Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishes

I have to admit that I do not own any Deborah Lippman Polishes, I think it's time I remedied that.

Ms Lippman is a very successful manicurist and is described as a 'Mega Manicurist' by Vogue.  Deborah Lippman's other love is music, which is why all of her polishes are named after songs.

Feast your eyes on these beauties.

Don't Tell Mama

Across The Universe

Bad Romance

Glitter In The Air

Happy Birthday

The above colours are the ones that are on my shopping list and the good news is that Deborah Lippman Nail Polishes are now available at www.beautybay.com  For a limited period only there is free worldwide delivery.  With 50 shades to choose from you are going to be spoilt for choice.  Which ones will you choose.

*Images Provided by www.beautybay.com

Skin Bistro Organic Perfumed Butter

A couple of weeks ago I was really suffering from sore, chapped hands, I tweeted on Twitter to ask for recommendations and the lovely Andrea from www.skinbistro.co.uk came to my rescue and kindly offered to send me her Skin Bistro Organic Perfumed Butter

The product is described as a highly nourishing and softening balm which can be used has a body butter, a hand balm or as a skin perfume.

In the jar it looks and feels like a balm, once it comes into contact with the skin it melts and then releases it's amazing fragrance of May Chang, Frangipani and Jasmine.

It is instantly soothing on the skin and within 3 days of using it my hands were transformed, no more chapped, peeling skin, no more redness or soreness, just smooth, nourished comfortable skin.  

I have also been using this product on other areas, cuticles, elbows, I've even used it as an overnight treatment on the hard skin on my heels, I can see that this is going to become one of those products that I will always have a use for, it is a little pot of magic.

Organic Perfumed Butter is 98% organic and is priced at £11.95

Skin Bistro will also ship internationally.

Pop over to www.skinbistro.co.uk and see for yourself all of the beautiful products that are available.  Have a look at the Bespoke page, where you can have products custom made for whatever skin problems you have.

You can also follow Skin Bistro on Twitter

*Complimentary Sample

Chanel Bronze Universel Soleil Tan De Chanel

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Make Up Base has been on my wish list for a long time.  Finally this weekend I managed to get hold of this jar of gorgeousness.  I parted with £29 of my hard earned cash and left the store a very happy bunny indeed.

You get a huge 30g glass jar for your money and when you open the jar it looks like you have purchased a milk chocolate mousse!

Now for the last couple of years I have struggled to try an find a bronzer that I like, these days I find bronzers are either too flat, too sparkly, too orange, too light or too dark.  I have read lots of reviews on this product from bloggers of all ages and skin colours and I was convinced that this product would be suitable for my more mature skin.

How right I was, it is absolutely perfect, the colour, the texture, the wear, I love, love, love it.

On my very pale inner arm you can see that even the palest of skins could get away with wearing this, for you darker skinned beauties this product is buildable so that you can achieve your desired colour or it can be used under foundation as a make up base.

Although the product looks like mousse in the jar it is not mousse like to the touch, it is a stiff cream/balm texture that glides onto the skin, although the colour is matte it does leave a gorgeous glow on the skin,  I have applied this with my fingers and with a kabuki brush and both give an excellent finish.

Now I know some of you might be thinking that £29 for a bronzer is a bit steep but you do get 30g of product, if that doesn't mean too much to you I have done some comparisons for you.

Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder is £33.50 for 10g
MAC Bronzing Powder is £18.50 for 10g
Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder £23.50 for 8g

Soleil Tan De Chanel is available at Chanel counters in major department stores, Boots and online.

GHD Heat Protect Spray

I am an avid GHD user and have been using my beloved hair straighteners most days for the past 10 years.  I always use a heat protect spray as I am fully aware of the damage that can be caused to hair using hot styling tools.

I wasn't aware until a few weeks ago, that GHD had their own range of hair products, when I was offered the chance to try one of the products I immediately requested the Heat Protect Spray

This product contains the unique GHD Heat Protection System and can be used on damp or dry hair.  It can also be layered with other styling products but you are advised to use GHD Heat Protect Spray first.  If using on damp hair the instructions suggest using 6 to 8 sprays on mid to long hair and combing through the lengths of your hair before styling.

I prefer to use my heat protect spray on dry hair.  The spray pump delivers a very fine mist to the hair to ensure that there is no product overload.  It has a very nice fresh fragrance, I'm sure I can smell almonds in there somewhere.  My GHD's glided over my hair and I was left with smooth shiny hair that didn't feel lank or crispy.  I love this product and will continue to use it.

GHD Heat Protect Spray is available from the GHD Website it retails at £9.95 for 120ml and delivery is free.

*PR Sample

Especially Escada Eau de Parfum

I have to admit that I am a bit of a snob when it comes to perfume.  My perfume requisites are a beautiful bottle and a beautiful fragrance.  Well first of all Especially Escada fills my requirement for a beautiful bottle.

Just look at how beautiful this bottle is.

What a stunning addition to any dressing table.

Now onto the contents.  The fragrance is described as being 'a sophisticated scent, built around a delicate rose accord that evokes light hearted luxury and youthful joy'.

Top Notes - Pear, Ambrette Seeds

Heart  Notes - Rose, Ylang Ylang

Base Notes - Musk

When first applied the pear fragrance is very evident, if you're not a fan of fruity fragrances don't be put off by this top note, this perfume is a 'slow burner' and dries down to a very sensual fragrance once the aroma of the Ylang Ylang and Musk come through, the fragrance just gets better and better.  

The longevity of the fragrance is excellent, I applied this yesterday morning before going out, when I arrived home 5 hours later my daughter asked me what perfume I was wearing.  When I put on my scarf this morning I could smell this gorgeous perfume.

So a big thumbs up from me for this perfume, a beautiful bottle and a beautiful fragrance.

Especially Escada Eau De Parfum is available from www.escentual.com

30ml   - £32.00

50ml   - £45.00

75ml   - £56.00

If you spend more than £40.00 on Escada products you get a free Escada heart shaped coin purse.

*PR Sample

£50 Experience Days Voucher Giveaway. (GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED)

Are you stuck for gift ideas for a loved one, family member, colleague or a friend?  Well look no further.  In conjunction with Experience Days I have a £50 voucher to give away to one lucky reader.

You can use this voucher towards any of the experiences on offer.  There is an experience for everyone, from pampering and afternoon tea to extreme sports.

My husband was given an Experience Day at Silverstone last year by his work colleagues.  He sped around Silverstone race track in a Ferrari and loved every second of it.

Personally I would love to do the For Your Eyes Only Photoshoot 

or the Totally Chocolate Experience

Which one would you choose?

To enter this giveaway all you need to do is be a follower of my blog on either GFC, Bloglovin, Hellocotton or Newtworked Blogs.

Leave me a comment telling me which experience you would choose and also a way I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. (twitter name or email)

For an extra entry tweet the following 'I want to win an experience day voucher from @jadlgw at http://www.lovelustandfairydust.com/2012/02/50-experience-day-voucher-giveaway.html '

This giveaway will end at midnight on 29th February 2012 and the winner will be chosen by Random Org.

UK only.

Charlotte & Co Anti-Wrinkle Silk Pillow Case

I have read lots of articles about how silk pillow cases can help in the fight against wrinkles, so I was delighted when I was offered the opportunity to review a pillow case from Charlotte & Co

The pillow cases are 100% silk, measure 53cm x 75cm and are finished with Oxford borders and their smart triple row cord.

The pillow cases are available in Ivory, Pink and Taupe.

The pillow cases can be hand washed or machine washed on a silk cycle setting.  Do not tumble dry.

Stock Image

The claim is that the pure silk will not pull or crease sensitive skin and that means that you wake up with smooth skin.

When I had looked in the mirror the first morning after using the pillow case I was speechless, not by skin but by my hair!  Let me explain.  I am very unlucky in that every night the hair fairy visits my room, I have no idea what she does whilst I'm asleep, but when I wake up my hair resembles a burst mattress and hence I have to wash my hair every single day.  When I woke up the first morning after using the pillow case my hair was perfect, it was smooth and straight and I didn't even need to use my GHD's let alone wash it.  Because of this pillow case I can now wash my hair ever other day, this makes me very happy as it means an extra 30 minutes in bed on alternate days.

After I got over the shock of waking up with perfect hair I had a good look at my skin.  I have to say I did look less crumpled of face.  I tend to sleep on my right side and when I get up in the morning I have a vertical line in the middle of my cheek, as I have got older this crease takes longer and longer to disappear.  Since using  the pillow case I find that this crease is very minimal in the morning and has usually disappeared within an hour of getting up.

I am absolutely thrilled with this pillow case, not only has it changed my hair routine and been kinder to my face it also appears to stay cool throughout the night and believe me as a woman of a certain age who is prone to a few night sweats this pillow case has been a god send.

The pillow cases retail at £39 each or you buy two for £69

Charlotte & Co not only offer pillow cases, they have gorgeous bedding, night wear, yoga wear, swim wear, underwear.  Pop over to www.charlotteandco.co.uk and have a browse around, they have some fabulous offers on at the moment.

You can also follow Charlotte & Co on TWITTER and FACEBOOK




*PR Sample

Bellápierre Compact Mineral Foundation

I have to confess I have never used a mineral foundation.  When Rachel at www.cutecosmetics.co.uk asked me if I would like to try the Bellápierre Compact Mineral Foundation I thought I'd take the plunge and give it a go.

Now the reasons why I have been avoiding using a mineral foundation are many,  I was worried about using powder on top of bare skin, I was worried about the powder highlighting lines, wrinkles, blemishes, dry patches etc, I was worried that my skin would look grey, ashy, caked in powder, dull etc.

The mineral foundation comes in a lovely sturdy compact that has a separate compartment in the bottom for a sponge, Ideal for touch ups throughout the day.

There are ten shades to chose from and there is a Photo Gallery on the website to help you choose which shade you are.  I chose Latte.

It looks just like a normal pressed powder in the compact and I was worried that all my reservations about mineral foundation would be true.  I used a kabuki brush to apply the foundation in a swirling motion and then just buffed away.  I was really surprised at how much coverage it gave and was amazed at the lovely finish it left on my skin.  I wasn't caked in powder, no dullness, no collecting in lines, it actually made my skin look better than it has looked in a long time.

This foundation can be applied under the eye with a small brush and used as a concealer, there is an SPF of 15 and of course it can be used as a setting powder.

The foundation is made with pure mineral pigments, ground to the smoothest texture and then bound with jojoba oil.

The Mineral Foundation retails at £39.99 for 10g but is currently on offer for £34.99  I'm not sure how that price compares with other Mineral Foundations of the same quality, however, I would say that I normally spend around £30 on my liquid foundation and this lasts 2 to 3 months, I think that this compact would definitely last longer.

www.cutecosmetics.co.uk offer free P&P and they have a 21 day Returns Policy.

You can Follow Cute Cosmetics on Twitter and on Facebook

www.cutecosmetics.co.uk only stock brands that are vegan, organic, natural and cruelty free.


*PR Sample

Inlight Organic Body Oil With Arnica

If you have never heard of Inlight Organic Skincare then you really should pop over to their website and see what they are all about.  I previously reviewed their fabulous Organic Face Cleanser HERE

I was delighted to be sent the Organic Body Oil to review.

This Organic Body Oil with Arnica is 100% Organic and non GM.  It is described as a therapeutic muscle massage oil and can be used in preparation or following sporting activities.

It contains Apricot Kernel and Sesame Oils, Evening Primrose Oil, Arnica, Palma Rosa, Ylang Ylang, Witch Hazel, Plantain, Calendula and Patchouli.

Now I am a regular user of Arnica but I usually use it in a gel form.  I use it because I carry all of my stress in my shoulders and I have found that Arnica also helps to ease the pain in my aching knees.

It is recommended that you use the organic body oil after a hot bath or shower.

The organic body oil has a lovely aroma, Ylang Ylang is one of my favourite essential oils, the oil is easily absorbed and leaves the skin soft and moisturised.  I found that the organic body oil is just as effective as my usual Arnica gel but it's much more pleasant to use and has the skin moisturising benefits too.  

If you watch the video below you can see for yourself how these wonderfully therapeutic products are made.

The Organic Body Oil with Arnica retails at £27 for 100ml

You only need a small amount of oil as a little goes a long way, so this 100ml will last you a number of months.  If you're plagued with mild aches and pains or are a sports person then I would recommend that you give this product a try.










*PR Sample

Corn Silk Translucent Pressed Powder

Receiving this powder in the post was like a blast from the past.  I remember my grandmother used to use this all of the time.  When I opened the compact and inhaled the unmistakeable aroma of this powder I was instantly transported back to my childhood and reminded of my beautiful nan powdering her nose.

It's hard to believe that this powder has been around since the late 1960's and is considered a vintage beauty secret by those in the know.

The formula of this powder is natural walnut and the ingredients are designed to give a long lasting flawless finish without clogging up pores.  Corn Silk's mineral rich formulation absorbs excess oil and helps to avoid break outs.

The powder comes in a vintage style compact, which is quite sturdy.

On the second photograph you can see that I have fluffed up the powder with a brush so that you see the texture.  I was very surprised when I ran my finger over the powder that it didn't feel smooth like most powders, it has quite a grainy texture to it.  However, when brushed onto the skin it feels really smooth.  The powder gives excellent coverage over spots and blemishes, there is no caking whatsoever.  There is no hint of orange at all to the powder and it doesn't oxidise or look at all ashy.  The only negative I found is that it has a very strong aroma in the compact, as soon as you open it the 'old fashioned' powder fragrance hits you, although once applied the fragrance disappears.

If you are looking for an affordable powder to keep shine at bay or to cover break outs and blemishes then Corn Silk is for you.

Corn Silk is available as a pressed or a loose powder and you can choose the Original Satin or Semi-Matt finish.

Corn Silk is available in most Boots stores and other leading pharmacies from just £7.40  One thing I have found is that Boots do not stock this product near their make up ranges, you can usually find it near their skin care displays.


*PR Sample

Wild, Fair Trade African Beauty Products

WILD is unlocking the botanical secrets of Africa for a beautiful skin and a beautiful you.  Using only natural ingredients of the very highest quality, we believe our products are as unique as you are.

I am trying to introduce as many natural products into my beauty regime as possible, so when I was asked if I would like to try some products from WILD I didn't hesitate to say yes.  I spent ages looking at their fabulous website and reading about how Valerie Outram started WILD.


With Valentines Day around the corner I was sent a Body Butter  and a Soap from the Romantic range.

If you buy the Body Butter and the Soap together they come packaged in this beautiful African print bag.

The bar of soap is huge, but it is 200g of complete loveliness.  There are no Parabens or SLS in any of the products.  It is a blend of Shea and Marula Oil, it is fragranced with Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli, it also has coconut to ensure you get excellent lathering.  The soap feels lovely and gentle on the skin, there is no dryness at all after use and it smells absolutely beautiful.  The other thing I love about this soap is that you can leave it on the side of the bath and there is no mushy, gloopy mess after you have used it.

You actually see how thick and luxurious this body butter is in the picture above.  Again there are no Parabens or SLS in this product.  It is 170ml of natural goodness, containing Shea, Marula Oil, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Patchouli.

When I opened the pot I immediately loved the fragrance but I was a little concerned at how thick the body butter was.  At this time of year my body skin is super dry and parched, I want to use a richer more nourishing body product but I don't want to be stood around for twice as long in the freezing cold trying to rub the product in or waiting for it to absorb before getting dressed.  My concerns were unfounded, my skin literally drank this body butter up, I actually applied two coats to my legs and arms last night, this morning my skin looks fabulously moisturised and has a lovely healthy sheen to it.

 Also, the little patch of eczema that I have on my back, is not dry or flaky this morning like it usually is and I didn't wake myself up last night scratching it like I have been doing for the past week!

There are 5 variations of the Body Butters and Soaps, Warm Sensual with Shea and Baobab  Zingy with Grapefruit and Kalahari Watermelon  Extra Hydrating with Shea and Cape Chestnut  Sensitive with Aloe and Avocado  and of course Romantic with Shea and Marula Oil

The Body Butters retail at £14.50

The Soaps retail at £5.25

WILD ship internationally.

You can view all of the products, read how Valerie started her company and all about the fabulous ingredients at www.mywild.co.uk

You can follow WILD on Twitter and on Facebook

Valerie also has a blog that she describes as a 'warts and all account of a journey to launch a skin care brand' you can read about her 'warts and all' at http://wildbeginnings.wordpress.com/


*PR Sample

Never Underestimate The Power Of A Tom Ford Lipstick

Almost a year ago I read this post from Charlotte at www.lipglossiping.com I knew then and there that no matter what, I would own a Tom Ford Lipstick in Pure Pink.  A word of warning readers, a visit to Charlotte's blog will seriously damage your wealth!

In April last year the husband and I travelled to London for a weekend, his mind on romance, my mind on Tom Ford.  I did my homework and booked a hotel at Marble Arch, which spookily enough is within walking distance of Selfridges.

As I walked into Selfridges my heart was all of a flutter, then, there it was in front of me, Tom Ford, Pure Pink, oh my goodness I was in love.  Only one thing was missing and that was a sales assistant.  I waited around for a little while, looking at the other shades of lipsticks, the husband was beginning to get restless and started asking awkward questions, like 'how much is it'?  I think I mumbled something like 'about a tenner I think', he then said he would pay for it and it was at this point I had to come clean and tell him that the lipstick of my dreams actually cost £36  Well he went quiet, he then went a bit pale, he then inhaled heavily and then he let rip, 'Thirty six pound for a lipstick.....................' and several other expletives which I cannot repeat.  He didn't shut up, he just went on and on about the price of this beautiful lipstick.  I put the lipstick back on the counter and walked out of the store with him still remonstrating loudly in my ear.  Once outside I suddenly felt enraged that as a woman of a certain age, who works hard, earns very good money, I had allowed this man to spoil my moment.  I mean, since when did I need his permission to buy a lipstick?  I think we discussed this fact whilst walking from one end of Oxford Street to the other.  He then did what most men at this point would do, he apologised and insisted that we go back to Selfridges and purchase the lipstick that he would pay for, I did what most women would do at this point and told him where he could shove the lipstick.

In June this year I fell down some stairs at work and hurt my back (stick with me, it's relevant) which resulted in me having to take a few weeks off.  During the second week I went into to work to take a doctor's note in.  On arrival I was presented with a forensic tube all taped up with forensic tape by a lovely work colleague.  I was intrigued and also slightly worried, I tentatively unwrapped the tube and inside was this..........

It was a beautiful moment and one of those rare occasions where I was rendered speechless.  I had told my colleagues about the incident in London and they had then clubbed together to buy me this thing of beauty, to say I was overwhelmed is a bit of an understatement.

Now here's the problem, I have had this lipstick since June, I love it so much I haven't even swatched it let alone use it.  My intention was to buy another one when I went to the USA in August, but to my sheer horror I found out that this shade has been discontinued.  Are there any bloggers out there that have a Tom Ford Pure Pink that they would like to sell, if so, give me a shout, I'll gladly take it off your hands.

So ladies have your make up purchases ever nearly caused a riot in your house?  Do you have a product that you love so much you are reluctant to use it?