Lush - Almond Kisses Moisturiser

So I have been using Lush Gorgeous Moisturiser for about a year now and the pot is nearly finished so was time to find a new moisturiser. I wasn't willing to fork out £40 for Gorgeous. Luckily Lush now have a "Kitchen" section, where they release new and exclusive items, and that's where I spotted Almond Kisses for a much more reasonable price tag of £23.50, plus I still had my gift card from Christmas with £15 on it. 

Lush Almond Kisses

As it has Rose Absolute it will help reduce redness over time, but it turns out I'm not overly fussed on the smell of Carnations, but never mind I will continue to use this as the smell isn't over-bearing. 

I find that with my skin I only need to apply a tiny amount, otherwise after a while it tends to look a bit greasy on my skin, but applying a little amount it easy if you've sprayed your toner water on first. 

Overall I am pleased with my new purchase, it does leave my skin feeling soft and I find that I only need to apply it once a day and still get the full effect. It's a bit too thick to wear in the mornings under make up, for those days I'll finish my Gorgeous moisturiser, but great for softening the skin and hopefully over time will also help to reduce some of the redness. 

Do you guys have any suggestions for a good moisturiser to wear under make up?

Thanks for reading, till next time. xx

Race for Life

So I've been a very naughty Blogger lately, my last post was well over two months ago! I have been very busy lately, but since then have also purchased lots of new stuff to show you guys. So within my next few posts I'll start taking pictures again so that I can actually start posting again.

I had started to neglect this blog when I signed up to do the Race for Life, I had never run before in my life but decided if I was going to do something, I would do it properly and signed up for the 10k. 

I was training 3 to 4 times a week which led me to became addicted to buying fitness gear. So will probably be doing a few posts on those purchases and progress as well. 

The bad news however, I fell sick about a month ago now and haven't been able to do any training, which has been completely devastating for me as I was reaching 5k non-stop on my runs. I'm hoping within the next few weeks to get back out there as the count down is on, 6 weeks until my race day, on July 19th! I will still be attending this regardless how I feel, so if anyone wishes to donate this is my site, and donations would be highly appreciated:

https://www.justgiving.com/rhiannoncownie

So that explains my lack of posts for the last two months. But I promise I will be better as I have so much to share with you guys.

Thanks for taking the time to read, hope you've all been okay.

No post on Sundays #001 #002

So yes, the title is a lie but couldn't resist it. So I've decided to start Sunday posts, so this one will be for today and last week. 

I bought tickets to see Jack Whitehall well over a year ago, and last Wednesday was finally the night, I even booked half a day off work to make sure I had plenty of time to go home and get ready. My sister joined me and we really enjoyed our night with pretty decent seats, at one point Jack was right next to us as he entered the arena. I would definitely pay to go see Jack again, but at the moment I'm just looking for any other comedy shows to fill in the time.

Saturday was a girlie day with my mum, for my birthday (back in February) I said I wanted a watch but couldn't find the right one, finally last Saturday I found the perfect watch and I love it! The past week I have found myself just staring at my watch whenever it catches me eye, I think it's beautiful.

I had recently finished reading The Book Thief which I really enjoyed reading as it's written in a really interesting way, so decided to continue the girlie day we'd go to see it in the cinema. I did enjoy the film, even if it was disturbed from the loud screen next door, but I would recommend both watching and reading this when you get the chance. 

This week was less exciting really. I decided it was time to catch up on some BBC shows that I haven't seen before. I started and finished The White Queen and soon realised how shoddy my history is in regards to past royalty, so while entraining me I'm glad I was also able to touch up on my history lessons. 

I also made a conscious point a long time ago not to watch Sherlock until I was ready, and I'm so glad I waited. I was able to watch all three seasons on my own accord and loved every episode, I know in the past I saw some fans moan but I personally loved every single minute, and would definitely recommend! I know that since I've watched it, it has been uploaded onto Netflix, so no excuses people!

Friday was my dad's birthday, so we went for a nice family meal at one of our local pubs. Although the portions weren't the best, I did enjoy going out and chatting with my family. I also believe I found the best, and funniest card ever, I couldn't stop laughing in the shop so had to buy it. Luckily it gave my dad a little laugh as well.

So I have been trying to be good with my money, hence why there haven't been any news posts of make-up etc. I am trying to wait for Urban Decay's "secret" launch party on April 18th, I refuse to leave the party without purchasing some new stuff, but if I can wait that long before purchasing any new goodies is a whole different matter. 

I went to IKEA yesterday and purchased a bedside table, been needing to get one for a year, so it was about time really! But I saw some much more I want to buy for my room, may end up with another visit to IKEA next week.

Have you been up to much? Any recommendations on any reads or things to watch? Or even any shows I can keep an eye out for?

Till next time

Ultrabland - Removing Make Up

Time to talk about the other side of make up, removing it. There are so many different ways to remove make up, and most people have tried a few different methods and brands, but I have found my all time favourite.

Ultrabland 100g

The ingredients list is very basic, rose water and rose absolute to help calm and counteract any redness, honey and almond oil to moisturise, and the main miracle worker is the beeswax. Beeswax gently lifts off any dirt from the skin, including all your make up. These ingredients will also help to balance your skins natural HP balance, so is great for all skin types. 

It's is very easy to use, apply a layer all over your face and massage well although it won't take much effort at all for it to work. 

It is so gentle, you can actually open your eyes without it stinging! As you can see by my picture, all my make up has lifted off and is ready to be removed.

I use large cotton pads, wet them in warm water and remove the Ultrabland.

Ta-da! All my make up has been removed, so quick and easy without the need of having to use a few wipes to make sure it's all gone. Previously when using other products, especially wipes I had thought everything was removed to wake up and see a thin line of eye-liner remaining, but never with this. 

It comes in two sizes, 45g - £6.95 or 100g - £10.95, this will last you a very long time, as you only need the smallest amount for each application, so I would 100% recommend this for everyone to use, once you do you'll be hooked!

Have you tried Ultrabland? Or know of any other good make up removers?

Till next time

VO5 Smoothly Does it Straightening Lotion

After testing this lotion out for two weeks, I can now give a fair verdict on what I think about it. At first the price put me off, I hadn't heard any reviews about the product at all, but decided in the end £5.99 would be a reasonable price if the product delivered what it claimed.

VO5 Smoothly Does it Straightening Lotion

Firstly to explain how to use this new lotion, the instructions advise to put between 8 - 10 pumps (for mid hair) on your hair and blow dry your hair in sections. Then straighten your hair in small sections on the highest setting and repeat 5 times.  To get the most of this product they advise to do this at least twice a week, which works out fine as this claims to last for 3 washes. I was a bit sceptical about not applying anything to my hair after the second wash, but on the instructions it does say you can re-apply 3 - 4 pumps after the second and third wash.

This lotion leaves my hair very soft and after just blow-drying I can see a difference with how straight it keeps my hair. When going for the poker straight look however I still spray my hair with Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Protection Mist otherwise for a more natural straight hair look, this stuff does the job.

I must say I am impressed and will repurchase as it leaves my hair soft and manageable, even if I don't straighten after drying. I would recommend this for anyone who is constantly straightening their hair, as you will notice a difference.

Have you tried this product yet? Or would you consider trying a product that can last for 3 washes?

Till next time

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Illamasqua Review

So the lovely ladies at my local Illamsqua stand let me try some of their products as I haven't really tried anything of theirs before. I have had my eye on this brand for a long time now, and have constantly read good things online, and now I can see why, and must admit I have fallen in love.

 

This was the look we created, we decided to go for a day time look but I loved the look so much I didn't change a thing before going out for the night. Everything I've got on is Illamasqua, so I'll give you all the breakdown of what I'm wearing.

Face:- Started off with their primer Illmasqua Matt Primer, this primer comes in two options, Matt or Satin to make sure the primer suits your skin type. Matt for oily skin, while the Satin is for dry skin. I was impressed with this straight away and it helped keep the shine away to create a matt finish all night.

The foundation I tried was Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in 8, a little amount went a long way. At first I was unsure about how the product sat on my skin, but after a few minutes I changed my mind, it had settled and worked with my skin to create a flawless look, rather than just looking like a layer on my skin. They explain that this foundation was inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balms, and I can tell you they did their homework as this blends effortlessly. The foundation is very lightweight and dries quickly onto the skin, from the moment you put it on you forget you're wearing it. 

I've only ever used powder blush, so decided to try a cream blush this time to compare. For this look the blush of choice was Illamasqua Velvet Blusher in Peaked, this is a cream to powder blush which is applied on top of the foundation, to create a blush from within look, rather than applying it on top of the powder. I really liked the look this blush achieved, and only a little bit was needed.

To finish off with the face, Illamasqua Pressed Powder in 120 was used all over, this helped set everything in place and create the matt look I personally like, although I know some people prefer to leave the powder. 

 

Eyes:- For the eyes only one palette was used, Illamasqua Generation Q: Complement Palette which comes with a cream eye-shadow that can be used on it's own or as a primer for the other colours. All of the shades are highly pigmented and I can see how easily it would be to change this day time look, to a night time look. I often go for soft neutral colours, such as UD Naked 2, so I was pleasantly surprised to see how much these plum shades suited my eyes. 

Illamasqua only have one mascara, that works to both thicken and lengthen the lashes.  Illamasqua Masquara Raven is easily applied, and if you prefer to build up your lashes I would imagine this would easily be achieved as well.

 

Lips:- I've saved the best for last, the lips! I normally prime my lips, however this time we simply went for a lip liner, Illamasqua Colouring Lip Pencil in Lust, I don't normally use lip pencils, but after this I think I see the error in my ways. The lip pencil helps create a clean line, between the lips and the rest of the face, helping define shape.  For the colour I chose Illamasqua Lipstick in Resist, the colour looked a lot darker on my lips once it was on, but I think this is my new favourite shade. 

The lipstick stayed on my lips all night, lasting for at least 8 hours without the need to top it up at all, this lipstick doesn't leave stains or marks on glasses when you eat and drink. To say I was impressed is an understatement, I couldn't believe a lipstick could last so long!

Overall my first experience with Illamasqua has been amazing, I had compliments all night on how flawless and natural my complexion looked, and the amazement of how good my lipstick looked all night. I just need pay day to come around so I can start stocking up on these items.

Update: Since writing this post, I went back to the shop and purchased the lipstick, I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing it was! 

Have you guys used any of these products before? Or anything else from Illamasqua you would recommend?

Till next time

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Beauty Crowd: Would You Rather?

1. Would you rather be able to apply eyeliner perfectly or be able to contour like Kim Kardashian?

Think I would have to say apply eyeliner perfectly, the perfectly shaped eyeliner can drastically change your look, and I've been trying for years to conquer all the different techniques and still fail. 

2. Would you rather wear foundation which is two shades lighter or two shades darker?

Lighter, I like the pale look in general as a base, then I can pick how much blush or bronzer to use on top. 

3. Would you rather wear no lipstick ever again or no eyeliner ever again?

This is easy, no eyeliner! My one true love with always be lipstick. Plus can always use dark eyes shadow instead of eyeliner if I get desperate. 

4. Would you rather give up your foundation or your mascara?

Ahh this is hard, because I could probably live without both, however as I have to pick one, I'll chose to give up mascara. The majority of the time I wear glasses, so might as well make my complexion as flawless as it can be. 

5. Would you rather apply your makeup yourself with no mirror whilst on a bumpy car journey or ask a 5 year old child to do it?

Bumpy car journey, how hard could it actually be...

6. Would you rather wear exactly the same makeup every single day for the rest of your life or drastically change your makeup every single day for the rest of your life (even if it doesn’t suit you!)?

Oh gosh, I'm going to sound boring and say the same make up for every single day. At least you'll know you'll look good no matter the occasion!

7. Would rather have dodgy brows or have patchy fake tan?

This could go either way really, if I keep my fringe then I'll pick the dodgy brows, if I grow it out then the patchy fake tan. Your brows shape your face!

8. Would you rather have perfectly white teeth or have your perfect hairstyle?

Can I have braces? If not then teeth, I manage styling my hair now, but couldn't have horrible teeth,

9. Would you rather wear the same colour nail varnish for the rest of your life or be able to change the colours of your varnish whenever you like but it’s always a little bit smudged?

I'd have to be able to change them, even if it's smudged it wouldn't bother me as I normally get bored of a colour after a few days. 

10. Would you rather have lots of scented body and perfume products that smell amazing to you but to everyone else you smell like pine tree car air freshener or have products that smell average to you but smell incredible to those around you?

If your perfume suits you, you shouldn't be able to smell it. So this is easy. Have it smell incredible for those around me.

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