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

400 Follower International Giveaway

Hello my band of absolute wonderfully gorgeous lovely people!

Today I reached a rather delightful milestone.... *DRUM ROLL* now over 400 of you read and follow prettylittleus *does a little dance* Obviously I'm OWA THE MOON as I never thought even 4 people would be interested. I mean I literally thought it would forever be just me mam that subscribed :) So massive thank you to all that have stopped by, followed or commented. It means SHIT loads!

I'd also like to say how utterly overwhelmed I am to be shortlisted for Best New Beauty Blog in the Cosmo Awards. So again huge (like mahoooosive) thank you if nominated me or voted for me :)

Anyway I don't mean to bore you by gushing about the wonder of my achievement and wiping away tears as I thank you all so I'll get straight to it!

I'm running a giveaway as a celebration and thank you, by giving you lucky ducks the chance to win a MAC Lipstick or Paint Pot of your choice. I'm not very imaginative so I thought I would keep it simple and leave you ladies (and gents!) free to choose. You know 'cos some WERK the eyes and others love to POUT them lips. (Me? Totally would choose the lippy, and would go for Rebel if you were wondering!)

If you'd like to enter my giveaway then you need to complete the Rafflecopter form below. The only mandatory entries are to follow me on Bloglovin AND GFC (now all the 'is gfc going' drama is over!) The more steps you complete then the more entries you gain so it's worth spending an extra few moments doing them (says she!)

The giveaway will be open internationally and open to everyone over and including the age of 16. All entries will be verified and check with any false or incomplete entries being deleted and removed. I'll email the winner on the email address provided and announced via Twitter @_prettylittleus and added to Rafflecopter widget.

Sorry to go all bad cop with the rules and regs but there you have it!

Good luck and love to all

Kate xxxx



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mac Impassioned Lipstick love

MWAH

Pucker Up Boys and Girls as today I want to share my lusty love for this weeks favourite lippy shade.

MAC's Impassioned.

Aaaah for me this is sexy gorgeous sexiness rolled into one vanilla scented sleek lil bullet!

 The colour on the lips is a beautiful bright almost neon pinky red. Its warm toned and I found it ever so flattering on my pale face. It's certainly a lipstick to centre your make up around like, it does the talking for you and makes a canny statement on a Saturday afternoon.

The Amplified finish is perfect as it intensifies on the lips to give high impact colour that will turn heads!

(Listen to me, talking like I'm wor cherillllllllll doing her loreal adverty thing)

No lip brush required, I just swished (yes swished) it straight on from bullet to lip.

(happy accident, I was pushed for time, couldn't find a brush so thought I'd cheat... score!)

Matte and Amplified are most definitely my favourite finishes and they have the best staying power...  I mean this pouty pic was taken about 3 hours after my initial application and it hadn't budged.

In fact I woke up the next morning with Impassioned still clinging on to my lips for dear life! Not a look I'd recommend though :)

I wonder what lippy will be ruling my world next week? What's your favourite MAC shade?

Looking forward to reading your lushty comments and please feel free to leave your links :)

*blows kisses*

Love 

k xxxxxx

Daniel Sandler Sculpt And Sim Review

Hiya

You know what... I'm not complaining at what God gave me (I am) but I guess if I'd had a lil more say I would of tweaked my order slightly.

Shinier hair, perfect skin, a bit more of a Victoria's Secret sorta a body oh and definitely some chisel to my cheek bones.

I sound so shallow (I am) but this is a beauty blog so it's a space to indulge yes?

Yes. And today I'm all about the cheekbones. Kate Moss and Keira Knightly have them and Kim, Kourtney and Khloe fake em with shading and highlighting.

Contouring is the technique of the moment and as I'm not blessed with angles I've been on the hunt for the perfect contour kit.

naturally blessed

I've tried a few different kits and even tried DIYing it with bronzer and highlighter... it didn't work, I'm not that skilled so I looked a bit em MUDDY and like I just needed a good wash! 

I have the Benefit Fake Up Concealer sticks that I bought in light and dark as I'd seen a demo where these had been used to contour, so I had go myself and you know what they worked amazingly... but only the first time I tried it! That's probably owing to the fact the first time I did it I had no time constraints and could devote effort and energy into applying and blending . 

HOWEVS

Subsequent attempts have been just that. ATTEMPTS. Generally anything that I have to apply my foundation over ends up discolouring it and I'm left looking less defined, more dopey!

Plus I'm always pushed for time (unbelievably disorganised) and I just don't have the inclination spending anything more that 5 minutes on my face on work mornings.

So when I saw the gorgey Daniel Sandler on QVC talking about his Sculpt and Slim powder compact I had to have it! 

Oh that, and two more water colour blushes and the illuminating face powder... what? they are seriously fabulous, so that makes it totally ok!

The mirrored compact contains two pressed powders. The darker matte shade is used for contouring and lighter shimmery powder for highlighting.

So after the rest of my face is done I just sweep the darker part under my cheekbones (I suck them in... see first picture for example!) then dust the highlighter over my cheekbones, my brow bone and down the centre of my nose.

I love the results and you can see how soft and dewy the highlighter looks here.

And check oot the chisel on this photo, totally thrilled! Just call me Keira or em... Kate? As in Moss NOT as in Kate as in my name. So when you next say Kate think of the supermodel, think of me and think of the Sculpt and Slim :)

You got me?

(It's ok I've confused myself too!)

So to summarise this product is now an absolute staple in my daily routine, it literally takes seconds to apply and blends like a dream. 

It's not faffy in anyway at all, believe me it would of been relegated to spesh occasion status if it had of been... I'm too lazy for words!

So tell me your thoughts? What are we thinking? Have you tried Daniel Sandler before? Do you have any spectacular contouring kits? 

Looking forward to reading your lovely comments and please leave your links as I check out all blogs :)

Love 

kate (?moss)

ps. Nudgey nudge, winky wink... shortlisted for a Cosmo Blog Award, vote me if you want to and I would very much appreciate it :)

Voting closes 30th August so hurry like someone is giving louboutins away!

(Stampede)

Thanks xxx

Pure Pedi Exfoliating Boots Review

Hey people, fancy talking some tootsies today? 

WARNING CONTAINS PICTURES OF THE PEELING PROCESS... ENOUGH TO TURN YOU OFF ANY TYPE OF FOOT FETISH.

I saw these exfoliating boots advertised on QVC and after hearing the sales pitch (total sucker for the hard sell!) and seeing the demonstration and results I thought  I need to get me them magic boots! And after parting with just under £20 they were winging their way to me in 3-5 working days.

In short these boots are an exfoliating treatment with an exclusive formula of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove dry and cracked skin build up from your stompers. And better yet it claims they can give you perfectly smooth feet for up to two years. 

They work by causing the dry, dull and dead skin to peel away thus leaving feet soft and super smooth.

The application bit is super easy, simply slip on the boots and reeeeelax (well actually you can walk around  in them but if you're looking for an excuse to put your feet up then this is the kiddie!) for a good 45- 60 minutes.

I'm an instant gratification girl so I knew it was going to be struggle waiting for the big peel... and mind I did some waiting. It was almost two weeks until I began shedding like a snake but BOY OH BOY did I shed! My skin actually peeled off in sheets. I totally became obsessed with it, so satisfying. Like when you get glue on on fingers at school but on a bigger better scale.

VOM

So now the peeling has stopped I'm been a little mortified at how my feet look... yes the soles and heels are soft and smooth but the bridge and sides of my feet are dry and dare I say scaly. 

Apparently some dryness during the process is to be expected but a month has passed now and it's showing no signs of improvement.

You aren't supposed to use moisturiser whilst awaiting the results but I'm thinking it's been just over four weeks now so I've resigned myself to the fact that my feet in their current state are probably as good as their going to get... pass me the peppermint foot cream already!

Did I love? I loved the peeling the skin off my feet

Did I loathe? I loathe the dry dehydrated patches that I remain plagued with!

Would I buy again? Probably not as it's quite pricey for something that is discarded after one use, don't get me wrong if it worked 100% I'd happily pay double but fact is it didn't work it's miracle promises on me.

*sad face*

Have you had better results with this? Or are you tempted to try it?

Don't be shy to leave a comment and your link as I love reading your comments and finding new blogs :)

Love

k xxxxxx

Ps... shortlisted for a Cosmo, VOTE here if you want to :)

thanks xxxx

Barry M Gelly Shine Polish Review

Hey there people, how we all doing?

I have a confession today...

My name is Kate and I'm a complete and utter product snob.

There I've said it. I am one.

Don't be getting me wrong, I'm not someone who refuses to buy highstreet or 'drugstore' (I cringe typing it as I totally type it in an American accent!) but my brain is wired up to automatically assume that something, say a foundation priced £40 will be far superior to one retailing at a tenna. 

I know that is not always strictly the case and since blogging I've been amazed at the hidden cheaper little gems. Plus if there's a blogging bandwagon to leap upon I'll do it... Baby Lips, Pore Effaclar Duo, and of course the Barry M Gelly Shine Polishes.

Before we go any further I should point out that I'm not suggesting Barry M is ' hidden gem' as me and allanabeau had a Barry M catalogue about 15 years ago... waaaay before he was famous and stocked in Super Drug :)

How much I'm making myself 'sound' old here... 

Anyway back to it... as they've gotten so much blog hype I decided I wanted in on the Barry M Gelly Shine Polish party and picked up Lychee and Prickly Pear.

L-R Lychee, Prickly Pear

First of all lets talk application, bearing in mind I was expecting disappointment (SNOB)

I have to say though I hold my painted talons up and accept my misconceptions were indeed that.

 The brush is decent and picks up a good amount of product and consistency of the polish is fabulous, it evens out well on the nails and doesn't bubble up or look lumpy. 

In fact the finish is astoundingly glossy espesh as you don't use a top coat... I know thats the purpose of it but still, I was impressed :)

The major drawback for me was the Prickly Pear colour was a tad translucent... I needed 3 coats of it as you could see the VNL (visible nail line) but this is only an issue if your nails are past your finger tips. The Lychee was far more opaque and two coats gave perf coverage.

Prickly Pear is the most beautiful pretty colour and loads of people mentioned it, I loved wearing it and it screams spring and summer. Oh and it didn't chip or peel for two whole days. I removed it before I could test it any longer.

Lychee I HATED. Not the polish but the colour. I just couldn't carry it off, my hands looked like they belonged to a corpse! Me mam thought it looked nice on me though! (not sure if mam compliments count?)

Anyway it was removed within the hour as I couldn't get away with it personally. 

My clear winner of the two was Prickly Pear and I intend on expanding my Gelly Shine range.

Who'd of thought I'd still be loving Barry 15 years later :)

Do you love the gelly shine range? Any other bargains or bandwagons I should be clambering on?

Looking forward to chatting with you and please leave your links too :)

love

k xxxxx

ps if you love the blog then please vote prettylittleus in cosmo awards, I would be so grateful 

thanks xxx

Highlight Me Gorgeous

Hey Girlies and Boyos today I'm all about the glow, the glimmer, the shimmer and the highlight... Who's with me???

I have a canny little collection of highlighters and whether it's bare minimal makeup, think just a bit concealer, brow pencil and lip balm or a full face of glam there's one product that I cannot (could not, would not, should not) skip or scrimp on... yes it's a highlighter. Be it be a cream, a liquid or a powder I guarantee you it'll be part of the regime.

Today I thought I'd share a few of my favourite creams and lotions.

OOOH look at the pretty arm swatches... :)

Mac Strobe Cream and Hocus Focus are great as they can be worn alone however I find they work amazey as primers as they give a lumious fresh glow underneath your regular base. 

The Make Believe probably works better on you darker skinned lovelies as its quite metallic and doesn't work for me UNLESS I'm embracing some tan in bottle.

Aaaaah Ilamasqua Gleam in Aurora gives a real plasticky perfect effect, almost a mirror shine across your cheekbones. Only thing is I've found that's not so great is you can't wear it if you've applied powder, even the lightest dusting of powder (be it translucent or a bronzer) as it gathers and lies on your face. Not a great look like!

Me and Benefit's High Beam have been besties for years now, she knows how to make me look good and in turn I cherish her by always having her 'in stock'. The pinky pearlescent shimmer makes this little beauty a firm favourite in my make up pile bag. 

Sun Beam is a new acquaintance and I welcome it whenever I've got my tan on. It gives a gorgeous non harsh golden sheen and if I'm daring to bare and rocking I don't know, say a vest (ooh-errr) then I dot this on my collar bone...  ssshhhexy ssshhhexy!

Highlighter should be applied anywhere you want a gaze to linger... This ain't no x rated site so we'll leave it at cheeky cheek bones shall we? 

Although to narrow my generously proportioned nose I have been known to dot it down the centre... y'know to make it appear smaller and less 'generous' :)

DUN DUN DUN... these two little gems get to wear and share  my ultimate favourites tiara.

High Beam is holy grail and the Strobe Cream is ultra versatile. 

Any highlighters you're loving? Any recommendations?

As always I really look forward to reading your comments and thoughts so don't be shy :) Feel free to leave your link too.

Love 

k xxxxxxxx

ps Oh and if you like prettylittleus then I would be so grateful if you could take a little minute to vote for me as Best New Beauty Blog in Cosmo Blog Awards (button under profile pic on home page)

THANK YOU xxx