Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask: Review

So, as we all know by now, I love an auld bit of Liz Earle. I adore the hot cloth cleanse and polish, toner and the moisturiser and am quite fond of the exfoliator in the range too. Given that, I said I'd like to branch out and try something different along with my usual order. So I added in a mini version of this nourishing treatment mask. This is only 15mls for 6.25 and to be honest, If I'd known it was just like one of the mini sizes they pop into your order for free for you to try I probably wouldn't have bothered. Because, lets face it, 15mls is a very small amount. I felt a bit gypped when it arrived, which is really my own fault for not reading the sizing on the website properly. Ooops.

The product itself is fine. It contains St John's Wort, borage, comfrey and rose scented geranium to "soothe and deeply rehydrate". Suitable for all skin types and a similar consistency to the cream Cleanse and Polish, this is applied in a thick layer to the face and neck after cleansing, left on for 10-15 minutes (during bath time is a good idea) and then wiped away using a muslin cloth soaked in warm water. It is supposed to leave skin "softer, smoother and hydrated" and while I like it (my skin was soft afterwards), I just didn't feel like it made a huge improvement overall to my skin after using it several times. There's pretty much none of it left now but I don't think I'll be picking up the larger version, I'm more than happy to stick with my Origins Overnight Drink up mask instead :)

Has anyone else tried this? If so, what did you think?

Why I've decided Elf is the Best Christmas Film Ever

Before I start, I should point out that I love a lot of Christmas films- It's a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, Home Alone, The Muppet's Christmas Carol etc., so it was difficult to pinpoint just one movie to talk about. However, following a trip to the Lighthouse cinema to see Elf last night, I've decided that I've found the perfect Christmas film. Don't get me wrong, I've seen Elf a million times but I really wanted to see it on the big screen. I think seeing a film in the cinema that you already love gives you a completely different impression of it and I also really enjoy hearing the audiences reaction- often it's very different to how I've always perceived the film (people laughing throughout a screening of Rear Window springs to mind). Also, I was really in need of some festive cheer and Elf was definitely the way to go. So here's why I think Elf is the best Christmas film ever:

• Will Ferrell is hilarious. Genuinely, he could read the alphabet and I'm sure I'd crack up. He's brilliant as Buddy the Elf, who's actually human, unbeknownst to himself. He leaves the North Pole in search of his father in New York and hilarity ensues.

• Zooey Deschanel. That is all.
• No, seriously, she's amazing. My love for her has not in any way started to wane yet. I loved her in 500 Days of Summer, I adore her in New Girl (I too like to rock a lot of polka dots) and she's brilliant in this. She's unbearably cute, even when she's being all cranky at the start and my God, that singing voice is just unreal. I've been listening to She & Him's Christmas album and it's fabulous- I would recommend. 

• It's really laugh out loud funny- the whole cinema was in stitches last night. One of my personal favourite scenes is when he gets knocked down by the taxi. Good times.
• It doesn't take itself too seriously- yes, it is a fair bit cheesy and that's usually not my vibe but it manages a nice combination of cheesy and comical, which as Hubster pointed out- a lot of Christmas films can fail to get that mix right. 
• It's heartwarming. I'm really quite cynical and sarcastic in general but the scenes with Santa and Central Park pretty much get me every time. You'd have to be fairly miserable not to have left that cinema last night with a smile on your face. 
• There's lots of great lines: "This place reminds me of Santa's workshop! Except that it smells of mushrooms and everyone looks like they want to hurt me", "You sit on a throne of lies!!", "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear", "I'm sorry I ruined your lives and crammed 11 cookies into the VCR", "I just like to smile, smiling's my favourite", "Santa's coming?? I KNOW HIM!!" and my personal favourite, which I said to my sister in law upon answering the phone this morning: "Hello, Buddy the Elf, what's your favourite colour?".

If you haven't seen Elf yet, you honestly have to make it your business to do so and bonus- it's child friendly so fun for all the family! Any other Elf lovers out there (that sounds really weird) or do you think there's a better contender for best Christmas movie? :)

December Empties

'Tis that time again- empties! Here's what I've gotten through in the past month (don't judge me!!):

Cutex Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover

Not the most exciting item but I said I'd pop it in anyway as it's something we all use. I seem to always buy this as I think it'll be better for my nails and then find that it takes an age to get any kind of polish off..next time I'm buying the regular one (except that I've already started a new bottle of this one again..sigh).

Lush Hair Doctor

I loved this stuff- a hair and scalp mask that works and smells really refreshing at the same time. HERE'S a full review on it.
Kerastase Resistance Conditioner

I'm also almost at the end of the matching shampoo to this as well. This one supposedly "reinforces and resurfaces damaged lengths and ends". Not 100% sure it does all that but it smells nice and is a reasonably good conditioner. I most likely won't get this again though, I've since bought a much more recession-friendly-priced Pantene conditioner that seems to be doing the job nicely.

Armani Designer Lift Foundation in 2

This was also my first time buying this and I have repurchased since finishing this bottle. I really like this foundation; it's perfectly suited for my dry skin, doesn't cause break outs, has an SPF of 20 and has a really nice medium coverage that doesn't look too heavy but equally covers all my skin sins! You really can't go wrong with Armani.
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

This was my first time buying this but I love it. Believe the hype! This is really reasonably priced and works as well if not better than a lot of high end concealers I've tried. I've already repurchased this and am half way through the new tube!

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

I picked this up in Macy's in Chicago a couple of years ago and have only made it to the end of it now..is that because I didn't want to finish it cause I love it so much? Yes, yes it is. This stuff is divine. Probably not everyones cup of tea scent-wise as it is quite strong but I LOVE ginger so this is perfect for me. Apart from the amazing smell, the texture is really light so it absorbs into the skin really easily and quickly and is a brilliant moisturiser. I'll definitely be buying this again.
Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

I actually ended up not finishing this completely- there's a small amount left but it's out of date so I decided not to chance it. I'm not really sure about this one- I didn't really feel like it was doing anything for my under-eye area and regular use of it didn't seem to make any difference. Maybe that's because the cream itself is too heavy for my skin but either way I won't be getting this again, nor would I recommend it.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser
I love Liz Earle, as I have previously mentioned, oh about a million times.  I really like this moisturiser (I get the one for dry/sensitive skin) and have repurchased it several times but I'm not sure it's heavy enough for my Winter skin so I'm using up my Lancome Hydra Zen at the minute. Having said that, I will be going back to Liz Earle in the future! I've spoken about it previously in more depth HERE. 
Blistex Intensive Moisturiser This is a lovely product- definitely moisturising and smells all minty and delicious, it's definitely helped my dry lips. I have since acquired a new tube but only because it came free with something else..having said that I probably would've bought it again anyway. One word of warning though- it does tend to add an attractive white hue to the lips so I only use mine going to bed. 

So that's the lot! Anyone tried of any of these products? If so, what did you think?

The Handmade Soap Company Body Lotion and Hand Cream

Recently I was delighted to be invited to and attend the Irish Beauty Bloggers Christmas Meet up in Dublin where apart from inspirational guest speakers and the opportunity to meet lots of lovely bloggers  we were also given some fabulous products, two of which I have here to review today, both from the Handmade Soap Company- an Irish brand set up in 2009 and based in Co. Meath who where possible use only natural ingredients in their products.

First up is the Hand Cream, containing Aloe Vera gel, golden Jojoba oil and Almond oil. If you've read any of this blog you'll know that I'm constantly on the hunt for a really good hand cream so I was very happy to get this and have been applying it every night. My pet hate with hand creams is greasiness and so I was pleased to find that I have no such gripe with this product and that it's very moisturising. Surprisingly, this smells strongly of lemon, which although I love, I would say that I'm generally not a big fan of overpowering scents on my skin. It does however mellow nicely after application.

This is beautifully packaged but the fact that it is a glass jar means it's probably better suited to looking pretty on your night stand (as it does on mine) rather than carrying it around in your bag. This isn't an issue for me as I only use hand cream at night-time anyway so I'm happy out (I know, it's grand for me, isn't it).

On to the Body Lotion- containing Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and Mint. This smells heavenly. I love lavender and mint but am aware that these are often acquired tastes.

Fear not though, once applied the lotion just sinks into the skin leaving only a delicate and pleasant scent behind. I've been using this after every shower and my skin feels absolutely fantastic because of it- really soft and smooth. To say I'm impressed with this product would be an understatement; it's light and applies easily, absorbs quickly and leaves skin super soft, is guaranteed Irish and beautifully packaged and really importantly- doesn't contain any nasty chemicals. In fact the company affirms that their products "contain only the finest natural ingredients, free from all SLS's, parabens and petrochemicals". Good news all around!

Available around the country, I will definitely be popping into my nearest Avoca or Kilkenny store in Dublin to check out the rest of the range.

Christmas Gift Guide- Cosmetics, Nails and Skincare.

This is the last in my series of Christmas gift guides (thanks be to Jebus, says you) and I've left one of my favourites til last. Cosmetics, nails and skincare.
So as we all know, I'm a bit of a make-up addict (it's pretty and shiny and I have magpie tendencies. It's a no-brainer really) and I think the reason why it makes such a nice Christmas gift is that most people probably wouldn't buy a lot of these items for themselves as it could be considered quite a frivolous expenditure (don't hate me, other beauty bloggers!), especially in these miserable recessionary, budgetary times (but we do all hate you, Michael Noonan). So go forth- buy your loved ones a nice new eyeshadow palette, a shiny nail polish or a soothing hand cream! Huzzah for Christmas! (Again, links to the products are the description itself in grey).

•  Stila Limited Edition Large Snowflake Eyeshadow Palette, 40.98 euro, Asos. Loads of shadows, some blushers and it comes with a free mascara. Bargainous!
•  Urban Decay Vice Palette, £42.00, House of Fraser. Containing twenty all new eyeshadow shades, this is pretty cool. Also good bets from Urban Decay are the Smoked palette and the Naked 1 & 2 palettes.
•  Nars Limited Edition Warhol Self Portrait Eyeshadow Palette, 54.87 euro, Asos (available in 3 different colour schemes, each with a Warhol quote on the mirror. While this is amazing, how would you even begin to use this?! I can't destroy Andy Warhol for the sake of eye shadow!!).
•  Bobbi Brown Caviar and Oyster Palette, £59.00, www.bobbibrown.co.uk. OK so it is 59 pounds Sterling but look how fancy it is!! You get 8 eye shadows and a skin shimmer for that and by God, you'd be happy to get them.
•  Diorific Grand Bal High Fashion Lipstick, £25.00, Feel Unique. This comes in 4 different shades of red, personally I think Marilyn is the best- bit of old school glamour. I've swatched this- it's creamy and beautiful and just look at the packaging- Love.
•  Benefit Limited Edition High Flying Glosses, 27.09 euro, Asos. Six Lip glosses based on the original blushes of the same names. Very cute.
•  Dior 5 Couleurs Grand Bal Eyeshadow Palette, £40.00, Feel Unique. This is a really lovely Christmassy set from Dior and would make a stunning look combined with the Grand Bal lipstick. I've also swatched this palette- all the shades are soft and easily blend-able and compliment each other perfectly. Swoon.
• Nars Limited Edition Foreplay Palette, 54.87 euro, Asos. Four complementary shades based on the famous Orgasm blush. This just looks really pretty. I do love the original blush so I'd be interested to see how this compares.

•  Models Own Wonderland Trio, around the 12 euro mark, this has actually sold out on Asos but could still be found in Boots or River Island. A lovely Winter-y looking set.
•  OPI Limited Edition Top 10 Mini Nail Polish Kit, 39.59 euro, Asos. I bought this for someone as a present last year and it makes a really nice gift if you're a fan of OPI but would be equally as lovely if you were new to the brand and wanted to try it out- these are their top ten best sellers.
•  Seche Vite Top Coat, 9.55 euro, beautyemorium.ie. One of the nicest top coats around, this would make a lovely present combined with another polish or even as a stocking filler.
•  Dior Vernis Grand Bal Lacquer, £20.00, Feel Unique. This comes in four shades, pictured is Diorling. Personally, I would be going for the red shade- Marilyn, to match the lipstick I previously mentioned. I've also swatched Marilyn and it is a lovely polish- a proper red that looks as expensive as it is!
•  L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, £7.00, Feel Unique. This is just a really nice hand cream- I've reviewed it previously HERE.
•  Nails Inc, The Backstage Collection, 27.78 euro, Asos. Three complimentary shades, two of which are special effect top coats. Very festive and lovely packaging.
•  Illamasqua Limited Edition Nail Duo, 22.92 euro, Asos. Ooh, very cool colours. Also available in a more traditionally Christmassy red and gold set.
•  OPI Nail Envy, 26.04 euro on Asos but only 19.25 euro on beautyemporium.ie!! It definitely pays to shop around. This is a rather brilliant nail strengthener, which I've been using myself and have noticed an improvement- a great treat for broken nails.

•  Nuxe Reve De Miel Gift Set, 33.95 euro, Cloud 10 beauty. A nice starter kit for anyone new to French brand Nuxe. Contains their famous lip balm, hand &nail cream and body cream.
• L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Gift Set, 41.67, Asos. Contains hand cream, shower gel and body lotion all in a lovely cherry blossom scent.
• Paul & Joe Cosmetic Bag, Lip Balm and Skincare set, 15.28 euro, Asos. Known for their quirky prints and adorable make up items, this is a limited edition set containing a pelican print cosmetic bag (so cute), cleansing milk, moisturiser, hydrating lip balm and a foundation sachet, randomly enough.
• Clarins Face and Body Essentials, 45.90, Debenhams. This is really excellent value, containing; Beauty Flash Balm 50 mls, Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 100ml, One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser 75ml, Moisture-Rich Body Lotion 100ml, Foot Beauty Treatment Cream 30ml and Hydraquench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase 15ml, all with a free case. Daycent.
• Origins Ginger To Go & Stay Gift Set, £39.00, House of Fraser. I just finished a tub of the Ginger Souffle so I can confirm that this really is a great range. The set is great value too, containing 200mls of the Souffle Whipped Body Cream, 100mls of Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, 100mls of Ginger Burst Savoury Body Wash, and then those three again in handy 50mls sizes and a zip travel pouch.

Happy Shopping!