Review: Soap & Glory Cheekmate

Every time I nip into Boots, I'm always attracted to the Soap & Glory cosmetics stand. There is just something so alluring about their gimmicky packaging and the puns that they come up with. I've have long been a fan of their body products so decided to venture into the cosmetic realm.

'A refreshing gel stain with BLUSHBOOT technology to enhance circulation in the capillaries of the skin. Plus raspberry seed, kiwi extract & vitamin C to moisturize and condition'

Apologies for the blurriness, I had a Labrador attempting to jump off a 10ft wall into my garden just as I was taking the photo. Cheekmate is a highly pigmented gel stain for obviously your cheeks and then for your lips. I've used the the Benefit cheekstain before and I found that to bright and difficult to work with for my liking. However, Soap & Glory's Cheekmate is a gel based stain making it easier to apply.

You only need a smidgen of the gel to create a flush of colour across your cheeks. I like a good bit of colour as much as the next girl but too much and you end up looking like you're doing fancy dress!

It is important to work quickly with this as it drys and will leave you with candy apple cheeks otherwise! I tend to apply this using the Real Techniques stippling brush as it's quick and easy to blend in. I find when using my fingers, I tend to end up with red stains.

For best results, apply before powder and you'll end up with a subtle rosy glow that lasts all day.

I don't really wear tints on my lips as they can be quite dry and I find tints can emphasise any dry patches. However, if you don't have dry lips, the two would complement each other and Cheekmate would be a perfect two in one product.

Soap & Glory Cheekmate is available to purchase from Boots for £8 (often on 3 for 2)

JANUARY BEAUTY HAUL

I know this is a teensy bit late but I've been waiting for my new camera to come, which still hasn't wahhhh!

So I thought I'd just go ahead with this anyway, all the stuff I've bought, I haven't needed, I just wanted it... so I got it.

1. No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Brush - (£15 normally £25). I bought this in the vain hope that it would be a dupe for the Clarisonic which I can't afford as I'm a poor student. I haven't seen that many reviews on it so thought I'd would try it. My only worry is that the head fully oscillates whereas the Clarisonic half-twists, so it might be a bit rough.
2. Nip+Fab Shine Fix - (£9.95). I 've heard great things about this brand and my current primer just isn't up to scratch when I have uni then work. No one wants to look like an oil slick.
3. No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water for Normal/ Combination Skin - (£9) I really love the No7 makeover as they make the same product but specifically for your skin type. I've been wanting to get into a better cleansing routine and instead of using face wipes when I just can't be bothered at night, I thought this would be quick and easy to swipe over my visage (oh la la) with a cotton wool pad.
4. Nip+Fab Spot Fix - (£9.95) My skin is really bad at the moment, I think it's a mixture of the weather and too many late nights
5. Bourjois Express Eye Make-up Remover - (£4.99) This just appealed to me as you get to shake it up and down and the two part mix together. Fascinating science.
6. Nspa Deep Hydrating Facial Oil - (£7) The first thing you'd probably think is "woah there Holly, you've got oily skin, why do you want to go putting oil on it?" This claims to be suitable for all skin types and although my skin gets oily, I think there is a difference between over moisturising it and nourishing it.

What have you been buying?

20 FACTS ABOUT ME

I decided to jump on the bandwagon and join in as I'm a new blogger!

1. I have really deformed little fingers, they bend inwards.

2. I'm obsessed with dresses.

3. And ducks and penguins. I really love penguins.

4. I'm such a fussy eater, I wish I wasn't.

5. I'm going to live in Franceyland but hate cheese. Apart from cheddar. Cheddar is the love of my life.

6. I buy DVDs and then never watch them.

7. I can never remember anything.

8. I'm always cold, I really struggle to stay warm and sleep with 2 blankets and a duvet in the summer.

9. 37 is my lucky number, no idea why!

10. I am naturally so pale, my friends say I blend in with the snow.

11. I'm pretty much glued to my phone, I feel lost without it and have to check it last thing at night.

12. I can not eat apples without slicing them into little pieces

13. Percy Pigs are my all time favourite sweet.

14. I get claustrophobic, tunnels really freak me out and I have to close my eyes.

15. I like to watch any real crime programme. They fascinate me.

16. I have never ever had a Subway.

17. I have to wear a bracelet or something on my wrist everyday. Slightly OCD.

18. My favourite blogger at the moment is Khila from Miss Budget Beauty, she's so down to earth and genuine, I love how she posts everyday.

19. I hoard body butter. I must have at least 20 tubs full.

20. I would do anything for a Mulberry bag (within reason)