Maybelline Color Show in Clear Shine Review

Hello everyone!

As I am a big fan of nail polish and doing my nails, I thought why not start reviewing the nail products I use.

So today I am going to share with you my thoughts and opinions on the Maybelline Color Show in Clear Shine 649.

H&M and Next haul

Hello everyone!

I have been doing a bit of shopping recently, so I thought I'd share with you what I got.

Firstly, I got some bits from H&M, as I had a lovely 25% off voucher.
H&M is one of my favourite stores, and although I don't like all their lines nor buy everything I need from there, they always have something I like. 

Garnier Ultimate Blends The Sleek Restorer Review

Hello everyone!

I had mentioned this shampoo and conditioner in my drugstore haul, and since it's been a month from when I started using them, I am ready to do a review.

Black and White Outfit Wishlist

Hello everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying the wonderful weather we are having, well at least in Kent it's been very sunny and warm! I have been spending most of the time at work though :(

I really fancy doing some shopping but I haven't got the time at the moment, so I decided to put together an outfit wish list, this week on the black and white theme. I decided to go casual but with a personality.

I really like this sweatshirt, and I think the necklace would work great creating a cool pattern in contrasting black and white. It looks like they might not match in style but I really think they would make an interesting graphic.

The converse are tie dye and I think they are really cool! Never seen them like that before. 

I would wear this outfit on a day out shopping or at the park, visiting a museum etc. It's a very easy outfit, but at the same time not granted and anonymous. 

Did you buy anything this week? Do you like black and white outfits?

Alex

DIY Crystal Pendant Necklace

Hello everyone!

As you probably have all noticed, crystal pendant necklaces are a big trend at the moment, and I too have been caught by their unusual beauty. 

These necklaces can be bought everywhere, but why not pick your favourite crystal and make your very own piece!

I was browsing eBay for crystals when I came across this beautiful Agate Geode Slice pre-mounted on a silver pendant. The bid was ending in about 30 seconds and it had been bid on only once! So I thought "it must be mine" heheheh. I placed my bid and after a couple of days I received the stone for the tiny price of about £3 including delivery.

It is a gorgeous stone, it has white, very dark blue, very light blue, and a delicate hint of purple and pink in it. Held against the light it becomes even more stunning with the light coming through!

After standing in front of a mirror to decide how long I wanted my necklace to be, I gathered all my tools on my teacups DIY tray: a meter, long nose pliers, cutting pliers, chain, lobster clasp, and three different sizes of jump rings (all silver plated).

I measured my chain at 27 inches, and proceeded to cut a link. 

Then I opened my jump rings and added one on each end of the chain of the smallest ones, followed by one on each side of the medium ones, and only on one side the large one, while on the opposite side I added the lobster clasp. 

Finally I slid the pendant through et voila! I have a beautiful new necklace.

The necklace is long enough to make my head go through without opening the chain, but I thought the finished necklace would look a lot more professional with the jump rings and the clasp! Obviously you could just add one small jump ring to connect the two ends together instead.

Isn't this stone stunning!

Let me know what you think, do you like these kind of necklaces? 

Would you like to see more DIY jewellery posts?

Alex

Guest post with Jess from justjess642.blogspot.co.uk

Hello everyone!

Today’s post is going to be a bit different, it’s something that hasn’t appeared on my blog before. I was looking to do something new and I thought why not host another blogger’s post! 

So I met the lovely Jess on Twitter and we decided to come up with 20 questions for an interview to post on each other’s blog. 

Jess’s blog is very new, she has a few posts about beauty and some about her life, and is  all very interesting to read. Her cute little dog is often a special guest and she is so cute it will make you want to come back to see more of her!

Well, enough from me now, here's Jess's interview!

Hi Guys!

So you may notice that this isn't Alex! Im Jess, from justjess642.blogspot.co.uk. Pop on over to my blog to read Alex's guest post.

1. Why and when did you start blogging?
I started blogging Monday 10th February 2014! So not that long ago.
I have been following Zoella for about a year now and I always loved reading her posts, and I thought 'You know what, I could do that!' I thought it would be lovely to have my own little corner of the internet where I could just be myself, no one would judge what I wrote or think I was silly. I could be myself and that could be whoever I wanted to be! Still to this day only one of my friends knows about my blog, because I like that its just me and my own little world. Whenever I used to go on twitter on my personal account I would be wary of what to tweet incase it was judged or someone thought it was silly, where as on my blog twitter I can put whatever I want. 

2. Where did you get the idea for your blog name?

'justjess' came from when I first started at my work place. I work in a studio full of guys and every dinner they would play Call of Duty, so I decided I wanted to join in. When they was setting it up on my Mac I had to have a player name and they asked what I wanted it to be, so I said 'I don't know, can't I have just jess?' and they literally typed justjess. So then it stuck!

3. What is your blog about, and what inspires your posts?

As I have just started my blog there isn't really a set rhythm yet, but I think it will generally based around lifestlye, with odd bits of beauty/fashion/DIY etc... thrown in. My inspiration for my posts come from whats going on in the world and what I'm doing with myself. So if I'm going away at the weekend I will write about that, or if my skin is bad I will write about what beauty products I will use to help it. My blog is kind of like a little diary for me as well which is probably why its based around lifestyle posts.

4. Where did you get your idea/inspiration for the design of your blog? Is there a story behind it?

Well I am currently decorating my bedroom, and I found the most gorgeous bedding ever! (Which you will find on my February Pay Day post) I just fell in love with the colours and prettiness of the design so I kind of based it on that using the pink and blue.

5. How often do you blog? Or plan to blog?

My plan is to blog every day, but that doesn't always happen! It did at the start when I had a few things I could talk about and I already had the pictures I needed for it, but now I am getting to grips with planning a post, planning what pictures I want, then taking the pictures, making sure its in the day so I get the best lighting (which is usually weekends as I work full time), emailing them to my mac at work which has photoshop, to then get the images ready to put on my blog and then writing it all out! So the planning and preparing of my posts can take about a week sometimes!

6. Do you ever suffer from blog envy? Wishing your blog looked as good as someone else's? Or wishing you had thought of that name?

YES! Far too often! I really like clean blogs with lots of white and a simple layout (this probably comes from being a graphic designer and liking everything white and clean!) so whenever I see one like that and they have a really nice logo/name, I'm like dam! why didn't I think of that! But I do really like my design and layout I think I need to work on my name and maybe pretty it up a little bit.

7. Do you prefer writing beauty blogs or lifestyle blogs?

Hmmmm, probably lifestyle! But thats because it comes easy and there is probably less planning! 

8. Where do you see your blog in a year’s time?

I have no idea! Probably just where it is now with a prettier design! I would hope to maybe gain some more followers but that doesn't matter too much, as long as there is someone reading what I write, and I feel like I am helping the world in some way then I am happy! I would maybe expand a little into youtube videos? but I don't quite know yet.

9. Who are your favourite bloggers? Blogs you read regularly.

Zoella! I just love her posts and videos! Also since joining the blogging world I realise there are a lot of us out there!! So I have found a few more that I like: Describe the Sky, Design Sponge, Dizzy Brunette, Liana Beauty, Oh So Bridie, A Beautiful Mess, and obviously Glitter and Cookies.   

10. What is one thing that can put you off reading a blog?

A terrible font!

11. What’s your view on high end products vs high street products?

I live life on minimum wage, saving for a house, saving for holidays, and saving for a new car. High street products all the way! 

12. What’s the worst beauty product you’ve tried, and why?

Ooo! Tough one! I would probably say Treseme Dry Shampoo Foam. I got it as part of a gift set for Christmas last year with a shampoo. It's probably the worst dry shampoo I have ever used, and kinda has the opposite affect as it adds grease into your hair! Plus it's very time wasting as you have to spray the foam into your hand and then massage through the hair which then leaves it wet, so you then have to dry it and restyle it, unlike normal dry shampoo. Definitely a 0/10!

13. Name one beauty product that you couldn't live without.

Batiste Dry Shampoo!

14. What do you do when you’re sad?

Go see my Mum, or give her a call! She makes everything better!

15. What is your dream job?

Hmmmm! Probably an Artist. But its not really ideal or realistic.

16. Are you more of a cat person or a dog person?

Take a look at my blog and you'll find out! 

Definitely a dog person, I adore dogs and have grown up with them! Plus I despise cats, ever since one viciously attacked me and scratched me all the way up my arm! There wasn't a plaster big enough so I had to have a bandage. A very traumatic time in a 7 year old's life! (Overload on the exclamation marks!!!)

17. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would have a little villa on the west coast of France, right on the beach. Obviously the village close by would be occupied by my whole family! 

18. Do you have a dream wedding dress? If so, what is it like?

I do! I am rubbish at describing things like this, it's quite simple, a white or cream A-line dress. With lace from the neck down to the bust, then a sweetheart bust where a material is underneath the lace. Then detail around the waist trailing off into the skirt! Either no sleeves or long lace sleeves, and a button back on the lace. I think that's quite precise! 

19. What is your favourite film?

I don't have one, I have about 100! My top 5 are How to lose a guy in 10 days, Sweet Home Alabama, My Best Friends Wedding, Pretty Woman, and The Vow. Maybe, there are so many! But I love these!

20. Coca Cola or Pepsi?

Pepsi. Pepsi Max to be exact.

Liebster Award 2

Hello everyone!

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award again, this time by the sweet Emily. Thank you! 

The rules of this tag are:

• Write 11 facts about yourself.
• Answer the 11 questions given by the person who nominated you. 
• Create 11 new questions
• Nominate 11 bloggers and tag them in your post 

As I have already been nominated before, you can read the 11 facts about me here.

These are Emily's questions for me:

1. If you could take a picture of anything, what would it be?
I would love to take pictures of my dreams. Sometimes I dream really nice things and places, but they're only a dream, so it would be cool if they invented a technology to enable us to photograph our dreams.

2. Who is your favourite band?
Kings of Leon.

3. What's your favourite album?
Mmh, I don't really have one. I guess the first three Kings of Leon albums are the ones I listen to most, so I guess I'll go with those.

4. Favourite song? 
I don't really have a favourite song either, but I listen a lot to Arizona, Knocked up and Talihina Sky (obviously by KOL).

5. If you could meet anyone, who would it be? 
I'm not really interested in famous people, so I think I'll go with a great friend.

6. Your favourite thing to do.
Cuddles with my boyfriend, and exploring new places.

7. What's your favourite animal?
I love all animals, but I really want a cat.

8. What's your favourite flower?
Sunflowers.

9. What's your favourite shirt? 
I don't really wear shirts but my boyfriend gave me a denim shirt of his which I like to wear like a jacket.

10. What is your favourite clothing item?
Skinny jeans, and dresses.

11. If you were trapped on an island, what five items would you like to have with you?
The first one is not really an item lol, but I would want to have my boyfriend with me. Sunscreen because I have very pale and delicate skin, soap, a diary to keep note of the days, and a blanket.

My 11 questions for the people I tag are:

1. Why and when did you start blogging?
2. What's your favourite clothing item and why?
3. Dresses or trousers?
4. Dream job.
5. Would you rather go to the cinema or stay home with a book?
6. Nude lipstick or red lipstick?
7. Do you collect anything?
8. The city or the countryside?
9. What can't you live without?
10. It's your day off: would you rather lay in or get up early to work out?
11. Favourite band/artist?

 And these are the 11 bloggers I tag:

Jessica
Deanna
Hannah
Mollie
Ellis
Charlotte
Mell
Grace
Emily
Julie
Jess

Look Inside Yourself, Not Your Handbag

Hello everyone!

Today's post is in collaboration with Hayley Miller, a British handbag designer who has recently started a documentary project about handbags and what they mean to us.

Obviously I was happy to take part as I love handbags! 

So here goes.

This is my favourite handbag, it's from New Look and I love it for a few reasons: first of all, it was a Christmas 2012 present from my lovely boyfriend, so it has a big sentimental value. Secondly, it's such a gorgeous bag! I love everything about it, the size, the shape, the different materials and textures and the pattern on the front. I also like the fact it has a shorter shoulder strap and a longer strap so I can choose if I want to wear it across body or as a shoulder bag. I'm not really a fan of "forearm bags". I mean they look nice, but I find them uncomfortable. 

Because my bag has such a big sentimental value, I don't like to use it as everyday bag: I don't want to ruin it, so it is my special bag for romantic days out and things like that.

I love fashion so I don't really have a style as such, but I have my own style, which consists of mixing all sorts of things that I feel like wearing, and I have worn this bag with so many different outfits and on different occasions. This doesn't mean that I think handbags aren't important as part of an outfit, but rather I believe that you can adapt a bag to the outfit, maybe by using another accessory that sort of matches the bag in some way (colours, materials, patterns). I am not too strict about matching shoes and handbag, but I do like swede shoes anyway so now that I think about it, I probably match bag and shoes more than I thought!

As much as I love handbags and the feeling of happiness that comes with the arrival of a new bag, I wouldn't say they affect my mood more than so much, although I find certain characteristics really annoying: the thing that absolutely drives me insane is when you have a double strap shoulder bag, and it keeps falling off your shoulder! I used to have a bag like that and obviously I don't use it anymore (but I can't bring myself to throw it away!). 

Another thing I dislike about bags is when they don't have a zip, because I am paranoid and I would worry that everyone would slide their hand in and grab my stuff.

My handbag collection is rather small, I'm more of a shoes girl, so apart from this New Look bag, I also have a Select bag that I use as a casual bag for going out in the evening, shopping etc, an Accessorize bag that I use for work, a New Look pochette for fancy occasions, a Michael Kors bag for summer, a New Look multicolour tribal backpack that I use for festivals, an H&M flowery bag for summer and that's it! Seven bags! I'm sure some girls will probably have dozens, but as I mentioned, I usually can't resists a new pair of shoes instead. Also as you have probably noticed, I'm not really fussed about designer bags, the important thing for me is that I like it and find it useful/comfortable, not what name is on it. The only designer bag I own (the MK) has only got a tiny logo on the front. I would never want a bag covered in logos.

If you too have taken part in doing this documentary, please let me know as I would love to see everyone's posts! And if you haven't, I would still love to know what you think about handbags, how many have you got, what do they mean to you? Leave a comment :)

Alex

The Procrastinating Beauty Blogger TAG

Hello everyone!

I have been nominated for the Procrastinating Beauty Blogger tag by the sweet Heather from frillysocksandbows, so here are my answers to the 10 questions!

1. Name a beauty regime you rarely do?
I don't really have one, I do pretty much everything often enough.

2. Is washing your brushes something you do regularly?
I try haha! I work really stupid hours, so it's really hard to have a regular life. I try to wash them at least once a week though.

3. How long will you last with chipped nail polish?
My hands are on show all the time at work so I do my best to have nice nails, and I am addicted to nail polish, so when it chips I usually re do my mani within a day or two.

4. How long will you put off buying/replacing a beauty or nail polish product even if you need it?
Until I find a bargain lol.

5. What is your worst beauty habit?
Mmh, this has to be not taking my make up off as soon as I get home from work instead of taking it off before bed :( I am trying really hard though, and I'm getting there.

6. Name something non-beauty related that you put off doing all the time?
The washing up! It's the only house chore I hate.

7. When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready until the last minute or not?
I like starting with a relaxing shower, so I start quite early in order to do everything without rushing.

8. Can you commit to spending bans?
Yes, although I love shopping I'm quite good at controlling myself, but when I don't have to worry more than so much, I like to go crazy.

9. How organised is your make up and nail polish collection?
My boyfriend bought me a great make up box in which I store my rather big nail polish collection, while my make up is in a small beauty case, and I still don't have a proper place for my brushes or my lipsticks. 

10. What is the longest amount of time you have gone without writing a blog post?
Only 5 days, as I love blogging! It's my hobby and a great escape from the World.

The bloggers I tag are:
Becki

Cherry Pie

Chloe
Melissa

Rules
1. copy and paste these 'rules' into your post when you write it!
2. You must state that this tag was created by Laura from The Beau Bow.
3. You must thank the person who tagged you at the start of your post, follow them if you're feeling nice and at the end of your post state who you tag, and comment on their blog to let them know you tagged them.
4. Title this post 'The Procrastinating Beauty Blogger TAG' .
5. Have fun! :)

Looking forward to read everyone's answers! I love tag posts, they're so fun :)

Alex

Wishlist

Hello everyone!
It's time for another wishlist as I haven't been buying much, but I have spotted some pretty things.





































I have always liked holographic print/effect, and these nail wraps from Topshop look really fun! I have never tried nail wraps so I don't know if they'll feel uncomfortable, but I definitely like the design of these.

I love flannel shirts, I usually borrow them from my boyfriend, so I've never really been too fussed about buying one for myself, as he's got so many in loads of different colours and patterns. But this one from Select is really cute and I like that is feminine but not girly. 

Another top for this wishlist is this sweatshirt from Primark, I'm not sure about the colour as I don't think white and cream suit me, but I love that it says California on it. It's very simple, but it makes me instantly dream of sunshine, palms and sea as soon as I see it.

I've never had acid wash jeans but I've always wanted to try them. To be honest I've never really seen them in shops before, but as now they are a trend they are also easier to find.. And New Look is right next to where I work ;)

I have recently been thinking about coconut smell, so I thought I would like a coconut candle. As a Yankee Candles fan I had to check their website to see if they actually do a coconut candle. They do, and the next candle I'll buy it's going to be one of these!

I've been feeling particularly close to my other half recently so I have been wanting to buy cute home accessories to express our love throughout the house. We are planning to move to a nicer house in the next few months so something like this LOVE wooden accessory is definitely going to be on the list of new things to buy :)

The Pandora ring is just cute, why wouldn't you want this??

I've been really liking pencil lipsticks recently but I still haven't tried the Revlon ones that everyone's been talking about, so I picked this lovely nude pink to add to my list and maybe I'll try it too.

Ah, crystal point pendants! I've been obsessed with these recently, and when I spotted this rainbow one on eBay I had to add it not only to this wishlist but also to my eBay wish list!

FInally, boots with chunky heel and platform. I love this kind of boots, and these New Look ones in particular are really nice because they have a bit of height but too much. Easy to slip on for any occasion.

Do you have any of these? What are your newest wishlist items?
Alex 

How I finally got rid of my acne

Hello everyone!
Today I want to share a secret with you, because I know it will be useful to many. 
If you've never suffered with acne you're probably a very rare case! I have suffered with hormonal acne for ten years (!!) and during those long years I tried everything: all sorts of creams, face washes, antibiotics, changed my diet, etc., but as my acne was hormonal, nothing ever helped.
The only thing I found to help me was the contraceptive pill. But I've never liked the idea of taking a drug and be dependant on it. And after being on my first pill for a while, I wasn't liking the way it made me feel, so I asked my doctor to let me try a different one. The problem with the second pill was that it wasn't helping with my acne, so I had to change again. As you all probably know, not all pills are the same, this is why not all of them could help me to get rid of my acne. 
So I kept switching because they either gave me side effects, or weren't helping me with my problem.
At the end of last year I was shopping with my mum and she spotted a herbal drug which was being sold as a herbal remedy for bad skin. After speaking to the shop assistant, I was convinced to try it. 
After the first couple of days I started seeing a good improvement. 
When I finished the pills, my skin was so clear that everyone noticed, so I wanted to get some more to make sure I had finally got rid of my acne for good. As I bought the first box abroad, I wasn't able to find the same product in the U.K., but I decided to go to Holland and Barrett and show them the ingredients, I thought they must have the same product with a different name. And so it was! Here it is simply called Agnus Castus, which is the plant these pills are made of. Apparently it's a bush from the same family of the vine, and its extract has been known for centuries as a remedy for hormonal imbalance in women, that's why it has helped cure my acne! 

 

I have stopped taking this nearly two months ago after taking it everyday for two months, and the acne hasn't been back! I do get the occasional spot, but they are a different matter. I use a quite heavy foundation which is why I get a tiny spot once in a while, but these have nothing to do with hormonal acne. My acne was perennial on my jaws, cheeks, and under my chin, horrible huge red cysts under my skin which are now finally gone. 
I am quite shocked at having wasted ten years with useless products and artificial drugs, when all I needed was Agnus Castus for only two months. I have seen so many doctors in the past and not one was ever able to help me. 
If you too have hormonal acne and your doctor says it will go away on it's own, don't waste your life waiting for it to happen, try this herbal pill. The only problem with it is that it's incompatible with the contraceptive pill so you might have to change habits for a while, but I think it's totally worth it. 
Please let me know if you've ever heard of Agnus Castus or if you've ever tried it, I would love to know! :)
Alex 

Drugstore haul

Hello everyone!
During the last few days I have picked up some bits from Boots and Superdrug, so I thought I'd share them with you. 
I got some new products I haven't tried before, and some that I was repurchasing because I like them.

I love shopping for toiletries, and in our shopping center Boots and Superdrug are opposite each other so I always go have a look in one first and then in the other before buying anything! That way I can have a wider choice of products and prices.

First in my list were shampoo and conditioner, as I finally finished my old ones. I still haven't found the right shampoo for me, my hair is very dry and brittle at the ends, but my scalp is a bit oily, and our water is really, really hard, which makes everything worse. I have tried lots of different shampoos and conditioners but none of them satisfies me, so when I was in Boots the other day I noticed The Sleek Restorer by Garnier Ultimate Blends with coconut oil and cocoa butter for dry and fizzy hair, and the ingredients are quite good too! ! I try to avoid shampoos with silicon, or at least avoid them if silicons are at the top of the list, because they give you the impression your hair is smooth and shiny, but underneath it makes it worse, and it gets dirty by the day after washing it! So I was impressed by this shampoo (and it's price! Under £3) and I also got the conditioner to go with it. These were also in the bigger size, which I was tempted to buy, but I thought it's better to try them first so I went for the regular size. I have used them three times now, and so far I am very happy. I will do a review when I finish the bottles.

I also needed eye make up remover as I was running out of my No7 one, which I loved and hated at the same time, so I wanted to try a different brand as all the ones I've used so far haven't satisfied me fully. While in Boots, I spotted the Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover, and this too I have used a few times times and liking it so far. Watch this space for a review!

After Boots I went to Superdrug where I wanted to get some face masks. I usually buy the packet ones at 99pence each or 4 for 3, but this time I wanted to buy a full size as I think this will make me want to use them more often. So I noticed they had 2 for £3.50 and I spent ages choosing which ones I wanted. In the end I picked the Detoxifying Face Mask with Dead Sea Mud for normal to oily skin and the De-Stressing Face Mask with Aloe Vera Extract for normal to combination skin. I haven't used them yet, but I cannot wait to try them as I love face masks!

The next products are a repurchase, I have been using these for over a year and although they're not perfect, they are the best products I have tried for my face. They are from Witch Naturally Clear with witch Hazel Extract, and they're for oily skin. I use the wipes every night to take my make up off (not on the eyes), and I alternate the foam on some mornings and the exfoliating wash on others. I have been wanting to do a review on these products as I've never come across anything online about them, it will probably be this or next week. 

Have you tried any of these products? What similar ones do you use?
Alex

Models Own Haul

Hello everyone! 
Recently Models Own have had a half price sale and being a big fan of their nail polishes I decided to treat myself. At £2.50 for 14ml each bottle and the quality you get, it was a massive bargain!
I have bought a few nail polishes, including a matt top coat, a blush, and a nail file/buffer.

I already own loads of nail polish so I have chosen these new colours very carefully as I would hate to have doubles. I realised I mostly have metallic/regular shades, so I wanted to get myself some pastel colours, and these are the ones I picked.

Lilac Sheen is from their new gel range, and I am wearing it as I type. I never really thought about lilac nail polish before, but like I said I wanted new colours, and I thought this one would be perfect as it's not similar to anything I've had before. 
To be honest I'm not really fussed about the gel side of it, as long as it's very pigmented, applies well and lasts a decent amount of time then I'm happy :) As I've literally just painted my nails, I can't comment on the duration, but it was a pleasure to apply, one coat of dense, extremely pigmented colour. 
The other two colours I picked are this gorgeous light blue (Blueberry Muffin) and mint green (Apple Pie), and both are from the scented range. I have always been a bit shy towards scented polishes, but since buying one by mistake from Rimmel, I feel more comfortable. I haven't tried these two yet, but I'm pretty sure I won't be disappointed.

The matt topcoat is the main bit in my order, as I hadn't tried one yet, and I had waited for the Models Own one to come out. I have been thinking about how to use it, so I will post something soon.

I needed a new nail file/buffer so I decided to add it to my order and see how I like this one. I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure it will be fine haha.

The last thing I bought is the powder blush. I should say I am a bit obsessed with pink blushes, and even thought it's really hard for me to admit, I don't think they are the right shade for me. Since I was running out of my Seventeen one, I bought this Models Own one in the shade 001. I am very pale, and this is, sadly, too light for me, you can't even see it (how is that possible!). I have only tried it once, so I will have to play with it a bit more I guess. I was a bit disappointed because their polishes and pencil lipsticks are great. 

Anyway, I have to say I was very disappointed by the service as it took them a week to dispatch my parcel and an extra couple of days for it to be delivered. I kept seeing on Twitter etc all these girls receiving their orders within 2 days :( but I've got my items now, so all is good. The parcel was carefully put together and I really appreciated it, it was a small box in a Models Own sleeve, and inside there was a pretty paper and the precious bottles were wrapped in bubble wrap. It's always nice to see parcels packed with care!

Did you order anything during their half price sale? I would love to see your pretty treats :)

Alex

Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick by The Body Shop review

Hello everyone!

One of the things I definitely can't live without is my lip balm. Not any lip balm, but the Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick by The Body Shop. I have discovered it nearly two years ago, when I finally realised that regular lip balms weren't really doing anything for my lips due to the ingredients: paraffin and petroleum jelly based lip balms give you the impression of having hydrated lips, but as soon as the product dries, they reveal lips that are more dry than before applying these lip balms. Just like body moisturisers, if they aren't made with good ingredients such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil etc, they only give the impression that your skin is hydrated. 

So I started my quest to find the perfect lip balm, and I found this one. At £4 it is definitely a lot more expensive than the lip balms I was used to, but the ingredients are great, and most importantly, it works.
The main ingredient is coconut oil, followed by beeswax and other oils such as olive oil, cocoa butter and almond oil. The smell is amazing, it's not a chocolate smell, but it reminds it in a delicate way. 

I use this all year, in winter when my lips are cracked by the cold, and in summer when the heat dries them. I have very delicate lips which tend to crack or dry every day, but since I've been using this lip balm my lips are always smooth, even when the product dries out. I wear it in the morning and keep it in my pocket at work so I can reapply. I like the delicate moisturising feel that it gives me, and although I am not a fan of lip glosses, I quite like the subtle glossy finish, which looks more like wet lips :) 

Another great thing about this product is that, like all The Body Shop products, isn't tested on animals.

Have you tried this product? What's your favourite lip balm? I would love to know :)

Alex

Valentine's outfit wishlist

Valentine's outfit wishlist 

Mr Nutcase iPhone case

Hello everyone!

Mr.Nutcase were kind enough to send me this beautiful iPhone case*, and I just wanted to share a little review with you. 

I have placed my order on Saturday and I received it yesterday (Wednesday). Considering that the weekend was in the way, I was very happy at how quick it was processed, also because I chose a personalised cover, so they had to print it especially for me.

Valentines nails 2

Hello everyone!
Time is really flying by, so here I have the second Valentines mani idea for you!
It's again really simple, but very pretty and effective, you will get lots of compliments! Every time I draw something on my nails I get asked if I used stickers hehe :)
All you need for this mani is two or more different colours, and dotting tools, but you can use bobby pins if you don't have a dotting tool kit. I used to use bobby pins and they work fine, but I suggest getting dotting tools, they are really cheap from ebay and you get 5 double ended tools with 10 different sizes tips.

Liebster Award!

Hello everyone, I am so excited to have been nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely Chloe after only one week of blogging! Thank you so much :)

Lazy lunch idea

Hello everyone! 
I can't believe it's already February! At least today is a lovely sunny day. 

I was home for lunch today, but with my boyfriend at work I'm never in the mood to cook something just for myself. So I decided to make grilled cheese/bread pizza. It's a very simple dish to put together, you probably have all the ingredients at home, and it only takes about 20 minutes. 

2013 favourites

The new year has started a month ago, I cannot believe January is over! It might be a little late, but as I only just started my blog, I thought I would write a post on my favourite things of 2013.

BEAUTY
This mascara by Seventeen, called Doll'd Up, is the best mascara I have tried. It really curves my lashes and I don't need to use a curler! I like to build it up and it makes my lashes so thick and dark. And the curve lasts all day.