Life in Pictures

It's been an absolute age since I did one of these sorts of posts. I used to really enjoy doing them every Sunday, but there came a time when I felt that my life was just too boring, and I would increasingly find myself with a lack of photos at the end of the week. So, these days, I'm just going to do them as and when - if I have found the week particularly snap-worthy, whether that be down to holidays, nights out, delicious food or new purchases, then I will most certainly be sharing. But if, on the other hand, I can sense a snooze-fest coming on then I'll give it a miss.

This week has passed in a bit of a blur, and when I try and think back to what has happened, I genuinely can't remember! It was bound to be a bit dull in comparison to the week before, when I was busy sunning myself on the beach (in fact, I only returned at the beginning of this week), but one of the highlights was definitely a visit from Mr Postman. He very kindly brought me (well....I did buy them) N-W by Zadie Smith, a book I have fancied getting my teeth into for a while now, so I've spent my free time lazing about in my hammock and getting lost in it. So far, I'm really enjoying it, and am hoping to write up a review of it on here once I have finished, so watch this space for that one. Postman Pat also delivered my new Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser, which has actually been shut away in one of my drawers for the time being, as I'm so enjoying using my Tropic Organic Hot Bamboo Smoothing Cleanser. Thorough evidence, if ever you needed it, as I have had my eye on the Antipodes one for an absolute age!

Other than that, I've been spending some time with the in-laws and getting started on the mountain of things that need to be done by the middle of this year (more on that later) and deciding what we are going to be doing when we move back to my home town in the Summer.

I'm very much looking forward to having a bit of a #bbloggers natter later, as I'm feeling a bit out of the loop, having missed out on the last few chats due to being otherwise engaged.

I hope everyone has had a great week and an even better weekend!

xx

Tropic Pure Plant Skincare: Organic Hot Bamboo Smoothing Cleanser

Unless you've been living under a rock, there's no way you haven't heard me talk about my love for organic and natural skincare, so it'll come as no surprise to hear how delighted I was to be given the opportunity to try the Tropic Organic Hot Bamboo Smoothing Cleanser*.

Tropic Pure Plant Skincare is the brainchild of Apprentice 2011 contestant, Susan Ma, who despite not winning, managed to impress business tycoon Lord Alan Sugar - so much so, that he went on to invest in Tropic and is now a 50/50 partner.

Tropic products are derived from 100% pure plant extracts, with their three main principles being to create pure, honest and effective skincare.

The Smoothing Cleanser is priced at £15.00 for 125ml, and comes complete with a 100% organic bamboo face cloth.

The product itself is a thick cream cleanser, which instantly appealed to me, as not only do I love hot cloth cleansers, but I feel that creams do a far better job at removing every last scrap of makeup than anything else I've tried.

With extracts of green tea (packed with anti-oxidants) and Eucalyptus to clarify and brighten the complexion,  the cleanser boasts yet more goodies, such as jojoba, avocado and vitamin E, all of which are super-hydrating and nourishing and aim to leave the skin plump and soft.

To use on my 'normal' skin, I apply two pumps to a dry face and neck, and massage in for about a minute or so, really giving it the chance to dissolve any debris and impurities. I then soak the bamboo cloth provided in hot water, and gently polish away the product, taking all the unwanted dirt with it.

If I have a full face of makeup on before use, I tend to massage a pump or so in before hand, rinsing with warm water, as suggested by Tropic. However, if I'm just wearing tinted moisturiser and light eye makeup then I don't find this to be a necessary step, as the cleanser is really thorough and removes every last trace of grime!

The product smells wonderfully herbal, but it's not a strong or over-powering scent. If anything, it adds to the sense of cleanliness, and is really rather pleasant, the dominant note I can pick out being that of eucalyptus.

I can honestly say that I have absolutely loved using this cleanser, and will continue to use it on a daily basis, as it has left my skin feeling so incredibly soft, smooth, hydrated and plump (yes, I'm a beauty blogger, so I will undoubtedly try other cleansers if they tickle my fancy, but this is one to always keep on hand). When I started using it, I had been a bit erratic with my skincare for the past few days, and it was showing, with blemishes and redness blighting my appearance. However, after just a couple of uses, this had already made a huge impact on my skin, and while I was a little bit sceptical as to whether that would continue, it really has done, leaving it soft, smooth and blemish free. This only serves to re-enforce my believe that my skin responds better to organic and natural ingredients, and I have definitely got my eye on some of the other products in the Tropic range.

Whether you are new to cream cleansers or a die-hard fan of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and fancy an organic alternative, this one is for you, and it comes highly recommended from me.

Where to find Tropic:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Have you tried anything from Tropic Pure Plant Skincare? If so, what did you think?

xx

Umberto Giannini Incredible Body Big Hair Volume Styling Set

Now if ever there was a fan of big hair, it would be me. While my hair is quite thick, it lacks that natural volume and oomph I so desire, so I was delighted to be sent the Umberto Giannini Incredible Body Big Hair Volume Set* (bit of a mouthful!) to try just before Christmas. I've always enjoyed using this brand, and find the products really reasonably priced for the quality, so I was eager to put these goodies to the test and see what they could do for me. 

Sorry about the grainy photos today, but I really struggled with the lighting when taking these photos, as it was a particularly dark and dreary day!

The set consists of the Volume Blow Dry Spray and Full Volume Hairspray, both designed to give hair the boost it needs to take on a glamorous night out, as well as all the styling tools you could possibly need to help you achieve the look.

The Incredible Volume Blow Dry Spray is spritzed onto both the roots and lengths of damp hair before blow-drying. It has a really pleasant, 'just-stepped-out-of-the-salon' smell, and left my hair voluminous and bouncy, without a hint of crispiness in sight. My locks felt so much more manageable after use, and as an added bonus, fly-aways were also kept at bay.

To achieve a full-on Hollywood hair-style, I sectioned my hair with the clips provided and backcombed the roots using the specialist brush I received as part of the kit. I then finished with the Full Volume Hairspray to keep things in place. Again, this smells pleasant and there was no crispiness or dryness to contend with - just weightless, shiny hair that was easy to control.

For me, the Full Volume Hairspray is the star of this set, as even when used alone, my hair stayed perfectly in place, seeing me through the whole of the next day and right up until the next wash. I also had my mother try this one out for me (her hair is much finer and more fly-away than mine) and even after a two-hour walk in strong wind on a damp day, her hair was still in place, without a hint of frizz in sight. She was really impressed with this one, and has already bought her own bottle!

The Incredible Volume Blow Dry Spray is a lovely product too and works well before a night out, but needs to be used in conjunction with the backcomb brush if you want to wake up with big hair again the next day.

In all, I think this is a lovely set, and it really does provide you with everything you could need for big hair.

The RRP of this set was £16.00, but as far as I can see, it's unfortunately no longer available. However, you can still get your hands on everything that was inside this box - the sprays retail at £5.49 each (for 200ml) from Boots (a price at which I'd be perfectly willing to repurchase), and if you fancy getting your hands on some UG styling tools, try this set - for £8, you get a backcomb brush, rollers, a hair pin, grips and hair clips! 

Keep your eyes peeled for a FOTD post coming up, complete with big hair created using these products.

Have you tried any of the products from the Incredible Body range?

What's your favourite product from Umberto Giannini?

xx

Insta-Holidaying

Hi lovelies, I'm back from my week of sun, sea and sand, and let me tell you, it was bliss. For the first time in ages, I felt my mind and my body truly relax and enjoy life's little pleasures. I'm going to be posting more about my trip within the next few days, but for now I thought I'd share a few of my Instagram snaps from the week. If you don't follow me on Instagram already, you can find me as 'melotw', and if I don't follow you then I'd love to, so please leave me your user name in the comments below and I'll get on the case!

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the week so far.

xx

What's in My Holiday Makeup Bag?

Hello, hope everyone is having a lovely week. As I mentioned in Sunday's Weekend Wishlist post, I am currently in Brazil, and while I've not been based at the seaside, this week I'm away on a bit of a beachy holiday, hence posts being a bit thin on the ground. Truth be told, I've been so swept up in enjoying the beach and the sunshine that I've not really fancied staying cooped up in my hotel room to write up posts, but at the same time I'm not best pleased at having left my blog unattended all week. So, as I write this, the hubby is sound asleep beside me, having a nap before we go out tonight, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get a post ready to roll and to share with you what has come with me in my travel makeup bag.

When I'm away on holiday, the last thing I want is a thick foundation on my face, so I decided to bring my Caudalie Teint Divin and Laura Mercier SPF20 tinted moisturisers.  I don't generally wear makeup on the beach, but this time around I have been going for a light application of Laura Mercier, as I can get my fix of sun protection at the same time as evening out my skin tone a little bit. It's a win-win really, and I've still managed to get some colour on my face even with it on. That's literally all I wear for day time, and for evenings, Caudalie has been serving me well - it doesn't contain SPF, which is key to avoiding that ghostly pale look in photos - not something you want when you're away in the sunshine and actually have a nice bit of colour for a change.

For a sweep of extra bronze, I've brought along my Maybelline Super Natural UV-Block powder in shade 3 (Honey). Despite it containing SPF30, I actually tend to use this in the evenings as I find it to be just the right shade for contouring. Thankfully, it doesn't seem to wash me out on camera, being placed on only strategic areas of my face.

Blush-wise, it had to be Nars Deep Throat for a pretty pop of colour in the evenings. Actually, I haven't found myself reaching for it as much as I'd expected, favouring my Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Year for a lovely peachy, sunkissed look that fits right n with the seaside vibe. I did also bring along my trusty Soft and Gentle MSF, which I use on an almost daily basis at home, but again, I haven't found myself choosing it as often while I'm here

For eyes, I packed my MUA Undressed Palette, which is really all I need, being a neutrals lover. It also contains some really pretty gold and bronzey shades, which have been lovely for creating a pretty twist on a smokey eye. Although I forgot to include it in the photograph, I also brought along the Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Liner in Nude,  which has become a daily must since I bought it, and of course my beloved L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara.

In terms of lips, I've been keeping it bright and bold with Topshop Infrared lipstick and Mac Vegas Volt. My Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous has been my day-time lip colour of choice.

Last but not least, I threw in my Caudalie Eye and Lip Cream, Origins Gin Zing Eye Cream (not makeup, but hey, they're in here) and Benefit The POREfessional, which has been great for keeping oil at bay on my t-zone come the evening. And of course, I was always going to need my Eco Tools Brush Set to apply everything with. These are such beautifully soft brushes, and if you haven't tried them and are looking for some reasonably priced brushes which won't shed then I would highly recommend them.

That's it from me today - now it's time to go and pop these products on my face and head out for some delicious food, cocktails and dancing. I'm not sure I'll be able to sit down and post again before Sunday, but either way, there will be some holiday FOTDs and a post about my get-away coming up very soon.

Have a lovely weekend!

xx

Weekend Wishlist

Forgive me for not linking up each of the products as I usually would do this week, but I'm putting this post together in a bit of a rush. You may or may not be aware that I'm currently in Brazil, although not based by the sea, so today we decided to book a bit of a last minute adventure and are leaving for our road trip early in the morning. I'm so excited, as the place we are going to is my absolute favourite (expect pics and a write up on the trip soon), but the downside is that I haven't really had the chance to prepare any posts for the next few days! However, tomorrow I will be letting you have a little peek into what is coming with me in my travel makeup bag, and will try to post more while away. Saying that though, I do want to make the most of the sun, sea and sand, as opposed to sitting indoors in front of a computer screen, but we'll see what happens.

I'm feeling quite Spring-like this week, possibly due to all this sunshine I'm getting, so the clothes and accessories on my wishlist this week reflect that. The Bag is from Accessorize, the playsuit is Topshop and the shoes and shorts are Miss Selfridge . 

Of course, I had to have a little nose at what was new on Feel Unique, and found myself drawn to the This Works Clean Skin Bundle, Pairfum Soy Message Ginger and Lemongrass Candle, Trilogy Rosehip Oil and the Di Palomo Wild Fig and Grape Enriching Hand Cream. Why? Just because.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

xx

Video: Thoughts on Face Masks

As you probably all know by now, I do love a good face mask, and I'm certain I'm not alone on that score. 

So, I thought it was about time I had a little delve into my face mask collection and shared my thoughts on the contents, whether they be good, bad or a little bit of both.

If this is your first stumble across one of my videos then just to let you know that if you click in the bottom right hand corner, you can watch this one on Youtube itself, and there you will be able to find my channel, where I have already uploaded a selection of other videos related to Mirror on the Wall.

I hope you enjoy watching, and as ever, if you have any thoughts on any of the products mentioned, or any recommendations, then I would love to hear them.

xx