July Wish List

My wish list this month has been building since early June! There are more items than this this month but I thought I'd focus on these, which are my musts for July.

1. NARS Highlighting Powder, Albatross 

Since buying my MUA Shimmer Highlight, which I love, I've been researching to find another highlighting powder that isn't quite as shimmery, that can be worn on a daily basis. I've been recommended the NARS Highlighting Powder in Albatross by Daniella Beauty Junkie and thought it was definitely worth a try. You could buy this from a NARS counter - but unfortunately we don't have one of those in Cornwall, so online it is! I've found it at John Lewis for £21.50.

2. Essie Nail Polish, Cascade Cool

I don't yet own any Essie polishes (chock, horror!) and would really like to get my hands on a couple this month. The first is this sweet dusky pink, Cascade Cool. This is such a pretty colour and could well become a staple for me. I've had a look around online and there are some really great offers on eBay at the moment on Essie nail polishes, with some at just £3.99. Bargain!

3. Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre

This is something I've heard a lot about over the last few months and has apparently been a staple in most makeup artists kit for years - um, where have I been?! I discovered this again on Daniella's blog. This is a perfect base to makeup, as well as being a smooth, delicate cream that nourishes areas of dryness and protects your skin from environmental aggressors. To me, it sounds like the perfect addition to anyone's skincare and makeup routine. You can get this from Cult Beauty, £18.50.

4. Essie Nail Polish, Butler Please

My second Essie nail polish wish this month is Butler Please, this gorgeous bright blue lacquer. I've never worn a blue nail polish of this bright shade before, so really looking forward to trying it. Again this one can be found on eBay for just £3.99.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch, model no: MBM 3102

I am obsessed. These watches are simply gorgeous and for about three months now I have been obsessing about when I will be able to get my hands on one. So maybe this month ? Maybe. Ladies Marc Jacobs watches are available in various designs and colours, but my favourite is this one, which is rose gold plated, with chronograph, rose dot hour markers and the Marc Jacobs engraved around the face. Available from John Lewis at £259, I think I might have to save a little. Be worth it thought with this beautiful gem on my arm!

6. New Look, Light Blue Washed Effect Denim Jacket

I actually had a cropped denim jacket a number of years ago and took it to a charity shop a little while back. What?! Stupid me because now I want a new one! This one from New Look is really cute and at £17.99 is great value. Perfect to team with a maxi dress and sandals this summer.

Are any of these wishes on your list too? Would love to hear from you! 

My Holiday Beauty, Hair, Nails & Makeup Musts; Post 2

This is the second of my two posts showing you some of the beauty, hair, nails and makeup products I will be packing in my suitcase.

This second post will cover makeup, nails and perfume.

Fraulein, Concealer Palette

This is a little gem of a product, especially if your skin is prone to vast colour changes like mine. During the winter I'm quite a light olive and even with sun screen, I can change about 5 shades during the course of the summer, especially when I go on holiday. So this palette is perfect, as it covers a variety of skin shades, plus the must have pink, white, purple and yellow correction concealers. I wouldn't go away without it.

Maybelline, Dream Fresh BB Foundation, Medium

This is a relatively new product for me but I'm finding it gloriously light and definitely makes my skin feel radiant. I'm taking this away with me for those nights on the town, when I'll want to wear more than just a powder foundation but don't want anything too heavy. This also has an SPF of 30, which is great for helping protect your skin on holiday too.

Maybelline, Fit Me Pressed Powder, 220 Natural Beige

I wear two shades of pressed powder, one around the eyes and under the eyes and the second over the face. To minimise the size of my makeup bag however, on holiday I will probably just take this one, which is the darker of the two shades. This powder has a super light feel to it. It doesn't block my pores and it looks really natural.

Benefit, Bronzer, Hooola

I'm taking this sample size Hoola bronzer with me. I don't want to take the full size version, for risk of it getting knocked and breaking. This sample size will be perfect. I love Hoola as it's the only bronzer I know of that doesn't have orange tones in it, so it looks really natural.

Bourjois, Cream Blush, Rose Tender

I'm taking this blush, as it's really compact and unable to get damaged in transit. I also really love this colour, especially for holidays. It's really beautifully pink and girlie. I just love the packaging too. Super cute!

MUA, Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

This highlighter is perfect across the top of my cheekbones, contouring the shape of my face and gives it that extra shimmer. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like when my face has seen a little sun!

Barbara Daly, Eyeshadow, Tuffle

Although this is an eyeshadow, I actually use it for my eyebrows, so this is a must have wherever I go! I find the shade is almost perfect (I'm not sure there is a perfect shade) for my eyebrows. It's been kicking about in my makeup bag for a couple of years, so it's an old favourite.

H&M, Glitter Eyeshadow Palette

This is a really great palette to take on holiday and possibly just what it was created for! The pretty blues, pinks, golds and purple shadows are really beautiful on sun kissed skin and I can't wait to give it a try this year and try out some different looks!

Maybelline, Diamond Glow Eyeshadow Palette, Coral Drama

This is another favourite of mine at the moment. Again with the shimmery golds and bronzes, it looks great on sun kissed skin and is super sexy for sizzling summer nights! I can't wait to try this out this year. I really like the way it has a little tutorial on the back of the palette, on the best way to use all four shades too. Cute!

MUA, Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette

This is a lovely natural shade eye shadow palette and since buying it just a couple of months ago, I am starting to wear out a couple of the light shades. It's really natural and 'Naked' provides a lovely base to most other shades. I also love using 'Shy' in the corners of my eyes, to make them pop!

Ardell, Fashion Lashes, Demi Wispies

I always like to take a pair of false lashes on holiday, but more often than not, I come home without having used them. But, as always, I will be taking my favourite style with me; Demi Wispies. These are lovely and natural, just adding extra volume, without looking really obvious that you're wearing any!

Revlon, Precision Dark Lash Adhesive

Over the years I have tried various lash adhesives but this one is currently my favourite. With the white ones that dry to clear, you always seem to get the bit of glue that doesn't dry clear and you end up blobbing some eyeliner over the top to colour it in, which can end up looking clumpy. This adhesive in precision dark is black on application, so although it's a little harder to see where you've added it and where you haven't, you do end up with a much more professional finish.

MUA, Pro-Base Eye Primer

This eye primer is going to be a must on holiday, as it will help my eyeshadow to stay put! I haven't tried it in hot weather yet, so I will let you know how I get on!

Benefit, Eye Bright

This is great all year round for helping your eyes to pop, when a little inside the eye. With sun kissed skin, it's especially beautiful and I can't wait to use it.

Maybelline, The Falsies Volume Express Waterproof Mascara

This is a staple on holiday, as I'm one of those people who still likes to wear a little mascara around the pool, sorry! So a good waterproof one is essential and for me, this one is great. I also love the shape of the curved brush, as it helps to coat all the lashes.

Maybelline, Gentle Precision Eyeliner

This again is a staple, as you never know when you might need a touch of eyeliner, whether it's above the eye or inside the eye. This is my favourite eye liner at the moment. It's really soft and glides onto the skin, without dragging.

Benefit, They're Real Mascara

This was a little freebie I received with June's issue of Elle magazine and I'm in love! At the moment, I think as mascaras go, this is my favourite  I especially lover the bristled brush end, as this helps work the product onto even the tiniest of hairs. This is definitely going with me and probably in my hand luggage too, just in case!

MUA, Lipstick, Shade 3

This is a gorgeously pretty shade of pink and I love it. I'm especially looking forward to taking this with me for evening wear. It's so bright and colourful that it will liven up any outfit and what perfect place to wear something bright and cheerful, than on a sunny holiday!

Loreal, Rough Caresse Lipstick, Nude Ingenue 501

This Loreal lipstick is a really nice nudey/brown shade and lovely for everyday wear, so something I'll definitely be packing.

Stila, Lip Glaze, Kaleidoscope & Grapefruit

I'm going to take just two of my Stila lip glazes; Kaleidoscope is perfect for a holiday, with it's shimmery/peach tones and Grapefruit is a really flirty and girlie pink. These make my lips feel really nourished, so I expect I'll be wearing these a lot; even around the pool for that extra little bit of glam! Well, why not!

Quickies, Nail Varnish Removed Pads

Nail varnish remover pads are a must in any suitcase. I can't think of anything worse than a liquid acetone spilling over your maxi dresses and sandals. What a horrible way to start off your holiday! So these pads are super useful. There's 20 in this pack, and they're quite large, so it'll be more than enough.

I'm taking four nail polish colours with me:

Barry M, Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint, Greenberry 332

Loreal, Color Riche, Acid Watermelon 827

Maybelline, Color Show, Coral Craze 342

Barry M, Nail Paint, Shocking Pink 272

Barry M, Nail Art Pen, White

I'm also taking this really cute nail art pen, so that I can add the odd little design to my nails if I wish! Again, this might be a bit frivolous item to take, like the false lashes, but I'm taking it anyway!

Ralph Lauren, Romance

This is my favourite perfume of all time. I bought it for my wedding day and will always remind me of it! So, when I go on holiday or go out for special occasions, this is what I take/wear. So this is definitely coming with me, in my hand luggage!

Perfume Sample Wipes

Recently I have gained a load of lovely perfume wipes, which I'm going to take away with me this year. These two pictured are Givenchy, Very Irresistible and Givenchy, For Her. These are perfect for when you're out and about as they slip in your handbag and you actually get quite a lot of perfume from the one wipe. Sometimes I've slipped the wipe back into the packet after use, so I can use it again later in the day. I'm loving these, so will be sad when they run out!

So, that's about it! Obviously I haven't included shampoo etc, but these are a bit boring!!

Do you use any of these products? Are you going on holiday soon and thinking of trying any of these?

My Holiday Beauty, Hair, Nail & Makeup Musts; Post 1

It's holiday season, so I thought I'd share with you some of the beauty, hair, nails & makeup products I'll be packing in my suitcase this year!

I've collated them into body, skin, hair, face, eyes, lips, perfume, nails and randomly, bra clips! I'm quite a simple traveller and I don't take oodles of products. I try not to wear too much makeup on holiday too. 

I'm going to cover body, skin, hair and random items in this post and makeup, perfume and nails in a second.

Radox, Shower Smoothies, Soul Soother

I love these shower gels, especially on holidays, as the blackcurrant and cranberry seeds in this particular one, help to ex-foliate during each shower and keep my skin super soft. It also smells really yummy! 

Sure, Clear Diamond, Crystal Antiperspirant

I use this particular antiperspirant all the time and find it's brilliant at giving long lasting protection and although it doesn't cut down on all accidental white marks ( I don't know one that does), it is a huge improvement on most.

Nivea Sun, Protect & Bronze, 20 (Medium)

Protecting your skin on holiday is incredibly important and this year I'm actually taking 3 bottles, not all pictured here, in 50 (high), 30 (Medium) and 10 (low). Also, being the first holiday away with our daughter, we're taking A LOT of 50 sunscreen for her, because you can't be too careful. I'm totally paranoid about protecting my skin these days. I didn't used to be so much when I was younger and on some holidays applied just once or twice, all week! Not good. So now, I'm trying to be extra careful and take precautions when I can.

Boots, Soltan After Sun

I also take lots and lots of after sun, to ensure that my skin is highly moisturised. I always take Soltan as it's the only one I have ever found to be successful in protecting from insect bites. The solution in the after sun that helps fend off the buzzy bugs is also odourless, not like some other repellents, so a huge bonus! There's nothing worse than going to bed smelling like chemicals. Yuk.

Body Shop, Body Butter, Satsuma

This is a favourite of mine and has been for years. This is my extra moisturiser for my holiday, that I will be adding on top of my after sun, mainly to my neck, arms and legs, for an extra moisturising treat. I absolutely love the smell of this and use the moisturiser and soap too!

Nivea, Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes

I always take a pack of facial wipes on holiday as I can't be bothered with taking makeup remover, cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Way to much weight and too much fuss when you want to enjoy your holiday and be a little bit frivolous with your skincare routine! These wipes are perfect for removing makeup and helping to cleanse, tone and hydrate my skin. These even remove waterproof mascara, which is a must on holiday!

Simple, Pore Minimising Toning Cleanser

I always take this with me everywhere. It helps to keep my skin feeling clean and clear and I will always use it after a face wipe. It also helps to remove any remainder traces of makeup; just avoid the eyes! Ouch!

Pantene, Hairspray, Volume & Body

I use this hairspray for everything, so it always goes with me on holiday. I go for level 5, Ultra Strong Hold, as my hair is quite fine and needs that extra stability, especially when using it to fix a style or 'up-do'.

Batiste, Dry Shampoo, Lace

This product is a little gem when you don't want to be bothered with washing your hair each morning. A spray of this into your roots adds volume and texture, with a gorgeously clean and fresh feel. This is perfect for mornings when you want to dash out of the door to the beach, or want to go out for lunch when you've just come off the beach. It has many uses and is a suitcase must.

Superdrug, Soft Touch Hair Grips

These are a revelation! My hair is quite fine and slippy, so I always find that hair grips slide out over the course of the day. Not with these! The coating on them has a slightly rubbery feel, which helps to grip to the hair and they are also contoured in their shape, to actually fit to your head more comfortably. Brilliant!

Hair Doughnut

This is essential, so that I can quickly put my hair up into a bun and go! I wear my hair up a lot on holiday, so this is a definite must have.

Hair Bands

I like to take a selection of hair bands to keep my hair off of my face, especially when on the beach and ones like this are my favourites at the moment. They are elasticated to fit any head shape and I love the braiding design. I have about 5 of these, in different colours and braid thickness.

Magic Clip

This little piece conquers one of my most hated things about summer - seeing peoples bra straps! There's no excuse now! I've had these for a few years now, but I'm sure they must still be available. This pack comes with 4 clips, two large and two small, in clear and brown. I don't go anywhere without them. I got these from ASOS.

Do you use any of these when you go on holiday?

Watch out for my next post on makeup, nails and perfume holiday musts!

MUA £1 Lipsticks; Review & Swatches

MUA Lipsticks for just £1. Insane but true! I couldn't resist getting a couple shades when I was last in Superdrug and with 16 shades to choose from, I was spoilt for choice. 

I decided to go for shades 14, Bare and 3, which strangely has no name, as these were both gorgeously bright and summery.

I was really excited to try these out when I got them home, as for £1 I really hadn't lost anything if I didn't like them and knew that if I loved them, I'd be back to buy more! 

The consistency of the lipsticks are super creamy and highly pigmented, making just one swipe enough and leaving a punchy and intense look. 

As you can see the colours are striking and truly beautiful. They really have longevity too, which is super amazing for the price - amazing value!

I also really love the fact that the tops of the lids of these lipsticks are actually removable too, and there's more product inside, just in case you run out and need a top up! Perfect!

Have you tried any of the MUA £1 lipsticks? What did you think of them?

Check out my other MUA posts!

Bourjois Paris Best Cream Blush: Review & Swatches

I've bought a new blusher and after a couple years of using GOSH Blush, I thought I'd try something new. The Cream Blush in 03 Rose Tender from Bourjois won me over when looking at the endless choice in Superdrug this week and I actually think it did that on the cute packaging alone!

I haven't actually used that many Bourjois products in the past, but the packaging of this little beauty is sure to convince me to buy more. 

This is the first time in 150 years that Bourjois have reinvented their iconic Little Round Pot Blush and it's simply gorgeous! The pink pot, the shiny pink lettering, the easy to open lid and the little pink gem on the lid edge; it's totally me! It feels like a really girlie, luxury product to handle.

So, how was this little bundle of joy when I applied it? Well, the colour for me is perfect. I went for 03; Rose Tender, which is 1 of 4 shades available at the moment. I'm sure there will be more at some point.

There is 02 Healthy Glow, 01 Nude Velvet, 04 Sweet Cherry and 03 Rose Tender. Each pot is coloured coordinated to the blush colour inside, which I think is a super cute touch and again, shows that thought has gone into this packaging. Which I love!

As you can see, the colour itself is perfectly matched to how it looks in the pot and the consistency is just how Bourjois promise. 

It's a cream-to-powder formula which has a velvety texture to it. It feels dreamy as you rub a little onto your fingers. I used my index and middle finder to dab some cream onto my cheek bones. 

It really does have that blendable, melting texture that is so talked about and I found it really easy to blend onto my cheeks and achieve a beautifully natural looking radiant glow. 

Included within the ingredients of this cute Little Pot is poppy extract for all day comfort, mango butter extract for a velvety smooth texture and apricot extract for a healthy glow. What a pot of fruity goodness!

For just £7.99 for 2.5g at Superdrug, I think it's a great buy. It's highly pigmented, so you won't need a lot to get the look you want to achieve; so I can see this pot lasting and lasting. And with 3 for 2 on Bourjois products at the moment, you can treat yourself to some other goodies whilst you're there. Fantastic!

Let me know if you've tried one of these 4 shades and what you think of it.

June Wish List

There's a definite summer feel to my June wish list! We've had a glimpse of warmer weather these last couple weeks, so I'm hoping it's safe for me to wish in this way!

Vest & Shorts
I'm loving the summer collection at New Look this year and especially this Aztec Front Tank Top vest, £7.99, in it's white, pinks, greens and yellows. It looks gorgeous with the neon pink shorts and would look cute dressed up with jeans and heels too. It's a definite on my summer wardrobe list, along with my other Aztec items!

I also really love their Neon Pink and Neon Orange Shorts. Your wardrobe will certainly pop with these bright neon shades and at £16.99, you can afford to have both colour options in your wardrobe!

Ambre Solaire Golden Protect
This new sun lotion from Ambre Solaire, illuminates the skin with a golden shimmer and to me, that sounds divine! It also claims to leave an irresistible holiday fragrance on the skin, whilst it protects, nourishes and hydrates, which is a winner for me. 

After all, you need to apply so much sun lotion to be safe in the sun, so why not shimmer while you're at it! 

A 200ml bottle of Golden Protect is available at Superdrug for just £7.48, saving a whopping £7.51 (previously £14.99).

Retro Pastel Shades

I really, really want to get my hands on some retro, pastel sunglasses and whilst these Vintage Vienna Line Sunglasses, available from Retro Sun at £170 might be a little out of my price range, I am determined to find my dream pair, just like this, in time for the sun to shine! Wish me luck!

Glossy Box
I would really like this month to sign up to the GlossyBox subscription service, where for £10 a month, you receive a box of five surprise deluxe beauty miniatures to enjoy. 

What I love about this idea is that you get to choose products you mightn't usually and you get to try five of them every month! 

The particular box pictured above is the Glossy Box 2nd Birthday Box and I need it..... now!

Sandals
These Eden Embellished Sandals from Accessorize UK, £32, are simply stunning. I have a similar pair in gold, which I have had for a couple of years, but I especially love the aqua stones amongst the gold sequins and diamanté embellishments on this pair. They are beautiful and a summer must.

What's on your June wish list?

Elle Magazine Offers: FREE Benefit Smokin' Eyes & Rodial Brazilian Tan

Whilst reading my June issue of Elle this morning, I came across a couple of great offers....

The first is the latest subscription offer to Elle magazine. If you're a regular to the magazine and have thought about subscribing for a while, well now's your time. If you sign up to 12 issues of the magazine for just £15, before 5th June, you will get the top selling Benefit Smokin' Eyes sexy eye and brow makeover kit worth £28.50, for FREE! This is a great product, so it's an amazing offer! 

You can subscribe to Elle on-line or you can call 01858 438846 and quote ref 1ES10018. See terms and conditions. 

The second great news to come from my read today is that available with the July issue of Elle there will be a FREE Rodial Brazilian Tan sample, in a choice of 3 shades, worth £13.50!  

The shades available are Clear, Light and Dark, so get your copy ASAP if you want to pick your perfect shade. What a great way to start the summer; with bronzed pins! Yes please!