Vita Bella Repair and Protect Gel

Although I'm a beauty blogger, I fully admit that my skincare routine is dreadful. I accumulate masses of skincare products that I never use and when I get asked about my beauty routine whilst browsing beauty concessions I always lie. My mouth spills out: " Yes I do cleanse, tone and moisturise on a daily basis" yet my head says 'who on earth has time to do all that in a morning'. I'm more of a 'get up and go' type of girl. I put effort into doing my hair and applying my makeup, but anything else unless its a night out isn't deemed essential. Finding a skincare product that I will use on a regular basis is rare and the Vita Bella Aloe Vera & Olive Oil Repair and Protect Gel is one of those lucky products that has made the cut.

I don't know whether it's the fresh tingling sensation it leaves on my skin on a morning or the fact that the texture is wonderfully soft, but either way I'm hooked on this product. Anyone who has been anemic will know that dry skin can be such a horrible side effect and when you have the tiredness and baggy eyes to contend with everyday, dry skin is something you definitely want to avoid. I was recommended this product by a PR when I asked for products that are suitable for dry skin and so far I'm loving the results.

According to the website, Vitabella has over 200 natural compounds made up of 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins that creates a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect and the olive oil helps moisturise dried up areas and maintain hydration. The Geranium element of the product provides the refreshing vibe that you get once it's applied and Hyaluronic Acid is a mosituriser that can hold '1000 times its weight in water to keep the skin hydrated'.

After using this product only a handful of times I noticed quite a difference and that my skin feels so much smoother. I've been using it mainly as a base for my makeup so that it doesn't dry out my skin and something to refresh my face one I've taken off all my makeup at night. With the cold weather settling in and snow predictions on the way, it's a good idea to start stocking up on beauty items that will help combat the distressing signs of winter and the Vitabella Repair and Protect Gel is definitely a product I recommend putting on your shopping list.

The VitaBella Repair and Protect Gel is £20 and can be bought from www.myvitabella.co.uk.

What's your favourite winter beauty product?

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Beyond Organic Skincare

Being vegetarian for more years than I can remember, I've always loved looking around for organic non-animal tested brands, but sometimes they're not too easy to discover. In the past I've blogged about a few interesting brands that have given me products to trail and spread the word about and this time I've been sent some lovely products from the team behind Beyond Organic Skincare.

Beyond Organic Skincare is made with ethically sourced materials and are 100% natural and certificated organic products. The products are full with a variety of vitamins to help restore skin health and leave you looking your natural best. My initial trial of the products has left me blown away with some of the items and rather disappointed in another. As I always mention in my blog posts, just because a product doesn't agree with me, doesn't mean it won't be the perfect product for you. We all have different skin and different reactions, in the end it is purely down to what suits your skin needs.

The first products up for review was the Nourishing Day Cream and the Firming Eye Cream. Unfortunately the Nourishing Day Cream just wasn't for me and it made my skin a little bit itchy and oily. This may be due to the fact that I have highly sensitive skin and even some natural ingredients can bring me out in rashes - sometimes this can be quite a hassle for a beauty blogger. The Firming Eye Cream on the other hand was my favourite product I received. It's like a cheaper, more refreshing version of 'Clinique All About The Eyes' and works even better in my opinion. There's nothing worse than having tired eyes in the morning and this little tub has been my saviour. The fresh ingredients rejuvenated my eyes, not only making them feel firmer, but giving them a sparkly new leash of life by waking them up a little bit. I could easily see myself buying this product in the future, especially with my dissertation year coming up.

Alongside the firming eye cream, the 'Ultra Radiance Age Defying Cleanser' is up there with my favourite Beyond Organic Skincare samples. Although I've only used this cleanser once, I was shocked by how clear, refreshed and softer my face felt. It was a lovely feeling to experience after a long hard day.

The final item I was sent is the Shea Delight Moisturising bar. As much as this looks like the cutest little product ever, it didn't work wonders on me. The Shea delight moisturising bar is supposed to be an alternative to liquid moisturiser, where you simply rub it on your body and see the results. I'm sad to say that although it's a interesting concept and it did work slightly, I don't think it gave my body enough moisturising for me to be convinced to purchase it in the future.

The Beyond Organic Skincare range has left me wanting to try more products, but yet with a slight of hesitancy. The eye firmer and the anti ageing cleanser are products I'd buy again in a heartbeat, but as for the others, I'd probably have to see if Beyond Organic have any more suited products to my annoying sensitivity.

Have you tried this range before?

http://www.beyondorganicskincare.com/

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Summer Bundle Giveaway

Here's your chance to win a few items that should keep you're lips and eyes looking au natural and at their best on the beach this summer. There's a popcorn scrub to get those lips all soft, then an array of lip glosses to last you throughout the week. To finish off, I've added a waterproof mascara - essential for those of you who are swimming fanatics on holiday.

Entering is simple. Just fill out the form below and if you're under 16, obtain parental permission.

UK and Ireland only

(I will be doing an international giveaway soon, I promise)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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irresistible skin treats

Don't worry - I have had my eyebrows waxed since this photo *hides in shame*

Today has been rather pleasant and for the first time, I'm feeling almost my normal self. It's been a very difficult few weeks with exams and the added distress of losing a very close family member, but the sun has been shining, my work is close to completion and today has been full of productivity and positivity.   With all this happiness in mind, I thought I'd share with you a few of my latest treats that have made a positive impact in my life. Sometimes when you buy a new product, you don't realise that it will be the one - like realising a first date is going really well and you know you want to see him or her again. Most of these products are now items I couldn't bare to be without. From body scrubs to face masks, these little beauties have been injecting that little bit of happiness back into my life and making my daily grooming regime, a hell of a lot easier.

Sanctuary Spa Hot Body Scrub

Sanctuary Spa products are often hit or miss when it comes to my skin type. I've tried some skin care items that have dried out my skin, but others have made my skin radiant.  The Hot Body Scrub is definitely my favourite Sanctuary Spa product to date and something I really can't see myself living without.  For a start, the tub is massive. You can tell you're going to get your money's worth from this product and I've been using the scrub for several weeks now and it still looks almost untouched.  When you first apply this product, it feels really weird, but wonderful at the same time. When the sugar touches your body it feels like you're burning, but it soon settles down and your left with silky smooth skin. The after-scent of this product reminds me of sweeties and the seaside and I love everything about this product.  I've admitted many of times that skin care isn't something I easily get gripped on, but I can see myself repurchasing this body scrub over and over again.

Rose and Lemon Lip Balm

Doctors often say that a high percentage of pre-menopausal women will get anemia at some point in their lifetime and I've been one of them. This has been going on for several months now and whilst my iron tablets have been helping me beat the exhaustion, the dry skin and lips are still in dominant force. Due to this onset of illness and the amalgamation of exam stress, one of the items I've been purchasing a lot lately is lip balm. I've always been a fan of natural lip balms as I can't stand ones that leave your lips overly glossed or having an unfamiliar chemical scent.  The packaging on this product is very vintage inspired and something that I'm instantly drawn to when selecting my makeup. I like products that look elegant, even if they're only to moisten my lips. The Eve of St.Agnes lip balm has a heavenly scent of lemon and rose, infused by a mixture of oils and beeswax. I find that the lemon vastly overpowers the rose scents in this product, but I love how it reminds me of lemon sherbet. I've always loved anything infused with lemons or limes, so this product is perfect for me. The lip balm settles nicely once applied and feels soft, not sticky and I'm really impressed with the overall result.

http://www.eveofstagnes.com/

Completely my skin treats list are these two beautiful products from Ayurveda Pura. The brand belongs to an holistic spa in London and the company believe in products that help stimulate skin health and improve personal well being.  I was kindly sent both these samples to review and I've thoroughly enjoyed using them. My favourite has to be the clay mask, which is a lot less messier than other masks I've used in the past and smells surprisingly nice. My skin felt fresh and revived after using the product and it worked better than I originally anticipated. The exfoliating cream is great for those who would like a lighter skin care product. I really enjoyed the soft texture of this cream and the fact that it soaks into your skin without vigorous scrubbing. Would I repurchase any of these two products? Definitely.

http://www.ayurvedapura.com/

Have you tried any of these products before?

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Christmas Time

I can't believe how fast Christmas has come and gone. It feels like yesterday when I was secretly shopping for my fiances Google Nexus and now he's never away from it. Christmas is supposed to be a fun time with friends and family and I can happily report that my Christmas definitely exceeded my expectations. 

Drinking isn't usually on my top list of priorities, but I loved having a little tipple of my favourite Jack Daniels and Coke this Christmas Eve. I spent most of the night snuggled up on the sofa with James and watched Muppets Christmas Carol - Christmas is never the same without it. 

My table.

On Christmas day, I had my future in-laws over and my mother cooked a beautiful vegetarian meal for myself and turkey for the rest of the family. I think it's the first Christmas that she hasn't managed to burn something, she's definitely getting better at cooking each year. Having spent Christmas Eve at James' house and returning to mine in the morning, I loved seeing how much effort my mum had put into dressing the table. We always go overboard at Christmas - out comes the expensive china and the sparkling silver cutlery.

James feeding my dog alcohol - naughty boys.

James drinking alcohol.

I've been so spoilt with Christmas presents this year. I was told when I got older i'd get barely any presents, but each year I've been exceeding my parents expectations. My favourite present has to be my beautiful Pandora bracelet and my vintage newspapers from James. He knows me so well and I love being surprised by him, it's always something I will like. other presents include: surplus bath goodies, chocolates, my two year Marie Claire Subscription, La Vie Est Belle perfume by Lancome, books, teddies and yet another onesie. I was also given money before Christmas, which I spent on a few clothes - outfit posts will be coming in the New Year.

I've had such a wonderful Christmas and I've been such a lucky girl. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas 2012.

What did Santa bring you for Christmas?
♥♥♥

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