SOAPY SWEETS GELATO SUGAR SCRUB REVIEW

Recently, I was sent a package from Soapy Sweets, who are a company based in Australia which sell handmade gelato sugar scrubs and natural cupcake soaps. 

I was kindly sent two of my favourite body scrubs out of the whole collection; 'Espresso a Go Go' and 'Berry Blast'. Both of the scrubs I received are extremely exfoliating and make your skin feel so fresh and rejuvenated once you use them. The scrubs contain no parabens or any other nasties which may irritate the skin so are completely safe to use. They are also really easy to wash off in the shower or bath and do not leave your skin feeling greasy.

 (£11.35 for 250g)

The 'Espresso A Go Go' scrub is a blend of fresh mocha coffee and a hint of fresh mint. It contains organic shea butter, jojoba oil, macadamia oil and coconut oil, plus Kakadu plum which is rich in vitamin C. Firstly, I absolutely love the smell of this sugar scrub! The texture is not too harsh or abrasive on the skin, it has a lovely grainy texture which works well with the oils in the product, which are eventually absorbed and provide the skin with moisture and hydration. So not only does it remove all of your dead skin cells, it acts as a moisturiser too! The consistency of this scrub is perfect, it does not spill and is really easy to scoop out. Personally, I think this product would be most suited to those with dry or sensitive skin.  

(£11.37 per 250g)

The 'Berry Blast' scrub is made with real strawberries and also contains organic shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, Kakadu plum, plus raspberries and vanilla which gives it its amazing fruity scent. After testing the products out, I found that this sugar scrub was less oily than 'Espresso A Go Go' and therefore I think this product would be suited to those who do not suffer from sensitive skin, but to those who just fancy using a gentle body scrub as part of their weekly routine! The consistency is also really easy to apply and scoop out and does not spill everywhere which is a bonus as some body scrubs can be very messy. 

I love using these sugar scrubs in the shower as part of my skin care routine two or three times a week and have definitely noticed a difference in my skin!

I am extremely thankful for the package Soapy Sweets sent me.

Click here to check out the Soapy Sweets website! 

You can also follow them on Instagram: 

@SoapySweets

Top 10 Makeup Tips

I wanted to share with you my top 10 make up tips, which have been tried and tested by me! 

Most of these I use on a daily basis. I hope they help!

1. Give your skin a dewy glow by adding a few drops of facial oil into your foundation, which will not only hydrate the face but also give you a smoother application and an even finish. 

2. Always wait for at least 30 seconds after applying glue to false lashes. The more tackier it is, the easier it will apply and will not slide around when putting them on.

3. If you have an eye shadow which lacks pigment, spray your eye shadow brush with a setting spray, such as Mac Fix Plus, to enhance the colour and to make it last longer.

4. For soft, plump lips always use a lip scrub before applying your lipstick. A great one to use is the Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush, which removes all of the dead skin and gives your lipstick an even finish, and also enables it to last longer throughout the day.

5. To turn a pencil eye liner into a gel liner hold it under a flame for 1 second, then let it cool down for 15 seconds, and you will then have an intense black colour, which will also be easier to apply as it is much softer.

6. Use a cotton bud to remove any mistakes, such as any blobs of mascara. Always make sure the mascara is dry before removing so it does not smudge on the face.

7. Use sellotape on the corners of the eyes when doing winged eye liner as it gives you a guide to achieve a precise line and is so much easier to draw on than doing it free hand!

8. Use a white or nude eye liner colour on the waterline, it will make the eyes appear brighter and wider.

9. If you get foundation on your clothes, apply shaving cream onto the stain and then wash as normal, it will be as good as new!

10. If you are going on holiday and want to save space, or even if you forget your eye shadows, use your bronzer or contour powder as a substitute for the crease colour and your highlighter as an all over lid colour. 

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Review: Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush 70 Tumulte

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush #70 Fards a Joues Poudre (£31 for 0.14oz.) is a cool, soft baby pink colour with a slight matte finish.The colour is very girly and is such a natural and pretty shade on the cheeks! 

The blush has such a silky, soft texture which enables easy application on the cheeks. I apply this on the apples of my cheeks and also apply a little extra above the cheek bones to instantly lift and lighten the face, which I find gives me a youthful appearance. Due to the lovely pigments, the product is buildable too, so if you want to go for a much more opaque pinky shade, it is easy to do so. I personally find the blush lasts throughout the day, especially after setting my make up with my MAC Fix Plus setting spray. I love how the blush comes with a mini application brush too, which makes it great for on the go use. It is also a really soft brush so it does not feel scratchy and uncomfortable when applying. The velvet pouch is also a lovely added touch which I always love about Chanel products.

Here is a swatch for you to see its true to life colour.. 

As you can see, the blush is a gorgeous baby pink matte colour, which compliments well with those who have a fair/medium skin tone. It gives you a lovely natural flush of colour. I would use this when wearing a smoky eye as it does not take the focus away from the eyes and I feel it's better to opt for a fairly natural shade, in order to achieve a glamorous look. I definitely recommend this product to those who are looking for a natural coloured blush! 

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My Current Skin Care Favourites

Recently I have been trying out so many new skin care products, to see which suit my skin type best. Here I have selected some of my favourites. I feel they have all improved my skin so much! Having a specific skin care routine is so important. These products are all great for those with dry/combination skin. 

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

(£4.99 for 400ml)

This product is a great dupe for Bioderma's Micellar Water! 

As someone with a dry/combination skin tone, I really liked the fact that this product does not dry the skin out. It's so refreshing and removes practically every trace of makeup. Another great attribute is that this product does not require any rinsing, so it's great for those who need something quick and easy to use. 

Personally, I use this product with some cotton pads after I have cleansed with my Elemis cleanser, and I find it really does remove any traces of make up that are left on the skin in one step. I have found that sometimes cleansers do not always remove all of the make up, but using this after cleansing, it really does the job! It's also safe to use on the eyes, and will not cause any irritation.

Tip: can be used on the go (as an alternative to make up wipes) if soaked onto a cotton pad and placed into a resealable zip bag.

GARNIER FRESH EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

(£3.29 for 125ml)

This eye make up remover is one of the best I have tried so far. My eyes are rather sensitive and I find that this product does not irritate them at all, even going over my eyes a few times! I have previously tried other eye make up removers such as Nivea, Simple etc. and they all seemed to irritate and sting my eyes. However, this product contains natural ingredients and is enriched with apple extract so is soothing around the eye area, which I find is always important as it is a delicate area. I also find that this product lasts for ages, as you don't need a lot to remove your eye make up because it works so well!

I definitely recommend to those who are looking for a quick and easy eye make up remover which won't leave the eyes streaming! 

LUSH EAU ROMA TONER WATER

(£8.50 for 250g)

Having used an Elemis toner, which requires having to pour it on a cotton pad and apply onto the face (which I find wastes a lot of the product), I wanted to find a cheaper alternative where I can spray the toner directly onto the face. So I thought I would purchase this product and try it out, and I am glad I did!  

With this toner being a hand made Lush product, I knew straight away that all the ingredients inside would all be natural which drew me even more to it! Many people forget to use a toner as part of their skin care routine, but toners are so important as they help to close the pores, which prevents any formation of blackheads or spots. They are also great for pH balance, and they also add a layer of protection to the skin. This toner is so refreshing and light, it contains essentials oils (rose and lavender) which are vital for the skin. The rose water helps the skin to retain its moisture and also evens out the skin tone, whilst also improving the appearance. The lavender water is great for soothing the skin, which is beneficial for those who may suffer with sensitive skin. Overall, this toner is very hydrating and refreshing and is definitely a great product to purchase and to add to your skin care collection.

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK MILD EXFOLIANT

(£7.99 for 75ml)

I absolutely love how this product contains no parabens and is full of mineral extracts from the Dead Sea. It is great for those who suffer from tight, dry skin. This scrub eliminates dead skin cells, so will give you an even skin tone straight after, making the skin feel super soft and supple. I find this product also brightens my skin, reducing any dullness. Whenever my skin is looking dull or whenever there are any signs of milia or blackheads I always use this product (usually twice a week) to help combat this. I do find the particles fairly rough but I always prefer this in an exfoliator as it definitely feels like it is working and removing all the dead skin cells! 
I thoroughly rate this product as its a must have for your skin care routine. 

SPA MAGIK DIAMOND RANGE AGE RESPONSE EYE CREAM 

(£17.95 for 15ml)

This eye cream contains all natural ingredients from the Dead Sea and no parabens at all, which I find so satisfying! It's great for reducing puffiness and black circles. The consistency is lovely too, it does not seem to be too thick or heavy and the packaging allows just the right amount to be squeezed out. rather than wasting lots of the eye cream.The only downside to this product is that I feel like I have to use this product every day as it claims to reduce fine lines within four weeks. Although, overall I have definitely noticed that it has reduced any fine lines or dark circles of mine. 

SPA FIND BLACK MUD FACE & BODY MASK

(£36.76 for 250ml)

This is my absolute favourite face and body mask that I have tried so far! The texture is fairly thick, which I do prefer in a mask. It smells just like marzipan, which makes me love the product even more! The mud mask is packed with 21 minerals, which is great for feeding the skin and also for rebalancing and oxygenating. It is great to deep cleanse the body and face, and brightens the skin giving you a lovely radiant glow. Once the mask is on, it does start to feel tingly, but you know it is definitely working deep into the layers of the skin. I personally use a black flannel to remove the product as it does tend to stain anything it comes in contact with. The mud mask is fairly expensive to purchase, but is definitely worth it for the great results! 


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Review: Mac Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

What is it?

It's a refreshing, hydrating mist that hydrates the skin and enhances makeup application. It has a lovely fresh green tea and citrus scent.

How do you use it?

Close eyes and spray evenly at least 6 inches from the face. Use anytime after cleansing, before moisturising, and to reset applied makeup. Can be used with pigments, eyeshadows etc.

What key ingredients are in the product?

-Caffeine (used to brighten the skin)

-Diamond powder (acts as an illuminator)

-Water (to hydrate the skin)

Benefits of the product:

-Reduces dry skin

-Reduces tightness

-Smoothes out skin

-Glitter particles give the skin a dewy finish

-Acts as a moisturiser

-Can be used to cool down on a hot sunny day

-Great for enhancing colours of pigments, eyeshadows etc.

-Can be used as an alternative to moisturiser 

-Similar to Fix + just infused with minerals which is great for the skin.

Overall thoughts on this product:

I absolutely love this hydrating mist! I always use this after applying my makeup or when I feel my skin needs an added boost of hydration. It's great for the Summer and instantly cools you down when applied. The product is similar to MAC Fix Plus, however it is infused with minerals and also contains glitter particles, so it gives you a lovely, natural dewy glow. It is also a great substitute for a moisturiser, which saves lots of time if you are in a rush! 
The hydrating mist can be sprayed onto a beauty blender in order to achieve an even coverage when applying your foundation or concealer. It's also great for lightly spraying onto eyeshadow brushes, to achieve a much deeper pigment colour. 

Overall, I greatly recommend this product from MAC, it's affordable and also lasts for ages! 

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My current favourite lip products

SWATCHES:

1. MAC FROSTED LIPSTICK 'ANGEL'

One of MAC'S best selling lipsticks, as loved by Kim Kardashian. This lipstick is a frost finish and is very buildable on the lips. It has a light pearly sheen to it which makes the colour appear slightly shiny. Angel is very similar in colour to MAC Creme Cup, although slightly cooler. I find this lip product to be long lasting when worn on top of a lip liner. Looks great on light- medium skin tones.

2. MAC 'VELVET TEDDY'

This product is one of MAC's matte finish lipsticks. It's a light brown colour with red undertones. The lipstick is really pigmented so one layer can be applied for great coverage. The product is also buildable so you can achieve a deeper brown colour with this! I would recommend scrubbing the lips before applying this lipstick for a smoother finish. Looks great paired with MAC's lipliner in 'Whirl'.

      3. URBAN DECAY REVOLUTION LIPSTICK 'NATIVE'

The ultra sleek packaging of this lipstick definitely caught my eye whilst I was shopping for a new lipstick! The colour of this lipstick is a pale baby pink colour, which when applied to the lips does come out a little sheer, so in order to achieve a bold, colourful lip, it may take a few layers to do so. The texture of the product is amazing, it's smooth and creamy formula enables your lips to stay hydrated. It contains a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avacado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter so also acts as a lipbalm, great for those who suffer from dry, chapped lips!

4. MAC VIVA GLAM MILEY CYRUS LIPGLASS

This product is a must have for every makeup bag! It has a beautiful shimmer to it with iridescent pink, purple and blue sparkles, which looks amazing in daylight. The lipgloss has a lovely vanilla scent to it and lasts for hours! The texture is not too sticky too. I also love this product as every penny goes towards the MAC AIDS Fund, so it is definitely worth buying. 

5. CHANEL LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES 'MICA' #131

The perfect pinky nude colour in a lipgloss! This product applies amazingly, it contains iridescent white, fuschia pink and some blue particles which give the lips an ultra glossy 'plump' look. This lipgloss is long lasting with deep hydration and a conditioning formula for the lips! Great to wear for a natural look, either on it's own or on top of a lipstick.  

6. VICTORIA'S SECRET COLOUR SHINE LIP GLOSS
'PINKY'

This lipgloss is such a necessity! It lasts for hours, even after drinking and eating. The texture of the gloss is really light and not sticky so does not feel uncomfortable on the lips when wearing it. In the shade 'Pinky', which is a pretty baby pink colour with a slight pearly tint which makes the lips appear fuller. Looks great on top of any colour lipstick to add shine or simply on its own. Absolutely love this product! 


7. VICTORIA'S SECRET BEAUTY RUSH LIPGLOSS 
'LOVE BERRY'

 

This lipgloss is one of my favourites from Victoria's Secret. It has a lovely consistency and is not overly sticky, which makes wearing it so much easier. Its scent is amazing and smells just like fresh, juicy berries! The colour is fairly transparent so would be best worn on top of a lipstick, preferably a pink nude colour. I highly recommend Victoria's Secret lipgloss range!

8. TANYA BURR LIPGLOSS 'CHIC'

 

Tanya Burr's lipgloss range is amazing! This lipgloss is in the colour 'chic'. It is almost similar to a liquid lipstick as it holds such great pigmentation, giving you a beautiful glossy nude colour on the lips. It smells amazing too and you only need one application. These lipglosses are reasonably priced so I definitely recommend you getting one for your makeup bag! 

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Welcome to my blog!

I have always had a passion for makeup, skin care, nails etc. Having watched Youtube tutorials from a young age, with some of my favourites including Zoella, Pixiwoo and Tanya Burr, I decided to start my own blog to express my passion for all things beauty!

My current favourites post will be up soon :)
Amy
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