Monday 30 December 2013

End-of-year Empties

Hey! I've never done an empties post before, as I automatically throw away everything straight away, but lately I've been running out of a fair few things at the same time and I wanted to do an end-of-year type empties post!

It's a real mixture of hair, face, and body products; some are good, some are bad; some will be repurchased, others won't. So what have I finished up recently?





Skincare
Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, Granny Sally's Soap Kitchen Face Mask*, Elemis SOS Emergency Cream, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

The Nivea makeup remover was pretty standard, and at such a good price will definitely be repurchased! The face mask was one of the products in my goodie bag from the #EastMidsMeetUp, and smelt wonderfully of limes and kiwis (definitely the fruitiest and nicest-smelling face mask I've used). Not the easiest to apply due to it's runny consistency, but this did help clear up my skin during a bit of a bad phase.

The last two are night serums: the Elemis one I've had since January when it was recommended to be during a facial, and I loved using it to combat redness and blemish-y skin overnight. I would repurchase this, but for now I'm tempted to see what more purse-friendly options there are. The Kiehl's one on the other hand I didn't really get on with. I found it didn't really do much for my skin, and I'm not a fan of the idea of applying oil to my face in general.

Makeup
Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara, Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara,Eyeko Skinny Liquid EyelinerUrban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero, Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Mavala 183 Pistachio, PDR glitter polish, Orly Instant Artist in white and silver glitter.

I've had the Falsies mascara so many times now, it is my ultimate favourite. The Cat Eyes one, had a nice curved brush and was a decent mascara, just not as good as the Falsies. The two eyeliners were both misses for me really, the Urban Decay one smudged so much on my eyes, and I mostly used this up for theatrical looks instead. The Eyeko one, I didn't like the felt tip application - despite making winged eyeliner easier, it dried out so quickly and was difficult to make opaque-ly black.

The Urban Decay setting spray is one of my favourite finds of the year, it makes my makeup last like no other primer can and will definitely be repurchased. The Collection concealer is one which is raved about by many bloggers, and I can tell why. It's good for blemishes and under-eye and has a decent consistency and staying power for such a bargain price. I do have a current preferred concealer, but this one was very good.

And then of course there are nail polishes I've used up (I know it doesn't look like it!). The Mavala one I have actually already repurchased because I love the colour so much! And I'm going to need some new nail art pens very soon, as I've got more that are running low!

Haircare

Batiste dry shampoo is a staple in my hair products drawer, and will forever be repurchased. the cherry scent is a particularly nice one too. The bB thickening hairspray came with a magazine back in summer, and it's awesome at setting curls and making them look fuller. I've also used it as a quick cheat way of adding volume to my roots - by spraying at the roots, blow-drying dry and them tousling the roots of my hair. This is a tad pricey for essentially a hairspray, and I do have root-boosting products, so this probably won't be bought again.

The two hair serums I use in unison, so it's no surprise they ran out at the same time! They've done a great job at keeping the ends of my hair nourished and healthy looking, and the super skinny serum is already a product I've had many of (it also smells like watermelons, yum). That said, I wouldn't mind branching out and seeing what else there is!

The TRESemmé masque I have actually been using as a regular conditioner, and because my hair can get so dry at the ends, this is exactly what my hair needs really. Repurchase? It works, so definitely.

Body

The Thalgo gel is a bit of a random one, but I don't know of anything else that works as effectively! It's basically a gel you apply to sensitive areas after shaving/waxing to prevent ingrown hairs. Fairly expensive at £15, but a little goes a long way and it really does the job it claims!

The Molton Brown shower crème smelt divine, but the scent (forgot to note it before chucking it out, oops!) has sadly been discontinued. I wouldn't really purchase this sort of thing myself, but this was a gift originally and did it's job of getting me clean! The only thing I would say, is that this didn't lather as much a shower gel would but that was something I got used to.

Finally, we have perfumes that I've used up. Both of these I've had a couple of, because they smell lovely! DKNY Be Delicious is very fresh and fruity, great for summer and daytime, Boss Orange has some floral notes to it, is generally a deeper fragrance and suits both daytime and evening occasions. I can definitely see myself going back to these again, but for now I am content with my Nina Ricci perfume.

PHEW. I didn't realise quite how many things I'd used up! Probably just as well, I have drawers full of all sorts of products, which could probably do with a sort-out thinking about it...

What have you used up recently?

xxx

PS. Don't forget to enter my 50 follower giveaway here!

Friday 27 December 2013

Nars Eye Paint: Ubangi

Hey! Did everyone have a good Christmas? I for one am STUFFED, for at least the next week... and feeling pretty lucky with my pressies! Anyway, today I'm going to share my thoughts on the recently(ish) launched Nars Eye Paint and also show you a look I've created with it!



After seeing this in a magazine back at the end of summer, and then waiting for the release date! This is my first Nars purchase and also my first 'cream eyeshadow' and I'm absolutely loving it. I got the colour Ubangi, which is BEAUTIFUL, a black based shimmery dark blue, with just a hint of purple in it. It's easy to apply (I use my ring finger), fast-drying and so so pigmented! It lasts really well without primer (I wouldn't recommend primer with this, as it actually tends to slide around more), and my only minor gripe with it is that because it dries so fast, it can be a bit trickier to blend.



And then the makeup look I've created is a blue smokey eye. This kind of reminds of a night sky, and I think it would be a perfect look for New Year's Eve! Because of how bold the eye makeup is, I've kept everything else very simple - just a bit of bronzer and highlighter, and a peachy nude lipstick (Sleek True Colour - Barely There).


Above I've shown all the products I used. I applied Nars Ubangi all over my lids, and then blended out the edges (doesn't matter too much how messy this bit is). To add definition to the look, I used all Urban Decay shadows: Blackout through the outer half of crease and the outer corner of my eye, Pistol through the whole crease, and then a touch of Rockstar just above my lashes.

I also used the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Ransom, which is a bright purple, as an alternative to black eyeliner on my bottom lashline. And then to complete the eyes, my usual mascara combo: Benefit They're Real and Clinique Bottom Lash.


And finally, a close-up of the look!

Have you tried Nars Eye Paint? Would you wear this? 

xxx

PS. Don't forget to enter my 50 follower giveaway here!

Sunday 22 December 2013

Christmas Tag 2013

Hey! Now that it's only a few days left till Christmas, I am getting super excited! So I figured it would be a great time to do the Christmas Tag!


So without any further ado, onto the questions!

1. Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?
We've actually never had a real tree, so I'm going to have to go with synthetic for this one! I'm not sure I could even tell you what a real tree smells like...

2. You're in a coffee shop, what do you pick?
Does this mean I have to reveal my slight coffee addiction at the moment? I'm loving all the festive flavours: in particular Gingerbread and Cream Latte, and Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Costa, but my absolute favourite is the Toffee Nut Latte from Starbucks. (This year also happens to be the first time I've actually had a Starbucks coffee!)

3. What's your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?
Any really! At home we have two trees: one in the lounge which matches the colour scheme of blues and lilacs, and one in the conservatory which is more traditional colours of red and gold, and also has all the home-made decorations I did when I was younger!

4. Giving or receiving?
BOTH! I'm not going to lie, I get very excited about my own presents but I also love going out shopping and picking out gifts for everyone else! Especially the little stocking filler type presents, the extras that make Christmas a bit special compared to a regular birthday-type present!

5. To mince pie or not to?
Absolutely have to! I'm a huge fan of mince pies, warm or cold. My first mince pie this year was far too early to be socially acceptable, but I don't care because I love them. Last year I actually had a go at making mincemeat muffins, and those were delicious too! There's just something festive and yummy about raisins and sultanas and cinnamon and whatever else they put in mincemeat.

6. What's your traditional Sunday lunch?
Everything. Actually everything. I'm talking turkey, stuffing, ALL of the vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, and of course not forgetting gravy. (Feeling hungry now.) The other thing that's traditional for me to be eating on Christmas day, is the breakfast I have of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. (And champagne, because when else but Christmas can you drink champagne with breakfast?) I think this is actually traditional in France; I'm not French but I just love it.

7. Christmas day fashion?
This year I will be wearing my Christmas pudding patterned t-shirt! I couldn't find a nice jumper for a reasonable price, so I opted for this instead. I will probably wear it with leggings and fluffy, festive socks!

8. What's your favourite Christmas song?
I wish it could be Christmas every day by Wizzard, it's so happy and cheery and makes me want dance around the house! I love it compared to some other Christmas songs which actually have quite sad lyrics when you really listen.

9. What's your favourite Christmas film?
Okay I have a confession to make here: there are a shocking amount of Christmas films I haven't seen. I'll get round to it eventually, if I can ever stop watching my actual favourite which 100% has to be Elf. Maple syrup and spaghetti anyone?

10. Open presents before or after lunch?
I have absolutely no patience, so presents is the first thing which happens in the day and has been since my childhood. I actually don't have a whole lot of extended family, so I don't tend to do 'social Christmas visits' in the afternoon type of thing, so all the present business is done in the morning. As a kid it meant I had all day to play with my new toys, now it means I have time to get over the ridiculous amount of Christmas food consumed at lunch, while crashing in front of festive TV!

I tag anyone who has yet to do this and wants to!

xxx

PS. Don't forget to enter my 50 follower giveaway here!

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Dermalogica Products Review

Hey! A while back, the lovely people at beauty900.co.uk sent me some Dermalogica products to review. Unfortunately my skin decided to have a bit of a tantrum, and I wanted to wait until it had calmed down first before trying these out. So finally, I can now share my thoughts with you!




I got a couple of sachets each of the Active Moist*, Skin Refining Masque*, and the Skin Hydrating Masque*. The first two I've actually used before and found to work well for my skin, and on trying the third I like that one too! The refining mask is clay-based which I always like in a face mask, but the nice thing about this one is that it's nice and gentle on the skin and doesn't strip away everything. The active moist and hydrating mask are both (as you would guess) hydrating, but not too much, which is important for my combination type skin.

The other set I received was the Daytime Radiance Kit*. I can't really say anything about the 'Age Smart' aspect of these products, since at 20 I'm glad to say I'm wrinkle-free! However, I have been using the Multivitamin Power Firm* as an eye cream to brighten up the area and I've found it helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. The Skinperfect Primer* has a similar texture to Benefit's Porefessional, and helps to apply my foundation more smoothly and look more flawless. It also helps my makeup last slightly longer in the day (although nothing significantly compared to other primers). Finally, the Dynamic Skin Recovery* I have been using as a general day moisturiser, which is handy because it contains SPF and my foundation doesn't.

Overall, I can definitely recommend Dermalogica products, and the beauty900 website has some great little kits depending on your skin type available, as well as free delivery and samples with every order.

Have you used Dermalogica before?

xxx

PS. Don't forget to enter my 50 follower giveaway here!

Sunday 15 December 2013

50 Follower Giveaway!

Hey! I recently hit 50 followers on bloglovin: my first proper milestone! I've been blogging for less than half a year, so I can't believe how far I've got already! I know some people have followers in the thousands, but to me 50 is a LOT, and I'd like to thank each and every one of you! (Also anyone who follows via other platforms, please don't feel left out, thanks to you as well!)

So, on that note, I'd like to say thank you properly by holding a cheeky giveaway! Also with Christmas on the way ;) I didn't want to go down the stereotypical MAC lipstick giveaway, instead I've got a whole bunch of Models Own goodies to give away to one lucky winner!


Included:
A nail varnish in Pink Brown Beetle Juice (a lovely glittery festive colour), a 4-in-1 nail file/buffer, a cosmetic mirror (ideal for the handbag), a lip/cheek tint in Rouge Blush, a bubblegum flavour moisturising lip balm, a cream eyeshadow in Mash-Up Mauve, a glittery black eye liner pencil, and some double-ended eyeshadow applicators.

Giveaway ends at midnight on 26.01.2014 and is open to UK residents only (sorry! blame the Royal Mail and their extortionate prices) To enter just fill in the relevant parts of this Rafflecopter:

Good luck!

xxx

PS. Turns out this is blog post 51... so close!

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Clothes Show Haul

Hey! So previously I blogged all about the fashion I experienced at the Clothes Show Live, and now I'm going to share my purchases of the day!

There were some absolute bargains there, it was very tempting to go wild and end up bankrupt... But I think I was fairly restrained and stuck to a few things which really caught my eye!








Firstly, how cute is that bear hat and the gingerbread man earrings! The hat was from a vintage stall, and the earrings from the Funky Barcode. Everything there was super cheap for such quirky and unique designs!

Then of course, I couldn't resist picking up some nail varnishes from Models Own so I could have the limited edition Showstopper colour, available only at the Clothes Show! I also got some eyeliners along with other goodies (which I won't reveal just yet, for a pretty exciting reason).

The Ciaté Emerald Collection was actually my first purchase of the day, as it contains a full size Ciaté polish, and three types of nail art textures - sequin, velvet and caviar. I've actually tried caviar before and don't really get on, but the other two are very intriguing! I love the fact that the set is green, so perfectly festive! I would say this is my best bargain of the day, as this retails for £25, but I paid only £5!

And my final purchase was a goodie bag from a brand I've never heard of before: So Susan. I'm excited to try out some new things, and I'll let you know how it goes! This was another fantastic bargain, as this was also £5 for four products!

I think I am definitely out-shopped until after Christmas now!

xxx

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Clothes Show Live 2013

Hey! On Saturday, I went to the Clothes Show Live at the NEC in Birmingham for the first time! It was a long morning of shopping (some fantastic bargains!) and then the actual show in the afternoon.

Seeing all the fashion from various designers was really inspiring, and basically now I want a whole new wardrobe.

After perusing many many beauty and fashion stalls (I'll put up a separate haul post!), we had lunch while waiting for one of the Diet Coke Image Catwalk shows, which featured some pieces from Graduate fashion designers, and was awesome to watch. I took so many pictures, but I'm only going to share my favourites otherwise we'll be here forever!





 It turned out I was actually sat next to the graduate who designed this coat!



 I don't care how impractical they are: I want a pair of lace trousers!




As you can see, we also had a surprise visit from Jamie and Andy from Made in Chelsea. Not quite as good at strutting their stuff as the models, nice try boys! I was also excited to see Anita from Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model Series 8 up there modelling, as she was my favourite of that series!

After a little more shopping, it was into the Fashion Theatre to watch the show! It was combination of awesome music, clothes, fierce cat-walking and impressive dance routines; although I'll be honest and say I had expected it to go on a bit longer than 45 minutes! It was still a lot of fun though, and I would definitely go back next year!










Have you ever been to the Clothes Show? If not, are you tempted now?

xxx

Sunday 8 December 2013

Weekend Wishlist #5

Hey! Lately, I have been lusting after a new handbag for general use. The ones I currently tend to use are really small and while I do rather like small bags, it is starting to get impractical if I'm out for a whole day. Fortunately for me, there seem to be some really nice bags about at the moment, I'm just having a bit of trouble choosing!



1. Cream 'Denson' Colour Block Tote Bag - Debenhams £30 here

2. Colour Block Mini Evian Bag - Topshop £36 here

3. Stag Head Soft Barrel Bag - Accessorize £45 here

4. Colour Block Saddle Bag - Accessorize £27 here

5. Snake Blocked Trapeze Handheld Bag - Accessorize £29 here

6. Purple Colour Block Double Lock Satchel - River Island £40 here

As you can see, I'm pretty into the colour block trend for bags! I think my current favourite is probably the Topshop one, although I love the little stag head detail on the top right bag! I definitely think I will wait until after Christmas though, and hopefully a few will pop up in the January sales!

What are you lusting after at the moment?

xxx

Tuesday 3 December 2013

#EastMidsMeetUp

Hey! So on Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the #EastMidsMeetUp in Derby, organised by Emma. I had a lovely day shopping with BeckaEllie and Charlie, and then it was onto Fat Cat for some well needed food, and catching up with all the other bloggers again!


I think I should start by saying the Westfields shopping centre in Derby is really good! A great range of shops - including a candle store FULL of Yankee Candles (blogger heaven) and a huge Boots with even a Sleek counter!

I myself only picked up a few things, since I'm trying to cut back the spending before Christmas. But there were just some things I couldn't resist getting! The first thing I picked up was a super cute Santa Meerkat tree decoration (not pictured as Accessorize wrapped it up for me), and then it was onto the candle store where I chose two festive and winter-y scents, as most of my candles have burnt out recently!

In Boots, I picked up my first Models Own nail polish in Jack Frost, since I needed a new glitter and then I simply couldn't resist trying out a Sleek palette, especially since the Storm palette I chose has shades similar to ones I used to have but smashed, and also there was an offer to get a free lipstick with a palette purchase - it would've been rude not to!

My final purchase of the day came from Lush, and that would be Barry: my Melting Snowman Luxury Bath Melt. I've seen this appearing on lots of other blogs, and I just had to have one of my own - he's so cute! (Although I'm gonna have to wait until I go home at Christmas to use it.) I also got some Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie to try (it smells so yummy).


Dinner in Fat Cat including some very yummy food, the cutest cupcakes in individual boxes, a surprise gift bag each and then HUGE goodie bags for us all to take away!

There were also some representatives from Hothouse (who own brands such as St Moriz and Ginger&Co) and I got some great new tips for tanning (since I'm a complete beginner) and some face-specific tanning lotion to try.



This is what I got in my surprise gift bag (all of them were different and picked out at random): a glitter hair bow, polka dot scrunchie and hair ties from Praire Charms. I've reviewed products from Prairie Charms before here so I'm pretty happy with them!


 Another part of the day was that we each had a Secret Santa and a budget of £3-£5. This is what mine got for me (I later found out it was Sammie - thanks again!) and it's perfect! I'm now using it to store a few odd lip balms and eye creams that previously had no real place on my makeup dresser!

I also hope my Secret Santa liked their little gift!



 And finally, the enormous (and heavy) goodie bags full of products to try from various brands - I can't wait! I won't list each and every one of the products (because I'll be here until Christmas) but as I try them out I'll let you know how I get on!

A huge thank you goes out to Emma again for all her hard work organising the event, and also all of the lovely brands who have contributed to our awesome goodie bags! (I was really not expecting such a huge amount of stuff!)

xxx

Sunday 1 December 2013

Sunjunkie Instant Tanning Mousse & Sunless Body Mist

Hey! Today I'll be reviewing a couple of products I was kindly sent from Sunjunkie!

Personally, I have only ever using gradual-tanning moisturiser before, and never fully fake-tanned. A fear of looking too orange I think! That said, lately I've been feeling really pale and ghostly, and it's a tad depressing when you're always the lightest or second lightest in foundation shades!

So when Sunjunkie asked me to review some of their products, I decided to finally take the plunge and have a go at self-tanning! (I also love the fact that they added some cheeky love hearts into the set).


So the first product I tried out was the Instant Tanning Mousse*. Thankfully, I was also sent a tanning mitt, which made application so much easier than I thought it was going to be. The first time I used it, I only left it on for 3 hours before washing off (paranoia about the orange-look), but that didn't really make much of a difference so I opted to reapply in the evening and leave on overnight. When I washed it off the next morning, I was left with a nice even all round tan - and not orange! (Which is always a win.)

please excuse my scuffed knees, I'm a clumsy fool who fell over the other day :(
The next product I used was the Sunless Body Mist*, to top up my new tan when it began to fade. I have to say, this product wasn't what I was expecting, it applied quite patchily and was trickier to make look even. That said, it was handy to have an instant glow again and with very little drying time.


I can't say I actually know what this 'biscuity' smell people often associate with fake tan actually smells like, but the Sunjunkie products had a pleasant smell (but not really of anything in particular). They're available here for very reasonable prices, especially compared to brands like St Tropez, and considering you get a nice, natural looking tan without the expensive holiday!

Do you like to fake tan in cold winter months? What tanning products do you use?

xxx

*Products sent for review. All opinions are still my own.

Friday 29 November 2013

Roadhouse Weekend

Hey! Today I'll be blogging about something a bit different: Flair. Flair is the art of bartending while using tricks (including flipping, spinning, and juggling tins and shakers) to entertain customers while making their drinks.

This year at university I joined Flair Society (which I believe is the only one in the country), and I can honestly say it has been the best society I've joined in all my two-and-a-bit years of being a student! That is however, not to say that I am any good at Flair myself (yet)

Last weekend, I had the most AMAZING time at the Roadhouse World Flair Finals. Dancing, cheering, drinking cocktails, and generally partying hard! The level of skills these guys had was INCREDIBLE. The first stage of heats was 5 minutes of a 'working flair' routine (different levels of liquid in bottles, and 'flat' throws), and then the six finalists went on to perform an 8 minute routine of 'exhibition flair' (less than 60ml of liquid in each bottle, specifically for flipping).

And as if THAT wasn't enough, there was also the Tandem Finals (multiple, usually two, people flairing together), which were super impressive to watch, as it's difficult enough to know where to catch a bottle when you throw it, let alone when someone else has!

But enough rambling and onto some pictures of the event!
(Warning: there's a lot.)












And finally here are a few things I got from the weekend:

The book (a collection of stories from bartenders around the world), and the floral patterned tin were prizes given out during the event, and the Roadhouse tin and flair bottle were purchases of my own (keen).

Oh, and of course I couldn't resist having cocktail-themed nails for the weekend!

How was your weekend?

xxx