Vineyard Peach Body Lotion.

When The Body Shop happened to mention that the Vineyard Peach range was back in action my beauty blogger senses were tingling off the chart. If there is one scent I can't resist, it's a little bit of fresh peach. 

The Vineyard Peach Body Lotion* couldn't be more perfect right now. Where others rave exclusively about the much famed Body Butters from The Body Shop I think we all need to take a moment to pay homage to the humble body lotion. In this hot, humid weather we've been having ain't nobody got time to sit around letting a rich moisturiser sink into there skin. Enter the lotion. A couple of pumps and your away. Wham, Bam, Thank You The Body Shop.

As far as the scent goes it couldn't be closer to the amazing scent of freshly picked peaches. I dutifully did a sniff test between the lotion and the cut peaches used to photograph and they were tantalisingly similar. 

You can shop the rest of range here, in fact they're offering great savings at the moment! 

xx

*PR Sample, but genuine love!

EDIT: Definitely just snapped up the shower gel & body scrub at a bargain price (40% off, shh!) 

The Nail Update: Summer.

3 for 2 knocked at the door, I bought three, plus one... 

I don't know if it's the burst of sunshine that the UK has been basking in, or the sudden desire to get a bit tropical in the nail department but brights are firmly back on my talons.

Essie Not Just a Pretty Face 

Yes, I know it's not a tropical explosion of colour but it's the pretty pink nude I've been craving for an age. After previous perilous experiences with the Essie nude family (I'm looking at you Sugar Daddy) I was slightly dubious about taking the plunge, but it really is a beaut. Three coats and your away. 

Barry M Gelly Polish in Papaya.

Even the name makes me want to swing in hammock on a tropical island with cocktail in hand. Consistancy wise the Gelly range is magic. Two coats and you've got the perfect shiny nails that far outshine their affordable price point. Bravo. The colour is the perfect bright peach, If you're not too keen on going all out this is the perfect gateway polish to brights. 

Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish in Blue No Blues.

This polish strikes the perfect balance between a pastel mint and a bright turquoise. It's tropical party in a bottle. What makes this even more of a winner is the wide brush and foolproof application. For Lazy Susan's like me this is holy grail. 

Models Own Pink Punch.

The Ice Neon drew me in, the bottle promised wonders. It delivered a bit of a damp squib. I will concede that I've only tried it on a bare nail and maybe a white undercoat with pep this up. I'm hoping this will deliver the neon pop it promised once I've given it a proper whirl! 

What are you sporting this summer? 

xx

NEOM Real Luxury Organic Body Oil.

I'm a bit of a body oil buff. I'll use it whenever & wherever I can to get a bit of a moisture fix. It will always trump a body butter/lotion in the speed department and for that reason alone I can't get enough. 

Let me introduce my new favourite addition, the NEOM Organics Real Luxury: Organic Body Oil.* 

I've dabbled in their to die for candles in the past but branching out into the body care line was a new, and very pleasurable experience. If you're looking for a range of organic but oh so chic body products, you really have come to the right place. The big punch of Lavender, Jasmine & Brazilian Rosewood delivers the perfect indulgent spa fragrance that you'd expect from NEOM. It's like an instant spa day wrapped up in a perfect glass bottle.

The oil itself isn't heavy or overwhelming. It sinks into the skin at lightening speed but still leaves the skin feeling hydrated and smelling divine. Apply this after jumping out of the shower in the morning and you'll feel indulged and pampered before you hit the morning commute. Bonus. 

I'll end with a quick word about the ingredients. 97% Certified Organic & 3% Natural Ingredients fly pretty comfortably with me. It's full of good stuff so I'm going to shout about it. My only slight advisory note is a fairly obvious one: If you're sensitive to essential oils, go easy. The £30.00 price tag doesn't put me off considering a little goes a long way and you're getting what you pay for. Luxury, quality, indulgence. 

xx 

*sent for consideration

GHD V Gold.

Backstory: I've been using straighteners held together with electrical tape for months. It involved a chair and a lack of awareness. RIP Cloud Nines. 

Now, I could have gone back to Cloud 9 and re-ordered the same straighteners. But I'm a fickle beauty consumer who likes to try new things...enter the GHD V Gold Classic Styler. 

I've had GHD's before, in fact it was where my love of incessant straightening came from. Nowadays I'm not too obsessive about having poker straight locks but running some irons over my blow dried barnet is still an essential part of my haircare routine. 

It's clear that these irons have bucked up their ideas since we last parted ways. The heating time is incredible, 30 seconds is a conservative estimate and they felt sleek and smooth when gliding through my hair. The only feature that lacks on this model is a temperature control, but if I was being honest it was always whacked up to the highest setting anyway... 

As part of the sweet deal from Feel Unique, I recieved this rootin' tootin' heatproof bag to store my new irons in. I'm not overly excited by fringing but it should avert a similar fate to my old pair of straighteners. 

Let the sleek times roll. 

xx

July 2013 Glossybox: Seaside Splash.

Summer, Summer, Summertimeee. Could this bright aqua, coral reefed beauty have arrived at a more appropriate time? I think not my friends. Enter Glossybox's July offering. 

Pour me a Pina Colada and get me to the beach, you've put me in the mood Glossybox! 

Adorable packaging aside, what's nestled beneath the coral tissue? 

This month: 

Alterna Haircare Bamboo Style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist 

Sleek Make Up Pout Paint in Pin Up & Cloud 9

Ciaté Paint Pot in Mistress

Coola Organic Mineral Face SPF 20 Rose Essence Tint

Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me Facial Spritz

I'll be completely Honest Abe here. Last month I thought the box less than impressive, but this month they've completely redeemed themselves. The Ciaté polish is a complete winner. The bright red hue is a particular favourite of mine. To continue with the red theme, the Sleek Pout Paints are an absolute hoot to play with, despite the colours being a bit out there, mixing them to a complete Barbie pink was really fun. I'd love to look into different shades as the pigmentation and staying power is amazing. I popped the Anatomicals Facial Mist straight into my handbag as it's been hot as hell trying to run around at work this week. The refreshing scent is also divine. Boho waves aren't my usual bag, but the Alterna Texture Mist gives good waves. Just spritz and scrunch. Done. Finally the Coola Sunscreen Tint is a real little gem, a proper little suncreen with a tint is something i'd consider buying full size for holiday times. 

This month's offering is hot to trot. Bravo! 

Available HERE. 

xx

*provided for consideration

HD Brows.

Can you bloody believe I haven't ever gone and properly talked about HD Brow'ing on here? As a bonafide brow obsessive I've even shocked myself a little bit. 

So ladies & gents, let me present my two pennies worth about being HD in the Brow department. So, what makes HD'ing better than just waxing/tweezing/threading/filling etc etc. Well to cut a long story short it's all of these techniques rolled into one. Overkill? Never. 

So, we're talking. 

Step 1. Prep & Assess. A quick chat about what you want to achieve. I discussed how dark I wanted to go & my main goals (neat defined brows but keeping the natural thickness). 

Step 2. Tinting. This time I went for a black tint which when it was first suggested made me wince a little bit, but when I discussed which brow powder I usually go for, was assured it was the best choice. 

Step 3. Waxing. 

Step 4. Trimming. All hair is brushed up and the longest ones are trimmed down. 

Step 5. Threading. Used to make sure even the shorted hair is caught! Definitely the most uncomfortable part but not unbearable. 

Step 6. Tweezing. Getting rid of those pesky strays! 

Step 7. Finishing touches. Powder or pencil to fill in any gaps. 

So, how did it work for me? 

BEFORE.

Looking slightly unruly & wild... 

AFTER.

They're defined, neat and tidy but don't look too 'done'. Exactly what I wanted. It may seem like a lot of work for two small bit of hair over your eyebrows, but hey, I'm a brow girl. 

My HD Brows cost £20 but cost can vary. If you're trying to get some real shape back in your brows or are preparing for a special occasion/wedding etc. I couldn't recommend it more.

Are you in the HD brigade? 

xx 

BeauteCo Box.

It's the time of the month when Glossybox once again rules supreme, but before I start to dissect the Glossiest of Boxes, I'm going to throw another offering into the mix. 

BeauteCo Box is a sample box with a twist. Instead of being completely surprised with what pops through your door on a monthly basis you can choose from three possible 'menus' so you get the box that you fancy. 

Inside my box I went for this combo: 

Neal & Wolf Elevate Volume Lotion (full size) 

Neal & Wolf Harmony Intense Repair Treatment (full size) 

Pukka Radiance Serum (10ml Sample) 

Art Deco Kajal Liner (full size)

Art Deco Shadow Base (full size) 

At £10 + £2.95 delivery (like for like with GB) this particular box certainly delivers on value. If you tot this lot up it definitely exceeds the pennies you fork out. 

I'm particularly interested in giving the Art Deco shadow base a whirl and a serum always pleases me. 

So, to round it up. Pros & Cons. 

Pros. 

Choice: If you like a choice, this could be for you. It cuts out the uncertainty of receiving products that just aren't for you and you'll get a box full of goodies that will be enjoyed. 

Lack of box: Some may see this as a con, but with GB's coming out of my ears, I quite like the fact that your box is the postal packaging. It's always an Eco Friendly bonus too!

Cons. 

Choice: This is actually my main gripe with BeauteCo Box. I actually quite like being surprised. It's fun to try new things and be introduced to completely new brands without knowing what you'll get. Yes, you do get complete howlers occasionally but more often that not you strike gold. This reason alone means that it doesn't set my world alight. 

Product range: In my box this month the majority of the brands have already done the Beauty Box circuit numerous times. It doesn't fill me with much hope that this really is a new, interesting BB service that is bringing much to the table. It's a perfect choice if you don't like surprises. But what can I say, I'm a surprises kinda girl! 

BeauteCo Box is available here. 

xx

*provided for consideration.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum. Lash Surgery?

Obvious Newsflash. I like lashes, I like brows. I like them big or not at all. But, I'm also a keen advocate of the "natural' look. On a daily basis, I can't be bothered with cumbersome falsies & the thought of sitting still for over an hour whilst lash extensions are applied sets my already challenged attention span on edge. 

So, the idea of a serum I can whack on before I hit the hay is right up my street. 

Enter Elizabeth Arden Prevage Clinical Lash + Brow Enhancing Serum (I do love a catchy name...) 

Now, I've been giving this a good go. Nightly for about a month and a half. If I'm going to rave about a lash serum, It's going to get a proper going over. 

We better start with an obligatory 'Before' shot. If you want a closer look, a conveniently timed mascara post here shows you with a without help. 

 They're not awful, they're just pretty standard lashes. But like the lash-a-holic I am, I wanted fluttery lashes to be proud of. 

The serum applies like a liquid eyeliner. Just pop on your lash line before you go to sleep, or whenever it takes your fancy (It's seriously addictive). It's an almost seamless addition into my existing night time routine that makes it all the more appealing. 

I stayed away from the brows as lets be honest, they're already fairly mighty on their own. 

 Now, are we ready for some seriously close up eyeballs. I'm as unsettled by it as you are. 

They're longer, fuller and a little bit lusher. It's not an overnight success & I'd certainly contest the 'as little as 2 weeks' claim by EA but heck, I'm one happy bunny. It's exactly the result I wanted. A little bit of extra oomph without being too OTT. Maybe I'm born with it, you'll never know! 

Add some mascara & the results really shine through. Just a quick slick of the same mascara used in the before post & it's an instant winner. It's filled in sparse bits and given my a fuller set of eyelashes. Shall I stop now?

Now, the price is a little steep ( RRP £85 for 4ml) but considering a set of good lash extensions can set you back at least that, It's an investment I'm willing to take. If you've got the patience, I'd take the plunge.

Available here. 

xxx

*provided for consideration.