Pretty Bug

Monday, 25 March 2013

Monu 'Warming Aromatic Mask'

This is another product that I received in a glossy box and had yet to try so the other day when I fancied some TLC and pampering it seemed perfect.

The Monu warming aromatic mask contains natural clay, lavender and rosemary and is designed to be used on normal/combination skin.

When I first opened the bottle it was like I had been smacked right in the face with a bunch of lavender. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so strong but I like lavender so this isn’t a problem for me. If you do not like lavender this is perhaps not the product for you.

The product rubs onto your skin easily then all that is left to do is sit and relax. I really liked the warming sensation of this product as it isn’t hot as such it is just nice and gentle. I cannot tell you how relaxing this mask is, it made me feel so calm and sleepy it is unbelievable. Not good during the day! Next time I will definitely try using it before bedtime.

This product does not harden so after 10-15 minuets all you need to do is wash it off. The mask washed off easily with warm water and a little bit of help from some cotton wool pads.

After I washed it off my skin felt really cleansed and uplifted. For a great pampering product when you want some ‘Me’ chill out time I would definitely give this a go.

Anatomicals 'Your Nose Smells Rose' Body Cleanser

I received this body cleanser in a glossy box a little while ago and since I am trying to save a little bit of money by using the mountains of products I already have I thought I would give it a go.

Anatomicals is a fairly new brand to me and it’s only recently that I have started seeing their products popping up in the likes on Tesco and on popular sites such as Asos. All of their products come in bright packaging with quirky phrases on the front. This one says, “You need a blooming shower! Your nose smells rose body cleanser”, it then goes on to have a little story type thing on the back. Some of my other favourite phrases that I have seen include, “Sud the lot of you! Mango and Papaya body cleanser” and “Don’t just clean it woman, scrub it. Body scrub”. Mango and papaya sounds delish!

Anyway back to the product. The shower cleanser comes in a tube that sits on its head making it ideal for perching in the shower and enables you to use as much product as possible as it all flows down to the lid. This one is bright pink, all of the products from Anatomicals come in really eye catching tubes and tubs which I think make them ideal as gifts.

The product squeezes out easily and it looks like any other ordinary pink shower gel. The smell of rose is beautiful. Usually I am not a big fan of rose scented products because I find they can smell a bit too old lady however this one is floral but subtle.

The cleanser lathers up nicely on a body net and the smell of roses fills the air. It feels lovely and gentle on my skin but perhaps not as moisturising as I would like. I really like shower products form the likes of Dove for their moisturising qualities.

After getting out of the shower and having a sniff of my skin I have to say I was disappointed. The blooming roses that I could smell during my shower seemed to have disappeared. I really have to get close to my skin and have a strong whiff but the scent is still only very slight.

I was really gutted as this smelt gorgeous in the shower. However this has made me want to try more of the anatomical products, any suggestions?

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Vampire Facial: Would you?

I think everyone must of heard about Kim Kardashian’s latest procedure called the Vampire Facial, if not where have you been? You need to come out from under that rock! Anyway, this made me think about the lengths some people would go to for their own vanity.

When I was in my teens, around 14-15 I was all for cosmetic surgery. I wanted to have this done, that done and everything else. However my young and naïve self did not realise that my body would soon adjust and at the moment I am quite happy with how I look. That’s at the moment but how am I going to feel when the lines start appearing and gravity takes its toll? Will I do a Kim and turn to one of these crazy measures?

If anybody didn’t hear about the vampire facial here's the low-down; basically it involves taking blood from your arm, mixing it with various chemicals and then injecting it into your face *cringes*. This is supposed to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Looking at the pictures just makes me squirm and I’m not even thinking about watching the video because I think it will haunt me.

As a beauty lover I am all for lotions and potions to make me look and feel better about myself but personally I think this is a step too far. In fact I think injecting anything into your face is too far. At the end of the day you are paying to put nasties into your face which will just wear off anyway and you will look just the same if not worse than before.

Would you ever have a procedure like this?

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Tresemme Salon Sleek Straightening Spray

Everyone has lazy days, and I am no exception. So on these days when I want my hair to look as though I have actually put some effort into it I use this Salon Sleek spray from Tresemme.

Basically this is a straightening spray which also contains Argan oil which nourishes and helps to smooth your hair.

All I have to do when using this product is spray onto damp hair, comb through and carry on with how I would usually dry my hair.

Once my hair is dried it has a natural straightness to it and still has some volume which I think using straighteners can take away from your hair. It also looks shiny and glossy.

I really like this product and for frizz free hair without the hassle I think it is perfect.

Are there any other products from Tresemme that I should try?

Friday, 15 March 2013

Elf Cosmetics Studio Blush

I do not necessarily believe that the price of a product is always reflected in the quality of the product. That is why I am always up for giving new cosmetics a go whether they are from a cheaper brand or a higher end brand.

I have raved about Elf cosmetics in my posts before and sure enough I am going to do it again, this time with their studio blushes. The two shades that I have in my collection are ‘Fuchsia Fusion’ and ‘Berry Merry’.

They are both really beautiful colours and not ones that I would normally go for, I was feeling adventurous!

Left: Berry Merry

Right: Fuchsia Fusion

On first impressions the pink does look quite shocking and extremely glittery. However once it is applied it looks subtle and just gives you a lovely pink glow and pop of colour. Despite the glitter you cannot really see it too much on your cheeks which make it suitable for both day time and night time wear.

The Berry shade is a deeper colour. I have quite fair skin and wearing this gives the sort of natural English rose sort of a look.

The blushes blend very easily and do not look at all cakey. The pigmentation is fantastic and they are extremely long wearing.

For my fair skin blush is an absolute must and Elf have ticked all of the boxes with this product. I love the quality, the colours and what’s more they only cost £3.75 so the price is amazing too.

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Give The Gift Of Baking

A few weeks ago I entered a competition via Twitter and was lucky enough to win! The prize was 2 of these fantastic Cookie Jars from Lets Bake Cookies. I received the mini egg varieties but they sell other flavours including: Triple chocolate, Cranberry and coconut, Oatmeal and Raisin, and Smartie.

Everything you need to make your cookies comes layered in this cute little jar which can also be used afterwards and is a very handy storage piece. Anyway back to the cookies. All you need to do is add an egg, butter and vanilla extract to this mix to make your cookies. All of the instructions are provided in the little booklet. This mix makes 10-12 big cookies, I made 11 so just about right.

The cookies take no time at all to cook and once they are cooked and cooled taste absolutely delicious.

I think these are great alternative gifts and would be suitable for any age group. You can find them online by clicking here . The jars themselves cost £6.99. You can also find them on Twitter @The GastroClub.