The Sunshine Award

Hello lovelies,

I have some rather wonderful news to share with you all which is that the  lovely Debbie has nominated me for the Sunshine Award, for which I am incredibly humbled and thankful. Her amazing blog is definitely a must-read/see/visit: DebE.

Low and behold you’ll be finding out some weird (definitely) and wonderful (not so sure) facts about me thanks to Debbie.

But before I begin let me just address the rules of the aforementioned award:

1. Mention your nominator and be sure to link them to the post

2. Share 11 (weird or wonderful) facts about yourself

2. Answer the questions set by the person who nominated you

3. Nominate another 11 bloggers

4. Link your nominees in the post and let them know that they have been nominated

4. List 11 questions for them to answer

Simples!

 

So here goes, 11 (random) facts about me:

1. I have eyelash curler fear as I managed to pull all my eyelashes out (barring two eyelashes, two!!) with one when I got scared and jerked due to the sound of a car horn at the exact same time I was gripping my eyelash curler as tightly as possible to ensure my eyelashes got a good curl, at the tender age of 15/16. Still haven’t quite gotten over it!

2. I love not wearing makeup, strange I know, but when I don’t have to, I try my best not to. And give my skin a rest. Nothing better for your skin than leaving it bare faced. But of course, for the sanity of the world I try not to leave my house bare faced. That would be a monstrosity!

3. I love eating all things bad: crisps, chocolate, ice cream, cheese, pizza, chips, burgers, you name it. Just the thought of it is making me hungry!

4. I have a little OCD about things being clean and bacteria-free. Something that has transpired quite recently and is spiralling a tad out of control, just a tad!

5. I love using good quality skincare products, that don’t contain any nasty ingredients. My skin is quite sensitive so I have to be very careful about what I use on it or all hell will break loose, quite literally. So until I’ve researched and questioned multiple shop assistants till the end of time, I will not be satisfied.

6. I love washing my makeup brushes on a Sunday and knowing they’re all clean again (sad, I know but see point number 4!).

7. I love spending time with my family, nothing can top that.

8. I’m a bit of a shopaholic, can’t stop wanting/buying things. (I guess that’s most of us!)

9. I like having some me time, for reading, blogging, face masks, whatever it may be. Just time where me and my thoughts are uninterrupted.

10. I love to shop by myself, they are the most successful trips, without infinite running commentary on what’s nice and what’s not sparking a: “I don’t care what you think, not telling you to wear my clothes!” moment.

11. My favourite places to shop for clothes are Topshop, Miss Selfridge, New Look, H&M and Primark.
Whilst for makeup and skincare I love me some Space NK, House of Fraser, Selfridges and Boots (of course!).

Debbie’s Questions:

1. What inspired you to start your blog?
I think I’d wanted a blog for quite a while before I plucked up the courage to start one, it was seeing other blogs that made me want to have my own. And it was my friends and family that encouraged me to eventually get one going.

2. What’s the best beauty advice you ever got?
Making sure you sleep enough.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I’d love to go to Australia and New Zealand. Don’t know if I could handle such a long flight though.

4. What one beauty product can’t you live without?
Foundation without a doubt.

5. Do you have any pets?
I don’t. I used to have a dog when I was younger though but he lost the plot and nearly attacked my sister. Haven’t had any since.

6. Do you prefer going out or spending a low-key night at home?
Well I’m one of those people who loves being at home when it’s cold, watching tv in my pjs, and stuffing my face till the end of time!

7. What’s the best meal you ever had?
Anything Thai or Lebanese really. Can’t really decide what’s been the best meal.

8. What is your favorite skincare product?
My current favourite has to be my Caudalie moisturising toner, it just feels so refreshing when I put it on my face.

9. Who’s your favorite YouTube Beauty Guru?
If I have to pick one then I’ll have to say right now it’s Lily Pebbles.

10. What’s your favorite makeup look?
I love me a neutral smokey eye with a nude lip.

11. In the last week, name one thing that made you smile?
Catching up with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while.

Blogs I have nominated (in no particular order):

1. Adolescent Chic

2. The Little Scottish Corner

3. Beauty by Caitlin

4. Amy Loves

5. AlleyHope

6. Trendy Momma

7. LOVE OR GLAM

8. Fash Journal

9. Polihop

10. Chloinmind

11. the twenty third

Questions for my nominees:

1. What is your ideal weekend?

2. What is your favourite food?

3. Where do you like to shop for clothes, shoes, etc?

4. What is your favourite beauty product?

5. What is your all-time favourite movie/book?

6. Where do you tend to shop for your beauty and skincare needs?

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

8. What makes you laugh?

9. What skincare product could you not live without?

10. How did your blog come about?

11. Who is your favourite blogger at present (beauty, fashion, or otherwise)?

Thanks once again Debbie for nominating me.

Be sure to check out the blogs I have nominated, along with Debbie’s. You won’t be disappointed as they are all truly amazing in their own right (and don’t forget to follow if you like what you read!)

xxx

Space NK Haul

I have decided to have a bit of a skincare shake up recently. And after a bit of advice from REN (you can read a bit more about my consultation with REN and the products that were recommended for my skin type here) and that of Caroline Hirons I’ve made a few new skincare purchases which I thought I’d share with you. I must add though that these purchases have been made over the last few weeks, not all in one go. So, without further ado here they are:

Pixi Glow Tonic Beauty Elixir – the incredibly difficult to get hold of exfoliating toner. Containing glycolic acid, this helps to slough away dead skin cells as well as helping with fine lines, to leave you with brighter and more radiant skin. It also contains witch hazel which helps to tone and tighten pores. While ginseng helps with circulation.
It’s ingredients are very similar to Biologique Rescherche’s P50 toner but at a fraction of the price, so it is definitely a great alternative to the £50 price tag for it.

You can check their website out on the link above but for now you can only purchase it in store or by calling them and having it delivered, I believe postage cost me £4.50, but it saved me a lot of time and hassle so definitely worth it. FYI it will be launching online very soon though.

Mayblossom T-zone Control Cleansing Gel – a detergent free facial cleansing gel that is designed to balance oily skin, particularly the t-zone, by reducing excess sebum production. It contains Mayblossom to help decongest the skin, as well as being antibacterial and antimicrobial to prevent blemishes from forming.

Invisible Pores Detox Mask – a detoxifying mask containing French clay which helps to draw out impurities as well reducing the appearance of blackheads and large pores.

Caudalie Moisturising Toner – an incredibly hydrating and refreshing toner that helps to moisturise your skin and prepare it for any treatments that follow, whilst keeping your physiological pH balanced. (I purchased mine from Space NK but it seems to not be there anymore, a lot of other online retailers such as feel unique do have it though if you’re interested).

Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask – a skin peel mask that eats away at dead skin cells along with fighting congestion, blackheads and blemishes as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

That concludes my Space NK Skincare Haul, hope you enjoyed seeing some of the things I’ve purchased.

Until next time..

xoxo

REN Consultation at Space NK

I’ve been in and out of Space NK so much recently, pining after REN’s extensive skincare range and wondering what would be right for my skin when I was asked if I’d like to see a REN skincare expert… My answer was a resounding YES of course and I managed to see a consultant last week.

I was asked about my skin type and explained I had quite congested, blemish prone skin with a rather oily t-zone. I was told I had combination skin, however, I’m not so sure, I’m pretty certain I don’t have dry patches. But anyway, I was asked if I’d like to take my makeup off to test out their products on my skin. I politely declined (as you do when you’re going to Space NK in your lunch break!). I did however have the products tested on my hand.

The products I was recommended are as follows:

Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water – a detergent free cleansing water to remove your makeup with. Rose Otto Oil calms and soothes the skin, tannins tone and reduce pore size, whilst polyphenols decongest the skin and protect facial vessels. This is suitable for all skin types.

Mayblossom T-zone Control Cleansing Gel – a detergent free facial cleansing gel that is designed to balance oily skin, particularly the t-zone, by reducing excess sebum production. It contains Mayblossom to help decongest the skin, as well as being antibacterial and antimicrobial to prevent blemishes from forming.

Another cleanser that is meant to be great for blemish prone skin is the ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser (I was told it’s not ideal for my skin type, I think I was just having a good skin day, so I may be purchasing this cleanser in addition to the mayblossom one for when my skin is having a badly behaved moment, which is most of the time really!).

Clarifying Toning Lotion – an exfoliating toner that helps decongest pores and exfoliate the skin, while the mayblossom extract provides antibacterial and antimicrobial action.

Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel – a cooling eye gel that helps combat puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

T-zone Balancing Day Fluid (previously known as the Matte Balancing Fluid) – a fluid that helps to mattify oily skin, calm redness, is antibacterial and protects against free radical damage and premature ageing.

I was also recommended the Invisible Pores Detox Mask – a detoxifying mask containing French clay which helps to draw out impurities as well reducing the appearance of blackheads and large pores.

And finally the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask – a skin peel mask that eats away at dead skin cells along with fighting congestion, blackheads and blemishes as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

(I’m not sure if the last two were actually suggested by him or if I just twisted his arm into agreeing with the wise words of Caroline Hirons, but he definitely nodded in agreement).

I probably won’t be using all these products for my skincare routine. As I’ve decided to mix some expert skincare advice from REN with that of Caroline Hirons. But if you are looking to stick to one brand I would highly recommend this one. Their products are all non comedogenic, and are marketed as a  clean skincare brand, meaning it does not contain any nasties. Their products do not contain any parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., glycols, silicones, pegs et al. Hence, making it a wonderfully good skincare brand with an affordable price tag (unlike some of the other high end skincare brands).

If you are interested in trying some of the skincare products I’ve mentioned in this post before buying the full size products, REN’s website has a little try-before-you-buy kit (which they’ve called a travel kit but I think I like my name better!). It costs £12 and contains the mayblossom cleansing gel, the t-zone balancing fluid and the invisible pores detox mask. I think it’s a great idea so you can try these products out to see if they are any good before making the plunge for the full size products. Check it out here.

Of course, REN has a number of different ranges of skincare including ones for sensitive, normal, dry, combination and blemish prone skin as well as an anti-ageing range. So, there is bound to be something to suit everyone. Definitely worth a try. You can check out the different ranges they have to offer on their website here. 

Hope this post was useful in some way.

Xoxo

Bourjois Colour Edition 24 Hour Cream Eyeshadow

Petale de Glace, Plum Nocturne, Or Desir

The latest offering from Bourjois does not fail to please. The Colour Edition 24 Hour Cream to Powder Eyeshadows come in six metallic shades: Merveille D’argent (silver shade), Or Desir (gold shade), Petale de Glace (light pink shade), Plum Nocturne (berry shade), Kaki Cheri (khaki green), Bleu Tenebreux (blue shade). All of the shades are gorgeous, I currently have Or Desir, Petale de Glace and Plum Nocturne. 

I have been loving Plum Nocturne, it’s a beautiful berry/plum shade. I tend to apply it with my fingers as I find it warms the product up and it makes it easier to apply on your lids without dragging them unnecessarily. I usually build it up as I find one layer is a little sheer for my liking and then blend out my lid using my Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush. I also like to sweep a little under my lower lash line using my Mac 239 brush. I tend to alternate between Or Desir and Petale de Glace as my inner corner highlight. I have been loving this look this week, I find it really easy to achieve early in the mornings. I’ll just add lashings of mascara and I’m ready to go.

As far as the 24 hour claim is concerned, I can’t say I can back that up. I would say that they last around 6/7 hours and then I can see it beginning to fade but that’s probably because my lids get super oily so for those of you with normal lids, it would probably last a bit longer.

Priced at £6.99 I think these are great value for money so head down to Boots or Superdrug and get swatching. I’m pretty sure they still have 3 for 2 at the moment. You have can have a look at them here.

Have you tried any of the Bourjois Colour Edition 24 Hour Cream Eyeshadows?

Xxx

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons

The Colour Boost Lip Crayons by Bourjois claim to provide 10 hours of hydration, waterproof colour and have SPF 15. They are available in 6 shades: Red Sunrise, Fuchsia Libra, Orange Punch, Peach on the Beach, and two new shades released this autumn, Red Island and Plum Russian.

I have three colours: Peach on the Beach, Fuchsia Libre and Plum Russian. Peach on the Beach is a lovely pinky peach, Fuchsia Libre a bright pink and Plum Russian is a gorgeous berry shade. My current favourite is Plum Russian, which I think is ideal for this season and for those who are afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone to darker shades of lipsticks, like me, I think you’ll find these lip crayons are perfect way to ease yourself in.

I have tried a number of lipstick/lip balm hybrids on the high street, most of the ones I try in store don’t end up coming home with me as I can tell they are too drying for me, given that I already have exceptionally dry lips. I think the Bourjois ones are the best of the bunch. They are incredibly hydrating and moisturising and feel oh so wonderful even at the end of the day. So I can back up the 10 hours of hydration claim.  They provide a wonderful shine and gloss without being sticky (and finding that your hair is getting stuck to your lips sort of thing).  They glide on so easily with their wonderfully soft texture that doesn’t feel too thick or dehydrating. They provide a very good colour pay off and do last a while, and I find that even when the gloss has worn off you are still left with a tint of colour on your lips, but of course you do have to reapply. In terms of the colour being waterproof though, I’m not so sure of that claim. The other good thing about these lip crayons are that they are not scented, so for those not fond of scents, these will be good for you too.

These have got to be the best lipstick/lip balm/lip gloss hybrids on the high street (a close second would be the Revlon lip butters and balm stains), providing intense colour, hydration and shine as well as providing your lips with protection from the sun. What more can you ask for?! Priced at £7.99, they are definitely worth it and given that Boots and Superdrug currently have 3 for 2 across their cosmetics there couldn’t be a better time to buy. Have a look here.

Have you tried the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons?

xxx

November Wishlist

This month I have a lot of skincare products on my wishlist, many of which have been inspired by the skincare guru of the blogging world, Caroline Hirons. Check them out below:

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Alpha H Liquid Gold

Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

Pixi Glow Tonic Beauty Elixir

Of course my wishlist wouldn’t be complete without the Nars One Night Stand Cheek Palette (Exclusive to Space NK stores) featuring in it.

What’s on your wishlist for November?

xxx

Benefit They’re Real Mascara

I’ve recently purchased the Benefit They’re Real Mascara. A 5-in-one mascara that claims to lengthen, curl, lift, volumise and separate lashes.

The packaging of this product is gorgeous. I love the chrome look, it makes it look so expensive, you can just tell it’s not a drugstore mascara. Though, it makes it hard to picture without getting your reflection in the mascara. But when a mascara claims to be this good, it’s sure worth it.

When I was in Benefit a while back, the lady at the counter who was an amazing salesperson, might I add, recommended the They’re Real Mascara stating how it didn’t flake off onto your face. Let me tell you, I was very nearly sold at this point, I had startled face right there and then, pondering whether to pick it up or not.

But I went home and ummed and aahed about whether I ought to be spending £20 on a mascara. With products that will be making direct contact with my skin, I’d rather be using good quality stuff but for mascara the guilt was definitely creeping in. Now I’m sure everyone has experienced the mascara-flaking-off-onto-your-face-and-trying-to-take-it-off-but-turning-it-into-black-smears-on-your-face-moment. Let’s face it, it’s not great.

So I caved, and bought the mascara online (just in time to get a mini version free!). I thought I’d see whether that claim was true as that was all I was really after: a mascara that doesn’t flake. Initially, when I tried though I found it was flaking when I was applying it so I couldn’t tell whether the claim made by the assistant was true. However, I’ve now found that if I’m applying a couple of coats of mascara I must do one eye at a time, while it’s still wet, to prevent it flaking. And for an entire day it will not flake off, at all, ever! An absolute miracle!

Not only does it not flake off, but this mascara renders eyelash curlers useless (which is great for me because I have eyelash curler fear – a story for another day, a rather hilarious one at that!). It curls your lashes so wonderfully, lifting and defining each and every lash simultaneously (with the spikes at the top of the plastic brush reaching those impossible to reach pesky lashes in the inner corner), making pre curling your lashes a thing of the past. As well as this, it lengthens and volumises your lashes immensely (so long as you wiggle your brush from left to right – yep, that old technique – when applying and use a couple of coats of mascara).

When it comes to the crunch, is it worth the £19.50 that you could be using towards a good quality foundation, blusher, skincare product? Yes, yes and did I mention yes. It is a little much to part with for a mascara I agree, trust me it wasn’t an easy decision for me to make either, but I would definitely make it time and time again. Given the fact that it stays put and doesn’t flake off onto my face, saving time and energy trying to rectify that, as well as the fact that people can’t believe that’s how long my lashes are. Well, in reply to that, yes they’re definitely real ladies (and gents)!

You can have an umming and aahing moment of your own, right here.

Have you tried Benefit’s They’re Real Mascara?

xxx

October Favourites

So another month has passed and there’s a new list in place for the products that I have been loving this month:

Nars Pro Prime Pore Refining Primer – I’ve been loving this primer to help my makeup stay on longer and as it’s non comedogenic I’m happy knowing it won’t be clogging up my pores.

Benefit Rockateur Blush – A beautiful rose gold blush with just the right amount of sparkle to make for a great everyday blush.

Skindanavia No More Shine Makeup Finish Makeup Setting Spray – I’ve really been enjoying this oil free makeup setting spray this month to set my makeup all whilst leaving me with a lovely dewy finish.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express Mascara – a super volumizing mascara that provides your lashes with a great deal of oomph. Though it has quite a big brush so I do manage to get mascara on my lids but what else are cotton buds for?! (For removing mascara off your lids of course).

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Brown – This eyeliner is something I have really been loving this month as it’s not as messy as black eyeliner and I find it much easier and quicker to apply, particularly with the brush that is provided with it.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze and Bulletproof Beige – I have been loving these shadow sticks this month. I use Bad Girl Bronze all over the lid and Bulletproof Beige in the inner corner for a quick and easy eye makeup look in the mornings.

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Cherry Me and  Hydrate – I use Cherry Me on lazy days for a hint of colour and over other lipsticks and lip balms that can get dry after a while, I use the rather aptly named Hydrate lip balm.

Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadow in On And On Bronze – I have really been enjoying using this eyeshadow as it does not budge all day. I apply it all over my lids and with a slick of mascara I am ready to go.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey – Albeit a strange smelling lip balm, it provides me with a lovely neutral pink lip and is not too drying on my lips either. Result!

Hope you enjoyed having a little peek at some of my favourite makeup products for the month of October.

What have been your favourites for October?

Xxx