Maybelline Baby Lips

I recently had a bit of a haul in Boots and ended up spending a fortune on a huge range of products. One of those products was the much raved about Baby Lips from Maybelline. Yes, that's right I jumped on the Baby Lips bandwagon!

I'm sure you're all thinking the same as what I was - but its a lip balm, what's the big deal - and to be fair my opinion remains the same. But the fact that it was a Japanese and US only product gives it its exclusivity.

I'll be honest and admit, the reason I picked up this product was because my lips had become dry, cracked and sore in the sudden change in the weather and I was on a mission to fix them before they became a horrible mess. I picked up the moisturising lip balm and was quite impressed at the results.

Promising 8 hour hydration, it's actually a really good lip balm. The packaging is colourful and fun and rather than coming in a tiny pot that gets lost in your bag, it comes with a roll stick for quick application.

I would definitely consider buying another product from the range, and for £2.99 (Boots) each, it's definitely worth every penny.

For more information on Baby Lips products, visit www.maybelline.co.uk.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer

Since this product launched in January I've read many mixed reviews - some loving the product, others finding it mediocre, but each one commenting on the range of colours. With eight colours to choose from, I opted for nude. The reason for this being that I'm not exactly the most daring when it comes to lip colours. I don't ever believe I could pull off the red lips look and bright pink can make my lips look like they've disappeared, which is why I played it safe.

On first impressions the consistency of the product is fantastic. I'm really not a fan of the sticky, tacky feel that you can get from similar products, instead this one provided a smooth, silky finish. The colour is fully opaque, even with the nude.

What I love the most about this product is the brush. It has a tiny hollow hole at the end, which holds more product than the usual lipgloss applicator. This is perfect and also means I'm not constantly dipping in and out of the pot for more product. 

I must admit I'm completely won over by this product and might even invest in another colour! I purchased this product from Boots for £6.49, but it is available from other drug stores. 

Glossybox: August 2013

So, it occurred to be the other day when opening my Glossybox that I have never, ever blogged about it, and considering I was so impressed with this months, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

This month saw Glossybox appoint new CEO, Rachel Kavanagh, and you can definitely tell. August's  'High-Flyers' box was filled with impressive beauty goodies for girls on the go - which in my opinion is every girl on the planet. I was so impressed with the selection and for once I can honestly say I've used every product. The product I was most impressed with was the Urban Veda Purifying Day Cream.

I suffer from a really oily t-zone and have quite visible pores, and I struggle to find products to completely tackle this problem, but this product seems to be half way there. The day cream contains detoxifying botanicals of pure Neem oil, witch hazel and spearmint, working to reduce sebum, tighten pores and support healthy cell renewal. Although it hasn't exactly banished my oily t-zone, but I was surprised to see a difference in my pores. This is the exact reason why I signed up to Glossybox - to discover fantastic products I would have never have discovered otherwise, so thank you Glossybox.

Other products in this month box include a Jelly Pong Pong 2-in-1 Eyeliner & Shadow, Oceane Make-up Remover Pen, TRESemme Keratin Smooth Concentrated Treatment Shot and Emite Eyelash Curlers.

If you haven't yet signed up to Glossybox, I would highly recommend it, especially if you're a beauty junkie who loves discovering new treats like these.

Eyelash extensions review

I've always loved the thought of having eyelash extensions, but the price has always put me off, but with our best friends wedding on the horizon, I thought I'd treat myself. I was recommended Alex at The Beautiful Truth in Peterborough, by a friend who'd previously had hers done and wow, what a recommendation it was!

For those of you who are considering having eyelash extensions done, I would highly recommend it. The treatment is completely pain-free and strangely relaxing. The treatment lasted approximately an hour, with 30 minutes spent on each eye. Individual synthetic lashes were glued to my own eyelashes with strong, black, eyelash glue. Although they are attached to your own lashes, they cause no lasting damage and fall out naturally with the cycle of your own lashes.

After discussing with Alex the type of look I was after, I decided to go for a natural with extra volume and I was so impressed with how amazing they looked. Still, two weeks later they look just as good. Naturally, a few have fallen out with the growth of my own lashes, but they still look as full as they did on the day.

I would highly recommend lash extensions to every female out there. Not only do they give you amazing lashes 24/7, but you don't have to worry about applying mascara, saving no end of time in the morning! They don't drop, run or clump like natural lashes and with a simple comb in the morning they stay perfect all day.

My lash extensions were £50 from The Beautiful Truth in Peterborough. Lash extensions are available nationally at a number of beauty salons.

Palmolive Ayurituel

Every girl loves a gorgeous smelling shower gel and Palmolive do this perfectly. Especially now they have extended their sumptuous Ayurituel range. The range, which already includes two shower gels - Joyous and Energy - has now been joined by Peaceful, a shower gel designed to sooth your senses with Neem and Jasmine. 

This exotic range is inspired by the ancient Ayurvedic traditions, a traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent and a form of alternative medicine. The indulgently scented shower gels are said to create a harmonious body and mind experience that leaves you feeling balanced and energised - the best way to kick of any morning! 

Palmolive shower gels are available from Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and Boots for £2.99. 

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - Level One

So, at the weekend my boyfriend and I booked an 11 night trip to Tunisia with the aim of relaxing, spending some much needed time together and enjoying a cocktail or two. But there’s one thing that makes me anxious about stepping onto the beach in a bikini - the dreaded winter wobble.

Throughout winter, baggy jumpers and wholesome food get the better of me. I gouge on yummy food and my fitness regime turns to a mere thought in the back of my mind – why work out, when I can eat cake. But when summer time hits, so does my winter wobble and it’s out there for everyone to see. Now, considering I don’t have much time until I jet off abroad (6 weeks to be exact) I need a get fit, fast remedy and seeing so many fantastic reviews about Jillian Michaels’ workouts, I thought why not give it a try.

Now before I start I will be honest and say I’m a healthy weight, an average size with a boyish frame. I by no means need to shed the pounds, but be more toned, especially in the tummy area, which is why I thought this DVD was perfect for me. I have always enjoyed circuit training type exercises and Jillian’s 30 Day Shred works in a similar way. It combines strength, cardio and abs in a 3, 2, 1 workout. That’s 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs, repeated three times. Each circuit uses a different exercise and works on strengthening different areas of the body. Plus the DVD is split into three levels, level one, two and three all of which you do for 10 days at a time.

After measuring my key areas and taking a before photograph (for my eyes only) I was ready to start level one.

I’m not going to lie but level one wasn’t the hardest workout I’ve ever done. The cardio is great for getting your heart pumping, but not enough to completely wipe you out but the strength and ab exercises are tough.

After a week or so, I definitely saw a change in my fitness. After day 5, the cardio became much easier and I became a lot stronger – instead of stopping for a 5 second rest during the push up exercise, I could carry on right through and the same with the bicycle crunches.

However, slight mishap on my part. When I started doing this workout I didn’t have any hand weights, so I used tinned tomatoes instead – not the heaviest of items! On day 8, I started using 2kg weights and really struggled with some of the exercises, which made it even harder when I started level 2 because my body wasn’t used to the strength.

Jillian Michaels on the whole does get a little irritating. Her Americanisms grind on you, especially when you’re caught in the middle of a bicycle crunch. But after a while you learn to ignore and concentrate on gaining a body like Natalie’s.

Day 1, Level 1 starting body measurements:

Arms 27cm

Thighs 54cm

Upper waist 76cm

Lower waist 81cm

Hips 92cm

Lets see how I cope with level two...! 

Pastel Perfection

Summer has officially arrived and what better way to brighten up your nails than with a pastel colour!

I've become slightly obsessed with the colour green at the moment, which is why I've opted for this mint green from Barry M and a little sparkle from Models Own Emerald City.



What are your favourite summer nail styles? 

Garnier Moisture Match: Shine be Gone

I’m not one for bad mouthing beauty products on my blog, because I believe that everyone’s opinion is different. Just because I didn’t like the product, doesn’t mean that you won’t either. So I’m more about giving an honest opinion and sharing the positives and the negatives, rather than just the negatives. Needless to say, the reason I am blogging about this product is because I’m interested in hearing your views and opinions, because I didn’t seem to get on with it too well.

Not that long ago Garnier launched a new product to add to their collection, Garnier Moisture Match. I’m usually quite picky when it comes to a face moisturiser, but what attracted me to this one was the fact that there were five different moisturisers to choose from: Protect and Glow, Start Afresh, Goodbye Dry, Wake me Up and Shine be Gone - each one individually aimed at a different skin type and concern.

Now if I’m honest, I could do with every single one of those moisturisers, but I decided to opt for the mattifying one, simply because I’m prone to a shiny t-zone now and again and I would do anything to stop myself looking like a china doll in photographs! (If anyone has any products to recommend for this, please do!)

After using the moisturiser for the first time, I was quite surprised at how tacky it felt. Instead of sinking into my skin, it felt like there was a layer sitting on top, almost like a primer. But then again, maybe what mattes the skin, but I don’t know. When it came down to shininess, I didn’t notice a huge difference in how my skin looked, which is what made me believe that it wasn’t doing its job properly. Maybe I should have used the product for longer, but I just couldn't get used to the feeling on my skin. 

I think the reason I'm still pining onto the idea of this product is because I absolutely love the concept. Maybe I'll just have to try another one from the range instead. 

Have you tried any of these moisturisers? If so, how did you get on? 

Models Own Fruit Pastel Collection - Strawberry Tart

I love a good scented nail polish. In fact the first one I ever used was a Revlon product a couple of years ago. I love Models Own too, so naturally this was a match made in heaven for me. The only problems I find with pastel polishes, is they're incredibly hard to make perfectly opaque, especially when painting yourself, but Models Own haven't done half bad...



I wouldn't say this polish has an overly strong strawberry smell or that it lasts very long. But I'm a sucker for a gimmick. Plus it's a gorgeous colour too!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Ever since this product was launched I have seen rave reviews, in fact I haven't read a bad one yet. So after browsing Boots the other day (and after picking up a really bad foundation previously) I wanted a piece of the action and to find out why everyone was such a fan.

After being a complete BB fan for a while, I wasn't used to applying a thicker consistency to my skin first thing in the morning. But when looking at it, it isn't actually that thick, I mean I have used mud-like formulas before, so this is quite light in comparison. It smooths onto the skin easily and provides a good coverage too.

When looking at the product inside the bottle, you can see a subtle shimmer. This is visible on the skin, but not overly obvious and more so in artificial light. I guess you could say this is what gives the skin a dewy finish, helping you're complexion look fresher than a daisy.

One thing this foundation promises to do is wake-up tired-looking skin and to some extent I agree. It evens out skin tone and like I said above, gives the skin a dewy finish. The only dislikes i have about this product is that you have to use quite a bit in order to cover the whole face. I have used foundations in the past where one pump is plenty, but with this one you easily have to use one and a half. Secondly, this foundation doesn't apply well with a brush. I have found that application is a lot easier with your hands (clean hands that is) and an applicator sponge.

Overall, I'm sure I would re-purchase this product. I've never really rated Rimmel foundations in the past, but I guess this one passes.

Show your shoes some sparkle!

Girls are like magpies. As soon as we see something sparkly, our eyes widen and we're instantly attracted. Whether its as subtle as our nails or as extravagant as a piece of jewellery, as soon as we see it shimmer in the light it instantly makes us feel a million dollars. It's also the same with shoes. What girl do you know who doesn't love a pair of shoes?

The brains behind the brand 8ighteen know exactly how women work, combining our love of shoes and all things sparkly. Whether you're after a unique pair of customised heels or a subtle bit of bling to add to your favourite pair of shoes, 8ighteen have the answer. They will customise to suit you and your personality or come up with a completely unique design, never seen before, and at great prices too!

I definitely recommend you check out 8ighteen's Facebook page and have a browse of their unique range. They're constantly coming up with new ideas and great ways to add sparkly to a simple pair of shoes. Give them a follow on Twitter too!

Here's just a few of my favourite items...

Nails Inc. Lucky Dip

I’m not sure how many of you have heard of Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website, but recently it has become my go-to place for finding out how I can get more for less. Whether you’re after beauty product, the best savings accounts or vouchers for money-off, it offers a mine of information in one place.

Each week, Martin’s newsletter lands in my inbox and I scour it to see if I can bag myself a bargain. Two weeks ago I struck gold when I saw an offer from Nails Inc. – A lucky dip offer which allowed you to purchase 6 nail polishes for a total price of £19 including P&P. A fantastic offer, considering a single Nails Inc. nail polish costs around £10-£12. But what made this more exciting was the 'lucky dip' aspect - the 6 nail polishes were picked completely at random and not by me. I was a little apprehensive that they might not be the nicest colours, but for £19 I couldn't turn it down!

I waited two weeks for the package to arrive and I wasn't disappointed by the colours either...

Left to right: St Marks Square, Royal Ascot, Blenheim Terrace, Fitzroy Square Special Effects, Boltons Place and Camden Special Effects.

So far I have only worn Blenheim Terrace so far but I can't wait to try the rest.

www.moneysavingexpert.com
www.nailsinc.com

My favourite products of two thousand and twelve

2012 was a strange year. A lot of things changed and unfortunately this took strain on my blog, therefore I don't have many blog reviews to fall back on. I have still managed to keep my beauty hat on this year, so this is my chance to share with you some of the products I have rated but might not have had a chance to blog about. So here goes...

One of my all time favourite products this year is The Sanctuary Spa Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser. I heard fave reviews about the Liz Earle version so wanted to try this version as an alternative. I love how clean my skin feels after using it and it smells amazing too. I'm really lazy with my skin care routine - often just a make-up wipe will do - but this gives me the chance to give my skin a deep cleanse, something it doesn't get very often!

As for mascara's, in 2012 I used some fab products and some shockers, but there's one I always run back to as a safe choice - L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara. It's a fail s. afe mascara that gives full, volumous lashes in minimal strokes, and it lasts from morning till night. I have recently been testing the luminizer version. A blog post is expected soon.

After ombre-ing my hair two months ago, it has really suffered and become damaged, so Lee Stafford's Nourishing Miracle Oil became my savour. Just adding a small, 1p sized blob to the ends of my hair before blow-drying helped smooth it out and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

Despite its launch in 2011, the MUA Heaven and Earth Eyeshadow Palette was one of my favourite products last year and still remains one of my ultimate party make-up essentials. I won't go out without using one of the 12 eyeshadows.

Another L'Oreal product and that's the Nude Magique BB Cream. I bought this BB Cream back in the summer as a lighter alternative to my foundation and in fact I love it that much, I have bought it twice over. Whether you want subtle coverage or to use as a base, the L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream is perfect. It's incredibly light, gives great coverage and lasts much longer than other BB creams I have tested. I'm praying L'Oreal don't discontinue this one.

Last, but certainly not least is the Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser for Normal to Combination Skin. I have tested many moisturisers throughout the years. I've had my favourites and one's where I didn't even get round to finishing the bottle, but non that I've liked as much as this one. I was first introduced to this product a couple of years ago after picking up a sample. I loved it that much that I went out and bought a bottle and I've carried on buying it ever since. I find some moisturisers too heavy on the skin, which is fine for night but there's nothing I hate more than applying a tacky, thick moisturiser to my skin in the morning when I'm strapped for time. The Neutrogena Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser is completely different. It's extremely light and sinks in within a matter of seconds. What I love about it the most is it protects against different daily elements from, sun, heat, cold, pollution and wind. Plus it comes with SPF15 too!

This year I plan on blogging more and coming up with a completely new list of products ready for the beginning of 2014. I can't wait to see what new launches the beauty brands bring.

Lastly, I want to thank every one of you for reading my blog and commenting. Getting that email to tell me one of you has commented brings a huge smile to my face and its why I blog. I love beauty, as do you and I love sharing that with you all. So thank you again.

Ombré: for highlighted hair

So, for the last 12 years my hair has been far from my natural colour. In fact, I'm not quite sure what my natural colour is anymore. When I was 13, my mother and I decided it would be a really good idea to put red streaks in my hair and to be honest, it didn't look half bad. Then I decided to go blonde and it stuck ever since.

But for the last 12 years, my hair has had the same battering and apart from the length and a few fringe changes, it has pretty much stayed the same. This is why I decided to completely change it up and go back to my natural colour, ready for an ombré style.

I was really tempted to ombré myself. After watching a few YouTube videos I figured it was pretty easy to do. But one problem I came across was the fact that all the girls in the videos had natural coloured hair to start with, and considering I had highlighted hair, there was no way I was going to ombré the ends with an inch of re-growth on my roots. So I headed to the salon.

One of the main reasons for going to the salon was to get rid of my highlights, which apparently, isn't an easy task. Because of the bleach, it's difficult to colour brown as there's a chance that it could turn your hair green. In order to avoid this problem, a subtle ash blonde had to be mixed in with the brown, which didn't give me my exact natural colour, but it was near enough.

After applying the brown to 3/4 of my hair, bleach was applied to the ends to give a dip-dyed, ombré effect and here is the final result...

Admittedly, the underneath of took to the colour a lot more than the top layers of my hair, which is why I have taken a picture of the underneath. The top layers of my hair are still quite light, so I am considering going over with a DIY kit.

Ombré hair is such a great way of adding a subtle change to your hairstyle, especially for colour virgins. It allows you to add a touch of colour without going the whole hog.

If you have highlighted hair like I did, I would most definitely recommend going to a salon to have this done. It pays to have an expert do it first. It might be pricey the first time round, but at least you have the option to use a home dye kit next time.

What's in my bag 2012

Apart from beauty reviews, my second favourite blog post to read are nosy blog posts around people's  make-up storage, interior decoration and make-up bags, which is why I have decided to share with you again, what's in my handbag and here it is...

My handbag was a treat from myself, to myself, and bought from Accessorize. I have no idea how much, but I'm guessing it was around the £35 mark.

My purse is Fiorelli and was a birthday gift from my best friend. It's the perfect size and fits all of my rubbish inside.

You might notice a few items of clothing on the left. After visiting my sister the other day, I realised there were a few items of clothing - a pink cardigan and leather skirt - she has 'borrowed' from me. So I quickly snuck them back. At the time I decided to write this blog post, I had forgotten that these were in my bag.

I don't tend to keep anything interesting in my handbag, but I always carry around with me my notebook, diary, pens and my glasses. Four of the most essential things in my life. Believe it or not, I don't actually carry around much make-up, just the odd lip product for when I might need it. The only reason for this is I don't have time to reapply my make-up. As crazy as that sounds. My week day is pretty hectic, so the last thing I ever find myself doing is rushing off to the loos to apply another coat of mascara.

Please link in the comment box your blog posts of the same nature. I'm always interested to read them!