#Mani Monday

Come the new year, I like to pack away my festive, sparkly nail varnishes and dust off my nudes and neutrals. As you can see, this time I couldn't quite completely let go so I decided to go for a compromise. I guess I just needed one last fix! 

I went for one of my favourite nudes, Lower Sloane Street by Nails Inc on all my nails then layered up Avon Colour Trend in Rose Golden onto my ring finger in an ombre effect. I love the effect of an accent nail and it's the perfect look to transition me from party season into the new year!

What have you been wearing on your nails lately?

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October Favourites

There are only a few new products that I've been loving this month, the others are mostly rediscovered old favourites. I've been trying to take really good care of my skin recently. I find the change in the weather at this time of year always wrecks havoc on my skin so I've been attempting to keep any dryness, dehydration and sensitivity at bay.

I've been continuing to use my Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream which you can see my full review of here. I still think it's the best night cream I've ever tried, plus I opened this tub mid june and still have a fair bit left. I've also added Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil into my routine, it's a lovely facial oil that I've been using a few times a week, either on at home, no makeup days or in the evenings. A full review is in the works!

Makeup wise I've been keeping things relatively simple. I've been favouring a winged, liquid liner over eyeshadow as it's quicker and easier for me to apply and doesn't involve too much thought first thing in the morning. The Avon Super Extend Liquid Liner has been my weapon of choice as it's so easy to use. It has a felt tip style applicator and is pigmented enough to look jet black in one swipe. 

I've also got back into using my Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Peach to cover dark circles, again because it's so easy to use. I usually just pat it onto any dark areas with my finger and blend. My lips have been feeling a little bit on the dry side but I've not wanted to compromise on wearing colour so the By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur in Cherry Bomb has come in handy. It's a super moisturising, rose scented lip balm with a red tint to it. I love the shade and the sheer finish means I can apply it without a mirror!

What have you been loving this month?

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Empties #10

I know, I know, it's been a while. Things have been super busy but I assure you I've not fallen off the face of the earth! I'm back with a nice long empties post to make up for it! As usual I'll be talking about all the products I've used up, what I thought of them and most importantly, whether or not I'll be repurchasing them!

Anatomicals Spray Misty For Me

This moisturising facial mist was given to me by a friend who wasn't too keen on it. I enjoyed using it as a toner but I definitely still prefer the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Repurchase? No.

Botanics 82% Organic Softening Cleanser

A lovely cream cleanser that feels a lot more expensive than it's £4 price tag. Equally good to use in the morning as in the evening to remove makeup. Repurchase? Yes.

MAC Studio Fix Powder

I'm not much of a powder wearer anyway but I particularly disliked this one, I found it to be far too heavy and cakey for my liking. It was such a pain to use up! Repurchse? No.

Avon Aero Volume Mascara

Another product I didn't get on too well with. It wasn't terrible but it just didn't do much for my lashes. Repurchase? No.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Mascara 

This mascara on the other hand, was brilliant! It lengthened, volumeised, curled and made my lashes look jet black. By far the best 'drugstore' mascara I've ever used. Repurchase? Definitely.

Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil

Another brilliant budget skincare product from Botanics. I used this a few times a week and loved the results, it plumped up and moisturised skin and helped even out my skin tone. Repurchase? Yes.

Sephora Exfoliating Cream Cleanser

I bought this cleanser quite a while ago and used it more as a mask to allow the exfoliating enzymes time to get to work. I enjoyed using it but have since found other masks that give me better results. Repurchase? No.

Lee Stafford Frizz Off Treatment

It's no secret that I love Lee Stafford products, I rave about them endlessly here on the blog but unfortunately this one wasn't for me. Although it did smooth out my hair a bit it didn't give it enough moisture or nourishment. This one would be great for those who have hair that's slightly unruly but not particularly dry. Repurchase? No.

Lee Stafford Shine Head Spray Shine

I've been using this hair shine spray for years and love it. I've lost count of the amount of times I've repurchased it. I have however recently discovered a similar product I love even more, the Argan Oil Anti Frizz Serum Spray (full review here) that one adds shine too but also moisturises hair, protects it against humidity, reduces frizz and I prefer the scent so I'll be buying it instead! Repurchase? No

Redken All Soft Supple Touch

A lightweight, cream textured, leave in conditioner. The product is lovely, it moisturises hair and controls frizz but the packaging is very annoying. The spray pump kept getting clogged up with product so I had to take it off and pour it into my hand. Not ideal! I'm not sure if this happens to all of them or if it was just mine but either way it meant I ended up using the product less often than I wanted too. Repurchase? No.

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

I loved this hand cream, it was a mini that I got as part of a GWP that quickly became a handbag staple. It did everything a hand cream should do and smelt great too! Repurchse? Yes.

Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise

I was given this mini as a gift, it came in a set with a few other EL fragrances but this was the one that immediately stood out to me. I just love it! I've since bought the full sized version so I'll be doing a full on review soon. Repurchase? Already have!

The Body Shop Aloe Eye Defence

I seem to have used up a lot of budget skincare lately! This was a great sensitive skin friendly, hydrating eye cream that performed just as well as a lot of the high end eye creams I've tried. Repurchase? Yes.

Avon Naturals Lavender and Chamomile Room & Linen Spray

A relaxingly scented spray I spritz onto my pillow before bedtime, it relaxes me and sends me off to sleep. Maybe it's just phycological but who cares if it works! Repurchase? Yes.

What have you used up recently?

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#ManiMonday

I've decided to rename my nail posts #ManiMonday! They were previously NOTD but seeing as I don't do nail posts everyday I though it was maybe a bit misleading. Either way, it's still a post all about what I'm currently rocking on my nails!

Today I decided to try out a bit of nail art, I've dabbled in the past but never really blogged about it. I usually try out some fancy design and then end up removing it as soon as I'm finished. Usually because I'm not happy with the finish (I like it to look really neat) or because I decided the design isn't very 'me'. This time I thought I'd try something simple, clean and minimal and I'm actually relatively pleased with the result! It's still not as perfect as I'd like it to be but I think with a bit more practice I can get there!

I applied Avon Nailwear Pro in Loving Lavender to all of my nails and then used one of my favourite polishes, Sephora Colour Hit Nail Colour in Will You Jump? on just under half of the nail on my ring finger. I used a piece of cellotape to get a neat line but it's still not quite as crisp as I'd like. I think the trick is to wait till the nail varnish is completely dry before removing the tape. I love the design as well as how the colours look together and I'll definitely be trying out a few different variations in the near future! 

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Summer Makeup Bag

Every season I like to put a post together featuring all the makeup products I've been getting the most use out of. Here's what has been in my makeup bag as of late.

MUA Undressed Palette

I won't go into too much detail on this one as I just did a full review on it, you can see that here. It's a great, versatile palette that can be used to create lots of different looks. I've been using shade 6 (top row, right) and 7 (bottom row, left) the most.

Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream - Nutmeg

This has been my everyday base for the last couple of months, I don't really need a full on foundation everyday and this feels so much more comfortable on the skin. It's really lightweight and contains SPF 50!

Bobbi Brown Corrector - Dark Peach

I tap this onto my dark circles with my finger as it covers them without feeling too heavy, it also really brightens up my face and makes me look more awake. 

Kiko Glow Touch Lip & Cheeks - 102 Wave Hibiscus

This one is quite a recent purchase but I've not stopped using it since I got it, it's a very flattering peachy pink shade in a cream formula that works well on both lips and cheeks. I do love a good multitasker!

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti

I've been mentioning this lipbalm/lipstick hybrid a lot recently, you can see what it looks like on here. It's been living in my handbag for when I need to add a bit of colour to my look. 

The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter

I love the taste/smell of mangoes so this lip balm was bound to go down well with me. The formula is super moisturising and it doesn't leave a pale cast on the lips.

Benefit Sun Beam

I do love a good highlighter and lately I've been going for liquid formulas over powder. This one sits somewhere in between champagne and gold and manages to bring a bit of life back into the face while still looking subtle. 

What's been in you makeup bag lately?

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FOTD #2

I've decided to try and do a few more makeup posts here on the blog, I hope you like this one, it's a look I'd probably reserve for evenings as the eyeshadow really is quite glittery, although it doesn't seem to look like it in the picture! I used my Sephora Moonshadow Baked Palette in In the Dark which I did a full review of here. It's a palette I'm trying to use a bit more as it's been left unloved for a while! 

For base I went for MAC Studio Fix Fluid, another usually unloved product. I tend to reach for lighter bases over this one most days but I was having a bit of a 'bad skin day' so I thought I could do with a bit of extra coverage! I applied it with a Buffing Brush and then tapped on a bit of Bobbi Brown Corrector under my eyes to cover dark circles. I then used all the shades from my Sleek Face Form Palette in Light, the contour shade to define, a tiny bit of blush to add some colour and the highlighter to add a bit of a glow back into an otherwise quite matte finish. 

For the eyes I started with the shade Gold (top row, second from right) all over the lid, then added a tiny amount of Nude (top row, second from left) into the inner corners and under the brow bone. Next I went for the shade Deep Brown (bottom row, second from left) and packed that into the outer corner. I then blended everything out with a fluffy brush so it all looked a bit softer. To finish up I used the shade Glitter Black (bottom row, middle) as an eyeliner using a small angled brush and Avon Aero Volume Mascara which I don't love but am trying to finish up!

For lips I kept things super simple and just went for my favourite, wear with everything gloss, Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 56 Imaginaire. I hope you like the look!

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Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream

I've always been a die hard, heavy coverage foundation gal but ever since making a few skincare changes my skin has improved and I haven't felt the need to pile on the slap. Instead I've been going for something a little more lightweight, as I mentioned in my Everyday Coral Makeup post yesterday. 

The one I'm currently loving is the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream in Nutmeg, the colour is a tad too dark for me but as it's light coverage it's nothing a bit of blending can't fix (See it in action here). The formula is nice and lightweight and blends into the skin seamlessly, I usually just slap a bit on with my hands if I'm in a rush or if I have a bit more time I use a Real Techniques Buffing Brush to work it into the skin, that way it can be built up in any areas where I feel I need a bit more coverage. 

It claims to also have skincare benefits, which if I'm honest I'm not sure it does. I think of it purely as a makeup product. I do however love the fact that it contains SPF50 and still manages to be so lightweight and non greasy on the skin. It leaves a completely natural finish that just makes your skin look better rather than like you're wearing makeup.

It's a great product overall and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone on the hunt for a lightweight base. My only criticism would be that the shade range isn't great, there are a few light shades, a random dark one and nothing much in between. If you can find a good shade for you it's definitely worth a try! 

Everyday Coral Makeup

It's been quite a while since I spoke about makeup on the blog, I've been distracted by all the skin and body care products I've been loving! I thought a good way to get back into it would be to share the look I've been going for on a day to day basis. It's really quick and easy and looks pretty natural but with a tiny pop of colour. 

Face 

For everyday I tend to skip foundation in favour of something a little lighter. I've been using the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream, it's really light and breathable, evens out my skin tone without masking everything and it has the added bonus of SPF50! I then dab a bit of MAC Studio Finish Concealer on any blemishes and Clinique Even Better Concealer under my eyes to cover dark circles and brighten up the eye area. I've been skipping powder as I prefer a more natural finish. 

I then use my Sleek Face Form Palette in Light, a product I love and have recommended to so many people. I use all three shades, the dark shade to contour under my cheekbones, the blusher just above it to add a bit of colour back into the skin and the highlighter (sparingly) on the tops of cheekbones. 

Eyes

I don't wear eyeshadow everyday but when I do I've been reaching for the Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in Mocha Latte (full review and swatches here). I use shade 1 under my brow bone and in the inner corners of my eyes, shade 3 all over the lid and a bit of shade 4 blended into the socket and in the outer corners. I also use shade 4 to fill in any sparse areas in my brows. I then add a thin line along the lashes using Avon Superextend Liquid Liner in Black and coat my lashes with lashings of Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara.

 

 Lips

On the lips I've been going for Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti, by far one of my favourite shades. Its a great coral shade that is so flattering and just seems to perk up my complexion. I wore it almost all summer last year and I think I will be again. As with all the lip butters, one swipe gives you a sheer wash of colour or they can be built up for a more intense look. I go somewhere in-between and just top up whenever I fancy. 

What do you think of this look?

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Empties #8

It's that time again! Time to share with you what products I've used up lately, what I thought of them and whether or not I'll be repurchasing them.

Avon Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil

I started out loving this one but soon realised it didn't sink in particularly well and left my hair with a bit of a residue. Not ideal for those who like to add more product as and when needed. This one definitely needs to be used sparingly! Repurchase? No.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo+

I've been talking about this product non stop recently, you can see the full post here. It's an amazing formula that makes spots disappear super fast, unclogs pores and fades pigmentation. I can honestly say it does all those things, by far my most favourite discovery of the year! Repurchase? Already have!

Charles Worthington Salon at Home Moisture Seal Shampoo and Mineral Hair Rescue Masque

This shampoo and mask duo are great if you need to inject some moisture into your hair. They leave it feeling smooth and silky, and are pretty good for drugstore products. Repurchse? Maybe at some point, I have some other products on the go at the moment! Full review here.

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk

Whenever my skin gets super sensitive, this is the cleanser I reach for. It's just so gentle and non irritating, it's the only cleanser I can rely on to not aggravate my skin. It also manages to remove all my makeup including stubborn mascara which means I don't have to use any stripping makeup removers on my my skin. Repurchase? Yes.

Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner

If you're after an exfoliating toner on a budget, this is definitely one to try. I've been using it a while now and I hardly ever feel the need to manually exfoliate using a scrub. It's so much kinder on the skin. It's also gentle at the same time as it doesn't leave the skin feeling at all dry or stripped. You can read my full review on it here. Repurchase? Already have.

Avon Naturals Lavender & Chamomile Fragrance Spritz

This is definitely one of my 'repurchase forever' products! It has such a calming and relaxing scent that I like to spray onto my pillow before bedtime. I'm currently giving one away so make sure you enter here. Repurchase? Yes. 

Sanctuary Spa Body Butter

This one's a good moisturising body butter that smells nice. It's not the best I've tried, I much prefer The Body Shop and Soap & Glory's offerings as they leave the skin lastingly moisturised but this one's good if you prefer something a bit lighter. Repurchase? Maybe.

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter

Now here's a body butter that was amazing, much like all of them from The Body Shop. It had a lovely rich formula that was extremely moisturising and it smelt so delicious. It's such a shame this range was limited edition! Repurchase? Yes, if they ever bring it back!

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Scrub

Another product from the same range that smells equally as good if not better. The scrub wasn't gentle but not the most 'scrubby' either, it sat somewhere in the middle. I usually go for the very scrubby ones but I'll make an exception for this one as it just smells so good! Repurchase? Yes, if they bring it back!

What products have you used up lately?

Avon Giveaway!

If May was a bad month for me then June was even worse! June saw me in hospital for over a week and having emergency surgery, I also spilt tea on my laptop so if you're wondering where I've been for the last month, you have your answer! Luckily, health wise I'm on the mend and am slowly starting to feel more and more like my old self. As for my laptop, the lovely people at AXA home insurance sorted me out and I now have a working laptop again! Horaaayy! 

Seeing as I've been away for a while, I thought I'd come back with a bit of a bang and do a giveaway!  I've been meaning to do one for quite a while and I'm so pleased to be finally doing it! I'll be giving away a few of my favourite Avon products, here's a bit more about them!

Avon True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in Mocha Latte (review & swatches here)

Ever since I bought this a few months ago it's been my go to eyeshadow palette, I love shade 3, a shimmery warm toned brown which looks brilliant washed over the lid. 1 and 2 combined make a great paired down everyday look and shade 4, a matte dark brown is great for smoking things up a bit and is also a great brow shade! 

Avon Naturals Dreamy Lavender & Chamomile Scented Spritz

A product that I will forever repurchase! I think I would definitely be very upset if this stuff ever got discontinued! I spritz it onto my pillow and into the air every night before bed and the scent makes me feel all calm and relaxed. 

Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Black

This is a great versatile eyeliner, the gel formula means you can get a really neat, crisp line or smudge it out for a smoky effect if you want to. Once it sets it doesn't budge and it really is the blackest of blacks. 

Avon Glow Bronzing Pearls in Warm

I've been using these for years! I think I bought my first pot back in my teens! The pot contains a nice mix of different tones to give a really natural look that warms up the face brilliantly. Whether you're going for a sun kissed glow or just want to bring your skin back to the land of the living these are great!

You can enter the giveaway using the rafflecopter below! Good luck and no cheating please! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May Favourites

May has been a bit of a horrible month for me as I've been ill for the last 2 weeks. When I'm ill anything even vaguely resembling a beauty or skincare routine goes out the window. Instead, I've been reaching for Lemsip, Strepsils and lots and lots of tea! That said, there are a few products that I was loving before I was ill as well as some really quick and easy to use ones!

First up is the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream, I've recently switched from wearing foundation to something a bit lighter on a day to day basis and I'm loving it. It's incredibly lightweight, blends really easily and has SPF50 as an added bonus! Expect a full review coming soon!

I have fallen head over heels for the formula of the Barry M Gelly Shine Nail Paints, particularly the shade Blueberry which I've been wearing on my toes non stop for the last couple of months as well as on my fingers for most of that time too!

I've been wearing my hair au naturel as of late thanks to a combo of 2 products, both from Lee Stafford. The first is the Argan Oil Curl Creme (full review here) which I've been working into just washed hair while its still wet. I then leave it to air dry and it's leaves me with perfectly formed curls. For next day frizz touch ups I've been spraying in some Argan oil Anti-Frizz Serum Spray which revives curls and leaves everything looking a bit smoother and glossier. 

Having a cold meant dry skin and lots of hot baths! I added a small scoop of coconut oil to my baths, not only is the fragrance amazing but it also meant I didn't have to faff around with body lotion afterwards. 

Aside from cleansing, the only thing I've been putting on my skin for the last 2 weeks is the Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil (full review here). I've been using it in the mornings and evenings and it's done my skin a world of good. I actually think my skin looks better now than before I was ill!

The last thing I've been loving is The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Lip Butter, it's been helping to moisturise my dry lips and it tastes smells delicious!

What products have you been loving this month?

NOTD #25

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know of my love for the Avon Nailwear Pro+ range. The formula, colour range and brush are all fantastic so naturally I thought their ColourTrend range was also worth a go. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. Although I love the shade which I went for, Bikini, both the brush and formula were a let down. The brush is thin, doesn't 'fan out' as you apply the colour and the formula is thick, gloopy and streaky. It took 4 coats to get it looking opaque, by which time it had formed a thick, bumpy layer on my nails. I'll definitely be sticking to the Pro+ range in the future! 

Have you ever come across a nail varnish that you were really disappointed with?