Following on from last week’s FrontCover set, this week’s Star Gift of the Week at Boots is a Ted Baker Make It Big Vanity Case, picture below:
Until Thursday, 3rd November – the set will be priced at only £19 (regularly £40) and includes:
Butterfly Wings Body Wash (250ml)
Butterfly Wings Body Lotion (200ml)
Butterfly Wings Body Spray (150ml)
Butterfly Wings Body Scrub (300ml)
Origami Bath Foam (250ml)
Origami Body Souffle (300ml)
Origami Body Spray (150ml)
For a closer look at the actual case… you can watch the short video below:
Ted Baker Make It Big Vanity Case is available online and instore at Boots priced at £19.00, though be aware that the GotW’s usually sell out online fairly rapidly.
Let’s face it, we’re closer to the festive season than most of us would like to admit. Have you made any preparations for the big day yet? No?!
Well, Boots have devised a cunning plan to get us filling up those Christmas stockings quicker than you can devour the mince pies you were supposed to leave out for the main man himself. They’re calledStar Gifts and include a series of fabulous one-off offers every week during the Christmas shopping period. And by Christmas shopping period, I mean NOW.
Not only that, but Boots are getting all social with their Twelve Gifts of Christmas campaign. Once a week from now until Boxing Day, they’ll will be selecting one lucky blogger to receive the Star Gift of the week. In turn, that blogger will pay it forward by nominating another blogger to receive the same Star Gift. It’s like a paper-chain of beauty booty!
Seeing as I’m the lucky recipient of this week’s Star Gift from Frontcover pictured above, I’d better tell you a bit about it!
Frontcover are well known for their fantastic releases this time of year and this one doesn’t disappoint. A one-stop make-up collection for eyes, lips and cheeks which includes hints and tips from Frontcover make-up artist, Leanne Shaw, and all the tools needed to create many different looks for the festive season.
The Frontcover Style Queen Colour Set includes:
~ 6 lip glosses
~ 7 dome baked powder eyeshadows
~ 6 pressed powder eyeshadows
~ 2 fine-line baked powder cheek domes
~ Double ended mascara/sealer
~ 2 iridescent pigments
~ Shadowline
~ 6 make-up brushes
~ Mini lash curler
~ Double pencil sharpener
~ A mirror in the lid
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For this week only, the set can be snapped up for just £17.00!
(usual price £35.00)
What’s the catch? You’ve only got TODAY left to buy it!
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And now for the extra fun bit…
I’m paying it forward and nominating…. my good friend, Cosmetic Candy to receive this week’s Star Gift on me. Nepotism rules OK.
Keep your eyes peeled because somewhere across the blogosphere, Father Christmas (ok, Boots PR) will be pointing the finger of fortune at another lucky soul to help them count down to Christmas with next week’s ‘Star Gift’ of the week!
The budget skincare brand that enjoys a cult following in the U.S. is now available to buy in Boots. I’ve previously bought the Cetaphil cleanser from my local Lloyds pharmacy but availability was hit and miss – hopefully, with such a major stockist now, those troubles will be a thing of the past.
Despite an ingredient list that consists of mostly fatty alcohols, SLS, parabens and mineral oil derivatives, this somehow works for me. It’s not perfect but it is cheap and it doesn’t strip my dry skin like most cleansers. If you’re an organic-loving skincare girl, give it a wide berth.
If you’re curious to try something new to settle your irritated or reactive winter skin, give this a go before spending the big bucks!
Cetaphil is priced at £9.18 for the large 236ml size bottles, available online and instore at Boots.
I’m sure I was a peeping tom in a past life because I love to see what other people have in their baskets when I’m in Boots. Please, please tell me I’m not the only one who has a sneaky peek when the person infront is getting their basket emptied by the sales assistant.
Infact, I don’t just do this in Boots… I do it in Asda… and I judge other people’s shopping habits while I’m at it. Not that I’m in a position to judge you understand, the only fruit that transfers to the conveyer belt from my trolley is for L but it always makes me look good while I try and hide the jelly tots and pork pies under the toilet rolls.
Anyway, here’s a peek at my lunchtime shopping basket as I zipped between Boots, Body Shop, Superdrug, Wilkinsons, Greggs… yano, the essentials.
Check out the ugly duvet cover, I think it’s vintage 1998.
So, what did I buy? (this is the lamest of lame posts… apologies, it seemed like a good idea for 5 seconds back when I started writing it).
I don’t like hairspray… but my hair struggles to hold curls for longer than 10 minutes so this is my current hairspray of choice for when I’m wearing my hair down but ‘styled’. I’m not a hairspray connosieur but this one doesn’t add any additional weight to my fine hair, gives a good hold and doesn’t cost a bomb.
While I was browsing the supplement aisle, a man leaned across me and picked up THREE mega packs of Berocca (they’re on 3for2) costing him £30, in one swoop… man, he must be knackered. Me? I’m only mildly exhausted, so whilst the simple answer would be to get more sleep and eat properly, I’d rather find solace in a £4.07 tube of fizziness than do the right thing for now. Not that I know what these are like, they may well be unbearable.
Yinka keeps bloody going on about this scrub and I thought it was about time I see what the fuss is about. If I don’t come out of the shower shining like a new penny, I’ll be having words.
I picked this up to fulfil the 3for2 that’s currently on in Boots and Mr. L has his beady eye on it already. Anyone tried it? Do I need to rescue it back to my side of the bathroom?
The Body Shop Rose Oud EDP (£6.00 in the sale)
This is LOVELY and I almost missed it. I spritzed it without paying much attention and it was only when I’d left the store that I actually noticed it. It’s a dirty rose trailing with sweet wood. The warm, resinous qualities combine with a hint of spice… but to my (uneducated) nose it smells quite, quite unsynthetic, which coming from The Body Shop is a shocker. If you’re passing a store, do pop in and check it out!
Wilkos Nail Polish Remover sans Acetone (£can’t remember)
Dull but essential, dunno if this one is any good… but it was cheap.
Good Works Good Invigorating Shower Gel (£2.05 in the sale)
On the Boots clearance stand… not much to say about this other than when I read the word ‘ginger’ it went in my basket.
I’ve been reading good things about this hand cream recently and thought I’d give it a go. You get a heap of product for not much money but only time will tell whether it’s worth the purchase. Smells nice though!
I do love reading about the things that people pick up in their lunch breaks, so hope mine is somewhat interesting too! This wasn’t a lunch break… more of a ‘coffee’ break with the lovely Ally.
Since getting my Clarisonic, I’ve turned into a bit of a cleansing freak and there’s nothing I like more now than experimenting with all manner of different cleansers in conjunction with the gadget! Honestly? I don’t know how I didn’t get the crap beaten out of me at school.
Not only that, but despite having found a total JOY in the new Elemis Melting Cleanser, I *still* can’t resist picking up these ‘just incase’. This is my problem though… by the time I’ve finished experimenting to see if I can find a cheaper alternative, I will have spent what it costs to go and by the Elemis twice over! Please tell me I’m not alone in that kind of nonsense!
So after that rambling… what did I get?
Well, there’s currently a rather tempting 3for2 across skincare lines in Boots at the moment so that’s where I indulged! I picked up the Boots Botanics Organic Cleansing Balm (£6.63) after reading the on-site reviews.
One last stop near the haircare and I grabbed the new Batiste dry shampoo for brown hair. I’m not sure if this is reformulated or just repackaged from this one. I’m secretly hoping this can will get me through those days where it takes you longer than it should to realise that you seriously should go buy some more hair dye. Like now.
I’m in London today and I’ll be doing my best to avoid ‘popping’ into Boots for another look before the offer ends. Honest!
I was quite sad to read this piece of news yesterday afternoon!
After 13 years as a mainstay on the British high street Boots UK is today announcing the phased withdrawal of the Ruby & Millie brand from its stores. Ruby & Millie led the way for pioneering fashionable cosmetic brands to break into the mass market driving the trend for the fusion of mass and premium cosmetics .
Ruby & Millie were one of the brands I cut my beauty teeth on. Not quite ‘high street’ (though they are!) but not ‘high end’ either. To be fair, I wasn’t in love with many R&M products, especially in recent times… but the ones that I did fall for, I still use frequently today!
Where am I going to get my i-writers from now huh?!
The press release went on to say (I’m C&P-ing because I can’t say it any more concisely!)
Ruby Hammer and Millie Kendall stepped down from the brand in 2008 and have since focused on new and innovative brands such as Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique, Scarlett & Crimson and Alex Byrne Beauty. 2011 will also see the launch of Ruby Hammer’s eponymous new range.
I still haven’t tried anything from the Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique… I need to get into a bigger Superdrug to check the range out after seeing Helen’s nails blinged up to the max with the Trio Colour Layering System!
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Ruby & Millie brand because…
The duo will also look to reinvest their energy into the Ruby & Millie brand bringing back a classic representation of their iconic products and initial concept of affordable luxury to the global market.
I’m pleased that the duo will be looking at ways to bring the brand back to former glory, it’s one of those brands that seems to have lost its way a little in recent times. Also looking forward to finding out more about this new range from Ruby Hammer – every cloud has a silver lining eh?
Will you be sorry to see the Ruby & Millie brand disappear from Boots?
I buy many polishes online from the U.S. simply because it’s cheaper that way but that doesn’t stop me getting the urge for some instant nail polish gratification when I’m halfway through an innocent shopping trip.
Which is why I’m pretty keen to see these new ORLY Mani Minis that will be launching into Boots next month!
With no less than 48 shades to choose from including cremes and glitters and priced at only £5 each… I’m pretty excited!
Weighing in at 5.3ml a bottle (a smidge more than a Mavala), these represent decent value for money for what is, essentially, a professional brand.
The ORLY Mani Minis will be available online from 8th March and will arrive in 54 Boots stores nationwide from 9th March 2011.
Due on counter next week (26th January), the new No7 Spring collection includes an array of delicately-hued goodies for the new season.
The collection includes:
Limited Edition Eye Palette – £12.50
Limited Edition Gel Eyeliners, in Navy Blue, Turquoise and Black – £10.50
Limited Edition Lipsticks, in Brigitte (pale pink) and Grace (pale coral) – £10.50
Limited Edition Nail Polish, in Sugar (pale pink) and Spice (pale coral) – £7.50
Lisa Eldridge had this to say about the inspiration behind her latest No7 collection:
“Inspired by St Tropez in the early 1960’s, the birthplace of the glamorous international jet set and Brigitte Bardot, the archetypal sex kitten, this collection focuses attention very much on the eyes – the key items being the three Gel Eyeliners and beautiful Eye Palette. The eye shadow quartet contains the prettiest washes of ‘barely there’ beiges, corals, pinks, shimmering turquoises and sea greens all evocative of the Cote d’Azur. When the strong liners and pretty shadows are combined with the pale pouty lip colours… the look is defnitely more than a little 60’s Riviera starlet.”
I’ll be diving in for a closer look at the Gel Eyeliner in Navy Blue (love a good, deep blue eyeliner!) and lippie in Grace (pale coral).
… collect all the new Nails Inc./Diet Coke promo shades!
I’m actually off Diet Coke at the minute… not out of choice I hasten to add. This is one of those dietary reasonings *rolls eyes*.
However, I’m not going to let a silly little thing like that stop me from getting my hands on all four of the limited and exclusive Nails Inc. shades!
Each bottle is full size (10ml) and to get your grubby hands on one you need to buy two 500ml bottles of Diet Coke from a participating Boots store (the polishes are usually located on display stands nearby). The promo started on Wednesday but I haven’t noticed these in my local store yet which makes me think I may have to travel into town to take advantage.
They don’t call me Dora the Explorer for nothing! Or… actually… at all.
As I explained in my previous video, I’m slowly coming to terms with the simple truth that one course of laser hair removal won’t guarantee “permanent removal”. The wording that’s generally used is “permanent reduction” and there’s a difference. It’s comparatively far more permanent than other hair removal methods but will never be truly permanent without occasional treatment ‘top ups’.
What I’ve also realised (with the help of hindsight) is that this doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing because you don’t have the funds to cover constant salon visits or an expensive at home device. The fact is that when (relatively) small amounts of hair do grow back, they’re often finer, more manageable and far less offensive(!) than their original growth patterns and this is precisely the ‘reduction’ that companies refer to.
I will happily confess that I have always placed a preference on having my unwanted hair zapped at a salon. It’s far more expensive in the long run but there’s something to be said for placing yourself in the hands of a professional in circumstances where the eventual outcome is potentially life-changing. It’s a confidence thing.
However, now that I understand and appreciate the need for these ‘top ups’, the thought of having an IPL device that I can use in the comfort of my own home is more tempting. Despite this, there are considerations that should be addressed before you decide what’s right for you. For everyone, these will be different. For me, they go something like this.
1). Will I be disciplined enough when using an at home device? I wouldn’t miss a salon appt for fear of being penalty charged… it’s much easier to be lax with the treatments at home.
2). Am I confident enough in my own abilities to use an at home device competently?
3). Are at home devices as effective as salon treatments?
4). Do I want to use an at home device from day 1 or invest in one for maintenance purposes once my salon treatment is finished?
The wonderful thing about technology is that it’s forever evolving and improving. Hair removal is on the front line… it’s a highly sought after process and still incredibly expensive for the average consumer. Companies are investing millions in developing the best machines possible for both home and salon use.
I recently attended an event where we had the opportunity to put questions to the people behind the Boots iPulse Smooth Skin, you can watch the highlights of this event in the video below:
iPulse currently hold the enviable title of being Boots biggest seller. They’ve sold approximately 35,000 units through the high street retailer and the device has generated an average 4 star rating from consumers on the Boots website. Many are treating general areas such as legs and underarms, whilst others focus on hormonal hair (face, neck, chin etc.)
I wanted to follow up and put some additional questions to the people behind the iPulse, focusing on issues related to treating hormonal hair.
1). Most “at home” IPL hair removal systems aren’t recommended for use on women with PCOS, am I right in thinking that you’ve updated your literature to specifically include considerations for PCOS sufferers who want to use the device?
We are aware that hormonal imbalances and in particuar PCOS, are extremely distressing conditions when the side effect can produce unwanted facial hair. Boots Smooth Skin is suitable for use on the face and our research and clinical trials indicated a substantial reduction in facial hair and also our customers advised us that they were delighted with the results they have achieved in using the device on this sensitive area.
2). What are the main considerations that women with PCOS need to be aware of when using the iPulse?
The main considerations for customers with PCOS is that the hair growth cycle becomes irregular and therefore it may be necessary to give the area more treatments than other areas of the body. Stimulation of hair growth to the facial area can be considerable when there are hormonal imbalances and it is good to be able to treat the area as and when necessary.
3). What are the benefits of choosing the iPulse over going to my local salon for a course of IPL treatments?
Convenience and cost are the two main benefits however, there are many more. For some people privacy is important and this enables the treatment in comfort of your own home at a gtime convenient to you. Another benefit is time. Using Boots Smooth Skin will take approximately 6 – 12 weeks due to the regulated energy output enabling a weekly or fortnightly treatment. With salon treatments you will have a four to six week waiting period between each treatment – probably needing 6 – 10 treatments to achieve the same results and then there is the cost and inconvenience of traveling to the salon when it suits them!
4). iPulse offer an “IPL system”, the treatment I underwent at the SK:N clinic was on a “laser system”. What are the differences between the two treatments and is one more effective for reducing hormonal hair growth?
A laser is the first generation of hair removal systems using one beam of light to treat individual hairs – IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is the next generation of light based therapy systems using multiple wavelengths and a larger spot size which enables the treatment of many hairs at any one time. Offering the same results – permanent hair reduction – it is generally thought that treatment is faster and pain free with IPL systems.
5). Would you say that the iPulse is a particularly suitable option for women like me who have already undergone laser treatment and are looking for a cost-effective way to maintain their results?
Most definitely, this is a great way to keep previously treated areas hair free without the necessity of returning to the salon for further expensive treatments. A convenient way to ensure the initial results achieved are maintained.
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A big thank you to iPulse for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope that you’ve found them useful too!
I haven’t had any trouble deciding what I’ll be splurging my Boots points on this year. Last year… the Dior holiday collection caught my eye quite late on… but this year, it’s all about the Chanel.
I have 7578 points saved up through some tireless shopping efforts. It hasn’t all been glamour… Leila has had to quickly develop a taste for Boots branded baby things and I suspect that with no more buggies to buy, next year’s bounty won’t be quite so fruitful *sniff*.
However, that’s still £75.78 to blow spend. Annoyingly, when converting points to prizes purchases, you’re not allowed to part pay in cash… which means that my total spends must come to under that amount.
Can I do it? Here’s my wishlist… (do you care? doubt it… but I love a bit virtual shopping me)
1. Les 4 Ombres / Quadra Eye Shadow Palette – Tentation Cuivre (£35.00)
2. Ombre D’eau Liquid Eyeshadow – Splash (£21.50) Criminally overpriced IMO, but when you fall in love… you get stupid.
3. Rouge Coco Lipstick – Magnolia (£21.50)
Erm, where’s my money points gone? That comes to *counts on fingers. and toes* – £78.
Oh NOES, I’m short by just over £2!
I need to earn 222 points on as low a cash spend as possible – PRONTO!
Do you save store loyalty points for a Xmas treat?
Have you seen the new Mark Hill hairstyling tools? Take a walk on the wild side with me to check ’em out!
RAWR!
The striking animal-print inspired range goes by the name RAW and includes three hairstyling tools that wouldn’t look out of place in our Christmas stockings this year. We need bigger stockings don’t we?
The real reason I’m showing you this range is because a little birdy told me that for one week only… the limited edition Mark Hill RAW Zebra Power Hairdryer is gonna be selling at LESS THAN HALF it’s usual retail price!
Usually priced at £59.99, from the 12th – 18th November, Boots will be selling this online and instore for a very tempting £24.99! If you’re after a new hairdryer… I’d be all over this like a zebra-printed rash!
But don’t be thinking that it’s style over substance… read on for the hairdryer’s impressive specs…
~ Mark Hill Raw Zebra Power Hairdryer
~ Narrow Concentrator
~ Lifting Concentrator
~ Smoothing Concentrator
~ Celebrity Style Guide
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After your helpful tips on achieving the perfect blow dry the other day, I’m eyeing up that particularly narrow nozzle attachment thingy with a new found A-HA!
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