Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume Review - Cruelty Free & Vegan Perfume

Not that long ago I reviewed the Pacifica Mediterranean Fig perfume and in that post I mentioned I'd picked up four of the scents from their range (would have been six but I couldn't get the Lemon Blossom or Rose ones). 

Once I got tired of using the Mediterranean Fig one, I moved onto this one. I still really really like the other one, I just got tired of using it every day. I feel that's pretty normal though. You have to shake it up once in a while. 

Everything I said about the packaging in the last post still stands. The cardboard box is cute and has the same quote in the inner lid. . I love the cut through orange and tiny little flowers. The bottle has the same cut through orange design on it.

I'm still loving the functional feel of the bottles. I found another perfume when I was cleaning out the bathroom and when I went to spray it, managed to drop it on my foot because my hands had a tiny amount of moisture on them. This simple shape is just so easy to grip and spray. As I said before, my only issue is the lack of lid. The spray cap does feel secure and chunky, but I still don't think it would hold up for more than a couple of weeks in my handbag. If you're the kind of person that doesn't like topping up and leave your perfume at home, then this packaging would be ideal for you. 

Scent wise, the back of the box describes this as...

"Tempting blood orange, loved for its sparkling juicy raspberry and strawberry notes. mingles with spicy and sweet Italian mandarins in this memorable blend"

It definitely smells of orange, but like orange sweeties not actual oranges. Its a really nice, fresh, fruity smell and is a lot lighter and more summery than Mediterranean Fig Perfume. It doesn't smell like children's perfume or anything, its still very grown up and sophisticated. It's also not really strong or overpowering so its perfect for everyday wear. 

I really, really like this and have had a lot of compliments when I've been wearing it. I think that's because its a bit different to most of the really popular perfumes out there. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes fruity scented things. 

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

7th Heaven Argan Oil Mud Mask Review - Cruelty Free, Vegetarian, Skin Care

So its been a while since the last time I used a foil packet mud mask. Recently I've been trialling sheet masks and using up some peel off ones I had sitting for a while.

My skins been a little congested and crazy recently. I'm putting it down to a mix of stress (it got so bad I ended up with stress headaches), air conditioning and hormones, so a clean out was drastically needed. 

I went through my big bag of masks and things I need to review and found this guy. It's advertised for combination and oily skin and claims it deeply cleanses and balances skin. The package contains 15g of product and costs £1, so its very affordable. Here's hoping it works.

So this smelled good and applied well. There was also plenty so it was easy to get a good layer. 

So the first problem I had with this was that it took a really long time to dry. As you can see from the bottom photo the area around my mouth was dry and almost completely cracked whilst areas on my cheek and nose haven't dried at all yet. I did try to keep my face as still possible but after about twenty minutes I had to move jaw. Cracking this hurt a lot, it felt like the mask clung to every single little hair on my face and when I moved it felt like I got an accidental wax. Ouchie!

The second issue I had was once it began to crack little bits of mud fell off everywhere. I found bits in the living room, bathroom and the bedroom floor. It was so bad that I ended up having to put my dressing gown in the laundry because it was covered in light pink flakes. 

It was easy enough to remove with a damp cloth and a little patience. Once I got it off my skin felt really dry though, drier than it has in a long time and and far drier than I like it being. I have some issues with the skin from the apples of my cheeks down to the corners of my mouth and these areas had become very tight and almost painful.

The next day some patches of my skin were very dry and peeling slightly and the areas on my cheeks were sore and the little bumps seemed to have come to a head. Normally I would have said this was a good thing but as the rest of the area was sore I'm not so sure. 

In all honesty, I wouldn't buy this mask again. I think there are better ones out there at a similar price point and it did not do good things for my skin. 

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

Jester Bubble Wand, Lush Christmas 2016 Collection, Bubble Bath Review with Pictures - Cruelty Free

So recently, as you might have noticed, I've been on a major Lush kick. I've been loving some of the Christmas things that have been released this year and decided it was time to try my first bubble wand. I chose Jester as it smells divine, but I also picked up Santasaurus. Its a dinosaur rocking a Santa hat, whats not to love?

So Jester is slightly more expensive than the three other bubble wands Lush have brought out, but only by 50p and he is a very big boy. He also smells amazing. Sweet, fruity and really revitalising. My favourite scents from Lush are the orange or rose ones so this is a complete winner for me.

Right before he took a dunk in the tub...

Oh no, its pouring...

Time to dry off somewhere...

And look at those bubbles. 

That bath smelled so good and was bubble-tastic. The wands work exactly like the bubble bars, except they seem to be denser and don't immediately break down when they come in contact with water. Also a little seems to go a long way so when they say its multi-use, they mean it. I barely run it under the tap and got a full baths worth. I'm not sure how many uses you're supposed to get, but I think I'd probably get about  five or six.

Another thing to note about Lush is they have the most amazing customer service. I've dealt with the twitter team loads of times and they're always lovely, even if you've just tagged them in a tweet saying how much you love something, they tend to respond. I had placed my bubble wand on the textured mat I used for cleaning makeup brushes as that way air could get under it and would stop it going gloopy, but it wasn't drying that quickly. I tweeted them to ask advice and had a response in under 24 hours at the weekend. I was impressed (as always). 

Also their advise for drying it out was to stand it up in a glass so it doesn't stick to surfaces. I moved mine to a jar I had just cleaned out and it dried a lot quicker. Also it makes where-ever you dry it (if its a small room, like my bathroom) smell gorgeous as it drys. Free air freshener all round.

Final thoughts, this is great. I'm a convert, bubble wands all the way. It would be good for anyone that likes citrusy smells, likes bubble baths and likes Lush. It would make a great, fun, stocking filler for a child that's old enough to know not to eat it, but still loves splashing about in the tub. Also the smell isn't overly girly so you could get it for a guy that likes a bit of a soak. Heck, you could probably gift everyone this at Christmas without too many complaints. This is definitely something I'm going to stock up on nearer Christmas 

Other Lush Autumn/Winter 2016 reviews

Monsters Ball

Autumn Leaf

Ruby Red Slipper

Lord of Misrule

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Lipstick Collection Review and Swatches - Cruelty Free Affordable Makeup

So I got these Lipsticks in a huge Makeup Revolution haul a while ago, and for the longest time I had no idea why I bought them. I've come to the conclusion it was a moment of madness, coupled with some curiosity over the name of the collection, I love all things unicorn.

LtR: Throne, Horn of Magic, Magical, Pink Myth, Legend

These have the standard Makeup Revolution  packaging with the wee pot things on the end. I heard somewhere this was lip liner and in others it was lip balm. After testing it I would say its "weird, not very pigmented, jelly goop I don't care for". I got these in a five pack when they launched on the Makeup Revolution website but they are still available and cost £1 each. They are the cheapest thing I've ever reviewed. 

So the bottom line is the weird goop out the pot is applied with a lip liner brush and the top one is the lipstick out the bullet itself.

Throne

So Throne is light purple/grey colour. Its really shiny and reflective and I actually don't hate it. It's not an everyday colour and I will probably get rid of it the next time I de-clutter my lip products, but I might use it as a topper over Christmas and see how I go. 

Also this is the one shade I can no longer find on the Tam Beauty site. I'm not sure why as the rest of them are still up.

Horn of Magic

Yipes, this is not a flattering colouring on me. If it was more opaque, or maybe applied better and my naturally pink lips didn't shine through as much it might look better. It just highlights how pink and blotchy my face is. This will go in the de-clutter as well.

Magical

I hate this one more than I hate Horn of Magic. It has zero pigment and feels waxier than my favourite candle. Looking at the lipstick in the bullet I had hoped for so much more. but if you look at the swatches (especially the hand one) you can see how poor it is. Would not recommend it.

Pink Myth

So I actually kind of like this one. So the colour isn't particularly flattering but the formula isn't bad. If I was going to recommend one from the collection it would probably be this one, which makes me sad as its also the most boring. 

Legend

Again, this one isn't bad either. The shiny cement grey isn't the most flattering or wearable but the formula is better than the light blue and purple ones. It has a nice blue sheen to it too but again I wouldn't wear it 98% of the time.

Final thoughts. This collection isn't work the £5 it costs to buy all the colours. The best shade is a bright pink and for a couple of quid you could get a Barry M one that was 10x better and I would recommend doing that instead(in other news I got some Barry M lipstick and I actually really like it). All of these, except maybe Throne, will be going out in the next de-clutter. 

Thats all for now duckies.

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

Empties: November 2016 - Lush, Smashbox, Murad, Herbal Essence, John Frieda & Boots Ingredients

If you've been following my blog since the start of last month, you'll know I currently have a project on the go where I want to finish seventeen products by the start of 2017. There are currently 24 different products in the mix for that (full list here). Not all of these empties are part of that, however if the product is one of those I will mark it with a * before its name (example *Shower Gel).

So these 3 mini products were the first I "finished". I've put it in inverted commas as they were more abandoned in the Czech Republic with about one use left in each. I wasn't hugely fond of any of them and won't be buying full sized bottles.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

I didn't feel like this did anything apart from maybe remove old makeup. It certainly didn't seem to exfoliate very well. The lather also wasn't great and I found I had to use a lot to just clean my face. I expected more of a higher end product.

Natures Ingredients Lemon Verbena Shower Gel

OK, this actually wasn't bad. It was really thick, more like squeezy jelly than regular shower gel and it smelled nice. A travel size of this was £1 though and I can get a huge shower gel from Superdrug or Morrisons for less than that. Also the packaging made it difficult to get anything out once it became less than half full, I'd have to squeeze and squeeze then I'd suddenly end up with way too much.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

I know people rave about this but I don't get it. It does blur pores and help smooth skin texture, but I also feel like it leaves my skin feeling wet and greasy. If any got in my eyebrows when I was applying it (no matter how tiny an amount or how long I left it), my brow brush would leave wet marks in the powder when I was filling them in. Never again

*Herbal Essences Dazzling Shine Shampoo & Conditioner 

They're OK. I found them in (very underused) gym bag and decided to finish them. Won't buy them again as they're not cruelty free but they do smell nice.

*John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum in Original

I don't like this one bit. I feel it does nothing for my hair and having to apply it wet hair is a huge pain in the bum. When I used the final drops last night I was so happy. Will not re-purchase. Sorry mum, I know you love it.

Yeah I kept all the packets, I did clean them out though.

Boots Ingredients Charcoal & Willow Sheet Mask

Loved this, have already repurchases two of them as well as they're on offer. Full review here.

Boots Ingredients Lotus & Tiger Lily Sheet Mask

Didn't love this as much, but it is still nice. Another full review available here.

7th Heaven Argan Oil Mud Mask

I have a full review of this mask, complete with the mask selfies, which will be out in the next few days as part of Blogmas. Full disclosure though, it isn't positive. This "balancing" mask both dried me and broke me out. I was left with sore spots and peeling skin. Not a fan, will not repurchase. 

Boots Ingredients Super Hyaluronic Sheet Mask

I reviewed this too but I'm not sure if I'll end up using it or not as I've done a lot of foil packet masks lately and I'm getting a bit bored of them. I feel about as strongly about this as I did about the Lotus one. Might get one more and give it another shot when my skins not so haywire (still recovering from the above mask) before I write it off though.

Montagne Jeunesse Peel Off Two Pack

This is what 7th Heaven was before they re-branded and honestly I can see why they changed the name. Luckily Google knows me better than I do and can work out what I'm trying to say. I used these to use them up and for no other reason. Didn't like them and wont be buying the single packs of these. 

Burts Bees "Pearanormal Activity" Wipes

I really liked these and they smelled so good. I'd buy them for my handbag if I ever saw them again. If you ever see them, buy them and then send them onto me.

PS Argan Facial Cleansing Wipes

These are OK, and good value, but nothing special. I'm probably not going to but them again, unless I get suckered in by an impulse buy at the tills.

PS Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes

I prefer these to the Argan Oil ones but still not enough to repurchase them. The Superdrugs own brand ones are better and often on offer.

*Sanctuary Spa Body Butter and Conditioning Body Butter

I liked both of these products but didn't love them. They made my skin nice and soft and smelled really good. Probably wouldn't repurchase but I would definitely not say no another gift pack of three.

Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

I really like this product but its better when you have a shower to wash it off in rather than a bath. I had this mostly used up and then left it for a long time and when I went to use it again it seemed a little off. Decided to wash the pot out and take it back to Lush rather than risk it being bad. I'd happily buy it again, 

Lush Whoosh Shower Jelly

I really like this to shave with. It leaves your legs really smooth and smells good. My favourite shower jelly of all time was the Nightwing one from Halloween, and I liked the Snowman as well. Would happily by this again, or just about any other Shower Jelly they make.

*Superdrug Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash

I added this to my 17 by 2017 as I just wasn't using it up, however once I started regularly using it to try and get rid I realised I actually quite like it. It smells good, and doesn't break me out or leave a weird residue on my skin. I'd by this again.

Kneipp Herbal Bath Back Comfort with Devils Claw

I got this in subscription box earlier in the year and didn't use it at all until now. I really, really liked it. It has a strong herbal, medicinal kind of smell that I enjoy and makes the bath water a really nice dark pink colour. In the new year I'm going to be making a Cult Beauty order and when googling the correct spelling of Kneipp and I realised they were a UK stockist so I'll be picking up a bigger bottle of this and a multipack of some of the other ones they do. I also might try some of the Sweet Dreams bath salts.

So I actually got through a fair amount of makeup this month. I also went through a binned two very old mascaras, so that helped add to the numbers. 

*L'Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm

I really like this. I've already bought a full sized one and it cost more than I've ever spend on a multi-pack of lipbalms for just the one of these. It is so worth it though. Especially in winter here in Scotland. Today's high temperature is 3 degrees above freezing.

*MUA Eye Volume, Nourish & Case Mascara

I liked this mascara, it had just gotten to the stage it was hard to apply and was breaking down during the day and ending up down my face by the time I got home from work. Super cheap and good. Would buy again.

Max Factor False  Lash Effect Mascara

This is now over a year old so its getting binned. I really liked it, but wouldn't but it again because its not cruelty free and I thought the MUA one was better.

Makeup Revolution The Viper Mascara

I liked this, and started using it when I gave up on the MUA one. Its good and cheap, I've had it a long time and its done. I would get it again if I was placing a TAM Beauty.

*MUA Skin Define Hydro Powder

I really liked this. I found it better than the Soap and Glory one that's over three times the price. Would recommend and have already repurchased.

MUA Pro Base Moisturising Primer

Out of all the MUA products I've tried this is one of my least favourites (along with the LUXE Lip Lacquers). It makes the skin shiny and doesn't do anything to prolong the wear of your makeup. Not worth it.

*NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray

I've tried a few setting sprays, including some Urban Decay ones, and I really like this. Will probably buy it again but I have a huge Freedom one to finish next

*MUA Pro Base Mattify Fixing Mist.

This was OK, but the NYX one is better and not that much more expensive

Products without Packaging

(no photos for this, sorry)

Lush Mangnificent Hand Soap

I liked this soap and would buy it again. It lathered well and smelled nice. My only criticism is that the huge bits of fruit flesh are a bit annoying to have to pull out when the soap around them has mostly disintegrated.

Lush Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb
If you've read my review (here) you'd know how much I loved this. I well and truly ate my words. Its not boring at all. Love it, would buy it again.

Lush Butterball Bath Bomb 
I didn't think I loved the Butterball, having used it in the past, but I didn't hate it as much as I remember. Its not my favourite by a long shot, but if I got it in a Christmas present then I would definitely use it.

Bomb Cosmetics Flutter By, Butterfly Bath Blaster
This is cute but ultimately it leaves the bath coated in coco butter which is a pain in the butt to clean off. Not a fan.

Products I'm Binning

Soap and Glory Scrub 'em and Leave 'em Scrub

I persevered with this for so long but I hate it. I really hate it and I don't want to use it any more. I don't feel like it exfoliates very well and it has microbeads, and then they get all over the bath. Just, no.

Models Own Lipstick in Pink

I bought this off Groupon and when it arrived (still sealed) the top was very discoloured. I missed the deadline for sending it back as well. I'm not worried about the others but this ones going in the bin.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Ripe Berry

I love this lipstick (and have already gone and bought a replacement) but this snapped and when i was trying to fix it I melted the plastic coating with the lighter so this one no longer closes. I own a fair few of these lipsticks and this is the only one that's ever broken so I'm not that sad 

*Cynthia Rowley Pencil Eyeliner in Black (Mini Size)

I got this in a Birchbox and I really don't like it. I've tried and its not for me. I don't feel like it lasts a long time, and it just seems to smudge. I have loads of other eyeliner pencils to play with so its gone.

Finished: 32

Binned: 4

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

(Just a wee note. I live in Scotland and we're currently in Winter. We get about 9 hours daylight a day and I spend that in work so sorry about the badly lit photos)

Knitting - Why can't I sew in my ends? Professional procrastination at its best

I'm sure everyone has a thing. That one thing you can't seem to bring yourself to do. The thing you spend hours avoiding finding new, creative, ultimately pointless, excuses to avoid. You know the one I'm talking about.

Well I have two things. The first thing is the dishes. I hate washing up, I think I once swapped my turn at them with scrubbing the toilet and I felt like that was a worthwhile swap. Do not like or enjoy.

And the other thing is finishing knitting and crochet projects. Not actually getting them off the hook or pins, that's something I really enjoy. The final touches. Sewing in the ends, or adding a button, or threading a drawstring.

I'm at the stage now where I have a box, one of the large square crates that usually holds children's toys and just about fits under a bed, full of things that just need finishing touches before they can be photographed and listed on Etsy (and an Etsy shop I need to take off holiday mode and get sorted). I have another slightly smaller box of things needing more work, like sewing, before they will be completed, but each project would maybe require 30 minutes work maximum to be finished. 

Lastly, and maybe worst, I have nine completed pairs of socks that just need the ends sewn in before they can be worn. If I could face sewing in four threads, yeah just four, I would have a whole new pair of hand knitted, toasty toed, loveliness in my life. That would take me less than 5 minutes. In under an hour I would have 8 new pairs of socks, a great sense of achievement and not have loose socks floating around my living room. 

Cause everyone asked to see a photo of my legs....right?

When I look at them I feel sad, like I'm letting myself down somehow. But not sad enough that I'll just finish them and be done with it. I don't understand why. Knitting and crochet how I relax, and socks are the only thing I really make for myself (one time I also made a hat), so why can't I finish the projects made just for me.

I have googled it and there are lots of websites offering advise. Mostly they all agree that its important to finish what you start though. In the spirit of that, I have moved all the unfinished sock to the sofa in the hope I will finish them off. I might try and finish two pairs before I start anything else, it wont happen but its nice to think it might. I mean I do wash the dishes when I have to so there is hope.

If I got them all done then it would be a massive chunk out my 2kg by Christmas project, which is something I have thoroughly neglected recently.

Is there anything you can't bring yourself to do even though it would make you feel better?

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com

Sleek Smoke & Mirrors Gift Set Christmas 2016 Review and Swatches - Cruelty Free Cosmetics

So I've put off writing this review for over a month and I think that's mostly because by the time this finally goes up I will have taken and retaken the photos for three times. This is the Sleek Smoke & Mirrors, Ultimate Smokey Eye Kit. It's £12.50 and is one of the products in the Boots 3 for 2 gift promotion they run every Christmas (which is maybe the best thing for last minute Christmas shopping). 

So the pic above is what this outer packaging looks like. I can see what they're going for but I'm not sure I love the mix of the pink and black "bow", black and white triangles, purple, and then black with photos of products that also have black packaging on them (which I don't think makes a whole lot of sense). 

 I think the view without the sleeve is worse than with I think. There are stripes. Why are there stripes? What person thought that stripes would be a good addition to the patterned horror that is this box? Come on Sleek. I've never really had an issue with Sleek's packaging before but this just looks cheap. 

 The inside isn't any better and when you look at the size of the box verses what you get its also huge. It could have been a square the length of the palette, saving on space and packaging. Also I binned the clear inlay after the first set of photos I took, because I didn't think I would need to take them a further two times before I could get this post up. 

 So in the box you get the Sleek Full Fat Mascara and Dip It Liquid Eyeliner, both in black. The packaging on these is a bit basic and boring, but far far better than the box. Its at least in-line with palettes (which I do have an issue with but its nothing to do with the colour).

The mascara is OK. I probably wouldn't buy it again, there are other cheaper mascaras I prefer (Collection's Supersize Fat Lash and MUA's Define, Nourish and Care to name a couple). The formula is very, very wet, and dries fairly slowly. So if you sneeze, or accidentally hit it with a powder brush, that's it all down your face. The brush is one of those weird ones with a ball on the end and silicone "bristles", which I really don't like. Call me crazy but what's wrong with the old school full bristle ones? They always worked well in the past. I don't know if its the brush, or a combo of the brush and formula, but this just seems to give me spider eyes. Would not recommend it.

The eyeliner is another product that I think is just OK. I don't normally use dip liners, as I find I get better control with a pen style one but I was interested in trying it. The liner is more dark grey than black, but does apply nicely (even with the short handle). Its OK but as I said about the mascara, I wouldn't buy it again.

So the palette you get is the i-Divine Bad Girl Palette. It contains mostly darker shades and they seem to be split into groups of two. It looks used in the above photo as I've had to do these swatches a couple of times now and if I ever have to arm swatch again it will be too soon. The palette is one of standard ones from Sleeks collection and it has the classic black packaging. My only issue with this is I own a bunch of these and unless I open then or turn them over, its impossible to tell which is which. The "On the Horizon" palette has the palette name stamped in the bottom right corner, which is really helpful. They should really all have this. Also I hate the sponge applicators. Remind me to bin this once I'm done typing. 

I was a bit worried when I was looking at the box, as the shadows in the bottom right looked very pink. In actual fact they're both purple, Twilight is a gorgeous dark purple, and rebel is a more mauve based colour. 

Top Row

Bottom Row

So these are the swatches, As you can see, Sleek excel at making shimmer shadows. The middle two on the top row (Blade and Gun Metal) and the grey/green on the bottom left (Intoxicated) are to die for. The formula is similar to the Hidden Gems Palette, but as its permanent I feel like the shades are a bit more refined and less chunky. The mattes are a bit powdery but the pigment is intense. 

I'm not sure I could do a whole eye-look with this palette, but I love the quality of Sleeks eyeshadows, and they might be my favourite Sleek product. I would definitely recommend them. The have 22 different palettes available in the i-Divine range so there's something to suit everyone. The other products I really love are the Matte Me Liquid Lipsticks, which are beautiful and also super affordable.

Final thoughts, this pack is fantastic value for money if you want to try Sleek and aren't sure if you'll like their formulas. Full Fat Mascara retails for £6.99, Dip it Eyeliner is £4.99 and the i-Divine Palettes are £8.99. You get £20.97 of product and an ugly, but sturdy, storage box for £12.50 so you save £8.47. Two out of three products are OK and the third I really like and it would make a good Christmas gift for someone who was interested in good quality and cruelty free makeup.

XOXO Scruffy

Enquiry? Message me ascruffyduck@gmail.com