I had a bash at it! - YSL Couture Inspired nails.

OK.. so this is far from perfect. Mainly because the red polish I chose was far too thick and didn't work very well, but I tried. I also chose to use colours different from the actual YSL Couture promo pic. Im sure that with a bit of practice though I could nail this look, so to speak ha.

Im not sure if anybody would be interested, but I'd be willing to write a guide showing how I achieved this look. Just pop me a comment if you think a guide would be helpful.

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I had a bash at it! - YSL Couture Inspired nails.

Todays Nails - Collection 2000 Hot Shots in Fruit Salad.

Every time Ive used a Collection 2000 Hot Shots Polish, Ive moaned about it. They are thick, gloopy, they bubble, so why have I bought another you're wondering? Well to be honest, I was out food shopping in Asda, walked past the make up stands and decided I needed a Nail Polish fix.  I came a bit unstuck though when I realised I have all the shades I like from the stands (my Asda only have a few stands, Rimmel, Maybelline, Max factor, Collection 2000) So I spotted Fruit Salad with its "new" sticker on it and thought to myself "you never know, they might have changed the formula". They haven't. Its still a pain to work with, but I do like this colour. On camera its coming off a bright orange, near enough neon but in person its kinda like a pinky orange. Quite pretty actually.

Can't beat bright colours for Summer.

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Todays Nails - Collection 2000 Hot Shots in Fruit Salad.

Mini Blog Sale.

- UK only.

- If you would like an item please leave a comment stating which item, with your email address so I can contact you.

- Payment needs to be made within 12 hours or receiving your invoice.

- Postage is £1.

- I will be using recycled packaging for the items. ie. Envelopes Ive received items in.

- Sanitation is the buyers responsibility.

Thanks Ladies.

MAC  Peachstock Lipstick. Liberty of London Collection. Used twice maybe. £9 SOLD

MAC Petticoat MSF. In the Groove Collection. Used once. £15 - SOLD

 

MAC Mineralized Eyeshadow Trio. Love to Love. In the Groove Collection. Swatched once. (I was just being greedy when I bought this, has toooo many similar shades). £10 SOLD

NYX Black Label Lipstick in India. Used maybe 3 times. £3. SOLD

Thanks for looking...

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Mini Blog Sale.

Whats in your shower?

I saw this post over at Yinka's blog a few days ago and thought it was a great read. I love noseying to see what products others use, so I thought I'd do the post too and show you what products are currently residing in my shower.

Shower/Bath Gels.

From L to R:

- Amazene Passion Fruit and Guava Bath and Shower Gel. This is a recent addition and one that is absolutely gorgeous! Amazene products are inspired by the lush rain forests of the Amazon and Brazil’s rich biodiversity. The Guava Bath and Shower Gel not only smells absolutely amazing, the ingredients in the product do wonders for the skin.

- Beautifully Delicious Apple and Watermelon Bath and Shower Gel. I recently reviewed this product and as you can tell by looking at the near empty bottle, I LOVE it. It works as a shower gel, but also as a bubble bath. The scent of the product fills my bathroom when used as a bubble bath and when used as a shower gel, I can still smell the scent on my skin long after showering.

- Molten Brown Inspiring Wild Indigo Bath and Shower Gel. Another product I reviewed many many months ago. Although this is pricey, I have re-purchased this product about 3 times so far. Nothing wakes me up in the morning like this does. I simply cannot describe the scent, but for me its addictive. Such a clean, awakening scent that stimulates all my sense. I do use it sparingly though, as its so expensive.

- Imperial Leather Foam Burst Shower and Shave. This is the perfect product for shaving with. It lathers up like no other product does and only a tiny amount of product is needed. Although it can be used as a wash too, I only use it to shave with and use another product to wash with.

Body Scrubs.

From L To R

- N-Spa Vanilla Creme Brule Body Scrub. This literally does smell good enough to eat! I find it nice and gentle to use but it also does at good job at scrubbing away dead skin. As its gentle, i use it daily just to keep my skin soft and smooth.

- Treacle Moon The Raspberry Kiss Body Scrub. A new addition, which Ive only used twice. Its very similar to the above product, and smells divine!

- Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub.  I actually really like this product and Im nearing the end. Its fantastic at exfoliating, the only gripe I have is that I prefer my body scrubs to be in squeezy tube, as I find that water just gets inside the tubs, when scooping some out to use it. Does anyone else find this? or is it just me? ha.

- The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub. My least favourite product. I really don't like this at all! But Im determined to use it up, before buying anymore products. It smells awfull and it being in a tub doesn't really fair well with me, but to be fair it does a good job as exfoliating.

Honourable mention goes to....

Fem Fresh. Well everybody needs a clean tallulah right?

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Whats in your shower?

Current Eye Care Routine.

For the past 2 weeks or so, I have been using 2 new Eye Care products and have noticed a massive improvement to my eye area. My under eye area has become noticeably firmer, puffiness under my eyes has been reduced significantly and my dark shadows have become a lot less noticable. As Im so pleased with the performance of these two products, I wanted to share them both with you.

Liz Earle Superskin Eye and Lips Treatment & The Sanctuary Youth Boosting Facial Lift and Brighten Eye Complex.

Liz Earles Superskin Eye and Lip Treatment.

"Specially formulated for mature skin, this intensive serum reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Leaves the delicate eye and lip contours looking and feeling plump, smooth, firm and rejuvenated. Helps prevent moisture loss, improves skin elasticity and helps protect from environmental damage."

Now although I don't have mature skin, well at 29 I wouldn't say it was mature, but its defintely leaning more towards mature than youthful, this has been my eye product of choice to use on a nightly basis. I personally found it to be a little bit thick for day time use, as Im normally rushing and have to apply my skincare products then my make up near enough straight after, so for daytime use I need a more lighter product, which absorbs fast. Using nightly I have found a fantastic improvement with how my eyes look in the morning. Previously I would wake up with very puffy eyes in the morning, but my whole under eye area now looks a lot more plump in the mornings and a lot more firmer. Although the serum itself is quite thick, it feels lovely and soft once applied on my eyes and spreads evenly and absorbers perfectly, with no sticky after feel etc. Im also a fan of pump applicators too, which this has. One pump gives just enough product for one eye. What I also love about this product is the added bonus that I can use it around my Lips too. To be honest I've never really thought  of taking much care of my Lip area, with regards to preventing wrinkles. So this product has really brought to my attention that maybe I should take care of that area. So while Im applying it to my eye area nightly, I also apply it around my Lip area too.

The Sanctuary Youth Boosting Facial Lift and Brighten Eye Complex.

"This special eye cream contains an active complex that has been shown to help relax muscles and firm the skin. These actives combined with Eye Pro™ 3X complex, shown to increase oxygen consumption in cells, helps to improve the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, leaving the skin looking lifted, firmer, brighter and younger."

For me this is the perfect Eye product to use daily. Its slightly thinner than Liz Earles, which is why I choose to use it daily. It absorbs nice and fast and is a perfect base for under make up. I also love the packaging of this product and the spatula type applicator.

 Ive been using this daily now for around 2 weeks, as previously mentioned and the appearance of my dark circles has been significantly reduced. Im finding I don't need to use as much concealer as I normally would and my whole eye area looks a lot more lighter and brighter.

Overall combining these 2 products has really made noticable changes to my eye area. Changes where its apparent to other people as well, as my cousin asked me the other day, have I been sleeping more ha, as my under eye area looks very smooth. 

Are these two products HG products? at this moment in time they are without a doubt, but Im a beauty junkie Ladies, once these run out I'll probably be trailing another product for review purposes, but without a doubt these two products will always have a place somewhere in my routine. 

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Current Eye Care Routine.

Recommendations needed for a good Hand Cream.

Lately my hands have been in a really bad state. They are peeling, dry, looking old, basically they just look a mess. They need sorting pronto, so Im here to ask for some recommendations for a good Hand Cream. Preferably one with Anti Aging properties. Im currently using Garnier Hand Repair, for extra dry skin.

I find this to be working quite well if Im honest. It absorbed really fast, no greasy after feel and it has helped my hands somewhat, but I just cannot stand the smell! It actually smells really nice once first applied, which is one of the reasons I bought it, after smelling it in Boots. After a few minutes though, the smell changes for me and it makes me feel quite sickly to be honest. So this has unfortunately been handed down to my mum and Im now on the look out for a new one. Any recommendations?

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Recommendations needed for a good Hand Cream.

Dissapointing Purchase - Boots 17 Wild Curls Mascara.

When a product receives quite a bit of positive hype, I can admit I do fall on the bandwagon and have to know what all the fuss is about.

[Insert metal image of me rushing off to Boots, ramming everyone's ankles with Harveys buggy and buying Boots 17 new Wild Curls Mascara]

Loving the snazzy packaging. Can't beat a bit of tacky leopard print.

Perfect brush for me too. I can never seem to work with larger brushes.

So how was application? well it was disappointing. I found it really hard to get it to even begin to coat my lashes like my other mascaras do. It just wasn't wet enough for me. After 3 coats, it still didn't make my lashes look any longer, or thicker. Granted it did work well with my curl previously created with curlers, but it gave my lashes no impact at all. I was quickly putting on a coat of my Lancome Hypnose afterwards to give my lashes some definition. So why is it working for everyone else and not me?!?! Don't you just hate it when that happens. Maybe I have a dud. Who knows eh. 

Have you bought this yet? bet you love it don't you? :sadface:

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Dissapointing Purchase - Boots 17 Wild Curls Mascara.

Nail Polish Swap List.

Just a quick post to alert you to the new tab I have created at the top of this page. Nail Polish Swap List. Go and take a look and see what its all about!

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Nail Polish Swap List.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

Im probably the last woman alive to try the multi award winning cleanser which is Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I've read many a good review on the product, so when I was sent a starter pack to try recently, I was really pleased and eager to put it to the test.

Over the years this product has become known as a somewhat cult product and many women recommend it as a beauty must have Item. The product contains all natural ingredients such as cocoa butter to moisturise the skin, eucalyptus oil to purify the skin and chamomile to soothe the skin. The official claim is that used with the pure muslin cloth (which is included in the starter pack) it quickly removes everyday grime and make-up, including stubborn mascara, to leave all skin types feeling healthy, clear and soft.

My usual routine for removing my make up is to first use a cleansing wipe, then I like to use a foaming face wash to really give my skin a good clean and make sure every trace of make up is removed. Ive tried cream cleansers in the past and Ive always been left feeling that my face is not totally free of all traces of make up. They just don't leave my skin feeling as if its had a throughou clean. Plus they never seem to totally remove my eye make up.

Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish doesn't fall into the above category and is an absolute dream to use, in every sense. I apply a thin layer of product all around my face and then over my eye area last. Its so gentle to use that I have no problems opening my eyes when the product is on and it causes no irritations at all. Used with a Muslin cloth is really does remove every trace of my make up with complete ease. I tend to wear a lot of heavy eye make up and it has no problem tackling this and leaving my eyes make up free. It feels soft and creamy on the skin and leaves my skin looking and feeling a lot more softer after use. I've been using this for just over a week now, twice daily and I am thrilled with the results. The overall appearance of my skin has increased and it looks a lot more healthy, more radiant and dare I say glowing. It truly is a gorgeous product to use and does offer positive results.

The Instant boost Skin Tonic is designed to be used after cleansing, ideally after using the Hot Cloth Cleanser. It claims to tone, hydrate and brighten the skin. Whether your skin is dehydrated, oily, dull or congested, the nourishing and brightening botanicals will help to leave your skin feeling soft and looking fresh for longer.

Toner is not something that I use religiously. I normally feel there is no need for it if Im honest, but since I started using the hot cloth cleanser, I just feel that my routine isn't complete until I have used the Instant Boost skin tonic. It just seems to work perfectly along side the Hot Cloth Cleanser and offers my skin that extra something to keep it looking healthy, clean and totally refreshed. It has a slight floral smell which is really pleasant and makes the product a joy to use. I literally do love the smell of it and get carried away sweeping it over my face. For me this is a perfect product for making sure my skin is completly clean and insuring I have a nice fresh clean base for applying moisturiser. 

Both products can be bought direct for the Liz Earle website.  

Have you tried either of these products? what are your thoughts?

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Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

Feeling generous?

I'll have a Rodial Bob Job then please!

"Always dreamed of a fuller bust but dreaded the thought of going under the knife?

Rodial introduces a revolutionary formula in boob job. Boob job works with your natural fat cells. As the fat cells move around the body after eating, boob job "blocks" the fat into the area where the product has been applied, so the bust and décolleté areas. You will see a gradual increase in cup size within 56 days as well as gaining an instant lifting and firming effect. Increase in cup size by 8.4%. Rodial boob job is based on a natural phytosterol, derived from an Asian root that has no hormonal activity which works on the skin and the layer of fat beneath and is 100% paraben free."

When the man upstairs was giving out Boobs, I was sadly towards the end of the que. Don't get me wrong, he gave me enough (to play with as Gareth would say) but he could have been a bit more thoughtful and added an extra cup or two. So when a product promises as gradual increase in cup size within 56 days, I want it! Not just want... but I feel I need! Sadly though, with it being priced at £125, its not going to happen.

A girl can wish though eh!

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Feeling generous?

Currently LOVING - The Sanctuary Youth Boosting Warming Microbrasion Polish.

Oh how I love thee!

Yes Im a nerd and keep the box

"Our spa microdermabrasion combines intense warming to help open the pores and stimulate circulation, with an ultrafine polish of marine earth and natural kaolin to help detoxify and leave skin feeling deeply cleansed and refreshed".

This product only came into my possession last week and already Ive used it 4 times! probably a bit more than recommended but I just love it. I love how it feels when its applied to my skin, instantly giving me an exhilarating warm feeling, infact a hot feeling, Its a lot more warmer than other warming masks etc that Ive tried. I love how my skin looks and feels after use, instantly feeling so soft and looking a lot more radiant and hydrated, not so dull looking and definitely more youthful. Its not often a product gives instant results, but this does for me. Just love it!

I also had another little dabble with Konad. I'd love to be able to say Im getting better, but Im not :(

Hope you all had a lovely weekend,

Much Love...

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Currently LOVING - The Sanctuary Youth Boosting Warming Microbrasion Polish.

I tried and failed - My first attempt at Nail Stamping.

Around a week ago, I bought an Art Deco nail art stamping kit off a blog sale. I've always fancied trying a bit of Konad and this kit is basically the same.

It includes 4 Konad plates, a scraper, stamper and 3 special Art Deco polishes.

I decided it was best to keep it simple for my first time, with a nice easy design. A flower ha! Although it does look easy enough on tutorials Ive watched, I thought its best not to try and get too creative and just end up making a balls up of it.  

So anyway, Like I was saying it looks easy enough on all the tutorials, but seriously this shit is not easy! I had a hard time picking up the design on my stamper, then its friggin hard to actually get the design in the position I wanted it on my nail. Basically its going to take some practice. So yeah, here's the finish results... be nice :(

I used Eyeko's new rain polish as my base, then stamped using the Art Deco white polish. As you can see, the design came out better on some nails more than others.  Pictures were taken pre clean up, because Im not actually keeping it on my nails cos well... its shit!, so no point cleaning up ha.

I guess practice makes perfect eh.

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I tried and failed - My first attempt at Nail Stamping.

Date for the Diary - Monday 19th July over at Wahanda £2 Mobdeal!

On this coming Monday, Wahanda will be launching their incredibly popular MobDeals in Leeds, their fourth city to go live! To celebrate this brilliant news Wahanda will have a £2 MobDeal in all four cities - London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Lucky Wahanda customers can pay just £2 for £20 worth of treatments at a spa near them. Bargain or what Ladies!!!!

Also its worth mentioning  by signing up to the Wahanda newsletter for the first time you earn yourself £5 off, and when you invite friends to sign up and they then purchase something on the site you get another £5 off - per friend! Get your friends signed up Ladies!

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Date for the Diary - Monday 19th July over at Wahanda £2 Mobdeal!

Clearasil Overnight Products - The review.

2 weeks ago, I posted about Clearasil's Overnight products. I was sent 3 products in the range to try out and give my thoughts on. Now although I don't suffer with terribly bad skin, I don't have acne for example,  I am prone to having breakouts around my chin area, particularly when its "that time of the month". Even though I do think Clearasil is a brand more aimed towards teenagers, spots are spots and Im willing to try anything them helps clear my breakouts up.

The Clearasil Overnight products are formulated to work continuously through the night to fight your spots when your skin is actively in the process of cell regeneration and renewal to help visibly reduce redness and size of existing spots overnight. The 3 products I was sent for review purposes are the Overnight wash, Overnight Serum and Overnight Lotion. As these are products only to be used at night, before bed, I was able to continue to use my current skincare items daily in the mornings.

Picture taken before use of the products

The overnight wash is basically like any other facial wash. It lathers up really well and has a nice medicated scent to it. Its actually a lot more gentle and creamier than I expected it to be and I felt like my skin hadn't been stripped after using it, but I felt like it had been thoroughly cleaned and removed any left over traces of make up and dirt etc. It doesn't leave my skin dry after use but leaves it really fresh and clean. I personally think that if you suffer with spots occasionally or breakouts, then its a nice addition to a skincare routine. It really does feel like it shifts dirt, oil and bacteria which are the main contributors of spots.

When it came to using the next two products, the Serum and the Lotion, I was a bit confused as which to use first. I decided to use the Serum first, as Serum comes first in my normal skincare routine. When first applied the serum does feel a little greasy on the skin. This however doesn't last long and its quickly absorbed. Its nice and light and feels just the same as any other normal facial serum, which actually I wasn't expecting with it being a medicated product. Its caused me no irritations, not left my skin dry and is nice to use.

The lotion is not that much different from the Serum, except slightly thinner. It absorbs nice and easily, leaving no greasy film on my skin and my skin didn't appear greasy or oily the next morning either.

After using all 3 products for the last 3 weeks I can honestly say I am pleased with the results and pleased with the products in general. As previously mentioned, I don't suffer with acne and only suffer with occasional mild breakouts, so I cannot comment on how well these would work for acne sufferers but I think all 3 products would be ideal for someone like myself who basically gets the occasional couple of spots.  After a few days of the using the product the few spots I had, were significantly reduced. The redness had gone down a lot and within a week, my chin area had cleared up. I experienced no drying effect from the products, but I think this was probably due to the fact that the products are only for night use so as I was able to keep to my normal skincare routine in the morning, my skin was still getting the moisture it needed from my regular moisturiser.

Overall the Clearasil Overnight range of products are a welcome addition to my bathroom cabinet and will always be on hand for when I have that dreaded "monthly breakout". I would recommend the products to anyone who suffers with occasional spots or very mild acne.

More information can be found online at the Clearasil Website.

  

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Clearasil Overnight Products - The review.

Colorsport 24 Hour Eyeliner.

Colorsport products are products I always spot while shopping in Boots but I never really pay any attention to them if Im honest. Mainly because Im not really interested in Mascara that supposedly stays put for 30 days and Eyeliner that offers to stay put for 24 hours. I like to take my make up off as soon as Im home and not leaving the house again till the following day, so theres no chance of it being on for more than around8 hours or so.

When I was offered to try Colorsport Waterproof 24 hour eyeliner, I really didn't know what to expect. The main thing I was concerned about was how easy it would be to take off at the end of the day. With it being waterproof and stating to last 24 hours, I was thinking this is going to be a bitch to remove at the end of the day. But nevertheless I thought I'd give it a try.

At first glance the eyeliner looks exactly like a felt tip pen and if my kids get their hands on this, they'll waste no time drawing mummy a picture with it.

I find these type of Eyeliner easy to use as I can always get really close to both my top lash line and bottom lash line, although I do think you need more of a steady hand that you do when using pencil liner. It goes over shadow nice and easily and gives a really good colour pay off. True black. With regards to staying power, I really had no problems. Admittedly I have no idea if it would last 24 hours, as theres no way my make up is ever going to be on that long, but It lasted well enough for me without no complaints. I found it did fade slightly on my upper lid, but it lasted well on my bottom lash line. Unfortunately I cannot comment how it would last on my waterline, as I only occasionally wear eyeliner on my waterline. I tend to wear it on my upper lid and lower lash line. Removing was a lot easier than I expected as it came on with ease. Probably came off too easily if Im honest, since it is supposed to be waterproof. I couldn't imagine going swimming with this on and it still being in tact afterwards. Overall though, not a bad product. Easy to use and lasts a good average amount of time.

Available In Boots priced at £4.66

 

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Colorsport 24 Hour Eyeliner.

Beautylicious Love reviews Beautifully Delicious!

Admit it... you love the catchy title!

"Beautifully Delicious is a brand that offers a collection of affordable beauty treats utilising the benefits of natural fruit extracts and oils in formulations that look good, smell great and leave your skin feeling delicious!"

As I love nothing more than a long soak in a nice hot steamy bath when my kids are in bed and its time for me to relax, I was eager to try a product I was recently sent which is Beautifully Delicious Bubblelicious Limited Edition Apple and Watermelon Bath and Shower Gel (now that is a mouthful!). I love to use gorgeous smelling products and have a mound of bubbles to disappear under and this product fits the bill completly

As soon as I open the bottle the gorgeous scent of juicy Apples and Watermelons hits me. It literally smells amazing and very natural! Once poured under hot running water my whole bathroom instantly fills with the gorgeous scent of the product. It creates amazing bubbles and leaves my skin not only smelling good enough to eat, but soft and fresh too. The scent has an effect of making me totally relaxed and really gives me a happy summer feeling. Its ideal to use in the shower first thing in the morning to wake you up and feel happy and excited about the summer day ahead. I definitely plan to purchase more products from the range.

The brand offers a collection of products including Bath and Shower Gels, Body Butters, Bath Fizzers, Body Scrubs, Lip Butters, and Body Lotions which are Available in five scents; Coconut & Shea, Papaya & Mango, Honey & Almond and Strawberry & Pomegranate and the Limited Edition Apple and Watermelon. All products are available from the Beautifully Delicious Website and also at Boots.

Have you tried any Beautifully Delicious products? I'd love to know your thoughts.

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Beautylicious Love reviews Beautifully Delicious!