Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz // Review

I love the idea of using natural products in my skincare routine. The thought of applying products that are filled with chemicals and unnecessary ingredients bothers me. I do not see the point of using bad ingredients when there are alternate options that don't cost the earth! (both literally and metaphorically).

With this ethos in mind, my first port of call was the Boots Botanics line, and in particular, the organic range. This range is free from parabens and is made using natural plant ingredients that have been approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It certainly sounds impressive but the important thing is do the products work?

The first product that I trialled from the line was the Rosewater Toning Spritz. This is a 100% organic toning spritz that you spray onto your face to cleanse and refresh. Personally I like to spray this product on liberally after cleansing and remove the excess with a cotton pad. This product is great to use just before bed or even in the morning before applying make-up. It leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and prepped for the day without being at all harsh or stripping.

I found the toning spritz both refreshing and effective in removing any last traces of makeup. The scent is delightfully rose, but in no way artificial, just very natural and pure. This product only contains five ingredients; Aqua (water), Alcohol denat., Glycerin, Rosa Damascena flower oil, Citronellol. Plus it is 100% organic. Simple.

I thoroughly enjoyed using this product and would definitely repurchase it. I think that it is reasonably priced and contains good natural ingredients so I did not feel guilty spritzing this liberally all over my face! I found that the bottle lasted a good amount of time, especially considering that I was using this daily. The spray bottle is easy to use and it dispensed just the right amount of liquid - no case of unnecessarily drenched faces here! 

The Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz retails for £4.99 for 150ml. The Botanics range often has regular offers available so keep a look out if you're interested in trying anything from the line. The Botanics line is available from both Boots stores and online. 

I will be reviewing more Botanics products in near future so keep an eye-out if you are interested in what else is available in the range. What do you think about Organic skincare? Have you tried anything from Boots Botanics? Let me know in the comments below!

Boots 17 Blow Out Volumising Mascara // Review

Now it's no secret that I love mascara. I love the way it can lengthen and volumise my lashes, transforming my look with minimal effort. Mascara without a doubt would be the makeup item I would choose if told I could only choose one item. However, as much as I love my mascara I struggle to stay faithful to one brand. I often find myself trying out new brands, new formulas and new promises on the quest for perfect eyelashes. 

The latest contender in my quest was the Boots 17 Blow Out, volumise, sculpt, tease mascara in Blackest Black (why are mascara names always such a mouthful?!). Firstly I love the packaging - it's bright, chunky, playful and easily spotted in my messy makeup bag. Thanks for saving me time rummaging around trying to find my mascara in the morning Boots 17!

This mascara claims to 'blow lashes out of all proportion.' To me this phrasing is quite humorous as I am not sure anyone would want their lashes 'blown', but nonetheless it is quite a claim from 17. The formula contains vitamin E and Argan oil which supposedly boots lash body and creates long lasting lift. 

Despite the silly phrasing, this mascara does a fantastic job at volumising lashes. It makes my lashes look incredibly thick and full, certainly living up to the packaging's promises.

The brush is on the large side, but not un-user friendly. I find that the brush coats my lashes with just the right amount of product without excessive clumping. Two coats and I'm ready to go! This mascara lasts all day on me and I haven't experienced any problems with flaking or smudging, yet it can be easily removed at the end of the day. The product itself is unscented and incredibly pigmented, leaving you with lovely dark lashes. It is also comfortable to wear and doesn't leave your lashes feeling weighty or crispy like some mascaras can. 

So what's the verdict? I love this mascara. So much in fact, that I have already repurchased another tube, something that is very rare for my unfaithful mascara habits. Could this be the ultimate mascara for me? -- possibly. However I am not sure I'll be giving up my quest for perfect eyelashes just yet, so stay tuned! 

17 Blow Out mascara retails for £6.29 for 12ml and is available from Boots stores and online. Do you have a favourite mascara? If so let me know in the comments below as I am always looking for more suggestions!

Topshop Lipstick in Rio Rio // Review

This is my first Topshop makeup purchase. After hearing lots of good things about Topshop's makeup range for ages, I finally gave it a go! 

I picked up the lipstick in Rio Rio which is a gorgeous vibrant orangey-red shade. I do not own anything similar in my lipstick collection as I tend to opt for blue toned reds rather than orange toned, but I have to say that I am certainly converted! I never thought the bright orange toned reds would suit my casper-like skin tone, however I think that this particular shade would suit a variety of skin tones from pale to dark, and everything in between. The lipstick provides a bright pop of colour and is the perfect shade of red for summer parties, festivals and sipping Pimm's (we can be hopeful!). On my lipstick swatching spree I made an exciting discovery - Rio Rio is a very good match for MAC's  infamous Lady Danger. So if you are looking for a budget friendly dupe, Rio Rio may be the answer to your lipstick dreams!  

The lipstick itself has a matte finish which not only intensifies the pigmentation but also the lasting power. I wore this lipstick for approximately 8 hours and only reapplied it once! Although not as classically matte as Lady Danger, this could be seen as an advantage as Rio Rio did not dry out my lips as many mattes can and felt comfortable to wear.

Having heard rumours that this is one of Liv Tyler's favourite lipsticks, I have to say that I am not surprised. This is a truly lovely lipstick and has quickly become the favourite in my collection! I am thoroughly impressed with my first experience of Topshop's makeup selection and will certainly be trying out more of their products in the near future. I am already eyeing up their lovely looking cream highlighter!

Topshop lipsticks retail at £8.00 and are available to buy from Topshop stores as well as online. Have you tried any Topshop makeup products? If so please leave a comment with your recommendations!