Thursday, 4 July 2013

Review | MUA Trio Eyeshadow 'Pink Sorbet'

Lover as I am of beige, brown and bronze I also like wearing pink and plum shades on my eyes. MUA's Trio Eyeshadow in 'Pink Sorbet' offers a subtle, gentle collection of three shimmery pink shades that work well together in creating a beautiful pink-plum look. 

MUA Trio Eyeshadow 'Pink Sorbet', £2.50 


The trio consists of a light pale pink (middle), a slightly brighter pink (top) and a darker plum pink (bottom). They have an extremely shimmery, metallic finish, similar to the Undress My Skin pink pearlescent highlighter powder (reviewed here). Although metallic the three shades look subtle and brightening rather than garish. For someone still in the process of learning how to shade and contour properly (!) this little trio offers a foolproof three step application. I use the lightest shade to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye; the brighter pink to add colour to the lid; and the plum pink shade to line and define the lash line. Et voila! Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Bottom-top: Light pink, bright pink, plum.

Top-bottom: Light pink, bright pink, plum. 

Pretty, no? The shades are rather romantic and are perfect for adding a shimmery, pretty effect to your eyes. While the eyeshadow formula isn't quite as soft or buttery as other palettes in my collection, and while it can take a while to build up a strong pigment when applying (and I'd advise chucking the foam applicator included) I really like the subtle pink colours and the shimmery, glowing finish. I'm a big fan of MUA products and for only £2.50 this is a welcome addition to my make-up bag. 

Browse MUA here

A spot of pampering with Superdrug's Vitamin E All Over Body Cream

I've sort of had to force myself to blog today. For various reasons I'm having a bit of an anxiety driven day and I'd quite like to go back to bed and do absolutely nothing... But I know that won't make me feel better so I'm trying to motivate myself to get some blog posts done and then work on some tarot readings for friends and family. I'm trying to be quite gentle with myself and work my way slowly through my to-do list while making sure I spend some time pampering myself and looking after myself. I've found that self-care through touch, for example having a relaxing bath or smoothing on a nice body cream, is a great way of soothing myself when I'm feeling really anxious, and so I thought I'd review one of my all time favourite pampering treats: Superdrug Vitamin E All Over Body Cream. 

Never underestimate the power of an own brand product! I've been using Superdrug's Vitamin E range for years and I've got through countless tubs of their Vitamin E All Over Body Cream. I've been loyal through various packaging changes, but luckily the formula has remained consistent throughout. If you're looking for a luxuriously thick, soothing, beautiful smelling body cream then this is the one for you. 

Vitamin E All Over Body Cream, £2.99 for 475ml

Containing natural Vitamin E, the cream claims to 'defend the skin against environmental damage'. It certainly packs a powerful moisturising punch and successfully tackles patches of dry skin. It also contains coconut oil, key to skin hydration, as well as a 'skin conditioning multivitamin complex' consisting of vitamins A, B, F and H combined with horse chesnut extract, which apparently help further care for dry skin. The smell and texture are equally fantastic and it's a total pleasure to smother the cream all over after a relaxing bath or shower. It has quite a thick, satisfying consistency but is easy to rub in and sinks in really quickly. The smell is hard to describe but so, so good! 'Creamy', 'nourishing' and 'cocooning' spring to mind, although I'm aware they're not *technically* smells as such! It isn't fruity or floral, it's more sort of nutty I suppose. I've never come across another range that has quite the same smell; it really is unique and the scent lingers on the skin after applying, which I love. 



The tub is a very generous 475ml and lasts absolutely ages. Plus it only costs £2.99 which is  crazy! Don't let the bargain price put you off; it feels much more expensive and rivals all of The Body Shop creams and body butters I've used in terms of quality.  

I'd highly recommend Vitamin E All Over Body Cream for a spot of pampering, as it feels like a real treat and takes great care of dry skin. I'll be using this after a relaxing hot bath this evening. Sometimes a bit of 'me time' is the best way to recuperate and get back to your very best. 

Browse the Vitamin E range here

Wednesday, 3 July 2013

Review | Natural Collection SunTint Bronzing Powder 'Sun Shine'

I've had a bit of a hard time with bronzers in the past. As a pale faced gal I have to be careful to avoid appearing orange, sallow or just plain muddy looking. I've found it quite hard to find a powder with pink undertones rather than heavy orange or brown tones, but I recently stumbled upon this lovely pressed bronzing powder from Natural Collection and thought I'd give it a go. At only £1.99 I didn't have much to lose and it has since become my go-to bronzer for adding a natural hint of colour.


Natural Collection SunTint Bronzing Powder 'Sun Shine'




'Sun Shine' is very soft and not at all chalky, and it's easy to pick up on a bronzing brush without any fallout. There is a slight shimmer to it but it appears mostly matte and subtle, rather than super shimmery or glittery. I find it works really well as an everyday bronzer to add a flush of colour, and can be worn with blusher and an additional highlighter if desired. The colour is a lovely pinky peach with slight gold tones, making a welcome change to the heavily brown and orange bronzers on the market. I know from that The Body Shop's Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in 'Light Matte' also has lovely pink undertones, having swatched it a few times in store, and this Natural Collection pressed bronzer seems similar. 


Natural Collection 'Sun Shine' swatch 

Applied on top of foundation and pressed powder 'Sun Shine' lasts throughout the day without budging and it gives a lovely healthy glow. I don't have to worry about being heavy handed as the colour is quite gentle and doesn't streak or appear chalky when applied. It's extremely easy to blend; I usually sweep it gently on my cheekbones, temples, nose and jawline and I'm good to go. I'd really recommend it as an affordable, good quality pressed bronzing powder, and there is also a darker more golden shade available called 'Golden Glow' for those who prefer a deeper colour. Natural Collection also have a range of bronzing pearl pots which I'm keen to try out, and as they're all under £2 I think I'll be able to give them a go soon! 

Find Natural Collection SunTint Bronzing Powder at Boots