M.A.C Frosted Firework Collection

 Ladies and Gents, the M.A.C Frosted Firework Collection is here and ready to explode into your life in a captivating, sparkly array of festive hues and dazzling shades.

Comprising of breath-taking, limited-edition colours for the eyes, lips and skin the collection shines brightly and boldly like a firework, ready to enchant you with their luminous visage.

 

 

Each splendid gem has been wrapped in specially designed, elegant and chic frosted pink complete with a glittering flare-embossing that catches both the light and your imagination. 

I am completely enchanted by this ravishing collection thanks to its dazzling tones which make it perfect for the forthcoming festive season.

 

 

Once Bitten, Icy Shy is one of the exquisite  Lipsticks (£17.50) from the new range.

Housed within the beautiful pearly pink bullet you’ll find a brilliant sheer white, pearlescent shade.

 

 

Offering a nourishing, soft finish it creates a sparkly, shimmer look and is perfect for adding those special touches to your lip look.

It can be worn alone though thanks to its hydrating qualities I like to use it as almost a balm over lip colour for that added shimmer and light-reflecting sparkle.

Speaking of light-reflecting sparkle, have you seen the new Lipglasses (£16.50)?

 

 

Available in 5 stunning Christmas-shades, these sleek glosses offer ultra-high shine with a glass like finish.

Silky soft and non gloppy or tacky, they glide across your lips conditioning and smoothing while they go creating the appearance of a fuller pout.

 

Enriched with jojoba oil, they hug and comfort your lips imparting moisture and nourishment while their array of beautiful semi-sheer hue’s allow them to be worn alone or over lipstick.

Apply a delicate slick for a subtle sheen or layer for a more pigmented, dramatic colour depending on your mood or occasion.

I tested out three of the shades, each of which is beautiful in its own way.

 

 

Spark Joy offers a beautiful, bright translucent pearl while Break The Ice creates a warm, peachy-pink complete with flecks of festive gold.

Set Me Off is the most vibrant of the collection with its rich, warm purple-berry tones.

It’s not just lips that get the star treatment though, let’s not forget the windows to your soul!

 

 

Cooler Than Being Cool is one of 5 Extra Dimensional Foil Eye Shadows (£17.50).

This luminous, iridescent eye colour features a brilliant white with multi-coloured pearl pigment for eyes that dazzle.

 

 

Lightweight in texture, exceptionally soft and finely milled it contains a highly pigmented colour pay off with a stunning metallic-shimmer finish.

Ideal for using at the corners of your eyes to widen, brighten and reflect the light the silky powder boasts long-lasting wear of up to 8 hours without creasing or fading.

 

 

Simply Spectacular!

The M.A.C Frosted Firework Collection is available now nationwide and online.

The Body Shop Make It Real Together Big Advent Calendar

 Christmas is coming and there’s no better way to get that festive feeling than with a Body Shop Advent Calendar.

This year they are offering three fantastic calendars ranging from £50 up to £130.

I took a look at their mid-priced calendar, the Make It Real Together Big Advent Calendar (£70).

 

 

This jolly red calendar is sizeable and impressive!

Featuring a host of fun, festive illustrations featuring people decorating a tree, Christmas jumpers, gingerbread men, mistletoe and many more, it’s not just a treat for your body but a delight for your eyes too.

Beautifully presented, open the front and enter the house shaped calendar to find a mix of 25 different shaped and sized boxed pieced together as a complete jigsaw puzzle.

Upon removing and opening a box you’ll find not only a daily skincare, bodycare, haircare or cosmetic treasure, but the sides of the boxes feature a suggestion for little acts of kindness you could undertake to help make the world a better place.

 

 

Suggestions such as ‘Give a homeless person more than money, give them a smile and a hot drink instead’ , ‘Put a little gift back into this box, now give it to someone awesome’ and ‘ Pamper while you watch your favourite Christmas movie together’ is a delightful little extra that encourages you to remember the real magic of Christmas.

‘The real magic of Christmas is always made together’ is text which is featured on the inner door of the calendar and helps to remind you to be kind and thoughtful during a time which can be anything but joyful for millions of others.

I love this special touch that The Body Shop has with its calendars because as they say, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Once you’ve been left feeling inspired and humbled, its time to take a look inside your little box and see what treasure is awaiting you in the lead up to the big day.

 

 

This post does feature spoilers and while I’ve not photographed every item included I have written a description for you.

Don’t worry though, you wont know which day holds which gift!

This bumper calendar contains an impressive array of key items and hero products from across the expansive Body Shop collection of skincare, bodycare, hair care and cosmetics ranges.

You can ensure that you will be treated to items that that will allow you to pamper yourself from top to toe in this impressive offering.

 

 

So without further ado, these are the little gems that you’ll find awaiting you in this calendar.

Coconut Hand Cream 30ml

This handbag must-have is cute and compact, perfect for on the go nourishment.

Formulated with Community Fair Trade organic virgin coconut oil from Samoa and Community Fair Trade shea from Ghana, it is infused with the scent of deliciously sweet and soft coconuts.

Lightweight yet deeply rich, the gel-cream formula is quickly absorbed leaving your hands feeling soft and pampered.

Vitamin C Glow Sheet Mask 18ml

This brightening, rejuvenating mask works in just 15 minutes to nourish and revive dull, tired skin.

Enriched with vitamin C-rich camu camu and Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera, this mask awakens tired skin and offers long lasting hydration.

Bath Lily made with recycled plastic

A bathing must-have, this soft puff has been made sustainably with 100% recycled materials and gently buffs away dead skin while frothing up your shower gel to perfection.

 

 

Layers of Fun Nail File

Keep your nails in tip top condition with this multi layered nail file.

Tear off a layer (there’s 6) to reveal a fresh file with each layer featuring a fun slogan.

Coconut Lip Butter 10ml

Be transported somewhere warm and exotic with this decadent balm.

 Infused with organic virgin coconut oil and shea butter, this rich, buttery balm helps to keep your lips beautifully soft and nourished while its sweet scent evokes images of a tropical paradise.

Mango Shower Gel 60ml

This fresh, fruity and addictive shower gel brightens up any bathing ritual thanks to its deliciously refreshing and reviving scent.

Enriched with mango extract, it gently cleanses without stripping your skin of essential moisture, frothing up delightfully for a truly comforting, bubbly experience.

 

 

Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo 250ml

Treat your locks to a truly fruity experience with this nourishing shampoo.

Formulated with organic bananas rich in vitamins, minerals and natural oils, this  rich creamy shampoo gets to work to gently cleanse your hair while imparting much needed nourishment and leaving behind a delectable sweet scent.

Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask 15ml

Prep, prime and purify your skin to perfection with this gorgeous face mask.

Made with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan foothills, green tea leaves and a little Community Fair Trade tea tree oil, this oil-absorbing charcoal clay mask helps to balance and deeply cleanse your skin after only 5-10 minutes.

Shea Hand Cream 30ml

A bodycare hero, this rich, softly scented hand cream effortlessly nourishes and softens dry hands with shea butter from Ghana.

 

 

Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel 60ml

This delightfully zesty, refreshing scent is the perfect shower product to use in the mornings to revive your spirit and set you up for the day ahead.

Infused with pink grapefruit seed oil it leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soft and lightly scented.

Coconut Fragranced Bath Bubble 28g

This fun and fizzling bath bomb comes in a cute blue, heart shape and fills your bath with the tropical aroma of sweet coconut.

Simply hold under warm running water and transform your bath into a frothy, decadent bathing experience.

Camomile Gentle Eye Make-up Remover 250ml

Effortlessly remove stubborn eye make up with this gentle cleanser.

Enriched with camomile extract, this hero product is suitable for use on even sensitive skin and quickly gets to work to melt away even waterproof mascara without having to scrub the delicate eye area.

Vitamin E Moisture Cream 50ml

This gorgeous little pink pot of nourishment is infused with a combination of vitamin E and raspberry seed oil to help provide up to 72 hours of refreshing hydration.

Silky and lightweight in texture, it is quickly absorbed into your skin leaving it feel instantly softer and hydrated all day long.

 

 

Nicaraguan Coffee Intense Awakening Mask 15ml

This self warming intense facial mask has been enriched with a powerful blend of coffee bean particles from Nicaragua and Community Fair Trade ingredients from around the world to gently exfoliate your skin while clearing impurities leaving your skin looking refined, toned and revived.

Banana Truly Nourishing Conditioner 250ml

The perfect companion to the Banana Shampoo, this decadent, rich, creamy conditioner effortlessly conditions and softens hair for locks that shine with health, all while smelling of beautiful, fruity bananas!

Strawberry Softening Body Butter 50ml

Developed for normal to dry skin, this sumptuous body butter offers 28 hours of intense hydration.

Enriched with strawberry seed oil and shea butter it is wonderfully soft and rich and imparts the sweetest aromas of ripe strawberries onto your skin.

It is simply divine.

 

 

Nairobi Camellia Matte Lip Liquid 8ml

This long lasting, non drying lip colour offers a generous colour pay off paired with marula oil and beeswax to ensure your lips stay feeling soft and comfortable while your lip colour stays put all day long.

Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask 18ml

This on trend sheet mask quenches dehydrated skin in just 15 minutes.

Enriched with Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and wheatgerm oil this pampering mask locks in hydration and leaves your skin feeling instantly softer, smoother and re-plumped with moisture.

British Rose Shower Gel 60ml

Featuring a beautiful, floral bouquet of elegant rose this refreshing, timeless shower gel brings the outside into your shower.

Mango Lip Butter 10ml

Formulated with mango seed oil, this creamy, rich butter instantly rehydrates dry lips leaving behind a delicate hint of sweet, juicy, tropical mangos!

 

 

Pink Grapefruit Fragranced Bath Bubble 28g

This pink, heart shaped bubble bath is perfect for indulging in a moment of bliss while you bathe.

Refreshing notes of grapefruit transform your bath into a refreshing, zesty juicy pink treat!

Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash 125ml

This delicate facial wash helps to cleans your skin without stripping it or causing dryness.

Formulated with vitamin E and wheatgerm oil the softer than soft creamy cleanser gently lathers to reveal brighter, healthier looking skin.

Star Headband

This fun, festive hand band is perfect for keeping your hair out of your face and away from your products while you indulge in your daily skincare regime.

 

 

Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask 18ml

The third sheet mask included within the calendar, this beauty purifies and balances your complexion while adding moisture.

Formulated for combination skin it mattifies and nourishes in 15 minutes with a blend of cucumber extract, mineral-rich seaweed and Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera.

Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Restoring Body Butter 200ml

Last but by no means least is this rich butter for sensitive skin.

Enriched with honey and organic almond milk with a decadent, soft scent that’s as sweet as honey, it helps to ease dry to very dry skin types by drenching your skin in superior, long lasting hydration.

 

 

So there you have it!

This look good, does good, feel good calendar is one of the best out there and is available now online and in store and retails for £70.

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid Foundation

Everlasting Youth Fluid is the latest foundation launch from Clarins and it’s a little bit special.

This illuminating concentrate is a makeup/skincare hybrid thanks to its superior skin care qualities paired with exceptional makeup expertise.

Specially formulated to help restore a youthful radiance to your complexion, it contains a cocktail of skin tightening, anti-pollution, collagen boosting ingredients that work to perfect your skin while a skin tone optimising complex brightens and evens out skin tones.

But how does this work?

The lightweight fluid contains chicory which helps to boost collagen while red jania extract improves the reflection of light on the surface of your skin by encouraging the removal of dead cells through exfoliation.

Plumping konjac micropearls combine with nourishing argan oil and skin tightening organic sugar oats to help leave your skin feeling fuller, firmer and beautiful.

Organic nipplewort, organic white horehound and furcellaria help to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the environment which along with SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection ensures long lasting sun protection.

In short, you’re left with a foundation that protects against pollution, protects against sun damage and allows skin to breathe while imparting superior hydration.

That’s pretty mega for a product that is not specifically skincare I’d say!

In terms of the makeup elements of the fluid, the formula has been boosted with a skin tone optimising complex which helps to combat the loss of radiance with age.

A combination of pigments, pink pearls and soft focus powders help to even out your complexion, blur imperfections and create a more radiant you.

I would say that the foundation itself offers light to medium coverage. Its texture is rich and creamy yet when applied it glides across your skin effortlessly and doesn’t feel at all heavy or clogging.

Lightweight yet with a decent amount of coverage, it instantly perks up a dull complexion whist blurring minor imperfections and evening out my skin tone.

Unlike some foundations which feel like they instantly sap moisture from your skin, Clarins Everlasting Youth Foundation is really comfortable and pleasant to wear.

My skin feels hydrated throughout the day but equally it managed to control my oily t-zone with relative ease.

I love the idea of looking after and protecting your skin while indulging in cosmetics and this is something that Clarins does expertly.

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid is available now in 24 shades and costs £35.

The Body Shop New CBD Collection

 Your skin puts up with a lot. From pollution to hormones, changes in weather to environmental aggressors.

For me, stress is one of the biggest issues I experience with my skin.

When I’m feeling stressed, my skin is often the first thing to react. I’ll break out, experience sensitivity and generally end up with a dull, grey complexion.

 

 Lucky for me then that The Body Shop have just launched a new collection aimed at targeting stressed skin and it features the new buzz ingredient of the year, CBD.

 Enriched with natural-origin CBD, vegan squalane and hemp seed oil this new skincare trio have been created to smooth, soften and restore your skins moisture levels.

Hemp seed oil (also known as cannabis sativa oil) is a big deal these days, however The Body Shop have actually been harvesting this hero hydrator since 1992. 

 

 

Hemp itself is grown for fibres, seeds and flowers that are used for everything from clothing and food to medicine and moisturisers.

In skincare terms, it is famous for its essential fatty acids content, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids plus vitamins A and E, which your skin just loves.

It makes sense then that if you suffer from dry, dehydrated and stressed skin, that this key ingredient could really help restore your glow.

 

Begin your journey to healthier, nourished skin with their new CBD Soothing Oil-Balm Cleansing Mask (£17).

This gentle and soothing oil-balm cleansing mask helps to deeply purify your skin without leaving it feeling stripped and dry.

Featuring a luxurious, rich gel-to-milk transforming texture and a delicate, refreshing green scent, it effortlessly cleanses your skin while imparting much needed nourishment.

 

 

Enriched with natural origin CBD, hemp seed oil, plant-derived squalane , olive oil and white clay it is suitable for all skin types (though is primarily aimed at those with a dry complexion), contains 99% ingredients of natural origin and is vegan.

I adore melting/transformative cleansers as they feel so decadent and this cleansing mask is no different.

Apply the gel-balm to dry skin and massage in circular motions before applying warm water and watch as it emulsifies, transforming into a delicate milky cleanser.

 

 

Skin is left feeling soft, supple and instantly refreshed.

Continue your skincare journey to brighter, healthier skin with their new CBD Restoring Facial Oil (£25).

The addition of a facial oil is something I would always recommend for dry/ distressed skin in any event and this oil is perfect.

 

 

Its lightweight, non-greasy texture and refreshing, soft scent leaves skin feeling instantly softer and pampered.

Used on freshly cleansed skin prior to your moisturiser, it locks in moisture, relieving the discomfort of dehydrated skin resulting in a brighter, healthier complexion.

 

 

Containing squalane and patchouli extract it is deeply nourishing oil which while is lightweight, may be a tad too heavy for oilier complexions.

Complete your Body Shop CBD experience with their CBD Replenishing Moisture Cream (£20).

 

 

Rich, creamy and silky smooth this fast absorbing cream gets to work straight away to soothe dry, troubled skin.

 

 

Wonderfully light yet deeply decadent, skin is left feeling soft and looking more luminous pretty much instantly.

Again, like the oil this is suitable for all skin types but I would suggest that oily/combination types use it sparingly. A little goes a long way.

 

 

The Body Shop CBD Collection is available online and in store now.