Monday 31 March 2014

Lush Skincare Review: #1

 

Recently Lush Cambridge where looking for some bloggers to test out some of their skincare line, I thought this would be such a good experience because I don't really tend to 'float' near the skincare range in my local Lush store, I normally rush to the more 'existing' items that attract a lot of attention like the big, bright and bold bath bombs and ballistics. When I was younger I used to think that skincare items where boring and only adults used them. Well I was wrong. Lush play a whole different ball game.

I am going to split this review in two halls because there are quite a lot of products to get through. So get a snack and quickly make a cup of tea because I am going crazy for skincare.

1. Let The Goodtimes Roll Facial Cleanser (100g £6.35/250g £15.87) 
I'm going to start this review off by reviewing my favourite product I got to try. Let the Goodtimes roll is a fresh face cleanser that smells good enough to eat. Cinnamon, corn oil, maize and polenta give you that heaven like lift in the morning. This product was originally part of the limited edition line for Christmas but because everyone loved the product so much they have made it part of the everyday selection of Lush. And now I can see why. You mix a tiny part of the cleanser with a drop of water to create a paste-like consistency and just scrub your face with it, and then wash it off and pat your face dry with a towel. Simple. This is one of the only cleansers I use that makes my skin soft for the whole day! Amazing right? One of the touches that I love the most is that there are sprinkles of popcorn pieces in the product. Bliss in a tub, I'm stocking up!
My honest rating of this product would be: 5/5. Why haven't I found this product before?


                                       
2. Full Of Grace Facial Serum (20g £8.25) 
I can see why Lush named this product 'Full Of Grace' because the scent is delicate and graceful. With scents ranging from chamomile to help relax and Portobello mushrooms to make your skin look and feel radiant. I found this product really interesting to see that instead of a facial serum to be in a liquid form it's in a bar. I really prefer the product to be in a bar because it's effortless, all you do is get the bar and rub it in-between the palms of your hands and just directly apply it onto your face evenly. You can either use this before a facemask or use as a night cream to nourish and moisturize     your skin. Amazonian butters help to soften your skin whilst rose oils help calm your skin. So many beneficial ingredients, but there all natural.
 My honest rating of this product would be 4/5. Easily, natural and beneficial.

    


3. Skin Drink Moisturiser (45g £11.95) 
This moisturiser is a rich cream that is surprisingly light. The aim of this product is to hydrate and nourish your skin. Which it does, very well. Packed full with avocado, aloe vera, rose and orange fragrances to keep your skin soft. You apply Skin Drink like any other moisturiser, directly onto your face. I love this moisturiser because it is simple but all the right things are in this product to give you the best results for you skin .
My honest rating of this product would be 4/5. It does exactly what it says on the tub!





4. Ultrabland Cleanser (45g £6.95/100g £10. 95) 
Ultrabland is ultra rich. This product has a special place in my heart because it is so simple to use. It gets rid of any trace of makeup or dirt that you have put your face through day after day. Almond oil, rose water, beeswax and honey makes this product so simple but yet so effective. Just smooth all over your face, wait and let the magic work, and then wipe off with a cloth and your ready to go! I love this effortless product.
My honest review of this product would be 4/5. Easy and effortless.



                                   


There was my first part of my Lush skincare review, look out for my next part coming out in a couple of days!

Thanks x

Bethany Howe x

April Wishlist

Oh, what can I see? Is it the Easter Holidays in the horizon? Well yes it is! I have some money in my purse and I am wishing and dreaming about these products. Most of my friends are excited about going abroad in the holidays, well I am excited about blogging, vlogging, sleeping and shopping. So without further ado here is my April Wishlist. (You may see many of these products when I buy them in my April favourites!)

1. Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel: Apricot Nectar 
I have visited my local Revlon stand various amounts of times hoping that one day they would have the shade Apricot Nectar in stock. But alas, no trace has ever been found by me. Sure, I have some different shades that appear in the enamel line like 'Surf Spray' and 'Lime Basil' but it is just this one polish that makes me want to run a marathon for it (not really, maybe a walkathon?) I love the formula of these nail enamels, the shades are beautiful and the bottles are to cute to even look at! Hopefully I can buy this shade at a larger Boots store. P.S these shades are perfect for Spring! Watch out Apricot Nectar, I'm going to buy you this April.


2. Celestial Seasonings Tea: Sleepy Time 
There is no secret that I love tea. Three shelves of my pantry is filled with different types of tea (they are big shelves) I have recently just finished my Sleep Tea from Twinning's so I was in desperate need of finding another sleep tea. Sometimes I find it really hard to get to sleep so I find that once I have a cup of decaf tea it sends me to sleep, and it's better if I have a 'sleep' tea. When I was trawling through the internet I found a Tea company called Celestial Seasonings, of course I have heard of this tea brand before but I have never really purchased the tea because I have never seen it much in the UK. But I came across it on Amazon and I am ordering it very soon (soon = three days or less for me) it said that the tea has soothing ingredients and helps you wind down before bed. I can't wait to try this tea and also who cannot resist the packaging?


3. Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Cream Pear & Pink Magnolia
Oh Crabtree & Evelyn, you have done it to me again! Some of you may know if you follow my blog posts that I am addicted to Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams. I have three that are scattered around in my room but I have recently been browsing their website and then I saw a new line of products. Pear &  Pink Magnolia. Of course the hand cream caught my eye. With it's softening Shea butter it makes your hands so moisturised. How can I not resist?

Soap And Glory Body Milk Smoothie Star
So now that Spring is here we all need to start making an effort with our legs and a product that I have heard that makes it a whole lot easier is Smoothie Star from Soap And Glory. It said that is has a deep moisturising formula and it makes your legs as smooth as they can get. I was passing through  Boots and I smelt this. Oh my, the scent is unreal! Almond, cocoa, yogurt, oats and honey. It's a dream come true!


So that was my April Wishlist! I hoped you enjoyed this post! See you soon x

Thanks x

Bethany Howe x

Sunday 30 March 2014

A Slight Addiction: 2# Nivea Lip Butters

Ask any of my friends or family, you walk in my room and all you see on my dressing table is lip balms, lip butters and lots of tinted lip balms. I am addicted and I am proud to say it. As many of you know, the UK isn't the sunniest of places. So that's why I have so many lip care products on hand. And one that stands out from them all is the Nivea Lip Butters.

Raspberry Rose, Vanilla & Macadamia, Caramel Cream and the good old original moisturising     Nivea formula. If you look in my bag you can see the whole collection scattered in various places, my make up compartment, the bottom of my bag, in my pencil case and in my purse? Now I'm a bit worried about myself!

These lip care products are like no other. Firstly they are not lip balms but lip 'butters' which glide on my lips and make them so soft and smooth. Secondly the flavours are original but also taste so good when you put a little bit on your lips. The Vanilla & Macadamia is just heaven in a little tin. Which brings me onto my next point, they are so compact and lightweight. As you read previously they are so lightweight that I don't even know that they are 'partying' on in my bag without me realising that the whole collection is with me every moment of the day!

With the scent, packaging and the care that it does for your lips is brilliant, the price is unbelievable. Ranging from £2.25 why don't you pick one up? Or two? Or three? Or even the whole collection and be like me and have them following you around all day and night!

If you do have a Nivea lip butter well give yourself a pat on the back! you sure know how to pick a great lip butter. If not, I strongly suggest you pick one up!
Cheap, cheerful, smells great, lightweight and 'tin' full of fun!

                            
Thanks x

Bethany Howe x

Sunday 23 March 2014

Swing Into Spring Tag

I have just created this Spring tag to get everyone in the mood for spring. Swing in the sun into spring. Enjoy x

1. What's your clothing essential for Spring?
Where I live it's still quite chilly when spring approaches so I would say it would have to be my denim jacket. Perfect for our somewhat sunny Spring.

2. Mini Eggs, Cream Eggs or Malteaster Bunnys?
I'm not really a big chocolate eater but I can't pass a handful of mini eggs. Their so crunchy and Delicious! Why are they only out for Easter?

3. If you had to pick one nail polish colour for spring what would it be?
When I think of spring I think of delicate pastel colours, peach, pastel pink, green etc... But I have really been loving duck egg blue.  I think it's idyllic for spring, it's vibrant but still fun and playful. Thinking of the name 'duck egg blue' it  reminds me of and Easter egg or an egg cracking open for spring. No, just me? Deep Beth, too deep.

4. Shorts or skirts?
Well for this question I am very confused! For the last couple of weeks I have been wearing my skater skirt with my collared  shirt but I have also been recently been wearing my floral denim shorts. I love wearing them both, (but seriously am I sitting here in deep thought thinking about what I love the most?) shorts, my floral shorts.

5. Bold pink lips or nude lips?
Without a doubt it has to be light pink nude lips. I have been liking the Revlon Colourburst matte balms, my favourite has to be the shade Complex. I really love bold pink lip products on other people but I don't think they suit me! Maybe I could try later on this spring! Maybe.

6. Are you an early bird?
Well I am proud to answer this question because for months I was getting out of bed really late. (On school days) But on school days I have been waking up at 6.00am. That's a really big achievement for me. So yes, I can call myself an early bird.

7. Favourite Starbucks drink for spring?
For years and years I have been drinking  the cream frappes from Starbucks. You know when Spring starts when I start drinking the frappes again, but saying that I have been converted to the Valencia orange refresha. It was launched last summer in the UK and it is so refreshing (hence the name Beth!) Refresha's are the best in my opinion!

8.  Laying on the beach or chilling with your friends on the grass?
I always make these questions so difficult for me! I absolutely love laying on the calm beach. It's almost a treat for me because where I live we don't like close to the beach, so I would like to make the most of the beach when I can but I have recently discovered I love to sit on the grass in the bright sunshine (when it does, I do live in Britain) and laugh and have fun with my friends. I'm kinda cheating on this question but relax on the beach with my friends! The best of both worlds.

9. Do you switch up your skin care routine when Spring comes around?
Yes I do, I love to have a switch around all my 'heavy duty' products from winter to change them to a lighter product. Saying this there are some products I won't change just because I love them too much to say goodbye! My next post is about my morning routine (including skincare) if my post is successful I will make the post into a video on YouTube!

10.  What scent to you like the best? Sweet or floral?
Floral all the way!  I have a floral scented cleanser, a new Yankee candle (scent: Fresh cut roses) i can switch from my winter spices to my spring florals.

So that was my Swing Into Spring Tag! I had a lot of fun creating this tag! Please feel free to write a response to this tag and share to me your Swing into spring tag response!  I would love to read them! Have a great Spring!

Thanks x

Bethany Howe x

P.S I have now got Instagram and Twitter! Why not follow me?
Instagram: BETH_LAUREN_ HOWE
Twitter: BethanyLaurenHowe

Saturday 15 March 2014

Tea Review: TeaPigs

Now you might probably know this but I love tea, Tea in the morning, tea in the afternoon, tea for tea and tea at bed. I try to experiment with different teas that would normally be out of my comfort zone. When i was in my local cafe a couple of months ago I saw they had just stocked a new brand of tea called TeaPigs. At first I thought that the name was very humorous and when I took a closer look at the packaging of the tea it seemed to be very original. Not just for their fully recyclable packaging, and also the cardboard they use for their packaging is FSC certified (forestry stewardship council) which promotes beneficial management of the worlds forests. But for there wide variety of teas that you can pick from. Some of the teas are normal to the average human tea pallet, for example tea pigs has a tea called Everyday Brew, Chamomile and Chai Tea . But if your like me and your very adventitious with tea, TeaPigs is right up your street! Flavours so original even i was shocked when I was inquisitive and went on their website (www.teapigs.com) Their are teas wacky, weird and wonderful. TeaPigs has teas ranging from Chocolate Flake Tea to Popcorn Tea to Chili Chai and Peppermint and Licorice. If like me you like a fruity tea Teapigs has a tea called Super Fruits. As much as I like to serve it with hot water I love to make ice tea with it! There are plenty of different variety's of tea that you should check out!

Today I brought a cup of TeaPigs Everyday Brew, I normally go with Darjeeling Earl Grey and I was presently surprised that I had not tried Everyday Brew. So I thought I would share this review with you so if your near a Teapigs stockist or your have a box at home, you can grab a cup and read this review.

TeaPigs Review 1#: Everyday Brew (Signature Blend) 
Like I said before i went down to my local cafe today and I brought a cup of everyday brew. The first sip i took was the best, there were flavour combinations that I was pleased with. The tea itself was a blend of whole leaf teas including Assam,Ceylon and Rwandan. Forget about the rest of the teas out on the market, TeaPigs is the only tea for me. Tuesday is like a Monday for me, just the thought of the day ahead makes me want to stay in bed the whole day. But this tea, Everyday Brew made me feel alert, awake and for once in a good mood in the morning. Of course you can have this tea anytime of the day but in the morning it made my taste buds burst with delight. There is definitely a perfect balance of zesty to a strong flavour of the blend of the three whole leaf teas. I am being truly honest here, i would not change one thing about this tea. Perfection in a cup.

One thing that  really struck me about Teapigs is that they don't just care about the 'final product' (The tea) but when you look in-depth and appreciate the time and effort that has gone into the idea of biodegradable tea bags, pyramid tea bags and that their packaging is FSC certified you know your drinking a great tea. I think the one thing that over powers my love for other brands of tea is that Teapigs are making the customer their number one priority.    

I seriously advise you to get yourself a cup of Teapigs or run to your Supermarket (TeaPigs stockists Tesco's, Waitrose and some independent cafes) or you could just check out their website that is linked above, you can order directly from the TeaPigs website or if you wanted to be a TeaPigs stockist also go on their website and contact a member of the TeaPigs team for more information.        

Thanks x

Bethany Howe x

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Sunday 9 March 2014

February Favourites

So February has gone past so that only means one thing... My February Favourites! February has been a month where I have tried to vary what I would normally use than just using the same old product every day. So without further ado here is my February Favourites.

Before I start rambling on about the products you can purchase I would like to tell you what my favourite moment of the month was. Some of you may have seen my 'Shop I couldn't Live Without Post' If you did view the post it was about a shop called The Blueberry Store. The post was very successful with high amount of views it got and with the owner of the shop. But what made it my favourite moment of the month was that I could do what I love and interlink it with my favorite shop. Without a doubt it was my favourite moment of the month.

My first favourite item that I have been loving throughout the month of February is Crabtree & Evelyn's Gardeners hand cream. Now I talked about this hand cream in my Top Five Hand Creams Post but I wanted to mention it in my February favorites because this Hand cream has followed me around everywhere! In my bag, my pocket, on my dressing table and next to my phone. It nourishes your hands and leaves a earthy, magnificent scent that lasts for a long time.

I have been unwell recently so I needed a strong tea because I couldn't taste anything! This tea is Pukka Vanilla Chai. This is no secret but I love Chai. When I saw that this was caffeine free I a identity put it in the basket. If you like subtle teas I wouldn't recommend this tea. Even when I couldn't smell a thing I could still smell the tea before I opened the packet. The tea itself is organic herbal tea which is sweetened with cinnamon and cardamom. It's Calming and caffeine free, what's not to love?

I really like hats and I also really like the colour Mulberry. When  I saw this hat in New Look I quickly brought it. This hat is so comfortable and very walm. It's wonderfully soft with a fluffy knit. It was a great price of £1.00! It was in the sale which was an added bonus but you might not be able to buy it now but still have a look in store or online at your local New Look, there still might be time!

There is no surprise that there is a hand sanitizer in my monthly favorites but I can't help it! This hand sanitizer is from the US Bath And Body Works. The scent it Pumpkin Cupcake. I absolutely love Autumn and now that it has been and gone I thought that I could carry round a little bottle of Autumn in my bag. The scents magnificent! Cinnamon, pumpkins and much more. And it cleanses your hands as well! Yay!

A clothing item that I have been wearing non stop is my Denim Jacket from Oasis. I don't think that they sell it anymore as I got it a long, long time ago but you can get similar Denim jackets that are very cheap. I style my Denim jacket either over a skater skirt or with my mulberry jeans. I think it is a  staple piece of my wardrobe and I don't know what i would do without it.

Lastly a song that has worked it's way into my most played song on iTunes is Entrance & It All Feels Right by ParaCosm. These two songs work out as one song. They are so relaxing and seem to motivate me. You can listen to the songs separately but I recommend you listen to Entrance first then It All Feels Right. It will make sense once you listen to them both. The style of music is alternative and very relaxing!

So there where my monthly favorites, I hope you enjoyed them x

Thanks x

Bethany Howe x