REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK

I honestly don't think I will ever have enough red/orange/plum lipsticks in my collection. I was swatching a couple in Boots recently and I knew as soon as I saw this colour, I had to have it. It is from the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick collection in the shade "Cinammon Bronze".

It has a pearl finish, but it's not overly shimmery and doesn't look glittery once it is applied to the lips - there's nothing worse! Personally, I have always preferred a matte lip so this isn't a product I would usually go for. However, this is a lovely, wearable colour for during the day and I would describe it as a sheer, orange-red that it is very buildable. It feels moisturising on the lips and doesn't cling to any dry, chapped areas which can be an issue when wearing matte lipsticks. I have also noticed that I don't have to re-apply the product all day long - which I love, it's very long-lasting.

Being very pale, I like a pop of colour when applying my makeup otherwise I can look a little washed out. Sometimes that pop will be a dramatic eye look but most of the time i'll go for a red/orange lip as it's much quicker when i'm rushing out the door in the morning.

This lipstick is £7.49 from Boots and there are countless shades in this range to choose from, you're spoilt for choice! There's something to suit everyone. I never thought that the pearl finish would be something I would like, but I love it and will definitely be back at Revlon on my next visit to Boots!

Good job, Revlon!

Here's a swatch of Cinammon Bronze (this was 3 swipes):

BENEFIT FAKE UP CONCEALER REVIEW

Recently i've been struggling to find an under eye concealer that both effectively covers blueish/purple tones under my eyes and that doesn't crease. I have dry skin on my face and around my eyes and i'm also very pale so it can be hard to find a concealer that is the right shade, doesn't look cakey and that isn't drying on the skin.

After much searching, I saw on the Benefit wedbsite that Fake Up (£18.50) was a "hydrating crease-control concealer" which "hides dark circles & diffuses fine lines for a silky smooth, ultra-natural look" I knew I had to give it a go. It sounded like my perfect concealer, and it didn't disappoint...

You'll notice it looks different from your typical concealer. The concealer itself is in the middle and the surrounding white layer is what keeps the under eye area hydrated. Initially I had concerns about the coverage when blended with the other layer but I tried it on at the Benefit counter and it covered the discolouration under my eyes like a dream - and we all know the lighting and mirrors in department stores and drugstores isn't the most flattering!

I have been very impressed with this product so far. The packaging, as always with Benefit is very colourful and has that retro-girly vibe. Fake Up comes in 3 shades and i'm in shade "Light" which is a perfect match for my skin tone. It provides great coverage without feeling thick and cakey on the skin. It covers any fine lines without drawing attention to them and you are still left with a lovely, natural looking finish. I personally don't put powder my face as I prefer a dewy finish, but I have tried setting the concealer with powder and it stayed put all day!

Shade: Light

SOAP & GLORY SUPER-COLOUR FABULIPSTICK REVIEW

As someone with very pale skin, it can be difficult to find a pink/nude lipstick shade that doesn't wash me out. I'm usually a red lipstick kinda girl, and generally go for the blue-toned ones to emphasise the pearly whites. I love the old Hollywood style, glamorous flowing locks and the perfect red lip. Simple, elegant and bold.  However, as we come into Spring/Summer, a bold red lip isn't always desired - especially if all you're doing is popping out to Tesco...

So, the hunt began. I was roaming the aisles of Boots with about 50 swatches across both hands but I kept coming back to this one, Guavarama by Soap & Glory (£9.00). It is a lovely pink (but not too pink!) shade which is a perfect colour for wearing during the day. It suits my pale skin perfectly and doesn't look too dissimilar from my natural lip colour either. It's very moisturising on the lips with a   "3-D plump peptide complex, Shea butter, Monoi butter, Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide 2 - all beneficial in the prevention of premature ageing. All this in a lipstick?! Yes please.

I have been using this product as part of my daily routine for around 2 weeks now and I have not been disappointed. I like matte lipsticks and this has a matte lipstick effect on my lips whilst still remaining very moisturising. It also doesn't draw attention to any dry patches on the lips which I love. This lipstick comes in a fantastic range of shades, I'm so glad I stumbled across it and I will definitely be going back for more!

ESTEE LAUDER HYDRATIONIST MAXIMUM MOISTURE LOTION

The Estee Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Lotion (£35) is my every day moisturiser which I have been using for around a month now. Previous to this, I used the Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme (also £35) from the same range which is one of my all time holy grail skincare products. It's a luxurious, thick, moisturising cream - just the ticket to sort out dry/very dry/dehydrated skin.

I recently went to an Estee Lauder counter in Glasgow to repurchase my little pot of Hydrationist cream when the lady mentioned the Hydrationist Lotion as a lighter alternative to the cream. I was a little hesitant at first as I know how dry my skin can be and the Hydrationist cream was the only product that has worked in improving the texture and appearance of my dry skin. After only a few days of using the Hydrationist Creme my makeup looked noticeably better and my foundation had more of a flawless finish, so you can understand why I was hesitant to try a new product - I didn't want to go back to my foundation clinging to random dry patches on my face - not a good look!

I usually do my research before buying any skincare products but as this was from the same range as the Hydrationist Creme which had worked so well for me in the past, I decided to give it a go. I actually preferred the lighter feel of the Hydrationist Lotion on my skin and it gives me the same results! I love the packaging and the fact that there is a pump on the product so that you're not sticking your fingers in a pot all the time and taking out too much product. I use this product in the morning and at night on top of either: the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (£48) or Hydraluron (£24.99) as these serums give my skin even more of a hydration boost. 

I know, I used the word "hydration" a LOT in this post...

However, the Estee Lauder Hydrationist range, from my experience, does exactly that, hydrates the skin. It doesn't just temporarily make my skin appear hydrated until I cleanse my face again. I love that i'm not left with that horrible tightness around my mouth and forehead any longer. The longer i've used this product, the better the results are becoming. This range is obviously targeted at people like me with very dry/dehyrdated skin so if that's you too and you're struggling to find a moisturiser that works, I would highly recommend this product.

FASHION: URBAN OUTFITTERS & OLIVIA BURTON

I was doing some post-Christmas shopping in January and found this lovely monochrome flower crop top by Cooperative in Urban Outfitters. 

Now, I know what some of you are thinking - that's a bold print, and yes you're right but i'm trying to experiment a little more with my wardrobe this year. It's one of those tops that I see hanging in the shop, I'll think to myself "that looks lovely" but generally I don't purchase items like this for fear that they won't suit me or the pattern will be too overpowering. However,  when I saw this I knew I had to have it. I think it has a very classic look to it and the material is so soft and comfortable. I love roses and long sleeved tops too so after a little deliberation in my head as I stood looking at it, it was a no-brainer.

This top can be easily dressed up or down. It looks lovely paired with black skinny jeans, some gold jewellery and a pair of heels. I also wore this top quite recently to work paired with a black pencil skirt, black heeled boots and some simple gold jewellery, it's really versatile but I like to keep the rest of what I wear simple due to the bold print. I also think it looks gorgeous with my Olivia Burton Big Dial Black & Gold watch. It gives the outfit (and any outfit) a touch of sophistication! I've had countless complements wearing this watch and it's never off my wrist! 

What do you think about wearing bold prints? 

SOAP & GLORY FACE MASSAGE MINI MITT

I recently stumbled across this little gem whilst roaming the aisles of Boots. I was immediately attracted to the packaging so went over to investigate. I have never really used a product like this as I usually use a muslin cloth or soft flannel to cleanse my face but my curiosity got the better of me on this trip to Boots (as usual!) and it ended up in my basket.

I wouldn't take my makeup off with this product but I find it's gentle enough to use everyday first thing in the morning, really to get the blood flowing when I wake up. The mitt will easily glide over the face with a little bit of water but I like to add a blob of a gentle cleanser to it in the morning to prep my face for my morning skincare/makeup routine. I find that it's great for gently exfoliating those hard to reach areas around the nose, an area prone to redness and blackheads for me.

The mitt is also great for gently exfoliating and cleansing the neck - an area often neglected! What I found useful is that it has a little sucker pad on the back so you can keep it in your shower or another tiled surface in your bathroom - I just thought that was a nice little touch.

At just £4.00 from Boots, i'm definitely glad I stumbled across this product, i'm always very impressed by the affordability and quality of Soap & Glory products. This little mitt is great for making sure your face is squeaky clean, prepped and smoothed before applying any products and it's actually very relaxing to use. A great little addition to my shower routine!

LITTLE & LARGE: HYDRALURON

Say hello to Hydraluron, from Indeed Laboratories.

I have wanted to try this product for a long time but because my skin can be quite temperamental with new products, I was worried i'd buy the full size product and it wouldn't work for me. However, I was recently browsing through the aisles of Boots only to discover that Indeed Laboratories do a Set of 3 Sampler Kit including the cult favourite, Hydraluron. Needless to say, I had to have it!

Hydraluron when frequently used, claims to increase the hydration levels of the skin over time, which is beneficial as dehydrated skin can lead to premature ageing. The key hydrating ingredient in Hydraluron is hyaluronic acid which can hold 1000x its weight in water and this provides the skin with a boost of hydration below the surface of the skin, and doesn't simply sit on top.

Ever find that your skin is tight as soon as you wash off your moisturiser? Look at the moisturiser you're using, it may not be working for you. I tried countless moisturisers that claimed to be "hydrating" before I found one that actually worked for my skin. Everyone's skin is different.

I always use a serum as part of my skincare routine so when I saw that Hydraluron was slightly more affordable than my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, I was keen to give it a go. It is currently on offer for £16.66 in Boots (RRP £24.99).

So, the results?

The product is a clear gel which you apply all over the face, before your normal moisturiser. I first noticed that when you apply this product, it quickly sinks into the skin. I love that it didn't leave any nasty, greasy or oily residue which I have found with some serums in the past. I have been using this product for around 3 weeks now, every day and sometimes at night and have had great results, with one of the biggest differences being the way my makeup looks.

As I've mentioned before, my skin is very dry and my makeup has a tendency to cling to any dry patches on my face. However, since using this product every morning before applying my makeup, I haven't had that problem at all. I was always very self-conscious about it but the addition of Hydraluron to my skincare routine has given my skin a lovely dewy glow and made my skin appear a lot brighter. My skin feels more plump and never feels tight. I will definitely be repurchasing this product again and again!

REAL TECHNIQUES - MY TOP FIVE FACE BRUSHES

From left to right: Contour Brush, Blush Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush

Ahhh don't they look pretty? I have always been a fan of the Real Techniques brush range. The brushes were brought to us by the lovely Sam Chapman of the Chapman sisters - who have a YouTube channel which i'm sure you're all aware of, Pixiwoo!

The brushes are all synthetic, incredibly soft and cruelty free and although each brush has its own designed purpose, I find many of them can be multi-purpose too. For example, I have used the pointed foundation brush for concealer as well as foundation in the past. I love that one brush can have more than just one function. The Core Collection is a cult favourite in the beauty/blogging world, which is actually pictured above (minus the pink blush brush). I find the brushes to be very affordable too, the Core Collection contains 4 high quality brushes which are designed to create the perfect base - all for £21.99 here in the UK and this set includes the very popular buffing brush.

So, what are my top 5 face brush picks?

1. What else could it be? Of course it has to be the cult favourite - the Buffing Brush. I absolutely adore this brush for applying foundation. It creates the perfect, flawless base and I love that the brush doesn't get clogged up with excess product after one use. It doesn't leave your face feeling caked in makeup either, the super soft bristles just effortlessly glide over your face perfectly blending your foundation giving you a smooth, perfected finish. I have also used this brush for cream blusher before with great results.

2. The Contour Brush - This is one of those "does what it says" products. It contours, and it contours very well I might add! The brush again, is super soft and is small enough to fit into the hollow of the cheek to create the perfect sculpted look. I have also used this brush for blusher, and blending concealer around those trickier areas such as the nose and mouth which also works well. I used to be nervous to contour as my skin is so pale, but this brush is so easy to blend with that it doesn't matter if you make a little mistake.

3. The Blush Brush - I rarely use this brush for blusher, it is actually my go-to powder brush. It's just the right size for applying powder to my face and I find it picks up just the right amount of product for me, as I only really swirl a tiny amount of powder on my nose. I've had mine for a long time and it hasn't gone out of shape at all which I love. Great multi-purpose powder brush.

4. The Detailer Brush - This is definitely a favourite of mine when the blemishes come out. It is perfect for focusing on small areas that need a little more attention when concealing! I have also used this brush for my lips actually, it's the perfect size to apply lip colour.

5. The Pointed Foundation Brush - I love this brush when i'm going for a more full coverage look. The buffing brush gives you more of a natural, sheer-medium looking finish but this brush is perfect for those days where you just want to go for more of a medium-full look. The bristles are super soft yet firm and for me, this brush can double up as a concealer brush - particularly for under the eyes. I find this brush works best for liquid foundation.

One thing I also noticed with all of the Real Techniques brushes is that they're very easy to clean. The synthetic bristles don't cling onto the product like some of my other brushes. I simply use some baby shampoo and swirl each brush around, rinse and leave them to dry on a towel. I've had my Core Collection for a long time and they still work like a dream!

What are your favourite Real Techniques brushes?

BIRCHBOX: FEBRUARY 2014

I'm always happy to see my little Birchbox turn up every month, and this month was no different. I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a good while now and I can honestly say I have never been disappointed with a box. I had a minor issue with the delivery of one of my boxes a few months back but the customer service team were so helpful, they got straight on it and it was sorted within a few minutes. 

Ok, I confess. I did have a little sneak peak at the February spoiler on the Birchbox website so I had an idea what might be in my box this month!

From left to right:

Beauty Protector - Protect & Oil (£16) - I'm always trying out lots of different hair oils as I have quite damaged hair from years of dying it every colour under the sun. I also have very fine/thin hair so for me it's important to look after it as it can look quite brittle and dry at times. I usually do a hair oil treatment once a week so I have only tried this product once so far. I only needed a few drops which I massaged into my scalp for a few minutes then wrapped in a warm towel for half an hour. I then went to bed and washed it out the next day. It definitely added shine and softness to my hair but as my hair is so fine it quickly became greasy the next day. 

Urbanveda - Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish (£8.99) - As a sufferer of dry skin it's important to make sure I exfoliate my face 2-3 times per week. I've tried some exfoliators in the past that have just been too harsh for my skin so it was good to see that this one was "gentle" and contained "superfruits for a radiant, youthful complexion". This product feels lovely on the skin and the grains are so fine that you can barely feel them - there's nothing worse than those exfoliators that scratch your skin leaving it red and irritated. When you wash this product off you reveal soft, plumped and smooth skin - a perfect base for applying makeup. Love it.

Gilchrist & Soames - The London Collection Shower Gel (13.75) - What I love and first noticed about this product is that it's paraben free, which means there's no nasty preservatives in it. I'm not great at describing scents as I have problems with my sinuses but the little card Birchbox sends with each box states that it contains "red tea, grape seed and milk thistle". The packaging is simple and it actually reminds me of a product I might find in a fancy hotel room. I love when products look nice in the bathroom! A lovely little addition to my shower...

Leighton Denny Nail Colour (£11) - I hadn't actually heard of this brand prior to receiving it in my Birchbox this month. It looks black with sparkles from the picture but it is actually clear with black sparkles. I'm a red nail kinda girl. I always have some kind of red colour on my nails and to be honest with you, the glitter nails trend has never really worked on me. I think because i'm so pale it's harder to pull off glitter nails - they look great on some people which makes me quite jealous but unfortunately this just wasn't the nail polish for me. I also found it was quite difficult to remove too.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner (£12) - Now, here's a brand I was familiar with before Birchbox. This is possibly my favourite product in the box. I've tried out so many liquid liners over the years and having a hooded eye, sometimes a cat-eye just isn't possible with some liners. However, this lovely Eyeko number has a precision tip which makes application quick and easy. One of the problems I have found in the past with liquid liner pens is that some have a tendency to dry up quickly but I have used this everyday since receiving it and it's given me the desired jet black line every time. Love love love this product, will definitely be re-purchasing it.

Oh, I almost forgot. There was a mini Green & Blacks Dark 70% Chocolate in the box too - but I ate that as soon as I saw it - couldn't resist!

Another great month, Birchbox!

L'OREAL CLEANSING DUO

Micellar water make up removers - one of the the latest crazes in beauty! I first became aware of these products last year from my favourite YouTube beauty channels and blogs. There seemed to be such a huge hype around one product in particular - Bioderma! However, at the time it wasn't that easy to get your hands on. Ever since then it seems that Micellar solutions were popping up everywhere so I had to get my hands on a couple and try them out for myself.

The L'oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution is just £4.99 from Boots. There's no two ways about it, it just looks like a bottle of water but from the very first use of this product I knew it was going to become a regular feature of my cleansing routine. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin as it is hypo-allergenic. It makes taking your makeup off at the end of the day so much quicker and easier. I tend to take the bulk of my makeup off with a pad soaked in the micellar water then cleanse my face with whatever cleanser I am currently using. It is even removes stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving the eyes irritated or stinging. The only down side to this product is the lid. It is a little awkward to ensure the product gets on the cotton pad and not the floor - but I can forgive this as I have seen great results.

I am a little unorthodox with my L'oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil in the sense that, I keep it in my shower. I remove all of my make up at night, then the next morning I will have a shower and use this product to make sure every speck of mascara and foundation has been removed. Plus, I feel it preps my skin better before I apply my makeup - nobody wants to be applying moisturiser on top of yesterdays leftover foundation! Prior to this product, I was nervous about trying a cleansing oil as I thought it might be too greasy or make my skin break out but I was pleasantly surprised at the results. It removes mascara without a trace and leaves my skin lovely and smooth like i've just used a face mask. The formula is very light and you only need a small amount - usually 3 pumps will be enough for my entire face. Again, this product is suitable for all skin types and at just £7.99 I would definitely say it's worth a try if you're in need of a new cleanser or just want to experiment with cleansing oil as an alternative to your usual routine.

These products have been very effective for my skin, which is prone to being very dry/dehydrated. The packaging is simple but the products inside are fantastic makeup removers. I would always recommend double cleansing, and although it says there is no need to rinse the micellar solution, I always do as I don't like any residue being left behind before I apply moisturiser at night.

At the moment I'm also loving the the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (400ml) which I posted on my Instagram a few days ago. It is the same price as the L'oreal one I mentioned above but you get double the amount of product for the same price of £4.99. I stumbled across this thanks to one of my favourite beauty bloggers, Ashlyn (Shlynsbin). I've been following her for a long time and you guys should definitely check her out too!

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR LIGHT FOUNDATION

I have a tendency to try out lots of different foundations and i've never really found one that I would consider my "holy grail" product. Since my skin can be a bit temperamental I sometimes have problems with certain foundations clinging to the dry areas of my face - not a very attractive look!

I had heard mixed reviews about this product on other blogs but remained curious about it. My skin tends to get on well with Estee Lauder products, so I thought i'd give it a go.

I was a little nervous as I do have dry skin but as you can see from the photo I went for the "Double Wear Light" which has more of a light, natural finish than the Double Wear foundation but still has great lasting power. I love being able to look in the mirror at the end of the day and my foundation hasn't budged, it literally does what it says on the bottle "Stay-in-Place Makeup".

This product is both fragrance free and oil free which I prefer as heavily fragranced products can irritate my skin. It also contains SPF 10 which is very beneficial for me as I am in shade 1.0... so, very pale! Estee Lauder also describe this product as being "photo friendly" which was reassuring as we hear so much about SPF in foundations causing flashback when photographed - again, not a great look!

I have to say I have been impressed with this foundation and a little goes a long way. It can be applied with a very light hand or you can build up the coverage to suit you. It feels light on the skin and not cakey once it has been applied and my favourite way of applying this product is with my Real Techniques buffing brush. I find it evens out my skin tone but at the same time you can still see my freckles! I was pleasantly surprised at the very natural, skin-like finish this foundation gives me as I was worried it was going to be too matte for my already dry skin.

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE INTENSE SKIN FORTIFYING HYDRATOR

If you have read any of the skin care posts on my blog, you'll know I have dry to very dry skin that has a tendency to be quite dehydrated. One of my all time favourite moisturisers is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moistuizing Lotion so when I spotted this little pot at the counter and the fact that it was a hydrator - I had to give it a try!

The product itself is £32.00. Personally I think it's worth it as I found it works wonders for my skin and I still have around half the pot left after purchasing it around 5/6 months ago.

It is an oil free, gel consistency and you apply a layer of this on top of your normal moisturiser (I know what you're thinking). If you haven't used a product like this before it does feel a little strange putting another product on top of your moisturiser as that's usually the last step.

I was advised that it was best to leave this product on overnight if possible to really give it time work. I have to say, this is the one skincare product that I saw a difference with from the first time I used it. When I say my skin is very dry, I mean very dry. At its worst my skin would flake off when I was applying make up - it was awfull as my foundation would always look a mess.

I apply this product each night now, just a thin layer and wash it off in the morning and it really has improved the texture of my skin and made my makeup go on a lot smoother. I would definitely recommend this product if your skin sounds anything like mine!

SOAP & GLORY PULP FRICTION FOAMY FRUITY BODY SCRUB

Soap & Glory Pulp Friction Foamy Fruity Body Scrub.  Yes, it's a bit of a mouthful but recently this product has made it in to my must-haves in my bathroom. I first purchased this product early last year and have since re-purchased it multiple times. I love the bright packaging and the older, retro vibe of the Soap and Glory Range.

I find that some body scrubs can be quite harsh and others can leave an almost greasy residue on the skin depending on the ingredients, notably sugar scrubs. However this product is not as "gritty" (as I like to call it) as other scrubs that I have used in the past - especially those containing large chunks of sea salt which I find actually irritate my skin.

I don't have that problem with this product though. It foams up just like a soap and a little goes a long way. Admittedly i'm not very sparing with this product as the smell is so good that I tend to smother myself in it - hence why i've already repurchased it quite a few times! The smell is just what it says on the bottle -  fruity, but I don't find it overpowering.

It's great for removing dead skin cells and smoothing out any area of skin on the body, even those stubborn spots like elbows, knees and ankles. It's also great for prepping your skin for fake tan!

At around £8.00 per bottle I think it's a bargain and I will definitely continue to repurchase this product. If you're like me and a sufferer of dry skin - this might be the one for you too!

ORIGINS GINZING ENERGY-BOOSTING MOISTURISER

I purchased this product during the summer of last year. I think I gave in to the hype a little with this one as so many bloggers seemed to be raving about it at the time. However, I was on the hunt for a new moisturiser anyway so I thought i'd give it a try!

The Origins packaging is lovely, simple and the bright orange pot definitely stands out on the shelf. As for the product itself it's more of a gel-like consistency and the one thing I absolutely love is that it actually does sink in to the skin, leaving no greasy residue or film on the skin. Normally i'm not keen on scented skin care products but it has a light, fresh fragrance.

I have always had dry/dehydrated skin so usually I stick to moisturisers that target that specific problem. This product is said to instantly hydrate, refresh and revitalise the skin as well as give a healthy glow.  Whilst this may be true for some people, unfortunately I think my skin was just to dry for it. My makeup didn't look great on top of this moisturiser and at times my skin still felt tight after it was applied.

My solution? I now use it at night on top of a serum such as the Estee Lauder Advanced Repair or Hydraluron and now have much better results!

In fact, recently my boyfriend mentioned his face felt very dry so I passed him this product to use - he loved the scent so much that he wishes it was edible, haha! So... if it ever goes missing, I'll know who stole it.

BIRCHBOX: JANUARY 2014

Birchbox is one of the popular beauty box subscription services and each month you receive a number of beauty/lifestyle products to try out. I've always liked this concept as there's nothing worse than buying a full size product without being able to sample it first and it ends up not working for you. Birchbox is £10 per month plus £2.95 P&P which I think is very reasonable as you typically receive 5 good sized products to sample. It's a great way to discover new brands and trial new products before going straight for the full size version.

I also love the surprise of it, as you don't know what will be in your box each month until it turns up on your doorstep!

(Ok... I'm already late to the party with this review so I'll stop babbling and get onto the January box of goodies!)

Left to right (prices listed are for the full size product):

Birchbox Eye Mask (£10.00) - filled with a blue gel, this mask is designed to cool the eye and surrounding area and decrease puffiness. It can be kept in the fridge until you're ready to use it. One thing this is great for is headaches! I went through a phase of having regular sinus headaches and recently this has helped soothe that entire area. Great product.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer (£27.50) - A product of much debate in the beauty blogger community - some people love it, some people don't notice much difference with it. It is a pre-shampoo treatment which claims to strengthen, nourish and prevent breakage. I have used this product a number of times as I also have the full size one and I have to say, my hair does feel a little weighed down after using it. However, I do have very fine hair so that could be why. I do notice that my hair is noticeably shinier and softer after using this product so I guess i'm still undecided. I would definitely recommend this to people with thicker hair in need of a bit of TLC!

Vasanti Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser (£18.00) - I had never heard of this product before and since getting it in my Birchbox I have only used it once. My skin is quite troublesome at the moment so i'm trying to get it back to what it was before adding new cleansers into my routine. The description card Birchbox provides states that this product will "wash away toxins (not to mention every last trace of foundation) with this fresh cleanser". The time I did use this cleanser, it certainly did remove all of my face make up but I did not use it on my eyes.

Benefit The POREfessional (£24.50) - I always heard people rave about this product so I was very excited to try it out when I saw it in my Birchbox this month. I did panic slightly when I saw the product was a brownish colour as i'm very pale but the colour virtually disappeared when I applied it to my face. It was velvety and my skin definitely felt smoother and more even before I applied my foundation. My most problematic area for pores is around my nose and I do feel it helped disguise this. A classic does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product!

Lavera Basis Sensitive Hand Cream (£4.45) - This product is made up of ingredients including organic shea butter and almond oil to protect the hands (much needed during winter in Scotland!). I have since seen it in Holland and Barrett and would definitely purchase this product now that I have had a chance to sample it first. There are a lot of hand creams out there but I think this one is both affordable and very effective at relieving dry/cracked hands.

I also received a small sample of the Rodial Stemcell Super-Food Day Cream SPF 15 (£42.00). Unfortunately I was only able to try the product once on my face as the sample was in a small packet and I usually like to trial skin care products, especially moisturisers for at least a week to see the effect it will have on my skin as I have dry/sensitive skin.

On the whole, this was another month I was very happy with my Birchbox samples and I can't wait to see what the February box will bring.

RIMMEL LASTING FINISH MATTE LIPSTICK BY KATE MOSS (107)

Plum lips is a makeup trend that comes around every year from Autumn through Winter. 

I love it. Being very fair skinned I find wearing pink/nude shades on my lips often gives me that dreaded washed out look (not very attractive, right?). All year round I stick to different shades of red so it's a nice change when Autumn comes around to be able to experiment with some darker colours!

I first stumbled across this lovely deep plum shade last Autumn. One thing I used to always wish for from drug store/high street stores such as Boots or Superdrug was a better range of good quality matte lipsticks at an affordable price. It seemed to be a rarity. I remember I purchased the shade "Valparaiso" from Nars just before I discovered this range from Rimmel, which is a plum/wine matte lipstick but around three times the price. I was sceptical about the quality of the Rimmel Kate Moss collection but I have been pleasantly surprised and have now purchased this product twice.

The colour pay-off from this product is excellent (the above swatch was just one swipe on my arm). I sometimes find with matte lipsticks that they can be very drying on the lips and can draw attention to any dry patches but this product is feels creamy as you apply it but has a lovely smooth matte finish. I like the simplicity of the packaging. I also find that these lipsticks last a long time - literally! When I first purchased this product last August it was still going strong in March after wearing it constantly during that period.

I have seen this product on darker skin tones and it also looks beautiful. You can be very light-handed with it or mix it up with a lip balm to give a less dramatic look, in my experience it is very versatile, affordable product (currently only £3.99 in Boots!). 

My only advice about this product would be to wear a lipliner unless you are mixing it with a balm. As with all darker lipsticks, it can bleed slightly around your lips but other than that I love this product and it will definitely be re-appearing in Autumn/Winter 2014!

Zoe