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.

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Balance Me Revitalising Hand and Body Wash review

If you're a regular reader of the blog, you may remember a while back when I reviewed Balance Me's Super Moisturising Body Wash. I absolutely loved it, so naturally I had to give another of their body washes a try to review for you all.

Balance Me Revitalising Hand and Body Wash
Balance Me Revitalising Hand and Body Wash

The Balance Me Revitalising Hand and Body Wash is a 99% natural cleanser that - in case it wasn't obvious in the name - is suitable as both a hand wash and a body wash.

It claims to refresh, hydrate and soothe the skin, whilst the organic surfactants are gentle enough even for irritated skin. It has a zesty yet minty aroma that is beautifully unisex and uplifting, so it is perfect for everyone.

It comes packaged in different bottles that are dependent on the amount of product that you purchase. The bottle that I have is a 100ml squeezy white bottle with a screw cap lid. This is the type of bottle that you also get for the 30ml bottle, but if you buy the largest, 300ml size, you will get a pump lid for easy application. This type of bottle is also more handy if you primarily want to use it as a hand wash. The product itself is clear, thick gel.

Friday, 18 March 2016

Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm review

I'd like to start off by apologising for this post being delayed a day. I'm currently feeling unwell, so writing took a little longer than normal! As being ill is a miserable time, I've decided to write about a product that makes me happy, and it's suitable for everybody. Hooray!

Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm
Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm
Arrow is a new brand that has been launched by Birchbox after the success of their first brand release, LOC (Love of Colour). The Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm is a one stop balm and colour enhancer. The shade of the product is determined by the pH levels in your skin, meaning that it is unique to everyone.

It is designed to "go wherever you do", from those early morning school runs, to work and then beyond, it's lightweight formula is suitable for all occasions and situations throughout your day.

It contains mango seed butter for hydration and it is vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free and cruelty-free.

It comes packaged in a white, plastic tube with a bright, geometric pattern around it that I love. The product itself is a very faintly tinted pink balm with a slightly domed tip for easy application.

My balm arrived in my March Birchbox (every subscriber receives one this month!) and I've been trying it out since it arrived.