VitaBella Anti Aging Face Mask

Vitabella Anti Aging Face Mask

When July's Birchbox came this was one of the products that most intrigued me. It is a little bottle of face mask which you pour onto  the cloth disc in the wrapper. This then expands and opens into a face mask which you leave on your face for 10 minutes.

To be completely honest, I had never heard of Vitabella before, so did a little digging to find out about them. Vitabella combine natural aloe vera and active  natural ingredients,to reduce  the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitabella face mask contains;- natural Aloe Vera gel (for soothing and anti-inflammatory effects) Argan oil (to help repair and protect skin) Hyaluronic acid (for intensely moisturising properties) Hibiscus seed proteins (exfoliate and soften) and wheat germ oil (reduces skin drying).

Sounds impressive right? but does it deliver? I can honestly say this is one of the nicest masks I have ever used. I was worried that the actual mask would be flimsy and difficult to apply. Not so. Although you may look like an extra from a horror film. It is a breeze to apply.

The mask itself felt lovely and cooling whilst it was on. Really refreshing on a hot summer's day. There is no mess to rinse off afterwards and any moisture left on your skin can simply be massaged in. I was sceptical about Vitabella's anti aging claims, but my fine lines were definitely reduced by this mask. My skin looked absolutely fantastic after using this. However, much as I loved using this mask and the results it gave £59 for 4 masks is just beyond my price range.

This is what I love about Birchbox. It allows you to sample products that you may not have heard of. Ok, so maybe I can't afford to repurchase it (sob), but it was absolute treat that I would not otherwise had the opportunity to try.  

Were you lucky enough to get this in your birchbox? What did you think to the mask?

Balmi Blackcurrant Lip Balm.

Balmi Blackcurrant Lip Balm.

 

 

This is one of the products I received in my first ever Birchbox (or Jolie box as it was) nearly two years ago. The original was used up ages ago and I have tried other fragrances but this has always been my favourite. Sadly it is the hardest to get hold of. When it finally came back into stock in the birchbox shop I had to have it.

 

 This smells amazing. It's light and fruity, and smells like blackcurrant jelly. The Balmi Lip Balm is so moisturising without feeling heavy or oily. It is also really long lasting, so you don't end up applying it constantly. I like that it contains SPF too.

 

 The packaging is oh so cute. Some of the other Balmi lip balms now come in a square pot, but I like this style of packaging better. There is just something a little aesthetically pleasing about a rounded pot. There is a little key ring attachment if you so desire, but that would risk it being left somewhere where the kids can see it. I prefer a little pot which you apply directly to your lips rather than using fingers. Less mess and more hygienic (until your kids get their grubby mitts on it).

 

This really is a lovely product to use, and was oh so worth waiting for.

Korres Shower Gel

 

Korres Shower Gel.

 

 

 

I think that Korres produce some of the nicest shower gels available. When I saw that FeelUnique were selling a shower gel duo for £8 (delivery is free) I couldn't resist. The duo I chose contained a Jasmine and a Japanese Rose fragrance and are both 250ml sizes.

 

Korres is a brand that is not tested on animals and is free from mineral oils ,silicones and parabens to name but a few nasties. The shower gels are a 92.1% natural content, and are suitable for vegans.

 

I can't tell you just how wonderful these both smell. The fragrance lasts well on the skin without being over powering. They give a rich lather, and are really gentle and moisturising. A little goes a long way, so they are also good value for money.

 

My favourite is the Jasmine, but only by a fraction. There are so many other delicious sounding shower gels that I want to try. I think this could end up costing me. Have you tried any of these? Which would you recommend?

 

 

 

 

Balance Me Super Toning Super Body Wash

 

 

Balance Me Super Toning Super Body Wash

 

 

 

  As I am sure a lot of you will have seen last month's Glamour magazine was giving away a choice of 4 products from Balance Me. I have tried a few things from their skin care, so was curious to see how their bath and body products would compare.

 

  If you haven't come across Balance Me before, they are British brand who produce beautiful natural products that are free from many nasties including parabens, sulphates and mineral oils. From the previous products I have tried, I really like the brand.

 

 Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash aims to improve skin tone, soften, smooth and encourage good circulation. It contains juniper (good for cellulite, and eczema), bergamot (good for eczema and psoriasis), geranium (good for ski conditions and keeping skin supple), and lavender (good for skin conditions).

 

 For me the overriding fragrance comes from the bergamot - think a lighter and fresher version of earl grey tea. I really like the fragrance of this as I am not really one for lavender scents, and found it really refreshing in the hot weather we are enjoying. The body wash produces a gentle foaming action and you really only need a small amount. My skin was certainly softer and didn't seem as dry after showering. I can't say that I noticed an immediate toning effect, but it is maybe too early to tell.

 

This is a lovely body wash, from a lovely brand. I will definitely look to buy more from the range. I think I will definitely be putting Balance Me on my wish list.

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in 005 Muse.

                                           Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in 005 Muse.

                                                                             

 


 Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in 005 Muse is a lipstick I have ben wearing quite a lot now that we have finally had some nice weather. I think that this bright pink is a really pretty shade for summer, and a very wearable shade for the daytime.

 

 

This lipstick really does stay put once it's on. I think this is is of the most long wearing lipsticks I have tried., giving a good 5-6 hours of wear time, despite whatever I have had to eat or drink. When it does wear off it fades evenly.  Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede is a matte lipstick which I find does not ry my lips at all. Hover the texture is a little weird and probably not to everyone's liking. It glides on smoothly enough, but then it remains a little tacky. I can cope with this, as I prefer the tackiness to lipstick that completely dries out my lips. I rate this lipstick very highly and can see it being a staple product for the summer.

July 2013 Empties.

                                                              July 2013 Empties.

                                                                    

  I really can't believe we are more than half way through the year, where has it all gone? July has been quite a busy month for me. The end of the school term for the kids, a family holiday and a new job on the horizon. After 10 years of working permanent night shifts I will be re-joining the land of the living and starting work in the daytime.

  I am really trying to use up products that I have had lurking about for ages as well as the numerous samples I seem to have amassed. In August I am setting myself a month long spending ban so that I can concentrate on enjoying the products I already have.In particular need of using up were the things I keep in my travel bag, as they always seem to slip my mind.

 Boots Essential Nail Polish Remover isn't  a particularly glamorous start to this month's empties, but we have to start some where. This is a cheap and cheerful product. It's effective at removing my polish and doesn't smell too horrendous. Will repurchase in the future.

 Natio Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser features in an earlier empties post so I won't dwell too much on this. I like this a lot and once I have used up my samples I will repurchase the full size.

 Lancôme Hypnose Mascara is my all time favourite mascara. I always have one of these in reserve. It gives length and volume and makes my puny eye lashes look fantastic. It is an amazing mascara and I love it dearly.

 Lancôme Genifique is my favourite serum. It does wonders for my skin, it softens and brightens my skin. Have never found anything quite like it and have two bottles to use up before I can allow mself to buy the new advanced formula.

 MOA The Green Balm is the tiny little pot. It can be used for multiple purposes. I have had a really annoying flare up of eczema between my fingers and on my wrists and this has cleared it up nicely. It has also worked wonders on the grazes and scuffed knees of my boys. This tiny little pot went on for ages and I have bought a replacement.

Natio Clay and Plant Face Mask Purifier is another sample that I have really enjoyed using. This is a lovely clay mask. It isn't too drying, and doesn't set like concrete so is actually quite comfortable to have on your face. My skin is definitely clearer and brighter after using this. I have a few other face masks to use first, but will buy this again.

 

Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover is something that I have had stashed in the bottom of a drawer for ever. This is the older formula, and I really liked it. Good value for money, removed my eye makeup easily and didn't leave that nasty oil slick that some removers leave behind. Botanics have since changed the formula and rumour has it that the new and improved isn't as good. I don't think I will buy it because of that.

 

Umberto Giannini Intense Beauty Conditioner is a mini I have had in my travel bag for ever hence it's very battered appearance. This conditioner was ok, but it wasn't anything special. I also think the full size is over priced for the decidedly average results it gave. Will not repurchase.

 

Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine Shampoo gave slightly better results, but still nothing particularly impressive. Another item I won't be buying again.

 

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is another of my all time favourite beauty products. A dab under foundation gives the most amazing radiance and really is a fantastic primer. My favourite use for this is as a face mask, as it really brightens my skin. Already have another of these in reserve.

 

Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream featured in last months empties so again I won't dwell too much on this. I really do like this moisturiser and have a full size replacement ready.

 

 

Osmo Blinding Shine Shampoo seemed to go on for ever. I bought this after using an intense hair mask from the same range and being impressed. Sadly this didn't live up to expectations. My hair wasn't noticeably shinier for using this, so won't be repurchasing.

 

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream is another favourite product. This really does do wonders for my hands. It is soothes, calms and moisturises. This is what I reach for when my hands are really chapped and sore, and it soon sorts them out.

 

The Body Shop Hemp Body Butter was part of a hand care set I got for my birthday. I like the hemp hand cream, but am not convinced on it as a body butter. Yes it is wonderfully moisturising, but I find the scent too much all over the body. Will not be repurchasing this.

 

Ted Baker Body Scrub is the last of this month's empties.  This is a thick scrub and I love the smell of the Ted Baker range. It is a good scrub, but I prefer the soap & glory ones, so I don't think I will buy this again.

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Hand Cream.

                                             Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Hand Cream.

                                                                           

 

It's fair to say that I have quite an obsession with hand cream. I get through tonnes of the stuff and usually have 2 or 3 different ones on the go. This is a recent addition to my enormous stash, but as I have now used most of  it I thought I would share my thoughts on it.

 

Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom hand cream comes in an 80 ml tube. The tube itself features a  pretty floral design which has a retro feel in keeping with the brand, and is very pleasing on the eye. It's a nicely sized hand cream, containing enough to be value for money, but still in a tube which can easily be thrown into your bag. I like this kind of tube as you can squeeze every last drop out without having to resort to cutting the top off.

 

The hand cream itself contains coco butter, which makes for a highly moisturising formula. I must admit, I do really like coco butter for it's moisturising properties. This hand cream is wonderfully light, it leaves no greasy residue whatsoever, and is absorbed very quickly. I found the moisturising effect to be very long lasting. Some hand creams feel nice for half an hour or so, and then your hands are dry again. Not so with this little gem.I think this is one of the nicest hand creams I have tried, and would say it is as good as the body shop hand creams which I absolutely swear by. 

 

It smells absolutely heavenly. The cherry blossom fragrance is light and sweet without being sickly, and reminds me of a fruity ice lolly. I bought mine for about £6.99 which I think is a reasonable price for a high quality hand cream. I certainly paid more for less effective hand creams. I will most certainly be buying this again, although I think I may buy the mocha orange one from the range first.