It's taken me 3 months but it's over!!!

What am I being so dramatic about?! Glossybox. After receiving my 7th Glossybox a week ago I've given up and unsubscribed. I was so disappointed by the last box, it contained bath salts, hand cream, face cream, a perfume, and Nail Rock Nail Wraps. I wasn't excited about any of these products, the only 2 with potential were the hand cream which went straight into my work bad but it's just a hand cream, and the Nail Wraps but they were leopard print.

My favourite products from previous Glossybox's have been -

• WELEDA (POMEGRANATE REGENERATING BODY OIL) - July
• HD BROWS (EYE&BROW PALETTE) - September
• DERMALOGICA AGE SMART - MULTIVITAMiN THERMAFOLIANT - OCTOBER
• STILA - SMUDGE STICK WATERPROOF EYE LINER IN khaki - OCTOBER

I've definitely given Glossybox time to develop but I feel their selections are getting worse. I still love the idea of a beauty box subscription because I enjoy looking forward to the monthly box being delivered and it's so exciting opening the box. I've done some research and have subscribed to Boudoir Prive. Although the products aren't as large as Glossybox they same to be more suited for me, more cosmetics based. So I'm looking forward to receiving the box which will arrive mid December.

What are your thoughts and experiences with beauty subscriptions?

what have I been up to?

Hope everyone is well!

I haven't had the chance to blog much recently, work is busy and I'm also redecorating. I live with my in laws (not as bad as it sounds!) and we're switching rooms at the moment. The one me and my hubby are moving into is huge but it was decorated so badly. Think dado rails, stripy flowery wall paper and lots of chintz! So I've spent the last couple weekends decorating and I am tired! Its not completely done yet as we have furniture to build tomorrow and because the new carpet doesn't arrive till Wednesday or Friday, we won't have our wardrobes and new bed in until next weekend. It's all a bit hectic. 

The whole process almost put me off my long term plan of getting our own home, actually it really doesn't!\the wall you can see is where I plan to put my new dressing table.....which I'm still looking for.

Hope you're all well and here is a progress picture to give you an idea of what's going on. As it's my birthday next week I should hopefully have some blogs up to share my busy long weekend with you all. And that reminds me, I was bidding on a Topshop blouse which I was planning to wear on the evening of my birthday but I forgot to check and lost out. Damn all this decorating, it's interfering with my clothes buying!!!

Any suggestions for where to look for a new dressing table?

a little surprise...

Hope you're all well and have had a good week, I for one am so glad the working week is over, bring on the weekend!

Today at work I was given a present, it was from our office cleaner who is such a nice woman. She has been dealt some bad card in her life and always seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. Yesterday my team, including the cleaner, were discussing ring sizes, as you do! I pointed out how I have skinny fingers. The today she came if and gave me a ring that belonged to her daughter who died around 3 years ago. I was touched by the gesture, I have no idea of the rings worth or history. Apparently the owner was a bit of a hoarder, I'm sure we would have got on very well! 

The ring is very me, and here is a picture

The ring features 3 oval shaped stones. I did originally feel uncomfortable taking it but my friend did say it would mean a lot to her as she doesn't like the idea of her daughters belongings just remaining unworn. 

All in all, the ring left me feeling very good and it's nice to think that my friend thinks enough of me to give me something that belonged to her daughter.

Have you ever received anything that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside?

Outfit of the night

As promised by my previous post, I managed to take a few pics before I went out last night.

My bargain £2 necklace from Dorothy Perkins.

Two bracelets from Primark.

Green slouchy top from Boohoo, see my previous Chelsea Boot Love and recent shopping, and Topshop Leigh Jeans.

Studded heel shoes bought ages ago from Linea, House of Fraser.

Really don't like this pic but it shows my green and black eye makeup.

Raspberry Daiquiri.

Apologies because I am really bad at taking pics of myself and had noone at the time to help out, but at least you get the idea. I had a fabulous time and had some lovely cocktails.

What did you get up to last night?

Happy Sunday everyone! 

Saturday bargains!

I went to Outfit this morning, for those who don't know Outlet is a large shop for the Arcadia group so it holds Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge, and Evans. I was on the hunt for Topshop MOTO Leigh Supersoft Jeans in Burgundy £38, which I found. I already have these jeans in black and light blue (only suitable through summer) and I absolutely love them. They're so comfortable and a higher waist so you're not having to pull them up constantly. They're also tight around the ankle and are super stretchy.

I also found two absolute bargains in the Dorothy Perkins sale. They were both priced at £7 reduced from £15, but when I went to pay for everything the total came to £42. Obviously like any sane female shopper I did a "yay!" inside but didn't say anything as I thought the Sales Assistant must have done a mistake. I paid sharpish and once I was safely outside I checked the receipt and had only been charged £2 for each necklace. Here they are.

I am so happy with both of them as they're exactly my style, a bit chunky and very versatile. I'm hoping to do my first Outfit of the Day/Night tonight as I'm going out with my best friend. Hopefully I'll have enough time to take a few pics while I'm waiting for my lift. I'm planning on wearing the new jeans, a green metallic slouchy top, and one of the above necklaces. Not sure about shoes yet.

Have you had any absolute bargains recently?

Travalo

Just a quick post to let you know about a recent ebay purchase I made, after watching various Youtube videos on the Travalo I decided to order one from an ebay seller for £7.59. Although the item arrived in perfect condition, it did take 5 days to get here so shop about if you want it quickly. It could be as a result of "ebay karma" as I took almost a week to post an item I sold (Leighton Denny Sex Kitten Nail Polish - from the October Glossy Box).

 

The Travalo is a portable 3 inch(ish) tall container designed for carrying around your perfume in a convenient way. At the bottom of the container is a suction which you place over the top of your favourite perfume Bottle on the white stick bit and you just press down around 30-40 times. I love to carry around makeup and toiletries but it's always in miniature or small compact form, so this is ideal for me. I've already filled mine with my favourite day perfume, Anthology 3 L'Imperatrice Perfume for Women by Dolce and Gabbana. 

"Succulent exotic fruits of bright pink florals give way to a musky, appetite-arousing base. A mouth-watering concoction of fresh watermelon and juicy kiwi is offset by the drama of a pink cyclamen for an exhilarating fragrance sensation. Boisterous, brilliant and incredibly addictive."

I also think these would make fantastic stocking fillers or presents. They also come in black, silver, pink, and gold, which can be seen here. 

What do you think?

Nails of the Day

I love nail polish!

After searching 3 different Topshops for Butterscotch Babe, £5 I finally found it and I love it. It's a gorgeous burnt orange and I wasn't able to find anything that came close. I would probably have resorted to paying the equivalent for the cost of the product for the p&p and ordered it online if I hadn't found it.

If you are generous enough with one coat of this it is enough, it is very opaque and looks creamy in texture which is what I love in my favourite nail polishes.

Then I went to Superdrug to stock up on essentials and couldn't resist NYC Boundless Berry which was an absolute snip at around £2.50. It is completely opaque after one coat and has a gorgeous glossy finish. I went back to work and couldn't resist apply it on the ring finger on each hand. It does look slightly darker when applied on the picture, however it is definitely true to the bottle shade. The colours actually complement each other well and are season appropriate. Whilst Butterscotch Babe is gorgeous, I think I will definitely be exploring the NYC range more as it's half the price and you get slightly more product.

As always, I topped off each colour with my favourite top coat, see my post here. The reason I love the creamy opaque consistency of these polishes over their more shimmery counterparts is because the former is suitable for work and play but the latter should be reserved for play time only!

What are your favourite nail combos. or do you jut prefer to done one colour? 

Happy Friday everyone!

40 Getting to Know Me Questions

Wasn't sure what to blog about tonight and I love to watch these types of videos on Youtube so thought I'd do my own version on here, so here goes...

SKINCARE


-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, without fail. Occasionally I will cheat and use a cleansing wipe instead but I'm pretty geeky when it comes to removing make up.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I'm pretty lucky and have good skin, I don't honestly do that much. I do get a shiny t-zone throughout the day and prefer to use blotting paper as opposed to reapplying makeup.

-What is your current facial wash?
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Cleanser and Mask. I have used this for around 5 years.
-Do you exfoliate?
Yes, around twice a week but products vary. I do love Dermalogica Microfoliant but have recently been using the Microfoliant of the same brand, which I received in the October Glossy Box.

-What brand do you use?
Haha, see above!

-What moisturiser do you use?
La Roche Posay Effaclar M Daily Mattifying Moisturiser, around £15 from Boots. I try to stock up when the 3 for 2 deals are on as each bottle contains only 30ml. I also mix in a tiny amount of Oilatum Natural Face Repair Cream (around £7 from Boots).

-Do you have freckles?
Nope

-Do you use eye cream?
Yes, the L'Oreal Collagen Micro-Vibration Eye Cream, £15 from various retailers. I wouldn't say it's amazing and I don't even use the vibrating but. I will probably look for something new when it runs out. 

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I'm lucky that I've always had clear skin, I do get the occasional hormonal breakout but nothing too bad.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Don't even know what it is

MAKE-UP


-What foundation do you use?
I don't use one, I use MAC Mineralise Skin Finish Natural. Is that a foundation?

-How about concealer?
MAC Select Cover-up, I did try the Collection 2000 one which is about 1/3 of the price but the colour range didn't suit me (I'm NC35).

-Do you know your undertone color?
They call me mellow yellow!

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them but find them tricky to apply. H&M do a nice natural pair for £3.99 which I can apply but they're not glam enough.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes but I don't use mine every day so I think I would waste a lot of product if I did change every 3 months, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

-What brand of mascara do you use?
At the moment I'm using Max Factor False Lash Effect, not amazing me a lot but will do for now. I have thick straight stubborn lashes, even eyelash perming didn't work on me.

-Sephora or MAC?
No Sephora where I live so definitely MAC

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
No.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Fingers for eyeshadow, but MAC brushes for everything else.

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes, I have used Urban Decay Primer Potion for about 10 years, I'm using the Sin one at the moment but will return to using the original when I've used it up. I recently purchased and tried MAC Paint Pot in Indian Wood but it creased on me.

-For the face?
No.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I really don't have one, I love neutrals.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Gel...
-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Never, ouch!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I used to be obsessed with MAC's but they created too much and I either compressed them with MACs Mixing Medium or binned them.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Yes, MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish.

-What is your favorite lipstick?
Revlon Super Lustrous in Mink or MAC Viva Glam Cyndi, a gorgeous pink coral.

-How about lipgloss?
I'm not a fan of lipgloss but I have just purchased Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream in Fairy Cake, it's more of a liquid lipstick but is matte and lasts quite long.

-What is your favorite blush to use?
Dior Bronzing Powder in Amber Bronze (I know it's a Bronze but I have darker skin), not sure how much because it was given to me. For a pink tone I love Boots 17 Blusher in First Flush, £3.49.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
I did used to buy MAC pigment samples but some of them were fake so that has put me off.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Loveeee them!! Revlon lipsticks, Sleek and Boots 17 blushers,

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I have been to one in York, UK, they had a really good selection but I didn't really buy anything.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
No, it's just a bit of fun for me.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
I don't think so.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Foundation that doesn't match the skin, AAARRRRGHHHHH!!!!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I like colourful lips and on the eyes I will wear purple/green/blue on the lower lash smudged out but stick to neutrals everywhere else.
-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Oooooh I'm not sure, I could lie and mak one up but I won't.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Concealer!!!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes, but I don't go very far.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Apart from the dark under eye circles I don't think I look that different.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
MAC.

Your turn!!!

My first dip into Lush

I visited Lush yesterday and felt the urge to buy but had no idea what to get and was overwhelmed by the choice. I spoke to a male Sales Assistant and decided I wanted to pamper myself so I chose the following and tried them all out last night....

First I used the free sample of Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser, I received a generous amount and think it will last me around a week if used once a day. I loved the almond smell and the concept was fun, you put a small amount of the dry product in the palm of your hand then add a small amount of water and use to cleanse your face. It also mildly exfoliates and I would definitely repurchase this. The full price is £5.95 for 100g.

I then used the Moon and Sun Steamer Tab to open my pores. It cost £2.50 for one small 7g tablet. Although I enjoyed using it I don't think I would re-purchase as I'm not sure if it really did anything apart from get me a bit flustered through the steaming process. It also had a lavender fragrance which I wasn't keen on.

My favorite item was the Brazened Honey Face Mask. I have normal skin which is slightly oily on the T-zone and felt this product balanced my skin. It cost £5.50 for 75g and it will probably last me around 6 uses. I was advised to store it in the fridge as well. I love honey and this smelt absolutely delicious. I was originally advised to try the Love Lettuce mask but as it smelt quite strongly of lavender so I asked for an alternative.

Finally I asked for a facial spritz which I could use at work to freshen my face during the day as I tend not to reapply makeup. I picked up the Breath of Fresh Air Toner which cost £3.75 for 100g (shouldn't that read 'ml'?). Although I like the actual product the mist itself isn't fine enough and it leaves large droplets on your face which isn't really practical when you don't want to reapply makeup. I think I'll be using this at home and at the moment I'm not sure if I would repurchase.

 

Overall, I'm pleased with the Lush products I bought and am very keen to try more, I feel a new addiction developing!

Have you tried Lush? Can you recommend any products?

Chelsea Boot Love and recent shopping

I've been browsing on ASOS and I've cone across these amazing Chelsea Boots. They're £85 though (sad face). How amazing are they?

I recently did a shop on Boohoo and this is what I bought...

This Cathy Dress was on sale for an amazing £8 and it looks gorgeous on, perfect for Christmas parties

I also got a pair of Cord High Waisted Green Shorts and I'm so glad I read the reviews and ordered a large because anything smaller would of been too tight. They're perfect for wearing with leggings, boots and a chunky cardigan but I'm concerned about how long they'll last as they're very thin, but only cost £10.

I've also been wanting a Scallop Vest for a while but didn't want to pay £15 for one at Topshop. Luckily Boohoo had an amazing selection of colours and I got one in Berry and it was £8

Finally from Boohoo I got a Metallic Lurex Zip Back Top in a gorgeous green. I got the top in S/M and it's still very baggy, I'll probably wear it with skinny jeans tucked in at the front.

 

Boohoo is a really good site and I would suggest that everyone has a look and definitely check out the clearance section because they have some absolute bargains (I love the dress!!).

Yesterday during lunchtime I also went on a New Team Bonding Trip to H&M, any excuse, and got 3 tops costing £7.99 for work and play, all of which I already own in different colours. Isn't that just the norm when in H&M? Apologies for the quality of the pictures but it is difficult to drop in the images from the site. 

The first Top has a zip pocket and is a gorgeous soft jersey material. I already have it in black and picked up the rust colour. I got the Medium as it looks much better when it's slouchy as opposed to how it looks on the site.

I also got a Cowl Neck Jersey Top in purple, which is actually the 'corporate colour' of the company I work for so I don't think I will wear it to wear. Buy I have it in black also and love the soft draping effect of the neck. Again I got it in Medium as I think it looks much better slightly baggy and tucked into high waisted jeans or trousers. 

The H&M site isn't the best to navigate around and as a result I couldn't find the final top but it was a very simple three quarter sleeve, slash neck top and I picked it up in the black as I already had the grey/black stripe version. H&M do amazing basic tops which last forever. I think about 70% of my wardrobe is H&M!

I also picked up an almost maxi Long Black Sleeveless Dress which was £24.99 but I will be returning it as I got it in a small but it's just too baggy around the top and feel an extra small would be too tight around the waist.  I couldn't find this top on the site either but have taken a picture and will drop it below as I think some people will love it. It also came in a rich purple colour. I'm 5'5'' and it hits me just on the ankle. 

Apologies for not being able to rotate the image but I'm on my brother in laws Apple and it's confusing me!

What have you been buying? I hope you all have a good weekend