Keeping up with Kimtopia

I'm sure you've all heard about the impending demise of Google Reader. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye. Don't you just love the Sound of Music? I just wanted to let you know the ways you can keep up to date with new content on Kimtopia :)

Bloglovin

I've had a Bloglovin account for a while and I think its one of the easiest ways to keep up with your favourite blogs. You can add your faves, be kept up to date of new posts in a feed, and there's also an option to see the top blogs and most popular posts on the site. A sure fire way to find some new reading material! Bloglovin can also send you an email when you have new posts to read so you'll never miss out on new content.

Hellocotton

Hellocotton is similar to Bloglovin in that you can follow your favourite blogs and receive new posts in a handy feed. What I love most about Hellocotton is that blogs are categorized into different sections with the most popular being shown on the homepage. I've lost many an hour finding lots of interesting new blogs here!

Feedly

If you're looking for an alternative to a Google Reader style web app, I'm recommending Feedly. It's sleek and uncluttered and you can either import your blogs from Google Reader or start from scratch. I've done the latter as I stopped using Google Reader an absolute age ago in favour of Bloglines however I've found that glitchy so I've switched to Feedly. You can download a mobile app for iPhone and Android to catch up on the go. The Android app reminds me a little of Flipboard in that you can literally just flip through posts. Fab for on the go!

Don't forget you can also catch up with me on:

You can grab fab icons like these from the wonderful Miss E's blog!

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If you've found any great alternatives to Google Reader, let me know :) Also don't forget to leave your links for your Bloglovin and Hellocotton accounts!

Products of the month: March 2013

♥ Dr Renaud Peach Hydrating Body Milk* ♥

I must confess, I go through moisturising phases. I find a new product, use it, then forget about it. I'm trying to use products like this up and I must admit I forgot how much I loved the clean, fresh peachy scent of this moisturiser. In a bid to get my skin ready for Spring (when it actually arrives) I've been moisturising religiously and I consider using this an extra luxurious step in my daily routine.

♥ Revlon ColorStay Foundation ♥

I'm in a bit of a foundation rut so I went back to an old favourite. I purchased bottle after bottle of this when I discovered it a few years ago but I'll admit I'm struggling to remember why I loved it so much. The colour match is pretty much perfect on me for Winter/Spring and the coverage is great, so for this reason I've been reaching for it a lot and quite liking the finish. Saying that, I don't remember it being such hard work to apply. If you use this, I'd be ever so grateful if you could let me know which brush you use to apply. My Real Techniques Buffing Brush just isn't cutting it.

♥ Ahava Mineral Foot Cream* ♥ 

I really do wish I could find one singular multi-use moisturiser but skin just doesn't work like that eh? In a bid to finish the scores of products lurking in my bathroom and bedroom I've been using this on my feet for smooth, hydrated skin. Ahava's Water range smells absolutely heavenly and I'll be sad to see the end of this tube.

♥ Sleek Blush by 3 Palette ♥

I've been switching my blushes up lately and I found this buried at the back of my makeup drawer. Whoops! I absolutely adored this last year so I've been using the Lace palette on a daily basis over the last few weeks. Sleek's blushes are such amazing quality with brilliant pigmentation and a gorgeous finish. Personally, I find the Lace palette the most wearable for pale skins out of the Blush by 3 collection and I wouldn't be without it.

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Are you prepping your skin for Spring? Which products have been your favourites this month?

Review: Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara

Recently I had a large mascara cull. If I didn't get on with it, I binned it. I'm currently using four mascaras on a rotation basis, but ladies, I'm still on the hunt for 'the one'. I was somewhat intrigued and excited when Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara* landed on my desk. Just look at how nice the packaging is. It's cerise! I love the name. And the logo. If I saw this on the shelves I would definitely consider adding it to my basket. Thumbs up to the creative guys back at brand HQ.

I've been testing this out over the last couple of weeks so I thought it was time to let you know how I found it. I'm just going to go back to the packaging for a second before talking about the actual formula. I think its pretty clever to have a pink tube. How boring do mascaras look in their generically black packaging? I think its nice to have something stand out on the market. The tube is quite sturdy and when you remove the wand, there's a suctiony thing (I'm sure they have a more technical name?!) to prevent excess product from sticking to your wand which is super clever and there aren't enough mascaras with this in my opinion.

I've come to realise that I much prefer a brush wand rather than a plastic wand. I find plastic wands aren't very flexible and they don't really get the product into the roots of my lashes as much and generally don't leave my lashes looking particularly brilliant. Saying that, Big Blink has a sizeable plastic wand and whilst I didn't find it magically changed my feelings towards plastic wands, I didn't find it difficult to use.

Loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, omega 3, 9 fatty acids, in addition to Argan Oil, the water-resistant formula claims to nourish and protect lashes which I think is a brilliant added bonus if you think of all the stress we put on our lashes on a day to day basis. Although I'd say the formula is waterproof, it's not smudge proof and I do experience some transfer.

The formula itself is quite 'wet' if that's the right word. It takes longer than average to dry on my lashes. That said, the mascara definitely lengthens - my lashes reach my brows! - as well as separating and defining them. The one thing I think this mascara lacks is volumising power, however, if you're after that natural fanned out, doll-eyed look, I'd definitely recommend this.

Pur Minerals is a cruelty free range, exclusively available from Marks & Spencer's Your Beauty and also online. Big Blink retails at £15.00.

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Have you tried Big Blink? Do you have a preference in mascara wands? Let me know :)

Review: Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Anti-Shine Pore Minimiser

Fellow beauty bloggers, I have a confession to make. I haven't worn a primer in a ridiculously long time. I used to swear by them and religiously repurchased my beloved GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer on a regular basis. But then the formula changed, I fell out of love with it and I discovered an amazing anti-shine powder that changed my life. But then my skin decided it would be a royal pain in the bum and I felt the need to reinvest in a decent primer.

I bought the Una Brennan Anti-Shine Pore Minimiser on a bit of a whim to be honest when I was in Boots a few weeks ago. I think I was won over by the simple, clean packaging and the promise of matte skin.

The product aims to instantly minimise the appearance of pores to reveal a refined appearance and texture. The light reflecting particles combined with powders absorb excess oil and mattifies skin. The Rosehip oil helps to promote healthier, more balanced looking skin.

The directions advise to apply to the targeted area (hello T-zone) every morning after cleansing. I use it as a primer before applying my make-up but it can be worn alone or on top of make-up to absorb oil and shine. The box does advise you can reapply throughout the day but I've never needed to.

The product is a clear gel which has that smooth silicone-y feel to it. A little goes a long way and I apply mainly on my T-zone and across my cheeks where needed. It sinks in to the skin effortlessly and I apply my makeup straight away. I find this lasts a good 12 hours on me and my foundation looks just as good when I take it off as when I first applied it.

The Una Brennan Super Facialist range is stocked in Boots. The Anti-Shine Pore Minimiser retails at £12.99 for 15ml.

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Have you tried the Super Facialist range? Send your recommendations my way :)

Review: ghd Final Shine Spray

I've been a fan of the ghd brand for years. I can narrow down the precise moment. I had just moved schools, and one of my new friends brought her ghd styler in. I think she was just a bit of a show off but that's probably beside the point ;) She had long, thick hair which was transformed in a matter of minutes to sleek, shiny, poker straight wonderment. Be still my beating heart. I of course, saved up and bought my own pair which I still have to this day and wouldn't be without. I remember receiving the Heat Protect Spray in my package which smelled ah-maz-ing and bottle after bottle was repurchased for many a year. I must confess that was the only ghd hair styling product that I used.

Recently, I switched hair salons and my new stylist has been using a couple of ghd hair products on me that I've fallen in love with. One of those is the ghd Final Shine Spray* and I have to say, I was pretty impressed. Ever wondered how to get that perfect finish and salon shine?

Simply style your hair and spritz with a little of the ghd Final Shine Spray for instant all over shine. Flyaway hair is smoothed and static (the current bane of my life) is kept under control. Ta-dah!

You can even spray a little on to a hairbrush before completing your style to achieve the perfectly coiffed look. The product is suitable for any hair type, so for a glossy, salon finish that looks like its come straight off the pages of a magazine, I urge you to invest your pennies in this wonder product.

If you weren't aware, ghd offer free delivery on their website. What are you still doing here? Go, go, go!

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Do you love ghd's hair products? Let me know which others I need in my collection :)

P.S. Is anyone else tempted by the ghd IV Styler Candy Collection?!

What's Inside My Make Up Bag?

I always like to see what other people carry around with them on a day to day basis, so I thought it was about time I showed you what I have in my make up bag on a typical day.

To start with, I might as well tell you about the bag. It's from River Island but I acquired it from eBay, brand new with tags for around £4. I love the pattern and it's quite robust and can protect what's inside it which is a bonus! It's quite roomy so I can fit everything I need in it and then some which is handy if I'm going out after work.

I usually carry the same staple products around with me and today I have:-

♥ A 17 Manicure kit - I picked this up in December 2011 in the Boots sale for a couple of pounds. It's a lifesaver when you have a nail emergency away from home. I'm always equipped with a nail file, a nail clipper, a pair of nail scissors and a cuticle stick

♥ Staying with the nail theme, I always have a tin of the Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream to keep my nails in tip top condition

♥ I never leave home without my beloved Soap & Glory Hand Food, especially in this harsh Winter weather

♥ Moving on to some make up staples, I always always always have a lip balm of some description with me. I can't stand having nothing on my lips and my current favourite is the Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose

♥ Over the past couple of years I've done a complete 180 on lipstick and now I'm addicted. My lippie is never far from reach and today I have Make Up Store 'Perfect Match' and a Real Techniques Detailer Brush to apply

♥ I'm not really much of a lipgloss kinda gal these days but when I do reach for one, it's usually a trusted fave like 17's Ultimate Volume in Butterfly Cake

♥ When blemishes strike, or I'm wearing a lot of eye make up, I'll always have my MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC15 and a Crown Brush C425 Tapered Concealer Brush at hand for quick fix ups

♥ In a bid to look bright eyed, you'll always find an Illamasqua Medium Pencil in Vow (nude) or Elate (white) for my lower waterline. I can't decide which is my favourite!

♥ I always carry some essentials round with me - you know the usual - hair band, compact mirror, deodorant. If it's a windy day I'll have my Tangle Teezer with me and if I'm having a bad hair day, I'll pop a hair serum in my bag such as Biosilk.

♥ I don't usually carry perfume with me but I've rediscovered my Juicy Couture perfume ring and it's perfect for a quick fragrance boost.

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Which products do you carry around on a daily basis?

Products of the month: February 2013

♥ Vichy Normaderm Total Mat ♥

Since Leanne recommended this a while ago, I'd been meaning to try it and I finally found it in Meadowhall a few weeks ago. Total Mat is a hydrating gel primer which helps to control oil and shine by mattifying the skin with its blotting effect micro-powders. Pretty nifty huh? It applies well, sinking into the skin quickly and easily and doesn't feel greasy and isn't heavily scented. I find it helps keep oil at bay for longer than any other product I've used.

♥ L'Oreal Color Infallible Shadow in 015 Flashback Silver ♥

I picked this up on a whim a while ago (yeah, the spending ban sort of went out of the window!) and I've used it so much. Its just gorgeous. Don't let the name put you off. It's sort of a lilacy silver but its so, so pretty. I've been wearing it with a little black liner. Simple, easy look! I was eyeing up the myriad of colours available on Make Up Geek but disappointed to see we can only get a handful in the UK. Sad times!

♥ Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose ♥

I'd seen these all over the blogosphere back at the beginning of January so I thought I'd pick one up. The tin is cute and the product smells amazing. I think it tastes like those little pink shrimp sweets you used to be able to buy. Yummy.  As a lip balm, I'd say its average. Longevity is nothing special but it does help to keep your lips in tip top condition.

♥ Rimmel Nail Rescue ♥

I mentioned this in my latest NOTD post, and I absolutely love it as a base/top coat simply due to its longevity. Although I've found it doesn't have as good a longevity when used with other Rimmel polishes. Strange!

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Which products have you been loving lately? Has anyone managed to find the L'Oreal shadows in the UK or bought from the US?