22.6.14

ULTRAFLESH SAMURAI STAR BLUSH REVIEW

I am not a very major blusher person and to be honest I don't own too many of them. As the trend of a well structured face, achieved just through blushers and proper contouring started to hit the magazines, I decided to explore this territory a bit more. Almost everyone recommended Sleek blushers to start my collection and a piggy bank cropped up...

However, things got lucky and I won this ULTRAFLESH Blusher, Rose Gold Satin in a comp along with some wonderful bits run by Xana from WAKE UP FASHION . I was super excited about the blusher but since it was a brand I never knew of, there were concerns and a trial period was started.











The blusher comes with a detachable pendant which is a treat in itself. The quality of the  pendant is commendable and luckily the engraving is only on one side making it a nice addition to my accessories collection. 

With that Samurai Star mystery solved, let me tell you about the blusher. It is luxurious baked face powder in true shades of rose gold. With my complexion, I find rose gold to be the perfect hue for me to create a healthy glow.  The blusher has a nice airy texture that glides on effortlessly. I prefer medium to highly pigmented blushes and I couldn't have asked for a better formula. I love the shade and it has jazzed up my everyday look ever so effortlessly. 

 Usually, I find myself disappointed when it comes to kit brushes but this applicator is a nice keeper. Its a neat brush and I have successfully created a smooth dewy look with it . 

Just dust it lightly on your cheek bone to create a sun kissed look and build up to make it more defined.

If I could spot more make up from this brand, I would literally buy it in seconds. It is truly a classy find and I can't thank my stars for finding it just when I was looking for something EXACTLY like that.

Thank you Xana. 

You can buy the blusher from Amazon for £13.55. Product details are as follows :

Ultraflesh Samurai Star 18 Karat Gold Ultimate Blush
Size: 4.8g/0.17oz

4.6.14

MIMI & ME : CANDLE REVIEW











This month I have cultivated a deep love for aromatherapy. I often tell my readers that I am a collector of all things pretty, and candles are one of my favourites. They make eye catching decoration pieces and lift a dull mood ever so neatly.


I am very picky when it comes to candles. I find myself gravitating towards candles which are fresh, exotic yet not too fruity. I mean, I would rather eat a pack of smarties then have my house smelling like one! There is this faint hint of spice in candles that I like to enjoy. But the tricky part is that sometimes the spice factor takes over other milder notes which become a bit too strong to make the whole experience enjoyable.  Jo Malone, Bahoma, Neals Yard and Neal & Wolf are one of my favourite brands for aromatic candles however a newbie has joined  my  list called Mimi & Me , passing all my litmus tests for a good candle.


I loved their Signature Candle which has been happily filling my room with a relaxing mood every night after a hectic day. Mimi & Me is an artisan eco-friendly brand  based in Shropshire making luxury body care products.  My candle is a fine blend of Coriander, Ylang Ylang and Cinnamon leaf and has a burning time of 50 HOURS. Do you know that Cinnamon is highly sought after in aromatherapy as it helps with irritable moods and calms all those tense nerves. These candles are made in small batches and are free from parabens and animal ingredients hence making them a luxurious gift.


I am  really pleased with my new discovery. Considering it is so reasonably priced for the kind of good stuff that goes into it, I would highly recommend it to those who want to try something which is not stacked on shelves everywhere.
You can buy this candle for £15.99.    

PS. There is a wonderful lingering fragrance once the flame has been extinguished. Do you know any tips and tricks to make your candles last longer? Would love to know all about them.

Till next time. x





31.5.14

STEAMCREAM ( FREEDOM AND DISCIPLINE ) REVIEW

Sugar pots, I am a collector of all things pretty specially tins and boxes so how could I not spend some moolah to make a couple of super cute STEAMCREAM tins mine? Their extensive design gallery is pure temptation for weak at heart like me. After drooling for quite a long time over the prettiness on their page I chose the loyal number, Freedom and Discipline to start my collection. It is seriously unfair to have so much beauty in one place.



STEAMCREAM : FREEDOM AND DISCIPLINE
                                                                          
                               GET TO KNOW YOUR PRODUCT  

STEAMCREAM my pretties, is the range of collectible 3 in 1 moisturisers, formulated in the UK and sold in artistic tins designed in Japan. This VEGAN handmade cream is suitable for all skin types.

When I first found out about Steamcream, the name surprised me a lot as I wasn't sure what kind of collaboration was there between STEAM and CREAM.


STEAMCREAM gets its unique name from the method of its preparation. All the natural ingredients, essential oils and herbs are fused together using hot bubbling steam in such a way that the emulsion is held together loosely and thus breaks down efficiently as soon as it comes in contact with skin. The whole process makes the cream light weight and nourishing than other moisturisers because of its quick absorption into skin.

  





This multipurpose moisturiser contains Orange Flower Water which hydrates the skin along with Chamomile Blue and sweet Almond Oil beneficial for uneven skin tone. It has a delicate lavender smell making it an aromatic treat for tired body. The cream itself is hand made using finest of the ingredients as claimed by the folks at STEAMCREAM

Coming to the technical ingredients, it contains two Parabens, Methylparaben and Propylparaben. However, they use less than half the permitted levels to ensure that the natural skin is not disturbed and the product stays fresh as well.

Does it expire? That's one of my main concerns when I purchase handmade products. Since these Parabens are used in a very controlled manner, the cream is made to order and has a shelf life of 14 months. I think its a pretty good time for me to enjoy the product and get to know it as much as I want.

MY VERDICT

I must say so far I have used STEAMCREAM only on my face and neck as I want to keep the product going for as long as I can. The cream hydrates beautifully and leaves the skin smelling all classic. I think its the traces of lavender that do the trick. I absolutely love the reusable tin and can't wait to start my very own tin collection. The skin doesn't feel greasy and I must let you know that a little product goes a long way.

Its a matter of personal choice when it comes to Parabens. I do believe that many products that claim to be free from all sorts of preservatives are using alternative methods which still need a proper scientific back up. For me, if its cruelty free and low paraben, I am in.

The product is great, the tins are alluring and I have a weak heart!

*Shakes money box to buy more*

STEAMCREAM is available for £12.95 for 75gm on their website .