Maxfactor false lash effect fusion mascara review

As a brand, Maxfactor are well know for their mascaras, and I would go so far as to say this is their best mascara yet!

Like the original false lash mascara, this one has a chunky brush with short stiff bristles. The formula is relatively thick, so clings to lashes well, but without any clumps. I usually apply 2 coats for a daytime look. On me, it doesn't quite reach a false lash effect, but it it does visibly volumise and add a subtle length to my eyelashes.

However what impressed me the most, was how long lasting the mascara was. Despite not being a waterproof formula, once it dries, it doesn't smudge or flake at all. As for removal, it comes off easily with any eye make up remover or cream cleanser.

Overall, a great mascara for volumising lashes, and I would highly recommend this (if like myself) you struggle to find one that lasts through the day without smudging.

Have you tried any of the Maxfactor mascaras? Which brand do you usually buy?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

Source

Hope you have a great day, filled with lots

of love, laughter and yummy festive food! x

Last minute Christmas gift guide

With just 3 days to go until Christmas, here's a last minute gift guide if you're still looking for some ideas:

This Liz Earle shampoo has been 6 years in the making, but having tried it out, it is definitely worth the wait. Not only does it smell gorgeous, it leaves hair feeling soft and silky. Best of all, it still foams up easily despite being SLS free. The Botanical shine gift set also includes a conditioner of your choice.

Hand creams are a must have, especially during the winter, and this Happy hands trio includes 3 different scents to try out. I'd say hand creams are one of L'occitane's star products, and as they're all mini (30ml) sized, the lucky recipient can even keep one in her handbag for moisturising on the go!

For toiletries with a touch of luxury, look no further than Molton Brown. The Prismatic gift set contains a shower gel, body scrub and body lotion, all beautifully wrapped up in a presentation box. Perfect for someone who deserves a treat or is in need of some pampering.

Fragrance can be a little tricky, but as long as you choose the right perfume, they'd make a lovely present. Plus gift sets are great value compared to just buying the perfume alone. I'd highly recommend Boss orange and Marc Jacobs Lola.

Gu are well know for their luxury puddings, and this Christmas they've brought out some amazing gift sets. Both their Goody tin and Mug and hot chocolate set have a choice of chocolates and some stylish tableware to keep. Perfect for any chocoholic! (available from Boots)

Finally how cute is this Boux Avenue pyjama set! Having just come back from Australia, I can't help but fall in love with the cute koala bear and paw print design. Am really hoping Santa brings me this on Christmas day!

Have you finished all your Christmas shopping? Or will you be making a last minute dash to the shops? What presents are you hoping to find under the Christmas tree?

Christmas gift ideas from Nails Inc

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to win some Nails Inc prizes and as Christmas is just around the corner, I thought I'd show you my top 3 sets, as they'd all make a lovely gift idea:

As you may know, I love glittery polishes, and this Glitterati gift set contains 3 gorgeous colours: a sparkly silver, a deep purple and a festive gold. I can't wait to try these out, both by themselves and over a base colour!

Ideal for someone who likes to experiment with colour, the In crowd colour collection has 15 shades to choose from. I also like the fact that all the varnishes are mini (4ml) sized, simply because I have yet to finish a full sized polish.

Finally, I had to include the Wonderobe just for it's packaging! Wrapped up like a wardrobe with a pull out drawer underneath, it contains 6 wearable shades, as well as a mini top coat and nail file.

All available from nailsinc.com, with free delivery and a free gift when you spend over £40.

What do you think about these gift sets? Are you hoping for some new polishes this Christmas?

Sleek The berry collection review and swatches

Released as a limited edition gift set, the berry collection features a kohl pencil, blusher and lipstick, all packaged together in a festive red box.

All 3 products are intensely pigmented and as the name suggests, come in various shades of berry red.

For me the star product has to be the true colour lipstick in Cranberry. It looks rather brown in the bullet but applies to give a deep wine colour which I absolutely love! The lipstick has a matte finish but isn't at all drying.

lipstick, blush, kohl pencil

The blush in Fenberry gives a nice rosy flush to the cheeks. However it really is very pigmented so I'd recommend using a fluffy brush and applying with a light hand.

I'd describe the kohl pencil in Mossberry as a purple toned berry shade. Personally I wouldn't wear this colour as an eyeliner, but it does work well as a lipliner.

What do you think about this gift set? Do you have a lot of berry colours in your make up collection?

Disclosure- PR sample

Giveaway winner and Facebook page

Thank you to everyone who entered the Barefoot SOS giveaway. After numbering all valid entries, I used random.org to select a winner:

And the winner is...Becky!

Well done Becky, I've sent you an email and if you could reply asap with your address that would be great.

Also I just wanted to let you know that I've finally taken the plunge and created a Facebook page for Peonies and lilies. I'd love it if you could pop over and 'like' the page (if you want to of course). Looking forward to seeing you on there! :)

Christmas gift ideas from Yardley and Woods of Windsor

When it comes to presents, Yardley and Woods of Windsor are often overlooked, however this year, they've got some lovely gift ideas, all of which are extremely well priced:

Perfume sets make lovely gift ideas and this particular one retails for only £9.99 (currently on offer for £6.66). It comes in a range of scents but my top pick would have to be their new daisy fragrance. With a mixture of floral and fruit notes, it's light, fresh and perfect for everyday wear.

This fragrance pomander would make a lovely stocking filler. It comes with a choice of rose or lavender and it's such a pretty way to fragrance a room. It even comes with a ribbon attached so you can hang it on your Christmas tree. (RRP £9.95 currently 1/3 off)

Finally I love their new fine English soaps. The soaps are tripled milled and come beautifully wrapped with a choice of 4 scents. Fragrance wise, I highly recommend the Amber & myrrh one (RRP £4.95 each, currently 1/3 off).

Have you tried anything from Yardley or Woods of Windsor? Will you be buying any fragrance gifts this year?

Disclosure- PR samples

Christmas gift idea: Origins mask duo gift set

Exclusive to Boots, this gift set from Origins includes 2 of their best selling face masks- Drink up intensive overnight mask and Clear improvements charcoal mask.

Both face masks are creamy in texture and thick enough to allow for easy application without dripping everywhere. The clear improvement mask doesn't have much of a scent, whereas the drink up intensive mask has a lovely citrus fruit scent, making it a joy to use.

The charcoal mask needs to be left on till dried, and although the drink up intensive mask is designed to be left on overnight, it also works well as a 10minute treat for the skin.

As I have combination skin, I use the charcoal mask on my tzone, and the quenching mask on my cheeks. Afterwards, my skin is left feeling deep cleansed and hydrated, and looks plumped up and radiant - perfect for the festive season!

Overall, a great value gift set, ideal for anyone who has normal-combination skin.

Available exclusively from Boots, priced at £23.

Have you tried any Origins skincare? What will you be buying this Christmas?

Disclosure- PR sample

Giveaway - Barefoot SOS skincare

Frankie from pop band The Saturdays recently revealed she's a big fan of Barefoot products, and to celebrate, the company are giving away a skincare set to one lucky reader:

Soothing face and body wash (RRP £16)
A gentle non drying wash with Vitamin B5 and Allantoin to maintain skin moisture level, Evening primose and Jojoba oil to condition, Chickweed and Burdock extracts to cool and soothe. Plus Geranium and Lemon tea tree essential oils to create an enliving aroma.

Daily rich body lotion (RRP £22)
A silky smooth lotion containing Chickweed and Mallow extracts to cool and soothe, Shea butter for protection against the elements, Argan and Macadamia oils to nourish and Orange blossom and Lavender essential oils for a calming aroma.

For your chance to win:
- Simply leave a comment below, along with your email address.
- Be a follower of Peonies and lilies.
- UK entries only please.

The giveaway will end at 12pm on 14th December and
the prize will be sent directly by the PR company.

Good luck!

Christmas gift idea: Too faced glamour to go dream palette

As palettes go, this is definitely one of the prettiest one I've come across. Despite only being the size of a credit card, it opens up to reveal 8 eyeshadows, and has a pull out drawer at the bottom which contains a blusher, bronzer and lipgloss.

The palette includes a good range of colours, all of which are decently pigmented and wearable. The small size means it's ideal for popping into handbags, but the downside is that there are no brushes, so you will have to use fingers or carry a separate set of brushes.

Overall, a cute and versatile make up palette, which at £19, makes for a great gift idea without breaking the bank!

Available from Beautybay.com

Are you a fan of make up palettes or do you prefer individual pieces? Have you tried any Too faced make up?

Disclosure- PR sample

Freebie alert: Dove & Nails Inc

Nails Inc are becoming rather well known for teaming up with other high street brands, and this month, they're giving away 2 mini limited edition polishes when you spend £6 or more on Dove hand creams, body lotions or deodrants.

Pink Fizz- A muted sugary pink, perfect for a more neutral daytime look.

Mulled Wine- A deep burgandy/wine colour, one of my favourite
shades for Autumn/Winter

The polishes are 4mls each, and will be available from Larger Boots stores until 27th December (whilst stocks last).

Are you a fan of Nails Inc polishes? What do you think about the new colours?

Christmas gift idea: DP London Pearl Lowe mini candle set

Can you believe it's December already?? This year has gone by far too quickly! With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I'd do a mini series of gift ideas, starting today with this gorgeous set of candles from DP London:

Packaged in a luxurious white box with a ribbon tie, the gift set includes 3 50g candles, all of which are 100% natural, made up of only EcoSoya and Beeswax.

Citrus fruits- a sparkling blend of Sicilian lemon, Brazalian orange,

Italian bergamont and root ginger.

Spiced punch- a mix of bergamont, orange peel, cedarwood, cinammon,
cloves, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla.

White flowers- a rich blend of jasmine, Moroccan roses and orange blossom.

When lit, each candle fills the room with a beautifully decadent scent, which gently lingers even after the candle has been put out. Of the 3, my favourite has to be citrus fruit, although come Christmas time, I will be using spiced punch as it smells exactly like a welcoming mug of mulled wine.

Overall, a beautifully presented gift set, perfect for anyone who wants a touch of luxury in their life.

Available from DPLondon.com, priced at £30.

Are you a fan of scented candles? What do you think about this gift set?

Disclosure- PR sample