January Favourites

Hello again!

Wow, 4 posts in one night! Busy bee! I just read Nicola's January Favourites post and remembered I said I'd do one each month, back in my first post of 2010. These are my favourite go-to products/items of January, both beauty and cosmetic related. So, here goes!

* Avon Magix Face Perfector - for those of you that haven't seen my post on this, it's my favourite face primer. I went out without it on under my foundation the other day because I forgot to put it on and what a difference it makes. Towards the end of the day my face had gone shiny. Eurgh. With Avon's Face Perfector, you don't get any shine. A definite daily must have!

* Saffron Palette - I've used this almost every day of January, bar about 4!

* Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush - I just love how workable this is. You can add as much or as little as you like. And don't worry if it's the former, it blends out incredibly well

* Avon's Angled Blusher Brush - I love it. That is all :)

* Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion - I've only just started using this but it's done wonders for my skin so far. Review to come at the end of February when I've given it a good use.

* Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm - I've used this multiple times a day, every day and have I had sore, dry, cracked, chapped lips in this bitterly cold weather? No! You need this lip balm in your life. Go on, it's only £1.63 in Superdrug :)

What have been your favourite products this month?

January Snapshot

Hi everyone :)

I saw this on Daisy's blog and thought I'd do it too. I quite like the idea of letting you all know what's been going on in my world this month :)

Listening to... Radio 1 mostly and whatever's on my iPod. Particularly loving 30 Seconds To Mars, Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro, Owl City, Florence & The Machine, and Ke$ha
Reading... Dan Brown's Lost Symbol. About time really as I bought it back in September!
Watching... Material Girl, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, CSI and of course, Glee!
Buying... A Konad set!! Oh and textbooks. Boring!
Wanting... more money so that I can buy pretty things :) I want to go on a Primark spree.
Trying... to use up all the crap that I've got and eat more healthily
Loving... successful Konadicures, cups of tea, sleep, Twitter and blogging :)
Planning... my future (or attempting to) and my London trip with Ruth in July
Making... progress in my thoughts... I hope!
Writing... erm blog posts haha? And lots of notes. I have random bits of paper and post its all over my wall!
Cooking... Stir Fry :)
Inspired by... the sun, other bloggers and weheartit

KOTD

Hello!

I wanted to show you all my new konadicure that I did last night :)

As you can see, bit of a fail on the little finger - oops!

What did I use?
Konad plate M2
Rimmel Pro Nail Polish in Oyster Pink as a base colour
Nails Inc China Town for the pink flowers
Konad special white polish for the white flowers

I cannot express how much I LOVE Oyster Pink. It's so pink, shimmery and sheer. Absolutely gorgeous. And don't even get me started about the brush in the bottle! The Pro range have a longer, wider brush, so one stroke of polish on your nails and *ta da* you're done! Love, love, love it! I'm definitely going to see what other colours Rimmel do in this range :)

Have you tried any polishes in the Pro range? Got any recommendations?

EOTD

Hiya :)

I thought I'd share this with you, as it was somewhat of a momentous make up first for me. After watching Sophie's latest YouTube video, I managed to recreate her smokey eye look. Hallelujah etc etc. Finally, I have done it :D Thank you to Sophie for posting the video, it made it look quick and easy, and I'm pleased to say it was just that!

This is the best photo out of the ones that I took, and it still doesn't really show how good it looked because the flash seems to dull the effect. Photography fail! *Envies Charlotte's amazing photography skills*

Have you mastered the smokey eye?

Loving & Loathing

Hiya

Finally it's the end of the first week of lectures for the new semester. Tired already haha. Here's what I'm loving & loathing this week:

Loving:

* As geeky as it sounds, I really enjoyed Principles of Sentencing this week

* Winning DaisyMay's It's A Lovely Cake giveaway!

* Realising the Alice Urban Decay palette is out during reading week, so I can go and get my hands on one!

* My first successful Konadicure :D

* The heating being turned up in halls! At last!

Loathing:
* Facebook

* My laptop

* Lack of money during these tempting online sales

* Amazon

What's In My Bag?

Hi everyone,

I saw this on Nikki's blog and she tagged all her followers, so I thought I'd give it a go. I got a good response for the "What I'm Using Right Now" post so I figured you lovely nosey parkers people would like to see what's in my bag :)

I have quite a few bags but this is the one I use on a regular basis for uni and going into town. I bought it from Primark a while back for about £8 and I love it because it's purple and shiny :D

Main compartment:

Scarf, gloves, folder, writing pad, planner, wallet, tissues, bottle of water

Inside pocket:

Body Shop lip balm (don't know why that's still in there I never use it), Palmer's Cocoa Butter lip balm, e.l.f. mineral lipstick in Rosy Raisin, Max Factor mirror, mini comb, 2 mismatched pens that I don't even think work, and a gift voucher that I haven't spent yet (I kept forgetting it or losing it so I keep it in there lol)

Front pocket:

Phone, NUS extra discount book (haha you can tell I'm a student), Ibruprofen (if I don't have it with me, you can guarantee I will get a headache), Keele card (to check and collect post and parcels/get in my block/launderette/social space), keys, pens and a pencil, a random bus ticket, and my iPod

What do you keep in your bag?

I tag all of my followers :)

Skin MD Natural Giveaway Announcement

Hiya :)

My Skin MD Natural giveaway ended at 23:59 GMT on 27th January 2010 and I have a winner!!!
I had a total of 13 entries. I used random.org to generate the winning number, #11, and worked my way from the first comment down to the 11th.





And the winner is...




*DRUM ROLL PLEASE*

MAXIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations lovely!!

If you send me an email with your details, I'll pass them on to Cat at Skin MD Natural so she can ship your prize over to you!

My First Konadicure

Hey everyone :)

I promised this would be up earlier today, but my laptop had other ideas. Better late than never, I give you my very first Konadicure :)

But I'm going to make you wait a little while :p I thought I'd show you the kit that I bought on Amazon. I'm sure most of you have probably heard of Radiant Babe. They were selling Konad kits via Amazon. When I went to the checkout it let me use my Amazon gift certificate balance so instead of costing me £11.95, it cost me £0.49. Yes 49 little pence. Amazing!

Here is the aforementioned kit:

Image Credit: Google Images

It contains plate M2, a stamper and scraper, and one special Konad white polish. It also has a little instruction sheet. Handy :)

I think there was another kit at £15.99 with 3 polishes in, but I didn't like the colours so I went with this kit.

Ok, on to the Konadicure!

I used Avon Nailwear Pro in Wicked as my base colour:

Isn't that a gorgeous colour? It's a really deep reddish brown-black shade. Reminds me of a really rich, dark red wine. Not that I'm an expert in red wine, I hate the stuff. I digress...

Image Credit: Google Images

If you look at the top of the plate, I used the pattern to the left of it. I decided on using GOSH Holographic. WOW. Just WOW. What a pairing!

Even with a topcoat, there's some spectacular holo-ness going on.

Considering I'd heard how hard Konad was to get to grips with, I found it ridiculously easy. Although saying that, on a couple of nails the print is a little oddly placed, but for a first attempt, I thought it was pretty darn good :D

I aim to expand my plate collection so I'll let you know how I get on with larger designs and different prints.

That's a huge thumbs up to Konad from me :D I have officially dipped my toes (or fingers I guess lol) into the Konad pool. And I like it :)

Have you tried Konad? Do you want to? Let me know in the comments below :) I might do a blog post photo tutorial because I know a few of you have said you wouldn't know where to start with Konad-ing. What do you think?

10 Things That Make Me Happy

Hiya :)

Thanks to Katkins1982 for tagging me to post 10 things that make me happy.

Rules:

List 10 things that make you happy, try and do one of them today, and pass this on to 10 other people

My 10 things:

(in no particular order)

Photo Credit: We♥It

1. Make up - I love playing with it and creating different looks, it's amazing how different looks can totally transform my face. Especially on a bad day haha.

Photo Credit: We♥It

2. Nail Polish & Nail Art - Oh what can I say? You guys know I'm addicted to nail polish and nail art. I always have my nails done and I love making up my own designs. I can, and often do, spend hours creating new nail designs. It makes me happy :)

Photo Credit: We♥It

3. Shopping - I love a good shopping trip, and even better when my bags are full of bargains!

Photo Credit: Holly & Ivy Designs on Etsy

4. Family - I'm at uni most of the time these days so I love going back home and seeing my Mum, Dad and sister

Photo Credit: We♥It

5. Music - I wouldn't be without music, there's something for everyone, any time, any place.

Photo Credit: Google Images

6. American TV Shows - Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, & Glee make me happy. And they're so much better than British programmes. Oh and hello Owen Hunt ;)

Photo Credit: We♥It

7. Blogging - I've really gotten into this over the last couple of months and I've met some lovely people. Without blogging, Twitter would be boring and I wouldn't have discovered Konad :p

Photo Credit: We♥It

8. Holidays - The great escape. That sums up a holiday for me. Getting away from everyone and everything and doing lots of different things.

Photo Credit: Google Images

9. Driving - This might sound daft, but I love driving. I've been fully licensed for almost 3 years (how time flies!!!) and I absolutely love going out and about in our car. When I can get my hands on it that is. I've only driven 3 types of car, and the Citroen C4 is by far the best :D

10. I'm cheating on this one but I'm choosing being wrapped up in my Snug Rug with a cuppa

I tag:

Sinead

Beth

Jennie

DaisyBee

Leanne

Tanya
Sadie

Nicola

Bicky

Milly

Over The Top Blog Award

Hello :)

I was tagged by the lovely Tanya over at Tanya Talks. If you haven't checked her blog out already, go and take a peak - it's covered in cup cakes!

The rules:

Answer the questions below and tag five other bloggers whose blogs you love reading. Easy peasy :D

The questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? Next to me on my desk

2. Your hair? Wavy

3. Your mother? Is amazing and I love her to bits

4. Your father? Drives me mental but I love him lots too

5. Your favourite food? Love a good Chinese

6. Your dream last night? I think I was too tired to dream last night!

7. Your favourite drink? Tea. The stuff of life.

8. Your dream/goal? To be successful and happy

9. What room are you in? My bedroom

10. Your hobby? Blogging, nail art

11. Your fear? Oh lots haha

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? I have no idea. Honestly.

13. Where were you last night? Right here, working hard.

14. Something you aren't? Perfect.

15. Muffins? Oo yes pleasey.

16. Wish list item? There's way more than one lol!

17. Where did you grow up? Rural Lincolnshire

18. Last thing you did? Checked my bank account online

19. What are you wearing? Clothes

20. Your TV? Is off on account of it's atrocious reception.

21. Your pets? None anymore

22. Your friends? Facebook stalk me way too much.

23. Your life? Is pretty good atm really

24. Your mood? Tired, lazy

25. Missing someone? Yes

26. Vehicle? I drive my parents' car when I'm home. Citroen C4. Vroom vroom.

27. Something you're not wearing? Erm gloves. I should be cos it's so cold in my room

28. Your favourite store? I couldn't pick one!

29. Your favourite colour? Oh all of them. It changes all the time!

30. When was the last time you laughed? In Equity earlier when Bryan was attempting to explain to me what Fraggle Rock was even though it was on TV years before I was born.

31. Last time you cried? I actually can't remember.

32. Your best friend? Ruth.

33. One place that I go over and over? My room

34. One person who emails me regularly? It's rare I get emails off of actual people these days. Usually lots of spam. Rubbish.

35. Favourite place to eat? Oh Nando's :)

The 5 lovely girlies that I tag are:

DaisyBee

Nicola
Leanne

Pyxie

Caz

Review: Superdrug Strawberry Exfoliating Face Mask

Hi everyone :)

As I mentioned the other day, I picked up a few different face masks whilst I was in Superdrug. The first one I've used happened to be this exfoliating mask, which claims to give a smooth and flawless perfection. To hear what I thought, read on :)

About the product

Superdrug say: Get fresh and give dead skin cells the brush off! This fruity fragranced face mask with real strawberry extracts and seeds will help unblock pores and polish your skin, sweeping away impurities and grime. The result - clean, clear juicy fresh skin!

Sorry in advance ladies!

The obligatory photo of me wearing the face mask:

I say: I really liked this face mask. It smells lovely (if you like strawberry of course) and it applies really well. Once it was on, I felt like I'd just smeared some of my Activia strawberry yoghurt all over my face. Nice. The packet recommends that the mask is left on for 5-10 minutes. I left it on for the full 10 minutes and after about 4-5 minutes I felt it drying slightly, like most face masks do. After the time was up, I went to wash it off, and boy does it stick to your face! It took me ages to get it all off! However the mask left my face feeling soft, smooth and really fabulous. I think it really did polish my skin :) I would definitely recommend this, and at 79p it's an absolute steal. As a side note, this mask is paraben free, dermatologically tested, suitable for vegetarians and not tested on animals.

Price: £0.79 (Currently on a 4 for 3 offer)

Size: 10ml
Available from: Superdrug

Ratings
Product: 9/10
Price: 10/10
Packaging: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes

Have you tried this face mask? What did you think? Do you have any other favourite face masks to recommend?

What I'm using right now

Hi everyone,

I saw this post by Nikki over at Visual Aspect '87 and thought I'd give it a go. I don't know about you, but I'm quite nosy and love looking at what people are using :)

What products am I using this month?

Shampoo: Sunsilk Lively Blonde (I'm not blonde but I have highlights and it's doing them wonders!)

Shower gel: N-Spa Blueberry Cream Pie

Styling products: Trevor Sorbie Straightening Addict Blow Dry Spray, Schwarzkopf Osis+ Anti Frizz Gloss Serum

Body moisturiser: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula

Deodorant: Dove Hair Minimising Wild Rose

Face primer: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer/Avon Magix Face Perfector

Foundation: Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion

Concealer: GOSH Touch Up Concealer

Blush: Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in 01 Dolly Pink

Eye Base: GOSH Eye Shadow Base

Eyeshadows: Saffon Palette/Sleek Eye Dusts/Pro Palette/GOSH

Eyeliner: Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer

Mascara: Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara in black/ Max Factor FLE Waterproof in black/ Lacura Sensitive Mascara in black

Lip Balm: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Lip Balm (It's fab go and buy it!!)

Lipstick: e.l.f. Mineral Lipstick in Rosy Raisin

Lipgloss: e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15 in Pink Kiss/GOSH Light'N Shine Lip Glaze in 03

Nail colour: Lots! Right now I have on GOSH Wild Lilac, Nails Inc Walton Street and Nails Inc London Nights

Perfume: Armani Code

~*~

I think I might make this a regular monthly thing then I might actually remember what I have to review and rave about lol :)

Pssst... have you entered my giveaway? Ends Wednesday!!!

Loving & Loathing

Hiya :)

Here's what I'm loving and loathing this week:

Loving:

* Exams are over!!!!!

* No more revision

* Not having to get up early for anything until Tuesday

* Catching up with TV shows I've missed due to revision

* Cocktail party tonight with my favourite girlies!!

Loathing:

* Incompetent people who cannot do their jobs

* Having no money and not being able to afford anything

* My laptop

* Email spam from people who should know better...

* Having to do work before lectures begin on Monday

Small Haul

Afternoon lovelies :)

I've just come back from town. I only went in for a couple of things but bought a little more than anticipated! In my defence a) they were bargains and b) I got student discount

So, what did I get?

Superdrug

- 4 Face Masks - they were on offer at 4 for 3. Two of them were 79p and two were 88p. I picked up 2 Strawberry Exfoliating masks, 1 Cooling Cucumber mask and 1 Raspberry Illuminating mask. They also had a chocolate one but I wasn't convinced it would smell nice or look attractive. Feel free to prove me wrong though!

- Batiste Shampoo for Brunettes - £2.99 (All other varieties currently £1.99)

- Camomile Face Wash - currently down to £1

Boots

- Cucumber Cleansing Wipes

Price: £2.69, currently on a BOGOF offer :) Yay!

I'll be doing a review on the Batiste dry shampoo, Camomile Face Wash and the face masks soon :)

In other news, I received my package from Skin MD Natural today! (It's been sitting in the Students' Union for about a week, oopsie!).

I'll start using the Shielding Lotion today and I'll post my review in the near future :) On that note, have you entered my giveaway to win a bottle for yourself?

Review: Saffron Palette

Hi everyone :)

I received this as a gift at Christmas:

As you can see, it's had some use!

About the product

Saffron say: Well I can't tell you what Saffron say as they don't appear to have a website. Hmm. Sorry folks.

I say: I blooming well love this palette! The colours are highly pigmented and considering the price, I think that's pretty darn good really. As with every other eye shadow I use, I apply these over GOSH eye shadow base to give them staying power and better coverage. I've used this palette in a couple of FOTDs already you can check them out to see the colours if you like. I have noticed that my palette appears to be fragranced. However this isn't noticeable when applied and I've not had any irritation on my eye area.

Swatches

Swatches correspond to the layout of the palette

Price: Between £1-£3

Size: These palettes contain 12 shades, net weight 12g

Available from: eBay, Beauty Rocket, saveonmakeup.co.uk

Ratings

Product: 9/10

Price: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

Repurchase: Yes

I'm well aware, having had a browse at the above mentioned websites, that there are a few varieties of this palette. I'm not sure which one I have but there is a sticker that says '06' on it. So maybe I have palette 6 :) EDIT: I was clearly reading this upside down as it is actually Palette 9 :)

I have to say I have no idea where on earth to buy Saffron palettes from on the high street. I received mine for Christmas from my uncle, who, as far as I know does not use eBay or any of the above sites. If you've seen this on the high street, could you let me know please? Thank you darlings xx

Hugely excited!!

Hiya

Words cannot describe how hyper I am right now. "Why?" I hear you ask. Well, I just bought a Konad starter kit!!! YAY!!!!! I best get reading up on techniques. And start eyeing up some more plates on eBay. Although I suppose I ought to learn to metaphorically walk before I can run, huh?

Amazon assure me that the order should be here by 1st Feb, so you can expect to see some konadicures :D Although they'll probably end up being a major fail on my part, but we can all learn together :)

P.S. I'm totally blaming Leanne for this purchase :p

Review: L'Oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer

Hi everyone :)

Welcome to my first review of 2010! I'm still not used to saying that lol. As you may notice, my review posts are now going to take this format, so hopefully you'll find them more useful. Anyway, here we go!

About the product

L'Oreal say: A Velvet Touch In Record Time. Inspired by professional make-up, this primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion incredibly smooth with a velvety touch. Skin feels soft as if resurfaced.

The high elastomer content in the Smoothing Primer means that it has a beautifully smooth texture and is incredibly effective at disguising wrinkles and pores. The combination of soft, light powers gives a matte look and silky finish. Silicon oil makes the Primer pleasant and easy to apply and it leaves no greasy residue. Used alone or under foundation, this primer is the perfect base for foundation.

I say: Well, I don't have wrinkles so can't comment there. However, I can verify L'Oreal's claims that the primer masks uneven textures, makes the complexion smooth and gives a velvety touch. Exactly what it says on the tin erm jar. The primer does have a smooth texture and does disguise pores. Win. It does give a beautiful matte and silky finish; my skin always feels wonderful once this is applied. As for the claims that it's easy to apply... well, yes but I find it feels a bit thick and heavy in comparison to the Avon Magix Face Perfector that has quickly become my favourite primer out of the two. When I say it feels heavy, no girls I haven't been applying it with a trowel, but if you've tried the Avon version, the formula feels a lot lighter in comparison with L'Oreal. Regardless, once it's on it does feel great and it's not greasy at all. I use my fingers to apply it and they always feel a bit, well not sticky or greasy, but you know that there's something on them. This is why I prefer Avon's primer because you don't get that. L'Oreal's primer does make a great base, but it's not my favourite. Avon's primer also prevents shine for 12 hours (although I've found it to prevent it for longer) whereas L'Oreal's doesn't.

Application

L'Oreal say: Apply the Smoothing Resurfacing Primer on shadowy areas such as under the eye, and on the least smooth areas: the forehead, the sides of the nostrils and around the mouth, to stop lipstick from running. Apply in little dabs, always smoothing the primer from the inside to the outside of the face (so as to avoid any tide-marks on the edges of the face).

I say: Well, I wish I'd thought of reading this before I started using the product. I thought the idea was to use it all over your face hahaha. Therefore I have about 1/3 of a jar left. Fail. I wondered why daisychain managed to make hers last for 5 months. Now I know :) Is this the same for all primers, i.e. just apply where needed? *Make-up newbie product fail*

Price: £12.99
Size: 15ml
Available from: Boots and boots.com

Ratings
Product: 7/10
Price: 7/10
Packaging: 10/10
Overall: 8/10
Repurchase: Possibly

So, have you tried this primer? What did you think? Do you have any other favourite primers? Whilst having a quick look at boots.com, I've found that L'Oreal do a Studio Secrets Anti-Shine Mattifying Primer for £9.99. I might try this too. After having a bit of a chat with Charlotte the other day, I've decided to try the GOSH Velvet Touch Primer as well, and do a comparison blog post to see which primers I prefer, and which I'd recommend overall :)