Review: No7 Eye Make-Up Remover

It promises to condition while it cleanses... but I wish it would do more cleansing, and less conditioning. Today, as promised, I am reviewing the first item in my mini skincare haul: the No7 eye make-up remover.

I didn't think you could go wrong with a make-up remover, believing it to be pretty straightforward and run-of-the-mill. However, it seems that No7 have tried to be too innovative for their own good, focussing too much on the mature and drier skin types; and in so doing have produced a disappointing product in what should have been an easy market.

Price...
The price point for all No7 products is pretty good, considering I am used to Clarins skincare. What's more, I managed to get this product in a 3-for-2 offer, on top of a boots voucher for No7 skincare. Overall, therefore, I paid less than is humanly possible for a targeted make-up remover product, which I am more than happy with. Long live boots vouchers...

Does-What-It-Says-On-The-Tin-alike...
Cleanse? Yes. Condition? Yes. Leave a huge amount of excess oily product on the skin? Yes. It does what it is supposed to; it removes your make-up, including long lasting foundation and waterproof mascara. However, after application, it does feel like I have gone swimming in a grease-pool - so much so that I feel I have to wash my face after use. I think that this not only defeats the point of a skin cleansing product, but also goes against the grain of the No7 'Ta Dah!' claims which has connotations of quick, easy and magic products which reveal a new skin. I just felt like I would be better off with a good old-fashioned bar of soap and water.

Overall Satisfaction...
Will I be repurchasing this product? No. I think there are far better competitors, even taking into consideration the excellent deals on the Boots skincare ranges. I do not wish to put more grease on to my already oily complexion, but that's just me.

2/5 stars

Photo credit: Boots.com

Suited and booted

I am a very fussy person when it comes to boots. I inspect each angle thoroughly and expect nothing less than a beautifully crafted piece of footwear. It must hug and mold itself to every inch of my leg as, much like a shirt or man's suit jacket, you can spot an ill fit from a mile away.

Ankle, tall, heeled, OTK (over the knee), wedge, fur-lined, suede, leather or patchwork, it doesn't matter- eventually, I will reach the point of desperation where it is coming up to November, the weather is deteriorating rapidly, and I am still bootless. I will make my summer ballerina pumps stretch to their full weather-bearing capacity until, finally, moaning and groaning, they are relieved from duty and put away to hibernate until next Spring.

This year, my focus has been directed towards the hunt for the perfect ankle boot, and it has taken me two months of solid soul-searching to reach this point: contentment and relief.

To save you lovely ladies from the same gloomy fate, I have compiled my favourite three ankle boots which will serve you from the office to dancefloor to Sunday stroll in style. These styles have all been tried, tested, and given the Goody Two-Choos seal of approval, and you should all know by now that there truly is no higher mark of quality. Consider this the Michelin Star rating of Boots.

1. L.K. Bennett Dionne Leather Ankle Boot, available here
2. ASH Illico Suede Wedge Ankle Boots, available here
3. HOSS Intropia Metallic Leather Ankle Boot, available here

Skincare mini-haul

Today I picked up some lotions and potions which I will be trialling over the next few weeks. At this time of the year, plummeting temperatures play havoc on my skin, and my already combination type complexion will become even more unruly and impossible than ever. 

The first product I picked up is the Glycerin and Rosewater toning lotion which promises to be 'a cooling, refreshing beautifier that softens and moisturisers [sic] the skin'. I love rosewater and so was excited when I saw it on the shelf. 

Next, I bought the No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser, as I like to create an at-home-spa every now and again. I have heard a lot of hype about hot cloth cleansers and so I have high expectations for this product. 

Another No7 product I took home is the Beautiful Skin Eye Make-Up Remover. I like that it isn't perfumed as it is so important to protect the eye area from any harsh chemicals, such as fragrances. 

Boots were offering a promotion on No7, so I have also picked up the Beautiful Skin Night Cream for normal or oily complexions. I haven't bought into night creams before now, but it just felt so light and refreshing on my skin, and I liked that it promises to hydrate without blocking pores. 

Finally, I wanted to test drive the Bontanics Mattifying Gel Cream for lasting shine control. It contains clarifying willowbark to rid any signs of pollution and blemishes. 

So, there we have it. A mini haul of autumn-friendly products which I am hoping are not only suited to my twenties' skin, but also to the fluctuating temperatures and harsh winds of late September. I wanted to strip back to the basics and find some more natural products that are without frills, and do just what they say on the tin. Stay tuned for honest targeted reviews.

Photo credit: Goody Two-Choos

Big girls blouse

Every time the temperature drops and the rain clouds blow in, I feel the persistent need to inject some long sleeves into my wardrobe and purchase shirts. Taking me through from autumn days to Christmas parties, it is the humble silk blouse that truly marks the turning of the seasons.

Today, I took the bull by its metaphorical horns, and bought two silk shirts which will perform nicely from office to bar... just switch up the cashmere cardi for a tailored tux. Take a look, and tell me what you think.

DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN, NIGHT DUSKY PAISLEY SHIRT

FILIPPA K, SILK POCKET BLOUSE

Both shirts have a gorgeous collarless finish, a look I tend to gravitate towards as it has a failsafe minimalist neatness to it, yet remains feminine with the soft folds and pleats. The Filippa K blouse is a colour called 'silver mint', and is a beautiful tone against pale, sun-starved skin.

It seems I can't wait to get back to work, just to have an excuse to wear them.

Photo credits: Polyvore.com

Warning: Radioactive material

Bananas and brazil nuts have been found to be radioactive, and these items are equally explosive. Here is how to be in your element in prints, all courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Who said Chemistry can't be fun?

Step 1. Find yourself a nice set of wheels and go head-to-toe.

CZAR BY CESAR GALINDO S/S 14

Step 2. Toughen up a pretty, sweeping dress with slick make- up and plenty of attitude.

FALGUNI AND SHANE PEACOCK S/S14

Step 3. Lose the accessories. That's an order.

NOON BY NOOR S/S 14

Step 4. Top it off with a pair of shoes that will shake 'em to the core. These Charlotte Olympia's fit the radioactive bill nicely.

Photo credits: mbfashionweek; backseatstylers

Fashion Week hits Somerset House

Another year has come around, another summer at its end (and all too quickly, if you ask me). To soothe the anxiety of the impending winter, however, we have five days and 58 high impact shows to look forward to- all starting tomorrow.

Run the trailer, and let the hyperventilating commence...

Video credit: FashionTV

30 shoes has September

To mark the 30 days of September, here is my pick of autumn's wishlist-worthy shoes: one pair for every day and every possible eventuality. Whether you are a heel hero or a friend of the flat, read on before you get left behind.

Isabel Marant/ASOS/Pretty Ballerinas/Nicholas Kirkwood/Hoss Intropia/River Island/French Sole/Saint Laurent/Bruno Premi/Hudson/Topshop/Bloch/ASOS/Dries Van Noten/Ted Baker/Jimmy Choo/Russell and Bromley/Kenzo/Christian Louboutin/Zara/ASH/Grenson/Nicholas Kirkwood + Erdem/Oscar De La Renta/Ilse Jacobsen/Tabitha Simmons/Dune/Alexandre Birman/Gina/Camilla Skovgaard