SensatioNail Gel Manicures

Perfect nails are something that every girl loves, but with polish chipping so easily & manicures costing a small fortune it can be hard to find a way to keep up the look. However after hearing how a number of my friends had invested in a LED Nail Lamp for themselves, it seemed that this could easily be a solution to the nail-dilemma.  

After conducting some research online by reading multiple reviews & gaining opinions from my friends I quickly learned that SensatioNail seemed to be the brand that most people turned too. Of course I then spent the next hour checking out different deals/stores to buy the products needed & couldn't wait to get my hands on a kit. 

The next day I ran to my local Boots after work & treated myself to the One Step Gel Nail Kit (retailing at £34.99), the Gel Polish Remover & a second polish (pictured on my nails below). The Nail Kit claims to provide everything you'd need to create your own "beautiful gel manicures" and includes; an LED lamp, a 10ml Express Gel Polish & a nail file. 

After a quick read through of the instructions explaining how to prep your nails (clean & filed as desired) & how to use the lamp (simply plug in and pop your nails under for 60 seconds until the light turns off) I removed my old, chipped polish & set about creating my first at-home gel manicure. 

As recommended by SensatioNail I first gave the polish bottle a good shake (apparently the consistency is thicker than normal) & painted both thumb nails & allowed them to set before completing the rest of my nails. I added a second coat to ensure the colour was vibrant & popped each nail under the LED lamp until they were completely dry.

Whilst not quite salon quality (I'm far from an expert when it comes to manicures) I was still pretty impressed with the overall outcome & have received lots of compliments. I've been wearing the polish for around a week & a half now with only one small chip, which I quickly fixed that evening by adding another layer of polish to the effected nail - a much better result that your standard nail polish. 

Admittedly SensatioNail is a little pricey in the first instance (I think my total came to around the £50.00 mark) but I do feel that purchasing your own Gel Manicure kit works out much cheaper in the long run (especially if - like me - you were paying roughly £20.00 per manicure & extra for a soak off). Plus the convenience of completing the manicure in your own home whilst binge-watching Netflix is always a bonus in my eyes! 

Have you tried any "at home" gel manicure kits?

I'd love to know your thoughts. 

xxx

July Glossybox Unboxing

Whether you're jetting off on an exotic holiday or enjoying a short stay-cation with the girls, the "Hello Summer" July Glossybox contains a combination of products & accessories perfect for the summer months. 

Products: 
Spectrum Fan Brush - £4.99 [x]

CuteBalms Macaroon Tint Balm - £5.99 [x]

Bellapierre Banana Setting Powder - £25.00 [x]

Papangas Spiral Hairbands - £4.99 [x]

Monuspa Soothing Aftersun Lotion - £19.95 [x]

Besides the gorgeous Summer-themed box (I didn't realise it was possible to love the Glossybox packaging more) the first item to catch my eye this month had to be Spectrum's Fan Brush. I've been looking to test a fan brush for sometime now, so I can't wait to see how this works with applying highlighter and loose powder.

I was also pretty happy to find the Monuspa Soothing Aftersun Lotion. Packed with Aloe Vera, Shea Butter and Vitamin E I'm hoping this will be a life-saver if (when) my shoulders start to turn a little pink after sitting in the sun this year.

The only product I was a little uncertain about this month was the Cutebalms Macaroon Balm. Although ridiculously cute (who doesn't love a product shaped like a bright pink Macaroon?) I'm not really a big fan of lip balms. However after some research I discovered that the product also doubles as a cheek tint - so I'll be sure to put it to the test & hope it can become a part of my permanent make-up collection.

Have you tried any of the above products?

I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments below. 

xxx

June's Glossybox Unboxing

My favourite time of the month (after pay day of course) has finally come around again - the delivery of Glossybox. After all there really is nothing better than coming home to a little box of beauty treats to greet you after a long day in the office. 

Contents:
Manna Kadar Glo Illuminator - £22.50
Batiste XXL Volume Spray - £4.29
Black Diamond Peel Off Mask - £4.95 for 3
Himalaya Herbals Face Wash - £3.29
Sleek Power Plump Lip Crayon - £5.50
111 Skin Bright Eye Lift Gel - £110.00

With the weather finally starting to warm up the June Glossybox includes five products to help create an effortlessly chic look this summer.

The first product to catch my eye this month was the Black Diamond peel off charcoal mask. With blackhead removal taking the beauty world by storm I've been looking for a new mask to put to the test for myself (fingers crossed it's not too eye watering!). 

As someone who relies heavily on dry shampoo, I was also very excited to see a full sized bottle of the Batiste "Oomph My Locks" XXL Volume Spray. As well as claiming to provide the "ultimate volume boost" Batiste also claims the product will strengthen and care for hair, bonus! 

 

What are your thoughts on the June Glossbox?
I'd love to know inthe comments 

xxx

MAC x Fleur De Force

If there's one thing I love, it's a make up collaboration. From MAC x Ariana Grande to Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland I just can't help picking up the limited addition collections. So when I spotted that one of my favourite Blogger/You Tube personalities Fleur De Force was collaborating with MAC to release a lipstick, I instantly knew I needed to get my hands on.

 

The limited addition lipstick is a take on the classic Cremesheen Lipstick. With a creamy formula the product leave lips feeling soft & moisturised all day without any hint of dryness (perfect for those who aren't a fan of matte).

With a combination of soft pink & beige tones create a beautiful yet natural look that's perfect for any make-up look this summer (think family BBQ's to summer weddings). 

Unfortunately Fleur's lipstick is now sold out online, but click here to view other MAC products recommended by the beauty guru herself.  

Have you tried the MAC x Fleur De Force Lipstick?

What's your favourite make-up collaboration?

xxx

 

May Glossybox Unboxing

If there's one thing I look forward too at the beginning of each month, it's the arrival of my beauty subscription box. Whilst I was previously signed up to  receive Birchbox, I recently decided to mix things up a little bit & see just how good Glossybox is.

Box Contents: 

Scrub Love Active Charcoal & Avocado Body Scrub - £13.95 [x]

Caudalie Creme Sorbet - £23.00 [x]
Dr Paw Paw Original Balm - £6.95 [x]
Ruby Powder Blush - £12.80 [x]

Daily Concepts Exfoliating Body Scrubber - £3.85 [x]

For me this box contains the perfect build up to summer products - exfoliators and moisturisers. One particular product I'm very excited to test is one I've seen all over my Instagram feed - the Scrub Love Body Scrub. Claiming to absorb impurities whilst soothing and moisturising, this seems to be the perfect pre-holiday skin treat, especially followed by the Dr Paw Paw Original Balm (which apparently can be used on skin, hair & nails!).  

I'll definitely be putting everything I received this month to use & may even put together a few product reviews to feature here. 

Have you ever used any of the products used in the 

May Glossybox?

I'd love to know your thoughts! 

xxx

Bridal Fashion with DressesOfGirl*

With shows like "Don't Tell The Bride", "Say Yes To The Dress" & "Say Yes To The Dress U.K" making their way onto my binge watching and guilty pleasure list, I can't help but find myself eyeing up the huge selection of gorgeous bridal/bridesmaid dresses on offer whilst daydreaming of the exact style I'd love to wear to a wedding...

After far too many Sunday afternoon spent binge watching these wedding themed shows (please don't judge me), I like to think that I now have a pretty good idea of the style of dress I'd happily to wear as a bride/bridesmaid.

Whilst I'm neither engaged or being a bridesmaid anytime soon, I couldn't resist creating a little "wish list" style post to share here on Small & Blonde - after all what girl didn't grow up spending her time dreaming of her perfect wedding & falling in love with every Disney Princess-style dress?!

1. 2. 3. 

In my opinion each of these dresses would be completely perfect for anyone's big day. Not only is the a-line cut flattering (think skater style to hide the tummy) but the lace/chiffon detailing adds a perfect touch of elegance & romance - which of course is a must at any wedding. Pair with some stunning heels, jewellery & soft, bouncy curls & I'm pretty sure I'd have my wedding dream look.

Each of my chosen dresses feature as part of the stunning Bridal & Bridesmaid collections from Dressesofgirl* - a budget friendly store offering a range of dresses, shoes & accessories for all occasions (including evening, bridal & even homecoming dresses).  If you have an event coming up & need a little outfit inspiration without looking to spend too much, I'd definitely recommend checking them out.

What's your dream wedding/bridesmaid dress?

I'd love to know in the comments.

xxx

Batiste 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner*

Whilst there's nothing I love more than the feeling of clean & styled hair, I'm the laziest person ever when it comes actually washing my locks. So - like many girls - I find myself reaching for dry shampoo on a regular basis in an attempt to keep up the appearance of clean hair for as long as possible.

When it comes to dry shampoo Batiste is my go-to brand - so when I spotted the new "Invisible dry shampoo & conditioner" in my local Superdrug, I knew this was a product I simply needed to try.

Similar to regular dry shampoo, the new 2 in 1 product aims to banish oily roots whilst also working to nourish ends to reduce dryness... Perfect for someone like me, who finds their hair tends to get dry rather than greasy (thanks bleach!).

I decided to put this product to the test one evening before heading out for drinks (being far too lazy to actually wash my hair..). I followed the instructions by simply spraying & massaging onto my roots before misting over mid-lengths & ends - then brushing/styling as usual.

The first thing I instantly noticed was that there was no "chalky" feel to my hair that comes with regular dry shampoo (something I personally hate). There was also no white/powdery residue left on my roots, leading me to believe that this product really does live up to it's "invisible" name. I also noticed that - whilst the excess oil on my hair was absorbed pretty quickly - it took a little longer for the "conditioning" effect to kick in. With the ends of my hair feeling noticeably softer around an hour after use (something to remember whilst getting ready).

When it comes to price the 2 in 1 is a little more expensive than your regular Batiste Dry Shampoo (retailing at £4.49 compared to £2.99) so I'd say that if you find your hair is more on the greasy side, it's probably worth sticking to the original. However if - like me - you tend to suffer with dry hair between washes (or happen to also hate the chalky feel) then I'd definitely recommend giving this a try for yourself!

For more information around the different Dry Shampoos currently available on the market, be sure to check out Reviews.com and their detailed research into the best products currently available.

What's your favourite Dry Shampoo?
I'd love to know in the comments 

xxx

Product Review - Brushegg

Whilst every beauty lover knows the importance of cleaning their make-up brushes, it's one of those tasks that is usually pushed to the bottom of the "to-do list". So when I recently spotted a product boasting to make cleaning my brushes "quick, easy & effective" - I knew I needed to try it for myself...

Used to deep clean make-up brushes, the BrushEgg is a small silicone "egg" (surprise, surprise) designed to reduce the need for various cleaning solutions & therefore avoid dry or damages bristles. With one flat edge containing small silicone bobbles &  larger, horizontal strips it quickly lathers soap whilst removing the build up of product & dirt from brushes. 

To use simply pop the BrushEgg under warm water, add a small amount of soap (I usually opt for shampoo to keep my brushes soft) before swirling the brush-of-choice across the silicone until the water runs clean - voila squeaky clean brushes!

Whilst I probably wont start jumping for joy at the thought of cleaning my make-up brushes, at least now I know it's a quick & easy task. Plus at only £2,99 it really is a bargain.

Have you ever tried a BrushEgg or similar product?
Do you have any tips for cleaning make-up brushes?
I'd love to know in the comments

xxx

PS Pro Blending Brush

As someone that loves testing new beauty crazes, I knew that "Oval Blending Brushes" were a bandwagon I needed to jump on. However with a number of brands releasing their own brushes at various different prices (including MAC, Make Up Revolution & Iconic London), I wasn't too sure where to turn. So when I spotted the PS Pro Oval Blending Brush whilst on a recent trip to Primark, I couldn't resist adding it to my basket.  

For anyone who doesn't know, oval style blending brushes claim to be perfect for applying both powder & liquid products - including eye-shadow, foundation & bronzer - and are available in a range of different sizes. As I really wanted something to use for foundation/concealer I opted for the "large" blending brush which currently retails at £4.00. 

The first thing that really stood out to me when using this brush was just how soft it felt on my skin. This - combined with how condensed the hairs are - is something I feel really helps ensure that all product are blended easily (something I feel regular foundation brushes can sometimes lack). I also feel the condensed brushes result in less product being absorbed into the brush, which is always a nice bonus! 

Since purchasing I've been using this product daily to apply my liquid foundation (as pictured above) along with my concealer - which I then follow with a fluffy powder brush to set in place before moving onto bronzer/highlighter - to leave a smooth & flawless look. 

If you're looking to test out oval blending brushes but - like me - aren't too sure where to start, I honestly couldn't recommend this brush enough. I'll definitely be heading back to the beauty range during my next Primark trip! 

Have you ever tried any beauty products from Primark's range?

What are your thoughts on Oval blending brushes?

I'd love to know! 

xxx

Vitamasques' Manuka Honey Sheet Mask

If there's one thing I need to invest in when it comes to skincare, it has to be face masks. Whilst I always have a stock of make-up remover, cleanser & moisturiser, face masks simply aren't something I ever think to purchase. So when I received the Vitamasques' Manuka Honey Sheet Mask in January's Glossybox, I wanted to be sure it was put to good use.

Whilst Vitamasques' is a British company, the Manuka Honey sheet mask is actually inspired by Korean beauty (something I've heard great things about across the blogging community). The mask - containing "triple layer sheet technology" - aims to nourish skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and hydrated. 

I decided to test this mask after a night of wearing full make-up (where a few cocktails may have resulted in me falling asleep before cleansing, oops) to help ensure my skin was left feeling healthy & clean. To use, I simply cleansed my skin before applying the mask to my face. I then let it sit for 20 minutes (as recommended by Vitamasques') before removing & letting the remaining product absorb into my skin. 

The first thing I noticed about this mask was how cool it was to the touch - something I found very refreshing after a night of heavy make-up. I also quickly realised just how much product had been absorbed by the sheet. This then transfers to your skin when removed, leaving a slight wet feeling (something I personally didn't mind as it gave the impression my skin would continue to absorb the treatment, however you can gently pat with a cotton pad if this isn't something you enjoy).

Once the product had been fully absorbed my skin was left feeling soft, hydrated & not at all irritated from a night of pore-clogging make-up. 

Retailing at £12.99 for four (or £3.99 per mask from Glossybox) the Vitamasques' Sheet Mask is a budget friendly beauty treatment. Perfect for those who like to give their skin an extra treat from time-to-time (something I'll definitely be trying to do in the future).

Have you tried this - or any other - products from Vitamasques'?
If not I'd love to know your favourite face mask treatment in the comments. 

xxx

Kailijumei Secret Flower Lipstick

Now I love a new lipstick as much as the next beauty blogger.. I get excited when MAC release a new collaboration & love when we enter autumn/winter so I can wear all the berry tones.. however there's one particular lipstick I've had my eye on for a long time now - the Secret Flower Lipstick.

This is a product I've seen on countless Instagram posts but never quite known where to actually find it - until the day finally came when I found a link to Kailijumei & my lipstick dreams finally came true.

*heart eyes emoji*

For those who aren't as obsessed as me, the "secret flower" lipstick is just as described - a lipstick with a "secret"/"hidden" flower inside. Whilst it may sound a little strange, as you can see above it's a thing of complete beauty with little flecks of gold glitter & a small pink flower sealed within.

Whilst the lipstick itself is actually clear, once applied it slowly transforms into a soft baby-pink - something I imagine will be perfect for Spring/Summer. The formulae of the lipstick is surprisingly soft & not at all drying. When it comes to application, I'll admit that I haven't worn this product for a full day yet, however after swatching the pink-colour remained in place pretty-much all day - even after I tried to scrub it off (much better than something that fades away annoyingly fast).

The lipstick itself is available in 4 different styles including Baby Doll Pink (the style I purchased), Dream Purple, Flame Red & Minuet Maid, each retailing at £11.99. However after a little research it seems that each lipstick wears as the same shade of baby-pink. This means the names only reflect the colours of the small flower within the product (something to be noted if you're hoping for a purple lipstick).

For £11.99 I think this is a gorgeous lipstick & something I'm so happy to have within my collection. If Kailijumei release a range that includes more shades (hint red & berry tones) I'll definitely be picking up more.

What are your thoughts on the Kailijumei Secret Flower lipstick?

I'd love to know in the comments. 

xxx

Umberto Giannini Dazzle Shine

As my interest in beauty has grown over the years one of the key things I've learnt is the importance of hair care.. especially as someone with relativity long & bleached hair.  So when I was recently lucky enough to be gifted a trio of goodies from the Umberto Giannini  "Dazzle Shine" collection, I couldn't wait to put them to the test.

As you can see above, the trio comes with everything needed for a little hair-pamper time. This includes; the Shine Revive Shampoo - which promises to improve anti-static, cleanse & detangle - the Shine Repair Conditioner used to rebuild damaged hair & the Crystal Shine Spray used on dry, styled hair for a "salon professional" finish.

I've used each of these products a few times now & have to say I've been very impressed. My hair has been left feeling soft & nourished without feeling at all heavy or weighed down (an unfortunate side effect of some slightly heavier products). I now can't wait to get my hands on other products from the Umberto Giannini range & see if they live up to my expectations.

Have you tried any products from Umberto Giannini?
I'd love to know your favourites below. 

xxx

A Technology Treat - iPhone 7 Rose Gold

This weekend I finally bit the bullet & treated myself to something I've had my eye for a while now.. the Rose Gold iPhone 7. With my current contract coming to an end & my trusty iPhone 6's screen suffering a recent crack (something that broke my heart at the time) it was time for an upgrade.

Launching in September 2016, the latest iPhone isn't exactly a new release.. however for anyone who - like myself - is thinking of treating themselves, I've listed below some of the main & best differences I've found between the iPhone 6 & 7.

Colour: 

Admittedly this isn't an exclusive feature to the 7, but having a Rose Gold phone is new for me & it's a bandwagon I'm more than happy to jump on. In my opinion anything rose gold is simply beautiful & this phone really is no exception. The pink-tint is in no way in-your-face (flashback to the days of Motorola Razors) but is a tasteful nod to all things feminine. Perfect for the girly-girls amongst us. 

Camera: 

Whilst I'm far from a professional photographer, I do take a lot of photos. Whether for my blog, during nights out or simply of my cat, if I can document it I usually will. The iPhone 7 camera is one of the main elements that Apple featured when promoting their upgrade. With a 12MP camera compared the the iPhone 6's 8MP the photo quality is clear to see - which is great for anyone who loves to take photos but isn't looking to splash out on an expensive camera. *Bonus* the front camera also now includes a "flash" (think Snapchat's white screen) which is a big upgrade from the grainy nighttime selfies from the iPhone 6. 

Missing Headphone Jack: 

If I'm honest this is the only change between models that I'm not to sure about. Whilst I can understand that Apple are making a move away from wires with Bluetooth headphones, removing the headphone jack just doesn't make full sense to me - someone not looking to use wireless headphones (let's be honest, I'd lose them instantly in my handbag). For those who don't know the headphones are now plugged into the same place as a phone charger instead of having their own port. Unfortunately this means that - without an added purchase of a "Lightening port splitter" - you can no longer charge the phone & use headphone at the same time. Something I imagine will be pretty annoying when on long journeys. 

Storage: 

Storage was something I really struggled with whilst owning an iPhone 6, Especially when taking photos on holiday or during events. The phone's memory would become full quickly meaning I'd have to regularly delete apps & photos. Luckily it's seems that Apple have finally realised that 16GB simply isn't enough storage for most & have now stopped releasing phones of this storage size. Whilst upgrading I decided to opt the for 32GB (Apple's now minimum capacity for iPhones) and even with all my previous apps & photos restored, I still have around 20GB of storage remaining. Hopefully this'll stop any emergency deleting of apps in order to take photos!  

To look at, the iPhone 7 is very similar to the iPhone 6 - however with the upgraded technology (also including; longer battery life (hallelujah), water/dust resistance, improved speakers & new retina HD display) the newest model seems to be a big improvement & is something that I am loving so far. 

Have you tried the iPhone 7 Rose Gold?
I'd love to know your thoughts below! 

xxx

Current Favourites - Lip Products

If there's one thing I hate about the cold weather, it's how dry it can make my skin. Throughout the year I spend a lot of time trying to make sure my skin is cleansed & moisturised, but realised I've been neglecting the one area that gets effected by the cold the most, my lips. I decided to invest in a few products to help keep them soft & healthy - no matter how cold the weather gets.

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub - £5.50 for 25g

Whilst I love Lush's Bath Bomb and Bubble Bars, this the Popcorn Lip Scrub has to be one of my favourite Lush products - a big claim, I know. To use, simply place a small amount onto a clean finger & gently buff away at lips to remove any dry or chapped skin. With Caster Sugar & Sea Salt for exfoliation and essential oils to moisturise (including both Coconut & Jojoba) Lush's scrub leaves skin feeling silky-smooth without any excess residue. (It also tastes amazing, but I'm pretty sure you're not really supposed to taste too much).

Carmex Lip Balm - £2.69

This is a product I picked up whilst suffering with a horrible cold that left my lips ridiculously chapped (thanks winter!). Made with ingredients including; Menthal, Beeswax and Camphor this balm quickly soothes irritated lips. Bonus, it also has SPF 15, making it the perfect year-round lip product.

I try and use Lush's Lip Scrub followed by the Carmex lip balm each night after cleansing to leave my lips feeling soft & moisturised each morning. Alternatively I'll also use both to prep my lips & remove any dead skin before applying Lipstick.

Have you tried either of the above products?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments. 

xxx

Lush Rose Jam Bubbleroon - Review

Bubble bars are some of my favourite products from Lush - beautiful scents, vibrant colours & so many bubbles.. what more can a girl ask for?! So when I spotted the bright pink, glittering flower known as the "Rose Jam Bubbleroon", I knew this was a product I had to try.

After removing from the usual Lush packaging, I crumbled a section of the Bubbleroon under running water & watched as the bath turned bright pink with lots of amazing bubbles. A gorgeous, floral scent quickly filled the room from the combination of Rose, Lemon & Geranium oils.

These oils (which claim to balance, refresh & restore) are used alongside Fair Trade Cocoa & Shea butter (which leaves the skin feeling gorgeously smooth & moisturised). Lush claims that these ingredients are perfect for clearing the mind & making skin beautifully soft - something I definitely agree with after testing for myself.

Another great thing about this product is that it's effectively two bubble bars put together - making it perfect for multiple uses & very cost effective when retailing at £3.95 each.

Overall I'd say that if you're looking for an alternative to the usual Bubblebar's Lush has to offer, I'd definitely recommend picking up the Rose Jam Bubbleroon. The ingredients make it perfect for use after a long stressful day throughout the winter months.

What's your favourite Lush product?
I'm always on the look out for new bath treats to try! 

xxx

Pandora and Disney

It's no secret that I am a huge Disney fan.. Throw cute jewellery into the mix & I am instantly sold. So as soon as I heard that Pandora (another brand that I'm a huge fan of) had collaborated with Disney I knew this was something I needed to invest in. 

Inspired by "Enchanted fairy tales & iconic love stories" the collection is one that I'd challenge any Disney lover not to swoon over. Some of the gorgeous jewellery on offer currently includes; elegant Mickey earrings, a Minnie Mouse ring & even Princess themed charms (click here to see Elsa's).

Of course it was essential for me to have something from this collection and - after what felt like hours of searching - I finally decided that the "classic Minnie" was the charm for me. As you can see above, this is a white glass charm with a simple Minnie Mouse inspired print. As soon as I opened the signature white Pandora box I instantly fell in love with this charm. It fits in with my other charms perfectly & shows off my love for Disney without being too "out there".

Unfortunately there is a slight downside to this collection.. At current the Disney Pandora collaboration is not available in the U.K  *sobs quietly*. However I'm almost certain that items can be shipped internationally.

Whilst extra shipping costs & a longer delivery time isn't ideal, I personally believe it's a small price to pay for such a lovely collection - especially if you're a Disney fan. We can all also pray that Pandora will soon catch up & start selling the collection here in the UK. If you liked this post & want to check out more Disney-themed jewellery - click here to view the full collection.

What are your thoughts on the Disney Pandora Collection?

I'd love to know in the comments. 

xxx

Lush Pumpkin Bath Bomb

As one of my favourite Holidays, I had to treat myself to something from this years Lush Halloween collection. With many gorgeous & "spooky" bath treats on offer I'll admit that it took a fair while to decided which product to go for (I'd limited myself to just the one *sob*) and I finally settled for the "Pumpkin" bath bomb.

With a combination of vanilla extract, Pimento berry oil & cinnamon - three gorgeously fragrant ingredients - the Pumpkin bath bomb has a sweet, yet slightly spicy scent. One that Lush describes as "home-baking and home desserts" (how perfect for autumn/winter).

Once I dropped the Pumpkin into my bath it quickly turned the water a bright orange as the bath bomb fizzled & dissolved. The scent also filled the room leaving it smelling gorgeous & autumnal - perfect for relaxing after a long day!

After using - like most Lush products - my skin was left feeling soft & smelling lovely (& don't worry, the bright orange didn't stain). I always love using Lush Bath-bombs but the added Halloween theme definitely added a great extra element of fun making it something I'll be sure to pick up next year!

Have you tried any of the Lush Halloween products?

Which is your favourite?

xxx 

October Birchbox - What's Your Sign?

For October, Birchbox have incorporated an astrological theme to their box designs; Earth, Air, Fire & Water which relates to each subscribers star-sign. As my star-sign is Aquarius, I was sent the "Air" box which contains six gorgeous products. *Bonus - the box also glow in the dark!*

Products:
Lord & Berry - Crayon Lipstick in "Intimacy" - £12.00 [x]

Rituals - "Magic Touch" Body Cream - £19.50 [x]
Doux Me - Pure Spring Mist  - £16.00 [x]

Oribe - Dry Texturizing Spay - £19.00 [x]

Number 4 - Restore & Repair Oil - £18.00 [x]

Birchbox - Eyebrow Brush - £1.99 

As someone who bleaches their hair, I'm always on the look out for different products to keep it feeling soft & healthy. So when I spotted the Number 4 "Restore & Repair Oil" I was immediately excited. Not only does this product claim to provide a number of benefits, it also boasts about giving "dull hair a coveted movie star shine". A big claim that I'm excited to put to the test.

Another product that quickly caught my eye was the "Lord & Berry" Lipstick Crayon. As a self-confessed lipstick addict I'm always up for testing a new lip product. Especially a shade as gorgeous as "Intimacy". 

The third & final product that I had to mention here has to be the "Dry Texturizing Spray" from Oribe. After hearing such rave reviews within the blogging community about Oribe - but not being able to justify the splurge - I'm not ashamed to admit that I was very excited to find something from the brand within this months Birchbox. 

With the combination of gorgeous products above, I'd say that Birchbox have easily met their aim of providing a "starry box" that "compliments the month ahead".  

Have you tried any of the above products?

If so, I'd love to know your thoughts. 

xxx 

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 | Review

If there's one trend I've found myself hooked on recently, it's gel nails - they're gorgeous! However after a few weeks of wear I'm always a little worried the condition of my nails underneath may suffer. So after a recent soak off I decided to give my nails a little break from repeated manicures & instead decided to put a new product to the test - Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 - a "protein-packed formula" that aims to strengthen & protect weak or damaged nails by bonding the "natural layers together".

This was first applied in my local salon after having the gel polish soaked off - which I then followed this with another application the next day as recommended online. After just two applications I could already see an improvement in the quality of my nails... No peeling or splitting in sight!

After seeing such great initial results I now use this product roughly once a week as a base coat before using my usual nail polish & my nails have never felt so strong or healthy.

In my opinion this is a must have product for anyone that suffers with weak/damaged nails or - like me - is fond of the odd gel manicure. Currently retailing at £12.50 it's a little more expensive than you're usual polish, but in my opinion is worth every penny.

If you've ever used the Nailtiques Protein Formula or have any tips for healthy nails, I'd love to know in the comments! 

xxx

Current Favourites - Perfume

Perfume is a product I couldn't live without.. It's something I find myself reaching for on a daily basis & feel it really adds the finishing touch to any outfit. With this in mind (& whilst I sat pondering what to post about this week) I decided to share on Small & Blonde the three fragrances I find myself reaching for time & time again.

Yves Saint Lauren - Black Opium - £47.00 for 30ml
YSL's Black Opium has been a firm favourite since it's release back in 2014. With notes of black coffee, vanilla & white florals the sweet - yet sensual - scent is slightly "deeper" than the other fragrances in this post & is therefore perfect for evenings/nights out. The glam-rock style packaging - with hints of pink & glitter - also means this perfume looks gorgeous on any dressing table.

Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb - £50.00 for 30ml 
The next perfume I find myself reaching for regularly is Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb - another firm favourite within the beauty world. Smelling light & floral the notes of jasmine, mandarin & orchid create a very feminine scent that reminds me of a traditional British garden in the summer - perfect for daytime wear.

Kenzo - Flower - £44.00 for 30ml
As one of my Mum's favourite fragrances throughout my childhood, Flower by Kenzo will always hold a place close to my heart. With notes of white musk, vanilla & frankincense the perfume has a slightly more "mature" scent that my previous favourites, but is still a gorgeous perfume that can easily be worn from day-night.

I personally love each of these perfumes but am always on the look out for new products to try. 

Let me know your favourite perfumes in the comments. 

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