Thursday 31 May 2012

May Favourites

So this month, I have no where near as many favourites as I did back in April (Read my April Favourites post here) as my favourite products have changed quite a bit since then.


From L-R

Avon Foot Works Heel Softening Cream
I honestly think I have inherited my dad's feet as they're so dry and hard. So this product surely has been working wonders on my feet - just a little goes a long way and in a few hours, my heels feel a lot softer. I would definitely recommend this product to anybody who has dry, hard heels!

Sudocreme Skin Care Cream
All my life, I thought Sudocreme came in a huge tub - turns out they now do it in tubes! Which is just perfect for popping into your bag on your travels. This product has saved my life, well my skin. As I recently got sunburned whilst I was up/down in Bognor and it helped calm it down. I've been using it for anything and everything - from spots to dry skin. It's heaven in a tube.

Vaseline
Now before you get any dirty ideas - I would just like to point out that I've been using this only for my tattoo's as the ingredients in it help the tattoo/s heal quicker. So I've literally been slathering this on both my feet and I have noticed a difference. I also prefer it in this little tub than in a tin because it's easier to open.

Africa Bronzing Powder by W7
So I recently received this for my birthday but I honestly don't know what I've done without it in my life. It's just perfect for giving my skin a nice healthy glow on my cheeks and it also comes with the softest brush ever that works wonders with this product!

Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Rose Petal
This is my new favourite lipstick (for now!) It's such a nice, natural looking colour which just gives my lips a little pop of colour. The one thing that I like about this lipstick is that it doesn't draw attention to my lips which I'm often worried about when I apply lipstick.

Technic Nail Varnish in Carnvial 
Okay, so I did just recently buy this but I can't help but include this in this months favourites. It's perfect for when I want to vajazzle my nails and I can't wait to try new combinations with this nail varnish.

What are your May favourites?
xoxo

May Empties

It's that time of the month when all bloggers start blogging about all of that months/previous months empty products!

For me, this is my first empties post so I've been really excited to finally blog about it as I've pretty much filled up the box that I've dedicate to house my empties in.

So this is what I've used up all throughout May
From L-R

Allura 75 Cotton Pads
Poundland were selling two of these for £1 which is really good value for money. They are ideal, easy to use and I seem to go through quite a few of these. I think I use about 4 a day as I like to cleanse and tone day and night. I've already started on packet number two and these and will definitely be purchasing some more when I go to Poundland.

Creightons Sunshine Blonde Extra Moistursing Shampoo
I bought this from Poundland and I really enjoyed using it. It made my hair feel a ton better as well as look healthier despite it being as dead as a duck. If I see it again in Poundland, I may repurchase it!

Creightons Sunshine Blonde Intensive Care Conditioner
Yet another purchase from Poundland! This honestly helped my hair so much - it made it feel softer and nurished. The same with the shampoo, if I see it again then I may repurchase it.

Sure Crystal Anti-Perspirant in Clear Pure
I've had this ever since it came out which must have been a couple of years ago when it was at an introductory price of between £1 - £2.50 (I don't remember!) I've used it on and off and for May, I've been using it non-stop purely to use it all up! I didn't get on with this as it claims to not leave white marks when it actually did. I won't repurchase this as I have a drawer filled of deodrants to use.

Intu Style Dry Shampoo in Classic
I bought this from Poundland (Yay!) when my stash of Bastiste ran out. It smelt weirdly of candy watermelons which I didn't particularly like. But it did the trick! I wish I had bought more of it but luckily I didn't. If I see it in the future, I may stock up on it if it came in different scents.

Lush Bubble Bar - The Comforter*
This little bubble bar lasted me a whooping six baths which I'm so impressed with! It made a lot of bubbles and it smelt so devine. When I'm next in Lush, I may stock up on this as I adore it.

Lush Bubble Bar - Magic Wand*
I loved the whole concept of this - dip it into running water and it makes a mountain of bubbles. It lasted quite a while but then it fell off the stock which I was sad about :( If they bring this back at Christmas, I will no doubt be stocking up on it as it's just amazing.

Superdrug Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes
I honestly do not know why I bought these - I detested them, it smelt too strongly of tea tree and it made my skin sting. I can't remember the price of these and it's just as well as I hated them! It took forever to use up just 25 wipes, it's like they duplicated. I will never ever buy these nor go near them again.

Lacura Concealer Pen
I would love to say that I get these myself, but I don't. My dad stocks up on these for me whenever he goes to Aldi as they're just great for little blemishes here and there. As much as I would like to say that I'll repurchase them, I can't as I already have 5 more in back-up/storage. I think they're between £1.99 - £3.00 which is really good value for money.

Pure 3 in 1 Make-up Removal Wipes
These are always on offer in Poundland - buy two for a £1 which is a bargain! I loved using these, they left my skin feeling clean and fresh. I will definitely repurchase some more when I run out of face wipes. 

Australian Body Care Argan Cream with Vitamin E
This product is the best moisturiser I've used! It leaves my skin feeling moisturised and refreshed. It lasts quite a long time and is definitely good value for money! (£1 if you want to know!) I love it so much, I'm already onto my next one with 6 more in storage/back-up.
I think for my first empties post, I did quite well in using up quite a few products - despite it all being mainly skin care and hair care products.

What have you used up for May?
xoxo  

* These were gifted to me at Christmas time 

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Mini ELF Haul

I ordered from ELF late in the afternoon on Monday and my package arrived this morning!
Big thumbs up ELF!
Here's what I got
 So as you can see, I only bought three things.
From L-R:

ELF Matte Lipcolour in Natural
"This convenient jumbo sized lip pencil creates exact colour application. The pigment rich colour glides on effortlessly and provides long lasting matte colour. The enriched vitamin A, C & E formula moisturizes and hydrates lips for all day comfort."
I actually own two other of these in Tea Rose & Praline which I got from a blog sale. I got it in Natural because one of my favourites Youtubers of all time Becca who is pretty much always ordering from ELF (Check her out here) said that in her everyday makeup products, she applies this and then puts Natural Collection's Lipstick in Apple Blossom over it and it just looks like such a good colour!

ELF Studio Stipple Brush
"This Taklon brush can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f studio brush! Creates a flawless airbrushed look. Perfect for adding definition to cheekbones or highlighting with soft layers."
The reason why I bought this is because I'm sick of using my L'oreal Roll on foundation brush and I've heard that this is good for applying foundation/whatever to make your makeup look flawless and airbrushed.

ELF Makeup Mist & Set
"Keep your makeup staying in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold. Spray on after makeup application to set makeup in place or during the day for a quick touchup to refresh. The invigoration mist moisturizes and soothes the skin with key ingredients Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E."
Once again, Becca had literally just purchased this a few weeks ago or so and has been raving about it saying that it does literally hold your makeup in place for the whole day. I was sold there and then.

I'm hoping to order a few more pieces from ELF once when they get one of their items back in stock which I so desperately want need in my life.

I'm just kinda gutted that they've increased their prices quite dramatically, especially their mineral lipstick range which was £3.50 and is now a flipping fiver! If worse comes to worse, I'll buy some of the more expensive stuff here over in America.

Have you tried any of these or any of their other products?
What are your thoughts about them?
xoxo    

Tuesday 29 May 2012

VIVO Baked Blush: Peaches & Cream


This is another product that has been making its way round peoples' blogs - VIVO's Baked Blush in Peaches & Cream.

 VIVO BAKED BLUSH IN PEACHES & CREAM; RRP £4 FROM SELECTED TESCOS & VIVO ONLINE.

VIVO is a budget brand where their prices range from £1.50 to £6.00 which means that it can suit anybodys price range.  They stock cosmetics from eyeshadows to eyebrow kits, eyelashes to baked blushes. You can always pretty much find something from their range which is just screaming your name.

I picked up their Baked Blush in Peaches & Cream because I thought it would be great for giving my skin a nice, healthy glow during the summer months - or in my case, when I go to America for a few weeks in August. It would also be perfect for those winter months as well without looking too umpa lumpa orange.

The packaging isn't anything too special - it's a little upmarket from normal budget beauty brands like Natural Collection from Boots for example. The metallic look definitely does make it stand out from all the other budget beauty brands which is a bonus.

As the blush is baked, it comes in a dome shape which is just ideal for getting the product onto your brush as it picks it up a lot easier. It also means that it would last longer than if it was flat.


"A stunning blush with pink undertones to give all over warmth and colour to your complexion"

In the pan, the blush appears to be a mixture of both a sold peach with some pink tones throughout and when swatched, I find that the blush takes on a more orange toned peach which is just as nice. I find that this shade is rather flattering on my skin as it provides a more healthy looking glow rather than an obvious pink on the cheeks. Especially when in the coming months, my foundation will be replaced by either a BB cream or a powder. The staying power of this is just amazing - it is still visible after a long day as it gradual fades as the day goes on instead of doing a total varnishing act.

Overall, I am rather pleased with this baked blush! Not only is it just £4 - you get a surprising 8g of the product which means that you are definitely getting your moneys worth! 

 I cannot wait to try out more of their baked products!

Have you tried this product?
xoxo

Just another InstaWeek.. #4

Sometimes my Instagram hates me and doesn't upload any pictures up at all, even after pressing retry a thousand times.
So I'm including a few pictures that I took on Instagram but didn't get uploaded.

FEET & NAILS ALL PAINTED || I LOVE ROLO YOGURTS! || 4.50 IS A TIME THAT I NEVER WANT TO SEE AGAIN IN THE MORNING! || THE BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE THAT MY DAD GOT ME WHICH IS BACKWARDS || BIRTHDAY GIRL || THIS SAT NAV IS SO RUDE - INTERRUPTS ME WHEN IM TALKING.

 JUBILEE HARIBO || MY FIRST LEGAL DRINK || SINCE WHEN DID STARBUCKS HAVE VANS? || MY NEW KINDLE! :D || MY TATTOOS || READING ALICE IN WONDERLAND ON MY NEW KINDLE.

THE COOKIE CAKE THAT I HELPED LIAM MAKE || ALL DRESSED UP FOR GOING OUT TO DINNER || THE BEAUTIFUL BAG THAT REBECCA GOT ME || I LIKE TO WEAR DENIM WHEN IT'S HOT || I CAN SEE MYSELF DRINKING THIS ALL THROUGHOUT SUMMER || MY FIRST BARRY M NAIL VARNISHES (All thanks to Special K + Nick <3)

I had quite a busy week last week and I still haven't caught up on my sleep :(

What was your week like? 
xoxo  

Monday 28 May 2012

Superdrug BB Cream: Medium

After my first BB Cream (Read all about it here) I decided that I wanted to try another one.
Whilst mooching around the Superdrug website, I noticed that they had brought out their own BB cream and I was determined to get my hands on it. Luckily, the Superdrug in Lincoln was stocking it so I picked it up from there.

SUPERDRUG BB CREAM; INTRODUCTORY PRICE £6.99 UNTIL 4TH JULY £8.99 AFTERWARDS.

The first thing I noticed about this is how kid-like professional it looks - I like the fact that it's Superdrug's own packaging but more standout-ish like? If that makes any kind of sense!

Another thing that is a bonus, is that you're getting 50ml for the price instead of 30ml like a few other BB creams. Which works out rather well.

 Superdrug's BB Cream comes in two shades: Light and Medium which is rather limited for people who have much darker skin.

Superdrug states that their BB Cream is scientifically formulated with a unique combination of skin nourshing ingredients and mineral pigments. Superdrug BB Cream imparts a light, creamy coverage which effectively conceals imperfections, boosts radiance and smoothes the complexion. With SPF 15, it helps to protect against sun damage and premature skin ageing whilst also providing 24 hour hydration.

It also has three active ingredients.
Vitamin C - a potent antioxidant with brightening and illuminating properties for a natural, radiant glow.
Hyaluronic Acid - an exceptional moisturiser, which helps to boost skin's firmness and minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Caffeine - refreshes the complexion through its ability to energise and stimulate the skin.


When I applied it, it did look a little orange coming out of the tube. And it looked orange again when rubbing it into my skin. but it doesn't look that bad when fully mixed in on my hand. It sort of gave my skin a nice healthy, glowing tan which I liked. However when I tried this out on my face, I disliked it immediately! It is far too orange! It's more Umpa Lumpa Orange than Medium as it states.
I disagree with this product when it says that it conceals imperfections as it does not conceal all of my imperfections - only the teeny tiny ones that do not bother me unlike scars and spots which does bother me.
It does however enhance your skin tone/boost radiance/smoothes the complexion as my skin did look as if it was glowing.. Unless that was the sun hitting the umpa lumpa-ness on my hand.
Overall, I really disliked this product. However I will try this out again when I had more of a tan as it might look better then. Until then, it's staying in my foundation drawer. 

Have you tried this BB Cream?
What's your thoughts about it?
xoxo

NOTW #5: Lilac Chantilly Carnival


After having my pampering day on tuesday in preparation for my birthday, my nails were looking a little chipped and dull on saturday, so I decided to spruce them up a little. I had picked these nail varnishes during one of my many Birthday Hauls and I'm quite delighted that they compliment eachother nicely.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in shade 30 Lilac Chantilly is such a nice metallic shade of purple. It applies nicely and only requires one or two applications in order to get the full metallic look. Technic in Carnival adds enough glitter and sparkles to make the nails stand out but looks as though not much effort was required. I think I had to apply about three coats to get the right amount of glitter that I wanted.

Oh, and excuse the fact that some of my nails are chipped. I did paint these in a rush on saturday and I have been doing quite a bit since then.

What's your favourite glittery nails look?
xoxo 

Sunday 27 May 2012

My 18th Birthday Celebrations Part Three

In a way, I'm sad that it's no longer my birthday week but in a way, I'm glad that things can go back to normal.
Because I am pooped - I'm so tired!

So on friday night, myself and my best friend for 16 years had a pamper night.
We both had face masks on, I gave her a foot rub and watched girly movies and chatted until 1 in the morning.
Oh, and we were also drinking my first bottle of alcohol that was gifted to me from good old Posh Lady.. Nice pink Rose ;)


All of Saturday, we spent it sunbathing and we both caught the sun (yay!)
We decided to head it at about 4ish to start getting ready - yes, a whole three hours before we had to leave because we had to do our nails and such.


I changed my hair so many times before we went out purely because of how awkward it is.. I found a way that I liked it - eventually! Excuse my face in this!


We all then headed to Gary Cooper's and I was getting all prepared to be ID'd and it didn't frigging happen - again! Oh, and this drink is to die for! I can definitely see myself drinking this all throughout summer.


We then headed onto a club and this is what it looked like at just after half 9 - empty. And I have quite a funny story about this as well..
There was this one time, at band camp... Posh Lady had said on thursday that she had definitely booked the table. Unforunately, she couldn't make it last night due to her little one being in and out of hospital (Get better soon!) so when we walked into this club (Myself, Liam, L, Katy and B) it was empty. So we thought, well we better get to our table. Looked at the three VIP tables - one of them was for a girl, another for a guy and the third was available to be booked. I was like wth! So this guy approached us and said Have you booked a table to which I replied to yes. He then asked what's the table under and I gave him a few names of what it could be under. He then left. A few minutes later, this lady came over and said "Unforunately, we cannot find your booking reference anywhere - however we can give you this table along with table service" So we gladly accepted and started getting the drinks in. Now, when I hear table service.. I expect the whole click your fingers and somebody appears. Sadly, that's not the case :(


My first three shots - Bubblegum, Quick Cookie and Toblerone. I liked Bubblegum the most :)

So overall, I had about 5 shots and two normal drinks. I did not get wasted/shit faced/wankered/ship wrecked pissed, I remained sober-ish. Left at midnight with Liam and fell asleep about 1ish.

And that's the last of my birthday celebrations.
I may post what L + Posh Lady + Special K and Nick got me either tomorrow or tuesday.

I hope you've all had a really good weekend and I hope you've all been busy tanning yourself!
xoxo

Friday 25 May 2012

Just a quick little haul...

So today I went shopping with my dad and his girlfriend, Rebecca which was pretty fun. This is just a quick post to show you all what I got :)

Let's start off with my buys from Boots.
I honestly think that Boots and I are getting on rather well lately as I'm finding all the things I've been wanting whilst I've been in Lincoln as well as the two stores near me.
 
 L-R: BLUSHED CHEEKS IN DUSKY PINK; MOISTURE SHINE LIPSTICK IN CORAL SHIMMER; BLUSHED CHEEKS IN SUGAR PLUM; SHEER NATURAL LIP COLOUR IN AUTUMN SUNSET; BLUSHED CHEEKS IN ROSEY GLOW AND CREAM BLUSHER IN ROSEY PINK.

I think I've bought a tad too much Natural Collection recently.. This is like what, my third buy of NC this week which is pretty bad when I think about it. But I just can't help it - when I see a blogger blogging about what of their products and I see how good the pigmentation/shade/whatever is, I just have to have it. I should really go on a spending ban from Boots...

Moving onto Poundland..
L-R: SHADE 24 IN KARAT; SHADE 30 IN LILAC CHANTILLY; SHADE 38 IN ROSE PETALS; SHADE 42 IN PINK BOUQUET; SHADE 44 IN ROSE AMORE; SHADE 81 IN SUNRISE, SUNSET. REVLON IN SHADE 151 ICED MAUVE.

I remember seeing these nail varnishes over on Lucy's blog and I just thought that I had to get them as I love Sally Hansen cosmetics so much, more so when they're in Poundland. I also like the fact that these are Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Varnishes - no doubt I'll be putting them all to the test. Check out Lucy's post on them here. These were the only nicest colours that this Poundland had, I'm sure the stores near you will have some even better colours.

Next onto Bodycare.
 L IS CARNIVAL AND R IS BEDAZZLED

These are both nail varnishes by Technic - a brand I've recently discovered. Carnival has been making its way across beauty blogs as a good dupe for OPI's Rainbow Connection - I personally do not own this nail varnish so I couldn't really tell you. But I'll take peoples words for it. I bought Bedazzled because I think I had a shade just like this, just not glittery which I think will be perfect for my nails for when I decide to paint them in this shade.

Next is Debenhams for Dorothy Perkins

So after finding two cute rings up at Dorothy Perkins in Lincoln, I thought I would try the one by me. Unforunately, they did have a hell of a lot of sale items but I just couldn't find any that I liked apart from this one. It was originally £5 and it was half price so it would have been £2.50 but I got charged £2.00 for it which is a complete and utter bargain!

Oh, and this is what I received as my commission for helping Rebecca get new clothes - I was basically being her personal shopper for a few hours.
 
Isn't it pretty?!

Hope you're all having a good Friday - I'm currently jamming with the bestie, drinking wine + gonna have a pampering sesh with girlie movies, oh yeah!
xoxoxo 

My 18th Birthday Celebrations Part Two

Please note, that I do not mean to come across as bragging in this post - I simply want to share what I got + bought.

Before and after Liam and I got our tattoos, we I did a little bit of shopping. And I am so glad that I did do some shopping before I got my tattoos as it calmed me down considerably which I'm sure it does for most people.

This is what I bought with some of my birthday money.
3 x Argan Cream (See my little review on this product here)
Superdrug's BB Cream
MUA BB Cream
No7 Nail Varnish in Highland Mist  
MUA Love Hearts Nail Varnish in I <3 U
NYC Lipgloss & Tinted Lip Balm (Poundland)
  Constance Carroll Mega Volume Mascara (Poundland)
VIVO Lipstick in Barely There
Natural Collection Lipstick in Apple Blossom
Natural Collection Lipstick in Pink Orchid
Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Sweet Cheeks
MUA Love Hearts Lip Balm in Kiss Me
VIVO Baked Blush in Peaches and Cream
VIVO Baked Bronze in Healthy Glow
2 x Dorothy Perkins Rings

This will probably be getting added to as I'm going out shopping again later on today with my Dad and his girlfriend.

And lastly, this is what my Dad and brother got me.
 ELF All Over Colour Stick in Persimmon
ELF Kabuki Brush
2 x Barry M Lip Paint in Pale Nude #154
2 x W7 Prime Magic Face Primer
ELF 10 Piece Brush Collection
2 x W7 Double Act (Bronze & Highlighter Powder)
2 x W7 Africa (Bronzing Powder)
2 x Candy Floss (Brightening Face Powder)
ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Coy
ELF Nail Polish in Nude
2 x Techit Hide It!!!
A necklace from Fraser Hart (Can see it here)
The New Kindle without 3G

  There will be reviews to come on all these products so stay tuned :)
And Part Three will come on Sunday after tonights + tomorrow's fanatics ;)
xoxoxo

Thursday 24 May 2012

My 18th Birthday Celebrations Part One

 So yesterday, I celebrated my 18th - well in fact, the rest of the week I'm celebrating it but still.
I did pretty much everything an 18 year old could do.. Apart from vote and join the forces.
So here is a little picture heavy post about what I got up to yesterday.


 And lastly, I dedicate this to my Great Grandparents; Frank and Alice
I love you two dearly and I miss you both muchly.
But I know that you will both be looking out for me always and that you are both in my heart.
I'm always thinking about you two and I wish you were both here.
God bless.

I shall be posting both my birthday presents & haul/s tomorrow as I'm feeling rather sleepy atm.
xoxoxo

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Mini Natural Collection Haul

After getting my pay slip yesterday and hitting my £500 target for my holiday with Liam - I decided to go celebrate and spend a small amount on makeup.

I like going to Boots purely because of Natural Collection - most of my lipsticks are Natural Collection, not because of the price but because of the pigmentation as well.

I had a small little list of things that I wanted to buy/try and I stuck with it!


As much as I adore blushers, I often find myself skipping it in my beauty routine and instead opting for a bronzer but after reading glowing reviews about both blushers, I decided to pick them both up and try them for myself
I also could not resist a new lipstick, enough said!

PINK CLOUD BLUSHED CHEEKS; RRP £1.99 (OR 3 FOR £5)

I love that this has such a cute name! When I looked on other people's blogs, it honestly looked like such a nice colour. When I swatched it in store, it was perfect! But after just swatching it just now.. It's literally blends in with my skin tone and doesn't stand out so much. However, I'm sure it will stand out when I apply a few layers of this blush. 

PEACH MELBA; RRP £1.99 (OR 3 FOR £5)

I'm so glad that I managed to pick this beauty up especially when it was the last one in stock! It is ideally the perfect peach shade which is neither too dark nor too reddish which works the best for me. It only requires the one or two applications in order to get enough colour which is perfect.

ROSE PETAL; RRP £1.99 (OR 3 FOR £5)

This is my new favourite lipstick atm! It is a light peachy, corally, nudey pink colour which on some people may drain them out whereas on others, it gives them a slight pop of colour which looks natural but beautiful at the same time. I just love the way it looks - it's perfect for everyday use or for nights when you're going out but are wanting a neutral look.

There may be another Natural Collection haul in a few days.. As I have quite a few shades of lipsticks that I'm wanting to get which sadly, this boots did not stock :(

Have you tried any of the above products?
xoxo 

Week in Photos #3

So as well as doing my usual Instagram post, I'm going to combine all the other pictures that I didn't get a chance to upload to Instagram whilst I was at Bognor Regis over the week and I've also split it all up into bite size pieces for you all :)

 NOTD in Peony || Lush's Angel Delight || Leopard cardigan = <3 || The polar bear from the Birds Eye Advert || Just arrived at Bognor Regis Station

Doing a Crossword || I can see the sea! || My bedroom at Grandpa's || The view from my window || One of the best cereals EVER!

Sunn! || Statues ontop of a Restaurant || The pier || One of my favourite shops - The Paperback Exchange || A milkshake from Shake & Bake - I had a curly wurly one and it wasn't that great :(

 Hotdog & Chips for Lunch || The sea! || Walking behind the beach huts || A big fancy hotel || Playing Rummikub with the family

 Sudocreme in a tube?! || All the books I got || Reply from an author :D || Tesco's is still selling Haribo Christmas Mix /:

How was your week?
Did you get upto anything exciting?
xoxo