China Glaze 'I choo choo choose you' NOTD - All aboard collection

I love nail polish, I must have close to 200 bottles of the stuff but it's not very often that I hunt for it. If it's not in the shops, I'll just end up forgetting about it because postage is scandalous nowadays.

I Choo choo choose you was love at first sight though and after seeing it on MissBudgetBeautys Instagram I simply had to have it. It's my perfect Autumnal shade and although it doesn't really translate on the pictures it suits my skin tone really well which can be difficult with this dirty murky type colours.

I found it online for a bargain £3.99 with free postage and it only took two days to arrive.

Natural lighting, 2 coats.

The colour is so hard to describe but I will have a shot anyway and say.... it has kind of a taupey base with a heathery purple duo chrome and gold shimmer running throughout. It is truly stunning and unique. Infact, I reckon you'd be hard pushed to find anything close to it in Boots or Superdrug. 

Definitely going to purchase some more polishes from this collection this week.

Have you tried I Choo choo choose you?

£3.99 

www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk

xxxxxx

August Favourites

Pinch punch, first of the month!! Happy September everyone. I don't know about you but I am secretly a bit excited for Autum to roll round....mainly for the fashion and autumnal colours, of course the new winter coat and cosy evenings in watching the X factor and getting excited for the C word :-)

Today I bring my first monthly favourites in a while which I photographed on my very autumnal looking scarf (Primark, £5!!) 

It's been a very busy month for me meaning I haven't really had the time to be sitting getting creative or experimental with my make up on a morning so my favourites aren't all that exciting, but they are fab nonetheless.

Bleach London Rośe Shampoo £6 Boots

I absolutely love this stuff, Bleach London have landed on a winner bringing out this stuff for the impulsive girls like me and I'm sure plenty of you! Now, if I feel like dying my hair pink I can do it knowing it will wash out very quickly and I won't be left regretting my permanent my little pony hair! I love this rose shampoo, and the conditioner, it's none drying/damaging to my hair and the wash it gives is really pretty and subtle enough that I can wear what I like and it doesn't class. Definitely worth a go at only £6 in Boots.

Maybelline 'The Falsies' mascara in blackest black.

Now there isn't much I can say about this mascara that you probably haven't read already. It's fantastic, holy grail, perfection in a fushia tube! I have used this mascara for yonks, with brief affairs (and let downs) with higher end mascaras inbetween. I still get asked if my eyelashes are you guessed it....false! It's extremely black and extremely lengthening which is exactly what I look for in a mascara. Well worth the £7.99 price tag.

MAC Harmony blush £18.

I tried this blush many moons ago as a contour but I think that was before I'd heard the term 'less is more' and I definitely went with the pileitallllllonmyface and ended up looking a muddy mess. I sold that product only to repurchase a few years later and I love it! Used with a light hand in the right places it does a superb job at contouring and warming up my vampy complexion.

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer £7.99 (Boots,Superdrug)

I've never really been a primer girl after trying a benefit one which broke me out in acne that lead to me thinking all primers were bad. Until I found this on a market stall sealed for £2 and thought what the hell, I'm trying it! It is honestly fantastic, it smooths my pores out and indeed it does give a blurred/flawless look to my skin. I also find my make up lasts much longer and doesn't go as shiny as it usually does by lunch time. So happy I gave a new primer a chance as I couldn't be without it now.

Maybelline "Brow Drama" in Brunette £5.99

This isn't some holy grail product but it does what it says on the tube and it does it rather well! My eyebrows stay in place all day without looking crusty, harsh or hard which is never a good look. Definitely one to try if you're on the look out for a new brow product.

What are your favourites this month? Feel free to link posts below so I can have a nosey

xxxxxx

January Favourites 2013

 I haven't done a favourites in months and months, but as it's the new year I figured I would start a fresh and hopefully I'll come across enough amazing products to warrant putting these posts up monthly!

L-R 

Rimmel Scandeleyes Mascara £5.49; I discovered this mascara towards the end of 2012 and I just bought it because I had run out, it was on offer and it was 'extreme black'. I have actually really enjoyed it and I will be repurchasing. It is indeed extremely black, it gives me a lot of volume and doesnt flake down my face after a few hours! I will do a review of this soon.

 Loreal Caresse 06 'Aprodite Scarlet' lipstick, around £7; I saw this in one of Ghostparties videos and went straight out and bought it. The beauty of this lipstick is that it can be worn sheer or really built up. It's beautifully smooth it almost feels like nothing is on my lips when I wear it. It definitely gives the lips a 'juicy' look if that makes sense, lol.

 

Rimmel Kate Moss 107, around £6; Probably the most famous lusted after lipstick of 2012? Who doesn't have it?! It's a gorgoeus deep berry shade with a bit of red that stops it being too vampy! 107 is marketed as a matte but it has a slight sheen and isn't too drying so it isn't entirely a matte! I love it with simple eye make up and groomed brows it gives a really polished, chic look!

Barry M Gelly 'Blueberry nail polish £3.99; Favourite nail polish of the month, post and swatches here.

 MAC pigment gift o glamour, I have forgotten what christmas collection I got this from as I'm so behind on MAC nowadays but I kind of just dug this out by accident and have used it every day since. Really gorgeous peachy shimmery pigment. I love these little pots as you can try the pigments for a fraction of the price of a full sized one and they're not as messy. I am totally unsure as to whether this is avaliable to buy from MAC today.

Benefit high beam, around £24; I absolutely love this highlighter, I'm not sure that I would spend £24 on it but since coming off of my acne medication, not having a single spot for 5 months and not having oily skin anymore it has been amazing to whack highlighter on my face and not be constantly worrying that It'd break me out or accentuate any spots that I might have. So really, highlighters in general, they're amazing and I love my new skin!

What are your favourite this month? Hope everyones week is going great! x

Review; Liz Earle Instant Boost Tonic

The lovely Liz Earle ladies very kindly sent me the next step in the Cleanse, tone and moisturize set about a month ago. In that time I have been testing them out and here are my views on the first part..

Liz Earle Instant Boost Tonic.

I'll be perfectly honest - I have never used a toner. I've always been wary of using more than one of two products on my face as I have sensitive skin and I'm terrified of getting spots (vain I know!)

Plus, most toners have alcohol in them, which dries out the skin - big no no! However, this one doesn't! It's packed full of  Naturally active ingredients; organic aloe vera to revitalise and soften and calendula, chamomile, cucumber and natural source vitamin E to soothe and refresh the skin. 

Smell is a big importance to me. Instant boost tonic has the most incredible light florally scent, very calm and soothing. A pleasure to use.. 

To use..

Simply pore some on to a cotton ball and wipe all over the face and neck, after you've cleansed..with Cleanse and Polish, obviously.

It doesn't make any life changing differences (what does?) but it definitely makes my skin feel amazing, look brighter and helps my moisturiser to sink in quicker. LOVE!

I have definitely been converted and will never be without a bottle of this amazing product!

Liz Earle 'Instant Boost Tonic' is priced at £11.75 for 200ml, available here.

x

Batiste goes big!

EVERYONE has heard of Batiste by now I'm sure? Well this is just a quick post to let you all know, they have gone BIG! Yes, they have increased the size of the cans, which is a god send for someone like me with very long and very thick hair.

 

I was kindly sent a can to try out and although I'm not crazy about the tropical scent, I love that it makes my hair look freshly washed on the morning's I don't have time to wash it and it also gives me some much needed volume. What's not to love!?

It's simple to use; Shake, spray into roots from 30cm's and then smoosh it about with your fingertips.

Batiste comes in several sizes; £4.99 (400ml) £2.99 (200ml) £1.55 (50ml)

And is avaliable to buy from; Superdrug, Boots, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, ASOS, Tesco, Savers , Wilkinsons, Lloyds Pharmacy and Independent Pharmacies. 

x

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in place Gel Eyeliners.

Here we have the new Estee Lauder Gel Eyeliners. There are five in total (3 perm, 2 LE) and I was kindly sent the Limited Edition shades; Stay Bronze and Stay Violet, to have a play with.

I don't have a great deal of experience with gel eyeliner. I'm not very good at applying it, so have tended to shy away from it. I was pretty nervous when i first saw them, but I had a go nonetheless, and I am very impressed. I love the bronze/brown which has a bit of gold shimmer running through it, but I love the violet/purple better as it accentuates my green eyes. Both are incredibly pigmented, soft (but not too soft) and have a satin like finish. They are totally smudge proof and it is claimed that they last up to 15 hours! I apply my makeup at 9am and take it off at around 8pm, so not quite 15 hours but it was still firmly there when I removed my eye makeup. I definitely need more practice - hence no pictures of my shoddy application, doing them no justice. I'm hoping to master the technique and then wearing them with a little bit of the Estee Lauder 'Pink Pearl' shadowcreme on my lids. Perfect, stay in place summer eyes :)

Stay Violet - Stay Bronze

You can purchase these two shades along with; Stay Onyx, Stay Coffee, and Stay Midnight (sounds gorgeous!!!) from Estee Lauder or Estee Lauder counters nationwide. They are £15.50 each.

xx

(As I stated in the post, these items were sent to me for free. All opinions are my OWN and are 100% honest. x)

Review: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - Hot Cloth Cleanser

I have been using the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot cloth cleanser for a while now, so I thought it high time to chip in my two cents!

A little bit about the cleanser..

Cleanse & Polish is a concentrated cream which quickly removes everyday grime and makeup - including mascara! The pure muslin cloth gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells. Together they leaves all skin types looking a feeling clear, soft, smooth and simply healthier. Naturally active ingredients include; Chamomile, toning hops, stimulating rosemary and purifying eucalyptus oil.

I was kindly sent a starter kit which includes a 100ml sized cleanse & polish and two muslin cloths. £13.25

My thoughts

I have pretty oily skin and tend to avoid anything rich in texture, so when I first pumped this on to my hand, I won't lie - I was worried that I would wake up covered in spots! (this has happened before!) I used it anyway, and oh my gosh, I loved it almost instantly. It smells GORGEOUS! Really fresh and herbally, the eucalyptus really comes through.

To use, you pump 1 'blob' on to clean hands and massage into your dry face. I'm not sure how long you're supposed to do this for but I personally sit on the edge of the bath for about 5 minutes massaging my face, breathing in that gorgeous smell! I like to start on my cheeks, work round my face, down my neck and then to the eyes, because remember this removes mascara (and it really does remove all mascara!). Do your eyes first and you're going to look like you've just stuck your head in a coal bunker!

You then fill your sink with warm/hot water, take one of the muslin cloths which have been specifically designed to gently exfoliate skin and lift away dead skill cells and impurities, and in circular motions gently remove the cleanser. I like to fold my cloth into four, and gently remove the cleanser turning the muslin cloth over as I go along. Once every last scrap is off ofmy face, my skin feels squeaky clean, incredibly soft and brighter! I have always had dull looking skin, but this product has definitely helped to rectify that issue.

Now I have used the Cleanse and Polish I can totally understand why people rave about it so much. Truly fantastic product! Since receiving the Cleanse and Polish I have gone on to order a trio of them from QVC. I managed to get it on easypay too!! :) I will definitely be trying more from the range soon.

You can purchase this starter kit here

Thoroughly recommend!

Thank you for reading
xx

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place Shadow-Cremes.

Along with the lovely palette I showed you a few days ago, I was also sent four gorgeous Double Wear Stay- in- place Shadow -cremes to have a play with.

There are a total of 9 NEW shades (4 are limited edition) that can be worn alone if your in a hurry- just slick it or and go! Or you can use them as a base to compliment an eyeshadow of a similar colour. I use them as bases, with a similar colour on top. It really makes your eyeshadows  much more vibrant and helps them to stay put!

The four I was kindly sent are;

Pink pearl

 Smokey twilight (LE)

 Gold dust (LE)

 Smokey Plum.

All four are really gorgeous shades, but for me Pink Pearl and Smokey Twilight are my absolute favourites! I have used pink pearl every single day since I got it. All four are really creamy, blend beautifully and most importantly don't crease on me - which I always worry about. Estee Lauder state that they will not; crease, fade, streak or change colour in heat or humidity. Now I can't test all these things out, but I can say my eyeshadow looks exactly the same when I take it off in the evening as it did when I first applied it. I also applied them on the back of my hand and went the whole day, cleaning, washing up etc and they genuinely did not budge - I think that is a pretty good test of their staying power because we don't clean up with our eyes do we?! I also wet my hand and scrubbed them 6 or so hours after I put them on my hand (pic below) and again they didn't budge.

The nine new continuous shades are; Golden Sands, Pink Pearl, Mochachino, Smokey Plum and Midnight Kohl. And the four new, limited edition shades are; Gold dust, Buttercream, Cafe Au Lait and Smokey Twilight.

I am really interested in checking out Mochachino, Buttercream and Cafe Au Lait!

These shades are available to buy at Estee Lauder and counters nationwide from today - 30th May! Priced at £15.50 each. They are also Ophthalmologist-tested and fragrance free.

What are your views on Creme shadows?

Thank you for reading

xx

(As I stated in the post, these items were sent to me for free. All opinions are my OWN and are 100% honest. x)

Review: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Island Oasis Palette♥

Like I said in this post, I was rather taken with the 'Island Oasis' palette, which is part of the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess collection. Well, I was really really happy when a few days later, I was very kindly sent it to review.

It is inspired by the Mediterranean - warm sand, blue seas,  seashell pinks and of course seaweed! It's the perfect palette for any bronzed beauty.

The main shades that stood out to me when I first saw this palette were the Champagne shade, the Bronze, and the Seashell pink with a gorgeous gold sheen running through it. They are all gorgeous though. The only shadow I noticed any fall out from was the champagne shade, but it was nothing I quick dusting wouldn't fix.

I'm a bit boring when it comes to eyeshadow, so I kind of dismissed the turquoise shade, but whilst I was having a little play, I decided to use it along the lower lash line and I really like it! Turquoise is one of the best shades to wear when you are 'bronzed' so I think it's fantastic that it's been put in this palette. The black with gold sparkles (which look green in some lights) is really pretty, and unlike some shadows I have tried before which have been similar, the sparkles actually show up!

(Sorry this is so shoddily done. I had two hours sleep thanks to my poorly niece so I was a bit blurry eyed, and not with it.)

 I used the 'champagne' shade on my lids, 'bronze' in the crease and on the outer part of my lower lash line and 'turquoise' lightly smudged over top.

Swatches

Overall, I really rate this palette. It is fab quality and perfect for summer!!

You can purchase this palette from Estee Lauder online, and counters nationwide. Its priced at £31.

Thank you for reading

xx

perfect summer lip♥

When I visited Meadowhall on Sunday I went for three things; Chanel-Mimosa, Chanel - 4 Facettes bronzer in rose and the Estee Lauder, sea star bronzer/blush. I managed to get these, but whilst my mum was talking to the Chanel lady, who was lovely might I add, I couldn't stop looking at her lips. Now I understand that sound's a bit creepy, but don't worry I'm not weirdo, she was just wearing the most gorgeous lipstick/lipgloss combo I have ever seen. I didn't dare ask what she had on so when she turned around, I pointed at my mum and growled 'lips!!!'. Thankfully my mum thought her lipstick/lipgloss choice was gorgeous too, so she asked. She wrote it down for me as I said I would get them next week, but I couldn't wait, so after a half hour wander around meadowhall I went back and purchased.. Chanel rouge coco '56 Teheran' and a Chanel glossimer in 'Venus 124'. They are both absolutely beautiful, especially layered.

'Teheran' is a bright coral with a little pink thrown in. It's not a million miles away from 'Costa chic' by MAC, which I have and love. I could have probably skipped this but I wanted 'Leannes' exact lip colour, so I just bought it.

'Venus' is my favourite of the two. It is a bright fuchsia with millions of different coloured sparkles, which make your lips look full, plump and juicy!. At this point I am wishing I had the 'skilllllz' to take good lip swatches, but alas I don't and if I did post the lip swatches I attempted, they wouldn't do these beautiful products any justice. Instead I have tried to recreate it on my hand.

Close up of the beautiful sparkles! The glossimer's feel amazing on the lips. Smooth, non sticky and have fantastic staying power, not that you would expect anything less from a £20 lipgloss!

As you can see when paired together they look gorgeous! What do you think? I think these two are going to be my go to summer lip along with these one's which I blogged about a few days ago!

What is your favourite Chanel lipstick/lipgloss?

Thank you for reading

xx

lipsticks i'm loving♥

I thought it would be fun to do an updated 'lipsticks I'm loving' post today, as I did my last one ages ago!

L-R

MAC Bubblegum - I acquired this from Laura's blog after months, and I mean months of stalking blog sales and eBay for it. It is a medium pink, with a hint of purple and a fine golden shimmer. It is a Glaze finish which means it's not crazily pigmented, but it's not terribly sheer either. It is such a lovely, easy to wear shade, and it has been getting alot of love from me. If MAC ever re-release this little beauty, I will be sure to pick up a couple.

Loreal Color Riche 'Freshly rosy' - First things first, I hate the smell of these lipsticks. I can't even think of a word to describe it, other than sickly. No likey. The actual lipstick is gorgeous though. Freshly rosy is a light glossy pink with a teeny bit of frostiness to it, though this isn't really noticeable once applied. Great everyday shade.

17 Mirror shine 'peace' While this lipstick looks scary in the tube, in reality it isn't. It is quite a sheer, pinky/coral when you apply it, but it also buildable. I find that when I wear this my face as a whole looks alot more awake and refreshed!

CHANEL 'chance' I'm not going to say much about this one, as I feel it deserves its own post (coming up!). I will repurchase it time and time again, and possibly purchase more of the Rouge coco shines! Ab fab.

Swatchy bit

What lipstick(s) are you loving at the moment?

Thank you for reading

xx

chanel-mimosa♥

I have been wanting this nail polish for ages, after seeing it on Lisa Eldridge some time ago. 'Mimosa' is part of the Chanel Summer collection which is absolutely gorgeous! After what seemed an eternity, it was finally released a few day's ago. I was at 'MeadowhEll' dead on 11am this morning to purchase some pretties, it was all so gorgeous I could have gone for the whole lot! 

(I purchased items from Chanel, Estee Lauder and Dior so if you would like a post on that just let me know.)

(Sorry about the shoddy application and anyone notice how short my nails are compared to my last nail post? Yes, I picked my nails off without even noticing!! Has anyone else ever done that?)

At £16 Chanel nail polishes aren't cheap, but I was determined to have this colour as it is so up my alley I would have regretted it if I had left it behind. Mimosa is a bright summery yellow, with really fine gold shimmers running through it, although you have to look very closely to see these once you've applied the polish.

From my first experience using a Chanel nail polish I can safely say I am quite impressed. I don't think they are AMAAAZING quality. It applied quite streaky on the first coat but the second one glided on a lot nicer. There is still a little bit of streakiness going on but I think if I wasn't rushing like I was, two coats would have been perfect. Consistency wise it is just how I like it, not too thick or thin! Overall good, but nothing amazing! That being said, I would purchase another one if it was unique enough.

What do you think? Will you be rocking yellow nails this summer?

Thank you for reading

xx

mac- lilicent blushcreme♥

A few weeks ago I had a sudden urge to purchase a couple of new MAC blushers. I literally begged my mum to come along with me at 6pm at night to Meadowhall to get them, and in the end she agreed. I bought blushbaby, peachtwist and I was suppose to get peaches, but just as I was telling my mum what to ask the scary MAC ladies for, I thought of Lilicent, the blushcreme that has just been discontinued. I had wanted this for some time, but had never got round to getting it. I just thought maybe they'll have a few left over, and to my utter shock they had ONE. I was so excited!

(this was taken when I first got the blush obviously)

I would describe Lilicent as a nudish/peachy colour. Very natural, fresh and pretty. It is the perfect subtle blush to accompany a dark smokey eye, but on the other hand it also looks fab teamed with a few simple coats of mascara and a nude lips. It gives a polished, dewy look.

I have been a fan of Ladyblush for a while now, but this is more my type of colour. It is quite a thick consistency to begin with, but once you start blending, it quickly becomes silky soft and blends in beautifully. It is very pigmented though so a light hand is definitely advised. I personally like to apply this blush with either the Elf stippling brush or my fingers.

(I took these pictures outside and I was freezing, hence why I smudged it about abit and ran inside hehe.)

It's probably abit mean of me to blog about something that is now discontinued, but you never know if you ask instore they may have a few lurking...

If you happen to have this blushcreme, what are your thoughts on it?
♥
 Thankyou for reading,
 Oh and don't mind my 3 William and Kate pictures down the side ;) I could have kept adding to them, but I restrained myself!