Denman D3 Kiss Brushes

Do you remember you/your brother/sister/mum/dad/uncle/aunt etc having one of these a some point in your life?

I took (stole) my brother's when I went off to university, and it ended up in one of my friend's house after a few years. Its probably still there.

Seeing these new D3 Kiss brushes was a bit like a trip down memory lane for me.

They are pretty good brushes, although you may have to wear them in the first couple times you use them because the bristles may feel a bit harsh on the scalp at first. The semi rounded handle  provides a very good, steady grip when blow drying and I manage to get poker straight or slightly wavy hair when I use this. I'm thinking for hair thinner than mine, it will be good for volumising. The smaller, red one stays in my handbag when I need to smooth my hair down throughout the day.

As these brushes last a lifetime, they kind of hold a sentimental feeling for me - I am such a sucker for reminiscing!

Available in red and black, and priced at just over £7, check out their website for the full range.


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Lierac Paris Skincare

Lierac is a french skincare brand that I've been hearing more and and more about recently.  It may have been around for ages and I've only just picked up on it. BritishBeautyBlogger, someone whose articles I really enjoy reading, recently wrote about using Lierac products as staples in her skincare regime. It made me more curious.

There is a website (the UK version could be better) but other that that, I didn't find a lot of information about Lierac online. Its main philosophy is the use of botanical - plants, flowers, root, leaves etc - fused with technology (increasing the effectiveness of the ingredients?) that will help renew and restore skin. 

My problem areas from the beginning of time are the dark circles under the eyes (which I think I have finally found something that is helping combat this - for another post), darkness around the mouth and brown spots on the sides of my face. Very common ailments for indian skin. Sun screen is helping to stop the development of more dark spots. My skin is also ridiculously senstive, and gets all bumpy around the cheeks whenever its gets in contact with a product it doesn't like.


I have been trying a couple of Lireac products for about three months now, and thought enough time had passed to give my opinion on them.


First up, my: The favourite 'Apaisance Anti- redness fluid cream'. 

The cream contains :

• Linden Mallow extracts - limit inflammation and increase the tolerance of the skin.
• Oat Extracts - helps the skin to fight against external factors and their accelerating effects of skin aging thanks to their richness in essential amino acids
• Algae Extracts and Correcting Pigments - reduce the appearance of small blood vessels on the skin surface.

I like using this in the mornings before a moisteriser when not using a serum. I concentrate around the mouth area and have noticed that it has evened out the skin time ever so slightly. It might be due to the tinge of green in the product itself that gives an illusion of a more even complexion, but it is really exciting and have found myself a bit addicted to the stuff. It is not a serum and has more of a 'lotion' feel to it. I find that it sits really well under a moisteriser and foundations. 

Next up is the 'Apaisance Dermo-Comfort Cream'. 

This cream contains :

• Plant Extracts - Also with Linden and Mallow and Oat to strengthen the skin's natural barrier to help protect the skin from external aggressions
• Indian Ginseng Extract - intensifies the anti aging and protection action.

I use this once a day, either under a serum in the mornings when I am not wearing make up or as a night cream. This is because the consistency is thick and my skin is loving it in the winter at the moment. Sometimes I use the two both together at night to give my skin that extra treat. They make my face feel plumper and look a bit better.

Both products are from their anti-aging range, and designed for sensitive skin. I have been quite reluctant to start such products as I don't want to start too early. But now that I have (ahem) just ended my 20's (I'm cool, I'm cool about it.... I think...!), I've been slowly introducing it to my routine. 

I alternate between different products because I don't want my skin getting used to anything as eventually, I find things can stop working for my skin. Both priced at £30 for 40ml, you can peruse their entire range on the Lookfantastic website.

Side note: Lierac is part of Eco-Emballages and participate in a European programe to eliminate and recycle all components of their packaging. What a wonderful thing.

A book, some movies and my nails

I have about three books that I have started reading but yet to finish, as well as about eight that are waiting on my shelf at home or my desk at work to begin. This is not like me, I usually only read one before going on to another, but I will start picking up the pace again soon. Despite the abundance of books I need to get through, I did an impulse buy on Amazon, and bought 'Richard' by Ben Myers.

The novel is a fictional take on the life of Richey Edwards of Manic Street Preachers. Richey was very depressed, disappeared and has never been found. The author is a few years older than me, but would have been a teenager like me when Rickey vanished in 1995. Less than a year before, Kurt Cobain had killed himself and I still remember how awful it was for Nirvana and MSP fans to lose such huge idols in such a short period of time. I remember the Samaritans launching a nationwide campaign with REM's 'Everybody hurts' out of concern and I think it was backed by the NME, Melody Maker and the Big Issue. Ben Myers has apparently done tonnes of research for this novel, so it would be interesting to read his take on this whole tragedy, and I suppose what Richey was going through in this mind. I don't know if he got the blessing of Richey's family or the rest of the Manics, but I really hope he did. I am really nervous about reading this novel especially with the timing, but at the same time feel like I need to and should read it. I think I'll do a review once I've read it.


I am a big fan of the Bengali film maker, Satyajit Ray. His most notable works are the Apu Trilogy, which are amazing and I recommend this series to any Independent film fans. A very kind friend got me three more of his movies in a box set. Its the Volume 1 of his collection.

I have already watched Charulata (The Lonely Wife) which is an adaption of a novel by the Bengali novelist, Rabindranth Tagore. But looking forward to revisiting it again along with the other two films. As this was a gift, I am not sure where this came from, but you can get it from Amazon, Play.com, HMV amongst other places.


On a lighter note, I got myself done gel nails with white tips today... and I love them! I took a couple of pictures when I was waiting for my fish and chips.

 

 


I have only ever got gel nails done with the white acrylic tips, and I find that over time, it makes my nails very weak over time. I had a conversation with the lady who did my nails and she said that I need to take them off professionally so not to damage my real nails. As previously, I would dunk them in nail varnish remover and peel them off. The first time I tried them was in Portugal, and every now and them I treat myself to them. Prices range from £25 - £60 for a set depending on where you go. Plus you have to ensure you go back to maintain them so it can prove to be costly for just nails. But I do love the clean, healthy look it gives. Plus, I can paint over them with a different colour and still keep the french manicure look underneath. It looks great, but be aware that they can weaken the nails if not looked after properly.

Reiss Delivery

YESSSS! My Reiss delivery came through the post today! I ordered online sunday evening and when I got home, the delicious box was waiting for me. Inside, carefully wrapped in tissue paper were my purchased garments. I haven't even tried any of them yet but gosh darn it, I will make sure they fit me! 

I got a jean dress which I thought I could layer with a cardy and or lace waist coat, and my recently purchases brown boots from Dorothy Perkins so that I will feel all cosy for the autumn season (which is my favourite time of the year). I love it and pray that it fits my ever expanding child bearing hips.

I also bought a lovely black skirt which is good for the office as well as evenings out. I thing I will team it up with a grey or cream jumper or wooly top. With maybe some pearls...

The back of the skirt has a golden zip detail to it as well. You might be able to see it in the second picture from the top. It seems like a lot of what I have been buying (clothes, shoes, bags) has some sort of zip or stud as part of the design to it. I think this 'trend' was last season, but as I don't tend to follow fashion trends (I would end up bankrupt otherwise!) anyway, this hit me late. But I'm loving the zip thing. I think it gives a feminine with an edge of 'hardness' look. 

As an example of 'studdy' things I have, here is the handbag that I am currently dragging around on my shoulders, its from Dune.

The Reiss stuff was on sale - and a very good sale. Check it out on their website. If you are a tiny size, you'll be able to pick up a crazy bargain from it.

Anyway, I'm off to try and squeeze into this dress and skirt - wish me luck!

xx

Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisteriser

A sample of this was put in my last online Liz Earle order. I have a whole bunch of moisturisers to go through, and wasn't particularly excited about this one. For one, my skin is dry-combi, and this one is marketed for oily/combi skin so really isn't catered for me. Secondly,  it hasn't got SPF in it, and I've turned into a bit of a godzilla about it these days. 

 


I was going to pass this to my sister as I thought it wouldn't be suitable for me. But as the tube was lying on my dresser one morning, I thought I'd give it a quick try..... and my skin likes it.


It contains a whole bunch of natural Ingredients:

• Avocado Oil - good source of vitamin E, magnesium and linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid and leaves the skin smooth and soft.
• Beta-carotene - has antioxidant properties.
• Borage Oil - Romans because of its use in treating depression. This oil is one of the richest sources of the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which helps to lock moisture onto the skin.
• Coco-caprylate/caprate - is a light emollient oil makes it an ideal base oil when an almost dry non-greasy finish is desired.
• Pro-vitamin B5 - helps stimulate cellular renewal.
• Echinacea Extract - been used widely in herbal preparations ever since for anything ranging from colds and flu to skin conditions.
• Glycerin –it attracts water, drawing atmospheric water onto the skin to aid hydration.
• Hops Extract -  has astringent and toning properties.
• Vitamin E - helps protect skin against free radical damage caused by pollution and the sun’s radiation.
• Wheatgerm Oil -  contains high levels of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Its really, really light which is ideal for my current skincare regime. I really wish I had discovered it during summer when the sun was scorching and I didn't need anything too thick on my face.

 


Currently, I'll tone and then use a serum ( about three days a week), then put on this moisturiser. It immediately sinks into my skin, leaving it feeling feel smooth, plump and alive. As my skin is initially dry in the morning, then gets oily around the t-zones towards the end of the day, I always felt that I had to used a rich cream. Maybe I do, but despite this moisturiser being very light, my skin doesn't feel tight after use. I've been at home all day and my skin still feels and looks fresh, and the t-zone is not too bad. 


Plus the smell is so delicious and soothing. I feel like my senses are stimulated when I massage this over my face and take the smell in. It is a lovely experience. Of course, when I go out, I'll slap on an spf on top of the moisturiser if the foundation I'm wearing on the day does not have it. The moisturiser starts off from £6.50 from their website.


p.s I didn't give this to my kid sister in the end, but I don't feel too guilty 'cos she can take what ever of mine she wants anyway!


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Nail Whitening Tablets

My nails are horridly weak and yellow, and my toes especially are stained from the numerous dark polishes I keep applying. I wanted to give nail polish a rest for a short while without my hands looking like yellow witch's nails were stuck to them. So I cut them short and thought I'd try out Superdrug's own Nail whitening tablets. I think they cost about £2.99 for six.

The directions on the packet recommend that you use at least two tablets per hand, but I didn't do that. I just dissolved two tablets into a bowl and ducked both my hands in there at the same time. So the results? Judge for yourself below...

I did notice a slight brightness to the nails. Not sure it was picked up on the camera. The other thing is that my nails were soaking in warm water for a while so it might just be that they are cleaner! Anyway, I reckon I will try all the tablets out so see how much my nails improve. I put on some nail brightening varnish on top, and they looked alright and healthy actually. I did use them on my toes as well, and was pondering whether I wanted to subject you guys with my disgusting feet. In the end, I accidentally deleted the pictures (conveniently you might say), so my decision was made for me. I again put some brightening polish on top and went out in strappy sandals. They didn't look too bad - a girl actually said that my nails looked healthy. 

I've also bought some 'Talika Instant Manicure' stuff which I'm going to try out once I've finished with the tablets - will let you know how I get on with them!

Beauty Bloggers Backstage - 7 questions with The Makeup Snob

This month, my seven questions were to Sara, owner of The Makeup Snob. She has a really cool feature on her blog titled 'The Exit Interview' where she will give her opinion on something once she has finished the entire product.  Check it out. Anyway, here are her answers to my questions:

1. What is your typical skin care routine like?

I remove my makeup everynight with MAC Demi Wipes and neutragena eye makeup remover then wash my face with Body Shop Tea Tree face wash and moisturize with Origins Night-A-Mins. You will never believe my morning routine is completely different! Thats what happens when you buy way to many products!! I wash with Philosophy Micro delivery Exfoliating Facial Wash and wear Mac Lightful or Body Shop Seaweed Matifying Day cream during the day. Are you sorry you asked. Lol! jk :)

2. Do you have any pigmentation/ uneven skin tone? What do you do to combat it?

Yes! My skin has so many red undertones! I cant go anywhere without makeup. Most primers work great for me or Makeup Forever Face and Body Foundation does the trick all on its own too! 

3. How did you get started on your blog?

I was spending so much time on a popular makeup forum and was buying alot of makeup, so my blog was started for the main purpose of keeping track of my purchases. As time went on I just had so much fun talking about makeup and meeting other bloggers in the beauty community and chatting with amazing readers that I couldn't imagine ever turning back! 

4. What is you favourite high end and low end make up brand?

I love YSL. Everything I have tried has been amazing. But I cant bring myself to pay full price for anything from this brand. Luckily its often available though beautyticket or other similar sites.  For low end I have really been loving Maybelline lately. It was never something I liked much in the past but all the new products I have tried lately I have loved!

5. What do you think of facials - are they worth the money?

If you have the money they are a nice treat, but in my opinion if you daily take care of your skin they are not really necessary.

6. what three things are permanent items in your handbag?

my mac blot powder, mac buffer brush, and mufe black eyeliner- just in case... 

7. name three products you can't live without

Mac Shroom Eyeshadow, Philosophy Exfoliating Micro-Delivery wash and Bobbi Brown Brow Powder.


Check out my answers to her questions here.

Visit Beauty Blogs Backstage for more information