KIKO 24h Cream

Hello everyone, I hope you are all well!

It has been a while, but I am back! This year has just been complete madness, I have now finished university and will be graduating next week with a 2:1! I decided that I needed to put my blog on hold for a little bit to allow myself time to focus on getting my work done which has definitely paid off, I am so pleased with my final grade. I want to thank you for your patience whilst I've been away and what better way to kick-start my blog again than with a review of my current favourite moisturiser...

I was initially given this moisturiser as a sample and fell it love with it straight away! I loved it so much I decided to go out and buy it and I have been using it ever since. KIKO 24h Cream makes my face feel super smooth and the best thing about it... it doesn't break me out!

KIKO 24h Cream 50ml - £11.90 (more info)

If you haven't heard of this brand before or want to know more about it then head over to their website: kikocosmetics.co.uk.

"KIKO MILANO is a leading Italian brand of cosmetics, make-up and skin care products. KIKO MILANO offers safe and effective beauty products as well as face and body treatments of the highest quality, created to satisfy women of all ages."

This product by KIKO is a moisturising and energising cream that is recommended for normal to dry skin, however, you are all aware that I have combination to oily skin and this product works amazingly well for me. I use this as my night-time moisturiser rather than during the day, I prefer to wear something lighter and more mattifying during the day. I use this before bed after I've cleansed my face and I allow it time to soak in - if I was to use this product as my day moisturiser then I would look super shiny by lunch time! For those of you who have dryer skin though, this product could work brilliantly as both a day and night-time moisturiser.

Directions

I use this product after cleansing in the evening and apply it to my face, neck and neck line.


Summary

(Pictures taken with Nikon D3100)

I have noticed such a big improvement in the texture and look of my skin. My makeup seems to glide on much more smoothly than it did before.

Pros

• Smells lovely
• Feels nice on the skin
• Very moisturising
• Contains SPF15
• Hypoallergenic (formulated to ensure minimum instance of allergic reactions)
• Non comedogenic (doesn't clog pores)
• Paraben free
• Simple, clean-looking packaging

Cons

• Might be slightly too heavy for oilier complexions (Personally I like the consistency of this moisturiser because it's exactly what I look for in a night cream)

If you haven't tried any products by KIKO yet, then I suggest you do! I have a feeling this won't be the last post involving this brand!

What is your current favourite moisturiser? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

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Summer care for dry hair.

Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying the glorious weather we are having!

Today I'm going to share my coconut oil hair mask with you.

As you probably all know, it is extremely important to look after your hair all year round but during the summer months is when I pay extra care and attention to my hair. A lot of sun exposure can take its toll on you hair, causing it to become dry and brittle. I find using this coconut oil mask at least once every 2 weeks is very beneficial for my hair.

Why is coconut oil so good for your hair?

• It stimulates hair growth, improves strength and flexibility by working deep into the follicles.
• It can help to fight dandruff and provides relief from dryness on the scalp.
• It adds shine, softens and moisturises dry hair.
• Preserves hair's natural proteins, which helps repair damage such as breakage and split ends.

Coconut oil is also good for your skin and is known to have health benefits (but I'll save that for another post!)


What you will need:

• pure/organic virgin coconut oil (available in all supermarkets and Boots)
• wide tooth comb
• shower cap or plastic bag (optional)
• bowl
• tablespoon
• towel

Directions:

1. Start with dry hair. 
2. Using a wide tooth comb, gently comb through your hair to get rid of any knots.
3. Part your hair down the middle and then part the top and bottom sections of you hair and tie or clip each section up. (you should have four sections of hair in total.)
4. Place a little coconut oil in a bowl and heat in the microwave until it has mostly melted and is of a runny consistency. (If your hair is long and thick, start with a tablespoon and add more to the bowl as you work through the sections of your hair. If you have fine or short hair, start with half a tablespoon - you can always add more, a little oil goes a long way.)
5. Starting with one quarter of your hair, apply the oil onto the ends of your hair and work your way up to your scalp or vice versa. Add more oil when needed, your hair should be completely saturated with the oil. Repeat this step on the other sections of your hair.
6. Once the oil is distributed, comb the oil through your hair from roots to ends.
7. Place your hair in a loose bun or clip and cover with a shower cap.
8. Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour.
9. Shampoo you hair twice and make sure you work the shampoo thoroughly through your hair before rinsing.
10. Apply a leave-in conditioner (this is optional) and style your hair as normal. If you are using heat appliances, don't forget to use heat protection spray on your hair.

et voilà, you should now have soft, shiny, manageable hair! 

 

(Pictures taken with Canon A3300is)

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful!

Please remember, I am not a professional hairdresser. I try my best to research everything before I try it out for myself. I have been doing this routine for a number of years and find that it works for me. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments section and I will answer them as best as I can.

Do you have any 'holy grail' hair masks that you use regularly? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Natasha Carly x

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MesmerEyez Coloured Lenses - Review

Hello everyone, I hope you are well.

Today I'm going to be reviewing some coloured contact lenses by MesmerEyez.

I have always been interested in how makeup can look on different eye colours and have wanted to experiment with  coloured contacts for a while now, I have seen a few beauty bloggers and many beauty vloggers on YouTube using coloured lenses in their makeup tutorials and it looks like a lot of fun!

I decided to try out 'Sea Green' from the MezmerEyez Naturalz collection. I recieved the coloured lenses (which can be used for 3 months), a lenses case and a 60ml bottle of cleaning solution. An instruction leaflet is also included which provides all of the information you need to use the contact lenses safely and correctly.

The lenses can be purchased on colouryoureyes.com from £4.99. They offer free UK postage and shipping as well as free international shipping on orders over £10. Contact lenses that can be used from 1-3 months also come with a bottle of free cleaning solution and lens case.

What they say - "Our mission at MesmerEyez is to be the company that best understands eye colour change. To lead, innovate and bring our customers the most comprehensive choice with the best quality and comfort."

This was my first experience of trying any type of contact lenses so I was a little apprehensive about putting them in at first but I watched the online tutorials of how to put them in and remove them which can be viewed here, I have to say this really helped me out and I found that the contact lenses were easy to use. Mesmereyez.com has a FAQ section, so if there is anything you are unsure about you can read more about the lenses before you buy them.

I was very surprised that the lenses covered my natural eye colour! I have heard of many people who have problems with lenses not making any difference on their eye colour but I didn't have that problem with these lenses. I have dark brown eyes so I was unsure whether the lenses would make any change to my eyes but they covered my eye colour perfectly without looking artificial and fake. These lenses are fabulous and the colour selection is fantastic, I will definitely be ordering more!

Pros

• Great colour variety
• Huge selection and style of lenses
• Soft, comfortable lenses
• Easy to use
• Covers my natural eye colour perfectly

Cons

• My eyes did feel slightly dry after wearing the lenses for a long amount of time. (I don't think this is a problem with the product itself but more because I am not used to wearing contact lenses)

Directions/tips for use

• Wash and dry your hands before using the lenses.
• The lenses should be rinsed and soaked for at least 6 hour each time they are removed to ensure they have been disinfected thoroughly.
• Carefully rinse each side of the lens for at least 5 seconds making sure all the debris and deposits are removed.
• Place lens in the correct compartment of the lens case that is provided and fill with fresh solution.
• Allow to soak for the amount of time stated.
• Before inserting lens into eyes rinse thoroughly and discard any left over solution.
• Refresh the solution in the lens case every 7 days when lenses are not in use.

Overall I enjoyed trying out the lenses and have to say my first experience using coloured lenses was amazing! The website offers a variety of colours and styles of lenses, there is definitely something for everyone whether you're wanting something for fancy dress or even if you are simply wanting to try out a new eye colour. I had so much fun playing around with different makeup looks and styles with these lenses.

 

(Pictures taken with Canon A3300is)

I would recommend these lenses to anyone, whether you are trying them out for the first time or if you are a more experienced user of lenses. 

What do you think about coloured contacts? Have you tried this brand before? Let me know!

For more information about MesmerEyez visit their Facebook page - facebook.com/MesmerEyez

Natasha Carly x

 Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin' / Pinterest

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*Disclaimer PR sample - My opinions are still 100% honest

Be good to your skin with Astral!

Hello everyone, I hope you are well!

Today I'm going to be sharing a review of 2 moisturisers that I have been loving over the past month.

The moisturisers are by Astral, a brand which I know is quite popular among people with mature skin (like my Grandma) however I think these moisturisers are brilliant and it's never too early (or late) to start looking after your skin!

Here are the moisturisers I am going to be reviewing:-  

Astral Original Moisturising Cream 200ml* - £4.48 (more info) 

This original formula is a rich hydrating moisturiser that is mainly aimed at protecting mature skin, it is suitable for use all over which means it can be used on your hands, body and face. I do have to mention here that I don't use multi-purpose moisturisers on my face as my skin is oily and sometimes sensitive but if you have very dry skin, this product can be used as a makeup remover too! I find this product is perfect for the extremely dry parts of my body such as my legs, feet and elbows.

I really love how my skin feels after using this moisturiser it is just beautiful, it absorbs instantly into my skin and isn't in the slightest bit greasy or oily, which has been a problem for me in the past with other intensely hydrating moisturisers. You don't have spend too much time standing (in my case dancing) around in the nude waiting for it to dry.

This product has quite a 'soapy' scent to it, which some of you might not be keen on but personally I don't think it's too bad although I do usually prefer a more subtle scent.

Pros

• Creamy
• Hydrating
• Absorbs quickly
• Good value for money

Cons

• Could be slightly heavy for oily skin types 
• Slightly 'soapy' fragrance

Astral Light & Creamy Moisturiser 200ml* - £4.28 (more info)

(Pictures taken with Nikon D3100)

Astral say this formula helps to prevent skin aging however I do think it greatly benefits younger skin similar to mine and those of us who are not yet too worried about wrinkles and skin aging. This formula is much lighter than the original and it is enriched with the benefits of Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. 

Vitamin E: helps reduce the appearance of age spots, fade scars and stretch marks, and helps maintain skin’s natural moisture levels.

Aloe Vera: renowned for its intensely soothing and moisturising properties and perfect for sensitive skin, it also helps improve skin tone and has the unique ability to stimulate cell renewal.

I feel this formula works like a dream on my face, as it is a much lighter moisturiser and works better with my oily skin. Very similar to the original formula, this can be used anywhere on the body and face.

I have used this cream to remove my foundation and it works very well! I have avoided using this around my eye area though as I am very fussy about what creams a lotions I use on my eyes. The moisturiser is hydrating and soothing on the skin and I feel that it leaves a gorgeous glow to my skin. It is definitely one of those products that I get excited about using when I've showered, to me it feels like a luxurious product without the expensive price tag!

Pros

• No residue
• Absorbs quickly
• Light texture
• Light, fresh fragrance 
• Contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

Cons 

• I honestly can't think of any for this product!

Overall I really love these moisturisers but if I had to pick a favourite it would definitely be the Light & Creamy formula! I would highly recommend this moisturiser to anyone who is wanting to try something different. I was slightly sceptical about this product at first as I initially associated it with my Grandma but I have to say, she's got great taste!

These moisturisers are available in Boots and Superdrug as well as UK supermarkets and chemists.

Have you ever tried Astral or anything similar? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

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*Disclaimer PR sample - My opinions are still 100% honest

CreaClip - Review

Hello everyone, I hope you are well!

Today I am going to be reviewing a hair product called the CreaClip.

The CreaClip is a tool you can use that helps to make cutting your hair at home a lot easier! You can use it to keep on top of your current hair styles between salon visits, or if you are like me and you prefer cutting your own hair regularly rather than spending a lot of money at a salon. I prefer styling my own hair and have been doing it myself for a long time now.
 

I was so happy when I came across this product as it has made cutting my hair so much easier than my usual routine.

CreaClip set* - £19.99

What they say:-  

Cut your own hair at home with professional results. For easy and precise cuts everytime! Great for cutting children's hair, trimming bangs, creating layers, or just maintaining a hairstyle between cuts-anytime, any place!

   

In the Creaclip set you get:-

• One small CreaClip - For short hair and fringes/bangs
• One Large Curved CreaClip- For long hair and layers

The CreaClip set contains 2 products that help you to cut length off your hair, trim your fringe or add layers.

Each clip comes in two sizes, they both have a rotating level which means you can cut your hair straight so you aren't left with uneven styles.  You can lock the clip into place which helps to secure your hair without the hassle of the clip moving around.

(pictures taken with Canon A3300is)

General instructions for using the clip:-

1. Use on clean, dry hair.
2. Use mirror when trimming your own hair.
3. Comb out all knots and tangles.
4. Use sharp haircutting scissors.
5. Sit or stand straight.
6. Make sure the level is balanced by checking to see if the bubble is between the two lines. 

Instructions for cutting hair (one length)

1.  Tilt chin forward to chest and clip the long curved CreaClip as close as possible to the hair roots.
2. Adjust the clip until leveled (use a mirror for this step) and slide clip down to desired length you want to cut.
3. Bring the hair forward and trim along the bottom of the clip using horizontal or vertical cuts.

*For thick hair you will need to section your hair. I usually split my hair into three sections.

Also if your hair is curly, cut off less! You need to remember that curly hair springs back and will look much shorter than it would on straight hair.*

I did find it a little difficult to cut my hair own my own at first but there are many step by step videos on the CreaClip website and YouTube that will help to show you how to do it and once you get the hang of it, it is very simple!

Pros

• Lock to secure product whilst cutting your hair
• Rotating level for precise cuts
• Teeth to help comb out hair and distribute evenly 
• Easy to use
• Saves money

Cons

• Only available online

Overall this product is brilliant!  I have used it a few times already and I love it! 

If you want to try out the CreaClip and you live in the UK or Europe then you can visit the CreaClip website, they have a warehouse in the UK for fast shipping and no customs charges all over Europe.

What do you think about this product? Have you used anything similar? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin'

Follow in Instagram @prettylittlelives 

*Disclaimer PR sample - My opinions are still 100% honest

Garnier BB Cream - combination/oily skin

Hello everyone, I hope you are well!

Today I'm going to be sharing a review on the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for combination to oily skin.

Garnier BB Cream combination to oily skin (Light) - £9.99 

(I got this on offer for £7.49 from Superdrug however I would happily pay the full amount!)

I was slightly apprehensive about trying this BB cream at first because a while back I ordered a sample of the original Garnier BB cream and didn't have a very good experience with it at all. It didn't agree with my skin whatsoever and the consistency was far too thick and I found it to be quite greasy! 

Luckily this BB cream is nothing like the original which is a pleasant surprise! It has a more watery and runny consistency which in my opinion is much better. It hasn't broken me out! (woohoo) and it also manages to keep shine and oil under control for much longer than my regular foundation I was using previous to this (double woohoo!)

I have COMPLETELY cut out foundation from my make up routine... yes that's right! No more foundation for me and my skin is definitely enjoying the benefits of being 'foundation free'. The texture and appearance of my skin has transformed majorly since using this product. I'm not saying it is 100% spot free and my skin is in now way perfect, but the change is still very noticeable!

Directions

Smooth Miracle Skin Perfector on to clean skin, as you would your normal moisturiser. 
To increase coverage, just add another layer!

• I apply this using my fingers after cleansing my face, I do use this alongside my regular moisturiser as I think it applies much more evenly and it glides onto the skin much better.

Summary 

Pros:

• Oil free
• Non comedogenic
• Keeps shine at bay
• Contains SPF 20
• Light to medium coverage
• Evens skin tone

Cons:

• Limited colour range (only available in light or medium) 
• I think the packaging could be improved slightly as the product tends to leak out into the lid.

Overall I think this product is brilliant and definitely worth a go! I would recommend this product to anyone with combination to oily skin who is wanting to try a BB cream for the first time but is unsure about which one to try.

(Pictures taken with iPhone 4s)

What is your favourite BB cream? Have you tried this one? Let me know!

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin'

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*Please be aware that any offers or prices mentioned in my posts may have changed by the time you read them.*

February Favourites

Hello everyone, I hope you are well! 

Here are my favourite products of last month. 

Face

Nivea Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes (normal & combination skin) - Superdrug £2.99
I usually use the Simple Cleansing Wipes but they were out of stock when I went to the store, so instead I picked up the Nivea wipes and I'm glad I did! I have been enjoying them a lot more than the Simple facewipes, they smell amazing and leave my face feeling clean and soft.

Maybelline Colossal Volum Express The Rocket Mascara (Very black) - Superdrug £7.99
I went into Superdrug to repurchase my usual mascara which is the Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eyes (the yellow one - these names are far too long for my liking!) When I got to the till I was asked if I wanted to try the Rocket one as it was on offer, after requesting to take a look at the wand before purchasing and with very little persuasion I decided to give it a go! At first I was a little unsure about this mascara as I'm not really a fan of the 'plastic bristle' wands but I find this wand is much more flexible than the other harder plastic brushes I've tried in the past and now I am in love with this mascara! It spreads out my eyelashes without clumping and gives me great volume and length - although my eyelashes don't look quite like they do on the advert!

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara - Fragrance Direct £6.50
My boyfriend gave me this as a gift from as part of a Wowcher deal and it was love at first sight! This mascara is brilliant, my eyelashes always look amazing after using this. I tend to use this mascara alongside my main mascara - this is my personal preference as I like the look I get when I layer up my mascaras. However I do wear this on its own on days where I'm not wearing much makeup or if I want a more subtle, natural look.

Hair

Edward Beale Ultra Gloss Argan Oil (normal/coarse thick hair) - TK Maxx £9.99
I found this in TK Maxx last year when I was browsing through the hair care and beauty section. I think this store is amazing, I always find something new to try out and everything I find is usually very reasonably priced!
I have tried many hair oils but it's always nice to try out more! The thing I like about this oil is that it is very lightweight on  my hair and doesn't way it down, it also smells good! I use this on towel dried hair and then go ahead and style my hair as usual. It always feels soft and looks shiny after using this.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Conditioner - TK Maxx £12.99
My boyfriend's sister bought this back from America for me and I fell in love with it, it seriously is a miracle product! I didn't want to like this product as much as I do because it's not easy to get hold of in the UK (as far as I know) and I know I would have been rather upset when it had ran out. Luckily TK Maxx came to my rescue just in the nick of time! I noticed them when I was Christmas shopping in Manchester so decided to stock up on a few! My hair has never felt so good! I use this every time I wash my hair, it detangles my hair in no time and leaves it feeling soft and extremely moisturised.

Lips

I have had extremely chapped lips for the past few months and these lovely products have been getting me through! As well as my homemade sugar and honey lip scrub! 

Nivea Pearly Shine - Superdrug £1.49
I like this lip balm as it gives me a sheer pink tint on the lips which means I can have a hint of colour on my lips at the same time as moisturising them.

EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm (organic) - Amazon £6.99 
Boots now stock a different version of these lip balms called 'Balmi' they cost £4.99 and contain SPF. I don't know how good they are as I haven't tried them for myself but I'm sure they do the same job if not, better!

Vaseline (with Aloe Vera) - Boots £1.99
This is my favourite Vaseline out of all of them mainly because of the smell!  It also works really well under lipsticks.

Nails

(pictures taken with Canon A3300is)

Essie We're in it together- available at Boots £7.99
I have been loving this nail polish as you probably know from my previous blog posts! (take a look here). The colour is gorgeous and I love how it looks on my nails. I actually got this when it was on offer on the Fragrance Direct website but I'm not sure if they stock this colour anymore.

Barry M Diamond Glitter - Boots £2.99
I love the Barry M glitter polishes, I really need to get more! They are a simple way to jazz up your nails when you don't have time for fancy nails designs and patterns.

Nail Art Fine Painting Brushes - Ebay £2.69
I have been looking around for more nail tools in the hope that if I practice nail designs more often then I'll get better at them. These are really easy to use and the fine brush tips make nail designs much simpler to do if you're a beginner like myself I would definitely recommend getting some brushes like these.

What were your February favourites?

Natasha Carly x

Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton 

Follow on Instagram - @prettylittlelives

*Please be aware that any offers or prices mentioned in my posts may have changed by the time you read them.*