7 products I've used up and love

A strange, strange thing has just happened in my make-up collection. This has never ever happened to me before, I have RUN OUT of products and not just one thing but seven.

It's extremely rare that I ever finish anything if I'm honest. I buy make-up so fast that what was new one month is long forgotten the next, leaving barely used cosmetics to gather dust.

But as you can see from the many empty bottles above these products must have really stood out from the crowd and been something special in order for me to use them all up right down to the last drop in some cases.

I thought some mini raves might be useful so you can see why I loved the standout seven.

1) YSL Singulier mascara - Possibly my favourite mascara ever. Singulier creates the most gorgeous black and fluttery daytime lashes with just one stroke, add another and two coats equals va va voom volume for the perfect smokey eye.

So effortless to use, Singulier works every time. My rave review is here.

Just one coat = perfect lashes

2) Kerastase Ciment Thermique - A miracle mask for weakened hair. This citrus smelling lotion keeps my locks looking healthy whilst protecting it from the heat with it's unique and genius formula. The only products I ever re-buy are hair products and I've purchased this at least four times over the years, it is amazing.

I only need to apply a small amount to wet hair once a week as the heat-activated milk lasts for up to 5 washes which means the bottle lasts forever and is great value for money.

3) Bourjois Vitamin Enriched Toner - The most amazing toner I've ever tried, this is my second bottle gone. It not only smells amazing, leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh but also is so gentle that I can use it over my eyes to remove any oil residue left behind by my eye make-up remover.

It is enriched with vitamins and gives the skin an instant boost and glow.

4) Mac Eyebrow twist crayon in Lingering - I go through these like crazy, this is the third pencil I've used up now. I've tried so many but always go back to Mac. The colour is perfect for me, the texture is creamy making it easy to apply and it always gives a natural finish.

I get a lot of eyebrow compliments and it's all down to Lingering because without it my eyebrows have gaps and look so messy!

Lingering love!

5) Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion - If you have tangly hair you need this, when sprayed through damp hair it really helps to separate the knots and guide the brush through without ripping your hair out.

It also smells delicious and the mix of vitamins, herbs and tea tree oil refreshes and feeds your hair and scalp.

6) Nars Sheer Matte - I already have a back-up on standby, phew. Although I'm liking a lot of other foundations at the moment I always go back to this one when I know I want a little more coverage and to hold back the shine Nars is a winner.

It can be a little cakey at times around the nose especially but I find using a damp beauty blender sponge to blend it really helps to stop this. Apart from that a fabulous foundation.

7) Mac's Fix Plus - Not just over-priced water, Fix + forms a big part of my daily make-up routine. It leaves your foundation looking flawless and helps it to last all day.

If you haven't seen it already my new YT video '5 ways I use Fix+ in my daily routine' may help.

As much as I love buying and trying new products sometimes you just have to stick to what works for you and all seven of the above worked so well for me that I'll be re-purchasing them again sometime soon.

What have you run out of and love recently?
xx

Acrylics, I prefer my fakery to look natural?!

I have no aversion to fakery whatsoever, a little enhancement never hurt anyone, right. I've had fake hair colour as long as I can remember, fake tan as of this week and fake eyelashes on occasions so when I got given a voucher for my local salon for my birthday I thought what the heck I'll get fake nails too!

Naturally my nails aren't too bad, they grow really fast but break really easily too, bit of a double ended sword situation. I've never been able to get them all to one good length as a few always snap off and it drives me nuts so a little fakery seemed like a good solution.

I went into the salon wanting gel nails the more natural option but after talking to the nail technician I chose acrylics in the end which are apparently more hard wearing.

An hour later and I'm overjoyed I have the nails I've always dreamed of, they are all even, mid-length, beautifully french tipped and make my hands feel amazingly feminine.

For the first time ever I feel proud of my hands, they look pretty and I walk out of the salon thinking there is NO going back, I will have fake nails forever.

For three or so days I was contented, then while shopping in Boots, Revlon's Minted fell into my basket and as soon as I got home I painted over my perfect nails.

As soon as I tightened my pot and waited for my mint nails to dry I knew I'd made a mistake. For me acrylics and colour just don't mesh.

I feel like my talons look like big fat paddles not the dainty, feminine look I so loved before.

The only good thing about painting over the acrylics is the varnish DOES NOT chip, I have no idea why but it lasts amazingly well even without a top coat.

Maybe it was the mint maybe it's just painting over the plastic I'm not sure but what I do know is I prefer my fakery to look natural ???

As much as I love my new ladylike nails it's been less than a week and they are growing out incredibly quickly. I know the picture is not clear but there is a huge gap already meaning filling time is almost upon me, bye bye £20.

I love the feel and look of these nails but I'm not sure I can afford to keep this habit up, maybe I'll just stick to Sally Henson's Miracle Grow and Revlon's press ons after this.

Has anyone else had acrylics? Did yours grow out so fast too?I'd love any tips to make them looking good for longer?
xx

A new top beauty stop

Beauty obsessed fashion addicts your prayers have been answered. From May you'll be able to get your hands on the latest make-up must haves while shopping for your summer essentials.

Britain's favourite high-street store, Topshop, have created a make-up range so good it's set to rival their fashion credentials.

They have collaborated with top make-up artist Hannah Murray to create a line of cosmetics that's both on trend, great quality and most of all affordable for all us fashion and beauty lovers.

There will be a permanent line of make-up bag essentials throughout the year with on trend additions to the range on a seasonal basis. Below is Topshop's exciting Spring/Summer collection.

Capturing the festival spirit the spring/summer collection is made up of a range of gorgeous products to make sure you look you boho best this summer.

There are sparkling pigments, bohemian coloured eyeshadow trios, a golden highlighter, glittery nail polishes, earthy Kohl pencils and two beautiful eye crayons in the most unique and amazingly pigmented gold and silver.

I love the packaging, I'm drawn to anything that sparkles and gold. The mixture of white, gold and almost scribbled drawings makes this collection appealing to both teenagers and the older cosmetic addict.

The permanent line is like a make-up lovers treasure trove with more hidden gems than a magpies nest.

I luckily got a chance to play around with the line this week and I was shocked at how great quality the products were and the colours available. Everything had great colour payoff and felt lovely, I obviously haven't had a chance to wear anything but I can't wait to!

Below are some of my favourite products, the pictures and colours are from the press pack I was given at the preview.

I'm a true sucker for nail polish and some of these look great, I spotted a few gorgeous colours I can't wait to buy. The Big Easy, a beautiful powder blue, Gone Fishing, a unique teal and of course the lilac, Parma Violet.

The brushes on these looked perfect, small and fat meaning less brush strokes per nail and more coverage.
The product I'm most looking forward to are their Macalike cream blushes which came in 6 delicious colours with great pigmentation and a lovely creamy formula. If you missed out on Mac's cremeblend blushes these are a great dupe.

The below swatched does not do them justice in real life they were gorgeous and vibrant. Flush and Neon Rose especially.
As a self confessed lipstick lover a make-up line would be somewhat meaningless to me without a nude lippie and Topshop delivers a covetable one for those who like the barely there look.

I spotted it a mile away, Desert is a gorgeous peachy nude which really reminds me of Mac's N2 mixed with Hue. It looks like it will create the perfect not too chalky or pale nude lip. YAY!

Below are my two favourites, Desert which looks darker than it is and Brighton Rock a vibrant fuchsia pink.

Topshop is looking like it's set to be my new number one beauty stop this summer, I can't wait to get my hands on it all come May the 5th when it hits 40 stores around the country.

It will also be available online and the range are priced between £5 - £15.

Will you be popping in to Toppers to take a peak?? xxx

24 years wiser??

On Saturday I turned 24, another year older but definitely not any wiser I'm afraid. People always ask if you feel older but I don't think you ever do.

I will be eternally 18 in my mind, only the fine lines that'll eventually come will show my age and remind me I'm not so youthful.

I love cards and always appreciate a good one. One thing I love to do is browse card shops, strange but true. Here are a few of my favourite cards from this year.

I spent my birthday doing what I do best, shopping all day followed by a nice night out in a posh restaurant with friends and plenty of cocktails.

Below is my birthday outfit.

I scoured all the shops for the perfect dress but I just didn't find anything that caught my eye, even Reiss was a bit of a let down so I ended up opting for super skinny jeans, killer heels and cute accessories.

I only had 40 minutes to get ready so I didn't have time to do anything majorly special with my make-up but I do like how it turned out in the end.

I picked up two of Estee Lauders Bronze Goddess liquid eye shadows which are simply WOW btw in the day and used them for my look.

Products used:
- Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer
- Estee Lauder Sand Shimmer, a gorgeous champagne wash colour and inner corner
- Estee Lauder Molten Bronze in outer half, an amazingly pigmented and easy to work with coppery bronze.
- Mac Woodwinked in outer V
- YSL eyeliner Moire in Brown

I kept my eye really easy but pretty as I simply didn't have the time to play around too much. I used an Estee Lauder shadestick in Bronze underneath followed by Mac's Woodwinked on top. The mascara's I used were YSL Singulier with Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes on top to exaggerate my lashes.

I used my latest love, Revlon's PhotoReady foundation as a base with Clinique invisible setting powder on top followed by Illamasqua's new bronzer in Burnish to add warmth. Then on the lips, Mac's Viva Glam Gaga which is the perfect pretty pink.

A closer look at the gorgeous top I found in H&M at the weekend, I love anything pinky nude and this top fits so well I had to have it. It was £19.99 and came with a black belt and has cute bunched sleeves.

As I was wearing my killer 6 inch Navy Carvela stilettos I swapped the belt for a baby blue one by Reiss instead.

Here's a closer look at how I accessorised the look.
Shoes by Carvela, navy satin, baby blue belt by Reiss, bangles by John Lewis apart from the round stone aqua one which is by Raffia and Bossa. The bag of the night was my vintage navy Chanel shoulder bag.

The morning of my birthday I received a little present I'd ordered for myself from Accessories Online, my favourite online store. The most amazing Anna Lou of London for Disney ' Eat Me' biscuit necklace.
I love, love, love this necklace, so unique and pretty, I got compliments all night long on it. If you watched my latest YT vids you'll also have seen the other Anna Lou piece I ordered which is also amazing, the Key necklace.

Below are some photo's of the night, I didn't take many as I had a brand new camera and hadn't charged it properly so the battery died quite early on.

Me and my fellow yummy mummy friend Alison who also has a daughter Lily's age, Millie, they are best friends, so so cute!

Doing a few Tequila's!

I had such a great night out, like I say you know it's been a good night out when you get home when it's light.

Sorry for the long post but just thought you'd like to see an OOTN and FOTN I know people like these and I don't get the chance to do many!
xxx

The Lilac of all Lilacs

I know a lot of you have been chomping at the bit to see swatches of this new lilac lovely by Illamasqua so I touched up my nails and took some snaps for you.

Jo'mina is part of their new spring/summer collection, Body Electrics and is the ultimate must have lilac shade for lilac lovers like me.

One coat only!!

Jo'mina is not the usual pretty mix of lilac and pink we've been seeing from most brands recently but an intense and vibrant version. There is no questioning this colour, is it pink? is it purple? Jo'mina is most definitely lilac.

I love this colour, it looks fabulous on my pale skin and doesn't wash me out like some of the paler versions but would also look amazing on those with darker skin tones.

What I love most about this polish apart from the colour is the consistency, like most Illamasqua products the pigmentation and colour payoff is immense. One coat is all you need to get great colour making it quick and easy with less chance of smudging.

The Lilac Line-up!

If you didn't already know I love my lilacs and have amassed quite a collection. I just thought I'd show you my line-up so you can see how Jo'mina compares to the other lilac shades on the market. It stands out a mile away doesn't it?

Although I love the original shiny version I'm also loving using Essie's Matte About You on top to create a really unique colour and finish.

What do you think? Will you shun your subtle lilacs and show off with Jo'mina this summer?
xxx

The best beauty invention ever

Now, from my title you probably assume I'm talking about waxing, nail polish or maybe even foundation but no not in my books, the best invention ever has to be the Tangle Teezer!!!!

This simple but not very attractive piece of plastic which somewhat resembles a horse grooming brush or child's nit removing device has saved my hair and more importantly buckets of time in the morning.

I've been colouring my hair for the past 10 years, yes I know it's bad for it but I always feel a little brighter and happier the blonder I go. Left to it's natural devices my hair would be a murky, mousey blondey/brown just for reference but anyway I'm sure a lot of you understand my problem.

So ten years on still addicted to peroxide and hair straighteners my hair isn't in the best of shape, I always get split ends and find my hair is so tangled that untangling is a daily form of torture.

Although my hair may appear sleek, simple and easy to look after trust me it is not. Getting a comb/brush through my hair in the morning after a shower has been a daily struggle for as long as I can remember.

I often resemble the women below!

The battle with my hair could on some days take at least ten minutes of careful and painfully slow de-tangling section by section.

I've been ummming and ahhing about purchasing the Tangle Teezer for a long, long time but I took the plunge last week and purchased one from ASOS. I can't tell you how happy I am that I did, this has made a HUGE difference to my routine and hopefully in the long run my hair.

I now do not have to split my hair into sections I just lightly towel dry it and slide the contraption through, there is no strain or pull and it glides through so gently as though I'm not brushing at all.

I'm not going to pretend I know how this works but it DOES. I use it on both wet or dry hair and it miraculously eradicates all knots and tangles without even a pinch of pain. Bye bye tangles and hello healthy, happy hair.

They cost under £10 which is a complete bargain for the results it gives and I spotted in Boots yesterday that they come in new styles and colours. I have the Original but have ordered the Compact and love the new Flowerpot for Lily from their website.

If you have tangle prone hair like I used to then you have to try these, they will change your life! Has anyone else tried the Tangle Teezer?What did you think?
xx

Big pink surprise!

I got home from a day at the farm park with Lily to find a giant pink box waiting for me! I opened it thinking it was an early Birthday present from someone super organised but I was surprised to find some gorgeous Illamasqua products which I was kindly sent.

All the promo images for their Spring/Summer collection, Body Electrics look amazing, lots of bright aqua and the colour of the moment pastel lilac mixed with a good dose of sparkle.

I received four beautiful products from the range and I can't wait to try them. I already own several Illamasqua nail polishes which I love, they are fabulous quality with amazing colour payoff so I know I'm going to love Jo'mina.

It is one of the brightest and truest lilac colours I've seen, most of the ones I own are a wishy washy pinky, lilac colour but Jo'mina is a vibrant, no question about it lilac.

In a previous collection Illamasqua released a brilliant bronzing duo which of course I bought and love but they have re-released them in single form for Body Electrics making it easier to use and great for using all over the neck and body.

Although I liked the duo form I often found the two pans made it difficult to use each colour on its own as my bronzer brush was too big.

I received the colour Writhe, a gorgeous plummy bronze with slight shimmer and to apply it a HUGE kabuki brush. Full stop this looks and feels amazing!! Silky soft and an amazing size for applying to large areas or buffing in product.

Last but not least the product that excited me the most the 4 Colour Liquid Metal Palette. These four cream shimmers are so versatile and can be used on the eyes, as a highlight or all over the body for that extra sparkle.

When I've had a chance to play with all of these I'll let you know how I get on and try to do some looks for you with the liquid metals.

If your interested in the whole range check it out on Illamasquas new look website which now comes with handy on the skin swatches (other websites take note). I can't tell you how helpful to me this is, if like me you shy away from online make-up purchasing as online swatches can often be misleading then this is a Godsend.

Anyone taken a fancy to Body Electrics? Bought anything?What else is good I'd love to know and haul!!
xxx

New blog for bargainistas

Happy Easter everyone! I just wanted to do a quick post to let you know I've created a brand new blog - here - which I will be using to sell of all of my unloved cosmetics products that sit unused in my vanity.

Those of you who recently watched my makeup collection videos here and here on YT will know that I am definitely a makeup addict and needed to do a little spring cleaning.

So if you fancy grabbing a beauty bargain or some of my designer cast offs follow my new blog which I will update every other day with new items.

All items will come with a short but sweet description and most have been used once if at all! All clothes and accessories come from a pet/smoke free house! First come first served, may consider ONO!

Thanks and enjoy!
xx
Follow my blog with bloglovin

Give me Liberty

Mac's latest collaboration with one of London's most historic and renowned print designers Liberty captured my heart months ago when the upcoming collection was first announced. Having grown up surrounded by their quirky but beautiful designs I knew the packaging would be fabulous.

And let's face it a collaboration collection is ALL about the packaging! Having said that however I surprised myself in store yesterday by only walking out with three things, eight were originally on my list.
Although I love the 'pigeon' packaging the actual collection itself was a little bit of a let down, I couldn't associate the colours chosen with the brand Liberty. For me Liberty's is yes traditional but at the same time eclectic and fun.

None of the eyeshadows or blushers grabbed my attention but the lip products were definitely the winners of the collection.

I knew from the beginning I would be taking Ever Hip home, a gorgeous creamy, bright coral which would look amazing on fair and darker skin tones.

It is a creamsheen so very soft and moisturising to wear just right for a bright lipstick as a more matte finish would look cakey and obvious.

On my lips it does look a little more pink than it is in real life but it is simply beautiful. As a nude lover I rarely venture into the realm of bright lipsticks but this is one I dare to wear.

As soon as I swatched it instantly reminded my of Costa Chic but a more wearable and lighter version. If you love gorgeous coral that is Costa Chic you will live this.

Costa Chic and Ever Hip.

English Accents was the lipgloss that caught my eye the most, a really unique and gorgeous blue toned pink which will look amazing with the likes of Snob, Saint Germain and lavenders such as Barry M 129, Lavender Whip and Fashion Mews.

I own all of the above and can't wait to pair them up with this beauty.
Perennial High Style also looked amazing but I restrained myself reluctantly as I already own so many peachy corals but having said that I may pick it up anyway. Restraint, what restraint.
Swatch on the right of English Accents.

The two blushes were not my kind of colours, I prefer lighter, girly pinks and corals but I did pick up one beauty powder in Shell Pearl.

Beauty powders are larger and sheerer, less pigmented blushers or all over face powders which personally I still don't understand the concept of but anyway if your going for a more subtle look beauty powders as a blush are perfect.

Shell Pearl is a beautiful pale, dusky peach with a hint of shimmer. It is like nothing I own and I love it, it really warms up my face when applied lightly on my cheeks and blends effortlessly with my bronzer.

The only reason I didn't pick up the other beauty powder, Summer Rose is because I already own it from the previous Rose Romance collection.
Summer Rose is a lovely pale, blue toned pink which I love but rarely use as the Rose Romance version is so difficult to get colour payoff, the Liberty collection version is much more pigmented and wearable. Mac seems to have improved the formula so I may get this and maybe sell my rose version on an upcoming blog sale.

I know your probably thinking wasn't there a nude lippie released and wondering why I hadn't bought it well, I already own Peachstock and have done for ages.

It's a lovely nude and one to get if you have a darker skin tone than mine but on me it is very beigey, orangey nude colour which I don't think suits me at all. It sits untouched and unloved in my collection.

I will be starting a blog sale marathon tomorrow and this will be included so if you want to pick up a bargain watch this space.

Overall I love the packaging and for that reason the collection is a winner but products wise it has some nice pieces but nothing wow apart from the lipglosses and Ever Hip!

What did you get or will you be investing??
xx