Avon Skin So Soft Silky Moisture Replenishing Hand Cream

Avon Skin So Soft Silky Moisture Replenishing Hand Cream
Approx price: £3.60

I really like this cream because it absorbs quickly into my hands and doesn't leave a residue. My hands do feel much softer after using it.
It is small enough to keep in my handbag so I always have it to hand whenever I get indoors after being out in the cold.
The smell is quite nice, but doesn't linger and is gone in a few minutes.
It contains Argan Oil, which is very much flavour of the month at the moment.
My only criticism is that is states it provides 24+ hours of moisturisation.  Apart from the fact I don't even know if "moisurisation" is a real word, I do have to keep reapplying throughout the day, so it's definitely not keeping me moisturised for 24 hours!

Mally Perfect Prep Eye Primer

Mally Perfect Prep Eye Primer
Approx price: £27.50

The idea behind this is that it is a base for eye make-up, which makes it last longer.
I apply mine at night because Mally said that's how she does hers, and it saves me time in the morning so i don't have to wait for it to absorb before I apply my make up.
I have to admit it seems to make absolutely no difference to the amount of time my eyeshadow lasts - it is still fading by the time I get home from work.
Apparently it is supposed to condition the eye area to the extent that you do not need a seperate eye cream, but I have noticed no difference in the condition of my skin at all.  It can also be a bit tacky if you put too much on, it does not seem to absorb very well.
I love Mally, but will not be buying this again.
I do, however, love the feeling of applying the cream with the brush that comes with it, so once I have used this up I will keep the brush for applying eye creams.  It is good to get right under the eye, into the bridge, and across the lid.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo
Approx price: £5.89

My natural hair colour is dark brown, and I still have remnants of black dye on the ends which is why I have been having to build up highlights rather than go fully blonde in one go.  My hair has been getting quite brassy on the ends, which is why I decided to try the Sheer Blonde shampoo when I saw it was available in a version especially for coloured hair and highlights.
The first thing I noticed was the vivid purple colour, which I thought was quite a novelty for a shampoo.
I am quite happy with the results.  The back of my head (where it is darker) still appears quite brassy in the lengths, but around the front of my face where it is lightest the blonde is a great colour.  I think maybe it is more of a preventative measure than a cure, so the back can't be fixed, but the front is being kept a gorgeous shade of blonde.
My colour seems to be lasting longer now than the last time I had it touched up as well, so will definitely keep using this.

Makeup Academy Lip Gloss

Makeup Academy Lip Gloss
Shade 3
Approx price £1.00

I'm normally wary of buying makeup this cheap, but it was a few days before payday and I just had an urge to go shopping!  I prefer gloss to stick because my lips are dry and flaky.
I chose this shade because it appears to be a nice neutral shade that I could wear regularly to work.  It looks a pale brown/pink with flecks of gold.
When I first applied it I was impressed with the smell, it seemed delicious!  However, I later got a bit on my teeth and it tasted of vomit, so that put me off.
It does give a nice natural look but unfortunately the problem I have is (as with many glosses) it is a bit too sheer for my liking and appears transparent after a while.  You would have to top it up regularly to keep a sense of colour, and this makes lips feel tacky.

Bare lips before application

After application - 3 coats