Out and about this week - Clothes, Make up, Hair & Nails

Dress: Camden Market

Belt: ASOS

It has been so beautifully hot this week that I have spent most of my time in the garden but when needs must and I've had to pop out, I've chosen this dress a fair few times.  It's far too hot to be faffing about with multiple items of clothing so I've just thrown this on, belted up and gone about my business!  The make up has been super-natural - Nivea young tinted moisturiser; any mascara and a clear gloss.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser

L'oreal Studio Secrets HD Smoothing Foundation

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

ELF Mineral Foundation - to set

No 7 Mosaic Bronzer - to contour

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base - highlight

No 7 Pink Petal Blush

MAC Bare Canvas Paint - all over lid

Zara black eyeshadow - in crease & outer third

No 7 grey/silver - blended into black 

ELF Medium Eyebrow Kit

Prestige Silk Lipliner

Barry M 147 Lip paint

Jemma Kidd Shell Lipgloss

Earrings: Accessorize

Hair: Styled as in my hair routine

A bit more glam for a night on the town!  I did nearly die from the heat when getting ready though - 28 degree weather + hair dryer + curling tongs = a melted George ...!

Nails of the week: OPI - Got a date to-knight

I really cannot fault this polish - gorgeous wearable pink, applies very smoothly and this photo is after 5 days of wear.  One of my faves for sure!!

Soap and Glory Haul and Challenge

Afternoon ladies!

I was contemplating doing a skin care routine but on Monday my skin decided to come out in the most terrible rash known to man.  I have absolutely no idea what caused it but decided to use it as an excuse for some brand spanking new products.

I was contemplating waiting a few weeks to start my new job and invest in some Liz Earle.  But, the reality is, the Soap and Glory range excites me much more and the products will look so much prettier lined up in my bathroom!

When I got to Boots I decided on two products for now but that I will attempt to buy all the products - suitable for my skin - by the time I go back to Manchester in September.  

[This very much pleases the OCD side of my personality and I cannot wait to start ticking my way down the list...!]

The products I did purchase are the brand's take on a 'Hot Cloth Cleanser' and a deep cleaning face mask.  I want to use them for a few weeks to see how they really work but for now I can say the packaging is gorgeous and so far, they products are helping to clear my skin up.

Keep your eyes peeled for full reviews soon :)

Marathon project 20 pan update

Well, I'm not quite sure when I started this little experiment but it feels like a lifetime ago and I am well an truly fed up with it.  Yes I broke down today and bought some new goodies - haul time soon! (Smiles all round..!)

Did I reach 20?  No

Did I learn some things?  Yes

Here's a little run down of what I did manage to use up:
(beware - it is a LONG post.  I completely understand if nobody makes it to the end..!)

1. Aussie Dual Personality Curl Definition and Soft Feel Serum

Meant to 'revive and separate curls & keep your hair soft and curvy.' 

For me, I like the smell (typical Aussie) and it does make my hair soft.  Softer then any other serum?  Well, no not really.  As for the curls - I have come to realise my hair is more wavy than curly and I sadly don't think any product will give me the movie star curls of my dreams.

Will I repurchase? NO

       2. Olay Beauty Fluid

A classic product that is suitable for all skin types.  

I just found it a bit blah.  The fact that it is suitable for all skin types just makes me think that it doesn't really do anything??  It didn't mattify, didn't really hydrate, it was just there.  In the end I just ended up using it for my elbows etc when in a rush.  I think this is more suited for a more mature skin that doesn't really a specific type of skincare.

Will I repurchase? NO (Until I hit my 60s anyway...!)

       3. Tek.nique Straightener Spray

This bottle which I picked up from Sally's promises a multitude of things.  Smooths and detangles; adds body and lift; protects from heat; sun protection - to name just a few...

In reality, the heat protectant is its only real use for me.  I most definitely still had to use serums and hair sprays etc to get the smoothness and volume I so wish for..

Will I repurchase? NO

      4.  Nivea Goodbye Cellulite - Anti-Cellulite Gel Cream

I actually won this from a magazine a good few years ago so I can't really give a definitive review as any active ingredients will have faded away in that time.  What I will say, it does feel lovely and cooling on the skin but I'm not sure I believe a product can help with the dreaded cellulite.  I personally saw no results but then I only had enough product left for a week's worth of usage.  I'd love to know if anyone actually had any real results..

Will I repurchase?  Probably not

    5. L'oreal Elvive Styliste Non-Stop Volume Mousse

Unfortunately this had no effect on my hair whatsoever :(  I really couldn't tell the difference if I used it or not and backcombing and hair spray was still a necessity.  I do have quite long, heavy hair though so for all you trendy girls with pixi hair cuts, this may work wonders! 

Will I repurchase? NO

    6.  John Freida Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfector

Oh my days I hate it.  I rarely say that but I honestly hate it.  It just turned my hair into a horrible crispy mess. Not even a slightly-crispy-beachy-I'm-cool-with-my-Ke$sh-inspired-hair-mess.  Just a crispy, crunchy mess.

Will I repurchase? NO

    7. Fructis Bamboo Flexihold Hairspray

I actually...wait for it....really like this! Wheyyyy!  It smells like Apple Sourz and gives me hair lots of volume and hold.  Perfect!

Would I repurchase? YES!!!!

   8. Boots Time Delay Gradual Tanning Moisturiser

I think I bought this on a whim with one of those £5 off vouchers that are always floating about.  This actually smells like a really expensive cream and does make my skin feel soft and rejuvenated.  Unfortunately, it makes my eyes water an insane amount and does not give me any hint of a tan.

Would I repurchase? NO

  9. L'oreal Perfect Clean

I absolutely love the scrublet that comes with this product but that is as far as the love goes.  I am technically cheating with this as I haven't used it up at all but it unfortunately broke me out so I don't want to risk using it again.  I have heard great things about this though so don't take my word on this.  I do really want to try the other versions for sensitive skin and exfolation.

Would I repurchase? Not this version

  10.  Simple Oil Balancing Moisturiser

I bought this years and years ago when I had quite oily skin as a teenager.  It therefore is no surprise that this smells very weird as it most probably went out of date a long time ago.  I did give it a try for a few weeks though and I have to say it is very good at mattifying the skin.  However, as my skin is now more dry than oily, it just holds no use for me anymore.  I would recommend it though to anyone with an oily complexion.

Would I repurchase? NO

   11. Dior Capture Totale

This was thrown into a bag when I made a Dior purchase and I never really gave it a second thought.  I have used up the entire pot now though and it is a gorgeous cream.  I think it is probably aimed at an older age group than myself but it did feel really luxurious.  It is very thick and for this reason I only applied it at night to allow it to sink it.  It smells amazing and I did wake up to amazingly soft skin in the morning but for right now I  cannot justify actually buying a full size pot.

Would I repurchase? Perhaps in the future

  12. Superdrug Natural High Brightening Eye Cream

I love this eye cream.  It is cheap as chips, really readily available and makes my undereyes visibly more moisturised.  It contains arnica which is typically used for bruises and therefore really reduces the blueness than can occur under the eyes.

Would I repurchase? Absolutely yes

Conclusions?

All pretty negative really?!!  I guess the reality is, the fact that I didn't use up these products in the first place speaks volumes.  If I had liked them in the first place, they wouldn't be sitting gathering dust.

What have I learnt?

A)  My hair is wavy; not curly.  It therefore will always require heat to achieve any sort of desirable style.  Any products I buy from now on will therefore be for keeping my hair in tip top condition, protecting it from heat styling and for keeping it set in a style for as long as poss.

B) My skin is now basically normal but on the dry side.  I need to focus on protecting it from the sun, keeping it hydrated & plumped up and attempting to even it all out.  I am not 16 anymore! Don't I know it...!

Got this far?!  I salute you - I am bored with myself!

A beautiful addition to my shoe collection

Who can resist the Kurt Geiger sale?!

I snapped these babies up for £39 - a lot healthier their original £70 price tag.

What can I say?  It's love xxx

Post-exam splurge

Just a few bits and bobs I treated myself to after my exams.  Nothing too spectacular but I always love being nosey and seeing what others have spent their well earned monies on...so hopefully some of you share that trait!

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I needed something heavy duty for my under eye circles which after numerous all-nighters were pretty horrendous.  These products make me look alive even after serious sleep deprivation!

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base

MAC Hue Lipstick

Nothing much to say about these ... I just love them!  Perfect new additions to my collection :)

My Summer Body Routine

I am, like many other product junkies, constantly primping and preening.  A friend of mine once said to me "I'm so jealous of you, you're so well maintained."  This sort of got to me, because I don't wake up fully made up and moisturised - if only!!  I wish I was a wash-and-go sort of girl but the reality is, I love it spending time getting ready!  That's my prerogative as a girl...!

But I will admit, sometimes it is nice to hit a routine that works well and is quick.  Thus, saving time for the more important things in life.  Like shopping....

So without further ado, my fail-safe, quick body routine at the moment which keeps me glowy, soft and smooth every day.  Keeping up with this means that if we suddenly get a day of good weather I can confidently crack out a mini with no worries of how pasty my legs look...(we've all been there...!)

DAILY

• I put a dollop of whatever shower gel I currently have on the go onto the exfoliating gloves and scrub my entire body lightly.  This gives a gentle polish and ensure any tan I have on wears evenly.  The exfoliation also obviously gets rids of any dead skin cells and leaves my skin soft and smooth
•  Vaseline Cocoa Butter - In my opinion this smells so much nicer than Palmer's which I find sometimes overpowering.  It is just a gorgeous non-greasy body lotion which keeps any fake tan even and smells amazing.

WEEKLY

• FCUK Sugar Scrub - I use this with the exfoliating gloves all over once a week to get rid of any patchy fake tan.  It also leaves your skin slightly moisturised which provides a great base for a new round of fake tan.  Admittedly, it doesn't smell that great but it fades pretty quickly and makes my skin feel so good I can look past it..!
• St.Moritz mousse - This is definitely my new fave!  It just applies like a dream - with a mitt - and leaves my skin so naturally brown.  I really cannot fault it.  As long as I keep up with the exfolation and moisturisation it doesn't go patchy and I can build up the layers to my desired tan level.  After a week in Spain I've realised my skin just doesn't want to tan and I'd rather apply this than risk baking in the sun and damaging my skin.

I've kept up with the routine for the last few weeks and I've never felt better in my own skin.  I will inevitably switch around the scrubs/lotions etc but for now I am happy!

Honourable Mentions

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs -

As mentioned numerous times before, makes your skin look flawless for a night out

Ted Baker Body Glow -

A little bit of this down your shins or over your décolletage and you get that gorgeous Summer glow

The Sanctuary Body Moisture Spray -

A nifty little oil spray which allows you to quickly moisturise if you are running late or to give your legs a gorgeous sheen when going out...

As you can tell, I love dewy, golden skin...and who doesn't?!  What are your must have products to achieve this?!

xx

School's out for Summer...

Hola chicas!

Apologies for the lack of blogging - I have been in Spain for the last week as a treat for finishing the 2nd year of University.  I have lots of posts planned and I'm sure one or two holiday snaps will sneak in somewhere...

As for now, this is a super quick post to show you what I wore for a night out last week to celebrate the end of exams...

I love how my make up turned out thanks to my new favourite product - MAC's Hush Cream Colour Base.  It gives your skin that gorgeous dewy effect we all know and love.  My dress is from Zara.  Any other questions please ask!

Normal blogging will resume shortly

xxx

My Summer make-up saviour

When the sun starts shining or I set off for a warmer climate I, like many, am faced with the prospect of an all too shiny face and make up that slides right off.
I hate attempting to cover the shine or set foundation with tonnes of powder as I just feel like it masks the problem and doesn't help your skin one bit.  So my saviour is?

Lancane Anti-Chafing Gel

I can hear the collective "WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!" !!

Well I heard on the grapevine that this product has basically the same base ingredients as popular high end primers such as MAC Prep and Prime.  Well after a bit of web based research I found this to be true but also that the Lancane has only four ingredients compared to MAC's TWENTY SEVEN.  I'm not usually fussed about things like that but it is nice to feel like I'm putting something on my face that it not a total crazy mix of chemicals.  The MAC also contains acid and silica which doesn't sound that great to me either.

The other major difference is the price.  Lancane = £5.99 for 30 ml ; MAC = £16.50 for 30ml.

So far, so good. :)

I have to admit, I have never tried MAC's but I have tried the GOSH primer and as far as I'm aware they are both much of a muchness?

Well this product is the same as the GOSH if not better.  All you need is a pea sized amount and you simply rub in into your entire face or the areas you just get oily - after moisturiser; before foundation.  It makes my skin so incredibly soft, reduces the appearance of pores and makes my foundation glide on effortlessly.  It also does exactly what I want a primer to do - keeps my make up looking fresh all day and keeps my t-zone matte - I assume due to the starch it contains which soaks up any oils.

In conclusion - I love it!  I would not be without it in the Summer months now - it just makes the world of difference to my make up.  I did get some funny looks when it fell out of my bag one day though - so now I decant it into small clear pots - reduces the embarrassment of the apparent need for an anti-chafing gel....

NB It is also fantastic for popping on under your foundation before a big night out - allows me to dance the night away and still look matte in the photos - fantastic!

Chanel Dupe??

I have worn Chanel Chance every day for as long as I can remember.  I like a lighter fragrance in the day compared to what I wear in the evening - Dior Midnight Poison and Hugo Boss being two examples.

It is however a lot of pennies and as I am rapidly running out I was all set to drop £40 or so on a new bottle.  However, when I was at the Zara till a few days ago and attempting to distract myself on how much money I was spending, I had a quick spritz of their perfume 'Zara Collection'.  The first thought that came into my head?.. "Chanel Chance."  At just £14.90 for 50ml I couldn't resist.

As soon as I stepped out the strore I ripped open the plastic and set about spritzing like mad.  I LOVE IT!!!

When I got home I did a little comparison with the Chanel.  As far as I am concered, they smell pretty damn similar.  My brother said they smell nothing alike and that I don't have 'a nose' for smells...  Well, I attempted a little google search of their notes etc but I could find no real info on the Zara fragrance except that it is 'floral' - as is the Chance.

So the reality is, they don't smell exactly the same but it's as close as one can get and for £14.90 I'm not complaining!  My only gripe is that it doesn't last that long on the skin - being only an Eau de Toilette - but it doesn't really bother me because I know I can spritz away to my heart's content without worrying about how much each spray is costing me!

No, it won't replace my Chance which I will love forever I'm sure but this is great for the Summer and, being Zara, looks simple and pretty classy on my dressing table at the same time.

Smiles all around :)