Spending a bit of birthday money!

So today I thought I'd nip into town and spend a bit of birthday money that I received.  I always like to actually buy myself something to show for the money, otherwise it just goes towards boring household items, ha!  I just thought I'd do a little post to share with you the things I got (all of which are common in the blog world - although I will still do reviews on some of them once I've had chance to use them).

The first place I went was Lush, which is a place I always pass and say how much I love the smell, but I never go in.  I don't really know why.  Anyway I went in because I was after a lip scrub, something which I have never used before!  After asking on twitter on the #BBloggers chat about lip scrubs and which is the best one to get, this one came up quite a few times so I knew it must be a good 'un!

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub - £5.50

There were 3 different flavours (that I could see) to choose from, so I had a little sniff of them and decided that I couldn't walk away from popcorn as it just smelt too delish! Mmmm

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The next place I went was Boots (as ever).  I honestly don't think I can go to town these days without going into Boots - best shop ever!

Anyway, I headed straight over to Bourjois, where they had a 3 for 2 and I picked up the following...

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in Shade 55 - £10.99
Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Enamel in Coral - £5.99
Bourjois Cream Blush in 04 Sweet Cherry - £7.99

I'm sure you will have all read countless blog posts on all 3 of these items - as that's the main reason I picked them.  They have all had rave reviews (especially the foundation), so I knew I needed to get my hands on them at some point.  The testers for the foundation were all either empty or missing so I really hope I picked the right shade for me (I'm really quite rubbish at colour matching myself).  I've heard lots of good things about the 1second nail polish so I picked up my very first one in this GORGEOUS Coral.  Such a nice summer shade.  Then last on the Bourjois list was the new(ish) cream blushes.  I chose 04 sweet cherry as I think the other shades would be a bit too light for my skin.

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I then headed over to the Soap&Glory makeup counter, as I was after getting the Glow All Out powder after reading so many rave reviews on the stuff, however they had a 2 for £15 offer going on, and given that they are £11 each, I knew I needed to add another one to the mix...

Soap&Glory Glow All Out: Luminizing Radiance Face Powder - £11
Soap&Glory Solar Powder: Mix and Match Multi Shade Bronzer - £11

... so to go with the Glow All Out, what better than the beautiful Solar Powder?  Can't wait to experiment with these beauties. Expect a full review on these 2 very soon. (I do however, really want to get One Heck of a Blot and the Kick Ass Concealer too).  I may need to go before the 2 for £15 runs out.  What a deal!!

So there you have it.  Some nice new treats to add to my special Birthday products.

Have you dabbled in any of these items?  

Have you got any suggestions of any cult items I missed? 

Love to hear from you :) x

26th Birthday || Pressies!!

Well, I turned 26 on Tuesday.  I'm rather depressed at this as it now means I'm on the road to 30.  NOOOOOOOOOO.  All down hill from here?

Anyway, don't wanna dwell to much on my age as I just wanted to share with you some of my wonderful gifts.. :)  Some of them were on my August Wishlist post which is an absolute brucey bonus!!

Some of them look as though it's a 12 year old's birthday! haha.  I have to keep young somehow don't I :)______________________________________________

Bare Minerals 9-piece Get Started Kit in Medium

I asked for this kit off my Mam, as I'd been dying to try the brand out!! I will be doing a review soon!

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MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush

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OMG! I've wanted this for sooo long!!  I can't wait to try it out and review the life out of it! ha!  Hubby bought me this - however he really couldn't undstand how a makeup brush could cost £27. LOL

The Body Shop Treats!

I've really been going The Body Shop crazy lately, after never really thinking of going there in the past! I always forget about it as my local Body Shop is away from all the other good shops in my town centre!  I'm constantly on their website now though.  I asked for all of these from my hubby!

Vitamin E Eye Cream - just because I wanna really start looking after my delicate eye area.

Tea Tree Face Mask - I've read lots of good reviews on this so fancied a dabble.

Strawberry Beautifying Oil - This was all over the july/august magazines as a MUST HAVE product - so I thought I needed one of them in my life.  Apparently they are fab multi-taskers so can't wait to give this a good go!  I now really wanna smell all of the other scents!

Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream - I haven't ever tried anything from the Nutriganics range so thought I'd give it a go, although I asked him for the small version just incase it doesn't agree with my pesky skin!

That's another thing I love about The Body Shop - they do a lot of things in sample sizes so you can try them out before making a major splurge!

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The Secret of Moonacre/The Little Princess/The Secret Garden on DVD
The Twilight Saga Complete Collection on Bluray
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Bluray & DVD combi pack

YESSS!! Got all of the films that were on my august wishlist.  So chuffed.  Love them all!  Yes I really am a child at heart!

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Real Techniques Core Collection

I'm soo chuffed I finally got hold of this collection from my wonderful brother and sister in law!  Blogging world has gone absolutely crazy for this collection simply for the Buffing Brush, nevermind the 3 other great brushes it includes.  I tried the buffing brush this morning for my liquid foundation and it is absolutely brilliant.  I will do a full review once I've had a good practice.

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So that's my pick of my favourite gifts this year.  Hubby also got me an ironing board as a "JOKE" - I bet you can all guess how that one went down!

Do you have any of these items on your wishlist?
Whats on your August / September wishlist?

Starting Off: Skincare

Before I start my first ever SOproject post, I'd just like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE! (haha).  26 years old today.  I refuse to believe that I'm no longer 21.  However I still accept all presents sent my way!  ;-) Anyway, enough of me... lets get down to business...

To kick off Week 1 of The Starting Off Project (#theSOproject) we have Skincare!  Noww,  I found this to be a tricky one, as there are so many different parts of my daily skincare routine (that actually differ from day to day) that I wanted to write forever, haha!  I have however, decided to write a kind of review on one of the newest products I have bought!  Before I babble about this product, I just want to add that skincare is not just about using the best and most expensive products.  A good diet and drinking lots of water is ESSENTIAL in caring and getting the best from your skin.  (I really must practice what I preach and start to drink lots more water than I do - plus I need to step away from the night time snacks of sweeties, haha)

My Skin Type

Combination with a touch of sensitivity and redness (in other words.. pesky).

The Product

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Serum 30ml - RRP £14.95 in Boots (CURRENTLY on offer for £9.97!!!!)

I'd been after trying a serum for a while as shock horror I'd never used one!  I never really felt the need for one as I always thought it was just another quite expensive step in my routine that I couldn't be bothered to take.  But after getting stuck right into blog world I have read so many reviews on different serums and how beneficial they are for the skin (plus I'm not getting any younger so I thought I'd start as I mean to go on - prevention is better than cure, right?).

What is a serum? Why does it differ from a moisturiser?

These were the questions that hounded my mind for a long time.  I just thought they must be for older people who were trying to get rid of wrinkles.  However, I found after research, that you can get different types of serums such as face brightening serums, anti-wrinkle serums and even multi taskers!  There's pretty much one for everyone, and a lot of them come with age ranges on now so you know which one to look for.

The main job of a serum is to work deep down to penetrate where a moisturiser does not reach.  The first thing to point out is that a moisturiser has many different ingredients inside and is built differently to a serum.  They have larger molecules which generally only penetrate the first layer of skin to give it moisture.  A serum does a different job. Serums contain active ingredients such as vitamins which penetrate deep down into the skin to 'feed' it added nutrients.  That is not to say you NEED to do both!  I'd say if you were to choose only one of the two (especially if your skin is pretty healthy), it would be a moisturiser, as a moisturiser gives instant hydration, whereas a serum works deep down and heals the skin over time.

Description of Product

Introducing Glycolic Fix Serum, an innovative overnight serum with 4% glycolic acid to retexture the skin's appearance.

This highly effective formua contains powerful glycolic acid to smooth the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles while improving skin texture.

Designed with pore refining ingredient PoreAway, the size of pores are visibly reduced for a more refined, even looking complexion.

How to use

I have been using this as the packaging suggests.  I massage it all over my face once a day (in the evening) to clean skin (after cleansing and toning) and allow it to soak in.  I then apply my moisturiser as usual.

The packaging says to allow 2 weeks to see visible results (I have been using it about 2 weeks now) - I can honestly say I noticed a difference in my skin straight away after the first couple of nights.  Obviously I didn't wake up looking like an airbrushed supermodel, but there was a noticable difference in the brightness of my skin. At first, I really didn't like the texture, as I expected it to be really thick and moisturising, but it is quite thin when you apply it to the face, and instantly sinks in to feed those deep layers (feeling sticky and strange for a couple of seconds).  I think it was just because I wasn't used to putting something like that on my face. I'm over that now and I love it!

Other Nip+Fab Products

I'm supposed to add some 'Favourites' here but as this is the first serum I have tried, I can't do that.  I can, however, add some of the other products from the same range.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads x 60 - £12.99 in Boots  (I have heard VERY good things on these, which are going to be next on my list)

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Cleanser 150mil - £7.95 in Boots

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub 75ml - £9.95 in Boots

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Well that's that! I hope you liked my post (and didn't get too bored of the babbling, haha).  If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact me or leave a comment.  I look forward to reading all of the other wonderful posts on Week 1: Skincare.  I'm really keen to learn more and find new products to try.  I'm so excited by the Starting Off Project (Steph - you have become a legend)!

Don't forget to follow me:

Twitter @kateraspcheeks
Bloglovin' bloglovin.com/raspberrycheeks
Instagram @kateraspcheeks

Primark Mini Haul!

What up peopllee?  (yeah I'm really not cool enough to talk like that), pahaha!  So I had a little browse through Primark yesterday (Saturday - it was PACKED - awful) .. and I picked up a few cheekies that I just thought I'd share with you all! :)

Chicago Wolves Tee - £6
Minnie Tee - £6

5 x Trainer Socks - £2.50 (I think! :S)
Black Bow Pumps - £8
Headband - £1.50
Body Puff - £1
Chesnut Slippers - £4
Tan Brogues - Was £12 Now£6 (BARGG)

The first was 2 oversized tee's.  I love them just because they're so comfy for lounging around the house.  I only chose the Chicago Wolves one because 87' was the year of my birth!  I love Minnie Mouse and this isn't too oversized so it actually looks nice with a pair of skinny jeans.

I then trotted over to the shoes where I found the gorgeous black bow pumps that I thought would look lovely with a number of outfits.  Also I seen that the tan brogues were on sale from £12 down to £6 and had actually looked at them when they were full price so I just couldn't resist! Love a good brogue!
The slippers are just totally ME!  Love anything like that.  I am a sucker for new pyjamas/slippers and this design is just awesome! They do them in lots of other colours too!
The other boring bits were just necessities - socks that I needed, a new body puff and a headband for when I'm washing my face but don't want a wet hairline!

DONE!

Have you bought anything nice from Primark lately?

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks

Having always been a lover of lip gloss as opposed to lip sticks (I always found them drying), I am only just discovering how great lip sticks can be if you get the right formula, and so I'm currently trying to build up a little beginners collection.

I was browsing Fragrance Direct the other day as I'd heard that they do some great bargains (Essie nail polish is only £1.99, saving £6, for example).  I was on the website for AGES when some lipsticks caught my eye.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks, which retail in Boots for £6.49 were only 99p!!  WHAT? How could I say no to that? Even without swatching, for that price you can't go wrong! There are currently 14 shades on the website to choose from so I went for the shades 520 Violet Pop and 820 Cherry-Licious.  The packaging looks a bit 80's cheese but that doesn't really matter too much to me.  I just wanted to try them!  I was pleasantly surprised and rather chuffed at this little beauty find!  Like I said above, I haven't really got much of a lipstick collection so I can't really compare them to much else but they feel amazing.  The name 'moisture renew' kind of gives them away that they aim to be less drying than your average lippy!  The thing that strikes me most though is the colours.  They

520 - Violet Pop

When this first arrived and I opened it up I was pretty scared at how dark it looks.  However, once on the lips it is so lovely.  The colour is so vibrant and it lasts well. It's dramatic compared to others yes, but not ridiculously so and it's definitely changed my mind on the darker shaded lipsticks.

Cherry-Licious isn't as dramatic as violet pop, it looks quite dark in the bullet but once on the lips its a lovely light burgundy shade (a lot lighter than it looks). I was concerned when I seen the shimmer as I don't like too much shimmer in products but this isn't too much so I can cope with that!  

All in all, I'm really pleased with my little bargains and I'm definitely gonna go back online and order some more (maybe swatch them in Boots first, cheeky!) ha!  I was reading Lily Pebbles blog the other day, who was saying how Notting Hill Nude was a very similar dupe for Tom Ford's Spanish Pink so I think I definitely need to try that one!! Although Lily actually bought it in Boots for full price! If only she had looked on FD!! Nevermind!

Have you tried the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks?

What beauty bargains have you found lately?

The Starting Off Project! #theSOproject

After just casually browsing twitter and stalking many many blogs - like I do on a regular basis, I suddenly stumbled across the hashtag #theSOproject.  I clicked on it just because I'm a nosey bugger and it introduced me to an amazing new idea which I cannot wait to get involved with.  The idea came from Steph over at Stephs Inside Voice, who decided that the amount of products out there and the different ways to use them is quite overwhelming and baffling (especially for beginners), so she came up with the wonderful idea to start off a series in which as many beauty bloggers as possible create a post each week according that week's specific topic of makeup or skincare.  These posts will aim to help and give tips on how to use certain products and even highlight that bloggers favourite products. I'll explain the details below and hopefully this will get even more bloggers involved. Given that I have only been blogging for a couple of months, this is so PERFECT for me.  I've already learnt so much already (and helped a few I hope) and can't wait to learn more and also put my two pence in!!

(These are mostly Steph's words...)

The aim of this project is to try to reach out to younger teens, or even those just deciding to start out with make up, giving them advice and helping them along the way with their beauty adventure!  This includes me!  The series is set to run for 10 weeks:

•    WEEK 1: skincare

•    WEEK 2: concealer

•    WEEK 3: foundation 

•    WEEK 4: bronzer 

•    WEEK 5: blusher 

•    WEEK 6: mascara

•    WEEK 7: eyeliner

•    WEEK 8: eyeshadow

•    WEEK 9: lip gloss/stick

•    WEEK 10: makeup tools

The title of each post should be: Starting off: (Week title) e.g. Starting Off: Skincare.

Each post should include the following;

•    Outline of the product i.e. what it's used for

•    How to apply/use it/them

•    Some of your favourites with links on where to puchase them

•    Photos

The series will start on Tuesday 27th August (My Birthdayyy, ha!) with all posts going live at 6pm (UK time). It would be fab if we could all get our posts out at 6pm each Tuesday and make this project go twitter crazy!

So if you would like to get involved simply email Steph at stephsinsidevoice@gmail.com.

As you can tell, I'm really excited to get started with this!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with my part of the project!

Real Techniques Brushes

Real Techniques Brushes are the much-raved about brushes from the YouTube make-up guru Samantha Chapman of  Pixiwoo.

Sooo... I've been wanting to get my hands on the Real Techniques Brushes for so so long.  Especially after reading so many blogs (most, in fact) raving about them and how they need to be owned!  They are supposed to be on a par with the likes of MAC brushes, but are more affordable and much more readily available on the high street. All Real Techniques brushes are made from synthetic taklon fibres and are 100% cruelty free (another reason I needed them. ha).  Synthetic brushes are so easy to clean and very multi-tasking.

So when I noticed that Boots were offering buy one get the second half price, I just COULDN'T resist!

I was in two minds at which ones to get to begin with (as eventually I do want them all, ha!)
So in the end I settled on...

Powder Brush
Expert Face Brush
Blush Brush
Limited Edition Duo Fibre Collection (which includes a face brush, contour brush and eye brush)

Limited Edition Duo Fibre Collection £23.99
Blush Brush £9.99
Powder Brush £11.99
Expert Face Brush £9.99

Powder Brush

The first thing I love about this brush (and I think it stands for a lot of the RT brushes), is that it is larger at the bottom which allows it to stand on it's own (simple things).  This brush is on the large side when it comes to brushes, and the largest in the collection.  Having said that, it really doesn't feel too heavy at all.  I am also amazed at how soft this brush is.  Can't stop touching it!  I use this when I am applying my L'Oreal True Match Minerals Foundation. I was never really blown away by this foundation but just wanted to continue using it to get my money's worth.  This was until I used it with this RT beauty!!  OMG.. what a difference, I use half as much as I did when I used the stupid little brush that came with the foundation (harsh?!) ha!  I literally only need a tiny bit as the bristles on this brush pick up every last bit and apply to the face seamlessly. It is so quick and easy to do aswell.  Can't rave about this brush enough and I think it has definitely helped change my mind about mineral make-up.

Expert Face Brush

Now this brush I also really love (you will sense a pattern as you read down the post).  This has been compared to the Buffing Brush which comes in the Core Collection, but I can't comment on which is better as I don't own the latter.  This brush is a lot lot smaller than the Powder Brush (obviously) but it is just so cute!  The bristles are densely packed which makes buffing in your foundation a doddle and you don't have to press too hard at all.

Anyway, this brush is specifically for applying cream or liquid foundations.  I have been using the ELF stippling brush for a while when I choose to use a liquid just because it was cheap and cheerful and I wanted to practise using a brush to apply liquid foundation (I'd always just used my fingers).  I'd never been a fan of using regular flat foundation brushes as I always found no matter which ones I tried, I always got streaks and bristle marks and ended up having to go over it with a sponge or my fingers anyway!  ANNOYING!!  Also I don't like to feel as though I am painting the make-up on so I thought I'd give this a whirl. Well, I wasn't disappointed.  I have been practising using this brush in circular buffing motions which has worked well for me so far, however I have also read that some people like to use it like a flat foundation brush and blend it in.  I have also used this brush to apply my BB cream and it works very nicely too.  I'm pleased I got this brush, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't fighting the urge to get the Buffing Brush to see how it differs (naughty).

Blush Brush

This brush is fab for adding a flush of colour to the apples of the cheeks.  It's bigger than your regular blusher brush and also a different shape - it's an oval dome (my own description there haha).  A few people have said that the head is just too big for applying blusher, however I find it to be just perfect for my hamster cheeks, lol.

How do I use such a large brush you ask?  Well for me, it works best if I add product (powder blush) to the tip of the brush, and then use the rest of the bristles to work it in a sweeping motion.  This brush can apparently be used to apply cream blushes aswell but I've not tried that yet as I'm still in the marker for a nice cream blush (any recommendations welcome).  I just love the look of this brush and think it looks quite classy.  It's a gorgeous addition to my collection.

Limited Edition Duo Fibre Collection

Face Brush

Contour Brush

Eye Brush

These brushes I just needed to have, just simply because the words Limited Edition always get me and I usually need to get the product there and then!  Ha.
I haven't had chance to have a good practise with them yet so can't write much other than I have heard lots of good things!

Are you a fan of the Real Techniques Brushes?
Which is your favourite?
Got any tips? ha

Liebster Award!

Awww... I've been nominated not once, not twice, but THREE times for a Liebster Award.  You ladies are too kind!! How lovely!  Here are the gorgeous ladies who nominated me... 

Holly at hollydollybeautyblogger.blogspot.co.uk

Naomi at penniesforapound.blogspot.co.uk

Laurecca at laurecca.blogspot.co.uk

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster Award is a way to get newbie bloggers which have less than 200 followers more recognition. If you get nominated then you must answer the 11 questions set by the person who nominated you, and in turn nominate another 11 bloggers and set your own 11 questions for them to answer. The official rules are:1.You must link back to the person that nominated you.2.You must answer the 11 Liebster questions given to you by the nominee before you.3.You must pick 11 bloggers to be nominated for the award with under 200 followers.4.You must come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.5.You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.

My Questions from Holly

1.What is your favourite designer brand? 
Ooooh I just LOVE mulberry (even though I don't actually own a mulberry bag - YET!)

2.What was the last book you purchased? 
It was actually Fifty Shades of Grey (shock!) although I haven't even finished it as I rarely read these days!

3.What is your favourite Make-up product at the moment?
I am absolutely LOVING the Bourjois Bronzing Primer and the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons!

5.Three favourite online shopping websites?
ASOS (bet almost everyone says this)
Amazon
eBay (just adore eBay)

6. Countryside or city?
I have family (including my late Grandparents) down in Wallingford, Oxfordshire and I just absolutely ADORE it.  Being from the North East, it is such a refreshing change to get down there amongst the country life. It will always be my favourite place in the country!

7.What is your ideal day off?
My comfy sofa, laptop and catching up on all my recorded tv!

8.If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza.  I'm sure I was Italian in a former life or something!  Pizza and Pasta are my two favourite foods EVER!

9.Bright colours or pastel colours?
Pastel please!

10.What's your lifetime ambition? 
To bring up beautiful children who do well in life.

11.Who inspires you?
My amazing Nanna Dolly.  She was such an amazing inspiration to me.  She had the hardest life ever but never complained and had sooo much love to give.  Special lady!

My Questions from Naomi

1. Where are you from?

Middlesbrough, North East, UK

2. Who is your favourite youtuber?

Hannah Georgina. http://www.youtube.com/user/hannahgeorgina24 love her product reviews!

3. If you could only use 1 brand of make-up for the rest of your life, what would it be?

OUCH! I can't... errrrm... at the moment I would choose Bourjois.

4. What's you're favourite music genre? Give an example of who you like in that genre.

Well I have such an eclectic mix of music in my collection, but probably good old fashioned POP.

5. Lip gloss or lipstick?

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons are my go-to at the moment!

6. Why did you start blogging?

Not long ago, just over a month!

7. What has been your favourite/most memorable birthday/christmas e.c.t present?

I was bought tickets to Leona Lewis in concert a couple of Christmases ago, and I cried. LOL

8. Favourite Zoo animal?

I seen Cheetah's at Longleat Safari park and fell more in love with them.  They are so amazing!

9. Beauty blogs or Fashion blogs?

Zoella at http://www.zoella.co.uk/

Lilly at http://www.whatihearttoday.com/

Hannah at http://www.hannahgeorgina.com/

10. Best place you've been on holiday?

New York City! So magical.

My Questions from Laurecca

1.If i gave you £1000 would you rather spend it on clothes or makeup?

Makeup definitely!

2.Who is your favourite music artist?

Adore Rihanna and Leona Lewis.  Loving Ellie Goulding at the minute too!

3.What is your favourite beauty brand?

At the moment it has to be Bourjois!

4.What was the last film you watched?

The Hobbit!  Love it.

5.Have you got any beauty secrets if so what is it?

Not so much secrets.. just rules I live by.. NEVER go to bed wearing makeup!

6. Describe you style in three words!

Smart/casual/girly

7. Summer or winter?

Summer forever.

8. What are your three beauty essentials?

Cleanser, Moisturiser, Mascara.

9. Favourite song at the moment?

Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

10. What was the last concert you went to?

Leona Lewis - The Labyrinth Tour

11. If you could live anywhere where would you live? 

New York!

Here are the lovely ladies I'm nominating..

Dee at deesbeautifullife.blogspot.co.uk/

Jessica at jessicasjournalx.blogspot.co.uk/

Amy at floralsandfreckles.blogspot.co.uk/

Chloe at closbeautyspot.blogspot.co.uk/

Zoey at zoeyinwonderland.blogspot.co.uk/

Here are my Questions for you girls...

1. Favourite Drink?

2. If you were to choose just 3 beauty products to take on holiday, what would they be?

3. What was the last film you watched?

4. When did you last go shopping and what did you buy?

5. Favourite kind of food?

6. What is your usual bed time?

7. What did you want to be when you were little?

8. Favourite TV show?

9. Best childhood memory?

10. Do you have any pets?

11. Morning skincare routine?

Boots Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Make-up Remover

I popped into Boots a couple of weeks back and was having a little wander around as you do, when their own Botanics range jumped out at me!  I think it has had a recent revamp and it was on offer so I stopped in my tracks and had a little look.  I had been after a new eye make-up remover to try so I thought this one looked really lovely and so for £2.66 (usually £3.99) it went in my basket!  I have really sensitive eyes when it comes to skin products so I usually have to be careful.  Given that Botanics boast nothing but natural plant extracts I was hoping to be safe with this one!

Boots Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Make-up Remover - £3.99

Suitable for all skin types, this eye make-up remover is actually in two layers/phases; a clear oil phase and an aqueous phase, with which you have to shake vigorously to activate before use (there's something about products you have to shake to activate that suck me right in! - don't really understand why, I'm just weird).  The oil aims to remove the tough make-up (even waterproof mascara), whilst the aqueous phase (which has a slight tint to it's colour due to the hibiscus) soothes and conditions the eye area and lashes.

My opinion?
I absolutely LOVE this product and honestly can't see why I wouldn't buy it again.  Even at full price, £3.99 is an absolute bargain for a decent eye make-up remover if you compare it to the likes of Clarins.  I have to say I haven't tried it with waterproof mascara yet as I very rarely use it, but it doesn't even struggle in the slightest to take off normal mascara - it literally glides off.  I have read quite a few reviews on this since buying it about how people are annoyed at Botanics because they have completely changed the formula!  It does have a slightly oily residue but I actually love the way it feels.  It makes my eyes feel so soothed and doesn't sting in the slightest!

All in all, I really really can't rave about this any more! Bargain, readily available in most Boots stores and currently still on offer.  What are you waiting for?

Also... just noticed that this has been listed as one of the Top 12 Eye Make-up Removers on Cosmopolitan. BOOOM! http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/beauty-hair/news/trends/beauty-products/cosmos-best-eye-make-up-removers-beauty-lab?page=5

What is your favourite eye make-up remover?
Have you tried anything else from Botanics?

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons

Let me just say... this is the first time I've purchased a lip 'crayon' as I was always under the impression they would be a little bit drying (my lips neeeed hydration mannn, haha). Have I been missing something?  Anyway when I seen this little beauties in Boots I just needed to get my hands on them.  The vibrant colours really stood out and they looked good enough to eat!  I gave them a little swatch and wowww, my mind was made up.  So so pigmented and really creamy!
Here we have the latest of the crayon craze... the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons.  There are 4 shades available; '01. Red Sunrise' (a deep pinky red), '02. Fuchsia Libra' (a vibrant berry pink), '03. Orange Punch' (a gorgeous deep orange) and '04. Peach on the Beach' (a subtle peach).

I opted for 'Peach on the Beach' and 'Orange Punch' as they just screamed my name from the shelf. (although to be honest I am on the verge of getting the other 2 to complete the collection).

In terms of formula, to me they feel like a lip balm, but with such vibrant colour.  In other words.. perfect!  It doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the lips and feels so moisturising!  However, one thing I would point out is the staying power of these is nowhere near the 10 hours that it states on the packaging. I'd give it 4 hours max before reapplying, although they are so pretty and easy to apply that's not a massive deal to me!

Overall, it's fair to say I really love these crayons and I'm probably gonna get the other 2 soon.  If you haven't checked these beauties out.. do so!  

Have you tried these yet?  
What other new summer products would you recommend? 

Wishlist August 2013

With it being my Birthday at the end of this month, I obviously have a bigger wishlist than usual, as some of these things I wouldn't necessarily just buy myself. (I chose the best month for my first wishlist post didn't I, haha).  These are things I've had my eye on for a while but have found other things to spend money on (mainly baby George's nappies etc... oh and baby clothes as I just can't resist a cute little outfit).

I'll start with beauty and fashion..

*Bare Minerals Get Started Kit - just because I've really wanted to try Bare Minerals as a brand for ages and love the idea of this kit!

*Black Vans - they go with pretty much anything!

*Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - I have to admit I've never really been massively into my eyeshadow and really could do with a masterclass in applying it. I will deal with this. So I thought this palette looks perfect for an eyeshadow beginner.

*MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush - I've read some awesome reviews on this brush so I've decided I need this in my life. I'm really obsessed with reading blogs on contouring and learning how to contour properly.  I've yet to do it correctly though.  YouTube here I come...  can anyone help in this?

*Mulberry 'Alexa Hangbag' - A girl can dream, right? 

*Benefit Dallas - Just think it looks a gorgeous colour and ideal for a spot of contouring with the MAC 138 brush... hehe!  I've actually got just enough Boots points for this so think I'll treat myself!

*Real Techniques Limited Edition Duo Fibre Brushes - Just love the look of this set, and as it's limited edition, think I need it!

*Dior DiorSkin Nude BB Cream - This little beauty is absolutely all over blog world at the moment, and I don't think I've read a bad review yet!  Having said that, its £30, and I can't quite bring myself to pay that for a BB cream. But I'll still pop it on my wishlist anyway so I don't forget about it. ha!


Now below is just a few other little bits and bobs I would like to own...

*Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Bluray and Dvd Combi Pack - Yesss, I know, I'm going to be 26 at the end of this month.  But I will NEVER be too old for Disney.  I had about 35 Disney Classics on VHS (which are now stuffed in my Ma's loft), I have ever so many again on DVD and now I'm trying to get the ones I don't have on Bluray.  I have struggled to get my hands on Snow White as its always been either discontinued for a short while, or far too expensive.  However, at the moment it's on Amazon for £20, which is a bargain.  After all, it's the first ever Disney Classic and always sought after.  I neeeeed this.  I have put in a cheeky request for my Birthday off Hubby so hopefully it should be coming my way soon.  <3 

*Twilight Saga Complete Collection on Bluray - Who doesn't love a bit of Edward Cullen?  I love these films, and have some how refrained from owning any of them, as I have said all along I want to be able to buy the full collection when it finally comes out on Bluray.  So it's out... I still don't own it.  Hint hint again Hubby ;-) (not that he even reads this, haha)

*Yankee Candle Tarts - I LOVE Yankee Candles, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little tarts.  I prefer to use the tarts as opposed to the big jars, as they seem to be a lot strong and really last well.  We have 2 Yankee Candle burners in our house and always keep a nice stock of tarts, however we are running low.  Therefore they deserve a place on my wishlist.  I love the burners as they are so pretty and all you need to do is pop a little tealight inside and the tart on the top and it will burn until the tealight runs out.  (We have a local Yankee Candle shop in our village, so we never shop anywhere else for our tarts)
Also.. *TIP* when you want to change the tart, the old melted wax will still have some scent to it, so stick it in the back of your underwear drawer to keep it smelling nice and Yankee-ish!*  LUSH!!
One of our Yankee Candle Burners (just to show..)

*Acrylic Nail Varnish Holder from eBay - My ever growing nail varnish collection needs a nice shiny new home as opposed to being thrown into one big box!  Simples!

Whats on your August wishlist?  

Do you own any of the above items?

I'd love to hear your opinions!