Antipodes Mineral Foundation + Kabuki Brush

If you have been following my blog this year then you will have seen me raving about the brand Antipodes over and over again. I have tried a few of their products and I LOVE all of them (especially the amazing vanilla pod day cream which I definitely need to purchase!) and I cannot recommend their skincare enough so when this foundation arrived I was so excited to give it a go.

I received the *Antipodes Performance Plus Mineral Foundation (£27.99, 01 Pale Pink) which is a loose mineral powder foundation that contains SPF 15, vinanza grape and kiwi. It is dermatologically tested, suitable for normal and sensitive skin and it is scientifically proven to help improve skin health which is amazing so as well as being a foundation, it actually benefits the skin too!

I didn't know whether to choose the 01 Pale Pink shade or the 02 Light Yellow shade because I do have pink undertones and redness but I chose the first and presumably lightest shade and I'm glad I did as it matches me well. It doesn't emphasise the pink tones in my skin thankfully - so if you have a similar skintone to me then it might match you well. The only downside to this foundation, in my opinion, is the very limited shade range.

The foundation packaging is gorgeous and luxe and it does have a sifter dispenser so it isn't very messy; as you can see from the photographs above, I dispense some into the lid and then I use the *Antipodes Kabuki Brush (£16.99) which is so cute to buff it into the skin. Although it isn't the softest brush ever, it is fantastic for applying this mineral foundation as it buffs in the product well. I'm surprised at how easy, quick and fuss free it is to use and I'm also surprised by the finish as it doesn't really look powdery, flat or heavy on the skin; it leaves my skin looking more even and radiant. However if you have very oily, very dry skin or flaky skin then this might not be for you. The coverage is light to buildable as you can apply more and it almost reaches medium coverage in my opinion. It covers pores, redness and very minor blemishes really well as it almost airbrushes my skin so it looks much better although if you are looking for full coverage then this might not be the foundation for you.

Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised and impressed with this foundation and cute kabuki brush. I love the packaging, ingredients and cruelty free and natural ethos of the brand. The foundation is easy to use, it has a fairly good amount of coverage (for me anyway) and it leaves the skin looking radiant and even although as mentioned previously if you have very dry skin or very oily skin or if you want full coverage then this isn't for you. I have been using this foundation over my regular liquid foundation to set it and to add more coverage and I love it but I also adore it on its own as it looks so natural on the skin and it personally doesn't highlight dryness on me. It is one of the best foundations I've tried for a while! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried anything from Antipodes? 

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Threads Brow Pencil + False Lashes

There are many things that are altered after you've been blogging for a while, such as needing everything to be rose gold or marble, scoping out the Boots website and press releases every week for whats new and the importance of eyebrows...no, sadly that isn't sarcasm. Brows are a pretty big deal in the blogging and beauty communities in general and having your brows on point is a true accomplishment.

I'm always searching for new and interesting brow gels, powders and pencils, most of which have relatively disappointing; however as the sheeple (a combination of sheep and people, get it?...) that I am when it comes to beauty products, I am on an endless quest to find the one. I have so many brow pencils, from a range of brands, some of which I love and use constantly and others are hard, scratchy and pull out my brows as I use them which is kind of the opposite of what you want a brow pencil to do.

As obsessed with all things to do with brows as I am, I was excited when this package from Threads arrived. Threads is a relatively new brow and lash brand to be stocked in Harvey Nichols (it's exclusive to the Knightsbridge store) and I was kindly sent a few products to try.

*Threads Waterproof Long Lasting Eyebrow Pencil (£15, Coffee): The pencil contains some fantastic ingredients such as shea butter and cocoa butter. It claims to be sweatproof and waterproof and while I haven't fully tested the waterproof claims - I can say that it is so long lasting! The shade I have is Coffee which is a slightly warm toned coffee bean shade, which matches my hair quite well now but as my hair fades and is dyed again, it might not in the future. The pencil isn't too creamy or too hard and it applies easily without being harsh or stark; it blends out well with the spoolie on the pencil which is a handy addition. The only downside is that there are only two shades to choose from, both of which are dark. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

*Threads False Lashes (£9 each): I only really wear false lashes for very special occasions and for my halloween looks and I definitely think the Angel Eyes Lashes will be perfect for so many halloween or fancy dress looks as they are so full and voluminous. However the Be-Bop Lashes look like they will be more suitable for everyday wear as they are less full and although I do have to cut lashes down to size, these are easy to apply. The lashes are 100% handmade and re-useable. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the brow pencil as it is definitely the longest lasting brow pencil I've tried and the Be-Bop lashes are fantastic and easy to apply even for someone who doesn't wear lashes that often. If you don't like the look of these lashes then they have such a wide range of lashes on their website as well as eyeliners.

Have you tried anything from Threads? 

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Winter OOTD Ft. Outdoor + Country

Autumn and Winter are definitely my favourite seasons not just because of the chilly weather, seasonal drinks, baking, christmas, halloween...ok, I think you all get it now, but one of my favourite things is autumn/winter clothing and layering! Cosy winter jumpers, boots, snoods and hats are staples in my wardrobe as well as fleece leggings and coats; I tend to spend so much more money on my wardrobe at this time of the year than any other time and it's easy to see why!

Here's my outfit of the day from last week *you have to photograph and plan ahead during this time of the year when there is actually daylight #BloggerProblems* featuring cool grey tones, a cosy sequinned sweater and a gorgeous fedora from Outdoor and Country.

Sweater: *Dorothy Perkins
Jeans: Topshop
Boots: Riverisland
Hat: *Barbour 

I was very kindly sent the *Barbour Tack Fedora Hat (£49.95, Small, Grey Melange) which is just gorgeous and I know I will get so much use out of it! I've tried a couple of jumpers from Barbour x Bella Freud and I love them so I was excited to try out another item from Barbour. I don't own any hats in this style so I didn't know if it would suit me but I think it does and it fits really well; also I think it will go with so many winter outfits. It is composed of 100% wool and it has a leather rose detail.

Overall, I love this outfit and the hat definitely completes it, I don't know why I haven't bought a hat like this before! I thought it would be too big or too wide but it fits perfectly and I love the colour as grey is definitely a go to shade for me as it goes with everything and it looks so chic. Here's my winter wish list:

What do you think of this fedora? What items are on your winter wish list? 

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Slendertone Abs7 Toning Belt

The Slendetone toning belts have been something I've been interested in for quite a while, although they are a bit pricey, in my opinion and to be honest, it is an unusual product. However, I was very excited, as well as a little apprehensive, when I received the *Slendertone Abs7 Abdominal Toning Belt For Women (£149.99) and I couldn't wait to try it...well I had to wait because of the awful winter weather in England which is making it pretty much impossible to take a descent photo of anything *rant over*.

The Slendertone abdominal belt works by charging the belt from your mains electricity for about three hours, then you connect the remote/controller, stick on the gel pads, remove the plastic from the top of the gel pads (don't throw it away), attach it to your abdomen and secure it and then you can turn on the remote/controller to set it to the initial or beginners level which is designed to get your muscles used to the sensation and the belt - phew! The way it works is by sending electrical signals from the belt to the nerves in your abdomen which stimulate the muscles to contract and relax which then in turn tones and firms the muscles.

I will be honest and say that I thought it would be intense or uncomfortable and from the very first time using it I was bracing myself for pain but there is nothing like that, from my experience so far. The initial level, which lasts for 20 minutes, is very mild and at first I didn't think it was working but after a while do you feel a very slight warming sensation and what I can only describe as a light, warm tingling sensation over my abdomen that came in very gentle waves or pulses - it wasn't uncomfortable or painful in any way!

After the initial use, I tried the belt again a couple of days later (you are supposed to use it 3-4 times per week) and again, I was expecting pain or discomfort but I experience a very slightly more intense sensation but it was the same as the first use - I was very pleasantly surprised and actually quite relieved! When you have finished a session, you replace the covers for the gel pads to protect them and the better you look after them, the longer they will last before you have to buy more pads.

As I am writing this post, I have the belt on and I will be honest with you, it is a strange sensation and on occasion it can be a tiny bit uncomfortable or weird but on the whole it is fine and I can carry on typing or cooking for example with the belt on with no problems. The belt isn't unnoticeable when it's on but it is more discrete than I thought it would be but I definitely wouldn't leave the house with it on, that's for sure! I have been using it for about three weeks now at 2 to 3 times per week which is less than the recommend uses but I feel as though I'm still getting used to it and even though I don't use it as often as I should, I have noticed a slight improvement in firmness...is that a word?

Overall, I was expecting intense abdominal contractions, prolonged discomfort and pain but thankfully I didn't experience any of that! The belt was very easy to set up and use, it has so many levels so you can personalise it to not only how you want to use it that day but how far you want to carry on with the intensity level to, if that makes sense. My only negative point so far is that I would have liked the instructions to be more detailed. I am noticing slight results so far and I will definitely have an update post in the new year when I have used it more but overall from my initial experience and after three weeks of using it, I will have to give it ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Have you tried any of the Slendertone toning belts and products? 

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JD Williams Inspirational Women

Back in November the BBC released their list of the top 100 inspirational women for 2015 including Nicola Adams who is the first female boxing olympic champion, the makeup artist and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown, Sophie Walker who is the female equality party leader and many others, embarrassingly many of which I don't recognise. I personally feel as though Angelina Jolie, who is a special envoy for the UN high commissioner for refugees and she has done so much to highlight the importance of womens health, should have been included. Additionally I think that Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai should definitely have been included in the list! 

JD Williams have also released their own mini list of inspirational women that are more closer to home including Maria Pikulski who after loosing her sight has completed the London marathon, sky dived and walked the length of Hadrian's wall - I don't think I could have done any of that! Susan Oldham who is the oldest woman to have swam the English Channel, which is amazing. Tricia Cusden who has brought out her own beauty range for older women and last but not least, the ever chic Michelle Obama, who as participated in numerous charity work. I think that all four of the women included in the JD Williams list are definitely inspirational in their own way, who do you think should have been included?

In terms of the women in my life, my mum is definitely one of the inspirational women I know as she always puts myself, my sister and my dad, as well as friends, before herself. She always makes sure that we are all ok and even though she can be a little embarrassing at times, as all mums can be, she is definitely an extremely important part of mine and my family's life. 

Who are the inspirational women in your life? Who do you think should have also been included in the BBC or the JD Williams list of inspirational women for 2015?

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Tata Harper Lip + Cheek Tint in Very Popular

Tata Harper is a brand that I have heard American youtubers talk about quite a lot but I haven't seen it in the UK until now; Naturisimo stock Tata Harper so if you've wanted to try something from the brand then check them out. The brand is 100% natural and nontoxic and it is cruelty free too.

I was very kindly sent the *Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint (£28) and I chose the shade Very Popular which is one of the newer shades and it is described as a 'loveable warm rose' which I would definitely agree with. The lip and cheek tint is a combination of natural pigments and anti-ageing skincare technology such as Spanish lavender and lipamino acid technology to plump the skin.

I didn't know which shade to choose from between Very Popular and Very Nice but I'm glad I chose the Very Popular shade as it is a gorgeous dusky rose shade that doesn't contain shimmer and it's perfect for everyday wear. It is a my lips but pinker shade and it looks so natural on the lips and cheeks; it doesn't look glossy but it does have a sheen which makes the lips look fuller. As the product is a tint, I didn't think it would have that much pigmentation but it does - it has enough pigmentation to even out the colour of my lips. It doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the skin and the longevity is pretty good too, which again I wasn't expecting from a tint. The tint is so easy to apply and blend with fingers which is fantastic.

Overall, I am so impressed, I thought it would be good as I've heard nothing but great things about the brand but I wasn't expecting the pigmentation or longevity that it has. I adore the shade, it's a perfect everyday shade for me and although the price is fairly high, I think this product will last a while and it is multi-use. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried anything from Tata Harper?

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