A Review: Lush Porridge Soap

Lush Porridge Soap

Vegan

I would like to start off by saying how much I love Lush. As a concept, brand, store...everything about them is just, well...lush! I am not overly taken with the organic craze or anything, but I do like to think that the more natural ingredients in a product, the better it will be for my skin. I wouldn't say I have overly sensitive skin, but some ingredients are too harsh and cause me to breakout or have dry patches. Hence of late I have been trying more and more products from the likes of Lush and The Body Shop. Both of these stores are ridiculously generous with samples...I guess it depends which stores you go to, some may have nicer staff than others, I'm lucky to have the friendliest people working in my locals! Every time I go to Lush I always get samples, or they are giving away freebies...last time I went in for my Tea Tree Water Toner, which was all I paid for, but I came out with a Ma Bar, sample of Vanishing Cream and a real fruit smoothie! Customer service, when it's good, leaves a big impression on me, and I'll always go back for me! On with the review...

What Do I Think?

For anyone who is not familiar with Lush and their infamous soaps they are basically freshly made, come in HUGE chunks and you can decide how much/little you want to purchase. I have had my fairly large chunk of Porridge Soap for about 4/5 months I think, and it's still going strong! This particular soap has a creamy consistency which give it really moisturising qualities, and it is perfect for exfoliating because it contains real porridge oats all the way through. This soap also contains real orange juice, so it has an extra fruity edge, even better for the mornings! It smells A.M.A.zing :) If I could eat this soap, trust me I would! The Lush website describe this soap as "the very best way to start the day: a helping of porridge oats with lashings of delicious molasses. Ideal for sensitive skin; irresistible to everyone else".

Where Is It Available?

Lush is available nationwide, instore and online...and is WELL worth a visit! You get used to the strong scents soon enough :)

How Much Will It Cost?

The Lush website states £2.56, but I'm not sure what quantity this is referring to. The larger the chunk of soap, the more expensive it will be I guess!

Would I Recommend It?

Indeed I would :) I really do love this product, and not just because I'm an exfoliating addict! Using this means if I'm in a rush I can skip body moisturising, and extra time in the mornings is never a bad thing! This makes me want to try each and every one of the Lush soaps...better get cracking ;)

Star Rating:

5/5

I'll Keep You My Dirty Little Secret...

Someone somewhere did a post about their dirty beauty secret, for example not taking off make up before bedtime...

At the time I didn't think that I had a dirty secret...OK so there might be the odd occasion, maybe 5 times a year, where I don't take my make up off before I go to bed, and if I get a spot with an ugly head on I'll pick it...but I don't think that is anything too wild or out there!

Something that has occurred to me of late, in conjunction with my nails having grown and my obsession with painting them all the time, is that I DO have a dirty little secret...

...I pick off my nail polish. ALL the time! If it chips then it's probably going to be about 15 minutes before it gets too much and I start chipping it away. It almost feels unlucky to leave it there, all chipped and undignified! Inevitably there is not always time to pick off all of the nail polish from 10 fingers...what can I say, at the time these fatal flaws do not occur to me!

So there we have it, my dirty little (beauty) secret is out in the open! If you happen to see a trail of chipped nail varnish, I'm likely to be at the end of it!

What are your dirty little secrets?!

♥

In and Out - July

Goodness gracious, will I ever get used to how quickly the months pass by?! July is my favourite month of the year, partly because my birthday falls in it (28th!), but mainly it stems from my school days, where July obviously spelled the start of the summer holidays. Also, because I am a Christmas obsessive, after my birthday I can start getting excited for Christmas ;)

IN:

Birthdays ~ I turned 23 this week and I am SUCH a kid, I get so excited! This year was pretty quiet, given that I have zero pennies, but I had a lovely day getting spoilt by my nearest and dearest :) Thank you to everyone for making my day extra special, I love you all! From my parents and sister I got an 8gb iPod Nano, from Colin I got my Bug Jam 23 ticket (already attended) and a fabulous make up goodie bag (chosen by himself, wow!), apparently there is something else to come too(!), and from my 'in-laws' I have to be free at 6.30pm next Wednesday...I'm excited! I also got some money (much needed!), some gorgeous jewellery, some MAC and PIMMS ;)

Anniversaries ~ Colin & I celebrated 5 years together today (I say celebrate, but he's at work, so not huge celebrations!). We've certainly had our fair share of ups and downs, but we get through it all and come out stronger. Even though we drive each other up the wall sometimes, he honestly is my rock and I adore him ♥ On another note, my Grandparents celebrated 54 years together on the 29th, which is simply amazing and I can only aspire to that!

Working ~ Yes, you heard me correctly! For those who don't follow me on Twitter, I am delighted to announce that I finally have a job! Not only that, but it's the job I really wanted, and within walking distance of my house...what are the chances?! I start on Monday 3rd August (I'm not disclosing what/where) and am so thrilled! I've been unemployed for two months, and as much as I enjoy having time out at home, it is dragging beyond belief now and I actually can't wait to start engaging my brain again and get back to work! For those of you still searching, keep your chin up and be as patient as you can, something WILL turn up.

Nail polish ~ I am becoming somewhat obsessed with my nails! I have a dirty secret regarding my nails that I am going to let you all in on in a separate post, but it constitutes to part of my obsession with painting, then repainting my nails! I want to expand my collection...I just need to stop buying colours that are too similar! Doh!

OUT:

The Job Centre ~ This is a pet peeve really, the place just infuriates me! Obviously because of the two months unemployment I decided (after some not-so-gentle pushing!) to 'sign on'. I have nothing against people who claim benefits AT ALL, it would be hypocritical to say the least, however I do have something against the system itself. I'm not going to go into too much detail, but let me summarise it like this: I'm about to start work again after two months with zero money...I claimed for JSA in my second week of unemployment...have I received any money...NO! Enough said!

Spending ban ~ I can assure you my ban on spending has not been through choice! I am going to do a separate blog post on the issue, but I am starting to get itchy feet...I NEED to shop. Even if I just buy deodorant or something...please let me go shopping! It's like a primal need, surely it cannot be denied?!

Swine flu ~ This pandemic is sweeping the world, pretty darn fast! It seems every time I blink someone else I know, or know of, has symptoms and is basically in quarantine. I don't allow myself to get caught up in the Governments scaremongering of certain things (please note, I am by NO means saying this is not a big or serious issue) and don't really follow the statistics etc, but it's really quite frightening to think of the speed at which things like this can spread. My biggest 'get well soon' vibes go out to anyone who is suffering.

MAC collections ~ I know I am not a MACaholic...I love MAC products and don't have nearly enough...BUT I also think MAC is literally an addiction for some people. They crave it. They simply HAVE to have it. Right now! I am not saying that is necessarily a bad thing, but I have to admit I do find the hype surrounding upcoming MAC collections quite hilarious! The amount of people that go crazy with anticipation, only to realise they don't really like what they have bought after all that is quite astonishing. I think MAC have got it made with their collections, the frequency with which they release new ones etc, but I also think some people get too caught up in the hysteria. I think I have only noticed this because I have had to step back from purchasing, becoming an observer living vicariously through other people. If you identify with this please don't think I am insulting you, I'm merely observing...I have nothing better to do :(

x x x

NOTD: Plastic Fantastic

Don't worry, I've not turned into a Barbie Doll! I did however receive a nail polish that Barbie herself would covet I'm sure!

The lovely people at Boudoir PR sent me 3 of the ever so glamorous Ciate Paint Pots to try out, and when I saw this colour, Plastic Fantastic, I took my old nail polish off and painted on 2 coats of this instead!

This is such a gorgeous colour, a perfect pink, and I'm proudly sporting it. After the first usage I am already quite impressed with Ciate, with regard to consistency, colour intensity and coverage...I'll do a proper review once I've put this Plastic Fantastic through it's paces!

♥

A Review: The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream

Combination/Oily Skin

I want to start this review by saying that I am STILL having issues with my skin, so I have been trying out various different products. I used this particular facial moisturiser for approx a month, so you can rest assured that I've tried it for longer than 5 seconds! In fact, I would never review something that I hadn't tried for at least a week to two weeks (every day), and I will ALWAYS give my honest opinion, good or bad!

What Do I Think?

I genuinely like this moisturiser. It's actually not similar to any other moisturiser I've tried, in terms of it's consistency. This has a gorgeous, silky gel like formula, and it sinks into the skin instantly. It hydrates, mattifies and moisturises well, and has the same refreshing, clean scent that all other products in the Seaweed range share. Another thing I like about this moisturiser is how little product you need to use, meaning that the 50ml tub will last you for ages! I found that this product makes an excellent base for make up, eradicating the need for a separate primer. The Body Shop website provides an accurate description of this product as "an easily absorbed, non-clogging, oil-free, hydrating gel-like moisture cream. It controls excess sebum and shine whilst delivering essential moisture to areas most in need, balancing the skin throughout the day. Leaves skin feeling fresh, clean, soft and supple with a shinefree, matte complexion". There isn't really anything in particular that I dislike about this product, however I have stopped using it at the moment, purely because I am trying out Vanishing Cream by Lush in an attempt to prevent my teenage style breakouts. Although I really love the Seaweed range I would say it is more geared for just combo/oily skin (which I do have) rather than blemish prone skin, so for now, I'm trying alternative ranges.

Where Is It Available?

The Body Shop products are available nationwide, instore and online.

How Much Will It Cost?

50ml will cost you £8.80, which in my opinion is superb value, this tub will last you ages.

Would I Recommend It?

If you have combination/oily skin then I would definitely recommend you try this moisturiser. The great thing about The Body Shop is their sampling service; you can get a small amount of product put into a little pot for you to use before you commit to buying it...you can 'try before you buy'.

Star Rating:

4/5

My Picks: Mascara

Mascara is undoubtedly my biggest beauty vice. If I don't have mascara on I literally feel naked, and to be totally frank, quite ugly and plain looking. I am fortunate to have long eyelashes, but they are naturally straight, so mascara perks them up by adding volume, definition and curl. I would be lost without mascara in my life! I have tried (and constantly repurchased) some amazing mascaras, and of course some utterly rubbish mascaras! I will list the bad ones at the end! In recognition of this I thought I would give you 'My Picks' of the bunch that I have tried...

L'Oreal Telescopic

I'm not sure I can fault this mascara...let me try...erm...er...nope, I just can't do it! If it aint broke don't fix it as 'they' say...this mascara is top of 'My Picks' for 1 reason and 1 reason only: it's bloody marvellous! It creates volume, thickness WITHOUT a clump in sight, curls and defines...what's more it never flakes, doesn't rub off easily and lasts for aggggges! The flexible wand allows you to reach even the shortest of lashes too! I will buy, buy and rebuy this mascara forever more...highly recommended :)

Maybelline Define-A-Lash

I have tried a fair amount of Maybelline Mascaras, some of them are very dubious...however this one is battling for the No1 spot alongside the L'Oreal Telescopic. The shape of the wand allows for a more precise application, and it's pink too ;) Similar to above it creates a fabulous effect on the lashes, providing long lasting volume, definition and curl...Define-A-Lash indeed :)

Max Factor 2000 Calorie

The consistency of this mascara is a lot thicker than the previous two, which can mean that it dries up faster. However, it is such a lovely mascara, which gives really good volume, is super black and non clumpy and it has brilliant longevity. This isn't the waterproof formulation, but I can tell you tried and tested, it won't come off if you cry!

No7 Lash 360

Have you ever seen such a brilliant wand?! I don't think so! I really like the No7 mascaras, but this is probably my favourite. The consistency and longevity are really great, and this stuff generates amazing volume and curl on my lashes. It doesn't transfer easily either, which is another big selling point! I have this in the Black and Brown/Black shades, and I prefer the Brown/Black for a more toned down lash look, which is great for work or just mooching around the house!

Barry M Intense 3 in 1

This mascara is surprisingly good for something that retails so cheaply, and looks so unassuming in the packaging. It delivers great volume, length and curl, lasts really well and doesn't flake off after 5 minutes. The colour is a really intense black, so it's great for a more dramatic eye look :)

Maybelline Great Lash

Another tube of joy from Maybelline. I think Great Lash is one of the first mascaras I ever tried, so it's probably fair to say my love affair started with this! It's such a staple, if in doubt use Great Lash I would say! It has great lengthening properties, it holds a curl really well and even the non-waterproof version doesn't transfer easily so you're onto a winner really!

Natural Collection Lash Care [Clear]

I had to include this mascara because without it my eyebrows would be so scarily ungroomed small children would weep at the mere sight of me! It's a no thrills, no frills clear mascara that I just brush on and allow to dry, holding my brows in place!

There are of course some absolutely naff mascaras (in my opinion) in the long list of the ones that I have tried, the following are the worst:

L'Oreal Voluminous - clump city

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express - irritates eyes SO much

Benefit Bad Gal Lash - too dry, no hold

I haven't tried any high end mascaras, simply because I am happy with the quality of the drugstore options available. The next mascaras on my list to try are Rimmel Sexy Curves and Max Factor False Lash Effect...I'll be sure to let you know how I get on!

Which mascaras do you rate or hate?

♥

A Review: The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner

Combination/Oily Skin

Another product from The Body Shop's Seaweed range, especially formulated for people with Combination/Oily skin types. I have to admit that my HG toner is still the Lush Tea Tree Water, so I am probably subconsciously comparing this product with that!

What Do I Think?

A while ago I think I said I wasn't sure about the purpose of a toner or if they worked. I meant it in terms of actually toning your skin, like exercise does for your thighs for example! I use toners to remove any last traces of make up that might have escaped the clutches of my cleanser, and also to refresh my skin even more. Based on this purpose, this Seaweed Clarifying Toner works a treat! The Body Shop website describe it as "an alcohol-free, refreshing and purifying toner. Instantly and effectively conditions, purifies and refreshes the skin, removing excess traces of make-up and cleanser.Leaves skin feeling fresh, purified, looking shine-free, and better prepared to absorb moisturising products in the Seaweed range". It definitely leaves my skin feeling fresh and shine free, and does allow for my night time treatment/moisturiser to sink in well. However, it makes my skin feel a tiny bit tight, in comparison with the Lush Tea Tree Water which leaves my skin feeling baby soft and supple. However, it ticks every box that a toner should, and I do like using products from the same range as they are designed to work in conjunction with each other. I use this Seaweed toner at night, and use my Lush toner in the mornings, to get the best of both worlds!

Where Is It Available?

The Body Shop products can be found in store or online, and are available nationwide.

How Much Will It Cost?

200ml will cost £6.35 (same price as the Cleanser) or 60ml will cost you £3.00, so would work well if you wanted to test it out first. The Body Shop are more than happy to offer your testers to take away and try for all of their products, so if in doubt just ask!

Would I Recommend It?

Yes I would, if you have combination/oily skin and are thinking of using the Seaweed skincare line. I will continue to use this, and will repurchase, despite not loving it quite as much as my Lush Tea Tree Water!

Star Rating:

4.5/5

A Review: The Body Shop Seaweed Purifying Facial Cleanser

The Body Shop Seaweed Purifying Facial Cleanser

Combination/Oily Skin

A while ago I was sent a fabulous goodie bag of products from The Body Shop, which included some of the Seaweed facial range. I was already using products from the Seaweed range prior to receiving my goodies, so was pleased to have some back ups. The Seaweed range is formulated especially for Combination skin, which I do have...however I am now thinking I need to mix in some of their Tea Tree Oil products, to counteract the serious oil my skin is producing at the moment. Every cloud has a silver lining though...so hopefully all this oiliness will keep my skin youthful for longer!

What Do I Think?

This cleanser was one of the products I was already using in my night time skincare routine prior to receiving my Body Shop goodies, and it was actually after using it at Jen's house that I purchased it! The Body Shop website describes this as "a mild oil-free and soap-free milky cleansing lotion. Effectively removes make-up, impurities and daily grime,without drying the skin. Leaves the skin feeling cleansed, soft and supple with a shine-free, matte finish". I'm honestly not sure I could give it a better description than that, I totally agree (and I'm not just saying that!). This makes my skin feel so fresh and seriously clean, and I only use a tiny amount to remove all of my make up. I do use a separate eye make up remover, but this does remove eye make up if you use it for that purpose too! Oil free products are important to me, I don't want to be adding excess oil, especially not when cleansing at the end of the day, and this removes every last trace of dirt! Even if I haven't worn make up I'll still use this and it's quite scary how much dirt it removes! The Seaweed range has a really soothing, fresh scent, which isn't overpowering, so this is perfect for before bedtime! I use this in conjunction with other Seaweed products, reviews to follow.

Where Is It Available?

The Body Shop products are available to purchase online or in your local store.

How Much Will It Cost?

200ml is £6.35, which I think is really reasonable given how long this product will last you!

Would I Recommend It?

Totally yes! I really do love this product, and I am so glad I have back ups! I really love how this makes my skin feel, and how effortless it is to remove my make up. I literally use one cotton pad and squeeze out a 5p sized amount, sweep it over my face...hey presto, grime is gone!

Star Rating:

5/5

NOTD: My Big Break

After a few months of growing, filing, buffing and shaping my nails are finally in a condition I feel comfortable revealing! As a *hopefully* reformed chronic nail biter, this is a BIG achievement for me, and I am really chuffed. Hurrah! I think the name of my chosen polish for the reveal of my 'new' nails is fairly ironic: OPI Nail Lacquer 'My Big Break'! It's a really interesting and quite unique shade, a sort of pearly, two-tone pink/purple, with teeny tiny silvery reflects in. It's very girly and feminine, and perfect for summer too!

I'd quite like to get my mitts on some more OPI Nail Lacquers, I only have this one in my collection, the quality is fantastic and with 2 coats you get really high shine, intense colour payoff.

Do you have any colour recommendations, now you've seen what I like, nail wise?!

x x x

Confessions...

OK, so I'm not about to declare that I am a reformed shopaholic, I pretty much believe it is ingrained in me to want to shop! However, of late I have been on a forced shopping/spending ban, which has been quite refreshing I suppose. Not having any income means I have had no choice but to literally stop spending money. Full stop. If you can't afford the rent you can hardly afford make up/clothes etc, and that is the sad truth for me at the moment!

However, all is not lost! I have mentioned before that I used to continually, and almost habitually buy things like shampoos, body lotions, shower washes etc, and ended up with about 20 different versions of the same type of product. I have been recording all of the items I've used up in a list on the right hand side of my blog, and I'm finally emptying my drawers and cupboards of my stashes! Normally I would think "ooo, space for some more!", however now I have stopped constantly buying for the sake of it, I have noticed my attitude is changing...slowly but surely! I hope when I'm earning a decent wage again I don't go back to my old ways, and think a bit more carefully about what I spend my money on, but until that happens I think I'll just have to wait and see!

This forced spending ban has not actually been as hard as I anticipated. The hardest part is not knowing when I'll start earning again, and if I'm going to have to move out of the house because I can't afford to pay the rent/bills...clearly a serious worry. However, on a more superficial note, one positive outcome is that I have been looking more closely at the things I already own. As you can see from my recent birthday wishlist post and the wishlist on the right hand side of my blog, I do have products that I'd like to get my hands on, but this list is compiled of items that I do not already own something similar to (or have run out of). Make up is a hobby for me, as I'm sure it is for all of us, but I don't want it to become an obsession, I just want to enjoy it. I'm not a follower of MAC collections, and whilst I'm most definitely not slating anyone who is, I'm glad. There is always so much hype prior to each collection being released, but I never seem to get caught up in it and so far have not gone out of my way to research upcoming products. I simply don't feel the need. There are a lot of people doing 'Project 10 Pan', which I think is a fabulous idea for people with larger make up collections, however the idea seemed pointless to me. I have what I would describe as a relatively small collection, so if I was to run out of something it is most likely to be because I genuinely love it and would want to repurchase...therefore the concept of using 10 things for the sake of buying other things doesn't apply to me.

What I hope I am conveying in this post is that by stopping spending, I have got out of the habitual routine of perusing the shops and buying 'just because', and am starting to adopt a healthier (bank balance wise) attitude. I'm glad I've worked these things out for myself...they by no means need to apply to other people, and I'm not saying my opinion should be taken by everyone...however, for me personally, once I am earning again I'll buy what I want, when I want, not because everyone is talking about it or because I feel I should get it! The blogging community is fantastic, and I adore it, but it may lead to think you 'need' something because suddenly everyone is buying it. It is a similar concept to reviewing products sent by PR companies...I do a lot of a reviews, and I have been fortunate enough to receive some lovely products, however if I'm not remotely interested in the what is being offered, I won't accept it!

I hope you take this post for what it is...not a preach, but a honest reflection of my thoughts, views and opinions, and know that I will always be genuine :)

x x x

A Review: The Body Shop Fragrances

The Body Shop Vanilla Eau de Toilette
30ml

You should all be pretty familiar with my taste in smells/scents by now, and I've mentioned before that one of my favourites is Vanilla. I am drawn to anything Vanilla scented...perfumes, candles, lotions, air fresheners etc! The Body Shop describe this as "a sweet, warm and velvety vanilla fragrance. Eau de Toilettes are the most popular form of fragrance, ideal for everyday use".

The Body Shop Cassis Rose Eau de Toilette
30ml

Rose is not normally a scent that I would associate with myself, I do like some floral scents, and I adore roses themselves, however rose scented products seem to be synonymous with 'older ladies', which is a negative connotation in my eyes! This scent is something different entirely though, and I can't stop spraying it! The Body Shop state that "in the language of flowers, a pink rose means perfect happiness. And our vivacious, playful Cassis Rose fragrance just radiates bliss. Romantic, flirtatious and as feminine as a bed strewn with petals, it’s 100% woman. Just like you".

The Body Shop White Musk Eau de Parfum
30ml

Ah...musk! What's not to love?! White Musk is a scent that I discovered back in my school days, when friends and I had the freedom to roam the local shops near school in a free period. We would all descend on Boots and their Natural Collection range, and spritz to our hearts content! It's a scent that I can never quite put my finger on, the notes are always slightly different I've found, depending on the brand, but it always conjures up happy memories. The Body Shop market this as "a soft and velvety signature scent for every woman, for every moment. Forever sensual. The premium eau de parfum format is the most concentrated, strongest and longest lasting form of fragrance spray".

What Do I Think?
I like to think that although I am still a sucker for pretty packaging, I have wised up to the marketing ploys of companies...they way they use specific words to reel you in and conjure up all sorts of delectable imagery in your senses, thereby selling the product to you. However, when the marketing spiel is accurate it is even more effective, and I have to say this is true of all products from The Body Shop. I adore the descriptions they use for their Fragrances, and I agree with them too, even better! The cute 30ml glass bottles are pretty enough to be displayed on your vanity, and small enough to fit in your handbag too. The scents are really strong, but not in an overpowering way, and although they do linger on your skin/clothes for a while, I find they will not last all day. You can build the fragrance for more depth, although they do still tend to fade after a few hours. The three fragrances mentioned above are all my favourites, I couldn't pick just one, and each one is suitable for day or night.

Where Are They Available?
The Body Shop is available nationwide, in store and online.

How Much Will They Cost?
Prices vary (at the moment there is a 50% off sale on some Body Shop lines), however 30ml Eau de Parfum is approx £11.70 and 30ml Eau de Toilette is approx £8.30.

Would I Recommend Them?
For an affordable fragrance hit, with a decent range of scents available, yes, definitely. If you want a really long lasting fragrance that won't need any topping up then these probably aren't for you.

Star Rating:
4/5

A Review: The Body Shop Born Lippy Mango Peach Lip Balm

The Body Shop Born Lippy
Mango & Peach Lip Balm

Aside from The Body Shop Yes, Yes, Yes lip butter (which has a pretty loyal following due to the hype surrounding it when it was released), I had never tried any lip products from The Body Shop, so I was pretty open minded about trying out this product. As you will have seen from previous posts of mine I tend to go for more musky scents over fruity, however I do love the Mango Body Butter, so thought I'd probably like this Lip Balm too!

What Do I Think?
As with most of their products, The Body Shop have a range of different flavours for these Born Lippy products, which always immediately impresses me. The Body Shop website describes this product as "a glossy and moisturising lip balm with an exotically fruity flavour, that leaves lips looking and feeling soft, smooth and kissable", and I have to concur that they aren't wrong with the description! I was slightly sceptical about this product prior to use after seeing the consistency, it's not a thick butter like other Body Shop lip products, but a glossy almost gel like texture. It's ridiculously moisturising on my lips, and it has pretty good lasting power too. You don't need to use huge amounts to get a pretty finish, so I imagine this 10ml pot will last you a long time too. It's the perfect size for slipping into your handbag too! The flavour, Mango & Peach, really is yummy (not that you should really lick it all off your lips!) and it has such a vibrant exotic smell. This product is bright orange in colour, however it goes onto the lips very sheer, as a lip balm should in my opinion, and it definitely has a very high gloss finish.

Where Is It Available?
The Body Shop products are available worldwide, in-store or online.

How Much Will It Cost?
10ml costs £3.

Would I Recommend It?
Yes! The only downside for me about this product is the packaging...I'm not a huge fan of lip products coming in little pots because it's quite tricky to get out without ending up with it all underneath your nails. However, despite the packaging flaw this is a super duper moisturising Lip Balm, which doubles as a lipgloss, smells gorgeous and is perfect for summer.

Star Rating:

4/5

Nails, Nails, Nails!

I wanted to paint my nails today, and decided it was as good a time as any to go through my Nail Polish collection. I've previously posted about my favourite polishes, but had never actually got them all out and had a good look at what I have! I've always gone through phases of having long/short nails, and depending on the length I also go through phases of buying/throwing out polishes! It's evident from the photos I'm about to post that I tend to stick to two main colour groups, which I don't necessarily think is a negative thing, but I do have colours that are probably dupes of each other, or too similar!

I think it's healthy to get all your collection out and have a rummage, even if you don't photograph it, you'll become more aware of what you have compared to what you think you want/need! If anyone wants a more in depth review on a specific polish, please let me know!

I did have 3 Nails Inc Polishes too, but I have taken them out of my collection to be swapped (on SwapsiesUK) or sold because I detest them. They have no lasting power at all, and I'm very happy I didn't personally purchase any of them...not impressed!

On with the loot!

Theme 1: Pinks

L-R: Rimmel 60 Seconds 290 Frisky Clover, Rimmel 60 Seconds Vinyl Shine 808 Shocker, Elf Nail Polish Coral, No7 Speed Dry 05 Coconut Ice, Barry M Nail Paint 273 Raspberry, Revlon Nail Enamel 270 Cherries In The Snow, No7 Speed Dry 35 Iced Mocha, Rimmel 60 Seconds 619 Pulsating, Barry M Nail Paint 302 Fuchsia, Claires Cosmetics CM1206

Theme 2: Purples/Blues

L-R: Revlon Nail Enamel 094 Midnight Affair, Rimmel 60 Seconds 809 Blue Me Away, China Glaze Nail Lacquer 256 Evening Seduction, Rimmel I ♥ Lasting Finish 193 Black Cherries, OPI Nail Lacquer 703 My Big Break, No7 Stay Perfect 105 Damson Dream, Barry M Nail Paint 303 Bright Purple, No7 Speed Dry 45 Blackberry

Theme 3: Reds

L-R: Revlon Nail Enamel 721 Raven Red, China Glaze Nail Lacquer 182 Ruby Pumps, Revlon Nail Enamel 760 Cherry Crush, No17 Fast Finish Ruby Dazzle

Theme 4: Misc

L-R: Barry M Nail Paint 304 Mint Green, NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel 119A Black Lace Creme, Barry M Nail Paint 293 Grey

I also have various clear polishes, strengthening and nail growth formulas, and some french manicure shades, but didn't photograph them!

Can you spot any themes in your nail polish collection? What are your favourite polishes?

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