The Ultimate Tan: Nouvatan

Hi guys!

So today I'm going to be reviewing a self-tan range called Nouvatan.

It's not the biggest brand in sunless tanners out there as it's still growing but it's definitely gathering speed so just trust me on this one!



As a fake tan addict and spray tan technician I've always been interested in trying the latest products and new brands, from ST Tropez, Xen Tan, Fake Bake, Vita Liberta...I could go on!

Nouvatan is by far the best brand I've ever used. I was that impressed that it's now the only spray tan solution I use on clients, the only fake tan brand I retail and the only brand I use on myself!

Today I'm going to talk about the retail range that nouvatan offer which includes, mousse, spray, moisturiser and gradual tan.

Nouvatan Self-Tanning Mousse

So firstly, I'm a big fan of mousses. They're easy to apply, (I always recommend mousse formulations to newbie tanners) they dry quickly and they leave a flawless finish.

This tan is made with 100% natural ingredients and contains no parabens or oils.

It applies like a dream (I always use a mitt) it doesn't streak and it doesn't smell.



There's a colour guide to this tan so you can see any bits you may have missed and get an instant glow!
I don't find the colour guide as muddy looking as some other brands but it's definitely dark enough to see which areas you've applied it to.

The colours a gorgeous, olive, brown not a hint of orange in sight!

The self-tan mousse also comes in two different DHA Strengths 10% (light) and 14% (dark) so you can tailor this to your own skin tone.

This is my holy grail fake tan, it applies easy, gives a gorgeous colour, lasts a good week on me and doesn't fade of patchy.

Nouvatan Toning Moisturiser

Talking about going patchy, moisturising is key when fake tanning. This moisturiser is rich and luxurious and hydrates the skin whilst leaving it feeling firmer. I always use this the night before I do my tan and after I've showered the colour guide off as it just gives your skin the extra hydration it needs.


Nouvatan Tan In A Can

I was hesitant to try this product originally despite being blown away with the brand but I don't tend to use a spray formulation as I find them messy and I always feel a lot of product gets wasted when applying with a spray.

However, I've used this spray to tan my hands, feet and face (after I've used the mousse on my body) as it doesn't take any blending and it's a lot easier doing the dreaded hands with a spray than a mousse or cream.

Nouvaglow

This product I was very keen to try as I do generally love gradual tanners. Either to use on their own for a lighter colour or to top up a spray tan.

This gradual tanners is by far my favourite! It smells gorgeous, it gives a lovely, buildable, olive colour and it doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy.

I have used this before to top up and existing tan, on its own as a lighter tan and even used it on my hands and feet to stop them going as dark, when I've applied the mousse everywhere else.

However I use this gradual tanner I love it. It just works. It does what it says, and then some!

All the Nouvatan products are amazing and with a No-UVA-Tan tan, you're keeping your skin healthy too!

All the above products can be bought from www.nouvatan.co.uk

Let me know if you guys would like a tutorial on how I apply sunless tanners; leave a comment below :)

Comment below and share your thoughts on the products I've mentioned. Have you tried any? Is there any you're intrigued to try?

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Love Supreme Loco Style: Jewelery Find

Hi guys!

OK so just a quick post to tell you guys about an amazing lady and some amazing jewellery that I’m sure you’re going to love!



As you can see from the picture, this is one of my prize possessions; my supreme necklace.
I first came across this when I saw the beautiful, talented and all-round loveliness that is Kandee Johnson, wearing one.
I feel in love with it straight away; I love the fact it’s oversized, in your face and just generally quirky.

Being in the UK I didn’t think I’d find anywhere online that would a) sell it, as it’s so unique and b) that would ship internationally.
This is (thankfully) when I discovered the wonderful world of Pinky Loco.

Missy Hendricks started Pinky Loco with her sister Beth, after selling jewelery and then taking the plunge to designing her own.

I contacted Missy about ordering this necklace and she was so adorably lovely! You can tell just speaking to this lady that she has such a passion for what she does.
They do a whole host of different styles of jewellery and I’m sure if you take a look you’ll find something unique and special that you’ll love.
To check out the designs visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pinky-Loco/143958272295668?fref=ts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkyLoco?ref=seller_info

To befriend the friendliest soul on Facebook add Missy at:

http://www.facebook.com/missy.hendricks.77?ref=ts&fref=ts

Although I've now had this necklace for several years, it's still one of my favourite pieces and I always feel amazing with it on!

Comment below if there's anything at the Pinky Loco Etsy Shop that's caught your eye :)


Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxox

L'Oréal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Review

Hi guys!

Just a quick post to review the L'Oréal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream's which I have been trying and testing recently!

There are 3 different CC Creams in this range; Anti-Redness, Anti-Dullness & Anti-Fatigue.



(From Left to Right) Anti-Redness, Anti-Dullness & Anti-Fatigue

Anti-Fatigue

Firstly, let's look at what this claims to do;

'The magic Smart Pigment Capsules in a feather-light apricot hydrator transform into foundation on application. Helps wake up the complexion. A perfect nude look with buildable light-weight coverage.'

This cream is certainly apricot! I know a few people who have found this too dark on their skin tone but I used it sparingly under my foundation and found it gave a nice glow.

Personally for me, I found this product worked best when using a small amount under the eye area to counteract the blue/purple circles I have so I probably wouldn't use it all over my face.

I can imagine on very fair skin tones this would either be too dark or would take a lot of blending but for me it added a nice brightening effect and definitely perked my skin up!



Anti-Dullness

This cream was the purple one to counteract sallow looking skin so I tried this on my skin but it didn't do enough for me to say I could go foundation-less as the cover was too sheer.

I have since worn foundation over the top and it did give it a nice base and a certain glow to my skin but I was still left feeling a bit underwhelmed as although it does work as a good base or brightener but it doesn't seem like an alternative to foundation.



Anti-Redness

This one was the one I was most keen to try as I've noticed recently redness around my nose and chin.

This one blended in really well on my skin and did counteract the redness but again, I wore foundation over the top as the coverage was far too light for me.



So what are my overall thoughts...

I think the main thing to consider about these CC Creams that if you're looking for an alternative to foundation or any coverage then these won't be for you, but using them as colour correctors underneath your foundation can help counteract any areas of sallowness or redness. These retail for £9.99 which would be reasonable if it's replacing your foundation, but if you're just using these as correctors under your foundation it's probably not the best value for money.

It totally depends on what you're looking to use them for, and I'll continue to use them underneath my foundation but I think the Anti-Redness cream is the only one I'd consider repurchasing.

Comment below if you've tried them and let us know your thoughts :)

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

September Favourites

Hi guys!

So it's already the end of September! The months are flying by this year, even faster than usual and soon enough it's going to be freezing cold, snowing and we'll all be rushing round trying to get everything ready for Christmas!

But until then, let's get on with my go to products for this month.



Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream

Right, so I'm not an avid user of heavy night creams. I'm not sure why. Probably because my skins fairly young and I don't tend to suffer with dry skin all that often but I bought this on a whim as my skin seemed drier than usual in August, probably due to the heat.

This cream did not disappoint. It feels nice to apply, despite it being thicker than a normal moisturiser, and doesn't take ages to sink in to the skin.

It appeared to get rid of any dryness almost overnight and although I've not used it every night (probably every 2-3), my skin is noticeably softer and seems to have more of a glow about it.

Although my skin has been slightly dry in the summer, I still tend to have an oily t-zone so I was worried this might be too rich but it didn't break me out at all.

At £15.99 for 50g it's by no means a cheap product but I've been using it most nights and haven't really made a dent in it yet, so a little obviously goes a long way.


MAC Mineralize Moisture SPF Foundation

So a month or so ago when I was getting my latest fix of MAC's Studio Fix Fluid (my ultimate go to foundation) I decided to try the Mineralize Moisture Foundation. I picked this up as I though this might give me somewhat more of a dewy glow for summer, as opposed to the semi-matt finish I tend to get with the studio fix. The other thing that drew me to this was the fact that it was a pump bottle which is far easier and cleaner to use than the studio fix which is just a normal screw top bottle.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, it ended up in the back of the drawer to be forgotten about and I didn't get round to trying it until this month.

It doesn't feel as heavy as the studio fix although I don't think it's as high coverage, which is probably why. Using this alongside my new night cream definitely gave the appearance of glowing skin.

It's buildable but light so I think it would be perfect for Spring/Summer although I think if my skins going through a particularly oily phase then I'd have to pass on this foundation as I think it'd end up sliding right of my face!

At £27 a bottle this is a nice alternative to my usual heavy coverage and matt finish with the studio fix, and I've yet to try a MAC foundation that I haven't liked.


Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

This was another product bought on a whim as I'd seen at few times and been tempted to pick one up. I got the shade **INSERT SHADE**. It's a lovely sheer colour and feels like a cross between a lip balm and lip gloss. It leaves a very subtle finish on the lips so not ideal for a dramatic look but if you want a lighter alternative to lipstick for everyday wear this is perfect as it's so easy to apply and flattering to most skin tones. It leaves your lips feeling soft and nourished and I think I'll probably end up getting a couple more shades in these to keep in my handbag for emergency's!


Stila One Step Correct

This is another product that I'd been meaning to try for a while and I'm so glad I did. Now not only was I drawn to this because it looks like a twister lolly :) but because I'm a huge fan of colour correctors. With under-eye circles and redness around my chin and nose this product saves applying seperate colour correctors to different areas.

This evened out my skin tone on applying and blended in effortlessly. It also pro-longed the wear of my foundation especially on my t-zone which can be prone to being oily.

I honestly feel like when I'm using this I could get away with a lighter coverage foundation as it evens my skin tone and gives such a nice base. So nice in fact I've been using it everyday since!

You really don't need to use a lot as it almost melts in to the skin and spreads easily so I'm hoping this will last a while but I'll definitely be repurchasing this.


Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Natural Glow Facial Towelettes

Bit of a random thing to put in my monthly favourites but I've genuinely been loving these this month. They feel thicker than other cleansing wipes that I've used and they seem to stay moist whilst your taking your make up off as some wipes can dry out really quickly.

They leave your skin feeling clean, soft and are really refreshing. I think these would be perfect for the summer and the cucumber fragrance in these is such a clean scent.

I'll definitely need to be buying some more soon as I'm on the last few!


So that's my favourites for this month. I can't believe where September has gone! I know I'm going to blink and it'll be October Favourites time already!

Have you used any of these products? What have been your favourites or this month?

Comment below, like and subscribe :)

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

HD Brows Products Review

Hi guys!

So as you all probably know by now I'm an avid HD Brows fan! I'd been having them done for years before I trained as a HD Brow Tech so I was already in love with them and they are definitely something I couldn't not have done!

This post is going to be about the HD Brows products you can use at home in between treatments to make the look last slightly longer or just to further enhance your brows. I have done a review of the HD Brows Treatment which you can read here: http://flawlesskisses.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/hd-eyebrows-review.html

So HD brows has a wide range of products, (recently expanding into blushers, bronzers etc) but today I'm going to be concentrating on a growth serum, brow gel, palettes and pencils.



HD Eye and Brow Palette

There are three different palettes to suit different hair colourings. Vamp - Dark Brown/Black Hair, Foxy - Brunette, Warm Brown and Bombshell - Blonde Hair.

(From Left to Right) Vamp, Foxy & Bombshell



These palettes can be used for filling in brows and can also be used as eye shadows. They're really pigmented so a little goes a long way. They give a softer look than a pencil but look best when the powder and pencil are used together.
The palettes can be bought for £19.96 from www.HDbrows.com or from your HD Brow Technician.

The pro palette has a combination of the shades from the three individual palettes so the HD Brow tech can just have one go to palette for all clients whatever their colouring.

Brow Pencils

There are two shades (black and brown) of pencils. Don't be put off as they look a little different to typical brow pencils cos these are amazing!



These pencils are sharpened with a sharpener that you can get from HD Brows, which has a small blade so you sharpen the pencil to a flat, thin, point. When you get down to the end, you pull the piece of string down and unravel the wrapping of the pencil in order to sharpen some more.

This enables you to use this pencil to create a hair stroke effect instead of a solid block of colour. This gives dimension to the brows and makes them look more natural.

You only need to use very light pressure when applying this, as you want each stroke to be 'barely there' as when you do lots of strokes together it gives the appearance of very fine hairs.

This process looks better when done over the top of brows that have already been lightly powdered with the palette.

The pencils can be bought for £11.95 and the sharpener can be bought for £5.95 from www.HDbrows.com or from your HD Brow Technician.

HD Brows Brow Beater

This is another great addition to the HD Brows family as this brow gel combs through the brows and acts almost as a hairspray to the brows. It keeps them in place if you have any stray hairs and once it's on you can't feel it there unlike some brow gels that feel sticky for ages afterwards.

The Brow Beater can be bought for £14.95 from www.HDbrows.com or from your HD Brow Technician.



HD Brows Grow Baby Grow

Grow Baby Grow is a growth serum. It was released to help people with over plucked or sparse brows as it stimulates the hair follicle and promotes thicker and faster growth. Unfortunately, if the hair follicle has died then this won't work but if you've been a bit 'tweezer happy' it will speed up the uncomfortable stage when you're trying to grow the brows out.

This can also be used on eyelashes and I personally had amazing results with this.

You just brush the serum through the brow or over the lashes once or twice a day and should start seeing results within the first week of use.

The Grow Baby Grow serum can be bought for £29.95 from www.HDbrows.com or from your HD Brow Technician.



Overall, I haven't used a product from HD Brows that I haven't loved and I do retail these to clients who have all had amazing results with these products and have nothing but good feedback about them.

Comment below if you've had the HD Brows treatment and let us all know if you've tried or want to try any of the above products :)

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Blossom Sorbet: LCN Nail Polish Collection

Hi guys!

So today I'm going to be sharing with you one of LCN's Spring/Summer Polish Collections from this year.

I know this is late as it's now autumn, but I don't think pastels are going anywhere any time soon plus these are some gorgeous shades!

(from left to right)

Lilac Blossom, Soft Daisy, I Love Mint & Vintage Rose.



Lilac Blossom is a gorgeous lilac shade (more leaning towards blue than purple) Although this appears to have a shimmer in it, it's virtually undetectable once it's on the nail, but as always a good formula.


Soft Daisy is a beautiful pale, pastel yellow colour, and although I don't think it's one of the easiest shades to wear I think most people will like this one. They've got the balance of the yellow and cream just right.



I Love Mint is probably my second favourite out of the whole collection (although it is hard to choose with these 4!)
In my mind it's the perfect mint green and it goes on like a dream. It can look more aqua/turquoise in bright sunlight, but most colours look different in the sun.


Vintage Rose is my favourite of the collection. It's a perfect coral shade; not too orange or too red. I did find the formula a little on the thick side with this one, which is unusual for LCN polishes, but once it's on with a top coat, I don't think you can tell.

All in all, this is beautiful collection and one that I'll continue to wear whatever the weather! I loved it so much I had to get the Recolution Semi-Permanent Gel Polish and the Colour Gel in these colours.

The Gel Polishes and Gels are obviously pro products so they're not available to consumers, but the polishes are available from http://www.beautyconcepts.co.uk/direct/nails/details.asp?ProductItemID=4487&DirItemID=8

These are currently on sale from £5.50 down to £2.75 each!

Comment below and let us know what your favourite shade is :)

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Glossybox September 2013: The London Edition

So it's that time again. Another Glossybox! This month is the London Edition!



As always, I was a tad dubious when I was about to open the box. That's the thing I find with subscription boxes, you can get an amazing box one month and then a few underwhelming boxes subsequent months.

I'd put this box in the middle of those two scenarios. It didn't make me go 'Wow!" but I didn't feel disappointed either.

Although I think there are a few brands that could have been included for the London Edition, overall, I'm pleasantly surprised with the products so far.

Eyelure Preglued Lashes

I wasn't particularly over the moon about these seeing as I much prefer individual eyelash extensions as opposed to glue on false lash strips, but I am intrigued to try them as I've never used pre-glued lashes before. Sometimes the little tubes of adhesive can get a bit messed up when applying false lashes. As far as false eyelashes go these are a reputable brand so if I like they should be easy enough to re-purchase.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Onyx Eye Liner

This eye liner isn't something I would have necessarily bought despite being something I'm quite intrigued to try.
As you probably know, I've been in love with the MAC Power Point Liners for a while now so I rarely stray from them. However, I've never used one of those felt-tip style liners so I'm going to be open minded and give it a go!

Elizabeth Arden Untold Eau De Parfum

Although I really don't like getting perfume samples in subscription boxes as I feel it's a bit of a non-product, I was pleasantly surprised with this as although it's only a 50ml size it's better than those vials you sometimes get!
What I also liked about this is you get a voucher for a free body lotion with your personalised skincare consultation when you take it to Debenhams. This is something different which I like and I'm hoping vouchers for certain extras may become a regular thing!
Although this scent isn't to my particular taste, it's not an unpleasant fragrance, just not something I'd usually buy.

Dr Lipp - Nipple Balm for lips

This is a sample size of a product that's fairly expensive. I have used this before and I'm trying to think if I bought a full-sized one last time or if it was a sample. But either way, it does the job well and is a handy size for dropping in your handbag!


Toni and Guy Hair Meets Wardrobe Classic Shine and Gloss Serum

Last up is my favourite product out of this box and just so happens to be full sized as well which is a bonus!

I've never used Toni & Guy hair products as I'm normally obsessing over bumble and bumble, Moroccan oil, tigi etc but I'm looking forward to trying this as my tigi shine spray has just run out and this claims to tackle frizz and add shine. I'll keep you posted on how I get on with this!

All in all, this was an average box in my opinion. I do think they're getting better value for money the longer Glossybox has been going. We're averaging more products per box and more full sized products which is always good.
It's all part and parcel of signing up to a subscription box. You don't know what you're going to get and that's half the fun of it. Sometimes it pays off sometimes it doesn't. But the good thing is if you get a box with products you're not too fussed on you can share the love round as everyone always loves trying samples!

Comment below if you've had different in your Glossybox this month or if you're looking to start subscribing :)

Hugs, Loves and Flawless Kisses
xoxoxox

Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend: Diamond Dreams Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Hi guys!

Another review today of a product that's been a staple for me for the last couple of years: Tigi S-Factor Diamond Dreams Shampoo & Conditioner

I've always been a massive TIGI fan and have used so many of their products from blow-dry lotions, leave in conditioners and shine sprays, but this shampoo and conditioner have been a firm favourite of mine for the last couple of years for very good reason.



Firstly, let's look at what the diamond dreams range claims to do;

"An ultra luxe complex with diamond dust, cashmere extract and crushed pearl to indulge hair and provide brilliant shine, ultra hydration, superior strength and antioxidant power"


The Shampoo

So straight away this shampoo gives you the feeling of luxury with the unusual combination of ingredients, and the the fact that it's sulphate free was one of the main reasons that drew me to this product.

The shampoo has a smooth yet rich texture and you only need the smallest amount as it lathers up really well.




I can't really comment on whether the shampoo provided frizz control as my hair isn't prone to being frizzy (although it does have it's moments!) but it definetly backs up the claim that it adds shine and strength. My hair is never as glossy looking as when I use tis shampoo and I've yet to find another shampoo to rival this on the shine it gives, without weighing your hair down.

TIGI have had bad press for their products being reknowned for caused product build up and drying the scalp, but I think as long as you rinse the products well and use a clarifying shampoo once a month you shouldn't have any problems.

I've been using this shampoo regularly for the last couple of years and I've never had any problems with a dry scalp or product build up, although I do use a homemade vinegar rinse once a month to get rid of any product build up.

If you're prone to a dry scalp though, I think it's something to keep your eye on when using this shampoo.


The Conditioner

The conditioner is ultra rich and creamy and somehow manages to condition really well without giving that heavy feeling that you can sometimes get with rich conditioners.

It's also perfect for leaving on for 5 minutes as a hair mask while your in the shower or if you don't want a rich conditioner every time you wash your hair.

This is my all time favourite conditioner and although I do try new ones now again I always come back to this one and it's a permanent fixture in my bathroom (hence why I buy the huge sizes!)



You can buy the shampoo and conditioner tween in the 750ml sizes (the same as mine) for £33.95, the 250ml shampoo for £13.75 or the 250ml conditioner for £14.95, from www.feelunique.com.

Let me know your thoughts below if you're a TIGI fan and don't forget to like, comment or subscribe :)

Hugs, Loves and Flawless Kisses
xoxoxox

MAC Indulge: Lip & Nail

Part two of the MAC Indulge collection, featuring lipsticks, lipglasses and nail lacquer, does not dissapoint.

There are 5 lipsticks, 5 lipglasses and 7 new nail lacquer shades.

The lipsticks and lipglasses range from deep, rich, plum tones to sheer, frosted nudes and the nail lacquers have stunning jewel colours and more conservative nudes.

The Lipsticks

I think this range of lipsticks has got be one of my favourites that MAC has released in recent years. Personally for me, the colours all seem wearable despite some being more striking than others. I honestly think anyone could find at least one shade here that they'd love.

(from left to right) Smash Hit, By design, Feed the Senses, Just a Bite, Sweet Succulence.



(These can be bought from www.maccosmetics.co.uk for £15 each)

The Lipglasses

Again, the lipglasses in this collection follow the same colour families as the lipsticks, so are striking yet wearable.

(from left to right) Ultimate Dish, Fashion Punch, Liqueur, Lust for Life, Utterly Tart.



(These can be bought from www.maccosmetics.co.uk for £14 each)



The Nail Lacquers

For some reason this collection of nail lacquers is making me feel christmassy?! I think its the mix of jewel tones with the gold and silver although the two deep purple colours are effortlessly autumnal shades. Again, I think there's something for everyone in here although I do wish one of the gold lacquers had of not been shimmer/pearl finsih.

(from left to right) Sinfully Sweet, Magnificent Feast, Discotheque, Impassioned, Screening Room, Dark Angel & Rebel.



(These can be bought from www.maccosmetics.co.uk for £11 each)

All in all, i'm pleased with this part of the collection as normally I get a little underwhelmed with the lipsticks and lipglasses after all the new grogeous eyeshadows! I think the only thing I wouldn't be rushing out to get is the nail lacquers, mainly because I'm an LCN girl at heart and i've got so many shades that are very similar. Although another couple wouldn't hurt I guess... :)

Comment below if you've bought anything from the induldge collection and let us all know what you think.

Hugs, Loves and Flawless Kisses
xoxoxox

(All above images sourced from MAC Cosmetics)

Fab Find: Bargain Buy - OPI Shatter Polishes

Hi guys!
Just a quick post for any fans of the OPI Shatter Polishes.

They're on sale at http://www.saveonmakeup.co.uk/product_desc.php?id=3617 for just £4.99 (RRP £11.50)

They've got 7 colours to choose from, so grab yourself a bargain before they're gone!

Hugs, Love & Flawless Kisses

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox