Three From Collection | Review

Hello,
Sorry I've been a bit missing in action recently. I'm just going to stick with my usual excuse of "eugh degree, eugh reading, eugh essays, eugh too drunk all the time". I think that should suffice really.

Anyway, between drowning in referencing and bibliographies I did manage a sneaky trip into town. Do you ever just run out of all your make up at once? It happens to me all the time! So I popped into dearly beloved Boots to stock up little essentials.

My plan was to buy higher end high street but after swatching every foundation ever and realising that I need to STOP BEING SO DAMN PALE. I settled for some bits and bobs from Collection. I find that Collection suits my colour so much better than a lot of the high end products so why would I waste money on something that's going to turn me fluorescent?

I picked up the 'Collection Cover & Go Foundation & Concealer Duo', the 'Collection Primed & Ready Smoothing Make Up Primer' and 'Collection Volumnising Mascara'.

I'd never really been into primer before and I actually when I went into Boots I was intending to by the new Baby Skin thing. I was really skeptical because of all the dodgy reviews I'd read and when I swatched it on my skin it felt so greasy that I opted against it and went for the Collection one instead. I'm really impressed by this product. I'm pretty sure it's a silicon based formula (although I can't actually get the labels off to have a look at the ingredients). It leaves my skin incredibly smooth even after I've put my foundation on top. I really recommend this, it makes my make up look 100x better!

When I bought this I didn't even realise it had concealer in the lid. Top notch job on that packaging Boots it's brilliant. You can put it in your handbag and voila two in one! The concealer coverage is really good, I really rate this product (as you can tell by how used it looks). I'm still humming and harring about the foundation. It's ok but the consistency is a bit odd and it looks really streaky if you apply it with a brush rather than a sponge.

Whenever I buy anything new I instantly don't like it - it takes a while to convince me it's actually good. This was no different, when I first opened it I didn't love it. The brush is quite brittle and not the big fluffy mascara brush I usually like. However, after using this for a week I am converted and I admit the error of my ways. This mascara is really great, it gives a really volumnised look, kind of fake lash effect. The only thing I don't get is why it says '10x volumnising' on it. Can you imagine if a mascara made you lashes TEN TIMES BIGGER? You'd look like a maniac!

Overall I'm well chuffed with the Collection things I picked up. I think they're all fairly new products to the line and they all work fantastically. Collection is definitely starting to give some of the other high street brands a run for their money.

Primed, concealed, volumnised and ready to hit the rain

So have you tried any of these products? Did you like 'em? Lemme know 

Not so knot? | Review - Tangle Teezer

Hello,

If you've ever caught a glimpse of my hair (perhaps in my hair dye post or in an OOTD) you may have noticed it's a tad on the curly side. By that I mean it's pretty much out of control. My mum calls it my "dog hair" because it grows in thick, knotted layers like a dog's waterproof coat does.

Well, with bad hair comes great responsibility. A responsibility I am extremely reluctant to take on and I will admit I am the worst curly haired owner in the world. I really neglect it, I don't use the right kind of products or even bother to brush it because whenever I try it turns into a massive task and I end up hating it.

This Christmas I think my mum got fed up of it looking a scraggly mess, so she gave my step-dad strict orders to buy me a Tangle Teezer for Christmas - The Original one in an alarming traffic cone orange shade. I remember when these first emerged on the highstreet years and years ago and I've been meaning to try one for a while. In case you're not familiar with the Tangle Teezer it's a kind of revolutionary hairbrush. It promises to detangle and glossy hair without any tugging, pulling or yanking.

I was so excited about using the Tangle Teezer, especially after all the great reviews I'd heard, but to be honest it left me a little bit meh. The first time I used it it tugged on my hair a lot, admittedly not as bad as a normal comb would but still enough. My hair is less knotted than it used to be however I still can't run my hands through it without getting stuck on knots. I understood that with hair as mental as mine it might take a little while to get used to but considering I've used it everyday since Christmas I expected slightly more progress.

Another slight problem I've had with the brush is when to use it. This may be very specific to us curly haired lasses but I for one cannot brush my hair when it's dry without ending up looking like Cousin Itt from the Addams Family (not the look I'm going for). This means I have to use the brush as soon as I get out of the shower when my hair is still very wet. Then as my hair dries...it gets knotted again. Has anyone else had this problem or is it just my bizarre locks?

Overall I wouldn't say the Tangle Teezer is a bad brush at all and I bet if you have straight or wavy hair it'd work a treat. The amount of gleeful reviews I've read means it must work for some people. But, like most hair products it seems, it doesn't work nearly as well for thick or curly hair.

I'm definitely going to keep using it and hopefully one day I'll have flippy hair like one of those ladies in the shampoo adverts. If I suddenly have a eureka moment with it I'll definitely write another post.

Have you used the Tangle Teezer? Did you like it or did you have a few teething (geddit?...comb...teeth...just me?) problems with it too? 

Christmas Tag

Hello all, 

Christmas is dawning closer day by day and I for one and extremely over-excited!! I literally turn into a child at Christmas and no one can dampen my crimbo cheer. I must be one of the few people who work in retail who still love it. I remember the first time I worked Christmas my boss ominously told me it was the last Christmas I'd ever enjoy because working in a shop full of Christmas shoppers ruins it for you! All lies I love it now more than ever!

Anyway, I spotted this lil tag over on Charlotte's blog, Hobbits and HairDye, which everyone should check out and thought I'd give it a go myself to spread a bit more of the xmas cheer! Here we go (this is my first tag, be gentle)

What time of the year do you start your Christmas shopping?

December. Early December if I'm lucky! Usually I don't get mine finished until a week or so before Christmas. I'm too indecisive and picky about what I want to buy everyone. 

Do you have any festive recipes for food or drink you limit solely to the Christmas season to share?

I really hate most Christmassy desserts. Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, mince pies - they're all gross! I always have to make a replacement pudding so I can avoid Christmas pudding at all costs!

Tell me how Christmas goes down in your home.

I spend Christmas morning at my dad's house, we open our presents there as soon as we wake up. I usually have some kind of big chocolatey breakfast my dad has baked whilst my step-mum attempts to weigh a turkey! Always funny. Then I go round my mum's for Christmas dinner which is always served later than planned even though my mum insists "this year it will be on time". My grandma is always 2 hours later arriving than she said she would be. We open presents, eat dinner, veg for a bit then usually eat pudding and play cards. 

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

Like most families we have a lot of stupid Christmas traditions that would take years to explain and wouldn't be funny unless you're a born and bred Anteney. 

Do you have a favourite festive coffee?

I don't drink coffee because I am like a child and can't stand the sophisticated taste. This year Costa are doing a spiced Apple Juice which is my new winter obsession!

Spiced Warm Apple Juice. Get in ma belly!

What's your favourite Christmas song?

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses! Best Christmas song ever written (and I listen to it all year round). Let's all just take a moment to appreciate its genius! 

What do you do on Christmas Eve?

On Christmas Eve I go round my dad's house. We either have a huge Chinese take away or my dad and step-mum will make a ridiculous buffet for us to pig out on all night. We also usually have a kind of 'family present' like a game or a film that we can all do together on Christmas Eve to pass the time until the big day! 

What's your dream gift this year?

James Franco. With a bow on top. Or like...World Peace or whatever...

Describe your Christmas tree. How tall? Real or artificial? How is it decorated?

We've got a real one this year, it smells like one of those things that hangs in a taxi window! Me and my mum decorated it together with all the decorations we've had since I was little. It's not chic or sophisticated but it's definitely ours. 

Our tree this year - understated as ever

Do you decorate just the tree or other areas of your house e.g. windows, bannisters?

Umm we're not massive on the window decorations in my house but we do have a few bits and bobs. Usually we have tinsel round the banister and a christmassy mobile hangs up in the hallway. We've also got a really tacky nativity set that gets put up every year - can't be forgetting the baby Jesus!

What do you wear to Christmas parties and what do you wear on Christmas day?

For Christmas parties I like to dress as ridiculously as possible. I feel like December is the only month you can really get away with head-to-toe sequins so I always exploit that. Last year it was gold sequinned shorts for every occasion! On Christmas Day itself I like to be cosy, cosy, cosy. Usually just a big jumper and jeans so I can eat as much food as possible without restrictions!

So if you're reading this - I TAG YOU! I wanna know all about your Christmas! If you do this tag, leave me a link so I can read all about your festivities! 

Christmas Gift-spiration for her | Under £10

Hello,
Hope you're well. Been turned into a big festivity-induced stress ball yet? My plan this year is to ignore that I have my own body weight in shopping yet to do and just enjoy the Christmas lights and the mulled wine!

I've put together another little gift guide for the "her"s in your life. Being a massive cheapskate £10 is usually my starting price for everyone at Christmas time, unless they've been extra good that year! I've got a lot of step/half relatives in my family who I don't actually know that well so I don't really like to be an extravagant spender. I'd rather save some of my pennies to spend on my mumma and papa!

£10 is a good starting price, you can often get a lot for your money and end up looking super generous. I think this "Be Mine Boxset" from The Gobstopper is a perfect example of that! You're getting a good deal for your money and give this to one of the kids in your family and you'll be popular all year round (although maybe not with their parents).

I thought this Owl purse/bag from Accesorize was a great steal for £10 too. Defnitely looks more important and really versatile so whoever you buy it for would definitely be able to find a use for it.

Again, I've had a little hunt for some independent creatives this Christmas. I absolutely love this camera lens necklace from The Pendant Garden. It's got a totally cute vintage feel to it which would go down well with your "too cool for their own good" friends!

Hope you find this useful. How are you getting on with your Xmas shopping? 

Be Mine Box, The Gob Stopper, £9.49 // "Shhh..." Coffee Mug, ChantillyStay, £6.27 // "I Like Big Books" Tote Bag, ExLibrisJournals, £9.39 // Camera Pendant, The Pendant Garden, £9.05 // Tartan Scarf, £10, Boohoo.com // Glitter Mini Set, Models Own, £8 // Owl Purse, Accesorize, £9

Christmas Gift-spiration for him | Under £20

Helllo,
So recently I've started a little series of Christmassy gift guides to offer a teeny bit of help in this, the most stressful of seasons! (I am very reluctant to call it a 'series' because I am notoriously bad at finishing or keeping up with series but let's give it a go!)

I find shopping for men nigh-on impossible! I have 4 brothers of varying ages and interest, plus dad, step-dad, brother-in-law and any other male relation who decides to pop by. None of them provide a list of course they're all particularly useless which means I absolutely hate shopping for them!

This year I've been trying to look a bit more outside the box for presents, having a good search on Etsy and smaller independent websites with the hope of finding some unusual things...which I think I have! My personal fave from the presents below is the Beard Tonic and Brush which I think is a brilliant idea, especially as after Movember more men are rocking the facial fuzz (and rightly so - I love a good beard!)

I also really liked the headphones I picked out, we sell them at work and despite the cheap(ish) price they are very good quality! They've got 2 jacks as well so you can share your music with other people, great idea for little brothers who you might be stuck for.

The links for all the other presents I've included are below in the caption as usual. Hope you find this helpful. Lemme know how you're getting on with your shopping!

Beard Tonic, Drksoapcompany, £12.71 // Cottage Delight Ginger Selection, Lakeland, £17.99 // Scratch-Off World Map, Notonthehighstreet, £18 // Get Fresh With Gift Set, Soap & Glory, £20 // Two Tone Headphone, Blott, £15.00 // Skull Fairisle Beanie, Topman, £20 // Gentleman's Shoe Shine Kit, Lakeland, £14.99

Christmas Gift-spiration for her | Under £20

Heyaaa,

Tis the season to be jolly falalalalala...la. It's nearly Christmas, I've got my christmas jumper on, my Bieber Christmas album blasting, my house covered in tinsel...and absolutely no Christmas shopping done! Woohoo big cheer for lack of organisation.

This happens to me every year. I spend hours and hours as soon as November starts looking at possible Christmas presents online. I never actually buy any of it and by the time I get round to it...it's too late and it doesn't arrive in time! Well this year no more. I'm going to get it done in time and everyone will be super happy and I shall be the star of my family!

This year will be an extremely budget Christmas for me because I am a sad, cash-strapped student (cue violins and emosh close ups). No really, I always like to do Christmas on a budget. I'd much rather buy someone something small and nice and know I haven't broken the bank than splash out on something gratuitous and have no food for the coming year. Maybe it's my selfish side coming out...but I like to think of it as thrifty!

Anyway, I've decided to do a couple of little gift guides this crimbooo. First of is my "for her under £20" guide. I think "for her" can be a struggle sometimes, there's a big difference between what you'd buy your best friend and what you'd buy your grandma. Hope I've covered most bases here.

Lemme know if you like this, find it helpful, have seen something similar. Need all the help I can get with my shopping this year, I am a disaster.

Dotty Pug Purse, Poppy Treffry, £12 // Burgundy Backpack, New Look, £19.99 // Snowglobe Necklace, Punky Pins, £15 // Truffes Rose au Marc de Champagne, Rococco, £14.95 // Mary Berry's Christmas Collection, Waterstones, £14 // Love at First Shine Lip Gloss Set, Benefit, £19.50 // Elrin Crystal Quartz Earrings, Regal Rose, £14

Quote Me On It #9

If you like this, there's more on my Pinterest board...

I done dyed ma hurr

Heyyya,
The other evening my flatmate and I got a little bit bored so (as all normal people do) we decided to dye my hair! I'd already bought the hair dye ready for a rainy day when boredom struck but we were going out that evening so decided to do it for that!

I've always loved dying my hair, I think the first time I did it was probably when I was about 11 and I used one of those wash in wash out ones in a subtle red shade. I remember a boy called me "fire-head" for 2 days straight...so I kicked him. Luckily, I don't hang out with such intellectually-lacking children anymore so I usually dye my hair once a year with no name-calling.

Flatmate doing the dying - big thanks to him!

I decided for autumn I wanted to go a darker colour, usually if I'm dying my hair in the winter I go for a purpley shade but this time I went for a dark red. There's so many brands of hair dye all boasting vibrant, nourishing, long lasting, natural colour with bells on. In the end I settled for SuperDrug's own because I'm a massive cheapskate.

How scary is that model's face?!

The shade I used is from the 'Superdrug Colour Vibrance' range in '6:45 Maroon Red'. It was super simple to use, put it on dry hair for half an hour then wash out with normal shampoo and the colour enhancing conditioner provided.

I'm really happy with the colour, it's a lot brighter than I thought it was going to be but I like that. It's lasted really well, I put it in a couple of days ago and hardly any washes out in the shower so I'm hoping it'll last til Christmas!

Anyway  hope you like it. Lemme know (and if you've got any tips on how to make your colour last longer I'd appreciate them too - thaaaanks)

You old tartan!

Heeeey,
Tartan is set to be a masssssive trend for winter! Everywhere I seem to go I see it and the worst thing is...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I'm a massive sucker for the original red tartan pattern but also absolutely love the dark green style I've seen about on the high street.

Every time I walk into a shop I can almost hear my bank balance whimpering "No...stay away from the tartan Maisie...we don't think we'll survive it". Luckily so far I've managed to heed the cry of my debit card and refrain from any huge tartan expenditure. I don't think this inner strength will last long. It's freeeezing in Norwich and I've got my heart set on a tartan winter coat!

Alas, until I find one which will fit my student budget I'm stuck wasting my hours traipsing round shops and scouring ebay. Below I've made a little tartan covered wishlist all of which I'm adding to my 'When I Win The Lottery' list.

Hope you like it, and if anyone sees a budget tartan coat...let a sister know!

Red tartan faux fur boyfriend collar, River Island, £40 // Tartan and leather satchel, Cambridge Satchel Company, £140 //  Red tartan skater skirt, New Look, £17.99 //  Tartan ankle socks, Missguided, £3.99 // Tartan high wasted trousers, Urban Outfitters, £48 // Black and tartan contrast shirt, River Island, £15 // Leather collar tartan skater dress, Missguided, £14.99

Finally, my baby... | Review - Maybelline Baby Lips

Helllo there,

I've been hearing about Maybelline's Baby Lips for so so long, every blogger, vlogger, everyone and their grandma seems to be raving about them. So the other day when I saw an advert for them I developed this sudden need to own them (I can't help it - I'm a sucker for adverts!). To be honest, I didn't even know they were available in the UK - am I going crazy or were they only available in America for a while? 

I was really excited about trying Baby Lips because I love lip balms, my lips get dry very easily in the winter so I've always got a good stock of lip balms in my bag. Also, I struggle finding lipsticks with really good staying powder and I always just end up with the edge of my lips being covered in lipstick and looking like a scary clown!

Anyhoo, I popped down to Boots and the odds were in my favour; Buy One Get One Half Price! Yes please and thank you! I obviously bought two, which was a struggle for me as they had it in 3 different colours! I picked Pink Punch and Peach Kiss, mainly because I always go for red colours so I wanted to try something a little difference.

Overall, the product is lovely and I'd definitely recommend it! It's really soft and makes your lips feel really smooth. They also smell delicious and fruity - which I always think is very important if you're going to put something that close to your nose. However, as with all things there are a couple of things I don't like. Firstly the packaging. To me, it looks a bit cheap, like something you might get in a stocking when you're 13. Something about the colours and the font - I just don't like it.

L-R: Pink Punch, Peach Kiss

Also, (as you can see in the photos above) the colour pay-off isn't fantastic. When you first put it on you can see a bit of a tint but this goes pretty quickly. I prefer Peach Kiss to Pink Punch just because it's more of a baby pink than I was expecting. I really want to try the red Cherry Me just to see if that's a bit more pigmented.

But don't let any of that deter you. I really do like the product overall! It's a great lip balm just not brilliant if you're looking for a strong colour.

So have you tried Baby Lips? Which colours? Do you like them? 

Cut that out!

Heyya,

Loathe as I am to admit it, it seems summer is coming to an end. As much as I'm gonna miss the light evenings and warm afternoons I will definitely not miss this years summer trends. Crop tops and pastels are not my friends so I can't wait to fill my wardrobe with warm, autumn clothes!

Something I've been seeing a lot of and loving is cut out boots! I really like them, it's a great way to carry on a summer trend throughout the autumn months. Recently I saw a picture of a model wearing some nice cut out boots with a jazzy pair of socks on underneath, I thought this looked great. A really interesting and different way to accessorise.

I'm sure I'm going to have to invest in a pair of cut out boots soon. But luckily for me (and my bank account) there's plenty available on the highstreet. I've found a few that I liked and put them down below but I've also seen some nice ones in Primark (whyyyy don't they have an online shop?!)

Do you like the boots? Seen any nice ones? What other trends are you liking for Autumn?

Jeffrey Campbell Trane Cut-Out Shoe, Office // Lisa Cut-Out Block Heel, Boohoo // First Love Low Heels, Schuh

Black Cut Out, New Look // Limelight Black Leather, Office

Dark Red Cut-Outs, New Look // Anticipate Ankle Boots, ASOS // Stud Cut-Outs, River Island at ASOS

Soapy goodness | Fortune Cookie Soap

Heyaaa,

My best friend has just shown me the most amazing new company and I simply HAD to share it! She popped on my Facebook with a lot of exclamation marks showing how much she loved the soap at the Fortune Cookie Soaps (I love it when my friends write my blog posts without knowing...)

Anyway, I'd never heard of this company before so I don't know if it's a big thing over here in England yet but it definitely should be! Fortune Cookie Soap hails from Tulsa, what originally started as a simple homemade Christmas present idea is now a successful business selling products in over 75 shops. All the soaps are unique, safe and really reasonably priced!

Fortune Cookie Soaps' signature product are the adorable Fortune Cookie Soaps (duh!). They're super cute little fortune cookie shaped soaps which are packaged in takeaway boxes! They're so adorable and come in a huge variety of scents; candy cotton, hazelnut cappuccino, caramel apple among many!

Fortune Cookie Soaps also make a wide range of bath bombs, body washes, lip balms, shampoo bars and so much more. Plus there's some awesome accessories like the 'soap saver' so even when your soap starts to disintegrate you can still use it! All the products are reasonably priced and I'm pretty sure they're cheaper than similar things you can find on the highstreet...

Anyway, this is my new obsession and I can tell I'm going to while away many hours lusting over the website! Definitely gonna be buying some for people's Christmas pressies! So I've picked a few things which I want just to give an idea of what they're all about...

Blueberry Jackflaps Bath Gift // "I Scream, You Scream" Gelato Bath Bomb // Unicorn Farts Shampoo Bar

"Sensual" Shower Steamer // "A Nod To The Hippies" Soap // Chocolate Peanut Butter Itty Bitty Gritty Lip Scrub

So, had you heard of Fortune Cookie Soaps? Do you love the products as much as I do? 

Is this a weird thing to review? | Oral B Trizone 600 Sweeps

Hiyaaa,

So recently I've been having some trouble with my teeth, tooth ache in my wisdom teeth, marks on my front teeth. Safe to say it's not that nice. I've always had some troubles with my teeth, I don't know why I don't smoke or drink coffee or eat that much sugar and my dentist said they're fairly healthy but I do suffer from a lot of toothache.

Anyway, I finally took my dentists advice and went an bought an electric toothbrush. I thought I'd give it a little review here, it's not exactly a beauty product but it is sort of cosmetic-y...

I didn't know it was possible to have any kind of emotional bond with dental care but I really, really like this toothbrush. I've only used it for a week and I can already see a difference in how clean my teeth look and feel! The main reason for this is the built in timer on the brush. The brush has a little buzzer which lets you know not only when the two minute advised  brushing time is up but also at 30 second intervals so you can make sure all areas of your mouth are cleaned equally!

It's also rechargeable which means you won't be forking out for expensive batteries every month. It takes about 22 hours to charge completely and lasts about a week. It's also impossible to overcharge which means the battery should last a long time.

The only small problem I had with the Oral B Trizone 600 Sweeps (apart from the ridiculously long name) was the plug. When I got it out of the box it turned out the charger only had a 'shaver plug' attachment. This meant I had to go out and buy an adaptor, which wasn't expensive but just a bit annoying...

Yeah so overall the Oral B Trizone 600 Sweeps is really good and even better, it's on half price offer at Boots! Love a good bargain...

Dotty about Kate

Heyaaa,

So unless you've been living in a hole for the last 9 months you'll be well aware that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, had a little baby boy and yesterday he was introduced to us all. I know a lot of people might have a problem with the royal family and people are welcome to their own political views. Personally, I like babies and I like an excuse to drink so the more royal babies the better!

In the grand scheme of things, how Kate looked is completely irrelevant. She, like so many first time mums, looked lovely. Glowing, happy with just a pinch of petrified! Her dress was lovely and is definitely going to inspire a resurgence of polka dots on the high street, so here's a couple of things I've picked out before all things dotty are gone...

Polka Dot Playsuit, New Look, £24.99, Blue Bird Maternity Dress, New Look, £29.99

Really liked this denim play suit. Play suits are massively in this summer so it's a perfect way to combine this trend with Kate's style. The dress on the right is actually a maternity dress from New Look, so if you're expecting your own lil' bundle of puke this is a great option! 

Motel Anya Maxi Dress, ASOS, £45, White flats, Dune, £13, White Court Shoe, Debenhams, £19.60, Polka Dot Skinnys, ASOS, £21.50

A maxi dress is such a summer staple and I really like the shapeless-ness of this one (if that makes sense at all). If you're looking for something a bit smarter these polka dot jeans might be a good option. I always think skinny jeans look nice with a pair of smart heels so these are perfect for adding a little royal to your office. Speaking of heels, Kate stepped out yesterday in a lovely pair of little wedges. I couldn't find anything very similar to them but there's a lot of lovely white and nude shade shoes on the highstreet at the moment.

Light Blue Polka Culottes, New Look, £9.99

This is my favourite thing I found. I absolutely love the style of these culottes, a really flattering cut. Plus I think colours like this look really good with a summer tan!

So, did you see the lil' bubba? What did ya think? Or do you just not care at all? 

Little Mini Fragrance Direct Haul

Hellllo,

So a couple of weeks ago I discovered Fragrance Direct, yeah I know a little late to the bandwagon but hey ho! I ordered a couple little things and they arrived a couple of weeks ago but I wanted to wait until I'd used them all before I wrote a post about them;

The first thing I bought were a few nail varnishes. I've never owned Essie nail polishes before and I've heard people raving about them so I picked up a couple of them. First colour I picked was "To Buy Or Not To Buy". I absolutely love this colour, it's a very pastel lilac with a blue glittery sheen to it. The next Essie polish I bought was in the shade "Mojito Madness". I really wanted a bright green nail varnish and this wasn't exactly the colour I wanted, I like the colour but it's not quite bright enough so I don't think I'll use it that often.

I also picked up Rimmel's Crack Your Colour in the shade 'Black Graffiti'. I've only used this once but it's good, similar to other cracked nail varnishes so nothing particularly special about it. It does the job!

My nails are really damaged at the moment and keep breaking and flaking, not a great look. I was going to buy the Sally Hansen nail treatment that everybody raves about but I opted for the slightly cheaper option of "Harder & Tuffer" from W7. So far I really like it, I've definitely noticed my nails feeling stronger and breaking less. If weak nails is something you suffer from I'd recommend this.

I also picked up a new powder because I smashed my old one to pieces. I bought Miss Sporty So Clear powder in "001 Transparent". The powder is nice, definitely finishes off my make up nicely, I've been applying it with my E.L.F full face brush. For some reason, I absolutely hate the packaging. I don't know why but for some reason it looks so cheap to me. The mirror is good but other than that I can't stand it. The actual product is really good though.

The final thing I bought was a new lipstick. I picked up a W7 lipstick in the shade 'Ruby Red'. I have kinda weird lips and sometimes I find it difficult to find a lipstick that will stay on my lips. I really like this one, it lasts a long time and it's really pigmented. The picture doesn't show it that well but it's a very rich red, just what I was looking for.

Overall, I really liked the products I picked up from Fragrance Direct. I would really recommend having a look on the website if you haven't already. My order arrived in a matter of days and it's so much cheaper than the highstreet.

But baby it's BOILING outside

Hellllllo,

For me summer is definitely not the most attractive time of year. Yeah there's a slim chance you might look sun-kissed and glowing, but if you're anything like me you're more likely to look sweaty, covered in insect bites with really bad tan lines. Despite all this there's some things you just gotta have in your bathroom cupboard during summer time, so here's a couple of my summer essentials

Johnson's Body Care Holiday Skin - I'm a pretty pale gal so at the beginning of summer I sometimes struggle to get my legs out without fear of blinding everyone! I absolutely love these tanning moisturisers which are all over the place now. When I first used it I was left really streaky but I bought it for "fair skin" so once you've got a bit of natural tan, the fakeness fades easily.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash - Pretty sure I'm keeping Soap and Glory in business, almost everything I use is made by then because they're MA FAVES! I love this body wash it smells so fresh and crisp and really wakes me up in the morning. It also leaves my skin really soft which is top priority when you get your legs out.

Soltan SunCare Lotion SPF 50 - Up until last year I was one of those awful people who's too lazy to use suncream. Unfortunately, last year I had a medical disaster which means I now have to wear Factor 50 on my feet (I may one day write a cautionary post on this...) It's probably one of the best decisions that was ever forced upon me. Suncream is an absolute necessity in this hot weather, even if you don't wear extreme SPF 50 like me it's so easy to add into your routine in the morning and it will save you so much hassle in the future. If you buy one like this Soltan one it's a moisturiser so it leaves your skin feeling lovely as well as protecting you against all sort of skin nasties.

Soap & Glory Girligo - I've fallen in love with this recently. It's one of those very liquidy moisturisers, almost milk like. Just give yourself a spritz all over after your shower or bath and there you go. It also smells deeee-lish (as per with Soap & Glory

Face Wipes - I haven't actually used these Simple Spotless Skin wipes for a while but I used to use them regularly and loved them. During hot weather I just think face wipes are a must have, especially small packs which can fit in your handbag. Disgusting as it is, everything gets stickier in the summer you don't wanna get caught out.

Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser - It's so hot at the moment and I am spectacularly lazy, this means I don't want to wear really heavy make up. I recently bought a Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser to replace my full foundation and I really love it. It's light and gives great coverage. The only thing I would criticise it for is the colour...a little too orange.

Soap & Glory Mist You Madly - Told you I love Soap & Glory. This is my go to perfume this summer, mainly because it fits in my bag but also because it smells like angels! A really light floral fragrance, I keep shouting "It smells like sherbet love hearts" at people...for some reason my friends still don't wanna sniff me. Perfectly light scent for the sunshine!

So what products are you loving this summer? Is there anything you can't live without? Lemme know so I can spend all my money on them!!

Late on the bandwagon | Review - Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint

Hiyaaaa, 

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in shade GNP7 Satsuma

So I'm sure by now you've all read about 1000 reviews of this product but I've only just got round to buying it so here's a late one in case you missed the hype!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint (try saying that five times fast!) is the new range from Barry M. The basic premise of them is they are meant to give a really high gloss finish. The colour should be more vibrant and have a nice shine.

I've been on the hunt for a nice, bright orange nail polish for a while now plus I've been dying to try this out. I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and opted for GNP7 Satsuma.

The thing I really like about Barry M products is the intensity of the colour and the Gelly Hi-Shine is no different. I put two coats on just for good measure but one could have been suffice. It's a really lovely, rich orange and the "bottle to nail difference" is pretty minimal.

I was a bit worried that the product wouldn't live up to the grand promises it makes about 'extra gloss' and 'high shine' but I think it does. The finish was really nice and definitely glossier than most other nail varnished. So much so that I didn't bother with a top coat  which I know is a cardi-nail sin (SEE WHAT I DID THERE?! PUNTASTIC!)

Overall, I absolutely love this nail colour! I think I may have to buy it in a couple more colours before they inevitably stop making it (all good things come to an unfortunately early end...especially in make up terms!). The colour range is gonna be great for summer - I'm currently eyeing up shade GNP14 KeyLime and GNP12 Green Berry.

Oops, forgot to take a non-Instagrammed picture of it. Here it is on the nail...with a filter

Sooo, have you tried the Gelly Nail Paints? Did you like them as much as I did? What colours? 

I love the free stuff | Review - Garnier Moisture Match

Helllllo

Garnier Moisture Match - Tailor-made moisturisers?

 If there's two things in life I love it's free testers and moisturisers! I am self-proclaimed queen of the moisturisers, I have one for every kind of occasion, skin type or body part you could imagine. If anything it's getting a bit ridiculous!

Oooo love a bit of packaging! 

Anyway, when I saw a big ol' advert for Garnier Moisture Match I knew I wanted to try it so I sent off for a little free tester and then it arrived and now I am going to write about it and you will read it and YAY!

Anyway, the tester came with three little sachets in. There is nothing I hate more than those stupid squeezy sachets that moisturisers get put in - they are the worst invention EVER! But I persevered anyway. On the website you had to pick the moisturiser you thought would be best for you which meant I was very confused when three samples arrived but wotevs.

This is the one I tried...possibly 'Start Afresh'?

I've only tried one of the little sachets so far, the one which is designed for 'normal skin'. I'm pretty sure the one I used was the 'Start Afresh' but the packaging was not crystal clear so I can't be sure. If so, Garnier promised me 'SPF 20' combined with an 'extremely lightweight and oil-free texture' (also some gubbins about 'light reflecting particles' to make me look like I've been at the beach...)

I really can't decide how I feel about Garnier Moisture Match. It was definitely a nice product and it smelled nice which is always a bonus! My skin definitely feels less dry.

My face afterwards. Oh maaaan why is my skin always so shiny?!

Despite all this, my face feels a little oilier than it does with my usual moisturisers and I definitely don't have a 'just-got-back-from-the-beach glow' (maybe that's just because I am ghostly pale...). I do like the product but I just don't think I'll be buying it. I'm definitely going to give the other sachets that came in the pack a try - I'll keep you updated...

Have you used Moisture Match? Which one did you use? Did you like it? 

Review | Planet Spa Indulgence Mini Kit

Hiyaaaa,

So a little package arrived through my door a few days ago. It was a birthday present from my Auntie over in Portugal. Presents from her are often from Avon because she's one of their representatives. I'm more than happy about this because I lurrrrve Avon products - especially their make up range. I hadn't used many of their bath products or moisturisers before but I was pretty sure I was going to like it...

The kit included; Dead Sea Mineral & Caviar Refining Facial Treatment, African Shea Butter & Chocolate Truffle Silky Body Soufflé, Thailand Lotus Flower & Champagne Velvety Smooth Bath Elixir and Mediterranean Olive Oil Reviving Facial Gold Glow Gel. Very la di dah!

So by far my favourite product in the kit is the Refining Facial Treatment. It's a really thick and creamy moisturiser. I've been using it at night just before I go to bed because it's a bit to heavy to use as a day cream. I've been using it for about a week now and when I wake up my skin does feel really soft.

The next product in the box definitely fulfils my chocolate addiction. It smells just so amazing I can't even! I have to actually stop myself from eating it. I'm not 100% sure what a 'Body Soufflé' is but I've put some on my arms and legs and it made my skin really silky. Also the smell stays really well so you smell like chocolatey goodness all day.

When I first opened the kit I wasn't so sure about this 'Bath Elixir'. I'm not really a bath kind of person so I didn't think I'd really use it. But recently I've been a bit under the weather so suddenly a bath sounded like a lovely idea...Anyway ramble over, I poured a load of this in it and it smelled delicious! I thought this was going to be like a bubble bath but it only made a few bubbles which didn't last very long so I think it's more of an in-bath moisturiser. I used it with a SexBomb Bath Bomb from Lush for a lovely bathey combination!

The final little bottle in the box had 'Reviving Facial Gold Glow Gel'. I'm always soooo skeptical of facial glowing things because I always find they're just glittery and I end up looking like a fairy. This stuff is basically the same and is really glittery. It's nice and moisturising again but I don't really like the glittery-ness of it. Also, I'm not sure if it's meant to go on top of my make up or under it which confuses me too.

Overall, I really like the kit! It smells lovely (especially the chocolate one) and each of the products leaves your skin so soft and so refreshed. Really nice and definitely a good gift set idea!