A Vitamin Infused Lip Balm - Proceeds go to CHARITY

Hello!

"with every lip balm bought, donations are given to CLAPA"

A little different of a post to normal, I'm talking about giving. Giving? You ask. Well, yes, giving. Yo may have noticed the new button the nav bar called 'Shop'. This leads to a link on Etsy selling a Lip Balm. The lip balm is 100% Organic. It's made of natural ingredients, is infused with Vitamin E and is part of a social enterprise that's been funded by Unltd to aim for creating a lip balm with little unnecessary chemicals to ensure you get the best quality.

Now, where in the world does the GIVING part come into that? Well, the lip balm is not only incredible for your lips, but with every lip balm bought, donations are given to CLAPA. CLAPA is a charity that helps those with a cleft lip build their confidence, and give opportunities to them for a brighter future.

"a charity that helps those with a cleft lip build their confidence, and give opportunities to them for a brighter future"

There are all these talks about rising each other up, bringing up confidence and not beating people down - making the world a better place. Buying this lip balm will not only give you confidence as your lips are looking lovely, but also children and adults around the world affected by cleft (which is surprisingly common) to feel confident through workshops and treatments CLAPA offers.

So, buying a BlushLips lip balm will not only benefit you, but also benefit more people than you can imagine. That's the power of giving.

Get the Lip Balm HERE: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/246115858/vitamin-infused-organic-lip-balm 

Also, share this, spread the word and help out all those that CLAPA can benefit by just the simple action of getting a lip balm.

BPerfect Mineral Power + Primer (Banana Powder DUPE) ft. Ben Nye | BEAUTY

Hello!

"allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey"

If you've been in the beauty loop for a while (Read: New Maybelline Lip Colors) , you'd know of the oh-so-famous Ben Nye Banana Powder that has taken our world by storm (link here). By that, I mean it has been given good review after good review, yet the only thing that may stop one from buying that thing? It's not the easiest thing to get a hold of, especially if you do not live in the states! There are many knock off's out there, and being Kim K's staple, it obviously has high demand! Yet, when I was told BPerfect have released a dupe of said Banana Powder, I was more than excited to give it a shot and compare.

"BPerfect is a much more available product"

The first thing I noticed was the difference in the powder itself. Not only is the Ben Nye powder a slightly warmer tone, which of course you can choose from a variety on the BPerfect site, but the texture of the powers are different. The Ben Nye Banana Powder is a lot thinner, and has been milled to a finer finish whereas the BPerfect is a lot thicker.

As shown in the picture above, it would take more to fully blend in the BPerfect powder than the Ben Nye. Having said that, both do blend in quite well, though the Ben Nye would be more likely to fit a variety of skin tones. I do think that if you were to use the powder as a setting powder, the Ben Nye would allow you to create a finish that looks less cakey. Though I'm sure you can achieve a similar look with the BPerfect, you would have to be more careful, due to the thicker mill of the powder.

"well let's say they've really nailed it"

Either way, I do think they're quite similar, but for me, the Ben Nye wins the fight, but just by a slight amount. The BPerfect is a much more available product (link here), if you are looking for a dupe. Though, if you are going to buy one and are willing to invest, I'd go with the Ben Nye.

BPerfect also have a primer. This primer that I speak off, well let's say they've really nailed it. 

"makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother"

Not only is the packaging beautiful, which I'm a sucker for, but the product itself is great! It's a clear colour so will suit everyone. The primer also blends very well, creating a smooth/velvety layer for you to apply your makeup onto. You only need a tiny bit, which will go a long way.

Just in case you're not entirely sold by my brief description above, look at the images. It's the same eyeshadow colour on top of a part of my hand with the primer, and again on a part without the primer. The primer area makes the colour a lot more vibrant, and it looks smoother. Not only that, it is easier to apply without any unwanted creases forming. If nothing else, I will be using this for my eye makeup/concealer area! 

Overall, an upcoming brand that has a few great products that you need to check out. If you're only going to buy one thing from their range, I'd go with the primer!
Check out their other range here.

Tell me, do you use a 'Banana Powder', and is primer a staple for you? 

***

Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencils POTW | BEAUTY

Hello!

"I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months."

Purchase of the Week (or POTW) had become quite a series on BBXO (Read: POTW Chanel No 5). Until, one day, I kind of forgot about it. Okay, there were hauls featured (Read: Summer Holiday Haul) but the tag POTW was forgotten. Well, now we're bringing it back. Full force and in action! What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe (wow, that's a mouthful): the Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Pencil.

"I did also like the colour range, there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks"

I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months. But with exam season upon us when my obsession first began, I wasn't able to satisfy that need for this pencil... until now. Well, the wait was worth it, because I am LOVING this lip pencil.

If you're a fan of the velvet/matte finish (Read: Bourjois Velvet Rouge), this product is right up your street. The Bourjois Velvet Rouge had become my go-to lip product that I'd dab on for a soft, everyday look and apply a thicker layer for a bold, going out look. After reading the reviews of more Bourjois Velvet Rouge colours, I had found out the best formulation was with the shade 'Nude-ist', which was the shade I had. Therefore, I was looking for something with the same finish without lacking in the quality front. This seemed like the product for me.

Before I make this entire post about Bourjois Velvet Rouge (goodness, can I say that any more times?!), let's refer back to Color Drama. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet is also quite versatile as it can be dabbed on for a softer, everyday look, or applied as a thicker layer for a bolder look.

"What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe"

Be sure to have your lips moisturised before applying the product, though (something I should've done). In the bottom photo you can see the little transfer it has, and that was only a very short while after applying. So you don't need to worry about that mug lip stain!

All in all, a great product that won't break the bank (£4.99 each at Boots.com) and good for various occasions. I did also like the colour range: there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks. You're bound to find something you like!

Tell me, what's your favourite finish of a lip product? Do you prefer a sheen, matte or something in between?

Summer Nail Picks by Kirsty from KIMAMELY BEAUTY | GUEST POST

Forward: 

Hello! Today we have a guest post from the lovely Kirstie from KimamelyBeauty.com and we're talking all things Summer nails! She has picked out very pretty colours, and I'm sure you'll love hearing all about it! Love, Puja x

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My Favourite Face Suncreen | BEAUTY

Hello!

"it's incorporated into my everyday routine, because prevention is key, right?"

We've heard it a million times: wear SPF. It's anti-aging, prevents wrinkles and decreases the development of skin cancer. Yet, there are so many things about sunscreens that don't seem so pleasant. i.e. the weird smell, the break outs, greasy-ness and the blocked pores. That was pretty much the reason I avoided the product, and didn't feel it was "worth it" to have it in my routine - until now.

Top 3 Fragrance Picks for Summer 2015 | BEAUTY

Hello!

"something about the scent that doesn't quite match with the ultra-girly packaging it is placed in"

With the amount of rain that has fallen in England in the past few days, it may seem like summer is over. Well, here's news for you, summer is officially not over until September 22nd, so let's keep the spirit alive with a summer fragrance post, shall we?!

Charcoal VS Clay Face Masks | BEAUTY

Hello!

"so your skin appears fresh and glowing."

Face masks are a beautiful thing. Not only do they make you feel super pampered (whether done at home or in a super fancy spa), but they also do wonders for your skin - if you find the right one, that is. There's the issue: which one is the right one? 

Peel Off Deep Sea Face Mask | BEAUTY

Hello!

"if you find you have an issue with large pores, with regular use ...you will see them become smaller"

I love a good face mask. You'd think that they're just for slumber parties and to make you feel like you're a bit of an alien - who knew they actually help the skin?! *shock, horror*

Magnitone Lucid Haul + First Impressions | BEAUTY

Hello!

Out came the Lucid, and then I was beginning to get drawn in"

If you've been watching YouTubers for a while now, you might remember when there was a huge craze on the Clarisonic. It had just come out at the time, and was pretty much an America-only product. It seemed to have great reviews and I think I'd watched every single one of the YouTube reviews out there! I really wanted one. 
It was, however, a nightmare to get in the UK, and quite frankly, I'm glad I didn't get it then. At £180, it wasn't something I could justify buying, and the hassle of plug exchange and overseas warranty just didn't appeal to me.

Fast forward a couple of years and here I am, holding the Magnitone in my hands with the facial expressions of a proud mother!

When I first saw the Magnitone range come out a few months back, it didn't really appeal to me. At the time they had the pulsar, which is the slightly bigger (and not so attractive) version of the one I got, the Lucid. Although the price of the pulsar is a lot cheaper than the Clarisonic, I didn't want to buy it at the time. Out came the Lucid, and then I was beginning to get drawn in.

"Lucid resembles the Clarisonic Mia, and the range of colours Magnitone has is just beautiful!"

So, having had my eyes on the beauty for a couple of weeks, I knew I had to get my hands on it. There were many bloggers and vloggers showcasing the product, as it had been sent to them. One thing I realised, most of the reviews I watched/read were not reliable. You see people using it for a few days and claiming it to be their holy-grail, others doing a skin care routine video and then mention it's their second time using the product (it's hardly a routine if you've only been doing it for 2 days). I just couldn't trust it.

On the day of my second last exam, I ordered the product from Superdrug, as it's currently on sale for £49.99, down from it's original £69.99. It was delivered on the day of my last exam (last Friday), so it was almost a "yay for completing exams" treat!

I'd say the Lucid resembles the Clarisonic Mia, and the range of colours Magnitone has is just beautiful! There's like a colour to suit everyone! Though I was contemplating between the pink or the aqua, the minty green of the aqua was the one calling my name. Plus, it matches my toothbrush, that's always a plus side, right? :)

"I will keep you updated and let you know it how it's going after a few weeks - so stay tuned!"

As for the brush itself, I've been using it for the past two days and am pleasantly surprised. When you first open the box and feel the bristles on the brush, you wont believe how soft they are. When using the brush on your face, it's a lovely feeling and not abrasive at all. There are two settings, deep clean and sensitive. You're meant to use the sensitive setting for the first 5 days of use, then whatever suits your fancy. You can use the brush twice a day (one minute each time) but for the first couple of days, they recommend once a day to ease your skin into it.

There's a timer on the brush that beeps every 20 seconds, so you have a guideline as to when to move to the next part of your face. They recommend 20 seconds for the forehead, 20 for both cheeks, and 20 for the chin and nose. I do find that I'm often wanting more than 20 seconds, yet I stick to it as I don't want to overdo it. The device automatically turns off after the minute.

"here I am, holding the Magnitone in my hands with the facial expressions of a proud mother!"

So far my skin feels good after using it, but I can't vouch for much as it has only been 2 days. I will keep you updated and let you know it how it's going after a few weeks - so stay tuned!

In terms of what the device comes with, there's an EU charger for when you go on holiday (which will be great when I go to Egypt), a UK charger for charging at home, both of which is a wire that attaches to a magnet-like thing which attaches to the device, meaning it's safer (and pretty cool!). Alongside that, there's a 1 year warranty that you can sign up to online.

All in all, I'm glad I waited and purchased the Magnitone Lucid rather than the Clarisonic, and I'm also glad I caught a great deal with Superdrug.

Tell me, is there anything that you swear by when it comes to skincare? 

3 Wearable Ways to Braids | BEAUTY

Hello!

sources (clockwise from top) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
"it's a nice way to princess-ify your hair,"

Do you remember when I told you about me becoming slightly (okay a lot) obsessed with Once Upon a Time? The show, thankfully on Netflix, has been my go-to and the one thing I couldn't get over while watching it was Elsa's hair. 

"What? Elsa, as in Frozen Elsa?" you may ask - yes, I say, Elsa from Frozen featured in Once Upon a Time and she looked gorgeous! I couldn't not write a post inspired by it, so here we go! 

"easily recreate-able with a simple side braid"

Braids are one of my favourite ways to style hair. Not only does it allow hair to be out of your face, but it also looks super pretty! For the hot, summer months, you may opt for an up-do, and what better way to spice up that up-do than with a braid?

Blake Lively created a beautiful style, which is easily recreate-able with a simple side braid and a bun. She pulls the boho look off nicely.

As well as a bun, throw your hair into a pony tail instead and you're good to go!

"one I'll definitely be resorting to this summer!"

The third style is the one shown above. Although slightly different, both styles consist of the same idea. Either a braid, and the other with a twist, it's a nice way to princess-ify your hair, and one I'll definitely be resorting to this summer!

Tell me, are you a braid fan, or is another style your go-to?

Massage – Techniques and History | GUEST POST

Hello!

Just a quick forward before we get onto the post: this is actually a guest post from the Spa themselves. Who better know about massages than the ones that provide them, hey? 

I hope you enjoy it and who knows, you might learn a thing or two, I know I did!

:D x

Massage is a health treatment that was around for quite a while. Even the ancient Egyptians used it as a way to relieve stress and to increase the overall function and strength of the body. Today, it is one of the best practices for dealing with numerous physical problems and issues. It has become an important part of modern culture and many people use it for relaxation. Massage has a particularly good therapeutic effect. It helps us to increase our metabolism and eliminate all the toxins which are stored within our body. Besides that, it is good for lymphs, blood, it helps with the reduction of swellings and improves the trophic of the tissue. First and foremost, it influences our skin, given that the pressure is put on it, by removing epidermal cells and it increases secretion activity of glands as well as elasticity of the skin. Besides that, it has a special, analgesic impact. In other words, it reduces the pain. Furthermore, it reduces the stress and fatigue; it has a relaxing and spasmolytic effect. Also, it increases the circulation of blood in body and reduces future fatigue. If you ever wish to have a good massage, Uptown Spa & Beauty salon is just the place for you.

Basic techniques for massage are effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapoment and vibration. We always apply one of these moves but the massage always starts and ends with effleurage. People usually start taking massage in order to resolve many issues with their body such as lumbar and cerebral syndromes, neuralgias and neuritis, posttraumatic contraction of the wrists, local swelling, injuries of the ligaments and muscles, different paralysis, arthritis etc. Side effects of the massage might be bleeding, tumors, skin diseases, acute diseases and inflammations.

As previously mentioned, massage is the older, known to man, physical therapy. Its origin is unknown. Some say that it originates from Arabic word Mas which means gentle pressure. Other sources say that it is from Greek word massein which means to squeeze. It is possible that the French invented it because in French language word masser means to rub in. At the beginning of the fifth century, Greek physician Hypocrite, known as the father of medicine, wrote that it is possible to fasten loose joint with rubbing and to loosen the joints which are too stiff. Besides that, he discovered that the massage can influence the muscle and bone tissue and influence the growth. Galen, physician of the Roman emperor, prescribed massage to injured gladiators but also as a part of preparation for arena fights. In ancient Rome, it was used in medical, sports and combat purposes as well as in daily life. Romans nurtured hedonism and everything that pleased their senses. So, in that regard, it is no wonder that massage was so popular in their culture. Even the great Julius Cesar was treated with the massage and it was regarded that it helped a lot with his epilepsy. Unfortunately, during medieval times, it was deemed as unfit way of treating people. But in renaissance it resurged and progressed up until today when it is commonly used.

Fuchsia with a bit of Glitter | MANICURE MONDAY

Hello!

"a lovely shade that screams 'ME'"

Spring is well and truly upon us, and if you caught a glimpse of the Spring Nail Colour Picks, and had a little look at the Spring Inspiration Board, you'd know this colour is definitely a go-to Spring shade. Oh, and what better way to spice it up than with a bit of glitter, ey? :)

The combination is one of those, you know, the ones that you do not want to get rid of, even if it's chipping from left, right and centre? Yep, one of those! You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be wearing this shade, if not the combo, again sometime this season.

"what better way to spice it up than with a bit of glitter, ey? :)"

In all honesty, I was going for the gold glitter, but as I only had a candle lit and the lamp on in my room (you know, to create a nice atmosphere and all), I blindly picked out the silver glitter instead. However, I loved the way it looked - everything happens for a reason, right?! 

All in all, the fuchsia is a lovely shade that screams 'ME'. Shame it was a limited edition, though! Nonetheless, I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

Tell me, if you were to pick one 'ME' shade, what would it be? 

A Beauty Discount Card + Giveaway! | BEAUTY

Hello!

""What? You've got to be kidding," I hear you say. "Yep," I say, "and it couldn't be easier.""

We all know a day trip to the Spa is a lovely treat. Treating yourself to a manicure is a, well, treat! As these are treats, it's nice to do something of the sort every once in a while (or many times in a while), yet what if I told you that you could get a discount with that treat. "What? You've got to be kidding," I hear you say. "Yep," I say, "and it couldn't be easier."

 

When I first found out about the FabYOUless card, I did what most people would do: go on their website. On there I put in my postcode and noticed that the closest place I could use the card is a mere 10 minute walk away. How convenient! 

" it's nice to know you're not hurting your wallet as much when you get that fresh new mani pedi! ;)"

With FabYOUless you could be getting a great deal with your fortnightly manicure. Best of all, it's a whopping 25% off, or 50% (if you look at it in terms of 2 for 1). To top it all off, there's a giveaway! Not 1, not 2, but 10 FabYOUless cards to give away... (yep, 10!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"the closest place I could use the card is a mere 10 minute walk away. How convenient!"

Discounts are always a good thing, and it's nice to know you're not hurting your wallet as much when you get that fresh new mani pedi! ;)

Tell me, what's your favourite treatment to get done? A Facial, massage, manicure? Leave a comment! Also, don't forget to enter that giveaway! :)

*Giveaway closes on the 25th of April 2015

Spring 2015 Nail Picks | BEAUTY

Hello!

"the colours I picked haven't 'gone-all-out', but there's a nice range that I think truly represents me"

It feels like forever since we've bought out the pastels, and now the time has come. The first day of Spring has sprung (ha!) so you can feel free to whip out those shades you put away about 6 months ago. Having said that, it is totally fine to wear whatever shade you want to in the autumn and winter - so if you were rocking pastels in the mist of November, GO YOU! :)

"the grey may still dominate"

Although it's Spring, the weather hasn't been wanting to change too much in London. Well, it did for about 3 days, and then went back to grey clouds. Maybe it's the weather that doesn't let the little nail-colour freak inside of me not want to pick out all the pastel shades, or maybe I'm just saving them for the summer. Either way, the colours I picked haven't 'gone-all-out', but there's a nice range that I think truly represents me.

From Left to Right:
Barry M Watermelon
Barry M Kiwi
Barry M Limited Edition 030
Barry M Cappuccino 
Barry M Aqua Glitter
Ciaté Pocket Money

"choosing the colours that make you feel comfortable"

As you can tell, there's a lot of Barry M going on here! With great formulas, an ever-growing shade range and their incredible price - where can one go wrong?

In the end, it's all about choosing the colours that make you feel comfortable. To me, these are the ones. I'll leave them lined up on the shelf near my nail polish box, so I can just pick and go! Having still being obsessed with grey's, I have a feeling it may be the most used this season, but I shall keep you updated!

"It feels like forever since we've bought out the pastels, and now the time has come."

As most of the colours on the runways for SS15 were bare/nude nails, it'd be wrong not to include Ciaté Pocket Money. Nonetheless, the grey may still dominate for me. It's not ALL about the trends now, is it?! :D

Tell me, what shade do you think will be on your nails a lot this Spring? 

Clinique Chubby Stick: Woppin' Watermelon | BEAUTY

Hello!

" Just as I expected - I was not sold."

There was definitely a phase of tinted lip balms. You know the time, when Maybelline BabyLips was sold out pretty much everywhere? Well, Clinique had jumped on that bandwagon and released these beauties - the Chubby Stick. Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure...

I'm not going to lie, I never had much of an interest in the Maybelline BabyLips phase, and still to this day would rather just use my trusty Burt's Bee's Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm - good for the real moisture and adds a little bit of a tint. Perfect.

Being a subscriber of Glamour Magazine, this popped through my letterbox one morning, and I was reluctant to try it. Having had a history of allergies to many lip balms (yep, Carmex is not my friend), I didn't know if this could be trusted. Anyhow, I went for plunge and tried it out. Just as I expected - I was not sold.
(For the record: No Allergic Reaction in sight!)

"Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure..."

Maybe it was the shade they send, or maybe it was the actual sheerness of the balm that put me off. It was super sheer, and although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes.

If you're a fan of the glossy look (I'm more of a matte girl myself), and need something you would like to apply regularly throughout the day, giving a slight tint but not much - this is the one.

For me, it just left a greyish colour on my lips, and although it was slightly moisturising, something about it didn't feel right. Plus, as I'm not a biggie on that shiny lip-gloss look, this product was probably never going to work in my favour.

"although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes."

If this product was more pigmented, I think I would have liked it. As shown above, this is a swatch of many layers of the balm - and if that came out in one swipe, I might have been sold.

In terms of packaging, it's a seller - no need for any sharpening and it's a cute little pencil.
I think it's one of those 'love it or hate it' kind of things, and at £17 a stick - I'm not quite loving it. Oh well, you can't win every time!

Tell me, are you a Matte or Glossy kind of person?