Bank Holiday Mac Splurge

So it doesn't take many purchases to class as a splurge in Mac. It was a bank holiday last weekend and I just felt the need to treat myself for some reason, like we do. The two products I picked up are two I have had my eye on for quite some time now. When it comes to Mac I like to make sure that I really want the product before spending the money.

The first product is the Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. I think I have had my eye on this product for over a year now and I haven't been able to find a cheaper product that fills my craving. I saw rave reviews of this online and just decided to go for it. It's stunning, the glitter is quite chunky which will take some getting used to but the glow it gives is so healthy! Perfect for this time of year, and I haven't been very well recently so I need a bit of radiance to my skin!

I then thought I would pick up another Mac lipstick as I would like to extend my collection. I bought Patisserie, this seems like the perfect nude with a bit of sparkle. I have quite bad lips so I have to make sure that they are super soft before I use this otherwise it can look a bit yuk. My lips are quite pigmented so I don't see the same effect that I see people talking about. But all in all, I'm going to get this to work.

What are your favourite Mac Products?

Urban Decay Theodora Palette

I was in two minds about this product for a while and I was in two minds about which one to get. But I decided to go with the Theodora palette as I know I will get lots more use out of this one- and I have already! I purchased it from Debenhams and also got 10% off and triple points! Winner.

The palette is the style of the Urban Decay Build Your Own Palettes, only this is a steal as it's full already and you get a travel sized eyeliner and lipstick!

The Shadows are shades Broken, Beware, Bewitch, West, Spell and Jealous.

I love the fact there are also duo shadows here, two for the price of one! I get a lot of use out of all the colours and I'm so glad I purchased it after a large debate with myself. In usual Urban Decay standard the eyeshadows are really pigmented, nice and shimmery and just a pleasure to use. I never doubt Urban Decay when it comes to eyeshadows. 

Have you bought any Urban Decay Limited Edition Palettes?

B.Pure Micellar Water

Living in England I can't get my hands on the famous Bioderma very easily and I don't wish to pay the hefty price tag in the places that do sell it. I have noticed a number of micellar waters in the drugstore recently and I was in superdrug, saw this one on offer and thought- why not! So far I am in love. This is the best, easiest and quickest way to remove my make up after a long day at the office!

It's so easy to use, just put on a cotton pad, I then tend to press it on my eye for a couple of seconds and remove. No pain whatsoever! My eyes are extremely sensitive so to find something that works for me is great. I can't compare it to any other micellar water as I have never tried one, but I'm pretty content with this one anyway!

I think I picked this up for about £3.99 it might still be on offer in superdrug so go and check it out!

New Perfume| Vera Wang Pink Princess

Around this time last year I absolutely fell in love with Vera Wang's Princess Night fragrance (the purple glittery heart) I wore the perfume every single day and once it ran out I really struggled getting back into my others. When you have been wearing the same for everyday it's always strange to change it up.

Doing some bank holiday shopping this weekend and I come across this fragrance in Debenhams. Oh, my god. I had to smell to it, as it was the same style bottle of my all time favourite. I fell in love. It's a really sweet perfume, but quite floral at the same time, it's a nice light scent. It has top notes of pink grapefruit and raspberry sorbet. Heart notes of pink hibiscus and honeysuckle. Base notes of marshmallow and winter amber. I would say I agree with the description. I'm not sure whether it beats the Vera Wang Princess Night which I lust over all the time. But it's a nice difference and I'm enjoying wearing it now the summer seems to be coming.

I also got a free bag with the purchase!

Have you tried any Vera Wang perfumes?

A friend of mine used to work for Clarins and she introduced me to the brand, I became a massive fan of the Instant Smooth primer. I ran out of all the samples I had acquired and really felt like there was always something missing in my routine. 

Well hello, to the sunny weather! I dug out my gradual tanner to get a bit of colour in my life. Then realised my face was still awfully pale, I shy away from face tanners as I am so pale and none seem to work. Then browsing the Clarins website this little beauty just slipped into my virtual basket. Oh and it was love. This is the Instant Smooth primer with a self tanner that builds up after time. It gives such a nice glow of radiance and the colour isn't too much. It's a two in one products and you only need a very small amount as it goes a long way. Such a bargain in my eyes and even though it pained me to pay this much for something (I'm all about savings!) I don't regret it one bit for these summer months. The only downside is in the pot it does have the horrible fake tan smell but once it's on the face this goes! Definitely a staple for the summer months. 

Barry M| Touch of Magic

You might think what a strange colour lipstick to buy. But oh no, this my friends, is one of the best colour lipsticks I have ever purchased! It applies clear and changes to the perfect colour for your lips. I'm no expert on the science behind it and I won't jump into that as I will probably be totally wrong.

It creates quite a pigmented lip, which I love, it's not drying and has amazing staying power, it can be like a stain! Once I put this on, I have no worries about it for the rest of the day. The more you apply- the more intense the colour is. So it's very workable. I highly recommend this lipstick and I am so glad that I bought it! It would be the perfect gift as you wouldn't need to decide on what colour to purchase for someone!

Nails for the week!

Essie Sugar Daddy

If you saw one of my previous posts you will be aware that I recieved this product in my latest GlossyBox! Well I was worried about this nail polish as it appeared to be very sheer- and it is. But I found it really easy to work witht, this is the first I have tried with the new brush and forumla and I think I have fallen in love. I have Essie Fiji but in the old style and find it very hard to work with. I really think I will invest in more Essie polishes from now on.

Sugar Daddy is a pale pink, almost the same colour as my natual nails but I find it a very sleek colour and it will look good on all skin tones. A very clean polish.

April Glossybox 2013

So I stepped out of the beauty box world for a while as I found it quite tiresome as the products were getting so similar from month to month and I felt that I would rather save my money and buy a product which I actually need/wanted. But this month I just couldn't resist dipping my fingers in!

This months box was designed by Pearl Lowe (isn't it a beauty?!) I saw a lot of reviews before I plunged in and got one for myself but I thought it would be a treat! I was lucky to receive two of the products I wanted the most. I got the Sleek blush in flamingo, so pigmented I have to work with it to get the right amount on the brush as so far I'm a big heavy handed! I got the Essie nail polish in Sugar Daddy, it does appear quite sheer and I'm worrying how I'm going to get on with this, as me and sheer don't go. The perfume sample by Yves Roche is stunning! It's right up my street! A sample of Nip + Fab body butter in coconut latte, I've tried some from this brand before and I'm glad I recieved a scent which I'm yet to try! Last but not least a full sized lip balm from A-Derma, I'm looking forward to giving this a go when my current one has ran out, so for now it'll be waiting.

So I feel that this was a very good box this month as I will be able to use everything that I have received which I find rare with the beauty box scheme,.

Did you get a Glossybox this month?

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My Hair History

Hello everyone

A bit of a different post today, but I remembered my passwords to some of my old accounts and found some gems of photos! The main thing that shone out to me was the rate in which my hair changed. Currently I am in the process of growing out my hairdye to have a fresh start, I'm also growing out an A line bob (which is taking its time!) I have switched to using sulphate free shampoo and have pretty much stopped heat styling my hair. It's long overdue a rest. Below is how my hair has changed over the years, all the dying was done by myself along with styles. Please bare in mind these photo's are rather cringey for me as they are very myspace!

Early 2008

Late 2008

2009

Below: My Prom June 2009

2010

2011

2012

And my hair hasn't really changed much since, but from looking back on these photo's I am so glad I have started to give me hair the much needed break it is going through. As you can see it has been the victim of a lot of dye and various styling. I hope you enjoyed this post, as I found it quite interesting preparing for it!

What's your hair history?

Recent Purchases

Very unlike me, but recent I made some higher end make up purchases. I do like the dabble in higher end brands when I feel like I can part with my cash, as there are some things that I just can't find in Boots and Superdrug. I had some leftover christmas money burning a hole in my pocket and Debenhams were offering 10% so I thought why not! As these items have been in my sight for a while now.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette- It took me ages to justify this as I have the Naked 2. But I'm a sucker for a neutral matte eye and knew I wanted it, I've gotten a fair bit of use out of this so far and find myself gravitating towards it more then my Naked 2.

Mac Lipsticks in Velvet Teddy and Plumful- These are my first ever Mac purchases everybody! I've always wanted to try their lipsticks and there have always been two that have really stuck out for me. Velvet Teddy- Primarily because of the name, I love teddies! But this is such a nice shade and fellow pastey people like me have recommended it. Plumful- Who hasn't heard of plumful. I'm all about plummy shades me! Favourite lipstick by far. 

My thoughts on beauty boxes

So last year we saw a boom in the industry for monthly subscription beauty boxes. Everybody was wanting one and we had companies up to our eyeballs offering them. I remember being so intrigued by the concept, I thought- it's like a goodie bag (we used to have them as kids) but these beauty one's are obviously more expensive. So I dipped my fingers into the water by sampling a Carmine box, it was my first so I was very impressed. Since then I have tried boxes from Glossybox, She Said Beauty, Birch Box and Lux Box. Overall I would say I have been most impressed with Lux Box. But were they all really worth my £10 a month?

That is the big question that seems to lie over everyones head. An I don't really know.

I love the fact that it's a surprise every month, but if I don't like what's in the boxes then it's not really a good surprise- I end up feeling disappointed. I like the fact you get to try brands that are new to you, and that I wouldn't normally buy- maybe due to the price. But some of the samples aren't that great, sometimes you just end up with sachets and to me, that's not really trying the product. Some boxes I have had and I have been really pleased with, but others, not so much. To me that £10 could go on a product that I really want. I now wait for the reviews to show up online to decide as to whether I want a box or not and I find this the best way after testing a number of boxes. For £10 a month I think I expect a variety, decent sample sizes and quality service. Some months the boxes hit these expectations, others they don't. Overall, in my experience they are rather hit and miss.

What do you think of the monthly beauty box subscription world? Have you ever tried any, or would you ever consider trying any? Let's talk!

Lush lip scrub!

Following on from my last post I mentioned that I have been using the Lush lip scrub! I again, bought this because I had heard some great reviews about the product.  I tend to only buy items that I know I’m going to like. So I’ve given it a go! I bought the bubblegum flavor because I’m all about sweet smelling products. Now, admittedly this is a bit too sweet for me, so therefore I don’t lick it off afterwards (which you can do!) I just tend to wipe it off with a tissue.

I find this scrub quite good; however I haven’t used any others in which I can compare it to. For the price you get a great amount of product which I’m sure will last a long time. After using it I can feel the benefits of my new smooth lips! You can use it as much as you like as well, because it isn’t a harsh scrub it can be used quite regularly. I really like using this and then finishing off with a lip balm- to basically give me new lips!

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm

Today I wanted to write a post on a product that has totally made a difference to me. I’m sure it’s something that you have all heard of before...introducing the Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm. I had seen some many people talk about this on their blogs on or on youtube. Everybody seemed to rave about it! For as long as I can remember I have also suffered with really bad chapped lips, Nivea and Chapstick don’t help one bit for me. It’s kind of distressing sometimes as I just wanted smooth lips like everyone else! Having heard people say what a saviour this product is for chapped lips I just had to jump on the bandwagon. So as I was browsing the feelunique sale I just thought why not! I’m doing an order let’s make it worthwhile!

I’ve only had this product a week and already I can’t imagine where I would be without it anymore! I have been using this as my main lip balm just to get my lips in the condition I want them. When they are feeling a little better then I will probably just switch to using it at night. I have been using it alongside my Lush lip scrub and what a dream team they are! The Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm has a lovely citrus smell that isn’t too overpowering- in fact it is almost relaxing. With the results I am seeing I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone! It’s a great thick, nourishing lip balm that really does wonders for those of us who suffer with chapped lips!

Sugar and Spice Self-Heating face mask Review

Before I start- Enter my giveaway guys!

In my previous post you would of seen that I purchased some face masks from the new Superdrug range. I have already used the White Chocolate mask and have a review of this- so check that out!

Unfortunately this face mask hurt my face! I think it was too intense for my skin to be honest. It did smell lovely it was like gingerbread! However it was very sticky and was nothing like the picture on the packaging. Oh so sticky!! An this was the thing that put me off the most! I did still enjoy using it I guess, but I don't think this face mask is for me, my skin is too sensitive so I wouldn't recommend it for sensitive skin. An if you like masks that dry over time then this one isn't for you. 

White Chocolate Mousse Facemask Review

Out of the selection of facemasks I bought from the superdrug range this was the one that I COULD NOT wait to try! I love eating white chocolate so why would I not love it on my face?!

I opened it up and the smell....oh my god. You could eat it! It really does smell amazing. I applied it to my face, it went on easily. Left it on for 15 minutes while I was in the bath. At first it did sting a bit but I was experiencing some dry patches on my face. This did shortly pass though. After my skin smelt like the mask! Yummy!

Not only did my face smell edible, it felt my skin looking oh so clean! It was very soft and smooth and it solved those dry patches as well! I would get this again, for sure. Infact as they are only 99p I'm sure I would get more than one! If your a chocolate lover then this is the face mask for you!

OPI Nail Envy Review

This product is my go to product for my nails! I have bought it in a mini size as I wasn't sure I would like it enough to spend the rrp! I've had the mini size for about 4/5 months and I use it every week as a base for my nail polish and my bottle is still going strong. I think I picked it up for about £3 on ebay. Bargain city. 

As I said I have been using this product as a base for my nail polish. I find it makes my nails feel stronger and less brittle, and the amount I paint my nails this is a good thing. It's a good base as it seems to fill the ridges in my nails in. Sometimes if I don't feel like much colour on my nails then I'll just wear this for the week. I really like this product as I feel it does exactly what is says on the pot! It may be a bit pricey but I think it's worth the tag and the hype. 

Lux Box July 2012

I can never wait for my monthly box from Lux Box. I am yet to be disappointed with these boxes! I thought I would share with you guys what I got this month!

Inika Certified Organic Eye Liner- I had an Inika eyeliner from another beauty box and yeah I like it. I got my shade in Peacock Blue, a shade I wouldn't personally buy but I love it! It's such a creamy eyeliner.

Gatineau Essential Skin Corrector- I've not tried this yet but I'm looking forward as it does smell really relaxing. It contains anti-oxidents. This claims to improve radiance. 

Magnifibres Brush on False Eyelashes- This product really jumped out at me, the packaging is so nice and this is a product I would buy, so I'm really glad I get to try it out. I am hoping to do a full review on this product as I have high hopes for it!

BRTC Gold Caviar BB Cream- This BB cream contains spf in it! Pleased about that, I haven't tried it yet but I normally wear a BB cream to work, so guess what I'll be using tomorrow! An the fact it has extracts of caviar in, really interests me!

Yana Cosmetics Foundation- Lux box actually took the time to e-mail their subscribers to ask what shade they required for this sample, now if thats not good customer service what is! I'm really looking forward to trying this foundation as its not tested on animals and claims an airbrushed look.

 Overall I'm so pleased with the box, like every month! I cant wait to try the false lash extensions!

Whats in my travel make up bag?

As you may of seen I went to spain for a week, and gee I wish I was back there! 
I thought I would show you what I took with me, however I didn't use it all as I spent most of the week make-up-less. I only worn some in the evenings if we were going out. To start you can briefly see my make up bag and this is a Clinique make up bag.

• Urban Decay Naked 2 
• Clarins HydraQuench cooling lotion
• Avon flawless finish foundation
• Benefit Porefessional
• Benefit Posie Tint
• Benefit High Beam
• Benefit dandelion 

As you can see by this photo all of the products except the naked palette are samples! Saves Room!

• Clarins tinted moisturiser 
• Bourjois bronzer
• Calvin Klien lipstick in shade first kiss
• 24 Hour colour tattoo in shade on and on bronze

• Barry M eyeliner in black
• Colossal Volume mascara
• False lash telescopic
• Elf eye make up remover pen

Sleek i-Divine "Au Naturel" palette

top- l-r nougat, nubuck, cappuccino, honeycomb, toast, taupe

Bottom : l-r conker, moss, bark, mineral earth, regal, noir

This palette has a great range of matte shades and shimmery shades. Most of the top row are more like a simple wash of colour to use on the eyelid. The first shade would be very good as a highlighter, the second colour for some reason doesn't really show up on my skin toned. Out of the whole palette my favourite shade is "Cappuccino" I wear this everyday to work as it gives my eyes a bit more depth.

The bottom row of colours are very pigmented- completely different to the top row of eyeshadows. But as these show up a lot more these shades I would use as more of a night time look. I think it's really good that there is a black matte shade in the palette as it is really good to achieve a smokey eye.

Sleek is availble in the UK in Superdrug. I got my palette from Ebay and I think this set me back about £6, which is really good for 12 eyeshadows. I would like to try more sleek palettes in the future. Anyone has a recommendation?