Sunday 30 November 2014

A Trip to Leeds



Fancying a bit of a change I went off to explore the wonderful Leeds, of course stopping by a few stores. I was most excited about heading to Kiko Cosmetics as I haven't yet been to a Kiko store in UK but have heard them spoken about in the blogosphere. Like a kid in a candy store, this is what I went for:



The smart lipstick in 906, two nail polishes and two water eye shadows in 215 (shimmery dark blue) and 213 (shimmery dark green).







Tucked away a couple of doors was this absolute gem of a store - The YorksHire Soap Company (one of only three stores; Leeds, York and Hebden Bridge). It was a lovely shopping experience and I was served by the founder himself, who was very passionate about the products. I was also impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who were really helpful.





All the products very beautifully scented and I really didn't want to leave. In the end I opted for a cherry bakewell cupcake and a birthday cupcake for a friend, but I was super tempted to get a slice of cake in apple blossom - maybe next time eh! Gutted there isn't one these in Manchester.









Next I set off to Sally's Salon services where I picked up Ardell Lashes in 111 and a Heel to Toe Exfoliating scrub.






A few bits from Holland and Barrett:





And lastly, on my way home, grabbing a drink from Asda turned into picking a selection of Yankee Candle samples in Vanilla Frosting, Merry Berry, Christmas Treats, Soft Cotton and Camomile Tea.

Leeds definitely gets my seal of approval!

 
 

Monday 24 November 2014

Birchbox // November 2014

 
 
 
This month's Birchbox is 'Cosy at Home' themed, with November being all about "fireworks, bonfires, snuggly nights in and wrapping up". November's box came filled with: Weleda Lavender Relaxing Body Oil, Beauty Protector - Protect & Detangle, English Laundry Signature for Her, Lord & Berry Mini Bronzer in Sienna, Dr. Jart + Pore Refine Tight Effect Toner and for the lifestyle item this month I received a Montezuma's Mini Chocolate Bar.
 
 
 
 
Thought - very pleased indeed! I am most excited to have a play with the Lord & Berry bronzer as well as the Dr Jart+ Toner. I've heard/seen Lord & Berry mentioned a lot but have never tried anything from this brand before so I hope it doesn't disappoint. A large full sized item was also a treat this month! So far full size products have been lip balms or nail polishes - but with a full size toner worth £19 it really feels like you're getting your money's worth. Can't wait to try these out!
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 4 November 2014

The Body Shop Early-Harvest Raspberry Collection


Never really jumping on the Body Shop body butters bandwagon, I now realise that I've been missing out. I purchased this set some time ago whilst on promotion for no doubt and absolute bargain (around £15 I think); it contained the Early-Harvest Raspberry Eau de Toilette fragrance, body butter and shower gel, which all smell absolutely divine!
 
 
 
The body butter is very thick and creamy and leaving my skin feeling well moisturised for a prolonged time after application. I usually apply it post shower just before going to bed and wake up still feeling super soft with a hint of raspberry still present. Because it is quite thick I feel like it needs to be worked into the skin rather than just gliding on smoothly, which I'm not a great fan of. All in all this is a lovely product to use and after many uses I've barely made a mark in it so I can see this lasting a good while. As I generally prefer products with a thinner consistency I don't think I will be repurchasing this.
 
 
 
The Eau de Toilette is perhaps my favourite out of this set, mainly due to the insanely amazing scent! Warning - it smells VERY sweet, which may not appeal to all, but I think is amazing. Although it does smell oh so wonderful, it is has got a rather runny consistency so once sprayed it seems to trickle down my arm rather than staying put. The lasting power is also questionable, but the scent is definitely around for long enough to brighten up your day...especially if need a pick-me-up on a rainy day (which in the UK, we surely do get a lot of).
 
Lastly the shower gel, which as you may have guessed, also smells amazing. The consistency is great and it lathers well, so I find that a little goes a long way - I've been using it for months and it is still going strong! I have only used the Mango shower gel from the Body Shop before this one but I prefer this one a lot more, although they are pretty much the same formula the Raspberry one feels nicer on the skin.
Last week I spotted the Raspberry collection in the Body Shop half price sale section so if you're quick you may be able to snap this up at a bargain. :)