Beauty Wishlist 2015

Hi everyone,

I would like to share with you my 'Beauty Wishlist', and these are the items that I would like purchase when I'm off my first make up no-buy. I can only purchase these items between the months of April through to June, and these are also items of make up that I've had my eye on for quite some time.

Bobbi Brown Blushers
I currently only own one Bobbi Brown blusher, and thats in the shade 'Desert Rose' and I love it. So, I'm looking at investing in more shades from the range.
The shades that I'm interested in are:-
- Nude Pink
- Nectar
- Pretty Pink
- Pretty Coral
- Nude Peach

Mac Single Pan Eyeshadow
I'm currently working on building up a 15 pan eyeshadow palette, and this contains all neutral shades. So ideally I would love to finish building this palette up this year. 
The neutral shades that I would like to complete my palette are:-
- Charcoal Brown
- Crystal
- Goldmine
- All That Glitters
- Tempting or Brule

I also would like to complete a second 15 pan eyeshadow palette, but this time filled with more colourful shades.
The shades that I'm interested in for this palette are:-
- Beautiful Iris
- Aquadisiac
- Cranberry
- Electric Eel
- Gesso
- Swimming
- Moon's Reflection
- Parfait Amor
- Creme de Violet

Hourglass Cosmetics
I've had my eye on these few items for a good couple of months, and I would love to explore more from the Hourglass brand.
The items that I'm interested in are:-
- Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Whisper
- Extreme Sheen High Shine Lipgloss in Canvas
- Ambient Lighting Blusher in Dim Infusion

Project 'Use It Up' - 2015 Goals

Hi everyone,

As you know I've decided to do Project 'Use It Up', which was inspired by Megsmakeup8 on YouTube, as well as doing a make up no-buy. The no-buy will happen from January through to March, and the second make up no-buy will happen from July through to September.

The months in which I am allowed to buy make up I will just just be buying from one brand in any given month. One example of this is that I would really like to own three more products from Hourglass, and so I pick a month were my budget would allow me to purchase these three items at the same time; and then that would be make up buy for the month.

There's also one foundation that I would like to use up this year, and its the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, as I've had it for around two years and I hardly ever use it. 

But during this year I am giving myself some breathing space, and this is that I can make online purchases through Sephora USA, as there's products that we can't hold of as easily here in the UK. The second exception is buying make up brushes throughout the year, if I choose to do so.

Another thing I'd like to add is that during the months I am allowed to buy make up, and once I've purchased everything on that particular brands wishlist, then that'll be it. I will be buying no more make up, as part of my make up collection; unless something needs replacing e.g) foundation, concealer. I'm also allwing myself to buying make up from the high street, just not as much of it.

I'm also trying to use skincare samples, and I've managed to use up quite a few so far.

Musical Goal for 2015

I started taking flute lessons back in October, and I'm nearly at the top end of Grade One. So, my goal for the flute this year is to either get to the top end of Grade Three, or at least aim for the half way point in Grade Three. The reason why I am setting myself this unusual target is because in Grade Three alone I have around twenty one individual scales to learn, as well as trying to play them 'by ear'.

NB) There is going to be another blog post going out today, as its something to do with my Project 'Use It Up'.

Product Empties - Feb 2015

Hi everyone,

It's time for another 'Product Empties', and there's a little bit more than usual in this post. Theres around three months worth of empty products, and I have no idea how I've gone through so many products.

Burt's Bees Citrus & Ginger Root Hand Soap
I've had this for a good few years, and it took ages to get through this. The scent is really citrusy, but it had a warmth from the ginger root. It left my hands super soft and pampered, and a little bit goes a long way. I may consider buying another bottle of this in the future.

Urban Decay De-Slick Make-Up Setting Spray
This is my best friend in regards to making my make-up stay on all day. I only brought the travel size bottle to try, and I ended up really liking it. So much so, that I now have the full size bottle already in use.

Toni & Guy Glamour Firm Hold Hairspray
I also brought a travel size bottle of this to try, as its quite expensive for a full size can. I think this has become my favourite hairspray, and I already have a full size bottle ready and waiting to be used. I don't use hairspray that often, but when I do its usually this one I reach for the most. Don't let the little size fool you, as this can lasted me ages.

The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Spray
Ah, the old faithful is back again in another empties post. This stuff works wonders on the feet after being stood all day. Its very cooling and soothing to the feet, and afterwards it feels as if your walking on a cloud. I already have another back up of this, and I will continue to repurchase.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Micellar Solution
This is only other brand of micellar water I've tried apart from Bioderma, and for a high street micellar water; its actually quite nice. I don't know whether or not its comparable to Bioderma, as its been a while since I last used it. But, I will consider buying it again in the future, but I have a few different micellar waters to try. But, it is nice to use and it didn't sting my eyes.

Korres Mint Shower Gel
This was the nicest of the Korres shower gels, which I brought back from Rhodes 18 months ago. It was minty, but it did have a a slight musky undertone; which is something I don't usually like. It also had a slight cooling effect on the skin. Even though I did enjoy this shower gel I won't be buying the showers gels from Korres again.

Bath & Body Works Golden Apricot Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
The scent of this is heavenly as its sweet and fruity at the same time, and the deep cleansing hand soaps are brilliant if your hands are need of a bit of TLC, as it has little exfoliating beads in it; which helps to get rid of any dry skin and it ever so slightly moisturises them at the same time. I'm aware that most people prefer the foaming hand soap that Bath & Body Works has to offer, but I prefer the deep cleansing variety; as its like a little pamper for my hands. I already have a couple of back ups ready and waiting to be used.

Impulse True Love Body Spray
The scent of this lovely, and I've gone through quite a few of these over the past year. I may repurchase it again in the future, but at the moment I'm using something else in place of Impulse True Love.

Holland & Barrett Vitamin C 500mg
I only occasionally take these, especially if I'm up super early in the morning. I use these mainly as I pick me up.

Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moistuiser
This is one of the nicest moisturisers I've used, as its so cooling and refreshing once it goes on the skin. I used this morning and in the evening, and this little pot lasted me well over twelve months. It also has a lovely gel-creme formula, which my skin actually prefers. I would repurchase this again in the future, but I'm currently working through a few other moisturisers.

GlamGlow Original Face Mask
I love using this as my weekly face mask, and this little pot lasted me around around six months, and I will continue to repurchase this product. I've already started my second pot of this, and I also another back up waiting to be used after that.

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Body Creme
I got this as part of my birthday treat a few years back, and its taken me until now to finish it off. The body cremes from Jo Malone are really luxurious, and the English Pear & Freesia is one of my favourite scents, and I've it in a home candle and also as a fragrance.

Macadamia Oil Extract Shampoo & Conditioner

I think if I remember correctly I actually really enjoyed using these, as they left my hair really soft and silky. Also, because of the macadamia oil they left my hair feeling nourished.

Olay Essentials Wet Cleansing Cloths for Normal/ Combination Skin

At first I used to really enjoy using these, but now I just find them so-so. It's not a bad product, and they do the job just fine. Its just because I've found something that I like even more, so sadly I won't be repurchasing them again

Yankee Candle - Medium Jar in 'Red Apple Wreath'

I'm pleased to say that I have finished my first ever Yankee Candle, and this is lovely scent for Autumn & Winter. It smells of apples, a hint of cinnamon with just a touch of clove to give it a lovely warmth. I think it was the second time I lit the scent threw so much, that you could actually smell it from the top the stairs. I've already repurchased one of these for next Autumn & Winter, but this time in the large jar.

My Fragrance Collection Part 3

Welcome to the third and final part of my fragrance collection blog series. I would again like to stress that I'm not bragging in anyway. I just thought it would be nice to show you what I've been collecting over the years.

DKNY Women

This is a very citrus fragrance, and it reminds me of lemons. I used to wear the fragrance quite a bit during my time at college. Sadly, it doesn't get used as much as it used to.

Notes: Daffodil, orchid, waterlily, blood orange, tomato leaf, vodka, birch, tulip

Lancome O d'Azur

This is a very light floral scent and its perfect to wear during the warmer seasons. I got this as at the time I really like the scent. I do like wearing it, but it just hasn't been worn in a while.

Notes: Roses, jasmine, lily of the valley, orris, ylang-ylang, bergamot, lemon, mandarin, petitgrain, basil, vetiver, sandel wood, oakmoss, musk, citrus, amber

Boss Orange for Her

This is a very citrusy fragrance, but it has a very sweet undertone. There's something about this fragrance that reminds me of sweets from my childhood; but I haven't been able to place it. It's still lovely to wear.

Notes: White flower notes, orange blossom, sweet apples, sandel wood, olive wood, vanilla

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl

This is a lovely fresh lemoney scent, and I used to wear during my years at high school. I don't wear it that often, but when I do it takes me back down memory lane.

Notes: Floral, heather

Victoria's Secret Pure Daydream

This is a gorgeous to wear all year round, even though its a very fruity, floral scent. It's also quite a fresh fragrance, and its nice to try if your on a budget; as it isn't that expensive.

Notes: Pink current & pearl orchid

Review: First aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Hi everyone,

Sorry that they was no blog post last week, but I was feeling a little 'under the weather' and not 100%.

I would like to review the First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream, which is an absolute gem of a product.

This product is recommended for anyone who has really dry skin due to the cold Winter weather, and its also recommended for the following skin conditions:-
- Atoptic dermatitis
- Irritant eczema
- Allergic eczema
- Karatosis Pilaris

The Ultra Repair Cream has a range of beneficial skin ingrediants such as colloidal oatmeal, Shea butter, eucalypus oil and ceramides. As well as containing the FAB antioxident booster, and this contains ingrediants such as liquorice root, feverfew and white tea; and the helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. The Ultra Repair Cream is also formulated without any chemical nasties such as parabens, sulphites, and phthalates, as well as no harsh chemicals and colourants.

Its also great to use for all skin types, but it does have a faint scent of eucalyptus. As well as being a multi-use product. 

I really like to use this before I go to bed as a hand cream, as its exceptionally good at rehydrating dry, chapped hands. I only ever use a tiny amount at any one time. I don't know how it does it, but when I wake up the following morning my hands are back to normal.

So, if any of your hand creams aren't working for you; I'd recommend you giving this a go if you can get hold of it. I got my shipped from Sephora in the US, and I already have a back up ready to go. 

Best of 2014 - Part Two

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the concluding part of my 'Best of 2014' posts. 

The Body Shop Cool & Creamy Facial Wash

This is stuff is fantastic if you want to give your face a super though clean, as it literally Spring cleans your pores. It also doesn't strip the skin of its natural moisture. Also, its really good for people who have either oily or acne prone skin; due to it containing salicylic acid and tea tree oil. This is also really refreshing to use as it has a cooling effect on the skin. I'd recommend you use this every other day if you have either oily or acne prone skin, and once a week if you have normal/ combination skin; just so you can give face a through clear out.

Label M Protein Spray

The Label M Protein Spray is good all-rounder, as it protects the hair from UV rays, provides a bit of moisture back into the hair, as well as protecting it from damage from heat styling tools. It also improves the health of the hair with continuous use.

Alpha H Liquid Gold

Alpha H Liquid Gold is a resurfacing treatment, which can be used every other night; if your skin can tolerate it. It helps to combat hyper-pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, as well as tightening enlarged pores. I usually do once a week before I go bed, after I have cleansed and toned my skin, but I don't moisturise my skin as it weakens the overall effect of Liquid Gold.

GlamGlow Tinglefoliate Face Mask

This is my little once a week pamper treat for my face, and I love it. I just leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then I take it off using a warm face cloth. Once it has been removed my skin feels super soft, and not stripped of any moisture.

Benefit Be Potent Eye Cream

I got this as a sample in my beauty box, and I was a little skeptical about trying this as I'm not a huge fan of Benefit products. But this surpised me, as I really enjoy this, especially before bed. It has a very subtle cooling effect around the eye area.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I really adore this palette, due to the shades being all matte and warm-toned. This is a fabulous palette to use on an everyday basis, due to being very versitile. Also, the Urban Decay eyeshadows in general are brilliant if you have sensitive eyes.

Marc Jacobs Daisy EDP

I discovered this little beauty during early Spring, and I love wearing it; especially during the Spring & Summer months. The EDP has a decent scent payoff unlike its EDT sister. If you like Daisy EDT form, but your finding that the scent isn't staying on long, then I'd recommend that you give this one a whirl. Its one of my favourite scents to wear during the warmer months of the year.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Serum

I've not been using this that long, but my skin definatly noticed a difference in the morning after using this the night before. My skin was extremely hydrated the following morning, due to the serum containing hyaluronic acid. Its really nice to use diring the colder months of the year.

Sure Maximum Protection 48 Hour Deodorant in Confidence

I discovered the Sure Maximum Protection 48 hour deodorant around early Spring, and this really works. But, you don't use this like your usual deodorant as you apply before you go to bed. The scent is of this one is very fresh and floral, which is another thing I enjoy about this product. One of these will last me around 3 - 5 months, so I don't paying the slightly higher price tag.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter

Another winner from the Body Shop in my opinion, as this is a fantastic body butter to use during the colder months of the year, due to it being quite thick in texture, but at the same time extremely hydrating. It does have a mild musky scent to it, which I'm not over keen on; but I'm willing to overlook that as its such a good body butter.

Best of 2014 - Part One

Hi everyone,

I'm going to kick off 2015 with a Best of 2014 round up, and this will be in two parts. I hope you all had a fabulous New Year.

Bioderma
This was the first Micellar water that I'd tried, and I really enjoyed using it. It's fantastic at getting rid of all the pollutants that my face picked up through out the day, as well as getting rid of any last bits of make up after cleansing.

Simple Soothing Toner
This is a really gentle, but basic toner; as well as being cheap and cheerful. I've gone through one bottle of this, and I'm currently working on my second bottle. If your struggling to find a nice gentle, but don't fancy paying an expensive price tag then have a look into this one, as its natural and it also doesn't have no chemical nasties in the ingredients.

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk
This is my second bottle of this and I've been working through this during 2014, and I still haven't been able to finish it. It's really gentle and soothing on the skin, and its also formulated using grape water. I really like to use this as a hot cloth cleanser, and it really works for me.

Aveda Scalp Benefits Shampoo
This is my second bottle of this, and I really enjoy using this to give my hair a really good cleanse. This is like a treat for my hair, as it is quite expensive. I only purchase one bottle a year, as one bottle of this will last me the entire year.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (new formula)
This stuff works wonders for me skin during the night. I really enjoy putting this on before my moisturiser, and just let it sink into the skin for a minute or so. The following morning after using this it seems to have given my skin a bit of a pick me up.

Body Shop Silky Camomile Cleansing Oil

This is great at removing make up at the end of the day, and it does it effortlessly with very little ease. I'd recommend you giving this a go instead of using make up wipes, as there's no tugging or pulling as you message it into your skin, and then emulsify it using warm water. To finish off you then just take it off using a warm flannel. Its also extremely gentle on the skin, and suitable for all skin types.

Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel

I really enjoyed using this shower gel during the Summer months, as its so zesty and reviving. Perfect for a summer morning pick me up. If you enjoy the scent of oranges, then you might like this.

Geogio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This foundation has a semi-matte finish, and it also doesn't have SPF; so its ideal if you want to wear this foundation on a night out. The foundation itself has a light formula, but a medium coverage, and you can also build it up if you want to. 

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

This foundation has a luminous finish, but not enough to make you look like a glitter ball, as well as having SPF. The foundation has a light to medium formula, as well as medium coverage. You can also build the coverage up. Its nice to wear on a night out, but it could cause a bit of flash back from cameras due to the SPF.

Ojon Restorative Treatment Plus Hair Mask

This is great if you want to give your hair a bit of a pamper, but it is on the expensive side; but you do only need to small amount. I love to use this when my hair is feeling a little dry. It says you can leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse it out; but I've left on a few hours as a deep treatment, and my hair was really nice afterwards. 

I hope that you really enjoyed reading the first part of my 'Best of 2014' rundown. Part two will be up next week.