Festive NOTD - Lilac Pastel Starry Night Sky

Hello there lovely readers!

So I'm back from my holiday in the beautiful Dubai, which has completely captured my heart & then some, I already cannot wait to return next year! But for now lets get back to continuing all things FESTIVE with some suitably Christmas-y nail art shall we?

NOTD - Creme & Chrome Geometric Nails

Hello lovely readers!

Here is a quick mani I put together where I couldn't decide if I wanted me some vampy, creme or chrome nails...so I decided to go for all three! Go hard or go home right?

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter!

Hello lovely readers,

As a "mostly" nail blogger, I'm ashamed to admit I don't pay as much attention to my cuticles as I should...I know *hangs head in shame* Though I promise my moisturising game is STRONG. I always have a tube or ten about my person & it helps having an office job where I can keep one within reach on my desk to use religiously!

However going back to the cuticle situation, I am actively trying not to neglect them with the help of some nourishing oils, lotions & potions designed specifically for keeping them healthy. One product which has been repurchased a few times now by moi & never fails to do this is the divine LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter (RRP £6.95) ... rhyming gives me such satisfaction...you did good on the name LUSH.

And the fab thing about this stuff other than the fun name? Its a multi tasker! Don't you just love those? Yes this wee tub of creamy yellow goodness can be used on not just your cuticles but your entire hand for a nourishing treatment, on the elbows, knees, heels...heck anywhere that requires a bit of extra TLC. 

As is clear from the name this cuticle butter has a delightfully refreshing lemony scent to it, so if wide awake, refreshing scents are your thing then this will be right up your street. The ingredients sound like a pamper haven, including treats such as coconut oil, Shea butter, Sicilian lemon oil...mmmm.

The butter itself is a thick formulation, you only need a tiny amount to reap its benefits & once warmed up, it soaks into the skin leaving your hands (or wherever you've applied) feeling fab again. A little definitely goes a long way! I've yet to try it in such a way but I've heard that this stuff is fab for the lips too!

Have you tried Lemony Flutter? Thanks for reading!

Lotsa love to ya!

Lloyds Pharmacy SKINeffect Face Cream Review

Hello there lovely readers!

I've found myself having to crank up the hydration game lately & veer towards more intense moisturising lotions & potions to keep thine skin happy. Annoying dry patches in particular are a problem, especially with the hair removal maintenance that is a necessity (asian girl problems!) The procedure of threading/waxing can cause dryness as well as sensitivity so I also look for creams designed to soothe the skin gently whilst also moisturise such as the Avene Cicalfate Cream which has done miracles for my dry skin! Lately I've switched up my usual face cream with a new one from a skincare range exclusive to Lloyds Pharmacy called SKINeffect.

I wasn't aware that Lloyds had branched out in to the world of skincare so was intrigued to see how it fared especially noticing not only how affordable the range is but also the interesting selection of ingredients included in the products. I've been using the Active Day Face Cream* (RRP £7.99) which contains 5% HydraMatrix, an anti-waterloss complex to provide instant hydration whilst maintaining smoothness.

Free from parabens, allergens, colorants, mineral oils, petrolatum & instead containing natural skin boosters, hyaluronic acid & atomized water the formula sounds like a completely lush treat for the skin. The cream itself is thick in texture without being greasy instead feeling silky smooth which is a plus.

After I've cleansed & toned I simply dot the cream on the face & slowly massage in to the skin, I try & do this regularly & commit to facial massaging as often as possible, almost giving one a mini facial at the same time & really ensuring the cream is worked in to the skin without rubbing too harshly either.

The cream sinks in to the skin nicely without leaving a greasy residue & my skin was left feeling smoother & visibly hydrated. The formulation of this cream actually reminds me of Avene Compensating Cream, a skin care brand I am a big fan of, I think its due to the inclusion of atomized water, where the Avene contains thermal spring water, though how similar it is ingredients wise I'm not certain.  

The Active Day Face Cream has tackled the dry patches very well which is the most important factor for me & I've enjoyed using it in the mornings before going in with makeup application with its light yet smooth moisturizing formula.  Of course the fact that the range is so affordable is another plus! I'm intrigued to give the serum a go to see how it would fare compared to other higher end brands.

Thanks for reading! The SKINeffect range can be found in Lloyds Pharmacy as well as online.

Lotsa love to ya!

Disclaimer - * products featured were sent to me for my consideration. I am not affiliated with the brand nor paid for this post, this review has been as always my 100% honest opinion! :)

Miracle Product for Dry Skin - Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream

Hey there lovely readers!

With the weather currently all over the place, my skin seems to be craving a lot more moisture than usual. I'd recently noticed bumpy patches of dry skin/eczema on certain areas of my face mostly on the forehead, which has been frustrating. Especially as it made foundation patchy in those areas, looking very noticeably dry, webbed & flaky which can have a huge impact on your confidence, making you self conscious which is not a nice feeling.

Well there has been one product of late has been an absolute godsend & worked such miracles on my skin lately I simply had to share with you & its the Cicalfate Repair Cream from none other than one of my favourite skincare brands Avene.

My skin has always adored Avene, whenever I've used their products I immediately rediscover my love for the brand & it makes me wonder why I ever drifted away! A few of my favourites include their Eau Thermal Spray, a lifesaver during those hot summers, keeping the face beautifully hydrated & the Extremely Rich Compensating Cream, a lush treat for the skin during the harsher winter months

The Cicalfate Repair Cream includes micronized copper sulphate & zinc sulphate within its formula, which aid in tissue regeneration, helping improve the appearance & texture whilst also soothing your skin. As with all Avene products there is also the inclusion of their famous renowned Avene Thermal Spring Water.

This cream is pretty much multi purpose, don't you just love those? It can be used to attend a manner of skin issues including broken skin, nappy rash, stitches, bed sores, skin ulcers, post laser treatment & is suitable for everyone from babies to adults.

I applied a thin layer of the repair cream directly to the areas where the dryness was more prominant & by the next day said patches were gone...completely. I thought it might have been a one off so held off from using again, then when I noticed the dry skin returning I continued using the Cicalfate cream daily & bam...bye bye bad skin!

The formula is quite thick & initially rather heavy feeling upon application, however it smooths out easily & soaks in very well. Also due to the thick formula a little really does go a long way & your skin feels incredibly nourished afterwards.

I've also been using this when I have my threading done as of course the skin is extremely sensitive & often sore/red after (Asian girl problems!). This soothes & calms the angry skin down nicely, I've even been using this on extremely dry areas around my nails & its worked its magic on there too!

Yay for happy skin & thank you again Avene for saving the day. The Cicalfate Repair Cream will definitely be a staple product in my cupboard guaranteed, especially considering the fabulously affordable price of £7.50 & the range can be found online, in Boots & various pharmacies.

Thanks as always for reading!      

Lotsa love to ya!

A Good Nights Kip In A Jar - Temple Spa's Repose Aromatherpy Resting Cream

Hey there my lovely readers,

So here's the dealio...I like sleep...A LOT. Who doesn't?! Kipping is important to me & if there was an Olympic sport for napping I'd be a gold medalist. If for whatever reason I find myself struggling with having a decent nights sleep be it health, work, stress related then I mourn the loss greatly!  Discovering a product that promises to help aid with this & not just that but encourage relaxation & rest then I am all over it...thus let me introduce you to the delightful 'duvet for the skin that is Temple Spa'sRepose Aromatherapy Resting Cream

TempleSpa is brand I was introduced to at an event & intrigued me with its philosophy of combining spa aromatherapy with skincare to create a range of luxurious products that promise to replenish & revive. Being an avid fan of spa-ing & facials this concept definitely appealed & if I could gain such results from the comfort of home then even better! I've had the pleasure of trying out a few of their products lately, one being this little pot of loveliness which has impressed me greatly.

The Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream is a lusciously rich formula containing plant extracts, anti-oxidants & a heavenly infusion of essential oils including Frankincense & Lavender to name a couple, creating a sensuously soothing & calming aroma. If you are a fan of herbal spa scents then you will love this too.

The cream functions as both a day & night cream, but I've only been using this in the evenings when I am in need of some extra pampering. As mentioned the formula is rich however does not feel overly thick or greasy at all, instead gliding like silk on to the skin, leaving my skin feeling cashmere soft.

After completing the obligatory evening skincare steps, makeup removal, cleansing, face oil etc, I then introduce this as the last step of the ritual. A little goes a long way, I like to dot the cream onto the face, then slowly massage it in, focusing on the temple areas so it feels like I'm almost giving myself a mini facial treatment before bed. I also make sure to inhale those soothing scents whilst doing so.

I'll be honest with you, I'm quite the cynical person & was ready to think this cream to be yet another gimmicky product however, after using it & experiencing some of the most lushest sleepy times I've had in a long time...well. I am in LOVE & I can understand now why Temple Spa products are so praised. 

The Repose Aromatherapy Cream retails for £39. You can find the Temple Spa range in Harrods, Selfridges and online. Definitely a brand worth checking out, I know I would definitely be happy to be gifted some Temple Spa! 

Thanks as always for reading!

Lotsa love to ya!

Happy Feet - Winter Foot Pampering!

Hello there my lovely readers,

Now, the tootsies are a topic that no one likes to get in to too much detail about, however just because we now find ourselves in the season of wrapping up the layers, doesn't mean we should start neglecting our little feet, we do owe them a lot after all, getting us from a-z everyday, often suffering at the hands of high heel torture ;) Every now & again I like to treat myself to a wee foot pamper session to keep them in as tip top condition as possible, with the help of these few essential products that have become firm favorites of mine.

First up we have the *Emjoi Micro Pedi Nano foot exfoliating device. You may be familiar with this range available in Boots, of which I am already a fan of. I've tried & tested the MicroNail Electronic Buffer & been very impressed with the results of beautifully buffed shiny nails. Emjoi also offer a range of electronic foot exfoliaters, including this new addition which not only comes in a range of cheerfully bright colours but is also travel sized for your convenience!

The Emjoi Micro Pedi Nano (RRP £29.95) is battery operated (2xAA) & works by gently removing hard rough skin with the use of the unique anti-bacterial Flex + roller technology that contours around the foot enabling you to gently yet effectively exfoliate those hard to reach places.

Thanks to its compact size, you can easily pop the Micro Pedi Nano in your travel bag without taking up too much space & it is so easy to use, in the space of minutes you are left with smooth soft skin. I've used this quite a few times, noticing a visible difference & the little Nano has been perfect to prep the feet for the next stage of my foot pamper routine, bringing me on to my next product...LUSH Volcano Foot Mask!

I picked this up on one of my LUSH sprees, after reading many positive reviews & being very curious to try it myself. Containing an intriguing mix of ingredients from kaolin & pumice to tomatoes & papaya, Volcano (RRP £6.75) is an invigorating foot mask that also doubles as an exfoliater. The scent of the mask is quite pungent & spicy but not in an unpleasant way at all.

To use the mask apply generously to the feet, I would do this in the bath as it can get quite messy! Whilst applying be sure to rub the thick paste in well activating the exfoliation. Then whack a couple of plastic bags over your feet, I use sandwich bags which are the ideal size, & leave the mask to work its magic for about 20 minutes. During this time you'll feel a slight tingly sensation but not uncomfortable, it just means the mask is working! Once ready, remove the bags & rinse off the mask well using the shower head, a bit of rub rub rub action will be required too. Once completely clean you are left with noticeably smooth & soft tootsies ready for the final stage of my foot pamper session...moisturisation!

For this I reach for Soap & Glory's Heel Genius (RRP £5.50) which has become a Holy Grail product for me...this stuff is INCREDIBLE & blows all other foot creams out the water. Heel Genius Amazing Foot Cream really deserves that title, a thick blue gel like formula, it contains magic making ingredients such as allantoin, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol & bilberry & provides such intense hydration to the skin without the weight of a heavy cream. I apply this straight after the foot mask & immediately whack on a pair of of socks, which I keep on overnight, letting the cream soak in, really reaping the full benefits. 

Come morning you'll have smooth soft feet fit to rival a goddess ready for some pretty polish to complete your foot pampering! Me being me I can't finish this post without suggesting a polish to you my lovelies, currently I'm LOVING wearing Barry M Vanilla Matte on the toes, an odd pick perhaps but this is such a lovely lilac tinted nude, so pretty, especially when topped with a glossy top coat! Highly recommend!

And that sums up my winter foot care pampering, happy feet all the way! Have you tried any of these products? Thank for reading!

Lotsa love to ya!

Disclaimer - * products featured were sent to me for my consideration. I am not affiliated with the brand nor paid for this post, this review has been as always my 100% honest opinion! :)