NO7 EARLY DEFENCE DAY & NIGHT CREAM

No7 have released a new skincare range which is suited to younger skin. I touched on the day cream in my Summer Ready Skincare post, read that here, but I have been enjoying it that much, I thought it deserved its own blog post. Early Defence is a formula for 20-35 year olds, I have tried the day and night cream, but there is also an eye cream in the range which I haven’t tried. The new range is a stepping stone to help in the transition from every day skincare to hardcore anti-ageing products. The No7 Early Defence Day Cream contains an SPF 15 and UVA protection, as well as Lipopeptides and Vitamin A to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. The texture of the cream is lightweight and more of a gel type formula which I prefer. I find the day cream absorbs quickly into my skin and I don’t find it greasy at all on my skin’s surface. The range offers No7’s new Double Defence technology which contains 5* UVA protection which gives skin advanced daily protection from the sun and environment. Double Defence contains Ginseng and Mulberry, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Rice Peptides and Alfalfa. I’m really getting on with this day cream, it moisturises as well as softens my skin. It’s nice to know that my skin is protected and my skin appears to be more radiant before applying my make-up. The No7 Early Defence Night Cream is a hydrating cream that is designed to boost your skin which works while you sleep. It protects from daily damage that continues and helps your skin to recover. By using both the skin is protected from environmental damage and will hopefully in the long run look younger for longer. The Early Defence range has replaced the Protect and Perfect Day, Night and Eye Cream. For me, this is the first skincare product I have been excited about from No7. I have always seen No7 for the older target market, but this range is ideal for me and my lifestyle. Both creams have a really light scent with a hint of citrus, so it’s perfect to use in the Summer months. I’m really into my skincare and think it’s important to help prevent ageing early. I find these creams ideal for my oily skin and they're also Hypo-allergenic like all No7 products so they're kind to even the most sensitive skins. I haven't broken out by using these creams as it doesn't block up your pores and it sits nicely under my make-up. The creams are priced at £19.50 each, which is around the price I would normally spend on an Origins cream. I really like the packaging and the fact that you get 50ml of product, these products have definitely become firm favourites in my routine.

Will you be trying the Early Defence range? I definitely need to pick up the eye cream next!

#SlowMoYourSkin

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SUMMER READY SKINCARE

As summer is upon us, it’s even more important than usual to incorporate protective products into our everyday skincare routine. I like to use some sort of SPF day to day but as the sun hopefully gets brighter in the UK it’s even more vital to use different products which will shield your sensitive skin from the harmful rays. This time last year I was a month away from going on holiday to Rome. This year, I haven’t got a holiday booked as yet but it’s just as significant to defend your skin from the sun in the UK. I must admit I am lazy when it comes to SPF, I don’t like to add products to my routine which build up extra layers onto my skin. I like to try and use multi-use products that do a number of different jobs as well as providing SPF.

A new product which I have integrated into my morning skincare routine is the No7 Early Defence Day Moisturiser which contains an SPF 15 and 5 Star UVA protection. This moisturiser is super lightweight and is designed to keep young skin looking younger for longer. This moisturiser has double defence technology, doesn’t block pores and boosts skin’s natural defences. As I have combination skin I really like the gel like texture as it just sinks into my skin and it makes me look and feel great, ready for the day ahead. In the range is also a night cream and an eye cream which work together to create the best protection.

I then like to apply a base over my moisturiser. In the Summer I like to go for something lighter like a BB or CC cream, especially on holiday or days where I don’t need too much coverage. Recently I have been using the Clinique Anti Blemish BB Cream which contains an SPF 40. I love how lightweight this is, it blends so nicely into the skin and it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing make-up at all. It still gives me the buildable coverage I need for day to day wear and the high protection means I don’t have to worry about being out in the sun. I always worry that BB creams come out way too dark, but I have the shade light and I think this suits my natural colour well. You could apply this with your fingers but I like to blend it in with a buffing brush. This Anti Blemish formula is mattifying on the skin and combines oil control, so another perfect product for my combination skin. It has UVA/UVB protection for a shine-free complexion which wears up to 12 hours. I can see this product becoming a firm favourite in my summer make-up bag! You can find Clinique's full range here.

An area that can be sometimes forgotten to protect is our lips. The Carmex Moisture Plus Lip Balms are probably my favourite multiuse drugstore lip balms, I currently have two shades; pink and peach. These lip balms contain an SPF 15 as well as adding a hint of colour to the lips. I love how pigmented these shades are for a lip balm. It means I only need one product instead of using a separate SPF and lip colour. The balms are ultra-hydrating on the lips and leave a shiny, glossy finish. They’re also formulated with Vitamin E, Aloe and Shea Butter to moisture as well as protect your lips. You could even use these under or over your lipstick for added protection.

As well as applying SPF it is also important to make sure you are taking it all off your skin properly before you go to sleep. I like to use a balm cleanser with a muslin cloth to moisturise the skin as well as keeping my skin hydrated. Currently I’m using the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm which is perfect for all skin types. This cleansing balm is lightweight and quickly dissolves stubborn eye and face make-up, including those with sunscreen. I love balm type products which turn into a silky, fluid oil, this is really refreshing on my skin and completely gets rid of make-up and daily grime. A little goes a long way and it leaves my skin completely clean, super soft and its fragrance free so perfect for sensitive skin. Caroline Hirons raves about this cleansing balm and says it’s probably the best balm cleanser you will find for price, functionality and efficacy. They also have a make-up remover, cleansing milk and oil in the range. It really is that simple to include products that contain SPF into your everyday skincare routine, if you look after your skin in the short term, your skin will thank you in the long run. You can find more skincare options here.

What are your favourite products that contain SPF?

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*Collaborative Feature

NO7 BOOTS ADVENT CALENDAR 2014 - 25 DAYS OF BEAUTY

I know what your thinking, yes I know it's only November, but it's important to get your advent ready for the 1st of December. Last year, Boots did their own Advent Calendar, which was a huge success and contained lots of different brands and products available in-store. I was a little disappointed they didn't bring it back this year, but they have just released a N07 Advent Calendar (be warned the contents is shown on the website). The N07 beauty calendar is priced at £35.00 and has a value of £135.00. It contains N07's Bestselling products behind every one of it's 25 doors. That's even a present for Christmas Day! The products range from make-up to skincare to bodycare, so there is something for everyone. Some of the products are full-sized and some of them are minatures. I won't spoil the whole contents, but my favourite products have to be the high shine lip crayons and the skin illuminator radiance boosting beauty fluid and I don't think there is a product I wouldn't use! It's perfect to try products you haven't tried before and minis are also great for travelling. The calendar also includes a beauty quote behind every door, which is also a nice touch. I also really like the packaging as it opens like a book and the pink and gold colours looks really luxe together. I am very impressed with the contents of this Advent and I feel like it's one of the more affordable ones this year. I feel advent calendars have definitely shot up in price and I'd be more happy to have more choice around the £30.00 mark. This would make a great early Christmas present or even a gift to yourself to make you feel more festive! I'm sure a whole range of women will be eager to get their hands on this, bring on December! No7 also have some gorgeous gifts this year, including their Christmas Cracker Collection and their Best of the Best Beauty Collection.

Which advent calendar will you be buying this year?

N07 INTENSIVE RADIANCE BODY SCRUB & BODY BUTTER

No7 have a couple of new bath and body products which have caught my eye recently. The one I’m most excited about is the Intensive Radiance Body Scrub. I have to admit Soap & Glory make some of my favourite body scrubs, but this one looked really luxurious, so I thought I would give it a try. My mum also works on a No7 counter, so I do get to see the latest products that she is trialling and she recommended I give this one a try. The formulation is enriched with sweet almond oil, argan oil and rosehip seeds, so as you can imagine the pot smells heavenly. This intensive scrub removes dead skin cells to leave skin silky and glowing. This product is also hypo-allergenic which is great for even the most sensitive skins. It’s a rich exfoliator which leaves me with radiant looking skin, I especially like to use this on my legs and feet. It may look a soft formula, but it's actually quite a hard sugar scrub which creates a milky texture when added to water. This would be a great product to use before self tanning or on any drier areas. This 180ml is priced at £10.50 which is around the same price as I would normally pay for my usual high-street scrub. I think the packaging makes the product seem more luxurious and a lot more high-end than it is.

Also new, which sits alongside the scrub is the Intensive Body Butter, both products work great together. This indulgent body butter is enriched with shea butter, sweet almond oil and argan oil and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated. I like to use this straight out of the bath as I feel it sinks in nicely and it's great for any dry areas. It claims to leave skin feeling intensively moisturised for up to 48 hours. The formulation is thick and creamy and the scent is fresh and comforting. This is the more expensive product out of the two at £13.50 for 180ml, but Boot No7 are currently offering their £5.00 off voucher, so it's worth a try if you're looking for some new bath and body products.

Have you tried No7's Bath & Body range?

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?

BEAUTY HAUL - USING UP MY NO7 VOUCHERS

My No7 £5 off vouchers had been building up for a few weeks, so I thought it was about time I spent them up before they ran out of date. I normally spend my vouchers on skincare items but a few make-up items caught my eye, so I thought I would share them with you. To be honest nearly all of my buys were impulse purchases, but why let a voucher go to waste? It is free money at the end of the day.

I love this blusher, the shade is 'Honey'. I thought it would be a great every day colour to use and it'll go with any coloured lip. The dusky pink shade is very natural on the cheeks and it is also a great little compact for on the go. The blush is priced at £9.50, which I think is a real bargain when bought with a voucher.

Top to Bottom - Happy, Divine, Entice.

I bought three lip products. The first swatch is of a High Shine Lipgloss in the shade 'Happy'. A very baby pink colour with a slight shimmer. Again really affordable when used with a voucher, £9.00 normal priced. The second swatch is the shade 'Divine' and is part of the Moisture Drench Lipstick line. I find these lipsticks really moisturising on the lips and the pigmentation is really good. This shade is more of a peachy nude, and I love to wear this underneath the lipgloss. Priced at £10.00. The last lip product was 'Entice' from No7's Sheer Temptation line. This is my favourite of my No7 buys, in the tube the colour is a real deep plum, but on the lips it's a really light formula and such a lovely colour, bang on trend! Also priced at £10.00. I would really recommend this formulation, I think No7 lipsticks are really affordable and not drying at all.

This skin Illuminator was the only thing I had had my eye on, and I knew I had to spend a voucher on. I got the colour 'Peach', I think I will use this mixed with my foundation to brighten up my complexion. I think this is the perfect colour for various skin colours and a great summer essential to have in my make-up bag. This product is priced at £11.00 without a voucher, and I think it is certainly worth the price. The brush is quite strange, but I just squeeze the product on to my hand instead of using the brush on my face.

What have you spent your vouchers on?

No7 £5 off vouchers run out on the 15th of July.

Thank you for reading!x

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 - NO7 FANOMENAL LASHES MASCARA

Fanomenal Lashes is the latest mascara realease from N07 at Boots. As I had a £5 off N07 voucher, I thought why not give it a go. The brush to this mascara is like no other I have seen before. The brush is 'star' shaped and is made up of different lengths which coats with a good amount of  product and combs through the lashes to volumise, lengthen and separate, to create a 'fan' shape around your eye.

I have been using this mascara for a good few weeks now, and it's turned into my go to mascara. The brush does get quite clumpy at the end, but that is easily sorted and doesn't come off clumpy on your lashes. I do really like the way this mascara makes my eyelashes look, and definitely makes them look fuller and longer. I also see no fault in No7 mascara's as some of my favourites include there Exquisite Curl and Lash Adapt wands. I guess mascara is a very personal thing, what works for one person isn't going to work for someone else.

Before Application 

After Application

Personally, I think this is a great mascara for the price. The packaging is also really nice and sleek. The formula doesn't flake or smudge and it really does separate and lengthens lashes. I find the brush quite strange with its short bristles, it takes a lot of getting used to. But the effect is very good, and it is a good, versatile mascara. It is ideal for day wear, but you can apply a couple of coats for the evening with relatively little hassle. Overall, I think it's a great buy. You can buy this mascara from Boots for £12.95, or £5 cheaper if you have a voucher.

Thanks for reading!x