I am lucky enough to be able to test out lots of different beauty products, and up until now have only been sharing my thoughts and opinions with friends, family and colleagues.  I am now going to send those thoughts out into cyber space and see if anyone wants to read about them.

There are so many things I want to talk about, but will break the ice with my must-haves, essentials, things I can't go without.


Organic Surge Daily Care Face Wash

Organic Surge use plant extracts and essential oils, and leave out all the nasties such as foaming agents and synthetic perfumes.
At the end of the day it is just a gel cleanser and you can't expect miracles from it, but it smells amazing, that will be the rose geranium, and my skin is left feeling hydrated and clean, without that horrible tight feeling.
I took this away with me when I went travelling and it lasted the whole 5 months and more!




Kiehls Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

 am normally a Palmers Shea Butter lover when it comes to body cream, I like it to be cheap, cheerful and quick absorbing.  However, I decided to treat myself to this nicely packaged, delightful smelling (Kiehls describe it as "addictive") product at Christmas and have fallen in love.  As it says on the tub, it is "whipped" giving it an enjoyable springy texture.  It feels luxurious to use, leaves me smelling good and my skin is thoroughly moisturised.  What more could you want?




The Body Shop Skin Sponge

I use this religiously and have done for years.  I like to feel scrubbed (gently) and clean when I exit the shower.  I have tried many alternatives which have failed me, they are almost always too flimsy.







Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal Toothpaste

I bought this in Canada for something silly like $2.  I hate that in the UK teeth whitening products cost so much!  Saw this and thought I would give it a whirl, and I really have seen a difference.  I will now need to start ordering my toothpaste online I fear.  The tube however, is rubbish, it's really hard to get the toothpaste out.  I am willing to overlook this minor problem though.




Diptyque Velvet Hand Lotion

This stays by my bed and gets used morning and night.  With hand creams I want non-greasy and nice smelling, but without being too perfumed.  This is it!  Quite an indulgence, but it was a gift, and the smells reminds of those who gave it to me.  I love, love, love almonds (smell, taste whatever...) and this has a blend of sweet almond oil, honey and licorice extract.  It is also pleasing to the eye, as is the whole range, which I am massively lusting after!  Diptyque are not only good for candles!


                         
                               Illamasqua Eye Brow Brush + Eye Brow Cake

I feel naked without my eyebrows!  I dye my hair darker and therefore need to darken my brows a little too.  I want more than natural (this product can give a great natural effect too), I like the thick, shaped eye brow.  It can be used with a sealing gel for super long-wearing brows, or with water, or simply used as a powder.  I do the latter.  It goes on well and it stays on well.  It comes in 6 different colours, I use Thunder (dark brown).  Peek (warm caramel) is an amazing colour for anyone with auburn hair.  I apply the powder with the Illamasqua Eye Brow Brush which is incredible.  It has such a sharp angle, which means you can achieve perfect shape and definition.  It is also synthetic (the company do not agree with using animal hair) which allows you to use it with products of any texture.  The brush is also brilliant for eyeliner or creating very angular lips.

Lucas Remedies Pawpaw Ointment

My auntie brought me a tube back from Australia a few years ago and now  I feel lost if I don't have a tube in my bag at all times!  It can basically be used for anything, burns, bruises, cracked lips, nappy rash, and bites.  This is because pawpaw is a natural antiseptic.  It is like a combination of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and Sudocrem. 






                                    Illamasqua Nail Varnishes

Obsessed and addicted.  I have too many.  My current favourites being (left-right) JoMina, Wink, Purity & Whack.  They go on beautifully, and I find them to be very chip resistant.  The spectrum of colours on offer is a delight in itself.  If you are a nail varnish fan then you will be like a kid in a sweetshop.  There are different finishes to choose from, matte, metallic and gloss.