up a lasting affinity with a brand. If you find me going back again and again to multiple products, you know it's the good stuff. 

After an initial accidental encounter with the brand (a very generous but unrequested Christmas haul) I found myself pleasantly surprised with what they had to offer. I appreciate the no nonsense approach when it comes to skincare nasties, but It's done without the healthy dose of patchouli soaked self righteousness that often comes with it. Yes they're proud of it, but it seems to strike the balance between natural and a little bit slick. 

Now, what is there to shout about? A Perfect World moisturiser is the only moisturiser I have gone back to multiple times over recent years. I find it strikes the right balance between nourishing yet light. Throw in that refreshing brand of scent that Origins do so well and I'm sold. 

If you're even halfway familiar with Origins, you'll undoubtedly have sniffed the Ginger Essence at least once. I've banged on repeatedly about the wonders of this fresh ginger aroma but it really is a beaut. The last time a package from Origins arrived I was welcomed by the very scent when I opened the box. Dreamy. 

Last but not least is the latest addition to the family. Hello GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. A few days in and it's already an integral part of my morning routine. A soft pearlised eye cream that's packing with light reflected goodness and de-puffing wizardry. It's a real treat. 

Origins, I salute you. 

xx

It's a Coral Thing.

It's no secret that Coral makes me happy. My love for it is strong and everlasting. But, when it comes to that love, I tend to hop around on the shade spectrum. What is a true Coral? Some people would immediately pop it in the peach camp, others firmly in the bright neon red end of things. Others would match it in the orange family. To be honest, I don't really spend too much time sweating over it, I just love me some Coral.

 

Out from the Archives comes an oldie but a goodie, Barry M 296 Coral. Yep, Barry has gone there and he's firmly planting his coral leanings in the orange/red camp. 

This is a bold bright coral that is (dare I say it) soo hot right now (Sorry) and It makes me happy every time I look down at my nails. Winner. 

Sidenote, a notoriously difficult colour to capture, as you may have noticed, my fancy camera has well and truly been sidetracked and the trusty iphone/instagram combo has come up trumps. If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful summer pick me up, look no further. It definitely has something of a Chanel Holiday about it...

xx

One Heck of a Blot.

Yes, I know I raved about Rimmel Stay Matte. Yes, I did say I wasn't much a powder girl and one powder was enough for me. Yes, I have gone and bought another one. It happened, I'm not sorry. 

Before I begin. Rimmel Stay Matte is perfectly sufficient, it's an absolute steal for the money and it still rates as a very good product in my book. But for some reason I've noticed recently it wasn't looking to hot on the occasional day I needed to reapply. Once is enough my friends. I was looking a little Once, Twice, Three Times a Cakey Lady. 

I took a hint from fellow Stay Matte advocate, Estee and plumped for the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot. As a non-offensive translucent powder I knew I was on to a winner. It's helped along the way with a smooth non drying texture and a kick ass mirror that is far superior to the likely-to-smash-into-a-million-pieces Rimmel powder. As far as staying powder it definitely helps to reapply in the afternoon if you want to stay super matte, but I don't mind a little afternoon 'glow' showing through. 

For £11, Rimmel wins out on price, but I'd pay this anyday. 

Truly Soap & Glory-ous. Boom.

xx

Bourjois Bronzing Primer.

What can I say, Bourjois are firmly back in my good books with their recent offerings. First came my star high street product of the month/year, the Cream Blush. Now they're following on with a delectable selection of bronzing products to fake a glow. Where the British 'Summertime' falls short, Bourjois delivers.

Enter Bourjois Bronzing Primer. 

Like the much talked about 'Chocolate Bronzer' the Bronzing Primer comes with the same 'Addictive Fragrance' (really?) as the rest of the range. I'm not unfussy about the smell but it really is a bit of a gimmick, give me an unscented bronzer and I'm not going to moan about it. 

Bonus chocolate scent aside, why has this product sent my blogger spidey sense into overdrive? Does the picture below look familiar? 

  

Soleil Tan de Chanel anyone? At first glance it's a definite doppelgänger. Both pleasantly scented cream bronzing products that can contour your way to a bronzed visage in a moment products. On closer inspection they don't run so parallel but for a penny under a tenner, I'm sold.  As the perpetual pale Pauline I don't tend to mess around with bronzing products on a daily basis. Therefore dropping serious dollar on the Chanel alternative just isn't up there on my list of priorities. 

I've had a chance to compare both and whilst the Chanel holds a firmer consistency and the Bourjois is more a of a true whipped mousse. The end results are ever so similar.  It leaves a soft finish that doesn't look greasy or powdery so going in with a foundation or blush/highlighter isn't an issue.

To provide a rather scary idea of the colour, it packs a real punch until blended out. Used with a synthetic brush, it gives a really soft contour and bronzed look that you can leave as it or go over with a foundation if you want a subtle glow. On the rare occasion I'm feeling tan-tastic, this primer is the perfect choice. 

Bourjois really seem to be emerging as one to watch this Summer, bravo! 

xx

Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser.

OK, I admit it. This popped through my door, I took one look at it and just put it in my 'to consider' pile. Nivea Moisturiser? Snooze. 

In my haste I neglected to give this the proper once over and it was only when It appeared on a few other blogs and I read those reviews I actually decided to give it the time of day. I know, total blogger behaviour right there.

If I had taken two seconds to utilize my own brain I would have realised that this is a miniature revelation in the moisturiser department for me. So, why would a seemingly standard Nivea moisturiser have me bouncing off the walls? Because my friends, I am the ultimate lazy Susan when it comes to moisturising. I try to be good, but the waiting around for it to sink in and the added effort to slather my body with cream when I'm already running late means it's often neglected. 

Oh, did I mention you can apply this in the SHOWER? Yes, the fricking shower. It's a wash, apply, rinse off, done kinda job. 

And the angels sang. 

Is it glamorous? No. Will it leave you smelling like a juicy peach/coconut dream/insert tropical whiff here all day? No. Does it save me a step and leave me sufficiently moisturised? Yes. 

I will concede, it doesn't leave you silky smooth like a baby but if I'm rushing to get out of the door midweek I'm not looking for silky perfection. Give me quick and easy. Wham, Bam, Thank You Nivea! 

For a couple of quid, I'm there. 

xx

*Provided for consideration.