Monday, 5 August 2013

Get to know REN Skincare Radiance and Anti Ageing

After recently attending a REN Skincare Masterclass at Liberty's in London, I felt like I learned a hell of a lot of information that I just did not know before about skincare brand, Ren, and I was very impressed. I would like to say that I am not being paid to say this and I am not being given any free products from them in return for this post.  

I had heard about Ren prior to attending the masterclass but to me they were just another skin care brand, with too many products to choose from, on my radar that I would try at some point. But now I genuinely believe that they are a great brand. Since using their products my skin has changed dramatically for the better, which makes me feel better within myself. If, like I was, you are over awed with all their product choices which actually prevented me from buying them in the first place. This little run down featuring some of their products may hep you to decide which, if any, are right for you. 

The class itself was held in a beautifully ornate private room upstairs at Libertys. There was a large table in the middle of the room set out with all the lovely Ren products to try, as well as some amazing cupcakes and healthy fruit juices. The cost of the class was £35 which was redeemable against a product.  I felt like this was very good for a 2 hour class, a goody bag containing a few samples and everything I learnt. The gentleman holding the class was called David and was incredibly friendly and informative. His own skin is a very good advert for Ren as it was so smooth and hydrated looking.

So lets begin with some anti ageing goodies, starting with the one most suitable for the youngest skin and working upwards...

Starting with the Radiance Perfection Serum (£35). Although this is technically in the 'Radiance' range I am including it in this section because if you are too young for the Keep Young & Beautiful Serum (younger than mid 20's) then this is the right one for you. This serum is suitable for sensitive skin because it doesn't contain any of the fruit acids which are in some of the other anti ageing products from Ren. The fruit acids are what give your skin the exfoliating peel, sounds scary, but all Ren's products are below the 10% potency guideline which can be used without a professional. This does mean that it isn't as strong and wont actually resurface your skin but it is meant for the youngest of skin in the range. It is aimed at reducing the appearance of sun damage and hyper pigmentation if used regularly. Recommended use for optimum results is twice a day, morning and night, under cream.


The next product which contains a peptide which apparently increases skin firmness by 40% is the Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum (£46). This product is ideal for the first signs of ageing. In my late 20's, I feel like this is the right everyday serum for me and have since purchased it (review on the way). It supposedly triggers a gene which tells your skin cells to live longer. Therefore keeping your skin younger for longer. It also contains vitamin c to boost radiance. I was told that you would see the biggest change after 28 days. Again this product should be used morning and night under cream for optimum results.




Following on from the keep young and beautiful serum is the Bio Retinoid Anti-aging concentrate (£42). Now if you are in your mid 30's or upwards, this is the serum for you.  Contains Retinoid analogue rather than artificially produced Retinol and therefore is kinder and gentler to your skin. It works by speeding up the skins renewal process, getting rid of dead cells quicker and slowing down the  breakdown of collagen in your skin. You will notice the biggest difference after using for a month. Apply 5 drops to your face at night under your cream.



The Hydra Calm Youth Defence Serum (£38) is right for anyone with sensitive skin who has concerns about the appearance of ageing. It works in two parts, the first part protects your skin from environmental polutants like dirt, air conditioning, heating. The second part is the Hyaluronic acid which restores moisture back in to the skin. Use after cleansing morning and night under cream.





Those were the anti-ageing serums now on to the radiance range...

Starting with the Satin Perfection BB Cream £26 (review to come shortly).  This is a silicone free colour adaptive product. Corrects imperfections and makes skin look flawless. Can be used under or over foundation or on its own. It also protects against uv damage with an spf of 15.


Now on to the radiance products containing fruit acids. Starting with the lowest potency, suitable for the youngest of skin, and working upwards to the highest vol fruit acids which are more suitable for mature skin.

The REN Micro Polish Cleanser (£20) is another two in one product. With the lowest percentage of fruit acids in this range at 2.5%, it deeply cleanses and exfoliates leaving skin smooth and soft. It contains no uneven exfoliating granules which can damage skin but uses crushed amber crystals for a gentle exfoliation. It basically helps the skin to look the best it can and smells lovely like oranges. Use 2-3 times per week by applying to damp face with gentle circular motions and rinsing thoroughly with warm water.




At 6.5% fruit acids the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30) is a potent bio active peel mask. Containing an enzyme from the Papaya fruit, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while combating congestion like blocked pores and spots by removing dead skin cells. It also contains omega oils for anti inflammation.  Also beneficial for post acne scarred or blemished skin. Use 1-2 times per week for 10-20 minutes.




And the strongest of all the radiance range is the Resurfacing AHA Concentrate (£30). This is powerful stuff at nearly 10% fruit acids. 10% is the highest potency which can be sold without a professional. This is aimed at those with deeper lines and wrinkles. It is a liquid which gently exfoliates and resurfaces so skin appears radiant, even and smooth. I was told to use 1 drop per night for 7 nights in a row before serum & moisturiser, 4 times per year. Or use for 7 nights then give yourself a 2 week break before repeating.  Great to use after summer or a holiday to renew the skin of any sun damage.



Now if those resurfacing products aren't strong enough for you what you can do is apply a pipette of the AHA concentrate on to your face followed by a 20 minute Glycolactic Face mask.

So I hope that this was of some use to you in the mindfield that is REN skincare. I was certainly pretty confused before I attended the masterclass! The products I use regularly from Ren include the Glycolactic face mask, Keep Young and beautiful serum, AHA concentrate and the Hydra Calm flobal protection day cream. I will try and review these for you as soon as possible.

I realise that REN products are quite pricey and not everyone can afford £40 for a serum, I know at times I can't. You can get starter and travel size kits which are very good value at around £12. Ren are also giving 10% of your first order on their official site www.renskincare.com plus any order you place on their site you will receive 2 good sized samples with your order. For example the Glycolactic face mask sample I have has lasted me 2 months so far using once per week! And a little tip is to search on ebay or blog sales for these items at greatly reduced prices. I got my Keep Young and beautiful Serum on ebay for £16 brand new and never opened!! So worth checking!



I would love to hear if you use any REN products or you can recommend any that I haven't mentioned here!

Also don't forget to watch my July Favourites video featuring REN, Rimmel & more
July Favourites




Don't forget you can follow me on






As well as being a truly British brand they also do not believe in testing products on animals!!

Monday, 29 July 2013

Bourjois Bronzing Primer Review and Swatches

Hip-Hooray-Hi

How are you doing today beauties? I am excited to write this review because I have been testing this product out for the last few weeks but I wanted to wait before I dived in head first and recommended something that wasn't as brill as I thought.

So let me start by saying that the Bourjois Bronzing primer is £9.99 in Boots but in Superdrug it is only £6.99. I bought it in Boots (dog damnit). But when I repurchase it will be form Superdrug for shiz!

Anyhoo lets get on with the review...

At first glance the colour in the pot is very similar to the Sleek bronzer from the light contour palette and the Bourjois Bronzing Powder in medium/51 but I can assure you, it is very different. I could go on forever about the differences but that would make for a very long post. All I will say is that in my opinion it is a lot better than the other two in terms of colour, blendability and overall texture.



The consistency of the Bourjois Bonzing Primer is a lovely smooth and silky mousse. It is extremely blendable and buildable which makes it easy to apply. You can build the colour until your heart is content. I am cautious to say that it would be suitable for very pale skin but it is definitely worth a try because the consistency and colour is so fabulous. Not a hint of dirty mud or orange anywhere in sight.

I just can not say enough good things about this product. It is definitely my holy grail bronzer (not my holy grail primer). That would be my only negative, it is not the best primer I have used. Products like Benefits Porefessional do a better job of actually priming, although it does smooth out the skin somewhat. I would think of it as more of a bronzer if you are buying it as a primer you may be slightly disappointed.

I have been using it for contouring and as an all over daily tanner for my face. I have used it over foundation, I have used it under foundation, over primer and under Primer. I have also used it on its own.  It has performed brilliantly in every single task. It has so many uses and it really is up to you what you want to do with it.

I can honestly say that this little tub of goodness has brought a lot of joy to my life and pale face over the past few weeks. 

It is especially useful if, like me, you don't use any type of self tanner or gradual tanner on your face (they give me spots) because now you can have a matching face and body. Result!

Seriously girls this is a great product. It works well with my Real Techniques buffing brush to apply all over my face and my Real Techniques contour brush for contouring, don't worry if you have neither of these as I am sure it would work well with any number of brushes and of course you can always use your fingers.

I have given it a 9/10 for packaging because there is nothing fancy about the packaging although it does the job well, and a 9/10 in value 4 money purely because I paid £9.99 for it and I feel like at the rate I am going it wont last long enough to give it a 10. If I had paid the £6.99 I would have given it 9.5/10.





I would love to hear if you have tried it or if you are going to purchase it.



Don't forget you can follow me on









Thursday, 25 July 2013

My very first WHAT'S IN MY BAG Video!!!!


Hi guys and gals.

I have just posted my first what's in my bag video! I would love to hear what you think about it.

Watch below



Lots of love



Don't forget you can follow me on

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

HAUL POST | Bargain Shopping Haul!!!


Hi-diddley-ho there!

So off I went to Poundworld, land or whatever it is called and thought I would see what make up they had. Well I was very surprised. First of all I found this amazing Sally Hansen neon pink nail varnish (Hard as Nails Extreme Wear 310) and I was DELIGHTED because I had been looking everywhere for a proper neon pink and couldn't find one. Then I happened across the Revlon bright pink (Sweet Tart 185) and was again, delighted! Revlon nail varnish for £1? Yes please.

I had to have a really good rummage through at the hanging makeup because they put it all in the small plastic bags, which you can see above in the second pic. So there I was taking them all of... I am sure the store assistants were delighted watching me. Ha ha oh well, I had to find the best items didn't I?

Next I found this beautiful Revlon colourstay polish (040 Provence) in what I would describe as a beautiful Jimmy Choo purple grey. If you have seen the Choo dustbags or shoe boxes you will knoww what I mean. I actually want my walls this colour, I digress....

I also spotted some Sleek lipsticks. Now I have never owned one but I hear good things so for £1 you can't go wrong. I found this beautiful pink with a hint of gold (Satin 813). Gorgeoso!

And last but not least what do I find? nail art pens.. yes and for £1. They had white and pink too but I felt I would only use the black. To be honest there is not much difference between this one and the Models Own one which costs £6. So this my friends is an absolute bargain.

Then off I popped to TK Maxx, which I love by the way. See my tips on shopping in bargain stores here. I crept up to the home department and tested out some arm chairs.. well you've got to see if they are comfy or not don't you! When I spotted these amazing vanity jars. Real glass, proper and amazing. Such fantastic quality. And totally perfect for my new dressing table (when I finally get it). So I HAD to get them. The jars with lids were  £7.99 each and without lids were £5.99 each. Honestly I am delighted. These are totally perfect to store my makeup brushes and hair clips or cotton balls in.  Yay for me.

And there you have it my beauties. Another day another bargalicious shopping trip.

What do you think? Have you bought any juicy bargains recently?



Don't forget you can follow me on

Tuesday, 23 July 2013

Home Decor | Dressing Table Ideas and Inspiration

Traditional dressing table ideas


Hi diddey-ho there neighbours!

today is a post about something which I love and has been on my mind because I am redecorating.  The beauty lovers and girly essential, a dressing table.  Love them or hate them, they certainly light up my life. I have had one since I was about 12 which had lots of different drawers and compartments. I adored it.  So now is the time to invest in a new one and I am having trouble deciding. I have been pinning like mad for inspiration. Feel free to join my journey of dressing table discovery and delight on my pinterest board here. I also have one on makeup storage here.

So I thought I would share with you some of my favourites I have found thus far. There are a few ways to go as far as I can see, traditional, more modern and something inbetween. Which do you prefer?

Modern dressing table ideas
 I love the idea of a fairly modern dressing table with touches and decorations which are more traditional. You can do this the other way around which also looks fab!

Modern dressing table with traditional decoration


traditional dressing table with modern lamp and stool

Adding a 'theatrical' illuminated mirror would be amazing. They remind me of Marilyn Monroe and old hollywood Glamour!



Let me know what you think beauties!


Don't forget you can follow me on

Monday, 22 July 2013

The impatient girls nail painting guide




I have to say that I am very impatient when painting my nails. I just can not wait for the 1st coat to dry before doing a second coat and 9 times out of 10 I end up with a smudge-orific mess, which really gets my goat. Soooo with the thought that maybe, just maybe, I am not the only impatient Annie out there,  I have done this guide to nail painting with a few tips to help any patience-less nail painters like me!!


Don't forget you can follow me on