24/12/2014

MINCE PIE MAKING // 1 DAY TO GO

Mince pies (not made with mince meat..) are one of my favourite parts of Christmas. For the last day of my ''countdown'' to Christmas, I decided to discuss mince pies; which will be set out especially for Santa's snack tonight. I just love the warm, festive taste and how Christmass-y I think it feels making them. (Because, of course, mince pies must be homemade...)


To be honest, I think everyone knows how to make mince pies; but, I want to point out one particular recipe I used (and successfully completed) this year: link here. This recipe is fabulously easy and simple to follow, yet it gives great results (in particularly the delicious pastry)! I hope you choose to make these Winter treats - they won't disappoint.


 Lastly, I hope you have a..
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

23/12/2014

DIY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS // 2 DAYS TO GO

One of my personal favourite parts about the Winter Season is the weeks leading up to Christmas. I lovvvve dressing up my room Christmas themed and decorating the tree with all things festive. For those reasons I wanted to share some DIY's for this year...

Pinecones
Found in almost every craft store (or outside..), pinecones can make a great addition to a room and create a rustic vibe. To amp up your pinecones add dainty ribbon, bows and/or glitter. Pinecones can be hung on a Christmas tree or thrown into a basket (either would look fab)!


 Dried Oranges
Oranges look great in wreaths, on trees and generally around the house. I think it's due to the bright - and cosy - orange colour. (It really adds to a classic atmosphere). So, you're going to need: 3 oranges; and oven; a sharp knife; icing sugar (you'll find out why soon) and a chopping board.
     You will need to slice the oranges thinly, at around 1cm, to ensure the best results. Afterwards, I squeezed out any extra juices from the oranges with tissue (this reduces the drying time). Next, dust the icing sugar over the slices (this increases the shine on top) and pop in the oven (setting the timer for 1 and a half hours). During this time, you will need to keep an eye on the oven and turn the slices over if needed.
     Once cooled, with a cocktail stick poke holes in the orange slices, and then thread with pretty ribbon. Lastly, I used a glue gun (from HobbyCraft) to neatly finish the decoration and secure the ribbon in place.


Bauble Revamp
To ''jazz'' up an older plain bauble start by cutting away the ribbon that was previously tied around the decoration. Then, re-thread with thicker ribbon and tie in a bow.

For the leftover decorations..
Due to the fact these decorations could quite possibly fill a mansion, you will be quite likely to have extras.. To take advantage of this, I took the remaining decorations, emptied a used candle jar and then tied (my fave) red/white striped string around it.

Follow my BlogLovin' here to be updated when I upload my ''1 DAY TO GO'' post!

VOILA. I hope you enjoyed my last-minute Xmas Decs. 
Merry Christmas!

First MAC Lipstick // 'Retro'

The first MAC lipstick I have ever bought is.. 'Retro': a vintage, rustic deep orange-y-red. Perfect. Retro, in my opinion is such a lovely shade (and name) and therefore justifies the price tag - it's like no other! I do, also, think this will be my lipstick of choice for Christmas Day (ooh, what an honour..) and I think it will be a dream to wear. Take a look at some photos I took below.. And prepare yourself for the ''2 DAYS TO GO'' post for my Christmas Countdown (read yesterdays here) which will be uploaded soon.

22/12/2014

RUDOLPH NAIL ART TUTORIAL // 3 DAYS TO GO

For the next following days I will be uploading a Christmas themed post counting down the days until the 25th.. So, today I give you ''3 days to go'' - a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer nail tutorial. Enjoy!

You will need:
A berry red nail varnish (Barry M Raspberry)
A light brown nail varnish (Claire's)
A dark (shimmery) brown nail varnish
A dark (shimmery) red nail varnish
A nude nail varnish
A few cocktail sticks/nail art brushes


1. Waiting between paints, apply the berry shade to all nails (apart from your ring finger and middle finger) using 2/3 coats. For the two other nails you will need to use the nude shade - this will probably be more than 3 coats.

2. Using the brown colour, paint half the nail (only on the nude nails) and round the edges: as to create your Reindeer's head. You will also need to add some ears (which can be tricky - so this is where the cocktail sticks come in..). For the antlers you need to use a very thin, small brush and not much of the dark brown nail varnish.

3. Then for the noses!! You'll only need a small red stroke for this (I used a glittery polish but you don't have to). Lastly, dot a white circle (for the eyes) and a small black pupil right in the centre.


Follow me via BlogLovin' here to be updated when I upload another festive post tomorrow!

13/12/2014

Budget Quad Palette: NYC



Anyone searching after a similar product to the Wet'n'Wild palettes? Well I've got you covered: the NYC Broadway quad looks and feels like the Wet'n'Wild offering - but it's available in pretty much every Superdrug in the UK (meaning it isn't only reserved for Americans)..

Broadway has four shades: the first, a shimmery champagne; second, a red-toned taupe (the most used); third, plum and the fourth is a matte black (with the least pigmentation). The first 3, I use more often - due to the fact the black doesn't have great colour payoff.

At £2.99, the Broadway palette is a bargain - perfect for both makeup collectors and beginners. Find the other shades of the NYC Colour Palette here (also cleverly named after an area in New York).

08/12/2014

REVIEW // Hydraluron


If there's one skincare product you need this Winter: it's something that will enhance the power of your moisturizer and increase hydration to the maximum. That's where Hydraluron comes in.

Designed by the brand Indeed Labs, Hydraluron ''increases skin hydration from below the surface with an ultra high-quality hydraluonic acid that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water''. Basically, after using Hydraluron your skin should be ''plumped'', refined and glowing. In my opinion, I think this is a fabulous product to really amplify my daily moisturizer - thumbs up from me!


Find Hydraluron here via the Boots website (and check out the other products in the range..).

29/11/2014

One Hairstyle To Try..


Considering that tomorrow is the 1st of December (advent calenders at the ready!), I thought I would tell you about one hairstyle I have recently been wearing quite a bit ('cause why not change up your hair for the Christmas season?)..

STEP 1 // I'd firstly spray a texturizing mist into my hair (particularly focusing on the front section). Next, grab a ''crocodile'' clip (a clip that, basically, grips the hair..). These can be found in Primark, Topshop, New Look - anywhere, really - and come in a variety of printed designs.

STEP 2 // Take back the front section of your hair in 2 pieces (from your parting down to your ears) and then literally twist it backwards securing it with the clip.

STEP 3 // Tug out any looser parts of your hair, like: fringes, etc to give the style extra texture and volume. Finish with a spritz of hairspray, and you're done!

I hope you liked this different post, (if you did..) follow my Bloglovin' here.

23/11/2014

REVIEW // Maybelline Colour Tattoo


I know, I know: ''Those have been out for forever...'' ''Why are you reviewing those, they're old..'' Yes, but I feel the need to express my thoughts and opinions on this drugstore gem, especially due to the fact that the Maybelline Colour Tattoos definitely don't break the bank.

Permanent Taupe / A muted grey-toned shade which makes a great base. Worn alone or underneath something complimentary, this cream eyeshadow would look flawless either way.

On and On Bronze / A shimmery, almost copper, brown. Everyone has raved about this - more so when it originally was introduced... Nevertheless, I have been wearing this at every opportunity. The undertones in this cream eyeshadow enhance natural eyes and the shade doesn't fade either.

The formulation is, overall, superb. The product applies evenly and easily (I just use my fingers..) making it a dream to use. As I briefly mentioned: the pigmentation doesn't budge on me - it stays put despite everything during the day. That's what I think the clever feature of this cream is and what allows it to compete against expensive brands. In my opinion, the wear time really is that great.




Find the Maybelline Colour Tattoo via Boots - here.


20/11/2014

Winter: Drugstore Berry Lips


Before now I was definitely a person who wouldn't even flutter an eyelash to wearing lipstick; it just wasn't my thing. After attempting to pull off a natural(ish) pink (blue toned) lipstick but then inevitably jumping for a makeup wipe seconds later, I thought: lipsticks just wouldn't work for me. I think it's about knowing your preferences though, you need to know what suits you and what doesn't - that's why I'm dying to show my recent purchases (that are surprisingly wearable..): berry lipsticks.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick (107) 
        Firstly, it's a drugstore kinda guy, so coming in at around £5.00 is not bad at all; the consistency and wear-time is superb so: don't cross this one off just because it doesn't have the MAC labelling. Secondly, I don't actually think this shade is too threatening - yes, I would class it in the berry category - but Rimmel have definitely created a lipstick that will suit just about anyone.



Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (Black Cherry/477)
        Revlon's Black Cherry is most certainly dark. It is a brave shade by no means, although it does swatch considerably lighter to what it appears in stick form... Nevertheless, Black Cherry is the perfect Winter lipstick - one which I believe everyone should have stocked in their collection. At a little over £7.00, this lipstick is not too expensive, especially compared to the ''high-end'' offerings (which cost 2-3x the price). I'm yet to wear this out: I feel like people might think ''halloween was last month, you witch'' (as it is, like I said, pretty dark)... EDIT: I wore Black Cherry out and actually felt fabulous!


Oh, by the way: both Boots and Superdrug have 3for2 on at the moment.. You're welcome.

25/10/2014

Lovin' Lush #4 // Face Mask Wishlist

The facemasks in Lush are probably some of the best blend i've tried. There is nothing better than treating yourself with a pamper evening, and knowing both the ingredients and brand ideals are fantastic too. Lush use organic ingrients (whenever they can) and support against testing on animals. Here are a few facemasks I'd like to share (I need to pick them up on my next trip in-store)...

Catastrophe Cosmetic // Calming, soothing and thouroughly cleansing. Sounds good? I know. Lush include blueberries (one of my favourite fruits btw..) due to them being rich in minerals and vitamins, which means they are a beneficial property to protect the skin.

Love Lettuce // Brightening - one of the many results from this facemask. French Lavender calms and restores oils and the honey both moisturizes and soothes. ''Love Lettuce'' effectively exfoliates along with the Agar Agar Gel which is a key factor to reveal new, freshed skin.

BB Seaweed // Lastly, a facemask to properly cleanse the skin. Rosemary regenerates, kaolin removes exsis oil and millet fales gently exfoliate. This facemask is probably the ''all-rounder''; perfect for troubled skin that just doesn't want to make up its mind.


Read my other posts in the ''Lovin' Lush'' series here.

19/10/2014

TV PICK OF THE MONTH

Back from my unexpected break in blogging.. School work and everything got on top of this - but I have a new type of post,  ''MY TV PICK OF THE MONTH''. I lovvvve watching a good, immersing TV series so much so, I thought it'd be worth writing about my favourite of the month. First up: Our Girl.

Our Girl follows the story of Molly Dawes, who embarks on joining the British Army after having a hard past and deciding her life isn't getting any better. This year, after the ''pilot'' episode in 2013, Dawes (played by Lacey Turner) is shown getting flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan as a medic. In the 4 episodes (over the past month) Molly has proved herself to be a worthy member of the all-male sector. The 5th, final, episode of this series airs tonight at 9pm (BBC1).


I highly, highly recommend this series due to the gripping emotion, action and eye-opening perspective into Army life. Catch up on the rest of the series here at  BBC iPlayer (not available anymore - possibly search on Youtube..?).

UPDATE: I cried so much at the final episode so.. good luck.


06/10/2014

That Pink-Purple Nail Polish Hybrid

Is this the perfect ''in-between'' shade? I think so. Riotous by Formula X (Sephora) is a new polish to my collection but it certainly has been loved already!

8 words: Formula X does live up to the hype. Yes, I said it, the consistency, the glossy shine and the colour range are all perfect - so I definitely agree with the praise already given to Formula X. "But Rachel", I hear you say, "What makes this shade any different to polishes half the price?". Well, most brands have few options - it's either: a proper purple purple; a pink or a berry, and I was in need of something inbetween them all...

I think that this particular Formula X polish is especially well designed to be worn all year round. Yeah, all year round. Winter; tick - it's part berry. Summer; tick - it's that muted bright shade. Etc, etc.

If that hasn't proved what an awesome shade this is, then I don't know what will. Find the Formula X Riotous nail varnish - here via Sephora.





27/09/2014

Save / Splurge: Powders


Personally, I'd always splash out on a foundation / concealer - something to disguise the (many) imperfections I have; but, I do believe there are some products you can save tonnes on. I guess, powders, for example, can achieve simillar finishes? Or can they?


Firstly, let me justify this purchase and briefly mention the packaging - it is beautiful and absolutely stunning. It reminds me of what (I suppose) vintage makeup should and did look like. The casing is durable, compact and practical. I also support the design not to include a ''flippy'' secret compartment for a useless sponge/brush. 

I enjoy using this powder (''foundation'') for bad skin days, or, on days where I still like a bit of something-something to cover and conceal, even if I'm doing nothing. The best part is how seamlessly this blends into my skin. Literally, untraceable.. Yet it still delivers that needed coverage.

Next up, is most definitely a budget, basic powder; although if that's all you need then it would be perfect. Rimmel's Stay Matte is, in my opinion, a no-thrills powder. Yes, it gets the job done, but, is it undetectable? No, is the honest answer. Personally, I think it is too easy for this powder to look ''caked'' on. Maybe this is one to through in your handbag so it wouldn't be too eye-watering if it smashed?

Overall, I would go for the Clinique option - or, at least a mid-range product. I certainly need powder to keep my oils at bay; therefore, powder needs to impress me.

Splurge: 1 Save: 0 




15/09/2014

Blogging On A Budget: The Camera

Blogging can potentially become an expensive hobby, but there are ways to swap out pricier options for cheaper alternatives.

Better cameras (usually) produce better quality and overall nicer photos (to look at), although they definitely shouldn't be relied upon to make a great blog. Most the time, if your background is bright, colourful and/or interesting then your photos should look appealing too. Here are a few of tips on how to maximise your cameras potential.


  1. Tripods - If you have a shaky hand or your camera just doesn't like to focus, try using a tri-pod. Tri-pods are a great nifty tool and can potentially be a bargain.
  2. Editing - Experimenting with websites such as Picmonkey (free, free, free) or Fotor, allows you to use features like cropping, re-focusing and brightening. These can come in handy if your (affordable) camera doesn't have exposure (lighting) settings.
  3. Zooming - Don't worry if your camera doesn't have the best zoom, as you can easily position your products/objects closer or further away. Otherwise, try take your shots at different angles, this will create spacing and give the illusion of an overall nicer photo.
Hopefully my little pointers help - particularly for people without the expensive cameras.


11/09/2014

Tamed Brows For Under A Fiver?


I have, lets be honest, the most rebellious brows. One minute they're fine and good to go, then the next they all decide to be the most annoying eyebrows can be. In the past, I knew I needed something to keep control of them; something that practically glued them in place - without the glue.. But it wasn't up until I bought the Maybelline Brow Drama that I realised I didn't need to spend a fortune to tame my brows.

Brow Drama comes in at a penny under £5, so it's basically as cheap as chips (and you do actually get 7.6ml of product - pretty impressive). Featuring 3 shades (and a translucent), I think there's plenty of offerings; I have the shade "Dark Brown" which is matches my brows exactly.

What makes this brow mascara so different from all the rest (in my opinion), is the brush. The small, yet perfectly sized applicator makes using this a doddle. Simply comb it through the hairs and voila. You might want to wap out your finger to assure the brows are shaped to your liking, and then you are done.Brow Drama also fills in my brows - to cover the sparser areas, and obviously keeps them in order.

So, if you pick this up next time you're in Boots be sure to tell me your thoughts.


06/09/2014

The Film Review #2

Firstly, Leonardo DiCaprio. Sold already? If not then the plot and screenplay will definitely win you over...

My recommendation is Inception; an action/adventure/mystery film, based around Dom Cobbs (Leonardo), a professional thief, self-trained to infiltrate the subconscious mind. Cobbs has the chance to clear his name for murder and return home if he completes ''inception'' - planting an idea into someones subconscious. Cobbs must plant valuable information (with his new team) by going into a forced dream-state (induced by a sedative for the stable dream-in-a-dream-in-a-dream concept). But, there are unknown forces going against them (an important character from Cobbs past), whilst knowing that if they die, they won't awake like usual - they would fall into a state of almost impossible Limbo.


In my opinion, I think this is a very well-directed film that definitely has a fabulous cast and stunning camera footage. The plot is so creative and I lovvve the mysterious ending (no spoilers..), despite the fact I do wish the audience found out the truth. I assume, it's a way to keep us guessing - and talking about the film. 

If you do watch this film then I'd like it if you'd tell me your opinion on the ending (in the comments section), or, give me some good recommendations similar? You can find the IMDb reviews - here.

Bedroom Tips and Furnishing Ideas //

My Room Ideas


I am decorating my large bedroom at the moment - focusing on a Scandinavian, but cosy feel. When I created my Polyvore design board I knew I'd like to share it and some tips with you all...

A couple of pieces I really liked were the Eames Style Wooden Chair (White), which I personally adore. The chair definitely has a modern, minimalistic vibe, but it I'd add a cute cushion (possibly a mustard one?), to brighten it up. This chair would go underneath my makeup ''desk''/table - speaking of, if anyone knows a white Scandinavian style makeup dresser I'd love to know the website (thanks in advance).

Another trend I like is the chevron / monochrome cushions - similar ones here via IKEA. I lovvve cushions, simply because they make the room look complete and cosy (without having to cost the Earth..). 

Recently, I have been loving candles - well, for a while actually. I just find them so, so comforting. Even buying candles for display look lovely and can add touches of colour for just £'s. Yankee Candle obviously do some fabulous scents (but they can be fairly pricey), a budget alternative is Tesco Home Candles (one I picked up recently - here), which stock some pretty candles for half the price. If you light a couple of candles in your bedroom, it will smell inviting in no time...

To fill up your walls in your room buy small postcard sized prints (which you can frame for a couple of pounds). Try looking in Art Gallery's for some creative pieces or even IKEA stock small photos you might like.

Finally, the lighting. To create a perfected atmosphere in your room the lighting is key. B&Q stock a lot of quirky (big or small) lights for standing or on your desk. A couple I particularly like are - here and here

And that is everything. Hope you've enjoyed this different type of post. I'd appreciate it if you'd follow my BlogLovin' here.

04/09/2014

Trainers You Will Actually Want To Run In

Puuuuuurple. Usually, I stick to the basics for trainers (particularly for school): white with a touch of pink perhaps? But this Summer whilst choosing my ''Back to School'' stuff, I decided to go all out (and out of my comfort zone for that matter..) and settle with bright purple with the classic Nike tick in silver. Oh and striking blue laces.

I think, if you're going to be outrageous and crazy with the colour selection of your shoes, then why not choose something a bit different?


(Unfortunately, I can't find a link for these as I bought them in-store at outlet prices, meaning they may be discontinued.)

02/09/2014

REVIEW & Discount Code // The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream


This was possibly the only foundation I wore day-to-day on Holiday, yes, I think so.

Positives: Lightweight, long-lasting (from 10am-9pm in 30 degrees..) and blendable - literally, your fingers would work good enough as a brush (if not better - but I prefer to use brushes so I know they would buff the product in well).

Negatives: I can't seem to notice the difference between this BB Cream with Tea Tree VS one without - which is the most important and biggest selling point.. Also, the coverage is, in my opinion, most definitely not the highest (it's quite light, which is I guess the point of BB Creams, but I like something with a little more to it).

Overall, I'd say this is a fabulous mid-priced base product (£8.00 / $13.00) that couldn't have a creamier texture (it is fab-you-lus). Find the Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream here and 40% off across everything with the code: 14672 - you're welcome.

31/08/2014

The Book Review #1 // Divergent

Yes, I'm pretty sure that all book-worms know this book already exists, but.. this post is here to tempt the minority of people who just haven't yet found a book they love. (Hopefully, if this is you, then after you've read my post then you'll be rushing out to the bookstore right away!!) Enough about the introduction, lets get down to the book.

Divergent (book 1 of 3) is a dystopian novel set in Chicargo (in the future), through the perspective of Beatrice Prior (also known as Tris). Tris unravels truths, faces difficult problems and en thrills on a complicated relationship with her instructor Four (SPOILER: later revealed as Tobias Eaton). In Divergent we follow Tris in their controlled world in which there are 5 completely different factions (based on human virtues): Candor (honesty); Erudite (intelligence); Amity (kindness & peace); Dauntless (bravery) and Abnegation, Tris's original faction (which abides in selflessness).

Tris, and all other sixteen year olds, must go through with the aptitude test. The aptitude test gives the young adults choices which will determine their faction (despite, they still have their own decision).Although, Tris is warned she is ''Divergent'' because she received 3 possible factions due to her test: Dauntless, Abnegation and Erudite... What does she choose and what do her choices mean for her? People who are Divergent are both feared and threatened, and some particular people would rather just wipe them out. Will Tris and her partner Tobias understand what this means and survive? You'll just have to read the book..

You can order Divergent via Waterstones - here, or via Amazon - here. And if you do pick up a copy I'd love to know what you think.



29/08/2014

Lovin' Lush #3 REVIEW // LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask



Do you ever find yourself repurchasing one particular product over and over? Because it just works so well for you, well this is my product, which I guess I'd call a staple and ''holy grail''. Whenever I run out of it I just don't know what to do except for thinking - RUN TO LUSH NOW. I really am that desperate for this face mask.

The fresh garlic LUSH use in this face mask is key, because of the antiseptic properties. Tea Tree is also included due to it being antibacterial, and green grapes are not only refreshing, but, cooling too.

Minus the wet dog smell - due to garlic, I think - this is a fabulous face mask for spot-prone and oily skin. Got spots? Try this out. Got angered skin? This could be perfect for you. And it's nice to know that the lovely staff at LUSH are always happy to help.

Find the Lush Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask - here.
To view my other Lush posts in the Lovin' Lush series click - here.

28/08/2014

The Film Review #1

(Hopefully), every week from now on I shall be reviewing movies for you, because films are somethings that I just love to watch and submerge myself into for 2 hours. First up is two films, I'm sure you have heard of, (part of a trilogy) that you need to watch...

That's right, I said it, you must watch these films; The Hunger Games, as well as Catching Fire. A few weeks ago my Dad and myself sat down to watch The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (re-re-re...watch for myself). This was the 1st time my Dad had seen the film (and he hasn't read the books so he had high expectations I had set), afterwards he was speechless, we both were.

The Hunger Game is based around Katniss Everdeen, in a dystopian world in which there are annual televised fights to death, The Hunger Games. 1 male and 1 female tribute is chosen from each of the 12 districts (areas numbered by living standard/wealth, 12 being the lowest). Prior to the games, the tributes take part in various shows to gain publicity from the fans in the capitol (where the most wealthy people live and rule). 

The second film, Catching Fire, shows Katniss what happens if you make a fool of the capitol and the President, Snow. Katniss discovers that she must rebel against the capitol in any way, otherwise she will get off worse for her actions.

I believe this film is like no other, we (well, mainly I) had tears of both happiness and sadness throughout. I feel like there are no words to do this trilogy justice, nevertheless, I highly recommend that you watch these movies. 


P.S The third instalment is released in November, so you have plenty of time (to watch it and weep..) before the next. Why are you still reading this?! Go on!


21/08/2014

Massive Haul // Spain Holiday Purchases

On my trip to Spain with my family, I finally got to walk the walk of the red carpeted glory that is: Sephora. For whose of you who don't know, Sephora is an international chain-store of both high-end and more affordable beauty and skincare products. Sephora have their own-brand products too, which include a variety of good quality, dreamy, soft brushes.

This is going to be a pretty hefty post, so go grab a drink and sit comfortably...


 Sephora

The first product I looked for (and had on my list..) was the Formula X Nail Polish - link. Which was a purchase influenced by Estee (essiebutton), because she raves and raves and raves about how good the formula and range of colours are, and so I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I picked up the shade ''Riotous" which is described on the Sephora website as a ''dark magenta'', it reminds me of some funky berries... in the best way.

Next is a groovy product I picked up (once I noticed it was only 4 euros..), which is the Outrageous Volume Sephora Mascara - link, in a electric blue shade. It's such an eye-catching product, especially the packaging, which has an almost quilted look. A couple of brushes I picked up I had previously spied on line and knew to look out for them. From other beauty bloggers, I knew that Sephora brushes have a good rep and so I definitely wanted to get my hands on some (despite the fact that I didn't really need any more..) - link. More information on those in seperate posts, ooooh.. I know. (Read about the Sephora Mineral Powder Brush here.)

Finally the Sephora 10ml Perfume spray, which is the perfect size for fitting in any bag or purse, found it's way into my basket after a couple of spritz from the samplers. Oh and it's in Blueberry scent - my favourite fruit! (No link on the website, but there is a big display in store).




Wet'n'Wild

From Wet'n'Wild, a international brand that I found stocked in "Primor", I bought one of their small Eye Shadow trios that I had heard about previously - first impressions are that they nice soft, buttery shadows with decent colour payoff. Here's a link to my full review on the Wet'n'Wild "Silent Treatment" Trio.

Kiko

In Kiko I bought 4 products, two of which are their nail polishes (Both are deep, dark colours). Find them here - link. Another product that definitely caught my eye was the Glamorous Eye Pencil (not on the website) in the shade 404, which is deep purple-y and metalic - great for Autumn and Winter. Anddddd.. last but not least, I bought the Kiko Colour Shock Cream Eye Shadow (which is part of their Summer collection) in the colour 102 Burgundy. Truth be told this is certainly a shimmery eye shadow - one to apply with a lighter hand - but is definitely something I know I'll get a lot of use out of. Link - here.

And now my fingers are aching from typing this massive post... Hope you enjoyed this, as a lot of my time went into it, taking the photos and everything! If you did, I'd appreciate it if you would follow my BlogLovin' - either in the side-bar or by using this link, thankyou!

15/08/2014

Raspberry Shower Gel?


Uh-huh. This might be the nicest smelling shower gel ever. I mean, if they discontinue this, then I will cry.. for days (slight exaggeration..). I don't think that I can explain what the scent actually is, so I simply urge you to take a wiff of it in store, or go grab a raspberry!

This shower gel working fabulously in the shower; the smell lingers, it doesn't just fade. And you'll probably end up being raspberry scented throughout the whole day. Find my fave shower gel via The Body Shop here - link.

12/08/2014

Lovin' Lush #2 | HAUL



I do love LUSH; the surroundings, the smells and the staff (the 3 s's). The atmosphere and friendly vibes are always enticing to enter the store and once I'm in well, I'm in and there's no stopping. Recently, I visited the store in Edinburgh; which actually has a view of the castle from its doors! My Sister also picked me up a couple of bits from the more local LUSH store: another Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask and the Space Girl bath bomb. (Oh, and LUSH's website is great - easy to use and so imformative - so i'll link the products too).

Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask (full post soon) - link.
Ooooh - this is possibly my favourite LUSH product, I just feel like it's so worth while and helps my skin alot. It contains garlic.. which might be offputting because it does smell like wet dog (although I don't find it too bad really..) but if you can think past that then you'll reap the benefits.

Space Girl Bath Bomb - link.
"Feel out of this world". I've had this once before, and, it smells gorgeous (as do all LUSH bath products!) like Parma Violets. My Sister bought this one for me because she knows me to well and must know that I lovveee Parma Violets. And if you listen carefully (to your bath water..?) you might hear the popping candy!


Something new for me is the Happy Hippy shower gel which smells so fresh; like sweet limes and lemons. I think this will definitely be refreshing in the shower once I use it, and I think i'll probably buy it again sometime. Link - here.

Another repurchase is the "Honey I Washed The Kids" (cleverr name) soap. I lovveee the smell of this; it's like everything sweet and luxurious mixed into one. Obviously, one of the key scents is honey and the top of the bar is coated in "caramel" (I wouldn't eat it though..)! This makes great lather and, in my opinion softens my hands too - I definitely recommend this one. Link - here.


A Waterproof Mascara That Actually Is Waterproof

Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof. Have you ever had the disappointment when you discover that a mascara you just bought claiming to be "waterproof" really isn't? I had high hopes for the Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara, again, "waterproof", so I was, yet again, intrigued to find out if this mascara would phase any differently...



1 hour after application.. no budging. 3 hours after.. no smudging. Many more hours afterwards.. still nothing. Finally *hallelujah* a mascara that lives up to its name. The only (minor-ish) problem is: removing it... Haha! Anyone got any recommendations, so that I don't have to scrub at my lashes for any longer? Thanks in advance!

10/08/2014

REVIEW // "Silent Treatment"


 The name describes this Eye Shadow Trio by Wet'n'Wild perfectly, simply because the colours are completely so sophisticated and underrated. The three shades are a mauve-y purple (shimmer), a matte almost black and a champagne-y highlight (wow, fabulous description Rachel..). Wet'n'Wild cleverly label (on the reverse of the palette) where each shade has been intended to be used, for example: the darker brown can be applied in the crease for definition, etc, etc. This is useful for "Makeup First-timers" or just as a reminder, and of course you don't have to play by their rules...

I picked this up whilst on Holiday (check out my full haul once I upload it) and I have used it many times since, it's just such a timeless collection of colours, and I'm sure I'll have it handy to use for a while longer. Oh and at under a £5 there's no excuse for me not to try other shades in the range! (But they don't stock in the UK, yeah..).