Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter

I'd never heard of the Greek brand Korres until it started to get mentioned in the Blogging Community, and I've always wonder what the products were like. Luckily I spied Korres on Zalando and bought one of their lip butters(*) from then on I've been hooked. Korres say that their lip butters are "a buttery lip balm that melts on the lips and offers a shiny, tinted finish. The combination of Shea butter and Rice wax offers deep hydration and softness. Ideal for chapped lips".

And I couldn't agree more. As I've used my Quince lip butter up, I decided to try the Pomegranate version. First up is the packaging- simple yet expensive looking at the same time. For some reason I actually like keeping them in the packaging when I'm not using them.

The product itself is cased in a small but sturdy pot with a screw lid. Now I know some people don't like sticking their fingers into pots for lip balms, however all the lip butters are avaliable in stick form. The lids are the colour of the product inside, now don't be put off with how intense the colour looks in the pot- personally I think the product gives very little colour pay off on the lips.

Normally this lasts a good hour on my lips before I reapply- however this depends if I'm drinking tea at work, as my mug is quite partial to this haha. A quick little tip for you- once you've used these up- keep your empty pots to depot what is left of your Mac lipsticks- my quince one is currently being used to store shy girl.

Normally these retail for £6, but I paid £4.20 for this from Asos (20% discount code). Debenhams and House of Fraser both stock these too. House of Fraser carries the full make up/skin care range.

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

Full Repair is the latest range from John Frieda, and no doubt you will have seen their advertising campaigns on the tv/in magazines as well as throughout the blogging community. Over the last few weeks I have been testing various products from the range and now I feel in a position to provide my thoughts on the range.

Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner*

Normally I would use these for one wash, and then alternate it with my Botanics shampoo/conditioner. On some occasions I felt the need to shampoo my hair twice before it felt clean (if that makes sense), however that may have been purely due to me not using enough shampoo. For me the conditioner is the winner out of the two, and I’ve found that I’ve been reaching for this more when I’ve been using different shampoos.

Unlike other shampoo/conditioners the scent of the Full Repair range is pleasant yet not over powering and you can smell this on your hair after styling. My hair felt very soft and shiny when dry, even if I left my hair to dry naturally, it wasn’t a massive frizz ball. I would definitely purchase the conditioner again, however I am undecided on the shampoo- personally due to the fact that other shampoos work better. I would however suggest that these products would be ideal in miniatures to take away on holiday with you, as these would work fab with the hard water abroad.

The shampoo and conditioner retail at £5.69 each and currently the full range is on offer 3 for 2 in Boots.

Soap and Glory Hand Food

If I asked you what your favourite product from Soap and Glory is- I bet I could guess what the majority of your answers would be...

Hand Food

Currently I have three tubes of this on the go- one on my desk at work, one in my handbag, and the third at home, and a back up tube. I can’t get enough of this- it’s pink, it’s massive, and it smells lush- what more is there to love?? Let me tell you.

Those lovely people at Soap and Glory say that you should use Hand Food as "often as you want to soften, smooth and soothe dry, chapped or otherwise hampered hands and relish in the delightful aromas of fresh bergamot, strawberries and mandarin, with floral and fruity midnotes, and musk, amber and warm vanilla".

As you can see the cream itself looks quite thick in the tube, however once on the skin it literally absorbs straight in. A teeny amount goes a very long way, making this product very good value for money. The amount which I have on the back of my hand is more than enough for both (yes both) hands. Personally due to the little amount I use I would say that my hands don't feel greasy or clammy after applying it, just moisturised.

I actually think I may have an obsession with it. It currently retails for £4.85 in Boots for the large tube which is in the pictures about, however they do a travel size for around the £2.25 mark. Normally the travelled sized tubes are on 3 for 2 throughout the year in Boots, however I would definately stock up when the full sized products are on offer. You can also purchase Soap and Glory from their website.

Accessorize Scandal Blush Review

Its about time this blush deserved a post of its own, and today is the day. Oh before I forget I’ve got that many beauty posts saved in my drafts, “Who is She” is on a beauty fortnight, so every day until the 10^th April there will be some sort of beauty-related post.

Anyway, I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve mentioned this on the blog, and as I’ve finally hit pan I thought I would do a review. This is my go to blusher on a morning for work- I wear this religiously on a Monday-Friday.

Accessorize baked blush in Scandal (number 5).

As you can see the blush itself is MASSIVE, and is identical to Mac Mineralized blushes just without the price tag. I would describe this colour as a shimmery pinky/coral shade, but leaning more towards the pinky side.

Yes I've nearly hit pan.

This product has lasted me practically a year as the colour payout is so great, you only need a tiny bit. I never bother with foundation on a morning, so its just this on my cheeks, and it lasts from 7am until about 3pm without needing to be touched up. Plus as I’m at work and there is zero talent, there really isn’t any need in me to touch up. I normally apply this using a small kabuki brush- I think you can spy it in my blusher drawer on my make up storage post.

So pretty.

If you are looking for a purse friendly blusher I can’t recommend this blush enough, would I repurchase- most definitely. However I do think I need to use some of my other blushes up before repurchasing. If you live in the North-East I know Superdrug at Newcastle, Metro Centre and Middlesbrough stock Accessorize make up. Normally I go to Metro Centre as the stock range is much better.

Just go and buy it you won't regret it.

Hope your all enjoying the sunshine!!

Running on Empties #1

I’ve been deliberating whether to start doing these posts however as it takes me ages and I mean ages to use products up. On the other hand I suppose its giving me some motivation to tackle my ever growing collection of beauty products. I know Steph always does a monthly empties post and Adrienne is also doing this kind of post too, so I thought I would share with you what products I’ve recently used up and either provide a short review, link you back to a review which I have already done on it, and say whether I would repurchase again.

So, in the last two weeks I’ve managed to use the following products up-

Hawaiian Tropic Body Butter- HG item, it smells of holidays and it keeps both your fake and natural tan in. I’ve mentioned this so many times on the blog before and reviewed it here. Will I repurchase? Well I’ve got 4 tubs left but as soon as Home Bargains gets some more in I will be stocking up.

Elegant Touch Nail Polish Remover (Artificial Nail Remover)- I’ve used this to soak my last three lots of gels off. It wasn’t that expensive- about £2.25ish from Boots. I’d definitely repurchase obviously only if I had gels on.

St Ives Apricot Scrub (travel size)- I’ve had this since Tenerife last November, and I’ve finally gotten this used up. I personally like this as its quite gritty and does a fab job of removing dead skin, would I repurchase? For holidays yes.

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser- I know this is raved about highly within the blogging community, however I’m not really that keen. I’ve been using it on a night before bed and my lips have been in good condition, however for me its nothing compared to Medicated Chapstick. Would I repurchase? Nope.

Derma V Q10 Eye Cream- I’ve raved about this so much on the blog, however the love relationship with this has finally come to an end. I’ve been using Boots Botanics Eyecream instead and I actually prefer that to this. Derma V is available from Home Bargains for £1.29 and this is my second tube of it. Would I repurchase? Not at this moment in time.

Does someone want to take me to the beach??

Primark Eyelash Curlers

Best pound spent in a long time.

Long fluttery lashes- all thanks to Marilou's tip off ;)

Nothing else needs to be said on the matter

Little and Large

I popped our Amy in my bag afterwards- so dinky its not fair

Its Peach with a Twist

When it comes to make up- mascara, eyeshadows, lipsticks and blushes are my favourites and yes you’ve seen the size of my collection earlier on in the week (here), so I thought it would do a review on a new discovered hidden gem.

Mac Peachtwist blush

This is the only sheertone shimmer blush which I have in my collection, and I snapped it up in an instant from Charlotte’s blog sale last year. I’ve worn it a few times, but for some reason lately this is all what I have been wearing when I’m not at work.

The jury is out on what colour to actually describe this blush as many people say its pink/peachy while other say its peach with a red undertones. How would I describe it?? Terracotta. A little goes a very long way with this blush and you need to be very light handed when applying it. Without tan I am roughly NW20 (fair in Boots 17 foundations) and I don’t like wearing it if I’m not tanned. With a tan I’m NW25 and I wear this instead of a bronzer/blush duo.

I’ve done some swatches on my arm for you to show how it looks blended out and its one of those products which would be ideal to take away on holiday with you. Apparently it has been compared to Nars Orgasm (Sleek Rose Gold is a dupe for that), however I don’t own that product so I can’t really comment.

Mac Peachtwist is available from the Mac site for £17.50.

Spotty Bot

If I'm delibrately after clothes when I go shopping I try my hardest to wear something which I can get on and off really quickly- normally it involves jeans and some sort of vest. I think thats a bit of a stupid statement from me cause nine times out of ten when I go shopping I end up buying some sort of item of clothing. Anyway we'll go with flow- cue me finding this sheer blouse in my wardrobe.

This blouse is actually Topshop but I bought mine from ebay after getting in a massive bidding war with some bint, I eventually got my hands on it for way over the retail price. Its one of those shirts which you can dress up or down- I've worn this on nights out with my leather shorts (aka Leiderhosen) and then during the day with jeans and boots. On yet another random tangent- I think I may pair this with my disco pants on saturday night.... (must make a mental note of that).

The shirt itself is VERY oversized- mine is a size 8 and to be honest I think a smaller size would be a better fit. Oh and sorry about the blurry pictures.

Shirt- Topshop (via ebay)

Jeans- Primark Super Skinny (current stock)

Boots- Primark (not pictured)

Glasses- RayBan

Face like a smacked backside- Priceless.

Rememeber there is advertising spaces avaliable for April on the blog, see post below this

Blog Buttons- April

Just a quick message to say that if you are interested in having your blog button in the side bar ---> for April let me know either comment below or tweet me (@RayWhoisShe).

I'm busy working on a new layout for the blog which will be going live on 1st April so sizes for the buttons are tbc as I'm still unsure of how I want the layout to be, so I will modify them to fit the correct size.

Remember its free :)

RayBox- Bargain Edition

The RayBox does love a bargain alright, and I don’t think this month’s box has disappointed… well potentially bar one product. I thought for my new readers (hello) I would recap what a RayBox is-

- My name is Ray + Box = RayBox, if your name is Bob it would be a BobBox.

- Instead of being disappointed with some of the products you receive in your monthly beauty boxes, the RayBox automatically produces things which you want/will use/love.

- So the purpose of a RayBox is to show a range of products which you are able to buy which you will get use out of for the amount you would pay for a beauty box (normally £12-13).

- Some months may have a theme, others won’t however this month the theme is “Bobby loves a bargain”.

Shall we see what I’ve received??

Derma V10- 3 in 1 Self Tan Mitt- £1 Savers.

Hmm not to sure what I make of this for fake tan application- you have to wear a latext glove underneath, which kinda goes against the point of using a mitt. I think I will probably use the buffing side (brown) however I very much doubt I will be using this for fake tan. Would it repurchase?? Nope

Eyelure Individual Lashes- £4.49 Sainsburys.

Bought these on a whim as I noticed they were on offer the other week. I've attempted to get Steph to put these on and I did like the effect they created, however they weren't the fake lash effect which I am after. However I will be giving these another try.

No 7 Eyeshadow Blending Brush- £5.50 Boots (one not pictured).

I have found a HG blending brush!! So I went back and got another one with my No 7 vouchers. I have actually got a post on this brush in draft and honestly words can't express how much I am in love with this brush. I was debating whether to buy the Mac 217 brush, however I have noted that people have rated this brush more than the 217. I won't be purchasing it. I couldn't believe how fab my eyeshadow looked after using this. Can't recommend this enough.

Pencil Sharpener- 89p Savers.

I've been meaning to pick one of these up for ages and ages and keep forgetting. All my Benefit pencils need sharpening, and I normally save them for when I stop at Holly's to pinch hers.

Lip Balm- 50p (for both) Primark.

I needed a cheapish lipbalm to keep on my desk at work, and spotted these in Primark. They do the job, although they have somesort of weird minty/menthol scent/flavour which is ok, but a bit overbearing at times. However I would happily buy these again. You can't be robbed for 50p.

Total- £12.38.

How brilliant is that!!

Have you tried any of these products in particular the Eyelashes/Tanning Mitt? Link me up to your reviews if you have.

PS- will be posting again later today regarding Blog Buttons for April if your interested

Its all your fault- make up storage

Believe it or not all my make up including brushes used to quite happily fit in a small (ish) make up bag from Boots. However since blogging this has drastically changed, I thought I would do a post on my current make  up/some of my beauty products storage as I love reading all your storage posts. I’ve decided that when I eventually get a house I wanted Muji storage on a dressing table- myself and Laura (encouraged by Tor) bought half the store when we were in Leeds for the Illamasqua event. I still haven’t gotten around to sorting it out yet so that will be another post.

My current storage is two of these stacked together from Asda and the way they are organised is verging on OCD, and if I notice that a drawer is open or even slightly open all hell will kick off as everyone knows that if they dare to touch my make up without asking their fingers will be snapped off. Haha yes I am that bad.

Oh before I share everything, I blame each and every one of you bloggers for the size of my collection ;) haha

Wicker box- I receievd this at the Illamasqua event and its used to store my make up brush bag, and random bits and bobs.

Drawer 1 (left)- Cleansers/Toners/Kirby Grips/Exfoliator/Random Samples/Ear studs

Drawer 2 (right)- Random Fake Tans, Hair Oil, Facial Scrub, 17 Photo Flawless Foundation thrown in there.

Drawer 3 (left)- Eye Shadows, Liners, Mascaras, Eyebrow Pencils, Sleek Palette and Mac Pallete (lie on top).

Drawer 4 (right)- Foundations, Bronzers, MSFN, Cream Eyeshadows, Foundation Samples, Primers, Concealers.

Drawer 5 (left)- Blushers, Korres Lip Butter, Misc Illamasqua Items, Sheer Cover Palette (review to come), Kiss Eyelashes. Kabuki Brush (can't be bothered searching for stuff on a morning lol).

Drawer 6 (right)- Lipsticks, Lipglosses, Spare contact lense pots, Lip balms, Lip scrubs, Empty Korres pot (ready to depot whats left of Mac Shy Girl). Illamasqua eyelashes.

Drawer 7- Nail Polishes- Models Own, Nails Inc, OPI, China Glaze, Random Polishes.

Drawer 8- Barry M, Random Eyelashes, Nail Tools.

So thats my "little" make up collection. I'll do another post once I've decided what I want in my Muji storage and my updated tower of beauty ;)

Oh and I found out yesterday after a very stressful day I have gotten my old job back. Find out tomorrow what team I'll be going in, regardless the job hunt has begun. Massive thank you for all your support over the last few stressful months.

Mr T Plumber Necklace

As Ben in the office calls it.

I'm currently obsessed with my new necklace from Topshop which I managed to pick up the other week in Leeds for £16.50. I think this must be new stock as both Durham and the Metro Centre has gotten them in but its not avaliable on the website. Apparently they had a black version out just before Christmas.

Such a simple way to dress the more casual of outfits up.

Is it wrong that I'm planning my outfit already for Saturday night around this necklace??

Sorry for the short post today- I'm currently sat waiting to see whether I've gotten my job or not. Every time the phone rings I start to freak out.

Princess Parsnip

Manchester... innocent (not the one on the right tho) 24 year olds

"If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it..."

Haiiiiii Bella <3 xxx

Soap and Glory The Breakfast Scrub

Before today’s post can I just say a massive thank you to each and everyone of you who wished me luck yesterday via here, twitter and facebook. The interview was alright- I find out on Monday afternoon, but its official my higher salary has officially gone as of yesterday. Anyway onto today’s post- my new favourite body scrub.

After seeing so many positive reviews on so many of your blogs about Soap and Glory’s The Breakfast Scrub I knew that this would be my next body scrub. I’d initially asked for this for Christmas however instead I received another S+G body scrub whose name I can’t remember at all. However I managed to nab this in the Boxing Day sales in one of their gift sets along with a tube of Hand Food for £8, considering the Breakfast Scrub is £9.50 a pot.

I am obsessed with the scent of it- caramel. Seriously its smells like its good enough to eat. The consistency of the scrub is very thick- this is what sets this apart from other products on the market. Personally I hate runny body scrubs, for me the grittier the better, and this doesn’t fail.

Normally I use this once a week and pay attention to my knees and feet as they’re more prone to patches of dry skin. A little goes a very long way, and I’ve hardly made a dent in mine and I’ve had it just about 3 months.

If you haven't had the chance to try this- buy some- its normally on offer 3 for 2 in Boots or from their website.

Interview Dress

*scheduled post*

So as this post goes live I will either be waiting to go into my interview or be in it. I've never really spoken about what I do on the blog, but I work in local government in Human Resources. For the last 2 years I've been working on a much higher level post on a temporary contract, which has enabled me to save a nice deposit up for my first home. However due to budget cuts and the joining together of service HR to come into Coporate HR there is going to be job cuts and losses. My situation is that if I am lucky to get a job, I will be going back to a lower level pay, I know I need to be grateful that I have a job, however its bitter sweet. I could have contested but that would have gotten me no where.

Am I happy in my job as Christine says to us in our office everyday, nope.

So to more important issues- a job interview is an excuse to buy a new dress right??

Image via Flutter and Sparkle

£15 Primark

I'm not wasting good money on a work wardrobe no way, but I'd seen this dress in the magazines and on a few blogs, so I thought I would get it.

On the plus side as soon as I'm out of this interview I'm off to Nandos haha.

Normal blogging will resume tomorrow xx

Illamasqua Human Fundamentalism Launch

*scheduled post*

Last Wednesday I was invited to a sneaky preview of Illamasqua's latest collection- Human Fundamentalism, at their stand alone store in Leeds Victoria Quarter with some fabulous bloggers (Tor, Laura, Charlotte, Sinead, Carla, Dan, Jade and Rosaleen).

"Human Fundamenalism is an exposion of your alter ego. It's becoming who you are and not who you're told to be. Because beauty isn't conformity, but the fundamental human desire to express your inner self on the outside"

To me the collection in a whole can be summed up by one word- "Diversity", and I am just in awe of the promo images for this campaign. There isn't really much to say on the products and the collection as I think the images/products just speak for themselves. Illamasqua have really pushed the boundaries with this, blanking the eyes out and focusing on the lips. Yes teal lipstick is out there, but when you look at the promo images it just works.

For me, the stand out products has to be the Neutral Palette, Box Lipstick (Red), and Scribe Precision Liner.  

The good news is that the collection is avaliable to buy today, I'm going to be ordering the Neutral Palette, however I do have some items which I recieved at the event which I will be reviewing in the next few weeks. Masssive thank you to Hayley and the Illamasqua team for a brillaint event.

There's more pictures and swatches from the event over on our Facebook page here .

Up or Down

I always used to be an impulsive shopper and buy things and wear once and never again- well the case may still stand with going out outfits (6 week rule, always remember the rule*) however as circumstances change as well as getting old, I'm now starting to act my age and buy items of clothing which can easily be dressed up or down.

Cue what appears to be a basic Topshop vest and jeans- this can be dressed down with a pair of converse, or look like I've just thrown this together yet I look dressy, with a pair of cute ballet pumps or some ankle boots. Add a blazer- its glam, add a leather jacket- its edgy.

Previously I've worn this dressed up on a night out (here) but the other week whilst having the "I don't have nothing to wear/everything looks shit on me" before going shopping I randomly reached for this and my ever so faithful skinny jeans and bobs yer uncle, fanny's yer aunt a half decent outfit was born.

Vest- Topshop (green version here)

Jeans-Super Skinny Primark

Boots (not seen)- Primark

Glasses- Ray Ban

Back of Vest

Note how bloody saggy these jeans are lol.

Paired with my Louis Vuitton Deauville bag

Remember tomorrow and Thursday's posts are scheduled- all will be revealled why in Thursdays post. Normal posting will resume on Friday.

* 6 week rule- you never wear the same outfit aka dresses/skirts (unless their plain) within a 6 week period. The only exception to the rules is leggings/shoes/blazers/jackets or if you are out on a friday night and can wear the same outfit within a 4 week period providing your out on a saturday night. Oh and if you travel between different cities the rules don't apply providing its not within a week of each event. Hahahahahahaha its hard being female!!

O to the P to the I

I am obsessed with OPI polishes and if I’m ever in Sally’s I’m always drawn to their stands- the only thing which does at time put me off is their price. Normally I get my polishes from ebay (seller Beautyzone2007).  If you are a regular reader of the blog you will know that my cousin has her own hair and beauty salon where I get my hair cut/coloured, and what comes with that- a Sally’s discount card.

The other week I was at a distant family member’s funeral and it was a chance for me to catch up with my favourites Amy and the SEED Maxine and afterwards before they were getting their hair done we decided on a quick trip to Sally’s. Cue me acting like a kid in a candy shop with Amy while the SEED decided to stop in the car (well we decided to lock her in).

So what did I buy in my cheeky OPI haul-

Avoplex 15ml

I used to own a bottle of this many years ago, and stupidly gave it to an ex work colleague. However since getting gel overlays and now shellac, I’ve been meaning to get a bottle of this but I’ve been put off by the price. Normally I apply this morning and night, however I’ve been keeping this on my desk at work and applying a couple of times during the day. I’m yet to see a difference although I have only been using this for a week. I’m going to do a proper review in a month’s time.

Dulce de Leche, Light My Sapphire, My Private Jet

These polishes were about £12 each excluding VAT- I've always wanted My Private Jet after seeing it on Marilou- so currently its on my toe nails lol. As I've currently got shellac on my nails, I haven't had time to swatch/use these properly so I've googled some swatches for you. I'm so excited to wear Dulce de Leche on my nails. No doubt these will be featured in NOTD in the near future.

Dulce de Leche (via Jadeisabelle), Light my Sapphire (via Alpha Blonde), My Private Jet (via Rainbows and Blues).

I bought all of these and an additional polish for Amy and it came to £32- this was with a Sally's card which I think is brilliant value for money.

Whats your favourite opi shade??

Follow my dire craic

do you like my tasche??

Ways to follow "who is she"

GFC- just click over there

"Like" our Facebook Page

Hello Cotton

Bloglovin'

Bloggers

Twitter @RayWhoisShe @Mountaindew_JEM

Email- Raybanrarr@gmail.com

Tumblr

February Favourites

Seriously where is this year going too? Can’t believe its only a few more weeks until Easter. Yet again February has been a very quiet month for me on the make up front even though I have been spending money on more beauty products. However in this months favourites I have found some HG items.

17 Photo Flawless Foundation in “Fair”- this was initially featured in this month’s RayBox, however I use the term fair loosely. This foundation is a perfect match for my skin after I’ve tanned (roughly NW25), and doesn’t show the dreaded flashback up on your face. I’ve been using my Real Technique Buffing Brush with this, and I’m really happy with the results. Proper review to come soon.

Illamasqua Cream Blush in Promise- I received this for Christmas of JEM and I’ve been reaching more to this over the last few weeks. I love how even though in the pan its bright Barbie pink, it produces a hint of colour on your face, which is easily buildable. You can even use this on your lips if your out and about and you’ve forgotten your lipstick. I normally apply this with an Elf Stippling Brush.

MUA Lipstick in Bare- I picked this up in Superdrug while picking some bits and bobs up for Marilou for £1. I think MUA have taken note of people asking for their shades to be named instead of numbers. Since last buying some of these lipsticks, I’ve noticed the scent is the same as Vivo lipsticks. It’s very moisturising on the lips, and it’s a lipstick I’ve been reaching for during the day. It’s also a dupe for a favourite Mac lippy of mine (see swatches).

Boots Botanics Shampoo/Conditioner for Red Hair- all credit goes to Hollie for this, as she mentions it in her red hair favourites. I bought these for 2 for £5 and oh my god- wow!! Last month I didn’t reach for my Revlon Nutri Color as this has kept the colour in my hair. I honestly can’t recommend this enough, it doesn’t make your hair greasy and its just a fab product. This definitely deserves a post of its own.

Superdrug Hot Cloth Cleanser- I did a review of this here last week, and I just can’t get enough of the product. I use one of my Liz Earle muslin clothes with this and it gets rid of every last bit of make up (and it smells like Hawaiian Tropic- SCORE).

Some cheeky swatches for you-

MUA Bare is a dupe for Mac Patisserie!!!

Hope you all have a fab weekend!!

On a side note next Wednesday/Thursday’s posts will be scheduled- all will be revealed on Thursday as to why.