Sculpt Down

Apart from going to Zumba twice a week, I don't really do much exercise. I have been considering going to the gym but I don't want to waste my money if I know I won't go regularly. There are so many 'Quick Fix' products on the market that claim to make you look slimmer or get rid of Celliute over night, BUT how many off them really work ...?

Soap & Glory's affordable range of 'Celliute' and 'Slimming' combating products.

     Not long ago I bought some samples from Thalgo's 'Slim & Sculpt' range. They normally retail at the £40 plus mark for full size, however I was able to get samples for £8 from 'Latest in Beauty'. I know deep down 'Quick Fixes' generally don't work or don't have a lasting effect but I was curious to try a 'Celliute' / 'Slimming product for myself...

Thalgo's Cellu-Thighs and Flat Stomach (50 ml)

Due to a mistake in my original order I ended up receiving two tubes of the 'Cellu-Thighs', so this will give me a fair amount of time to trial it as this product claims to achieve slimmer legs in just 14 days! I don't hold much hope on the 'Flat Stomach' but we can only hope!  

I am going to start using these products from tomorrow (14/06/2012), but I'm not sure how to document the progress (if any)... any ideas? I'm not sure if I feel comfortable taking photos just yet!

Have you guys tried any 'Celliute' or 'Slimming' products? Did they work or were they a, lets be frank, a load of bullshit? It would be interesting to here your thoughts x

Latest in Beauty Haul

I'm yet to subscribe to a monthly subscription 'beauty box' but i've seen tons and tons of reviews on various versions of this trend. 'Latest in Beauty' however is a website i've visited on a countless number of times, I like this particular company as you can create a 'little beauty box'  where you can choose what goes in your box and you can also purchase larger samples of products at your leisure. 

Although the element of surprise is not there like your 'Glossy Boxes' or 'Jolie Boxes', 'beauty boxes' are always a gamble! Even if the box is worth £10 for 5 'luxury' samples how many of those samples will you really enjoy!

1 x Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish 30 ml & muslin cloth 

1 x Thalgo Slim & Sculpt Expert Cellu Thighs 50 ml 

1 x Thalgo Slim & Sculpt Flat Stomach 50 ml  

Link to my previous post on 'Latest in Beauty':

http://elefont-at.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/latest-in-beauty.html

I was having an ocassionally browse on 'Latest in Beauty' and browsing always leads to buying - this is becoming a bit an unhealthy habit! When I saw the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish I knew I had to get it because so many people rave about it - there was really no better time! Also in my Liz Earle sample set there were some sachets of the Sheer Skin Tint in all three shades so that was a nice little surprise.

I also picked up the Thalgo Slim & Sculpt Expert Cellu Thighs and Expert Flat Stomach because admittedly I've skipped a few Zumba classes so a 'quick fix' wouldn't go a miss - I can dream can't I ? Unfortunately I didn't receive the Expert Flat Stomach! By mistake I was sent two Expert Cellu Thighs. I've contacted 'Latest in Beauty' so hopefully they'll send me the Expert Flat Stomach.

Have you tried any of these products? Do you think sculpting products work?  x 

B for Bullshit?

Estee Lauder are one of the many, many brands to launch their own version of the infamous BB Cream (Blemish Balm). Latest in Beauty are currently offering their subscribers a 5ml sample of the cream for just £1.50 which I think is great - I've never got the whole 'BB' thing but I thought this would be the perfect chance to try one!   

(For those who don't know what Latest in Beauty is, have a read of this post: http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/latest-in-beauty.html)

Bearing in mind that Latest in Beauty is a 'try before you buy' website that recommends products specifically aimed to your personal preferences (which are first recorded when you join the website) I was a  bit pissed off that I received the BB cream in the shade: light! Do they expect everyone to have fair skin ? I know there are only two shades but surely they could have given us the option to choose?

Estee Lauder Day Wear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme

£32.00...30ml 

What Estee Lauder claim about their BB Creme: 

- Moisturises, protects and gives flawless perfection. 

- Instant even-toned healthy looking skin.

- Powerful protection with Super Anti-Oxidant Complex and SPF35

- Oil-free hydration. 

- Helps to control excess surface oil. 

- Available in 2 shades to suit a wide range of skintones.  

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How to use the BB Creme: 

- Apply as a last step in your skincare regimen. 

- Wear alone or under foundation. 

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The Formula Facts:  

- Oil-free

- Dermatologist-tested.

- Non-acnegenic. 

(Literature taken from: http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/product/688/20671/Product-Catalog/Skincare/By-Category/Moisturisers/Daywear-BB/Anti-Oxidant-Beauty-Benefit-Creme/index.tmpl?cm_re=MainMerch-_-Rotation2-_-B.Bcreme )

The Verdict:

For the purpose of this review I did give the BB Creme ago despite the shade being totally WRONG! I dared not go out in public with it on though, therefore I can't give my opinions on the durability and ability of the BB cream lasting a full day's work etc. The cucumber scent was a bit off putting - I normally associate this scent with cleansing type products however had the product been outstanding I would have got passed this. 

The consistency is quite light, although I found it hard to blend in. If your looking for a full coverage look this product may not be for you - its a very sheer coverage however if your just looking for an extra something, something for your skin its worth getting a sample to try. You would definitely need concealer to cover up any problem areas such as scaring or under eye circles and a setting powder is a must! It didn't even out my skintone but this may be due to the colour and overall I wasn't impressed with this product. Like I said I couldn't give you guys a full review due to the shading issue, but its hasn't given me the urge to go and try any other BB creams so I won't be rushing out to the shops for one just yet!

Don't waste your pennies on this one!!!

Has anyone tried this BB cream ? If so, what are your views on it? Any recommendations on good BB Creams?x

The Rise of the BB Creams

In recent weeks I have seen many different make-up brands come up with their own versions of the 'BB Cream'. Blemish Balms's or BB Creams as they are most commonly know as are a cosmetic mainly used in East and South East Asia, but are firmly making a place on make-up counters all around the U.K. 

BB Creams are of a much lighter formulation than a foundation , they work to moisturise, conceal and treat skin in one simple step, some people use them as primers and others wear them alone as a foundation. Here are just a few that are on the market now: 

Clinique Age Defense SPF30 BB Cream / Super BB Triple Function Cream / Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-in-One BB Cream / No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream / Loreal Paris Nude Magique BB Cream

Has anyone tried BB Creams before? If so what did you think? Are they worth the hype? Anyway the main purpose of this post was to make you guys aware that Latest in Beauty are offering people the chance to try the Estee Lauder Day Wear BB Creme SPF 35. 

For just £1.50 Latest in Beauty will send you a 5ml sample of the cream so if you have been wanting to try a BB Cream this is the perfect chance for you to do so.  

If you don't know what Latest in Beauty is, I did a whole post on it so heres the link: 

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/latest-in-beauty.html

I use the Estee Lauder Double Light Foundation which I love - it has great coverage and lasts all day but I can find it a little too heavy sometimes! So I've ordered a sample of the BB Cream myself to see if it will give me the same amount of coverage but of a much lighter consistency. 

Once I've got it, tried it & tested it I will let you know what I think. In the mean time if anyone has any questions about Latest in Beauty or anything else feel free to contact me x 

Mow Her?

I received a sample of Moa the green balm in my 'Latest in Beauty' 'Little Beauty Box' a couple of weeks back and feel I can now give a full and honest review. 

This balm is a natural skin balm that claims to repair and renew dry skin, help nourish bumps, grazes and burns and can also be used as a facial cleanser after shaving (for all you men). I guess women could use the balm on legs after shaving too?

'Latest in Beauty' sent me a generous sized sample which allowed 1-2 weeks usage. I mainly used it for the dry skin on my feet and it did wonders, once you have the balm in your hands it naturally melts from the warmth of your hands so it's easy to rub in and it kept my feet smooth and nourished all day - the balm had a non-offensive minty / herbal scent to it which is always a plus. 

I also used the balm for my face (...yes it sounds strange having just told you guys that I have also used it on my feet) as I don't really use a night cream, I use things like Bio Oil and Vaseline to repair my skin overnight so I thought I would try the balm on my face. I especially concentrated it on my eyelashes to nourish them after a day of wearing mascara and eyeliner.

When I would wake up in the mornings my skin would feel much smoother and softer,-  the only thing I would say is that it does leave your pillow cases oily. 

This balm is something that everyone should keep in the draws its a staple like Bio Oil and Vaseline. Once I have used up my Bio Oil I would definitely consider purchasing the full size of Moa as it 'did what it said on the tin - or in this case the tub', so i could test a full run of it. 

Prices: 

Full Size Moa: 50ml ...£9.99 

Mini Moa: 15ml ...£4.99 

www.thegreenbalm.com 

As you can see the price of the green balm is affordable and even if you just wanted to try it out you could purchase the mini version. If anyone tries the balm out let me know how you get on.

The Doctor Brand: Blemish Complex Kit

I received the The Doctor Brand: Blemish Complex Kit in my 'Little Beauty Box' from www.latestinbeauty.com and was so impressed with it that I thought I would share my views on it. 

This kit is designed to keep blemishes away if you hadn't already guessed from the name. Although the samples I received were very small I feel that I got good results from using the products. 

Step 1: Clarifying Cleanser 

Claims to: - helps keep skin clear of blemishes. 

           - provides rich lather to remover dirt and oil.

           - purifies pores. 

I really enjoyed using this cleanser as I felt like it really lifted the dirt and excess oil from my face. The consistency was quite runny and it didn't feel heavy like some of the cleansers i've used before. It also didn't have a scent which I find is a plus because sometimes scented cleansers can irritate my skin. The product made my skin feel smooth but I feel that if you over used the product it could leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated.

Step 2: Exfoliating Blemish Gel 

Claims to: - improve skin clarity.

           - controls and prevents blemishes. 

           - cleans away dead skin skills and unclogs pores. 

I didn't particular enjoy using this product nor did I dislike it. Personally I would skip this step out as I felt it didn't do anything for my skin - it was very similar to the cleanser in consistency and it didn't seem to exfoliate the skin it was more that it made my face feel fresher. If my skin was in a really poor state then I may consider introducing it back in to the three step system. 

Step 3: Skin Perfecting Lotion

Claims to: - soften and refines skin texture.

           - keeps skin smooth and even.

           - provides essential hydration. 

Although this lotion smelt like the lemon scented towels you get in an Indian Restaurant, which is not a bad thing (yum yum Indian...), this cream was lovely on the skin. It was light, creamy, hydrating and gave me the moisture I needed as I have quite dry skin.

The Blemish Complex Kit is something that I would consider using again because I had such a good experience of using it the first time around, and that being from a sample version. However its something I maybe would use once a week as a deep cleansing routine as I think it can dry out your skin if you use it too much - this being the cleanser and the gel. 

The kits can be retail from: £19.99 and are available from: 

www.thedoctorbrand.bathandunwind.com or www.boots.com 

Latest in Beauty

'Latest in Beauty' (www.latestinbeauty.com) is a company that allows you to try before you buy. There is a range of cosmetics, skin care and hair care. When you first join the website you are asked a series of questions which allow you to create a beauty profile. The more detailed you are the more likely you are to be matched with samples that suit your preference. 

You can change your beauty profile at any time so you will continuously be matched with products that suit your needs and requirements. 

Unlike beauty boxes such as Glossy Box, 'Latest in Beauty' allows you to create your own 'little beauty box' from a selected range of products which have been picked to suit your preference. The only down side is that you can only choose three products however there are other samples you can buy aside from the 'little beauty box'.

 

Once you've decided what you want to try you have to send the word 'Try' as a SMS text (which costs £1.00) to reveal a code, once you have your code you type it in and you should get you 'little beauty box' in the next few days and the good thing is you don't have to make any additional payments.

After you have received your products, 'Latest in Beauty' contact you to see if you've tried the products and see if you want to give any feedback on the products.

However if your someone who likes the element of surprise or are indecisive,'Latest in Beauty' do offer themed boxes that are available throughout the year. They may be seasonal, designed to cater for hair care, skin care - who knows but either way there worth trying out for £4.95. 

For me, the one thing I would like to see is more make-up samples, there are simply not enough on the website. I would also like to see brands like Benefit, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown etc on there because I know there are people like me that want to try things from particular brands but don't want to commit to purchasing the full size before trying it. In general I think 'Latest in Beauty' is a great concept, however it could do with a lot more products on there as there isn't a huge amount of choice.