Monthly Favourites | February 2014

The sun is shining and if this is a sign of things to come then I'm ready to welcome March with open arms! A month full of new beauty launches always goes down as a good month with me and February kept churning them out - a couple of which have made the cut into my favourites. And in completely none beauty related news...bring on pancake day!!

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Elusive (Review here)

These are definitely one of the best launches of February, Revlon have got it so right! A drug store brand matte finish with a close to perfect formula and an amazing shade range - could we have asked for anymore?! The shade Elusive has been my go to daytime lip colour recently, it's a work appropriate dusky pink that applies easily and stays put!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Facial Oil (Post here)

I primarily got this to try and fade some marks from a breakout that I could just not leave alone (I'm a picker and I will never learn!) Which it's actually worked really well for and I'm really pleased with the results but it has also made my skin so baby soft and smooth and all dry patches are now a thing of the past!

MAC Eye shadow Palette

I don't know why I didn't make my own eye shadow quad earlier! There hasn't been a day since Christmas that I haven't used this in some way, the quality is absolutely amazing as is the colour pay off. The four shades that make up the palette are Shroom, All that Gitters, Satin Taupe and Espresso so I've got a highight shade, a couple of shimmery shades and something for the crease or eyebrows - I love a multifunctional shade!

Models Own Hyper Gel in Cornflower Gleam (Post here)

A bit of sunshine and the promise of Spring means it's not long before I'm raiding my nail varnishes for pastels! Cornflower Gleam is one of Models Own newest Hyper Gel collection which have a glossy, smooth finish and come in a selection of vibrant shades.

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint

This stuff is amazing, it's creamy and the coverage is heavy duty, it also doesn't budge for a good few hours and I can forgive the tiny bit of creasing because it works so well. This is one of the best under eye concealers that I've tried in a long time and the price just makes it better!

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Stila Convertible Colour in Gerbera

Gerbera Lip Swatch

Stila Convertible Colours, Feel Unique £16

Can you believe that I was a Stila virgin until late last year?! I'd heard so much about the convertible colours and seen so many rave reviews that it was only a matter of time before I added one to my ever growing collection of cream blushes and what do you know? All it took was a Feel Unique discount code to push me over the edge and ta da, Gerbera was mine!

There are a whole range of colours to choose from but naturally I went for the peachiest of them all which ended up being Gerbera but I definitely have my eye on a few other colours (Petunia and Gladiola are just screaming out to be on my cheeks come spring!) This is a dual lip and cheek product but to be honest with you I rarely use these kind of products on my lips anyway but it's definitely handy to be able to and saves some space in our already crowded make up bags! The texture isn't like any cream blush I've tried before and is almost tacky which had me worried that I'd end up with a sticky face but once applied to your cheeks it just kind of melts in with a little help from your fingertips or stippling brush to blend it out. It's such a pigmented product and a little dab of it goes a long way to giving you a beautiful peachy flush but because it's so pigmented it's easy to go in with a bit too much product and ending up with a not so natural looking flush! This is a really pretty lip shade but I'm not a big fan of how it feels on my lips so will stick to using it on my cheeks for now but if you can stand it then it looks lovely.

I've only ever used this on my winter white skin but I can see me falling in love with it even more in the spring when I've got a bit of colour to my face when all I want in life is to look dewy and glowing and I'd be lying if I said that I don't think there will be a couple more of these on my dressing table by the time the sun shows its face!

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The Body Shop Haul

I haven't bought anything from The Body Shop for a good few years and it's not like I haven't browsed the website or been into the shop I just haven't parted with any cash but that has all changed and The Body Shop has made it's way back onto my radar! Recently they did a £25 off a £50 spend offer and who am I to resist that?! I only really wanted one thing but once I stumbled across that offer I had to fill up my basket a little bit more and this is what I ended up with!

Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream - Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion - Vitamin E Facial Oil

The Vitamin E range was the reason that I was on the website in the first place and is the reason that my bank account is a little bit emptier now! I saw a lot of reviews on the face oil about it fading marks left from spots which after a bit of a hormonal breakout is what I've got now around my chin, it's the curse of being a picker and not being able to leave things alone, they last twice as long but hopefully this will be able to sort me out and after just over a week there has been a considerable amount of fading and has left my face baby soft. I was trying to make the order up so that's how the Vitamin E moisturizer ended up in my basket and I've been using it with the oil but I might have to split them up because together it's quite a heavy combination but it does give you a lovely glow and is very hydrating. The Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion is something else that will hopefully work hand in hand with the Vitamin E Oil.

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover - Coconut Body Milk

One of my friends swears by the Tea Tree range so I've decided to give the toner a go alongside the Night Blemish Lotion, I've been using it morning and night and you really don't realize how much grime you have left on your face but this gets rid of it all and leaves your face feeling fresh. I read a lot about the Camomile range a few months back and wanted to try it then but never got round to it so I went for the eye make up remover which works a treat! The final thing that I added to my basket to round the order up to £50 was this Coconut Body Milk, I've been using this when I get out of the shower and I love that it has a spray top which makes it quick and easy to use but I love the smell even more, it leaves me smelling like malibu!

I will definitely be going back to The Body Shop the next time they have a good discount on and stocking up again!

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Midweek Wish List #20

1-2-3-4-5-6

1. Queen Katy has done it again, with the help of eyelure she's bought out another collection of lashes and I think that this is her best one yet. Punk Princess are my kind of lashes, not too full on and a lot of texture, I think I'm going to need to buy a back up!

2. I'm on a bit of a skincare mission at the minute after a slight breakout so I'm trying to get my skin back on track and keep it that way. After reading so many amazing reviews on this I don't know how it couldn't be on my wish list, it seems like the product to make my bright and soft skinned dreams come true!

3. For Christmas I got the NARS Splendor in the Grass palette and one blusher shade has been getting more of a hammering than the others and that happens to be Sex Appeal, it's the most perfect peachy pink that adds a really natural healthy colour to your face and I just can't get enough of it.

4. Oh my god, how cute are these?!?!? I am officially in love with these heart print beauties and need them on my feet, that is all.

5. I've been waiting for weeks and weeks for the new Essie Spring Resort collection to hit the shops and I've heard some whispers that it will be any day now. I'd like to say that I'll only be buying a shade or two but the more I look at them the more I know they'll all be coming home with me!

6. Easter will be here in a matter of weeks which means a lot of chocolate and a long weekend but if you're struggling to wait for it to come around then get your hands on this adorable yankee candle and your house can smell of white chocolate bunnies! It's meant to smell very similar to the vanilla cupcake candle which I could smell all day long so I think I'll love this.

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February Glossybox 2014

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

Who needs roses and chocolate when you've got a box filled with beauty goodies?! This months Glossybox is Valentine's themed and came in a really cute lip print box that I can't wait to reuse. They have definitely upped their game with this box and everything in it is full sized which is definitely a Valentine's treat!

Ciate Paint Pot in Raspberry Collins

This is definitely the star of the box and they leaked a bit of a spoiler so we all knew we were getting a paint pot this month but I was still excited to see which shade I received and am really happy with this lovely magenta, it's already on my nails!

Eldora Eyelashes

A pair of lashes always come in handy but these are a bit more full on than I'd usually wear. I've never heard of Eldora before and these look and feel a bit cheap in the packaging but they might be completely different on, I'll definitely give them a whirl when the occasion arises.

Toni & Guy Hair Meets Wardrobe Stick it Up Gum

My hair is quite long so I don't know what I'd do with this stick it up gum but Joel has his eye on it already so I know it'll get some use! I really like Toni & Guy products and have used a few of them in the past so I'll give this a go on my roots like it suggests on the product card but I'm just wary it might make me look like a grease ball!

Maybelline New York Master Kajal Liner

Now isn't this a funny looking thing?! I usually stick to my pen and liquid liners but this 'cream stick' offering is really, really intense and black when swatched and the shape makes me think it might be a good tool for creating the perfect feline flick.

Nougat London Sparkling Body Shimmer

I was a bit (very) wary of this when I first saw it because I don't really like looking sparkly or shimmery - it reminds me of those body glitters you used to get free with magazines in the 90's. Although I am happy to report that I am pleasantly suprised!! This isn't glittery at all it just leaves you looking really glowy, like a highlighter for your body! I think I'll store this away until the summer for now because it seems a shame that I'm all radiant but it's covered up!

It's as if Glossybox really know the way to my heart because as well as a box full of full sized products they chucked in some chocolate - although I don't see it lasting very long!

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Valentine's Outfit Ideas

Valentine's day is looming and whether you've got a date with your man or your girls you'll need an amazing outfit to wear so I've done the hard work for you and picked out a few looks for whatever your plans are on this day of love - all you need to do is click add to basket!

Jumper - Missguided, Skirt - Missguided, Shoes - ASOS, Nail Varnish - Essie In The Cab-ana, Bracelet - ASOS, Matte Balm in Elusive- Revlon

I am a big fan of the PVC pencil skirt look at the minute but the weather is making it impossible for me to wear it like Kim Kardashian does in sunny LA so I've taken some style inspiration from our very own Lucy Meck and paired it with a fluffy jumper which looks cute and also lowers the chance of frostbite! This look is all about the skirt so the shoes and accessories are pretty low key but with a pop of colour on the nails and my favourite lip product of the moment making an appearance too!

Shirt - Topshop, Jeans - Topshop, Shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa, Watch - Marc Jacobs, Nail Varnish - Models Own Hedonist, Lipstick - MAC Morange

Now this is the most me outfit out of these and I think this is what I'm going to wear when Joel and I go out for our meal on Friday night. I couldn't live without my Topshop Leigh jeans, they're the most worn thing in my wardrobe (apart from my work uniform - bleurgh) They're my first port of call for a night that's not too dressy but they still look nice with a shirt tucked in and some heels. It is V day so lets throw in some hearts and neon coral to brighten it up and then some chunky arm candy to finish it off!

Dress - ASOS, Shoes - ASOS, Necklace - River Island, Nails in Rose Petal - Topshop, Lipstick in Candy Yum Yum - MAC

I'm such a sucker for stripes so I absolutely love this dress and in the name of love have picked some red and pink accessories - maybe it would be better if you were going for a posh sit down meal with the size of those heels! The dress has got quite a high neckline so I've blinged it up with a statement necklace and if that doesn't blind your date for the night then Candy Yum Yum will!

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Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms | Elusive, Mischievous & Audacious

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms, £7.99

I don't think I've been as excited about a drugstore launch as I was for these little matte beauties to hit our UK shelves! I'm definitely more of a matte girl than I am glossy and the range of colours they've brought out make it impossible for there not to be something for everything - and to add to the temptation Boots have thrown in a 3 for 2 on all Revlon so it would be rude not to pick up a couple.

To take advantage of the Boots offer I got three shades - Mischievous is my staple peachy orange, Audacious is the most perfect bright orangey red and elusive was a last minute addition to my basket because they didn't have the one I wanted in stock and has actually turned out to be my favorite which is a dusky pink shade. There are another seven colours to chose from ranging from deep purples to 'your lips but better' nudes, I've still got my eye on Unapologetic which is a really standout pinky red but as it was sold out everywhere it looks like everyone else had their eye on it too! Sometimes mattes can be hit or miss when it comes to formula but Revlon have got these spot on, they're not drying and although they go on really matte they're almost creamy and soft. I couldn't ask for a better colour pay off in one swipe and like most matte formulas once they're on, they're on whatever you may be doing with your lips! They have a minty scent which I quite like and they twist up from the bottom so you don't need to faff around with a pencil sharpener, I also really like the matte packaging and the fact that they're all colour coordinated so it's easy to just grab and go.

I've had the most horrendous cold this week so that's why there's a lack of lip swatches, no one wants to see my dry, germy pout and I didn't want to miss out on the excitement while I was getting them in tip top condition but hopefully you get the gist of the colours with these swatches! I'm definitely going to be going back for a couple more shades and I can't see myself wearing anything else on my lips for a while - long live the matte finish!

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Nail Varnish Haul | Nails inc Lucky Dip & Models Own 50% Sale

L-R Nails inc Seymour Walk, Royal Botanical Gardens, St John's Wood, Mornington Crescent, Warwick Way, Notting Hill Carnival, Southwark Models Own Hedonist, Turquoise Gloss, Cornflower Gleam

I don't know what's come over me but 2014 seems to be the year of the nail and I've recently bought more new nail varnishes than I'd care to admit. Can you blame me though with all of these amazing offers on the go?! 

You are a stronger beauty lover than I am if you could resist 7 full size Nails inc varnishes for £19.99 and that's the exact offer than landed in my inbox the other week the only catch being that it was a lucky dip and you didn't get to choose your colours but they did give you the choice between 7 glossy shades, metallics or special effects. I went for the glossies because it's what I'd get the most wear out of and was pleasantly suprised by the shades that I received because I loved all of them! Out of the seven there were a few blue toned colours, a couple of red shades and a bright sunny yellow that will look perfect in the summer with a tan. You can't go wrong with the formula, it goes on smoothly and after a couple of coats the colour is nice and vibrant, I can't comment on the lasting time because with all of these varnishes lining up for some air time on my nails I can't say I've kept them on long enough for them to chip!

If seven new nail varnishes in a week weren't enough Models Own reached 250,000 likes on Facebook and had a 50% off sale slashing their prices from £5 down to £2.50 and also incorporated in the launch of their new Hyper Gel range to spoil us even more! There was a minimum spend of £25 and although I could have easily spent more than that I'd need another room to keep them all in so my friend Vicky kindly offered to share the load so we didn't miss out and also didn't bankrupt ourselves! I chose two of the Hyper Gels in really nice spring shades and another Hedonist because I've run my into the ground and can't cope without one in my life. I've already declared my love for Hedonist so many times, it's my favourite nail varnish of all time and if you haven't got it you need it! The Hyper Gel formula wasn't quite what I thought it would be, it took 3 coats to get even cover and it isn't as glossy as I'd anticipated but the colours are gorgeous so I'll let them off!

I now have enough nail varnishes to last me until 2015 so these offers need to stop because the bargain hunter in me isn't strong enough to keep my debit card in my purse!!

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If Money Were No Object | Michael Kors Selma Satchel

Image from Google

Michael Kors Selma Satchel

Oops, I did it again...I've fallen and I've fallen hard for another bag! My new bag porn is the navy Michael Kors Selma satchel, I'm suprised that this picture isn't etched into my eyeballs because I've looked at it so much. I love the shape, I love the the gold hardwear, it's just perfect. I was looking at the black version but there's something about the navy one that I like more and I think it will still go with just as much but it's just got something more about it! I've mentally paired this bag with black skinny jeans and a slouchy grey top with hedonist on my nails and Lady Danger on my lips (It's all in the detail!) in the day and with a skater dress and heels for date night. I have been so close to hitting the checkout button so many times and this post isn't helping but that would mean I'd have to survive on buying nothing else for the foreseeable future which would probably make me sink into a deep depression when the new MAC spring collection came out! So I'm banking on Plan B - my birthday is in a few months so watch this space this baby will be on my arm before 2014 is out!!

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Monthly Favourites | January 2014

And here was me thinking that January was the month to recuperate after a month of festivities but I've been busier than ever recently meaning that my blogging schedule has been a little bit neglected (so has the hoover and my good intentions to have a proper sort out of all my make up and wardrobe) so here's hoping that February is a bit more chilled and I get a weekend to be a recluse and catch up on everything. This month I've got to have a proper play with everything that I got for Christmas so I have a lot of new products that have made it into my daily routine!

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I bagged this in my bargain of a Clarins gift set that I got in the Boots sale and have used it every day since as a primer. This is a cream that claims to 'brighten and tighten' and honestly it is a miracle worker. When you put this on your whole face glows like you've got the perfect highlighter on and although it's moisturizing it's not greasy in the slightest. It leaves the smoothest base for your foundation and now I've dipped my toe into the sea that is Clarins skin care I want more!

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (Review here)

If you want fail proof flawless skin then this is what you need. I can't believe that I had my doubts about this little orange sponge and waited months to even try it out. All you do is run it under cold water and ring it out, load it up with your chosen product and bounce it over your face, my foundation has never looked so perfect and even before.

MAC Coral Bliss Lipstick

I was getting in a bit of a rut with Creme Cup as my go to daytime lipstick and wanted something else that was subtle but pretty and work appropriate. This is a Cremesheen finish so it's pretty sheer but there's still a pretty pop of colour. This definitely leans more towards a pink coral and Creme Cup has taken a back seat for the time being!

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub

Even if my lips were the softest and flake free they'd ever been I think I'll still be reaching for this because it tastes so nice! I've pretty much used this every day since I got it for Christmas and despite the horrible cold weather my lips have yet to crack and flake with is a winter time first for me! This is also perfect to use before you wear a bold lip colour so it's got a nice smooth base to go onto.

NARS Splendor in the Grass Palette

Can we just take a second to admire how pretty this is?! There are three blushes and a highlighter in this palette, Sex Appeal, Angelika, Dolce Vita and Albatross. Dolce Vita is the darkest shade that I haven't used yet because it scares me a little bit but the other two blushes I've been rotating daily and I've already mentally bought a full size Sex Appeal because I don't know how I'll cope when I hit pan! 

Soap and Glory Heel Genius

I had a full size of this from one of the massive S&G gift sets a few Christmases ago and I was really disappointed by it and it ended up getting chucked so I don't know if they've changed the formula but now I've revisited it I really like it! I'm one of those people that hate feet and even though they're horrible things at least mine are soft and hard skin free thanks to Heel Genius!

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