Review: Ziaja Cocoa Butter

Cocoa power all the way for this Polish skincare Ziaja. Cocoa butter melts at body temperature and is instantly absorbed into the skin meaning Cocoa butter and skincare are a match made in heaven. 

I had the pleasure of receiving two products from the Ziaja Cocoa butter range : the Cocoa body butter and the Cocoa body scrub, both of which I fell instantly in love with as they smell like my favourite thing in the world...chocolate! 

The spiel: 

For all you chocolate lovers out there I would run, don't walk, as pick up some Ziaja Cocoa body butter.  It retails for only €7.99 and instantly smoothes and soothes skin. I am also loving the Cocoa butter scrub , also €7.99, which is a mixture of blended pure coconut oil, Cocoa butter and crushed walnut shells which will polish your skin into looking brighter, smoother and younger looking. The crushed walnut shells gently peel dead skin off the surface, enhance blood circulation and bring oxegen to your blood cells. 

My thoughts: I personally love the scrub as it is great for anyone who suffers from a little bit of ' back- acne', it will exfoliate the skin and is great for thighs, bum and back. I've already had compliments on how smooth and soft my skin is from the Boy so it's obviously working! 

                                

Where to find it: shop online at www.originalbeauty.ie and from independent pharmacies and Shaws department stores nationwide.

Find out more about Ziaja head to Twitter and follow the hashtags #ZiajaHeroes #CocoaPower #CocoaBeauty #SummerSkin 

   

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So Su Nail polish review

I was sent these four polishes to try out recently. As many of you may know they are from the range So Su by Suzanne Jackson, an Irish blogger. They are marketed as a gel polish and retail for €8.99 in the majority of places however I think Penneys might have the range for a euro cheaper. 

As someone who doesn't wear nail polish that much because of work I think it is a little on the dear side. I didn't use a base coat or a top coat with these nail polishes either as I never do with normal nail polish so I wanted to see accurately how long these would last with it chipping. When I posted about these nail polishes on my blog after receiving them and before trying them out myself the majority of the reaction was negative. Many people said they chipped quickly and didn't have a lot of longevity. There were a couple of people who had praise for this polish declaring totally opposing opinions so I had to see for myself 

Firstly the pros....

I love the vibrancy of the red colour I was sent called 'First Date'. It's a gorgeous orange red shade, is very glossy and doesn't really need a lot of build up in my experience. It was fairly opaque going on which is always good. I don't like to spend ages layering nail polish. 

I only left this nail polish on for a day as I had work, but a tiny chip developed on the thumb nail, after a few hours. It wasn't the worst but annoying that it chipped so quickly. 

Next I tried the gold nail polish in 'all that glitters'. I think it's a gorgeous gold colour that isn't see through. I have had this nail polish on for about a week and while you can see it is chipped and smudged (through my own fault) it still stayed on pretty well. 

The black nail polish is called 'Private Jet'. I really like the names of the polishes. This is a glossy black, I think a matte black would look amazing. I didn't like the glittery pink nail polish I received as I don't see the point in them unless you are layering them over a block colour of polish because it is a clear nail polish with glitter particles in it. Not a look I would normally wear. 

All in all the polishes were okay/good. I wasn't wowed, I'm sure with a base coat, two layers of polish and a top coat these polishes could go the distance of a week with no chips but as has been pointed out by other bloggers you could get the same with a Rimmel nail polish which is a cheaper price point. 

My positives would be the colour selections, glossy look of the polish and creative names of the nail polishes and my negatives would be that it does chip quicker than a gel polish should. I never use base coats or top coats so I'm comparing this to how I normally apply nail polish.

Have your say in the comments below... Xx

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A/W fashion picks feat. River Island

Out with summer in with autumnal dressing is what I say! It's sad to say but it looks like our summer is set to be a bit of a washout here in Ireland which has me looking towards next seasons fashion : Autumn/winter. While it is not my favourite season I love A/W fashion trends, they tend to tip over to the more flattering, cosy, warmed colours and layering which I love. 

Key trends this season seem to be camel (the colour not the animal), shearling and sheepskin coats and gilets, the return of check print, folk and graphic prints. Warmer colours such as rust, brunt orange, khaki and Browns all feature heavily but there is also a nod to the ever popular sartorial trend of nude and pastels running through the accessories ie in fedora hats, tassel loafers and handbags. 

I've picked out some of my favourite A/W offerings from River Island below. 

A good jacket is key and these return year after year to RI. This comes in at €155 but if you look at cost per wear you will get over the colder months they are well worth it and sooo cosy. I think this is the style of coat I will be investing in next season. 

I also love the Cape idea which is ideal of layering before it gets to the extreme cold stages. This is lined with shearling and would look fab styled with black skinny jeans, a folk print blouse and chunky boots. 

These boots made it on the list thanks to the cute little ankle tassle. Black or brown boots should be a staple in your autumn winter wardrobe and these come in at €50 which won't break the bank. 

I am loving all the patterns ahead, be it geometric, tribal, or folksy printed clothes. This wraparound blouse is fab, it is slightly oversized and is open at the back which would make a flattering fit. This is €43 and you would get a lot of wear out of this. 

As I said I love my nude accessories. This super cute fedora and these tasseled loafers would go with any colour combination. 

I don't normally go for neutral colour tops as I feel they wash me out or slogan tees as I find them a bit cheesy but I love this slogan as I am the worst when it comes to overthinking things. This is €33. 

Check print is back again. Pair this dress with black tights, ankle boots and a fur gilet to nail the autumn winter trend. I love dresses as they are so easy to wear and essentially one whole look in one piece of clothing. 

This tassled suede handbag combines two trends I love. The slouchy shape means it will work for your more casual day to day outfits. I also really like this long line sleeveless cardigan which will work with layering over your outfits. 

Hope you liked my A/W picks from new season River Island, let me know what's your favourite in the comments below xx

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