Friday 30 December 2016

Avon True Colour Supreme Nourishing Lipstick review & swatches

So the year is nearly over, and even though 2016 will likely go down in history as a generally dreadful year, it is bringing us this brand new lipstick collection from Avon to perk us up. And yes, I have swatches of every shade! Shall we have a look, then?

Avon True Colour Supreme Nourishing Lipstick
Avon True Colour Supreme Nourishing Lipstick

The new Avon True Colour Supreme Nourishing Lipstick collection is a range of shades that promise to provide up to 8 hours of colour that stays true, as well the ability to quench dry lips with it's jojoba oil infused formula for intense moisture. Avon also say that this lipstick will glide onto the lips easily and it also contains SPF15 for that important protection from the sun.

It comes in a range of 12 shades that include reds, nudes, purples and pinks and each one has a beautiful swirling pattern down the length of the lipstick itself.

Each of them come packaged in a typical Avon lipstick tube that is sleek, black and oblong in shape with rounded corners. Instead of silver, the Avon logo is written on a rose gold band around the middle and the inside of the tube that holds the product is also rose gold in hue as well.

Tuesday 20 December 2016

Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette review

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So there is this certain holiday coming, you might have heard of it, it's called "Christmas". Part of the Christmas tradition is the giving of gifts, but sometimes we can reach a point where we run out of ideas. Well today I'm going to be sharing a great little gift idea for someone you love.

Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette
Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette

The Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette is a palette that contains five of the brands top Grand Rouge lipsticks within one sleek palette based offering. The Grand Rouge formula is described as being long-wearing, hydrating and so silky smooth that you forget that you are wearing it.

Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette
Yves Rocher Lipstick Palette

The shade choice contains reds, pinks and purples with differing undertones so that there is something for everyone within the palette. There is also a handy lip brush for application and a mirror inside so you can apply on the go.

They come packaged in a beautifully chic, slimline, rose gold palette. Whilst it looks gorgeous, it is rather hard to get a decent photo of as it's effectively like a mirror.  You all want to see the palette, not my mush staring back at you with my concentrating photography face. With that said, I did do my best for you all.

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner review

A good liquid eyeliner should have a place in every makeup fan's arsenal. With that said, it's actually been a while since I reviewed a liquid eyeliner, instead focusing more attention on pencil liners as of late. So let's fix that today, shall we?

Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner
Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner

The Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner is a highly pigmented, liquid eyeliner that comes with an ultra-fine precision brush for the perfect application. It promises to be long-lasting and the formula is also waterproof, so expect sharp, bold lines that stay put.

It comes in a range of four different shades, but today I shall be looking at the shade Abyss, which is a deep black.

Illamasqua also say that you can also use this as in your nail art too. I haven't tried it as such so I won't be discussing results of that within this review, but I thought it was worth mentioning as I do love multitaskers and I know there are others out there who do too.

It comes packaged in a slim, sleek black pot with a long handled brush. This in turn then comes packaged in a glossy black box with gold illustrations on it. It all looks very fancy and high quality, which is always a nice feeling when buying beauty products.

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick review

The perfect nude lipstick. You may have found yours, you might not. Either way, finding the perfect nude can sometimes feel like a lifelong journey. Well today, I'm going to try to help you on your hunt by discussing a shade that I've been roadtesting.

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick
Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick

The Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick range is a collection of seven nude shades that come in a gellified formula that promises to provide a sleek shine finish. It contains monoi butter for moisture and Vitamin E and myrhh for anti-ageing effects.

They come packaged in a rather snazzy and chunky gold tube with Marc Jacobs written down the side of the lid in silver writing. The cap also has a silver circle where it clicks into place when you put it back on (I actually really love that part of the packaging, it'a hard to explain why unless you've played around with Marc Jacobs lipsticks before).

The lipstick then comes packaged in a shiny black box with the chosen shade indicated around the edges. The lipstick itself also has a subtle vanilla scent to it.

The shade that I have to show you all today is Anais, which is described as a "spiced ginger" colour.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

Winter Skincare Routine - Guest Post

Guest Post

As soon as the winter arrives, the skin starts getting flaky and dry, the lips get chapped and cracked, cold showers turn in to hot baths and all your skincare products that you use in summers become redundant for the new season. In such scenarios, it is better to go organic instead of buying all the chemical induced products and moisturizers that make your skin greasy and become a major cause of breakouts.

Let me tell you a few tips that you often do not take care of in winters due to which your skin worsens in this season. So start following these and you would be left with a healthy glow of summers even in the chilling cold:

Tuesday 22 November 2016

Bomb Cosmetics Mad Hatter's Tea Party Bath Blaster review

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As we edge closer to Xmas, it means that the weather is turning colder and therefore our skin drier. What is better than giving your skin some extra TLC whilst also cosying up in a nice, warm bath? 

I was recently contacted by Soapbombs offering the chance to try a Bath Blaster by Bomb Cosmetics that are available from their website. The choice of amazing looking bath bombs is pretty incredible, but I opted to try the beautiful and fun sounding Mad Hatter's Tea Party Bath Blaster, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Bomb Cosmetics Mad Hatter's Tea Party Bath Blaster
Bomb Cosmetics Mad Hatter's Tea Party Bath Blaster

This particular Bath Blaster contains scents of cream and scones as well as orange and clary sage. Within the middle of the harder, blue bath bomb outer shell, there is a generous dollop of buttery goodness that is adorned with a little red teapot pouring out silver glitter.

Aesthetically it's a very pretty bath bomb, as are all of the others that are available. Sadly, my Bath Blaster did arrive slightly broken, but only the teapot decoration. When it was delivered the delivery man did explain to me that something had happened en route as my parcel was also covered in something that had leaked, too. The bath bomb itself was packaged well within a lot of bubble wrap, so I can't place fault with either The Bomb Cosmetics or Soapbombs for the break.

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Yves Rocher Black Friday Offer 2016

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Hi guys! It's officially that time of year! You know what time I mean. Christmas is around the corner and that means your Christmas shopping is probably well under way, which is why we all rejoice a bit when Black Friday arrives in November.

Instead of rushing out into the cold though, there are offers aplenty to be found online. One such place to visit is none other than the wonderful Yves Rocher. Last year they did a fab Temptation Days game that lasted a whole week with a collection of their top products available for reduced prices.

Yves Rocher Black Friday 2016
Yves Rocher Black Friday 2016

This year, they are bringing the week of fun back. Not just one day of offers, but an entire five days. It starts on the 23rd November and lasts through until the 28th. Not only that, but instead of 44 products that were reduced last year, this time you will be able to find 70 beauty bargains on their website. I dare you to try to resist it.

So whether you're into their skincare ranges or makeup, you'll be able to find something that tickles your fancy.

My favourite Yves Rocher products? I definitely love the beautiful Botanical Color Eye Pencil and the Secrets d'Essences Voile d'Ambre perfume is perfect for this time of year. It would be great to see those in the offer and if they are, definitely check them out!

I don't know about you, but I'm excited to shop already.

What Yves Rocher products are you hoping to see in the offer and which will you be treating yourself with?
Let me know in the comments below!

Zoe. @Beautifinous

*I was contacted by Yves Rocher to help advertise the above offer

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Japonesque Makeup Setting Spray review

There is nothing worse than spending a long time applying your makeup for it to just wear off after a couple of hours. No one likes to waste their time. That's why today we're going to be looking at a spray that promises to keep your face in place for hours on end. Hurrah!

Japonesque Makeup Setting Spray
Japonesque Makeup Setting Spray

The Japonesque Makeup Setting Spray is described as a "pro performance fixative" that provides an airbrushed finish on the skin with a weightless application to keep your makeup in place all day. It is non-drying and invisible, claiming to leave the skin looking flawless.

It comes packaged in a sleek, shiny black aerosol can with minimal white writing around it. It's pretty reminiscent of MAC packaging but with a different logo plastered across it. It looks professional and feels professional.

Tuesday 25 October 2016

MAC Upward Lash Mascara review

Ah, mascara. Who doesn't love mascara? Choosing a good one is important if you are looking to pull a look together nicely, so today we're going to be looking at one by a rather popular makeup brand (understatement of the century) to help you choose the best for you.

MAC Upward Lash Mascara
MAC Upward Lash Mascara

The MAC Upward Lash Mascara is a product that claims to provide volume, length and curl. It is also designed to be smudge-proof, flake-proof, fragrance free and safe for contact wearers.

The brush is small, but don't be fooled. The centre of the brush is hollow which enables it to hold a lot of product within it to coat the lashes evenly.

It comes packaged in the style of MAC's ever famous lipstick range, so it looks like an amazing, giant-sized lipstick! Now if only MAC could get onto that as well...

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Lord and Berry 20100 Maxi Matte Crayon Lipstick review

Hey guys! So, I've been away from the blog for a little while, but I am now finally back! Coming back also means that I had to bring a review of something exciting to make up for it, so that's exactly what I'm posting today.

Lord and Berry 20100 Maxi Matte Lipstick
Lord and Berry 20100 Maxi Matte Lipstick

The Lord and Berry 20100 Maxi Matte Crayon Lipstick is a creamy "super power-pigment" crayon-pencil, matte finish lipstick (most of that I assume you managed to gather from the name) that boasts a nourishing formula that promises to be long-lasting and not to dry out the lips.

It comes packaged in a chunky, shiny black pencil with a transparent plastic lid to cover the tip which is great to see the shade inside. The end of the pencil is also the shade of the lipstick inside and I find that it is an accurate representation of the colour (you know that sometimes they aren't).

I received this lipstick in my beautiful October Birchbox (seriously, the box design is sooo pretty, check it out) in the shade Intimacy, which is a dark-pink nude shade, and I have been giving it a thorough test since.

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Beautifinous Break

Hi all!

Today is just a quick post to explain why I've been absent from the blog and even Twitter over the last couple of weeks.

I have been feeling unwell again with bad dizzy spells so I've been struggling to concentrate and get stuff done without feeling like I'm about to fall over. I haven't disappeared from the blog and I'm going to try to focus on getting some presence back on Twitter, but please don't think that Beautifinous as a blog has disappeared because it hasn't.

I will, however, be taking a break until I feel well enough to get my head back in the game.

Thank you all for being amazing readers of the blog, I love you all!

Zoe. @Beautifinous

Tuesday 20 September 2016

ModelCo Highlighting Trio review

Guys, it's September. We're edging away from the nice, happy, sunny days and into the doom and gloom of Autumn and Winter. However, we don't need to let rain get us down and to make us lose our summer glow.

ModelCo Highlighting Trio
ModelCo Highlighting Trio

The ModelCo Highlighting Trio is a face palette that contains a combination of luminous shades to help us keep that healthy glow all year round.

It has three different shades in the pan, a darker, bronzing shade (Bronze), a pink blush shade (Peach Bellini) and a light pink highlight shade (Champagne). They all contain a bit of shimmer, but I'll go into this a bit more in a moment.

They come packaged in a small, black, circular pan with a flip cap lid that has a transparent lid to see the product inside.

This arrived in my September Birchbox (the other ModelCo item available is the Creme Rouge lip and cheek tint which I highly recommend checking out), so if you're interested in checking it out it may be worth also checking out this months Birchbox!

Tuesday 6 September 2016

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter review

Every now and then there are certain products that you see cropping up everywhere with everybody raving about them. Sometimes they’re products that you’ve tried and you’re probably one of those raving, but others you probably haven’t and you begin to question what all of the hoo-hah is about.

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

theBalm’s Mary-Lou Manizer is one of these products. If you are one of those who love to scroll through the #bbloggers hashtag on Instagram, the chances are that you have definitely seen this highlighter in more than one, two or three photos! Therefore, needing a new highlighter anyway and being a fan of all other theBalm products that I have given a go, I had to give it a try. With that said, I've now owned this for quite a while yet I just hadn't gotten around to reviewing it, until now (better late than never, huh?).

Mary-Lou Manizer is a powder highlighter that claims to add a subtle yet healthy glow to the skin. It's a champagne shade that is suitable for an entire range of skin tones, but will probably work best for those with yellow undertones.

It comes packaged in a silver compact that has a mirror inside. The lid contains the retro style that theBalm use in their packaging (similar to Soap & Glory and Benefit if you've never seen theBalm style packaging before).

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm review

I love the Clinique Chubby Sticks. Who doesn't love the Clinique Chubby Sticks? They're so simple to use and they work great. This is why I've been wanting to get my hands on today's product for a while, but as usual, hadn't gotten around to it yet (there's too many things on the list, that's why!). But now I have. Woohoo! 

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Roly Posy Rosy
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Roly Posy Rosy

The Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm is a cream blush in the traditional Chubby Stick packaging. Clinique claim that it is an oil-free, creamy, mistake-proof blush that creates a healthy looking glow on the skin. 

It comes in a range of four shades, but the one that I have to show you today is 03 Roly Posy Rosy which is described as a tawny/coral colour.

It comes packaged in the same type of packaging as the rest of the Chubby Stick range; a chubby pen type of packaging that is made of plastic the same colour as the product inside. It has a twisty bottom to push the product up when you need more and it also has a plastic cap to cover it.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Puriskin Core Performance Therapy Resurfacing Formula for Face and Body review

If you're a regular reader of the blog, then I am sure that you are well aware of my love for versatile beauty products. Especially ones like the one featured in today's review.

Puriskin Core Performance Therapy Resurfacing Formula for Face and Body
Puriskin Core Performance Therapy Resurfacing Formula for Face and Body

The Puriskin Core Performance Therapy Resurfacing Formula for Face and Body is a natural cream that is designed to help with a range of skin issues, including acne scars, blemishes, bruises, dermatitis, burns, cracks, surgical scars, stretch marks, razor bumps, age spots and more.

The cream includes Vitamin E and cucumber as well as cocoa butter, comfrey and tigergrass. In addition, it also contains a selection of essential oils, including jojoba, coconut, borage, evening primrose and chamomile as well as allantoin, known for its healing abilities.

On top of all of that, it is also lanolin and paraben free.

The full size comes packaged in a squeezy tube that holds 50ml of product, but the one that I have is the small tin version that arrived in a previous Birchbox.

The cream itself is white in colour and doesn't really have any kind of scent to it. There is just a hint of a "emollient" like scent, which will probably make more sense if you've tried those types of products before.

Monday 15 August 2016

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil review

Eyebrows and Benefit are two words that are a match made in heaven. Benefit know brows. They are good with brows. You know that you could walk up to a Benefit counter, sit down, not say a word and know that you will leave with the best brows on road (see my Benefit Brow Bar experience post). So when they released a new range of eyebrow products, beauty fans got excited. Understandably.

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil
Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

Today I have one of the new releases to show you all: the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil. There are so many options from the new Brow Collection range for different types of eyebrows, whether you have sparse brows, shapeless brows, unruly brows, whatever. The Goof Proof Brow Pencil is described as being the best option for patchy brows.

It has a simple to use, non-sharpen tip that comes in a sort of diamond-ish shape (more on that in a minute) and has a creamy, glide-on, waterproof formula for quick and easy eyebrow filling and shaping that also lasts for up to 12 hours. It comes in a range of six shades from the lightest, platinum blonde shades down to the deepest black (the one featured in this post is shade 5). Sounds good, right?

It comes packaged in a super pretty silver, double-ended pencil with the actual product on one end and a spoolie brush on the other, both covered with funky, geometric caps.

Now let's get into how this bad boy actually works.

Monday 8 August 2016

Amie Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser review

If you're looking for a skincare brand that is natural and paraben, mineral oil and animal cruelty free that also doesn't cost the earth, then this is one to take a look at.

Amie Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser
Amie Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser

The Amie Morning Dew Matte Finish Moisturiser has a pretty self explanatory name. It is a facial lotion that leaves a silky smooth, matte finish to the skin.

It has a 90.8% natural formula that promises to provide sufficient hydration yet leave the skin free of excess oil. It contains organic rosehip and bilberry, Vitamin E, natural plant sugars, lemon fruit extract and orange blossom to nourish, protect against pollution and sun damage, act as an antiseptic and clarify.

This is a moisturiser that I've seen cropping up a lot and I have therefore been wanting to test it for a while. Then, when I was close to purchasing it ready to finally give it a whirl for the blog, a sample appears in my August Birchbag. Talk about great timing!

It comes packaged in a pale yellow squeezy tube and the product inside is also a pale yellow lotion. It has a clean, kind of soapy smell to it.

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Beautifinous Update

Hi everyone!

Today is just a quick update post as to what will be happening with the blog over the next few weeks.

Recently it has been a little harder to schedule posts in as often as I would like to due to a varying array of factors. There have been some health issues within the family as of late which I need to prioritise and be around for.

The good news though is that these life situations are temporary, so any changes that need to be made will also be temporary. I have decided therefore that for a few weeks there will only be one post a week until time becomes freed up. I'll make sure to keep everybody updated via Twitter when I'll be beginning my regular two posts a week again, so make sure that you're following me to find out!

This isn't forever and I am not disappearing. I love posting for all of you, and even though I can't post as much as I want to right now, don't forget that appreciate every read from all of your beautiful faces.

Thanks for making Beautifinous what is today.

Zoe. @Beautifinous

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara review

Mascaras - there's tons of them. Ones to add volume, ones to curl, ones to lengthen... And let's admit it, a lot just don't work. Wouldn't it be great to have a magical mascara that did? Well, today's review is going to be all about a self-titled magic mascara.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara
Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Eyeko's Black Magic Mascara is an award-winning, celebrity endorsed mascara that claims to add drama to the lashes as well as volumise, curl and lengthen them. The curved brush is designed to reach every lash and leave the final look clump free.

As well as all of that, the formula includes shea butter and keratin to condition the lashes, is paraben free, waterproof and promises to lock in colour for 12+ hours. Eyeko also claim that there will be no flaking or smudging, yet it can be easily removed with warm water.

It comes packaged a little differently to a lot of other mascaras. Instead of being in a long, plastic tube it comes packaged in a silver squeezy tube which will help to finish the product to the very end. The wand is still contained within a screw cap lid.

My version of the mascara was received in a previous Birchbox, but the full size item also comes with a cute Eyeko branded plectrum to use as a shield during application.

Monday 18 July 2016

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner review

I don't know about you, but when it comes to makeup staples, a good pencil liner is rather high up on my list. Today I'm going to be discussing a brand that I feel is well worth a mention if you are also on that hunt for the perfect pencil liner.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner

Cynthia Rowley may be better known for her clothing, but her beauty range also contains a collection of both pencil and liquid eyeliners as well as eyeshadows, lip glosses, blushes and bronzers. As we're discussing eyeliner pencils, that is what we will be looking at today; the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner pencils.

I have three shades to show you all: black, gold and silver. Two of them I received in previous Birchboxes (the black and the silver, hence why they are smaller in size) and I purchased the full size gold pencil.

They are packaged as sleek, black pencils with gold writing and a plastic cap with gold circles on it. The bottom of the pencil indicates the shade. The pencil then comes packaged in a matte black and shiny gold box. I personally think that it looks great and they feel high quality.

Tuesday 12 July 2016

LOC One and Done Shadow Sticks review

I love discussing new brands and new products, and today I have a fairly new brand to discuss with you all.

LOC One and Done Shadow Sticks in Empress Me and Champagne Problems
LOC One and Done Shadow Sticks in Empress Me (top) and Champagne Problems (bottom).

LOC (Love of Colour) is a new-ish brand by Birchbox, the beauty box subscription service that sends you a collection of 5-6 beauty and lifestyle samples every month for you to try. LOC isn't their only venture into creating products as I've mentioned before (see my Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm review) and even though their product selection is fairly limited right now, I wanted to give them a mention.

The product that I have to show you today is the One and Done Shadow Stick range, a collection of three different shades of eyeshadow pencils that promise ease of use and long-lasting wear. As well as that, the formula is paraben and cruelty free.

Today I have two of the three UK shades to show you (the US Birchbox has more), Champagne Problems and Empress Me, a pale rose gold and darker rose gold respectively.

They come packaged in small, black, glossy pencils with the same gloss-finish plastic cap and they hold 1.35g of product. The ends of the pencils show the colour of the eyeshadow.

Thursday 7 July 2016

NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette review

Contouring. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, one thing is certain: you need the right products. If you prefer, you can buy a range of individual shades, but if you like to be more organised, a contour palette can be your best friend.

NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

The NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette is a collection of 8 highlighting and contouring shades (four of each) to sculpt the way you want.

The palette contains a mix of both matte and shimmer shades. Each of the pans can also be replaced individually once they have been used as well, so finishing one shade that you use more doesn't mean that you need to replace the entire palette.

It all comes packaged in black, plastic packaging with a clear plastic lid to access them.

The palette then comes in a cardboard cover that contains instructions on how to use them if you get a little stuck!

Monday 4 July 2016

Best Beauty Products for Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a total pain to deal with. All of the blotting to reduce the shine as well as re-doing melted or caked up makeup can leave you feeling highly frustrated and wishing for a quick and easy fix.

The bad news is that I am not aware of a quick and easy fix (if you know one, please let me know!). The good news though is that over the years I have found some fantastic products that I find really help to curb the levels of oil on the skin, making it far more manageable.

In an effort to help anyone else who struggles with oily skin, I have created a list of both skincare and makeup items that I personally love and use to help keep things under control. Hopefully they will work for you as well as they do for me.

So if you're at the end of your tether with your oily skin, keep reading to find out my best beauty products for oily skin!

Thursday 30 June 2016

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray review

The one thing that really winds me up after spending time putting on a face of makeup is watching it all melt off. Whether it's due to oily skin or heat, it can make you feel a bit like a clown and down about your effort being wasted. Well, let's say no to any more of that.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray
Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay's De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray is one of a few different types of makeup setting sprays by the brand, but this one is primarily targeted towards oilier skin and those who melt in the heat (but of course it can be used by any skin type).

It is oil and paraben free whilst boasting "temperature control technology". It is a lightweight mist that promises to leave the skin with a matte finish, sealing your cheek and eye makeup for hours. You'll barely need to touch up (if at all). Sounds good, no?

Now whilst this isn't a new release, this is one that I have personally wanted to try and review for a long time. There was no real reason as to why I haven't done so before now, but let's go with "better late than never"!

This spray comes in two sizes: the 30ml travel size and the 120ml full-size.

It comes packaged in a white bottle with a spray pump that is covered by a clear plastic lid, which is then covered with a dark grey plastic lid. I assume this is to prevent leaks.

I recently went to a wedding, so I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to give this spray a whirl. Instead of picking up the normal, full-size version, I grabbed the travel size to fit in my bag (also better to try the trial version when you buy new products if they have them, just incase), so let's see how it fared!

Monday 13 June 2016

Beautifinous will be back shortly!

Hi guys!

Today's post is just a quick one to inform everybody that there won't be any posts for a couple of weeks here on the blog as I am taking some much needed time off. :)

I won't be gone forever and I will still be posting on Twitter where I will keep everybody updated as to when a new post will go live.

Stay amazing everybody and keep your eyes peeled for a new post in a couple of weeks!

Zoe. @Beautifinous

Friday 10 June 2016

Is this the best way to remove makeup?

We all know that removing makeup can become a chore and we are all on the hunt to find the best makeup remover. You may have seen them, but the MakeUp Eraser makeup remover cloth brings with it the promise to remove your makeup with just water. Magic! However, they come in at around £15 and one cloth isn't going to last forever, so from the money perspective, where is the benefit?

Best way to remove makeup
Remove makeup with just glorious, magical water!

That's where today's beauty tip comes in: micorofibre cloths.

Yep, those things that you use to clean your kitchen can also be used to remove your makeup. Obviously I'm talking about new and unused cloths, not ones that have already been used to clean surfaces (ew!), but after I found out about this tip they have become my best friend.

Monday 6 June 2016

Jelly Pong Pong Paradise Pigment review

I love summer. Whilst we don't always get the most of the sun though over here in the UK, we know how to make the most of it when we do. When it comes to makeup, I love bringing out my bright and colourful products, which is why, on this hot and sunny day, we're going to be looking at a very vibrant pot of pigment.

Jelly Pong Pong Paradise Pigment
Jelly Pong Pong Paradise Pigment in Cake Pop

Jelly Pong Pong's Paradise Pigment pots come in two super bright, cream shades that are designed to be used on both the lips and the cheeks to add a flush of summer. There is Cake Pop a bold pink-red coral and Fig Jam, a vivid purple-pink orchid. Whilst the name Cake Pop reminds me of Clinique's Pop range, I really love the name Fig Jam. Anyone else!? Both shades may look a little daunting in the pan, but rest assured that they don't apply that brightly on the face.

Each pot contains pumpkin seed oil and rhubarb extract for "plush, cushiony skin".

I received the shade Cake Pop in my June Birchbox, so if you'd like to subscribe to see if you receive one too, you can subscribe to Birchbox here.

They come packaged in a small, clear jar with a black screw cap lid that holds 4g of product.

Thursday 2 June 2016

Top 50 Mommy Bloggers

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Hey everyone! Today I have a slightly different post for you all. The lovely folks over at Rebates Zone have included me on their list of the Top 50 Mommy Bloggers!

Today I have posted the list as a thank you and as a shout out to all of the other bloggers who are featured on it. Keep up the great work ladies!

You can check it out below.

Thanks again, guys!

Monday 30 May 2016

Balance Me Tinted Wonder Eye Cream review

Dark circles around the eyes don't have to be a pain to deal with. There are a ton of eye creams on the market to help reduce the appearance of them and a good concealer on top can help to hide the rest. What can be even easier though is one product that does both; a one step wonder product. Very fitting then that today's product even has the word 'wonder' in the name!

Balance Me Tinted Wonder Eye Cream
Balance Me Tinted Wonder Eye Cream

Balance Me's Tinted Wonder Eye Cream is a variation on the original Wonder Eye Cream with the added benefit of helping to cover dark circles as well as helping to reduce them. In addition, it also gets to work on fine lines.

It is 99% natural and combines cream and light reflecting pigments to help blur dark circles and reduce fine lines. It contains cucumber seed oil to gently cool, calm and reduce puffiness as well as moisturise and brighten; rosehip oil, a fantastic oil that helps to cell renewal and arctic cloudberry seed extract that is anti-oxidant and Vitamin E rich to help protect against environmental damage.

Balance Me also claim that this Tinted Wonder Eye Cream is also suitable for all skin tones.

It comes packaged in a white squeezy tube that comes in 5ml and 10ml sizes. The cream itself is thick and looks like a liquid concealer or foundation at first sight. It also has a light, clean fragrance.

Monday 23 May 2016

Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer review

When it comes to the warmer months, there are a couple of things I like; a good lip balm and a glossy lip. Well, today's product can give us both.

Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer
Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer

The Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer uses fatty acid absorption technology to provide daily maintenance as well as relief, treatment and prevention for dry lips. It is fragrance and colour free.

You can apply it in a thin layer for a quick boost of hydration or you can apply it generously to create a gloss finish and it can also be worn over lipstick.

It comes packaged in a small, white squeezy tube that golds 7g of product (mine is slightly smaller holding 5ml) with the typical Malin + Goetz minimalistic style design printed on it. The Lip Moisturizer itself is a thick, clear gel.

Thursday 19 May 2016

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser review

When it comes to removing makeup, cleansing, toning and then moisturising, you have to use a whole bunch of products and it takes a whole lot of time. But does that need to be the case? Wouldn't it just be so much easier to do it all in one go? Well, that's where today's product comes in.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser
Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser

Philosophy's award-winning Purity Made Simple Cleanser is a 3-in-1. It helps to remove makeup, cleanse the skin and also tone. In one step. On top of that, it also helps to lightly hydrate the skin.

It promises to penetrate deep into the pores to remove dirt and its natural oils help to keep the skin conditioned. It is also suitable for use in the eye area AND is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Sounds great, am I right!?

This is a cleanser that I have heard a lot of things about, so trying and reviewing it had to happen. I'm just surprised it has taken me this long.

It comes packaged in a clear bottle that comes in a range of sizes, but the one that I have here in the photos is a smaller 30ml bottle. The cleanser itself is a pale yellow in colour and is a nice creamy consistency that isn't too thin or too thick.

Monday 16 May 2016

Everything You Need to Know to Master Cat Eye Makeup (Guest Post)


Cat Eye is considered to be one of the most hyped and requested eye makeup look in any makeover routine. Many of us who have already embraced the look find it very dramatic, glamorous and chic. A cat eye may turn out to be a beginner’s worst nightmare but if executed the right way it can actually add life to the whole look!

Here is a theory for all the Cat-Eye-Wanna-bes’:

“Good Wings come to those who wait!”

Yes! There is no shortcut. It takes time, patience and experimentation to master your flicks. It’s almost impossible to draw the perfect flick the first time and even if you do, the chances are that you would not be able to replicate it on the other eye. Sad story.

The good news is that if you follow the below instructions carefully, you might be able to master it in a shorter time span.

Friday 13 May 2016

The Body Shop Instaglow CC Cream

Press Release

Summer is around the corner, and I don't know about you, but I love bringing out the lighter makeup when it gets hot.

Thankfully The Body Shop have stepped in just in time to bring us a new release: the Instaglow CC Cream.

The Body Shop Instaglow CC Cream
The Body Shop Instaglow CC Cream

The Instaglow CC Cream promises to provide light, filter-proof coverage, but it also contains a blend of ingredients (including Community Trade Aloe Vera and ginseng) to even out the skin tone, reduce shine, minimise pores and illuminate the skin. It also contains SPF20 PA+++ meaning that your skin will be protected from the sun and will help to prevent the future signs of ageing.

The Body Shop promise that they will also moisturise the skin for 24 hours, so these babies sound like they're going to be some hard working multi-taskers for summer!

Thursday 12 May 2016

And the winner of the Beauty Bundle giveaway is...


I recently held a giveaway to win a Beauty Bundle worth over £70, and today I can announce that the winner is...

Sophie Roberts!

Congratulations for winning the giveaway!

I have sent over an E-Mail so make sure that you reply as soon as possible.

If you'd like to check out Sophie's brilliant prize, you can check out the original post for the Beauty Bundle Giveaway.

If you didn't win this time, make sure that you check back for future giveaways.

Also, as this post was a quick one today, I will be posting an extra post this week. Keep your eyes peeled for that coming tomorrow.

Congratulations again, Sophie!

Zoe. @Beautifinous

Monday 9 May 2016

7 Cool Hairstyles You Can Do With a Flat Iron - Guest Post



Are you tired of wearing the same straightened look every time you go out on important occasions? Do you wish to experiment with your looks by using your very own flat irons? Then you are at the absolute best place to learn how to style your hair. Most of the time people tend to think of their flat irons as mere straightening tools and they forego the possibility of styling a great number of hairstyles with their flat irons.

It is undeniably true that every girl desires to wear a stylish hairdo that not only adds elegance to their personality but also gives them the opportunity to flaunt diverse hairstyles. Here comes the role of the flat iron that not only straightens the hair but also provides immense opportunities to have different hairstyles, so let’s check out these seven stylish hairstyles you can do with flat iron.

Monday 2 May 2016

Louise Galvin Sacred Skin Hand & Body Lotion review

By now it's no secret that I love a multitasking product that is quick and simple to use. I also love great skincare products, and when these things are all ticked off at once I know it's usually something worth talking about.

Louise Galvin Sacred Skin Hand & Body Lotion
Louise Galvin Sacred Skin Hand & Body Lotion

Whilst Louise Galvin is probably better known for her haircare products, today I'm reviewing the Sacred Skin Hand and Body Lotion, a moisturiser that promises to leave the skin silky soft and smooth whilst keeping the skin's natural moisture balance in check.

It contains avocado oil and almond oil to soothe and moisturise dry skin while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. It is also a natural product that is free of SLS, silicones, petrochemicals, parabens, polymers and synthetic fragrances. Louise Galvin products are also cruelty free.

It comes packaged in a white, rectangular bottle that holds 300ml of product with a pump lid for easy dispensing. The lotion itself is white in colour also.

Thursday 28 April 2016

Australian Bodycare Facial Wash, Spot Stick, Hand and Foot Cream, Tea Tree Oil and Facial Cream reviews

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Last week on the blog I reviewed four products from the Australian Bodycare range and I made a promise at the end that a second post featuring more products would be on the way. Well, here it is!

Australian Bodycare Facial Wash, Pure Tea Tree Oil, Facial Cream, Spot Stick and Hand and Foot Cream
Australian Bodycare Facial Wash, Pure Tea Tree Oil, Facial Cream, Spot Stick and Hand and Foot Cream

Today I will be looking at five more products from Australian Bodycare, including the Facial Cream, Hand and Foot Cream, Facial Wash, Spot Stick and Pure Tea Tree Oil that are all part of the Apothecary range and feature together in this fabulous gift set (you can find the purchase link at the end).

I won’t go into too much detail about the ins and outs of the brand in this post as to not repeat myself, so see this post as a part 2. If you would like to know more then definitely check out my first post that discusses the Exfoliating Body Scrub, Exfoliating Face Wash, Skin Wash and Deep Cleansing Face Mask.

So let’s jump right into it!

Monday 25 April 2016

GIVEAWAY - Win a Beautifinous Beauty Bundle worth over £70! (UK)

Hurrah! It's spring, and the weather has been warming up (well kind of, as I write this it's miserable outside) and the flowers are growing and stuff, so what better excuse than this to finally host my first GIVEAWAY!

Giveaway Beautifinous Beauty Bundle

Yep, that's right! It's been a while in the planning stages, but it's now all here and ready for one lucky winner to snap up. It includes a combo of makeup goodies and skincare items as well as the odd hair bits. In addition to the 6 full-size items up for grabs, there is also a whole bunch of mini sized products, 6 perfume samples and a range of sachet samples for you to try. If that wasn't enough, I decided to add an extra little twist (inspired by my Aveda Invati Hair Experience box) by adding some yummy scrummy tea bags for you to brew up and sip on as you try out your new beauty goodies. Oh my!

So by now I'm sure that you all just want to know what actually makes up the prize. It includes a number of items that I have both reviewed on the blog and a couple that I haven't. For those that I have reviewed I've provided links for you to check them out on the list below.

Thursday 21 April 2016

Australian Bodycare Exfoliating Body Scrub, Facial Exfoliator, Cleansing Face Mask and Skin Wash reviews

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Hi guys! Today I have a whole bunch of skincare goodies to show you!

Australian Bodycare Exfoliating Body Scrub, Skin Wash, Facial Exfoliator and Cleansing Face Mask
Australian Bodycare Exfoliating Body Scrub, Skin Wash, Facial Exfoliator and Cleansing Face Mask

Australian Bodycare are a professional and retail skincare brand that specialise in using Tea Tree Oil within their products. Tea Tree Oil is well known for its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, making it a great ingredient within your skincare routine. It can be useful for an entire range of issues, from blemishes to body odour.

I have here a selection of products from the brand to discuss with you all; the recently released Tea Tree Exfoliating Body Wash and Facial Exfoliator and their Skin Wash and Cleansing Face Mask.

All of them contain that key ingredient and come with a range of benefits. Let's take a closer look at each of them!

Monday 18 April 2016

11 Beauty Tips for Eyes That Are Right for You - Guest Post



Your eyes are not only the windows to your soul, but they are also the windows to your—AGE. In fact, when strangers were asked how old a person is they say that the eye area tends to influence their guesses. The skin around the eyes are quite thin and don’t have a lot of fat or connective tissue to pad them. As a result, they wrinkle much easier and are more sensitive to bodily conditions such as illnesses or even just dehydration. What’s more, eyes easily show fatigue. They become red or irritated and become dull when you are tired.

It makes sense then to take careful care of your eyes both for health and aesthetics’ sake. Below are 11 tips on how to care for your eyes, so they look young and healthy even as you age.

Thursday 14 April 2016

Avon Shine Burst Gloss Stick collection review and swatches

Hi guys! I’m here today with another brand new lipstick range from Avon: the Shine Burst Gloss Stick collection.

Avon Shine Burst Gloss Stick in Fresh Fuchsia
Avon Shine Burst Gloss Stick in Fresh Fuchsia

Switching it up from their Perfectly Matte Lipstick range, Avon are taking it to the opposite side of the spectrum with this release by bringing us super glossy lips. Each one comes packed with superfruits and coconut oil for extra hydration as well as bright, glossy colour.

It comes in 10 shades and naturally, I have each and every one to show you today. They have a range of pinks, purples, nudes and reds and 5 of the shades include shimmer whilst the others are a creamy finish. 

To me it seems that these are a hybrid of lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms. They have the colour of a lipstick, high shine of a lip gloss and the hydration of a lip balm. 

Each of the lipsticks are packaged in these sleek, metallic tubes that are the colour of the shade group they belong in (so the red shades are in a red tube, pinks in a pink tube and so on). The packaging is beautiful in person, but I have to admit straight from the get go that the metallic finish made photographing it a total nightmare. 

Avon Shine Burst Gloss Stick in Fresh Fuchsia
Avon Shine Burst Gloss Stick in Fresh Fuchsia

Monday 11 April 2016

Urban Veda Purifying Hydrating Toner review

Urban Veda is a natural skincare brand that use the theory of Ayurveda to provide plant-based skincare products that leave the skin feeling balanced. Today I will be reviewing the Urban Veda Purifying Toner which is targeted at those with a kapha dosha, or oily skin.

Urban Veda Purifying Hydrating Toner
Urban Veda Purifying Hydrating Toner

In case you haven't heard of Ayurveda I will try to explain it rather quickly and briefly. Ayurveda is an Indian, whole-body healing system that was created thousands of years ago. It is about promoting good health, and health and wellness is dependent on the balance between mind, body and spirit.

Ayurvedic theory is based upon the idea that everything in the universe is connected, and "good health is achieved when your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony with the universe”. It is also said that each individual is created from five elements of the universe: water, air, fire, space and earth. These elements then combine together create three energies called doshas: Vata (space and air), Pitta (water and fire) and Kapha (earth and water). Everybody is said to have a dominant dosha, but keeping them in balance will help to promote wellness.

In regards to skincare, we can look at these as skin types. Keeping our skin balanced is the result that we are all after, and knowing your dosha will help you choose the right Urban Veda products for you. To make things a bit easier on that front, Urban Veda have a questionnaire on their website to help you find your dosha.

The Purifying Toner is ram packed with botanicals (organic aloe vera juice, neem, quassia, rosa damask flower water and witch hazel) that help to tighten pores, hydrate, reduce shine and of course, tone. It also contains vitamins (vitamin C and proVitamin B5), six bio-oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, wild mint, spearmint, orange and anise) and amino acids that are full of antioxidants to help provide the skin with a healthy glow.

Thursday 7 April 2016

Dr. Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum review

I was scrolling through Twitter quite a while back when I came across somebody asking a question about eye creams. It said something along the lines of "Looking for an eye cream that doesn't cost a fortune, any recommendations?". At the time, I didn't really think about it much, but recently it popped back into my head. It made me start to think about whether I did actually know an eye cream that I've truly enjoyed that hasn't cost so much, and it also got me inspired to indirectly answer this tweet. I sadly never made a note of who wrote it and finding it now would be no simple task, but I'm certain that others are asking the same question.

Dr. Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum
Dr. Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum

So that brings me to today's post. The Dr. Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum is a natural, light and gentle cream for the eye area that promises to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles and also boost collagen stability, firm the eye area and provide long-lasting moisture.

It contains fresh royal jelly, pure honey, a blend of essential oils, aloe vera, vitamins B5, C and F and even green tea extract.

It is free of parabens, artificial colours, harsh chemicals, fragrances or preservatives and SLS, is suitable for vegetarians and is not tested on animals.

It comes packaged in a bright orange squeezy tube with a screw cap lid that has a pointed opening to dispense the product. The Eye Serum itself is white in colour and is a silky smooth consistency.

Bringing it back to the opening of this post, this eye cream is also fairly inexpensive, costing £9.99 for 15ml. But does it do what it claims? Let's take a look.

Monday 4 April 2016

balmi Bling Roseberry Lip Balm review

I think that I might have an obsession with lip balms right now. Is that bad? Well, today it does mean that I have one to discuss with you all. You will probably have seen it around, but if not, let's jump right in and have a look!

balmi Roseberry Lip Balm
balmi Roseberry Lip Balm

balmi is a brand that describes their lip balm as a "way of life". Each of their balms are designed with living life in mind, so they are conical in shape for super easy application wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

They come in a range of scents, but the one that we're looking at today is the Roseberry balm that is part of their Bling collection.

In addition to being easy to apply, each of the balms contains a blend of ingredients (including jojoba oil and shea butter) that provide long-lasting, daily care. They also contain SPF15 which is important all year round, not just for summer!

Each balm comes packaged in a cube that has a screw cap lid, and the lip balm sits inside in its cone shape.

Thursday 31 March 2016

OPI Infinite Shine and Soft Shades Nail Polish Collections for Spring 2016

Press Release
Hi guys! Today I have some exciting news from OPI to share with you all!

For Spring 2016, OPI are releasing two new collections: Infinite Shine Spring '16 and Soft Shades Spring '16. Both are full of shades that are inspired by the spring runways, making our fingers and toes just as fashionable as our clothes.

The Infinite Shine Spring '16 collection includes 8 new colours for you to choose from, bringing the total number of Infinite Shine polishes to a grand total of 70. Each of the Infinite Shine shades provide a long-lasting, gel finish that doesn't require a light to apply. They can also be removed with regular nail polish remover.

The Soft Shades Spring '16 collection brings us a total of 6 pastel colours that promise to be opaque. That word is important here as a lot of pastel shades tend to be quite sheer and take a fair few coats to achieve that type of look, so this is one of those promises that make my ears stand to attention.

Describing the Soft Shades range, OPI co-founder and ambassador, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, says "instead of the expected sheer and muted look, we’ve chosen a finish that adds a ‘mod’ element to our shades without diminishing their refinement." Exciting stuff!

Let's take a look at the new offerings, shall we?

Monday 28 March 2016

Polaar Polar Night Cream (Creme Nuit Polaire) review

If you're a regular reader of the blog, you'll more than likely know that I'm a big Birchbox fan. The March box was pretty decent and I have already reviewed the great Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm recently which a lot of you have loved.

Polaar Polar Night Cream (Creme Nuit Polaire)
Polaar Polar Night Cream (Creme Nuit Polaire)

Well today I'm reviewing another product that arrived in my March Birchbox. This one is a night cream from Polaar called Polar Night Cream (or Creme Nuit Polaire in French). It is created to regenerate your skin as you sleep.

It contains Rhodimenia Borealia (boreal algae) that reacts to the light of the moon to leave your skin refreshed, revitalised and radiant by morning.  It also says that night after night, your skin will be "recharged with oxygen". I'm not 100% what that is supposed to mean exactly, but we'll go with it!

In addition, it also includes phytomelatonin, a vegetal enzyme that is similar to the hormone melatonin that is released by the brain overnight. This then "activates the biological mechanisms responsible for nightly cellular regeneration".

It is also free of parabens, mineral-oils and alcohol.

The size that I received in my box is the small, 25ml squeezey tube (which in parts is sort of holographic and very pretty), but the full size comes in a screw cap jar that holds a nice 100ml of cream.

The jar itself is also very beautiful. It is white with dark blue writing and stars around it (see it here).

The cream is quite thick and bright white. It also has a light, powdery fragrance to it that is fresh yet relaxing.

Thursday 24 March 2016

Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Spring/Summer 2016 shade swatches

I have some great news! So many of you have been checking out my post about Avon's Perfectly Matte Lipstick range, and today I have swatches of the five BRAND NEW shades that are being added to the collection for spring/summer. Hurrah!

Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Absolutely Coral
Avon Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Absolutely Coral

Avon's Perfectly Matte Lipsticks are described as being "more matte than MAC" and they also aren't drying on the lips. They were launched at the beginning of this year with a range of 15 shades that included nude shades, reds, pinks and purples that were both bright and darker, suitable for everyone through all seasons.

For spring/summer they are launching a few bright and vivid shades along with another nude that is darker than the previous ones. We have brighter purples than before (the previous purples were primarily quite dark, plum colours) yet also some easily wearable daytime shades.

The packaging is the same as before, a matte black, rectangular tube with the Avon logo around the centre in silver. The top of the lid has a small, plastic window that enables you to see the shade inside.