These are a few of my favourite things

Hello darlings!

Wow, end of August. Looking forward to Autumn, it's my favourite season :)

♥ Illamsqua Medium Pencil in Vow

I cannot believe how effective this is at making me look wide awake. And it stays put all day!

♥ Collection 2000 Hot Looks Polish in Fruit Salad

My favourite coral polish

♥ Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake in Gaze

Perfect shade for me, and so easy to use

♥ Dior Addict Lipstick in Model

This is like a 'my lips but better' shade. Particularly loving it because it's long lasting and it only cost me £12 thanks to my Debenhams Beauty Card points!

♥ No 7 Lift & Curve Eyelash Curler
I rediscovered this recently, and it's a bit of a must have in my routine now!

♥ Qsilica Repair Strengthening Hand & Nail Cream
My current favourite hand moisturiser - review here :)

♥ Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil
I'd never thought of swapping my regular moisturiser for a body oil but oh em gee, silky smooth skin!

~*~

Which products have you been loving this month?

Pssst! Don't forget to enter my giveaway here :)

Cambridge Haul

Hello lovelies!

I spent yesterday walking around the beautiful city of Cambridge and I thought I'd show you the few bits and pieces that I picked up :)

New Look

I bought two lovely mohair knitwear coverups, a polka dot sheer scarf, a beautiful handbag that I couldn't leave on the shelf and a purse to go with it. As I'd spent over £30 I was entitled to a free necklace!

Boots/Superdrug/Hair Salon/Accessorize

I'd been meaning to pick up a Kerastase Chroma Reflect Conditioner for my hair for ages but I've found it so hard to track down. I was walking through the Grafton Shopping Centre when I saw a Kerastase display in a salon so I nipped in and picked one up. I also got another John Frieda Foam Dye in Superdrug as it was on offer again, down to £6.99. I also picked up a tube of Carmex as my pot is nearly empty and I figured the tube would be less messy! This was also on offer at £2. I had £4 of points on my Beauty Card so both products only cost me £4.99 in total. Bargain! When I was in Boots I picked up a back up of my favourite VO5 Argan Oil Elixir, a Champneys Miracle Balm and a No 7 polish as I had a voucher to use. I also finally picked up another Accessorize polish that was meant to be another MAC Venemous Villains dupe, so I'll do an NOTD with it soon for you!

WHSmiths

In true Bridget Jones style, I had to pick up another diary for the upcoming year. I still haven't got out of the academic year diary phase, hence why it's a 2011/2012 diary! I also picked up a lovely pink pen to match the pink text inside!

♥

How are you spending the Bank Holiday weekend? I'm off to make cupcakes now!

Saturday Summary

Hello my dears :)

Source

♥ X Factor :D

♥ Talking about make up

♥ Leopard print

♥ Watching Pretty Woman for the millionth time

♥ Mr Kipling's Strawberry French Fancies

♥ My work colleagues

♥ Graze Boxes

~*~

Listening to:
001. Kasabian - Days Are Forgotten
002. Aloe Blacc - Green Lights
003. James Morrison - I Won't Let You Go


Watching:
Klaire De Lys - seriously talented lady!
Sam Chapman - gorgeous hair style I need to try

Buying:
Essential e.l.f. stuff thanks to a sneaky preview 50% off code yesterday
Coffee. Still addicted to Costa.

Reading:
Thanks for the Memories - I've finally finished it!
Glamour Magazine

Blog discovery of the week:
Leti

~*~

I am so glad to have a three day weekend :D Have you? What will you be doing over the next three days? I'm going to Cambridge on Sunday - let me know if you've been!

♥

Pssst! Don't forget to enter my giveaway here - just over a week left to enter :)

In memory of Sophie ^

I can barely believe it's been a year since I last posted about Sophie Lancaster. It's 4 years this month since Sophie's tragic death. 

In partnership with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, Illamasqua have produced a video to mark the anniversary of Sophie's death, explaining the background of the charity and the work that they do.

If you'd like to support the foundation, and help Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere, Illamasqua have a range of S.O.P.H.I.E. products on their website which you can buy here

♥

Rest in peace Sophie x

Review: Qsilica Repair Strengthening Hand & Nail Cream

Morning darlings :)

I have a bit of a product rave for you today! I've been on a mission lately to have supersoft hands and perfect cuticles. For the past few weeks I've been trialling a new hand and nail cream that I was kindly sent from Planet Health. 

Product

Planet Health say: An intensely hydrating hand cream perfect for soothing dry or cracked skin and helping to maintain beautiful hands every day. Mineral Silica encourages a youthful glow while Jojoba and Cocoa Butter help to smooth and completely hydrate. Only potent natural nutrients and ingredients are used in the Qsilica Skin Care range. Every product is free of chemicals, parabens, sulphates, petroleum and synthetic additives. The range is not tested on animals.

I say: I can honestly say I've never used a moisturiser that's been as hydrating as this one. Once applied my hands are silky smooth and they feel hydrated all day long. My cuticles have never looked so healthy. I absolutely adore the scent of this moisturiser too! I really like the packaging, it's very sleek. I feel that Qsilica Hand and Nail cream is well worth the money it cost, especially as it's full of natural ingredients and cruelty free.

Application

Planet Health say: Massage Qsilica Repair Strengthening Hand and Nail cream liberally into hands, nails and cuticles as required. 

I say: A small amount of moisturiser is more than enough for both hands. I find it takes a while to completely sink into the skin as it's quite a thick product, but once it does I really can't fault it. Upon application, the scent is quite strong but I like it so I don't mind. Once sunk in the scent does tend to fade away so its not overly noticeable.

Price: £10.95

Size: 50ml

Available from: Planet Health & these health stores

Ratings

Product: 9/10

Price: 8/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Purchase: Yes

♥

So girls, what do you think? Have you tried any of the Qsilica range? What are your current hand and nail moisturisers of choice?

*PR sample

Colour Block NOTD

Morning possums :)

Colour blocking is everywhere at the moment, and I thought I'd have a go at my own version on my nails. I'm not a massive fan of the mani with an accent nail, so I put my own twist on it.

Behold, my colour block Mummy mani...

I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I like it now I've done it. Saying that, it's growing on me slightly. I quite like the way it looks in the last photo. What do you think?

Products Used

L-R: 17 Fast Finish in True Blue, Illamasqua Lament, NYC Starry Silver Glitter

I also used:

Sellotape

Scissors

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base and Top Coats

♥

What are your thoughts on the colour block trend? Love? Hate? Let me know :)

Saturday Summary

Morning sweeties :)

Source

♥ Hanging out with fellow beauty bloggers

♥ Random spur of the moment trips to Ikea

♥ Wine

♥ Costa Coffee's Lattes. I swear they are the only thing that can perk me up during work!

♥ Finding out I can make an Illamasqua event with the girls :D

♥ Nice text messages

♥ Chilled days off

~*~

Listening to:

001. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful

002. Christina Perri - Jar Of Hearts

003. Bruno Mars - Marry You

Watching:

Vivianna
Klaire

Reading:

Marie Claire

Glamour

Buying:

Make up, make up storage & home furnishings

A few to follow:

001. Fee

002. Jessie

003. Meg

~*~

How has your week been?

Review: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Morning all :)

It seems like ages since I've done a review! Despite having owned this for months, I haven't reviewed it, so I thought I ought to as it's such a 'cult' product. And if you don't already own it, well, hopefully I'll have convinced you by the end of this post!

Product

Urban Decay say: Our #1 product because it works: apply our weightless, invisible Eyeshadow Primer Potion before your shadow for ridiculously long wear, more vibrant colour, and absolutely NO creasing! The new squeeze tube features a precise needle-nose tip and 10% MORE potion.

I say: Oh Urban Decay, I am a convert. Nothing is as good as your primer. It's nude in colour, weightless, easily applied and absorbed into the skin. It brings shadows to life, and my eye make up stays put all day, whether it's a shadow or a paint pot or a cream shadow and doesn't ever crease. Amazed. The new tube is brilliant too.

Application

Urban Decay say: Nada. Not a thing.

 I say: I squeeze a minuscule amount from the tube which is more than enough for each eyelid, making UDPP excellent value for money. I pat over each lid then gently rub it in. I apply my chosen eye product and I find UDPP really grabs the colour. I can apply first thing in the morning and it will last until the end of the day. No wonder they claim 24 hour wear on the US website!

Price: £14.50

Size: 11ml

Available from: Debenhams

Ratings

Product: 10/10

Price: 8/10 - the fact it works and is good value makes up for the price

Packaging: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes

♥

Are you in the primer or non-primer camp? Care to share your reasons? Have you tried primers that you absolutely love?

My fabulous Girls Day Out!

Hello ladies!

For those of you that may or may not know what 'Girls Day Out' was, a few of us more 'northern' bloggers had a day out in Leeds last Saturday.

I had a brilliant time! The weather was fab, the company fantastic, and the shopping was amazing :D

I got to see these beautiful lovelies:

Sinead

Carla

Charlotte

Hannah

May - total fan girl moment here!

Katie and her friend Teresa

Kat

&

Alison

Where did we go?

We met at the Corn Exchange then headed into town for some shopping. I was quite restrained for a change haha! I only bought a few things that I knew I couldn't easily get at home. I was most amused with the doorman at Harvey Nichols! Bless him.

We had a lovely mid morning pitstop at Starbucks which resulted in much hilarity when Katie asked some buskers if they did song requests. Unfortunately they declined our request for Indie Lady Gaga. Shame.

For lunch, we had a table booked at Red Hot, a buffet restaurant that offers cuisine from around the globe. We had a leisurely lunch and a fab chat. Katie and Kat had organised some lovely goodie bags for us all!

After lunch we had a mooch in Primark and Muji and we also visited the beautiful Victoria Quarter where we window shopped as we meandered past Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry to name a few! We all descended on Liz Earle and quite a few of us left with a Cleanse & Polish!

The afternoon was finished off in Yates for a sneaky drink before we all made our respective ways home.

I had a brilliant time and I can't wait to do it all again next time, which I do believe is rumoured to be in November, with a possible venue of Newcastle. Exciting! I've never been to the Toon!

What did I buy?

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

 I got a free Body Scrub sample with purchase :)

Dior Addict Lipstick in Model

 This was my favourite purchase thanks to my Debenhams Beauty Card points!

NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Grand Palais and Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Via Appia

I'd never been to a NARS counter before Saturday. The SA in Harvey Nichols was LOVELY. She let us look, swatch and ask questions without being at all pushy. I'll definitely be going back next time I'm there :)

Sleek Pout Paints in Cloud 9, Milkshake and Peachy Keen

What kind of blogger would I be if I didn't pick these up? A pout-paint-less one, that's what.

I also picked up some Muji storage but I'll show you that when I do my post about my new room and make up storage. Which I know I promised you ages ago. I'm aiming to do it very soon!

♥

A huge thank you goes to Katie and Kat for organising Girls Day Out and putting together the lovely goodie bags! 

This was my first time in Leeds and I absolutely loved it. I'll definitely be heading back soon. A little birdy told me that Illamasqua are opening a store here :D Perfect excuse to nip back soon!

Debenhams Haul

Morning possums :)

I hope you all had a fab weekend! What did you get up to?

♥

The other day, I got a bit over excited when I saw that the Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette was available on the Debenhams website. So of course, I went and bought it. Then promptly found out a few days later it was in my local store and I could have used my gift vouchers *wah wah wah*

Anywho, I decided to get a couple of other things that I'd been lemming after after seeing posts on Lollipop Loves and Pearls and Poodles. Laura and Milly are such enablers!

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Balm in #4 Succulent Pomegranate

MAC Sheen Supreme in Gotta Dash!

I will post swatches soon as I have so many products that I need to swatch. Maybe swatch Sundays will make a comeback!

♥

What have you been buying lately?

Saturday Summary

Morning lovelies :)

Source

♥ Seeing my gorgeous little cousins!

♥ Snapping up sale bargains

♥ I am a little bit obsessed and in love with Illamasqua

♥ A lovely Debenhams order arrived for me :D

♥ Coral nail polish. And lipstick. And blush. And lipgloss. You get the picture.

♥ Free coffee

♥ The end of a working week when I have an exciting weekend planned!

~*~

Listening to:

01. Olly Murs - Heart Skips A Beat

02. Example - Stay Awake

03. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn

Watching: 
Neighbours - haha! The soap. I'm not a weird curtain twitcher lol!

Buying:

Lots of Illamasqua products - 2 orders may have arrived this week haha!

Reading:

Marie Claire

A few to follow:

01. Carrie

02. Liloo

03. Abbie

~*~

Hope you're having a fab weekend!

Co-roll-icious

See what I did there? Hmm? Ok enough with the dodgy post titles*

By now I'm sure you're all well aware of my coral obsession. In particular my obsession with Collection 2000's Fruit Salad polish.

Who fancies a summer leopard print design?

You do? Alrighty then!

Products Used

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat

Collection 2000 Hot Looks Fruit Salad

Miss Sporty Gold (unnamed)

elf Black

Dotting Tool

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat
Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

♥

Are bright summer nails something you love to rock?

*I can't guarantee that'll be the last ;)

NOTD: Fruity Polka Dots

Hello all!

As you know by now, I am obsessed with coral. Hence, it was no surprise that coral polish is my current favourite colour!

My favourite coral polish of the moment that has that right balance of pinky peachiness is:

It is gorgeous! And very purse friendly. Which more than makes up for it being a pain in the derriere to apply ;)

Products used:

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat

Collection 2000 Hot Looks Fruit Salad

elf Black

Dotting tool

Kensington Caviar Top Coat

♥

What are you sporting on your nails at the moment? Have you got any coral polishes to recommend?

It also goes without saying, that I hope you're all well and staying safe!

Update!

Evening all :)

Just a quick note to say that I have updated my blog shop and there's many more items to choose from including the following brands:

MAC

Benefit

Make Up For Ever

Bourjois

No 7

Sleek

and so much more!

♥

Click here to shop