SOAP AND GLORY GLOSS STICKS

Recently in Boots I was browsing the Soap and Glory stand and noticed that there were no longer the full size Sexy Mother Pucker balms and in their place were these Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks in mini sizes and new shades and of course I couldn't resist, especially on a buy one get one half price I'm surprised I'm not writing about the whole collection. I don't know whether it was just my particular store that didn't hold both the full and mini sizes or whether the bigger ones are gone for good, but I thought I'd draw up a comparison post nonetheless.

I picked up Nudist and Pinkaboo, and I already have Nudist from the original formula, however this one is definitely a different shade entirely and does stick to a more brown/neutral nude rather than the peachy hue the original has. Pinkaboo is a medium pink and although nothing stand out, something I thought would become a staple in my collection.

I think what I've noticed with these in comparison to the original formula is that they are a little less thick. I often found the original to be quite heavy feeling and although it still stands as one of my favourite lip products, I do like that these are slightly more lightweight, and a little bit closer to a 'gloss' formula. These are now £3.50, and although you don't get quite as much product, I'm near enough yet to finish any of the lip products I own, so not only is this perfect for handbag size it also helps me get through it a little better than other ones I'd pay more for.

Generally, although there isn't too much difference to the original, I really like the concept of these and I'll be taking them on holiday with me in my carry on as they are just the best size. I especially love wearing these with a matte strong lip liner just to give more of a youthful appearance to my look, and I kind of want to pick up the rest of the range, in particular Purple Rain as it draws closer to dark lip season.

REVLON COLORBURST BALM STAINS

Since my early days of blogging, the Revlon Colorburst Balm Stains (previously known as the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains) were a firm favourite of mine, with Honey even reaching a holy grail status at one point. I treated myself to a trio on my flight home from Madrid for £16 (bargain)  and so thought I would revisit them for a full review.

I have three shades; Sweetheart, Rendezvous and Honey, all of which have become staple colours for me. Sweetheart is a bright pink, one I will be getting a ton of use out of in the summer months, and Rendezvous is a classic orange colour that actually suits me really well and fulfills my wants of an orange lip colour. Honey is a classic neutral mauve pink colour, that if applied too generously can look a bit ancient but with experience you get the right balance.

The formula is what I love, they apply so easily to the lips, and I never have any trouble with bleeding or uneven fading. These really do stain, so when that slight glossiness (which can be blotted down if you aren't feeling the sheen) has faded, you are still left with the strong colour - even my holy grail eye makeup remover struggles to get this off my lips sometimes.

I am looking to get my mitts on the rest of the collection, as well as trying out the Matte and Lacquer offerings which I am leaving too late to purchase (note: must go to Boots), so that I can compare the formulas...

A LOVE FOR LIP PRODUCTS BY L'OREAL

L'Oreal was a brand that I never really delved into until a recent lucky moment at a clearance bin in my local Tesco. I managed to stock up on their lip products which came in at £2 each and I can't get enough of them.

The first is probably the one product I am most excited about, in the form of the Caresse Glam Shine Stain Splash in Romy. Looking at the packaging, this seemed really glittery, but once I put it on there was a barely noticeable shimmer among the gorgeous muted pink colour. What I like about this is the texture - think of a buildable jelly formula, which is slightly sticky but it makes me want to apply it every 2 minutes because it is divine.

The other three products are the Caresse Rouge Lipsticks, in the shades Lovely Rose - which is a pretty pale pink, Aphrodite Scarlet - a sightly coral toned medium pink, and Impulsive Fuchsia - which is a brighter blue-pink colour, all of which are lovely. They come out sheerer than a lipstick, so can either be worn that way, or built up to give something more eye-catching.

I think one of the things that makes me love these is the packaging -  a luxe gold colour and  matching coloured lids to the colour in the bullet (although mine are missing out on this feature, which may be why they were in the clearance to begin with), but nonetheless, it feels really luxurious.

I feel like I may have to go back to Tesco to revisit the clearance section to see if I can snap up any more colours, because I really am obsessed...

LIP COLOURS FOR SPRING

When Spring comes around, I gain a little more confidence in the lip product department, and go for things that aren't nudes and neutrals. I don't go full out with the bold brights by any means (they are saved for summer), but the more balmy, hint-of-tint offerings are well used in my stash at this time of year.

The Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is one of my favourites of the bunch, as not only do I love the stunning medium pink colour, but the texture of this is amazing, its a thick, balmy, nourishing consistency which makes application a dream, and so a purchase of a few more in the range is on the cards.
One that is more of a lipstick than a balmy product is the Rimmel Kate Lipstick in 16 which is a peachy coral colour, with a finish that is nor glossy or matte, which makes it a little more suitable for the season.

The L'Oréal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Aphrodite Scarlet is another favourite, which is a no-frills pink that finishes off a look in a swipe. Think, the Revlon Lip Butter, but with a slightly less pigmented look on the lips.
Another balm is the NYC Apple-licious Lip Balm in Apple Blueberry Pie, which is slightly more purple than the other bright pinks I go for but I have really been enjoying it recently - and I must add the apple taste and scent makes it even better.

Finally, one that I hated for such a long time but recently got into using is the GOSH Soft n' Shine Lip Balm in Irony, which is a slightly peachy orange. I normally have issues with oranges suiting me, but if I apply this one by tapping it on with fingers (the actual product is rather smooshed anyway), it doesn't look all that bad.

Writing this is making me want to scour the aisles of Boots to find some more brights in preparation for the warmer weather that everyone is hoping we'll be getting this year...

MERUMAYA MELTING CLEANSING BALM

I am always buying new cleansers, but recently I have been into trying more oils and balms, and with one of my New Year's beauty resolutions being to purchase a cleansing balm, I was excited to see this mini of the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm* came through my letter box to give it a try.

So, this is a pretty thick balm like texture as you squeeze it out, and as you massage it into your skin, it melts down into an oil-like texture which emulsifies makeup really easily, and with a bit of water and a flannel your face feels so clean and plump after. This balm really nourishes the skin, but still doesn't leave too much of a residue on the skin.

For simply cleansing the skin rather than removing makeup, this does a great job too. It is really nice to rub in and just feels luxurious on the skin. I recently saw that Essie Button did a post on this a week or so ago, and she really likes it, and when one of my favourite bloggers likes a product, I know it is a good'un!

The full size of this is £14.50 so is no Emma Hardie price, which I think is nice to see on the market. You never know, I might buy myself the full size at some point....

 

Chapstick 'Stunning Lips Kit' Review (Collection 2)

Hi everyone! Lipbalms are one of my favourite things and I have been eyeing up this kit in ASDA now for a while, and for £3.50 for 3 balms, you can't really say no!

There are 3 flavours; apple (my favourite!), strawberry and cherry, which are also lovely.

There isn't any colour pay off from the apple one, or the strawberry one, and the cherry one gives the slightest pink tint, that it's hardly noticeable.

The colours of the balms. I think my photography skills are improving a great deal!

 If you can't decide which lipbalm you want to take out with you, throw this whole tin into your bag and you will be good to go. It's fool-proof!

Such a cute tin! They have a few other tins too!

The balms in the tin.

These lipbalms also have SPF 15, so I will be wearing these a lot in the spring/summer (if we get one in the UK) for that extra sun protection!

This is overall just such a cute product, and great for day to day use, and on the go!

They are really moisturising too, and also taste soo good!

What is your favourite lipbalm at the moment?

Thanks for reading, don't forget to comment and follow via GFC, Bloglovin' (button to the right) and on twitter! Tweet me at; https://twitter.com/TheBeauBow

Lauren x

ThisWorks- Sleep Balm Review

Hello everyone!

I found this sleep balm in TkMaxx for £3.75 as old Christmas stock, and I could't say no. I saw it on an I Covet Thee video, and I was prepared to pay £10, but I found this bargain instead! I also found a lovely lavender pillow mist from a french brand for around the same price. I am really into sleep products at the moment!

So this sleep balm is designed to help you drift off to sleep by rubbing a small amount on your pulse points before you go to sleep.



Product Shot



This is basically an average thickness lavender scented balm. Sometimes it's not so thick as I have it by my bedside table lamp, and the light warms it up a bit. I suppose it does make for easier application, not that when it isn't melted it's hard to apply, it's great either way!

I'm not sure how this actually helps my sleeping, as I do get to sleep easier when I use it, I *think*..? Lavender is a well know calming scent though..So you never know!

Have you found any gems in TkMaxx recently? I am hoping to pop in there tomorrow and find a few things..Let me know if you would like to see a mini haul?

Thanks for reading, don't forget to follow and comment!

Lauren x