Berry Christmas

Lush have the best gift sets regardless of the time of year but at Christmas they’re just extra special. This year I purchased the Berry Christmas gift set for £23! Lush gift sets are ideal for those not looking for full sized products and really want to sample some that you may have never used.

I think they’re a lovely gift for Christmas, birthdays or any occasion really. I especially like how this one has a selection of scents and the products large enough to really sample how good they are! Berry Christmas has 2 shower gels, 1 body lotion and a 120g portion of soap.

Berry Berry Christmas shower gel has a sweet orange and bergamot oil scent. It really does remind me of the winter and Christmas season and I love that leaves small amounts of glitter. It’s beautiful and a small bit goes a long way!

The other shower gel in this set is the well loved Snow Fairy! I do like the bubblegum breeze a lot and whenever I use it I always feel more clean than usual and rather enthusiastic. The sweet scents just make me so happy!

The Once Upon A Time body lotion has the most beautiful apple scent, it’s not too strong and feels incredible on the skin. It’s not greasy feeling, dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling really soft and hydrated. I wouldn’t use this on the face at all as I find it quite heavy. However, the consistency and formula is beautiful for the body!

Finally, the 120g block of Baked Alaska Soap is gorgeous. I’ve always been hit and miss with the Lush soaps as some are lovely and others just don’t agree with my skin. My favourite is the black Coal soap that literally makes my body feel so clean and nourished every time I use it. I’ve not really used this soap that often to give it a full review but I do know that the scent screams Christmas and festive season at you!

I think this gift set is perfect for so many people and in particular those who are new to Lush and aren’t sure what to purchase. The sizes are worth £23 and I really do encourage all of you to go and pick up a gift set from your nearest Lush store.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I’ve been an avid fan of the Garnier skincare for several years now. I think Garnier is one of the best priced and greatest quality on the drugstore market right now. So when I come across the new Garnier Micella Cleansing Water I was definitely intrigued.

There are two types of this product, one for combination and sensitive skin and another for just sensitive skin. I’ve been trying both at separate times to make sure I give them a fair and equal review.

I tried the combination and sensitive skin first, this one comes in the green bottle. I do have both sensitive skin and combination so I thought this would be ideal for me. I had been using it for several weeks and had noticed that my skin had been breaking out more than ever. After 4 weeks of using this and once I had stopped, I noticed my acne was clearing up amazingly. I don’t know whether the grape extract in this product maybe affected my skin but there is something in this product that made my skin flare up.

However, I really did like this product otherwise. I found that this really removed all my makeup, dirt and oil and I really felt like my skin was sparkling clean. Although I did like it I knew that it wasn’t helping my acne at all.

I then went ahead and tried the one that is just for sensitive skin and it’s been amazing. So amazing in fact that my skin has started to clear up and It’s even helping to control the oils on my face. It totally removes my makeup, makes my skin feel fresh and healthy and I can’t recommend this product enough.

Personally I think the one for sensitive skin is dependant on how sensitive your skin is but honestly, as a cleanser and makeup remover I think this product is outstanding. The formula really doesn’t feel drugstore at all.

Garnier has done it again and created the ideal cleanser!

The best part is how affordable this product is. I get mine for around £2.60 in savers but you can also purchase this in your local Superdrug, Boots and Wilkinson’s as well as many supermarkets.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Equality is the New Feminism

Blogmas day 18! Let’s discuss why I should be allowed to sleep with 50 men and nobody give a shit? 

There is this massive stigma in society on the rights and wrongs on what women do and I for one, have had enough of it. So many people, both women and men believe that each gender should act according to the norm and to other people’s views and I call total bullshit on it. It’s 2017 for crying out loud and if I want to wear men’s clothes, sleep around or be a brick layer I bloody well will. 

Many people, especially the older generation (some may argue) believe that women are to raise children, cook, clean and be seen but not heard and I personally find it highly offensive. I’m offended that my education isn’t deemed important or significant in every day life and that my purpose on this earth is the give birth and be nothing more than a house wife. Don’t get me wrong, if that is what you want with your life then by all means. My point is though, that we should all have a choice on what happens in our lives and how we decide to live it is nobody else’s choice and quite frankly, their opinion is totally invalid unless asked for it. 

I’m sure in the past people believed that life would be different in the future. Well, the future is happening, the 21st century is here and yet women and men are still seen as different and honestly, we aren’t. Some of the smartest people I know are women and some are men. I know women that are strong, empowering and intelligent who can take on whatever life throws at them. However, the minute they use their intelligence, a man’s ego is hurt because said woman can calculate mathematics better than him. 

What really, really grinds my bones is that it is absolutely accepted for a man to sleep with as many people as he wants. However, the minute a woman has a number count over 5, they’re deemed damaged and slutty. How is this fair? Equality, I don’t think so. Sex is 100% a natural experience that is totally required for 90% or more of people. I know from personal experiences that I have felt so guilty and unworthy after having a one night stand because I feel like Society will judge me. However the more I’ve grown up and have experienced casual sex, I’ve realised that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and in fact, it’s fine to sleep with people with no attachments if you truly want too. So why can’t I decide who I want to sleep with and when, without being identified as a whore? 

So what if I want to work 60 hours a week, wear a face full of makeup and a low cut t-shirt. I am the owner of my own body and if a man can’t control where he looks or feels intimated by a hard working woman, then there is something wrong with him rather than me or any other woman. 

My point is, I’m fed up of living in a world where it isn’t OK for a man to have feminine characteristics or a women to want to work in a male dominated career. It’s absolutely fine to be whoever you want to be and nobody should have an opinion on whether or not it is acceptable. 

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Anti-Christmas Makeup Look

For those of you who aren’t the biggest Christmas lovers, don’t like a bright red lip that symbolises the festivities, then this look is for you. Call it the anti-Christmas makeup look. A purple, berry toned lip and a matte base that still makes you look fantastic (even if you don’t fancy celebrating).

This years makeup look is essentially an autumn/winter look, it’s pretty basic and can be worn for all occasions. I’ve been wearing the statement lip during the whole of the Autumn and Winter and I’ve been loving it! So let me tell you how I achieved this look.

I started by applying a mixture of the Rimmel Match Perfect foundation in True Ivory and mixing it with the L’Oreal True Match in the shade 1.N. The Rimmel shade is slightly darker and just stops my face looking so bland and pale without overdoing it.

I didn’t contour at all as I wanted to keep the look basic, quick simple. Although if you wanted too, then you can! I browned with the Physicans Formula Butter Bronzer (I still don’t know if you can get it in the U.K.!) and added a little berry toned blush from the Morphe 9B palette.

For eyes, with the tip of my finger I applied the L’Oreal 24HR Colour Tattoo cream shadow in the shade On and On Bronze. I blended it with a clean brush and then went in with the ABH Modern Renaissance palette with the shade Raw Sienna in the crease, Vermeer on the brow bone and Primavera on the inner corner.

To create the perfect thin liner, go in with the Maybelline Master Precise liquid liner. This is generally personal preference, I wanted a thin liner so it looked fairly neutral. Apply for favourite mascara, mine is Doucce Punk Volumizer mascara to add a lot of volume. I did my brows no different to how I would usually do them, using the Freedom brow pomade in blonde and crested small brush strokes.

Finally, the Sleek liquid lipstick in Velvet Slipper is the perfect berry toned liquid lip. Long lasting, matte and comfortable to wear. Ideal for all the food and drinks this Christmas!

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

The Body Shop Body Butter

Blogmas day 16 gives you a review on my current favourite body butter! 

The Body Shop are known for their incredible skin care line and I totally agree. I swear by the tea tree range for my face and with that, I’ve recently picked up the most incredible body butter ever. 

I’ve been so hit and miss with body butter’s in the past, sometimes they’re good, other times they just leave me feeling sticky and I cant put clothes on right away. However, The Body Shop Frosted Berries Body Butter is beautiful. I don’t know whether it’s just this one or whether it’s the whole range but from what I know, it’s incredible. 

I do believe that this specific one is actually from the Christmas 2016 range, which is why I got it at a discounted price from £15 to £6. Which is an amazing deal since it’s a 200ml tub of heaven! 

I like to apply this right after I’ve had a shower and dried my skin, it just leave my skin feeling so soft, gentle and moisturised. The thing I really like is that at the end of the day, when I’m ready for bed, I still feel all those things and the scent just stays with you all day long. It’s honestly beautiful. 

This one has a mixture of so many berry smells but I can really smell the raspberry scent which is probably why I love it so much. Since wearing this I’ve had so many compliments on what I smell like, which I personally think there is nothing better than someone telling me I smell good! 

If you’re able too, I’d go and take a look at the selection that your local Body Shop has and test one out for yourself! It’s incredible and I highly recommend. 

Twitter @bethdaviesblog

Instagram @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Soap and Glory Mask Review

Blogmas day 14 gives you a full review on the Soap and Glory 2-in-1 Pore Purifying Mask and Peel! 

I’ve been testing this product out for around 6 weeks now. I purchased mine in Boots, on a whim whilst it was around £6.60, although the usual price is at the £10 mark. This is definitely the most expensive face mask I’ve ever purchased but I had read so many positive reviews on it, I just couldn’t help myself. It really helped that it was also on sale as it made the decision to buy it, a lot easier! 

This mask is specifically allocated for those with oily/combination skin, which I definitely do have. The box says you’re supposed to massage into the face and focus on the t-zone. Now, I don’t like the texture of this mask at all so I do use it with a brush and once it is on my face I like to gently run circular motions around my face to really let the product sink in. 

It does give you the option of just leaving it for 5 minutes to give you a quick refreshed look. Otherwise, you’re able to leave the mask on for around 15 minutes to give your skin a deep clean and you can do either of these from 1-3 times a week. I only really use the mask twice a week as I find that it has helped so much. At first I was using it 3 times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However as the weeks have gone by I’ve started to reduce the days because I don’t feel like I need it as much. I do leave it on for 15 minutes at a time though and normally apply before I go in the shower so I can use the hot water to really rinse it off. 

I was confused when I first applied this product because I assumed that it would dry and become a peel off face mask, which it didn’t do at all. The title says it’s a 2-in-1 facial mask and peel but really, it’s just a standard mask. 

However, with that in mind, it has worked amazingly on my skin. I don’t find that my pores get as clogged as they used too anymore. Generally, it just helps to maintain how clean my skin is and really does help to reduce redness and acne. Although, this isn’t a mask that does help to reduce spots completely. 

I can’t say that this mask has changed my life but I do honestly believe that it really does help to remove any dirt from the skin and just help to create a healthy refreshed look. The texture of my skin does feel better when I use it and I do like that I have the option to pick whether I want to use it for 5 or 15 minutes, dependant on what I really want. 

So whether I’m heading out for the night and want something to make my skin feel and look better before applying makeup. Or if I’m spending the night in and want to give myself a good pamper, this face mask is something that I would go too. Especially if you have a problem with pore clogging and oiliness. This mask has really helped to reduce the amount of oil the I have during the day!

Would I say it’s worth £10? Probably not, I’d actually say around the £6 mark but it is Soap and Glory and I trust their products since I know they do work so well (Not all but most). 

Have you tried this mask? let me know what you think! 

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Jingle and Mingle

Tanya Burr is a makeup artist, YouTuber, author, now actor and owner and creater of Tanya Burr Cosmetics. I’ve been a fan of Tanya’s eyeshadows and lip products so each year, if I like a product I like to try and pick something up in her Christmas releases.

I’m not one of those people that has to get everything because to be honest, I won’t wear everything. There were some new matte lipsticks that I just didn’t really think I needed since I already have lip colours similar. I also didn’t think I needed a new bunch of her eyeshadows since I know they’re already incredible.

However, I just couldn’t leave this palette t sit on the self. For the price of £18 the Jingle and Mingle palette gives you 3 eyeshadows, a bronzer, a lip gloss, a silver glitter pot and a black eyeliner!

The reason I choose this particular palette is mostly because of the bronzer but I also felt like out of the releases, this is the palette that I’ll get a use out off and I particularly liked the tones of this palette. The Jingle and Mingle palette is labelled the night palette and there is another palette that is the day palette. However the other palette had shades that are similar to some I already own and I thought I wouldn’t get the use out of it.

I think for the price of the palette, you do get your money’s worth. Especially because glitter isn’t cheap at all and other than a mascara, you’re able to create a full eye look with this palette alone. So if you’re travelling over the holidays you can take this palette and a few other makeup items to create the perfect look.

I got mine from Superdrug and it’s also available online and at feelunique.com.

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Bio Oil Is A Life Changer

Over the past few months I’ve been using Bio Oil for the first time. I’ve heard about this product and so many of my friends swore by it but I always thought it was pricey but I had severe 2nd (maybe 3rd degree burns) on my arm during august and once the sting had gone and it had started to heal I was using Bio Oil – as I was recommended it, to minimise scaring. 

Originally, when I had first burned my arm it was looking like the images below. 

It was incredibly painful, it blistered and was severally swollen causing the lack of movement in 2 fingers. It was by far the worst pain I’ve ever experience in my life. After a few times of using this my skin begun to peel quite badly but it was just the Oil removing any dry and dead skin from my affected areas. Honestly, Bio Oil has changed my life and I can imagine I’ll be purchasing so many bottles of this wonderful invention. 

My arm now looks like this.

After a few days of using Bio Oil and seeing the change it made to my arm I thought I’d give it a go in other ways. It says that the product can be used for scaring, stretch marks, uneven skin tones and more. I do struggle with stretch marks and I always have done. Since I’ve gained and lost weight recently I thought I’d see if it helped, I apply the Bio Oil twice daily to my stretch marks and a small amount to my skin to help reduce acne scaring and produce a more even type of skin tone. 

It’s blown me away. My skin feels softer, the stretch marks are slowly going, my skin tone is evening out. It’s become a normal part of my day to apply this product and I can’t imagine ever imagine not having this in my life now. 

Admittedly, this product isn’t a quick solution for your issues. I’ve been using Bio Oil for several months now and didn’t see change in my stretch marks for several weeks. Although I did see change within my burn very quickly but mostly because it was helping my skin to shred itself. 

Twitter: @bethdaviesblog

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x

Products That I Can Live Without

Whilst packing to go away I realised that I had so many makeup products that I know that I could live without and as many others probably will agree. I just think that some products that I have aren’t as necessary as others and I thought I would share with you guys some of the products that I think aren’t as necessary as others.

I do enjoy using a setting spray and I know some people love it and live for them. Personally I believe that they are a nice addition to my makeup routine but not something I would ever rely on for everyday makeup. I do like to use them when I’m going on a night out or evening event when I want my makeup to especially last longer than normal. However, I do have some favourites which include the Urban Decay Setting Spray and the Rimmel Insta Fix & Go.

Now I don’t always wear blush as my cheeks often tend to show their natural blush anyway and I really enjoy wearing just bronzer and looking quite tan anyway. If I do wear blush it normal a peach toned shade and often matte simply because I don’t like too much shimmer on my face when I do like highlight.

I also think lip liners aren’t totally necessary. In my entire makeup collection I own two lip liners which include a L’Oreal lipliner and a Mac Factor universal lip liner which really made me realise that lip liners are totally unnecessary. I quite like the shape of my lips and I definitely do not enjoy the overdrawn look at all. Although I know so many people love them and rely on them to make their lips look a bit more plumty and sultry. I also don’t enjoy having too many products on my lips at once so if I do wear them it’s always alone and with no gloss or lipsticks on top at all.

Let me know some of the products that you think are unessary and you don’t need in your makeup bag. In the mean time, follow me on my social media:

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

Use my discount code ‘bethdavies20’ for 20% off at http://www.coconut-lane.com

With love, Beth x