Sleek Blush in 'Suede' | Review

Sleek Blush in Suede - £4.49 (Link here)

Hey dolls! I've been really quiet in the beauty blogosphere for the past week. I haven't had the chance to just sit down and write as I've been so busy, but I promise I have loads of posts planned for the next couple of weeks or so. I took to the #bbloggers chat on Twitter on Wednesday evening, and shocked a few of you when I mentioned that I've never worn blush. I have no idea why, I just always skipped it and reached for my bronzer to sculpt and define my cheekbones instead. Over the past few weeks I've also been watching loads and loads of beauty hauls over on YouTube, and it shocked me just how many people named Sleek's 'Suede' as their go-to peach blush. With that being said, I decided to take the plunge and pick up one from Superdrug. I absolutely love Sleek make-up and swear by their 'Face Contour Kit', so was hoping the blush would impress me just as much. 

One thing that stood out for me was the packaging. It's a really sleek, matte black case with a slight rubber feeling to it (think Nars packaging) which is so compact and easy to pop in your make up bag on the go. It also has a full size mirror inside which you can never go wrong with. I have one little thing to pick on, and that's the fact it's quite hard to open. Just like the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, it's really easy to either break your nail or dent the powder inside while opening it. For a drugstore product though it definitely ticks all the boxes packaging wise, and for the price I'm definitely not one to complain. 

What drew me to 'Suede' was the fact it was a really warm, tawny shade. Sleek say it's a blush that 'elicits a wintery mocha glow' which I think is bang on, and although were beginning to go into Spring, I think I could get wear out of this year round. I also love the fact that it's matte as I'm not really a fan of shimmer on my face apart from my brow bone. It's pretty versatile on what it can do too, as it can be used to contour with or used as a blush and applied to the apples of the cheeks. It provides a really warm and natural wash of colour without looking ashy against my skin tone which is definitely a pet peeve of mine when it comes to make up. Another thing which stood out for me was the pigmentation, not just with this blush but all Sleek products. For a drugstore product this is ridiculously pigmented yet buildable if you want a more defined finish on the cheeks. It blends so easily if you were to go in with contour, blush and bronzer and is silky soft to the touch without having any colour fall out. 

Overall, I cannot believe I haven't tried blush sooner - what was I thinking?! I'll definitely be picking up more from Sleek soon (I've got my eye on 'Life's A Peach) and once I get to grips with them properly, I see myself splurging on some high end ones too. Are there any blush phobics out there or just me?

Review: Superdrug Vitamin E SPF 15 Moisture Radiance Cream

Hi Girls! I don't know about you but my skin is a nightmare around this time of year. I suffer with dry patches and the occasional spot rearing its ugly head, so I tend to switch up my skin care routine to prevent it happening. You may remember when I featured this little beauty in a mini haul (read it here) a month or so ago, and I used it for a few days before putting it back into a box and pretty much forgot about it. But last week while sorting through all my products I found it again and I'm so glad I did! At £2.99 for 50ml of product it's a real bargain and really does what it says on the tin. What Superdrug claim:

"Contains light reflecting pigments to give an instant healthy glow to the skin, whilst providing 12 hour moisturisation and helping to protect your skin against the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with naturally sourced Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that will help to shield your skin against environmental damage and premature skin ageing by combating the harmful effects of free radicals"

It all sounds a bit scientific to me! But after using this for some time now I absolutely love it. Just like Rimmels Wake Me Up foundation, it contains tiny speckles of light reflecting particles so it gives the skin a gorgeous glow, and not so much you look like a discoball in sunlight. I'm usually partial to a matte finish on my face, but this adds definition to areas I need it most like my browbone and the tops of my cheeks. I'm a bit fussy with moisturisers as I have to make sure that I have a product that contains a minimum SPF 15 so I don't get crows feet before I'm 30. Highly doubtful but I'm not taking any chances! It claims to moisturise for 12 hours and I can really feel it hydrating my skin throughout the day, although before I apply my make-up it does feel a little bit stick and thick on the skin. I reviewed the Hot Cloth Cleanser from the same brand of products and mentioned that it smelt amazing, and this is no exception. It smells so fresh and it's definitely one of those products that I look forward to using each morning.

One thing I've definitely noticed since using the Superdrug Vitamin E range is that my skin doesn't look as dull in the mornings as it used to. I don't know whether it's down to the ingredients but whatever it is, it's working wonders. I also love that it's so compact and something you can just pop into your handbag when you're on the move.

Review: Superdrug Deep Action Daily Exfoliator Wash

Hi Ladies, how are we? Just a quick post to tell you about Superdrug's Deep Action face wash. I came across this next to the blackhead clearing range by Garnier in my local Superdrug, and eager to save myself a few pennies in the lead up to Christmas, picked this up instead. And boy, do I regret that. I have never posted a review on a product which is negative, but I need to warn you ladies of its evil ways! 

When I first used the daily exfoliation wash I will admit I really loved it. It lathered up so well and I could feel it really working the exfoliation beads into my pores, not to mention it smelt great too. The fact that it says it is 'ideal for use on a daily basis' I wasn't worried that I was over doing the whole exfoliation thing. I have a combination to normal skin type, so I'm not as prone to spots and breakouts as I was in my teens. After two days of thinking I'd found a great new product, everything changed. Despite using my normal rich moisturisers, my skin begun to feel tight and I was really red and inflamed around my T-Zone, definitely not a good look. 

The morning after, I woke up and was horrified with the state of my skin. It was dry, bumpy around my jaw line and I had spots rearing their ugly head around my chin. I sound quite placid and ridiculous but I actually felt really upset only because I was off out for some lunch with a friend and no amount of make-up could cover it, infact it made things look even worse. My skin had a horrible stinging sensation when I applied my foundation but I soldiered on because au natural isn't for a girl like me! I know it may just be me who has experienced this kind of reaction to Superdrug's cleanser but if you don't want to risk what happened to me (believe me you don't, it's painful and dry beyond relief) then I'd steer clear of it. Luckily I got to the pharmacy yesterday and bought some anti histamine tablets with a strong cream and it is already starting to clear.  

Have you experienced a nasty reaction to cleansers? What have you used to clear it?

L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray Dupe; Superdrug's Volumising Hairspray

Hello Lovely Ladies! I finally have a spare few hours to just sit down on my laptop with a large cup of tea and blog. I've been ridiculously busy working for the London 2012 Olympics, and have hardly had time to think, let alone blog. But I'm back! On my way home from work on Monday, I popped into Superdrug to pick up some essentials, by essentials I mean new make-up brushes and some Radox bubble bath (mmmm).  Realising I'd almost run out of my trusty L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray, I quickly took myself to the hair styling section but to my absolute horror they had all sold out. All of them. The small ones, the large ones, the medium ones, all of them. Panicking like a lost chicken, I looked around for something similar. I can always tell when I don't use Elnett hairspray. My hair doesn't look at bouncy and always drops within a few hours, but I ended up buying this little beauty.

What caught my eye was the fact that the can itself is very similar to L'Oreals Elnett, barring the fact it doesn't have the infamous old-fashioned women's face on the front. One thing I hate about other hairsprays is the spray can cap they spray with. I find that the hairspray itself doesn't spread nicely and you end up with crispy bits of hair (yuck). The Superdrug hairspray cap is an exact replica of the L'Oreal Elnett hairspray so was excited to see if the results when I curled, straightened, waved, rollered and backcombed were the same. I paid only a fraction of the price too it set me back a mere £1.99. Elnett costs me about £5.50 for a large can which to some people may be considered a lot just for some hairspray. I've used it since I can remember and it's never failed me. I really believe that the more you spend on a hair product, the better the result (barring Mark Hill's Glam range which I don't like). Anyway, back to the Superdrug Volumising hairspray...

"Creates body and lift, 24 hour hold. Micro diffuser spray. Superdrug Volumising Hairspray is a high performance ultra fine spray to hold your hair without stiffness, giving you voluminous hair, 24-hour hold and protection against humidity. With a fine micro diffuser spray and Pro Vitamin B5, it disappers at the stroke of  a brush to leave your hair looking and feeling soft and shiny."

I'm so in love. I noticed when I used this one that there was a reasonable amount of body and volume, although if I'm honest, not quite as much as L'Oreals Elnett. It smells lovely too, not of chemicals and science labs like some hairsprays do. I completely agree with the fact that it protects against humidity. On one of the many days it rained, my hair didn't budge at all. It lasted a entire day through work, and I even got compliments on how volumised it looked. That sucks, I never got complimented when I used Elnett. When the day came to an end, I brushed through my hair and the spray virtually disappeared. There's nothing worse than being left with that powdery feeling on your hair after you've used hairspray. Now for the best bit. Even after I'd brushed it out of my hair, I was still left with body and texture. 

All in all, I think I've found a new hairspray to use in the future. I'll still be buying the L'Oreal Elnett hairspray but I think the Superdrug Volumising version is nearly as good but for less than half the price. 

What hairsprays do you swear by?

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Superdrug Vitamin E SPF 15 Moisturising Day Cream

You may have read my recent blog post on Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser and how highly I though of it (read it here), so as a result I picked up the moisturiser from the same range. I've been using it now for a week or so and replaced my usual day cream with it with absolutely no regrets. This product really does work wonders for my skin and I've noticed a change in the way my make-up applies and how soft my skin is. I cut no corners when it comes to skin care, both morning and night and slathering on the moisturiser last is by far my favourite part.


First off, the packaging. Just as the case with the hot cloth cleanser, I really like it. It's really simple and understated but it cuts no boundaries with the product itself. It's a generous sized day cream at 100ml and I've barely scraped the top after a week of using it. It provides 12 hour moisturisation (it really does) which is a life saver if you suffer with a more dry skin type. If like me you have a combination skin, fear not as it is not a greasy formula at all. I don't find myself having to apply any more powder throughout the day as I usually do. 

"Vitamin E SPF15 Moisturising Day Cream provides 12-hour moisturisation and has been specially developed to hydrate, nourish and protect your skin against the sun's UVA and UVB rays."


I became more aware of using products which have sun protection in them when I went to a Dermalogica skin event and since then I try to make sure my moisturisers and foundations have some sort of protection in them. It's better to start young than to not start at all! The texture of it is not a thick cream but not a watery one either, so it sits right in the middle which makes it great for most people to use.


I also really like the way this smells, it smells identical to the hot cloth cleanser, sort of a fresh but natural smell. I have a bit of OCD when it comes to the smell of things as I hate applying products which smell like a science lab. I'm really liking the Superdrug Vitamin E range, and it's so cheap I can stock up on as many products as I like. I picked up the moisturiser for only £2.99 which is a bargain, but I'm looking to try the eye cream next.

Have you tried any great moisturisers recently? Or have you tried the Vitamin E range from Superdrug? I'd love to know!


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Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser

Hello gorgeous girls! So, as promised I'll be talking about Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser which has recently just been put into the Vitamin E skincare range I'm told. I mentioned that I'd picked up this Cleanser last week during one of my not so often many mini shopping sprees after seeing some bloggers speak about its miracle cleansing powers, and even being compared to the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I've tried the Cleanse and Polish which I really liked, so wasn't hoping for too much when it came to this product as the price tag is slightly cheaper. But I was really impressed with it...

First things first, I'm a massive skincare junkie. I love experimenting with new products and finding out which is best for my skin type, and I get a thrill when I open a new cleanser/moisturiser/exfoliator/anything. I especially love when I find that a product really does improve the look of my skin and I've recently developed a skincare routine. This is where this product has just come in, and I use this once before bed every night religiously. 


I got my skin analysed by Dermalogica a few months ago at Excel's Beauty Exhibition and received some great skincare tips and tricks (not to mention bucket loads of free sample sized products). I was told that my skin really lacked in the vitamin and mineral department due to over-exposure to sun, hence why I now always used an SPF based moisturiser and a heavy caffeine intake (thanks coffee/tea/coke). So when I saw that this was rich in natural Vitamin E I was like a kid in a sweet shop. 


If you read my blog then you'll know that I have a combination ski type. I have a semi-oily T-Zone with slight dry patches on the tops of my cheeks which drives me insane. Superdrug's Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser is suited for Normal to Dry skin, which makes this the perfect addition to my skincare routine. I mentioned in my Mimi Superdrug and Boots Haul (read it here) that I'd never tried anything from the Vitamin E range, nor had I ever really noticed it But I actually really like the packaging of this, its simple and really to the point. I sometimes think that you end up paying more for the fancy packaging of things which more or less do the same trick as cheaper brands and this is definitely the case with this product. I picked this up for a bargain of only £5.99 which I think might just be an introductory offer so I'm going to stock up on some before this happens!

"Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser and muslin cloth is ideal for removing dirt and make-up whilst providing gentle exfoliation. This will help improve circulation, leaving the skin deeply cleansed, soft and radiant."

I totally agree with what Superdug promise from this product. I've used this now for just over a week and I've really noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin in general. It feels so soft because the muslin cloth also doubles up as an exfoliator plus the blackheads I used to have due to make-up have reduced too.

I absolutely love how this applies too. I think some people may find that it's too thick on their skin. It's very thick but for people who suffer with ultra dry skin this is definitely a go to product. It improves circulation in the face and in turn begins to even out skin tone. There's no point in spending money on lovely make-up if you aren't taking proper care of the skin underneath, and I'm so happy I found this. It smells lovely and natural with a fresh srt of smell which is a great bonus. As with every single muslin cloth cleanser there is one downside, and that is the fact that the cloth itself gets so unbelievably dirty I've already washed mine with shampoo twice. For the results I find that it's so worth it. I've noticed they also have a day moisturiser from the Vitamin E range which I may have to nab too.

Have you tried anything from the Vitamin E range at Superdrug? What other hot cloth cleansers can you recommend?


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Mini Superdrug/Boots Haul

Hi gorgeous girlies! I keep seeing these posts on other blogs and always without fail never remember to do one of my own. I'm a complete product junkie, whether it's hair or beauty based and find myself having little mini 'sprees' about two or three times a week (yes really!), hence my absolutely huge collection of products! I'm a complete sucker for going out and buying a product which has been raved about, so today took myself into my local shopping centre to stock up slightly on some bits people were ranting and raving highly about. So grab yourself a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate/whatever floats your boat, this will be a long post...

Vitamin E Skincare Hot Cloth Cleanser 

£5.99 Superdrug

I am a complete skincare freak, especially when it comes to cleansers. Its strange, I get excited about shampoos and not conditioners and excited about cleansers rather than moisturisers. Weird. Anyway, I stopped using the infamous Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish a few years back as it broke me out in spots. I thought it was from the product, however it turns out I was actually allergic to something I had eaten that week, so I've never repurchased it. My mum owns the Liz Earle cleanser and really recommends it, but I'm too worried incase it does something similar to my skin. Muslin hot cloth cleansers are spoken so highly about, so I'm starting more at budget end brands for the time being to get my head around them before splurging. I've never tried any products from the Vitamin E range so am hoping it is lovely. For a 200ml bottle for under £6.00 where is the downside to it so far? The product promises to remove dirt, oil and make-up effectively which is just what I need over these Winter Summer months. I'll post a full review in a few days once I have used this a few times and let you all know how I'm getting on. Shop here 

MUA Blusher in Shade 4 & Models Own Powder Blush in Peach Blush 

£1 Superdrug, £6 Boots

Not a fan of blushers whatsoever. In fact, I may just surprise you all reading this by saying I've never ever used a blusher before in my life. Shock. I only ever use my trusty Boujois bronzing brick as I'm so in love with it. Something inside me just screamed to try them, so I opted for these two to start with! I hear alot said about cream blushers, and quite frankly the thought of that scares me a bit. I like powders and anything put over my foundation to be smooth and velvety rather than feel tacky. I picked up MUA's blush in a blunt pink colour for just one measly pound in Superdrug. Bargain. For its price I'm not complaining, its fairly pigmented however its staying power is probably nothing special, we shall have to see. Models Own has been one of my favourite brands as if you know me at all well, then you will know I am in love obsessed with their nail polishes. I tried the lipgloss a few months ago which I loved, so am hoping the blusher surprises me too. I picked a colour which was more of a bronzer so I did cheat a bit, but it still falls under the blusher category! Again, I'll post a full review ince I've got my head around replacing bronzer with blusher. *sobs* Buy here. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 200 Soft Beige

£8.99 Boots

I have religiously been using my Revlon Colour Stay Foundation for the past few months after I stopped using my regular MAC Studio Fix back in April after it randomly broke me out in a rash (what is it with me and rashes?!). Since then I've heard absolutely nothing but good things about Rimmels new Wake Me Up foundation, which 'reawakens and illuminates skin with a radiant glow and flawless, natural looking finish'. First things first have you even smelt this product? I love the smell of everything Rimmel has to offer especially the lasting finish lipsticks. The foundation smells really fresh and floral which is great if you're sick of the usual stench of other foundations (MAC Studio Fix, I'm looking at you!). The other thing which is great about this is that it comes in a pump bottle, so no more applying to the back of your hand! Yes, the bottle may look a little cheap but in a way I think the fluorescent orange lid brightens up my dressing table and takes away from the usual sleek black packaging almost everything seems to have. So far I love this, and I haven't even tried it yet! For £8.99 it will be no big deal if I repulse it but fingers crossed it's another new beauty find this year. Of course, I will be reviewing this properly in due course. Buy here

Cosmopolitan Powder Brush

£4.99 Superdrug

I have well and truly completely ruined my old powder brush. I was drunk and put it into my clutch bag before I left for a night out (what the hell) and when I was in a club I just offered to do everyones make-up. Big mistake (I'm surprised girls even agreed knowing what state I was in). The morning after my brush was malting badly, I had foundation colours I never even knew were invented and no matter how much I scrubbed it just wouldn't budge. So I picked up this baby today, for a bargain of £4.99. I've never heard or read anything about Cosmopolitan brushes so this is a complete random choice for me. At the touch the bristles feel so soft, and above all I love the overall thickness of the brush. It cuts no corners. However as I'm always completely truthful when it comes to talking about products I will admit that a few strands did fall out only when I brushed it lightly on the back of my hand. Not a happy bunny so far but I will see how it pans out! Buy here

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light

£4.19 Boots

As I mentioned in my previous post (Collection 200 Sheer Loose Powder read it here) I've never been a person to really try the brand as a whole until I stumbled on some blogs which absolutely swore by the stuff. I suffer with horrendously dark circles underneath my eyes so was hoping this would be my new holy grail product. It promises a full 16 hours of coverage which if I'm honest doesn't seem likely. However I've heard that it's got fantastic coverage and when I quickly swatched it on the back of my hand (yes, bad I know. You're supposed to apply to your actual face) I realised it's great. I'm still optimistic as I still haven't found a concealer which completely hides everything so I'll keep you all updated! Buy here

 Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 006 Pink Blush

£4.99 Boots

Yes, it's another lipstick! And yes it's another pink. I am really starting to fall in love with Rimmel lipsticks; the Kate Moss lipstick I purchased last week (read my blog post here) really did put the icing on the cake. As with the foundations I also find that all Rimmel lipsticks smell absolutely delicious and this is no exception. It glides on so easily and is such a buildable colour. I may opt for this when I go to work tomorrow, the girls always seem really interested in my lipstick choices! I'll again review this fully probably tomorrow after a day of wearing the stuff so will let you know how it looks/feels/lasts. Buy here.

So there you have it, my first mini haul from Superdrug and Boots from my blog. Let me know what you think!

Do you have any of these products? What did you think and what would you recommend?

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