Mary Kay NEW Petite Palette

Hi Darlins,

When it comes to make up we often expect more nowadays than just a standard lipstick or eyeshadow. We want products that are hardworking while hopefully at the same time value for money, when I say value I don't always mean cheap - to me value is a product that I reach for often and especially in the way of eyeshadows, I don't want a ginormous palette that I only dip into for one or two shades.

Mary Kay NEW Petite Palette

Mary Kay have come up with an ingenious little palette that really does offer fabulous value, both in terms of price - it's £9.00. and it's user friendly size and versatility. the petite palette contains 4 spaces for shadow pans of Mary Kay Chromafusion Eye Shadow which slide into the palette for complete versatility.  The magnetic base hold the pans in securely while the clear plastic lid lets you easily see which shades you are reaching for.  There are 18 shades in the collection to mix and match your own palette or you could of course have this one that has been curated by the brand for it's versatility.

Mary Kay NEW Petite Palette

The consistency of the formula is soft with a really high pigment so a little goes a long way, they blend easily and can be used to create a simple natural look, or buildable for a more dramatic night time look. The Petite Palette is the perfect size for your bag so it would be easy to go from day to night with this palette if you were going out from work.

Mary Kay NEW Petite Palette

Use with your favourite brushes, I have shown here the Mary Kay All Over Eyeshadow Brush and the Mary Kay Eye Smudger Brush.

Check out the Petite Palette and full shade range here  I will in the very near future be bringing a comlete review of the Mary Kay range of brushes.


Lyn x 

Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.






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Hiya Darlins,

This product has been a fascinating journey for me, I had never heard of True North Skincare, the brand is available directly via the company or at Harvey Nichols. This Scandinavian brand emphasises on de-stressing the skin while at the same time balancing. Read The True North story .




Here's the really fascinating part.  How well do we know our skin? it's fascinating as unless you get analysis you never truly know what's going on. Without leaving your house True North offer you free skin analysis using today's technology via an app!  yes- that's right. You can have your skin analysed in the comfort of your own home via your phone!  simply download the True North Skin Coach App, it's free to use.  Using your phones camera the app will take a picture of your face, it lets you know if the lighting is right or wrong, and within a few moments you have a complete skin analysis.  OK so I was dumb and left my glasses on!  it tells you not to, I did follow the instructions and remove make up so at least I got something right.  the app highlights all areas that need attention and produces a prescription for you.  Here's the thing!  being cynical Cynthia I expected the app to suggest that I buy the entire range, It DIDN'T  it simply selected the few products that I needed to address my skin problem areas.  In case you are thinking this is a novelty gimmick, interestingly I had my skin analysed not so long ago by a very well known brand in the beauty salon at Harvey Nix and the results are almost 100% identical!!!  To say I'm impressed is an understatement.






True North have you covered from your eyes to your armpits, stay with me and all will be revealed!






True North De-Stressed Milk 1.1

This cleanser is unusual to say the least, it is not runny and lightweight as the name milk suggests, it is a rich emollient liquid that you apply to your face and neck using cotton wool, you then remove the product with warm water and a cloth, OK in typical Lynda style I had to try this out another way, I massaged the liquid all over my face and neck using fingers and then removed with warm water, both ways work equally as well, but I felt that I was getting more actual product on the skin rather than it soaking into cotton wool. I was left with fresh soft and non irritated skin, there was no tightness or redness in fact my skin looked simply calm.




True North Timeless Eye 5.3

Used morning and evening or only once a day if you prefer this cooling eye cream is absorbed immediately into the skin, using a gentle patting motion it will leave the skin around your eyes looking and feeling more hydrated and smooth. I did quite enjoy this but I am not a huge lover of eye creams so it was something I had to remind myself to use regularly.




True North De-Stressed Serum 4.1

Applied morning and evening under your day/night cream this is a stunning serum, it absorbs almost immediately leaving the skin softened and  hydrated with no tackiness, you will actually spot a visible difference in your skin when using this serum, it seemed to have the ability to smooth fine lines and soften deeper wrinkles. I used this twice daily under both the Day De-Stressed 2.2 Dry Skin Cream and under the De-Stressed 3.1 night cream.




True North De-Stressed 2.2 Day Cream. Dry Skin 

Although strictly speaking my skin isn't dry as such, being mature it tends to err on the dry side which is why I went for the 2.2 day cream against the 2.1 which is for Normal/Combination skin. I thought as this cream was designed for dry skins it would be thick and possibly greasy, it wasn't alongside the serum it worked beautifully, my skin actually looked calm and fresh with a definite bounce to the texture. 





True North Protective Lip Balm 7.2

With an SPF of 50 this balm protects and softens the lips, I think often we under estimate the sun when it comes to lip protection, it's easy to pop on a gloss or a balm that has no protection and suffer with sore dry lips as a consequence, I used this balm under lipstick in the day and as softening balm overnight.




True North De-Stressed Night 3.1 

Used with the De-Stressed Serum this was a fabulous night time treatment, non greasy while at the same time leaving a moisturising film on the skin. I used this on both the face, neck and decolletage, my skin was calm and soft in the mornings with no signs of irritation or redness. I think it's often quite difficult to spot an improvement in your facial skin but there was a definite visible improvement in the look and texture of the neck and chest area.




True North No Perfume Deo Roll-On 8.2

I thought this was pretty odd a skincare line having a deodorant in it's collection, however this is no ordinary deodorant, you use the roll on which contains no alcohol or allergens, let it dry and it reduces the secretion of sweat and prevents the formation of odours. I gave this a thorough testing by using it for gym sessions, it worked really well, how do I know?  well I sniffed and tested it!   Plus with no perfume fragrance it won't overpower any perfume you are wearing.




True North Moisturising Body Lotion 

Containing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, this rich lotion softens and hydrates while absorbing quickly, this is something I find really important in body products, there is nothing worse than having to lurk around the bedroom or bathroom waiting to get dressed while your moisturiser does it's thing, this left my skin soft and hydrated, which actually lasted right the way through the day.


I have thoroughly enjoyed testing out this range, the common theme of Aloe Vera running through the range both softens and balances the skin leaving it both calm and hydrated, the simplicity of the range adds to the attraction, no bells or whistles, just simple clean ingredients.  For more information on the ingredients in the range, please visit the True North website. and don't forget to download the app and analyse your skin.


Find True North at  and at 



Lyn x 





Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.

Hi Lovlies,

This is a very quick post as I have just had news of something pretty fabulous, the lovely guys at Superdrug are once again supporting Marie Curie in their fund raising by donating profits from Superdrug own brands for this fabulous cause.




Grab the girls, get the prossecco in, sign up here for your party pack and have a pamper party in aid of Marie Curie. Imagine the face mask selfie fun you could have!

Just a thought but how about holding one at work?  you may have to swap the bubbly for a cuppa, you could even beautify the fellas?  or am I thinking way to far ahead!  Whatever you do, you know it will be a giggle and that you are helping out a fantastic charity.

Beauty Expert Hydration Edit

Hi Loves
if you are serious about your skincare you wont want to miss out on this!

I wanted to bring this to the blog as it's such a crazy bargain it would be a shame to miss out. the first run of this Edit sold out within the first 2 hours of release, but I have been assured by Beauty Expert that there will be another release coming soon.

The stunning collection contains everything you need to keep your skin hydrated in this glorious heat wave.

Products include

• EVE LOM Gel Cleansing Balm  100ml £45.00

• PESTLE & MORTAR Recover Eye Cream £35.00

• ArGENTUM La Potion Infinie Anti Age Cream  70ml £147.00 (my review HERE)
• EMMA HARDIE Plump & Glow Hydrating Facial Mist 90ml £42.00 (my review HERE)

• MADARA SOS Hydra Moisture & Radiance Mask 60ml  £35.00

• OMOROVICZA Perfecting Lip Balm £32.00

Beauty Expert Hydration Edit

 

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

Hi Loves,

Once again B. Cosmetics at Superdrug at totally on point for the season, Wedding season that is!

If you are looking for clean natural looking makeup for your big day, or indeed any special occasion B. have you covered. As always Cruelty Free and Vegan which is always good news you can bring a natural glow to your face that is perfect for this weather. Beautiful without looking overly made up, to be honest I think it's a look most of us can get behind as the sun shines. I tend to opt for a more natural look as soon as it starts getting warm, I am not one of these sophisticated women who can carry off the dry unflustered look, I resemble a melted Ice pop within in seconds of hitting the sun so less is definitely more for me in the heat. Are you the same? or do you mange to look cool calm and collected? 
Anyway I digress - on with the products

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

B. Powder Blusher 6g  Darl 

Highly pigmented the shade Darl will bring a soft warm peachy glow that lasts!  there are 8 shades to choose from. I found this powder blusher perfect for the heat as it lasted the test of the day giving a gorgeous gentle flush to the cheeks, don't over do it with this blush a tiny amount goes a long way.

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

B. Lip Liner.  02 Rosy

A wind up lip liner which I love, I hate sharpening pencils as I always make a huge mess no matter how hard I try!  There are 7 shades in the range.  When I first swatched this shade I thought it was way too bright, but once it's on the lips it's a gorgeous pink which if used gently blends really well with the natural lip line, again the pigment is high, the lasting power is exceptional, so the only touch ups you should need throughout he day will be lippie.

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

B. Velvet Matte Lipstick. Baby Boo

As you all know by now I am not a matte lover, I find them dry and ageing on my lips. I was more than surprised by this lipstick, while it is Matte is has a beautiful cream feel, that is lightweight and comfortable, not at all ageing and really easy to wear. This lipstick will stand shoulder high with many many high end brands at a fraction of the price. The shade is pastel soft almost nude and so easy to wear, the lasting power was what would expect of a lipstick I re-applied a couple of times during the day after eating and drinking. There are 12 shades to choose from and these are something I aim to explore more.

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

B. Cosmetics | Superdrug

B. Cassie Lomas Glitter Pigment. Shine On

Cassie Lomas makeup artist has worked in collaboration with B. to bring some fabulous additions to the range. Firstly let's lose the word glitter!  don't be put off thinking you will have chunks of glitter on your eyes, these little pots of pigment, there are 8 in the range will bring you a soft glistening sheen than can be built for a more intense colour or for an even more dramatic look dip your brush in water and these give you a sup shine eyeliner.  I also tested this pigment out as a highlighter and it worked perfectly.


So, there we have it.  Once again beauty that is kind to animals great for your skin and something that holds up to our British heatwave.

Check out the whole B.Cosmetics range

Have you tried B ?  

Lyn x 


Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.

Time Of Your Life Beauty Box

Hiya Darlins

When is the Time Of Your Life? I personally think it's anytime you want it to be. There are no limits nowadays and a "certain age" is a thing of the past. I only use the term in a mocking tone as it never occurs to me that I am too old for anything.  That said, we ladies of a "certain age" have been neglected in the past and our spending value was totally under estimated by the beauty industry, thankfully now things are on the turn and the beauty world is sitting up and seeing that we do have real value to offer in terms of opionions and definately pound notes (🠜)  OK oddly shaped coins!  We are beginning to get a voice and a presence when it comes to all things fashion and beauty, I for one  - would have loved to have seen this happen 10 years ago, I remember in my 50's being extremely hurt by a comment followed by women of a certain age. But here we are 10 year on doing our thing and doing it bloody well in fact.







My first thoughts when I was approached to review a beauty box designed specifically for the over 40's was that it wasn't needed and that we should not be bringing attention to the fact that we are defined by age.  But my thoughts led me to thinking actually this is good thinking, as with most beauty boxes we end up with something, while fun ie: Unicorn and Mermaid stick on face Jewels are not really practiacal for shlepping around the supermarket.  This will not happen with Time Of Your Life. The box is designed with practicallity in mind for our demographic.  It's clear from the contents of this first curation that thought and care has gone into the products, and I can honestly say there was nothing in the box that I wasn't delighted with. There is a lot on offer here not only does the box have a retail value of £90.00 you are able to listen to podcasts from beauty experts which are full of valuable advise.

Products include:

• NURTURE REPLENISH Collagen Boosting Serum 30ml Full size RRP 17.99
• MENO Multi Support Nutritional Supplement One month supply RRP 25.78
• DR HAUSCHKA Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Essence 100ml Full size RRP 17.00
• BELLAPIERRE Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Charcoal 1.8g Full size RRP 16.99
• THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Marigold & Comfrey Handcream 30ml RRP 13.17

You can subscribe for a monthly box at £24.99 or try a one off box at £34.99.

Check out Time Of Your Life Here 


Lyn x 


Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.

Holistic Green Beauty Chocolate Cleansing Balm

Hi Lovelies,

Who can resist Chocolate? I was desperate to try out this cleansing balm from Holistic Green Beauty just for the sheer novelty factor, I love cleansing balms and am also partial to Chocolate so I figured it must be a win win.



The brilliantly size 100ml heavy black glass jar comes complete with its own Soil association approved organic cotton cleansing cloth, made from green fibres. This 100% natural formula is both Organic and raw and as such the product is made in small batches for complete freshness, you will find the best before end date on the bottom of the packaging, and I can 100% attest to this as the company contacted me a while ago asking if I would like to try out the product, and then I didn't hear from them for a little while until they contacted me saying they wanted to send a fresh batch. ( impressed) 

Holistic Green Beauty Chocolate Cleansing Balm

The butter soft formula literally melts onto dry skin, massage in for around 30 seconds or longer if you are feeling like a deep cleansing massage and simply emulsify by adding a few drops of water before cleansing away with warm water and the cloth. I was a little fearful that the fragrance would be overwhelming and sickly, it wasn't at all, but it really did call for the odd few deep breathes of enjoyment. It did a fabulous job of removing a full days worth of make up leaving my skin bouncy soft and super hydrated, there were no signs of redness or irritation at all, I have left this balm on the bathroom shelf, which is testament to it becoming a regular in my cleansing routine.

Organic
Cruelty Free
Raw




Lyn x


Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.

Hi Loves,

It's clear from this post that I haven't always had a ton of make up or even enough money to buy a ton of make up so I wanted to share with you my top money saving tips.  

1. Mascara. If your Mascara is as dry as you bank balance stand the closed tube in a cup of boiling water for a couple of minutes, it will be like brand new.
2. Lipstick. If your favourite shade is discontinued or running low, invest in a little lip brush, I promise by digging away you will at least get another month or so of wear.
3. Nail Varnish. This one makes anyone that comes to my house giggle, I do it to this day. Keep them in the fridge, yep they last for around 3 years if kept icy chilled, and apply so much better!
4. Cotton Wool. Keep cotton wool pads, damp in a Tupperware box for removing make up or applying product, firstly it feels nice and cool, secondly it makes the product last longer as dry cotton wool drinks up your product. I had actually forgotten about this tip until writing this post, it was taught to me donkey's  years ago by a make up artist.
5. Perfume. While it's lovely to have out on display, the light is killing your fragrance!  Keep it boxed.
6. Make up Pencils. If you need to sharpen your pencils, it's a good idea to refrigerate them for a while first, it saves a gloppy mess on the pencil sharpener plus you get a fabulous sharp tip.

Mary Kay Limited Edition Sheer Dimensions Powder

Hiya Darlins,

Back by popular demand this range of what Mary Kay call dimensions powders?  To be honest I was unsure as to what a dimensions powder actually was, it's not something I have come across before.

They are described as an all over powder designed to add dimension and accentuate and compliment every complexion, and you are advised to sweep them across the entire face. Hmmmmm let's see about that.

I used each of these beautifully embossed powders in different ways and found them adorable, let me start by saying you will need a super fluffy brush as these butter soft formula's are incredibly highly pigmented, so there could be the danger of over doing it if you weren't careful. Let's just talk about how gorgeous looking these are!  I could stare at each one for ages and must admit to being a sucker for any kind of embossing on make up, although it is a sharp intake of breath when you put your brush to the palette for the first time as it feels as though you are spoiling art! each one is gorgeous in it's own right.

Mary Kay Limited Edition Sheer Dimensions Powder

Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder Pearls 7g

This opalescent powder adds shimmer and highlight without looking like a mirrored disco ball, it's a subtle candlelit glow that enhances rather than shouts, perfect for picking up cheek bones, and that little pop on the tip of your nose. Often when using a highlighter ( although this isn't strictly speaking a highlighter)  you can find that on mature skin the powders sit in your lines and highlight them rather than enhance, this formula skips over lines and has a fabulous lasting time of around 6-8 hours.




Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder Lace  7g

Te prettiest Coral blush with a very slight shimmer that adds glow to the face in the gentlest way, super pigmented so please take care not to overload your brush on this one.




Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder Chiffon 7g

This shade I found best for a gentle contour, used lightly all over the face it adds a real summer glow rather than a harsh orange tan look, I love this with no make up, just a sweep over cheeks and the bridge of the nose gives a lovely natural sun kissed look. As a contour the high pigmentation means it's perfect for face shaping and little under the chin does wonders to slim down your face and neck. 





I have really enjoyed using these powders and they are fabulous as highlight, blush and bronze. Although as the brand says can be used all over the complexion ( with a very light hand) the will give you a beautiful lit from within glow.

Available direct from  

Lyn x


Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.

Too Faced White Peach Eyeshadow Palette

Hi Loves,


Every time Too Faced release something new my heart skips a beat! I only have to get a glimpse at the packaging and I'm sold, I mean seriously - is there anything better out there when it comes to packaging?

This Palette is no exception in it's fabulous heavy weight gold packaging, even the front fasteners are little gold peaches! That being said it's what's inside that really counts and I think often we can get caught up in marketing hype and forget tat we are not actually applying the packaging to our faces. As you would expect from a Too Faced Peach product you are instantly hit with that familiar fragrance of  peach & sweet fig this, for a long time has been an exclusive to Too Faced although there is now A.N Other brand that have literally copied putting the peach fragrance into an eye palette, what is they say about copying being a form of flattery?  I'm not sure about that one personally!




The Palette contains 12 shades ranging from pale to dark with a mix of Matte and Shimmer shades, If you like a more subtle eye look then I would definitely say check this out, you can of course add a little drama with the last two shades in the palette.

Too Faced White Peach Eyeshadow Palette

I found the formula on the matte shades incredibly subtle, however they do build if not a little chalky, the payoff on the darker shades is incredible and the butter smooth formula is more like that of the Chocolate Gold palette, this really is a subtle summer palette in my opinion and perfect for those of us that don't want a full on Instagram "in your face"  make up look. I particularly enjoyed the Peach sorbet as a transition shade and Peach Ice and Glistening Peach for summer shimmer. BTW Peach Ice makes a great highlighter for your face!
 On first glance I didn't think I would be able to use all the shades as I am not a huge lover of anything too dark, but strangely I adore On The Grill ( dark chalky grey) it's perfect for an outer edge or a fine line just under the outer corners of the eyes, and Peach Passion really is amazing, it's so highly pigmented, the tiniest amount on the lid really causes a pop, this made a great soft liner for evenings.  All in all I would say that this is a seriously usable palette, unlike some others where you can only really get value out of 2 or 3 shades.

As always with Too Faced, cruelty free. Check out the New Too Faced White Peach Palette Here 


Lyn x 


Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated. may contain affiliate links.

BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

Hiya Darlins,

I have of late been on the hunt for foundations that give a lighter coverage but  still give a foundation finish, while I love BB & CC creams I often struggle with shades and tend to find them too dark.

Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation came to my attention while I was on my search for the perfect foundation, lightweight water based and seriously easy to apply. I tried a beauty blender ( not great) a brush (better) fingers (perfect)  this foundation applies leaving you with a a subtle look, it is totally buildable so if you did want more coverage it's not a problem. My reasoning behind trying to find a lighter weight base is that I am finding a lot of foundations are creeping into the lines and literally highlighting them, while I have no problem with my age I don't want my wrinkly bits highlighted! This Becca formula seems to skip over the lines, I wouldn't describe it as longwear, you would need touch ups during the day to keep it fresh looking.  The finish feels almost dry to the touch but has a glow look to it, when I say glow I don't mean a greasy looking shine, your skin is left looking semi dewy and lit from within.

BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

One thing I would mention, this foundation comes up darker than you would expect, I bought Light which is 2 shades up from Porcelain which I thought may be a little light, when you apply it it looks really quite dark, well darker than I would have liked, but strangely once blended out it became the perfect shade????  really odd, but flipping brilliant as I feared I had wasted my pennies. It comes in a range of 9 shades from .   I honestly can't find anything to fault about this product although I am not a huge fan of the pipette delivery system, I find myself wiping it on my face in an odd fashion rather than dripping it as it should be done, maybe it's just me?

BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

If you are looking for a super glowing base with an air light feel, no line highlighting then this is definitely one to look out for.

find it here at

Lyn x 

Post contains brand/agency samples unless stated, may contain affiliate links.