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Chanel Tattoos – Fashion that’s hard to Swallow

It’s been exactly 6 months and 1 day since I wrote my last post. I have been in hibernation.  I’m normally not that bothered by winter but this one has been so cold and grey. Npower (bless them) have even been nice enough to up my monthly direct debit because I wanted to keep warm the last few months. My skin, I have to say is dry and parched and needs a good scrub. Just when things couldn’t look worse I opened my new issue of American beauty magazine Allure to find this!

Call me crazy, call me old, say I’m not down with the kids but ewww! I don’t get it. I thought temporary tattoos went out in the early 90’s. Now if they were just for the fashion show then maybe but for a bargain price of £49 you can get your very own set.  You get 55 temporary tatts in a lovely black box.  I thought swallow tattoos were more council estate chic than runway chic. There is a big buzz around these as they are limited edition.  I can imagine all of the teenage fashionistas have ravaged the Chanel counter at Selfridges in a rugby tackle to get their manicured mits on a set. More money than sense I say! But for those who have all ready purchased said black box here is a how to guide for applying your tramp stamps:

Bargain Beauty: Soap & Glory

I’ve seen on some news report that apparently the recession is over? I don’t know about you but I’m still skint as I ever was. The one thing I never like to compromise on when it comes to budgeting is beauty. I’d rather eat beans on toast for a month than go without beauty products. It’s a good thing I don’t have children or else Social Services would be around my house and my only saving grace would be that my kids would have great skin! The founder of the Bliss range created the Soap and Glory range for her cash strapped sis-tahs.  The bottles and tubes are cute and kitsch with ’so bad they’re good’ puns written on them. Here are some of my faves from the extensive range:

Scrub Your Nose In It Face Scrub 125ml

This claims to help refine large pores and prevent blemishes. My pores are the size of the Grand Canyon. I swear they can be seen from space. Anything that would claim to refine, shrink or erase them would be a miracle product.

This has a lovely texture with fine mild scrubbing action. It would be difficult to damage your skin as this is quite gentle which I did not expect. The smell and appearance is like tooth paste which some how seems to work. It does make your skin feel clean and mattified afterwards. It can also be used as a mask if you leave it on for a few minutes longer.

Contains: Kaolin

Some Like It Hot Body Softening Thermal Scrub 200ml

I love thermal scrubs. They remind me of my trip to the Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland. This has a pink gooey consistency that I would class as a moderate scrub. It’s best used on damp skin to get the full effect of the warming thermal action. The scent has quite a fresh smell reminiscent of summers at the swimming pool. It also has a mattifying effect on the skin and skin is left feeling warm and purified. It rinses away on the skin really well and doesn’t leave a ring around the tub.

Contains: Macadamia oil, white sand grains

Butter Up Special Dry Skin Spa Formula Deluxe Body Smoothing Cream 200ml

What a mouthful! I as a rule can’t stand body butters but the smell of this made me buy it. It reminds me of orange creamsicles or tropical Soleros. My main issue with body butters (especially used in the summer months) are they are quite heavy and just sit on the skin. I suppose I never have dry enough skin to get the full effect of body butters but this one sinks into the skin and absorbs pretty much straight away. It works really well on dry chapped elbows which if you work in an office like me is a constant problem. I’m always putting my elbows on my desk whilst on the phone or staring at the computer trying to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing. As a result the thin skin on the elbow gets scuffed and it can be quite difficult to get rid of the roughness once it sets in. I used this week for several weeks and it has really helped soothe and smooth that area.

Contains: Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil

Verdict

The range is definitely cheap and cheerful. I say this not to put you off but you get what you pay for. If you are used to using more expensive treatments then you may be disappointed with the results/smell/texture of these goodies. Part of their charm is the packaging so they are ideal for gifts for young adults or friends/relatives that are in need of a skincare regime (and all the hints you’ve dropped haven’t worked).

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom

Philip B Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath 350ml

Today I’m feeling cold and cranky. Summer is definitely over (well what little summer we did have on these fabulous British Isles). I’m listening to Sunlight by DJ Sammy and all that is doing is making me wish I could chuck my job in and move to the Balearics and get a bar job. I’ve [...]

Bliss Fat Girl Scrub 248g

FAT. Along with all the other obvious (and worse) swear words that you normally hear in the school yard the word ‘Fat’ can stop you in your tracks. You don’t care if someone calls your mum a drunk or if someone accuses your dad of being a dole scrounger,but if someone calls you fat [...]

Cowshed Grumpy Cow Uplifting Shower Gel & Body Lotion 300ml

Anyone who has had the pleasure of my company first thing in morning could tell you what a charming vibrant person I am upon rising to a new day. My relatives, friends, co-workers, boyfriends past and present could regale you with tales of my effervescent conversation and good-natured demeanour. The new morning fills me [...]

Hei Poa Gel Douche Bain Au Monoi Tiare 150ml

Close your eyes. Imagine yourself on some faraway tropical island. You feel the warm turquoise coloured south seas lap at your feet as they slowly sink into the sparkling sand. The mild breeze is permeated  with the scent of beautiful exotic flowers. You hear drumbeats in the distance as the beautiful [...]