August Monthly Haul

Hello, Hi, Hey and Hola

It's September, I'm back from my Summer Holiday and I needed to wear a cardigan the day I arrived home. A sure sign autumn is upon us. Well actually it's not quite upon as (annoyingly) the sun has persisted on shining the odd day or two! I'm so ready for boots, tights and chunky knits. But don't want to be looking all cosy and wrapped up if the weather changes its fettle half way through the day! I'm also majorly excited to shop for the perfect winter coat and I'm just in the mood to hoy the fake tan to the back of the cupboard and become lax with regularity of hair removal.

From the #bbloggers chat the other night it seems as though we are all excited for the new season and my September haul is already filled with berry shades and nourishing moisturiser. BUT back to today... today I bring you my August purchases.

Ooh I must also add that lots of you have requested full reviews of certain products and they will posted in the next week or so... 

Alpha H Liquid Gold

 This is a much raved about product that promises miracles in transforming your skin. I won't say too much as I've actually written a full review about my results with before and after pictures (seriously scary stuff!) What I will say is notice there is TWO bottles and I restock what I lurrrrrve... 

Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

Ok so despite spending almost three figures in boots before I went on holiday (I went in for sun cream and toothpaste) I found myself in Germany without anything to take my mascara off...  

Cooling, gentle and effective, it even dissolves they're real! What a prize for being disorganised!

Eau Thermale

Just because I'm incapable of buying only one thing at a time and the fact I've read like a million ravey reviews about it. I'm yet to use it but I think it will be ideal for refreshing and setting my make up on long days at work.

Perricone No Foundation Foundation-

This is a repurchase and I absolutely adore the trousers off it. It's like a second skin and I cannot express how much I love it. I've written a full review with swatches and stuff so if you are thinking of buying I hope that it's helpful as I often read that people find 'the one shade fits all' doesn't really fit you if you are pale.

Me? I'm like translucently blue and I think it's fine on me but maybe I'm swanning around with a tide mark? I'm pretty sure I'm not but the mirror can sometimes lie, I mean it used to tell me my unplucked mousey eyebrows were totally acceptable!

Anyway if you found the No Foundation Foundation too dark then worry not as they are releasing the LIGHT option at some point this month.  

Guerlain Meteorites Perles in Teint Rose

First off, apologies for the rubbishy blurry picture, I'm putting it down to shaky hand excitement as I was so dazzled by their beauty. 

Again I have a full review coming up of this delightfully pretty finishing powder.

Mally Easy On The Eyes Collection

 Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know that I'm a bit of a Mallynista (QVCers will get the reference) and I bought this kit whilst it was the TSV. I had been umming and ahhing over the Urban Decay Naked Palette for some time (see I am capable of exercising some level of purchase control) so I was in the market for some eye shadows...  aaaand the rest is history :) 

Mally's Palette in Buff has a primer plus 11 neutral shades which can be used wet or dry so in essence you get 22 colours to play around with. The kit comes complete with three BULLET PROOF eye pencils, mascara and some under eye brightener (which is also known as 'sunshine in a jar' ooh!). Not to mention a 60 page booklet with step by step instructions so you can create a whole spectrum of gorgeous looks.

YSL Touché Éclat

I've always lusted after this and for as long as I can remember beauty magazines have hailed it as a 'must have' and told me that I need it in my make up bag. I never took too much notice as dark circles aren't something I suffer from (blood shot eyes, yes, spots, yes, sensitive skin, yes, oh the list goes onnnnn!) but I thought I'd give it a whirl and see how it works as at covering blemishes.  (Of which I have many!) 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in #18 Prune In Fire 

Right let's be fair. Does this lipstick not scream sexy? Everything from the sleek and seriously beautiful packaging to the vampy purple loveliness... Aaaah it makes me melt. 

Leighton Denny Colour Cocktail Collection

I also bought this as a QVC TSV as I can't resist anything Leighton related. The kit contains four colours plus two 'cocktailing' shades that transform the base colours to create a new shade with plenty of shimmer. If I'm being totaaaaaaally honest, I'm not a huge fan (anxiety set in as I typed that). It's simply a personal preference as I prefer a nice block of colour to make a statement. The shimmery sheerness of these shades just aren't really 'me'.

The Essential Remover Pot, the Diamond Buffer and Lip and Cuticle Balm were worth it alone though.

In other news, after buying like a million Nails Inc Remover Pots I've fallen out of love with them- a brand new pot dyed my fingers a dirty greeny grey. Tres ugly.

OPI San Francisco Set

 Now these little beauties were a bit of a surprise. I ordered the OPI TSV (are we seeing a home shopping addiction here?) back in March and I selected the auto-delivery option which basically means you get a further delivery with new colours but held at the special discounted price. I wouldn't of actually ordered these but kept them as I needed a new nail envy and you can never have too much avoplex oil!

I need to remind myself that the surprise auto-delivs aren't actually gifts though! Oopsie!

SBC Collagen Gel

How bad is this...? This arrived and I had absolutely no memory of ordering it! I now have a vague recollection of doing it whilst half asleep! I think I saw the pretty pink gel and thought it'll look fabulous in the bathroom if nothing else! Perhaps I was drunk on tea and jaffa cakes? I haven't used it yet BUT it does indeed look beeeeeeowdifal in my bathroom!

The pictures below are repurchases which I've enthused and rambled about on previous blog hauls. The Decleor set was bought primarily to get my casper white mitts on their gradual tan again. You can read about why I LOVES it here 

My Elemis pots of joy are the Pro Collagen Marine Day and Night Cream- the ultimate in moisturising goodness. Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are in the big pot and if you fancy reading about why they are loved like my children you can do that here

The ABC Skin Care Set for me is a must have. Espesh the HEEEEOWGE body wash which lasts for months (unless one of  your children 'plays' with the pump and fills the bottle up with shower water...) and it keeps skin clean and clear. The shampoo and conditioner smell amazing, well all of these products smell amazing if you happen to love the zingy fresh tea tree aroma? If not then (why not?) just skip to the next picture. 

The Pure Tea Tree Oil is perfect for adding to bath water or when you want a nice deep cleansing steam. I tend to dispense onto a cotton pad and wipe over blemishes (yes plural!).

The blemish sticks contain witch hazel too and they have a roller ball application, perfect for slipping in your bag to target them nasties that get bigger and angrier as the day progresses. You know the ones right? They often crop up on Friday ready to spoil your weekend!

The wipes are in my car and will probably be used a glorified baby wipes! (Think sticky fingers on a three year old!) Oh I is Glam!

Maybelline Baby Lips

Well I just had to didn't I? Absolute bandwagon purchase and unlike many they don't incite any strong feelings in me either way. A lip balm is a lip balm, tinted or not right? Cherry Me gives a gorgeous juicy flush of colour and Hydrate is fine to slick on as you would any lip balm. I did also get Pink Punch but I gave that to my sister in law who wears it far better than I ever could- plus these aren't available in Germany so I felt like I was bringing her treasure!

Organix Brazilian Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner

I like a high end shampoo and conditioner, Kerastase, Ojon or Aveda often take residence in my shower. In my pre-holiday panic I ended up 'settling' for the Organix set as I was rushed, in boots and needed something quickly (usually order my shiz off the net). I'd also read a rave review from Allana Beau and believe me when I say that girl takes some impressing! 

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm, Day and Night Cream (pictured on first picture). I forgot (bad blogger) to take a photo of these individually but essentially it's a repurchase as I need plenty of stock of the cleansing balm. The moisturiser I don't use regularly (Elemis loyalty for you right there!) but the odd occasion I have I did notice it was rather thick. Perhaps ideal for the colder season?

So that was August... Done. Dusted. Gone. 

September marks the end of the summer and the end of my haul. 

Any products you're loving? Ooh or have you seen anything and thought BIG MISTAKE KATE? 

Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see a thorough review on as I'm more than happy to oblige :)

Oh and slightly off topic but you know how I mentioned I'm super excited to go shopping to find the perfect winter coat? I don't why I said that as I've never ever actually found one. Each winter it's a constant disappointment where I trawl around the shops searching for perfection before buying something I actually hate and then spend the rest of the season having coat envy when I see girls who just get it right! 

Anyway

Looking forward to reading your comments and don't be shy, come say HIYAAAon my TWITTER

I also have a giveaway running to win a Mac Lippy or Paint Pot of your choice, click here if you're feeling lucky?

Love 

k xxxxxx

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