Almost empties ~ August

 

 

 

 

So I'm showing you my August almost empties as I can't bear hanging on to empty bottles, canisters, containers etc. but they'll all be finished by the end of the week!

 

 

 

 

Mitchum Advanced Control Anti-perspirant £2.99

A new anti-p I bought thinking (hoping rather!) that it would be extra strength to cope with an all-day wedding I was at a few weeks ago but I wasn't overly impressed.

Repurchase? - No.

 

L'Oréal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution £4.99

This is the second brand of micellar water that I've tried & although I think it's ok, it's just ok.  My skin can sometimes feel a bit tight after using.

Repurchase? - Doubtful.  I think I'll revert to using the B Pure micellar water which I loved!

 

 

 

 

Avène redness relief soothing repair mask* £15.00

This mask was one of the products I was sent to trial & review for The Beauty Bible so I'm not going to go into great detail but I will do a post when the book is published.  However, I will say that if you suffer from redness on your skin, this mask is just amazing & I thoroughly recommend it - it actually does what it says it will!

Repurchase? - Have done already

 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum £10.99

I love, love, love this blogger favourite, I can't recommend it enough!  It somehow offers a semi-matte finish whilst still looking dewy & just gives a natural, healthy glow to your skin.  I've suffered no reaction to the fragrance in it, which I though I would to be honest & supposing the formula doesn't change, it will remain a staple in my makeup kit!

Repurchase? - 100% yes!

 

Bourjois BB Bronzer £9.99

I bought this on a whim when it was first released but it's been used pretty much on a daily basis throughout the summer.  My face tanned quite a lot this year so for a lot of the time, I'd just dab a little bit of this around my face & blend it in for a glowing, natural look.  Now my tan is fading but my foundation is still just a tad too light so I just mix in a bit of this BB bronzer until I reach the correct colour & it works a treat!

Repurchase? - Have done already

 

 

 

 

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic mascara £10.99

I can honestly say, this is the best mascara I've ever used - and believe me, I've used a lot of 'em!!  Every time a new mascara is released, I buy it on the off-chance that it'll be better than this one..... but they just never are!!  It lengthens, volumises, is just the right consistency, is blacker than black, never flakes or smudges & removes so easily at the end of the day.  If you've never tried it, go get some, you won't regret it!!

Repurchase? - Have done many, many times!

 

L'Oréal Super Liner Perfect Slim £6.99

Another L'Oréal win in the makeup stakes for me!  I've been a fan of liquid eyeliner & cat-eye flicks since I was 15 (a looooong time ago!) but was never a fan of pen style liners until I got my mitts on this little beauty.  The nib is the perfect size & firmness & lasts all day - or night! - until I remove it.  Love it!

Repurchase? - Yes but am also keen to try the Collection liner that I keep reading about.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Mr & Mrs

 

So last week saw the first of my younger brothers getting married.  Mr F & I travelled down to Doncaster on the Friday & we'd booked to stay at the Best Western Premier Mount Pleasant Hotel, where the wedding reception was being held.

 

The hotel was fabulous & the room was gorgeous.  There was a fabulous looking spa & I'm gutted that I didn't have time to indulge in any treatments, especially as a few were on offer that weekend!  But it was lovely being holed up with all the family, eating, drinking & generally being silly.  We all enjoyed a gorgeous meal together on the Friday evening before the big day.

 

We got up early on Saturday & enjoyed breakfast before myself & my sister made our way over to our new sister-in-law-to-be as I was on makeup duty & my sis was doing her hair.  It's been years since I did a bridal makeup & we hadn't done any trials so I was a tad nervous but even if I do say so myself, it turned out beautifully & she was really pleased with it......phew!!  Unfortunately though, because it was so manic at the end, I didn't get a close-up of her finished face but I'm sure the wedding photographer took some so I'll have to try & get some off him. 

 

Her makeup stayed on all day & night with only her lips needing a wee touch-up during the day.  Here's what I used:

 

Primer - Smashbox Photo-finish

Eyelid primer - Smashbox Photo-finish Lid Primer

Base - Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Powder - MUA Matte Perfect loose translucent powder

Blush - Dior Diorblush in Rose Libertine

Eyebrows - Sleek Brow Kit in Light

Eyes - Sleek iDivine in Au Naturel

Lashes - L'Oréal False Lash Telescopic in Black

Lips - Dior Addict Gloss in Nuit de Juin 

 

It really was a fabulous weekend, here's a few photos.....

 

 

 



Beauty haul #2

It's not often I go out & buy lots of things in one go, I usually replace things as & when I need them but occasionally I  try the odd new product *ahem*!!

 

However, when I was away at my dad's a couple of weeks back, I decided to try quite a few new things.

 

 

 

 

From left to right we have.....

 

1.  ELF Contouring Kit - I've yet to try this but watch this space (part of an ELF haul I bought - post to follow!)

 

2.  Lacura Aqua-Complete Serum - I've been using this lightweight gel-serum from Aldi for months now & this is probably my fifth bottle now -  I just love it!  It contains hyaluronic acid & my skin feels so hydrated, plumped up & refreshed when I use it.  Such a bargain for under £4 a bottle!!

 

3.  No7 Make-up Brush Cleanser -  I bought this using the £3 off No7 makeup voucher so it was £5 & is brilliant at removing everyday makeup from your brushes without drenching them or having to dry overnight.  I put a couple of pumps onto some kitchen roll & lightly swirl my brushes over it to remove light makeup.  It's ideal to use a couple of times week until I do a 'proper' brush clean.

 

4.  Revlon Photoready BB cream - I was desperate to find a BB cream that worked for me & I kept reading about this on blogs so decided to give it a try when it was on offer in Superdrug.  I think I paid around £7 or £8.  I got it in the medium shade & although it offers quite good coverage, it's still a tad too light on my skin at the minute due to a tan but I just mix in some of my Bourjois Bronzing BB & it's great!  I've since found another BB though that is pure perfection....blog post to follow very soon!

 

5.  MUA Matte Perfect powder - generally I'm not a fan of powder so never really use them but in this recent hot weather, I felt my skin needed mattifying a wee bit so tried this one for £2.50.  It really is great, it's shocked me a bit!  It leaves a fabulous matte but not powdery finish, doesn't cake & is totally invisible.....a great buy!

 

6.  Smashbox It's Your Prime - Smashbox is a brand I've never tried, mainly because nowhere near me sells it but I've always wanted to try the ever-popular Photo Finish primer.  My daughter & I went to a large Boots & found a Smashbox counter so it was great to be able to test some of their products & when I spotted this kit with this, the Photo Finish Lid Primer & Hydrating Under Eye Primer in it for £14, well, I just had to!!  All 3 are amazing but I want to say too much about them so will do a follow-up post.  But can I just say that the sales assistant was brilliant!  She really took the time to explain about the products & didn't even baulk when I asked for a sample of their BB to try.  In fact, she even colour matched me & also gave me a sample of the green tinted anti-redness primer to try too.  I was so impressed with the BB, I've subsequently purchased one & it really is an amazing product!!

 

7.  L'Oreal Micellar Water - I'm a bit late to the party where these wonder waters are concerned having only tried my first one last month (by B Pure) but when I saw this on offer & my other was running low, I decided to try it out.  It is equally as amazing at removing my surface makeup as the B Pure one but I don't feel it is quite as hydrating on my skin.  It can be left feeling a bit tight, but in no way unpleasant or uncomfortable but it'll be interesting to see how my skin feels by the end of the bottle.

 

8. Botanics All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll-On - I bought this on a total whim as I had a Boots voucher offering 200 worth of points if I spent over a certain amount.  This was half price at £4.49 & took me up to the amount I needed to spend so I popped it in the basket but I'm so glad I did!  In this weather, it's been so cooling around my eyes & it hasn't irritated them one bit.  It seems to reduce puffiness well although hasn't made any difference - as of yet - to my dark circles but I've only been using it for a couple of weeks. 

 

So that's my recent haul of goodies.  I can't wait to tell you all about my fabulous Smashbox BB & my little haul from ELF - whoops!!

 

 



Essentials ~ haircare

As I've previously had a whinge about here, my hair is really (& I mean realllly) grey now which has totally changed the texture of my hair from silky & thick to coarse, wiry.....& erm, thick!!  Consequently, most of the products I used to use & love are now not suitable so I've spent the best part of the last year trying out new products to see which ones work for me now. 

 

   I have consciously tried not to try more expensive brands of haircare as I get through so much of the stuff, I can't justify the cost of them....after all, my kids still need shoes etc.!  These are my current favourites which, when combined, seem to make my hair much more manageable & the silkiness is nearly back to where it used to be!

 

1.  Primark hair donuts

2.  Superdrug Salon Radiance permanent colour

3.  L'Oréal Elvive Full Restore shampoo & conditioner

4.  L'Oréal Studio Silk & Gloss Curl Power Spray

5.  Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray

6.  eBay hairdressing scissors

7.  Primark kirby grips

8.  Tresemmé 24 Hour Body Plumping Powder

9.  Carino Professional Miracle Oil with Argan Oil

10.  Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curls Curl Cream

11.  John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion

 

 

Primark hair donuts £1 each

Handy to keep in for when I fancy BIG hair!  So far, I can only master a rough, messy bun though & not a sleek smooth one but I'm getting there.  The sponge thingy (yes, that is the technical term!) attached to the hair comb is amazing for when you want a bit of a beehive going on or just for some extra oomph in your ponytail.  A bargain at around £1 each, if I remember correctly.

 

Superdrug Salon Radiance permanent colour

I've talked about this before on my blog but it is awesome at covering grey hair, of which I have many & it works in 10 minutes too.  It leaves my hair so shiny & soft & I always have 2 or 3 in my bathroom stocked up as my roots seem to appear overnight.  £5.09 or currently on offer for 2 for £7.

 

L'Oréal Elvive Full Restore shampoo & conditioner

I try out lots of different shampoos & conditioners when they're on offer in Boots or Superdrug but these are the ones I keep coming back to.  My hair feels really healthy when I use these, they don't irritate my scalp & don't fade my colour.  £3.99 for 400ml.

 

L'Oréal Studio Silk & Gloss Curl Power Spray

I'm pretty sure I found this spray in a bargain bin one day in either Boots or Superdrug for a couple of pounds but I have a horrible feeling it's no longer available as I can't find it on their websites!  Bit of a bugger really as I find it great to give beachy, rough curls & lots of volume.  If I can't find it, I'm going to have to limit my use until I find a good replacement!  £2 for 200ml (on offer)

 

Toni & Guy Iron-It Heat Defence Spray

On the rare occasions that I straighten my hair, I've found this heat defence spray to be excellent at giving protection & shine without weighing my hair down.  My hair will also stay perfectly straight for a couple of days too when using this.  £6.39 for 200ml.

 

eBay hairdressing scissors

When my sister cut a fringe into my hair back in January or February, I knew that I'd be back at the salon every fortnight getting it trimmed if I didn't get myself a pair of scissors to do it myself.  I didn't want to spend a fortune so had a look on eBay & found this funky pair for £5!  They're really sharp, fit in my hand really well, are not too long & have a removable thumb rest, a really great bargain buy!  £5

 

Primark kirby grips

With 3 females in my gaff, all with long hair, the house seems to haemorrhage kirby grips!  I swear, no matter where you go, there will always be at least 3 of the things within a metre of where you're stood!  But they're indispensable in a hair kit, even for short hair but I'm not a snob when it comes to these, any cheapy ones will do the job!  £1

 

Tresemmé 24 Hour Body Plumping Powder

I use this plumping powder for when I want MEGA volume!  You sprinkle a tiny bit into your roots & massage it in & woooosh, you have seriously big hair!  It's great for when I put my hair in a beehive or when it's freshly washed & too slippy to put up properly.  It does leave a matte finish on the hair though so I don't use it a lot as it feels a bit icky but it's fantastic for occasional use.  £5.49 for 10g.

 

Carino Professional Miracle Oil with Argan Oil

When everyone was going mad for the miracle that was Moroccanoil, I decided that although it sounded great, it was out of my price range so I'd look for a cheaper alternative.  Step forward Carino Professional at Aldi!! I read about it a few months back but my local Aldi never had any in stock so when I finally spotted some last month I snapped one up & now I've used it, I wish I'd bought more!  I can honestly say, my hair has never felt so good or nourished.  I apply a 10p sized amount to the lengths & ends of my wet hair & then leave to dry naturally as usual & it just leaves my hair so smooth & silky - I love it!!  It works just as well on blow-dried hair as my daughter, who usually suffers terribly from split ends, will testify.  If you have an Aldi near to you, get yourself down there & pick some up - you won't regret it!!  £3.99 for 50ml

 

Trevor Sorbie Beautiful Curls Curl Cream

This product has been used & replaced many times now as I love the finish on my hair.  It gives great, separated soft curls without any crunchy finish & doesn't feel heavy either.  A staple in my hair kit.  £5.29 for 150ml

 

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion

This was my go-to serum until I found the Aldi argan oil as it offers great shine & heat protection but I find that it works better on hair that is blow-dried as it seems to be heat-activated.  As I usually leave my hair to dry naturally (or I end up resembling Chrystal Tipps - showing my age now!) I don't feel like I'm getting the best out of it but I do use it when I dry & then straighten my hair.  My daughter swears by it as she straightens her hair a lot & she definitely doesn't have as much damage as usual.  £6.99 for 50ml

 

So there we have it, a wee look at my haircare essentials.  More 'essentials' posts coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 

NOTD Essie ~ Turquoise & Caicos

Last week I hunted out my old Tiffany bracelet that I had for my 30th birthday & I decided I wanted to paint my nails to match the packaging!  After asking the Twittersphere for some suggestions of colours, by far the most popular choices for good colour matches were China Glaze For Audrey or Essie Turquoise & Caicos.

 

So the next morning I hot-footed it into town & went to the beauty wholesaler where I usually buy my China Glaze products but they didn't have For Audrey & according the sales person, were unlikely to get any, booo!!

 

Next, was onto Superdrug as they had a 3for2 offer on & Boots didn't.....well, every little helps right?!  I bought the Essie polish along with Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation which I've read many good things about & L'Oréal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer.  I'll do reviews on those soon but for now, the polish.....

 

 

 

 

The colour is divine & a pretty good match for the Tiffany packaging.  As always, I applied my China Glaze Strong Adhesion base coat to begin with & then the first coat of polish.  I have to say, I was quite shocked at how thin in consistency this seemed as I usually find Essie polishes to be really opaque & cover exceptionally well with just one coat.  However, this was not the case here.

 

Even with 2 coats of colour, the coverage was still a little streaky for my liking & I think it could've done with a third coat to be perfect but I didn't have time!  I think next time I'll try it with an opaque white base colour on first & see if that helps with the coverage.

 

I finished with my trusty Seche Vite top coat & although I had about 6 days with no chipping or flaking before I removed the colour to change it, there was some serious wear on the tips going on.  Again, this just wasn't like any other Essie polish I've tried before so I was quite baffled.  But like I've already said, the colour is beautiful & I had lots of compliments on it, I'll just try an alternative  application next time & see if that makes any difference!

 

I also bought a bargain (£4.99) ring from H&M that matched the polish perfectly, another great summer favourite!!

 

 

 

 

What are your favourite summer colours?