Review: Ginvera Whitening Marvel Gel

I was recently contacted by Ginvera to try their BB Cream along with their Whitening Marvel Gel and as I am loving BB creams at the moment I was more than happy to give it a go as it was a brand I've not heard of before. Unfortunately I have been holding off reviewing the BB Cream as I can't say I can really give a fair review as I haven't been able to properly test it out. Reason being firstly the shade is far too dark for me and doesn't seem to blend well like other BB Creams I would say it's more like a foundation. Secondly the scent really puts me off - it has a very strong sickly scent that was bad enough putting on my hand never mind face bleurrghh!

Anyway....onto the Whitening Marvel Gel which is not a product I would ever consider buying as I don't wish to lighten my skin up I'd rather be darker!! However when Ginvera mentioned this was brilliant product to remove blackheads I was intrigued. I have tried all sorts to get rid of Blackheads around my nose (best are the Biore nose strips or simply using a hot cloth and scrub to deep clean) but I find nothing ever shifts them completely. 


The Ginvera Whitening Marvel Gel claims to:
1) Removes blackheads painlessly
2) Softens the cornified layer and gently removes dead skin cells
3) Refines pores and reveals finer, smoother skin
4) Fades pigmentation spots and acne scars 
5) Removes oil seeds around eye area 
6) Regulates and balances oil secretion, prevent pimples 
7) Evens out skin tone to give skin clarity
8) Dull and rough skin becomes smoother and fairer
9) Stimulates skin metabolism (?) skin becomes younger
10) Allows rapid and instant penetration of skincare products applied subsequently  


So I used a pea sized amount of the gel after cleansing and when my skin is dry and only applied it around my nose, as that's my only area of concern when it comes to blackheads. It has a herbal scent but nothing overpowering like their BB cream. It says it is safe to use on the eye area and to lighten dark circles but I don't think I would risk that. Not sure why but I'm funny about using products that don't say they are specifically for that area eg. I would never use something on my face that is meant for my body - even thought I'm sure its perfectly OK to do so.  

As you rub the gel in it clumps together and turns into flakes yet it doesn't feel like its exfoliating, there are no beads so feels very gentle and non-abrasive. I'm not sure if it's actually made any difference to removing blackheads, it's still early days, but it definitely does a good job of removing dead skin cells and leaves your skin silky smooth after use. My only gripe is it contains dimethicone (silicone oil) which can block your pores hmmm! As you all know I prefer to use natural skincare products on my skin and steer clear of harsh chemicals or silicones. Would be interested to hear if you have any experiences of using dimethicone on your skin? Have you tried anything from Ginvera? What do you find good to remove blackheads?

Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure

I went to the launch last week of the new Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure at W Hotel in London which are the ultimate night out beauty essential! The UK-based record label and music brand Hed Kandi has collaborated with Eylure to launch a collection of five false lashes to suit every style and look to give instant impact to your eyes. Whatever your partying preference, this collection of five covertable lashes will suit all of your clubbing and cosmetic needs. The falsies come with lash glue and are re-usable, so you are able to recreate your signature lash style on more than one occasion, ensuring your lash look lasts for as long as the music does!

Hed Kandi by Eylure Lashes in Twisted Disco (£6.50) give all over exaggeration to your lash length and volume, delivering a full-on flirtatious flutter for that enviable eye look. Ideal for accentuating a glamorous smokey eye, these lashes are pure party perfection and an essential for any lengthy night on the dance floor.

For sky-high sexiness and length that will put the other party goers to shame, Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure in Jet Set (£6.50) will add full throttle to your lashes. Lengthening and volumising, these beauties will make you party-ready in seconds, delivering a flawless lash look and shape that lasts as long as you do.

Inspired by the beach babes on Ibiza’s dazzling white coasts, Hed Kandi by Eylure Lashes in Disco Heaven (£6.50) provide a smoking hot lash look, whether you’re partying abroad or on home shores. Sliced into sections for a wet-eyed lash look, these fashion-forward lashes will ensure that you sizzle with sun-drenched, poolside glamour long after the sun goes down. 

Hed Kandi HQ is based in the world renowned clubbing capital of the world Ibiza, so what better way to celebrate its roots than with the dramatic Hed Kandi by Eylure in Ibiza (£6.50)! Giving a blue salute to the party isle, these bias-cut coloured lashes will add a fabulously fun yet flirty touch to any party outfit. 

The Seventies are credited with the birth of disco, so pay homage to the alluring golden age of club cool with Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure in Glitterball (£6.50). Whether you’re chatting over cocktails, hitting the hottest club or partying at a VIP preview, all girls worth their glamour get-up know a touch of disco is key, and these full on, luscious lashes are most certainly a classic club essential!

So whatever your dance-floor destination, London or Ibiza, live the fab life of the White Isle and look like a disco goddess with Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure – they’re pure party perfection.The range of Hed Kandi Lashes by Eylure (RRP £6.50) is available from Superdrug from March 2012. Are you a Hed Kandi fan?

Dalani Home & Living - Twin Competition

Dalani Home & Living is the UK’s leading shopping club whereby you can save up to 70% off RRP the best home ware brands for members. Membership to Dalani is absolutely free and members receive a daily newsletter letting you know what brands are on sale each day. Dalani are running two fantastic competitions for my readers: the chance to win a £50 voucher for taking part in Competition 1 and a £250 voucher if you take part in Competition 2! Not only that but all my Perfectly Polished readers will receive a £15 voucher if they sign up to the website!

Competition 1:

For the chance to win an exclusive £50 Dalani voucher, all you have to do is make sure you are a following Perfectly Polished and sign up to Dalani for free then email me your answer the Competition question below before the closing date 2/4/12 at 9AM. Not only that but you shall be rewarded with a £15 voucher for just signing up so everyone is a winner! Please email your answer to perfectlypolishednails@gmail.com with the subject line: Dalani Competition 1. The lucky winner shall be announced by 5/4/12.

Competition 1 Question: What is the name of the brand in the sale at the top of the Dalani homepage?

Competition 2:

Dalani are giving two lucky readers across all 36 participating blogs the chance to win a £250 voucher! To take part in the competition, simply visit the Dalani website and select a number of items of your choice to the value of £250 that you would like to use to revamp a room in your house. Once you have selected your items, comment below on this post with which items you have chosen and why. Dalani will select the 2 winners from all the comments and they shall win a £250 voucher! This competition closes on 2/4/12 at 9AM.

After having a browse of the Dalani Website, they have a wonderful selection of quirky home ware, colourful unusual prints and shabby chic French style furniture. Personally if I was revamping my living room and only had a budget of £250 I would choose the Stylish Moores Candles in Indian Ginger, the Danalight Slim Floor Light in Black and the brightly coloured Amy Butler Rug to update the room for Spring.

Good Luck!

Sponsored Post

Goody Double Wear Jewellery & Hair Accessories!

Hand's up if you are guilty of wearing your hair band around your wrist 'just in case' it's needed? It's an age-old habit that puts convenience before cool, until now that is! Doublewear is hitting Boots this month -  nikel free 2 in 1 hair assessory cleverly disguised as an item of jewellery. Available in silver or gold, and comes in a stylish bracelet or necklace design. Bracelets morph into hair elastics and necklaces become headbands and they look trendy worn stacked together! 


Goody Double Wear is priced at £3.75 and are available from Boots. Genius idea!

Discount Code for 25% off She Said Beauty

Thought I would share with you all a special discount code to get 25% off your first  She Said Beauty, if you haven't already subscribed. You can read my review of my March She said Beauty Box here. Normally the boxes are £9 plus P&P but with the code you can receive your first box for just £6.75!

Simply visit She Said Beauty and enter the voucher code SSB25OFF at the checkout to receive your 25% discount. Have you subscribed to She Said Beauty yet?

                                                                                    

                                                              

Review: MUA All in One Beauty Balm

Inspired by the ever popular Asian Beauty Balms that have taken the Beauty community by storm this year, MUA Professional are bringing out a purse friendly version, due to hit the shelves this month.  As you will know I love BB creams, as I tend to prefer a more natural look in the day time and just need a little something to even out my skin, not a full coverage foundation. The new MUA All in One Beauty Balm is a full coverage foundation containing a multi-functional formula that conceals, brightens and evens out skin tone for a perfect complexion. 

It comes in three shades: light, medium and dark - and has skin adapting technology to adapt to your own skin. I tried the Medium shade which was perfect for my colouring (normally I'm a MAC NW15/20 if I'm not tanned). The BB Cream is much thicker in consistency than other BB Creams and gives a full coverage but is still lightweight on the skin. It was easy to blend and buff into the skin - I tend to rub in with my fingers rather than using a brush and there is no need in using a powder to set. I found the finish to be matte and I think this would be great for oily skins. I did however find the formulation slightly drying in areas where I'm prone to dryness such as around the nose and forehead so I would suggest using a good serum and moisturiser underneath but overall I think this is a great BB Cream for those on a budget as it is the cheapest currently on the market. 


MUA All in One Beauty Balm Foundation is priced at £4 and shall be available from 14th March at Superdrug and www.muastore.co.uk 


Have you tried any BB Creams? What are your favourites? 

Aussie Virtual Styling Class

Wednesday evening I took part in a Aussie Angels Virtual Styling Class with Aussie & Hair Stylist Eugene Davis to teach me how to create 'The Gorge'....whilst on the Train! The 'Gorge' trend is shiny, glossy and well dressed hair using classic good old-fashioned hairstyling skills, with great products will always result in a beautiful look. I received a product pack a few days before in the post which contained 3 Aussie Products to help create the look:

Aussie Texturising Conditioning Gel Spray - Spritz some of this spray into damp hair, work in and blow-dry. As my hair is naturally curly/wavy I tend to use this lightly on the ends of my hair to create that beachy wave texture that conditions at the same time. 


Aussome Volume + Conditioning Mousse - When it comes to volume, everyone's got their limits. This mousse works on each strand of hair, letting you create your desired amount of va-va-voom. This is one of my fav Aussie products - it really does what it says on the tin and creates volume without being sticky. *Top tip* If your hair is looking a little flat the day after you have washed it, apply a small amount of this mousse to dry hair into your roots at the crown and then blow-dry you will be amazed at the volume! Like all Aussie products it smells amazing!


Aussome Volume + Glossy Hair Spray - Added Sea Kelp into this lightweight spray that loves volume and shine.  I find this spray can go a little crispy and sticky if you apply it directly to your hair, but Eugene suggested either spraying very lightly from a distance or spray onto a brush or your fingers!  


Before the class began I washed my hair with Aussie Volume Shampoo & Conditioner (not on the train I should add!) and we needed curling tongs (I used my Cloud 9 Hair Straighteners to do this), hair grips and a hair dryer! Unfortunately with being on the train my internet connection kept cutting out, but I still managed to improvise! During the class we were able to tweet or live chat to Eugene to ask him and the Aussie team questions.

With freshly washed hair and slightly damp (I damped mine with the Gel Spray) I applied some Aussie Mousse in the roots and crown to create volume and blasted with hair dryer - I was getting funny looks on the train but what's new!? I sectioned my hair and starting from the bottom working my way up I curled each piece of hair loosely and secured with a hair grip until it they had cooled and set. Once I had done my whole head I sprayed lightly with hairspray and left for about 20 minutes to cool before removing the grips and separated the waves. The end result was soft loose waves which is great for summer. Sorry I didn't take many photos as you can imagine I was getting enough funny looks as it was!! :0 If you would like me to do a blog post with step-by-step photos let me know!


Let me know if you try this look at home? What are your favourite Aussie products?

New Burt's Bees Pink Grapefruit Lip Balm

This week I have been very a very busy bee (excuse the pun!) and attended a few events in London. I was invited along to the Monsoon/Burt Bees Press Launch, which I shall Blog more about later, but I was really pleased to hear that Burt's Bees have brought out some new flavoured Lip Balms one of which is Pink Grapefruit! The balm is described as being fruity, refreshing and energising and contains sunflower and coconut oil for hydration and to leave the lips replenished and moisturised. Pink Grapefruit oil is rich is Vitamins C and E that helps invigorate your lips whilst adding a sweet citrus flavour. Best of all it contains 100% natural ingredients and is purse friendly at only £3.69 and available from Boots, Debenhams, John Lewis, Feel Unique & Look Fantastic.  

Are you a Burt's Bees fan? 

Spring 2012 LACOSTE L!VE New York

Viral video by ebuzzing

This Spring/Summer season LACOSTE L!VE introduces you to real New York talents in a campagin shot by American photographer Mark Hunter, a.k.a. the Cobrasnake, the print campaign was street casted in Brooklyn NYC and features artist Aakash Nihalani and his graphic street tape art. 

Discover more about the LACOSTE L!VE Unconventional Talents in a series of digital videos that allow you to get up close and personal with the talent and understand their artwork, connection and interaction with New York. Taking Williamsburg, Brooklyn as a living inspiration and as the backdrop to the campaign, reinterprets the timeless codes of a summer wardrobe with colour and details. The Micah Lidberg collaboration full of fantasy and imaginative creatures, parties around the world, and more to come with the LACOSTE L!VE New York City Guide. Are you a LACOSTE L!VE fan yet?

March Magazine Freebies

Thought I would do a run down of the best Magazine freebies and beauty bargains as there's some good ones this month! 

Champneys Spa Gift Set was £40 now £19


Buy online from today Wed 7th March at Boots (free delivery if you get it delivered to store to pick up) until Tues 20th March 2012. Would make a brilliant Mothers Day gift? The set includes: Watermint Shower Gel (£6); Watermint Lotion Spritz (£7); Hand & Nail Cream (£9); Gentle Facial Polish (£14) and Replenishing Moisture Mask (£10). 


Free £12 Neal's Yard Face Cream


Buy the April edition of Marie Claire Magazine (£3.70) with Christina Ricci on the cover and you'll find a free 45ml Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture from Neal's Yard worth £12. 


Free £11 posh Hair Mask


Buy the April edition of Glamour Magazine (£2) with Jennifer Lawrence on the cover and you will receive a free hair treat from Percy & Reed! You can choose from Percy & Reed Splendidly Silky Shampoo (worth £5.60); Percy & Reed Splendidly Silky Conditioner (worth £6.40); Percy & Reed Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing polish; or Percy & Reed totally TLC hydrating mask (worth £11.42). 


Free Clinique Mini Products 


Buy the April edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine (£3.50) with Holly Willoughby on the cover and find a free Clinique mini product. You can choose from the following: 7 day Scrub Cream (worth £5.25); Superbalm Moisturising gloss (worth £6.30); High Impact Mascara (worth £8) or Moisture Surge Thirst Relief (worth £18). 


Have you found any good freebies this month?