Ziaja: New Olive Leaf Collection

Ziaja is a brand that I use all the time, I love their scrubs, body creams and face scrubs. Theres a chemist on Talbot St that I trek down to all the time to repurchase all the time, I love what great prices they are for what amazing products you get. I've banged on about many of Ziaja's things in the past and now I'm about to do the same with their new Olive Leaf collection.  

First off is the one I was most excited about, the *cleansing oil for dry and sensitive skin in a 270ml bottle. This waterless foaming face and body oil came at the best time as I'm suffering with my skin lately due to some contact dermatitis. I was worried that this would effect it further, but I was totally wrong. Its a lovely feeling to use this in the shower daily for some relief from the current soreness and irritation. It calms it down and helps to relieve the need to touch and irritate it for a few hours. It also leaves the rest of my skin a little softer and more moisturiesed then before. This wouldn't be used in place of a moisturiser, but for an extra bit of skin lovin' I'd highly recommend it. Worried that it would be like pouring cooking oil over myself, I only used a tiny blob to begin with, but its a gorgeous gentle rich oil that works as an emollient that wont strip essential oils from the skin, Olive leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect, purify and sooth. This is one of their more expensive products at €9.99 for 270ml, but its well worth picking up. I'm sadly nearly finished my bottle but will be getting it as soon as I can get my hands on it again.  

The second product is the *nourishing face cream with SPF 20. I'll be honest and say that I'm not a big user of face creams or moisturisers so I'm a little bias. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I've used this because I want to, as opposed to having to trial it for review. A lot of the time moisturisers are greasy on my skin, heavy and far too rich. But with this cream, it was light and my skin drank it up in minutes. It didn't hurt or irritate my face like a lot of moisturisers and there wasn't any issue putting my make up on over it. - Although I tend to only use it on make up free days as I find with any creams or moisturisers, my make up doesn't stand put on my face as long. Providing 'hydration, broad spectrum protection and skin regeneration'  with the olive leaf extract keeping skin soft, hydrated and smoothing out fine lines, this is another big thumbs up for me. For all that, plus an SPF of 20, I'm surprised that its only €5.99 for a 50ml tube. 

There are three other things in the olive leaf collection. A regenerating mask with hyaluronic acid for 69cent (which I can't wait to hunt down and try out!). A duo-phase make up remover and a gel scrub micro exfoliating, I think that Ziaja can really do no wrong by me. I'll be looking out for some more of this range, along with repurchasing my must-have cleansing oil.  

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here. 

Waxperts: Beautiful Body Oil

Irish brand Waxperts have been the ones to watch since they released their wonder pads causing a storm all over the beauty world. Not only do they do all sorts of lovely waxing (I didn't know you could get your nipples waxed!!) but they have a new one on the block, the *Waxperts beautiful body oil. Made with the intoxicating scent of lavender, its one that your nose will want to sniff. Coming in a 100ml bottle with a handy pump and secure lid, this is an easy one to say yes to.

I know that Spring has more or less sprung but lets face it, that Irish weather isn't doing much for any of us. Its feckin' freezing, the wind has hair gone to hell and don't get me started about the skin thats ready to go on strike and walk off us. No one likes rough, cracked or crispy feeling skin, but lads thats me right there. And don't for a second say your not even a little bit in the same boat, because I know your chewing on dry lips and pulling down sleeves to hide sandpaper elbows. I try my best to moisturise, like I'm sure many of you do. But its cold, you've to wait for the cream to dry in, theres that unattractive naked flappy arm dance you do praying it will help dry it quicker and at the end of it your slithering into cream covered jeans, puffing from your efforts and no softer then when you started. 

But with Waxprets oil, its a little different. Theres no flappy naked dance of shame, no puffing and no cream getting on every conceivable surface. Using just a little (not half the bottle by accident like someone -coughMEcough- did. Felt like slapping myself on the floor and sliding around like a slug.) you can rub it into any bit of skin that you fancy. This oil helps to nourish, sooth and hydrate. Its lightweight and once you only use a little at a time it absorbs really well into the skin in record time. Its great for using with waxing, shaving or after a bath or shower to help get that silky soft feeling. You can also rub a little on before bed to help you sleep with its calming lavender scent. 

It can also be used on stretch marks, sun damage and to hydrate dry and cracked skin - can I get a hallelujah! Although I've only used it on my legs and arms, I'm impressed with how fast it drys into the skin, how gorgeous it smells and how soft it makes my skin feel. Theres nothing my inner Bridget Jones doesn't love about this, or my skin for that matter. My one plea would be for them to make this into bubble bath, as it smells and feels so good! I used a little in the bath the other night and almost went to the nearest public place for people to have a feel of me after. Yeah, I like this one! Its €9.99 and you can get it from selected salons and Waxperts themselves. 

 *I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here. 

New Aussie Body Wash

Aussie is one of my favourite brands when it comes to hair, I especially love their 3 minute miracle conditioner. So when I heard that they had ventured into the world of body wash I was more then intrigued. There are four different body washes in the *Aussie body wash collection, each with its own special scent to suit your mood.

Shower smoothie body wash is a creamy pearlescent pink thats meant to be 'like a big warm hug for your body' with macadamia nut oil. It leaves skin smooth and I personally think it smells most like the traditional Aussie scent out of the four washes. The one suggested for a pick me up is the mega watt body wash, the only one I have yet to try out from the range. It contains Australian ginseng that is meant to be energising and leave you feeling awake and silky soft. The last one to leave you soft and smooth is the no rush body wash. This one is to sooth, relax and help you mellow. Packed with jojoba oil this will possibly leave you the softest out of the three in this list.

The fresh mate body wash is one one thats targeted for getting you super squeaky clean as opposed to the other three targeted at getting your skin lovely and soft. This has eucalyptus extract to 'make you and your skin feel ocean fresh and squeaky clean in no time'. 

Overall I really like these and will without a doubt be picking up the mega watt to try it out. They all smell vaguely like the original Aussie hair products, but thats not a bad thing if you really love the brands scent. I like that each one is for different moods and have been using them accordingly - even if the shower is almost overflowing with body washes! My favourite has to be the no rush so far, but I find that the shower smoothie foams up the best out of the three here. My one issue with them is the price, €3.99 for 250ml and €6.49 for 400mls is a little steep. However at the moment the 250ml bottles are on offer in Boots for €6 if you get two. If you wanted to give them a try if your a big Aussie fan like me, now is the time while they are on offer!

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here. 

Max Factor S/S Creme Puff Blush

Max Factor has been coming out with some proper gems over the past few months and these new Spring/Summer collection of *creme puff blushes aren't any different. Some have compared them to the much loved Hour Glass palettes, but without the price tag. There are six different shades, with a suggestion for which would suit each skin tone, at €11.49 each.

I have been trying out three of the shades over the past few weeks, two are in the fair-medium skin tone range and the third is the darkest shade. The lightweight baked formulas are really something special, I've not tired anything like them before (and we all know you must swatch every product in Boots, as is law). They contain 'finely milled, multi-tonal pigments that blend evenly..' - I couldn't have said it better myself. I just love something that actually does what it claims to do on the tin!

Getting up close and personal with them, you'll see that one quick swipe on a brush comes away with the most pigmented result, so you only need the tiniest amount to give the desired look. They can build really well too. I find that some blushes look caked on or too light even with (what I always think is!) just a little product. I always apply these over foundation, some concealer and even a little setting powder without any issue. 

The packaging is small and sturdy, that holds up to be thrown on the floor repeatedly - sorry Max Factor, the cat likes to paw them off my dresser.. And so far, no matter how much they get used the lovely baked swirls of different colours doesn't get wiped away. They are just so pretty to look at and take photos of! (I know, I'll see myself and my many make up photos out.)

Although I like all three, surprisingly enough my favourtie out of the three is the darkest, most intimidating shade of Gorgeous Berries. Just the slightest touch of a brush to the product and then to my skin gives such a lovely colour without making me look like a traffic light. I think the Seductive Pink gives me the appearance of having wiped off my makeup a little as its more my natural skin colour. But I think the shade in Nude Mauve would be the perfect colour for anyone who isn't too sure about blush or doesn't want something thats really in your face and noticeable. 

I honestly don't think I'd pick these up for almost €12 if I hadn't tried them first and seen how good they actually are. I now have my eye on Alluring Rose, the only medium/dark shade in the collection and I might just pick it up this week. Max Factor is on 3 for 2 at the moment in Boots, so it would be rude to pass up an offer like that!

*I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here. 

W7 HD Foundation And Sponge Applicator

When w7 gets it right, they really know what their doing. Theres been many a totally wonderful dupe, with things like the Naked palettes, Benefit blushes and mascaras. But the one thing I hadn't ever picked myself up was their brushes or foundation. Whatever about slapping things on my eyes, when it comes to foundations and brushes, I'm really fussy and hard to please. I tend to have tonnes in the back of draws that I wont touch because I felt it just wasn't up to scratch. (I give them away to family and friends, don't worry I'm not hording them!)

So when these came in the post I was intrigued to say the least. If I'm honest I wasn't expecting much from the foundation. *HD foundation in the lightest shade, buff, claiming to last 12 hours with a light coverage. After giving it a good shake, I applied it with my trusty kabuki brush and noticed that it was lightweight, with an almost - mousse foundation feel. It matched my skin tone almost perfectly which I was pleased with, as it can be hard to find a good match for me with budget brand makeup. It was really easy to build up to a fuller coverage and it lasted me all though the day after a quick brush over with setting powder. I like that it doesn't make any mad claims either with only 12 hours.

I also really like that it has a pump so its easy to get out the product, but it has a sturdy lid that doesn't come off once closed. I think it would be grand for travelling with, if it wasn't for the weighty glass bottle. I love how those bottles look displayed, but man are they a tonne to cart around! I couldn't get over how affordable they are at only €3.50 from Cara Pharmacy, definitely worth picking up if your in the market for some new foundation and you don't want to break the bank.

On the opposite end of the scale, I wasn't at all pleased with the *sponge applicator. I can see where they were going with it and to a certain extent it is handy with a handle, but I didn't like it. The sponge had a funny smell and soaked up loads of product before it got near my face. It was a harder foam then I'm used to with little make up sponges so it felt odd on my skin. But then again a good point was that it was shaped well and therefore easy to get into the hard to reach places near my nose. Overall, I'm not a fan and wont be using it again. Its not on the Cara site, but I found it on the w7 site for £3.95 which when converted into euros is a bit much for a not so amazing sponge. I think I'll be sticking to the €1.50 sponges you can get in Penneys.

 *I did not pay for this item, it was a PR gift.  Please see my disclaimer here. 

Lush Valentines Day Bubble Bars

Its no secret that I'm a massive Lush fan and one of my favourite things from them is their bubble bars. Oh mammy, when I see that there are new bubble bars for me to get my hands on, I really can't help myself! Two of the limited edition bubble bars that have popped up this year are the Unicorn Horn and Heart throb. These are the two that really caught my eye, but there are some of lovely things on offer. I have my eye on some prince charming shower gel too.

Theres a third bubble bar in a heart shape called Lonely Heart for €4.50, but its not as good value as the almost two-in-one Heart throb thats also €4.50. In the middle, much like a macaroon theres a layer of gold glitter and I pull apart the two heart sides to save for future baths. Normally I spend a good 10 minutes cleaning glitter out of the bath after using something from Lush, but for some reason after using Heart Throb that wasn't the case.  With vanilla, geraniam oil, shea butter with a lovely sweet floral scent, it makes all the bubbles with just a little piece and makes you silky soft.

The Unicorn Horn has got everyones attention this year and the girl in Lush was saying that it makes the best colours when put in the bath. But after using it, I thought it was a bit of a let sown for the price and hype.  Unicorn Horn has lavender, neroil and ylang ylang oil to name a few. It also gives off a shimmer in the water an the confetti type stars stuck into the sides are really cool. This smells just as lovely as the other bubble bar, but I think Heart Throb is the best one to go for if you only fancy forking out for one as they are the same price.

January Favourites

January was a really bad month for good day time light. I know that its still considered winter, I'm not looking for miracles but I still give out no end about the crap quality of my blog photos. I can't wait for the summer light to come back! Netflix, melons and trips to Lush for 50% off Christmas stock featured heavily in January. After watching all of House of Cards, I can't wait for the 26th of February to see season 3, its addictive! Same goes for The Good Wife, I know season 6 is currently airing, but I want to wait and binge watch it. 

In other news, I am a massive comic fan and all things Marvel. I set my sights on this gorgeous Iron Patriot from Iron Man, one of my favourite films. He now stands on my book case with my other super hero figures. (Pauses for moment to admire him and pat myself on the back.)

Three bottles next, all things that I have a love hate relationship with. First is the amazing smelling Soap&Glory Super Tonic in the fragrance in Orangeasm. Its one of their newer scents and I use the body wash most days in the shower. My one issue with this is that the scent doesn't linger very long and I don't use it as much because of it. I don't like lugging the bottle around with me if I'm out so only on days when I'm home do I use it. Oh well, its still lovely!

Next is the new make up brush cleaner from Penneys that anyone and everyone is talking about. I've never used one of these before, instead just going straight to cleaning them, so I have nothing else to compare it to. But considering its only €2.50, I couldn't not pick it up. Theres been a lot of mixed reactions from people over it, but I find it great. I don't use it on my bigger brushes, but it cleans my eyeshadow brushes really well. Again, my one issue with it is that it gives off a very strong sweet smell. Not something thats a problem in the over all use of the brush, but I'm not a fan of feeling sick if a brush happens to pass my nose. I still prefer deep cleaning them, but for spot cleaning or being lazy, this is great. 

Lastly in the list of bottles is my Human+Kind family remedy cream. This is meant to be used for anything and everything that happens to skin. So with the long list, I've been using it for my contact dermatitis and eczema  with great success. Applying it about 3 times daily and things clear up within 3 or 4 days. But its very pricey and because of that, I'm careful with how much I use. When I got this bottle I noticed that it was only half filled, missing a lot of product. But as I needed to use it right away, I didn't send it back or complain to Cloud10Beauty where I bought it. Kind of a round about let down! 

After lots of make up in December, its all about the minimal face this month. I've been using Lush sweet lips lip scrub to exfoliate with and then putting on a layer of Carmex in cherry after it. I've never had better feeling lips then in the month of January!

Next is another Soap&Glory product, Thick&Fast mascara. I got it in a gift set at Christmas and decided to have a quick go of it one day, to find that it gave me lovely day time light lashes. The applicator is great and it does a really wonderful job of separating my lashes out. Big thumbs up with this one, I'd say it will be popping up a lot this year.

Lastly is a random tiny bottle of hair oil that I got ages ago in one of the beauty boxes. I used it when I first got it, but then I gave up on it. But I've noticed the past while that my hair needed a bit of extra love, so this has been really great for it. I've been on Boots having a look at different hair oils as I'm just out of this bottle, so I'll be picking something up soon. Maybe I'll do a review if its as good.