Instant Effects Instant Lip Plumper

Hiya Darlins
In this day and age it seems that the world and his brother seem to get their lips *done* I even tried it myself once with a small amount of injectable in the top lip, it made virtually no difference, or nothing that I could notice anyway, since then I have tried various products that promise a visible improvement,  I have to be honest and say that I do enjoy the ones that sting as though they are really working, when in fact apart from the sting nothing else happens, I have seen the little contraptions that you suck to force blood into the lips, I remember doing this as a kid with a glass and ending up with a huge  for want of a better word ( Hickey) around my mouth, so I avoided any kind of sucking contraption that bought me back this memory ha ha.


When I was sent Instant Lip Plumper to try out from Instant Effects, I did expect a sting and little else, and to be fair I am sort of past the wanting a puckered pout look, with Instant effects you get a clear serum in a tube with a click mechanism at one end that dispenses the perfect amount of formula, NO sting, but what it does do is work, it works beautifully without any fuss and the strange thing is you don't actually notice it working !   don't expect a trout pout that's not happening, what you will get is plumper smoother lips with little or no lines, this smoothing effect was the thing that impressed me the most, the product looks great alone, or with a quick wipe of any excess it leaves your lips in such a great smooth condition your lipstick looks a million times better.



Since I have had this in my possession I have used it daily and It is one of those products that I would definitely replace.

Check out Instant Effects Lip Plumper Here 

Lyn 💋

This post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, contains AF link.

Hi Loves
This isn't a make up lesson, my lord I am in no position to teach anyone anything, everyday I learn something new on the internet, but yesterday for some reason I had a little play with my phone camera when I was doing my face, anyone that knows me will know that this is beyond rare !  I hate photo's being taken of me with a passion, I don't have a problem with getting older at all, but I think that being conditioned by beautiful images in magazines and the internet, you criticise your own face more and more, this is not a good thing, and I really need to practise what I preach when it comes to women celebrating themselves.

I posted said scary pictures to my instagram page thelavenderbarnltd if you want to have a look, these pictures were of me with no mascara and only one eyebrow done !   Yep, NO mascara, and this was the thing that got me thinking about age, at what age did I seriously deem it acceptable to be seen without mascara ? you may be thinking, what's the deal ?  why would this even occur to her ?  I think it's fair to say that when I was younger I was what would nowadays be called a "poser"  in my day my Mum just called it vain, NEVER EVER would I pop to our local shop or open the door to the postman without my "eyes" on, it would have been unthinkable. I had my first baby at 18, my Mum rang the maternity hospital to say my waters had broken, they told her to bring me in, 3 hours later I arrived having done my hair in it's hot rollers aka Farah Fawcett style, top and bottom fake eyelashes and enough lip gloss to fry chips !  Bemused as to why these women were annoyed at me for wasting time, and while they admonished my poor Mum, as apparently she should have known better, I set about the 13 hour task, lashes and all !  and when my daughter was born, I was told my long red painted nails would need to be cut off before I could bath  "baby"  my answer at 18 was well "baby" will stay dirty then !  I am ashamed to say.  My point being, is when did all of this stop being my priority ?  I would like to think it was becoming a Mum that did it, but noooo I remember feeding my girl while sitting under a hooded hairdryer in the kitchen of my flat, on a daily basis, the thought of being arsed with rollers and a hairdryer just to go to the shops daily is laughable to me now, but back then it was just a normal part of getting ready in the mornings, I even recall spending years sleeping in mascara as I didn't want the Man to see me without eyes. I do and you will see from Instagram resemble a new born piglet with no mascara, I know that today everyone is shocked to hear that the make up Queen herself Charlotte Tilbury does the same and has what she calls bedroom eyes, fair play to the woman, I wish I cared enough LOL

So going from not opening the door without eyes, to posting a baldy eye picture to thousands really got me thinking.

My Question girls, is when did this happen ? and why does it happen ?  is it just me ? 

Lyn 💋

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask |  Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer

Hiya Darlins

The reason I have mixed these two products together on this one post is that  they naturally work together, although you of course could use just one.

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask 50ml

This is a rich thick creamy almost dry feeling mask, by that I mean it sits on the skin without any movement, it isn't dry and chalky although It does feel drier  after a few minutes on the skin. Blended with naturally active ingredients including Borage seed oil, Apricot kernel oil, Comfry, Shea Butter and Rose scented Geranium essential oil it is soothing to the skin as well as helping to retain moisture, I personally would use this mask when I wanted to fully relax for 10-15 minutes, the fragrance is both relaxing and soothing, it feels comfortable on the skin, as is easily removed with a warm wash cloth. Suitable for all skin types. Follow with 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer 200ml 
This !  I am going to struggle with, not because there is anything wrong with it, but the fact that it is so so good leaves me struggling for words.

Filled with naturally active ingredients, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Cucumber, Rose scented Geranium and Vitamin E this blend works perfectly to give you a lift whenever you feel you need it, can be used on both face and body from 20cm distance this spritz is truly a keeper, the Lavender and Sweet Orange fragrance seems to somehow lift your mood and spirit, apart from this being mentally pleasing to use my skin felt just amazing for hours after using, I prefer this is on warm day with little or no make up and actually keep mine in the fridge ! 

Kept in your bag or office drawer you will reach for this everytime you need an Ahhhh moment.

Find Liz Earle Here 


Lyn 💋


Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, contains AF links.

Simply B Summer Sandals

Hi Loves
What about this sunshine this week here in the UK ?  I am getting excited now for sure, I love everything about summer, clothes, sandals, eating outside, long evenings, just about everything !

I need no excuse for new sandals ever, these ones I discovered at Simply Be, they are from Dune and for me, just perfect, no longer can I wear 6 inch heels, and I do love a flip flop but just sometimes you need something a little more glam than a flip flop for giving you a bit of height and feeling a little more dressy.




These are Head over Heels by Dune the style is Navilla, with a 2cm silver metal trim block heel,   metallic silver double strap with elasticated heel strap, these are super comfy and in fact have become more comfortable with every wear, I don't know about you but my years of suffering in painful footwear just to look good are well gone, so I was pleasantly surprised that these were good to go from the first wear.




The thing I find about the Simply Be website is the ease of shopping and there are always good stock quantities, I hate finding something I like and it being out of stock in my size everytime !



Outfit by Simply Be 


Check out Simply Be Sandals here 


Lyn 💋


Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, no AF links.

Instant Effects Instant Lash Volumiser

Hi Lovely

Fancy longer thicker healthier lashes ?  stupid question, don't we all want that ? I have been using a product lately that gives just that, it's not one of those white mascara's that give the temporary effect of thicker lashes, it a clear serum in the form of a mascara wand that can be used on both lashes and brows, within 2 minutes you have instantly thicker looking lashes and brow hairs that have been increased by 20% simply coat the lashes in the serum and apply mascara, it's not trick fibres it's actually a product that gives more than a temporary filler, it works with each use to condition and thicken the lashes with up to 40% increase in thickness in two weeks and up to 20% increase in length in just two weeks.  While this can be used under mascara, I use it daily, I also use it at night on clean lashes as that is what is recommended for the best results.




I can honestly say this has made a difference, even though I don't suffer with sparse lashes this had made a visible difference to my lashes and if on the odd night I forget to put it on it stresses me and I get cross with myself,  that's how good I believe it to be.




Instant Effects also produce instant Lip Plumper, review coming shortly, and Instant Eye Lift which looks interesting.

Find Instant Effects Instant Lash Here 

Lyn 💋



Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, contains AF Links.

AlphaH TSV on QVC Early Offer

Hi Darlins

It will be of no surprise to you that I am highly excited about this news, , Today's Special Value  on the QVC shopping channel Saturday 27th May, for 24 hours only.




 I know a few of my readers are familiar with buying beauty products using this method but for those of you who aren't let me explain, QVC are able to buy a companies products in such huge volumes due to it's popularity it allows the company to offer special value discounts occasionally to it's customers, which is the perfect way for lovers of a brand to stock up, and those looking to try out the brand to obtain it at ridiculously low prices, making the purchase a safer bet. 

The value of this special kit being offered by AlphaH has a retail value of over £120.00 and is on offer at approx under £45.00 and can be purchased in 3 easy payments if required.




Included in this offer is my absolute, can't and wouldn't live without Liquid Gold Rose, this is a limited edition of the Liquid Gold we have all come to know and love but with the addition of a beautiful subtle Rose fragrance along with it's softening properties, I have previously reviewed this and my thoughts can be read here 





Next is
This Serum is used on the alternate nights to Liquid Gold Rose with the addition of Liquid Gold 24 Hour Moisture repair cream.




Combining 14% Glycolic extract, a cutaneous form of Vitamin B3 as well as encapsulated 1% Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Hiya Gorgeous Reader

You may, like me, have not heard of Nurture Replenish from Healthspan it is a brand that believes wholly in a two step approach to Beauty via optimum skincare, haircare and health, it has been specifically designed for women in the Menopause and beyond, the company have an impressive list of experts in Hair, Beauty and Health on it's panel, and on reading it I can see that I have had the pleasure of meeting two of them previously, so I know that they know :) 






Nurture Replenish 10-In-1 Hair Oil

Moisturise, Boosts shine, Provides colour protection,Improves softness and smoothness,protects against damage, improves manageability, increases strength, increases condition,provides anti-breakage protection,protects against heat.

Hiya Darlins
As you know this post continues my review of Studio 10 makeup, this time I am looking at Eye Make up, as you know from previous posts on this brand it is especially suited to mature women, and as such everything has been designed to be subtle while having the ability to enhance rather than mask.



I want to start with Studio 10 Visible Lift I-Definer 
A pallet containing an all in one contouring kit for an instant eye lift, This Italian made kit offers actual skincare in the form of Hyaluronic Acid for moisturising, Nyamplung Oil for it's anti oxidant properties, Vitamin Complex and the brands Trade Marked Suberlift, all completely Paraben and cruelty free. 
It starts with a cream primer followed by powder Neutraliser and powder contour, highlight and define, I use this starting with primer followed by neutraliser all over, contour into the socket line,  define on the corners of the lid, or use as a powder liner, then highlight the brow, in effect you are making up your eyes, but in a way that is subtle and enhancing and gives you a more wide awake 'lifted' look rather than a made up look, which is absolutely perfect when you get to an age that you don't want to look overdone.



With the palette I used the Studio 10 Eye Define Brush
A double ended synthetic fibre brush that is of the softest quality, a perfectly rounded end for applying all over or shaped for the socket line, while the other end is angled and perfect for defining or using as a liner brush.



Studio 10 I-Lift Longwear Liner 
Again a double ended product, which to me represents value for money, this longwear liner comes in two shades of highly pigmented matte, Dusk which is a deep  purple and a slate grey/blue both are super soft, glide on easily, and fully waterproof and seriously longwear, this is not coming off unless you remove it. Enriched with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E.



Last but by no means least is probably my favourite product
  Studio 10 Brow Lift Perfecting Liner

This double ended pencil is a miracle product, it comes in one shade that can be used on any colouring, as you define how light or dark you want the product, I struggle to find light brow products that actually make a difference, this is just amazing, it defines while looking super natural, you don't get that drawn on brow look at all with this, and again being double ended it's great value, this universal pencil comes with a neutral end that will highlight the brow bone giving you a more defines look or cover any errors you may make. I really would give this 10/10 and the best thing is that you are also supporting the Look good feel better cancer charity with the purchase of this product. 

I love the fact that this makeup range is subtle while enhancing, it's perfect for anyone who wants makeup to enhance rather than shout.

Check out my other posts Here  and Here  There will be one final post coming up on this brand where we look at Lips.

Studio 10 can be found here 


Lyn 💋



Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated contains |AF links.

Liz Earle  Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Grapefruit & Patchouli Limited Edition

Hi Darlins

Who doesn't know of Liz Earle ? well maybe not personally, you may not have been to hers for tea, but I can't imagine anyone never having heard of the  Liz Earle Brand.

I first discovered Liz Earle many moons ago when my friend who is a devotee insisted I try the Iconic Hot Cloth Cleanser and bought it for me as a gift, I really liked it and it was also my introduction to muslin cloths for cleansing, I love using water to cleanse, I don't like the old way of wiping off cleanser with cotton wool, I never feel fully clean with that method, so anything wash off is a 100% hit with me.

Liz Earle  Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Grapefruit & Patchouli Limited Edition

Just in time for Summer and by popular demand Liz Earle have re introduced The Limited Edition Cleanse And Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with Grapefruit And Patchouli.  The zing of Grapefruit rounded with notes of warm Patchouli and Chamomile to soothe while still containing the softening effects of Cocoa Butter and the anti-oxidant toning properties of Rosemary Extract, this delightful cleanser gives you everything you have come to love in the original but with a Summer Zest. 

Liz Earle  Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Grapefruit & Patchouli Limited Edition

When I first used this it was with trepidation as although I love the original and love citrus fragrance I really dislike a strong smell of Patchouli, it reminds me of the 1970s in Kensington Market, loved  the vibe but hated the smell :)  I needn't have worried the fragrance is that of a very expensive spa experience, it is refreshing while at the same time relaxing, sounds odd I know but it somehow works, your skin is left feeling supercharged and soft, and the cleanser even removes the most stubborn waterproof mascara, it is a lovely way of adding to your Liz Earle collection or a fabulous introduction to the brand if you have never tried it. 

Available from 25th May. £22.75 150ml 


 Find Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Here 

Lyn 💋





Post contains Brand/Agency Samples unless otherwise stated, contains AF links.

Hi My Loves
Is thinning hair something that is common in mature women ?  having seen lot's of product reviews for this particular problem it made me want to look further into the subject, from what I have gathered ruling out things like illness, hair loss in older women is often hereditary it does not seemed to be linked to menopause although around 50-60 is when we would notice the thinning which is what leads people to believe it is menopause related, it seems the main cause is years of abuse, with hair colours and products full of chemicals, heat damage, over stretching the hair while wet, it seems there are many things that contribute to this annoying problem.



My eldest daughter has suffered thinning of her hair this past year, she was losing it at a rate of knots everytime she shampooed or brushed, this last few months has seen a huge improvement as she has stopped all chemicals and now uses Organic hair colour.

I was recently offered Salon Science to trial as they have produced a new Serum for thickening the hair, to give a full overview I used this alongside Salon Science Celluxe Shampoo and Conditioner designed for Anti-Ageing and restored volume.



The Salon Science Thickening Serum contains a trademarked formula named AnaGain this formula is Organic Pea Sprout Extract which is said to be rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres which thicken the hair. The Proteins and fibres coat the hair strands increasing the volume of each hair, this is not a temporary fix, the ingredients are said to encourage hair growth while protecting the hair from further damage.

 I used two small Pea sized amount ( no pun intended ) through the lengths of my hair while it was damp, dried and styled as usual, hairdryer rough dry followed by GHD's and the result was visibly thicker hair, now I have to say my hair is not thin, but the increase in volume was definitely visible, and it felt fabulous to the touch, I was definitely swishy, well as much as a bob can swish anyway, I have since lost this product to my eldest daughter who will now keep it permanently in her beauty arsenal.

Salon Science Products are available at Boots HERE  Be seriously Quick the range is currently half price but I don't know for how long.

View the full Science behind the range at  


Lyn 💋

Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated. Contains AF Links.

Hi Loves

First off I have to say I have just lost hours in the process of writing this post, I totally got carried away with this website and it's huge collection of beauty related fun  products, if you have children or grandchildren or indeed if like me you are a retro child you will love searching through the myriad of bits and bobs. I mean really, who doesn't remember Tony the Tiger ?




It's obviously way to early to mention the C word as we have not yet experienced Summer, but I am going there !  This site is just perfect for little stocking fillers, the prices, like the name are mad, serious little bargains with prices starting at 99p it would be easy to fill a basket.  I have to be honest and say until I was contacted by the company I had not heard of them, I am glad I now have, it's best described as a happy little website that will make you smile, after all who wouldn't love a milk carton filled with notebooks ? 




What I am showing you here is a mere snippet of what the site holds, they even have a huge range of nail polishes and supply salons, they do supply to the trade which was interesting as I have seen some of these products in gift shops with much higher prices, so in my opinion you are better off buying direct.




Enough of my rambling, take a look at see what you think.

http://www.madbeauty.com/

Lyn 💋

Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, does not contain AF links

B. Nourished Cooling & Soothing Mask

Hiya Darlins

Sometimes a product comes along that actually underrates itself, and I truly think that this cooling & soothing mask by B at Superdrug is one of those things.

B. Nourished Cooling & Soothing Mask

From the Skin Phase 4 range which has been created for your 50s and beyond this mask is designed to provide 24 hour moisturising for menopausal skin, it's aim is to comfort, calm and minimise redness.  I can categorically tell you it does all that and beyond !  fortunately for me I am on the tail end of the dreaded Tropical Moments, and they are now few and far between, having spent 10 years waiting for it to sling it's hook !  This  (Mask) I swear I don't know why it has been named that, delivers more moisture than some seriously high end brands that I have tried.

B. Nourished Cooling & Soothing Mask

On first use you think it's going to be just a face mask, it isn't you apply it to cleansed skin and leave it on, in the mornings a tin layer locks in moisture and mattifies the skin acting as the perfect primer, at night apply a generous layer leave for 10 minutes then massage in the excess and leave it to do it's magic while you sleep, I can only liken this to Origins Drink Up Mask at £24.00, this mask however will cost you £8.99 and is currently on a buy one get one free offer. ( link below ) it's is amazing the lightweight formula feels cool on application and the addition of Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture like nothing else.

As always with Superdrug. No animal testing, to say I am shocked at just how good this is would be an understatement.

Check it out for yourself here  B Nourished Cooling & Soothing Mask 


Lyn 💋

Post contains Brand/Agency samples unless otherwise stated, contains AF links