Update & Haul

Hi guys, so recently I deserve a big slap on the wrists for being such a bad blogger and not posting very much but, there has been a bunch of life things going on at the moment and I haven't been feeling very confident with my blog, however, I'm back with a mini haul as I did a little retail therapy shopping. 

On with the haul. 

First stop +Topshop, now after my last experience in my local Topshop I was hesitant to go back inside but they had a sale on and as my boyfriend and I walked pasted I saw the green polka dot crop top hanging on a sale rail, then I just couldn't help myself. Now they may have not had my size but they did have a size 12 which is good enough for me and fits fine, as I find Topshop sizes a little off for me, I usually need to go 1 size bigger. Anyway, I picked up the polka dot crop tee for £5 down from £10 so not to shabby, also hanging a sale rail was this lovely pastel yellow cropped knitted jumper which I have also had my eye on for a while. I grabbed this with out hesitation as is was only £18 from £30 pretty good 'ey. Again they didn't have my size so I had to get a bigger one but its really cosy and then it's not like sitting under my boob crease so when I reach for something I'm not flashing people. 

In Boots I picked up the Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm (£8.99) now I am still suffering with seriously bad skin and I just can't seem to get rid of horrible fat spots and red marks and I picked this up as it contains, Shea butter, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip oil, Lemon peel oil and other skincare goodies, also it promises to draw out impurities and closes up the pores.  So far I'm enjoying it and already thinking about trying to very loved Emma Hardie balm cleanser. 

Just because I wanted something new I picked up the L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain in 200 Princess I believe. My first impressions I don't know how I feel. It's very watery when you apply first and then it goes quite sticky I find and I find the applicator to leave a heavy line around the lips so I need to blend with a lip brush. And the colour is as if it has been watered down, quite sheer so I do have to layer up which creates more stickiness. But I'm sure I will find a way to work with it.

Also in Superdrug I picked up the Bourjois Flower Perfection foundation in 52 Vanilla £10.99which comes with a little sponge applicator (washable) in the lid. I just fancied trying a new foundation really lets not forget this is retail therapy, ha ha. So far I am really enjoying this full coverage foundation especially for covering those horrid breakouts of mine. I don't even feel the need to use concealer under my eyes which is a pretty big deal for me as my circles are like a deep purple colour. It does have a matte finish so is better for oily skin, I have dry skin but I don't find this a problem at all. 

From Boots (again) I picked up the new Bourjois Bronzing Primer £9.99 honestly I am worried to wack his all over my face as a base before foundation, but I have used it as a cream bronzer and a light contour and it looks so pretty. It blends out quite sheer so you can really work it into the foundation so that you don't have any orangey marks across your face. Very happy with this purchase. 

I bought this just on a whim is this La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout corrector. I bought with from Lloyds Pharmacy just because the Origins Spot Treatment Gel just isn't doing anything for my spots, so why not try something new. I can't remember who much this was roughly £10 I think. I haven't gotten around to using it yet because I'm lazy but I need to get on and use it. 

Lasty from Boots I picked up 2 of the new Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish's I chose a bright orange which on the nails comes off more red than orange but it is still pretty, and then I picked the light coral pink which is super flattering on the nails. Both £2.99 each wonderful. 

I hope you liked this haul I am pretty pleased with my shopping trip and I will be popping back into town this weekend, but thats a secret *wink*

xx

Soap & Glory Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

When Boots had one of their fabulous 3 for 2 offers on I picked up a couple of Soap & Glory bits one of them being the hot cloth cleanser. I have really been trying to keep on top of my skin lately, especially after watching Caroline Hirons talk skincare on the Body Talk channel on You Tube it just really motivated me to get more in touch with my skin and help it out more. 

So as you can see the product comes in a foil type tube which you have to squeeze to release the product, which I find okay but I'm not a huge fan of the packaging but I can deal with it. The actual consistency of the product is like a light-weight but relatively thick cream which thins out at you massage it into the skin. I love this products because it just melts away the make-up and removed about 90% of my make-up, although I still double cleanse to just get away extra dirt and make-up I may have missed first time. 
I have heard that this is quite a good dupe for the Liz Earl Cleanse and polish, but I haven't used that so I can't say if it is or not. I'm not overly keen on the scent of this product lavender just jumps out to me (which I dislike the smell) and orange I just dislike it but I guess its a good job this product works,hey. 
Like I said it just melts away make-up nicely especially eye-makeup, it isn't super at removing waterproof make-up so I would suggest holding a warm cloth over your waterproof mascara before going in with the cleanser, other wise with normal mascaras it does a really good job. I squeeze a good lump out onto my finger tips, it just glides out of the tube, and then I start to massage it all over the face for a minute (as it says to on the packaging) and I concentrate on my chin and around the nose and just really work it into the skin. Once that minute is over I then leave it for another minute (also like it says on the back) and then I just wipe it off with a warm cloth. After this cleanser I find my skin looks clean and healthy and it has a lovely glow to it. 

This is such a lovely night cleanser and it cost £10 which isn't expensive at all if you think of all the other higher end cleansers out there, and it comes with a muslin cloth inside.

Whats your favourite cleanser? 
xx

Boots | Caroline Hirons Blog | Caroline & Pixiwoo's Youtube Video

Revlon Lip Butters

I realise that I am a little late jumping on the Lip Butter bandwagon but I never saw the appeal, but I saw a post on the Revlon lip butter in Strawberry Shortcake and it looked super pretty sadly it's not for me (colour wise) it's too much of a bright barbie shade which I don't feel like it sits well against my skin tone. But still it's still a gorgeous colour in the packaging. The other shade I picked up was wild watermelon which again I'm not sold on. I dunno something about a sheer bright red just isn't right for me(?) I'd rather have a full on bright bold red lip. 

There are still a wonderful array of shades to chose from so make sure you know what will suit you as they retail for £7.99 in Superdrug. It's not a lot of money but 8 pounds for something you don't like it still a waste. Never-the-less I do like the lip butters I do find them quite moisturising on the lips but you do have to re-apply quite a lot if you want the colour on all day. I would suggest though having well moisturised soft lips before hand, as the product (I found) clings on to any dry areas, so make sure to be apply lip balms nightly and exfoliating before application. Other than that and the shade, I did really like products. 

I also like the packaging with the matching lid and long tube as it is easy for them to stand up right. No I don't see the hype of this product, yes they are lovely and quite moisturising and they look pretty in their plastic quilted effect packaging, and there are pretty colours but its just a sheer lipstick to me. Sorry +Revlon. I may try other shades to see how I feel about those but perhaps not any time soon.

What are your thoughts on the lip butters? 

xx

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express | Cat Eye Mascara

Hi guys so I blogged before about a Maybelline mascara here and as I said there Maybelline is my go to high street brand for mascaras. But there is one that I always go back to and re-perchase and its the Colossal Cay Eye mascara with the leopard print lid £7.99 from Superdrug & Boots.

I love this mascara because it adds a good amount of length. As you can see in the picture the wand is curved and you're meant to use it with it the dip way up (if that makes sense?) but I like to use it upside down so the dip facing down. I find the mascara a lot less clumpy and I can apply more layers if I need to. So theres a little tip for you. I find with most mascaras they are too wet when you first use them, and I found that with this product too so I prefer it a few days - a week after I've opened it and it begins to dry out, as less product comes out on the brush and it is a lot less messy.

The packaging is a twisty lid and very story, I haven't found it comes loose after a while which is good as the mascara won't dry up ultra quickly, so it lasts a good length of time. I use this mascara pretty much every days and it can last me months..I can't remember how long I got this one but i'm sure it was ages ago and It's still going good. I don't find it very voluminous but thats fine, however, on a night out when I want more volume but not false lashes (we don't get on, lash's and I) I just cote my outer lashes in a more voluminous mascara like One by One Volume Express or Colossal Volume Smokey Eyes both Maybelline, and I don't find it clumpy looking at all. 

I really do recommend this mascara it just gives gorgeous flirty lashes with added length. It's perfect for day time and you can pile it on for night time too. 

Have you tried this mascara? What is your favourite?

xx 

Small Blog Sale

I've got a couple of things to sell today, as I have been going through some bits and pieces at home and thrown a hole bunch of things but some things are in very good state that I think someone else will like. All items I'm am selling include P&P (postage and packaging) and if I don't get rid of them on my blog then they will be going on eBay. 
These items are first come first serve, if you are interested in any of the items them please leave a comment with what ones you like and your e-mail address. If you would like to purchase more than one item then do let me know as the price may vary,(due to P&P prices and weight of the parcel ) but we can always discuss prices via e-mail. 

Size 6 Internacionale floral print heel with double straps around the ankle. Worn once £15 (Including P&P) really comfortable but I have too many shoes. Heel high is roughly 5.5".

Left; Avon Clear Skin Blemish Clearing Mask 75ml (peel off) £6 never used unopened so I can't say if I like the product. Salicylic Acid 2.0%.

Right; Avon Clear Skin Pore Penetrating Clay Mask 75ml £6 never used and unopened. Box is a little tatty as I have had this a while. Salicylic Acid 0.5%

You can also buy these together for £10 if you wish.

Size 10 Krisp dress. Zipped back and strapless, worn once. Very flattering and figure hugging and great for evening/special occasions, but sadly it doesn't fit any more. *cry* £20 (paid £30 originally).  

2x H&M mini skirts. Worn multipul times no damage to them. Brown is size 10-12 and Hot pink is size 10. together £6 separately £3. 

 Lastly is Outspoken by Fergie never used (as I have another one already) 50ml £10 boxed, the box has been opened but not damaged. 

So for any of the items just leave a comment with your e-mail address with the item/s that you would like and like I said, we can discuss pricing if there are more than 1 item. I am quite excited about this. 

xx

Palmer's Moisturizing Body Oil

A few weeks ago whilst in Superdrug I picked up this amazing bottle of summer skin goodness. I have quite dry skin all over, mainly on my legs, and I have never really found a body butter or moisturiser that really works at keeping my legs smooth, and also one that doesn't just sit on the skin. Until now. 

For £5.09 you get 250ml of gorgeously scented oil. It smells something along the lines of coco and fresh chocolate cake, sort of, its just a-ma-zing. It does settle in to the skin quickly only if you really work it into the skin, other wise it can feel a little slippery and slimy on the skin, I found. If you're not one for body oils you can use this in the bath by just pouring some in with the tap still running. This oil leaves my skin so silky smooth and I'm quickly going through the bottle. I think the main thing about this products is the smell, it just lingers for quick a while and one you have worked it in to the skin, it is just turns quite subtle so you kind of get whiffs of it as your going about your days. 

I use this everyday.As you have to apply it to damp skin, to save me getting up extra early to have a bath, I like to spritz some water onto my skin and then work the oil in from there. I have to say also, this products makes an excellent base for fake tan, for those of you who do tan. The consistency isn't too thick it is actually quick runny to work quickly to avoid it dribbling everywhere. Like it said this product leave my skin really smooth to the touch but also it does feel completely moisturising. It is just an all round gorgeous product and I highly highly recommend it. Also 250ml for £5 it's not to bad. 

Have you tried this product? Do you have any recommendations? 
Link to the product Palmer's Body Oil

xx

Maybelline Illegal Length mascara (Waterproof)

Hi guys. 

Now, I wouldn't say I was a mascara maniac I kind of just stick to what I know and like. My natural lashes aren't super long but they aren't short either, but they are quite a nice length I think and it doesn't take a lot for a mascara to make them to look very elongated. But there are some mascaras that help make them look more natural and quite thick as I do have a few gaps, like +Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real mascara, Maybelline Cat eye mascarathey are my main two mascaras. 

However, the other day in Superdrug it was/is 3-4-2 on all cosmetics and I was at the Maybelline stand and I haven't bought a new mascara in ages and noticed the Illegal Length mascara (£8.99) all the way at the bottom. There are two one waterproof (the one I picked up) and non waterproof. I have to say for a mascara I have heard nothing about and bought on a whim I am so impressed! It is just a mixture (for me) of the They're real and cat eye mascara. It gives my lashes a little ompff at the base and does make my lashes look really elongated *big smiles* I can still get away with not having to wear any false lashes. It is also (unfortunately) very waterproof and very hard to remove. I have found that only warm water on a cloth is the easiest way to get it off. But even when I slept with the mascara on there was no smudging or 'panda' look when I woke up. As you can see from the brush, it is quite slim and long so it picks up most of the lashes and the bristles are short and there are lots of them so it catches the lashes in different angles.
I think Maybelline are the best high-street brand for mascaras and pretty much all my mascaras (bar one) are by them. I find them relatively promising in what they say, and if not then I can still find a way to make them work for me. I think this Illegal Length mascara would be good for people with very short lashes as it does elongate them, and also it would be good for girls who are looking to enhance their naturally long lashes. The mascara isn't clumpy at all and there is not a lot of excess on the tip of the brush when you pull out the curvy tube. What I have also done with this mascara is in the day if I am in a rush, because my lashes are pretty black/dark anyway I can get away with just popping a bit of mascara on the tips, and this just extends the very tips giving a longer appearance to natural lashes. 

Have you tried this mascara? What are your thoughts on the Maybelline mascaras?

xx