Pink Paradise Beauty: The Body Shop

Saturday, 15 April 2017

5 of the Best Affordable Skincare Tools & Accessories

Skincare Tools & Accessories

While skincare plays a big part in my everyday routine, there is also a few beauty tools and accessories I use within my daily, weekly and monthly routine that accompany many of of my skincare loves. So today I wanted to share with you my top 5 favourites that I cannot live without.

1. Muji Cotton Pads £2.95 for a 120
I have to let you in on a secret... these are the most softest cotton pads I've ever used! They are also a great dupe for the Shu Uemura Cotton Pads as well. Usually I tend to gravitate towards the large baby cotton wool pads, however once I discovered these I could feel the difference instantly. The Muji cotton squares, are so soft and are ideal for using with a micellar water, glycolic acid or toner.

2. Primark Face Cloths £1.30 for 3
If you use a cleanser day and night then you'll most probably be following up with some kind of cloth to wipe the cleanser off with as well. Now don't get me wrong I love a muslin cloth to remove my cleanser, and quite a few hot cloth cleansers come with a complimentary one too. However just lately I've been enjoying a good old flannel to wipe away the day and Primark do the best ones at only £1.30 for three! The flannel for me has just felt that little bit softer on my skin recently and it's also a lovely size to help wipe away your cleanser easily and efficiently.

3. Sally's Mask Brush £2.99
Sometimes it can get a little messy when it comes to applying a traditional face mask, but add a brush into the mix and you're set for life... The brush I use is from Sally's but you can also use a flat foundation brush too.

Using a brush not only helps speed up the application process, it also assists in helping you be more precise with your application.

4. The Body Shop Blackhead Remover £4
If you suffer from blackheads or the occasional spot, then this is the tool for you. This tool helps assist in eliminating any nastiness from the problem area and is best used right out of the shower or after a facial steam when your pores are open. All you do is just press the tool over those pesky blackheads or spots with a slightly heavy hand, then just follow up with a toner afterwards to clean the area up.

5. The Body Shop Facial Massager £8
This last tool is like having your own facialist at home (it's also cheaper!). I actually Picked this up years ago from The Body Shop and it really is such a great tool to have to hand if you feel stressed or you're skin is in need of a little pick me up. Use this dry or with an oil and massage away all over the face to help your face glow from within.

Product Empties and Products I Regret Buying + Project Pan Update

Product Empties & Products I Regret Buying

Just recently I have been using up a ton of products, so I thought it was time for another product empties video. Every time I do one of these videos I only try to feature products you haven't seen before, that way it's more interesting than seeing the same things I've used up every month and also hopefully it helps you guys out when purchasing products. I also have one project pan update on a cream eye shadow, so look out for that too!

What's been a product you have regretted buying recently? Let's chat about it via Twitter or leave a comment down below.

Products mentioned:

1. Batiste Dry Shampoo a Hint of Colour for Dark & Deep Brown Hair
2. L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray Extra Strength Back Combed Volume
3. Colgate Max White One Mouthwash in Sensational Mint
4. Montagne Jeunesse 7th Heaven Face Masks in Chocolate Mud & Argan Oil
5. Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash
6. Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel
7. Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel -
8. L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Gel
9. MAC Cleanse Off Oil - Tranquil
10. MAC Brush Cleanser
11. MAC Paint in Bare Canvas - Project Pan Cream Eye Shadows
12. MAC Bronzing Powder in Golden
13. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion
14. B&BW Pocket Bacs in Perfect Beach Day & Meyer Lemon
15. The Body Shop Body Butter in Wild Argan Oil
16. Bliss Lemon & Sage Body Butter
17. Victoria's Secret Strawberries & Champagne Body Lotion
18. Bliss Fat Girl Slim Skin Firming Cream - Bridal Beauty Countdown Checklist

Lip Balm Collection featuring EOS and Baby Lips

Lip Balm Collection

Over the past few years I have become a bit of a lip junkie! Don't get me wrong I love a good lipstick but for everyday I can't be without a lip balm. I have quite a few dotted around in the car, by my bed, endless handbags, on my vanity, the list goes on...... Today I thought I would share with you my top five lip balms.

What's your go to lip balm to keep your lips moisturised? Leave a comment down below or tweet me.

My Top 5 Lip Balms

1. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protection Stick - I recently featured the original Eight Hour Cream in my May Favourites as this is a staple in my beauty cupboard, but sometimes it can get a bit messy so it's good to have it in a stick form too. This also has an SPF 15.

2. Coca Cola Cherry Lip Smacker - I love these lip smackers especially the cherry flavour, coca cola is my guilty pleasure and something I have given up on the countdown to my wedding, so this lip balm satisfies my cravings, as well as moisturising my lips too.

3. Maybelline Baby Lips Quenched - The majority of my collection is made up of the Maybelline Baby Lips, I just love these as they are affordable, have super cute packaging and come in so many great flavours. My favourite is from the original line up in Quenched, as it has an SPF 20.

4. EOS Vanilla Mint - EOS finally came to the UK recently and while they are a bit more expensive than the US, I just love the formula of these. My top pick is the Vanilla Mint scent as it smells divine and fells like a super buttery moisturiser on the lips.

5. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Solid Oil Lips - Although I'm not a fan of pot lips balms, where you have to dip your finger in, this is a beautiful balm for night time. If you've followed me for a while now, you'll know I'm a big fan of this scent in the body butter and pretty much love most of the Wild Argan Oil Collection, so this was a no brainer for me as it's a lovely thick luxury balm.

April Favourites 2015 featuring Benefit, Bobbi Brown and Models Own

April Favourites

Another month has passed and oh my it's May already! I don't know about you but I'm ready for some Summer, it's been too long. April has been a month of discovering new products and today I am sharing with you some of the products that I have really taken a shine too.

What's been your go to makeup product for April? Leave me a comment down below or tweet me.

1. Organix Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo & Conditioner
2. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter
3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh
4. Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara
5. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
6. Maybelline Sensational Lipstick in Power Peony
7. MUA Velvet Lip Lacquer in Aflush
8. Models Own Nail Polish in Lilac Icing
9. Jacket Earrings from Miss Selfridge and River Island
10. H&M Gym Leggings
11. Buff Bunny - Heidi Somers
Instagram - Buff Bunny

Product Empties and Products I Regret Buying!

Product Empties and Products I Regret Buying

Hey guys, I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! Over the past couple of months I have accumulated quite a few product empties, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to do another empties and products I regret buying video. Every empties video I do, I always try to feature new products I've used up to give you a final mini review on what I really thought on a product and if I would re-purchase them again.

Is there any products you've regretted buying recently, let me know in the comments below or tweet me.

1. The Body Shop Almond Body Butter

2. The Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter
3. The Body Shop Glazed Apple Body Butter
4. Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion
5. Victoria's Secret Moonlight Dream Body Lotion
6. Treacle Moon Warm Cinnamon Nights Shower Gel
7. Colgate Max White One Mouth Wash in Sensational Mint
8. Johnsons Baby Shampoo 500ml
9. Organix Macadamia Oil Conditioner
10. Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser
11. Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Water
Garnier Micellar Water - http://pinkparadisebeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/quick-review-garnier-micellar-water.html
12. Nivea 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Water
13. Rimmel Wonderfull Mascara with Argan Oil
14. Tarte, Lights, Camera Lashes Mascara
15. Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara
16. MAC Clear Brow Gel
17. MAC Eye shadows in Omega and Brule
18. Maybelline The Eye Eraser

Stocking Filler and Gift Guide Ideas Under £15 featuring Nails, Beauty and Lifestyle Ideas!

Stocking Filler and Gift Guide Ideas Under £15!

Going on the theme of affordable gift giving, it can be a hard, stressful task to go traipsing around the shops wondering what to get everyone and worrying about how much it's all going to cost! I wanted to share with you a few gifts that could be stocking filler or general gift ideas that are all under £15! So if your looking for gifts for a girly girl, makeup lover, nail junkie, coffee addict or a make-up beginner then there could be something here to help take the stress out of the festive period!

Products mentioned:
1. Christmas Nail Files - Primark £1
2. Christmas Wash Cloths - Primark £1 each
3. Macaroon Lip Gloss - Primark £1
4. Christmas Sticker Decals - Sally's Salon Services 95p http://www.sallyexpress.com/beauty-secrets-candy-cane-nail-stickers/
5. Fashion Nails - Primark £1
6. COLAB Dry Shampoo - Superdrug or Feelunique.com
- Large £3.49
- Small £1.99
7. Robin Socks (2 pack) - Primark £2.50
8. Reindeer Socks - River Island £3 http://www.riverisland.com/women/accessories/tights--socks/Beige-Rudolph-novelty-ankle-socks-661881
9. Snow Fairy Limited Edition Shower Gel - Lush £3.75 100g
https://www.lush.co.uk/products/shower-gels-jellies/snow-fairy
Primark and Lush Haul Video - http://youtu.be/qKTbx59C-iI
10. Tanya Burr Date Night Lashes - Superdrug & Feelunique.com
11. Smokey Look Kit - NYX Cosmetics £11 www.nyxcosmetics.co.uk
12. Glazed Apple Body Butter - The Body Shop £13http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/gifts/glazed-apple.aspx#/glazed-apple.aspx
13. Gwen Stefani Mini Holiday Stars - O.P.I £14.50
14. Nordic Collection Mini's - O.P.I £14.50
http://www.opiuk.com/
15. Starbucks Acrylic Tumbler - Starbucks - £10 http://www.starbucks.co.uk/
16. Mint Green Tumbler - VSPink - £13 https://www.victoriassecret.com/
17. Santa Limited Edition Coffee Cup - Costa £7.95
https://christmas.costa.co.uk/ceramic-cups

My Dry Skin Essentials featuring The Body Shop

Dry Skin Essentials

I recently did a post on my Winter Lip Essentials as it is that time of the year where we need to take care of our bodies more than ever. With the heating on full blast and the cold bitter days outside it certainly takes it's toll, so I defiantly like to have a good routine in place to soothe my dry, scaly skin!

What are your dry skin essentials? Tweet me www.twitter.com/laurappbeauty

1. This for me is crucial, exfoliating is the best for getting rid of the dead skin to reveal the new glowing skin. I love exfoliating gloves as they are easy and quick, I usually do this twice a week in the shower. If your looking for something with a grit then a body scrub is for you, there is so many out there but the one that never fails me is my DIY scrub simply made of sugar, honey and oil.

2. Next up is replenishing the body with moisture and I love a thick buttery body butter especially The Body Shop ones, they the trick perfectly, but as they are so thick I tend to use these at night so they have time to sink in well. My favourite is the Shea Butter but I am currently using the Vitamin E one which is perfect for dry skin and has a light scent.

3. When I shower in the morning I have to moisturise after other wise my skin feels tight and dry so I have to have a day moisturiser on hand that sinks in quickly and feel light on the skin. I am currently using this Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing* lotion which is especially targeted for dry skin and smells so fresh and clean.

*The Vaseline moisturiser was sent to me for review consideration

Winter Night Routine

A good beauty night routine is just as important as a morning one, which is why I like to have a regimented routine that I try to stick to each night. That said being a women is defiantly not easy! especially when there is so many lotions and potions you can use to enhance our natural beauty but it is sometimes hard remembering what to use when etc. that's why it's important for me to stick to a routine so I don't miss anything out! Here's an insight into my Winter Night Routine.

Do you stick to a beauty regime or just go with the flow? Tweet me www.twitter.com/laurappbeauty

Product Empties & Products I Regret Buying!

Product Empties & Products I Regret Buying

I've not done one of these in a while as I haven't had loads of empties and wanted to make it worth while for you guys. For me even if I buy something and I'm not too keen on it, I do like to use it up as it's a waste, this helps me make my decision fully if I would buy it again. Hope this helps out some of you when making future purchases!
What's your current favourite Beauty Product you buy again and again?

My Winter Lip Essentials featuring EOS and Lush

Winter Lip Essentials

As the nights draw in and it's gets colder outside, it's that time of year where we wrap up in blankets, light a candle and turn up the heating. I always find all of this doesn't do any favours for our skin especially the lips, so it's important to have a good skin and lip routine in place.
I wanted to share with you my Winter Lip Essentials.

Do you use any of the products I featured? Join the conversation below or tweet me at www.twitter.com/laurappbeauty

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

1. Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - Dry lips can be a pain and the best thing for them is to scrub the dryness away, my favourite lip scrub has to be Lush Bubblegum, who doesn't love this?! it smells delicious and is an all sugar scrub that does the job with ease.

EOS Lip Balm

2. EOS Lip Balm in Blueberry - This is my go to day lip balm, I like these and the Balmi ones as they are hygienic. They have a screw top lid and you don't need to dip your fingers in to use them, they are just the perfect little convenience lip balm, plus they look cute in your bag or on your vanity too!

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Lip Balm

3. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Lip Balm - I got this a few months back and have really been loving the Wild Argan Oil range from the Body Shop, this is a thick luxurious lip balm which I think it's perfect for night time. It moisturizes my lips throughout the night so I wake up with soft, smooth lips.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - This has been a staple in my make-up bag for years, it's a great multi-tasker especially for the lip area when you have sore, chapped lips, it helps heal and soothe them back to life, a must have in any bathroom cabinet!

My Top 13 of 2013 - Featuring Beauty & Nail Favourites

Another year has past and it's been another great year for discovering new products and re-discovering old products! Here's my 2013 round up of my Top 13 Beauty & Nail Products.

I hope everyone has a Healthy, Happy, Beautiful 2014!

My Top 13 of 2013 by pinkparadisebeauty featuring Bare Escentuals

1. Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mist - I was so excited for the arrival of two Victoria's Secret stores to land in the UK as I am a big fan of everything in there especially there Body Spray's and Lotion's so to my excitement I can now pick up the most gorgeous smelling scents to douse myself in and feel like a VS Angel!
http://www.victoriassecret.com/sale/beauty/fragrance-mist-vs-fantasies?ProductID=6351&CatalogueType=OLS

2. Bare Minerals Original Foundation - This is one of my all time favourite Foundation's which I first discovered on QVCUK, it is a powder foundation that you buff into the skin, it gives me a flawless complexion, hides any imperfections, is natural and has a dewy finish that makes my skin glow whenever I wear it.
http://www.bareminerals.co.uk/ORIGINAL-SPF-15 Foundation/UKMasterSPF15Found,default,pd.html
http://www.qvcuk.com/bareMinerals-SPF-15-Foundation-8g.product.229113.html?sc=229113-DRIL&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-20-_-229113

3. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - This has been my most used palette this year, I just love how you can use it for day or night looks and you can go as natural or as dark as you want, the colours are so versatile.
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123932010699_-1

4. Maybelline Color Tattoo - Maybelline are fast becoming my all time drugstore brand, they have come out with some great releases this year alone and my favourite coloured eye primer by far is my ever growing selection of Color Tattoo's, these out do my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Eyeshadow's by a mile! I love them because they are affordable, have a great colour selection, last all day, don't crease and they look amazing under any complimenting eye shadow.
http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-EyeStudio-Color-Tattoo-24hr-Cream-Gel-Eyeshadow_1253778/

5. Loreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution - I am yet to try the famous Bioderma as one thing that has always put me of is the price. Over the past year the drugstore has cottoned onto the micellar hype and in it's path followed many great dupes for Bioderma. I discovered the Loreal version, which has become a staple to my night time skincare routine and it's affordable too.
http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Paris-Skin-Perfection-3-in-1-Purifying-Micellar-Solution-200ml_1299734/

6. Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara - I first saw this in the YouTube Beauty community some loved it some hated it, but I think sometimes you have to give a go yourself to really know if it suits you or not, thankfully I love this mascara and cannot live without it's very similar to Lancome Hypnose Drama but with a more purse friendly price tag! I think this is actually better than Lancome's and I actually think Maybelline Mascara's in general are hard to beat.
http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Volum-Express-The-Mega-Plush-Mascara_1379506/

7. Gucci Rush Perfume - A nostalgic classic I used to wear as a teenager, this was my signature going out scent and a perfume I have fallen back in love with, it's deep, lasts & makes me feel expensive!
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/gucci/gucci/rush/2140

8. MAC Rebel Lipstick - As mentioned in my December Favourites I finally found the confidence to wear a dark lip and this has been my go to lipstick staple for the Fall and Winter.
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/310/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Lipstick/index.tmpl

9. Essie Naughty Nautical - One of my favourite colours of the Summer, Naughty Nautical is a pretty turquoise green with a hint of subtle sparkle and was my most worn polish of the year.
http://www.essie.com/search.aspx?q=naughty%20nautical

10. The Body Shop Shea Body Butter - One of my all time favourite moisturisers I like to use at night, the Shea smells divine, luxurious and leaves your skin super smooth, I do advise using these body butters at night though as they are pretty thick and oily, but nevertheless gorgeous!
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/bath-body-care/body-moisturisers/shea-body-butter.aspx

11. O.P.I - Lights to Emerald City - I loved this quirky glitter filled with iridescent sparkle & white squares, it looked beautiful on top of any polish, such a beautiful mix.

12. Maybelline Baby Lips - Another genius product from Maybelline, they look great in your bag or on your vanity, come in lots of different flavours and moisturise & protect the lips with some of them giving a lovely wash of colour.

13. Benefit Hervana - This blusher is my go to blusher, it suits any look and skin tone and is the perfect mix of pink, peach and neutral, it's just an all round amazing universal blush, I love it!