The BeautyButterfly

Tube of  La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Creme Who for: Anyone with sensitive or reactive skin First impressions: Thick enough to provide protection as well as being thin enough to be absorbed quickly. After one week: Redness in cheeks reduced After one month: Skin feels less sore Stockists: La Roche-Posay, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy This is part of a starter kit that I bought from Boots.   This moisturiser is the perfect final step in the regime.   It soothes and hydrates my dry sensitive skin all day without needing to reapply at lunchtime.   My skin feels protected when I go out into the cold damp weather that the UK has a the moment.   It also provides enough protection from going into different air temperatures and humidity without leaving my skin feel tight and sore.   It provides a perfect base for make-up application as it does not leave a sticky film on the skin as some other moisturisers have.   I have noticed that the texture of my skin has improve

Can of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Who for: Anyone with sensitive or reactive skin First impressions: Will the mist come out in a gentle fine mist or be like a furniture polish mist After one week: Skin doesn’t feel tight After one month: My skin looks and feels more hydrated Stockists: La Roche-Posay, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy This is part of a starter kit that I bought from Boots.   At first, I was a little worried that a can even though small would not produce a fine mist.   I should not have worried; the mist is that fine that I didn’t realise that I had some left on my skin when I applied my moisturiser.   To me, this means that my skin really needed it.   It can be applied over make up and not worry about the make up running.   This can is the can that you need in every bag that you have with you when you are out and about even in the cold damp weather that the UK is suffering from at the moment because it will cool you down when you are a little

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser Who for: Anyone with sensitive or reactive skin First impressions: Very milky After one week: Skin looks healthier After one month: Skin feels and looks healthier and less dry Stockists: La Roche-Posay, Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy This is part of a starter kit.  I bought this as I had noticed that my skin felt dry and tight.  It hurt and uncomfortable.  Within the first use of this I could feel the tightness and dryness ease.  Over the next few days I could see and feel a difference in my skin.  I like to remove it with a damp muslin cloth.  Its consistency is great for massaging into areas that are feeling dry or sore.  I think I have found my new cleanser.

Tub of Bouclème Curls Redefined Intensive Moisture Treatment Who for:  Anyone who wants to improve their overall hair health First impressions:  A small amount goes a long way After one week:  Hair looks healthy and more manageable  After one month:  Hair is soft and less likely to get tangled Stockists:  Boucleme, Naturisimo, Lookfantastic, Selfridges, Oliver Bonas I was sceptical about using this in my thick pixie length hair as my hair is also straight because this product is designed for all types of curls.  I shouldn’t have been as I saw a definite improvement in my hair after one use.  I used it as a conditioning treatment after shampooing.  It says to leave it in for 20 to 30 minutes as it was my first treatment I left on for the maximum.  Once my hair had dried naturally I saw that it looked shinier and healthier.  My brush went through it easily without snagging.  What I like most about the product is that you can use it in various ways such as a stand

Imperial Leather Foamburst Ultimate Moisture Golden Amber and Coconut Oil Who for: Anyone and everyone First impressions: A little goes along way After one week: Skin feels soft and hydrated After one month: Be careful how hard you press the button Stockists: Sainsburys, Tesco, Asda, Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons This was a sample from the Autumn/Winter Dare Magazine that you can buy in some supermarkets.  The smell is gorgeous, and the texture of the foam is like a thick luxurious whipped cream.  One word of advice depress the button gently to release the product as it comes out a little quickly.  A small amount goes a very long way covering the body in a thick nourishing foam.  I was a little worried that the foam would be hard to rinse off as it felt like it was stuck to my skin.  No problem there it came off with ease leaving behind soft supple skin.  The only reason why I wouldn’t buy this is the price.

Bottle of  BeautyPie Plantastic Micropeeling Super Drops Who for: Anyone who wants to keep spots at bay, pores refined and brighter glowing skin First impressions: Very easy to apply After one week: Spots are not as noticeable After one month: Skin looks healthier Stockists: BeautyPie I use this every day a week before my period is due to help combat the occasional hormonal spots I get.   The first month I used it I didn’t really notice much difference.   But by month two the hormonal spots didn’t arrive.   I don’t get many spots but when I do, they are painful.   This has not just reduced the severity of them but also how long they last for.   I also use them once a week to help brighten and smooth my skin.   Also, for those mornings when you feel your skin needs a little extra help to look its best.   These drops should be in everyone’s skincare arsenal.

Evolve Organic Beauty Miracle Mask Who for: Anyone who wants to revive tired skin First impressions: Hope it doesn’t make my skin yellow After one week: Skin looks healthier and firmer After one month: The texture and firmness of my skin has improved Stockists: Evolve Organic Beauty, John Lewis, FeelUnique I was given this by a friend.  And I am so glad they did.  I use it once a week after cleansing my skin before applying my moisturiser.  I apply a thick layer on and then carry on with any tasks such as putting clothes away.  Once I have finished that, I then remove it with warm water and a muslin cloth.  The first time I saw it I hoped that it didn’t turn my skin yellow which it didn’t.  It has a lovely relaxing smell, there is a slight tingle, but it isn’t the type of tingle that makes me regret applying it.  Once removed my skin looks more healthier and firmer than I used it.  There is a glow and freshness to my skin.  My moisturiser

L'Oreal Bambi Eye False Lash Who for: Anyone who wants the false lash effect without wearing them First impressions: Weird shaped brush After one week: Just doesn’t give me what I want with one coat After one month: Looks clumpy with extra coats Stockists: Superdrug, Boots I was kindly sent this to review by GlamGeek.   The brush is densely packed with bristles and an unusual shape.   I found that I had difficulty in applying it to the inner corner lashes then again it maybe the way I was holding the brush.   There were very little flecks of mascara under my eyes at the end of the day, but I didn’t find that the curl to my lashes lasted as long as Benefit Roller Lash.   It also didn’t give me the length or definition of my lashes that all of Benefit Mascaras give.   One coat was not enough the get the desire effect I would have to apply three or four coats.   I prefer a mascara that gives me definition, length, volume in one coat.   This mascara was n

Packaging and tube of Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser Product: Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser Who for: Anyone and everyone, young and old First impressions: A dupe of the iconic Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish After one week: Not a dupe, a great product in its own right After one month: Skin looks and feels healthy Stockists: Superdrug In my house a cleanser needs to suitable a few skin types such as oily, dry and sensitive.   It needs to be quick and easy (my two boys) as well as the ability to take time (me).   This does it perfectly.   There is no fragrance (great for teenage boys).   Neutral packaging again great for those teenage boys who don’t want to reduce their street cred.   My two teenager boys have very different skin not just to me (44) but each other.   One has acne prone skin and the other does not have any breakouts.   We all love to use this as a little amount is enough to cover the face, neck and décolleté.   The muslin

Packaging and tube of Benefit Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer in shade 3 Who for: Anyone who wants full coverage concealer that doesn’t cake First impressions: The shade looks a little dark for me After one week: Brilliant on its own and with foundation After one month: Lasts all day and doesn’t cake Stockists: Benefit, John Lewis, Debenhams, QVCUK I am the type of person that knows she needs concealer but doesn’t know where to apply it.   When I went to have my Brow Wax and Tint with Emma at John Lewis Grand Central Birmingham, she colour-matched me and applied it to my under-eye area, nose and chin to reduce the redness.   I was impressed with how my skin look with just the concealer on.   I was surprised that she had used shade 3 on me.   I thought I would have been shade 1 or 2.   It was the Beauty Product of the Month on QVCUK.   I am glad I did.   I don’t have to wear a full face of foundation every day I can apply concealer to the same areas that Emma did, a

Bottle of Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion Who for: Anyone who wants to revitalise and refresh tired eyes First impressions: Eyes feel soothed After one week: Eyes aren’t as irritated After one month: Eyes feel less scratchy Stockists: Boots, John Lewis, QVCUK I have previously used this and having been diagnosed with Dry Eye and MGD, I hoped that this would help keep my eye area clean and moisturised.   I use it as part of my skincare routine in the morning and evening and as compress when my eyes feel sore, tired and itchy.   As part of my morning routine it helps remove sleep from my eyes.   During my evening routine it helps make sure that I have removed my eye makeup and keep my eyelashes clean.   I keep one in my drawer and another in the fridge to use when I need a compress.   It is cool and soothing to my eyes and since using it regularly I have attached the noticed that the symptoms of Dry Eye and MGD are under control if not improved.   This

Lola Makeup by Perse Chubby Cream Lipstick in Pomegranate Who for: Anyone who wants the coverage of a lipstick and the moisture of a lip balm First impressions: Ideal for carrying around in my backpack After one week: The ideal finishing touch any kind of makeup look After one month: The perfect red shade for every day Stockists: Lola I was kindly sent this by Lola Makeup to review.  I chose the Pomegranate shade and I am very pleased with my choice.  It doesn’t need a lipliner to be applied first as it doesn’t bleed into the fine lines that I have around my mouth.  The pencil shape helps apply it to the lip area perfectly.  There is enough pigment to give a hint of colour to the lips and is moisturising without being sticky.  I like to apply it straight from the bullet but it is creamy enough to be applied with fingertips to give a more edgier look to the lips.  Some cream lipsticks make the skin on my lips peel off this doesn’t.  It stays all day.  You can

Packaging and tube of NYX On the Rise Volume Liftscara Who for: Anyone who wants Lash Lifts but are scared First impressions: Weird Brush After one week: Like the matte finish After one month: Needs two or more coats Stockists: NYX, Boots, Superdrug, CultBeauty, LookFantastic, ASOS, Debenhams, Selfridges I was kindly sent this to review by NYX.   The brush is a weird shape which I have never seen on a mascara before.   It is hourglass shaped but also rounded.   The bristles are all the same length.   It also has a swiper in the tube so that the brush has the right amount of product on.   I found it difficult to apply to my inner corner lashes as I couldn’t figure out how best to hold the brush to get them – I did poke myself in the eye several times.   It applies lovely and has a matte finish which I love.   The first week I only wore one coat and didn’t notice much lift effect to my lashes.   The second week onwards I applied two coats and saw a lift in my l

Pencil and packaging of Benefit BADgal Bang 24 Hour Eye Pencil in Blue Who for: Anyone who wants an eyeliner that stays put First impressions: Lovely rich dark blue After one week: Makes my hazel eye colour more green After one month: Lasts doesn’t smudge and emphasises my eyes Stockists: Benefit, John Lewis, Debenhams I have in the past used coloured eyeliners but have always gone back to either black or brown.  I liked but not love the They’re Real Eyeliner, I found I had issues with the green, blue and purple eyeliners.  I wasted more on a sheet of tissue than I had put on my eye.  They would release product when not in use and would break off when I applied them.  When I saw that Benefit had released a new eyeliner, I couldn’t wait for my Brow Wax and Tint appointment to try it.  Emma at John Lewis, Grand Central Birmingham demonstrated the purple and blue.  I am glad that I tried the blue first as this is the colour and texture of and eyeliner I have b

Packaging and tube of Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara in Blue Who for: Anyone who wants volume that doesn’t drop First impressions: Very bright After one week: I like that it applies as a bright blue shade but dries to a darker blue After one month: Love the way my eyes and lashes look Stockists: Benefit, John Lewis, Debenhams I am a girl who doesn’t try coloured mascara, I always stick to black or brown but mainly black.  I love BADgal Bang and how my lashes look.  This has made me switch to coloured mascara.  You have all the benefits of BADgal Bang instead of black it is blue.  At first it applies as a bright blue as it dries it changes to a darker blue.  My lashes are separated and voluminous without looking clumpy.  The Christmas tree brush helps apply from root to tip and all the fine lashes at the inner and outer corner of your eyes.   My eyes lined with BADgal Liner in Midnight Blue without mascara One coat of BADgal Bang

Liz Earle Lavendar and Basil Botanical Body Wash Who for: Anyone – young or old, oily, combination, dry or sensitive First impressions: Thick gel that smells gorgeous After one week: Skin feels soft After one month: Skin feels soft and doesn’t need lotion afterwards Stockists: Liz Earle, Boots, QVC UK, John Lewis This bodywash is loved both by myself and my hubby.   It is not an overly female fragrance and leaves our skin feel hydrated and smooth.   I like to use a muslin cloth and my hubby uses a sponge.   It lathers brilliantly whatever method used to apply it to the skin.   The lather is a gentle lather that cleans the skin without stripping it and leaves a very light fragrance behind.   I do not need to apply any body lotion after using this as my skin isn’t left feeling tight or sore.   It is just hydrated and nourished and more importantly clean.

Benefit Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation Who for: Anyone who wants a flawless medium coverage that looks natural First impressions: I think it is the wrong shade After one week: Perfect After one month: Am in love with how my skin looks Stockists: Benefit, Boots, QVC UK, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser I was colour matched after having my brow waxed and tinted by Emma at Benefit Stand, Grand Central, Birmingham and thought that the colour was a little too dark for me.  But I was so wrong.  In the previous new launch of a Benefit foundation (Hello Happy) I am a shade 1 but this time I was a shade 2.  Emma applied it using a sponge but at home I apply it with a Real Techniques foundation brush (I must get a new BeautyBlender).  It goes on like a dream, isn’t patchy after a few hours wear and looks perfect in every light due to the photochromic pigments.  It reduces that the redness on my cheeks, chin and nose but the best part of this foundat

Liz Earle Lavendar and Basil Botanical Hand Wash I have Dyshidrotic Eczema which affects my hands and feet especially when I am stressed or feeling low.  When it is at its worse, I must use a steroid cream and change what I wash my hands with as some handwashes can make it itch worse.  This is one of my go to products when I have a flare up as it doesn’t contain SLS which I have noticed that can not only dry out my hands but also make them feel tight and sore.  With the combination of the steroid cream and using this handwash my flare up doesn’t last as long as it has in the past.  Instead of a month it is usually under control and gone within that time.  The handwash doesn’t strip or dry out my hands.  They feel comfortable and not needing to reapply hand cream as much as I would have to when using other handwashes.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow in Grey As I have embraced going grey – well I have been going grey since I was 11 years old.   Quick story one of my sisters, I have three older than me, found a grey hair while sitting at the dinner table at Christmas and it wasn’t a short grey hair it was the same length as my lovely dark brown hair which was below my shoulders.   One final point I stopped dyeing my hair when I shaved it all off for a charity and have kept in a pixie style since.   Right back to the review of the pencil.   The lovely Emma at the Benefit Stand in John Lewis Grand Central Birmingham had mentioned that Benefit were bringing out new pencil shades and the next time I was due for my brow wax and tint she would try this on me.   She did and I love it.   It’s Precisely my Brow so what is there not to love about it.   I just hope that in time Benefit release Gimme Brow in grey too then I will be extremely happy. The left hand eyebrow filled in with Precisely, My Brow in

Tube of Liz Earle Gentle Skin Exfoliator  Who for: Anyone – young or old, oily, combination, dry or sensitive First impressions: Why did I stop using this After one week: Skin looks softer After one month: Skin looks and feels healthier and softer Stockists: Liz Earle, Boots, QVC UK, John Lewis I think this year I have tried old favourites and have fell back in love with them.   This is another one of those.   Not only is it a lovely exfoliator on its own, but when used with the cleanse and polish it just gives a more satisfying clean to my skin.   Whether I am using it with Cleanse and Polish or in its own I only use one pump which is enough to exfoliate my face, neck and décolleté.   It can be splashed off, but I prefer to remove it using a damp muslin cloth as I can make sure I have removed any leftover jojoba beads.   This, to me, is not one of those harsh scrubs that contain apricot kernels but a creamy and thick that allows me to work on those areas tha

TriyIt Discovery Box I was lucky enough to be matched to a pre-launch campaign from this company and I don’t know how they sent me products that were so perfect for me – energy drinks, coffee, popcorn and tissues. Products received in the box: Starbucks DoubleShot Espresso, Caraboa Energy Drink Green Apple, The Cheeky Panda Classic Bamboo Pocket Tissue, Retrocorn Rhubarb and Custard Popcorn, Retrocorn Italian Stallion Popcorn, DRGN Turmeric SuperDrink Starbucks DoubleShot Espresso What can I say about this, well it is easy, it is perfect on hot day when it is ice cold.   I never thought a coffee would work in a can, but this does, the blend of espresso and milk is perfect.   My only criticism is that it needs to be a bigger can. Caraboa Energy Drink Green Apple This doesn’t taste like an energy drink but a sparkling apple juice and when cold (I like my drinks ice cold).   Before trying it, I was not a big fan of energy drinks, but this changed my mind.   It is ref

Tube of Merumaya Mineral Cleansing Paste™ Affiliate Link at end Who for: Anyone and everyone First impressions: Rich cream with exfoliating particles After one week: Can see an improvement in skin tone After one month: Skin looks better in the mornings. Stockists: Merumaya I was kindly sent the Mineral Cleansing Paste by Merumaya to try.   I use this as my morning cleanse on the days that I am not going to wear makeup and as a second cleanse on the evenings I have been wearing makeup.   I wouldn’t call it a paste but a rich luxurious cream that has exfoliating particles in it.   An amount the size of a pea is enough to massage into my face, neck and décolleté.   There is a slight fragrance that does not last long.   Not only do the particles exfoliate the skin but I have noticed that they help improve the circulation of my skin.   Adding a little water enables me to massage the areas such as the side of the nose and chin where I have congestion more easily.

Tube of Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm™ Affiliate Link at end Who for: Anyone and everyone First impressions: A nice herbally smell that is comforting After one week: I look forward to using this to take my makeup off After one month: My skin looks brighter and clearer – more youthful Stockists: Merumaya I was kindly sent this to try by Merumaya.  I use the Cleansing Balm as my first step at night to remove my makeup.  I use the size of a pea which melts perfectly to cover my face, neck and décolleté.  I can spend time massaging the cleansing balm into areas that I feel I need to pay attention to such as around my nose and chin, once I have wetted my hands and massaged the product into my skin it emulsifies into a milk.  While massaging the product into my skin I take pleasure in in breathing in the smell of it, as it is calming and comforting.  It removes Benefit BadGal Bang mascara, Benefit Roller Liner and Benefit Hello Happy with very little effort and