Everyday: Makeup Routine

5 Cruelty-Free Morning Essentials

  Five of my cruelty free skin care and makeup essential products that are a part of my morning:

Lush's 9 to 5 Cleanser, which is their vegan cleansing alternative, is a light cleansing milk. Despite its thin consistency, it's amazing at removing dirt and makeup (including mascara) that you don't realise is on your face. This cleanser seems to be a winner, as it only requires cotton pads to apply and remove, meaning it takes next to no time!

October Haul

I went shopping on a few occasions with no intentions of what to buy, but after discovering a new shop and using my loyalty points, I've ended up with some bits to haul and share. 

After clearing out some of my nail polishes that had gone bad, when I saw W7 was being sold for £1.99, I knew I had to pick up a few, and I'm surprised at myself not not picking up even more! W7 is cruelty-free, hight street available and cheap!
I chose the colours Midnight Debris (glitter), Skinny (the nude colour which doesn't even seem to exist on W7 website) and Mauve (purplely blue). 

Skin Sincere Natural Skin Care Range

After discovering this brand at the recent West Midlands Blogger Meet, I was intrigued and excited to get my hands on free samples of their skin care range, like a kid at Christmas!

All Skin Sincere products are natural, organic and paraben-free, and the plus of being cruelty free and manufactured in the UK. Are there even any negative points about this brand?!

 With products suggested for all skin types, they also offer a specific Aloe Vera range that is aimed towards those with sensitive and dry skin.

Due to looking for a new facial cleanser, I eagerly picked up the cleansers to try that evening. The Clarifying Cleanser and Aloe Vera Cleanser like all their other products is made from recycled plastic with minimal packaging, but still with a convenient and

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care

Last Thursday I was invited to the shop BeYOUtiful in Sandbach, where they held a wonderful event with a guest speaker from Dr. Hauschka to talk about skincare and their product line.

The evening begun with a bit of history about how Dr. Rudolf Hauschka valued natural ingredients that are certified organicly obtained from bio-dynamic farm based in Germany; policies which they still stand by now. A cruelty-free, vegan friendly brand that is natrue approved, majorly caught my attention!

A selection of their products were then demonstrated on each of us, from their cleansing milks, to their moisturisers. I left the event with a goody bag from them and a few mini products that were suggested for me to trial.

Melissa Day Cream

Recommended due to my combination and sensitive skin, Melissa Day Cream first off smells like lemon sherbert which got my attention. This cream helps hydrate my patchy areas as well as controlling shine. With ingregients of melissa, dasiy, witch hazel and anthyllis, they all help to soothe and help balance my skin. So far, so good using the mini version of this product, but I'll continue using it daily until I've run out.

Lush: The Comforter Bubble Bar

Whether it's due to the scent, the colour or the bubbles; theres something about Lush's The Comforter Bubble Bar that keeps me using this product as my go-to bubbe bath bar.

Alike many others, this is my favourite bubble bar from Lush, as it produces fruitful bubbles that help transform your boring bath, into one covered in foamy bubbles

A New Routine Addition: Honest Sunscreen

'Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging'

This quote directly from The Honest Co. website, helped persuade me into using this product every day since I received it!

The Honest Co.'s Honest Sunscreen Lotion is a safe and effective away to provide a broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, with the use of natural mineral based ingredients that are non-toxic, non-nano, and cruelty free!

This sunscreen is easy to apply, as the non-greasy formula is thick in texture and can simply be applied liberally to the

Doll White: Teeth Whitening Strips

After implementing Oral B's whitening toothpaste into my daily routine and seeing a difference, I wanted to try to even greater improve the shade of my teeth, by adding an extra step to my routine. 

Doll White* offer whitening strips in weekly packs which contain a teeth whitening gel pre-laid on strips.

Every other day I applied these strips to my top and bottom

Week In Photos #2

I've finally perfected my morning skin care routine using my Magnitone paired with The Body Shop face

~blog post here

purchased this amazing scented hand cream to add to my nail care collection ~blog post here

caking baking these lemon cakes were a success!

The Cloud- exploring lakes and hills with my bestfriend

 

post walk ice creams from Snugburys!

 

getting a little bit adventurous and trialing a few coloured hair chalks

Glamour in one hand, rucksack at the ready for a day trip to London

Finally, don't forget to enter my giveaway to win all that is shown

~enter giveaway here

It's been a busy week for me, and I'm currently heading to Birmingham for the second week in a row!

How has your week been?

- Tash.

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @nimblewhaleblog

NimbleWhaleBlog Giveaway! - CLOSED

I am giving away a bundle of goodies to one lucky winner that have a total RRP of £40. These include a mixture of typical items that I associate myself with and you would likely see me blog about. Hopefully, there’ll be something in there that you’ll like too.

Here are the bundle of goodies that one lucky winner will receive the entirety of:

5 Colour Uniball Jetstream Retractable Rollerball Pen

1 LUSH The Experimenter Bath Bomb

1 The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask

MULK Bundle*;
1 A5 Geometric Eco Notebook, 

1 A6 Geometric Eco Notebooks &
1 Geometric Card

Crazy Kitten Creations Bundle*;

1 Sparkle Crystal Necklace

1 Antique Dragonfly Necklace

I absolutely adore all of the above products, such as the various necklaces that I was sent from Crazy Kitten Creations, not to mention the amazing notebooks offered from MULK, which I'm quite jealous I don't get to keep, and can be used with the pastel Uniball pens! Then finally I hope the winner can truly enjoy the explosion of the Experimenter whilst using their facial mask from The Body Shop.

Enter on the Rafflecopter Giveaway below!

Terms & Conditions

Due to postage costs, this giveaway is only open to residents of the UK.

Follow all the rules in the Rafflecopter widget.

If you’re under 16, get a permission from a parent.

The giveaway opens at 12pm today (10^th July) and runs until 11:59pm on the 31^st July.

A winner will be chosen and contacted within 24 hours.

The winner will have two days to respond or a new winner may be chosen.
Please note that there is an error with the number update of entries, and thus is higher than Rafflecopter states.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone,
and feel free to check out the online stores of the products that are included in the giveaway, such as MULK and Crazy Kitten Creations!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Kirsty Whiston on winning the giveaway!

- Tash.

Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush

After participating in #BHTWITTERPARTY, I was given the opportunity to review a Magnitone Lucid Facial Brush*. This brand offers cleansing brushes that produce deep-pore purification and gently exfoliation for the face, producing softer, clearer and brighter skin in just 7 days.

I chose the Aqua Green Magnitone Lucid brush, which comes with a wireless travel charger, and with a charger of two weeks is portable and easy to use on the go.

Upon first use, I found using the cleansing brush comfy to hold and easy to understand. Two modes, deep clean or sensitive, I chose sensitive due to my dry and sensitive facial skin, and the 1 minute auto-stop function, with 20 second facial timers made it easy to stay focused and not overwork your face.

I chose to use this both in the morning with my The Body Shop Aloe Facial Wash, and in the evening with my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleanser, or alternatively in the shower due to it being 100% waterproof! I did prefer using this in the shower as it meant that if I put too much cleanser on the brush if it did go everywhere, including my hair, at least I could easily wash it out.

The result of using this for the past week has meant that my skin is smoother, by removing the dead skin cells thanks to the 10,000 pulsations per minute, and made my skin feel brighter and softer!

The convenience of this product, as well as the high quality and success of this product makes its price of £69.99, well worthwhile, especially if you use it regularly. Not to mention that it also comes with a travel adaptor for you to use if you are going away for longer than the two weeks the battery will last.

There are four colours to choose from (Plush Pink, Aqua Green, Dazzling Blue and Sunshine Yellow), as well as other accessorises that can be purchased from www.magnitone.co.uk

A fantastic cleansing product, that has helped revolutionised my morning routine, and dramatically improving how my skin looks. Perhaps in the future I may look into the other brushes they offer to see if there is a more beneficial one for me to use in combination with my cleansers!

Did I mention that you can get 20% off your order of a Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush until 31st July, costing you only £56 by using the discount code BLOVE20 and clicking here!

- Tash.

Timeless Truth Facial Mask

Recently I received one facial mask from Timeless Truth*, out of the many types they offer. This brand focuses on providing the latest advances in bio-technology for amazing anti-ageing results.

I chose the Luxury Elastic- Miracle Rejuvenation Mask, which states that it aims to brighten, rejuvenate and refine, by evening skin tone and diminishing the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

Personally, I found using this mask a great experience as the elastic cotton mask was super flexible by hooking on to my ears, and slits to enable contact to your face in all places, and even my under chin area as well as my entire face. This unique fitting mask is the best mask in terms of not causing a mess when applying the mask when compared to peel-off and mud masks, plus didn't fall off whilst I was walking about.

The result of it made my skin feel fresh, tighter, and brighter!

However, they state that this product can be used multiple times due to the generous amount of serum that is included in the packaging, which subsides the costly price for this face mask of £6.50.

There are also other types of facial masks that Timeless Truth offer with fab benefits, which use cloth masks including non-woven fabric, bio-cellulose and silk fibre. These can be found at www.thebeautymask.co.uk.

This was a good luxury face mask to use, however if I was to purchase, I would ensure I had put more thought into my choice to ensure I found the perfect mask to suit my skin type!

Also, they suggested to put the mask in the fridge previously, for a refreshing experience, of which I will be certain to do with all my masks in the future, especially during summer.

- Tash.

Birchbox Review- May 2015

May 2015's Birchbox is themed around 'Free Your Mind' encouraging you to be creative and even to colour in your own box. 

For £10 (+ P&P) you can receive and try out 5 chosen samples that you receive in your monthly subscription box. Also this month I was guaranteed a free full size nail art pen from Wah London! The products that received are...

Colouring Pencils! 

'Another little something extra'. Birchbox kindly included some colouring pencils to use to help get creative and personalise the design of the box. I plan to colour mine in soon, so follow my instagram to soon see my finished box!

NUDE: ProGenius Omega Treatment Oil (buy here) 

This sample is in a small purple pump bottle, a few drops of this nourishing oil and best applied after cleansing at night, to allow it to absorb into my skin, feeling it soft and healthy. This will certainly be a part of my night time routine, occasionally replacing my moisturiser.

STILA: Lip Glaze (buy here)

As soon as I saw the light peach shade for this lip gloss, I was excited to try it out. I don't usually wear lip gloss, however this lip glaze in the colour Glow will certainly add to any summer time makeup routine, plus the convenience of the click-pen packaging which I prefer. Let's not forget about that it's packed with vitamins A, C and E to keep lips hydrated and looks lovely!

LIZ EARLE BEAUTY CO: Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (buy here)
Naturally I've heard about this product so many times, but the big name and price tag put me off ever trying it. This hot cloth cleanser which is suitable for all skin types is great to gently remove my makeup, especially mascara, even though I do look like a panda during the cleansing process. A great product that if I could justify buying, may hop in to my basket on day. 
Oh and this came with a muslin cloth, so I'l practically half way there to repurchasing. Plus this muslin cloth will be great for when I use my cleansing balms too!

WAH LONDON: Nail Art Pen(buy here)

A free full sized nail art pen! Why thank you Birchbox!
I chose to receive a nail art pen, of which I received in blue (shade 08), and I love it. It was a colourful addition to my nails, and has given me that push towards creating more nail art designs in the near future, so keep an eye out.

PARLOR:Moisturing Sea Salt Spray (buy here) 

With scents of ripe peaches and freshly cut grass, this seal salt spray in a bottle as well as its scent adds texture to your hair. This product is encouraging me to focus on my hair more, as well as ensure that my hairstyles such as buns stay sturdy.

JELLY PONG PONG: Bronzer Duo (buy here)
My Caribbean Sun bronzer duo is in the shade martinique, half a tan powder for contour, and a rosy pink blush, a perfect combination palette for the cheeks, particularly those whom have pale skin.  A fab compact duo infused with argan and mango butter for a moisturising contouring choice. 

NUMBER 4: Reconstructing Masque (buy here) 

As a fellow fan on hair masques, this wonderfully moisturing product makes your hair feel fresh, strong and shiny. I love that this was an extra beauty bonus in my box, however wish that it was not in a sachet, so I didn't feel I had to use it all at once.

Considering this is my first ever Birchbox, overall I am very happy and content with my samples, and may even consider purchasing larger sizes, and look forward to future boxes!

- Tash.

Spring Skincare Haul

                         

Now that it is spring time, I decided it was time to appropriately change my skincare routine slightly. I did a little bit of on line shopping to see my current options, and after a few shopping trips I had decided to purchase these wonderful products! 

From Boots, Lush and Etsy, the following products were purchased, and all tried for the first time ever. The products that I bought are...

Lush Miranda Soap (buy here) 
Despite the fact that I already have enough soap to last me months, I wanted to try something new and upon entering the store, I was advised to try out Miranda, which I have never tried before. Its sweet but not overpowering, which lathers up well, I think it will make a good daily soap to use.

Elastic hair ties by Lovemilliecrafts (buy here)

Lately I have got into the habit of tying my hair up for bed, but then doesn't look so fab the next day with all its dents. I've heard about these frequently, so did some research for my options and came across these on Etsy. The great thing with Lovemilliescrafts is that she allowed me to choose my own coloured ties rather than buying set options like you would in a store. I chose 5 pastel colours to go in theme with spring, and I now love using these on a nightly basis!

Nivea Sensitive Night Cream (buy here) 

Due to my sensitive skin, this option seemed perfect, especially when I also needed a day cream and Nivea had a deal on. Usually I buy potted night cream, but after trying this I don't seem to be wasting as much, plus its a bit more hygienic.

Nivea Rich Moisturing Day Cream (buy here)
Alike above, I also bought the Sensitive Day Cream, but  this offers a more moisturing day cream which is great considering I don't wear foundation most of the time. Plus it has SPF 15, so I don't even need to consider sun cream when the sun suddenly appears on these spring days

Garnier Micellar Water (buy here) 
My cleanser was running out, and I was going to purchase Nivea's alternative, however Garnier offer double the size at 400ml, as well as being for sensitive skin, meant that I purchased this to use daily to remove all makeup and dirt (and so far so good).

Which of these products would you have chosen to purchase too?

- Tash.

Love Me Beauty Box Unboxing

Like most, I love receiving post, and so when I was greeted by the arrival of my first beauty box from Love Me Beauty, I was very excited to open and try out my new goodies as soon as possible!

Love Me Beauty allows you to hand-pick the contents of your beauty box, allowing you to sample full or travel sizes products that you actually want, for £10 a month. The products that I chose are as follows...

MONU Hydrating Moisturiser SPF15 30 ML (buy here) 
A handy moisturiser that is fragrant and hydrating for those spring days. Despite the inconvenience of the packaging, it is a great piece to try out to have in a make up bag, especially as it contains SPF15. You don't even have to think about suncream on those rare sunny days.

Organic Surge Deep Cleansing Face Mask (buy here)

A clear nourishing face mask that smells of rosemary and lemon essential oils. Wonderful to use to sooth your skin, especially for those with sensitive skin, leaving it soft, clear and deeply cleansed.

Nails Inc. Nail Polish in 'Upper Cheyne Row' (unavailable)
I've been dying for a light pink nail polish, so when I saw this available I had to get it.
A pastel pink that looks well against my fair skin and even lasted.

Nails Inc. Nail Polish in 'Howick Place' (unavailable) 
A grey nail polish, which considering all the above I got, I was happy to be able to receive two great nail polish colours that apply well from a great brand. Fab for a go-to nail polish.

CAILYN Cosmetics Dizzolv'it Makeup Cleansing Balm- (buy here) 
A balm that turns into oil! Crazy, but was impressed as this is the first one I have tried and would happily continue to use this or similar alternatives to conveniently and efficiently remove all my makeup, AND leave my face super soft!

Which of these products would you have chosen to purchase?

- Tash.

Lush Favourites #1

As a lover of Lush products, I always feel compelled to enter their store every time I pass one, which usually means that I'll end up purchasing something that's new or that I know I love. These are the products that I currently use and would happily repurchase...

1. Baked Alaska Soap (no longer available)

A seasonal soap released last Christmas, which is vibrant, lathery and fresh citrus based with the strong scents of lemon myrtle and grapefruit oil. My large quantity of this  amazing product will hopefully last me a long time!

2. Catastrophe Cosmetic Facial Mask (buy here) 

This calming fresh face mask that feels calming to my sensitive skin, packing with blueberries, calamine, chamomile, rose and almond oils; this leaves my skin feeling soft and calm. I would use this a lot more if it could last longer.

3. Mint Julips Lip Scrub (buy here) 

Mint chocolate chip lip scrub made from peppermint, vanilla and sugar crystals, which I find great and fun to use to remove any flaky skin.

4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow Soap (buy here) 

With looks very similar to Baked Alaska in colour, this soap however is a subtler lemon based scent, with the main ingredients sicilian mandarin oil, rose absolute and neroli oil. This is a great seasonal alternative, but its a shame this won't be around for long either.

5. Pink Fun (buy here)

With a scent similar to their Mmmelting Mashmallow Moment, I love using this as a soap when I want to use something sweet, or when possible play with it in the bath and use it as a bubble bar or soap, or both!

6. The Comforter Bubble Bar (buy here)

A fruity blackcurrent fragranced bubble bar smells amazing and is perfect to use for lots of bubbles. I wish this scent could be a soap too with the bergamont oil making this a fresh uplifting bar to use.

Which Lush products do you love using and will repurchase?

- Tash.