Friday 29 November 2013

#bigblogmasproject

#bigblogmasproject


Hi everyone! Just a quick post to let you know that this year I will be participating in the #bigblogmasproject organised by Nicole. Basically, I will be blogging everyday in December from the 1st-24th. The posts aren't necessarily going to be all about Christmas but there will be quite a lot of festive spirit! This is going to be quite a challenge for me as working full time it's difficult to fit in as much blogging as I'd like, so wish me luck!

Below is a list of all the wonderful bloggers who are also participating and you can also read Nicole's original post here.



Are you taking part in the #bigblogmasproject? Make sure you follow us on Twitter using the hashtag or follow us on Twitter @BBlogmasproject!


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Wednesday 27 November 2013

A big hello to Ginger & Co...


Say hello to Ginger & Co, born and bred in England and dubbed as a Soap & Glory dupe with their vintage style pin up packaging, they've been slowly but surely making their way to the forefront of bath and body care. Ginger & Co is a fun and feminine looking range and they don't test on animals (which is always a good thing!)

I was lucky enough to be sent their entire range to review and have been trialling it for a few weeks. Here are my thought's on each of the products:

Hand It To Me Dreamy Hand Cream
 This is my favourite product of the range so far, working in a lab, my hands get very dry taking gloves on and off all the time, so I've been keeping this in my bag to use on my tea breaks and its been working a charm! It's got a lovely creamy consistency and has subtle hints of roses. My only niggle with it, is that for a hand cream I'd like it to be a little smaller in size so it fits into my handbag better as this tube is 100ml, other than that its a winner!

Soft On You Daily Body Lotion
 This comes in a 500ml bottle which will last for a really long time. I've barely touched the surface! I must admit I'm really lazy when it comes to moisturing, I hate getting it all over my hands but the pump gives you just the right amount of lotion to apply. I really hate it when you get excess on your hands and have to find other places to wipe it off! The scent is lemon balm and rose which is quite refreshing but not overpowering.

Double Up Creamy Bodywash
This 250ml bottle of bodywash is the perfect size for in the shower. I've not used a bodywash with added moisturiser before and it really does leave you with silky soft skin. When I read on the bottle that the scent was ginger root and juniper berry I was a little apprehensive as to whether I was going to like it as I'm a sucker for sweet smells (give me Snow Fairy any day!) and whilst I don't dislike it I wouldn't say I was overly keen on it either. It's great that not everything in the range has the same scent though and I am sure there will be many people that do love it.

Heavenly Hands Moisurising Hand Wash
This has replaced my normal daily hand wash soap and I love how it's brightened up my bathroom with the cute pin up design on the bottle. In my opinion, the bottle is a little large for a hand wash, as its the same size as the body lotion and bubble bath. I feel it looks a little bit clumsy sitting by my sink and a 250ml version would be better.

Bathing Beauty Moisturising Bubble Bath
Getting bubbles in my bath is something I always struggle with. I usually have to borrow my husbands manly arms to swish the water so that I get a half decent amount of bubbles but I was pleasantly surprised by how little of this I had to use as with other brands I usually have to pour out half the bottle! The scent is a sweet mix of marshmallow, blossom honey and lemon balm which smelt lovely and definitely relaxed me.

 Soft On You Comforting Body Butter
 As soon as I opened the lid of this product I knew it would be a favourite of mine, firstly it's pink and secondly it looks like those big pots of marshmallow fluff you can buy! I'm seriously in danger of putting this in my mouth! Like the other products in this range, it has a very subtle scent which I find quite nice. The consistency is just right for a body butter and it's perfect for after shaving moisturising as it doesn't sting my legs.
 

Overall, I think if you're looking for a more purse friendly alternative to Soap & Glory and love the vintage feel then this brand is for you. All products are available from Semichem and are priced at a very reasonable £2.99 each apart from the hand cream which is £1.99.

Have you heard of Ginger & Co? Have you tried any of their products?

 

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Monday 25 November 2013

What's On My Face... #1


Wow, a super rare treat (if you can call it that) for you all! A what's on my face post! It's definitely not something I'm thinking of doing regularly. Everybody has their hang ups, mine are quite vast but how can I call myself a beauty blogger if I don't occasionally show you a few photos of my mug?

I rarely (if ever) leave the house without any make up on. Hubby gets annoyed waiting for me in the mornings if we are going somewhere, even if its just down the road to the shops as I have to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour getting ready (I'm not the only one right?) Today is a sort of everyday general make-up look. I probably wouldn't wear the lipstick to work but I wanted to show it off in this post as its just so lovely!

Here's a little run down as to what's on my face...

Amie Morning Dew Moisturiser | I received this to review a few months back and have still been loving it since. It's got a lovely scent and dried really quickly. It's a lovely base for my make up and it's great for not agitating my skin. It's also a great product for people with rosacea .

MUA Matte Perfect Primer | On first impressions I didn't like this product but I think it was because I was besotted with my Benefit Porefessional. As I have been too poor to splurge on that I have taken a fancy to this, especially the price as it's only £4!

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation in Believe in me Ivory | I wrote a recent post on this and how I wasn't really enjoying it as much as I thought but after discussions with Jaye about various items in my skincare routine, this may not have been the cause of my recent breakouts. I've decided to change the other items and carry on with it and see how it goes.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder |  A staple for any girls make up bag, gives a perfect matte finish and it's not too pricey. I apply with my Real Techniques powder brush for even coverage.

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold | This has been a favourite of mine for months and I haven't reached for anything else but this. Dubbed as a dupe for NARS Orgasm it has a really peachy/pink tone and gives just the right of highlight on my cheeks. It may possibly be the first blush I've ever hit pan on!

MAC Eyeshadow in Shroom & All That Glitters | My two favourite eyeshadows after picking them up on my most recent trip to London. I still need another two to fill my palette though! I just love neutral shades!

Benefit Bad Gal Mascara Mini | I got this in a goody bag way back at the launch of the Fake Up concealer but hadn't given it much love until now. I haven't tried They're Real yet but I love this mascara, it extends the lashes and doesn't clump and has a lovely brush for easy application.

Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Venom | I got this in September as a birthday present from my hubby. It's a lovely plum shade with hints of pink. If I'm honest, it's a little too pink for me (I'm more used to deep plum vampy shades) but it definitely brightens up the look and makes me look less ghostly!

Do you use any of these products on a daily basis?



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Saturday 23 November 2013

A few cheeky purchases...

With several London trips coming up over the next few weeks, I've tried to be pretty careful with my money. But who could resist the call of Boots 3 for 2 cosmetics offers or a little "look" around Primark? Who, I tell you, who?

So here is a little nosey at a few bits I've bought recently...


In Boots I picked up three nail polishes in the 3 for 2. I already have the Rimmel Space Dust polish in Luna Love (which you can read about here) and loved it so much that I had to pick up another one, luckily they had just restocked all the colours in my local Boots so I had the pick of them all so I chose Moon Landing a lovely purple shade. My friend Michelle however, couldn't decide which colour she wanted so bought all five! Secondly I bought two colours based on recommendations from Jaye. I picked up Barry M's Duchess, a lovely glittery gold and Maybelline's Rosy Rosettes, a beautiful red glitter that reminds me of Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz.


Next stop was Primark where I was looking for THAT red tartan scarf. I'm not really one for keeping up to date with the latest trends, so when I can buy an accessory that doesn't cost as much as buying a top/jumper/coat etc I try to snap it up. Thankfully they had loads of scarves left so once I had secured my little purchase I browsed for a few other bits. I picked up some Christmas earrings to wear at work on Christmas Eve. As I work in a hospital I can't really dress up but the earrings are a nice touch to get into the Christmas spirit and they only cost £1. Also, I couldn't resist the lure of Christmas gloves, they had so many pairs it was difficult to choose but with a number of festive blog meetups planned I thought I'd bring some festive cheer with these Christmas pudding gloves which were only £2. Finally, I bought a boring pair of thick black tights to possibly go with an outfit I have planned for one of the meet ups and a few bits for my blog Secret Santa but I can't tell you about those...!

Have you been shopping recently? Have you bought any festive items?



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Friday 22 November 2013

Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation | Believe In Me Ivory


The quest for my perfect foundation has currently led me to Benefit's Hello Flawless foundation in Believe in Me Ivory. I received a sample of this when I attended a Benefit event earlier in the year but haven't really reached for it until my current Revlon Nearly Naked ran out and I was too poor to buy a new one! Luckily my Mother in Law was on hand and supplied me with Boots vouchers for my birthday so even though this foundation costs a huge £25.50, I managed to get it for the grand price of 50p! (and got a few cheeky Boots points too!)

I believe that this is one of the lightest shades in the range and think that this is quite a good match for my pale skin. I was matched up when I attended the event and was happy with the shade so didn't have any reservations about picking up a larger bottle. The tutorial on the Benefit website says it can be applied with the fingers or using a foundation brush. For the first few days I used my Benefit foundation brush (which I was lucky enough to get in a goody bag at a blogging event) but I found that using my fingers helped blend it better and get a much more even coverage.

Longevity wise, it has lasted throughout the day, although I still get the wear on the bridge of my nose where my glasses sit (although I think this is unavoidable). I have noticed that during the day, the area around my nose has been a lot more oily and I have had a small breakout since I've started using it, but I'm not sure if that is down to the change in foundation or because I accidentally fell asleep before removing my make up one night.

I will continue to use this but I am not sure if I will repurchase once it's finished which is a shame as Benefit are one of my favourite brands. The price just doesn't reflect what I'm getting out of the product. I guess the search for the perfect foundation continues...

Can you recommend any good foundations for really fair skin which give a medium coverage?
 

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Benefit | World Famous Neutrals


I was lucky enough to win this palette from Hannah's blog way back in May but as hubby and I had to move back into my parents house suddenly, it got packed away in a box. Now we are all settled into our new place we have been sorting through all the boxes I can finally start to enjoy it!

I love Benefit, it's one of my favourite "high end" brands. It's the one I have the most products from and I've been lucky enough to attend several events at my local Benefit counter in Debenhams, Bournemouth.

World Famous Neutrals most glamorous nudes ever has been labelled as the number one selling eye shadow product in the UK. It is a compact kit containing two creaseless eye creams in birthday suit and my two cents and four longwear powder shadows in call my buff, kiss me I'm tipsy, it's complicated and gilt-y pleasure.

The two cream shadows can also be used as liners and the powder shades can be layered to create looks for day and night. All of these shades I would use for everyday wear and currently it's a toss up between this palette, my Naked 2 and my MAC pro palette as my go to everyday shades (to be honest they all look pretty similar!)

Also inside is a handy hints and tips book and hidden behind it is a little compact mirror. Once all the shadows have been used the inside tray comes out and you can use the box as a storage tin.

This kit is priced at £23.50 and can be purchased from the Benefit online store and Debenhams.


Monday 18 November 2013

Rimmel Space Dust Nail Polish | Luna Love


The Space Dust collection is the newest edition to the Rimmel polish line and contains five glitter polishes which are perfect for the festive season.

Naturally as soon as I heard about them on the Rimmel Facebook page I wanted to own them all but my bank balance had other ideas so for my first one I settled for the shade Luna Love which is a gorgeous red colour.

The formula contains tiny glittery particles which reflect the light really well and will add some extra sparkle to any outfit. I've currently been wearing mine with my everyday look and have been surprised how a little bit of colour has completely transformed my outfit.

Once applied, the polish dries really quickly. I haven't applied a top coat to mine so my nails feel slightly grainy (similar to Barry M's concrete nail varnish if you've tried that?) but a top coat would definitely make them smoother and probably last longer.

As far as longevity goes, they have survived the washing up test (usually after one load of washing up some part of my varnish has chipped or peeled off but these have been ok) and I've had it on for several days now with no chipping.

My next choice is definitely going to be Moon Walking which is a gorgeous purple shade and at £3.99 each, they're really no excuse not to get the entire collection! Rimmel cosmetics are currently on 3 for 2 in both Boots or Superdrug so make sure you head down there quick!

Have you tried any of the Space Dust collection? What did you think?



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Saturday 16 November 2013

#BritishBloggerSelection | Favourite Clothes Shop

This week's #BritishBloggerSelection post is all about our favourite clothes shop. As I'm in no way shape or form a fashion blogger, I don't really tend to keep up with the latest trends (hence why there are no OOTD's on my blog!). I buy a few key pieces that usually go with items I already own and only really go clothes shopping when something needs to be replaced! I'm definitely more of a beauty buyer!

The age bracket that I am currently in (sob) means that I'm probably bordering on the edge of no longer being able to shop in places like Topshop or River Island. Whenever I walk in there I think, no, that will definitely not suit me and if I wore that I would definitely be cold! I've definitely ventured into buying whats practical rather than what looks good!

I used to work for Topshop and Miss Selfridge when I was at University and was able to keep up with the latest trends but since having to give back my discount card, buying jumpers at upwards of £35 just isn't an option when you have to keep a roof over your head and food on the table.

 Another shop within the Arcadia group though does still continue to please me and I am lucky enough to have a large store quite close to me. I am talking about Dorothy Perkins. In my opinion, they are stylish and affordable and offer a 10% discount for NHS workers like me. They have a great range of clothes, accessories and jewellery and every time I visit, I usually find something I like. I mean, just look at that bear jumper, isn't it just so adorable! I do wish that Dorothy Perkins had their own make-up range like Topshop though, I would love to see what the nail polish bottles looked like!

Are you taking part in #BristishBloggerSelection? If you are leave your link below.



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Friday 15 November 2013

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette



image credits Temptalia

If you haven't heard the hype surrounding this palette then when have you been? I first heard about this after browsing through my Twitter feed one day and seeing a link to Natacha Birds wonderful blog. My French is a little rusty, but I think she got sold this palette in Sephora France, by accident and since then the blogging world has been going mental trying to find out if it was real or an elaborate hoax. Well, Urban Decay have now confirmed that it is true and there is definitely going to be a Naked 3! 

As someone who reaches from my Naked 2 palette EVERYDAY this really excites me and I will be desperately trying to get my hands on one. You can currently sign up to be notified when these will be coming on sale but speculation in the blogging world is that it will be next month - just in time for Christmas! Yay!

Urban Decay describe this palette as 12 all year rose neutrals and looking at the swatches on Temptalia this is definitely true. The packaging is similar to that of the Naked 2 and contains 12 highly pigmented 0.05oz eyeshadows.

Shades inside this palette include:
Strange - Pale neutral pink matte satin
Dust - pale metallic pink shimmer with iridescent micro glitter
Burnout - light pinky peach satin
Limit - light dusty rose matte
Buzz - metallic rose shimmer with silver micro glitter  
Trick - light metallic pinky-copper with tonal micro sparkle
Nooner - medium pinky-brown matte
Liar - medium metallic mauve shimmer
Factory - pinky-brown satin
Mugshot - metallic taupe shimmer with slight pink shift
Darkside - deep taupe mauve satin
Blackheart - smoky black matte with rosy red micro sparkle

Keep your eye out in Debenhams if you are after this palette as they are a confirmed retailer of Urban Decay. I know I will be checking mine frequently from now on!

Are you looking forward to the release of this palette? Will it be on your Christmas list this year?


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Wednesday 13 November 2013

Hamburger Phone from Prezzybox

image credit

Even since I watched the film Juno, I've wanted one of these! So I was very excited when I was offered one to review from Prezzybox!

Priced at £10.95, the Hamburger Phone is the perfect gimmicky gift for Christmas for the person who loves novelty items or even if you're taking part in an office Secret Santa this year!

When I received it, I was really surprised as to how compact is it! You literally pull it out of the box, plug it into the socket and away you go! The speaker quality is really clear and hubby and I had lots of fun testing it out! As far as I can tell, there isn't a way that you can adjust the volume but I don't find this a problem.

It has a really old school telephone ring, the good old fashioned "brrrring brrring" and I love that to end a call you just snap it shut!

 My only bugbear is that it takes aaages to dial, you have to press one button at a time and wait for it to register but this is only minor in my eyes and if you're not planning on using it for heavy general everyday use (or trying to phone the emergency services quickly) then you should be ok.
 
Mine is now taking pride of place in our lounge, ready and waiting for the next person to call!

Have you seen Juno or do you have this phone? Would you buy it for someone as a gift?
 


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Monday 11 November 2013

Jacava London Nail Polishes Review


Jacava are a brand which seems to have exploded onto the blogging scene recently and are one that I have quickly fallen in love with.

Jacava London Nail Polishes are 8-free, which means they're free from harsh and nasty chemicals including; Formaldehyde, Camphor, Toluene, Parabens, Phthalates, DBP and cellophane. I never realised that all these nasties went into something I put on my nails everyday! Jacava also never test on animals and all their polishes are suitable for vegans! (big yay!)

I was lucky enough to be sent several of their collection including, 

Passion - a deep smouldering carnal red
Cappuccino Cream - a steaming hot cappuccino coloured polish
Damson Delight - a sumptuous damson plum purple, and
Marrakesh Nights - a beautiful amethyst purple laced with crushed gold and diamond coloured powders.

All of the swatches above are with just one coat but I think two coats creates an even application. My favourite it Damson Dream as I love the deep berry colour.

I was also sent their Top Coat With UV Inhibitor which is great at preventing chips, although currently I am in love with my Seche Vite and have been using that as a top coat.

The design of the bottle is beautiful and unique and I love having these on display on my dressing table, they're too pretty to put in my polish box (which is overflowing anyway!).

All of these shades are perfect for the autumn/winter season and I will be sporting them on my nails a lot over the coming months. At £14.50 each they're a little on the pricey side but it depends on what you're after in a polish. I personally like to wear one shade for days at a time (mostly because I'm too lazy to change it!) with minimal chips (if it chips I can't resist peeling it off!). If that sounds like you then this is definitely the polish for you!

All these shades, as well as the rest of the collection are available on the Jacava website or online retailers such as Amazon and FeelUnique. Amazon seems to come up a little cheaper at £11.50 instead of £14.50 so you can save a few pennies (and maybe put it towards your next one?)
 
Have you used this nail polish? What are your thoughts on the '8-free' polish?


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Sunday 10 November 2013

#BritishBloggerSelection

Join #BritishBloggerSelection

I was recently contacted by the lovely Ellie at Little Vintage Camera to take part in a new series called the #BristishBloggerSelection. 

#BristishBloggerSelection is a collective group of British bloggers and each week on a Saturday there is a theme for a blog post and you blog about something that you feel is related to that theme. You don't have to participate every week (and I missed the first week which was Halloween) but if you take part your post is added to a group so that everyone can read your post.

If you would like to participate, just contact Ellie with your blog name and URL and she will add you to the list!

The theme this week is an About You Q&A/Interview so that we can all get to know each other a bit better so I have some questions to answer so you can get to know a bit more about me!

 Question One - Why do you like blogging? I like blogging because I can share all the things I love with like minded people, plus I've been able to meet some amazing bloggers from my home town who have become really good friends!

Question Two - How did you come up with your blog name? It's a play on words from the saying "Patience is a Virtue" as I have absolutely no patience and if I want something I have to go get it - immediately!

Question Three - Where from the UK do you come from? I live in sunny Bournemouth but I'm originally from Chelmsford, Essex.

Question Four - Favourite colour? Purple, I love deep berry purples and lilac

Question Five - Do you like Lana Del Rey? I love Lana Del Rey, Born to Die and Summertime Sadness are my favourite songs.

Question Six - Hidden talents that you have? I honestly don't think I have any!

Question Seven - Celebrity crush? If you've read any of my blog before you'll know about my love for David Tennant!

Question Eight - Favourite blog of all time? I don't have an all time favourite but Victoria's Vintage is the blog which inspired me to start blogging and subsequently led me to my bloggy friends Becca and Jaye.

Question Nine - What made you want to join #BritishBloggerSelection? I wanted to interact with new bloggers and find some new reads!

Please leave me some questions below if you have anything else you would like to know about me!
 

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