Skincare & Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I have been a little bit of shopping recently, but there's a bit of variety within this haul as I needed to grab a few essentials as well as trying out a few new products.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea (4 fl.oz)

I have heard quite a lot of positive reviews regarding the facial sprays from Mario Badescu over the years. So, I thought I would pick one up and give it a try. I decided to try the aloe, cucumber and green tea as it appealed to me the most.

Vichy Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel

This is one of my favourite cleansers that I tried years ago, and I have been wanting it back in my skincare routine for the past year. This cleanser has a lovely, fresh scent and it also provides the skin with a little bit of hydration.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30ml

I have decided to purchase another one of the Caudalie Beauty Elixirs due to its relaxing properties, as its filled with essential oils such as lavender and peppermint.

Pixi Glow Tonic

I've decided to purchase another Glow Tonic from Pixi despite it being a little hit and miss everytime I used it. But I was in need of some more glycolic acid, as I'm due to run out of my Alpha H and I was also in a pinch at the time.

Superdrug B Multi Acid Retexturising Pads

I ended purchasing these on whim while I browsing in Superdrug. These sounded really promising, and they do contain glycolic acid (which is right at the top of the ingredient list). If all goes well these could turn out to be a very budget friendly option for getting glycolic acid into your skincare routine.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

This was one of the essentials that I needed to purchase as my skin is in need of some TLC at the moment. I was using E45 to see if that would help, but it wasn't touching it. So, I decided to give Aveeno a whirl and this is working wonders for me at the moment.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream

I've used this hand cream in the past and this also works wonders for when my hands get cold and chapped. 

Marc Jacobs Le Creme Lipstick in 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang'

This has got to be one of favourite lipstick formulas, and the shade 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is my perfect rosy nude; which I seem to getting quite a collection recently. I just have to use up the mini lipstick I have of this before I start on this one.

Happy Skin Collagen Facial Sheet Mask

I've been wanting to try a collagen sheet mask ever since I came across them back in January. I originally wanted to try the one from Patchology, but they didn't have any in stock at the time; and this was the only one I could find at the time.

Theatre Review: The Rocky Horror Show 2019

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of going to see the current tour of 'The Rocky Horror Show' twice at the Opera House in Manchester. The first performance I went to see was on the 11th January, and this was a matinee performance; and the second time I went was an evening performance, which was on the 23rd January.
  I've been wanting to see 'The Rocky Horror Show' live ever since I came across the 2015 version on Sky Arts a few years ago.

Cast
The Narrator - Beverly Callard
Brad Majors - Ben Adams
Janet Weiss - Joanne Clifton
Frank n Furter - Stephen Webb
Riff Raff - Kristian Lavercombe
Columbia - Miracle Chance
Rocky - Callum Evans
Eddie/ Dr Scott - Ross Chisari
Phantoms - Reece Budin, Shelby Farmer, Katie Monks & Jake Small

The first act opens with a strong rendition of 'Science Fiction/ Double Feature', and this acts as a prologue before we get into the main act. We then meet Brad and Janet, and they have just attended their friends wedding. On their way back home from the wedding they run into some car trouble and they need to get some help, but the only place nearby is a castle a few miles down the road. When they arrive at the castle they are welcomed in by Riff Raff who informs Brad and Janet that they have arrived on a rather special evening. The audience are treated to an awesome version of the "Time Warp" followed by a strong, but ever so slightly cheeky rendition of the iconic "Sweet Transvestite". Brad and Janet are then invited up to Frank's lab where we meet Frank's latest creation called "Rocky", who backflips around the stage with both energy and ease.

The second act opens up with the famous bedroom scene between Janet and Frank, which is then followed by Brad and Frank. The aftermath of Brad and Janet's bedroom encounters with Frank is that Janet is lusting after more despite being engaged to Brad; and Brad is filled with regret as he really loves Janet. Around the same time all of this is going on Dr Scott makes his way to Frank's castle unknowingly without the knowledge that Brad and Janet are already there. While everyone is present Frank promises them a floor show that they won't be forgetting anytime soon. The floor show features Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky and of course Frank; which features a very strong, but fun filled rendition of "Rose Tint My World". This was then followed by a soft, but also slightly powerful "Don't Dream It, Be It".
  The finale for the 'Rocky Horror Show' is absolutely brilliant, as everyone gets up and dances to the "Time Warp" in the aisles, and we even get treated to another fabulous rendition of "Sweet Transvestite".

A special mention must go to our narrator Beverly Callard when did a wonderful job at keeping up with all of the heckles from the audience, and I must mention that some of the 'come backs' she came out were absolutely brilliant on both occasions.

Songs

Science Fiction/ Double Feature (Laura Harrison)
Science Fiction/ Double Fiction opens up the first act, and is performed by Laura Harrison who plays the Roxy Cinema Usherette, and this also sets the scene for the 'Rocky Horror Show' for the 70s. Laura provided us with strong and powerful vocals during this opening number and is a glorious way to open a show.

Dammit, Janet (Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton)
This is the number where we get to meet Brad and Janet, and is also the number where Brad proposes to Janet. Joanne's vocals are soft, sweet and delicately high pitched; where as Ben's vocals are rounded throughout, which provides a lovely contrast to the piece.

Over At The Frankenstein Place (Ben Adams, Joanne Clifton & Kristian Lavercombe)
This has got to be one of favourite numbers of the entire show. It's also the number where we get to meet the legendary Riff Raff. Kristian's vocals during the mid section are amazing, especially the octave leap from the arpeggio as it closes with a very strong vibrato. Joanne's vocals are still on the high side while still being quite delicate, and Ben's vocals are still quite rounded with a just a bit more power behind them.

Time Warp (Kristian Lavercombe & Company)
Fabulous vocals are provided by Kristian, Laura and Miracle during this party favourite. Both Kristian's and Laura's vocals are strong and pwerful, and by contrast Miracle's voice has a lovely sweetness to it.

Sweet Transvestite (Stephen Webb)
This is when we get to meet the legendary Frank n Furter. Stephen provides us with a strong but rounded vocals, with an element of cheekiness thrown in.

Sword of Damocles (Callum Evans)
We finally get to meet Frank's latest creation called 'Rocky'. Callum backflips around the stage with both grace and energy, which is impressive to watch.

Hot Patootie (Ross Chisari)
'Hot Patootie' follows straight on from 'Sword of Damocles', and we get too meet Eddie during this very short lived number.

I Can Make You a Man (Stephen Webb)
'I Can Make You a Man' is performed with grace, with elements of both fun and cheekiness. It also has a feeling of a ballard.

Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me (Joanne Clifton)
This is the number where Janet begins to lust for more after tasting Frank's 'forbidden fruit'. Joanne has done a fantastic job at tackling this particular piece, as it has a tendency to creep into the high register of the stave.

Once In a While (Ben Adams)
A little fact about 'Once In a While' - It's actually a deleted scene from the original film. This is also part of the show where Ben's gorgeous boyband vocals begin to come out a little more. The first time I watched this being performed by Ben my brain couldn't quite figure out if I was watching the 'Rocky Horror Show' or an A1 concert. A fun, but an unusual experience to have while I sitting in the stalls.

Eddie (Ross Chisari & Company)
I adore whole upbeat feel to the piece, especially the chorus. The whole cast looked as if they were "having a ball" while performing this number on stage.

Planet Schmanet Janet (Stephen Webb)
This is the number where we begin to see a change in Frank's character, and Stephen's vocals and phrasing actually emphases the change of Frank.

Planet Hot Dog (Laura Harrison)
Let's just say that the lovely Laura gets a little carried away with this one, and this works wonderfully with Magenta's character.

Rose Tint My World (Callum Evans, Miracle Chance, Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton)
Stockings and suspenders at the ready, as it's time for the first number of Frank's floor show. This is when we see Brad, Janet, Columbia and Rocky dressed in corsets, stockings, suspenders and also heels. This is an absolute joy to watch, and the vocals on this are strong throughout.

Don't Dream It, Be It (Stephen Webb)
This is a gorgeous number which is performed as a solo by Stephen. Stephen's vocals are soft, with a subtle element of fullness.

Wild & Untamed Thing (Stephen Webb & Company)
This is fun, but also a very fast paced musical number.

I'm Going Home (Stephen Webb)
Another lovely solo performance provided by Stephen.

Finale: Time Warp & Sweet Transvestite (All Company)
This has got to be one of the most enjoyable curtain calls I've ever experienced, as all of the audience joins with both the "Time Warp", and also the reprise of "Sweet Transvestite".

Audiences

Matinee
My first visit to the 'Rocky Horror Show' was a matinee performance, and it was a full house. I was actually surprised at how many people got dressed up as it was a matinee. This was also a very lively and outgoing audience, which made the experience and the enjoyment so much better. I was made to feel extremely welcome during my first visit to the castle.

Evening
The evening performance I went too was a mid week performance, and this was also a very quiet evening performance, which took me a little bit by surprise as I was expecting it to be much more lively than the matinee performance that I had previously attended. The livelier audience members where in the dress circle, while the quieter ones where seated in the stalls. But, again I was made to feel very welcome by other members of the audience, and also the whole cast.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of my experiences seeing the 'Rocky Horror Show', and I got made to feel extremely welcomed by both audiences and also the cast. It's most fun I've had for a very long time, and I haven't felt as 'high as kite' in a very long time and the fact that it's lasted for a good few months is actually a testament on how this brilliant this show can actually make you feel; even a few months after watching live.

I would highly recommend that you go and the latest tour of the 'Rocky Horror Show' if you  enjoy musical theatre, a 90s kid (like myself), or if you want to watch something that gives you that feel good factor. I would also recommend that you double and triple your tickets for this tour, which is what quite a number of the audience members are doing.

- The current tour is on tour in the UK until November. 
- Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton are on the current tour until the 25th May 2019
- The role of Frank n Furter is being shared by Stephen Webb & Duncan James
(Source: Rocky Horror Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk)

Fragrance Review: Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile EDP

Hi everyone,

It's a long time since I had last written a fragrance review. I've decided to review the Peonia Nobile EDP from Acqua di Parma.

The Peonia Nobile fragrance from Acqua di Parma is inspired by the multi faceted peony flower that is both delicate, exuberant, supple & energetic.

Top Notes
Black Pepper & Raspberry Accord

Heart Notes
Peony Accord, Egyptian Geranium, Freesia Accord & Turkish Rose

Base Notes
Amber Accord, Patchouli Indonesia & Musk

Acqua di Parma's Peonia Nobile is a gorgeous, fresh floral fragrance which also has a lightness about it.

This fragrance is very long lasting on the skin despite it being a fresh, floral scent. I've also found with this fragrance that its wears very well both during the day and in the evening.

I would recommend this fragrance to anyone who is looking for something a little more luxurious, but that can also be worn throughout the day and also in the evenings.

Products I've Used Up - March 2019

Hi everyone,

Here's the products that I have finished using up over the past few months.

Lush H'Suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment

This is a gorgeous product from Lush if your hair is in need of a bit of TLC. I've found that it really helped to get my hair back into a better condition. H'Suan Wen Hua has a lightish consistency, but at the same time its also very hydrating. I got around three uses out of this with my shoulder length hair. It also smells of cinnamon.

L'Oreal Phytoclear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Normal Hair

This is the second one of these I have used up over the past year, and I'm currently using my third bottle. I find that this suits me a lot better than 'Head and Shoulders', and it also works well when I use it to double shampoo my hair.

Avon Clean Slate Conditioner

I really wasn't a fan of this conditioner, and I also wasn't a fan of the scent. So, I won't be buying it again. 

Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

I'm currently using my third tube of this, and I've finally found a cleanser from the Body Shop that actually suits my skin type. It also has a very clean fragrance. I would recommend that you give this a try if you have oily/ combination skin, and you are a budget.

Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner

This toner took me around 18 months to use up, and its a lovely spray toner. I may repurchase this in the future when I fancy treating myself, but I've found something which I like a lot more.

Clinique 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Balm

I've used up a couple of these in the past, and I use this as my first cleanse in my evening skincare routine. I'm currently using the 'Take the Day Off' cleansing oil, and to be honest they both work as well as one another.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Serum

I think this is the third bottle of this that I have gone through over the past few years, and I have another one as a 'back up' which is ready to go once I have gone the deluxe sample that I'm currently using. This is a lovely, lightweight serum that sinks into the skin straight away; and it works really well with combination skin that is in need of some extra hydration.

Original Source Fresh Water Mint & Guarana Shower Gel

I got this to try, as I didn't fancy the tea tree and mint shower gel that they offer. This is a lovely mild mint shower gel, and not as strong as the tea tree and mint version. This is an okay shower gel if you fancy trying something a little different from the Original Source brand.

Ragdale Hall Dream Away Body Wash

This is a lovely, creamy shower gel that has a gorgeous mild lavender fragrance. It lathered up really well, and its ideal to use before bed as the lavender scent should relax you. I have another Ragdale Hall shower gel in my collection, but it's a different scent.

Nivea Dry Fresh & Ultimate Protect Deodorants

I have used Nivea deodorants in the past and I've always liked them. So I thought I would try the new Dry Fresh and Ultimate Protect. I didn't think much of the Dry Fresh, but I did find that I preferred the Ultimate Protect; and that's the one I would repurchase again.

Body Shop Shower Gels in Frosted Berries & Early Harvest Raspberry

I absolutely adore both of these fragrances from the Body Shop, and they both smell good enough to eat; especially Early Harvest Raspberry because every time I used it, it smelt like candy floss. I would buy both of these scents again, but they are limited edition. The raspberry shower gel usually comes back during the sales, but Frosted Berries was a Christmas scent.

Ragdale Hall Pamper Body Butter

This is a gorgeous smelling body butter, and I flew through this in about a month. It has a lovely thick consistency that sinks into the sink more or less straight away. The fragrance of this body butter smells divine and very luxurious. It's also great to buy if your on a budget. I would repurchase this again in the future if I was in need of a body butter.

B&BW Paris Amour Fine Fragrance Mist (Travel Size)

I kept this in my handbag, and it took me around a year to use up as I didn't need to use a lot. It had a lovely, light sweet scent, which was lovely to wear throughout the day or when I was in need of a refresher. Sadly, I think Bath & Body Works have discontinued the 'Paris Amour' line.

Bayley's of Bond Street Liquid Handwashes

I got these to try, as I was in need of some more hand wash, and these lasted me ages. They lather up really well, and they left my hands slightly more hydrated than before I washed them. The fragrances I got were 'Wild Bluebell & Waterlily', and 'Cucumber & Bergamot'.

Jo Malone Body Butter in Pomegranate Noir (Travel Size)

This is a lovely, hydrating body butter from Jo Malone, and the Pomegranate Noir fragrance really packs a punch after it has been applied. I think the fragrance lasted a good two days on my skin.

Kiehl's Rosa Artica Original Moisturiser (Deluxe Sample)

This is a thicker version of the Rosa Artica Lightweight Moisturiser that I really like, and I thought I might like this. But, its a little to thick for my liking, and thats with using it as a night time moisturiser. I found the best way to apply it was to pre warm it using my fingertips, and by doing it this way I didn't need to use as much.

Lancome Genefique (Deluxe Size)

I've gone through a number of these over the past few years, and I used this as part of my morning routine. I thought that I may still need it in my routine, but what my skin needs at the moment is more hydration.

MUFE Step 1 Smoothing Primer (Travel Size)

This is okay as a make up base for me, as it did a fairly decent job at keeping my make up in place. But it didn't make the make up last on my nose, and thats where I seem to be the most oily. I also found that I had to use a lot at once for it to be effective.