Lovely Advertisers / January

Hello Ladies, It's that time of the month where I get to dedicate a whole blog post to my lovely advertisers.  I hope you find the time to check out their wonderful websites as they all put a huge amount of time and effort into their posts and each and every one of them is definitely worth a look.  Also, if you fancy treating yourself to a new pair of shoes or boots then I recommend checking out Hoad Shoes who have a great online website.  

So let me please introduce my first advertisers of 2014....

Hoad Shoes

Established in 1898 Hoad Shoes is situated in the heart of Sevenoaks in Kent providing footwear for all the family. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, superb product knowledge and a vast range of products from fashion boots and shoes to extra wide fittings for swollen feet and orthotic insoles for foot problems. We have recently opened our online shop hoadshoes.co.uk selling a wide range of products such as Gabor, HB, Pedro Miralles, Dubarry and Timberland to name a few. We offer free postage on all online orders and a click and collect option if you are local to the area.

Links:

Website: www.hoadshoes.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoadShoes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoadShoes?ref=hl

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hoadshoes

Instagram: http://instagram.com/hoadshoes

Beky Lou

My name is Beky and I started BekyLou in late September of this year; I've had an overwhelming response and it's become such a hug part of my life. BekyLou is a beauty,fashion and lifestyle blog in which I share all of my beauty/fashion loves and lusts with you all, review products and also mix in some personal lifestyle posts such as 'My Journey with Anxiety and Depression', which has been my most viewed and most personal post to date. I'd love it if you could take a peep over via my links below and follow - I'm aiming for 300 bloglovin followers by the end of January! 

Links:
Blog: www.bekylou.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beky_boo94
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bekyboo1
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bexyboo1
Blog Lovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4136645

Dulcie

Dulcie’s Beauty Blog – A Beauty and Lifestyle blog where I share my beauty favourites and my reviews of products I’ve tried and products I’ve liked. Make-up is my thing, with nails as a close second.  Created with inspiration from my beautiful friends, the blog features my make-up looks and outfits, nail polish favourites and skin care picks. A creative space, Dulcie’s Beauty Blog brings beauty products, style and fun together.

Links:

Blog: www.dulciesbeautyblog.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dulciesbeautybl

Instagram: http://instagram.com/dulciesbeauty

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dulciesbeautyblog

Kim Radley

Hello I’m Kim, writer of my blog KIM RADLEY! I love to write about the many beauty products I get my mitts on, the clothes that occupy my chest of drawers and the goings on in my wonderful life; I also throw in the occasional outfit post! I’ve never really had a hobby before but now I’ve started blogging, it’s taking over my life – and there’s no way I’m going to stop it! Make sure you follow my blog via the links above, and of course have a peek. I’m also over on Twitter and Instagram as well!  xx

Links:

Blog: http://kimradley.blogspot.co.uk/

Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11066995

Twitter: https://twitter.com/radley_kim

Instagram: http://instagram.com/kimradley

Bethany Worrall

Hey guys! I'm Bethany and I blog over at the very originally names bethanyworrall.com! I started my blog a few months a go as nobody was interested with my rambles, particularly fashion & beauty related! I blog about pretty much whatever takes my fancy, but as I'm not great at saving money I'll always have a haul lined  up! Lipsticks are my weakness, along with Essie nail polish! If you stop by, please leave a comment, or pop over to my twitter/Facebook/Instagram as I love a good old chat!

Thanks to Kimberley for letting me advertise her this month!!

Bethany 

Links:

Blog: www.bethanyworrall.com
Twitter: @BlogBeth
Facebook: Bethany Worrall Blog
Instagram: @TheCourteeners

Blog Lovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/8838179

MissLJBeauty

Hay everyone, 

How are you today? My wee blog contains a bit of everything but beauty is my passion. I am getting married in June so expect a few post on that. As with a wedding coming up I'm on a fitness and weight loss kick ATM.  I am currently running a series called inspirational people on Sunday to give us all a boost that dreams can come true! 

MissLJBeauty

Xoxo

Links:

Blog: http://www.missljbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: @MissLJBeauty
Instagram: @MissLJBeauty

Blog Lovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/9877327

It has been wonderful to advertise these lovely blogs this month, read their posts and get to know the people behind the blogs/website. I hope you will take the time to look at them an enjoy them too :)

 If you would like to advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog the details can be found here. 

| Twitter || Instagram || Blog Lovin' ||  You Tube |

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley

Pink Pearl: Mademoiselle-Pastel, Fashion Is Our Religion

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

My Beauty Favourites 2013

The final 2013 favourites post in the series features my most used beauty products.  When I thought about these posts last year I wanted to separate drugstore and high end products but as I am going to be publishing my favourites posts so close together (otherwise we will be going into February!) I don't want to bore you with too many of them.  Instead, I have chosen my overall favourite products so there is a mixture of both but if you have any questions about my favourite drugstore or high end equivalents leave a comment below and I will tell you :)

Here goes...

MAC Girl About Town - 2013 saw me being more adventurous when it came to lipstick colours and wearing brighter shades.  One of my favourites became Girl About Town which is a gorgeous bright pink.  It looks great in the Summer and goes well with my blue eyes.  See the review here.

YSL Lipsticks - In 2013 I tried my first lipsticks from YSL and now I adore them.  They feel very light and hydrating on the lips and the colour range is great.  I love wearing these lipsticks! The colour featured here is Rouge Pur Couture (no. 60) and is a shade I happily wear all year around.  Review coming soon!

Essie Nail Polish - I love Essie polishes because they are great quality, affordable and a huge range of colours are available.  One of my most used colours in 2013 was Bahama Mama which is a gorgeous berry shade. Read the review here.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - My all time favourite foundation it Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua.  It provides light coverage, blends well and gives a very natural finish.  Read the review here.

Maybelline Color Tattoo - These cream eyeshadows are brilliant and by far my favourite from any brand.  My most used shade is 'On and On Bronze' which blends easily all over the eye lid and looks beautiful for both a day or evening look.  This eyeshadow has often come to my rescue when I've wanted to freshen up my makeup in the evening and I can imagine I will also use this a lot in 2014. Read the review here.

Nars Amour Blush - My most used blush last year is Nars Amour.  This is a beautiful pink which looks lovely with lots of different makeup looks.  Although it is well pigmented it is easy to use and blend without too much effort so is perfect to use for simple every day looks when you don't have much time. Read the review here.

MAC Mineralise Skin Finish - This powder is popular in the beauty community and is the only one I used during 2013.  I haven't felt the need to try any others as I don't use much of it and this one does the job perfectly.  Read the review here.

Benefit Erase Paste - My favourite Concealer of 2013 was Benefit Erase Paste.  The pot may only be small but as I use so little this has lasted me at least a year and I love it.  It's creamy blendable texture applies perfectly whether you are using a brush or your fingers and it is great to use under the eyes or to hide blemishes.  Read the review here.

Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette - Out of all the products featured in my favourites posts the hardest to pick were eyeshadows because I try to use different ones every day.  I'm a big fan of MAC as well as Nars but I think my all time favourite have got to Urban Decay.  I find Urban Decay a reliable and high quality brand and no matter what palette I buy the eyeshadows are well pigmented, there is limited full out and the shadows are creamy and blendable. My most used is definitely the Original Naked 1 palette as you can create many day and evening looks.  Read the review here.

Benefit Porefessional - My favourite primer last year was definitely Porefessional.  This multi-purpose product helps smooth my skin so my makeup looks better and stays on for longer as well as reduce the size of my pores.  The texture is silky smooth and the formula doesn't cause my skin to break out.  Read the review here.

YSL Shocking Mascara - I tried a lot of different mascara's in 2013.  Many of them I liked and would re-purchase but one which I could probably call my 'go to' product was the YSL shocking mascara.  The brush is natural (I guess that's how you would describe it?!) rather than plastic and colour is jet black which I love.  This mascara makes my eyes pop, it adds volume, length and defines my lashes well.  A downside is the thick formula can cause clumps but If you scrap off the extra product before use this isn't a problem.  A full review of this mascara will be coming soon.

What do you think of my favourites?

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

My Favourite Skin Care Products of 2013

The second post in my 2013 favourites is here and this time it features the skin care products I have been loving.  My overall favourite skin care brand has been REN as it works really well with my sensitive combination skin so there are a number of their products making an appearance as well as some others you will definitely recognise.

REN Cleansing Balm - I love using cleaning balms in the evening because they are great for removing makeup and nourishing the skin.  A favourite of mine last year was the REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm which has a thick creamy consistency which becomes refreshing when water is added to it.  This product is quick and easy to use and I saw results after only a few uses.  The downside, however, is that it does sting my eyes which isn't great as it can be used to remove eye makeup.  I've repurchased this a few times during 2013 but I think I will try something different when it runs out as sometimes it separates and becomes a little oily towards the end of the tube.. I have my eyes on the Emma Hardie equivalent! Read the review here.

REN Toner - I haven't tried a lot of toners but out of the ones I have this Clarifying Toning Lotion by REN is my favourite.  It is very gentle on the skin and eyes so it is perfect to use on my sensitive skin.  It also smells nice and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.  Read the review here.

Alpha H Liquid Gold - This is a product I use around once every two weeks and is well known in the beauty industry as a cult product.  Even though I have sensitive skin I find this product works well and causes no irritation although I am careful not to use it too often.  I use this overnight and in the morning my skin has got a healthy glow.  Read the review here.

Clinique Super Defense Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I used last year and if I'm honest I now have mixed feelings about it.  I loved it until a few weeks ago because it hydrated my skin well, contains SPF and also anti-aging properties hence why it is in my favourites but strangely in the last couple of weeks I've noticed occasionally my skin is getting a little sore after using it.  It seems odd and disappointing after all this time as I haven't changed any of the products I've been using but it means I'm definitely on the look out for a new one.  Read the review here.

Laura Mercier Souffe Body Creme - I've already mentioned this product in a couple of other posts so I'm not going to go into too much detail here but I really enjoyed using the Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme last year.  The one I used in 2013 is Creme Brule which is a lovely scent but may be a little sweet for some.  Since I have purchased Ambre Vanille which I actually prefer and has been reviewed here.

REN Glycolactic Face Mask - My favourite face mask to use this year has been the Glycolactic Face Mask by REN as after only one application my skin is left with a healthy glow.  The texture is a very thick gel which has a strong sweet fruity scent and after 10-15 mins on my skin leaves it soft, smooth, hydrated and radiant. Read the review here.

What do you think of my skin care favourites for 2013?

| Twitter || Instagram || Blog Lovin' ||  You Tube |

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

My Favourite Hair Care Products of 2013

I know I'm very late on the bandwagon with my favourite 2013 posts seeings as we are more than halfway through January but I guess it's better late than never? This is the first post of three which features my favourite products from 2013 as I have grouped them into beauty, skin care and lastly hair care.  

Even though I have tried a lot of products this year I found these posts surprising easy to put together as all the products featured have stood out from the crowd for me and have been regularly used.  I guess you could describe them as my 'go to' products.  

So here we go...

Aussie Luscious Long Leave In Conditioner  - I love this product because not only does it smell amazing but it leaves my hair soft and conditioned.  It works as a great de-tangler and can be used on both wet and dry hair too.  The formula is also light so it doesn't weigh down my hair and it doesn't leave any kind of residue if used in moderation. It is definitely the best leave in conditioner I used last year. You can read the full review here.

Schwarzkopf Gliss Shine Tonic - I have used this product since I was a child so it has been a staple in my hair care routine for a long time.  This spray leaves my hair smelling amazing and also adds a beautiful shine which makes my hair look healthy. You can read the review here.

John Freida Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - I am always changing my shampoo and conditioner because when I use one for too long my hair seems to get too used it so it stops working as well.  One of my favourites this year which I have been regularly buying has been the John Freida Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.  Although I have used others in between these are two products I have kept going back to because they leave my hair soft, smooth and perfectly volumised.  You can read the review here.

VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray - My long hair is subjected to heat on a regular basis as I often straighten and curl it so it is really important I use a good heat protector.  My favourite product for this is the VO5 styling spray because it has a light texture so can be used several times without leaving my hair feeling heavy.   I always use it after blow drying my hair and on individual sections when using styling tools, the latter usually twice before re-washing so I need a product I can use several times without changing the texture of my hair.  Hairdressers and friends are often surprised when I tell them how often I use heat on my hair as they expect it to be in worse condition so for me that shows this product must be doing a good job! You can read the review here.

Moroccan Oil - This is a favourite for many beauty bloggers and a product I wish I had started using sooner. I have found Moroccan Oil to be very nourishing and it leaves my hair extremely soft. I love it! Read the review here.

What do you think of my hair care favourites?

| Twitter || Instagram || Blog Lovin' ||  You Tube |

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Scented Candle Review

Jo Malone is well known for it's scented candles and I have often looked at them when I've been out and about shopping. They all smell divine and the packaging is luxurious, precise and thoughtful. I also love the simplicity of the gold, black and white which is consistent across all the products.  These are indulgent products, which although are expensive are worth every penny.

At Christmas I was lucky enough to receive my first ever Jo Malone candle from my parents in their most popular scent Pomegranate Noir (thank you!).  Jo Malone describe the scent as Ruby-rich juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum spiked with pink pepper and laced with Casablanca lily and spicy woods. Dark and enigmatic. I however, find it much harder describe as it is so unique, although I can pick out some of the notes.  It seems to have a rich fruity base with hints of spice running through it and a crisp woody scent creeping through too.  I find this scent comforting, uplifting, fresh and relaxing.  It would be perfect for Autumn and Winter although it is definitely one I would burn all year round as it creates the perfect ambience in any room.

I have been using this candle sparingly as I want it to last as long as possible but due to the powerful scent that fills the room in roughly 15 minutes it is easy to do this. Within an hour the house shares this beautiful scent that lingers for at least 12 hours so even when you stop burning the candle you can enjoy it for hours afterwards.  This candle also melts evenly which means you don't get the wasteful edge you end up having to scrape out, something which is obviously wouldn't want to do when with a candle that has this price tag.

Without doubt everything about this Jo Malone candle is beautiful.  Although it is expensive I would re-purchase either the travel size or full size but not very often!  You can buy the Pomegranate Noir Jo Malone candle for £22.00 at John Lewis (travel size).  The full size is £39.00.

What are your thoughts on Jo Malone candles?

| Twitter || Instagram || Blog Lovin' ||  You Tube |

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

Essie Bond with Whomever and Barry M Magenta Gliiter Nail Polish Review

During Autumn and Winter I have been wearing dark or nude shades on my nails which I've loved but this week I fancied a change.  After looking through my collection I opted for a shade I would usually wear in the Spring and Summer months which is Bond with Whomever by Essie.

I find the name of this Essie polish to be a bit odd but this beautiful pale lilac shade is a refreshing change after wearing so many deep berry toned shades over the past few weeks.  The formula is thick in comparison to some others in the collection which means you get good coverage after one coat, however for a flawless finish you need two.  As for staying power, when teamed with a good base and top coat this polish lasts around 5 days without chipping.

I am loving glitter polishes at the moment and a particular trend I like is applying the more glitter at the base of the nail than the tip so it fades out.  I think this is a really pretty look and the Magenta Glitter polish by Barry M works perfectly to create the affect.  It is much easier to create this effect if you use a polish which has the same size glitter in and wear the base is thin as it stops the layering looking heavy and noticeable.

Both Essie and Barry M are a brilliant high street brand because between them there is a massive range of shades available at affordable prices.  The quality is also great and whenever I am looking for a new polish these are the two brands I always look at. You can buy the Barry M Magenta Glitter for £2.99 from Superdrug and Essie Bond with Whomever from Amazon for £6.95. The latter was part of the 2013 Spring Collection so won't be available in drugstores.

What do you think of these nail polishes?

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here

Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Creme Review

I was lucky enough to pick up a Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille gift set in the January sales with a massive 50% discount which included this moisturiser and have been looking forward to sharing it with you as it is a product I adore.  As Laura Mercier products are pretty expensive you can imagine how chuffed I was to find any of these left in the sales and I've used it every day since!

I love the name of this product because 'souffle' makes it sound luxurious and different from other body creams on the market.  It also suggests a light, creamy, whipped and airy texture which instantly makes me want to delve in and try it.  The formulation is thick and creamy but as soon as you put it on your skin it feels light and absorbs quickly.   I also love that the gorgeous scent lingers for hours after use so you keep catching a glimpse of it throughout the day.

Words cannot describe how amazing this body moisturiser smells.  It is a mixture of vanilla and toffee.. definitely good enough to eat and I could quite happily sit and smell it all day.  In fact this blog post is taking quite some time to write because it's sitting next to me and I keep stopping to give it a sniff! 

I already have this same product in the Creme Brule scent and have been using it around a year but I much prefer this one as the fragrance is a little more subtle and not as sweet. If you're looking to purchase one of these moisturisers I would definitely give them a smell first because while the scents are all lovely I think some may appeal to people more than others.

After using the Laura Mercier Souffle my skin is left feel soft, smooth and nourished due to containing vitamin A, C and E, Grape Seed, Rice Bran Oil and honey, all of which condition and sooth the skin.  I think it would be suitable for all skin types as it isn't oily in the slightest and is perfect to use at any time during the day or night.

I absolutely adore this product and it will be a sad day when it runs out. If you want to try it you can buy the Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Souffle Body Creme from Space NK for £43.50.

| Twitter || Instagram || Blog Lovin' ||  You Tube |

Have you entered my Macadamia Travel Set Giveaway?

 Check out these great blogs by my lovely advertisers:

Pink Champagne: Hoad Shoes - An Independent Little Shoe Shop

Pink Swirl: Beky Lou, Dulcie's Beauty Blog, Kim Radley, Bethany Worrall

Pink Pearl: MissLJBeauty

To advertise with Kimberley's Beauty Blog find out more info here