What's In My Handbag - Spring 2015!

Of course, a new handbag means I have to show it off!

I bought this today from Primark in Hanley and absolutely love it! It cost £10 and honestly rivals those in other high street stores at the moment. My best friend and I actually thought that the Primark version felt a much better quality to others, and the colours are all so in right now. Being black, white and tan (*with rose gold detail may I add) means it can be paired with almost anything this season. Also, that white pocket you see at the front? It's actually a removable pouch!

Now on to the good stuff.. what's inside...

 

• 2015 Diary - my boyfriend and I have a tradition each new year that he buys me a diary and I get him a calendar, with a little nudge I was thrilled to get this one from Paperchase! It's a day per page diary with gold edged paper, LOVE! The sticky notes are important dates for me to remember, and honestly they really help me to keep organised, I can't be without my diary.
• Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush - this is a brand new brush (does anyone else fear the first use, knowing it will never be as perfect again?) bought as a replacement for my retractable bronzer brush. In all honesty, I didn't much like the bronzer brush but love the idea, I'm hoping this one will be better for touching up my face throughout the day.
• Nu:elite Notebook - I got this from uni a few weeks ago, because I'm hopefully graduating soon and new beginnings obviously mean a new notebook don't they? Anyway, I think the extra money I spent on this is paying off because of how durable it is and very high quality. I just hate cheap feeling paper! 
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in 120 Desirable - Another Christmas gift! This came as part of a gift set and it couldn't be a better colour for me to be honest. Its the perfect pinky nude for my lips (like a pinker version of Mac Patisserie) and I may have to buy the full size when this runs out.
• Mac Syrup - I picked this up not realising it was a fairly hyped product, but can completely see why it is. Its a wearable, day-time colour with a brown/pink/purple tone. Very hard to describe but I'd recommend going to try this for yourself!
• The 'Just-In-Case' Bundle - inspired by Vivianna Does Makeup  I decided to bundle up those items everyone has (or should have) in their handbags in case of an 'emergency'. In my bundle there's wet wipes, tissues, plasters, allergy tablets, paracetamol, a bobble, hair pins and wax (for my brace). Depending on where I'm off to, sometimes things will be added/taken out, but you get the picture.
• E45 Intense Recovery Hand Cream - I've already talked about this here but if you haven't already tried this, you should!
• Travel Size Tangle Teezer - the investment in a Tangle Teezer is one you will never regret I promise you, I have 2 full size brushes and this one for my handbag which has a handy cover to protect the bristles. Although its small, it still works just as well as the original.
• Polos - ahh instant fresh breath! Usually I keep Extra White chewing gum in my bag, but while I've got my fixed brace on, Polo's have taken its space. I'm rather enjoying it, so may make the change permanent.
• Emergency Chocolate Bar - you may laugh now, but you wouldn't be when you're out somewhere and desperately need something to eat. Only carrying one is actually unusual for me, but I'm in a transition to Summer weather when chocolate just melts. I'm trying out packs of raisins and dried mango to replace the chocolate for now.
• Purse - I got this purse last year from River Island (I bet you probably guessed that just from looking, there's something about River Island purses...) and it's really lasted well. I didn't expect the stones to stay this well fixed at all! It can be heavy though so I'm on the hunt for a cute little coin purse for days when I use a smaller bag.
• iPhone 4S - this is actually my old phone, but I still love using it to play music in the car. That way, it doesn't matter if the battery is rubbish on it, and I don't need to worry about the memory on my new phone...
• Sony Xperia Z3 Compact - LOVE this phone! I think I'm fully converted to android now, the memory, camera and battery are just so much more superior to the iPhones in my opinion and really don't get the credit they deserve.
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipgloss in Praline Paradise - this is a beautiful shimmery pink/nude gloss, in similarly beautiful packaging. This was another gift at Christmas and its not been out of my bag since. It is fairly sticky for a gloss, but I think that's part of the reason why it lasts so well on the lips.
• Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in Pink Petal - this is pretty much Mac Syrup in pencil form. So creamy and long lasting, and really suits any nude or pinky lip colour.
• Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Balm - this has been my lip saviour, and although it comes at a fairly high price (much to my boyfriend's dismay) it's totally worth it and I'm never looking back!
• Concealer - I'm ashamed about how old this is, and the fact I can't even tell where it's from! I'm going to assume its the collection lasting perfection concealer but I may be wrong. My handbag concealer is usually whichever needs using up and this is probably due a trip to the bin.
• Chanel Levres Scintillantes in Glossimer - a gorgeous pink gloss with shimmer flecks running all through it. They don't show up too much on the lips so no need to worry, and the pink isn't too bright either (the packaging is deceiving). I love the formula and it's really long lasting - what you expect from Chanel really!

 

 

And that's it! I hoped you enjoyed having a nosey through my handbag essentials, I love to read about everyone else's myself!

 

 

A

 

xx

Lets Talk E45

As you probably all know by now, my skin is almost as dry and sensitive as it can get. As long as I can remember I've been having oil and Dettol (my Dad's obsession, best not to ask) baths and layering on the cream. To be honest, for us sensitive skin sufferers, there's not much out there to help!

Back in the day, when my parents would buy anything to try and sort out my skin, I tried E45 body lotion. To be honest I didn't really give it a long enough time to test, and quickly passed over it. For years I used purely Eumovate all over, a prescribed, steroid cream for my eczema, because it was literally the only thing that worked. Not the best idea.

In 2013 BzzAgent sent me some samples of the new range of E45 cream to try out, and I wrote a blog post all about it, which you can find here. I used it all, and enjoyed it, but it didn't leave a lasting impression. More recently, I discovered that the Garnier Ambre Solaire Aftersun Skin Soother Hydrating Milk is brilliant for hydrating my skin, after piling it on twice a day throughout a whole Summer! My favourite moisturiser though has got to be the Body Shop's Body Butters (my favourites are coconut, hemp, Satsuma and honeymania) which are some of the few scented lotions I can use. This habit can be quite expensive though, so I try to purchase these only when they're on offer!

However, for Christmas last year I got a tub of E45 in my stocking (again, don't ask) and decided to give it another go. While it isn't quite as fast working as my prescribed cream, or exciting as the body butters, it does just work. I've been using the cream all over, but mostly my hands which are really suffering since I got a new job. I feel like the cream works so much better if I use it often to maintain hydration rather than just to try and fix a problem.

So now I've invested in a bottle of the stuff and the other day, the Intense Recovery Hand Cream (all currently 3 for 2 in Boots if you get a move on!). I can already see a difference from using the hand cream nightly, and think it's actually enough to not need to use throughout the day. I don't think I'll ever be one of those people who re-applies every hour.

Give it a go if you haven't already! It may surprise you!


A

xx

Review: Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral)

For me, Batiste is the original dry shampoo (whether it technically is I'm not certain) and definitely the best. It was the first one I tried, admittedly there seemed to be a hype and I jumped on that bandwagon. At the moment I'm using the Batiste Dry Shampoo Floral Essences version, and I think it's my favourite yet. The scent is light and not overpowering, while still working wonders on my hair. Although this is part of the revitalising range, I do find that it adds a touch of volume as well.

 

 

In the past year or so I've dabbled with other branded dry shampoos on the market including;

• Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo Uplifting Volume - I hated this from first use, it made my hair feel sticky and it looked even worse than it had before!
• Herbal Essences Clearly Naked (0%) Dry Shampoo - this is okay and I'm still using up the tin but I wouldn't repurchase it while I can buy the Batiste at the same price. Also, my first tin came with a dodgy nozzle, but it could have just been a fluke.
• Batiste XXL - same brand I know, but didn't think the XXL version was much different to their simple dry shampoos.

 

So, maybe I've not dabbled too much, but why try to find an alternative to a product I like, trust and can afford (though I do wait until I see it on offer)? From now on, I'm sticking the Batiste original formula and may just switch up the scents instead!

 

 

A

 

xx

Brace Face: 3 Months down..

So it feels like I've had these on for ages now, not just 3 months! I seriously can't wait to get them off and smile properly. Yesterday I looked back on some pictures and wish I felt confident enough to smile with my teeth while the braces are on. But who wants reminders of a metal mouth?!

As you can probably tell, I'm hating the braces at the moment. It's nothing to do with pain or issues, just my own vanity, and I don't think there's much I can do about it for now!

On a brighter note, my teeth are definitely still moving well and I'm looking forward to each monthly appointment, because I know that they are going to change again. They always seem to have an drastic change in that first painful week after an adjustment (obviously) but I do find they still alter through the weeks in between too.



Before: November 2014

During: February 2015

You can see by the pictures above, the changes from November and February are small but make a huge difference. My tooth that was moving behind my front teeth is now back where it should be. The two middle teeth which were slightly turned in, are also beginning to straighten back up again. The orthodontist also filed down the front two teeth slightly so they are now more square and 'normal' looking (sounds scary but a little bit goes a long way!). At the moment I'm now concerned with the bottom line level of the teeth, the front two are still lower than the others and I would ideally like a nice uniform line. We shall see! I am very happy with the results so far though!


A

xx



February 2015 River Island Favourites!

Yet again I'm sat catching up on CBB and fantasy shopping online! I'm loving some of the new pieces coming into River Island at the moment, so instead of spending waaaaaaay too much money, I'm posting my wish list here, hopefully it gives you some inspiration! Enjoy!

Necklace £20

Skirt £45

Purse £10

Watch £25

Blazer £60

Shirt £30

 

Sunglasses £10

 

I think I've accidentally created an outfit, so want these even more now! Although at a total of £200 I think it's going to stay in my imagination for now!

 

 

A

 

 

xx

 

 

 

Valentine's Day 2015: Gifts for Her

Hello!!

This year it seems like I've not seen as much hype about Valentine's Day (except for the 50 shades adverts which seem to be everywhere!), maybe it's because I work in an office full of men or have banned myself from reading magazines for a bit! We're having a quiet one this year so I thought it would be nice to share my Valentines wish list with the internet instead.

This gorgeous Nails Inc Alexa Hearts collection is brilliant for women who love to switch up their nail colour often. It's got a brilliant range of colours and a cute bag to keep them all in. Currently on offer for £31.50 on Feel Unique.

Who doesn't love a good handbag and this one from River Island does the job perfectly! It's a neutral colour so easy to wear, but really interesting to look at compared to other bags around at the moment. A bargain at £40.

 

My favourite perfume at the moment would certainly be the Narciso Nodriguez Narciso Eau de Parfum. It's a really sexy, intense, grown up scent which (on me) lasts all day and sometimes through to the next day as well. It's one that not everyone has heard of but I've received many a compliment on it. Get it here from Boots, 50ml for £57.50!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The candle I'm burning at the moment is this Cinnamon Chai one from WoodWick, which gives off the most amazing scent, ever when it's not burning. Currently on offer for £15.99 (usually £22.99) it may seem expensive but mine's been burning almost constantly since Christmas and is still 3/4 full. When lit, these candles crackle as the wick burns, creating an atmosphere like sitting in from of a burning log fire on a cosy night in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These personalised Penguin Love linen cushions are so cute to put on the bed or sofa and are currently on offer for £24 on notonthehighstreet.

On the website there's also several matching items you could buy to build up to make a larger gift. Definitely worth checking out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 If she owns a Pandora bracelet and loves a bit of bling, this charm will do wonders. The design is show stopping for the £60 it costs. If she doesn't own a Pandora bracelet, or you aren't sure, then go for a ring! They're really gorgeous and well made, without being too expensive. From the new collection the one below is my favourite, simple but it can be stacked with other rings (and only £35).














I hope this has provided some useful ideas, but I really do think women are the easiest people to buy for! Also, never forget the flowers and chocolates!


A

xx





Review: L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Micellar Water

I've been using this stuff pretty much since the day it came out in the shops, and honestly think it's brilliant. Now I've never tried Bioderma (it seems such a hassle to get hold of, and expensive for posh water) but I have tested out the B. Pure Micellar Water from Superdrug. In comparison, the L'Oreal one just seems to do a lot more, for a cheaper price! Vogue and Woman and Home named it in their top 10 Micellar Waters and yes it does work on most mascaras too!

I tend to use a face wash/wipe to remove the bulk of my makeup, then use a cotton pad to swipe the L'Oreal Micellar Water over my face to make sure it's thoroughly cleansed. I don't always feel the need to use a toner after using this product but always use a moisturiser.

This article is a good one if you want to find out a bit more information about Micellar Waters in general.

Price:
Usually £4.99 but there's always offers on it and I've never paid full price!

How long does a bottle last?
I use mine twice a day every day, and would say the 200ml bottle lasts me around a month.

Skin Type:
I'm no expert but I'd say most skin types should be okay using this. The bottle states that the water is suitable for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic. Mine is dry and sensitive, with a few oily patches and this doesn't irritate my skin at all. Overuse can be drying but if you use a good moisturiser, it will counteract the dryness. My eyes don't sting if I use this on them either, but I can't guarantee it won't on everybody.

I'd recommend this product if you're looking into trying out a micellar water, it's cheap enough that if you don't like it then you've not wasted your money. Be prepared to love it though!!


A

xx

Brace Face: Braces are On! 1 Month In!

So my braces have been on for a month now, I can't believe how fast it has gone!

Getting them on wasn't too bad, the worst thing I find is the mouth piece that stretches your mouth open. It really starts to pull while they're fitting the brace, so if you're getting one make sure you take plenty of lip balm for before and after. The brace itself didn't hurt at all while they fitted it, but did for a few days after which is to be expected.

My teeth have changed so much already, I'll put pictures below of before (see last blog post), when I first got the braces on, and what they look like now! I went back to the Orthodontist today to get the brackets and wires altered again, my mouth is aching a bit but it will be all worth it in the end.

Before

The day my braces got put on.

One month in!

 

 

A

 

xx

Holiday Planning & Organisation: Booking

Yesterday my boyfriend and I walked into a travel agents to get a feel for prices, and walked out almost 3 hours later with a holiday! Usually I'd say this was crazy, but it's a holiday we've been talking about for at least 2 years now, and sometimes in life you just have to go for it. When else am I going to be able to?

We're off to America for 2 weeks, Orlando, Miami & New York!

When booking a holiday it's best to go in with a basic idea of what you want. I've been shopping around to do Orlando & Miami for a while now, so had a rough idea of prices. Unfortunately, not many online travel agents can give you a straight price and all the details. I'd recommend just going into a store, they do all the hard work for you and the holiday is customised however you like! New York was an extra bonus for us, we would have had to get an indirect flight via there anyway so said we may as well stay over for a few nights too.

We used Thomson to build the holiday, then they use Jetsave who are multi-centre Florida specialists. We could choose any day, any hotel which we liked and the holiday is created step by step. I'm not going to let you guys know how much we paid, but I will say it was surprisingly cheap considering the parks we want to do over there and all the travelling!

As soon as we got home I wrote everything straight into next years diary, with all the payment dates etc. so I know exactly where I'm up to and to remind myself of the paperwork which needs doing. This to me, makes the whole things finally seem real.

A

xx

Brace Face: Getting Adult Braces in the UK

So the time has come when I've decided enough is enough, I need to sort out my teeth before it's too late. Since losing my retainer about 8 years ago, I've known this was coming. Thinking back, it would have been so much easier to go back and face my scary orthodontist and the £50 replacement fee, but I just couldn't do it. Now I'm stuck with teeth that I know need to be put back (again) to where they should be, and a long year ahead!

I've been researching about getting braces as an adult for a while now, and truth be told there's really not much out there. There's a few articles and blogs from Americans, but really nothing in the UK. Even the dentists themselves aren't forthcoming with information unless you enquire and fork out for the consultation fees.

It was quite handy to discover that my usual dentist was broadening its services to include orthodontic treatment (as well as plastic surgery, random?!). I enquired and managed to get a consultation deal. It was £80 for two consultations; one to take measurements and moulds, then the second to explain the treatments available and the costs.

When I was younger I went through this all pretty much the same, the strange minty flavoured mould brought it all flooding back. Apart from this time its different, I don't have to have extra teeth removed and no removable wire retainer first. They're going straight in with the fixed, silver 'train track' brace. I did get given options to have the white version which blends in better, or invisalign but they were significantly more expensive. As a student, I couldn't even consider the other options. I only need a brace on my top row of teeth, as back in the day I had a fixed bar put on to hold my bottom ones in place. God knows why they couldn't do that for both rows!

The cost for the train tracks is £500 up front, then £100 per monthly consultation after that until the balance of £2,000 is reached. I think it's pretty reasonable as the package includes everything I could need, and constant assessment. The orthodontist has estimated roughly 12-18 months for the treatment, meaning I'm going to be stuck with a brace for my 21st and graduation! It's not ideal but I'd rather have a brace now and perfect teeth later, than imperfect teeth that are just going to get worse.

Fixed white/clear braces.

 Invisalign

 'Train Track' Braces

I wouldn't say my teeth are terrible, I know people with a lot worse (my boyfriend being one) but I'm definitely not as confident with myself while they look like this. Teeth are one of the first things I notice on another person, I even have nightmares about them falling out! Below is a 'before' picture so that I can document the change, for myself and for this blog. I want to create this Brace Face series so it can help other people in a similar position, and maybe we can help each other out?

 

 

Link to the NHS website, about braces - http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/dentalhealth/Pages/braces.aspx

 

 

 

A

 

 

xx

Review: Aldi Twinkle Tealights

Walking around my local Aldi the other day, I came across these gorgeous tealights!

 

 

They are an absolute bargain for just £1.99. There's 12 in the pack and they smell absolutely amazing! Cinnamon isn't a scent I would usually go for but I'd say the smell is just an overall Christmassy one, definitely not overpowering. The 4 hour burn time is pretty accurate, though I do wish they would burn all the way down. All of the left over glitter is slightly frustrating, but for the price I can't really complain.



 

 

My mum loved them so much, she sent me back to get 8 more packs so she can use them all the time. I think they're perfect for when all your friends and family are visiting over the upcoming holidays, and even unlit they still look beautiful and decorative.

 

 

If you're near to an Aldi store, I would definitely recommend you try these and stock up while you can!

 

 

 

A

 

xx

Autumn-Winter 2014 Part 1 - New Look Sale!

So, I woke up this morning to an email from New Look announcing their latest sale had started! So obviously I had to check it out before I surfaced from bed. This isn't the best sale I've seen in a while for my personal style, but there's some brilliant bargains.

Winter (Eg. Christmas dare I say it?) parties are coming up and there's a couple of weddings happening also, so I'm in the market for some seasonally appropriate dresses. So my top five picks from the New Look sale consist of 4 dresses and a jumpsuit!

This dress reminds me of pieces I've seen in Topshop recently, especially with the black and white collar. It really meets the 'sporty' trend while still looking dressy enough to wear out. At £12 it's a complete bargain! I'd wear this with black heeled boots and a biker jacket.

 A jumpsuit hasn't been in my wardrobe since I was about 8! There usually just not my thing, and can make me look a lot shorter and frumpy. However, I think this one would be different, due to the high waistline. The red berry colour is gorgeous and perfect for winter, I'd style it with black heels and a black clutch. Even better - it costs just £9!

Sparkly and sophisticated, need I say more? I'm a sucker for anything with a bit of glitter, and this would be so easy to wear. I'm eyeing this up for one of the weddings! £8 is nothing to pay for a dress like this.

I love the mix of the winter florals and 'sporty' sleeves and collar on this dress. I think it's a bit different to what I usually wear, but for £9 it doesn't matter if I only wear it this year. I'd probably dress this down with black tights & boots for a cinema date.

Finally this piece is one I think could be really versatile, and be worn for almost any occasion. I love the print on it and the slight hint of colour. This dress will flatter most figures with the dark pattern at the waist, a bargain at just £10.

A

xx

L'oreal Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil

Recently I decided to delve into 'better' ways to remove my makeup than using face wipes! Yes I used them all the time and do still use them occasionally, but they worked for me. However, recent blogs have been suggesting alternative ways to remove makeup, while taking much better care of our skin.

This reading lead me to find cleansing oils. They sounded perfect for use on my dry, sensitive skin, as they cleanse and moisturise at the same time. This article explains a bit more about the science behind it and how they work. The L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil is a nice one to try if you don't like to spend a lot of money on skincare, or would just like to try out a cleansing oil before you invest.

To use the oil, you just need two pumps of the oil rubbed between your fingers, and then gently smoothed over the skin. They are even gentle enough to use on eyes (in my experience). The makeup melts into the oil and washes off with some warm water, it's that simple!

This oil doesn't leave any residue on the skin if you rinse it properly, an doesn't leave you feeling greasy at all. For an extra boost of cleansing for my skin, once or twice a week I like to add a bit of scrub to the oil, which helps to draw out impurities and smooth skin. One which works really nicely with the L'Oreal Cleansing Oil is nspa Brightening Micro-Derma Scrub (sold in Asda). It contains the essential oil Neroli along with Ginseng and Vitamin E. This scrub works well with the oil as it doesn't strip the skin or leave it feeling sensitive.

Finally to finish off my cleansing step, a quick swipe of the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water on a Cotton Pad (I find the ones from Aldi to be the best). This can be used on it's own, but I find it a bit of a faff with lots of cotton wool being used. It's perfect to just swipe away that last remainder of oil and makeup.

I'd love some suggestions on different oils to use, but this one could take me a while to use up just yet!

A

xx

Glossybox January 2014 - Back To Basics First Impression & Review

I'm back with another Glossybox opening and this time the build up was even more intense. After a cheeky email arrived at the start of January announcing a bit of a change to the box, subscribers (and non-subscribers) have been eagerly anticipating that glorious dispatch email!

There was a few hints I found on the Glossybox Twitter and Facebook pages, but I still didn't truly know much about the changes until the box arrived on my doorstep this morning. The box seems a slightly different, deeper shade of pink, with a much glossier finish to the packaging which I love. It just feels much higher quality. The box itself is also a little bit different inside, with a larger Glossybox print and a thinker, different style ribbon. I'm not sure if I prefer this ribbon to the old one or not, I have kept all my old ones in all the different colours, to wear in my hair. The new ribbon has the Glossybox logo all over it and so I definitely won't get any use out of it. A bit disappointing but that's the only part of the new style I don't like.

Now, the contents of my Glossybox are slightly more debatable. I'm happy with them, and will certainly get use out of all the products, but there wasn't anything that really made me think 'wow'.

 

 

1. Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream - another cream which claims to be 'multi-use'. I'm not sure if I believe this yet but I do enjoy using the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream which has similar claims. Sometimes I just wish products would concentrate on just one type of usage. According to the leaflet which comes with the cream, it is one of the longest and best-selling skincare products in Japan.

Ingredients include; Glycerin (to attract and retain moisture), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). The cream also claims to be a 'year-round product' but I can't find anywhere about it's SPF content?

It goes onto the skin smoothly and isn't a thick consistency like most other skin protectant treatments I've used before. At first it smells quite odd but once it sinks in, which it does very quickly, the smell completely disappears. I often find that unscented products work better with my sensitive skin, so hopefully this will do the same. I've only tried it on the back of my hand so far, but it didn't leave a residue behind and my skin does feel a bit smoother. I am looking forward to trying the product out a bit more.

Yu-Be moisturising skin cream retails for £13.50 for 33g, so my two samples (3g each) are worth approx. £2.45.

 

2. Balance Me Super Toning Body Wash - I've never tried a toning body wash before so am excited to see this in my Glossybox, the Balance Me brand has released some brilliant products recently and I'm definitely looking into trying some more things from them. The blend of essential oils it contains is really lovely; calming lavender, anti-bacterial bergamot, circulation-boosting juniper and relaxing geranium oil. According to the Glossybox information card it can be used as a wash or added to a bath, and I love this idea of being able to use it for both.

The wash smells absolutely divine and anything which is 99% natural origin, has a big tick in my book! This kind of product usually works really nicely with my skin, and I do love to choose products based on how natural they are.

The balance me super toning body wash retails for £10.25 for 250ml, so my sample (50ml) is worth £2.05.

3. The Vintage Cosmetic Company Floral Slanted Tweezers - A new pair of tweezers has been on my shopping list for some time, as I've been waiting for my favourite brand Tweezerman to have a sale or offer going on. Unfortunately that never happened, so these tweezers were very welcome in this box. The print on them is gorgeous and they feel quite sharp to the touch. I've not had chance to use them yet but I've got high expectations, and if they meet those expectations I will definitely consider moving my loyalty over to these. They retail for £8 which is much cheaper then Tweezerman, I just hope they last as long and as well.

4. Anatomicals Puffy The Eye Bag Slayer Wake-Up Under Eye Patches - With claims to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and revitalise the delicate skin around your eyes, I can't wait to try these out! I currently use collagen eye patches from ebay, which I was surprised to find out, actually work! I've not opened them yet, so can't comment on the smell, texture or whether these actually work, but I have bought from Anatomicals before and have loved every product from the brand. They retail for £6 for 3 pairs, so my sample (1 pair) is worth £2.

5. Vaseline Essential Moisture Lotion - I do love Vaseline moisturising products, and have used them for years. It's just one of those classic brands which I don't think can ever fail me. Though I do have this niggling feeling that I kind of wish Glossybox had included the new Spray & Go, which I've been wanting to try out for ages!
On a brighter note, this lotion does smell really nice, sort of after-sun like (which for some reason I really like) and I will definitely get use out of this. I might in fact save it to take on holiday with me as it's from a brand I trust and have had really good experiences using.
The full size 400ml of this retails for £4.99, so my 50ml sample is worth approx. £0.62. (Kind of disappointing?!)

So overall I do think the theme of this box works very well in that, all of these products I would class as basics. I'm glad to get something a bit different from Glossybox and will enjoy using every product in this month's box. The total value for this box is £15.12 which is pretty low compared to previous boxes I've had. Though I can't really complain, it's value is more than what I paid for it and everything will get used, when in the past some products I received have just gone straight in the bin. Already looking forward to my next box (pretty pleaseeeeee be Valentines themed)!!!

A

xx

How To: Clean Makeup Brushes

It was only fairly recently that I decided to invest in some decent makeup brushes. I was always just using my fingers to smother it all on or sometimes I used those naff ones that come with Christmas box sets. I first decided to purchase some brushes from Eco Tools (Boots) but then invested even more into the Real Techniques brushes. Since I made the decision to spend a small fortune on some decent brushes, the realisation came that they needed to be looked after and nurtured. With a bit of research on brush cleaning, and various, previous attempts, I think I've finally found the best way to get rid of all the build-up of makeup.

1. Gather up all brushes that need washing, to save running around later on with soap suds flying everywhere (I have learnt by experience).
2. My brush cleansing routine has four steps per brush (cleaned one by one). It may seem a lot but this is my deep cleanse, so I want the job doing properly. Now may be the time to mention, these are personal use only brushes. I never use them on any other person, and if I did they would be cleaned thoroughly both before and afterwards. They also get cleaned between product changes, whether it's just a change of eye shadow colour or a new foundation. However, if an eye shadow brush has only been once and I want a new colour, I tend to just give it a good wipe over using Sensitive Wet Ones.
3. For the first stage I like to remove as much product as I can before using any 'real' cleaning products. For this I just use any hand soap, it's brilliant for getting removing makeup from brushes in bulk. The brush is scrubbed around in the palm of my hand and run under luke warm water until no suds remain and the water is running almost clear.
4. Next I use a cleansing shampoo, today I used Toni&Guy Cleanse Shampoo for Advanced Detox (usually on 3 for 2 in Boots). Surely if the product can deep cleanse hair, it will be much better for with brushes? The logic seems to work in my head anyway, and it does seem to give a much more thorough clean.
5. Due to the last two, deep cleansing, steps, the next is to hydrate the brush again and as with hair again, I use a deep conditioning shampoo. The Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Shine is brilliant for this but any good conditioner will do. I only leave the conditioner on for around 30 seconds then rinse the brush ensuring that this time the water runs completely clear once it is completely rinsed.
6. Then, because I'm a bit of a germaphobe and I don't trust leftover chemicals, I spray the bristles with the Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser then swirl them around on a piece of kitchen roll. Although the bottle says to rinse with water, I tend not to. Mainly due to laziness but mostly because I like the active ingredients to carry on working. I do however, tissue dry them as much as possible while working them back into their individual shapes. They are then left to dry over a surface edge, eg. the handles on a shelf with the bristles over the edge, to allow them to dry at all angles (see picture 1, much faster).

 

 

One last thing, remember to wipe clean all your makeup holders/cases! There's no point in washing and disinfecting all of your brushes if you are just going to put them back in their place to fester in the same, old germs. I like to give mine a quick wipe down with Halo Hygienic Wipes which are antibacterial.

 

Happy Cleaning!!

 

A

 

xx

Essie After School Boy Blazer

Yes, I crumbled and gave in to the new 'it product of Autumn. After School Boy Blazer from Essie's new collection is the most coveted colour right now and I can definitely see why. The colour is a very dark navy with a slight hint of glisten. In some lights it can look black, but in others the perfect deep navy. It's absolutely stunning and definitely one to look it if you don't want to go with full on black nails. It's also a really lovely colour to wear if you don't want to be completely traditional with your Autumn nails this season. Everybody does the reds, burgundies and grey/nudes at this time of year, so it's nice to have such a fitting but different colour.

If you want to get this, beautybay.com actually have it on sale right now here. Even more reason to pick it up!

A

xx

Bzz Agent Campaign: Introduction to the Foreo Luna Mini

Yesterday, I finally got asked to take part in another Bzz Agent campaign and I'm so excited about this one! Obviously I only accepted yesterday and so haven't actually received my kit yet but I thought I'd look a bit more into the product. Firstly, I checked out what it actually looked like, so here's a picture I found.

I think the design looks really user friendly and not too complicated. Reading more into the design of this product, I found that it boasts a three-zone design which is suitable for all skin types. It is also fully waterproof, which sounds amazing. There's nothing worse than using a product, knowing you're going to have to clean it or use it with water, to realise that you're not meant to actually get it wet. The actual brush part of the Luna Mini is made from silicone, which is supposedly more gentle on the skin than regular cleansing brushes. The silicone also means that no bacteria is built up, and so is pretty hygienic.

The Foreo website promises that the Luna Mini will result in clearer, brighter and healthier looking skin. It uses T-Sonic technology and channels transdermal sonic pulsations across the skin, and apparently after just three days I should notice a difference in the condition of my skin.

The Foreo Luna Mini even comes in five different colours; Petal Pink, Turquoise Blue, Magenta, Purple and Cool Grey. I just hope this product lives up to the claims made about it. I was going to buy the No7 (clarisonic-like) cleansing brush but as soon as this campaign was offered to me, I jumped at the chance! I seriously cannot wait for this to come in the post. I will do an update once I've been using it for a week or so to let you all know what it's like.

A

xx

Glossybox September 2013, Operning and First Thoughts

Yay it's Glossybox time!! I was so excited when I saw the box spoiler this month, it looked amazing and didn't disappoint when it arrived. It's definitely becoming a 'thing' with Glossybox, that the special boxes contain much better products.

 

This month's Glossybox theme is 'The London Edition', and the box has a brilliant Union Jack design. This box also came with the new GB magazine which is a really lovely addition to Glossyboxes. My box was filled with the best goodies I think I've ever received in a box!

 

Product One: Elizabeth Arden Untold £48 for 50ml (5ml sample size worth £4.80)

This is a brilliant sample size to get in a Glossybox, and the bottle is really cute and pretty as well. If only it had a spray, but you can't have everything I suppose. The scent smells quite floral and I did try it out today. I'm not too impressed with the lasting power, I seemed to stop smelling it after an hour or so. Not sure if I would buy this again but I was a bit frugal with how much I used.

 

Product Two: Eylure Pre-Glued Lashes Full size worth £5.06

I was happy to see these in my box, even though I'm not usually a fan of lashes I'm willing to try out different brands and types to see if some work better than others. So far I've not had much luck but I'll definitely give them a go!

 

Product Three: Toni&Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Classic Shine & Gloss Serum Full size worth £7.19

The limited edition packaging of this product is gorgeous! I love the colours and I think they're perfect for this time of year. I haven't tried the serum yet but I do use serum at home. At the moment I use one from Aussie which is a little bit cheaper that this one, but if the results are good then I don't mind paying a bit extra.

 

Product Four: Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Onyx Eye Liner Full size $14

This was the product which made me extra excited this month! I've been thinking of trying a liquid liner with marker like nib for a while now, so this came at exactly the right time. I immediately tried it out on the back of my hand and loved how easily it glided on and how I was able to create thick or thin lines. It isn't a waterproof product but without water it will not budge. However, when I did my makeup this morning, I really struggled to get any product out. It might be because I'm just not used to the application or because I had makeup on my eyes already for it to layer over. I'm definitely going to keep practicing with this product though because I just really want it to work and be amazing.

 

Product Five: Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips £11.50 for 15ml (3ml sample size worth £2.30)

I had heard of this product before but was always a bit unsure about it. Why keep calling it a nipple balm if it's really a lip balm/multi-purpose balm? I couldn't even bring myself to tell my mum it's actual name. However, this balm is said to be brilliant for almost anything from lips and eczema to even helping to treat burns. If it's as much of a miracle as it sounds, I would definitely look into buying this again.

 



 

So that's it for this month. My box in total was worth £28.20! I am completely in love with my box this time around and will definitely be getting more in the future. I have earned a free Glossybox by saving my Glossydots but as next month is likely to be a not so good box, I may wait until the November box to order again. Until next time!

 

A

 

xx

 

 

New Look Wish List: Autumn 2013

So, because I've decided to book a big holiday for the start of next year, I'm living on a budget. My decision to start writing these posts came from my addiction to online shopping, but not being able to buy everything (sigh). Hopefully, by searching for lovely clothes and being able to share them with everyone, it will lessen my need to purchase.

 

 

1. Checked Shirt, £17.99 - a classic but reinvented, this year with different colour schemes (more tartan inspired) and sleeveless. Previously checked shirts have been worn as a kind of 'throw-over' but this year they're worn as a 'traditional' shirt. I can imagine this one with leggings or denim shorts for the daytime but it could be dressed up tucked into a black pleather skater skirt or disco pants.

 

 

2. Hair Bows, £3.99 - gorgeous and simple bows to wear in your hair. I love bows on anything but I especially love these for a little cute detail. They're especially good for hiding hairpins when your hair is in a bun. I've got 9 of these bows already, and I'm addicted!

 

 

3. Bobble Hat, £7.99 - Now the colder weather is on its way, yet again we are forced to bring out our warmer clothes. A beanie like this is perfect for keeping your head warm but looking stylish as well, they're a staple for winter style (and help to hide those bad hair days too!).

 

 

4. Limited Edition Cut Out Boots, £69.99 - The most expensive thing on my list, and SHOCKER, my favourite item! I desperately need these shoes in my wardrobe, just hope they're still available when my student loan comes through! Sensible yet stylish footwear perfect for the coming winter weather.

 

 

5. Structured Pocket Dress, £32 - Yellow is a colour I wouldn't usually go for, but this dress is absolutely stunning. The structure of it is so different to the dresses I've seen recently and looks so flattering! I suffer from having a 'boyish' figure, so the silhouette of this would help give me a few curves. I think I'd pair this with some killer red shoes and a bold clutch.

 

 

 

 

6. Pinafore Dress £19.99 - This is absolutely perfect for the 'dungaree' kind of trend that's going on at the moment, for people who want to work it a bit differently. New Look are also selling a white shirt with black hearts on at the moment which would look amazing with this dress! Summer may be coming to an end but this could look brilliant with a pair of chunky black tights and a pair of black boots.

 

 

 

 

7. Boyfriend Cardigan, £22.99 - A bit steep for a cardigan I'd say but if the cardigan is as cosy as it looks in this picture I'm all for it. There's a lot of cardigans out there at the moment but I've not seen any which caught my eye quite as much as this one did. The perfect shade of cream with big brown buttons, perfects for autumn.

 

 

 

8. Roll-sleeve Burgundy Blazer, £24.99 - This colour is so gorgeous and I think it makes everything look so much more flattering. Blazers are perfect to wear with almost any outfit, dress up jeans or pair with a pair of printed trousers to go out at night. Don't ever buy a blazer if it doesn't fit you perfectly. An often tedious rule but an important one.

 

9. Teal Slouch Bag, £24.99 - Everything about this bag screams PERFECT for summer to autumn transitions. It will go with your bright summery clothing to those new, dark florals that we're seeing in shop windows! And what's better than a bag with both handles and a shoulder strap? That chain might hurt after a while though. No pain, no gain right?

 

10. Tapestry Print Bangles, £6.99 - What girl can't go without some pretty accessories. What more is there to say?