Review: The Body Shop.

Let me start by saying that i have been a huge fan of The Body Shop products since i was about 13. I was introduced to it by my Auntie who was a massive fan herself.
The smells are amazing & some of the products really work for me.
I was kindly sent these Body Shop products to try out and test, however, this will in no way alter my personal opinion on each of these products. This review will be all my honest thoughts on personal experience's with each item.
I have been tesing each and every one (besides one - which you will find out why later) for about 3+ weeks, and you'll just have to take my word for it ;)
I know that some of you might not be interested in some of the products i am reviewing, but just skip to the next one if that is the case. I dont expect you to read EVERYTHING. (That is unless you want to :))


That said...lets get on with it. :)

Vitamin C Eye Revver

This cute little orange pump bottle claims to revilatise & brighten the undereye area.
Now, personally, i am always so sceptical about eye products doing anything of the sort.
The only product i can really compare this to is the Soap & Glory one i bought last week, although that is in Gel form, so infact are 2 completely different products.
It is unscented & in more of a lotion form. It also has a very apparent "cooling" effect. Which actually, is the nicest i've ever tried.
I have been applying this most mornings, and i can't say i have noticed any difference in my dark circles (not that it claims to deminish these) but i LOVE the feeling this leaves. It tightens, cools and really does well in making me feel awake.
rrp £8.80

Body Butters

These are, in my opinion, the most famous product the Body Shop have produced. Body butters are one of my absolute must haves. I think over the period of 6 years i have had almost every scent. Coconut & Cocoa Butter being my favourites.
They are rich in Shea & Cocoa Butter making them amazingly hydrating to the skin.
I also think they work wonders on burnt skin as an aftersun treatment.
If you've been on holiday and you want to keep your tan lasting as long as you can, use a body butter because that works amazingly for me.
Alot of people may have issues with it feeling quite greasy if your skin isnt in need of a good quenching, but you can apply as little or as much as you need.
I would definitely reccommend everyone to have one of these amongst their skincare stash. I will be buying these until i'm old and wrinkly (although i shant be that wrinkly if i carry on using them ;))
rrp: £12.20 (200ml - The larger size)
£4.85 (50ml - The smaller handbag size)

Facial Blotting Tissues

Okay, so in all honesty, i haven't used these much. As most of you who read my blog know, i have dry skin, and therefore blotting it..would result in horrific flakey-ness.
I did however, test them on my not-so-willing boyfriend, Jack.
I didnt have to force him mind you ;)
They were very powdery, and found they actually had a rather decent coverage. Not only did they diminish any oils on his face but left a perfectly smooth powder behind covering any blemishes too. I actually know a fair few people that swear by these.
You can use them over makeup, or under & they have a fab matte effect.
So if you are a "blotting paper" kinda gal, you should give these a try. I reckon you could be pleasantly surprised.
P.s...Jack did hate the powder on his face and washed it off promtly...obviously some boys arent into the whole makeup thing. ;)
rrp: £3.90 (for 65 sheets thats aint bad at all!)

Lip Butter

I was excited i had recieved this lip butter as i had been meaning to buy it. As i previously stated, my favourite Body Shop scent/flavour is coconut (obviously not everyones cuppa) so to have this in Lip butter form was aces.
The lip butters are just as amazing as the body butters.
I could seriously eat this. I have it on my lips as i type this and i am really trying hard not to lick them.
They contain Beeswax, Cocoa butter & vitamin E.
It feels like silk on your lips, and i actually found this scent/flavour to be alot more moisturising than the ever so famous "yes yes yes", even though i think the "yes yes yes" lip butter has the best scent i have ever come across.
Again i would have to reccommend these lip butters to everyone as i have also been through my fair share of different scented pots of these, and i dont think i could be without one in the bottom of my handbag, i sometimes even prefer them to Carmex (Shh)
rrp: £4.85

Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream

Again, i have been a massive fan of the Body Shop Vitamin E products. I have purchased a fair few items in the range, all have been goood & had great results.
This cream contains shea butter and really fine light reflectors to create a healthy looking glow.
Alot of people dont like the thought of having Shea Butter on their face, as it is very moisturising. I would only ever reccommend the Vitamin E range to anyone with dry skin lacking in radiance. I do think if you suffer with very oily skin to stay clear of anything like this, as obviously you will be adding more reflective light.
Over time this lotion and others in the vitamin e range promise to soften the skin and make it appear more smooth. I didnt notice any smoothing..or softening, but it could still be early days.
I can't say i was completely bowled over by this product, it did give me a gorgeous dewy base for makeup, and yes, i definitely look more awake when im wearing it, but i dont think for the price it is entirely worth it, unless you really do have dull, dry skin.
rrp: £8.80

Beeswax Texturising Wax

If you hadn't already guessed, this is the product i couldn't really test.
I could tell you what it smelt like, and felt like, but as i dont have short hair or use gel...i couldn't tell you how it performed.
Jack did however use this, and (im sorry he wasnt very descriptive) said that it
"felt nice, was easy to style and lasted a good amount of time"
Although really, i can't imagine a boy choosing this over the normal "VO5 or Garnier" in a supermarket if im honest. The boys i know, arent really too fussy about what they put in their hair.
One thing I liked about this, was the scent...honey. I was sniffing Jacks hair like a madwoman, although i dont think Jack was AS keen, i don't know if its normal for guys to smell of honey, or if its a bit too feminine.
rrp: £4.85

Lipgloss

The colour of this gloss is "13 - Pale Pink"
I wasn't so impressed with this. The best way of describing it would be in comparison to Mac's Dazzleglasses but not as pretty.
The consistency, i found, was quite sticky...on the sticky scale i'd say it was like a Dazzleglass.
and there are very small particles of light reflecting glitter.
One thing i hated was the scent, but i know this is only a personal preference. It smelt like blueberry sweets...and for some reason..i just find it too sweet and sickly. Obviously, to some, this would be the perfect scent.
It also didn't have much pigmentation...in fact very little which is why i have no swatch of it, as you couldnt see anything but glitter. Obviously there are darker colours in the range, which i haven't tested so im hoping they are alot more pigmented than this one.
The one thing i DID love about these, was that not only is it a lipgloss, it moisturises your lips aswell as making them look pretty...which is something that Mac need to do, as their lipglasses can bevery drying.
If there are any of you that want something similar to a dazzleglass without paying the massive price tag and you dont mind the blueberry scent then i would highly suggest you take a look at these.
rrp: £9.25

Tea Tree Blemish Stick

I LOOVE this. I have been using this on my blemishes and it clears them right up.
I really dont have much else to say on this product. I always have a tea tree stick in my skincare collection, im sure i speak for everyone else when i say it really does work & if you don't own one, then shame on you. :)
Unless of course you have perfect skin, in which case then...DAMN YOU!
rrp: £4.00

Eyeshadow

I was hugely dissappointed to find that the shadow had broken in transit, along with a mascara wand which had completely snapped into about 3 pieces and was unfixable...so i could not use it...thus no review im affraid.
The shadow, although broken, is such a gorgeous colour. One that i could definitely see myself buying in the shop.

It's a gorgeous moth brown and the consistency of the shadow is really smooth and application and blendability is also very very good. Its also very pigmented.

They have an amazing range of colours, and i'm definitely going to go and check some more out.

The colour i have here is 32 - Chocolate
rrp: £7.80

Mineral Kabuki

This is by far, my favourite Body Shop product i was sent.
I have used this everyday since i've had it in conjunction with my Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation.
Application is quite literally flawless.
The brush is dense, soft and has not shed one hair!
I Love.Love.Love it.
I can't reccommend this brush enough. I have contemplated buying the Mac kabuki but now i really dont feel the need to, and i prefer it to my Lily Lolo one too.
rrp: £14.65

Shimmer Cubes

When i recieved these, i have to be honest, i just thought they would be a bit of a dissapointment.
I guess i have become some what of a makeup snob, and if the shadow isn't from Mac, Nars or Urban Decay, theres no way it will be any good? right?
Wrong.
These are FAB!
They are very pigmented, blend superbly, and the colours are gorgeous.
They are all shimmery but then i do like shimmer, and these are very much night time shades, in which case you'd go for a bit of shimmer right? Plus, they're called "Shimmer Cubes". If you didn't like shimmer, you wouldn't purchase this full stop.
I have used this SO much since i've had it. I even did my friends ball (prom) makeup with it, and she loved the outcome and it lasted well all night.
The only ONE thing i would say is that they can be a BIT crumbly, but apart from that they're amazing.
To see a look i created with these shimmer cubes, click HERE
rrp: £15.65

Tinted Glow Enhancer

This, i have mixed views on. Only because i didn't notice THAT much of a difference.
I really love the idea of something to brighten your complexion & make you glow (hence my purchase of the Glow Job by Soap & Glory a few weeks ago) but, in all honesty, i didnt like it as much as Glow Job. Purely because i loved the golden tint that Glow Job gave, whereas this gives an extremely light, skin-like coverage with a slight sheen.
I think this would be FAB for older women, or those who dont want the bronzed glow, as it it alot more natural.
In the picture above you can clearly see there is a glow.
I like the concept, but really i think the effects were very subtle, this might be more your cup of tea, but not mine.
rrp: £10.75

Mascara

This mascara is in black & has a plastic wand. I'm not really a fan on plastic wands, i've always been a brush wand girl. I just feel it grips the eyelashes more.
My feelings on this product are neutral.
I really like the outcome, it definitely divides the lashes...although i wouldnt say it really multiplys.
I really like this for an everyday natural look, as it really does look like you have naturally black, pretty lashes.
I would reccommend this to younger girls who might be wearing mascara to school, as it wears well throughout the day and doesnt look too dramatic and doesnt clump.
Personally, i love my lashes to be lengthened a little more and to look alot thicker, which i dont think this really did.
rrp: £10.75

I hope you enjoyed my review or found it somewhat helpful.
There some gems in there! :)
You can find these products on the website or in a Body Shop shop... ha
& keep an eye out for promotions and sales as alot of things become reduced by quite a bit, and its worth checking up, to grab yourself a bargain!
♥

And the Faux Oscar goes to...

...ME!

I awoke yesterday morning to a large box in the post. I did wonder if i had been ordering things in my sleep...
I opened it to reveal this beauty...

Haha, i knew instantly it was from Jack.
He had to listen to me squeal with excitement whenever i reached 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and finally the biggest squeal was for 1000 followers.
& he had ordered me a little trophy online. :D

[Congratulations Zozo! 1000 followers....Yay! xx]

I laughed so much, Its fab when a sense of humour combines with a romantic gesture!
I do love him so & i bloody love this trophy.
*giggles*

I think trophies should be given for loads of things, not just sport or amazing acting.
Lets all share some love and send some trophies hehe
♥

Hair of The Day..Messy Curls.

Just thought i'd quickly post my hair and (kindof) face of the day.

I curled my hair (messily might i add - i cannot stand a perfectly curled head of hair...i always want to ruffle it when i see it..you know what i mean?..all curled the same way and crispy hard...haha)
I used a straightner and just went crazy. Used lots of hairspray, a touch of backcombing...and voilaaa![I'm wearing Barry M lipgloss in shade...erm 4? i think]

[Im sorry..i really have no explanation for this picture...i dont know what i was doing.. :/]

[Seriously...does anyone even do this anymore? Bit 90's isn't it!? Girl power n all that though!]


"But Zoe, what happened to all your high quality photos of your makeup?"
Well, i quickly snapped these with my webcam as i find it quicker and easier this way...and as the focus was on my hair..i thought "Why the heck not?"
I went a bit snap-happy. haha
But with burst mode i tend to get a bit carried away.
I spy my new scarf :O I love it.
Hope you like it ladies. Any questions, just ask as always
♥

Land of Soap & Glory.

I am ever a fan of gimmicky/pretty packaging...and yes..shallowly..it sucks me right in.

This is what happened to me & my mum (She is now a super fan of Soap & Glory).
In Boots at the moment, there is an offer on with all Soap & Glory products, so if you haven't tried anything from this fabulous range, i suggest now would be the perfect time to!
I was in a smaller local boots when i came across alot more of the range i hadn't ever seen before (Alot only stock the the more general items such as the shower gels..body lotions and the more popular things like the hand food)
So...of course i thought i had to try some.


First is the Wipes. Honestly, i just got these because they are adorable. & claim to tighten pores, cleanse & tone and remove makeup. Thumbs up!
They also smell AMAZING!
I will definitely be getting some more of these. They look pretty on my dressing table :)

The Eye Gel

This claims to immediately tighten and heighten the skin under the eyes, and leave it nicely moisturised.
It includes depuffing caffeine, pro- vitamin panthenol & soothing aloe vera juice!


If you look at it in the light, it has purpley/pink/green reflexs in it. And looks SO pretty. It also feels so nice under your eyes, not your usual cooling effect but more a tingly warming one. I really cant say anything more than that as i havent been using it for long. But so i far i really like it.

Glow Job (snigger)
Yes..im immature, this name is bordering rude...thankfully it's not. :)
The box says : Squeeze a pea sized measure of glow job onto your fingerstips, then rub together to release the bronze from inside the beads and blend. Apply to your face in upward circular motions then just get up and glow!


Freshly squeezed...


You can see the bronze beads here..


You can see the final result here. A nice faux tan effect. It's also nice and dewy. I don't own any face products to give a "washable tan effect". And this one has fab results, good for nights out and on days were you're feeling particularly pale and pasty. Which is most days for me...as i find it almost impossible to tan my face...must be because i have dry skin!? who knows. :)

The Fab Pore Intense Action Pore-Refining Facial Peel
[Mouthful much?]

This stuff smells FAB! That's one thing i truley love about all Soap & Glory products and its the way they smell. My HG body scrub is from Soap & Glory...and to be honest..i have attempted to eat some. It smelt good but i wouldnt advise munching any. :)
I think even the fact it's called "facial peel" is exciting as you truley imagine it to peel off the layers of skin which are no good. I have yet to try this mask, but i can tell you that the consistency on my hand was just as a facemask should be, and when i washed it off, the skin on my hand felt SO soft.
I don't have very visible pores on my face, but i do have a few. So i can report back for those of you who are self conscious about pores, and are looking for a solution for minimizing them.

Heel Genius Soak-In Foot Mask
Now i don't know about you, but my favourite foot mask's are those that you slather all over your tootsies before bed, whack on some cotton socks, let it do it's magic, wake up to reveal soft feet?
Let's be honest, it is the easier option to getting the footspa out.
Again, a massive thumbs up for the scent. It has a sortof sunlotion smell. & i do love that, reminds me of summer. (not that we're really experiencing any summer at the moment)
It's also got a really silky consitency and melts into the skin so easily. When i washed this off my hand i was shocked at how soft it was. *Smoothes back of hand over cheek*
Can't wait to treat my feet with this :)

I really can't reccommend Soap & Glory products highly enough. The packaging is genius & they apply a sense of humour to their products aswell.
Gimmicky names, FAB scents, Amazing packaging (i can't really bring myself to throw the boxes away) & they even put beauty tips on the boxes too...
I like this one..
"Wear sunscreen on your face everyday, or in 20 years you could be wearing it as a belt"

Give Soap & Glory a go! I have yet to be let down by any of their products.
www.soapandglorycosmetics.com

♥

I went shopping. Eee.

Good Evening my lovelies.
These are a few of the things i've bought over the past few weeks.
Enjoy!

First is a bit of a Lush loot.
There was an offer on, if you spent over £20 you got a free goody bag.
And that is what i got...

I Bought...
♥ Honey I washed the kids soap (mm smells so good. had get a new one as my dad sneakily used up my last one)
♥ Aqua Mirabilis body butter
♥ Amandopondo bubble bar (round & white at the front)
♥ Happy Pill bath ballistic
♥ MA Bar bubble bar (Brown & white - my FAVE)
♥ Blackberry bath ballistic (Blue one)
♥ Avobath ballistic (Green one)
♥ Angels on Bare Skin cleanser

The Freebies...
♥ Skinny Dip Buttercream (smells VILE -Don't think i'll be using this...and they gave me so much)
♥ I Love Juicy shampoo (This smells gorgeous, cant wait to try it out)
♥ The Olive Branch solid perfume (My fave lush scent..i was actually looking to buy this the same day, so im glad i got it free)
♥ Glitter Bug massage bar (I LOVE the smell of this but not loving all the shimmer so much..any way of eliminating it?)
♥ Bathos bubble bar (If you like Parmoviolets then you'll love this..i dont..so i dont haha)

The Clothes & Accessories...
I bought this GORGEOUS dress in H&M. I love the shape, the fabric & the colours & i cannot wait to wear it. It would have looked nice at the wedding i went to...oh well.

I loove the detailing, it has hearts & birds :)

Next is a silk scarf from Warehouse which was in the sale. I thought it was super pretty & the colours meant it could be worn with pretty much anything..i also dont think i own enough scarf's.

I then bought a blue belt in Topshop. It's a waist belt with gold tigers on it. I liked this because it was different, the colour was striking & it actually FIT me. I find it incredibly hard to find waist belts that fit as im petite, and i can't wait to put this with an outift.

A close up of the tiger...RAWR!
Also in the Topshop sale i noticed this silky number. It was part of the Barbara Hulanicki range and was reduced from £40 to £15.
It's the top i am wearing in my previous post. (as some of you asked where it was from)
I also love the detailing on this one too. The pattern is of girls faces.
Super cute.

So that's my little collection of new goodies for you.
I also bought some Soap & Glory products yesterday which i will put in a seperate post, so look out for that one if you are interested.

I'm thinking of doing a blogpost on Lush products that i would reccommend and others i would steer clear of...would any of you be interested in reading that?

♥

Middle parting?

Yesterday, when i awoke..my side fringe (or bangs as you call them in the US) just wouldnt sit right and i had no time to wash my hair again.

So, for the first time since i was about 10..i put my hair in a middle parting.
For some of you, this is no big deal...
But i have had my side fringe for ages and always laughed at how my hair looked with a center parting.
I did the "Lauren Conrad plaits"
What do you think?
I was actually surprisingly happy with it.


If you're wandering where i am..i was helping out in my mums shop "The Frock Exchange" yesterday in Bath city.
I will do a blogpost on it because if yoou are ever in Bath..or you live there. You should definitely check it out.

♥

Wedding Photos by Moi.

On Saturday i was photographer for an old friend who got married...He is 7 years older than me...but him & his brother & sisters were my first friends, and were at all my brithday parties. :)

I might try and find a photo of us all when we were little..would be interesting to see how much we've changed.
Anyway...i wasn't originally going to post these but i'm quite proud of them, and thought that those of you who share an interest/passion in photography might like to see them.
It was such a beautiful day, the weather started off so grim but as if by magic, the sun came out as the bride arrived, and stayed out until the evening.
I wasn't an "Offical-i'm-going-to-charge-you-a-bomb" photographer. They just asked if i'd be interested & of course i said yes. I showed them the photos today and they LOVED them.
Phewph.
So, here we go, a few of my favourites...

[Please don't steal these photos, i worked hard to produce them & didn't have time to put my blogstamp on them. I will literally laugh at you if you attempt to :)]

Anyways, thats the photo's..& here's what i wore & my makeup.

[Me & my brother]

Makeup wise i had my usual Bare Escentuals combo with my Triple Fusion MSF..
Sable, Femme Fi & Carbon on the eyes
And on the lips i wore Creme D'nude by Mac (forgot how gorgeous this was)

[Me, Mummy & Bro]

Hope you enjoyed my random post. :)
I'm nearly at 1000 followers, i can hardly believe it.
Love you all.
♥