100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY

Well I've hit 100 followers, 101 if wa counting! And have to say I'm super super happy. Can't believe that this many people actually read and follow my chitter chatter! It's something that you read others say time and time again but I can honestly say it feels amazing! Especially seen as I've MIA for a good few weeks at a time! So huge thank you to those that follow and stick around during my breaks!!

So to celebrate with you all what for me is a GROUND BREAKING amount I thought I'd run a little bit of a giveaway, nothing too flash but definitely something that we all want and can never have too much of... A MAC LIPSTICK OF YOUR CHOICE!! Any one you desire from the regular range, no limited editions as too much room for sold out disappointment!

So who wants in??? Rules are simple... To enter you need to following this lil blog on both GFC and Bloglovin :) There's a couple of other options to try if you fancy but no pressure. It will run for 2 weeks until midnight on the 31st May.
Unfortunately it's UK entrants only unless you want sort the p&p from your end :) 

So have yourself a punt!! And thanks again for reading/following xxxx



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Feather My Coral

Just a little quickie (not in that sense!) to show a bit love for the wonders a pretty little polish can do for your sense of wellbeing! Dramatic YES. But oh so true! Well it is for me anyway... Having painted nails is like wearing rose tinted specs... Everything seems better, just tilt your head to the side and cast an admiring glance over your bright shiny talons and BAM you look great! (Says she slobbing lounging around in mismatched pyjamas a slinky little number with sudocrem slapped on her spots! a full face of make up on!

So I love a manicure yes, and I knew I wanted to wear coral lips for the NE Body Shop Event so the evening before I decided to adorn my nails with a similar theme.

Polishes used were OPI Suzy's Hungary Again and Nails Inc Feathers Effect in Chester

The Opi polish is lovely bright salmon coral and it screams summer. The feathers effect works well over the top as the tiny flecks of orange yellow and turquoise really set off the colours. I've had a ton of compliments and people tend to ask if I've applied the titchy little flecks myself. I'm like "naaah its straight from a bottle this!" Looks clever though yes???

I have four feathers effect polishes but Chester is my favourite (that could change, notoriously fickle!), it looks lushy over OPI's A Grape Effect too doncha think?

Sorry this was taken a while back... the flash has blurred it somewhat but believe... it looks glorious

(At this point I should probably disclose I have a terrifying amount of nail polishes and its a collection that shows no sign of slowing up... hope my husband doesn't read this! TROUBLE!)

Anyway I'm off to shower and (maybe) wash hair and (definitely) repaint nails.... Can't possibly have same colour on for more than 48 hours!

Oh and its worth mentioning, the feather's, just like their glittery sister, are an absolute pain to remove (I believe the technical term is ball ache!). I find wrapping tin foil around a cotton pad soaked in remover for a good couple of minutes is the easiest way.

What colours are floating your boat right now? Any suggestions for todays nails?

As ever, thanks so much for reading, I reply to all comments :)

Laters xxx

The Body Shop Event

Hola Chicas and Chicos, how we all doing? Suns a shining so surely this means we've all got our gradual tanners on and are at least thinking about ditching the tights? I'm still in the 'thinking' stage for that one, but that's because my legs are BLUE! Even qualifying as pasty requires a good couple of layers hard core fake tan!!!

Aaah again I digress!!! (Blame it on ADD type traits!) Anyway, back to the topic...

I'm still in fantastic spirits after attending the North East Body Shop Event last night. I mean what's not to love about a room full of lovely sexy gorgeous beauty bloggers all doing their thing??

I'm talking swatching, sampling, sipping on Bucks Fizz and gorging  nibbling on mini donuts. All to the background of camera flashes and chitter chatter.  Not to mention everyone going hell for leather on the 50% off everything in store.... it was most certainly a perk I utilised :)

Before the event I met up with Faith Hana Katie and Amy who I know from the Newcastle FABB Event  which was arranged by the gorgeous Ray and Tor so it was great catching up with everyone again.

Big thanks to Maddie for arranging such a fun and relaxed night, there was a raffle, makeovers, consultations, yummy treats and alcohol! (Cheeky!) We were given cute gift bags which included lots of samples and the winning addition of a delish loaf from the French Oven... How did you eat yours??

Gift bag joy, minus the loaf. That was already broken and shared amongst la famile!

I picked up a range of products as you can see! (Impulsive purchasing strikes... AGAIN!)

HELL YEAH

Particularly excited to get some pretty shimmer on with  the baked blush and highlighter combo...

At half price this was an absolute steal!!!

Another few name drops include meeting Anna who's blog and twitter I've stalked for some time (cue sinister music?) and Holly who's basket was FULL of goodies! She was still going strong when I left :)

Me, Anna, Katie, Holly and Faith... Anna has no bags as was still in the throws of shopping!!

The laaaavley Hana and Amy 

I didn't get the chance to chat with everyone, it can be a tad daunting waltzing over to someone and being all "ooh hi etc etc". Saying that I have had a twitter/blog following spree this morning though, so if I've missed you out then HOLLER!

Oh and danke, gracias, merci to Amy and Faith who kindly let me use their photos :)

Any thoughts? Love reading and replying to any comments :)

Until next time peeps.... TA-RA

xxxx

Got The Lip On?? Mood Matching Review

Happy Monday  One and All! What we like today? Counting down the days until the weekend would be my guess... :)

Got a canny little lippy post today in the shape of six (yes six!) Fran Wilson Mood Matcher Lipsticks. Now I hadn't heard of her or these before but when I saw all the bold and bright colours I just had to give them a go. Now baring in mind I never wore lipstick ever ever until last month I think you'll agree on first impressions these were certainly a crazy brave choice.

Not for the faint hearted!

Now these rainbow bullets promise 12 hours of continuous colour and hydration, each shade changing according to your very own body chemistry. (ooh err)

As you can see on the swatches the colours aren't quite as garish as they initially appear. They are a lovely sheer formula that glides and glistens over your lips. No lip brush required but word of warning maybe whip a lip pencil around your lip line just to avoid looking like you've face palmed a beetroot... That photo didn't make the cut :)

Pretty little rainbow swatch

I must be feeling brave as (i'm leaving my dignity at the door) I've got some actual face shots of me wearing the lippy...

DISCLAIMER:
All shots are 'selfies' and taken with face shot on my iphone, so they create that oh so flattering 'looking into a spoon' angle.

Here's my natural lips...

Here are the results... (drum roll drum roll)

Incidently I'm in alreeetish fettle so its matching to a good mood :)

First up is the ORANGE. Now this goes on lovely, the pics don't do it justice really, as in real life its a gorgeous juicy coral that adjusted to flatter my ghostly porcelain complexion perfectly.
Equally would look great with a tan so will have to get mitted out and fake baked up pronto :)

ORANGE

KISS ME?

 Dark Blue... As i was putting this on i'm thinking "yak yak yak" (think it reminded me of a fling with rimmels black cherry lipstick in 1996!) but actually i'm sold. Its a lovely purply plum on me and because its a stain it makes my lips look kinda bitten. I LIKE.

DARK BLUE...   VAMPYish

Look how luchious... :)

The sky blue one... Like the dark blue above it has a definite purple tone to it, this is a softer creamier finish. Its more of a candy pink. The sort you feel pretty wearing... day or night.

SKY BLUE
whats that they say? "like my lips but better" I WISH

YELLOW... Its alright, like it better on my lips than my arms. The gold sheen on the swatch transfers to an almost frosted finish on the lips. 

YELLOW... 

The Pink One. From the bullet the most obvious and easy to wear choice surely. And true to form it feels like it could be my favourite... its a pearly iridescent formula on your lips. Again the photos aren't really catching it but there is a definite shimmer to this one!... promise!

PINK... makes the boys...?

Don't strain your eyes, I promise you there is a pearly sheen!

Green one... Difficult to capture on the photo despite standing in front of, along side and behind natural light. This came up rather bright, with the exception of the orange easily the brightest, a real pinky coral kick to it. 

GREEN... Goddess?? 

With the exception of the yellow one,  i'd say any be could be my bestest one... the orange, dark blue or pink probably are my faves today though. Or the green. :)

They are available from QVC and retail at £21.50 plus p&p.

They've been fun and definitely will wear them again... Oh and they weren't fibbing about the staying power, has been 6 hours and they've survived 3 cups of tea, a bowl of supernoodles, a cream egg, walking the dog and a nap! The swatches on my arms have been scrubbed (and scrubbed) but i'm still left with what looks like a dramatic injury (might see if i can get some sympathy somewhere!)

BYE ZE BYE XXX

So what was your favourite? Which would you choose?

Love hearing from you all

Kate xxxx

I'm Haulin

Alright lovelies?? It feels like an age since I've blogged...And i've got a load of excuses reasons why! In summary I had an attack of some basic blog envy. You know when your admiration/fan girl moments turn to "OHEMGEEE my photos are a pile of  (insert chosen insult here) ---- compared to EVERYONE ELSES" and "I haven't EVEN got DSLR let alone any studio lights". And to prove what a novice I am i even needed to google DSLR as didn't have a clue what one was!

But then I thought well a blogs a journey, and just like I look back and cringe at photos from the last week last decade, I'm now thinking I'll just have to look back 'fondly' on my first steps into bloggersphere, no one ever did die from embarrassment did they!!

So anyway... This post was originally scheduled for March as a haul post so it really is a bit of a late one.

Pile of goodies... (creases on quilt optional)

This photo doesn't actually cover it, as after taking the shots I remembered I'd bought a Bare Minerals set and quite a few Leighton Denny polishes and treatments that could of been included, aaah well!


I love Benefit. The brand, the products and packaging. And true to form Fine One One is One big HIT HIT with me, it's a blush and highlight stick that can be used on cheeks and lips. Swipe it on, blend and hey presto you've got a lovely pretty glow. The pink and peach colour's on the stick (sorry no swatches) are super pigmented  but sheer enough so you're in control and can build up as needed. Its the product that says "Hey Summer, I'm Here!"
I'm yet to try the World Famous Neutrals... I'm not the best with powder shadows but this cute little kit comes complete with step-by-step instructions. Fool proof surely!

SEXY SEXY PACKING 

Now a month ago I'd not tried a MAC lipstick (although I did rock a gloss on my wedding day!) and now I have three of the bad boys with big plans to increase my collection to double figures before the month of May is out!

My Lady Danger (a super striking bright orange come red matt colour that I cannot get enough of) is missing here as I'd left in a bag at my friends house. (Fear not it's back in my loving arms now)

Hip and Happy Lip Pencil

Lippy on left is Candy Yum Yum and it is UH-MEZZIN. It has the wow factor and makes a statement, its a matt finish so don't forget to slick a bit lip balm on before applying.

Lippy on the right is Pure Zen and it was my first flirtation in the Mac lipstick world. A cremesheen finish so it glides on leaving my lips a gorgeous pinky nude. LOVES it!

All about the lipstick honey

Keeping with the Mac theme... as well as gifting me with Pure Zen lipstick for my birthday, my brother and his girlfriend (guessing she was the brains behind the operation!!) also equipped me with the goods to achieve a perfectly flawless complexion.

The studio fix powder foundation gives great coverage with what i think is an almost airbrushed effect, it gives you sort of skin you see make up counter ladies with (I tend to gaze wistfully at these girls thinking "how?") so I'm a fan. Saying that the I prefer a dewy sheer look (when i can get away with it!) so i keep this for special or spotty occasions!

Airbrush in a compact?

A light dusting of  Mac's Silver Dusk powder highlights all the places you may want a gaze to linger (wink wink)... Not too glittery, just the right amount of shimmer to reflect the light. LOVELY.

Shake your shimmer??

Bit of a nail haul... Some OPI Euro Centrale Collection and Nail Envy and Avoplex Oil to keep em talons long and strong.

L-R Polka.com, Can't find my Czechbook,Suzy's Hungary Again!

Nails Inc collection, this was sent as an Auto Delivery from QVC, lushy range of colours and my favourite leather effect polish to date. A little re-stock of the coveted express remover too.

L-R Hyde Park Square, Bayswater Road, Mornington Crescent, Old Comptom Street, Bloomsbury Way, Great Portland Street

Nails Inc Garden Party Collection, muted pastels and a shot of special effect glitter... Don't mind if I do :) And a bigs oops.. spot the duplicate!

L-R Bloomsbury Way, Holland Park Gardens, Pembridge Crescent, Grosvenor Gardens

A bit of an Elemis haul too... I haven't posted pictures of my Pro Collagen Set but you can read about my review here . I'm in the early days of the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash but first impressions indicate an overall improvement in skin appearance with less clogging and build up. 

Bumper size!

EEEESH another bit of a splurge, this time in the name of Mally Roncal (Make up artist extraordinaire) You can read my review on her Lip System here 

First up is the Poreless Primer, the big pot is touch misleading as there isn't a great lot of product but you only need a small amount. Leaves a velvety soft finish to the skin and can be worn alone or under make up.

Titchy little pot encased in glass to double the size!

 The Face Defender is an innovative and quite amazing product and shown here is the home compact and travel size. Its designed to replace translucent powder and its a like wax formula... Keeps make up perfectly in place all day and its TA-RA to shine.

The home and away face defender kit

The brow system... Now this is the only brow pencil I'd be rocking in between HD appointments. Nuff said :)

Also came with a brow gel... MIA!

Colour sustain kit from Ojon, smells like liquorice and leaves my hair soft and glossy. And I swear its picking out the warmer tones and making them gleam.

The Oil is a little wonder product!

Hocus Focus I simply think is wonderful, on good skin days I wear alone (although this may have only ever happened the once!) but it's oh so effective under make up for that fresh glowy dewy effect. This is a third re-purchase and can't see me falling out of love any time soon.

You won't believe your eyes is a  light reflecting eye cream that dispenses from a roller ball,  jurys out on this one... I'm perhaps a tad heavy handed but I can always see this on my skin and when make up is applied over it, it sort of 'balls up' and collects. Will persevere as I am admittedly clumsy :)

Soap and Glory cuteness

Last but certainly not least the Hydra Floral Blemish Balm. I was lucky enough to win this before its UK launch (it doesn't hit stores until May 1st although QVC have this on sale currently). I will do a full review of this product in a future post.

This makes big promises 

So thats it. That was March.

If there is any further details you'd like (prices, swatches etc) or if you'd like a full review of a product then please do get in touch.

Any thoughts? Have you tried anything I've mentioned?

Remember you can follow me on twitter at prettylittleus

Kate xxx

Spring Scrubbing

Hi everyone! How are we all? Are we loving spring? Don't know about you guys but I'm well excited for it's arrival, and I mean like it's proper arrival. Not just by name and a date on the calendar but with a knowing nod from mistress weather, with bluebells, picnics and pastel colours! Right now I'm kind of thinking there was little point in defuzzing my winter legs!!! :) Still wearing the opagues, I'm just colder!

Anyway Spring for me is the start to the Summer. It's pretty, it's fresh and it's new.

So... what better way to sing the season in than to try something that promises to rid me of the old and reveal the fresher and the newer? Now I'm a big fan of a exfoliators. I love the promises they make, the scrub, the grit and hopefully the fantastic result. Unfortunately for me its the latter that varies, especially seen as I've been known to resemble a peeled tomato when scrubbing goes bad, either due to the product or possibily (and I'm holding my heavy hands up here!) some overzealous application! (oops!)

I've heard so much love about Tropic Skincare recently and I remember Susan Ma from The Apprentice (she had me sold on her vision even then!) If you've not heard then listen up! This her baby and it's Pure Plant Skincare, the entire range is all natural wonderful goodness, even the face cloth (flannel where I come from!) is made from organic bamboo fibres. Also it's vegan friendly and cruelty free... What's not to love???

I decided to try the face polish and the face cloth.

So here's the science bit (channelling my inner Aniston there)
The face cloth is 100% organic, it helps purify skin and it's softer and thicker than traditional muslin cloths.
The face polish is 100% natural and contains wonderful ingredients such as sweet almond, sugar cane, ground rice, golden jojoba, macadamia, acai berry, oranges, lemons and limes as well some essential oils. Ooh and it also comes complete with a wooden spatula to scoop out the magic.

So as you can imagine it smells DELISH, and applying it is like a dream. Its an oily consistency but still thick and luxurious. I had myself a bit of a pamper session and used it whilst relaxing in the bath. It feels absolutely amazing on the skin, so gentle but still satisfyingly "scrubby". As the sugar and rice are doing their thing to brighten, the oils are nourishing and replenishing your skin (and making your bathroom smell like a spa!)

The face cloth holds in so much heat and I found it incredible for declogging my ever congested pores. Plus bamboo has naturally occurring anti-bacterial properties so that can only be a great thing right?

So in summary (sorry if I've rambled, my dad says I could talk under water!) I think the Face Polish is FABULOUS. For me it truly is the queen of scrubs :) My face has never been so luminous and glowy, and I use an exfoliator every morning. This goes the extra mile, after using I find my moisturiser and make up just glide on and the little teeny rough black heads that have lodged on my chin since 1996 have disappeared!!

The blurb recommends using the polish 2-3 times per week, though personally I've found 1-2 times is sufficient enough to keep me looking fresh, supple and revitalised! (Dare i say dewy and gorgeous too? Or is that too much?... Aaah thought so!)

The face cloth is suitable for daily use, I'm tending to use it whenever I have a soak in the bath, so again 1-2 times weekly. (don't worry I shower daily!!)

The face polish retails at £15.00 and the bamboo face cloth at £5 and are available here . They are both definite repurchases for me.

Think the facial oil is next on my list :)

Anyone else tried anything from the Tropic Skincare Range?
Would love to hear your thoughts Xxx