CURRENT TRANSITIONAL SKIN SAVIOURS - BODYCARE

Over the colder months the weather causes my skin to become drier, duller and higher maintenance. Skin and hair should be taken care of according to the season. When Winter comes, the cold weather outside destroys the lipid layer that protects the skin against dryness. As we transition into Spring I like to carry on with this routine to help my skin prepare for the Summer months. I still like to exfoliate in the Winter months to pep up my skin and always moisturise my feet and hands before I go to sleep. There are a few products I like to use to ensure my skin keeps in it's best shape as we step into Spring.

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Smoothing Body Cream, 300ml £10.50 – My favourite bath and body brand has to be Soap & Glory. I have tried all the different scents and haven't found one I didn't like. The fruitigo fragrance is more of a summery, fruity scent but I can't get enough of the fragrance. The formula is thick, moisturising and hydrating and it sinks into the skin really nicely. You can smell the scent for hours after applying. This scent is lovely as we are coming into Spring, as it's so fresh and gorgeous. I will always repurchase one of the Soap & Glory body butters as you can't go wrong for the price. You definitely get your moneys worth as a pot lasts a long time and I use it all over my body.

Soap & Glory Sit Tight Saddlebags+, 85ml £16.50 – This is a great product to use after the gym. You can use it on targeted areas like the tops of the arms and legs. This serum is formulated to help visibly firm and tighten skin, smooth stubborn areas, rehydrate and reduce skin roughness. The product is really easy to use, you squeeze the product out on to the roller and massage gently over the skin. You let the product absorb into the skin and you can feel a little tingle sensation which makes me feel like something is working. If I use the product regularly I notice that my skin tightens and tones a little in certain areas. I have written a full blog post about this product here.

Nip & Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment, 100ml £16.29 – I have been using this product for quite a while now, it’s not something I use every day, but I do notice a difference when I do use it. The formula is a light serum which visually plumps, smoothes and firms skin around the chest area. It is quite pricey for a high street cream but they always have deals on in Boots. As you are only using this in one area, this tube has lasted me so long that they have changed the packaging. This works great on stretch marks, the only downside is that it doesn't have a lovely scent. It absorbs nicely and leaves no residue. 

This Works Perfect Heels Rescue Balm, 75ml £16.00 – I like to use a balm product on areas I feel need a little more moisturising, my feet probably need the most attention. This balm is a really thick texture that helps to prevent and repair cracked heels and dry feet. The formula is made with cotton thistle extract, refreshing lemon oil and soothing lavender, which makes for a really relaxing scent. It absorbs really easily into the skin and makes my feet feel so much better if I’ve had a long day. I must admit I probably wouldn't repurchase it at £16.00, I'm a big fan of the Soap & Glory Heels Genius which is a third of the price at £5.50 and you probably get similar results.

Origins Make a Difference Hand Treatment, full-size 75ml £19.00 – I have raved about this hand treatment before, it’s probably the best hand cream I've tried. It’s not sticky or greasy like other creams. You only need to apply a little amount onto your hands and the scent is lovely. It’s great on dry areas and I also like to rub it into my cuticles. The formulation is thick and creamy and it really helps to moisturise and protect my hands. It is quite pricey for a hand cream but I like to pick up these smaller sized tubes in Christmas gift sets.

Margaret Dabbs Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum, 15ml £12.00 – I like to use this product before giving myself a pedicure, It’s a really lightweight cream. I received this product in one of my beauty boxes and had never heard of this brand before. It helps to strengthen, protect and hydrate nails and cuticles. I like that the bottle comes with an easy to use pump and it's small enough to use on the go.

What are your Bodycare recommendations which you have been using recently?

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PEARL LOWE FOR GLOSSYBOX - SPRING FEVER APRIL 2013

I absolutely love the box design of last month's Glossybox which was exclusively designed by Pearl Lowe. It's so refreshing to open your box to find a different theme each month, this month was focused around 'Spring Fever'. I think this theme works really well and the products inside really reflect the season. I will definitely be reusing this box and display it on my vanity as storage.
Essie Nail Lacquer in 'We're in it together', Full-Size 13.5ml, £7.99 - I was very excited to hear that there was a full-size Essie polish in April's box. I am a big fan of the formulation of the diffusion line which can be found in Boots and Superdrug. The colour I received was 'We're in it together' which is a lovely baby pink with a slight blue/purple shimmer. It's not a colour I would normally go for but I have really been enjoying wearing it and adding it to my collection. Read my full review of Essie nail polishes here.
Illamasqua Medium Pencil in 'Thrash', Full-Size 1g, £13.00 - I had never tried any products from Illamasqua before so I was intrigued to find out what their products were like. This medium pencil can be used  for eye, lips, face and body, I received the shade 'Thrash' which is a warm burnt orange. I really liked the texture of the product it glided over the skin and gave a long-lasting finish. The colour was a bit scary at first, but I think it looks great on the eye area for a bit of a change from the usual black.

Crabtree & Evelyn Somerset Meadow Hand Therapy, Full-Size 100g, £14.00 - Again, I had never tried anything from this brand before, but have only heard good things. I have enjoyed the texture and scent of this hand cream, it leaves my hands feeling really hydrated and moisturised and not greasy at all. It's so handy to throw in my handbag and use on the go, the only downsize is that I'm not a great fan of the packaging as I know it will get harder to get the product out towards the end.
Yves Rocher France So Elixir Purple Eau De Parfum, Full-Size 50ml, £44.00 - It was nice to see a bigger sized fragrance sample in the box this month. The scent is feminine, floral and woody all at the same time. I quite liked the scent once I had put it onto my skin, the fragrance lasted quite well and I could still smell the product hours after I had used it. I'm not too thrilled with the packaging, I think they could update it a bit, but I would love to see what other products they have on offer.

Nip and Fab Pistachio Sundae Body Butter, Full-Size 200ml, £9.95 - This is one of my favourite body butters, I love the scent it's super sweet but I can't wait to put this on after showering. It does come in other flavours including, Coconut Latte (read my review here.) and Mango Smoothie. The texture of this product is lighter than many body butters I have used, and I enjoy using it during the spring/summer months. I will continue to repurchase!
I think this Glossybox is the best I've seen for a good while, so many big brand names in one box finished off with a lovely designed print! You really can't beat the value of a beauty box.

RECENT AUGUST/SEPTEMBER BEAUTY PRODUCT EMPTIES 2012

These are the most recent products that I have used up, some I have loved, others I wouldn't want to repurchase...
Soap & Glory Glad Pits Anti-Perspirant, 150ml £4.50 - I always go back to this deodorant as I really love the scent. The protection does last for hours, and Soap & Glory can really do no wrong. I have seen that people have had trouble finding it in stores recently, so I hope it's not being discontinued. Would I repurchase? Yes
Mark Hill Pure Indulgence Shampoo and Conditioner - I received these products in a gift set last christmas (Girls Night In Set) and have finally used them up. I didn't find that they did anything special to my hair, they did there job but I didn't find my hair 'shined' as stated on the bottle. Would I repurchase? Not really.
Mitchum Deodorant, 200ml £2.99 - This is a deodorant I have recently discovered and have found it really effective. It leaves under arms feeling fresh all day and no white marks. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love the Waterlily scent.
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner, 400ml £3.49 - This is probably my favourite line that Herbal Essences do. The scent is Orchid and Coconut and is suited for dry/damaged hair. My hair is left feeling so silky soft, which is amazing for the price of the product. Would I repurchase? Yes, I always make sure I have a tub of the intensive treatment on the go.
V05 Refresh Me Quick Dry Shampoo, 200ml £3.49 - This product was in my favourites back in July and is still my go to Dry Shampoo. I love the scent it reminds me of a Tigi Bed Head product. It definitely leaves my hair refreshed and doesn't leave any white powdery marks. Would I repurchase? Yes, I have repurchased in both scents. 

Clynol Colour & Care Shampoo, Fullsize 300ml £7.45 - I received this sample in a past Glossybox. I loved using this sample up! The shampoo contains liquid jewel extract and UV filters to protect rich tones from fading. I really believe that it worked on my hair, my hair was left feeling super clean and smelt lovely. Would I repurchase? I would definitely consider buying the full size version of this shampoo.

Soap & Glory Face Soap and Clarity, 150ml £7.00 - This face wash was a product I also received in a christmas gift set. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but I found this product really gentle on the skin and left my skin a lot brighter after use. I could see a big difference to my skin and it also helped with any blemishes as well. You only need a tiny amount, so the product lasts for ages. Would I repurchase? Yes, maybe after I have tried a few others out.

Nip + Fab Coconut Latte Body Butter, 200ml £8.49 - This product has got to be my favourite body butter of the moment. Read my full review of the product here. The scent is lovely and the formulation is not too thick, so it just melts into the skin. Would I repurchase? Yes I have repurchased in the Cherry and Pistachio scents, but need the Coconut one back in my collection.

Monu Revitalising Moisturiser, Fullsize 50ml £11.87 - This moisturiser is another product which I received in a Glossybox. I was using this up as my night time moisturiser. I felt it did the job and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Would I repurchase? I haven't really been interested into looking into repurchasing this product.

Burt's Bees Body Wash, Fullsize 350ml £9.99 - I really liked using this little sample up. I found it really refreshing to use on tired mornings. I would love to try some other products from the range. Would I repurchase? Maybe, after I have used all my other shower gels up.

Simple Soothing Eye Balm, 15ml £3.99 - I love Simple products in general. This eye cream is so gentle and moisturising. I use it at night time to reduce puffiness. The product sinks in so fast and really softens and smoothes the area. Would I repurchase? Yes, I love Simple products.

Queen of... Ta-da! Shaving Gel, 150ml £3.39 - I know any normal shower gel would probably do the same job, but I always repurchase this product for some reason. I love how it foams up and protects your skin from the shaver. I think it's great value for money and the packaging is so cute. Would I repurchase? Yes I have repurchased in the Pina Colada scent.

N07 Face Wipes, £7.00 - I normally go for my trustee Soap & Glory face wipes, but when I have a £5 off No7 voucher I can't resist stocking up on these face wipes. They leave my skin feeling clean and fresh, and even remove waterproof mascara. Would I repurchase? Yes, especially when they are on offer.

Boots Cosmetic Buds, £1.40 - Not a very exciting product, but I always have a tub of these on the go for make-up touch ups. I also use them most evenings with my Origins spot remover. Would I repurchase? Yes they are a must.

Have you tried any of these products?

JUNE BEAUTY FAVOURITES 2012

These are my favourites this month, only a few key products which I have stuck to for the whole month of June. Some I have reviewed in full length, so I will link where necessary. 
Soap & Glory Rich & Famous Body Wash £6.50 - This is fast becoming my favourite shower gel to use, I turn to this one every time, even though I do have a few in my bathroom to choose from. I just love the almond and honey scent and it does leave your skin feeling really moisturised after use. Read my full review here.
No7 Melting Gel Cleanser £9.00 - This cleanser is suited to Normal/Dry skin. I have been really enjoying using this, this month. The gel foams up when applied to a damp face, so it is perfect for removing make-up and gentle on the eye area too. I have recently bought a Clarisonic, (review coming up) and it's really great to use with that too as it foams up just enough for a deep clean.

I love... Cosmetics Coconut & Cream Shower Smoothie £2.05 - This is a great body scrub, the exfoliating beads aren't too harsh and really do make you feel cleaner after use. Coconut is one of my very scents, so this is a clear winner in my eyes. I also have the Bubble bath to this, and this makes your bath smell heavenly, I would highly recommend I love... products, they are really affordable too. 

Nip + Fab Coconut Latte Body Butter £5.66 - Another coconut scented product. I have raved about this item, read my full review here. I love the texture of this body butter, it's a really light formula, great for summer! I think these beat The Body Shop's butters, and are slightly cheaper as well. I want to try the pistachio flavoured one next. 
Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly £2.95 - I have nearly finished this product. This can either be used in the bath or shower, but I would recommend using it in a bath as this product can go everywhere. The texture is just like jelly, it's smells good enough to eat. (Just like the comforter by Lush) It also contains glitter which is really fun, but I just love the way it makes my skin feel and the scent really does linger on your skin.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation £24.50 - I purchased this before it came out in the UK, when I was in New York. I have the shade Ivory - 'I'm pure 4 sure' (the lightest shade.) I like the way this foundation leaves my skin feeling fresh and dewy. I would say it's a medium coverage and does last all day. I don't use this everyday because of the price, but it is up there in my top 3 foundations.
No7 Fanomenal Lashes Mascara £12.95 - This is my favourite new mascara, read my full review here. This mascara really does lengthen lashes, and I have had a few compliments on they way my lashes look when wearing this, as it does create a 'fan' shape around your eye. The wand is very strange, but I would repurchase this mascara as it is the best I have found in recent months. I also love the TV advert.

What are your favourites this month?

PRODUCT REVIEW - NIP + FAB COCONUT LATTE BODY BUTTER

This product is fast becoming my new favourite body butter. This is the first product I have tried from the Nip + Fab range, and so far I am really impressed. The body butter itself is a rich and creamy consistency which claims to soften and hydrate dry, dehydrated skin with 24 hour moisture-boosting hydra concept Aquaxyl.
'Aquaxyl boasts scientifically substantiated benefits to improve the water reserves in the skin, limit water loss and visually improve the surface of the skin.'
The scent I chose was Coconut Latte, but you can also get the body butters in Pistachio Sundae and Mango Smoothie. I am drawn to anything with a coconut scent. The butter also contains shea butter, which you can really smell and stays on you skin, which I really like. It also contains avocado oil which repairs and leaves skin with a healthy sheen, as well as honey which conditions and smoothes. 

I stubbled across this product whilst boots had 3 for 2 across summer products and I'm so glad I chose it, I have been using it for a good two weeks now. At the moment Boots are offering a 1/3 off selected Nip + Fab products, which makes a pot of 200ml only £5.66, (normally priced at £8.49) which I think is a really good deal for the amount of product you get. I'm sorry to say this, but I think It has replaced my Soap & Glory - The Righteous Butter, for now anyway..
Have you tried any products from Nip + Fab?