New in: I Heart Makeup

Another day, another delivery from Makeup Revolution. This brand are really looking after their bloggers with lots of lovely packages full of makeup goodies. Two weeks or so ago I received a package containing yet more new releases from its sub-brand I Heart Makeup and yet again I was more than impressed.

The new range contains a gorgeous chocolatey bronzer called Go Bronzer Chocolate Heaven*, which looks good enough to eat and is a joy to apply. For me, someone who is a bit scared of bronzer and hasn't ever used one before, this gave a really lovely colour to a full face of make-up. Usually I'm so deathly pale so this really helps.

I Heart Definition* in 'fair' is another gorgeous little compact. It's got your three neccessities…bronzer, blusher and highlighter. I'm hoping to do a dedicated post on this one because I love the blusher so much that I want to show it off properly. For a fiver you can't really go wrong with this.

The I am in Love palette* is another beauty must have, keeping everything you need close by and compact. This contains some really natural eyeshadow shades, that absolutely anyone can wear. It also includes a lipstick! This particular one comes in a really pretty shade of pink, which I am definitely going to try out and that is a big thing for someone like me who never wears lipstick!!

What can I say? Makeup Revolution has stolen the show again. I will hopefully be dedicating posts to everything featured here so you can get a better, indepth review but so far I'm loving everything!

This post contains PR samples

Nourish Skincare Radiance Mini Kit

Nourish Skincare Radiance Mini Kit - £27*


Today we're talking skincare… radiance inducing skincare to be exact as recently I was sent the Radiance Mini Kit from Nourish Skincare and I couldn't wait to try it out.

I have a regular morning skincare routine already but my skin has been feeling/looking a bit dull recently. It's not as if it isn't clean/clear but I've been feeling as if it could do with a little brightening up so the mini kit quickly took up residence on my bathroom shelf…

Radiance Purifying Cleanser
What I look for in skincare and in cleansers in particular is for them to be kind to the skin. This one really is gentle on the skin and just grabs all the grime and clears it away.

Radiances Refreshing Toning Mist
This has been a bit of a saviour in the recent warm weather. As well as a toner it's also a lovely and hydrating facial mist, which refreshes the skin wonderfully.

Radiance Brightening Moisturiser
This moisturiser is particularly thick, almost balm-like. Not something I'm used to with a moisturiser if I'm honest, but I've found it really lovely to use and it's been keeping my skin feeling lovely and plump.

Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum
I've been meaning to introduce a serum to my skincare routine for a while now and this one has slotted in really well. It's really delicate on the skin and primes it really well for any make-up I might be putting on. It leaves my skin feeling uplifted and just generally in a good condition.

Using all of the products together has really improved my skin recently. It's feeling much softer, smoother and radiant.

After doing a bit of research I discovered that the majority of the products in the kit include foxberry, which can be known by a few other names, but most importantly it can help pigmentation, so this is a great little kit for those worried about pigment problems.

All in all this is a really cute little kit, which would be great as an introduction to the brand for teens or skincare in general for someone of any age who isn't familiar with it. There's just one teeny tiny thing that irked me about the kit and that is the press down pumps, which are really tough to press down without it making a right old mess. This is only a test/starter kit so I'm sure this wouldn't be a problem with the full size versions.

Have you tried anything from Nourish Skincare before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

This post contains PR samples

Everything's rosy - Atelier 61 rose print playsuit

Atelier 61 Rose Print Playsuit - £16*

Another week, another playsuit featured on the blog. This time from Atelier 61 at House of Fraser. I must admit this is not a brand I've ever heard of before but I have to say they do some adorable stuff. Fab prints and patterns and really reasonable prices too. Originally this playsuit was £26, which is pretty reasonable anyway but it was reduced to £17 and now the white version is available at just £15. What a bargain.

While I've played it safe with a black playsuit I think the pattern of this one is pretty eye popping and means you don't really need to go overboard with the accessories. The playsuit is very fitted but remains really comfy and has some very neat pleats running down the front, which give it a great structure. It works perfectly for a smart occasion as well as a casual one. It fits perfectly and I personally think it suits my body shape.

So, top marks over all and next time I'm in Bristol I'll definitely be popping into House of Fraser to check out the clobber.

What are your thoughts on the playsuit?

This post contains PR samples

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Makeup Fixing Spray

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Makeup Fixing Spray - £5*
I hope none of you are fed up of me raving about Makeup Revolution, but I can't help it! I've found a budget-friendly brand that I really love and the Pro Fix is one of its latest releases from the professional range.

To be honest I've never had a reason to use a fixing spray before. I don't wear a huge amount of make-up on a daily basis but recently, due to the hot weather, I've been wearing a bit of powder to stop any shininess/sweating along with my usual eye make-up and have wanted to help it to stay in place in the heat. Working in an office can get pretty hot and sticky but having the Makeup Fixing Spray means I don't have to worry about my make-up coming off at all.

The mist itself aims to protect your make-up against heat and humidity as well as cold and windy conditions. Luckily we haven't been experiencing any cold and windy conditions but I have to say the spray has held up in the current heat and humidity. It's a lovely light and refreshing mist and keeps my make-up in place. I notice a definite difference with my eye make-up in particular as towards the end of the day the majority of it would have rubbed off but it stays firmly in place when I use this spray. A bargain at £5!

Have you tried the new Makeup Revolution fixing spray? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

This post contains PR samples

The Sunday Catch Up #28

As if another week has passed us by! Where does the time go? Last Sunday my sister and I did a car boot sale. I sold loads of old make-up and stuff I've reviewed on the blog in the past and people went absolutely mad for it. They got some real bargains too as I was selling old Models Own polishes for about £1 each yet people were still trying to haggle on the price, cheeky!

I made about £50 in total so I was pretty pleased with that. I will probably take everything I had left to the charity shop when I find the time. It was absolutely BOILING on the day and me being the idiot I am didn't even think to apply any sun cream so have been suffering with really severe sunburn on my neck and shoulder all week. The pain has only subsided now, a week later. I've definitely learnt my lesson though and I've brought myself some sun cream you'll be pleased to know.

The week has been pretty quiet…I popped into my nan and grandad's on Tuesday evening as I haven't seen them in ages. I had lovely tea and cake - the cake was amazing! Like a lemon drizzle but with blackberries instead, delicious! I would have had a second slice but was absolutely full up! I am going to try and make it myself when I get paid and can buy all of the ingredients, yum, yum, yum.

I am feeling much better about blogging this week and I spent yesterday afternoon scheduling posts for every day for the upcoming week. Hooray! In the interest of organisation I bought myself a new notebook so I can write jobs lists and I have been sent some notebooks and pens, which I'm hoping to feature in a post v.soon. Hopefully things are back on track.

Until next week…

Catch up on the week:

A summer wardrobe staple from Rare London

HealGel Eye

HealGel Eye

HealGel Eye - £32*
Eye gels can be very hit and miss. In the past I've tried my fair share and to be honest I've not really seen much of a difference after using them. I've been going through a very long phrase of not wearing any eye gel at all but when I was contacted and asked if I'd like to try the HealGel Eye I thought why not?!

At £32 this is pretty expensive for an eye gel in my opinion. However, having looked further into the product itself and having seen results I think it might just be worth investing in. I know it's important for someone my age to take care of their skin and the introduction of this eye gel has opened my eyes (excuse the pun!) to what a real difference it makes.

I did notice quite large dark circles forming under my eyes about a month or so ago and I was constantly looking tired out, but having used the HealGel Eye I've really, honestly noticed a difference. The skin under my eyes looks much more youthful and I definitely don't look as tired as I feel.

The gel is really lightweight and sinks into the skin almost instantly, leaving me feeling a bit more revived in the mornings. The gel itself contains Arnica and Madecassoside, which help give the skin a bit of a boost. It also contains Hydraluronic Acid, which locks moisture in and firms the contours.

To put it bluntly, this is a perfect morning pick me up. At 25 I feel like I have the under eyes of a 15-year-old! In all seriousness though, this is well worth your hard-earned money, especially if you're slightly older and need something that's really going to do a good job of your under eye skin.

This post contains PR samples

A summer wardrobe staple from Rare London

I'm not really a dress or skirt kind of girl. There was a time when I wouldn't go anywhere near them but as I've got older I've worn the odd one here and there but still never really feel comfortable. A solution to the problem… playsuits. I really thought these weren't for me but out of nowhere I tried some on and loved, loved, loved them.

I was recently contacted and asked if I'd like to try something from Rare London, which is a brand I've not tried before. It was pretty difficult to choose something to be honest as there's such a fab variety to choose from. I toyed with the idea of going for a dress or some sandals but I thought I'd go for the Embroidered Trim Playsuit*.

Despite the awkward zip/toilet situation you can incur with a playsuit, they really are my favourite clothing for the summer - they let you bare your legs while maintaining your dignity and they can be dressed up for a night out with heels/accessories or worn casually with some sandals or wellies if you're off to a festival.

This playsuit in particular is so pretty. Although it's black I think the colourful trim detailing gives it a great edge and for me, someone who wears black quite often, it really brightens up an outfit. The best thing about it is you don't need to accessorise with a chunky necklace, you can just keep it simple as I have with some pretty sandals and a backpack - another great festival must have! This is a brilliantly comfortable playsuit to wear and has an elasticated waist so you can eat as much as you like without baring a food baby!

At £42 this is quite expensive in my opinion, but a staple piece like this is a wardrobe must-have so I certainly think it's worth treating yourself. I'll definitely be heading to Rare London more often.

What are your summer wardrobe staples?

This post contains PR samples

The Sunday Catch Up #27

Good morning! I've been in two minds whether to continue these posts…I've actually been in two minds whether to give up blogging completely to be honest. I'm not sure what it was/is but it was becoming a bit too much of a chore. I work from nine until five every week day and when I come home I just want to relax a bit. I have weekends off, but again I want to relax, see family, clean the house, spend time with Vince etc etc and I just haven't really felt like blogging at all.

I'm not sure if you noticed, but I took a week off from blogging and while I was off I managed to note down lots of blog post ideas and build a bit of a collection of things to review/feature. I spent yesterday morning taking outfit photos and although it took a really long time to get a decent shot where I wasn't looking like a right grump, it was quite enjoyable.

I think part of the problem is organisation and having a dedicated space to blog. I see so many bloggers with lovely looking desks where they work and I don't have that. I sit on my sofa on my laptop or at my dining table and I feel like I can't really concentrate properly. When I get paid I'm hoping to buy a desk for the spare room and set up a little blogging space. Somewhere where I can organise myself a bit better and keep everything I need together.

I'm also not going to put so much pressure on myself to have a daily blog post and if I don't feel like blogging one weekend then I won't. This post is getting a little bit rambly but it's something most bloggers go through I think. I want to try and include some different posts alongside regular product reviews but I'm just going to go with the flow and see where it takes me.

Do you have any advice for getting out of a blogging rut?

P.S. This blog series is carrying on because apparently all my family love to read it and they won't be happy if I discontinue it they said!

Prepping your skin for summer

Apparently a 'heatwave' is on the way… I would expect so seeing as it's SUPPOSED TO BE SUMMER!! If it ever does heat up or you're jetting off somewhere where sunshine is guaranteed then you'll want to make sure your skin is looking its very best, especially if you're going to be stripping down to your bikini* or if like me, you've braving showing your pasty skin in shorts and tshirts.

The above are three products I've been roadtesting for the past few months in a bid to rejuvinate my skin and improve my pasty pins. I pay particular attention to my legs because they literally never see the light of day. I'm one of those people who constantly wears jeans, even when it's boiling hot, but I am aiming to change this and become a bit more body confident so I've introduced a proper skin pampering routine.

Argan Oil Skin Renewal Body Scrub - £7.99*
This has been my go to shower product recently. It contains crushed olive stones and pumice to help remove dead skin cells and restore healthy skin. I tend to use this before shaving my legs so the hair folicles are nicely exfoliated and no ingrown hairs will occur. I also have noticeable pores on my legs (is just me?) and this scrub has really reduced them and made me feel a lot more confident about getting them out. The exfoliating beads are really small and delicate, which make them better at really tackling the drier areas. It's also perfect for using on hard skin on your feet/heels too.

Australian Body Care Tea Tree Oil Exfoliating Body Wash - £10.20*
Another scub now, but this one is for using all over the body. I am a HUGE fan of the Australian Body Care brand, mainly due to the fantastic smell it emits and how its super kind to my skin. As I mainly concentrate on my legs I often forget about the rest of me so an exfoliating wash is just perfect as you don't really need to put any effort in, just wash yourself as you normally would do and the product will do all of the work. It's a win win situation and leaves my skin feeling super soft.

Nip & Fab Dry Leg Fix Instant Leg Smoother - £10.25
If I remember correctly I bought this from a blog sale for a much cheaper price than what it sells for in the shops and I'm so, so glad I purchased it. I absolutely love this. It's perfect for after you've hopped out of the shower and dried yourself as you simply slather it all over your legs to leave them smooth, soft and silky! Yes really.

Combined, these products have become my skin saviours in the shower. It might sound silly to say but I feel loads better about getting my legs out when they've been properly pampered and looked after but its true and it's surprising what a difference it makes.

What products are you using to prep your skin for the summer time? Let me know in the comments.

This post contains PR samples

I Love Makeup: Blushing Hearts Blusher

I Love Makeup Blushing Hearts Blusher - £4.99*








I must admit I am not a blusher type of girl. I rarely use it but I absolutely could not resist the gorgeousness that is the I Love Makeup Blushing Hearts blush. I Love Makeup is the sister brand of Makeup Revolution, which has been kicking up a real fuss in the blogging community recently. Not only are the brains behind Makeup Revolution running on overtime and doing brilliant things, but they've also been able to fit in launching a completely new sub-brand as well, which contains even more amazing, affordable products. It's mind boggling really.

Anyway, back to the blush. To put it bluntly, it's perfect. Not only is the packaging top notch but the 'baked' look is so popular right now, everyone's doing it and this just works so well.

The ombre style of the blushes mean you can use them individually or blend them together. I chose to blend them up and apply to get a not too subtle but not too dramatic look. I must admit in the photos above I've applied a bit more than I usually would as I was afraid the camera wouldn't pick up the colour (I've never photographed a blusher before!!) but as you can see it has come out ok. Each shade can be used depending on the amount of 'pow' you want in your look. The lighter shade would be perfect for every day and the rest are great for a night out or special occasion. There's actually six different shades/products in the heart blush line so there should be something to suit everyone.

Someone on Twitter pointed out that the blushers are a dupe for the Too Faced Sweetheart Blush. It is VERY similar, from the baked/ombre style right down the to heart shaped cardboard packaging but what really seperates this from Too Faced is the price tag. This is much more purse friendly and up my street. I personally probably wouldn't pay any more than £15 for a blush and this one from I Love Makeup is just £4.99. Amazing.

As I mentioned the blush comes in cardboard packaging, which is a little chunky. Before taking the photos for this post I actually dropped the blusher and it broke so I wouldn't say the packaging is very protective so be careful! I wouldn't recommend this for popping in your handbag or taking around with you as it could get a bit squished, but it's perfect for sitting on your dressing table and using in the morning.

Have you given I Love Makeup a try yet? What are your thoughts? I am personally fully converted to being a regular blusher wearer!

This post contains PR samples

The Sunday Catch Up #26

Lemon drizzle cake / Tulips / Video editing / Thorpe Park / Invite to the party of the year / Daisy on her new bike / Daisy in her birthday outfit / Oscar enjoying his balloon / Birthday cake!

Follow me on Instagram - @cherryp13

As I write this I feel as if my week off is slowly slipping away. It's not gone too fast, which is unusual and also very good and although I haven't exactly done much, it's still been nice to have a bit of a rest! The beginning of the week was pretty quiet, I did a few bits and bobs and popped out for tea with my sister, Daisy and Oscar. I also successfully baked a Lemon drizzle cake but it wasn't until Thursday that I really had anything planned.

Vince surprised me by booking the day off so we could do something so we decided to go to Thorpe Park for the day. It was horrible getting up so early on a lovely day off but we had to get to the park pretty much dead on opening time so we could make the most of it and make sure we got on most of the rides as we had to leave pretty early as Vince's friend had to get back. It was a good day and so, so hot! I actually got sunburnt, which, if you know me, is pretty unheard of! I can go abroad to a boiling hot country and won't even turn a little shade of pink but spend the day at Thorpe Park and my shoulders are burnt and pretty painful. Lesson learnt - always apply suncream, even when you think you don't need it.

On Friday it was Daisy's 3rd birthday so of course I had to spend part of the day celebrating! I headed to my mum and dad's and gave her a couple of the presents I got her. We had a birthday breakfast and birthday cake! Yesterday was her birthday party with all of her family and it was really nice. My sister opted for a Care Bear theme as Daisy is really into them at the moment. My sister made an amazing cake and had lovely decorations. Daisy got some awesome presents including a Barbie boat, which all of the girls were cooing over and pretending to set up so they could have a sneaky play!

Today I am off to Cardiff with a friend to do some shopping! I've been looking forward to this for absolutely ages, I am definitely in need of a good shopping trip! I'm sure I will let you all know what I buy!

Adding texture to your hair

Ever since I can remember I have been trying to add texture to my hair. My hair is the flattest of the flat and the straightest of the straight. Lots of girls wish for poker straight hair but I wish for the exact opposite and those with some texture and thickness are really lucky!

I recently realised that I had built a bit of a collection of texturising/thickening products and so thought I'd write a dedicated post to them. The first products to make the cut were three Bumble & Bumble samples I've picked up during the past year or so. These aren't particularly new and they're only sample sizes but I'm really surprised to have three of this brand that I really like as it's usually so hit and miss for me.

Bumble & Bumble Texture Hair (un)dressing creme. 60ml. £10.
This is similar to a thick serum you work through damp hair. It's best to build this product up, starting with a little, working it through and adding more as per what you prefer. Fab for adding a bit of volume and ideal for using alongside the other Bumble & Bumble products.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray. 50ml. £7.50
I picked this sample up as a magazine freebie and it's got to be the best freebie I've ever used. It's lasted an absolute age and I use it on a regular basis. My hair is very fine and after a few sprays of this onto damp hair, it leaves it feeling impressively thick and much easier to work with and add volume into. The spray itself is very fine and doesn't leave the hair feeling sticky or straw like.

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse. 40ml. £9.50
This is a new purchase for me. My local Boots store has just started stocking miniature sizes of Bumble & Bumble products. I guess they're trialling them out in the hope of stocking the full-size range. I really hope they sell well as I'd love to have the entire range to choose from. However, £9.50 for a sample is a little steep if you ask me. Luckily I'd just got paid and was feeling rather flush so I picked this up. Again, this leaves the hair feeling extremely thick and unlike many mousses I've used it doesn't leave the hair feeling hard and sticky.

The quest for thickening and volumising hair products will be an everlasting one for me. I like to mix it up a bit and don't like to stick with the same products all the time. These three are staples of my collection and while I'm not using others, I'll be picking these up for sure. They compliment each other very well and using all three creates a really textured and volumised look.

Have you tried any Bumble & Bumble products? What are your faves?

A scent for summer: Clarins Eau des Jardins Natural Spray

Summer is the perfect season to take some time out and relax in the warm evening air or head to the beach or pool.

If only. If, like me, you'll be spending the majority of the summer dreaming about being on a beach or by the pool and are, in reality, spending your summer behind a computer in the office then the new Clarins range of natural sprays are for you.

If a long day in a hot, sticky office is what lies ahead then just give a few spritzes of the new Clarins Eaus des Jardins Natural Spray - £32* and you'll be transported straight to your happy place.

This isn't you're typical fragrance/perfume - it contains an assortment of natural essential oils and plant extracts to create the perfect essence of summer. This in particular contains mood enhancing ingredients including wild rose, blackcurrant and mint, which help uplift and refresh the senses - perfect as a morning or afterwork pick-me-up.

£32 gets you a hell of a lot of fragrance for your money, 100ml to be exact. Compared to other fragrances on the market this is extremely reasonable. Have you give this natural spray a go? Let me know your thoughts.

This post contains PR samples