Origins Face Mask Trio

Three Origins Masks for £20

A couple of weeks ago whilst browsing the Boots website, I spotted an amazing, amazing deal that is still available if you act fast... three 75ml Origins masks for £20 instead of £50 (get the deal here).  Of course, being a sucker for a good deal, the set went straight into my basket and without any hesitation I checked out.
    First of all, I was really impressed with the Boots' delivery service.  I had never used it before as I usually buy products in store where I can test and swatch until my heart's content, however the deal was too good to miss out on so I thought I'd give delivery a go; the package arrived just three days after I made my order!
    The set contains three of Origins' most popular face masks; Drink up intensive, Out of Trouble and Clear Improvement.
    "Drink up Intensive" is an overnight mask which aims to 'quench the skins thirst'.  My skin isn't overly dry or dehydrated, but I am prone to dullness and a few random dry patches here and there.  I really liked the sound of this mask to perk up my dull looking skin, especially as I had never tried an overnight mask before so it was something completely new.  I applied the mask after cleansing and left it on over night as directed.  It really is just like a moisturiser and sinks into the skin straight away, so there isn't any chance of you getting any mess over your bedding.  When I woke up my skin looked plumper and generally like I had had more than 7 hours sleep! Top marks for Drink up Intensive.
    "Out of Trouble" is a super speedy 10 minute mask which uses natural soothing oils to 'rescue problem skin'.  I've been using this mask twice to even three times a week on some annoying, stubborn blemishes on my chin and I've definitely seen results.  Although the blemishes didn't completely disappear on first use, the redness was bought down considerably and they just didn't look as angry.
    Finally, "Clear Improvement" was the mask I was most excited to use as I had heard so many great things about it.  It uses active charcoal to help clear pores and remove any deep down dirt.  I use this mask all over my face after cleansing and honestly my skin has never felt so clean.  I leave it on for around twenty minutes to half an hour (until it has completely dried) and then use a muslin cloth and warm water to gently wipe it off.  I love how soft this has made my skin and I have definitely noticed the pores around my nose looking much smaller.
    My skin has been looking so much clearer and brighter since I've been using these masks, and I am so glad I spotted that deal on the Boots website.  Only problem now is that I will have to repurchase them all when I run out...

Have you tried any of these Origins Masks?  What did you think?

Amour, Ellie xxx

Pretty Spring Lip: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss and Lipstick

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick and Lipgloss in 'Kiss Me Coral'

For me, along with glorious sunshine, the moment the highlighting pink blushers (see here) and bright lipsticks are bought to the front of the make-up stash, are the first signs that spring has sprung.  This is the transition that I have made over the past few days, and it is very easy to say that I am now in full spring mode.
    You can read about my favourite nude lip products here, however, this post is dedicated to my most worn spring lip combo- Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick (£7.49) and Lipgloss (£6.99) in 'Kiss Me Coral'. In my eyes, when paired together, they create the most perfect orangey-red bright lip and are perfect for spring time.
    I love that the formula of the lipstick isn't too matte, but has a lovely sheen when applied; I find matte lipsticks can feel quite heavy during spring and summer.  I love wearing this shade quite liberally for a really bright, bold look, however it can also be dabbed and patted on for a more subtle pop of colour.
    Usually I'm not one to apply a lip gloss, as quite often they're really sticky and whenever the wind blows, my hair gets stuck all over my lips- yuck!  The Super Lustrous Lip Gloss isn't sticky at all and really feels like you have applied a balm rather than a gloss.  Don't be fooled by the amount of shimmer in the bottle, because once on the lips it creates a really lovely, juicy look.
    As if Revlon needs any more praise, I just need to mention the packaging.  I love the look of all products from Revlon as they are always very sleek and feel really luxurious to carry round and use; plus, the best thing is that they are half the price of most high-end lip products.

Orange will definitely be my most worn lip colour for spring time, what's yours? Have you tried anything from the Super Lustrous range?

Amour, Ellie xxx

Product Review: Max Factor Creme Puff Blush

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush (£8.99)

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of hype around the new Max Factor 'Creme Puff Blushers' (£8.99) and have even been compared to the 'Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushers' (£28). In general, I'm really not a huge blusher wearer, and tend to stick to warming up my face with bronzer. When I spotted Max Factor's new blushers, I couldn't resist popping a pot of the beautiful, swirly colours into my basket.
    There are a total of six shades to choose from, ranging from pale mauvey pinks to deep berries.  I picked up the shade 'Seductive Pink', a gorgeous traditional pink with a gold highlight streaming through it.  The powders are so finely milled and the multi-tonal pigments illuminate and liven up the skin without looking too shimmery or sparkly.
    The colour I chose is really quite subtle but can definitely be built upon to for a brighter pop of colour; perfect for spring time.  Baked blushers are incredibly easy to wear and blend perfectly onto your cheekbones, while the subtle highlight helps lift the whole make-up look.  I like to apply the blush with my Zoeva angled brush, as it picks up just the right amount and is the perfect size for my cheeks. (A full review of the Zoeva brushes will be up on Amourellie soon!)
    All in all, the Max Factor has definitely converted me to the world of blusher, and I cant wait to test out some of the other shades!

Have you tried the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushers yet? What did you think?

Amour, Ellie xxx

Product Review: Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Concealer

Instant Anti-Age Concealer (£7.99)

For many months, I listened to raving reviews about the Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Concealer (£7.99), but was never convinced by the seemingly unhygienic sponge-like applicator.  Whilst browsing the aisles of Boots a while back, the little bottle caught my eye, and since I really have never tried anything like it before, I decided to finally give it a whirl.

   

 Of course, this concealer was worth all the hype.

    Despite my first thoughts about fluffy sponge applicator, it really is no different to using a regular dough-foot applicator that comes with most concealers.  I did find, however, that the sponge can often apply too much product underneath my eyes and starts to crease and look cakey; to prevent this, I put some product on the back of my hand and dab it on using my ring finger.

    The consistency is beautifully light and covers any signs of dark circles with hardly any product at all.  The concealer bends so easily and doesn't settle in any fine lines (although I would still recommend setting with powder!).  I use the shade 'light' and pat it on in a triangle shape to lift, brighten, and fool the world into thinking that I have had a perfect 9 hours sleep.  Not only great is it for hiding dark circles, but the natural consistency means it is also really good for covering redness around my nose and any pesky blemishes I may have.
    Overall, Maybelline have hit the nail on the head with this release, and I don't think I need to be trying any other under eye concealers for quite a while!

Have you ever tried this concealer? What did you think?

Amour Ellie xxx

Liebster Award

The mess that takes place while blogging...

Today's post is a little different from my usual beauty orientated topics, as I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Kelsey (https://kelseybarker1999.blogspot.co.uk), thank you!  This award was originally created to help acknowledge new bloggers and welcome them to the community.  Today, the award also helps like minded people get to know the blogger behind the keyboard a little better.

These are the rules-
1) Link the people who tagged you
2) Answer the questions given by the nominator
3) Nominate your favourite blogs with under 200 followers
4) Create 11 new questions
5) Make sure they know they've been nominated via social media or their blog!
Simple!

Kelseys Questions-

How old are you?
  20, and I still can't get used to saying it.
Why did you start your blog?
  I have loved reading other peoples blogs since around 2012, when the blogging world really started to blow up.  It was reading these blogs that sparked my definite passion for anything beauty, fashion, or lifestyle related, and gave me the confidence to start up my own blog.  I've had quite a few blogs over the years, but I've never been committed enough or felt the right motivation to continue writing, until now. So, those accounts have long been deactivated, and Amourellie was created.
What is your favourite food?
  Mum's shepards pie.  Didn't even need to think about that one.
How many posts do you do a week?
  At the moment, two; Thursday and Sunday!  But I'm thinking of posting on Tuesdays too...what do you guys think?
What social media do you use the most?
  Since having my blog, definitely Twitter.  I'll never stop loving Instagram though! (Plug: follow me! @elliemaesilvey )
Favourite hot drink?
  PG Tips tea with a splash of milk
Any special talents?
  Does doing a headstand and drinking a glass of water count as 'special'?
Where would you like to travel to?
  Too many places to possibly list...lets just say, everywhere.
Sing or dance?
  I'm definitely a dancer, but am partial to a little shower time sing song (who isn't?!)
Describe yourself in one word?
  Excitable
Future goals for your blog?
  I don't have a list of goals to be honest.  I'm looking forward to seeing how my blog changes as I change as a person.

My Questions for you!

1) What inspired you to start blogging?
2) What is the best meal you have ever had?
3) Where is your favourite place in the world?
4) Which celebrity would you most like to have for dinner?
5) What is your favourite thing about blogging?
6) Go out partying or cosy night in?
7) What are your goals for 2015?
8) What is your favourite type of post to write? Why?
9) What job did you want when you were little?
10) What is your worst habit?
11) What has been your biggest achievement?


I've tagged a few of my current favourite blogs- pippibee, verybecca, hellolaura, gemmacarey, lacoconoire and A Girl Obsessed

Violet Plum Jewellery

Midnight Ring (£4.95)

Based in Buckinghamshire, Violet Plum Jewellery is a small online shop with big ideas.  The brand aims to bring together different designs and designers from all over the world, each sharing a passion for whimsical, interesting and unique jewellery.  Why spend hours sifting through numerous websites looking for that perfect necklace, when all you could ever want can be found in one place?

    Jasmin, the founder of Violet Plum, has always had a strong belief that jewellery can help women express themselves; they are free to show their personalities while feeling empowered and confident.  Jasmin lives in a small town where she has gained inspiration from long walks through the fields and form independent shops and businesses.  She has always dreamt of launching her own jewellery shop, and with the help of her partner's two sisters, dedicated graphic designers and a top photographer, her dream has become reality.
    The highly anticipated website launch is happening today! (1st March 2015); you can now browse and buy until your heart's content! Show your support and visit their website www.violet-plum.co.uk to view their range of beautiful jewellery. To celebrate this exciting event, Violet Plum is giving away a 10% discount code for a limited time only (ends at midnight).  To claim your discount, type 'LAUNCH10' in the final stages of checkout.
    You can also follow Violet Plum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where you can be kept up to date with offers and new releases!

Top, Left, Right, Bottom- Glitter Quartz Ring (£4.95), Rose Quartz Necklace (£9.95), Gold Crescent Ring (£4.95), Pumpkin Bead Bracelet (£14.95)