Monday 30 December 2013

NOTW: Barry M Glitter Nail Paint


This Barry M Nail Paint in number 217 is a gorgeous blue glitter shade. This is fairly old polish but is perfect for the winter party season. Enjoy!
 



 
 
What's your favourite party season polish?


Thursday 26 December 2013

Festive NOTW: Special mention - Models Own Catherine Wheel


 
I hope all of you have had a wonderful Christmas with lots of presents and even more food! I am still in the festive spirit and so so excited for what the New Year has to bring!
My Christmas day choice for nails of the day were the beautiful red Nails inc St. James and the chunky glitter Models Own Catherine Wheel.
 
 
 
 
Nails inc St. James
 
  
Models Own Catherine Wheel
 
 
Both of these nail polishes = amazing!

 
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
 
 
 
 
 

 

Sunday 22 December 2013

The Final Boots Star Gift // No7 Ultimate Collection

 
 
 
 
This week's star gift at Boots is the amazing No7 Ultimate Collection, and they have saved the best till last. The kit contains:
 
Completely Quenched Moisturising Body Lotion
Blissful Body Wash
Sumptuous Bath soak
Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion
Protect and Perfect Day Hand Cream
Beautiful Skin Dry Rescue
Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream
Protect and Perfect Intense Night Cream
Lash Adapt Mascara in Black
Limited Edition Lipgloss Marshmallow
 
 
 
I haven't really used many No7 products but the ones that I have have be very effective. I already have soo many products so I had to refrain from getting one for myself but thought it would make a perfect gift for my mum!
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 10 December 2013

NOTD: Barry M and Essie Lux Effects

 
Embracing winter and wishing for a white Christmas, these nails reminded me of snowy winter mornings and glistening snow flakes! After neglecting my nails for a while, this week's creation entailed a Barry M Nail Paint in 66 Matt White and an Essie Lux Effects Multi Dimensional Top Coat in Shine of the Times.



 
 
 
The matt white polish was a recent purchase, as I have so many glitter top coats and nothing to wear underneath them. I usually find Barry M polishes to be reasonably nice, unfortunately this one did not impress. I could do purely down to the colour, but I did not feel like the consistency of the polish was sufficient to stop it from being opaque after 2 coats. will stick with it though and attempt to improve my application methods!

The Essie Lux Effect polish on the other hand is absolutely AMAZING! It is gorgeous and so soo versatile! It can be worn over the top of any colour, and would look cute worn on its own if you wanted just a pinch of sparkle.

 
 

 
 
 
Enjoy :)
 
 
 


Thursday 5 December 2013

November Empties


This month's empties have all been make up staples and other essentials but have included some amazing products. I will definitely be looking to repurchase all of the products mentioned. This month we have:

 
 
 

MUA Face Powder shade 2 - bit of a love/hate relationship with this one. For a £1 I was pleasantly surprised, as for such a bargain steal you can't always guarantee results. I love it because it's compact, quick and convenient and looks good when applied in small quantities. On the downside, I did struggle with using it sparingly and reached the tipping point.. making it look rather cakey
 
Me Me Me Fat Cat lashes mascara - a massive fan of this mascara as I find it genuinely gives your lashes a lot of volume. One of the most favourite mascara I've ever used so would definitely buy it again when my current mascara runs out.
 
L'Oreal Infallible 16hr Concealer in Vanilla - the best high street/drug store concealer ever! The coverage and lasting power are wonderful and I find the lighter shades are perfect for me, as I usually struggle to find concealers that suit my skin tone. Not a single bad word to say about it. There is always one of these floating around my make up collection so I am well stocked up. I do think it may be time to branch out and try something new and as I've heard so much about Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer it would be rude not to try it. Will always keep this lovely little concealer stick as my trusty, reliable back up though.
 

L'Oreal Glam Shine Lipgloss - this lovely little gloss has received a lot of love over the past year or so. So much so, that most if the label has rubbed off. The lid indicates the shade was 403 Magnetic Rose Glow, which is a shimmery pinky-beige shade (unfortunately probably not available on the market anymore as I've had it for ages). I absolutely love how shimmery it is and the lovely scent, as well as the heartshaped wand! How cute is the heart shaped wand?? Definitely prefer it to the usual doefoot applicators.
 
Scholl Foot Therapy Rough Skin Remover Scrub - delivered AMAZING results! I've been using it for several months now, leaving my feet feeling wonderfully soft after the damaged caused by flip flops over the summer. Quite sad this product has ran out as I haven't had a chance to pick up anymore and I don't want my feel to lose their amazing softness. Would highly recommend this! Leaves your hands feeling overly soft after application too! Double whammy.
 

Sure Clear Aqua Deodorant - does the job, keeps you feeling fresh for ages.
 
 
 

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Hello December!


I can't believe it's December already! It has been 6 months since I finished University and seriously... where has the time gone? It seems as though summer was only last week.

December is going to be such an exciting month, I absolutely cannot wait! Firstly, a couple of days ago I got tickets to The Clothes Show at the NEC in Birmingham next weekend and I'm SOOOOOO EXCITEDDD!! A bit ott there I know but I haven't been for what seems like so long and it is so much fun. Can't wait to see what bargains are going to be up for grabs this year! I think I'm most looking forward to checking out the Model's Own, Barry M, Rimmel and Elemis stands, but no doubt I've missed off one of the really important once. There will be a very detailed post to come with all the crazy things I buy, leaving my bank card hating me.

December is of course a very festive time with lots to organise, presents to but and decorations to put up! I'm so so behind this year, as by the time I eventually get my decorations up it will be well into December. Better late than never eh? And the shopping list, wow the shopping list! I am composing an efficient regime to acquire all Christmas gifts in one go.. will this possible.. guess we'll have to see.

With added festivies, December also brings my birthday! With so much to plan and sort out an coordinate everybody's plans for new year NYE can get quite hectic. Edinburgh is supposed to amazing for new year, but seeing as I am currently based in the Midlands it seems a bit of a trek to head to Scotland for only a few days. Although I've still never been to Scotland!... Should probably get onto that at some point. Seeing new year is all about fun, excitement and spending it with your favourite people!

What are your special plans for this month?



Friday 29 November 2013

#BritishBloggerSelection // Favourite brand - make up


This week's #BritishBloggerSelection theme was to write about your favourite make up brand. This, for me, has been a huge struggle as I love many products from various brands. I am a big fan of French cosmetic brands and although I am not yet in a position to be splurging out on the likes of Chanel, I have already discovered some pretty good gems.

After a lot of deliberating I still couldn't decide, so this week I am going to cheat and pick 2, both of which I absolutely adore equally!

Bourjois - I have so sooo many Bourjois favourites I don't know where to start! Their eye shadows are gorgeous and long lasting and the Volumizer mascara is amazing, by far one of the best high street mascaras available. Not to mention the wonderful range of blushers, they smell so nice too (as far as blushers go haha). The Bourjois Healty Mix foundation is another one of my favourites from this brand.

L'Oreal Paris - some of my first ever items of make up were from L'Oreal and it instantly became one of my favourite brands! My favourite are the Glam Shine lipglosses, they look gorgeous and glossy and last amazingly well (especially the 6-hour-stay ones), with the heart shaped wand being an extra little treat. I also absolutely adore the holographic eye shadows, my first, a silver one I've had for years and it is as perfect as it was when I first purchased it.

Do you like Bourjois and L'Oreal Paris? Would love to hear what your favourite products are!








Wednesday 27 November 2013

Batiste Dry Shampoo // Original vs Dark?


The Batiste dry shampoo is a real life saver when it comes to those lazy days when all you need is a quick pick me up to revive your hair. Being a dedicated fan of the Batiste dry shampoo for a long while (the cherry one smells deeeelicious), I still felt there was something missing.... then it came along - the Batiste dry shampoo with a hint of dark and deep brown designed for brunettes, best thing ever right? At first I absolutely loved it but then came the flaws. I can never decide which one I prefer, so now I always try to have both at hand. 




Batiste original:

Pros -Available in lots of lovely scents. Doesn't rub off on things

Cons - Visible in dark hair, brushing a lot of it out loses volume too.

Batiste dark:

Pros - Less visible when applied to dark hair. Can apply a lot without worrying about the residue.

Cons - Rubs off on hands ( I like running my fingers through my hair), rubs off on cushion (spontaneous naps). I wish there were more scents to chose from!!

Which one is your favourite? Brunettes - do you love the dark dry shampoo do you stick with the original?



Sunday 17 November 2013

Nails Inc. polish // Free with Glamour Magazine


 
December's edition of the Glamour magazine came with a selection of gorgeous Nails inc. nail polishes from the Kate Spade collection, with 4 colours to choose from. By now I suspect many of you have already seen this but I thought  I would share anyway. The choices were black, red, silver and neutral and as I'm a big fan of pale polishes I went for this lovely neutral beigey colour. The colour is lovely and just like the rest of the Nails inc. polishes the formula lasts really well. I was also astonished at how incredibly quickly it dried! Impressive for a free gift.
 
 
 
 
 
 

At a bargain price of £2 I might grab another copy as the silver from range looks really pretty too.


If you haven't already got your hands on (at least) 1 of these GO GO GO!
 
 
 

Wednesday 13 November 2013

My First Time With Gel Liner // Rimmel Waterproof Gel Liner


Having heard about how great gel eyeliners are and hearing great reviews from friends, I finally decided to take a plunge and stray from my usual, beloved liquid liner. Being in love with Rimmel's exaggerate liquid eyeliner, I thought I would keep it in the family.




Although very excited about this Rimmel waterproof gel liner, this proved to be a little disappointing. I didn't feel the gel liner lasts as well as a liquid one and it required several coats in order to be truly black, one or two coats left it looking a bit opaque. On the plus side, the brush was easy to use and the application was fast and reasonably even.



Some people love them, but I don't think gel liners are for me. Having to the clean the brush every time is a little annoying too, a bit difficult to apply on the go. I have been wearing it every day for about 3 hoping I might love it more. Unfortunately not. I mean it's not terrible, just not quite what i was looking so therefore a bit disappointing.

I think I will stick to liquid liners from now on, but would to hear what you think of gel liners! Perhaps there are better ones out? Let me know!






 

Tuesday 5 November 2013

November Wishlist

Just a quick snapshot of the things I've been lusting after this month:




1. A faux fur coat from New Look, which can be found here. Absolute love fur coats! As much as I'd love a real one faux fur will have to do for now. Every year New Look tend to have a pretty collection on coats, especially these sorts. Having had a part time job at New Look whilst at University it's pretty hard accepting the fact that I don't get a discount anymore... however this does not seem to deter me, but takes a hit on my bank balance instead.

2. Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume, which can be found here. Oh my god, this smells absolutely amazing! For lover of Viva la Juicy and other sweet scents I think this will just for you. Although the scent is lovely I  feel it is a bit heavy so may be more suitable for evening/night time wear.

3. Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara, which can be found here. Being a massive fan of the Bourjois Volumiser 2 step mascara it seems like a good idea to try out another mascara from this brand. Got very high expectations for this one!

4. Barry M eye shadow palette in Natural Glow, which can be found here. A recent release I believe, and  at a very reasonable price... just luring me in to try them out. A girl can't have too many neutral eye shadows... right?

5. Nails inc base coat, which can be found  here. Now that winter is coming - the season for dark and sparkly polishes, it's probably a good idea to invest in a decent base coat to protect my nails. A bit pricey for a base coat but I absolutely love the quality of the Nails inc polishes so hoping this little one works just as well.

6. Topshop lip cream in Daze, which can be found here. There's a really cute selection of colours and after having a play around with the testers, they smell soooo nice! A really sweet vanilla scent, which would be an absolute joy on the lips! Yum yum!

Have you tried any of these products (or have the coat)? Would love to hear what you thought!


Sunday 3 November 2013

October Empties

This month I have tried to be good and concentrate on using up products that I've had for agessss but never really got around to using. I think this went quite well, and my beloved eyeliner had run out so it gave me the excuse to try something new.

Having sooo many various moisturisers and creams, it is so difficult to actually get through everything without it going to waste, and I'm not helping my situation as I keep buying more and more products.. oops! But here we go ...
 
 
 
 
So this month we have:

Max Factor Seamless Make up Foundation in 01 Porcelain: I've had this rolling around my make up chest for absolutely ages, but it is now time to part with it. We've had good days and bad days, probably bad mostly. I don't think it was very suitable for my skin type, as with this being a liquid foundation it was very runny and I have dry skin.. so the two did not really get on. I have had this for so long that I'm not sure if Max Factor even make this anymore. This sorta thing may work for people with normal/oily skin but really didn't work for me.

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner in 001 Black: The most amazing eyeliner ever! It is very durable, wit no need for touch ups during the day. I would most definitely repurchase this product as it is so wonderful, but for now I'm going to try a different one from the Rimmel range.. to broaden my horizon haha.

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in 020 Cameo: This is my all time favourite high street/drug store foundation, not a bad word to say about it. Already have a new bottle ready and waiting so there will be a full review to come soon!

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No
 
 
   
 
 
Bath and Body Works Triple Moisture Cream in Secret Wonderland

This body cream is AMAZING! The scent is absolutely wonderful, the cream has a really sweet, berry like smell and it is soooo nice! It keeps your skin moisturised and smelling so lovely for a prolonged period of time. The consistency is just perfect, as the cream is not too thick and not too runny. I purchased this a while ago whilst studying in the US and haven't had an opportunity to repurchase anymore as far as I am aware Bath and Body Works products are not on sale in the UK... but if anyone can prove me wrong I will be the happiest girl ever!! I have also tried the vanilla bean moisturiser from the Christmas range which was so sooo wonderfully scented! Although whenever I applied it my friends thought I smelt much more of chocolate than vanilla, but hey, that's no reason to complain. I absolutely love the products from the B&BW range, just such a shame they are not easily available in the UK. I would highly recommend these!

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No HELL YES (if I could)

Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream for Dry & Sensitive skin : This is a staple in my (very) basic skin care bag, so there will be a full review to come! Love this!

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No

Jergens Naturals Extra Softening Body Moisturiser with Shea Butter: I am sort of in two minds about this product. It moisturises reasonably well and is a great consistency and the scent is really gentle, almost almond like. Although this is a nice product I can't say I was wowed by it. I generally prefer moisturises with really strong sweet smells, as well as their skin softening power. I received this moisturiser as part of a goody bag at the Clothes Show at the Birmingham NEC a while, and although there wasn't much I disliked about this product, I am not sure if I would purchase this myself. However, if you are someone who likes gentle, barely there, scented creams then I would recommend that you check this out.

Would I purchase this product again: Yes Maybe No


If you've tried any of these products, would to know what you thought!


 
 
 


 

Thursday 31 October 2013

#BritishBloggerSelection

Hello lovely ladies! I am now part of the #BritishBloggerSelection, set up by the lovely Ellie.

Every week members of the group will receive a theme to write about, and you can participate whenever you like, whether it's every week, or just now and then. For the theme you can write about whatever you like, whether  you're a beauty blogger, fashion blogger, a food blogger or love writing about anything else.

If you would like become part of the #BritishBloggerSelection then contact Ellie from Little Vintage Camera with your full name and the name and URL of your blog and she will sign you up :)

 
 
 

Monday 28 October 2013

Neutrogena Cracked Heel Cream


Now feet aren't normally a hot topic for discussion, and nobody likes talking about feet.. but everyone LOVES having soft, smooth feet without an cracks. During the summer I neglected my feet and let my flip flops destroy my heels.. not a pretty sight! following a recommendation from good ol' mum I purchaded this AMAZING foot cream  and it seems to have done the trick!

I have been using it a couple of times a week over the past 5 weeks or so and the results have been amazing! Now I'm not going to post before and afters of my feet.. cos that would be a bit gross so you will have to take my word for it that my feet are all nice and smooth, like a baby's bottom. This Neutrogena Norwegian formula cracked heel foot cream claims to "help repair cracked heels from day 1" a statement I think I would have to agree with. The instructions recommend for it to be applied twice a day, but unfortunately I don't have enough time to commit to my feet twice a day. If I did use it as directed, woah, just imagine the results, phenomenal no doubt. The consistency is lovely and creamy, not too thick, not runny and the foot cream ha a gentle almondy-vanilla smell, sort of difficult to make out. It smells that lovely.. I am tempted to use it on my face!




Although this product is lovely, I must note that I have also been using a Scholl foot scrub (review to come at a later date) which may have skewed the results! The two products work well together, but I think this cream is worthy of a lot of the credit.

Result: happy happy feet!



Sunday 27 October 2013

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner

 
 
 

Already a big fan of the Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner it was an absolute necessity to explore the other liquid liners in the Rimmel range. And I'm pleased to say that this Glam Eyes liner did not disappoint! I went for the colour 008 Aqua Glow, which is a gorgeous teal colour. It can be worn on its own, but as I don't like having bare lids I prefer it worn with beigey/cream eye shadow.
 
 
 
I was really impressed with its lasting power, as it powered through a day's work, well into the evening, without any need for reapplication. The consistency is pretty thick and it dries reasonably fast, avoiding the fear of smudging. I wasn't really a fan of the brush, as it wasn't flexible and a little difficult to use. If only the coloured liners had a different brush!! Apart from that, there is absolutely nothing I can fault the product for, and will definitely look into getting more colours.

 
 
 
  
 
(apologies, I seem to look a bit startled, blame the light!)
 
 
 

Tuesday 22 October 2013

NOTD: Calvin Klein Splendid Color Nail Polish


Slowly working through my bargain beauty steals from the Fragrance Direct website, I've finally got around to properly trying out this Calvin Klein splendid colour nail polish in the colour Silverstreak, which is a beautiful shiny silver.



 
 
 
 
Although the colour is absolutely beautiful I was slightly disappointed with its longevity, or should I say the lack of. I generally struggle with finding good nail varnishes, as I seem to be very chip-prone with whichever brand I use ... but I was disappointed that I noticed a chip the day after application.




I gave it a few more chances and achieved slightly better results. Whether it is just me or this particular nail polish, but unfortunately we didn't bond as well as I would have liked. Or maybe I need a better top coat? I don't know. Although disappointed, I haven't ruled out trying more of the nail polishes by CK, as I do love other products in the cosmetics range.

Have you tried any of the Calvin Klein nail polishes? would love to know how you got on!


 

Sunday 13 October 2013

Victoria's Secret Beauty Products


 
With only a handful of Victoria's Secret stores in the UK I feel utterly obliged to go in one if I happen to be in one of the stores' host cities. I first discovered VIctoria's secret and their wonderful cosmetics and beauty range whilst studying abroad in the USA a couple of years ago. When I first found out about VS stores opening in the UK I got very excited, but unfortunately the cosmetics range is nowhere near as extensive as it is in the US stores. But hey, atleast we've got something.
 
Seeing as there was a 5 for £30 offer on, I felt it would be rude not to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. With so many products in the beauty range it was very difficult to choose only 5, but after a lot of deliberation I finally settle on my favourites. I'm a big fan on sweet, floral scents and sweet, sugarry, vanilla scents, so here's what I got: 

 
 
 
Fragrance mists: in Sugared Lilac and Pure Daydream (both smell really sweet and absolutely divine!)
 
 
 
 


 
 
Body moisturisers: in Love Spell and Pure Dream to compliment the fragrance mist.
 
 
     
 
 
In terms of consistency, these were probably my favourite over the body butters (I feel theyre too thick and get under my nails, awks) and the body lotions (which are quite runny and I don't really feel they leave your skin that well moisturised), as they were just perfect.
 
 
             
 
and finally a body wash in Pure Seduction
 
 
 
I felt that Pure Seduction and Pure Daydream had a very similar scent, but Pure Daydream was little bit sweeter and a little lighter.
 
It was so difficult to choose as they all smell so nice! Have you tried any of Victoria's Secret beauty products? Would love to hear which are your favourite!