Review: Kujali Ipad Mini Case

I was very kindly sent this *iPad mini case by Kujali about a week ago - this does not affect my opinion of the brand/product, for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. I was in need of a new ipad case and this one sounded very interesting, especially as with every purchase of this case, the company will give one mosquito net to a child in Africa which is just fantastic! Also each case is tested for months before it is released so you know it is going to be amazing!

The *Kujali iPad Mini Case is priced at £29.99 which for the incredible quality and charitable actions of the brand is an amazing price. The case has a matte black leather outer cover and  the inside is a plush red suede material - I love the contrasting colours. There is a red silicone lining that adds very good protection. To insert your iPad Mini, you just remove the padding and red silicone lining. Then insert your ipad mini in the red silicone lining before you fit it into the  hard black case. The fit is snug and I feel like it will definitely keep my iPad mini as protected and safe as it could possibly be! The silicone is shock absorbing. 

There is a slot for the lightening charging cable and raised areas where the power button and volume buttons are. The silicone doesn't affect the effectiveness of the buttons. The case is held closed by a elasticated black band and the plastic case holds the ipad really well all over but especially at the corners. The case has an elasticated band on the inside so you can place your hand inside to hold the case. Also the case has groves on one side so you can stand it up at different angles which is the main way I use it - it is very useful, it is one of my favourite features. There is a hole for the camera on the back and I feel like my ipad is very secure and protected, even if I drop it (which I have done a couple of times...oops!). Also if you register your case online with Kujali, they offer a lifetime warranty on the case.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the case, it works so well and aesthetically I think the case looks very sleek and expensive and in terms of functionality I cannot fault it. I will be using no other case as long as I have this one. I also love the charitable aspect of this product/brand, with every purchase of this iPad mini case, the company will give one mosquito net to a child in Africa to try and reduce deaths related to malaria. I am recommending this case to all of my friends and family who have iPad minis, I love it! I cannot recommend this case and brand enough, for more information on the case and charitable work, click here. 

Read More

Review: Scentsy Wax Melts #2

Here is the second part of my Scentsy wax melts review, to see the first post, click here. I love candles and wax melts, so when I was kindly scent these wax melts to review I was very excited. Although the wax melt samples were sent to me this does not affect my opinions of the brand/products, for more information on pr and my disclaimer, click here. 

The first post contains reviews of the following scents: Simply rose, Perk me up, Baked apple pie and Perfectly pomegranate so if you are interested to see those review then check out my first Scentsy post. This review will focus on the following scents: Walk on the beach, Yuzu dragon, Beach and White jasmine & vetiver. Each sample is approx. half a square from a large 8 square Scentsy bar. 

Walk on the beach: This scent is something I wouldn't really go for but it is a nice exotic fruity scent which has elements of musky but sweet freshness. The scent would be perfect for spring/summer! Slightly like pineapple and I probably wouldn't buy this scent personally but a few of my friends/family really like this scent. It is fairly strong but not overpowering and lasts for a fairly long time considering it is a sample. ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Yuzu Dragon: Again this one is something I wouldn't usually like but it is a nice sweet, exotic fruit scent. It is quite subtle which is a good thing because I think it was it much stronger then it may be a bit sickly. It lasts for a while and it disperses well. ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Beach: A fresh and sweet pineapple scent, which would be just perfect for spring/summer. The scent travels/disperses well and it stays strong for a long time considering the size of the sample. Maybe a love it or hate it scent. ★★★★☆, 4/5.

White jasmine & vetiver: This is by far my favourite scent from this set of four, it is a lovely sweet floral scent that is so uplifting and fresh. Strong but not overpowering and a bit powdery. The scent travels well and lasts for a while. Love it! ★★★★★,5/5

Overall, I LOVE the White jasmine & vetiver scent and the little samples are definitely impressive in terms of scent strength and dispersion. They should be used with an electric warmer to get the best out of the wax melts but I have a tea light warmer and they work well. Electric warmers are recommended and Scentsy have some gorgeous electric warmers. You can request Scentsy wax samples, here. 

Have you tried Scentsy before? What do you think of these scents? x

Read More

Review: Scentsy Wax Melts #1

I was very kindly sent eight wax tart samples to try from Scentsy, I saw an advert for Scentsy while scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed and it looked really interesting. I love candles and scented home ware, so I definitely wanted to try Scentsy! All opinions and photographs are my own, for more information on PR and my disclaimer, click here. I will be splitting the review into two parts, here are the first four wax Scentsy tart reviews. 

The wax samples come in really cute plastic containers for the most part which are great and you could reuse them, for example, if you haven't used up one wax tart you carefully pour it back into its container. Each small sample is half of a square from the large 8 square full size bars. Here are the reviews!

*Baked Apple Pie: Along with floral scents, food/baking scented items are a winner for me. I wanted to try this one first as it did smell gorgeous in its package. After about four minutes the gorgeous cinnamon baked apple pie scent was noticeable - the scent is just divine. It is a heavenly mixture of vanilla, subtle cinnamon and baked apples. Strong but not overpowering scent which is surprising considering it is a small sample. ★★★★★, 5/5 from me!

*Perfectly Pomegranate: Before melting it smells so fruity and very sweet - quite an artificial scent and like fruity lip balms. Scent became noticeable very quickly while melting in my tea light burner - a electric burner/melter is recommended, not a tea light one. After approx. 20 the scent is still strong which is really impressive for a small sample, this continued for around 2 hours! ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*Perk Me Up: Along with Baked Apple Pie and the Simply Rose wax samples, this is one of the ones I was really excited to try. I LOVE coffee and I have been looking out for coffee candles but I have never found a nice one - until now. The scent is a mixture of vanilla and coffee, the coffee is not really strong in this wax sample, although I personally would have liked the coffee to be a bit stronger (but it was just a sample). A gorgeous scent for coffee lovers! It lasted for about 2 hours (over 2 days) and some yankee candle tarts and sampler candles I have tried haven't been as impressive as these sample from Scentsy have been! ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Simply Rose: I couldn't stop smelling this one in its little pot, it's so lovely. Rose scented products can smell a bit old fashioned in my opinion but this one is sweet and fresh and divine. It is not overpowering either, the scent strength has been really impressive with all of these samples. I was a bit surprised at how much I liked this one! ★★★★★, 5/5.

Overall, I have been so impressed by these little samples, they are better than a lot of wax tarts I have tried and also some Yankee Candle sampler candles! I love the Perk Me Up, Baked Apple Pie and Simply Rose scents - I would definitely purchase the Perk Me Up Scentsy Bar! It is better to use an electric warmer with these so you can get the most out of the Scentsy bars! For more information on Scentsy, click here. They have a really wide range of scented bars which you can break up and use with electric warmers, they sell electric warmers that look so amazing and also bath/body products too! Impressive! My second Scentsy review will be live in a few days x

Read More

Review: Sammy Dress Color Matching Jacket

When I received an email from Sammy dress about reviewing a product I obviously said yes, the clothing items look great and some are so cute! Even though this product was sent to me it does not change/affect my opinion of the brand/product, for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here.

The item I chose was the *Zippers PU Leather Cotton Color Matching Jacket For Women ($14.51). The item comes in one size but you can see the measurements for the jacket on the website which is fantastic! The jacket is from a brand called CiCi Party. I picked this jacket as I do have a small massive addiction to jackets and coats, I love jackets/coats! Also because I do not have anything like this in my wardrobe. 

The delivery time was good and they gave me a tracking number too which was great! However when the jacket arrived I was a bit surprised, I order the jacket based on the photographs on the website but when it arrived it looked different. The tassels for the zippers were not on the jacket, they were just left loose in the package. Also on the website the jacket looked a LOT thicker and structured, so I am a little bit disappointed! The jacket made of a silky chiffon like fabric, it is quite thin and flimsy sadly. 

Anyway, the jacket itself is nice and it definitely makes a change to the grey, black and navy jackets I always wear. And one of my new years resolutions for 2014 was to wear new clothing pieces and not just stick to what I always wear. The jacket is smooth/silky but really thin so it would be more suitable for spring/summer. I love the zipper detail and the PU collar. The jacket fits really well too! 

Overall, I like the design, it fits very well and I love the contrasting PU collar - the quality is good too but I am quite disappointed that it doesn't look like the jacket on the website. The jacket itself is so much thinner than it looked online! There are some gorgeous items on Sammy Dress though - I should have picked the adorable spaceman sweater. ★★★☆☆ 3/5 stars. 

What do you think of this jacket? Have you bought anything from Sammy Dress before?

Read More

Review: Ozeri Precision Pro II Digital Bathroom Scale

I was kindly sent these bathroom scales to review from Ozeri. I have reviewed Ozeri products before (thermal drinking glasses, review here) so I knew the quality would be great so obviously I said yes! All opinions are my own, for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. I am currently living with my parents and we share the regular bathroom scale we have so it is nice to have one of my own and hopefully it will keep me motivated to keep track of my weight in 2014!

I have the *Ozeri Precision Pro II Digital Bathroom Scales (Currently on sale on Amazon UK for £18.95!). The scale arrived promptly and when the UPS delivery man gave it to me I was slightly shocked at how heavy it was - it feels quite weighty if I am honest. When opening the box I found the scales to be really thin! Which was surprising considering they are a bit heavy but they are also big as well as thin so it makes up for the weight. 

The scales look great in my opinion, very sleek and thin. It look pretty expensive and it feels like they are durable and made to a high standard as the previous Ozeri product I tried was. The scales are shiny black and matte grey, they match well with my grey bathroom! I have been using them for about a week now and I really like them - they are so much better than the old Tesco one we have, so much so that my sister who is living away at university wants these scales too!

I tested them myself for the past week for accuracy, if the scales read an accurate weight each time and for a consistent amount of time which they did. I also roped in my dad to test them and he likes the scales as well and finds them to be more accurate than our other bathroom scales. They are easy to use, you just step on and a blue light shows up in the display and after about 15 seconds or so you have your weight (whether you want to see it or not!). You can change from pounds (lbs) to kilograms very easily! Even though the scales are a bit weighty and big they are thin so I can easily store them on their side next to the sink. The scales also came with batteries so it was easy to set up and use. 

Overall, a great product for keeping track of...how much weight I have put on over Christmas and new year - but the number wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be! If you want more information and stats on this product, click here. You can find a lot of Ozeri products on Amazon.co.uk. ★★★★★ 5/5.

Read More

Review: Luxury Legs Oroblu Tights

I have another review for you today, I was very kindly sent these tights to review from Luxury Legs - I chose them myself but this does not change my opinion of the brand/product, for more information on PR and my disclaimer, click here. I am going to publish a winter lookbook blog post soon so you can see the tights with different outfits.

I picked the *Oroblue Warm & Soft Micro Fleeced 110 Denier Tights (Black, Small - £16.50). I picked these tights as black tights go with just about everything and it is winter and I do get cold so easily. The only other fleeced tights I have tried are the Primark super cosy tights which are nice but I find they loose their shape very easily. The delivery time was quick, the tights were well packaged and nicely presented - apart from a slightly broken box due to the postman trying to shove it through the letter box! The size guide for these tights is based on weight and height which I found really useful and unique.

The first time I tried these tights on, it was a cold day and I was ill so it was a good test to see how warm, soft and comfy they were. Firstly, I find tights quite annoying to put on - it takes ages and I usually end up getting inpatient and frustrated. But these tights slid on so damn easily and quickly - no effort needed at all. They have a super soft, warm and smooth fleece lining which makes them a dream to put on and wear. They are also thick and at 110 denier you cannot see through them so they would be good as a substitute for fleecy winter leggings. 

The tights were so cosy and comfy I didn't want to take them off. I wore them with a long line khaki green knitted jumper/dress from Next which I love and my uggs. I love these tights with knitted dresses and boots! The tights have been keeping me toasty, warm and comfortable all day with no complaints at all from me!

Overall, I am extremely happy with these tights - they make all of the other tights I own look very thin and practically useless! Yes they are a bit expensive at £16.50 but I think they will last a long time and they are so comfy, warm and soft - a staple for winter! For more information on these tights and others from Luxury Legs, click here. ★★★★★ 5/5.

Have you bought anything from Luxury Legs before? What do you think of these tights? x

Read More

Review: Becca Pressed Powder and Brow Shaping Gel

I bought a couple of Becca items from Fragrance Direct a couple of weeks ago and I have been loving them ever since. I had no idea that Fragrance Direct had started to stock Becca, until a lucky browse on their site - I bought the Becca Fine Pressed Powder and the Brow Shaping Gel, both of which were heavily discounted! This is not a sponsored post, both products were bought with my own money. 

Becca Fine Pressed Powder (Bisque, £5.99): Becca is quite a high end brand with this pressed powder retailing at about £30 so I was very shocked (and very happy) to see this powder on sale on Fragrance Direct for only £5.99. When I saw the price I thought all of the shades would be very dark but no, there was a very light shade called 'Bisque' in stock. The shade is perfect for my very pale snow white skin tone. As the name suggests the powder is very fine, it feels weightless on the skin and it does not look caky or heavy. I have been using this product as a setting powder and I am very happy with the result. I have dry skin and this powder doesn't emphasise dryness on me and it gives very light coverage while setting the makeup and slightly mattifying the t-zone. Also I LOVE the packaging and mirror. ★★★★☆ 4/5.

Becca Brow Shaping Gel (£3.99): I think I paid just under £4 for this product, it is sadly not on the website anymore. I also love the packaging of this product, it is so sleek and travel friendly. Now brows, my brows are fairly thick and the can be quite unruly. I have to use brow gel in them everyday otherwise they looks horrendous! I have tried quite a few brow gels and my favourite one so far is the Tweezerman Brow Mousse which I love. This brow gel is a good second, it holds the brows fairly well, it is clear and it is very quick and easy to use. ★★★★☆ 4/5.

Have you bought anything from Fragrance Direct before? x

Read More

Review: The Blogger Programme

The Blogger Programme is a new blogger networking/outreach tool in which bloggers can contact brands and ask to work with them. I have been using The Blogger Programme since December 2013 and I have to say, I think it is a fantastic website for bloggers. This  is not sponsored but it is an entry into The Blogger Programme Facebook competition - entries need to be sent by the 3rd February on The Blogger Programme's Facebook Competition tab, here.  

Firstly, signing up to the blogger programme is easy then you can customise your profile and add in your blog and social media links. You can add a profile photograph and other images of yourself or blog posts you have created. Once set up you can search through the brands from beauty brands to clothing, accessories, home ware and jewellery brands. 

The first brand I worked with through The Blogger Programme is After Noah, click here to see my review. I reviewed an amazing moustache glass holder, Freud sticky notes and more! The communication process with brands is simple and easy to use. Although I find it can take a long time for brands to reply, however this is not under the control of The Blogger Programme.

Other brands I have worked with through the blogger programme are as follows: The Mercantile London (review here), Coloured Contacts Hut (review here) and Powder (review here). With the previous brands I was kindly sent some amazing products to review, although this does not affect my opinion(s) of the product(s), for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. I have also worked with Very.co.uk through the blogger programme and I created a outfit ideas post with Very products (post here)- I was asked if I wanted to guest post on Very's blog! How amazing is that, my post was published on Very's blog back in December. 

I have been able to work with some amazing brands, review fantastic products that I love and guest post on a nationwide brands blog, all thanks to The Blogger Programme. I think it is a fantastic tool for all bloggers, particularly for fashion, lifestyle and beauty bloggers. I would highly recommend The Blogger Programme, click here to go to their website. 

Are you signed up to The Blogger Programme? x

Read More

- Review: Powder Tessa Lavender Snood -

I was very kindly sent this snood for review and I was able to choose the item - however this does not affect my opinion of the brand/product, for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. Powder was co-founded by Lisa Beaumont and Lucas Nicholls in 2009. With 45 years experience of design and branding knowledge between them they set out to create a new brand of fashion accessories! The powder philosophy is to create unique designs that brighten your day! To create scarves and designs that are loveable, offer the highest quality design and value, create the perfect gift and to give the customer the best possible service - what more could you ask for!

I have the *Powder Tessa Scarf/Snood in Lavender (£20) which is from the 'warm and wintery' collection. Matching mittens are also available, click here. I picked this particular snood (infinity scarf/circle scarf) as I do not have anything like it - it looks so unique. I love the lavender grey and orange/coral combination! I would wear this scarf with jeans and a jumper or a plain black dress and leather jacket for example. You will see this snood in an upcoming ootd or winter lookbook post.

I find the quality of the snood to be exceptional, it is very well made and it is the softest snood I have ever tried! The knit is not overly chunky too but it is definitely not thin. It is super cosy, thick and a great size/length. As it is a snood there are not excess lengths of scarf, it just bundles around the neck and it keeps me very warm and cosy in the horrible British winter. I wore this snood yesterday while shopping in the cold and wind - it kept me warm and snugly all day, I didn't want to take it off! I wore it with a white top, dark wash high waisted jeans and a black duffle coat. I am going to be buying my mum a scarf or pair of gloves from Powder, I just can't decide what yet - there is a lot of choice. 

The snood was delivered very quickly and the item came with its own large Powder gift bag which I think it such a nice and useful addition. So if you bought one of the scarves, mittens or gloves as a gift then you also have a gorgeous, super pretty gift bag for it! The attention to detail makes the product/brand stand out for me (as well as their unique, English heritage feel products) such as the gift bag, small labels on the scarf and the cute tag on the scarf. Overall, a gorgeous snood that will see me through many autumn and winters - I would definitely recommend this snood and the brand generally. The scarves, mittens and gloves would make gorgeous presents for birthdays or valentines day *cough, cough*

What do you think of the Tessa Scarf? Have you bought anything from Powder UK before?

Read More

Review: Jasper Jewellery Platinum Swarovski Crystal Necklace

I was able to chose this gorgeous necklace from Jasper Jewellery to review, however this does not affect my opinions of this product - for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. Jasper Jewellery is an Irish jewellery online shop, they have free worldwide delivery and I have a €5 off code which Jasper Jewellery kindly provided for my followers and readers - the code is multi use and it is valid until 31st March 2014!

I picked the *Jasper Jewellery Platinum Swarovski Crystal Necklace (€22). The necklace contains Swarovski crystal elements, the chain length is 39cm (+ 3cm extension chain) and the necklace was gift wrapped and boxed already! I picked this necklace because it looked so classic and elegant, it would be a great necklace all year round. The necklace looks and feels very well made and it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is. 

I have paired the necklace with a classic breton stripe top for a casual look but I could definitely wear this necklace with my pastel lilac jumper or a plain skater dress. The dress would work with so many outfits, it is very versatile. The necklace itself is very feminine and so sparkly, it reflects the light beautifully. I do not wear jewellery too often but I can see myself wearing this necklace so often, it is quite dainty and simple. 

Overall, I am so happy with this necklace and the service! The delivery time was very quick, the box is sturdy and can be used to store the item. Also the item you choose comes gift wrapped which is fantastic if you are awful at wrapping presents like me (I think I am the only woman who cannot wrap gifts!). The necklace is so beautiful, it is comfortable to wear and a perfect addition to so many outfits! I am definitely going to be buying either this same necklace or another for my mum, for mothers day (UK - 30th march 2014). 

Jasper Jewellery have kindly provided me with a €5 off code for my readers and followers (and anyone really) to use on their website. It is a multi use code, it is valid until the 31st March. The code is: ofbeautyandnothingness5. If you have any birthdays coming up then I would definitely recommend having a look at Jasper Jewellery. Also valentines day is just around the corner *cough, cough*. 

Read More

Review: Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

I was kindly sent these exfoliating pads by Radical Skincare which I am grateful for - although this does not affect my opinions of the product, for more information on PR and my disclaimer, click here. I have never tried any kind of exfoliating skincare pads before so I was excited to try these out and I have never tried anything from the brand Radical Skincare until now. 

I have the *Radical Skincare Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads (60 pads, £45). The exfoliating pads are moist and they contain 'Trylacel technology' which is a AHA and BHA multi fruit acid formula. I have never tried anything containing fruit acids before and I was a little bit wary. Although many exfoliating skin care products contain fruit acids - if you are looking into fruit acid skincare product, this may be a good place to start. The product claims to remove dead skin cells, tighten and firm the skin, reduce pore size and lines while keeping the skin hydrated and nourished. The packaging for the product is big and heavy, it feels very luxe and expensive!

I have been trying these skincare pads out for just over two weeks now and I have been using them at night after I cleanse my skin. I have been using them all over my chin, jaw, neck, nose and forehead - the places that have the most pores and can be less smooth. I am only 21 so I do not have wrinkles so I can't really comment on the lines/wrinkles aspect of this product. The pads are very quick, easy and fuss free to use which is great. I sweep the pad over the skin after cleansing and then let the liquid residue dry on the skin, which only takes about 30 seconds - then follow with my normal moisturiser. 

The biggest difference I have found while using this product is the reduction in pore size. I have really large pores on my nose and small but still noticeable pores on my chin and forehead. I find that since using these pads the pores on my nose (and my chin/forehead) have definitely reduced in size which is fantastic. The pores on my nose have been a bit embarrassing for me even with makeup on as they are so big but they have definitely reduced in size now. Also my skin where I have been using these pads is smoother, softer and slightly firmer too. 

I was a bit concerned about using these pads as I do have sensitive skin (although I didn't use these pads on the most sensitive areas, such as around my eyes and cheeks). I had nothing to be concerned about as I did not experience any negative effects with this product. 

Overall, I am really happy with the pads, after two weeks my skin is smoother, the pore size has been noticeably reduced and my skin feels slightly firmer. I am very happy with the results, also my skin doesn't feel stripped after using these pads. This product is a bit expensive but in my opinion they are worth it as a treat for the skin, they may be something to ask for as a present *cough, cough valentines day, cough*. For more information about Radical skincare (they have free shipping and free samples too), click here. 

Read More

- Review: Joules Terrific Treats Bath Wash Trio -

Another product review, I was sent this gift set to review from Joules - even though it was sent to me, my opinions expressed in this review are my own and honest - for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. To check out more products from Joules, including clothing, click here. There is an outlet section and festive savings/offers on currently.

The set is the *Terrific Treats Bath Wash Trio (£18). It contains a body wash souffle which I was really interested to try out, a body scrub and a body butter. Each tub is 300ml which is massive - it is a very substantial gift! The packaging for the set is just gorgeous, I love the bright colours, cute floral box and the ribbon - it feels very unique and it has a slight British heritage feel about it. I have noticed these Joules sets at Christmas time in Boots for the past year or so and they always look great!

Body wash souffle: I love the packaging of these tubs, so cute with the colours, tin lids with a rabbit embossed on the top. The body souffle was the product I wanted to try the most as it sounded really unusual - I don't think I have tried a body wash souffle before. I have tried it as a body wash and it is pretty amazing, I love the consistency, it lathers well and it feels really nice on the skin. It doesn't strip the skin, it is fairly moisturising. I have also used it as a shave gel and it works amazingly well, it makes the skin smooth and moisturised. 

Body scrub: The body scrub has a strange consistency, it feels like a gel! Very unusual but it actually works really well as an exfoliant. It does scrub the skin but it is not too abrasive. It does have a fairly strong scent, very clean and fresh smelling (as all of the products do). 

Body butter: The body butter is similar to the Body Shop body butters, it is very thick and smooth. This body butter applies really well, it smells nice (it is subtle which I like) and it leaves my skin feeling super smooth, soft and hydrated. Unlike some body butters I have tried this one absorbs really quickly. It is a fantastic product for the winter months and it will last me a while!

Overall, I love the packaging and presentation - I think it would make a lovely (and heavy) gift! As well as the three tubs of body products you also get a £10 off voucher to use on the Joules website. I think all three products are great, I love the body butter and body wash souffle! I would definitely recommend checking Boots (online or instore) for this set as it will be half price now in the sales.

Just a note: I am introducing a new feature on my blog, on the left hand side underneath my own blog button I will add one blog button of the blog I am loving currently - I will change it every week or two. This first blog is, Ahem it's Emme!

Read More

Review: Priddy Valencian Orange Hand Cream

I was sent this hand cream from the shop The Mercantile London through the Blogger Programme website (If you are a blogger I would recommend joining). Even though this product was sent for review it does not change my views on the product/brand, I will always be honest in my opinions - for more information about PR and my disclaimer, click here. To see more products from The Mercantile London including clothing, beauty products, gifts and more, click here. 

I received the *Valencian Orange hand cream scent, there are three other scents (Bergamot and lime, Rowan berry, Hyeres lavender). I have the 30ml size which is £12 but there is a smaller 15ml size for only £5 which would be great as a little present or as a tester to see if you like the cream/scent. Firstly, the packaging from The Mercantile London and the brand Priddy is just gorgeous - it looks so unique, quirky and modern, love the packaging/presentation. 

The cream comes in a metal (but flexible) tube, the ingredients are clearly listed and it has a similar feel to the L'Occitane hand creams in terms of packaging and quality. The cream itself is a off white colour and the scent is divine! It smells like sour oranges and gorgeous musk - it smells really similar to the Molton Brown Valbonne unisex fragrance. This hand cream would be great for men and women as the scent, in my opinion, is definitely unisex. The scent is quite unique, it makes me think of harry potter and other magical mysterious type films (think Tim Burton films) as it is a unique, musky gorgeous scent. 

Even after washing my hands the scent remains, it stays on my hands for a good couple of hours at least. The cream has a smooth texture, it applies quickly and easily - you only need a really small amount of cream, a little goes a long way so I think this 30ml will last me quite a while. It leaves my hands smelling amazing and feeling silky smooth, soft and moisturised. It is very moisturising and the moisturising effect lasts for hours, for my skin which is very impressive. It is also great as a cuticle/nail cream.

Overall, I love the packaging and scent! The hand cream is up there with L'Occitane in my opinion, it is fantastic and it will last a while too. It is super moisturising (if you use too much it can be a little greasy though) and it keeps my hands moisturised for a while - very happy with this product. I will be looking out for more products from the brand Priddy! The Priddy EDP and festive spice room spray sound gorgeous. To see more products from Priddy, click here. 

Have you tried anything The Mercantile London website or the brand Priddy? x

Read More

Review: Coloured Contacts Hut Prescription Lenses

I have been wearing normal, monthly contact lenses since I was 17 as my Specsavers glasses sometimes gave me a headache and sadly there is a certain amount of discrimination surrounding glasses occasionally I find. Anyway, I have wanted to try coloured contact lenses for a while, who doesn't want to know what they would look like with a different eye colour...just me, ok. I picked the *Ocean Blue prescription coloured contact lenses from Coloured Contacts Hut - I had no idea that there were prescription coloured contacts!

The ones I have are the *Prescription Ocean Blue Contacts (£8.99 each). You buy the left and right contact lenses individually. The lenses last for a maximum 8 hours and once opened last for 30 days. For those who do not wear contacts normally, the lenses come with a saline solution, case and plastic tweezers (I don't know why tweezers are included). For the prescription lenses you need your eye prescription from your optician - as I wear contacts I have my prescription at hand. For the prescription lenses you need your SPH and BC number I believe. 

As I said I have been wearing contacts since I was 17 so I am more than used to putting them in, wearing them and then taking them out/caring for them. In short, you wash and dry your hands then place the contact lens on the tip of your finger so it is concave and place on the eyeball - this may sound gross to some I know but it is very easy, quick and it doesn't take long to get used to. I was so surprised at how bright and vivid the contacts are, they changed my naturally hazel eye colour to an almost cartoon/anime like blue colour! They fit well, the are soft contacts so they are flexible and comfortable to wear and they are definitely not subtle. 

I love the effect, although I did creep myself out looking in the mirror for the first time when I put them in! I am definitely going to be wearing them for my new year great gatsby flapper look as it makes your costume/outfit look far more impressive! They are prescription lenses so I can see clearly with them in and they are easy to take out - just like my normal Specsavers lenses. 

In terms of cleaning and looking after the lenses, once you take them out you need to put them back in the case that is filled with the saline solution otherwise they will dry up and become unusable. And wash hands before touching the lenses. Also in terms of makeup I do not wear eyeliner on the waterlines when I have contacts in as the liner can transfer to the contact lenses. 

Overall, the lenses are easy to use and take out. They are prescription which I think is fantastic and the colour of the lenses is so vivid and bright. Coloured lenses would be fantastic for a new year, christmas party or fancy dress which is what I am going to be using them for. The Coloured Contacts Hut website has so many designs and effects for prescription and non prescription lenses. I love the Twilight, Mad hatter and green lenses. For more information on the Coloured Contacts Hut range, click here. I would highly recommend the website and prescription coloured contact lenses.

Read More

Review: Ozeri Moderna Thermo Glasses

I picked this set of *four drinking glasses from the brand Ozeri last week to review and as with other products that I have received without charge to review, all photographs and opinions are my own - for more information on my disclaimer/PR, click here. This set is the first product I have used from the brand Ozeri and so far I am impressed. 

This set is the *Moderna set of four drinking glasses which are 2 fl oz or 0.06L in capacity (£18.95, Ozeri - Amazon). They are quite unusual in their design, they are double walled - I love this effect, it looks so unique and contemporary. It looks like a glass inside a glass, love the design. There are four small indentations around the glasses for fingers/thumbs to hold the glass which again I think it quite unique and ergonomic. 

Since having these glasses I have used them for my latte and espressos. They are quite small in capacity which is my only criticism of them really but there is a larger 8 fl oz size on Amazon currently for £24.95. However, the 2 fl oz glasses are the perfect size of an espresso. I think they will be a fantastic size for my cheeky baileys tipple at Christmas and new year! They are described as 'heat resistant' and the double walled design allows your hands to stay cool while there is a hot drink in the glass - and stops condensation with cold drinks. The cool effect does work, I can have my hot espresso in the glass and when I pick up the glass it is only just warm to the touch. They can be used for hot drinks such as coffee as I have used them, cold drinks or cocktails for example. In terms of cleaning, they are very easy to clean and they do not show streaks or water marks.

Overall, I love the design and I will be using them for my baileys, cocktails and espresso drinks especially over the festive period. I think they would make a great gift for students (they would be great for cocktails or as a large shot glass) and for friends/family who are moving house or buying their first house as a few of my friends are currently. Ozeri isn't a brand I have bought from before but I will be checking out more of their home ware items, click here to find more Ozeri products - you can also buy Ozeri products on amazon.

Read More

Firmoo glasses updated

I have already posted a review of the first pair of Firmoo glasses that I was sent back in March but since then I have bought a pair with my own money as I just love them, they are great quality and really reasonably priced. Firmoo ship worldwide and they have a first pair of glasses free for new customers. I was contacted again by Firmoo glasses last week to review another pair. I have been sent two of these pairs of glasses for free (I bought the tortoise pair with my own money) but that does not change my opinions of the product(s). If you would like to potentially join this campaign, click here.

1. *Black clear glasses (frame number: CP6061): I have already posted a review of these glasses, click here to see my review. 

2. Unisex Acetate Full Frame Eyeglasses, Tortoise (frame number: SD2249): I bought this pair a few months ago with my own money. It is the same design as the first pair, the fit really well, they are high quality and I love the tortoise shell effect. The tortoise effect makes a nice change to the plain black glasses. 

3. *Unisex Acetate Full Frame Eyeglasses, clear grey (frame number: DBSN62108): This is the newest addition to my Firmoo glasses collection, it is a ombre grey pair! They are a bit different to the previous two pairs, they are slightly wider/bigger. I love the dark grey at the top fading to a lighter clear grey at the bottom of the lenses. 

All three pairs fit well, they do not give me headaches, they are great unisex simple styles that go with everything practically. Before Firmoo contacted me I was using my Specsavers glasses which I have been wearing since I was about 15, and I definitely prefer Firmoo glasses to any of the Specsavers ones I have had! If you are not from the UK, Specsavers is a well known opticians in the UK. 

Overall, I love Firmoo glasses and I have bought one pair myself. I would highly recommend Firmoo glasses - the glasses are fantastic, the price is reasonable and the delivery is quick too (to the UK anyway). The glasses come with a wipe, pouch and sturdy glasses case. x

Read More

*Fashion Union Geometric Print Dress

I entered the Fashion Union campaign on Etail PR which is a free site that bloggers can join and you can enter campaigns where you may be sent items to review - however my opinions are my own. I entered the Fashion Union campaign which is still running and there were a lot of items to choose from for this campaign. For more information on etail pr, click here. 

I picked the Geometric Print Long Sleeve Mini Dress (£30) in the UK size 8 which is a great size for me. I heard of and bought from Fashion Union before I signed up to Etail PR and I bought a couple of jumpers in the sale. I find their clothing to be true to size, from my experience. The dress is described as mini but as I am just under 5ft it is longer and it is a couple of inches above my knee which is a really nice length for me, in my opinion. 

I love the print of the dress, is is monochrome and I just adore the print. The material that the dress is made of is really thick which would be great for the colder months but I find that it makes the dress quite rigid, this would probably not be the case after it has been washed though. The length and size overall are great but the arms and shoulders of the dress look quite boxy on my petite frame so I don't think it looks very flattering on me!

Overall, a good quality dress for the colder months with a classic, easy to wear print. However on me the dress looks a bit too boxy, structured and it would probably suit someone taller to be honest!

Have you bought anything from Fashion Union? x

Read More

*Front Row Shop: Plaid Shirt

I was contacted a few weeks ago by the clothing website Front Row Shop to see if I wanted to pick an item of clothing to try and review - I said yes and just because an item was sent for review it doesn't change my opinions of the product. All opinions and photographs are my own, for more information you can check out the PR tab above. 

I picked the Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt (£26.40, $40) and I have had it for one week now. Firstly, I find that with tartan/check/plaid shirts that are fairly thin are usually not made very well but this shirt is really well made and the quality is really high. I love the colours of this shirt, the reds and blues go really well with my trusty Dorothy Perkins petite skinny jeans that I love. I have on my newlook black heeled boots too. 

The shirt is a really good size, it is not too long which I find can be a big problem for me and buying shirts as I am petite so they are always too long but this is a perfect length/size. I  picked a size S (small) and for reference I am a UK size 8/10. I think the shirt looks great tucked into jeans, with a black faux leather biker jacket on or with a cream coloured jumper over the top with the collar sticking out. The material is pretty thin but it is great for layering in the colder months. Overall, I am very impressed with this product and it is great item right now as tartan is a bit trend for autumn/winter! 

Have you bought anything from Front Row Shop? x

Read More

Review: Casio Silver Ladies Watch

I am signed up to the Etail PR blogger network and I applied for their campaign involving a store called The Watch Hut. The Watch Hut is the UK's largest watch website and they have have a few stores around the UK. I was sent the Casio Silver Ladies Watch to review, however even though I was sent this product to review, the photographs and opinions are honest and my own (see the PR sub heading for some more information). 

Before I received the watch I was a bit concerned about the size as my wrists are quite tiny but the watch itself is fairly small so it is perfect for me. The watch is a great size, I love the silver and burgundy colours - they look great and the watch goes with a lot of casual outfits. I have been wearing this watch mostly with skinny jeans, chunky jumpers and boots, for example, my nordic style H&M jumper and more recently a chunky black jumper that I bought in the Ark sale. It is a nice versatile watch in my opinion. 

The closure on the watch strap is easy to use, I had to get my dad to slide the closure further down the metal strap as it was too big on my small wrists but it was easy to alter using a small jewellers screwdriver. The watch set up was also easy and it has a timer and alarm on it too. The watch is also water resistant and it is lightweight and flexible so it is fairly comfortable to wear. However I do find the metal links that make up the watch strap can pull on the small hairs around the arm which isn't great - but overall, it is a nice watch that looks quite retro! It would make a great Christmas present. It is currently priced at £24.75 on The Watch Hut which I think is a great price as in my opinion it looks a lot more expensive. 

Read More

*American Soda

A few weeks ago my sister, Aimee, contacted the store/website American Soda which is a UK food website that I have been buying from for a least a year now. Anyway, my sister asked if them if they could send me some products for review and because it was my 21st birthday which was sweet of her and a little bit cheeky! I opened the box the day before we went on holiday and I received some yummy American food which isn't that easy to get hold of if you are in the UK like me, unless you buy from speciality websites such as American Soda, so I was really happy and grateful! 

Here is what I received! I haven't tried a couple of the items I received before but I have already tried the Kraft mac and cheese which I freakin love and the Rice a roni which I also love! I have never heard of Snapple before though or the Reeces peanut butter - I love the peanut butter cups occasionally. I have already managed to eat the Mississippi mac and cheese and almost all of the Kraft mac and cheese sachets...oops! Gotta love macaroni cheese! If you like American food like me, then American Soda is a great website with a wide range of products (oh they also sell candles and baking product among other things) and they are also fairly local to where I live so I am always happy to try and support local businesses. They stock a range of American brands and products such as: Kraft, Reeces, Mountain Dew, Betty Crocker, Hershey's, Red Vines, Lucky Charms, Cap'n Crunch, Shake n Bake and many more! Also, they have just reduced the prices of their shipping too which is great! And for my amazing continental european followers, American Soda do ship to all over Europe - Click here to find out more.

Read More