Random Questions - Get to know me!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or?

My hair naturally poker straight, probably because its so thick - weighs it down. Not good for Summer!

 

2. What is your natural hair colour?

The colour it is in all of my pics! A dark/slightly auburn. 

 

3. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
I get acrylics at the salon, although I paint them myself & my toes too!

4. How often to you change your nail polish?
At least once a week, sometimes even twice a week.

5. How long does it take to put on your makeup?
I guess it depends, if its everyday roughly 20 mins. But if I'm going out say for date night, its probably about an hour.

6. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Face!

7. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

As my bf would say I certainly do not need anymore make-up. But I love to collect it anyway!

8. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Nope, I don't wear make up if I'm not leaving the house, who does?

9. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Of course, if I'm just popping to the shops I often don't wear make-up. But if you'd asked me that question 5 years ago then I would've said never!

10. How many high end products do you have?
I'd say my collection is roughly 50/50 high street and high end.

11. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?
Oh THIS question...hmm...I try and wash my foundation brushes as much as possible, probably once a week as I have problem skin.

12. How often are you on Blogger?
I'm on Blogger everyday either reading or posting.

13. Do you read the comments posted blogs?
Always, I love all of your comments and read each one.

14. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
Yes, as a blogger it's important to keep lists and stay organised or you'll be overwhelmed by those make-up counters.

15. How did you come up with your blog name?

A play on words, my fave series Sex In The City, nicknames and such.

16. What is your favorite colour?

This is a tough one, for me it depends on what the object is, at the moment I'm really drawn to Coral.

17. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

I really like Instyle or Elle

18. What’s a song you secretly love to blast & belt out when you’re alone?

Haha who doesn't love a cheesy song...probably reliving my Spice Girls obsession.

19. What’s one of your biggest pet peeves?

Oh wow I have several...people that invade my personal space.

20. What was your first stuffed animal & it’s name?

It wasn't my first but I have had a TY beanie baby black cat called Boots for around 15 years.

21. What’s the drink you always order at Starbucks?

I have two staple drinks at Starbucks, Iced Soya Caramel Latte and Peppermint Iced Tea.

22. What’s the beauty rule you preach, but never actually practice?

Not sure if this counts but not picking spots - I'm terrible!

23. What’s your favorite comfort food that's ‘bad’ but you love to eat it anyways?

I love to eat take-away's, probably McDonalds...so bad!

24. What’s a phrase or exclamation you always say?

"Totally" - "True Story" - "Negatory" - "Enraged"

What do you do with make-up you hate?

We've all been there, you come home with your brand new purchase, it may have been something well researched or just an impulsive purchase. You unravel that new packaging as fast as you can, like a kid at Christmas, use it for the first time and - oh, you hate it.  If you're like me you've bought many things over the years that haven't turned out quite as you imagined, but you cant quite bring yourself to throw it out, so what's a girl to do? Leave it in a drawer until it gets old and unusable? After all you'll feel better about getting rid of it then, I mean you can't use it now, right?

Ok I've got some tips on alternative ways you can use that  product...

Bought a mascara you hate? Why not just use the brush.  Clean off the excess product with make up remover and use it as a spoolie brush to manicure your eyebrows. Is it a comb applicator? Why not use it to comb through your lashes before and during your mascara application.

Is that bronzer just a little too dark? Use it as an eye-shadow, or just for the crease for a play on a smokey-eye! Or just use it to fill in your brows.

You bought a red lipstick, you kinda like it but the colour is way too bold... grab some petroleum jelly, mix it with the lippy et voila, you've just made yourself a gorgeous tinted lip balm!

You've bought the wrong shade of foundation...use it for contouring!

Or it's the right colour but it's just too heavy, it's just not what you expected....try mixing it with your favourite face cream for your very own tinted moisturiser.

You had high hopes for that nail varnish, but its so much darker than what you expected. Why don't you try mixing it with a white for a truly perfect and unique shade. 

Don't be afraid to play around with your make up if you come home with the less than perfect product.

Do you have any tips?

L x

A lorra' lorra' lip balms.

They are a beauty staple, here are a few of my favourites.

First up...the everyday one. For me it's really important that it's small and compact enough to fit into anywhere from my clutch bag to my jacket pocket. When you're out n' about, the wind and the sun play havoc on your lips so it's essential to choose something nourishing and with a SPF. I've chosen Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm which at £2.89 is super affordable. It feels great, isn't thick or waxy, leaves a sheen on your lips and is also available in a pot instead of a tube. Perfect for the everyday look.

Second up...for those times when your lips need some TLC, when you have sore, cracked lips that are just too much for a regular lip balm. I use Blistex Medplus Repairing Lip Balm at £2.30 - I love this stuff. It soothes and has a menthol feel to it. Plus, with its nourishing jojoba oil and cocoa butter, it feels like a pretty luxurious 'medicine'.

Third up...the cute one. Ok we're still girls at the end of the day and I dunno about you but I still can't resist the urge to buy something based on its 'cute-factor'. For this I present to you...the Smooch Operator Lip Butter Balm at £5.00. Let's face it, Soap&Glory products always smell pretty great and this is no exception. It's full of goodness with things like wild mango butter and vitamin E, plus argan and rose hip oils. And if that wasn't enough...the product is pink, need I say any more?

Next up...the one for people that like to take a natural approach - as fewer chemicals can only be a good thing. For this I've chosen Dr Organic Vitamin E Lip Balm at £3.49! They claim that 'Dr.Organic utilises only the finest natural and organic raw materials wherever possible' and to be honest I was actually really impressed with the quality of it. The product contains beeswax so it clings to the lips without feeling sticky and doesn't leave a sheen. Also, it would be perfect to use under lipstick. 

Now for ...The tinted one. All the nourishing of a lip balm with a  pop of colour, the perfect answer to chapped lips and those who feel bare without a splash of colour. I absolutely love Barry M Cor Barmy Lip Balm'.  I sometimes feel that tinted lip balms don't give enough colour or only come in a couple of shades, however this beauty is available in 4 gorgeous colours, I chose 'Rosie Lea'.

And finally, just because its cute...

Do you have a favourite?

 

L x

Organix Coconut Oil Hydrating Oil Mist

While doing my weekly food-shop - which, lets face it, is a pretty laborious task - I decided to swing by the beauty section, as you do! And I'm glad I did as I spotted this little beauty...

It's a blend of lightweight oil to make hair soft and tame flyaways. You spray this onto towel dried hair and style as normal. I have to say that I was seriously impressed on just my first try! My hair was left feeling really smooth, shiny, no flyaways and I didn't feel as though there was any product in my hair at all!

I picked this up at Tesco for £3.99 - this is a promotional price and usually £5.99 Bargain!

L x

A super easy smoothie recipe

Summer is here and the days of roast dinners and porridge and sweating in the kitchen are on hold for at least four months or so. However, during the summer I really enjoy drinking fruit smoothies for breakfast or as a refreshing drink during the day.

If, like me, you want something that requires the least amount of effort - especially in the morning - I have a fail safe, 'one-pot' recipe that is super simple and adaptable depending on your mood.

Things you'll need:

1 cup of Frozen fruit (I used Summer Fruits for this recipe)
1 tbsp Chia Seeds
2 cups Coconut Milk
1 banana
And a good blender.

Just add all of these ingredients to the blender, blend until smooth and enjoy.  Yes it really is that simple!


Ways you can adapt this recipe;

You can use any pretty much any frozen fruit you like or even freeze your own fruit - I like to use frozen fruit as it makes for an icy cold drink, plus there's no chance of it spoiling either ensuring you're not wasting any money.


Don't like coconut milk? no problem, can also use orange/apple juice as a base for your juice, go ahead and experiment.


If you're looking for a thinner consistency, just half the banana, or skip it altogether.


Personally I like my smoothies to have texture with the chia seeds, or I like to add things like sunflower seeds, or mixed seeds, but if this isn't for you, no problem...just skip this part!


There it is, a super easy, adaptable recipe!


L x

A little skin saviour - #1

 

Witch Hazel Gel

If you suffer from problem skin, acne spots or just the occasional pimple, apply this gel either under your make-up or before you go to bed. The gel will dramatically reduce any redness and swelling.  Not only that but Witch Hazel is a natural astringent so helps closes pores and tone skin.

Oh, and did I mention it was just £1.99? You can find this in most Boots stores, or click here.

Until next time...

L x

Bioderma and my experience with Escentual!

Recently I've seen a lot of bloggers talking about Bioderma so naturally I was intrigued to try it myself.

I like to try and do a bit of research on the brand to see whether they are truly suitable for sensitive skin and don't apply a 'one size fits all' approach. I was really pleased to see that Bioderma have a wide range of products to suit different skin types which include: Sensitive, dehydrated and sensitive, oily and dry skin.

Personally there are a few things that I'm constantly on a 'quest' to find 'The holy-grail' of, these include; Make-up Remover, day moisturiser, mascara and face powder. I think everyone has a list of things that they've tried loads of, but are yet to find 'The One'

So in my attempt to tick a few products off my list, I purchased Bioderma Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution make up remover 100ml (£3.00) and Bioderma Hydrabio Rich - Moisturising cream 40ml (£9.33)

In my  opinion, the only fair way to test a good make up remover is with a full face of make-up on. So that's what I did, mascara, liquid liner, primer, foundation...you get the picture.

I have to say I was suitably impressed, the solution felt almost 'soft' on my eyes and as gentle as water, it also took off all my eye make-up very easily - I was quite shocked how easy it really was! I've found that with most make-up removers, they aren't so great at taking off that stubborn make-up at the base of your lashes. But this really was a few swipes of the cotton pad and you're done! The solution also made my skin feel firm and fresh, a truly pleasurable experience.

Moving onto the Moisturising cream, if you've read my blog before you'll know that my skin has an extreme combination, very acne and oil prone but also patches of flaky dry skin - lovely! Therefore I find it rather difficult to find a moisturiser to wear under my make-up which will not only hydrate me but won't make me oily either.  However, I understand not everyone has skin as difficult as mine.

I was very impressed by this product. It comes in a handy pump dispenser the consistency wasn't thick quite the opposite in fact, but it felt great on my skin and continued to feel moisturising for hours.  It is a fabulous base for your make-up.

Bioderma isn't readily available in the UK in stores so I ordered online at Escentual and they were fantastic! If you've never been on their website, they sell everything from skincare to hair care.  They're currently having a sale of 1/3 off all French pharmacy brands throughout June, including Bioderma which makes it even more affordable! I was also surprised at how cheap and quick their delivery was! I ordered late on Monday evening and it was here by Wednesday, all for the price of £1.95, bargain!

I am really impressed with Bioderma and without a doubt I will be be ordering these products again and more!

Have you tried any of the Bioderma range? what did you think?

L x

Half Moon Manicure - Tutorial

Many 'moons ago' (see what I did there), back in the 1930/40's, it was quite the fashion for ladies to wear a half-moon manicure. This involves the little white crescent shape (which is called the 'Lunula' Latin for 'little moon' ) being left bare or painted a lighter colour to the rest of the nail.

Moving forward to 2014 the half moon manicure is still a very wearable, vintage style. These are my three simple steps to achieve the look.

Things you'll need...
1. Two nail colours. It's really up to you which two colours you choose to compliment each other.  Pretty pastels for spring or dark sumptuous colours for winter, you can even just leave the 'moons' bare - the possibilities are endless.

2. A clear base and top coat.

3. Nail varnish remover.

4. Cotton wool buds/pads

5. Hole reinforcement stickers (you can buy these in any stationery section of a supermarket)

These are the polishes I'm using...

Before we continue, this mani works best on freshly preened nails.  So spend some time tidying your cuticles and filing your nails as it is important if you want to achieve a great finish.

Also, this may seem a little obvious but not everyone's 'half moons' will look the same, some are brighter, bigger than others, mine for example are pretty small. Just adapt the steps accordingly.

Step One.
Base coat and first colour.

Make sure your nails are totally oil free and use nail varnish remover to ensure you have a clean base.

It's important to use a base coat under every nail polish application, whether it's a light or dark colour, this will help prevent staining (not cute!)

When it's dry, apply a layer of your first colour.  This doesn't need to cover your whole nail since you'll be covering that with your second colour. The second coat is optional, depending on your desired colour combination.

Step Two
The half moon cheat.

Hole reinforcement stickers - originally designed to well, reinforce holes made by a hole-punch.

Rather conveniently, in the pack I bought were 5 stickers per row. Cut them in half so you end up with two half moon shapes. 

Once your nail colour is completely dry, place the stickers on your nail - as I said before the size of everyone's nails are different. Make sure they are stuck down securely as this will ensure clean lines. 

Step Three
Colour and finish

Paint your second colour on and repeat if desired. Wait until a little tacky and slowly peel off the sticker.

 

If you get any problems with the two colours seeping together, take your colour and try and touch it up best you can.

Finally take your clear polish and apply - voila!

Anyone else tried this style?

L x

Lush Haul

I've dabbled with Lush products before and there are a few things I really like about them: their products are handmade and natural; they are against animal testing; and if you bring back 5 empty pots they give you a FREE fresh face mask.

Recently I bought a few of their products, some I'd never tried, others were a repurchase.

First up ... a new facial cleanser/soap 'Movis'.  You might be thinking that sounds a bit like 'Hovis' the bread well, you'd be right. It's wheat based, containing wholemeal bread, wheat germ oil, hop oil and cocoa butter.  You can use this by running the bar under water and taking the whole bar to your face, like a soap/sponge/exfoliator all in one.  It feels a little odd at first as it smells as though you're just rubbing a chunk of bread on your face, luckily the scent doesn't linger and your skin feels super smooth.

 If you're not familiar with Lush, they have huge blocks of their soap products that you can have cut to the size you want. Think like a 'Delicatessen for soaps' Movis was £4.50 per 100g.

My next purchase was something that I've had before and loved, Tea Tree Water - Toner.  If you've read my blog before you'll know that my skin type is super dry yet acne prone. I love products with Tea Tree Oil as it's naturally soothing and contains antibacterial properties yet doesn't dry out your skin - perfect! At £7.50 per 250g this will always be a repurchase for me, its super refreshing too in those Spring/Summer months.

Now onto the fresh face mask that I initually went in for - 'Cosmetic Warrior'  (£6.25/ 75g)

First I will say that when I saw this mask contained Garlic, I was slightly err...freaked at the thought of slathering it on my face. However, safe to say my concerns were put to rest when a lovely member of staff gave me some to sample in store. Again this product contains Tea Tree Oil to soothe and leave the skin cool and clean.

After using this 4 x my skin cleared up quite significantly, although as you'll find if you've used a mask before, your skin tends to get worse before it gets better.

After browsing the products I picked up a few other things....


'Ocean Salt face and body scrub' £7.25 per 120g.

I love scrubs that aren't super harsh and scratchy and this product is for face and body - and who doesn't love a multi-use product.  It contains avocado butter, coconut oil, seaweed, lime, grapefruit and smells absolutely delicious! After just one use my skin felt lovely and smooth, a fabulous purchase.

If you've never been to Lush this could be a new one on you, but my next purchase was a  Shampoo Bar - 'Seanik' £5.50 per 55g. Now I know what you're thinking - does that work?! well ladies yes! I was a little sceptical at first too.  You use it just like a traditional bar of soap, I was surprised at how much it lathered with a little water just like any liquid shampoo.  My hair was left squeaky clean and it smelt amazing.  Plus if you do a lot of travelling it takes up less than a 1/4 of any shampoo bottles - bonus! 

Last but by no means least is another repurchase ... 'Mint Julips - Lip Scrub' £5.50

As it smells like mint chocolate, its really hard not to want to eat this product, its made from peppermint, sweet vanilla and real sugar crystals its a little like trying not to lick your lips when eating a sugared doughnut....enough about food. This is essential in a bid to get rid of dry-chapped lips that you get in Winter (thanks for that). You might not see the point in scrubbing your lips, but for me its now a must-have product!

What are your must-have Lush products?

L x

Manicure Monday #1

What could be a better way to cheer yourself up on a rainy Monday (supposed to be Summer), than with a fresh colour on your nails!

Today I've chosen Models Own in 'Apple Pie' from their Fruit Pastel Collection - £5.00.

Recently i've become quite the fan of Models Own nail polish and this one didn't' disappoint. I just adore the retro 'Scratch n' Sniff' sticker' - although I probably look a bit odd sniffing the top of nail polishes in the make up isle.

Moving on, it is a really cute easy to wear on-trend colour  for Summer. The application is also very easy and as with all Models Own polishes, you need two coats for maximum effect.

The end result is smooth and glossy so if you're feeling super lazy, you don't need a top-coat. Although I would never recommend skipping this step if you want your mani to last longer.

A gorgeous colour, I think you'll agree.

What colour have you been loving lately?

L x

Products I regret buying.

So you come home after a visit to your local drug store only to find that the thing you bought you suddenly hate for some reason - yes girls we've all been there, it's a disappointing feeling to say the least.

Here are a few products I purchased recently and that ended up in the bin!

1. Loreal Skin 15 second skin perfection miracle cleansing oil for face and eyes - £5.33
Initially I was attracted to this product because it was on offer (come on, we all love a good bargain) and I needed a new make up remover anyway.  Actually it does actually live up to its claims in that it removes make up well.  However the oily texture ended up getting into my eyes, which would leave my vision blurred for a while - not ideal!

2. Soap&Glory - Peaches and clean 3-in-1 wash off deep purifying cleanser - £5.33

It pains me that Soap&Glory is on my product regret list, I'm usually a huge fan, which lead me to buying this cleanser. Firstly this product smelt great, like fresh peach juice - yummy! I just felt that it didn't DO anything, didn't foam, didn't take make up off, just .....nothing...

3. Nivea daily essentials refreshing daily toner - £2.55
If I'm totally honest, my initial hopes for this product weren't high. I'm generally quite sceptical about toners as they strip you skin of natural oils - and this was no exception. It was too perfumed for me, an overwhelming powdery-type smell and sure enough was very harsh on the skin, left my face feeling sore!

4. Lush - Ultrabland facial cleanser - £6.95

I usually really love Lush cleansers, I love that they use all natural ingredients generally not irritating for my skin. However i really didn't like this one, it felt way too greasy for me (think a melted block of oily wax) the cleanser was really hard to remove from my face and my hands too. It left me feeling somewhat frustrated for what should be a simple cleansing routine.

5. Eau Thermale Avene Ultra Rich Cleansing Gel  - £8.00
If you read my problem skin post, you would know that I am a big fan of the traditional cold cream. So you can imagine my delight when I found this! I really like the Eau Thermale Avene range. Although this gel was way too 'soap-like' it was very foamy and really stung my eyes, even when it was washed off.

6. Botanics Organic Facial Oil - £4.99
While wandering around Boots one evening, I came across this.  It caught my attention because I know rosehip is great for the skin and seemed like a way cheaper alternative to others I had been looking at. I really felt like this did nothing for me yet being an oil I had hoped it would hydrate my dry skin but no...it just sat on my skin, certainly not for me!

7. Masks - Boots - Botanics Quenching Face Mask
I bought this a while ago as I love a good face mask - however this really dint hydrate my skin, it was more like a moisturiser than a mask - didn't feel pampered at all. 

Am I the only one that hates throwing out products, even if you didn't like them? hehe

L x