March Empties

This month I seemed to have got through quite a few products.

Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalps Shampoo is the only shampoo I have found that doesn't irritate my scalp. I use daily and this litre has lasted me 7 months, I am also pretty sure my boyfriend uses it a lot too, so think it has lasted well. I love this shampoo and wouldn't be without it. I have already repurchased but am trying a couple of shampoos as I got as gifts at Christmas. You can get this from feelunique.com

No7 Instant Vitality Eye Roll-on I have had this for awhile and this seemed to last for ages. I wanted an eye cream to reduce my dark circles which no matter how much sleep I get are still there. To be honest I didn't notice a massive reduction when I used this but did like the feel of the metal balls and the light texture. I don't think I would repurchase I have a couple of samples that I want to use up. This has been repackaged and you buy from boots.com

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic this was part of set I received at Christmas I love this toner and have done a full review of the spritzer version here. I love the smell and do think that this is better then the No7 toner I used in between  I don't need to buy any as I was lucky enough to receive some as a birthday gift from my sister. I am going to keep this little bottle for when I travel.

TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray is my favourite heat protection spray, I like it because it is under a fiver, doesn't leave any residue in my hair and the nozzle sprays a fine mist evenly. I am not really sure how you much protection these actually provide but I always use something on my fine hair. I have been tempted to try some higher end heat protectors but until I win the lottery will have to keep using this.  You can buy from boots.com

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDT I love love love this. My boyfriend bought me this when he went to Paris for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (a big horse race) in 2011. I didn't realise quite how expensive this was until I had about a quarter left and wanted to buy some more! Since then I have been using sparingly but as I got 100ml for my birthday have started using again.

L'Occitane Rose Petals Hand Cream I was really impressed with this, it has really helped with my dry hands in this never ending winter. The smell is delicate and not overpowering, this was a limited edition scent but still seems to be available on uk.loccitane.com. I have done a full review here I won't repurchase as I have loads of hand creams to use up.

No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser I got this in the sales as I wanted to try a cheaper alternative to Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish. I was disappointed with this, it wasn't bad just very basic. I have written a full review here. I have since started using the Superdrug version which I think is better and cheaper, so probably wouldn't repurchase this again.

No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Make-Up Remover was from the same set, it is a dual action remover which you need to shake. I know that I am incredibly lazy but the whole shaking it did annoy me. I also found this very oily and I do have oily lids so did worry that this might make them oilier. I am now trying a Nivea remover which I find less greasy and more refreshing. You can buy this from boots.com.

Palmolive Soft & Gentle Soft Jasmine & Coco Milk a bog standard deodorant which on the plus doesn't leave too many white marks on the down side stinks. It really smells fake and powdery, I will definitely not be getting this again.

Spring Nails - Colour

My last post on Spring nails is all about colour, if you prefer something more subtle I have also done posts on Nude Hues and Pinks and Peaches

Now I know that these aren't all very wearable but I think many will look great on toes, so from left to right there is

Spitalfields this along with Brewer Street was in the first Nails Inc collection I bought from qvcuk.com. It was years ago and came with three or four more wearable colours. Back to the colour, I have worn this long before I started blogging. I remember it looking very bright on the nails. I think I would be most likely to wear on my toes if I wore again.

Brewer Street is next up and is a very pale lime green, definitely not the most flattering on paler skin tones, but would look great with a tan. I have worn on my toes but not sure I would wear again.

Power Pink was a free gift with Instyle last year and I have done a full post, which you can read here 

Hobart Place is another polish I haven't tried but in the bottle looks like a slightly paler creamy version of Portobello which I wore loads last summer. I really love orange and dark denim so will definitely be rocking this soon.

Cumberland Street is a light blue which I have written a full post about here. Like many of the colours in this post in some lights looks quite pale yet in others looks very bright.

Seymour Place is a beautiful teal which is another polish I haven't worn yet.  I think I got this as a free gift after spending too much at the Nails Inc counter. I don't know why I haven't worn yet as I love teal.

Mint Candy Apple the only Essie polish I own and as yet I haven't tried. I know that this was the nail polish of 2012 but I think its a classic and is the perfect shade for Spring.

Again if there is a polish I have featured and you would like a full post let me know.

What polishes will you be wearing this spring?

Spring Nails - Pinks and Peaches

After going through my stash of nail polishes for my Nude Hues post, I decided to go through other shades that will be perfect for spring. Pinks and peaches are great any time of year but look especially good in the spring after wearing dark winter shades for months.

So from left to right there is 

South Molton Street which is the brightest shade of the bunch. I have had this for ages and is one of the sheerest Nails Inc polishes I have. I think this would be perfect for French manicures unfortunately I can't do white tips so not going to test my theory. You can buy this from nailsinc.com

Phillimore Gardens is a beautiful pale pink which would look absolutely fantastic if I had a tan. I have done a full post which you can read here and see my swatches.

Elizabeth Street is a shade I haven't tried, as to be honest I usually go for either dark, bright or nude nails, after digging this out I definitely want to try. I got this is in a QVC set but you can buy from nailsinc.com

Peach Sorbet was a free Instyle Nails Inc shade that I bought last May, I have yet to try but obviously couldn't resist for £2 instead of £11, another shade to add to my ever growing need to use pile.

Kim-Pletely In Love I have shockingly worn this more then once!! It is a sheer pink with a blue shimmer. I posted about this in August last year which you can read here

Pearly Pink is one of the few No7 nail polishes I have. I think that this came in a gift set one Christmas, and it doesn't appear to be available any more. I am pretty sure that this is another shade that I have never worn but in the bottle looks exactly as the name suggests a pearly pink.

I have one more post planned on Spring nails then I really must stop writing about nails and start painting them.

If you would like to see a full post on any of the shades please let me know.

Spring Nails - Nude Hues

Nude nails seem to be everywhere at the moment with new launches from Estee Lauder and Revlon that seem to be filling my bloglovin' feed. In a bid to save the pennies I decided to have a delve into my stash and see whether I really needed another nude polish. I can safely say I don't think I will be needing another nude polish for quite some time yet.

I will start with the darker shades I have, so from left to right there is 

Jermyn Street which I actually had two of, so if anyone knows anywhere I can send one of these please let me know. I don't know how I ended up with two but lets not tell my boyfriend. You can still get this shade from nailsinc.com

Next I have a freebie from Instyle magazine I don't know when this was out but I am guessing 2010/11 it doesn't have any name (which I find very annoying) I am starting to feel a bit sorry for this, not only does it not have a name but I am pretty sure I have never worn it.

Kensington Gate which is another shade I haven't tried and seemed to be a QVC exclusive shade which I got last May

Porchester Square is a 'hero shade' according to Nails Inc and I know Anna from viviannadoesmakeup.com loves the shade. I have actually worn this and you can read my post here

Onto the lighter shades I have

Exeter Street which is an interesting shade, in some lights it looks a few shades darker than my skin tone in other lights it looks very lilac. This doesn't seem to be available on the Nails Inc website which is a shame as its gorgeous.

Basil Street I have done a full post about this which you can read here I still love this polish. It is definitely in my top three polishes of all time.

Lower Sloane Street is another of my top three polishes its very similar to Basil Street again I have posted about this here

Kate was a limited edition shade to celebrate the Royal wedding I have not used this as it was a lot paler then I expected. I will say I love the crystal cap bar the number that have fallen off.

Fitzrovia another polish was remains unused in my collection. I never knew how many unused polishes I had until preparing for this post.

What nude nails will you be sporting this spring?

No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser

After realising how much I was spending on my beloved Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish I decided I needed to find cheaper alternatives and so I bought the No7 version to see how this compared. The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish was actually the first product I reviewed and the post can be read here 

I had high hopes for this, probably too high to be honest and I was disappointed. No7 as a brand at the moment seems to be disappointing me a lot at the moment. It always used to be a brand I could rely on but the products at the moment don't seem to be quite what I want. I expected this to be similar to the Liz Earle however I actually think that Super Facialist Rose Cleanser is a lot more comparable.

This isn't a terrible product just a lot more basic than I expected, there is no real scent to this which after the Liz Earle and Super Facialist is a let down, although to some this may be a positive. The texture of this is also different thinner and slightly more I want to say oily or greasy but I guess it is just different. 

I have used occasionally over the eyes and although it isn't as good as the Liz Earle at removing mascara it does a decent job. I do find myself cleansing once on dry skin and then after removing with a damp flannel massaging a bit more into my skin just to make sure every last trace of foundation etc is gone.

Something that I do like more is the packaging, I have no real issues with Liz Earle's packaging although it would be nice to see how much product you have left, however the packaging for the Super Facialist cleanser drove me insane. It is just me that hates the squeezable bottles which spring back to life after every use. How the devil are you meant to use all the product without cutting into it and scooping it out? This on the other hand this is clear and has one of those clever pumps which pushes the bottom and therefore the product up so that you can every last drop. In today's economy I don't understand why brands aren't trying to do more so that consumers aren't wasting loads of product.

Rant about packaging over, I do think that this is a good basic cleanser. I was disappointed that this isn't more of a dupe for the old cleanse and polish and I do prefer the Super Facialist Rose Hydrating Cleanser over this but with a No7 £5 off voucher (which I believe are valid until March 30th) 200ml is only £4.95.

If anyone has a No7 £5 off voucher I would recommend giving this a go especially if you don't like heavily scented face products. 

You can pick this up from boots.com for £9.95 for 200ml, I got the 50ml size in a reduced gift set after Christmas.

Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara

After needing a new mascara after my disaster I decided to pick up The Falsies Volum Express Black Drama which was recommended by a very trusted friend.  I have also seen this in numerous Tanya Burr videos so thought I would give it a go.

The wand is very different to any other mascara I have used it is curved and is very flexible, which makes it perfect for getting right to the root of the lash and getting those little ones in the corners of your eyes.

I wouldn't say that this makes my lashes look false but one coat makes them look fuller and obviously blacker which is perfect for day time. Two coats is definitely more of an evening look. Although with one coat it doesn't clump, it does a tiny bit with two but can be easily fixed.

I really like how this feels on the lashes as some mascara make them feel brittle but with this still feels like your lashes only they look better. This doesn't smudge, flake or crumble and is easy to remove and the huge benefit for me is that it doesn't irritate my eyes.

This mascara will definitely be repurchased again as love how it can be built up for a dramatic look and still worn daily. I no longer want a daytime and evening mascara as I think mascara shouldn't be left hanging around your collection for any length of time.

You can pick this up at boots.com for £7.99

Magazine Madness - April 2013

After the last few months of either no freebies or impossible to find ones this month has been a bumper month. I picked up Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Marie Claire.

With Cosmopolitan I got an Elemis Fresh Skin Loving Lips Quenching Lip Balm (what a name), I haven't tried anything from Elemis but do admit I watch their shows on QVC and am always tempted by pretty much everything.

Glamour had four Percy & Reed products I only picked up the Volumising No Oil Oil for Fine Hair as I have been struggling to find the perfect volumising hair product. I didn't pick up the other three products as I am very careful with the products I use due to my scalp.

The last product I got was Neal's  Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Hand Cream with Marie Claire. I don't really need anymore hand cream but you can never have too many can you.

Did anyone pick up any of the other free gifts with the magazines?

What I Got For My Birthday

I love being nosey and seeing what people got as gifts so thought I would share what I got for my recent birthday. I apologise for the quality of the photo's I am really struggling with the lighting, roll on summer.

The first gift I opened was a set of Liz Earle Skin Tonics, I did ask for this as since using up my old No7 toner I realised just how much I missed this stuff. I did a post on this here and really can't see myself being without it now. I think that this is a product that you don't realise how good it is until you stop using.

Next up I got the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual after seeing this in a video on viviannadoesmakeup.com I have only flicked through at the moment but can't wait to read properly.

My older sister got me this lovely set of beauty products, I have never tried any of them before, so cant wait to give them a go. Included was Neal & Wolf Daily Cleansing Shampoo, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy, Big Sexy Hair Powder Play and This Works Deep Sleep Dream Cream. I am a bit dubious about the shampoo as I only use Philip Kingsley due to my scalp but will give this a go. I cannot wait to try out the deep sleep dream cream as know Anna loves this range.

Talking of Anna I also got Blog Inc by Joy Deangdeelert Cho which appeared in the same video as the Makeup Manual. I am looking forward to picking up some tips on making my little blog better.

The only nail related gift was Mint Candy Apple by Essie which my mum must have heard me bang on about since last summer. I have never tried any Essie polish as to be honest don't know what will happen if I fall in love with them. I have a serious nail polish problem I have over 100 Nails Inc polishes and don't think my bank balance will take me falling in love with another brand.

Everyone who knows me know how much I love products so received this gorgeous Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit from my boyfriends sister and husband. Again this is a brand I have never tried but have heard good things. Included is Hand Salve, Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, Coconut Foot Cream, Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream and Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegrante Oil.

I was lucky enough to get two pieces from Chanel, my absolute favourite brand, my boyfriend got me 100ml of my favourite fragrance Coco Mademosielle and just look at how beautifully it was wrapped

I knew what was inside so at the moment it is staying in its wrapping paper until I have used my old one up.

I also got this lovely Chanel compact mirror. I have been after a nice compact for ages after buying a gorgeous Vera Wang one in Oxford last year however I returned the next day as it was silver plated and the hinges on closer inspection were all chipped.

I got some Boots vouchers from my work colleagues so treated myself to some Real Techniques brushes I got the setting brush and the core collection as seriously want to try out the buffing brush.

The last beauty related gift I got was the Small Wonders set by Soap & Glory including travel sized Scrub Of Your Life, Clean On Me, The Righteous Butter, Hand Food and a shower puff. I love Soap & Glory and travel sized products always come in useful

The last item I wanted to share is this gorgeous gold studded bag from Warehouse, it has a detachable strap so can be worn across the body or as a clutch. I think it is absolutely perfect for a night out.

I was very lucky this year and also got some money so you may see some hauls coming soon.

February Favourites

Firstly sorry for the delay, but wanted to share my February favourites as had quite a product loving month.

I finally bought the Dr Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream which I have loved since trying for a Sample Sunday post, which you can read here. I am intrigued to see if self adjusts to my skin tone in the spring and summer, I guess I will just have to wait till the sun makes an appearance and see. If anyone is on the hunt for a new everyday base I would strongly recommend a Dr Jart+ BB cream.

Another product I can't get enough of at the moment is the Maybelline Color Tattoo in On and On Bronze. As I said in my post here I do need to use a primer with this but I do have very oily lids. I don't understand how my eyelids are so oily or if there is something I can do to make them less oily, but if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Back to the product love the colour, texture, staying power (with primer) finish and the price.

The next product Hydraluron I haven't posted about this yet but had to include as this has seriously helped my skin since buying at the end of January - haul post here. I knew I had to get this since reading the post on beautymouth.com and really think that this has done wonders for my skin. My nemesis otherwise known as my forehead seems to be behaving itself much better and I think it is due to this and the Advanced Night Repair. Also this is great for the morning after the night before.

After my Make up Disaster I needed to get a new mascara so picked up Maybelline's The Falsies after being recommended by a friend. I don't think that this makes my lashes look false but does have the volume that I like. For work I wear one coat for a night out slap on loads, it doesn't clump, flake or crumble or more importantly irritate my eyes.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair was purchased after reading a post from viviannadoesmakeup.com, I blame Anna for a lot of my spending but I am so glad I bought this. The lovely sales lady in Debehams told me that I should start seeing visible results after 6 weeks which is any day now, but I have noticed a difference in my skin since using this daily. I am not sure whether it is this or the Hydraluron or a combination of the two but don't really care, as my skin is feeling so much healthier.

The last product I have been loving is my MUA Cream Blusher in Blossom, still no sign of getting bored of this yet or trying out the other shade I bought at the same time. If you want to read my full post click here. I will try and try the other at some point this month as I can tell you now March's favourites might look a bit familiar if not.

My favourite blogger/YouTuber I have discovered in February is icovetthee.com I think Alix is stunning and I love her style. Her blog is also beautiful and full of great content, actually very jealous now I think about it.

Although this wasn't a favourite it is getting a notable mention as I have decided not to do my monthly to do posts any more. Frankly the posts are not often read and most importantly haven't made me actually get off my bum and do the things, so what is the point I wonder! Anyway back to what I wanted to say I finally finished Emma by Jane Austen. Started in August finally finished in February! If you want to know what I thought of the book I did a post here

February Empties

This month I have used up quite a few products that have been hanging around for ages

Gorgeous by Gok Shower Scrub which has been in my shower for months, I think I was given this as a Christmas present the Christmas before last. I thought that I could use this instead of a shower gel as do love to exfoliate but this is too abrasive for daily use.  Not the biggest fan of this or the range to be honest the gold lid all started to chip and flake and the scent is a bit over powering.

No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner for Normal to Dry Skin I have had this absolutely ages this is the toner I had before I bought Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic. After using this have really missed the Liz Earle one, the scent is so much nicer and seems to actually do something. I think I will stick with Liz Earle in future.

Philip Kingsley Maximizer I did a post a full review here and the reason that this hasn't been used up sooner is the fact that it doesn't have any heat protection in it. To be honest most mornings I can't be bothered to use two products when one would suffice so this has mostly been used when I have been going out with a load of hair spray to keep the volume in. I won't repurchase as I am sure that there is something better out there, I just can't seem to find it. If anyone has any recommendations for volumising hair products please let me know.

Balance Me Balancing Face Moisturiser I used up this little sample I got with a magazine.  My full review is here and as said I wouldn't purchase as this just isn't hydrating enough for my skin, also the scent is rather over powering.  

Super Facialist by Una Brennan I am seriously impressed with this I wanted to find a cheaper alternative to my beloved Cleanse and Polish and I would definitely purchase this again. This is cheaper, bigger and lasts much longer. It also more hydrating which is perfect for the winter and my poor parched skin. For my full review click here

Soap & Glory Glam-A-Lot another product that has been hanging around for ages but not because it is bad just because I am fickle. I do love this and Mist You Madly would definitely recommend either of them for the price and most importantly for their scent. I have done a full review here

28 Facts About Me

Today is my 28th birthday so thought I would share 28 random facts about me

1. I have two sisters, one older and one younger, so yes I am the awkward middle child.

2. My best friend has the same surname as me and lived in the same small village but we are not related.

3. My first love was Robbie Williams, although I didn't cry when he left Take That, I did shed a little tear when he got married.

4. I HATE balloons, I don't know what it is I don't like about them - well that is a lie, I hate everything about them. I have never found anyone who has shared my fear/hatred of them but I can't be the only one.

5. I love brown sauce and full fat mayo in a bacon roll, go on try it, it's heaven.

6. I am very shy but am very talkative when I get to know someone.

7. My parents got divorced when I was 8 and I used to love that I got two Christmas' and birthdays.

8. I am a very negative person I will always focus on the bad which is one thing I wish I could change.

9. I never went to university, I meant to take a gap year but never ending up going. I would have loved to go to Loughborough to study sociology.

10. I have visited Hong Kong, America and quite a few European countries  but would be quite happy just going to Turkey ever summer.

11. My favourite sport to watch on tv is snooker, my dad owns a snooker centre and although I can't play, do find watching strangely comforting.

12. My favourite colour is purple.

13. I do not have any tattoos nor will I ever have as too fickle and also a big wimp.

14. I got engaged at 21 luckily I didn't get married as we split up when I was 23.

15. I cry frequently and it seems to be my default emotion when I am stressed, angry or upset.

16. I once pulled my toe nail off my big toe by getting it caught in a sleeping bag when I was at brownie camp. They stuck it back on with medical tape and its never been the same since.

17. I met my boyfriend at work

18. My favourite film is The Wedding Singer.

19. I despise rude, selfish people.

20. I am terrified of most animals, can just about cope with my mums and sisters dogs but really frightened by cats.

21. I used to be an Avon Representative, and miss surrounding myself with all the products before bagging them up.

22. I passed my driving test on my second attempt after being a learner for well over a year.

23. I used to have a doll named Lauren who I blamed on everything as a child.

24. I sucked my thumb for years and subsequently had to have braces.

25. My favourite sweets are Wine Gums but they have to be Maynards.

26. My first job was in a bakery and I loved it as at the end of the day could take anything that didn't sell.

27. I have an unhealthy obsession with Christian Bale

28. My favourite tipple is Malibu and diet coke.