Pro Impressions and OPI Silver Shatter

Aloha Bloggerinos,

With all this lovely sunshineyness, I've been heavily inpsired to splash colour into every area of my life, and my nails have not missed out on this.

I bought this nail polish remover at the Beauty UK convention which I showed in my YouTube Haul video that you can see HERE. Since trying it a good few times I can happily report that it is BRILLIANT.

It has quite a strong smell that can get a bit up your nose but I'll let that go seeing as it does it's job sooooo well- it even cuts right through glitter, which to me is the real mark of a good remover. I've been using it with the special nail varnish remover sqaures (as shown in the video) or regular cotton wool and it works fabulously with both. You can find out more about the Pro Impressions range HERE.

Fancying a jazzy nail effect, I decided to try out my new OPI Silver Shatter, which I also bought at the Beauty UK convention for a bargainous £5.75 (ish. I know it was in the £5 range), which is superduper considering this retails for £10.50.

I'm quite certain you all will have read about these new fandangled shatter polishes and know that with just one coat on top of another colour, they create a cracked effect. I was never too keen on the standard black shatter colour that Barry M bought out, I felt it was a little too stern for my personal style, but this really caught my eye because it's much more subtle and has a hint of sparkle to it- Yippee!

I applied the OPI Silver Shatter over Boots No.17 Catwalk Couture (click HERE for more) and thoroughly enjoyed watching the polish separate and 'shatter' before my very eyes! It was oddly mesmorising actually!

I've really enjoyed this summery beachy nail look and it has lasted a good 5 days with only minimal chipping. Woop Woop!

(Modelling my nails against BabyGlitter's rainbow onsie!)

If browsing pretty polish colours is your bag, here are the OPI Stockist Details : 01923 240 010 Lena White.  

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? Are you and OPI fan?

 

Toodlepip!

 

xx

Mummy Must Haves - Batiste, Liz Earle and No. 7

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you can imagine, life with a newborn bambino is busy. Yes, they sleep, but when she sleeps, I like to sleep or I have to do all the boring housey things that can't be ignored and so pampering/hair/makeup/even a shower (!) seem to have been pushed to the bottom of the priorities list.

Despite needing to spend my time looking after Baby Glitter, doing boring housey stuff and sleeping, that doesn't mean I want to look a wreck and so have been finding and using products that suit my new needs. I'm thinking about making my 'Mummy Must Haves' a bit of a feature, because I think they could be applied to anyone who has a busy life/doesn't want to spend tonnes of time getting ready and wouldn't just be for Mummy's. What do you think? Yay or nay?

Batiste Dry Shampoo For dark and deep brown hair (rrp £3.05) :: Dry shampoo has been my saviour ever since I was in hospital to have Baby Glitter. As you can imagine, after 2 days of labour and a traumatic delivery, I hadn't exactly stayed fresh and with all the problems I had, the most I could manage the next few days was quick rinses in the shower, not a hairwash in sight! To combat this, I turned to this absolute gem. Why I haven't used it before fails me but better late than never.

It's super easy to use too, which is clearly a must when in a rush. You simply hold the can about 30cm away from your roots, spray, massage in with your finger tips, leave for a minute or so and then brush through! Within moments I feel much fresher and more presentable- wohoo!

I just had a quick looksie on the Boots website and noticed that Batiste also do a range with different scents (not for me as a scent freak) and also one with silver and one with gold shimmer- definitely something I will be checking out!! Alllsssooo, in celebration of the Royal Wedding, Batiste have brought out a limited edition union jack can (pictured above) that you can buy exclusively in in Superdrug  for a mere £2.19. Hurrah!

No 7. Quick Thinking Wipes (rrp £7) from Boots :: I buy these when Boots do their £5 Off Vouchers because I can't justify spending £7 on wipes (unless they are the AMAZING ones from MAC..drools). I have used these loads over the last 3 weeks, they are a godsend when you don't have time to properly cleanse and tone. Naughty but speedy. They smell nice, take off all my makeup and have enough moisture too the, (I say that because some brands of wipes feel really dry and rubbish).

Liz Earle Skin Brightening Treatment and Moisturiser :: I shan't go into a mini review or anything because I have done a proper Lou's Review on these HERE and HERE.

I've used the Brightening Treatment Mask a few times since Baby Glitter's arrival because it can be done in well under 5 minutes and it really does perk my skin up, which after a night of not much sleep, is a real necessity. I feel a bit more 'sorted' for the day once I've done this and like I have had a little treat.

I loved the Skin Repair Moisturiser from the moment I first used it and have been luxuriating in it ever since. This was my favourite product I took with me to the labour ward because it made me feel a bit more like Louise and less like a big wobbly mess. Also, the hospital was unbearably hot, so my skin was crying out for help. Sadly, I've run out of this now and am gutted. As soon as I get some pennies, I shall be buying another.

So Bloggerinos, have you tried any of those products? What do you think of my new feature? A keeper?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Eau Thermale Avene Products

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Recently I was sent a couple of bits from a brand I am unfamiliar with, and I thought I would share my thoughts on them with you. As usual, they are all my own, I'm a big girl after all!

Eau Thermal Avene is a French brand which uses thermal spring water whose properties have apparently been endorsed by dermatologists 'over the years'. When I read this I thought it was a bit of a wide statement to make and thought it would have been more professional to give solid facts, like which dermatologists and how many years or how and why they endorsed it. Maybe that is just the science geek in me, but I just felt that it was a little wishy-washy.

So, pushing my doubts to one side, I have had a whirl of each product and am actually pleasantly surprised.

My first product to tell you of is the Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser, which I have actually really enjoyed. To use it, I wet a fluffy blue flannel (not sure why the 'blue' is relevant but I like to give you a full picture haha), dampen my face, squib (real word there) a generous amount of cleanser about the size of a 50p coin onto said flannel, lather my face and then with a non soapy part of the flannel, remove. It is a dab hand at removing foundation/powder/bronzer, even when I have used a primer and was really good with my eye makeup too. I had to be a bit more thorough on my mascara but this is to be expected with most cleansers.

(I like the packaging too- the twisty top is really handy when you have wet hands and eliminates the old "arrghh where did I drop the lid" issue)

According to the website, which you can find HERE, this cleanser is paraben free and helps to regulate oil secretion, a winner in my books. There is a very soft, clean fragrance and I haven't had any issues with irritation or breakouts, fingers crossed it stays this way. 

The only small downside (and I'm just being picky now because I'm used to the wonder that is Liz Earle), is that after using this cleanser, my skin feels very tight and I have to reach for my moisturiser ASAP. With Liz Earle, I get a good while to get dressed and potter about before my skin goes tight.  

The second product I have played with is Thermal Water Spray. This cute little can is basically just an aerosol of pressurised water (it's ingredients are only water and nitrogen) that you spritz directly onto skin to sooth, cool, calm or even set your makeup.

I'm not sure that water actually does set your makeup, common sense says this is silly, but I have been using it for it's cooling/calming properties and like it A LOT. So much so, that we are taking it to the hospital when Baby Glitter arrives into the world because I've heard the labour ward is really warm.

It's simple to use, just spray on, and a nice dinky size for your bag. The only problem would be that after you have spritzed your face with water, you may well need to moisturise, so unless you carry some with you, it might not be great for on the go.

There is no scent (it's water) and the spraying mechanism makes it come out nice and 'softly', not all 'sharply', if that makes any sense?

So after my initial doubt about an unfamiliar brand, the morale of the story is never judge a book by it's cover, these have turned out to be lovely little products indeedy.

You can purchase Avene products from all sorts of places (like chemists and pharamacies), but I think Boots is the most accessible and easily purusable (hmm is this a really word) online. Click HERE for more info and prices. I think the prices are pretty reasonable and this is definitely a brand I will be exploring further.  
Have you had any experience with Eau Thermale Avene products?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Liz Earle Toner and Moisturiser

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Do you remember when I posted about my love for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser HERE? Well, those crazy gals at Liz Earle were kind enough to read my review and then send me the next two steps in the range, which I was over ze moon and zo stars about now that I'm such a convert! Eep!

(How professional is that? I do think Liz Earle have excellent PR)

I was generously sent a bottle of  Instant Boost Skin Tonic and a jar of Skin Repair Moisturiser (for dry skin).

Instant Boost Skin Toner

A while ago I asked you all what the point of toner was, so it was good luck that you all answered before this product arrived, otherwise I'd be fumbling around in the dark for something to say like a blind mouse.

I have been informed, by none other than you clever Bloggerinos, that the purpose of toner is to remove any remaining yuk from the skin, close the pores and prepare your skin for moisturising. Now that I know this, I am much more inclined to use toner and much less clueless- thank you!

I love this toner. It doesn't smell the same as the Cleanse and Polish (which is a shame because I am in love with the fragrance of that one), but does still smell mature and sophisticated. I go through phases. Sometimes I like the funky vivid smells of Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly and Snow Fairy, and sometimes I like a more grown up scent.

The packaging, like all of this range, is very bathroom friendly- pastel greens with unoffensive silver writing, lovely. Also, I like the cap of the bottle. Rather than take the whole cap off, you twist the lid and tada, a little nib where the toner comes out of, allowing you to control the flow of product and prevent wastage. A bonus in my books.

I have only ever used one other toner before (Lush Breath of Fresh Air) so I am by no means an expert in this field, but I know what I like, and I like this. It feels refreshing but doesn't make my skin tingle and it doesn't leave me feeling all tight and horrid- this is a big thing for me because my other one does leave me running for the face cream post haste!

I can't say I noticed that it removed any remaining yuk from my face, but I really do think this is because the Cleanse and Polish kit deals with everything and does such a good job that there is nothing left to remove.

Phewf, who knew I could talk about toner for so long?! Sorry!!

Skin Repair Moisturiser

I'm in love. Fact.

I used to use Lush Dream Cream religiously because I enjoyed the thick, non oily consistency. Then Baby Glitter started making my tum her home, my sense of smell went gaga and Dream Cream became Nightmare-Vomit-At-The-Smell-Of-It Cream. I had been using a Vaseline body lotion in it's place because I could bare it, but this. is. brilliant!

The scent is subtle yet fragrant- I'm yet to put my finger on it but all I can think of is that it smells 'clean'. Does that make any sense? I hope so!

This product sinks in beautifully, especially after using the 2 prior steps the routine, but I have also used and enjoyed it after a little makeup wipe cleanse (sometimes I just don't have the energy for a full routine/I'm lazy).

It leaves my skin feeling revived, soft and I have noticed my foundation sets very well over the top of it.

Win win win.

Links are at the top for each product but for the whole Liz Earle site and prices (I didn't include as they are different depending on sizes), click HERE. 

Have you tried these or similar products? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews :: Witch Skincare

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As you will know, I am on my quest for perfect skin- the holy grail for many.

I was fortunate enough to be sent three products from the Witch Skincare range and I thought I'd share my opinions on them with you.

Now, before I get going, I want to clear something up. There has been a lot of hohar of late in the blogging community about Beauty Bloggers receiving products for free to review. Some think it's unfair, perhaps some are jealous, some feel Beauty Bloggers only blog for these perks, some think it means you've 'sold out' to receive and review these things. Well, let me tell you where I stand on the issue, because it is something I have become increasingly conscious of.

I didn't start Sprinkle Of Glitter for freebies. Fact. If you look to the start of this blog (way back in September 2009) you will see that I actually started it as a craft blog, as this is a passion of mine. After 6 months of blogging about crafts, I decided to blog about my other big passion- beauty. I still do craft posts, although not as many as I'd like because my craft room is filled up with baby stuff at the moment! As my blog grew, companies began to contact me and ask if I would like to review their products. I won't lie to you Bloggerinos, I do want to! I think it's nice to try out new things that a) I might not have been able to afford (especially now I'm spending my pennies on nappies and onsies) and b) I might not have thought to add to my collection and c) allows me to do more varied Lou's Reviews for you on. I ALWAYS give my honest opinion, my loyalty is to every single Bloggerino who has hit that follow button, NOT to the company that sent the product. I don't sign contracts, I don't get paid, I don't get told what to do. I just get sent an item, try it, tell you what I think, and then provide a link to it's site so that you can have a look yourself if you want to.

Phewf! I'm glad I got that off my chest. Onto the review!!

Witch Blemish Pen

This is a little squeezy tube with an attached synthetic brush applicator. When you squeeze the tube, a clear medicated gel oozes (I love that word oooooooooooooooooozes) out of the brush applicator and you apply it to your spot. The idea is that the gel will magically reduce the spot in 2 hours.

Lucky for me, I have that 8 month pregnant glow, and don't have any spots at the moment, buuuuttt dun dun dunnnn Matt had one- hurrah- so he was my tester. I was pretty sceptical about this. I have seen a million products that claim to reduce redness, size, soreness, visibility etc, so was interested to see if this would be any different.

Matt applied the gel and his first thoughts were that it smelt like alcohol. After a few hours (I didn't time it but it wasn't a whole day), the spot really did look smaller and less obvious! I think it looked like it has dried out, which would explain the alcohol smell.

I like the packaging- bright, airy and not overcomplicated.

I haven't really had any further opportunities to use this, but in my limited experience, it seems pretty good, and if I were to get any little lurkers, I'd zap 'em with this! Mwahahaha.

Witch Cleansing and Toning Wipes

These cleansing and toning wipes are my favourite of the three items. Despite my best efforts (I swear), to use my proper cleanser each night (Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish review HERE), there are times when I just want to flop into bed and not bother. In these lazy times, a cleansing wipe is a god send. I usually use Johnsons 3 in 1, No 7 if I've had one of those £5 off vouchers, or MAC if I've been splashing out, so I was eager to try these as I have pretty high standards for a wipe!

Firstly, it has to be wet enough. There's nothing worse that dragging a dry wipe round your face as you end up scrubbing and really not making your face happy. Tick. These are nicely moist (vile word there) and feel really fresh on the skin.

Secondly, they have to remove my makeup. These wipes easily remove my skin makeup, eyeshadow and primer but do struggle a bit with mascara, as do most I would say. I've only ever found 2 brands that can tackle my mascara (I do love it so) and that's MAC and Johnsons, so I'm not upset by this.

Thirdly, they have to smell nice. I'm uber fussy about fragrance. These wipes smell super zingy and like they are really giving your skin a deep clean. A winner in my books.

Whilst we all know it's best to do a proper cleanse, tone and moisturise, if you're in a rush, on the go or just a bit lazy, I feel these would be a welcome addition to your life.  

Witch Concealer

Containing natural tea tree and witch hazel, this concealer is designed to cover blemishes but also work towards reducing them. 

When I first heard this, I was really excited because if you look HERE, I have a real problem with redness in my cheeks. I'm not sure if I have mild rosasea or just naturally flushed cheeks, but I really would like to have a nice normal skin tone and not to have to either hide it with foundation or fake tan.

This is a concealer pen that comes in a plastic tube that you swizzle to make more product come up. Simples. The consistency of the 'stick' is much like a lipstick. Obviously solid and dry but then becomes creamy on contact with the skin. I would say the coverage is light to medium and easy to blend.

I quickly realised that unless I was going to use vast amounts of this (practically crayoning it all over my cheeks) that this wasn't the miracle cheek product for me. It is for more specific areas of redness or blemishes. Unfortunately for the review (but fortunately for me!) I don't really have any specific areas of redness or blemish that I would like to cover up, so I have just been using it as an under eye concealer. It has a medium coverage and blends nicely. Woop.

If you would like to have a looksie at these items for yourself, click HERE. You can also buy Witch Skincare from places like Boots, Superdrug and big Supermarkets- easypeasy!

Have you tried any of this range? What did you think?

Toodlepip!

xx

ps. I hope this post doesn't sound too disconbobulated, Baby Glitter is making me feel really dizzy and sick today so I'm not on top form :(

Glamour Magazine- News Just In!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have tiptop news!

As you can see from the photos, Glamour Magazine (UK. I know there is a US one too but not sure about other Countries) has asked me to be on their Reader Beauty Panel and review some products for them!!

As you can imagine, when this came through the post and I ripped it open (thinking "oooo gaawddd what else have I bought off eBay!?!"), I was very bloomin' excited! I have been sent the Johnsons 3 in 1 facial cleansing wipes and the review will be in the July issue! Woop Woop!

(This is a bit nerdy but I do like to see all the chemicals and whatnot!)

Also, I shall do you a little review of them too. I've not finished the pack but so far, so good :)

This was just a short and sweet post because I'm feeling tres sorry for myself tonight. I have just had to have 2 teeth removed at the dentist- woe is me.

Hope you're having a terrific Tuesday (lovely bit of word play there haha) and will keep your teeth are in good condition, just like mine! hahaha!

Toodlepip! xx