Nails of the week.

So I thought I would do a quick post on some new nail colours that I absolutely love at the moment. Both are Barry M nail varnishes, one called Pomegranate and the other Fondant and I picked them both up the other day from Boots as part of the 3 for 2 offer on Beauty products. 

I've had numerous nail varnishes from Barry M which are a similar colour to the Fondant nail colour, and I've used my last pot up not too long ago, but I always love lilac colours. Lilacs are great for wearing in Spring and Summer (if I don't use it all before Summer finally arrives) so I am always replacing them. The lilac colour is also great to wear whilst I am at school teaching because it allows me to add some colour to my look and outfit but it is not too abrasive or obvious which might cause some issues with work.

The other colour I picked up was a reddish/pink colour called Pomegranate, which is also a gelly nail varnish so it is also lovely and shiny. I also love red nails, so this nail colour is great for me because it is different to the other red nail colours I currently own. The colour is a really vibrant and bright colour, and looks great with dark colours such as black and dark blues, which are colours that I commonly wear. 

I would highly recommend both these colours and any Barry M nail varnishes for that matter, as I really cannot fault any Barry M nail varnish products that I have tried over the many years. I have been buying Barry M products for many years and my love for the brand is only growing. 

What are your favourite nail colours at the moment?  

Weekend Wish List!

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Spring is coming and some new bedding would be a nice update for my room, this floral bedspread from H&M looks lovely and would be great in summer too. At just £30 this bedspread is a lovely choice and is definitely affordable too. 

I am in dire need of getting my eyes tested again soon and definitely need some new glasses and I would seriously love to treat myself to some more Ray-Bans. I got some Ray-Bans sunglasses and I love them so much, but I got them years ago and my eye sight has definitely changed since then. However, I managed to get them for £50 last time so I need to keep my eye out for another great deal again! 

I am definitely overdue some new straighteners and I would love to treat myself to some more GHDs. I used to have a pair and then I was stupid enough to leave them on the floor and I accidentally stood on them and broke them. I do have straight hair so I don't tend to use straighteners that often, but it would be nice to have some new ones. 

I love this Nails Inc nail varnish too, it is so cute! Anything red is a must for me, love my red nails especially on my toe nails! I have quite dry heels too so would love to try this Burt's Bees foot cream, I love their lip care range so it would be good to try some of their other products too. 

New year; new wish list.

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Here's my January wish list, some of the items are more expensive than others but I definitely feel the need to treat myself soon! I know I got loads of goodies for Christmas but it is always important to remember to treat yourself! 

 I begin work again in a couple of days and this black blazer would look perfect with some fitted black pants for whilst I'm teaching, plus it is not too expensive which is also a plus, especially if I have a messy day in School. 

I love this red OPI nail varnish, it's such a bright and vibrant colour and would brighten up any outfit. I love wearing black so this red would really compliment my outfits. 

I am also in need of some new trainers, and I simply love Nike trainers they are by far the most comfy trainers I have ever owned. I wanted these Nike shoes months ago but settled for a different pair as they were on sale. Maybe this month I will treat myself to some lovely new black Nikes!

For Christmas I got a benefit gift set off my boyfriends Nanna, and it contained a miniature version of Benefits lollibalm which was really good. It looks more like a lipgloss compared with a balm, it provides a slight pinky gloss colour and keeps your lips so smooth and hydrated. This product or the other benefit lip balms are definitely must-buys for combating the cold January weather. 

I need to get my eyes tested again in the near future, and I'm contemplating treating myself to some new Ray-bans. I have some Ray-ban sunglasses but would love to own some normal glasses too. I managed to get a cheaper deal with my last sunglasses, I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for a good deal. 

My skin's so horrible at the moment, which I think is mainly due to hormones, however I would love to treat my skin to some luxurious skin treatment. I have loved every single Philosophy products that I have tried, and I believe that this product will be excellent too. Has anyone used this product or would recommend any other products? 

I always wear a watch when I'm working as I need to keep my eye on the time constantly, and this watch would look so gorgeous and would go with every single outfit. It's a little expensive... of course, so again I may have to find a cheaper version. 

I need to invest in some more clothes too, and this dress from Oasis is lovely. I love wearing the colour blue as I feel that it matches my skin tone and hair colour, and this dress would be a suitable length to wear on several occasions, for example for work, or for meals out, or family events. 

What's on your wish list for January? 

Lush Blogger Event!

Last Sunday myself and a few other bloggers attended a private blogger event at Lush Preston, the weather was horrible and miserable so unfortunately only a few of us could attend the event which was such a shame because of how fantastic the event actually was! Laura organised the event for us with Lush, and the amazing staff at Lush Preston really made the event great! 

The staff at Lush Preston supplied drinks and snacks for us and were really lovely, and they told us everything we needed to know about products and which products they love and would recommend. First we looked round the shop and got a load of free samples of all the different products we have always wanted to try, for example I got a free sample of D'fluff, Gold fun, various hand creams and some tooth tabs. I actually got that many free samples and also bought some of the products that my room currently smells like the Lush shop! I have only tried my sample of D'fluff so far this week and I've got to admit it smells so lovely and immediately leaves your skin feeling so smooth and soft, definitely a must have for shaving! 

We were then able to create our own Cinders bath bombs with some guidance from the staff, in fact they allowed us to make several of them! I am again yet to try my bath bomb but I'm sure it will be lovely and even a good gift to give to others.  

The event was a perfect chance to really get to know some of the Lush products, and I definitely came away from the event with a list of products I wanted to buy and try. The Christmas gift sets in Lush are also the perfect idea for gifts and I think I will be returning to treat some people this Christmas. 

It was such a lovely event, and the staff were amazing as always so a big thanks again for the event and for running such a great event! 

Hopefully another event will be hosted again at Lush Preston in the near future! 

So many lovely gift ideas for Christmas! 

Snowman Fun! Definitely a must have stocking filler or a perfect gift! 

Wednesday Wish List #4

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I thought I would do my usual Wednesday Wish List but just a brief one, as I don't have too much time to blog at the moment due to starting a new job, but I can always spare some time to do some wish list shopping! 

This week on my Wednesday wish list has very basic items and products on really. The checked shirt from New Look is a very usual and everyday look for me, I love anything checked and am definitely overdue a new checked shirt. For £13 the checked shirt is very hard to resist really, I love big baggy checked shirts, they're so comfy and create an effortless look. 

I am also after owning some more comfy trainers and would love some new vans. I love black trainers because they go with everything, especially skinny jeans, but also don't look too out of place with leggings or tights. 

Both the bags I love too, the faux black suede bag from Topshop seems perfect really. I am a sucker for anything suede or faux suede. Also I am due a new backpack too, as it would be a good idea for my new job, and for some reason I really love this animal print design.

This past week I have had really bad skin so I would love to try this new face mask from Lush, I have only used Lush bath bombs so would love to try some new and different Lush products. Has anyone used this product before? 

I also love this watch by Olivia Burton! I'm not usually keen on anything pink but this watch is gorgeous! Definitely wouldn't be one I could wear everyday, so would have to be a treat or be one to put on my birthday wish list, but that is why it is on my wish list this week! 

What's on your Wednesday wish list? 

Nails of the Week.

At the moment I am loving my pastel nails and they are perfect for summer; so this No7 Nail Colour in Lucky Lilac is definitely one of my favourites at the moment. I bought this nail colour whilst I was on holiday in Ireland from Boots, what is also great about No7 products is the discount vouchers for money off so the nail varnish only cost me a couple of euros.  

I also love this Barry M glitter nail paint, the silver basically goes with any other nail varnish colour, and I love putting the glitter on top of other nail colours, like I have done here with the lilac. The Barry M nail varnish is also great for doing a gradual glitter look on your nails; starting at the base of the nail with just a slight bit of glitter to the end of the nail with lots of glitter. This nail varnish has literally lasted me years too, although it has gone slightly gloopy now it is still fantastic to wear. I definitely need to reinvest in another pot! 

I only tend to do my nails like this every now and again because I find them to be very girly which isn't really my style, but every so often it is nice to show my girly side and be a bit different. 

But finally; I cannot recommend either of these products enough, both are fantastic brands and really good quality nail varnishes. 

What's New in my Bathroom Cabinet.

I recently bought this almond exfoliant soap from L'Occitane whilst I was in Ireland, which is priced at £4 in the UK. This product is definitely becoming one of my favourite soaps ever. There is nothing bad to say about the product, it is perfect for a simple hand soap or to put in the shower and use all over the body. It has a gorgeous almond scent to it, and is nothing but brilliant for exfoliating. The soap has small almond flakes integrated within the soap which exfoliates the skin softly. I have also found that this product is perfect for using when shaving your legs as it provides a great lather and also exfoliates at the same time leaving your skin irresistibly smooth. I only wish I had bought more now! 

After reading a great review about the Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Face Mask by Loulabeth I was very tempted to try the product myself. I have used various other Soap and Glory products but never a face mask by them. When I went to Boots last week the product was also on offer with a third off the normal price at just over £7, so I had to buy it. Although this price may seem a lot the tube is fairly large and seems like the product will last a long time, so is definitely worn the price as you can use the face mask many times. 

One thing I really like about the mask it how it also acts as a gentle exfoliator, so whilst it deeply cleanses your pores it also exfoliates your whole face. What is also great about the product is how you can either leave it on or massage onto your face for a quick few minutes to clean your face, or  t can be applied it for longer and leave on as a warming face mask for 15 minutes. In future I will definitely be trying some of the other face cleaning products from the Soap and Glory range.   

Recently I purchased this Anatomicals Peach Shampoo from ASOS for £3.50. I had always been attracted to the products from Anatomicals, mainly due to the great product packaging. Sadly I was not impressed with the Peach Shampoo, the product says that it leaves your hair feel soft and greatly conditioned however I didn't really feel like it did this. On the other hand, one plus with the product is how amazing it smelt, it really did smell gorgeous and like peach ice tea.  However, I may be persuaded to try some of the other Anatomical products and see how they are, such as the shower gels or conditioners. 

Have you used any of these products? 

Wednesday Wish List; 6th August.

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I have heard great things about the Topshop Joni jeans and I am due a new pair of jeans so may have to try these out! Have you tried them, or got any other jeans to recommend? I also love this pattern on the crop top from Miss Selfridge but I really need to do a lot of exercise before I can get away with wearing this style of top.

I have been after another Urban Decay naked palette for some time now, I love my Naked Basic palette and use it every day. I also have another collection of Urban Decay eye shadows so I would love another palette.

I have also been after one of these hair Tangle Teezer for some time now. I always wake up with a massive nest on my head after sleeping so this item would definitely help! Has anyone tried these before or would recommend using them?  

Recently I declared my love for the OPI nail varnishes, here is the post. So another OPI nail varnish had to feature on my wish list; and I just love this purple one called A grape Affair, but they also have some other great colours worth trying. 

I love Ghost perfumes and I am due a new perfume soon so maybe soon I will treat myself to the  Ghost Eclipse perfume. I usually get the Deep Night Ghost perfume but I think this version may be a nice change for the summer months. But I also would love to get the new Marc Jabobs Daisy Dream perfume so may definitely treat myself to that one instead! Are there any perfumes you would recommend at the moment?

My Everyday Makeup Routine.

I thought I would do a post about my everyday make up routine and which products I use. I would say I am pretty comfortable with the products I use everyday for my makeup, I have been using most of the products for months, if not years, and I would thoroughly recommend all the products! I don't tend to use too many make up products, especially not everyday, and I tend to mainly focus on eye make up. 

I start by applying a moisturiser or a primer, and wait for it to settle before applying my foundation. I only use a small amount of foundation and try to create a more natural look. I have a very pale complexion, and lots of freckles, so if I wear a lot of makeup I feel a bit too dolled up or that I am caked in makeup. 

This Maxfactor Colour Adapt foundation is perfect, it has such a smooth light texture and is so easy to apply. What I also love about this product is that I don't need to use a lot each day, nor does it feel like I'm wearing loads of makeup. I used to use a different Maxfactor foundation until they discontinued the product so I had to change to a different one, but I am definitely happy with this foundation and will keep purchasing it in future! 

I then apply the Clinique pore refining solutions, but only if I feel like any blackheads are showing, or if I feel like I need a bit more coverage. 

I apply a small amount of blusher just to provide a rosy glow, and this Revlon highlighting palette is perfect! They also do a different darker colour which is good for those with darker complexions. I have previously reviewed this product on my blog, you can see the review here. 

I then apply mascara to my bottom lashes, and this mascara by Maxfactor (2000 calorie) is definitely one of my all time favourite mascaras and one I wholeheartedly recommend. I've been using the waterproof version at the moment, as I needed a new mascara for my graduation, and I needed one that would stay put all day, this mascara definitely did the job. Another example of how amazing this mascara is; when I travelled to Ireland I applied the mascara at 4 in the morning, had to travel to Ireland, then spent all day walking around a town in Ireland, had a long nap, and then a BBQ, and my mascara was still perfectly on at the end of the day. If thats not a great mascara I don't know what is! However, my one issue with the mascara is that it is so good that sometimes it doesn't want to come off, and requires makeup remover especially for waterproof makeup. But this is also a plus, because I sometimes find that my mascara wears off on my bottom lashes, especially in summer, so this waterproof mascara is perfect. I can't speak highly enough about the Maxfactor mascaras and foundations! 

I then apply my eyeshadows and I tend to use a few of the natural brown tones on my eyelids. This is because I find that brown tones compliment blue eyes. I also find that they are suitable for everyday wear and don't look like I'm wearing too much makeup. I use both the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette and also Bourjois Paris eyeshadow. However I have had this Bourjois eyeshadow for years so I'm not too sure if they still make this colour, but due to the fact that I still use this product everyday and have had it for years surely makes it stand out as an amazing product. 

I then apply the Soap and Glory Supercat liquid eyeliner to the top of my eyelids, creating a slight feline flick. Then using the Thick and Fast Soap and Glory mascara I coat my upper eyelashes with the mascara. I have also previously reviewed this product on my blog, you can view the post here. 

What are the everyday makeup products you would recommend?

Do any of these product feature in your everyday makeup routine? 

Soft Soft Soft!

Here's another beauty product review about the recent moisturising products I've purchased or that I'm using at the moment.

I recently bought the Garnier Body Intensive 7 day softening nourishing lotion and figured I should do a review of the product. The lotion is 250ml and was on offer from Boots when I bought the product for just under £2, whereas it is usually a bit more expensive, and there is also a larger bottle available. The product is said to be fast absorbing, which it definitely is, I hate waiting around for any moisturisers to absorb into the skin, and I often hate the feeling of moisturisers on my skin. But this product is perfect because it really does absorb into the skin quickly, leaving a silky feel and a gorgeous sweet almond fragrance, it also doesn't leave a sticky or dense feeling on the skin either but a light feeling effect. I am a sucker for anything almond no matter what the product is, so this lotion is spot on for me. The garner lotion range also contains various other fragrances such as Shea butter (which is also a great product!), mango oil and Aloe Vera, just to name a few. The product has definitely softened my skin; I have definitely noticed a difference on my arms and hands. Unfortunately I have a couple of insect bites on my legs at the moment so have been avoiding using too many lotions on my legs, but I'm sure the lotion will work excellently on my legs too. This lotion is definitely recommended! However, if you do suffer from really dry skin this product may not be for you, I thankfully don't have dry skin really so I don't need to apply too much moisturiser, so people with dry skin may want to try a thicker more intense moisturiser. Also, next time I think I will also try the Intensive 7 day Hand Cream by Garnier.

I thought it would also be a good idea to review one of my all time favourite moisturisers; Nivea Soft. I swear by this product and wear it every day, especially before applying my makeup. It is perfect for every day use but I also use it when my skin is feeling extra dry (I just apply it more liberally). Also when my lips are feeling slightly chapped I apply the moisturiser around the area of my mouth and it really does help. I also use this product when on holiday when I have sunburn as I really trust this product to soften my skin no matter what. It isn't too dense or heavy on the skin so I have never had any spots or oily skin from using this product. This product can also be used on basically anywhere on the body; face, hands and body. Also what is great about this product is that you can virtually get it from any shop, it is sold in Boots and Superdrug, but I have also been able to buy this product from the pound shop, £1 for a moisturiser that lasts for a while and that I really do trust is definitely a bonus! I have even got my mother using this product when usually she buys clinique and other expensive creams. I definitely recommend that everyone gives this product a try, at £1 a bottle it is hard to say no. 

I have also started to use the Sally Hanson Cuticle Massage Cream. I really love this product because I have definitely noticed a substantial improvement in my cuticles since using it, and also the smell of the product is just divine, it has a fruity tropical smell. The product is really quick and easy to use, and seems like it will last for ages as you don't need to apply a lot. It is supposed to be used every day, just by rubbing a small amount into the area around the nails, I have been using it before bedtime as that's the best time I find to apply moisturisers. I'm unsure how much this product is as I got it for Christmas, and shamefully it has been at the bottom of my nail varnish bag(s) since. 

Have you tried any of these products? What moisturisers would you recommend? 

July Beauty Product Favourites!

It's crazy how fast this year is going, it feels like I finished university months ago now when in reality it was only a month or so ago, but I thought I would do a post about some of my favourite beauty products that I love at the moment, and products which are perfect for the Summer season.

No 7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Duck Egg Blue: I received this nail varnish free when I bought two other No 7 products from Boots. I got the nail varnish just before I went away on holiday, and the colour is just so gorgeous, and such a perfect summer colour. It was the only nail varnish I used on holiday, on both my fingernails and my toenails. I’m usually a sucker for red nail varnish for my toes, but I’m really enjoying the pastel blue on my toes at the moment as a change for summer. Pastel nail colours are in at the moment and so this pale blue is perfect and in fashion at the moment. I usually wear a lot of blues too so this nail varnish is perfect and suits most my outfits. What is also great about this nail varnish is how fast it dries, I’m really impatient when it comes to waiting, especially for nails to dry. Yet this product is fast drying and doesn’t smudge easily. I don’t have too much experience with No 7 products, but after trying this nail varnish I will definitely be purchasing more in future.

Revlon Highlighting Palette in Rose Glow: Another excellent product I absolutely love at the moment is the Revlon highlighting Palette. This product is perfect for both daytime and also night time. I use this product instead of a blusher, and apply it to my cheeks. It gives a slight shimmer, but is not too intense and provides a natural highlight for a soft healthy sun-kissed glow. It can be applied to other areas, which you may wish to highlight, such as your brow, but I tend to just apply the product to my cheeks. This product is perfect for pale skin like mine, and I’ve found it really compliments my freckled skin and blue eyes. Another great factor with this product is that if you are a fan of the natural make up look, or don’t like wearing loads of make-up then this product is perfect, in fact someone complimented my natural glow today when in fact I was wearing this product. This product is not badly priced, and can be bought in conjunction with other offers at Boots, also the palette comes in a different darker colour (Bronze Glow). This product is definitely a must for Spring/Summer.

Body Shop Mango Body Scrub: At the moment I love using this body scrub from Body Shop. I used to do the home parties for body shop a few years ago so I have used many body shop products and definitely recommend all their body scrubs and body butters. But at the moment I am using the Mango collection, which is a perfect summer scent. I mango scent is really sweet and tropical, and the body scrub contains real mango seed oil. The scrub efficiently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling really soft and smooth. The scrub isn’t too intense, nor does it irritate the skin so is perfect for very dry skin. The scrub is perfect for the summer months, as exfoliating helps maintain a healthy tan, but also has a lovely exotic smell. The tub is also huge and lasts for ages, which is also a plus. Another reason I love buying Body Shop products is because I really trust all their products, I don’t find them too harsh or too strong smelling, unlike other companies. Also Body Shop are against animal testing, and as a vegetarian this is a great reason to buy their products, and also Body Shop support community fair trades, both of which are important causes.    

L’Oreal Paris UK Collection Exclusive by Colour Riche in Doutzen’s Nude (Barely Pink): I don’t tend to use lots of lipsticks but at the moment I really love this exlusive lipstick in a nude/pale pink colour from L’Oreal Paris. It is perfect for pale skin, and it is a really subtle colour, which is perfect for those of us which don’t feel too confident with lipstick. It says the colour is perfect for blondes, however I have light brown hair and very fair skin so this colour is perfect for me too. The product also has a slight shimmer to it too, so it is great to use in the daytime as well as at the night time. It also doesn’t make me feel too dolled up so is also good to use when creating a natural make-up look too. As you can see from the photos I use this lipstick a lot, and I will definitely be buying another before the exclusive collection finishes.

If anyone can recommend any of their favourite products at the moment that would be fantastic, or if anyone has used similar products and would care to share them with me, that would be appreciated too.