Cherry Pick of the Week ~ The Body Shop Banana Shampoo & Conditioner!

Let's try a little something different, shall we? A return of Cherry Pick of the Week (this time with a product or service that's seriously impressed that week). While I will continue to micro blog beauty news & reviews on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat & Twitter, I feel a dedicated return of beauty to the blog might be worthwhile too, and what better product to kick us off than another return? This time it's The Body Shop Banana Shampoo & Conditioner!

Limited Edition Virgin Mojito Body Range from The BodyShop incl GIVEAWAY!

If ever my 'Cocktail Half Full Kinda Girl' tag line was an appropriate one, it was when I audibly squealed on first sniffage of the new Virgin Mojito range from The BodyShop. Lads, it's DELECTABLE! You know that burst of zesty iced mint freshness you get from a freshly poured mojito? This is exactly that. Oh you don't? Well.... this is exactly that. 

Virgin Mojito Body Scrub

First up we have the Virgin Mojito Body Scrub. This wibbly wobbly tub of zesty heaven is your first port of call for summer scrubbing. Ideal to give your shower a blast of minty lime freshness in the morning, there's nothing quite like this scrub to set you up for the day ahead. While I wouldn't say it's the scrubbiest scrubber in the world, I would say that the combination of Fair Trade honey & tiny scrubbers are enough to, not only revive your skin, but to leave it visibly softer for a long while after too. 

Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet

For those of us that prefer a softer scented affair, the Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet ticks all those boxes and then some. This super soft sorbet absorbs almost immediately and leave the most beautiful sheen for up to 24 hours on the skin. Truly, my only difficulty with this was the undeniable urge I had to ask strangers to smell my arms. Community Fair Trade Aloe Vera & extracts of Caribbean Lime and Mint makes this sorbet one you're gonna want in your summer skin arsenal. 

Virgin Mojito Body Butter

The BodyShop body butters have always been and may always be my favourite part of any limited edition collection and the Virgin Mojito range is no different. We're talking the intense hydration and skin comforting that you're used to with this one but the addition of Carribean Lime & Mint to the Fair Trade Shea Butter elevate the Virgin Mojito version to another level entirely. 

I've been pairing this with my favourite summer scent of all time, Aqua di Gio Femme from Armani and I can't tell you the compliments I've had. I'm talking people turning to sniff the air in my wake á lá Linda Bellingham in the Bisto ads (Lord rest her soul). 

Bottom line is thus. If you are in any way mojito inclined then you need some, if not all of this limited edition Virgin Mojito line on your radar, in your life & on your body. STAT. 

For those of you lucky enough to live on the Emerald Isle and left with a serious case of the WANTS following this post - nip on over to our Twitter & don't say we don't spoil ye!

This Cocktail Half Full Kinda Gal & @thebodyshopirl have #VirginMojito Treats for you! Follow both & RT to #WIN! pic.twitter.com/Lo50oOQERT

— CherrySue (@ItsCherrySue) June 16, 2015

Things I'm Trialling ft Bourjois, The Body Shop, Eau De Gaga, Models Co, Rimmel & Shu Uemura

Did you miss us last week? My Inbox says HELL YES so apologies for that. Imma juggling 2 jobs, a full time blog and raising a family here peeps - I know you get this, I know I don't have to explain but I always feel the guilt - it's a Mammy thing. 

BUT we're not here for apologies, we're here to see how these new beauts perform, right? Right!

1. Model Co More Brows: €12 Here

A tiny little contender to the Benefit Gimme Brow crown, Model Co's More Brows is a more affordable purch at half the price. Packaging is identical and the premise too, a coloured fibre/gel hybrid that sticks to both hair and skin giving the illusion of thicker brows. 

It's instant, quick drying and will have your brows sorted with zero effort at all. I won't be giving up my Gimme Brow any time soon, because frankly it's better quality, but as a more affordable offering, More Brows is a definite winner. 

2. Rimmel Provocalips: £6.99 Here

The edgier sister of Rimmel Apocalips , these 7 new shades take long wear to the next level. Double ended, you apply the highly pigmented lacquer first and allow to dry. Next up is the clear gloss to add high shine and to refresh your look through the day. I don't think I've ever owned/used a product that lasts as long as Provocalips does. I applied Kiss Fatal at 10am, promptly forgot about it (they're weightless on the lip) and it was only at lunchtime, 1.15, when a colleague asked what I was wearing, that I remembered I was wearing anything at all. It still looked brand new. 

A word of warning - though saturated in colour and a cinch to wear, you should make sure your lips are in top condition before applying. Not moisturised but prepped (I give mine a little scrub with my toothbrush when brushing my teeth). Once you've applied both steps don't, as I tried to do, top up with a different colour. You'll end up with a goopy mess & no one wants that. A second word of warning - there is zero room for error here, as the lacquer STAINS. Use a steady hand and go slow for instant, dramatic colour. All in all if you're looking for unparalleled wear time in a lippie, you're looking for Provocalips. 
3. Bourjois Smoky Stories Palettes: €11 Here

Part of the A/W Bourjois launch, these Smoky Stories palettes were the one product I was itching for from the French beauty brand. They haven't disappointed. The creamy velvet texture makes the smokey eye of your choice child's play. The multi faceted glitter shades in each palette have to be used to be fully appreciated and remind me instantly of the 'Pop' shades in Charlotte Tilbury's luxury quads (though they're softer). 

Each shade is buildable, effortlessly blendable and the glitter, as a showstopping highlight, brings your look to the next level. Bourjois have long been a favourite for their shadow formulation and I'd happily place these Smoky palettes alongside some of my high end purchases 4 and 5 times their price. Get to Boots - Bring your swatching fingers!

4. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black: €12.98 Here

The original Volume 1 Seconde was a stand out mascara for me this year so I was thrilled to see an Ultra Black iteration make its way to our shelves. The patented brush is the same, one of my most loved shapes, with spherical bristles in among the straight sweeping ones to cover every last lash with ease. 

While I didn't find this newer version 'ultra' black, I do prefer it to its predecessor in terms of longevity. Again Bourjois prove they can hold their own with high end beauty heavy weights. I've reached for this tube more than any other in the past fortnight because I know it will just work. You can't always say that with mascara. (Keep an eye on Insta today, I'll pop up a pic) 
  
5. Shu Uemura Color Lustre: Starts €24.96 Here

I'm genuinely very lucky in that I get to try high end products that I couldn't afford to buy in another life. Well I could afford them but I couldn't also afford to eat. This new range from Shu Uemura, though spendy, gives me the fear in that Imma want to buy it again and again and again. 

The first haircare line proven to replenish hairs natural varnish, restructure the surface and prevent colour fade, if you spend a lot on your colour, this really is an investment worth making. Infused with Musk Rose Oil and Goji Berry Extract, the Color Lustre line is simply a beautiful shampoo to use. I'm down to washing twice a week now and even so, my blonde locks seem brighter, less brassy and smoother than before. I'll definitely be repurchasing. 


6. The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Eye Concentrate: €28.50 Here

Enriched with plant stem cells, these Drops of Youth promise to reduce eye bags, encourage cell renewal and help eyes appear less tired. When I was going through my post at 1 am last week and these popped out, it was as though a manna from heaven. 

While I haven't had them long enough to show any lasting effect, the one pump delivery and the cool metallic roller ball applicator are the most impressive packaging I've used from an eye product. Instantly cooling and with a noticeable reduction in puffiness from the first couple of uses, I'll be keeping these drops close to hand for my burny, burny eyeballs and will update the post when we've become better acquainted. 

7. Eau De Gaga: €26 Here

I have a troubled relationship with celebrity fragrances, I'll be the first to admit it. Most I'm happy to let pass on by, though to this day I hold Halle Berry's Closer as one of my top five scents. (David Beckham's offerings are surprisingly swish too). I wasn't hugely enthused when I learned of Mzz Gaga's second foray into the olfactory world as her Lady Gaga Fame EDT really didn't wow me when it hit counters last year. Eau de Gaga is different. 

A more complex scent than its sugary sweet precursor, this unisex fragrance brings a whole lot more bang for your buck. The floral note here is woody but almost drowned entirely by bright lime. The white violet heart on a leather base will no doubt draw comparisons to Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather but still, I just couldn't make it my own. 

On paper it's everything I love in a fragrance, masculine and sensual with a kick of something bright but ultimately it's just not for me. The finished product belies it's budget price tag and I can see this being hugely popular come gift giving season. I've since payed it forward to Aaron's gal pal and she is completely smitten. Sinéad of Viva Adonis fame is also a ha-YOOGE fan, check her thoughts here & maybe get to a counter & tell me which side you land on. Eau de Gaga, like the woman herself, is a divider of opinion. That's not always a bad thing. 


Anything here giving you the want? Fancy seeing the results of the second batch of trials before the end of this week? Lemme know! 

Be sure to check out 
this week's Things I'm 
Trialling when they hit 
Instagram today!

Things I'm Trialling ft Aussie, Clarins, Max Factor, The Body Shop, L'Occitane & Smashbox

Another seriously busy week in Casa Cherry this week with trials and testings. It must be said though, this weeks beauty batch were particularly lovely. Wanna see how I got on? 


1. Aussie Dual Personality Volume & Gloss: £4.99 Here

You know when they say 'it does exactly as it says on the tin'? That's this Aussie hairspray and then some. The scent is like exotic fruits, a personal favourite part of the entire Aussie brand. 

Just a couple of spritzes creates serious volume, without residue or crunch. It doesn't hold a candle to Elnett for the brush out factor (what does?), I found my hair easily matted when I tried to brush it through, which is a shame. If you're washing your hair straight after wearing though, that really doesn't matter. If you're looking for huge volume and noticeable shine - pick one of these bad boys up. 

2. Max Factor Gel Shine Lacquers: €8.99 Here

This incredibly bright nail polish launch from Max Factor garnered an audible gasp when I opened the package. Just look at them. Each shade is more vibrant than the last, with something for just about everyone's polish taste. 

There are many gel effect polishes on the market today and truth be told the Gel Shine Lacquers are way up there when it comes to formulation and finish. Three thin coats will give you a stunningly rich, high shine finish that actually looks like their salon counterpart. Promising 7 days of wear, I found they last more like 5 but for just €8.99 a pop, that's a win. 

3. L'Occitane Arlésienne Range: Launches Nov 1st

There really is no brand equal to L'Occitane for new, innovative scents through their ranges and the upcoming Arlésienne is no different. I was dubious to learn that their Christmas release would be a floral but oh how wrong I was. 

It's quite possibly the peppery saffron that makes this scent such a standout but rose and violet add beautiful light floral balance. You'll pick up bright mandarin orange on the first spritz but the dry down to sandalwood and tonka bean mean lovers of deeper scents will be drawn to Arlésienne too. I have never smelled anything quite like it. 

I'll have a full collection post showcasing the entire range in the coming weeks but if the queues of lovely ladies that swarm my desk for a spray on the daily are owt to go by, this is going to be a huge crowd pleaser come release. 

4. Clarins True Radiance: €31 Here

Again Clarins True Radiance is going to need an entire post so that I can sing its praises highly enough. This medium coverage, dewy finish foundation has replaced everything else for me since I managed to get my mitts on it a fortnight ago. 

Formulated with oats, samphire and morninga seed, it brings light and hydration to the face with ease, wears like a lightweight BB cream but will stay in place all day through. I've had several compliments since sporting True Radiance, it's definitely another base win from Clarins. 

5. Vichy Idealia Eyes: €20.99 Here

French brand, Vichy know skin and this newest member of the Idealia family is just further testament to that fact. The soft pink cream has a very subtle pearly shimmer to blur fine lines around the eye area and the lightweight, almost silicone feeling formulation works to neutralise under eye bags and discolouration in seconds. 

Containing Vitamin CG, B3, caffeine and anti-pigmenting Eperculine and Procysteine, Idealia Eyes just works. The silicone applicator, though strangely reminiscent of a platypus bill, (designed to mimic the light touch of your ring finger) distributes just the right amount of product so makes application child's play. If you're looking for a brightening, lightening under eye cosmetic that pulls no punches then you're looking for this. 

6. The Body Shop Sweet Almond Oil Polish Remover: €8.95

Our poor nails really do go through the ringer with polishes and removers but The Body Shop are about to do them a solid. This new Sweet Almond Oil remover is acetone free, conditioning and nourishing with thanks to soya and Fair Trade sugarcane essence but it also softens dried out, mistreated cuticles too. 

It can often happen with removers that claim to care for our nails that they're just no good at at their primary function, removing polish, but not so here. Gel effect polishes were removed with just one swipe and my nails felt no where near as dry as they can with harsher variants. All that and it's lightly scented too. Love this stuff. 

7. Max Factor Skin Luminizer: €17.99 Here

I wanted to love Max Factor's Skin Luminizer, I really did. Unfortunately it just didn't love me. Formulated with a swirl of skin luminizers (oh man I love a good swirl) that promise a dewy finish, this gave me anything but. 

I learned fast that brushes aren't your friend with this base so on my second application I tried with fingers only and that seemed to help. Just not enough. I'm pretty lucky that I usually have normal skin but this clung to every dry patch that I didn't even know I had. Though the coverage is only mid range with a semi matte finish, it just felt cakey on my skin. I'd proffer that dry skinned chicas should give this one a miss, despite the siren call of luminous claims. 

Should you be an oilier lovely though, I can see that this could very well work for you. Foundations that offer luminosity to oily skin types really are few and far between, so if you're in the market, I'd urge you to check it out.

8. The Body Shop Colour Crush Polishes: €7.50 (From Oct 2nd)

Holy instant polish hit, Batman, these Body Shop Colour Crushes are bloody gorgeous! Opaque in one coat and with a high shine, gel effect, finish in just two, I haven't been this instantly enamoured with a nail polish in a very long time. The added boon of quick drying time is just the cherry atop this HG nail lacquer cake. 

Not only vegan, cruelty free and 3-free, these polishes are formulated with Fair Trade marula oil that adds to the high gloss finish. I'm a huge fan of The Body Shop's Fair Trade ethos, particularly when it leads to cracking releases such as this one. A beauty product that not only looks good but makes you feel good too? This 24 strong nail polish edit is about to become very popular indeed. 

9. Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer: On counters Sept 17th

When it comes to beauty innovation, Smashbox are always a brand to watch. This upcoming launch of Lip Lacquers are about to change the pro longwear game once more and I couldn't be more excited. Usually to have saturated, high shine lip colour you sacrifice wear time - not so with this new 20 shade edit. 

The vibrant gloss applies like a dream with zero tack but wears beautifully for hours on end, thanks to the highly coloured staining pigments. While the high lacquer effect is gone in about 60 minutes, you're left with brightly stained lips that feel nourished, thanks to the Vitamin E inclusion but look like you've reapplied only moments before. Can't wait for this line to hit counters, I'll be picking up another 3-4 shades - at least!


Tell us, anything here you might want to investigate further? Be sure to check out this week's Insta pic HERE for Things I'm Trialling this week too, those speedy reviews and first impressions will be up next week!