Face wipes that I say YES to...

My oh my, it is H-O-T! 

I am literally melting away in this heatwave. When it comes to days like this, where the sun is showing no mercy, I like to keep my face feeling cool and refreshed. Recently I have been using Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes as a pick-me-up for my poor, over-heated face. 

As a beauty blogger/lover, cleansing face wipes are generally a bit of a no-no for me. I used them a lot, as a teenager mainly for removing make-up. I feel that facial wipes are better for teenage skin that is sensitive and still developing. But when you get older and into your 20's it's time to move onto something more substantial and more beneficial for your skin.

And yet, today I am here to tell you that I have found a brand of facial cleansing wipes that do work well for me. 

How can you not love the little quirky sticker-flap inside the pack of wipes? Definitely made me smile :D. 

I don't actually use these wipes to remove my make-up, but if that's what you would want to use them for, you could. I have tried to take my make-up off with them, just to see how it well it would work. It did remove most of my concealer, cream blusher, lipstick and highlighter. But I wanted to remove every last trace of make-up, so after using a wipe, I had to also use a cotton pad soaked with the Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water, which I am actually really loving at the mo as my everyday make-up remover.

As well as being hypoallergenic, these wipes are 99% natural and oil, Paraben and Petroleum free. They are super soft and the smell of cucumbers is absolutely-frickin'-amazing! They are really comfortable on the skin and make me feel really light. 

These babies include ingredients of cucumber (duh), green tea extract and aloe vera. These ingredients are especially brilliant for soothing and calming irritated skin. 

Available at Boots and feelunique.com , these would be brilliant If you're travelling this summer. They would make a handy carry-on essential for the flight, particularly if it is a long one. 

Loves. It.

~Nas~ 

Bourjois Lurve...

I have been slightly obsessing over Bourjois lately. I used to be addicted to their mascaras. I REALLY want to try the new ones that they have out at the moment, but my mascara collection is so vast, I really shouldn't add to it. The two products that I am going to talk about today aren't new products at all but I do think they work great in a summer look. 

Anywho...let's check out these little gems! 

Bourjois Délice Bronzing Primer and the Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder 

First up is the Délice Bronzing Primer. I adore primers, I love to wear them alone with a bit of concealer and bronzer, for a super quick and natural look. I really love Clinique's Superprimer Face Primers in bronze as well as Benefit's POREfessional. I'd heard about this bronzing primer a while ago, but didn't really think much of it. But somehow, whenever I would walk into my local Superdrug, I would always find myself standing in front of the Bourjois counter staring at it lovingly. 

So of course I eventually purchased it and I am really happy with it. I am particularly enjoying the mousse consistency of this primer. There is absolutely no shimmer (thankfully) and it blends into the skin nicely. This primer is almost the same colour as my natural skin tone, so it gives my skin a small hint of radiance whilst warming it up a bit. It also helps to mattify and smooth my complexion evenly. You can wear it under make-up or alone (which is what I tend to do). It also has a light chocolate scent, which is always a win. 

Next we have the Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder  in the shade 55, Beige Fonce. Now I made a bit of a mistake here, I picked up the lighter shade of this compact, I really should have gone for the shade 56, Hale Clair, which is a tad darker. But no matter! This one still works really well on me. 

It includes ingredients of Yuzu, that keeps shine at bay and Sharon fruit, to keep the skin hydrated and the powder has a really lovely fruity scent. I like to use this powder to mattify and set my make-up (can you tell that I am a fan of matte make-up?). It says it's supposed to last up to 10 hours, I'm not too sure of that, but it does last a good while. It's a nice slim compact, with a mirror that you can slide into your handbag easily. 

Recently, these two have been staple products in my make-up routine and I'm really been enjoying wearing them for the summer. 

~Nas~

Even Better...

A week or two ago, I decided to pop over to Brighton for the day with two friends of mine. 

Lately, I have developed a mild craving for Brighton and the sea, mainly due to watching Zoella and HelloOctober's vlogs. So I was very excited to spend the day relaxing on the beach with some good friends, walking along the pier and scoffing down some chips (of course).  

The weather was absolutely glorious and the sun had come out of hiding. It was definitely time to break out the SPF. I know technically you should always wear a bit of SPF, but I am one of those gals that tends to only wear it in the summer (#naughtynas). 

Recently I have been using Clinique's Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF 45*. 
This SPF is super lightweight and comfortable on my skin. A little goes a long way with this cream and It works well under my make-up. The formula does have a slight tint to it, which is not a problem if you are fair skinned. If you are of a darker skin tone (like myself) then all you have to do is work it into your skin a little more than you normally would. 

UVB/UVA rays are really harmful to the skin and are one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation. They exasperate the skin leading to dark spots and facial discolourations. This SPF tackles this head on and has a silky formula that includes no chemical sunscreens and is oil-free. 

Facial SPF can sometimes scare me as I really hate that chalky/greasy residue that they can leave behind. This SPF is wonderfully light, melts into the skin easily and is suitable for all skin tones. I also love the size of the product - It's so dinky! 

If you're travelling this summer, or popping out for a day in the sun; I would recommend this little gem.

www.clinique.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR sample sent for consideration. 

Ramadan Nights

Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar and is a time for fasting, prayer, self reflection and charity. 

If you attend the evening prayers (Taraweeh) at your local mosque (like myself and my family) then you know how hectic the nights can sometimes be. Here are my top essentials for the night. 

Small bag - A small compact bag is always easier to carry and to stash away whilst you're at the mosque. Big hefty bags are a no-no! The hall can get a bit crowded during Ramadan and you don't want your pretty Longchamp to get squished on #HandbagFail. 

This pretty purple bag actually belongs to my sister, she got it a couple of years ago from River Island and it's still going strong. It's nice for once to steal something from her, considering she literally lives in my wardrobe. I particularly love the deep purple colour and gold detail, it reminds me of the 40s era. 

Mirror, lip balm and multi-use product - I never pack too many beauty products when heading to the mosque. I always have a compact mirror handy, the one I am loving at the moment is a little souvenir mirror from Thailand that my friend got me, many moons ago. A lip balm of some kind is always handy, chapped lips are no joke, people. Here I have the Bene Balm tinted lip balm by Benefit, it keeps my pout moisturised whilst giving it a little sheen of colour. I always try and have a multi-use product on me, one that can be used on hands, face, lips and body. The one I am taking with me on most nights is the Yu-Be moisturising cream, it includes Vitamin C & E and is a concentrated glycerin moistuiser. It's super absorbent and leaves skin feeling velvety smooth.  I got this little tube from a GlossyBox and it's perfect for moisturising any dry skin areas you may have, whether it's on the face or body. 

Coin purse, travel card holder and phone -  When it comes to small bags/clutches, opt for a little coin purse. Pop a few coins, a note or two and your debit/credit card into it. It's a lot easier then faffing about with a chunky purse. The one I'm using at the moment is a little zip-up Paris themed purse that was given to me as a gift. It's from Accessorize and is very sweet. Accessorize is probably the best place to get zip-up/coin purses from as they have a large selection for decent prices. 
I love my travel card holder, I got it from Forbidden Planet, Gremlins is one of my favourite 80's films after all - anything 80's related is always a win for me. Even if you're travelling by car, it's always handy to have your travel card with you, in a case of an emergency. 
Not much to say on the phone front - just make sure you have it on silent/vibrate, there is nothing more embarrassing than when your phone goes off in the middle of prayer and your Michael Jackson's Beat It ringtone fills the hall...

Glaceau Vitamin Water Defense Raspberry and Apple - It's essential that you bring a bottle of water/juice or in my case Vitamin Water with you. As you have been fasting throughout the day, it's imperative that at night you keep yourself hydrated. It can also tend to get a bit hot and stuffy in the mosque and you will find yourself reaching for your bottle more often than not. I like to drink Glaceau Vitamin Water, my favourite flavour is the Defense Raspberry and Apple, it includes minerals, Vitamin C and zinc. During Ramadan, It's really important to top up on your vitamins when you can. I also try to have a fruit salad when I get home after the mosque, as a healthy bedtime snack :). 

Normally I am so bad when it comes to packing my handbag -  I over pack everything. So it's so refreshing carrying a little bag with me with only the essentials inside. I don't only use this packed bag for Ramadan, I sometimes take it with me (minus the Vitamin Water) when I need to run errands or when I fancy carrying a lighter load. 

For all of you observing the month of  Ramadan - Ramadan Mubarak! 

~Nas~ 

Bright Lip Love

By nature I am a deep-red-lippie-kinda-girl. I have to force myself to wear brighter colours. Although, having said that; I do love a good ol' purple. 

After watching a VivannaDoesMakeup vid, she mentioned her love of the matte Bourjois's Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and I decided to pick one up in the gorgeous shade Olé Flamingo!

These lipsticks have been out for a while now and I was a bit dubious to try them, mainly because of my uncertainty over how much a matte lip would suit me. 

But I decided to ignore my doubts and be brave and I absolutely love the packaging! it's so dinky and chic!

I am pretty happy with the it as it stays for absolutely ages, when first applied it glides on as a liquid but dries quickly for a matte finish. I really like how it has a doe foot applicator, as It allows me to control the application of the product better. 

It is super creamy and doesn't dry my lips at all. As I do have a small pout, I did have to use a lip liner to create a crisp line and to define my lips more. When it comes to small pouts, it is quite easy to smear on the product haphazardly and make a  bit of a mess of it, so I find I always need to use a lip liner. 

The colour is a very bold and vibrant pink, perfect for the summer season and suits darker skin tones really well. I do like the way it looks on me, but feel it would look even more amazing on a fuller pout. 

All in all, a matte lip lover's dream. 

~Nas~

Dreamy Matte Lips

Clinique's Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick* range have been in development for the past 3 years and they are now here for all to enjoy.

Matte lips seem to be trending this summer and I have to admit I have never really liked the idea of matte lips on myself, as I don't think I have the pout to pull it off. I feel  like you have to have to be super elegant and chic to carry off this look. I'm not quite sure if I am there yet - I am trying though! 

I have had some bad experiences with matte lip products, the formulas can be so drying and uncomfortable, leaving lips feeling and looking parched. This is where the Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks differ, the application is smooth and doesn't feather or dry out. It lasts all day and I only need to touch up once. The creamy formula includes beeswax which helps to keep lips feeling super moisturised, but still keeps them looking matte. 

The colour pay off is fantastic and includes porous silica beads and porous silica to set the colour and keep it looking fresh. 

There are 8 gorgeous colours in this range including the two pictured above; Matte Beauty (a pretty nude) and Matte Plum (a vibrant purple). 

Top Tip: Make sure your lips are smooth and flake-free by using a scrub before lipstick application. Check out LUSH's Bubblegum Lip Scrub. 

www.clinique.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR samples sent for consideration.

Benefit's Tinted Lip Balms

If you're a fan of Benefit's lip & cheek tints, then you'll be excited to learn that this June will see the release of the new Tinted Lip Balms! 

These moisturising lip balms come in four shades to match the tints; a rosy red (matches the Bene tint), candy pink (matches the Lolli tint), mango (matches the Cha Cha tint) and a baby pink (matches the Pose tint). 

Each of these creamy little balms include beneficial ingredients such as mango butter and beeswax for a super smooth and moisturised pout. 

They come packaged in metal twist up containers with pretty prints to match their big sister tints. 

The colour isn't highly pigmented but still delivers a lovely sheer wash of colour to the lips and leaves them feeling gorgeous and supple. They are perfect to wear for an everyday casual look with a gorgeous natural tint. I particularly love the rosy Bene Balm that matches the Bene Tint and I also like the look of the Cha Cha balm.

Of course you can wear these balms with their matching tints, or you can mix and match them for a number of different and pretty looks. 

These balms will be available from the Benefit counters at the end of May , so make sure you keep an eye out for them. 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

~Nas~

                                                                                                                                                                         *PR samples sent for consideration 

LUSH Kitchen

The geniuses at LUSH have opened the LUSH Kitchen, where fans are able to see how the fresh handmade cosmetics are made. 

This is an amazing opportunity for LUSH lovers to witness the inner workings of this delicious natural brand and see their favourite products come to life! 

This innovative concept involves producing a small selection of limited edition products daily. LUSH fans will be able to exclusively purchase these products online which will then be sent out on the day that they were produced. 

There will also be a number of special events and Q&A's with LUSH experts streamed live through the brand spanking new website! 

In my opinion, LUSH is one of the best natural beauty brands that exist in the industry today. LUSH Kitchen offers a completely unique and new way of customer delivery. As well as a fresh perspective on cosmetic manufacturing. 

 This is an interactive experience for customers. By allowing us to peek inside the LUSH Kitchen, we are shown how LUSH products are transformed from mere ingredients to beautiful cosmetic products of the highest quality. 

#WhatsInsideCounts

LUSH is all about keeping it natural and healthy. They believe in the importance of using only the finest, freshest ingredients and essential oils in their products. 

Using a product by LUSH is an experience in itself. They always make me feel all shiny and new. 

I was lucky enough to receive two freshly made products from the Kitchen; the Violet Nights Bath Oil* and the Lemon Melt Shower Gel*.

I am loving The Violet Nights Bath Oil, it's perfect to pour into a hot bath before bed. I do love a good soak and this bath oil makes my bath smell gorgeous. It includes ingredients of Ylang Ylang Oil, Fair trade Vanilla Absolute and Violet Leaf Absolute. If bubbles aren't really your thing, then this is a great product to pop into your bath. It'll turn your bathwater a milky purple and will leave your skin feeling super conditioned, smooth and pampered. It's brilliant to use before you go to bed as it sends you into a state of calm and relaxation.

The Lemon Melt Shower Gel is so delicious, I have to resist not gobbling it down every time I use it. This little pot of lemon goodness is great to use in either the shower or bath, to brighten and smooth the skin. It has ingredients of cocoa butter, Irish Moss Seaweed and Lemongrass Oil. I was also pleasantly surprised when I opened the little pot, as I found a freshly cut lemon slice floating on the top! Such luxury. 

Make sure you visit the LUSH Kitchen website to grab some of these wonderful products! As I mentioned before, the LUSH website has had a little makeover and it's now easier than ever to find the perfect  product for you as well as more information about the amazing work LUSH does. 

www.lush.co.uk/kitchen 

Follow @lushkitchen for live updates. 

#LushKitchen 

~Nas~

 *PR samples, sent for consideration.

Feathery Lashes

Clinique's Lash Power Feathering Mascara*

Anyone who knows me, knows how much love I have for mascara. It would be my desert island beauty product of choice.  

Most people would assume that I am mainly a lipstick kind of girl, which I am. I do love drenching my pout in colour, but above all else...

I LOVE MASCARA! 

This mascara has a unique and advanced formula with an innovative new brush, to build fuller and super pretty lashes. 

The formula is clump-resistant and includes polymeric stretching technology. The masterminds of Clinique have studied hard and made sure that this mascara includes a formula that lasts all day and is resistant to rain, sweat and humidity. There is zero flaking and smudging and it comes off really easily with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. Of course it can also be removed with your normal eye make-up remover. Place the cotton pad over your lashes and press lightly to dissolve the formula. I can honestly say that this is the easiest mascara to remove, one quick sweep with your soaked cotton pad and there is no trace left at all!

The brush applicator has been designed to specifically create feathery lashes. I love the brush as the formula clings to the bristles and separates each lash, creating a gorgeous feminine look. This mascara is easy to use and is great for an everyday look, but can also be layered for more defined lashes. 

I am one happy-mascara-loving-girl.

~Nas~

www.clinique.co.uk

*PR sample sent for consideration. 

How sweet it is...

The Body Shop Blueberry Range

I'm not normally a lover of blueberry, I don't like the fruit at all, but I absolutely love the scent. 

I'm really loving The Blueberry range, it smells incredibly delicious and super sweet. 
It's a lovely fruity scent for spring and will leave you feeling light and fresh. The range includes blueberry seed oil. This helps to provide long lasting nourishment to the skin as it includes vitamin E and vital fatty acids. There is also the added ingredients of CFT (Community Fair Trade) shea butter and cocoa butter from Ghana. Shea butter helps to create a moisture barrier for the skin and cocoa butter smoothes the skin and keeps it feeling supple. 

The range includes the following:

 Blueberry Body Butter
Blueberry Body Lotion
Blueberry Body Scrub-Gelee
Blueberry Lip Butter
Blueberry Shower Gel
Blueberry Sponge

The Body Shop body butters have a selection of over 20 different floral, nutty and fruity scents. My favourites include peach and strawberry.

One of my favourite products from this range is the Blueberry Body Scrub-Gelee*. The product looks like a tub of scrummy blueberry jam. It almost looks to good to use (but of course, I do) The scrub is wonderfully luxurious and when worked well into the skin, exfoliates gently. 


Every time I use this scrub I feel like I've gone fruit picking, it's just too delish! 

~Nas~

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

 *PR samples sent for consideration. 

Clinique Loves

Superdefense SPF20 Daily Defense moisturizer

The way to my heart is a good facial moisturiser. I have a phobia of dry skin and moisturising is one of the main activities of my day. I am happy to say that I have found a friend in the Superdefense SPF20 Daily Defense Moisturizer*. 

This product is packed full of helpful antioxidants such as vitamin C and E and provides deep hydration for the skin. It has been designed with a formula that aims to strengthen the moisture barrier and keep it safe from the first signs of ageing. As well as helping to reduce chances of any further damage. UV radiation is responsible for the majority of skin ageing, which is why Clinique has added UVA/UVB protection with an SPF20 to the formula.  

I particularly like the consistency of this moisturiser, as it has a light but fresh texture. It melts into the skin super quick and doesn't leave my skin with that pesky greasy feel. The formula includes ingredients such as caffeine and sea whip extract which keeps skin feeling calm and soft. 

Cheek Pop

I have also been loving the new Cheek Pop blush*. Recently this has been my go-to blush, the luxury formula gives skin a natural cheek colour with no evidence of any powder build up whatsoever. 

This bush comes in 4 vibrant shades, perfect for every kind of skin tone: Plum Pop, Peach Pop, Ginger Pop and Berry Pop. I opted for the subtle pink shade of Peach Pop. 

Simply swirl your blusher brush around the product and sweep onto the apples of your cheek, working the blush upwards towards your temple for a natural spring glow. 

I love how this blush has a strong pigmentation but still looks soft on the skin. The colour pay off is brilliant with no re-application needed. The colour is easily buildable, so it's perfect If you desire more of a punchy blush look. 

I adore the cute clear compact this blush comes in, with a very sweet embossed daisy design. It will definitely put you in the mood for the new spring season. 

www.clinique.co.uk

~Nas~

 *PR Samples

                                                                                                                  

Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil

The Body Shop's Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil*

This little bottle of serum-oil has become my hero product in my skincare evening regime. 

If your skin is in need of a serious radiance and moisture boost then this little wonder product is for you. It's a blend of both serum and oil and indulges your skin in moisture whilst leaving your skin feeling replenished, fresh and super soft. 

This leave-in-oil is the newest addition to the famous Vitamin E collection by The Body Shop and has been around since the 1977. The collection is beneficial for all skin types and is one of the most popular. 

It's a common misconception that people with oily skin can't use face oils. This is not true at all, as all skin types need to keep up a healthy moisture balance. 

There is more than way to use this product. My preferred way is to squeeze two drops into the palm of my hand and blend it in with my moisturiser and then I apply the mixture all over my face and neck. For me, this is the quickest and easiest way to apply this product. 

You can also apply this serum-in-oil by warming up two drops in the palm of your hand and apply to your face and neck before your moisturiser. It's  really easy to slip this leave-in-oil into your everyday skincare regime. 

It smells absolutely divine and includes a host of delicious ingredients:

-Marula Oil 

- Soya Oil

- Shea Butter

- Wheatgerm Oil

- Sunflower Oil

- Jojoba Oil 

- Seasme Seed Oil 

This product leaves me with a super velvety texture to my skin and is non-greasy. I have also noticed that my skin has a touch of radiance to it. 

It is a well known fact that your skin does its best work when you are sleeping and after an 8hr beauty sleep my skin appears more even and less blotchy. It doesn't feel too heavy when applied to the skin and is fast absorbing. I honestly get super excited when it comes to applying this product in the evening, I love it that much. 

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

~Nas~

 *PR Samples

The Body Shop Hair Chalks

The Body Shop have released these gorgeous and playful hair chalks* just in time for spring.  

This is the perfect way to pop some colour back into your life after a super chilly winter. 
Hair chalks have become really popular recently, as it is a super easy way to give your hair temporary colour. The Body Shop have released these chalks in two vivid shades; Falling for Blue and Tickle Me Pink. 

To apply simply place a towel under the section of hair that you want to apply the colour to. Run the chalk over your desired section of hair and then seal with hair spray. Simple.
To remove all you need to do is wash it out. No mess, no fuss. 

The product comes in a packaging similar to an eye shadow and is easy to use.

The colour pay off is pretty good. I thought dark hair would not be suitable for this product. But as it turns out the colour smooths on easily enough and the pigmentation is strong. The blue comes out a pretty teal and the pink comes out with a purple tinge. The two colours look particularly good when streaked together for an almost rainbow look. 

So if you're looking for a fun way to amp up your beauty look for spring - this is most definitely it! 

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

~Nas~





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      *PR Samples

I want to be big.

LUSH 's Big shampoo 

I am pretty sure I am not the only one who gets completely drawn in by LUSH's absolutely phenomenal scents. Every time I walk past one of their stores I am immediately captivated and can't help but breathe in the sweet aromas.

Now, I am never one to say no to a bit of pampering. 

My excuse this time is the January blues....even though it's February. 

That is my reasoning, it makes sense to me, I'm sticking to it and you are not allowed to judge me. 

I decided to pop in and pick up a few treats for myself. First up was the Amandopondo Rose Bubble Bar. A rose and lemon scented bath bar, perfect for super bubbly and relaxing baths. I then went on to select the Dreamtime Luxury Bath Melt. This little bar helps you to unwind before bed and includes ingredients of lavender oils, butters and chamomile blue. It helps to soothe any aches and pains, whilst deeply moisturising your skin. 

I also chose the Big shampoo, which promises to deliver masses of volume and oomph.

I (as well as my sis) have fallen in love with this product, it smells absolutely divine and contains ingredients of coarse sea salt, seaweed and coconut oil.  

I really like how this shampoo comes in a pot. I have a bad habit of taking too much product sometimes, so this allows me to take only what I require with absolutely no product waste. 

I particularly love the formula, as the ingredient of coarse sea salt makes it super gritty, so it really gets to work when lathered up. This ingredient is fantastic, as salt is packed full of minerals. The coconut oil and seaweed will ensure for softness and will leave you with a squeaky clean feeling. 

This pot will last for ages as a little bit really goes a long way, you literally only need one scoopful. 

Loves it.

www.lush.co.uk

~Nas~