A bit of Radiance by Codage Paris

Who would like radiant skin?  I know I would & now, I think I've found it! 

As readers of my blog will know, the majority of the year I'm a bit pale & tend to fake my glow with more than a few strokes of my bronzing brush! 

Well, now I can get a bit of radiance without the need of makeup.  It is serum no. 3 radiance & energy by Codage Paris.

From the first time I used it, I did really notice a difference in my skin.  It's very hydrating but not heavy (it won't break you out - it's so light & not oily).  It really brightened my complexion & smelt amazing too! It also has anti-aging properties - which is great with me!

I've only been trying a small sample bottle but as you only need a few drops, it seems to last for ages! 

There is a drawback though - to me, it is on the pricey side, which has got me thinking....do I splurge as my skin is looking really healthy & radiant at the moment? Or...do I save in the hope of finding a cheaper alternative?

What do you think?  Have you tried this product before? I'd love to know your thoughts! 

Bee x  

Fresher Skin with Rimmel

I always love trying out foundations and so I thought I would give you my thoughts on my latest one! 

When I was a teenager I didn't have the greatest skin and the faint scars that I still have all these years later are a reminder of those days when I would try any product that, a) I could use to hide those horrid spots & b) could afford!  And one brand that was always guaranteed to be the most affordable at the time was...Rimmel!

And here we have come full circle.  Again, I am trying a foundation by Rimmel.  It's called 'Fresher Skin' & I must admit, while it brings back memories of when I first got into makeup, at least I don't need quite as much coverage! 

I have seen a review on this foundation on YouTube saying it gives patchy results but I personally think that the lady had very dry skin, so maybe it wasn't the best for her.  However, I have combination skin, so was interested to see if it would make a difference on me.  I will get into that in a moment, but firstly here's the lowdown on this foundation....

It apparently comes in six shades (I think there was only about four in my local store), it contains aloe vera, chamomile and sea algae and also has an SPF of 15.  The size of the product is 25ml and comes in a little cute glass pot, which is very different for Rimmel as they normally have their foundations in tubes.  It says on the front that this foundation is breathable, with a natural finish, shine free and doesn't clog pores.  It also comes in at a reasonable price of £7.49. (current offer is 2 selected Rimmel products for £10 at Boots)

Now, here's what I think!

On first opening it smells very fresh and clean which must be from the natural ingredients.  I've never had that sort of smell from a foundation before (it's more like skincare) and it really is lovely! 

After applying the product on the skin it feels as fresh as it smells, it's very lightweight but also buildable if you want a bit more coverage.

It does seem to wear well (it didn't go patchy on me) but if I want it to be extra perfect and not move at all in any natural lines then I just apply a primer underneath.

Rimmel says that it leaves you shine free; well, I never think any foundations are totally perfect.  However, I will say I didn't look totally shiny by the end of the day, just maybe a tiny bit on my nose - but nothing that a bit of powder won't fix!

All in all, I think this foundation is really good and good value for money.  I think the shade I chose (I went for 103 True Ivory) is pretty close to what I would currently use.  And if I did need to adjust I could mix it with another in the range.  So, yep, well done Rimmel!  A really good product and if I could bottle the fragrance that's in the foundation I would!  It definitely does what it says on the 'tin' - it gives you 'Fresher Skin'!

Have you got a foundation that I should try?  Let me know! 

Bee x     

My In-Flight Essentials

It's a new year and if you didn't go away during the holiday season I'm sure you will be thinking about or planning your next holiday in the coming months.  So, I thought I would share with you what I take in my carry-on bag for the flight!  

First of all, you need to decide on the bag itself.  I always have a small cross-body bag for my purse, passport etc., but the main bag itself is a small case on wheels (within the size guidelines of the airline) from the brand ITLuggage which I purchased from Primark.  And it is perfect to wheel along (has 4 wheels) in the airport instead of lugging a heavy bag on your shoulder!

Now, onto what to take! 

Two main essentials that I wouldn't risk skipping on, especially if you go on a long haul flight are a big blanket style scarf (I purchased this 

from New Look in a sale - it actually doubles up as a kaftan/robe) which is great if you feel cold or want to wrap up to snooze on the flight and a travel pillow (mine is from Primark) which again, is great for nodding off & not ending up with a stiff neck! 

Other essentials I would definitely recommend are headphones - there is nothing worse than being on a long flight & having the airlines own uncomfortable headphones rammed into your ears for several hours trying desperately to enjoy your in-flight films - so bring your own comfy headphones - they are a must!  Mine are from Ebay - so they don't have to be expensive!

And another essential if films aren't enough to entertain you, is a good book (two I'm currently loving are by Joan Khurody & Cressida McLaughlin) or magazines. 

For beauty essentials, some people do go the 'whole hog' and give themselves an in-flight facial, but if you are like me and find being without makeup in public truly horrific then these few bits are all you need....

Lip Balm - Your lips will get dry while in the air and some of the best around are, Vaseline lip tins, Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula (tinted balms are great if you are skipping lipstick), Burt's Bees, Aloe Lips (blog post here) & eos. (blog post here)

Shine Control Powder Sheets - To stop shine & to look fresh on landing.  These from Superdrug are cheap, cheerful & do the job! 

Hand Cream - Like your lips, your hands are bound to get dry, so slather it on!   Great brands include Soap & Glory Hand Food & Palmers Coconut Oil Formula.  Both are very rich & moisturising.

Hand Gel - As well as keeping your hands moisturised with hand cream, you also need to keep them clean!  There are always pesky germs flying about even at several thousand feet in the air, so it is vital to bring a hand gel along.  I particularly like mini ones from Bath & Body Works but ones by Cuticura here in the UK are great also.

Finally, before I forget, another tip worth remembering is to take a spare set of clothes and underwear (swimwear and sunglasses too if going somewhere hot!) as you never know if your main suitcase will be delayed or go missing!*

*Side note - Obviously never pack jewellery, money, phone, tablet or chargers in your main case!! 

So, that's about it! 

Have you got a trip planned for this year?  I hope my list of essentials will help you pack easier but if all else fails there's one essential you most definitely can't be without.....

your passport!!

Bee x       

How to Rock a Red Lip This Party Season....if you are pale!

It's the party season & it seems the vital makeup accessory is the red lip, however, if you are fair-haired & on the pale side, like myself, how do you wear it?  If you have the confidence of Gwen Stefani or the hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe then fine, but for something that could take you from office to cocktail bar, you need to get the colour just right. 

And, I think I've found it! 

It comes in the form of 'Pretty Boy' by MAC.  It is a very wearable cremesheen formula - perfect for these winter months where your lips need as much moisture as possible.  The red colour does have orange & pink tones in the bullet but once applied comes across as a classic red which can be built up from sheer to a more solid colour. 

This lipstick is ideal for pale skin with it being so buildable.  It is so easy to apply & wear that you can get away without wearing lip liner; it doesn't bleed - It definitely won't make you look like you have been scoffing jam doughnuts!! (smeared jam is NOT a good look!)

Perfect! 

A wonderful red lip which gives stunning results day or night! (oh, & it lasts....it took me ages to remove when I swatched it for this post!)

Head over to MAC now & check it out - you will be party ready in no time! 

Whats your ideal party makeup?  I'd love to know! 

Bee x 
  

My Winter Essential: Keeping my feet cosy courtesy of Marks & Spencer!

It's that time of year when all you want is to keep cosy & warm!  And yes, it is winter, so what is pretty essential in your winter wardrobe?  Yep, boots! 

Now, I do already own long boots, but it was a pair of ankle boots that I was after. 

I am quite tall, (hovering between 5'7" & 5'8") so I don't really need any help in the height department & I must admit, me walking in heels is all very ridiculous, so sensible flats were the order of the day!

So, on a recent shopping trip to Marks & Spencer, I spied some gorgeous black biker style boots.  I found that they also do them in a lovely taupe colour but I thought black would be best as they would go with everything.  

I tried them on.  They fitted like a dream! 

The boots have a lovely fur-like trim inside the ankle to make them extra snuggly & so they are really comfy they have something called Insolia Flex which is endorsed by the UK college of Podiatrists to insure comfort & correct positioning of your feet.  

And... at only £29.50, they were a great price point too! 

They seem to go with every outfit - I think they will be welded to my feet throughout winter! 

Perfect! 

Now, about that taupe pair.......!

What's your winter essential?  I'd love to know! 

Bee x 

Discovering Volume with John Frieda

As you will probably know from reading my blog, I like to find new products to help with my hair!  Well, I have found another saviour (see my previous post - 'My Current Hair Saviours') & it comes courtesy of John Frieda!

I recently received this in a beauty box & I have not looked back.  It is incredible!

This 'wonder potion' is the 7-Day Volume In-Shower Treatment in the John Frieda Luxurious Volume range.  I have the 100ml size which is currently priced on the Boots website at £9.99.

So, all you have to do is shampoo & condition your hair as normal & then apply 3-4 pumps all over your hair & leave about 3-5 minutes before rinsing off. 

The treatment is packed full of protein & keratin goodness & keeps your hair volumized for up to 7 days.

And its true! 

I was instantly impressed from the very first wash.  You don't reapply this product until at least your third wash & to be honest, you don't need to.  It really does keep your hair feeling thick & full. 

And that, is exactly what I'm looking for! 

What's your favourite hair treatment?  Let me know! 

Bee x   

The Contents of my Face: My Look for Autumn

It's that time of year when I start to look a bit pale - yes, I know, paler than usual!  If I haven't been tanning in the summer, I still do have a bit of a glow in those months.  But, as soon as the colder weather hits, I start to lose a bit of that 'glow'.  As regular readers will know, I posted earlier in the year 'The Contents of my Face: My Daily Makeup Routine'.  So, for this time of year I thought I'd let you know about a couple of additions to this.  ('The Contents of my Face' will be a regular feature in this blog I think!) 

And here they are - 

First up, on my recent trip to America, I was practically surrounded by Walgreens & Duane Reade's - America's version of Boots or Superdrug here in the UK.  I made the odd trip here & there while in New York for various bits & pieces.  When I headed to Memphis, I spied another huge Walgreens & decided I needed a bit of 'Milani' makeup in my life!  I've heard a bit about this brand so I wanted to try it.

Now, as I say, in the cooler months, we need (or I need!) a bit of colour in our cheeks!  So, the Milani Baked Blush does not disappoint.  I went for the shade 05 Luminoso.

  A stunning peach with a bit of shimmer.  It has an amazing colour payoff, so I dare say this product will last me ages as you only need a tiny amount. 

 The gold packaging has an expensive look about it, is neat & compact, & also contains a cute little mirror & brush inside.  

It really does give the right amount of warmth to your face for this time of year. 

Onto the other favourite for Autumn & actually all year round, is the Sleek Face Form Contouring & Blush Palette.

I purchased this kit in the shade Fair.  In this set you get 20g of product, a matte contour shade, an illuminating highlighter & a shimmery blusher.

The contour shade is perfect for sculpting your cheekbones & giving your face a general definition.
The highlighter is just stunning & so beautiful.  It certainly gives the highlighters by Becca a run for their money! 
And finally the shimmery blusher.  A definite dupe for the famous Nars blush, but a lot cheaper!  A lovely warm pink with flecks of gold.  A perfect natural shade which goes with practically any makeup look.  And of course, wearable for Autumn! 

If you haven't tried Sleek makeup before, you should.  Great value for money & this little set is really great for travelling too. 

Do you change up your look in Autumn?
What products do you think I should try?  
I'd love to know! 

Bee x