July Haul

Happy August Amigos!

I've been absent from the blog for way too long so today marks 

my return. I mean like proper return, the sort where I schedule posts and take photos as I go. Rather than... procrastinating like it's going out of fashion!

And mind I really do procrastinate.

Hence my July Haul being posted on 14th AUGUST *shuffles awkwardly and avoids eye contact* so without any further delay (friends is on the telly and my attention span is struggling) lets delve straight in to my rather tame month of buying.

SBC 4 Piece Arnica Cleanse, Calm & Soothe Collection

So this little set was bought from QVC (who do not sponsor me by the way... although perhaps they should seen as all products in this haul were ordered from there unless stated otherwise!) 

I hadn't tried SBC prior to this but the brightly coloured gels have always caught my eye. Yes that's all it takes!

 So three gels with three different promises, Arnica for aches, pains and reducing

 bruising, Propolis for dry chapped areas and Aloe Vera (Hello Vera. sorry!) for calming and soothing.

I'm really liking these and the aaaah feeling when you slap that aloe gel on after waxing, delightful!

The cleanser hasn't had a look in yet as I've already got about four other brands on the go!

Smells nice though.

Decleor 4 Piece Skin Radiance Collection

Right if I had done a 'monthly favourites' post then Decleor's Aroma Confort Gradual Glow Body Milk would so be featuring!

It's a gradual tan that is ultra moisturising and leaves skin silky soft. There's no heavy depositing either so no weird white triangles where you bend your arms (just me? oh!) and the colour is super natural and oozes radiance. Utterly gorgeousness!

What I would say is the pump dispenser is SHITE as it doesn't automatically pump back up so it's a nightmare when you're frantically applying post shower. I guess the fact that I love it so much despite the problems dispensing speaks volumes about how amaze the product is.

The Aromessence Nerolia is an award winning exlixir that is 100% natural, I'm just about to introduce this into my daily routine so I'll let you know the results.

Also contained in the set was Hydra Floral Moisturiser and Hydra Floral Mask which I'm yet to sample... cute lil bottles though!

The Tans 

Eeeee such a tanning floozy me... one can never have to many in the stock cave though.

Leighton Denny Sunbelievable Set, Hightlight Me, Bronze Me, Accelerate Me and Tan Me. You can read and SEE my amazing results with Tan Me HERE

The He-Shi Instant Bronze I actually won from the lovely Grace  in a twitter comp, I adored it so much I obviously ordered more! Ideal for instant non streak colour... haaaaalllow bare legs!

The Toners

So the first half of July I was without a toner would you believe? It would seem I  only stockpile nail varnish, cleansers, make up, moisturiser, tans, conditioner, well pretty much everything other than toner. Not only do I not keep stocks replenished I also systematically forget to buy it each time I'm in boots or where ever!

So,

La Roche-Posay Soothing Toner is something my husband chose upon receiving an "urgent" text from his easy going wife to "go to boots and get a toner, a decent one not cheap" bless him he is often instructed  requested to buy the Pore Effaclar Duo so I guess he stuck to the brand he knew was deemed acceptable by me! 

I have to say it ain't rocking my world, I mean it's OK and my skin hasn't reacted badly but I'm not too sure what it's doing for me other than being 'step 2' of the old routine?

Clarins Exfoliating Toner

I'd heard much love about the Clarins Exfoliating Toner so I thought hey this could be our time to start a new relationship (seen as my boat wasn't floated by the aforementioned toner) So off I trotted to Fenwicks and parted with £25 cute ones for this coveted number. As I was paying, the lovely helpful Clarins girl asked if I knew how to use the product. I was all like "uh-huh course I do" *smiling and thinking OBV it's a toner, ammma beauty blogger y;knaaaa*. 

BUT

what I actually should of said is "no sorry, I'm not too sure" BECAUSE (as you all probably know) unbeknown to me, it ain't no toner, it's a liquid exfoliator that use at night twice weekly. 

I was home by the time I realised therefore missed another opportunity to buy a decent toner. 

All was not lost though and no regrets as my skin looks so much fresher and brighter the mornings after using it.

 AND due to me having little to no self control I've been slapping this on at least five times a week because more is more right? 

Benefit How To Look The Best At Everything

This kit is sweetness personified. I actually have a vision of how I want my bedroom to look which is totally inspired by the Benefit Make Up Counter! Thinking a vintage, retro and kitsch sort of feel, I'll let you know when I get round to doing it! (Judging by the rate I churn out blog posts I wouldn't be holding your breath)

Upon opening this little book you find all the potions and powdery magic to create a poreless flawless complexion. 

Ooh and a mini They're Real too!

Laura Geller Magic Of Colour Collection 

I bought this from QVC (who'd of guessed) and I was well hyped for this collection airing. I was sharp off the mark with ordering too, and I tapped the app at like a minute past midnight (it launched at zero hundred hours) and it was a good a job I did as Porcelain had sold out by 10.30am!

I'd never tried Laura Geller make up but she comes highly recommended and I've heard it said her baked products rival Mac's. GAUNTLET DOWN.

Ooh and I also ordered her Spackle which is her lingo for primer, I actually meant to order the champagne shade but in my haste I ended up with bronze. It's worked out well as on good skins days I use it alone with a touch of highlight... good to go!

(the champagne shade has since been ordered too... oopsie!)

Leighton Denny 8 Piece Colour Collection

How lushy are these colours though?  My favourites are most definitely Paparazzi which is the ultimate red, Femme Fatal which is a deep glossy khaki green and Get Your Cote which is the most beeeeeeowdifal blue from the Riviera Collection.

These lil babes also came complete a wrap around leather pouch, which to my bitter disappointment wasn't a belt I could wear around my waist! Think I'd envisioned striding around like a celebrity hairdresser or make up artist 'on set'.

Such delusions of grandeur me.

L-R paparazzi, honey trap, femme fatal, little thief, get your cote, bubblegum, angel dust, sophisticated

Barry M

I'm a bit of a nail snob and I likey my brands and willingly pay the price for things that are quality and work for me... think leighton, nails inc and opi and we are on the same page.

BUT the Barry M Gelly Paints have continually called my name so hey I obliged... I bought Prickly Pear and Lychee from Superdrug and I must say I have mixed reviews and intend on blogging all about it!

Oh and Nail Art Pen, because it was 3 for 2 and pink was the only colour left.

lychee and prickly pear

Tangle Teezer

I am TEAM TANGLE TEEZER! 

I can't love this enough, I have long long long wavy/curly hair that tats easily when wet and this just fixes it!

 I also have two sons that have rock star hair and this makes my life easier and theirs less painful!

I've ordered two more as can't be dealing with the world ending stress when it goes AWOL... "CIARAN WHERE'S THE TANGLE TEEZER" can be heard in my house each evening at approximately 6pm!

I've ordered it in blue for the boys and in zebra print for spares because I'm em... ?classy! (ha)

So there we have it! July done and dusted. Not a huge lot in comparison to other monthlies BUT my August pile is already looking terrifying!

Any thoughts? Anything you love or loathe? Or fancy trying? Ooh and any toner recommendations?

Look forward to reading your comments, lots of love

love 

k xxxxxx

ps shortlisted for a cosmo... best new beauty blog, button to vote under profile pic :) thank yoooou xxx

Porcelain Face Of The Day

Happy Holiday Weekend Folks :) Hands up who got burnt yesterday? Don't even think about telling me if you went a golden shade of bronze as you'll turn my blue eyes a monstrous green! I didn't even get so much as a tan line to prove I'd been outside all day, I swear the sun actually bleaches me!!! I was definitely dealt the short straw when Melanin was being dished out like!

And as I'm the lilliest of whites I was in no way prepared for the tropical weather we stripped off to yesterday, so rather than getting messy and applying wash off tan frantically and basically having a 'right faff on' I decided to tap into my natural skin tone and WERK the porcelain! THINK VINTAGE... That was my creative inspiration anyway (that and having no inclination to waste time fakey tanning!)

So for my face of the day or FOTD (as it is affectionately known in blogland) I totally ditched the bronzer and the corals and thought I'd Gwen Stefani it instead.

And here is my little lot of magic pots...

So my ace of base was as ever pretty simple. Mally's Primer followed by Perricone No Foundation Foundation which leaves skin all light and fresh and glowy... Unfortunate as I am my skin ain't perfecto so a quick dab of Benefit Fake Up over pesky (time of the month!) blemishes and a quick dusting of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil to set it,  helped to create a flawless finish

In no particular order...  Mac Brush, Mally Eye Bright & Poreless Primer, Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, Perricone No Foundation Foundation & Benefit Fake Up Concealer

Now I must tell you I'm a HD Brow girl... Always. Its a must for me. My next appointment is Wednesday and its a week longer than I'd like to wait but hey ho... So warning my brows aren't what they could and should be!!! Mally Eyebrow Pencil to the rescue though... the crayon end to draw, fill in and define, then sponge end to intensify colour. Its Holy Grail people... BELIEVE.

The last week this bad boy has allowed me to leave the house with head held high!!

Now that the brows are visible, it's a simple eyelash curl, nude pencil in the waterline and lashings of mascara job...  and done. Romeo done.

Mally Mascara & Brow Pencil, Rimmel Scandal Eyes Pencil in Nude. And lash curlers.

Lips were lined in Mac Liner in Cherry (not pictured as couldn't find it... was later recovered under the seat in my mam's car, no panic!) before drenching them in Rimmel Apocalips. Colour unknown as sticker has come off the bottom. HASHTAG PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER! (mega lolz!)

Flush of colour with Benefit Posie Tint then a beautiful blusher highlighter combo from The Body Shop. Of course (of course) Benefit High Beam to finish. Would be seriously rude not to.

Aaaand the finished product is.... 

TAAAAADAAAAA

All completed with a bit head scarf, some fred perry and some high waisted skinny jeans.

Should of done an outfit of the day too but as ever I was in a mad rush and didn't even have time to zip up me sandals :)

So what do we think?? For me this was a brave decision... I do love a spray tan and pinky coral shades!!

As ever love love love your comments and I read and reply to each and every single one

ByezeBye 

k xxxx

Haulin Over April

Alright Sugars?? Are we sweet? After a good few weeks of pure stress (major job interview)  which are hopefully behind me (nailed it... got the job!) I'm feeling better than I have done in a while, although I remain completely exhausted... don't think I appreciated how much effort goes into worrying about things beyond my control!

So between bouts of stress and screaming panic it would seem I didn't lose the ability to buy like no ones watching!!! Here a few bits and pieces (that I remembered or aren't still hidden!!) bought throughout the month of April!! Is it bad that I know there must be more... Somewhere...

Me April Babies

Ok so here goes kids...

I'm a nail junkie, I love my polishes and I gravitate towards Nails Inc and Leighton Denny every single time. I defy anyone to resist the charms of Leighton, his Leeds accent, his skill and just general loveliness... I actually set reminders on my phone when he's on QVC so that I don't miss him and his glamorous assistant Nina!!! I want to be his friend, I want to do shots with him!!!  Watch and you'll know exactly what I mean!

This is his Weekend Away Collection and I've been mostly wearing the Orange and the Light Blue.

L-R Breakfast in Bed, Get a Room, Do Not Disturb & Honeymoon Suite

Nails Inc is another weakness... This is the Sugar Rush Collection... How ssschweet? I've swatched all of these shades with the exception of the Emerald Nail Jewelry... Thinking its more Christmasy?? Although I could set off my distressed leather All Saints Gladiator Sandals with it... Now there's a thought!

L-R Piccadilly Arcade, Pudding Lane, Maida Vale, Notting Hill Gate, Haymarket &Wellington Square

The Nails Inc Nude Shimmer Collection... Haven't even tried any of these yet, might have an experiment tonight though. And I made the school boy error of buying same shade twice... spot the duplicate! AGAIN!!!

L-R Maida Vale, Lanesborough Place, Lowndes Square, Electric Lane, Chester Street & Marylebone

Nails Inc Caviar Base and Top Coat... heard great things so felt the need to jump on the band wagon... no complaints but the paint from the cap is peeling... not a good omen!!

Leighton Denny Miracle Drops, I go through so many of these and probably use way more than I'm supposed to but they are fabulous and make your nails touch dry within seconds! Ooh also bought some Leighton Crystal Nail Files but forgot to take their pic... amazing though, the only file I'll use!!

Miracle Drops almost empty... have the reserve drawer to raid though!

Now keeping with the QVC theme I recently bought/splurged on some Mally Products... This is another person who is on my I WANNA HANG OUT WITH YOU list (Hey here's a thought Kate... maybe get a life!!)  You can read my review on Mally's Lip Treatment HERE

I bought most of the stuff as a TSV (todays special value for you non-qvcers!) and have only really used the Mascara (HELLO HOLY GRAIL!) and the under eye brightener. Would have paid the TSV price for these alone. The primer I have already but I love a little reserve stock :)

Mally fan or what!!!

The Illuminating Body Shine is simply Glow in a handy lil stick... Apply/run over your skin for instant shimmer, it glistens on your skins and reflects the light. And lets be honest here, no matter what your skin tone, if you're planning on getting your pins out then them shins should shine. No question!!!

The Ultimate Performance Liquid Liner wins points for making me feel like a Bond Girl... Looks like a gun and in terms of wearability it is indeed BULLET PROOF! Seriously should be concealing this secret weapon in my hold ups or something!! Also you want cat eyes? Feline this like!

How cool is the liquid liner... seriously though?

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation...   At £44.50 I've bought cheaper foundations...
And I think I actually recoiled in horror at the sheer titchy size of the bottle!!! Practically threw myself on the floor!! Eventually I composed myself though and realised that sometimes it needs to be quality over quanity (was actually gritting teeth muttering this better be good!!) And now... I'm love with this product and you need only the tiniest amount... It honestly makes your skin look fresh, clear and plumped up... No caking or creasing or sitting in pores.

Believe me this photo is ZOOOMED IN! 

And what's a month without MAC??? I was so desperado for Betty Bright from the Archie's Girls Collection I bought it via ebay (brand new and boxed) and so pleased I did. Then our Rihanna gave us RiRiWoo so I obviously just had to get it and then I wanted another to qualify for free delivery. Couldn't decide between Morange or Impassioned so got both... DO YOU SEE HOW IT SPIRALS???

Ooh the excitement!!!

Lined up ready for some lippy action!

L-R Impassioned, Morange, RiriWoo, Betty Bright

I haven't even tried any except Betty bright... whats that about!!!

Benefit Fake Up Concealer...  I won't go into any great detail as every blogger and their beautilicous granny has reviewed these... I bought both light and dark shades as I use for days when I have time to contour and sculpt.

Benefit pull another blinder with the packaging

Benefit Sun Beam... Not used yet as I'm uber pale but going out at end of the month... getting a spray tan,  the works, so thinking it will be debuting then!!!

If you've got high beam and moon beam then surely the next sensible step is... SUN BEAM!

Real Techniques Make Up Brushes...   I'm clueless when it comes to brushes or any sort of technical application so imagine my surprise to find out that you don't use your fingers to apply foundation!! Since finding out i've been committing make-up's cardinal sin for the last 15 years I quickly got my act together and switched up to using brushes  when I have the time  all the time! Currently I use MAC brushes and if you ignore the hairs they kindly shed on your face then they are great... But Real Techniques are where its at (they reckon!) so I got the Core Collection and Stippling Brush... can't review as they are still in the packaging!!

They look the part don't they... tres prfoessional!

Are you still with me??? Thanks if so... I realise there has been mucho products!

Australian Body Care Tea Tree Oil Body Wash as recommended by Catrine who I see as my beauty guru (and she's a fellow QVC-er!) I bought a litre as I don't do things by halves... pleased i did and will most definitely be re-purchasing!! I have a houseful of boyos and they are all mucky pups!

Love this so much can't see it lasting too long!!

 Lush's Mask Of Magnaminty is the Dogs B's for attacking breakouts and you can see by the usage I've 'clearly' (i wish!) been experiencing more than my fair share of them! *SOBS*

Most used product of the month...

Blog sale goodies... Including a Chanel Lippy (worn on interview day) and a MAC Hello Kitty Blusher which reminds me of DollyMix, fabulous!

The Blusher is WAAAAY BRIGHTER in real life!

Soap and Glory goodies... body wash, body butter and foot cream... Summer body S.O.S or what!!!

Soap Glory... prep me up please!

And finally because I'm like a child.... A few little things bought from the Beauty Temple that is Asda... Yes I should of been food shopping  in the fruit and veg aisle but hey what's a little detour??? 

I have no explanation for these... I don't need nor particularly want this set... Blaming pre-interview panic nerves

Been after this Rimmel Eye Pencil for aaaaages... Always sold out in boots! Nude is the new white for the waterline doncha know ladies and gents!

I have no words!! pointless little balls that again will have limited use!!! Couldn't just buy one impulsively... oh no it had to be two!!!

I won't bother posting my Body Shop buys as I blogged about them last month... You can read that HERE

So April was a canny month... I'm about to decorate my house so I'm thinking beauty purchases in May will be more tame! She says....

Anything your loving??? Love reading all your comments and I reply to all :)

xxx

April Empties!

Alright lovelies, how we doing? Hope everyone is grand. I'm hoping you guys are in just the fettle to have a gander at some empty bottles! And boy oh boy I have a few!

I tend not to accumulate many 'empties' as I always have quite a lot of everything on the go at any one time,  and unless I have a 'back up' stash then I avoid finishing anything I love until I can rest easy in repurchased knowledge... Aaaand reeelax!

Any products I'm not feeling well hey I have a husband and two sons who reap those benefits!

Me little lot!

So what have we got then??? All mentioned products are pictured...

Elemis goodies... Without doubt one of my favourite brands so it goes without saying I have some of these in reserve... The Gentle Rose Exfoliator is gorgeously delicate and can be used daily... Not enough grit to qualify for weekly scrub treatment though. The pro-collagen marine creams are without a shadow of doubt holy grail status and you can read my review on these HERE . The Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir and Nourishing Shower Cream smell divine (I'm talking DEEEE-VINE!) and perfect for de-stressing. And boy I've been 'up-a-height' lately... hence the empties :)

Benefit PosyTint, of course I've got more of this, I love it, and pinky doll-esque cheeks look oh so pretty with or without help from mr tan in can. Bye bye to Belle Bamba though... No repurchase sadly as I like but do not love it,  and put simply, there's better pink blushers out there for me.

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed, self heating scrubby mask thingy... Will definitely buy again at some point, enjoyed this immensely as love to pamper and this feels em well... novelty. Thats it! It feels novelty and who doesn't love that!

Lush Tea Tree Toner Spray... Hadn't used a toner in years before this and this was nice BUT for me it was used more as a spray to refresh and revitalise, not sold on its use as an actual toner- perhaps to light? Too gentle? Sadistic as it sounds I like to feel a tingle and tighten (Yes still talking toners... eeesh!)

Tea Tree Oil and Bio Oil... I get through a ton of teatree oil every month (more than the picture would have you believe!!) I use it in my bath, when I steam and after I wash my face... I always have a break out somewhere, I reckon i've almost singlehandedly been keeping the teatree oil industry in business since 1996!!! I am indeed that lucky... SIGH!
 Bio Oil I use less regularly but always have one on the go... Keeps skin soft and stops scarring (Ode to Bio Oil... 2 children, no stretch marks)

The Hair Masque smells like refreshers and makes hair super shiny... 'Nuff said! Can't remember if it was V05 or Loreal... I will check once I'm home (Keeping it classy by raking through green bin!)

And finally Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover... I hated it, it was ineffective and it kept leaking! So its good riddance to that one... Can't love em all!

So thats it! Me empties!

What have you been loving and using? Any thoughts?

Remember you can follow me on bloglovin HERE

Mwah xxxx