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Showing posts with label beauty products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty products. Show all posts

Saturday, 11 February 2012

Lush Leap Frog Bath Ballistic and Other Goodies For Valentines

As regular readers will know I am a huge fan of  Lush products and am addicted to their bath ballistics  and bubble bars.

With Valentines coming up soon Lush have a whole range of products you could either give  to your loved ones as gifts or just treat yourself to get you in the mood!

I was lucky enough to be sent a Leap Frog Bath Bomb to try.



I couldnt wait to try it out, so as soon as the girls were in bed I ran myself a deep bath, dropped it in and waited.  

With a combination of jasmine, sandlewood and rose this frog smells much prettier then it looks.. In fact halfway through my relaxing bath, Husband came upstairs to ask me what I had put in it. Usually not one for noticing let alone commenting, he told me it smelt gorgeous and he could smell it all the way downstairs. Mmmmmmmmm!

The bath turns bright green but the red lips leave a lovely red swirl through it too....gorgeous.

As 2012 is a Leap Year many women will be considering proposing....the idea behind this ballistic is that hidden inside each frog is a little message to help them with this. All excited at the idea of a secret message I couldn't wait for him to stop fizzing so I could see what it had to say.

Unfortunately this bit was a bit of a let down as this is what I found:




A bit weird I thought and not needed. He would have been perfectly lovely without this.

Anyway if frogs aren't your thing then Lush have a variety of gorgeous goodies that you might be interested in.

Some of my favourites include:




Or perhaps this delicious smelling Love potion massage bar:


Or maybe this pretty and gorgeous smelling Sweetheart soap:





Or  why not go the whole way with the Do Knot Disturb gift set:




For lots more ideas check out Lush for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Karen x













Thursday, 12 January 2012

Review Of Dead Sea Mineral Bath Soak

I love my baths. When the girls go off to bed, I will often fill a deep bath with lots of lovely bubbles and settle back for a nice relaxing soak.

Therefore I was thrilled to be approached by Vitamin supplier Higher Nature to try out some new Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts that claim to cleanse and detoxify as well as nourish, sooth and refresh tired muscles.




When they arrived I was really pleased with the way they looked. They are presented in a 400g kilner Clip top glass jar and come with a little muslin bag and wooden scoop. They looked exciting and I couldn't wait to try them out.



I filled the bag with two scoops of the salts and dropped them in the water as it was running. So far so good and I was looking forward to a nice relaxing soak. Knowing these salts contain over 21 key minerals, including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium and Iodine, I was convinced I would feel spoilt and indulged.



The salts themselves have no scent and dissolve easily. There was no problems with scratchy bits being left at the bottom of the bath. In fact they dissolved so well it was a bit like bathing in a bath of just warm water!

Do they do what they say? Well its hard to tell. I must admit my skin feels quite soft and as a sufferer of eczema, they did not cause any flair ups.  I still feel relaxed after having a bath but since that first one I have had to add bubbles. It just felt like something was missing.

If you want to try them out for yourselves, they are available from Higher Nature for £12.95.

I personally thought they were quite nice but priced a little steep.  They  look good, dissolve well and left my skin feeling soft. However, with no scent, and no bubbles they didn't feel quite as indulgent as I hoped.

Karen x




Friday, 2 December 2011

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo & Conditioner Makes Me Feel Yummy

Its Saturday again and time for another beauty, fitness or fashion product to make us Mummy's feel a bit more yummy.

I have been really lucky recently to try some amazing products and this week is no different. For the past month I have been using:

Liz Earle HairCare Products



Delicately wrapped in tissue paper, as all Liz Earle products are, I was excited when these products arrived. I love having long hair and am fussy about the products I use on it. As soon as I opened them I knew they would be special.


The actual packaging looks good and I like the way the shampoo is suitable for all hair types. Derived from natural products and and SLS/ SLES free, it immediatley appealed . 
"Naturally active ingredients include natural vitamin E, west african shea butter to moisturise plus apple and orange extracts to boost shine" 
As with all Liz Earle products, I found a little goes a long way and produces a lovely rich lather, even on my long thick hair. It also has a light, gorgeous scent reminding me of salons and spas. Very nice!


It washes out easily, leaving my hair feeling very clean and fresh.  After using it for a month my hair has a lovely shine to it and I have had none of that feeling of build up you sometimes get.


At only £8 this shampoo is much cheaper than salon prices but gives you the same feeling of luxury. I would definitely recommend.


This product is available for three different hair types - Normal, Fine/Oily and Dry/Damaged.  With coloured hair, I opted for the latter and was really impressed with it. 

Rich and creamy it goes on well, rinses away without leaving any greasy residue and leaves my hair smooth, soft and under control.  


Again you don't need much. I am terrible for using huge amounts of conditioner meaning that it usually runs out long before the shampoo, however with these products I seem to be using around the same amount. That makes such a change.


I have even noticed that I have laid off the hair straighteners a bit more recently, happy with the way it looks after being washed....result.


Again costing only £8 this conditioner is pretty good value for money.

These products score a huge 9/10 from me.

I am a huge fan of Liz Earle products. Excellent quality, they never fail to make me feel special and as though I have enjoyed time at a spa.  You can read previous posts I have recently written about the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloths, Instant Boost Tonic and Active Repair Moisturiser.

If you want to discover more then check out Liz Earle for yourself. 

Karen x




Friday, 18 November 2011

Lush Lip Scrub And Lip Tints Will Make You Feel Yummy

Each Saturday I bring you a new Beauty, fitness or fashion product that I believe will help us Mummy's look and feel a bit more yummy. The last few weeks I have reviewed a few expensive products so this week I bring you something must cheaper but still gorgeous.


This weeks products are Lush Pow Wow Lip Scrub and the new Celebrate Lip Tint.




Pow Wow lip scrub is available for £4.75.


I must admit this product looks very green and wasn't that appealing to me. You might appreciate I am a bit of a girly girl who loves all things pink and sparkly.  I actually thought this scrub would taste horrible but was pleasantly surprised to find it tasted of sweets, I guess that is the magic of the popping candy. Okay I know you are not supposed to eat it but I personally cant help but lick my lips. 




To use this product, you simply take a small amount and apply to your lips in a circular motion. Together the sugar and popping candy work together to gently scrub the lips while the organic jojoba oil soothes away any redness and soreness. I must admit, it is lovely. You can actually feel it working.....scrubbing away your dry skin, it leaves them all flake free and smooth. 


If you want to try it, you need to be quick though as it is a festive limited edition lip scrub so wont be around long.  


Once you have scrubbed away all the dryness you are ready to add a hint of colour whilst moisturising at the same time. There are three new ones to try but I trialled the Celebrate lip tint:




Available for £4.75, it comes in a tiny tin. It looks very nice and immediately appealed. A pretty pale pastel pink, topped off with popping candy. Very nice, smells good and very me!


Ingredients include almond, jojoba and camellia oils which all help soften and add shine to your now gorgeous looking lips. It tastes nice too... apparently of pink champagne! Very sweet and yummy..


Anyway, I have only been using these products this week but my lips are already feeling gorgeous: very smooth, moisturised and a pretty pink colour!


I would give these products a huge 9/10 and recommend to all.


I will be back next week with a new treat for you. Don't forget to leave me your tips below.


Karen x

Saturday, 1 October 2011

Organic Skincare That Wont Break The Bank

Having been on a mission to turn myself from a tired looking Mummy into one that is a little more yummy, Saturdays are a time I share my secrets. Each week I bring to you beauty, fashion or fitness products and accessories that I believe will make you feel a little bit yummier.  

This weeks products are:


Launched exclusively in 400 Superdrug stores Nationwide, it is the company's first ever certified organic skincare range.

"Purity Organic Skincare is a British brand, created to bring intelligent, sustainable and organic beauty to each and every one of us". 


Always excited by the words "organic" and "natural" I was happy to trial and review these products and  fortunate enough to be sent the whole range to try:




Not as expensive as some of the products I have trialled recently, this range is priced from 4.99 to 8.99 each, aiming to readdress the "elitist" barrier often associated with organic skincare ranges.


Facial Wash (£4.99)
Facial Exfoliator (£5.99)
Facial Moisturiser (£5.99)
Anti-Ageing Moisturiser (£7.99)
Anti-Aging Mask and Serum (£8.99)
Conditioning cleansing Lotion (£4.99)
Re-generating Overnight Moisturiser (£7.99)


I think you will all agree very reasonable prices for Organic skincare products.


All of these products are fragrance-free and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. Perfect for me as my skin is very dry and sensitive as well as prone to flair ups of eczema. 


You may well be pleased to hear that 98% of the ingredients are of natural origin and an average of 82% of the ingredients are processed from organic farming. They are also eco certified.


All of these products feel very gentle on your skin and have light or no scents at all. They feel very, very natural.  I found they left my skin feel lovely and clean as well as very soft.


My favourite product had to be the facial exfoliator:



I found this to be  a lovely, gentle exfoliator, perfect for everyday use.  It has a very creamy consistency (it really does feel like you are applying a cream) which is  a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil and aloe vera . It feels very cool and gentle on the skin. 


The textured bits are actually ground coconut shell but it does not feel as harsh or scratchy as many exfoliators do.  






A great product at a very reasonable price which left my skin feeling lighter and brighter.


If you want to feel a bit yummy but don't want to spend a fortune then this could be this skincare range for you.




If you have any beauty, fitness or fashion tips of your own then feel free to leave me your recommendations below. I love to hear your comments!


Karen x





















Saturday, 24 September 2011

My Skin Feels Gorgeous!

Each Saturday I bring you a new beauty, fashion or fitness product that I have tried and tested and would recommend as something that will make us Mummy's feel a bit more yummy.

This week I bring to you:

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth


Since having babies my cleansing routine has been a bit of face scrub or wash in the shower, once or twice a day. Not perfect but then I didn't think I had time for much more.

As someone who used to spend money on myself and nice products before children but not since, I was really excited about trying this product.  When It arrived I was thrilled to discover a 100ml pump plus two pure muslin cloths in a nice little bag:

Arrives in a gorgeous little bag

The contents
 Having never tried anything like the pure muslin cloths before, I wondered what the benefit would be but was looking forward to trying them anyway.

It is very easy to use:

Phase one - the cleansing: you literally massage one or two pumps of the cleanser gently in to your face and neck. Its quite thick and feels lovely and smooth on your skin. I started off using two pumps but quickly realised I didn't need to and it would last longer if I used just one.  It smells gorgeous, a combination of eucalyptus, rosemary and cocoa butter. In fact it reminds me of being at a spa. It is very, very gentle and you can even use it around the eye area.

Phase two - the polishing: Next you use the pure muslin cloth dipped in  hand hot water to gently wipe away the cream. Each time you wipe, you dip it into the water again before wiping away a bit more.  Very easy to do, it leaves your skin feeling absolutely gorgeous.

I have very dry flaky skin which is prone to flair ups of eczema. This product made my skin feel so much better from day one. Its is no longer flaky and looks the best it has in a long time.

In fact I feel as though I am having a mini facial twice a day...heavenly!

I give this product a huge 10/10. I cannot believe that I have not discovered Liz Earle products before and am looking forward to trying more.  I will be sticking to this as part of my new regime as my skin has never looked or felt so good and would recommend it to you all.

Would love to hear your beauty, fashion or fitness tips. Feel free to leave me a comment below:



Karen x

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

A skincare Miricle?

This is my second post this week supporting and promoting National Eczema Week. If you didn't know about it or want to learn more then please click here.

The National Eczema Society are trying to keep awareness high for children and adults that have severe eczema. This week especially, there is a focus on  adults who can find it physically and mentally debilitating to the extent they are unable to work.

This post is a follow on/ update on a review I did a few months ago on Eternal Skincare Aloe Super Hydrating Moisturiser.

Eternal Aloe Skincare is the result of three years of research and development. It is "a luxuriously rich hydrating cream particularly suitable to those with dry skin conditions".

It is available in a large 225ml pot from £30 or a 12ml mini for £3.50. I originally  received a 12ml mini fragrance free pot to try. I thought it was rather  lovely but commented that I would have liked a bigger pot as I could not do a full review on the effects on reducing my eczema.

Lucky for me they liked the review which you can read here and did indeed send me the larger pot to try. This was completely unexpected and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to trial it properly. I was very grateful as this cream really is rather lovely. After using it for a longer period all over my body and on my daughter I can safely say my first review did not do it justice (which I did originally say I thought would be the case).

Free from parabens and other controversial stabilisers (thought to increase risk of cancer), it contains a high concentration of organically grown aloe leaf juice. This has traditionally been used as a natural remedy to soothe, soften, moisturise and heal skin. It combines all the beneficial effects of Aloe Vera with other natural ingredients including, Chamomile, Green Tea, Shea Butter, Rose hip oil and Calendula extract.

This product is very natural and is not bulked out with water. It feels lovely and smooth, is easy to apply and absorbs into the skin quickly too. It does not really smell of anything but being so natural I wouldn't expect it to. It is suitable for all skin types from young and supple to mature and delicate. You can use it all over your body including the face.

I have used this on my skin with fantastic results but the most dramatic has been on my eldest Daughter's skin. She was suffering from eczema quite badly at the start on her face, stomach, back and tops of her arms.  Within a few days of using this, her skin no longer looked red and sore and after a week it was practically gone.

I think this cream is pretty miraculous and we give it a huge 10/10. I will be definitely be buying more.

Karen x

For the record I was provided with 225ml tub for the purpose of this review but all words are my own.

Saturday, 13 August 2011

Boudoir PrivƩ Might Help Make Me Yummy

I have been pretty busy on the hunt for all those lotions and potions, fitness and fashion accessories or products that are going to make us Mummy's that little bit yummier. Each Saturday I write a post telling you about something I believe works and invite you all to join in with my "Make Me Yummy" blog hop sharing your favourite tips and products.


This weeks post is going to be slightly different though, as my search led me to become one of the lucky few fortunate enough to receive the first pink limited edition box from Boudoir PrivĆ©. In case you have not heard of them before, they are a Members only club where if you subscribe you will receive a goody box each month full of 4-6 deluxe sized luxury samples delivered to your front door. Perfect for this Mummy who would like to be that little bit yummier!


I have been anxiously waiting for my first box to arrive and it finally came today. Here it is:




Inside my goodies were wrapped in delicate black tissue paper, tied with a delicate pink bow and a handwritten note saying they hope you enjoy your products.



 This is what I discovered once I unwrapped it:


It includes:

  • Olavie Antioxidant Body Butter
  • Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner
  • Sachajuan Hair Repair
  • Babor HSR Lifting Extra Firming Cream
  • Bloom Green tea & White tea duo
  • Etat Libre D'Orange Like This & Rien perfume 

I can't wait to try them all out and will let you know how I get on but I have a feeling these products are going to leave me feeling pampered and special and maybe a little bit yummier.

Over to you now. Please do join in and let me know about any products you recommend to others. Don't forget to add your name to the linky and grab my badge too:

wouldliketobeayummymummy

Karen x


Monday, 20 June 2011

I'm taking part in the Garneir UltraLift Challenge

Whilst I may not be the wrinkliest person on earth (I am only 35), I do have a few and am therefore very happy to be taking part in the  Garnier UltraLift Challenge front lined by Davina Mccall. You may have seen it advertised on the TV recently or the Internet or twitter!! You too can join in, just visit the site here and fill our your details.  They send you 14 sachets of UltraLift cream (enough for 2 weeks) and the Garneir UltraLift Wrinkle Reader.

To use the wrinkle reader you stand in front of a mirror and place it under your crows feet.  You then match them to the closest image on the reader and note it down.  I cannot believe I am doing this but I have decided to go one step further and take a photo of my wrinkles!! Even more unbelievable is the fact that I am putting the image on the internet for you all to see.

So here it is...a close up of my wrinkles!!


Husband and I have decided that I score between  2 and 3 on the wrinkle reader.  While this is not that bad.. I would prefer it to be a score of 1 or off the scale completely so I am up for the challenge.  I will report back at the end of two weeks.  So watch this space! Anything to make me yummier!

For the record I am posting this on Day 3 of the challenge but took the photo on Day 1.

Karen x

Saturday, 18 June 2011

Make Me Yummy Blog Hop - Week 4

This is now week 4 of this beauty blog hop and I have got a fantastic set of products to tell you about. 

If you have just discovered this hop for the first time, all you have to do is publish a post about a beauty product/ tip or event you want to share details on.  Then add your name to the linky.  Feel free to grab my badge too.  The hop occurs each Saturday and the aim is to share information on products that really work and get us feeling yummy again!



This week I am very excited to tell you about the He-Shi 3 Step Tanning System. Designed for both men and women, it is supposed to give a natural and hassle free tan. I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to try it out for free. There are a range of products to choose from and I was given the choice of which one's to try.  I picked:
  1. Exfoliating Body Wash 150mls, £12.00
  2. Express Liquid Tan, 150mls, £21.50
  3. Souffle moisturiser 150mls, £12.50
  4. and they also threw in a He-Shi Tanning mitt £4.50
This whole set is sold in the Gold Gift Box  for £39.99 but is currently on offer for £29.99 at www.he-shi.co.uk

I have tried all sorts of fake tan in the past so was really happy about trialing these.

First for the exfoliating body wash.  This was gorgeous, it smelled of strawberries and felt lovely on my skin.  I was very impressed and would give it a score of  9/10.

Next for the Express liquid tan, I got Husband to help me with this.  He has helped me in the past and said this was this by far the best one we have tried.  It was very runny (too runny really but this is my only criticism). However, it was really easy to apply with the tanning mitt. I have never used a mitt before but it was fantastic. Husband particulaly liked that he was not left with the evidence that he has helped his wife out ie. no dark staining on his hands (that has happened in the past)!

The liquid tan went on very smoothly and evenly (he was very attentive...better than going to a salon)! It didn't particularly smell like most of them do and was quick drying.  We were both impressed and I was very excited to find that I had a natural looking tan really quickly. After about five minutes I put my dressing gown on which is white and it didn't leave any marks. Apparently you can layer this liquid tan to get your preferred result be it gorgeous and golden or deep and dark.  Brilliant I would give it a score of  9/10

Finally, for the Souffle Moisturiser.  This smells lovely and has left my skin silky smooth.  I would give it a score of 9/10.

 Now as it is is for both men and women Husband said he would be happy to try it..however, I say "hands off husband, its mine""

Overall I am very impressed and will be buying it again. I am feeling much yummier and am really happy to recommend it to others.  Don't just take my word for it though, I will be topping up next week in time for Cybermummy so you will be able to judge it for yourselves! Oh and you may be interested to know that over 95% of Glamour Readers would recommend it to a friend too. 


Here is me this morning with my delicious golden natural looking tan :




I think these are going to be my new must have product's for the Summer..I love them!! If you want to get your hands on these products youtselves then you will find the range available from selected salons & day spas across the country, selected House of Fraser, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols stores nationwide and www.he-shi.co.uk or  www.HarveyNichols.com.

Feel free to grab my badge and I can't wait to see what products you all recommend. 

wouldliketobeayummymummy

Karen x

Friday, 27 May 2011

Make Me Yummy Blog Hop! - On a mission to find the beauty treatment that really works!

Do you ever look at yourself and wonder where the original you went?...I do.  Do you spend all your money on your gorgeous children buying them clothes and toys..but not spend much on yourself?...I do.  Do you look at yourself and constantly criticize the way you look, wishing you looked younger,  more beautiful etc?...I do. Did you used to make more of yourself, spend more on clothes and makeup but don't bother as much nowadays?...I did. However, now I have decided the time has come to do something about it!!

The title of my blog is "Would Like To Be A Yummy Mummy" and really I would! Recently I have been blogging about my mission to lose weight and get fit and healthy for the Summer.

So far, with the support of the other MOMenTum ladies I am doing pretty well.  I have lost a bit of weight, am taking multi-vitamins which are giving me more energy and I am generally feeling much better about myself. Personally I think this makes me an even better Mummy (not  a vain one) as I have more energy to play with my children and am much more patient and relaxed than a few months ago.

The things I dislike most about myself at the moment are the dark circles under my eyes, my scabby scaly hands (from constant hand washing), my rough dry skin and my lank looking hair. See I really do need a bit of help to make me yummier.

So I am now on the look out for those magic potions, lotions or products that are going to Make Me Yummy. Ladies...watch this space because I am on a mission!!

Image courtesy of Zaggora.com
I have approached a few companies and have been sent several free beauty products to trial over the next few weeks, lucky me! These include creams for both the face and body, deodorant and shower gel. I am also going to be an ambassador for the new Zaggora toning hotpants.

Apparently these bad boys can help you lose up to two dress sizes in two weeks. They are designed to help you get more out of your workout but listen to this...you can also lose weight in them while sleeping. I like the sound of this.  I think I might be living in mine. They are due to arrive in  a few weeks time so watch this space for more information.  I will be blogging about them several times a week and am really hoping that they are going to be as amazing as they say they are. In fact I am hoping they are going to be magic hotpants!!

With all of this going on, I should be feeling back to my old pre-baby self in no time..or maybe a new improved version of me. Anyway, do you fancy joining me on this mission? If so, just write a review about a beauty product, post your favorite beauty tip/ product or even tell us about a relevant upcoming event, it is up to you.  Then add your name to the linky below. It will be an opportunity to discover new products, beauty tips, events going on and to meet other like-minded bloggers you have not "met" yet. Together we can help each other out.  Say goodbye to the tired looking Mummy's and hello to the new improved gorgeous looking one's!

If you are a PR company looking for bloggers to trial and review your products, then look no further than here. All these people in one place looking for that illusive product that is going to really work and turn us into the Yummy Mummy's we all want to be!

Come on, join in the fun and if you want to grab my badge!


wouldliketobeayummymummy




Karen x