Body Shop Beauty Gems

Body Shop are full of some amazing products, all tailored to your own personal wants and needs. They have a collection of skincare, body and beauty products, always coming out with the next best thing. They also offer up to 9 different types of skincare to suit your skin ranging from Aloe to calm, Vitamin E for sensitive, Tea Tree for blemish prone skin and Vitamin C for brightening, along with a lot more. 

I am a massive fan of the Body Shop and recently realised they have released their own beauty gems, so I thought why not show you mine?! This was a tough decision to narrow it down but I managed it -- just!

So let's begin! 

First up is the Tea Tree Oil, I brought this in a pack with the Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and they have both proved effective at tackling blemishes. The oil is great at reducing the appearance of blemishes, without over drying the skin. Another positive of the Tea Tree collection is that it is an antibacterial, so can soothe the skin, and not spread infection. I personally use the Pore Minimiser more, it's really good at dealing with pores, and with the antibacterial properties its not going to spread any dirt around. Along with this it's also a great primer which mattifies the skin, leaving it feel fresh and pure. The oil I find I use sparingly, a small amount on cotton wool will do the job, and I only use this when I'm suffering from a real bad skin day!

The Vitamin E range was the first one I came across when I discovered the Body Shop did skincare, wayyyy back when. I think the Face Mist was the first skincare product I ever brought from them. This product is perfect for so many things - after your skincare routine, morning or night, to set make up, or as a pick me up in the middle of the day. It's a refreshing light mist which moisturises and protects your skin throughout the day. It also smells gorgeous, with a delicate rosewater scent. The other product I chose as a beauty gem from the Vitamin E range is a new (ish) discovery. I have been wanting a serum for a while, trying loads of different testers and not finding quite what I wanted, until I found this - the Vitamin E Serum in Oil. This product is a bit of a game-changer... It's not just a serum, but it has the benefits of one. It claims to give 8 hours of beauty sleep and leaves your skin looking recharged, replenished and softer - all three of which I can vouch for! 

The Vitamin C Microdemabrasion came to me when I was in need a new face scrub. This product has fine micro particles and crushed garnet stones to remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion. You can only use this once or twice a week as it's quite an intense scrub, but you shouldn't need it much more than that. 

The Seaweed Mask is something I found last year. This mask draws out impurities and controls excess oil on the skin, so it's definitely a good buy if you suffer from oily or combination skin. The mask is also clarifying and refreshing. I find I only use it on my T-zone and I always see an improvement.

Finally, a non-skincare product - the Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder. I have the shade fair matte and it's a great match for my skin.This bronzer works well for giving a soft contouring look and a beautiful sunkissed glow. I would highly recommend it!

So that's it, they're my Body Shop Beauty Gems, do you have any favourites from the Body Shop? If you want to see their chosen Gems then just click the link here.

Emma xx

Liz Earle: 20 Years of Naturally Active Skincare

Yes, that iconic skincare brand that is Liz Earle has turned 20! They have been one of those brands which offer a classic cult favourite - the cleanse and polish - which has been re-released offering new scents in a beautiful turquoise tin. They offer the same original creamy formula loved by hundreds around the world which was introduced to me last year and was my first 'real' look into the cleansing world and all its glory. Once I came across the product I haven't looked back and have been using this since - I trust it, it's reliable and it does the job, long gone are the days of face wipes - and if you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for?!

The new scents include Rose and Lavender - great for before bed, a nice relaxing scent to soothe and comfort, Orange Flower and Chamomile - the summer scent of last year, fresh and calming, and finally Grapefruit and Patchouili - uplifting and energising, perfect for early morning routines. This tin is a great choice for any hardcore fan of the product, or even for someone who wants to try it out. Although it is still the same old formula we know and love, the scents alone make it a must have buy, but along with the beautifully adorned bottles, they're that extra special gift to yourself, or someone else, that is worth the money.

If you haven't heard of Liz Earle or the hot cloth cleanser... then have you been hiding under a rock?! The cleanse and polish product boasts a multi-award winning formula that removes the daily dirt and grime from your face (even liquid eyeliner and mascara - although I do normally use a makeup remover first) and leaves skin soft, supple and radiant. Ideal for both morning and evening skincare routines, it can be used with or without a muslin cloth, which comes with any cleanse and polish purchase on the website. Each bottle normally costs £15.50 so at £50.00 for the tin, it is a hefty price tag, and not one that offers some sort of promotional saving on the three bottles, though you do get the tin! Saying that, I also received three mini samples - a hot cloth cleanser, moisturiser and eye lotion, along with two muslin cloths, so I got a pretty good deal!

Get yourself online to bag one of these limited edition tins before they all run out!

Emma xx

Night Time Heroes!

I mentioned this on my Instagram this week and totally forgot to post it! I just wanted to round up a few of my night time heroes which are part of my routine, so without further a do...

First up is the Patchouli and Clove Hand Cream from the Florence and Anne Collection from Boots. I think these first came out over Christmas and I've had my eye on them for a while... they're very Jo Malone-esque, with fragrances, hand creams, soaps, candles, diffusers and much more on offer! I chose this scent because  for some reason I felt drawn to it... I love patchouli and with the clove it's quite a rich, intense smell. The cream itself isn't too greasy and soaks in well.

I love a good serum and the Body Shop's Vitamin E Overnight Serum is the answer to my prayers! I love the Body Shop and I know I can trust them with my skin so I had no worries trying this one out. This is no normal serum, it's a serum in oil, so a little different to other night serums in the market, but gives you benefits of both a serum and an oil. The Body Shop claims that this can give you 8 hours of beauty sleep for your skin, promises to leave your skin looking well rested, replenished and recharged, and that it is non greasy and fast absorbing. My own opinions ring true with what the Body Shop suggest -- I've really noticed a difference in my skin, it's looking more plump when I wake up, it's very fast absorbing, almost like a dry oil, and it smells amazing! What more can you want?!

When I have time I really like to spend time on my skin and I think a face mask is a great way to do this. You just slap it on and leave it to do its magic! The first one I reach for at the moment is the Una Brennan Super Facialist Rose Intense Moisture Mask. If you want to see an in depth review just click here.

Finally, the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray which was mentioned in my previous post. I love this stuff and I can't get enough of it, it really sets me off for a good nights sleep and is just sooooo relaxing! Now, I'm not an insomniac, I have no trouble getting to sleep, but getting my mind to relax is something else and this stuff really fixes that problem. I can't vouch for it enough - just go and try it for yourself!

Do you have anything you use before bed? Let me know in the comments below :)

Also don't forget to follow me on bloglovin (button on the right) and my instagram emma_l_b

Emma xx

Hauling #2

So this week I headed to Boots for some cotton wool pads, toothpaste and shower gel, however somehow I left with a lot more than that! I picked up quite a few new purchases, and  of course  the essentials mentioned above! I've also realised there are loads of new products coming out at the moment... so I'm sure another trip will be happening very soon!

I think my favourite item out of this lot has to be the Maxfactor Creme Puff Blush. This is a new product launched by the company and is said to be a really good dupe of the Hourglass version at a fraction of the cost! There are six shades to choose from - which was a very tough decision (I was standing in the aisle for ages until I decided!!), however I chose to go with Lovely Pink. Now in general me and baked blushes get on like a house on fire, and from what I've seen so far, the Maxfactor version is no exception. It's lasting power is strong and the formula is beautiful - soft, buttery and goes on perfectly.

Next up is another recent addition to Boots and many other drugstores - the Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude. This is another budget buy dupe - a water based foundation - not dissimilar to the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint or the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. The product is air whipped with the same velvety, feather-like texture of the Dream Matte Mousse and claims to be 12 times thinner than your average foundation. It's got great buildability and offers a flawless, natural looking finish and also has SPF20 in - which isn't a bad thing!

A few repurchases included my trusty Stay Matte Powder by Rimmel in Translucent, the Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser and the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray from This Works. I only discovered the eye eraser this year but I absolutely love it! I'm already running low on my first tube so a repurchase was definitely necessary. As for the Deep Sleep Spray, this is another product I first purchased towards the back end of 2014 and again, fell in love and wanted to get the full size version as soon as I could. I know it's just a spray but it honestly helps me relax, so something I will be taking away with me next month, especially on the plane!

A new discovery for me -- yes, I've probably been hiding in a hole to have missed this -- is the Brow Drama from Maybelline. This 'sculpting brow mascara' has been the perfect addition to my make up bag. I have quite big eyebrows -- kind of Cara Delevingne/Tanya Burr-esque -- they're a statement piece and I use them to sculpt my face so this product is doing a good job so far for me, however I have heard negative reviews, especially over the round brush, which doesn't seem to a hit with those girls who have smaller eyebrows. So something to have in mind if you're thinking of purchasing!

Next I found Soap and Glory's Bright Here Bright Now Instant Energy Balm. I've heard mixed reviews on this so was a bit cautious to try it, but it's been a few days and I haven't seen any negative side effects! It's meant to give you a nice glow and works sort of as a moisturiser for when your skin needs that extra pick me up, like mine has this week while I've been suffering from a cold (boo!).

Finally, a little treat for my nails from Sally Hansen -- The Complete Care extra moisturising 4 in 1 nail treatment. You can use this as a ridge filling base, strengthener, growth treatment and glossy top coat. It's a little on the pricey side but for all of that I'm not going to complain!

There were of course a few other items including the bog standard cotton wool but also a few holiday products which I kind of hinted at a bit in the post... more details on that very soon!!

Emma xx

March Wishlist

Sleeveless Duster | Jacquard Pelmet Skirt  | Pose Block Heel Mule | Pastel Baroque Cropped Mini Dress | Terri Triple Compartment Shopper | RayBan Erika Sunglasses | Large Ring

It's payday weekend everyone!!! Have you got your eye on any goodies you want to purchase this month? I've been looking into some beautiful spring pieces, large bags for my holiday and my payday treat - some Ray-Bans!!

Emma x