Maybelline Color Tattoo - On and On Bronze

Seriously thinking about changing my blog name to 'late to the party' but guess its better late then never right? I picked this up after my recent make up disaster and Maybelline were on offer at Boots. 

I have always stayed away from cream eye shadows as I think I must have the oiliest lids ever which are quite hooded so everything creases. To be honest was expecting to put this in a not worth the hype post but was really surprised.  

I absolutely love the colour a gorgeous bronze shimmer that is perfect for day or night. I love wearing this for work as can be applied and blended with your fingers so nice and quick and no faffing around looking for a clean brush.

Now on to the staying power and creasing the first time I tried this I didn't use a primer and was surprised how long it stayed put without creasing, so I decided to wear for work without a primer. I am not sure whether work makes my skin oilier or just the harsh lights in the bathroom makes things look worse, but this did crease. It didn't look awful but did definitely crease. I have tried with a few different primers and the best one I find is the NARS one I got when I went to London.

At the time of writing (22.30) I have been wearing with the NARS primer since 8 am and there is very minimal signs of creasing.

I have definitely fallen in love with this, the only problem is now I want more, am thinking about getting Eternal Gold, Permanent Taupe, Pink Gold and 25K Gold.

You can pick up from boots.com for £4.99 and the offer on Maybelline is still on

The Big Read - Emma by Jane Austen My Thoughts

I have seriously been stressing about whether to post this, as not really sure whether anyone will be that interested on my thoughts after all I am no literary expert (then again not an expert in anything). I also didn't want to give much of the storyline away. So sorry in advance if this doesn't interest you in the slightest but here it is anyway.

After starting this in August I have finally finished it - and no I am not an incredibly slow reader, life just kept getting in the way, I started a new job and my studies in September and just got out of the habit of reading a book. I think what made me start reading again is my iPad mini. For one this book was free and secondly its just so accessible, not that a book isn't but I am always on my iPad, and find it quite nice to check twitter etc in bed and then read a couple of chapters.

Back onto the book, I did enjoy Emma although did find it takes you a little while to get into the language and style of writing, but after that I found myself wishing that I lived in the period, with its gentlemen and balls. 

I have read that when Jane Austen wrote Emma she imagined that she had created a character that would not be very well liked. I however loved Emma and really felt for her when her best laid plans went array. She can be a bit of a simpleton at times but her character doesn't grate on you as she so easily could. Although in some parts of the book she doesn't do herself any favours - like at Box Hill you feel that is more down to age then maliciousness. 

My favourite parts of the book are Emma's plans and schemes to make Harriet and Mr Elton an item, who hasn't been there trying to get you or a friend Mr Right. I also love when she is trying to decide whether she is in love with Frank Churchill, both instances took me back to being a teenager and its interesting to see that matters relating to the heart haven't really changed.

Although this wasn't a page turner from start to finish it definitely picked up by the end.  The last eighty pages (on my iPad mini) I read in one sitting, when I had been reading a chapter maybe two a night.

Overall I thought that the story of Emma was entertaining, I doubt I would read again but did enjoy. If you can't be bothered to read the book definitely check out the Jonny Lee Miller adaptation as not only does he look rather handsome but it is a very good adaptation in my opinion.

I read mine on my iBooks apps but you download a Kindle edition for free using Amazon here or buy the BBC Adaptation for £7.25 here. It is also available in libraries and any good book shop.

What's In My Bathroom - Sanctuary Foaming Bath Soak

Now don't get me wrong I still love my Treacle Moon Warm Cinnamon Nights Bubble Bath but some days you just need a more indulgent bath time treat and recently I have been reaching for this.  I seem to have acquired quite a few of these travel sizes and also have a 250 ml bottle as well so no danger of running out any time soon, which is a good thing in my book.

This is what I thought No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak should have been, it smells more relaxing and luxurious with the signature Sanctuary scent. It is also feels creamy and nourishing so perfect for the winter or if your skin needs some tlc.

It creates plenty of bubbles so don't have to use loads which is another big bug bear with some bubble baths. A minor quibble with this is that I do find that the boyfriend nicks as is quite a unisex smell, then again he also nicks my Warm Cinnamon Nights which is incredibly sweet so maybe nothing is safe.

Overall think that this a great staple to have in your bathroom and a perfect gift for those difficult to buy for people.

You can pick 250ml for £5.50 from boots.com. It is also included in several of their gift sets which might be the perfect present for your mum this mothers day.

MUA Cream Blusher - Blossom

I picked this up at the end of January along with some other beauty bits after seeing Louise's review on sprinkleofglitter.blogspot.co.uk. I also picked up the shade Yummy but haven't tried as to be honest can't put Blossom down.

This is a pinky natural colour. When researching what shades of blusher is the most flattering I kept reading you should go for a colour similar to your own when you blush, well that is all well and good but when I blush I tend to go a bright crimson so was non the wiser. I picked this shade as it looked the least frightening and I am glad I did. It is gorgeous and looks so natural.

I also love the texture, I have never tried a cream blusher before but will definitely get more.  On the back it says 'creates a soft dewy finish for sweet blush perfection' and I couldn't have put it better myself. I apply with my Real Techniques Stippling Brush and put quite high on my cheeks.

Blended out it gives such a beautiful dewy colour to the cheeks I find highlighter isn't necessary.

Many of the reviews I have read have said that the staying power isn't great but I find it lasts well on my skin. Obviously haven't tried in any kind of warm weather, so it will be interesting to see if it lasts as well in the summer.

I am seriously impressed with this and for £2 what an absolute bargain. The only negative thing I have to say is that they are a bugger to get into. My boyfriend had to open the first couple of times and I have chipped nail polish to get into but at least they are secure.

Once my obsession with this colour has waived I will try out Yummy, and might even buy the other two Bittersweet and Dolly.

You can buy from superdrug.com for £2 

Make Up Disaster

On Friday I had an epic make up disaster - this may sound dramatic but was really quite awful!

I did my usual work day make up, slapped on some Benefit You Rebel Lite, Collection Lasting Profection Concealer, Clinique High Impact Mascara and some lip balm and bolted out of the door. I know I said I wanted to start being less lazy with my make up but it was Friday and I find all good intentions have gone out of the window by at least Wednesday.

Back to the disaster I was driving to work and my eyes started to sting and all of a sudden my eyes started to stream. Water was flowing down my face at an alarming rate and I couldn't see a thing. When I say my eyes streamed it felt like someone turned on a tap I could feel the water running off my face along with all my make up! My eyes at this point felt like they were burning and I couldn't keep them open. Looking back I should have been more concerned about not being able to see but all I could think about was I had to go to work with effectively no make up on. Foolishly I only have lip balm in my bag. Eventually my eyes stopped running and I could see again but my eyes were very red and sore. I tried to make myself look as ok as I could with one tissue and no make up but looked a state. 

When I was telling my work colleagues they all said it seemed like an allergic reaction, and had I used anything different. In fact yes I had, it was only the second time I had used the Clinique mascara but I also remember commenting on my eyes stinging when I cried wearing Lancome Hypnose Star and I know I was wearing the Benefit You Rebel Lite that day too. I decided there and then to throw out the mascara.

It got me thinking what exactly I slap on my face and how long some of these products had been hanging around. I am careful with mascara but everything else I only throw away when they are empty.  I realised that I had had You Rebel Lite for well over two years, when I got home it says it should be used within 12 months.

Now I am pretty sure that these expiry dates are shorter then they need to be, what with companies not wanting to get sued and the fact they want us to buy products more frequently, but they still must have an expiration date. 

With that in mind when I got home I threw out everything that had been hanging around longer then it should. I took the expiry dates with a pinch of salt and used common sense. I did end up also throwing out You Rebel Lite as to be honest couldn't believe how long I had had it. Also didn't like the fact that it had been the common factor on the two instances my eyes stung. All my brushes also got a deep clean including using anti bacterial wipes on the handles.

I think I learnt two lessons, one go through your collection regularly and throw out products that are past their best and two, put some make up in my bag.

On the plus side had to go shopping as had no mascara and only my Chanel foundation which I use frequently (and is still in date) but don't want to wear everyday for work, I like to keep Chanel for special occasions. I bought Maybelline The Falsies after being recommended it by a friend and also picked up a colour tattoo as there was money off when you purchased two Maybelline products. I did hope to get a Dr Jart+ Regenerating BB cream but it isn't stocked in my local Boots so will have to order online.

Has anyone else had any similar make up disasters? 

Freebie Friday - Jemma Kidd i-define Volumising Mascara

Have been debating whether or not to post this review as Jemma Kidd make up is being discontinued but thought I would share my thoughts anyway.  This is the first Jemma Kidd product I have tried and got with the December issue of Marie Claire. I do love the packaging and the size of the sample however its what's inside that counts.

The wand is a classic fibre brush which applies plently of the product, along with a large dollop at the end!! I did notice a slight whiff when applying but I think I might be more sensitive to smells then I realised. When applied I wasn't blown away by the results the best way I can describe the end result was spidery, kind of long and a bit messy looking. 

My biggest issue with the mascara is longevity and removal, I had been wearing the mascara for a couple of hours when I noticed that it had start to flake and crumble and there were tiny specks of black over my face. I wiped them off, but more of the buggers were back in a few hours.  This was nothing compared to the mess when I removed. I have never used a mascara that crumbles everywhere on removal, until now!

Due to these issues I will be throwing this out as I can only imagine it will get worse with time.

I am now on the hunt for a new mascara I have one more freebie to try and then I will be hitting the shops I love the Lancome Hypnose Star but not the price, has anyone got any recommendations?

Nails - Great Dover Street Nails Inc

I have been lusting after Nicole by OPI Khloe had a little Lam Lam for ages I am not sure whether it's because I love the name or that Khloe is my favourite Kardashian but I have been wanting for months. I was about to order online when it suddenly dawned on me that I have around 100 nail polishes so I must have one similar, I mean really how many colours can there be. After hunting around my collection I found Great Dover Street by Nails Inc which I think looks pretty close (I have only seen swatches online however)

I got this with six other polishes in Nails Inc Ahead of Trend Collection which is still available on qvcuk.com.

I applied two coats over Kensington Caviar base coat and topped with Albert Bridge top coat as normal. As always with Nails Inc it is thick but still dries quickly and lasts for nearly a week.

After using this I am really not sure green is my colour I didn't hate this polish but didn't love it either.  I am seriously thinking about condensing my nail polish collection as I have quite a few multiples and also many shades that just aren't me mostly ones that came in sets. I was half thinking about doing a blog sale for the multiples and the ones used once or twice - what do you guys think?

Back to Great Dover Street this seems to be a QVC exclusive which you can buy in the same collection I did here. (Is it just me that gets annoyed with all the QVC exclusives which means you usually really want one or two in the collection but end up buying 7 as you can't buy elsewhere)

Magazine Madness Plus Random Haul #3

I always love the beginning of the month when all the glossy magazines hit the shelves. I was so excited to see Shiseido products as freebies with Marie Claire in my local Sainsburys as there haven't been any  free gifts for a couple of months. There was only a choice of two products in my local Sainsburys a foaming cleanser, which I wasn't that interested in trying and Hydro-Nourishing Softener which I picked up. I thought I would get the other two gifts at Tesco's but they had the magazine but no free gift! I have since looked everywhere and none of the other supermarkets or retailers have the free gifts. My local Sainsbury's still only has the two freebies  but there are apparently another two and day and night cream, I will keep looking and let you know if I find them. How annoying that it only seems to be Sainsburys selling the free gifts, if anyone sees them other places please let me know!

I thought that would be a bit of a short post so thought I would share a few random bits and pieces I picked up today in Norwich.

The first thing I picked up is some Leighton Denny As Good As New, I have wanted this since reading Anna's post on viviannadoesmakeup.com as many of my polishes are a bit thick and yuk. Really hoping that this sorts them out as dread to think how much money I have spent on nail polish throughout the years.

I also picked up some MUA Pro-Base Eye Primer from Superdrug I have been looking for this product every time I nip into the city and it is the first time I have found it. Am interested to see how this compares to the NARS primer as it is a fraction of the price. Has anyone tried this?

I also picked up a Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in nude after seeing so many rave reviews on pretty much everyone's blogs.

The last beauty item I picked up was the Sleek Storm Palette again from Superdrug I love my naked palette but thought that this offered a few different alternatives plus would be great for travelling as is smaller and if it got damaged wouldn't be as upset as only cost £7.99. I haven't used any Sleek products so excited to try out.

The last two things are very random but much needed firstly I got some Vacuum Storage bags from Argos and some dress covers from Wilkinson as decided I needed to sort out my wardrobe if you are interested in before and after pics check out twitter.com/supersnoo. I have decided I definitely need more clothes.

So much for starting saving this month - oh well always next month

Freebie Friday L'Occitane Rose Petals Hand Cream

I got this with the November issue of Marie Claire and with the recent cold snap seem to be going through hand cream like it's going out of fashion. I picked the rose scented version after loving the smell of Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Cleanser.  The scent is described a 'floral fragrance  evoking sugar-coated rose petals' on the back of the product and is very lightly scented. To be honest I prefer the smell of the Super Facial as it is stronger but some might prefer a less scented hand cream.

The cream is thick and very nourishing due to the shea butter, I find it best to put a few little dollops on your hands on the palms and back of the hands as you don't need a lot as it is so concentrated. Momentarily it does leave your hands a bit greasy looking but soon sinks in and leaves your skin moisturised for hours. I only need to reapply after I wash my hands as this really does last.

I have noticed my hands feeling much softer and smoother since using this, and really is a miracle worker.  The only bad think about this is 30ml is not going to last me very long at all as I have been using for two weeks and already used nearly half.  

I would strongly recommend anyone suffering from dry hands try a L'Occitane hand cream you can still pick up the limited edition Rose Petal version from uk.loccitane.com for £4.80 for 30ml.

Soap & Glory Glam-A-Lot

After spring cleaning my stash I found another forgotten gem from Soap & Glory. I love Soap & Glory all their products smell amazing and their body sprays are bargains.  

This is as the name suggests a perfect fragrance for a night out with a woody musk base. It can also be worn in the day being a body spray and not be too overpowering. I don't really do subtle, so do tend to spray liberally day and night.

Like Mist You Madly this does have good staying power for a body spray but obviously isn't going to last as long as a perfume.  I have the 100ml size which is perfect for popping in your handbag. I really like the packaging not too chunky and not in an aerosol. I hate body sprays in aerosols as they just seems to get stuck in the back of your throat.

I haven't tried any of the Soap & Glory perfumes but am tempted with the quality of these, that said I would definitely recommend anyone on a tight budget buy these instead of cheap perfumes.

You can pick up 250mls for £6.50 here or 100mls as part of a trio for £8.50 here

Update - New Years Resolutions #1

As well as my main New Years Resolutions to continue with my AAT Level 4 and to sort out my finances I also set myself some mini goals for January so thought I would let you know how I got on.

My main resolutions are going well I found out in January that I passed my first exam which I sat in mid December on personal taxation. I am over the moon it wasn't easy but that is one module down four to go.  I also managed to pay off my credit card in full in January and considering I put all my Christmas presents on it think I did pretty well have no debt now just need to start saving, sounds easy right!

I wish my monthly targets went as well but at least I am on track with my main ones.

I wanted to get back to my target weight this month, well that has been an epic fail, I have actually put on more weight in January then I did in December. It started well but one week I had food optimised all week was feeling great, even walked to my Slimming World weigh in the snow to only lose half a pound. I was so upset I marched off home and ate a massive dinner and desert and pretty much didn't stick to plan for a week.  I was lucky to only put on two pounds but that put me at half a stone from target.  The realisation that I had put on a third of the weight I lost spurred me into action and last week stuck to plan and lost the offending two pounds, still five pounds from target but better then 7.

The second goal was to get into a routine and I have succeeded in creating a lovely bedtime routine which has made getting to sleep and waking up a fraction easier. I know that this might sound sad but I do like a good old routine and not sure why I never made more effort to start a bedtime routine before as I can struggle to get to sleep.

The last one was to relax and although I am not as stressed as I was in December I don't think that I can call this one a success. I have felt very anxious and on edge in January, not sure if it just the January blues but must try and relax more.

In February I want to

Get back to target I know this is from lasts months but I really want get back to my target weight for my birthday in March.

Finish Emma I started this months ago then gave up when studying for my exam and reverted to some chick lit over Christmas but I have started from the beginning again and been reading a couple of chapters a night (as part of my new routine  and am half way through. Would be great to finally finish this so can start The Great Gatsby.

Make more effort with make up realised in January that I have hardly used my Dior Amber Diamond, Chanel lipstick or Nars bronzer (well that has actually never been used) which is ridiculous when you think how much money I have spent on these three products alone. I have got into a bit of a rut of wearing tinted moisturiser, concealer and mascara! The main problem is that I do my make up last in my morning routine so if I am running late I end up sticking to the bare minimum I can get away with.  Maybe I should have just labelled this be less lazy.

What are you hoping to achieve in February?

January Empties

At the beginning of the month I always worry that I'm not going to finish anything, but this month I seemed to have got through rather a lot of products, so lets get started

No7 Sumptuous Bath Soak as I said in my review post I wasn't really that impressed with this product considering the price, it was ok but think that Avon Bubble Bath is roughly the same quality for a fraction of the price.  The scent was also a bit of a let down as I think it smells like baby wash and prefer something more indulgent for a bath time treat.  I will not definitely not be repurchasing.

The Body Shop Divide & Multiply Mascara  isn't technically empty but has dried up and has been open for 6 months so think it is time to say good bye. I did really like this mascara and wore mostly for work as not too dramatic just enhanced your lashes and was really easy to apply to my bottom lashes. I would repurchase this but at the moment think I have a couple of unopened mascaras in my stash so will use them before hitting the shops.

Nivea Smooth Nourishing Hand Cream has lasted a lot longer then the other Nivea Hand Cream I bought at the same time - post here. But I think that the reason is that I enjoy my new job a lot more then my last one so only using when needed instead of god knows how many times during the day. I did prefer the Express Hydration version for work as it absorbs quickly but would definitely purchase both again as such bargains.

Nails Inc Kensington Hand Lotion if you hadn't guessed its been freezing here in the UK in January and my poor hands have been feeling the effect so I finally used up this gorgeous little hand cream.  It smells amazing and has made my poor little hands feel smoother but not sure about younger. I wish I could justify the £15 price tag for a 100ml replacement but I just can't plus I think I found something equally as lovely for a much more purse friendly price - post coming soon.

La Source Hand Recovery Scrub sorry another hand product but what can I say maybe I should buy a pair of gloves (although I have tiny thumbs so can't ever find a pair that fits) this was given to me from my sister with some of their other hand products and at first I wasn't overly that grateful until I tried this product. I love scrubbing my skin and had always just used body scrub on my hands but not after trying this. It is much gentler on your skin and is also very moisturising. I like to use this after I have taken off my nail polish as makes my hands feel really clean and smooth.  I would repurchase this but at the moment using a No7 version and heard that Rituals do an amazing hand scrub.  You can buy this one from crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector although I only had a small 7ml sample size I do think that I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin whilst using this although not noticed a visual reduction in my lines. I was really torn between buying 30ml of this or Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair but decided to give that a try and will be reporting back in about 6 weeks when the sales lady said I should be able to see a difference.  If the ANR doesn't work will definitely give the full size of this ago.

No7 Advanced Hydration Day Cream I have had this for quite some time and glad to have finally used up as this has been open for quiet awhile.  I stopped using this when I got my Liz Earle moisturiser I do like that this one has SPF in as its one less thing to worry about.  I do find that my forehead can get a little oily after using this but my nemesis has been playing up recently.  This isn't available any more but have got some more No7 moisturisers to try out which I bought in the sales.

Nivea Facial Cleansing Wipes which I am trying not to use any more as I know that they are not as effective as a good old clean with a cleanser, flannel and water but sometimes I am lazy. This a pretty bog standard think I may have said all I can say on wipes in last months empties - not to self stop using or at least stop using a pack a month!