Review: Achieving Big Hair with Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder

While many of you may brandish the straightening irons on a daily basis, my days of sleek, smooth locks are long gone. I'm not saying that every day is a bad hair day - though I definitely have my fair share of those - but that nowadays, I'd much rather plump for bouncy, voluminous hair with a bit of a wave or a curl.

Achieving lasting volume is no mean feat. Over the years, I've tried root-boosting sprays, mousses and powders alike, but the goal has never quite been in easy reach. Many of them - much like my hair - fell flat, leaving my hair limp and crispy with product. Or worse still, they left me with greasy-looking locks, despite having just stepped out of the shower. The closest I ever came to success was the TreSemme plumping powder, which when sprinkled into the roots and rubbed in, gave me the big hair I'd always dreamed of. It wasn't long, however, until my hair began to feel sticky and greasy, so much so that I'd race straight to the shower each evening after work to wash it out. So, it's fair to say that when the Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder came onto my radar, I wasn't exactly racing to Boots, eager to join the queue.

Months later, things changed, and after hearing a torrent of complimentary conversations about the hair powder, I finally caved and bought it.

Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder claims to be equal parts dry shampoo, style extender and volume, which immediately sets it apart from the other hair powders on the market. Priced at £21.50 for 56g, it's far from cheap, but given that you get the benefits of oil absorbency and volume all in one, it's a product that's worth a few moments of any beauty lover's time. If, like me, you are still putting off learning to blow dry your hair properly, or like most of us, you simply don't have the time, then Pret-a-Powder will be your best friend, adding extra oomph to lacklustre locks, and filling in the gaps between washes. 

To use, I sprinkle liberally through my roots and massage in with my fingertips, and hey presto, big hair is mine. You can use a fair amount of product before you start to look as though you've been antiqued, which means that you can go a little bit crazy in your bid for extra oomph, should your style require it.

While I don't find the volume this provides to last all day per-se, all it takes is a quick scrunch of the roots to get things looking as they should again. I tend to do this several times throughout the day, and never find it necessary to apply any more product once my hair is styled. Pret-a-Powder does an excellent job of freshening up day-old hair, and I keep a bottle in my handbag for those moments when you catch sight of yourself in the mirror and have a sudden urge to run home and start again.

In spite of the price, this has become a hair-styling staple for me, and although the bottle is a little bit on the small side, it seems to last a remarkably long time. It's ideal for anyone with oily, fine or lacklustre hair, and it definitely gets the seal of approval from me.

What are your favourite volumising products? Are there any other Bumble & Bumble products you can't live without?

xx

Origins 'Calm to Your Senses' stress-relieving mask

Origins Calm to Your Senses stress-relieving mask

When I get wind of a new Origins product launch, I certainly don't need telling twice, the arrival of their Calm to Your Senses stress-relieving face mask had me racing straight for my nearest counter in a desperate bid to get my hands on a tube. I feel like I've referred to this a lot lately, but I'm a worrier by nature, and I often get myself far too worked up over things that I probably won't even remember a month down the line. I also have trouble with sleeping - I usually drop off all too easily, but I regularly wake up in the night and am unable to drift off again for a good couple of hours, which leaves me feeling tired and drained the following day in spite of having gone to bed nice and early. As a result, I'm forever on the lookout for products which serve to aid relaxation, and there is nothing I love more than a good pamper session and a long wind-down before I climb under the bed covers. Of course, it's rarely possible to go the whole hog during the week, as the evenings pass quickly and most of us will go to bed earlier, so the ideal is to have something on hand that will do the work for you.

Enter, Origins Calm to Your Senses.

A rich, creamy face mask containing buckbean and St. Paul's Wort extract to target tense, stressed-looking skin, it is not dissimilar to the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, in that you massage in a generous amount prior to bedtime and leave it to do its work overnight. Barrier-building plant butters help to replenish the skin's moisture reserves while you sleep, leaving it plump, soft and hydrated upon awakening, while a relaxing blend of lavender and chamomile soothe and calm the senses helping you to drift off more easily.

I'm not the biggest fan of lavender, but I do find it very calming when I'm ready to go to bed. I often reach for the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, which is very helpful, and definitely speeds up the time it takes me to get to sleep when I get into bed with my mind still racing. That said, the Calm to Your Senses mask doesn't have a strong lavender scent at all, and in fact, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it smelled like oranges (much like the brand's High Potency Night-A-Mins). It's a pleasure to apply, and sinks easily into the skin - I find that while it is rich, it is lighter than the Drink Up Intensive mask, so if that one was too heavy for you then don't be put off.

In the morning, there is no residue left on my skin, but thanks to its plumping, hydrating effects, I often find myself reaching for it regardless of whether I'm worried about sleeping or not. As to whether or not it helps me to drift off, the jury is still out - as I mentioned, it's rare that I have trouble in that department anyway, but it definitely does make me feel relaxed when I get into bed with it on. I love that it takes just a few short seconds to apply and doesn't have to be washed off, as this makes it a real time-saver that be can used anytime, anywhere.

I'll be doing a round-up of some of my favourite products for relaxation soon, as I seem to have built up quite the collection. Do you have any favourites?

xx

The Summer Sunday Round-Up

Just looking back at these photos reminds me what a fantastic summer I've had so far. The month of June was packed full of great days out, delicious food and the best company, and fingers crossed there's plenty more of that to come over the next couple of months! The weather does seem to have taken an awkward turn this week, but in all honesty, a dreary weekend was fine by me, purely because it has meant I've got stuff done that I've recently been ditching in favour of enjoying the sunshine. Ok, so I'm not talking about the most thrilling tasks in the world, but they had to be done - plus, it's meant that I've had more time available for blogging.

Last week, we took a few days off work and made the most of the sunny weather, and we couldn't have timed it better if we'd tried. Each day was more of a scorcher than the last with azure skies and not a cloud in sight. We headed down to Padstow in Cornwall and did the infamous Camel Trail, a bike trail which starts in Weymouth and continues on to Padstow. It's about a 45 minute cycle, and it's a coastal path all the way, meaning we had stunning views across Cornwall as we made our way along it. As you can see from the photos, the sea was an absolutely amazing colour, and it serves as a reminder of just how beautiful the UK can be in the summer months. It was quite a nostalgic trip, too, as I hadn't done the trail for about fifteen years!

On arrival on Padstow, we chowed down on some of Rick Stein's posh (and overpriced!) fish and chips, which were delicious but cost us a small fortune! We wandered along the seafront before getting the ferry across to the beach, and being able to get my bikini on and lie in the sun to relax was utter bliss. Unfortunately though, we had to skip ice creams, as having overestimated the time for which we had parked back in Weymouth, we suddenly realised we were running late, and the cycle back was fraught to say the least! We made it back in the nick of time, and by then we had definitely earned our 99s!

We spent the rest of our break brunching at our favourite haunts and visiting local parks, castles and other pretty sights with picnics. We definitely had our share of cream teas and pink lemonade, too.

The same week, we were lucky enough to go and see Kasabian live, and it's safe to say they did not diappoint. Unlike some, they really pull it out of the bag when performing live, so it was great to have a dance and sip on a few ciders while we watched. I've seen them in the past at various festivals, but this time was definitely the best.

There are plenty of things coming up over the next few weeks, with more live music, friends visiting and holidays to look forward to, so after these dull couple of days have passed, long may the sunshine continue! I'll be sure to keep snapping away with the camera so that I've got some pretty pictures to share with you as we go along.

How have you been enjoying the summer so far?

XX

Summer Giveaway: Win a Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Scented Candle

Hi everyone!  No one likes a Monday, especially when it means going to work on a blazing hot summer's day when you could be on the beach, so today seems like as good a day as any to share a little summer giveaway with you.

Up for grabs, and just because I feel like it, is a full-size Jo Malone scented candle in the fresh and summery fragrance, Lime Basil and Mandarin, worth £40. These don't come cheap, so if you've been looking to get your hands on one for a while but just couldn't justify the price-tag, then now is your chance!

Just pop your details into the Rafflecopter form below and keep your fingers crossed. The giveaway will run until the end of the month, and if you happen to be under 16 then  make sure you have permission from your parents to enter.

I think that's about it - best of luck to you all and have a great week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xx

The Summer Series: Review: Label M Texturising Volume Spray

I am constantly on the lookout for products which will help me achieve lasting volume and texture in my hair, and come the summer months, there is nothing I like more than milking the 'undone' look. Hair that is too styled in the warmer weather just doesn't last, as the heat tends to play havoc with any sprays, powders or mousses used, leaving me with a lacklustre and oily-looking mess. It's not oily, of course - the products just seem to melt, and styles flop. I really heavily on dry shampoo for a bit of a boost, never replacing actual hairwashes but using it to soak up any excess oil in between, but I often find it doesn't plump up my hair to the level I'd like, and it certainly doesn't provide much hold.

Enter, Label M Texturising Volume Spray*. This stuff is designed to inject volume and texture into the hair, providing an instant back-combed effect. It's a non-sticky, dry mist spray, boasting the texture of dry shampoo with the hold of a good hairspray.

Sprayed liberally into the roots of the hair and then (for want of a better expression) mussed up with hands to further boost volume, this gives my hair some nice lift. Backcomb it yourself for added and longer-lasting volume, and you've got even bigger hair. Sadly, my hair doesn't ever want to stay put, and often loses its volume before long. While this was still the case, the Label M Texturising Volume Spray certainly out-performs other sprays I've tried, and I have found that it works well in helping me achieve that toussled look on curled or wavy hair.

I'd be careful spraying it through the lengths of your hair, as it can make it difficult to brush through afterwards - if you're wanting to do this then make sure you've styled your hair as you want it beforehand.

In conclusion, I really like this spray, and have often found myself reaching for it to inject some life into second-day hair. Having experimented a fair bit, I don't tend to use much of it on freshly-washed hair - mainly for the sake of convenience, as it does tend to mean I have to wash my hair again the next day. I'm not a fan of the feeling you get when you brush out a hairstyle, as I find my hair does, at that point, begin to feel a bit sticky - not something related to this product in particular, but any and all.

Saying that, I do tend to spray in a minimal amount into just-washed hair on occasion, as I do find that this is when my hair is at its flattest. When it's soft, shiny and slippery it is reluctant to hold a style, so a quick and sparing spritz can definitely help with this. I save going wild for day number two, which is usually when you'll catch me with the biggest bed-head!

I'll definitely be repurchasing as this is a great multi-tasker and a good secret weapon to keep on hand for those lacklustre hair days.

Do you have any favourite sprays or powders for adding interest to boring hair styles?

What do you use to gain that bit of added volume or texture?

xx

Review: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Facial oils are a key player when it comes to soft, bright and radiant skin, and  I've become accustomed to using them in my evening skincare routine in place of a night cream or other moisturiser. The latest addition to my routine is the Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil*, the first product I've managed to get my hands on from the much-coveted brand, which has only recently become available in the UK via QVC.

Maracuja - or passion fruit - is packed with vitamin C and essential fatty acids, which are vital for healthy skin cells and something which the body cannot produce on its own. Without them, skin can appear dry and age prematurely, so it's really no laughing matter.

Known as "The Pure Miracle", this rare Amazonian fruit is delicately and sustainably harvested, piece by piece. The nutrient-rich, seeded pulp is extracted from each individual fruit, then hand-pressed without heat, in order to preserve the nutritious vitamins and essential fatty acids, ensuring that the maximum possible make it into the end product.

The Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil* is exactly as it says on the tin - 100% pure, with no parabens, sulphates or other chemical nasties to contend with. A potent anti-ageing elixir, this little gem will infuse life back into your skin, however sorry a state it is in.

The oil comes with a user-friendly glass dropper, eliminating any worries about unnecessarily wasting product. A couple of drops on the finger tips will suffice - I usually press the oil into my skin with my fingertips, massaging in any residue.

The oil aims to infuse thirsty and dehydrated skin with a shot of much-needed moisture,  delivering harmony and resulting in firmer, smoother and brighter looking skin. The essential fatty acids recharge and replenish, rejuvenating skin and resulting in a more even-toned appearance.

My skin certainly does feel soft and hydrated the morning after use, and I'm more than satisfied with the radiant glow that comes with it. Unfortunately for me, despite oils being of great benefit to all skin types, I have always found that no matter what kind of oil I'm using, I always come out in a spot or two after a few days' use, and this is no exception. 

I haven't let it put me off, however. 

The answer? I reserve it for bi-weekly use. Applied this way, my skin seems to reap the benefits, and is bright, plump and smooth.

If you're a fan of facial oils, then this one is a must-try. It's definitely up there with the best of them, and has to be my favourite oil to date. 

If you've yet to take the plunge, then I urge you to do so. Don't shy away if your skin is already bordering on oil-slick territory, as the right oils can have a balancing effect. Often, those with oily skin will reach for gels and foaming products, but actually, these can have a detrimental effect, stripping your skin of every last bit of moisture. The result? Over-compensation - or, in other words, over-production of sebum. Nourish and hydrate your skin with the right oils, and this will no longer be such an issue.

Do you use facial oils? What is your favourite?

If not, why not?

xx

The Weekly Selection

The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Spritz  //  Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate  //  Benefit They're Real Mascara  //  Benefit Gimme Brow

Hi everyone, hope you've all had a fabulous weekend and have been enjoying all this sunshine we've been having. I definitely have, squeezing two barbecues, a boat trip and plenty of sunbathing into the past couple of days, and I'll be posting some photos shortly. For now,  it's that time of the week again, so here are my weekly favourites.

I love a good facial spritz at the best of times, but in the summer months, all the more so, and I find myself readily spraying away at every given opportunity. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Spritz is my number one wake-me-up weapon at the moment, with a zingy citrus scent to refresh and invigorate. It gives my skin a boost, but it also targets my senses - definitely an added bonus, and an all-round winner.

I love a nice radiance-boosting mask in the springtime, and I really feel that my skin benefits from a bi-weekly boost in the form of the Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate, which I reviewed earlier this week. It's one of those unexpected winners, where it doesn't seem to be anything special, but on giving it a try it is pleasantly surprising. If you're interested in knowing more, then I'll let you go and read my post on it.

Also on my hit list this week have been two absolute treats from Benefit. If  I remember rightly, the They're Real Mascara featured in my last favourites post - but hey, I'm breaking all the rules, and it's in here again. Personally, I see now problem with repeat appearances in these sorts of things, as it only serves to prove that they really are well loved. I'd rather that than choose something I wasn't all that enthralled with just to fill the space - that wouldn't be honest, and it wouldn't get any of us anywhere.

Anyway, as I would have mentioned previously, this is a mascara I was reluctant to try - or should I say, buy -  as I wasn't willing to believe that any mascara could warrant an £18-odd price tag. However, I was forced to eat my words on receiving this as part of a birthday present, because actually it is pretty wonderful, and I'm keeping a tight hold.

Last up is Benefit Gimme Brow - another item included in my Benefit birthday bundle of goodies. I love brow products, and never go a day without reaching for a gel, powder or wax to give mine some sort of shape. Thanks to the dreaded over-plucking as a teenager (thanks, sis), they are now a bit on the..well, wonky side, so although they are fairly thick and full, they can always do with a bit of extra help.

Gimme Brow is a two in one product, as it serves as a setting gel but is also tinted. I use this to shape and fill my brows all in one go, but I do still reach for a powder to fill in the tails as I find it easier to get a precise finish.

Those are my lot for this week, but already I can feel some more products making their way up in my mental favourites list, so expect lots of enthusiasm over the next few weeks!

What have been your favourite products lately?

xx

The Weekly Selection

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation  //  Hourglass Rouge Opaque Liquid Lipstick  //  Benefit They're Real Mascara //  By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder

Some weeks, I struggle to find a brand new selection of products that have made their way into my daily routine, as often I find that I am using the same things, bar one or two. But others, I have an absolute plethora of goodies I can't wait to share, and it depends largely on how much I've been beauty shopping of late, or in this case, whether I've recently had a birthday! This year, I was lucky enough to receive lots of beauty-related gifts in honour of the big day - a huge bundle of Benefit treats from the hubby, some long-coveted Space NK products from my mum, and a cheeky couple of items I treated myself to with some money I was kindly gifted by my grandfather.

This is one of those weeks where I feel genuinely excited about all of the products I've selected for this post, and I'm sure it's not difficult to see why.

I recently found myself in need of a new foundation, and during my birthday shopping trip I happened upon a Laura Mercier counter. The Silk Creme foundation (£34) has been on my to-try list since the year dot, but with there being a severe lack of counters in my city I've always had to keep it on the backburner until the opportunity arose. Yes, I know I could have bought it online, but when it comes to foundations I'm simply not willing to take the risk and play a guessing game with the shades. So, this time, I made a beeline for the lovely lady on the counter and she was happy to match me up. I went for the shade Beige Ivory, which turned out to be absolutely perfect ( none of the usual scenario where it looks great in store, but horrifically orange / Casper white once you get out into natural light). This foundation leaves me looking flawless and glowing with health, and is everything I had hoped it would be. Well worth the wait, I'd say, and I'm really pleased with my purchase.

The Benefit They're Real mascara (£19.50) is another product I had long put off trying, albeit for different reasons. I simply couldn't bring myself to fork out so much money for a mascara, especially when I was perfectly happy with my L'oreal Volume Million Lashes at half the price.  But when I cracked open a vintage tin packed with Benefit goodies on my birthday, I was more than happy to find this inside. Nevertheless, I wasn't convinced it would live up to the hype, and I must admit, I was wrong. This lengthens, separates and volumises all in one go, and never before have I tried a mascara that so fantastically defines my lower lashes. Suffice to say, I'm an absolute convert, and I'm dreading the day I reach the end of my tube as I know I'll be opening my purse.

Next are two products I had been dying to get my hands on for an absolute age, but every time I ventured onto the Space NK website I'd leave feeling sorry for myself, unable to bring myself to part with so many pennies for what is essentially a facial powder and a liquid lipstick. Luckily, birthdays are the perfect opportunity to be treated, and when someone else is kind enough to do so then it's only the excitement left to deal with.

The By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder (£42) has been the ultimate dream, but at over £40 for the pot, it's not a decision to be taken lightly when there are so many other powders on the market. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one earned me all the compliments I had imagined it might - not because I am fabulous, but because the product itself makes my skin look glowing and flawless. I dust this on over the top of my makeup for nights out, and it really finishes the look, leaving me feeling polished and ready to go.

Last up, it's the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick (£23), in the vibrant shade Riviera. A bright and punchy, very orange toned red, you apply with the doe foot applicator and leave to dry for a few seconds. This one stays put really well compared to some liquid lipsticks I've tried - Rimmel Apocalips, anyone?( I have, however, recently come across one with even more impressive staying power, which I'll be blogging about soon.) Riviera is an absolutely stunning shade and is perfect for summer. It doesn't leave my lips feeling dry or hydrated, and adds a gorgeous statement to the most pared down of makeup looks.

So all in all, a fabulous week of products. I absolutely adore all four of these, and they are bound to remain staples for a long time. 

Which products have you been loving this week? Have you splashed out on any real treats, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

xx

Mini Review: Nature's Extracts Indulgent Fig and Orange Oil Bath & Body Range

                         Nature's Extracts Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil Bath & Body Range                               

Shower Gel  //  Moisturising Hand & Nail Cream  //  Moisturising Body Butter

I present to you, the most incredible smelling bath and body range I have stumbled across in quite some while. And by quite some while, I might possibly mean ever.

I happened upon the Nature's Extracts Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil collection when hunting for tree presents in  the Marks & Spencer beauty section back at Christmas time, and couldn't resist sneaking a few of them into my shopping basket along with the gifts I'd chosen for everybody else. The fragrance is really  juicy, with just the right balance of zinginess and sweetness, and the products themselves are wonderful too.

The handcream is a snip at just £1, and I always keep one in my handbag or on my desk at work for a bit of a pick-me-up whenever my hands are feeling dry or tired. I must admit, I often pop some on just for the sake of it, as I enjoy the fragrance that much.

The Moisturising Body Butter is thick and luxurious, a dense cream that leaves the skin feeling soft as can be. An absolute dream to apply after my daily shower, and just the right scent for spring.

The only slight qualm I have is with the Shower Gel - but not because there's anything wrong with it. Personally, I much prefer shower creams to gels, as I find that they leave my skin feeling more comfortable after use, so I'd like to have this option in the range. However, the gel smells equally as incredible as the other products and combining the three is an absolute joy. 

All the Nature's Extract products are extremely purse friendly - ranging from £1 - £2.50, with the exception of the Body Butter, which comes in at £5. There are also a selection of other fragrances to choose from if fig and orange aren't your cup of tea - try Peach & Almond, Lemon Verbena, Coconut and Aloe Vera, to name but a few.

Have you tried the Nature's Extract range before? If so, what is your favourite find?

xx

A Sunday Pamper Session

There was a time when a Sunday pamper came as naturally as breathing to me, but of late I've barely had time to sit back and relax, let alone slap on a face mask. So this weekend, I've decided to set aside some 'me' time and indulge myself with a good couple of hours of luxury.

To set the scene, I run myself a nice hot bath. Usually, I might go with a Lush bath bomb, or my favourite - The Comforter bubble bar. But this time, it's the Radox Herbal Bath Stress Relief Bubble Bath (not pictured). With its calming blend of rosemary and eucalyptus, it's the perfect way to unwind, easing any aches and pains as well as stilling the mind. Add to that some of my all-time favourite, the Elemis Skin Nourishing Bath Milk* and I'm guaranteed silky soft skin to boot - this stuff packs a seriously moisturising  punch, and can even be used as a body lotion, too. 

Before getting in, I usually light a couple of candles and place them around the edge of the bath. This is a new tactic I've started employing of late, as I do have a tendency to get a bit bored after a few minutes if I don't go out of my way to create a calming environment. At the moment, my candle of choice is Diptyque Noisetier*, but I generally switch things up a bit depending on how I'm feeling.

When I'm nearly ready to enjoy my bath, I take a scoop of the Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Melting Balm and rub it between my palms to emulsify. Smoothing it evenly through the ends of my hair, I then pin my locks up on top of my head and I'm ready to go.

To keep me occupied during my soak, I've taken to bringing in my Ipad and popping on some of my favourite Youtube videos. It's amazing how much longer I can stay put if there is something to watch.

My skin has been looking a bit dull and lacklustre this week, so my face mask of choice this evening is the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel*. I leave this one on for a good few minutes, then massage it in a circular motion for a couple of minutes before removing with a hot cloth for smooth, radiant skin. If I still feel that I need an extra boost, then I might also pop a layer of Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate on when I get out, leaving it to do its magic overnight.

After twenty minutes, it's time to wash off my hair masque. I then shampoo and condition as usual - at the moment I'm using a selection from Aussie, which my locks seem more than happy with.

Once I'm done with my bath, I go for a layer of my favourite body moisturiser - M&S Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil Moisturising Body Butter. This stuff smells nicer than any other product I have ever tried - and that, I'd say, makes it an obvious choice. If you've not heard much about this range then keep an eye out for my review, coming soon.

After that, I usually go for a couple of pumps of L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil before drying my hair. Ordinarily, I might slap on a moisture mask before bed, or failing that, my usual toner and moisturiser. But as I'm going for the Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate option this evening, I'll leave it at that, as I find it does its best work when left to do its thing alone.

And that's me.

Once I'm done, it's all about curling up on the sofa with a cup of chamomile and my Ipad, with no intention of moving for the rest of the evening.

Are you having a pamper session this Sunday? Which products will you be reaching for?

xx

The Weekly Selection

I've really been limiting myself when it comes to beauty purchases of late, and it's quite surprising to think how long it's been since I last had a real splurge. I have, however, been picking up the odd 'essential' here and there, and these four treats have most definitely been floating my boat this week.

First up, the Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate is back for another slice of the limelight. For those of you who missed it, I'll link my recent review of this skincare must-have at the end of the post - it has made such a huge difference to the feel and texture of my skin, and I can always count on it to revive my complexion, leaving it soft, smooth and radiant.

It took me a while to get into primers - initially I think I saw them as something of a gimmick. The trouble with these 'extra' beauty steps is that once you have a taste and realise they do have a purpose, you keep wanting to go back for more, inevitably upping the cost of your daily face. Until recently, I'd only dabbled, with a couple of swipes of Benefit The Porefessional or Revlon Photo-ready here and there - neither of which had exactly blown me away. But after a recent charity event at my local Boots, I walked away with a goodie bag which just so happened to contain a sample pot of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. After working it into my routine for a few days and finding myself marveling at how long my makeup was staying put throughout, I was more than ready to part with the pennies and get myself a full-size tube. Of course, what I didn't bargain for was the sheer number of options I was presented with, and in the end I walked away with the Smashbox Photo Finish Luminizing Primer. A peachy, shimmery offering, this sits nicely underneath my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation, giving off a subtle, radiant glow. This would be a fantastic choice for a night out, as it adds a glamorous edge to any look. However, I wouldn't say it increases the longevity of makeup to quite the extent that the standard Photo Finish does, so I'll be picking one of those up soon to keep in my everyday makeup kit.

I love a good, dark lip in winter, but having seen Topshop Lips in Beguiled on more than one occasion, I wondered if it would perhaps be a step too far for my pale complexion. However, a quick swatch revealed this to be nonsense - applied with a light hand, it translates onto the lips as a gorgeously wearable berry shade, and can be layered up to achieve a darker, more dramatic effect.  It's love.

Fragrance-wise, you'll probably have heard me banging on about the Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne when I reviewed it earlier this week (link below). If you're interested in finding out more about this delightful winter scent then do pop over and have a read - if you like the smell of mulled wine, then you'll love this.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne Review

Ren Resurfacing AHA Concentrate Review

What have been your favourite beauty treats this week?

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

XX