Review & Swatches: Benecos Natual Mascara Maximum Volume in Deep Black & Natural Concealer in Beige

As I'm getting ready to go to Germany in about 16 hours (holiday here I come!), I thought it would be rather appropriate for my last post to be a review of some Benecos make-up I was kindly sent earlier in the month.  Benecos are a German natural beauty brand who have recently launched their extensive range in the UK, and I think they will appeal to both natural beauty lovers and budget beauty fans alike.  

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May Empties / Products I've Used Up

Is it really that time of the month again?  Here are my empties/finished products for May, and my mini reviews about whether I'll be repurchasing any of them in the future.

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Review & Swatches: Laura Mercier Folklore Summer 2013 - Illuminating Eye Colour in Sun Glow & Lip Crayon in Mayan Sun

Of all the new make-up collections that have been released so far this year, Laura Mericer's Folklore Collection for Summer 2013 has been one of the most popular.  I've seen it mentioned across the blogosphere countless times, and for good reason.  The collection is a beautiful mix of bohemian and sheer luxe, plus there are lots of metallic golds and bronzes which I love.  I have two pieces from the collection to share with you all today.

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Tried & Tested: Viridian Ulitmate Beauty Complex & Beauty Oil + Vegancity Kelp Supplements

Most people know that the secret to healthy looking skin, nails and hair is to eat a clean diet, stop smoking and drinking, always wear sunscreen and drink your eight glasses of water a day.  It's not rocket science when you think about it, is it?  Whilst I try (sometimes) to do all of the above, it's not always easy when you have work/uni deadlines, invitations for free cocktails from generous friends, and cravings for a naughty Chinese takeaway at the weekend!  One way to give your body back some TLC is to take supplements, and I've been recently trialling some from Viridian and Vegancity.

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May Books List

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Triple Review: 3 SLS Free Shower Gels from REN, Organic Surge & Laidbare

I have a quick confession to make; I have a serious addiction for stocking up on shower gels and body washes.  I must have a million in my bathroom, and more stashed away in the bedroom (OK, that's an exaggeration, but you get the picture!).  There's just something that I find oddly exciting about getting into the shower with a brand new body wash, and I've recently been enjoying using these three from REN, Organic Surge and Laidbare.

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Currently Loving: Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum

 Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum (100ml, £14.99, link)

Since hair oils erupted onto the beauty scene a few years ago, I've found myself trying out my fair share of them.  Everything from the blended ones, the properly pure ones and the ones in between; you name it, I've probably tried it.  Macadamia Oil has been my HG favourite, but will this one from Dr Organic finally steal its crown?

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Review: Neom Enchantment Limited Edition Home Candle

 Neom Enchantment Limited Edition Home Candle* (380g 3 wick candle, £42)

If you're into candles, chances are you've heard of Neom and either A: absolutely love them, or B: have them on your immediate gift wishlist.  I was in the B category for a very long time, but in the past two years, I've been incredibly lucky enough to receive some as presents from friends and family.  It's safe to say that I adore Neom candles (and everything else Neom do for that matter!), so it felt like my birthday had come early when the brand new Enchanment Limited Edition Candle arrived at my door.

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My Most Worn MAC Lipsticks & Swatches

I've been having a much needed and long overdue spring clean this weekend, which has also involved a good, long look through my make-up collection.  I took a ruthless approach and managed to get rid of a few things, as well as selling/swapping/giving away some unused and unloved items.  Included in the products that I bid farewell too were a couple of MAC lipsticks that I'd never worn, or only worn once or twice.  What was I thinking buying that bright purple Heroine when I'm a neutral lover for example?! In the end, I reduced my MAC lipstick collection to just my four most worn ones. 

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NOTD: Ciate - Pocket Money

I'm really loving Ciate nail polishes at the moment.  I picked up this shade called Pocket Money with Marie Claire magazine last month and I absolutely adore it.  It's a buttery fudge nude-pink which would be great for wearing to the office, as well as any summer weddings and sophisticated dos you might have coming up.  Trés chic with an equally chic fuss-free formula.

P.S: With the July issue of Marie Claire, they're going to be giving away a free mini Ciate Cookies & Cream nail polish and gold caviar beads set :)

What are you wearing on your nails today? 

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Review: Jurlique Purely Bright Facial Mist

 Jurlique Purely Bright Facial Mist* (100ml, £25)

I've lost count of the amount of times that these facial mists from Jurlique have been recommended to me, so when the opportunity arose to try one for myself, I jumped straight for it.  I've been using this for around a month now, so I feel like it's time for me to share my thoughts.

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Currently Using: Mascaras

Mascaras.  Oh, mascaras.  I used to have a serious addiction for them a few years ago, and couldn't go into a shop that sold them without coming out with at least one or two (or more if they were on offer!).  This addiction has calmed down since those days, but I still love trying them out.  At the moment I currently have five on the go which showcase the good, the not so good and the simply 'meh'.

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Beauty News: Balance Me Skincare Advice Chats throughout May

Balance Me are hosting several interactive skincare clinics, via their social media platforms, throughout the month of May.  Whether you'd like a free personalised skincare consulation or simply want a skincare related question or query answered, all you have to do is tweet them (and use #skinclinic) or post on their Facebook page.  

Opening hours for live chat and conversations with Balance Me experts are on the following days between 1 pm and 2 pm:  
Tuesday 14th, 
Friday 17th (Live chat with co-founder Rebecca Hopkins - ask her all of your complexion questions!)

, Tuesday 21st, 
Wednesday 22nd

, Thursday 30th and 
Friday 31st.

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Bodhi Spa Soirée Event, Birmingham

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an evening of luxury pampering courtesy of Bodhi who are currently in the process of launching brand new products to add to their Artisan Series.  It was an intimate event hosted at The Penthouse / Staying Cool at The Rotunda in Birmingham, which offered stunning views of the city.  The evening consisted of expert treatments, delicious canapes, wine & blended teas, and of course, a chance to experience the new products first hand.

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Review & Swatches: The Body Shop All In One BB Cream in 02 Medium

 The Body Shop All In One BB Cream in 02 Medium* (25ml, £12, link)

Whenever Summer approaches, I always find myself reaching for much more lighter make-up bases and have a tendency to flit between BB Creams and Tinted Moisturisers, as well as my trusty mineral foundations.  Over the last fortnight, I've been trying out this BB Cream from The Body Shop

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Currently Loving: Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub

 Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub* (200g, £28)

If you've been following my blog for a while, or simply saw my Favourites post last month, you'll know that I have a strong penchant for anything to do with coconut.  I adore the scent, and the miracle moisturising properties of coconut oil are fantastic for my dry skin.  So it should come as no surprise really that I'm currently enamoured with this delectable coconut body scrub from Essential Care (who coincidentally are also one of my favourite natural brands!).

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NOTD: Models Own - Hedonist

The sun is shining and it's a bank holiday, hooray!  To celebrate, I busted out one of my brightest, positively-in-your-face colours today - Models Own's Hedonist which is from their Hed Kandi collection last year.  I must have worn this neon coral with red and orange undertones, to death last summer, and I think it looks equally amazing on toes too.  Formula and application is great, though I do like to use a generous coat of Seche Vite on top as it dries to a semi-matte finish and I prefer these shades to be ultra glossy.

What are you wearing on your nails today?

 

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Faking the Ombre Trend with I&K Dip Dye Hair Extensions

I'm having a girly catch up with some friends this weekend which always results in the following; plenty of good food, too much booze (if such a thing exists!), and of course some dedicated playtime with all things hair & make-up.  I've admired the ombre trend from afar ever since it sprang up years ago, but after one too many hair colouring disasters from my teen years, I decided to keep mine au naturel.  However, my curiosity eventually got the better of me, and I decided it was time to experiment with some hair extensions.

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Latest In Beauty: The CEW UK 2013 Beauty Awards Finalists' Discovery Box

 CEW UK 2013 Beauty Awards Finalists' Discovery Box (£9.95, link)

The CEW UK Beauty Awards recently took place which are dubbed the 'Oscars' of the beauty industry.  Being a beauty blogger, I like to keep tabs on what's going on, and this years winners showcase some of my absolute favourite brands (talk about having good taste eh?!).  So naturally, I eagerly purchased the Finalists' Discovery Box from Latest In Beauty and was delighted when it arrived today.  

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Review: Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder

 Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder* (10g, £24.50, link)

Finishing powders tend to divide beauty junkies.  Some absolutely swear by them as the last step in their make-up routine to achieving that coveted flawless look.  Others simply prefer different products like setting sprays for getting the same finish, whilst many don't really see the point in them full stop.  Me?  I've always been on the fence about them, so how do I feel about this one from Jurlique?

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April Favourites

Here's my round up of the beauty products I have been loving throughout April; another good mix I think!

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