WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF BARRY M GOODIES WITH SHOPCADE!


Hey there gorgeous readers. I have a fantastic competition to tell you about that is really quick and simple to enter. Barry M have teamed up with Shopcade to give 4 winners a year's supply of Barry M goodies. This is a fantastic prize that make-up lovers dream about. Plus 20 runners up will receive a Magic Genie Lip Paint.

It takes just minutes to fill out the Summer Beauty Quiz. I have entered and apparently I am a 'Cheeky Chica'. Who knew ;)

Also check out the latest Barry M TV ad below including their hot new Loud Mouth Extreme Liquid Lip Colour Collection as well as the amazing new beach inspired Matte Nail Paints.


Which Barry M Summer Beauty are you? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

DARCCY 10% OFF CODE & MASSIVE SUMMER SALE

Darccy Bloggers

Hi lovelies. Happy Friday to you all. I hope you have fab weekend plans ahead. I am now off from work until the 4th of August, yipee! My fella will be off too. We are planning on working a lot on our house so I apologise in advance if not much blogging occurs during my time off, but I will do my best :)

Today I want to share with you my favourites from a brand that is new to me, DARCCY. With a very unique vintage inspired style DARCCY have within their collection lots of beautiful and feminine pieces with shapes to flatter the figure of every woman.

It was hard to narrow it down, but here are the four pieces I love the most.









To view the DARCCY SALE click here or to receive 10% off click on the banner at the top of this post :)

Let me know your favourites from DARCCY along with how you would style them up in the comments below.

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

COSMOPOLITAN #FASHFEST 2014

Hi there gorgeous readers. I'm back with my last post for today that I know you will be interested in.


Cosmoplitan Magazine are holding #fashfest 2014 from the 15th to the 19th of September. This is a fabulous 5 day event that you have the opportunity to purchase tickets for.

'The Lingerie Show'

A glamorous evening of cocktails and canapes while being pampered with free beauty treatments. There is a spectacular lingerie catwalk show, personal bra and underwear fittings and the opportunity to purchase garments at a discounted price. Then you can party into the night while listening to the DJ's tunes and go home with a goody bag of products worth over £50.

'The Truth About Celebrity Fashion'

Hosted by Cosmo's Editor-In-Chief Louise Court this event gives you behind the scenes access to trade secrets from a celebrity panel including Pixie Lott, Victoria Adcock (Celebrity stylist clients Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham), Lisa Valencia (Celebrity Make-up artist), Jess Moloney (Designer Fashion PR for Vivienne Westwood) and Ben Cooke (Celebrity hairdresser clients include Nicole Scherzinger). There will also be a drink on arrival and a fabulous goody bag.

'From The Catwalk To Cosmopolitan'

Including a cocktail reception while you mingle with celebrity guests and fashion insiders. Complimentary beauty treatments. Entry and front row seats to the Catwalk to Cosmo fashion show so you will have a heads up on key A/W14 key trends. Enjoy the after party with DJs Krystal Roxx and the SuperFOXXs. Take home a goody bag with £50 worth of gifts.

'Cosmopolitan Club Night'

Party away with exclusive performance from some of the most talented women in the industry.

Also there will be a 'Cyber Shopping Evening' involving great online discounts and competitions.

For details on all of these events and to purchase tickets click here!

Fancy winning some tickets to one of these events for you and a friend? I thought so. Simply tweet this sentence:

'Hey @CosmopolitanUK I wanna go to the #FashFest ________ with @______' - filling in the blanks with the name of the event (Lingerie Show, Panel Event or Catwalk Show) and the Twitter handle of the friend you want to take.

Cosmo are giving a pair of tickets away every Friday so enter as many times as you like!

To vote for your favourite retailers in the Cosmo Fashion Awards click here and you might just win £1,000 in fashion vouchers!

Good luck to all those who enter! Let me know which event from the above excites you the most.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

TIMELESS TRUTH MULTIPEPTIDE CALMING REVITALISING FACIAL BEAUTY MASK

Hi once again today folks. I have had a migraine for the last couple of days so I thought testing out this product which was sent to me to review for you would be perfect today.



This mask contains negative ions to help increase circulation aiding the relaxation of facial tension, thereby reducing fine lines and visible signs of ageing. Also revitalising the skins natural radiance while nourishing, moisturising, hydrating, softening and improving elasticity. Ideal for sensitive skin.

The mask is patterned as shown in the above photo. After cleansing I removed the plastic backing from the mask and pressed it against the contours of my face. It has a cloth texture that fits quite well, but it did stick out on my chin where the liquid from the mask did tend to drip a bit. Recommended wear is 15-20 mins 3-4 times a week. I wore mine for 20 mins. After removing the mask I squeezed the excess liquid out of the sachet shown above and massaged it into my face and neck along with the residue from the mask still on my face. It absorbed into my skin after about 1 minute. It felt a little tacky, but once I applied my usual skincare products that feeling went away.

I did feel pampered and refreshed using this mask. My skin was left feeling soft and moisturised. I do feel more relaxed and although my headache has not gone it has improved. Coincidence or not?

To see my other review of a mask from this range click this link!

Are these type of face masks something that interest you? Let me know in the comments below with reasons why.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX: STARS AND STRIPES

Hi beauties and Happy Sunday. How amazing has the weather been? A little erratic I know, but then in the UK that's normal. Today I have my first impressions of this month's American themed 'Stars and Stripes' GlossyBox for you.




This cult American favourite is formulated with natural waxes, mineral pigments and antioxidants, providing moisturising long lasting colour and protection against the sun.

I have the shade Ruby shown in the swatch above. This to me is a real American girl shade. This blue based red is stunning and highly pigmented. It feels very smooth and glided onto my hand beautifully. It appears to be quite moisturising in texture and I think this shade in particular will last quite well, but I of course will need to test this out when I wear it. The quilted packaging design of the lipstick tube really appeals to me. There are 5 other shades within this range which I would love to try.


An oil and fragrance free lightweight, moisturising formula to even out the skin tone, reducing redness and brightening the eyes while keeping eyeshadow crease-free and colour-true for a lasting look.

Apply this creamy formula with the doe foot applicator to the lids and blend with fingers.

It looks very similar to the E.L.F. eyelid primer. It has a skin tone shade that blends away sheer. I am looking forward to seeing how well my eye shadows last when using this product.


Loved by celebrities and make-up artists this staple product is designed to soothe, relieve and moisturise dry, chapped lips.

I have tried this on my lips today. The balm does feel very nourishing and softening. There is a slight tingling from the menthol, but it is not uncomfortable on the lips. I am not overly keen on the scent as I don't really enjoy beeswax products. I don't really like dipping my fingers into products like this either, but I will use it anyway as it does appear on my first application to have a nourishing formula. These are currently on a 3 for 2 offer in the link above.


This is a non-toxic, cruelty free nail polish.

The shade Glossy Seal that I have has been especially formulated for the July GlossyBox so I don't think you will be able to get your hands on it, sorry. However there are some really gorgeous shades within the collection, including some fantastic duo chromes so check out the link above. I have not tried this brand of nail polish before so I hope it applies well and lasts well too.


This is a lightweight daily moisturiser that offers sun protection as well as revitalising, brightening and age-defying benefits. For normal, mature, blemish, oily and combination skin types. Apply to a cleansed face and neck.

This has a seal on it so I won't open it yet. This is another new brand to me so I will let you know how I find this product to work on my skin.

The stand out product for me in this box so far is the lipstick. It's such an impact shade that will instantly make you look like you have put a lot of effort into your make-up whether you have or not.

What were your favourite GlossyBox products this month? Let me know your thoughts on these products if you have used them before also in the comments below.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

AIRBASE MAKEUP HIGH DEFINITION HOME USE AIRBRUSH MAKE-UP SYSTEM

Hi sweeties. I am back today with an airbrush make-up review for you. Yes you heard me right airbrush make-up and HD none the less.






All of the above photos have not been edited so are true in colour and tone.





Currently includes a free Perfecting Primer worth £27.50! Other items in my kit were the Airbrush Thinner & Cleaner, Foundation in Light Medium FO02 & Medium FO03, Blush in BL02 Peach and a Mini Eye Shadow Palette.


Includes a light up mirror unit with compressor, mixing tray for foundations if using a brush, nozzle tool, airbrush nozzle, retractable hose, power plug, airbrush and product cup (shown below).


So now that I have shown you the results and the kit what do I think about the system? I was excited at trying a new way to apply my make-up, but a little nervous that I may end up spraying the floors and or walls of my house with make-up which is why I laid towels on my kitchen/diner floor to try this out. I however had no need to worry as the mist of make-up that is dispersed does not spray everywhere and is only released when you pull back on the green lever, even when the system is turned on. The make-up does not run once sprayed to your skin.

The Perfecting Primer feels lovely on the skin. Very silky and a good base for the product to cling to.

Once I had put all the parts together and emptied some foundation into the cup I could not get any product out. After adding more foundation to the cup and some thinner in case the foundation was too thick for the airbrush which it didn't look to be it still didn't work. I then tried tightening the nozzle (red part) more with the nozzle tool and the product started to come out. So as not to make the same mistake as me tighten the nozzle with your fingers, then give a half turn using the nozzle tool to allow the correct airflow through the airbrush. I applied the lightest shade of foundation all over my face and neck, paying extra attention to blemishes which you can move the airbrush a little closer for, but not too close or you will end up with obvious patches like I did. They were easily sorted though as I pressed a tissue over the area or just used my fingers to blend and went over the area again not so closely.

The darker foundation I used to contour my face. I simply sprayed out most of the previous foundation left in the cup onto a tissue and added the darker foundation to the little bit that was left to hopefully give a more seamless effect to my base and no obvious contrast, just definition. I think the foundation gives a matte slightly powdery finish once it has dried. It looks great in photos, but in real life I thought it looked like I was wearing more of a heavy base than I usually do. My boyfriend didn't think it looked that natural. I think the tones of foundation were okay to create a base and contour for me, but perhaps a little too dark and yellow toned. Not the worst match for my skin tone though.

Again I sprayed most of the remaining foundation out and applied the blush.

The eye palette I applied with my own make-up brushes:

white on my brow bones
gold to the inner corners and inner lids
purple in the crease, outer v and under the eyes
pink in the crease
blue on the outer v
grey in the crease, outer v and under the eyes

The mascara and lip gloss in this look are my own.

There was no need for me to use concealer with this make-up due to the medium/high coverage. Therefore this system I would perhaps recommend for those with rosacea or acne. The effect of this foundation was seamless not patchy as long as I did not get too close while working in circular motions.

Once you have this airbrush set up and working it's kind of fun to apply make-up in this way. I know I have been applying make-up differently for years, but for me I think it would take me too long to apply make-up like this though on a daily basis. 

Although the unit is not obviously noisy I apply make-up for work at about 6am so I know my boyfriend wouldn't appreciate me using this first thing. 

The lid on the product cup was quite tight so that made filling it with product a bit difficult to do trying to get it on and off, especially as there is a little hole in it that is meant to be there. 

The cleaning of the equipment was a bit hard to do because some of the parts are small and/or hard to reach and you don't want to cause damage to the more delicate parts of equipment. As you wouldn't want to leave make-up to dry in it I know I would get fed up of doing that every time I used it. 

Spraying the product on my skin was not an unpleasant experience though at all. It did not irritate my eyes (make sure you close your eyes when spraying close to them) and I did not feel like I was breathing in product through my nose or mouth.

I am very glad to have been able to borrow this system and experience using these products. If you love trying new things and being creative with make-up then maybe this innovative way of applying make-up is for you.

Find the kit here for more information as it is currently on offer for a limited time! Choose 3 make-up products to be included in your personalised kit from 7 shades of foundation, 2 blush shades or a bronzer.

Leave me your thoughts in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

OXYGENETIX OXYGENATING FOUNDATION

Hey there sweet peas. I have a foundation/skincare review for you from a brand that is very new to me and kindly sent me a sample.



When asked if I would like to try this foundation I jumped at the chance as a good make-up base and flawless finish is a make-up lovers dream. Well it is in my book anyway. 

This breathable foundation has a 'healthier skin' formula while providing complete coverage. Said to be summer friendly: sweat proof, transfer resistant, water-resistant, staying put all day, great for sensitive skin, covering and calming redness/sunburn and containing SPF25 (can also be used over a high SPF suncream). It can be slept in because it's good for the skin, but I did not do this as in my mind it is still make-up. It does not clog pores. There are no oils, fragrances, dyes or parabens.

Claiming to be far superior to any BB or CC cream as it soothes, heals and replenishes moisture loss while giving a flawless, natural finish. 

This medically based foundation safely camouflages with the ability to soothe laser work, surgical scars and third-degree burns. Also working well for skin issues such as wounds, rashes, cracked, dry skin, acne, rosacea, eczema, bruising and other skin conditions. Recommended also following chemical peels or microdermabrasion. The healing process is sped up due to the product formula.

Available in 7 blue based and 7 yellow based shades which can be mixed for the perfect combination of tone.

I asked if I could try the shade Pearl as I think this blue based shade would have been the best suited to my skin. Unfortunately I was sent the shade beige which is yellow based. It did add a nice warmth to my skin and I made it work, but obviously it wasn't the best shade to try as I wanted to try a blue based shade. I thought I should make that clear as part of this review.

Here is an example of me wearing the foundation in this video.


I think you will agree that it looks pretty flawless. This was on a very hot day when I was very stressed so it did well. I am wearing it here with my liquid concealer applied under my eyes and on only a couple of blemishes as the foundation covers so well. 

When I tried it for the first time along with my more heavy stick concealer it looked amazing for about an hour then began to go patchy and separate so if you stick with a lighter liquid concealer or simply build the foundation up you should be fine.

This is a very buildable product, but usually I would only use one pump to cover my entire face and neck. I did not use powder to set my base, but then I don't usually use one anyway. 

It did last really well every day that I have worn it for the last few weeks. It felt light on the skin evening everything out to give a very natural medium coverage that could be built to a more full coverage.

I applied it with a stippling brush, but it's recommended to be applied with a sponge or a foundation brush.

Here you will find more product information.

To purchase this foundation try beautyisskindeep.com or effortlessskin.com

Are medically based foundations something you have already tried or would like to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

TIMELESS TRUTH BIO CELLULOSE APPLE STEM CELL COLLAGEN FACIAL BEAUTY MASK

Hi lovelies. I hope your weekend has been fab as always. Mine has been okay until yesterday when I had a disaster that I won't go into because I am still upset about it now. Anyway moving on to today's post. I have a review of a face mask that was sent to me to test out for you.



Apple stem cells act in a very similar way to human skin cells helping to repair damaged tissue. Marine collagen helps to promote suppleness and elasticity reducing dehydration and visible signs of ageing, instead giving a plumping and softening effect. Suitable for all skin types.

This mask was very refreshing. After use my skin felt conditioned, hydrated and as if the moisture had been locked in. 

The mask seemed a bit big for me going over my hairline and stuck out a little on my chin. The eye parts were cut out, but still partly attached which wasn't an issue when using the mask, but I did wonder why they needed to be there. I have used this type of mask before and although it suggests to apply first to the chin and form around the face I prefer to align it around my eye areas first to ensure no product gets in my eyes. The mask is for single use and comes with a mesh backing that you simply peel away before applying. 

It is advised to use it for 15-20 mins 3-4 times per week for the best results. Once my 20 mins was up I peeled it off and discarded it. The excess serum left in the pack I applied to my face and neck for a few minutes more so as not to waste any product. There was no apple scent that was obvious to me anyway.

I think this product worked well in what it set out to achieve. My skin felt nourished and pampered with a definite hydration boost. I do think the weird eye parts and the fit of the mask could be a little better, but I guess everyone has different face shapes and sizes.

I have a few more masks from the Timeless Truth range to test out for you so look out for those soon.

Let me know your favourite type of face masks in the comments below with reasons why.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BIOCORREX UBER-SKIN PLUS COLLAGEN DRINK FINAL REVIEW

Hi all. I have uploaded my final thoughts on the BioCorrex Uber-Skin Plus Collagen Drink after testing and reviewing it over the past month.


I hope you enjoy lovelies. Leave me your thoughts in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

DHC REVITALIZING MOISTURE STRIPS: MOUTH

Hi my loves. I hope you have been enjoying the weekend and are having a relaxing Sunday so far. Today I have a review for you of an unusual product that was sent to me for free to test out for you.



These gel strip moisture masks are designed to target the lines that appear with age around your mouth. 

Within the pack are 6 individual packets with 2 strips each for the areas above and below your lip.

Application:

After cleansing and toning peel the strips from the backing and place the sticky side to your dry skin. The thinner strip at the top and the thicker strip at the bottom as shown in the photo above. Mine met at each side as you can see in my Instagram photo from yesterday @vickyayles

Leave them on for 20-30 mins or up to 2 hours for more conditioning. Gently peel off. Use 1-2 times per week.

When first applied they felt very refreshing and cooling which did lessen throughout the 30 mins I wore them. As I appeared from the bathroom my boyfriend cracked up and so did I. You do look strange with them on. I had to sit alone for 30 mins trying not to laugh as they did manoeuvre around a bit when I did. I don't think I could wear them for 2 hours as you can't talk, drink or eat which is no good for pamper nights with the girls either. They did not feel sticky or leave any residue on the skin. They do not have any liquid excess to them.

They did feel very hydrating and yes the skin around my mouth felt smooth, a little plumped and firm, but not tight. It was like new younger skin so I guess the anti-ageing purpose of this product does work. Compared to the rest of my face this area did look slightly more brightened, but not like I was wearing a white moustache and a beard so don't worry.

I don't have lots of lines around my mouth at the moment. I do have some if I screw my mouth up obviously, but that's not a pose I like to do that often, ha ha. If you smoke, already have lines around your mouth or think that this product is something that you would like to try anyway to hopefully prevent, lessen or delay their appearance then I would say give these a try.

As these seemed a little large for my mouth preventing me from talking, drinking and eating perhaps cutting them towards the outer parts before application to give me more freedom of movement would work better. Really those restrictions are the only bad thing I have to say about this product as they do work for me as in they smoothed and evened out my skin while brightening and making it more youthful in appearance and feeling.

This product launched on the 1st of July available at DHCUK.CO.UK, BeautyMART, Selfridges, Fenwick of Bond Street, Bentalls and John Bell & Croyden.

Is this the type of product that interests you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

SKINCARE, TANNING & FRAGRANCE

Hi lovelies it's good to know you are here. I have 4 product mini reviews for you all for your body.



I received this product in my March Beauty Blossom GlossyBox where you can find full product information. This was not a heavy cream and did absorb into the skin easily. The scent I like, but don't love.

OUTDOOR GIRL SUMMER LEGS TAN IN A CAN LIGHT/MEDIUM

I think I picked this up in a 99p Store in the hope that I might be lucky to find a product similar to the Sally Hansen airbrush legs product that so many people like, but I have not tried. As expected however I didn't like the look of the shade. I tested a patch on my leg and it looked like a yellowy orange tone. At least it wasn't expensive though. This does however come in a shade of medium/deep so perhaps that's a better tone for those with a darker complexion.


This was another Impulse body spray that I loved. I picked this up in the 99p Store, but it's currently reduced to 98p at Superdrug in the link above. It's a soft floral scent with an uplifting fruitiness of green apple and raspberry.


I was very kindly sent 2 of these cans by Impulse to try and I am still using it. Sometimes I find vanilla scented products a bit too sweet for my taste. This is a little too sweet when I first spray it. Think like creamy butter icing. However once it settles on my skin it changes into a more musky, feminine scent that is not overpowering. This is also reduced to 98p at Superdrug at the moment.

I hope you have enjoyed these body product reviews. Any body cream, tanning or fragrance recommendations please leave in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

IDEAL HEALTH SLIMATEE & DIGESTEE

Hi there gorgeous people. I have reviews for you today of two teas from Ideal Health at Holland & Barrett.



I tried this tea a couple of weeks ago in the hope that it would aid my digestion. This tea claims to help stimulate the metabolism and digestion of fats. You can take it at any time of day or after a heavy meal. I love trying out different types of tea, especially herbal. Unfortunately I could not even finish half a cup of this. It just tasted fowl. I think it was mainly the liquorice root with perhaps a bit of the ginger that just made it too unbearable for me. Coincidence maybe or not I didn't feel great later that day and into the next. My stomach was not in a good way with cramps, bloating and a general sluggish feeling. I won't buy these again.


First and foremost this tea should not be taken if you are pregnant, under 16 or suffering intestinal problems. One cup should be taken at night for up to 2 weeks in any 2 month period. I guess like other similar teas around at the moment this is a type of detox to clear your system of excess waste etc. This tea did taste nice. Not a distinct flavour for me, but I did drink a whole cup :) Afterwards I did panic a little expecting to be woken in the night with terrible cramps hoping I would make it in time for the loo. I made sure I had nowhere to be the next day when testing this for the first time. Although a bit nervous at the thought of what might occur the next day I was a little disappointed. Let's just say there was no drama and I would have been fine for a day trip out. I am not sure if because you can take it for 2 weeks at a time that perhaps I should have tried the whole 2 weeks, but with work and having to be here and there I didn't want to chance it. If you have tried this product or something similar perhaps you could advise me on this so I know if it is worth trying again.

At the moment Holland & Barrett have an offer of buy 1 get 1 half price mix and match if you are interested in trying these teas or others such as PURITEE & LAKSETEE both of which I have not tried.

I would also say that for any of you ladies taking the contraceptive pill please be careful when taking these products or something similar as if you do have diarrhoea this may effect your pill.

Please leave in the comments below any thoughts or recommendations of teas for those suffering IBS symptoms or wanting to detox their digestive system.



Many thanks,



Vicky xx

BARGAIN BEAUTY BUYS

Hi everyone and Happy Saturday. Today I have a couple of quick reviews for you so here they are.


JUST BABY 100 BABY SKINCARE WIPES

I think I picked up this bargain pack of 100 wipes from the 99p Store. I always try to buy baby wipes as opposed to regular face wipes if I'm not buying the exfoliating type as you usually get more in a pack and they are larger. These have a lovely baby soft smell, contain aloe vera and babassu oil and are not tested on animals.

DOVE HAIR THERAPY INTENSIVE REPAIR 60 SECOND TREATMENT SHOT

I received this product in my March Beauty Blossom GlossyBox where you can find full product information. This worked well as an intensive quick treatment. Great for softening and smoothing the hair and I got a few uses out of this tube. Available from Sainsbury's & Superdrug.

I hope you enjoyed these two mini reviews. Let me know your favourite facial skincare and haircare bargains in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

OUTFIT: 4TH OF JULY FEATURING CLOGGS FOOTWEAR

Hi lovelies. I missed blogging last week, but please forgive me as I was helping my Mum with some personal matters and my life in general was just a bit hectic.

Anyway on to the good stuff. I was recently contacted by CLOGGS.CO.UK and offered to choose some footwear so that I could style it up for you. I chose two very differently styles that I think fit in really well with my 4th of July inspired outfit.




















Check out CLOGGS.CO.UK now to find lots of great brands and a variety of styles all under one roof. Plus they have a great sale on ;)

T-Shirt ~ Primark

Skirt ~ Urban Outfitters (minus the braces)

Sunglasses ~ Pound Shop

Bag ~ A gift, but I believe Avon



Love to you all



Vicky xx

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