Review: The Body Shop – Vitamin C Microdermabrasion

This stuff is worth every penny of £13. It smells amazing like oranges when you use it. It actually doesn’t feel to abrasive when scrubbing and it leaves you with the most amazing skin. Radiant, glowy and smooth… slightly tight but nothing a good moisturiser can’t fix. 

I only use it once a week typically on Sunday night or Monday morning to give my skin that weekly boost but I will also use it before special occasions too because makeup applies effortlessly after use and your skin is literally glowing underneath… It’s awesome, basically.

 If you DO NOT have sensitive skin, I highly recommend it.

I'd give it 4/5 - only because it leaves your skin a little tight and dry.

But otherwise, its good stuff. If you've tried this or something else that is amazing from the Body Shop let me know your thoughts. 

Little Mink x

NYC Adventure

So I’ve kind of been missing for a few months, apologies for that but final year exams were keeping me busy and then I went on “holiday” to New York!

New York was very different and a completely new experience, and being from London I didn’t expect it to be so different but it really was.

People are not always friendly, maybe that’s because it’s a busy city and people  just don’t care about your tourist problems, I don’t know but they are just straight to the point most of the time. (People working on buses, information points in the subway, ticket booths etc).. However if ever you’re lost ask a police officer they are very friendly and will help you until you understand.

The subway is defiantly not comparable to the London underground but much cheaper than taxis. When flying back the man handling out boarding tickets even said, put more politely, is not for those able to travel in ulterior/better modes of transport.

There’s a 9% sales tax on most purchases, which I had no idea about until I got there  :0 … But that didn’t stop me from going shopping crazy! The shopping experiences in most places were amazing, especially in Macy's, the sales assistants will go out of their way to help you and are so kind!

I tried to fit a lot in to the one week to make the most of my time there so I thought I’d post my schedule in case it came of use to anyone planning on going.

I managed to do pretty much everything and the days they were scheduled for but come the last day, I was just too exhausted to even attempt to grand central station hence the “Holiday” not holiday. I didn’t manage to explore or find Bleecker Street or Waverly place but it’s such a huge street it would have taken ages. However I will go again someday and  I plan on going to the places I missed as well as visiting some museums  and different parts of the city like china town, little Italy and I really want to see more of Brooklyn it was so beautiful.

I only spent a week there but it was one of the most amazing weeks of my life. it was a lot to take in, but overall the experiences I had were great. Using the subway although advised several times not to, was actually pretty cool and super-fast, the hotel was fantastic (Staybridge Suites), the sites were mind blowing-ly  beautiful and it was, simply put, an amazing place filled with lots of adventures that I’d love to visit again.

If you’ve been to New York or live there and I missed something major to see, let me know I’ll put it on my list for next time! If you have any questions then feel free to ask me!

Little mink x 

Review: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Collection

I can’t stress enough how much flat hair annoys me and yes the VO5 plump it up is good and I would have  repurchase it in the past, but I have found something that is better.. The John Frieda Volume collection.

The range was on offer at Superdrug a while back (December 2013) and I need just needed some shampoo so it’s just my luck that id find something I absolutely love! I bought the shampoo, conditioner and blow dry lotion for fine hair.

Using these three together has changed my  hair completely I never feel like my hair too flat and even after 3 days and when the actual condition of my hair is not at its best  (i.e. a tad oily), it’s still bouncy and has volume at the roots!!

I think it’s mainly due to the root booster but their shampoos are generally really good quality from what I’ve experienced anyway, I think they add something to volume but I wouldn't get the desired results without the root booster, no way.

The only weird thing about these products (NOT a bad thing) are that once I've blow dried, if I do no other styling and then sleep on it comes out more bouncy the next day for some unknown reason -  very strange but good..

LASTING POWER – A good 3 days and may even stretch to 4 depending on your hair.

SMELL – the root booster has no smell whatsoever which is a bonus… the shampoo and conditioner’s smell lasts a while but it’s a neutral smell, quite pleasant.

WORTH THE PRICE?

YES!! Most defiantly, especially if you can get it on offer! It does exactly what it’s supposed to, doesn't dry out your roots, keeps the volume and gives you the hair you dream of having. The shampoo and conditioner leave your hair feeling silky and looking smooth and the root booster gives the extra volume and helps keep it there for a good few days.  I can’t say a bad word about this product. John Frieda has a really good reputation for quality and results so it’s worth giving a go.  

This collection is outstanding, as I'm sure are all John Frieda Products. I used to use the Root awakening collection by John Frieda which was my all-time favourite shampoo and conditioner but unfortunately it’s discontinued, so this has taken its place. If you tried any other hair care products that give that lovely voluminous look then please share!! I’m forever seeking volume!    

Review: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

I came across this product on a random visit to Superdrug and I was thinking of buying the L’Oreal dupe for Bioderma but the Garnier one was cheaper and has a lot more product for the price so the “rational consumer” in me went for the Garnier.

It is very gentile on the skin, keeping to the “water” description, there is no smell whatsoever and you can use it on your eyes.
I do like this product, but for taking off makeup properly I use it  alongside  a foaming cleanser or just use it to remove eye makeup. If it was the only cleaner I used to remove all makeup I’d lose patience , because it just not strong enough to take it all off, properly and quickly.

It is a nice product if your eyes are really sensitive like mine, completely removes mascara and eyeliner properly, but I'm yet to try it on waterproof mascara which will be the real test.

But in general it’s perfect for sensitive skin. And also if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to go to the sink and actually wash your face...( accidentally get cleanser in your eye and mouth and have that awful taste ha-ha)

It’s a 400ml bottle so I don’t think I’ll running out of it anytime soon, I won’t even be thinking of getting Biodemra until then, but if you've tried it let me know how good it is!

Little Mink x 

Review: Estée Lauder Double Wear - Stay in Place Makeup - Cashew 3W2

I hate it when you apply your foundation in the morning and all its well and good but 3-4 hours in, I've touched my face, used a tissue or the natural oil of my face has meant that there isn't that flawless look I left the house with, I probably should re-apply but I just can’t be asked, I’m not one to carry concealer or foundation with me on an daily basis that to me is that excess stuff to weigh your bag down.

However there is a foundation that does not budge, and its Estée Lauder double wear, the best freaking foundation there ever was.







It is a very heavy foundation, honestly for daily use a few drops are enough. It doesn't look cakey nor like you've applied a lot but it covers most “imperfections” with ease.


I have had mine for about 3 months now and I have more than bottle left, hence for the money (£28.50) I think it’s really worth it, you can mix it in with a moisturiser if you want lighter coverage but even then it’s still quite flawless.


LASTING POWER - the longest I can recall before removing it, would be about 14-16 hours of course with powder on top. Natural shine will come through, however it gives a glow rather than gross oily look, because the foundation is still there somehow, masking imperfections.

SMELL – No smell whatsoever

WORTH THE PRICE? YES! It’s a high end product and this foundation in particular is actually worth the RRP, the quality of foundation is amazing not to mention it also has SPF 10. if you cleanse your face properly after as you would with any foundation, it will not break you out! There are 31 of shades, ranging from cool to warm tones.

The only negative I can think of is that it doesn't have a pump and you can over-pour.

But I've kept the sample bottle the tester comes in pour it into that and use my foundation that way because it’s easier to control.


This is the only foundation I use now and will continue to repurchase it unless they discontinue my shade (fingers crossed they won’t).

Have you tried Double wear? What do make of it? If you didn't let love it as much as I do please let me know why!

Little mink x

Available here - Estée Lauder Double Wear £28.50