What's New at Asda?

Make-Up, Father's Day and the Diamond Jubilee at Asda

Spend or Splurge on Make-Up?

Asda have launched their new range of cosmetics in this season's hottest colours in their George Make-Up range.  They are bang on trend, embracing this season's looks just like the top brands such as Chanel or Benefit. George make-up however is a fraction of the price.  So if you want to look good and save cash, check out this cut-price range.

We sampled:

Velvet Eye Palette in Rainforest £4.50

Velvet Eye Shadow Single in Minx and Storm £2.50 each

Quick Dry Nail polish in Giggle and Gnome £1.75 each

This range is ideal for everyday wear for anyone who doesn't want to blow their housekeeping budget on make-up.  The colours are vibrant and the packaging is simple but stylish.  The nail varnish is great for girls who want a range of fun colours, or metallic and glitter effect shades to brighten up their look this summer. 

Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is on June 17th this year and if the kids want to treat dad without spending too much of their pocket money, then Asda has a range of Super Dad products that are fun and very reasonable, starting at just £1.

We took a look at the Super Dad Photo Frame and Comic Strip Fridge Magnets.

The fridge magnets are really good fun.  They press out from a magnetic sheet but are quite thick and sturdy.  I love the designs which hark back to the old Batman series with Ka-Pow and Thwack slogans to decorate the fridge door!

The Super Dad photo frame has a pre-printed picture with a cut-out section to put a photo of dad's face in it, transforming him into a superhero.  At just £2 this would make a good alternative to a card, but it is purely a novelty gift with a thin plastic frame and no glass front so can't really be re-used as a regular photo frame after the event.  It's fun nevertheless!

Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Is it sixty years already??  I still remember the street parties of the Silver Jubilee back in 1977.  I still have my souvenir coin and spoon.  I wonder if my kids will look back as fondly upon this time and keep their jubilee memorabilia as I did as a child?  In case they do, Asda has a good range of merchandise commemorating this historic occasion and celebrating the British monarchy. 

This china mug is £3 and is part of an elegant and charming tea party range, which is quintessentially British.  It can be found in store from June 4th.  If this design is not to your taste, there are funky and contemporary designed souvenirs also available. There will also be everything to host a street party including bunting, party ware and flags.  All the Jubilee souvenirs cost £5 or less so being patriotic is very affordable.  Make it a weekend to enjoy being a Brit!

Find these products instore at an Asda near you.

Perfect and Brighten with Click 'n' Conceal

I don't think I've had a reasonable night's sleep for a fortnight.  With all the bugs floating around my family, one or the other of us has been poorly and up in the night coughing.  Consequently my eye bags are in serious need of cosmetic camouflage.  Thank goodness for Gosh cosmetics new Click 'n' Conceal, a multi-purpose tube of magic which boosts skin radiance and waves good-bye to dark circles, blemishes and imperfections.

You click 2-3 times to release the required amount of product, which allows you to control how much you use with no accidental squirts or spills.  The concealer is lightweight and creamy, feeling comfortable on the skin.  When using concealer around the eyes it is vital that the product doesn't drag, cake or go powdery.  I was impressed with its moisturising texture that gave a seamless finish.  You can layer it to build the coverage you desire.  Light reflecting properties hide imperfections and give radiance to your skin.

The concealer is long lasting and looks quite natural on the skin.  It is available in three shades to match skin tone.  There is also a greenish one to counter redness which would be really useful in winter, the season of windblown cheeks and red noses.

The tube itself is perfect to pop into a handbag or make-up purse to take out for emergency touch ups!  It can be used alone or over or under foundation so it is very versatile.

The Gosh Click 'n' Conceal is exclusive to Superdrug stores or www.superdrug.com for £6.99.

Beauty on a Budget

With the country still gripped in the economic recession, it is sometimes the case that us women make sacrifices to provide for the rest of the brood.  I know my needs come well down the priority list when it comes to buying luxuries.  Things like new make-up are a rare thing for me, and for ages I've wanted to update my make-up bag!


This week Aldi has come to the rescue of us ladies who are in need of new quality make-up on a budget.  In store this week and while stocks last, the new range of  Lacura Minerals Make-Up is available as a Special Buy!

With lipstick, lip gloss, face powder and foundation available at Aldi’s great value prices, there’s no excuse not to shake up your beauty regime. Mineral make-up has become a huge beauty trend over recent years, with more and more women keen to achieve full, natural coverage. Mineral substances lie on the skin and allow your skin to breathe without blocking pores.  You can create a flawless look for a fraction of the price of the high end brands.

Aldi has sent me a set of their Mineral Make-Up to give my make-up bag the much needed boost it's been waiting for.  The sleek packaging has the look of a higher priced, quality product and won't look out of place in anyone's cosmetic collection.

The Lacura Minerals Lipstick is smooth wearing and subtlety coloured.  The Nougat Shimmer shade I've been sent has golden shimmers, a soft mineral base and is enriched with vitamin E to smooth and protect the lips.  The lipsticks are dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types.  Also available in Creamy Pink and Dark Berry there is a shade to suit all skin tones.  For just £2.99 this is amazing value.

Lacura Minerals Foundation is a lightweight foundation giving optimum coverage for radiant skin.  It is non-pore blocking making it suitable for all skin types, even problem skin.  It goes on really easily and smoothly and looks very natural.  It doesn't feel like it clogs up your skin at all.  It is available in Transparent, Beige and Sun.  For just £2.99 it is a real bargain.

The Lacura Minerals Lipgloss gives soft lips with an enviable stunning gloss which is perfect for a glam look.  The essential minerals protect and moisturise giving a luscious feel and look.  I loved the packaging and it applied really smoothly.  It is available in Rose, Gold Shimmer and Soft Brown for just £2.99.

The Lacura Minerals Powder is my favourite of the products and exceptional value.  The sleek pot opens up to reveal a mirror and powder puff.

It glides on effortlessly, giving a natural, fresh complexion and feels light on the skin.  It gives good coverage without looking fake.  It is suitable for all skin types even acne prone or sensitive skin.  It doesn't clog the pores so you can wear it with confidence.  Available in the same colours as the foundation you can match them for a perfect finish.  Another £2.99 bargain, this has become my make-up must have!

So don't miss out.  Pop to Aldi and treat yourself to some quality products at a bargain price.  There is no need to compromise on quality when you are on a tight budget if you choose Lacura Minerals from Aldi.  Remember, this  is a special buy for this week so hurry!!

**Also...you can still win a tube of Lacura Wrinkle Stop by entering my giveaway.  Full details are HERE!!**

Mum's The Word...An Early Morning Must Have!

Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals is the brainchild of Dr Perricone, who is an expert on dermatology and anti-ageing.  They produce groundbreaking award winning facial skincare products.  The Cosmeceutical range is a collection of skin treatments which go beyond a simple cosmetic.  The inclusion of gentle, non-evasive, all natural compounds actively promotes healthier skin which can stay beautiful for a lifetime!

As a dermatologist to some of the most famous faces in the world, Dr Perricone was asked to create a foundation that would let the skin's natural radiance shine through.  No Foundation Foundation was born.  Created to make skin look dewy and flawless, No Foundation Foundation is a multi-purpose product that provides translucent coverage, corrects skin undertones, instantly smooths fines lines and boosts skin's natural moisture throughout the day, all the while delivering antioxidant benefits.  A non-chemical SPF 30 delivers protection against skin damage and it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.  The light universal shade suits all and allows healthy skin to glow while hiding flaws.  It is a fool proof, easy to use light foundation that ensures you can leave the house in the morning with a flawless glowing complexion in an instant!

I was sent a 30ml bottle of No Foundation Foundation to test.  I am not a good morning person!  School days are a hectic rush without much me-time.  Most days it's OK to leave the house in a mess and hide in the car as I do a stop, drop and run drive-by.  However, on those days where I go on to the shops or to see friends, I am all too conscious of my slovenly appearance.  This is made worse by the fact that I have a friend who is always immaculately made-up with a full face on everyday.  I really do need all the help I can get in the make-up department.

The brown glass bottle looks quite functional with its no-nonsense label.  A pump dispenser top allows for a mess free application.  The plain cream box looks very minimalist...it isn't covered in pictures of over made-up models or promises of instant beauty or fancy advertising slogans. However, it now displays the accolade of winning the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards last year for Best Tinted Moisturiser.  They say "..makes your face look airbrushed...genius!"  It also won the Image Beauty Award for Best Natural Finish for "giving a sheer, stunning finish."

I've used this product all week now. The beauty of this No Foundation Foundation is that it is so easy to apply.  Being translucent it goes on flawlessly as you apply it in a circular motion over your skin.  Unlike Matte products which can leave harsh lines if not properly blended in, the No Foundation Foundation just works perfectly with your skin leaving  it looking ultra natural and refined.  I hate the 'mask-like' feeling of heavy foundations, but I felt like my skin could breathe with this product.  It felt fresh and light.  It also made my skin feel hydrated and moisturized.  The anti-ageing element of this product is a real positive.  It means I am moisturising and putting on my make-up in one step which is a time saving pick me up.  With my complexion looking healthy and glowing, I don't look made-up (which is not a look I strive for) I just look more polished.  I really love it!

With an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 171 reviews, this is a much loved, make-up bag must have.  It costs £45 which puts it into a more expensive price bracket than many high street brands.  However, this is so different to anything I've used before.  I love that it is natural, I love that it is light and easy to use and I love that it makes me look more polished in the morning.  I also love that it is anti-ageing and that it protects my skin from the sun.  As a busy mum, it means looking good doesn't have to be sacrificed due to having a hectic morning.  I've never really been passionate about cosmetics but I could see myself falling in love with Cosmeceuticals!

It is loved by the industry, loved by its users and loved by celebrities such as Uma Thurman.  Having used it I can understand why!

Check out the website for more information, more amazing products and to purchase No Foundation Foundation.