BPL’s Spring Beauty Must Haves 2017 Feat. @sorbetsalonsuk @aureliaskincare @blackupofficial @smashboxuk

Over the past few days the sun has been peeking through the clouds and spring is most definitely on its way!

Hurrah!

Over the past few months I have been testing and trialling a number of products and below is a round up of my favourites – that I will be using and wearing as the season unfolds.

Sorbet Salons – East Finchley

I featured this South African company on my blog at the end of 2015, when the company made its first foray into the UK, opening a salon in Muswell Hill and Crouch End in north of the city and I expressed how impressed I was with the service and the salon’s interior. The concept has proven to be a hit with the residents of North London as another salon was opened in East Finchley at the end of January. I was invited to visit this salon as well.

A really cute salon! If you live in the Finchley area of London check out @sorbetsalonsuk East Finchley! . Love the #brownbeauty images too. #salon #london #bbloggers #nails #facials #skincare #notd #beauty #londonblogger #instabeauty #sorbetsalons #sorbertloveseastfinchley

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If you are familiar with the area, the salon is conveniently located close to the East Finchley station and I was warmly welcomed by the receptionist. I opted to have a Gelish manicure and the therapist, Christina, was professional and meticulous, making sure mistakes were rectified to ensure a perfect finish.

Enjoying a midweek gel manicure at new @sorbetsalonsuk in East Finchley! The lovely therapist Christina has done a great job! #bbloggers #londonblogger #sorbertloveseastfinchley #sorbetsalons #notd #beauty #instabeauty

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The salon group runs regular promotions and offers a loyalty programme for regular visitors. If you are seeking a local salon that will deliver a professional service time after the time, pay a visit to your nearest Sorbet salon.

BlackUp Matte Liquid Lipcolor

I have always loved gloppy, sticky lip glosses, but I have been bitten by the recent trend for matte lip colours!

Lush rich shades on full lips are a perfect combination – giving me a young ‘Lauryn Hill’ vibe!
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One of the best matte lip colour offerings I have tested  is the Black Up Matte Liquid Lipcolor range.

Checking into the @sanrizz Academy for the @kerastraight Afro Hair event! Rocking my new @blackup Liquid Lip Colour..it is divine!! Look out for more on the BPL blog! #bbloggers #brownblogger #afrohair #afrosalon #education #innovation #business #hairdressing #mondaytingz #mondaymotivation

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The Lipcolors are ultra pigmented and the liquid formula is smooth and provides good coverage. The formula isn’t overly drying but you can  a tiny slither of gloss underneath to add a touch of moisture. The dark berry shades on the range are shades number 07 and 08 and I combine the two to give a deep finish and I receive no end of compliments!

🇺🇸 In love of our new matte liquid lipcolor !! 🇫🇷 Nous sommes totalement amoureuses de nos nouveaux rouge à lèvres liquide mats !! #blackup #blackupcosmetics #lips #lipstick #ral #color #look #inspiration #makeupaddict #mua #makeupartist #red #redlips #mattelips #color #swatch #blackgirlsrock #blackgirlmagic #blackbeauty #darkskin #darkbeauty #woc

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The range comes in 9 shades and I have also been sporting the lilac (04), red (06) and the deep inky purple (09).

Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant

Last year I was invited by Aurelia team to find out about some latest additions to the brand’s product portfolio. I am a fan of the Revitalise and Glow Serum.

Checking in for @aureliaskincare pop up breakfast!! I fell in love with the Revitalise & Glow serum last year!! A great opportunity to find out about the new products! Check out my review of the serum here >http://www.angiegreaves.com/skin-prepfor-my-mums-wedding/ as featured on the @angiegreaves Feeling Fab site! #beauty #londonbeauty #beautyblogger #skincare #britishbeauty #bbloggers

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We took away a goodie bag and out of all of the items that were gifted, I really liked the new Botanical Cream Deodorant. Now, I know that talking about deodorant and subsequently arm pits, is not as ‘sexy’ as talking about the latest luxury make up item, but one thing we all do is sweat!

A Botanical Cream Deodorant miniature is now available to buy for £5 on our website! Lasting you over a week this mini is perfect for the gym, travel, gifting or a way to trial #joinourbotanicaldeorevelation #aureliadeodorant #travelsize #aluminiumfree #naturaldeodorant #natural #aureliaprobioticskincare #aureliaskincare #aurelia

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I am not a fan of traditional antiperspirants as I found that they blocked my pores and I would develop the very painful spots/bumps under arm, thus I stopped wearing these products, which made all the difference. This cream deodorant contains superfine powdered plant based botanicals including antimicrobial Arrowroot and pure Kaolin which sits invisibly on the skin to absorb the perspiration and Shea butter to hydrates the skin. The cream transforms into a powder like finish and is not sticky or clammy once it has been applied. It has a pleasant fragrance due to the essential oils Tea tree, Eucalyptus and Peppermint, which also boast antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and distilled Lavender and Bergamot.

This product is really effective and I have not suffered with blocked pores since I have been using it. If this is a problem you have encountered or you are seeking a natural yet efficacious alternative to standard deodorants, this could be the product for you!

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

At the end of 2016, I wrapped up the Keziah CONNECTIONS season with Smashbox! It was a fabulous evening.

#tbt A #throwback to the last @keziahconnects on 2016! It was a great evening, full of fun, information and connections with the #smashboxuk team at the @smashboxcosmeticsuk studio! Check out the full gallery on the BPL #Pinterest page (pinterest.com/beautypulseldn>>>http://pin.it/MOgEIlH #Keziahconnections will be back in the Feb 2017!! Thanks again for all of your support! Sign up to receive the KC newsletter to keep up to date >> http://ow.ly/Ajkg100g08W by @srdphotography #tbt #keziahconnects #connecting #womenofcolour #wocinbeauty #wocinlifestyle #london #blackgirlmagic #smashbox #celebratingothers #womensupportingwomen#brownbeauty #lovesmashbox #inclusivebeauty #beautyforallskintones #bblogger #brownbloggers #networking #collaboration #connections

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One of the highlights of the event was the live make up demo! MUA and Smashbox Studio manager Carolina Bicudo showcased how to counter on highlight darker skin using products from the range.

Thanks so much for your kind words Hafsa!! See you in the new year! #Repost @hafsaisalwe ・・・ Demo @ Smashbox last night. Congrats to @beautypulselondon for yet another year of great events! She works tirelessly to provide women of colour in the beauty industry a platform to connect with one another

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One of the products that Carolina used to both prep the model’s skin and to finish the look was the Photo Finish Primer Water. I am a big fan of primers and I have used both cream and gel formulations in the past, so I was keen to try this liquid formula. Unlike the majority of primers on the market, this product is silicone-free. It works by hydrating the skin at a deeper level. Electrolytes (such as potassium) restore moisture. The product is passed through positive energy fields during the production process, which causes the enriched water to instantly absorbs into skin.

I am loving @smashboxcosmeticsuk Photo Finish #Primer Water. 💦 . Look out for my review on the BPL blog! . #LoveSmashbox #bblogger #review #beauty #beautychat #makeupchat #fotd #primers #product #instabeauty

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I used the primer water as I usually would, applying a mist right after the application of my SPF. The product is cooling and did indeed dry very quickly. My skin felt smooth and ready for my make up. An additional benefit to this product is that it can be used to set one’s makeup as well. In comparison to other setting products I have used, the primer water dries quickly and does not leave my skin feeling tight. I will certainly be continuing to use this product throughout the spring and summer.

All products/services were provided by the brand

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