Clarins beauty flash balm; does what it says on the tin...

I first tried Clarins beauty flash balm when I recieved a trial size amongst a bag of other eye creams, day creams, night creams e.t.c. Usually trial size products stay in my drawer for a very long time before i bother using them/throwing them away. However I'd heard good things about the flash balm and as it's won numerous industry awards I thought i'd give it a go.
Using it as a primer i'd apply a thin layer, not rubbing in like a moisturiser and following with foundation, powder and so on. I found instantly my face felt tighter, my make-up felt in place and like it would stay for a while. Whilst I have no wrinkles to fill, yet... it still gave my finished face afirmer and immedietly brightened look. I was impressed with how the balm worked as a primer, my face make-up lasted and looked radiant for longer than with other branded primers. Besides the fact it smells a little like my grandma's bathroom products, the balm is incredible for oily skin, acts like a mask and doesn't leave foundation slipping off at the hint of warm weather.
Also great for dull lifeless skin, to re-awaken before a night out or to just refresh tired skin on an early start.
Being a beauty product addict when my trial size ran out I went about trying other products, none of which have worked as well as this for me, I'm definitely buying another ASAP.

Beauty review: Volumising hairsprays

I think it's safe to say that I have tried hundreds of volumising products, hairsprays, blowdry sprays, shampoos, conditioners, mousse, balms, serums, leave in treatments, waxes, cremes... you name it! Very few have worked, if i'm honest. One which definitely worked and i've proceeded to buy over and ovoer is TIGI Bedhead's Superstar, a volumising hairspray.

Not only does the spray smell lush (I think it helps that I first used this on Holiday in Sri Lanka, therefore the smell brings back memories!) but it holds for hours and hours. Most of the volumising products I've used make my hair big for all of about ten minutes before going flat again.

I also find with most hairsprays, if they're good and it holds well it will also leave your hair hard as rock, this spray holds well but also still looks natural and smooth. I've not used this with any other Bedhead products but used with other volumising products, shampoo, conditioner, blow dry spray e.t.c. this has best results.

Prices vary, available from ASOS and most good hair salons.

Beauty review: Body shop seaweed clarifying toner

With previous toners i've found that they tend to be a bit pointless and not do a whole lot so I stopped using them for a while, clearly I was using the wrong ones as when I purchased this clarifying toner for just three or four days I noticed results immedietly.

I usually use the Simple cleanser or if i'm not too skint the Clarins one-step cleanser, which is ace for oily skin. This week i've been using my cleanser as usual then using this toner about 5minutes after my cleanser. Within a couple of days I noticed the toner had worked wonders on my usually oily t-zone, my pores were visibly clearer and a couple of people had commented on how well my skin looked.

The toner is also very calm which is important for me as my skin is sensitive and irritable, so a harsh toner is a no-no. The high mineral content makes it cool and refreshing, packed with vitamins it balances the skin and leaves it noticably clearer. An absolute bargain too, 60ml for £3 or 200ml for £7.

Beauty review: Body Shop vitamin E face mist

Originally I bought this face mist to use as a bit of a pick me up during the day, as after a few hours at work my make-up can begin to wear away and generally not look so fresh. Priced at £7 I thought i'd give this one a go, I noticed results instantly, My make-up is applied at 6am and with a couple of spritzs (they are nice misty spritzes too as opposed to some face sprays which soak you!) of this throughout the day is still looking good by the time I finish work.

Not only does it set make-up and keep it looking pristine, I felt refreshed, moisturised and it smelt yummy as the rose water elements smell exactly like Turkish delight!

Vitamin E is one of the best natural antioxidants for protecting skin against environmental damage, sun, smoke and pollution, helping you feel fresh all day! I would definitely recommend this, would be perfect for use during or post long flights too.

£7, The Body Shop.

Dear Topshop....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/feb/02/topshop-high-street-fashion

I came across this article at the weekend and I have to say I completely agree, after years of lusting after pretty much everything in Toppers, I have recently, several times logged on to Topshop.com to find nothing. I'm not sure if it's because everything else on the high street is improving so much, maybe Topshop peaked to early? Who knows? All i do know is that there are several online stores, New Look, River Island e.t.c. where i can buy things just as nice but with a smaller price tag (Maybe not RI but it has improved massively!)