Review | Soap & Glory's Trick and Treatment

I am plagued with dark circles under my eyes and always have been. Whether I get four hours sleep or the 12 I used to get at university (those were the days!), I still end up with dark grey/purple shadows under my eyes. I'm not even kidding about always having them - this is me at around 5 or 6 years old:

Like I've been up all night...sigh.

I used to have this amazing colour correcting concealer palette from E.L.F but that dried up before I finished using it and I started just making do with Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer as an all-rounder.

Nothing at all against that concealer, since it is my favourite, but it cannot be expected to cover grey as well as it can cover my redness. As a result, I started looking for an under-eye concealer on the high street again and I found this absolute gem at Soap & Glory. 

I have already recommended this to all of my make-up minded friends and a couple of them have bought it themselves as a result. I haven't been able to stop raving about this product and I'm so glad I found it! It's the Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment Under Eye Dark Circle Concealer currently £9 at Boots

It's slightly yellow coloured which covers purple/grey shades to blend with your natural skintone. As a very pale person, I was worried that this would be a little too dark for me - especially since they don't seem to have any other shades. However, I find a thin layer of Collection's Lasting Perfection in Fair across the top allows it to blend seamlessly with my skintone. 

It has a thick consistency that offers a medium-heavy coverage without becoming cakey in any way. It also has a very light shimmer to it which helps to reflect light away from the dark circles and really brighten up the under-eye area. I tested it out in as natural a light as I can achieve in my little basement flat as I was putting on my makeup the other day. Here's my dark circles before:

And here's what they look like after using Soap & Glory's Trick and Treatment:

There's not a lot that I can do about the physical puffiness of my eyes, but you can see that the whole area has been brightened up and I'm near enough shadow-less! When I finished my whole makeup look, I felt like I looked 10x more awake than if I had just put my normal concealer on them so I'm definitely happy with this product.

This was actually the first Soap & Glory product that I've ever tried and I have to say I'm very impressed. Are there any Soap & Glory products that you've used that you'd recommend I try?

Tabitha 

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Haul | Sleek Palettes

I've been the proud owner of a Sleek Contour & Highlight for going on 3 years now. I've long since hit-pan but it just seems to last and last despite me using it every single time I contour (which is every time I wear a full face of makeup). I got it as a birthday present from a friend that's very in-the-know when it comes to makeup and was instantly converted.

While browsing my local Boots last week, I saw that they now have a whole section for Sleek now! I got to see a few of the tester products in action against my skintone and I ended up simply having to buy them.

Just look at the packaging!! Urgh! I bought:

Sleek i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette in Au Naturel | £7.99
Sleek i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette in Vintage Romance | £7.99
Sleek MakeUp Face Form in Fair | £9.99
Sleek Highlighting Palette in Precious Metals | £9.99

They are all absolutely stunning and I've had a chance to test them all out over the course of this last week too. Firstly, the packaging on all of them is (for want of a better word) so sleek.

I don't know what it is about black packaging, but it just screams professional to me. Even if my foundation-fingers are going to dirty these up in no time at all, I just feel so fancy using them.

The eyeshadows are perfection. Highly pigmented and soft so you can pick them up with your eyeshadow brush easily. Minimal fall-out too which is always a bonus for me.

I fell in instant love with the plum/purple shades in the Vintage Romance palette. They look so gorgeous next to the gold shimmery shades in the same palette and compliment my blue eyes perfectly.

The Au Naturel pallete is a dream too. It's got all the soft matte brown shades I would use on a daily basis plus a couple of shimmery shades that look amazing on my brow bone. At £7.99 each, I think these palettes are a bloody bargain and will definitely be expanding my collection!

Having owned a Sleek contour palette before, I was pretty confident that this contour/highlight/blush palette would be excellent too. I wasn't wrong. Just look at the perfect golden shimmer on the highlighter which is matched by the slight gold shimmer in the blush too.

It's a gorgeous palette and I've no doubt at all that I'll be hitting pan on this one in months to come too. I love highlighters but do tend to stick to powder ones as I find these blend better with the setting powder I used. That said, I couldn't resist the Highlighter Palette:

It comes with a brush even though the only powder one is the bottom right. The other three are cream highlighter and are like little swipes of finely milled glitter. All three of the cream colours are perfect and compliment my skintone beautifully. The powder may just be a bit too dark for me but I can definitely use it as a shimmery eyeshadow!

Despite the cream formation, they blended well with my foundation/powder routine so I can definitely see me using these a lot going forward!

I used these in my Valentines look that I posted last week  and love the subtle glow they gave my powder-heavy face. I will definitely be recommending these!

Are there any other Sleek products that I should check out? Let me know in the comment section below if you've got any recommendations for me.

Tabitha

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Quick Update | L'Oreal Preference Glam Highlights

Today's post is just a super quick update on my L'Oreal Preference Glam Highlights (first applied here and then updated again here) experience. It's been a few months and I've been topping up here and there. Since my November application, I have used three more boxes every 6 weeks or so as I slowly brighten back up to blonde.

As always, the dye itself is perfect for my intentions and blends so bloody effortlessly that I'm impressed every time. Even when I think I might have royally messed up, I'm always happy with the results and how well this stuff blends. Here's a quick view of the highlights:

You can see my natural colour in the back blending nicely plus some white-blonde almost platinum pieces threaded through too. I've been using the comb that comes with the box as well as my tinting brush and bowl set to apply.

My hair feels softer than ever so I'm happy. I usually have quite course hair and I think the bleach has really helped to soften this up a bit. Plus it's so very shiny all the time!

I love this dye kit and will continue to use it for touch-ups and further highlights. 10/10 would recommend forever :-)

Tabitha 

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Birchbox | February 2015

February's Birchbox themed was "Birchbox Loves" and centered around the things and products that they love the most to tie-in with Valentines Day this month. On top of that, it was a very exciting month for Birchbox in general with the launch of their letterbox sized packaging! I get mine delivered to work myself, but anyone who's had to deal with a courier leaving it in a 'safe' place or had to arrange for re-delivery can finally rejoice! See birchbox.co.uk/slimbox for more on that.

This month's box was filled with high-end goodies including a full-size sample and the usual lifestyle addition. Products as follows:

London Butterflies Bath Salt Scrub | £35
theBalm cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer | £15
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Black | £11
Liz Earle Beauty Co. Botanical Shine Shampoo | £10
Wild About Beauty Rose Water Illuminating Serum | £22 (Full Size Provided!)
The Chia Co Oats + Chia | £4.95 (pack of 5)

Now, you all know I'm not a massive fan of skincare samples as they tend to sit in a big box while I stick to my usual routine but I have been getting into my serums lately so I'm excited to give this one a try.

I'm also a huge lover of all things Liz Earle so I'm excited to try this shampoo. If there's one thing I run out of fast it's hair products so the more the merrier with those.

The scrub looks very fancy - maybe it's the magpie in me that's attracted to that but I can't wait to try it out. Maybe the next time I have a pamper evening I can make myself feel super posh with this one.

I've been getting a lot of eyeliners in my beauty boxes and these are starting to build up since I don't use them all that often. That said, a quick test on the back of my hand has let me know that this particular pencil has a really smooth and smudgeable consistency which I'm sure will come in handy later on. I'll also say that once I went to wash my hand later, it was going nowhere which is encouraging too.

theBalm product caused me to let out a little squeal of excitement at my desk when I opened the box. I loved the lip and cheek cream 'How 'Bout Them Apples?' that Birchbox sent a handful of months ago and am excited to try more from this cosmetics line. They are just a touch above my usual price bracket but I'm always willing to pay for a good product! Especially when I love the style of packaging too.

OMG the Oats. I've been eating a bowl of these while I wrote this post and they're perfect. So easy to make - I just poured half a cup of boiled water on them in a bowl, gave them a stir and they were perfect. Each of the packets is only 45g but the oats are more than filling and just 187 calories for low-fat, low-carb deliciousness. I've been encouraged to take a look at their website just from this sample and they've got a total of three delicious flavours to try - Banana & Mango, Apple Spice, Mixed Berry. £5 for a pack of 5 isn't bad either.

I have Birchbox reward points stored up (12 points a box where 100pts = £10) so I have just placed an order for two boxes of the Chia Oats. The Birchbox shop give you free shipping on any of the products included in that month's box so with the reward points I used, I basically got two week's worth of breakfasts for free!

All in all, an excellent box as always. If you're interested in getting these boxes just take a look at their website for more information. I think it's clear that I definitely recommend them!

Tabitha
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This post not sponsored by Birchbox - I just really love their product and wanted to share. Seriously can't wait for more of those oats. The banana and mango flavour had better not be gross. I've got high expectations after the Mixed Berry flavour. 

Easy Gluten Free Pancakes

These gluten-free, dairy-free, low-calorie pancakes are so easy and so delicious! With just two ingredients they are perfect for Pancake Day tomorrow (February 17th) as well as a super quick mid-week breakfast.

(Picture from Pinterest)

I'm trying to get more of my 5 a day in so when a friend at work told me about this recipe I couldn't wait to give it a go. I've borrowed the above picture from Pinterest because my own photography and creation wasn't quite as pretty but equally delicious I'm sure.

The best thing about this recipe is how unbelievably simple it is. You will need the following:

• 2 ripe to very-ripe bananas
• 2 medium eggs

That's literally it! You can add anything you'd usually have in pancakes like chocolate chips or blueberries for example. Top with your favourite fluffy pancake topping be it butter, peanut butter or the traditional maple syrup.

The method is easy too:

• Start a pan warming on a low-medium heat with a splash of oil or butter inside
• Peel and cut bananas into small chunks to make for easier mashing. 
• Place banana chunks into a small to medium mixing bowl
• Mash with the back of a fork until smooth and relatively chunk-less
• Give the mashed banana a quick stir to make it appear like a smooth paste
• Crack two eggs into the mixture
• Stir and whisk slightly with your fork
• Pour pancake mixture into pan a few spoonfuls at a time
• Flip pancake once bubbles start to appear on the edges
• Serve slightly browned with your choice of toppings

The banana's natural sweet taste means that these pancakes are incredibly delicious plus the egg binds them all together to give a very close match in texture to a traditional flour based pancake.

I loved this recipe and will definitely be making these again! You could use a blender in place of a fork if you want a super smooth batter. I've also seen some recipes that add in some oats and peanut butter which could only make them more delicious.

Nutritionally speaking, the recipe will of course vary slightly depending on the amount of banana or egg you use but using two large bananas from Tesco and two medium sized free-range eggs from Marks & Spencers my batch broke down as follows:

Calories: 414

Total Carbohydrates (g): 70

Fibre (g): 8

Sugars (g): 38

Protein (g): 17

Fat (g): 11

Saturated Fat (g): 3

Sodium (mg): 423

Potassium (mg): 1080

Vitamin A: 16% of RDA

Vitamin C: 44% of RDA

Calcium: 7% of RDA

Iron: 14% of RDA

Definitely let me know if any of you give this a go and how it turns out. I'll be having this recipe again tomorrow with some blueberries for even more fruity goodness.

Tabitha

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My Little Box | February 2015

I honestly don't know how My Little Box manage to consistently better themselves every month! Just as I think nothing can top the last box, they deliver another incredible theme and beyond-words-amazing products. I'm so in love with this company (if my gushing wasn't clear) because they always get it so right!

This month's theme is "My Little Frenchie Box" and collaborates with French style icon Ines de la Fressange. It is chock full of adorable little treats including a feature from my favourite brand L'Oreal which I've already tried and already love.

Along with the usual glossy magazine full of amazing articles, this month's box included:

DHC Blotting Paper | £4 for 100 sheets
L'Oreal Super Liner Brow Artist Plumper | £5.99
By Terry Terrybly Khol Pencil | £23
My Little Beauty Teint de Peche Complexion Enhancer | £9.50
My Little Box Smartphone Case designed with Ines de la Fressange | £16
My Little Box Pot of Messages | £6.50

Firstly, lets talk about the blotting paper. I've wanted some of this for ages but I've never been able to find any brands doing these in the high street stores. I could have ordered online but I wanted something that I know would work. I've got beyond oily skin and it doesn't matter how much powder I put on or moisturiser I use, I still end up as Shine-zilla by the end of the day. These blotting papers are perfect! I waited until the end of a day of wearing a full face of makeup and tried these out. Not only did they pick up all the oil, but they left my makeup perfectly intact. It only took one paper to make my face look as fresh as it had when I'd first applied the makeup. So impressed!!

The Brow Artist Plumper by L'Oreal also exceeded my expectations. It looks like a mini mascara wand with a slightly tinted formula. I just brushed it onto my lashes and it helped them appear fuller AND stay in place all day - bonus! Right now, my brows are freshly dyed so I'm not looking too sparse, but in a few weeks I can see this product being used on a daily basis for sure!

It will be a while before I use the eyeliner pencil so I don't often use pencils anywhere but my waterline and it's rare that I do that too. In any case, I did test this one on the back of my hand and it's just as soft as you'd expect a kohl liner to be but it's got tiny silver sparkles in it which I am loving. It's like a black glittery liner and I can see me loving this on a girl's night out. It's waterproof so hopefully it has some good staying power and will keep your eyes looking bright and shiny all night.

The monthly addition of a My Little Beauty product hasn't disappointed in February either. When I first tested this, I was worried that it wouldn't blend with my skin as it does come out in a peach colour. However, it rubs in like a moisturiser and leaves my skin with nothing but a gentle glow. It will be perfect for any dull skin days or across my decolletage on a night out.

The smartphone case included in this month's box is impressive quality and (miraculously!) fits my iPhone 6. It will be perfect for trips or when my phone is in my bag/pocket for long periods of time as it will protect the screen as well as the back. Plus there's a little pocket at the front just the right size for a train ticket.

Finally, my absolute favourite part of this month's box was the pot of messages. I think this is the cutest thing I've ever seen and I almost don't want to open any of the notes so that it can sit on my bookcase looking effortlessly adorable year-round! 

As always, I am beyond impressed with My Little Box's continued ability to surpass themselves each month. Seriously consider signing up to them if you haven't already, I get a monthly pick-up every time these are delivered :-)

On top of that, My Little Box are running a competition next week. There's a chance to win a gift by Ines De La Fressange every day next week. I follow them on Instagram and can't wait to see what's up for grabs on Monday! Check out: http://instagram.com/my_little_box_uk‪ for more about their competitions.

Or don't, because that might actually decrease my own chances of winning :-P I hope you've all had a lovely weekend and are ready for a new week tomorrow. Plenty more blog posts coming up next week to make up for my radio silence the first two weeks of this month - I was just a very poorly girl I'm afraid.

Tabitha 

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This post not sponsored by My Little Box in any way - I just love their product and wanted to share. Well, I share pretty much every month so I think you've got the drill by now :-) 

Valentines Day Makeup

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Or if you're anti-Valentines, happy Saturday! I hope you're all having a good day so far and have some exciting plans today to look forward to. Myself and my Valentine won't be celebrating until tomorrow when we'll be having a delicious home-cooked meal by candlelight.

That said, I had some time this afternoon and a few new products to try so I thought I'd do a makeup look for Valentines in case anyone is looking for last-minute inspiration. I've kept it fairly natural with some gold shimmer eyeshadows and highlighters that I think will look perfect by candlelight. I'll list all the products used below.

Base:

Laura Mercier - Foundation Primer

Rimmel - Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain

Collection - Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Collection - Pressed Powder in 18 Ivory

Blush/Contour:

Sleek - Contour & Highlight Palette in 884 Light

Chit Chat - Blusher 

Sleek - Precious Metals Highlighter Palette in Royal Gold & Platinum

Seventeen - Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Broze

Eyes:

Soap & Glory - Trick & Treatment in Bright On

Sleek - iDivine Eye Shadow Palette in 141 Vintage Romance

L'Oreal - Brow Artist Plumper in Light/Medium

Revlon - ColourStay Liquid Eye Pen in 01 Blackest Black

Jane Iredale - PureLash Extender & Conditioner

Maybelline - Colossal Mascara in Go Extreme! Volume

Lips:

L'Oreal - Infallible Lip Liner in 701 Stay Ultraviolet 

Laqa & Co - Lil' Lip in Wolfman

I am loving the Sleek eyeshadow palettes so much! I had a bit of a Sleek Haul which I'll blog more about once I've had a chance to try all the products I got. The Vintage Romance palette in particular has gorgeous plum shades that I wore today:

It sits next to a couple of gold shimmery shades that are so pretty! I'm going to enjoy experimenting with these palettes in the near future. There's a huge range in my local Boots which is pretty big but they're also online here.

I hope you all have an amazing Valentines day, single or not! I'll see you all again soon with a new post <3

Tabitha 

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