Where have I been

I have been away again, I know my attendance has been poor. I have been poorly, had a small spell in hospital and then at home.

So I felt I had no energy to even think, but now I am fighting fit again so I thought lets get back to business!

So being under the weather I managed to do some reading, I like to switch between my kindle and paperbacks. Because I like to feel the books I am enjoy the most, so classic literature I like to buy in paperback/hardback, and if its a read I don't rate so highly that's when I will use my kindle.

When I go to my uni sessions I always get there a bit early, I always like to see what I can find. I have read on other blogs about Makeup Revolution as being a great budget brand, offering products that contend with higher priced highstreet products.

I picked up two products from Makeup Revolution in Superdrug. Ultra bronze, shimmer and highlight is the first, I initially saw this and thought this would be a run of the mill budget bronzer. I then thought the highlighter third of powder was not glittery, and more shimmery, In the basket it goes and a £4 its a bargain!!

The beautiful blush palette is just what I needed. The blush and contour palette in sugar and spice hue is 8 different blush colours and x2 being a baked blush and a baked highlight. £6 is an absolute steal, and they are highly pigmented........you may need a delicate hand with some of the darker shades!! Take this from someone who made the heavy handed mistake......I really did have a giggle!!

Thank you again for reading x

Whats on My Lips - Everyday #1

I am obsessed with lipstick, which is like most beauty bloggers. So I thought I would start a little mini series on my blog, about my most used lip products for each occasion.

Today I am going to be covering what I wear day to day, whether I am working or I am just having a casual kind of day these are my top picks.

This is going to be a picture heavy post so I apologize now.

These are the 6 which grace my lips most days depending on which bag they are hiding in.

Introducing Lasting Finish by Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade 28, so this year during July I was in Belfast. I thought I had packed a nude day to day lip shade, panicked ran to boots and purchased this little gem. Its not nude it's a sugary pink which is fine by me, it saw me right in my need of a casual lipstick, Hurrah!

I was annoyed with myself when I bought this!! I went into Boots (I am addicted to boots if you couldn't tell!) to purchase a lip product that was a bit more daring, to get me out of my comfort zone! And I walked out with this, I could have kicked my own ass. I went for my generic cutesy pink lipstick generic cutesy pink is my comfort blanket. But saying that I use this everyday at work as it is so moisturising and sheer, meaning I don't need a mirror to reapply. WIN.

There had to be a Mac Lipstick in here somewhere, Crème Cup is my favourite nude/pink lipstick ever! Until I get a gorgeous Chanel maybe. Described by Mac as a blue toned pink, I don't disagree but I think that Snob is a bright blue toned pink, Crème Cup is in my opinion a pastel blue tone pink. Wearable, subtle and classic.

Clinique is a brand to me that doesn't get my ear pricked. I was bought this in a gift set, and doesn't get the use it should. I use it most days just because of it balmy consistency. Mighty Mimosa is a sheer inoffensive shade, I neither love it or hate it. I feel quite meeeeh about it.

 





I purchased this because I wanted a go to nude, until last month it actually had not been used. Once I slicked it on I wondered why I had not used it!? Its moisturising, its nude and smells awesome. I think because it was not my usual candy pinks it scared me a little (I know I am a serious wimp!!). In the way of nudes it does lean to the pinker side but hey whats new there!?

Last but not least, is my Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Bashful. I used to own the original Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss which tingle your lips......Whatever happened to that!? If anyone knows please update me on this I NEED IT IN MY LIFE. Anyway I don't think this makes my lips look any fuller, but the formulation is so moisturising I don't mind. You can tell by the grotty state of the packaging that this gets a fair good used, so please don't judge lol. This is what I used when on those "I can't be bothered but want to look fairly respectable days"

That's all today then, if you liked the post let me know. Also if anyone is aware that the original Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lipgloss is still available drop me a comment!!



The Boy Did Good

I have been working super long hours this week, as well as training in London, a close friends funeral, and continuing study at university. So have not had a brilliant time, during which I have not seen Chris for more than an hour.

Chris took it upon himself to pick me up a few bits and as the title explains: The Boy Did Good.

He has bought me a makeup bag from Zoella's beauty line, Chris knows how much I love Guinea Pigs and animals for that matter. The bag is big enough to put all my cosmetics and more in. I am a very happy bunny.

While getting me the cutesy cosmetics bag, he noticed that customers had also bought this Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray because it had some good reviews. 

  
He went to Mac.......MAC! He has never ever gone into Mac unless being caveman dragged by yours truly, so he went replaced my MSF in Medium Deep which I use for my bronzer.

So the boy did good, happy with my little treats he is such a cutey.

My September Favourites

I am writing this and it looks where I live is about to have a huge downpour, so where's better to blog than from my comfy living room!?
 So maybe this is a little bit late for my September favourites, my most used products etc. You guys are not new to "Favourites Posts" so I do not need to go to much into it.

               *Warning! Picture Heavy* *Sorry*

So first up are this six gorgeous products which have saved my face and hair during September.

I know this lipstick may look a little used and maybe a little gross......But its one of my most favoured lipsticks, Its bright enough to make me look primped and chic, but subtle enough to make me look I haven't tried to hard. It last for approx. 3 - 4 hours on the lips without being too drying.

I love you Snob!! I have pretty much used this every work day this month and have been complimented while wearing it.

I have commented on Benefits Oxygen Wow Foundation before, but I have worn this everyday and I mean EVERYDAY! Its like a second skin I am in love. As well as Oxygen Wow I haven't been able to stop using Benefits Gimme Brow.......I have defined eyebrows, you do not understand how happy I am about this......like ecstatic eeek.

This is a hair tie and I am excited about a hair tie. These are awesome, keeps my hair in place for a full 13 hour shift no having to re-adjust. Doesn't give me a headache because of tying my hair too tight. Not much more I can say really.

Uniq One All in One Hair Treatment is next, this allows me to put a brush through my hair when its wet, if I did not use this it would take me 5-8 minutes to brush it through (I have timed this I am science geek need I say more!!) and some serious pain with some choice words thrown in. Smells like coconuts and transports me to an exotic tropical island.

Last but not least, two nail colours which have made me feel Christmassy, if that's even a word. The gorgeous wine red is aptly name Bordeaux which I picked up in the Ravishingly Rouge Essie Duo, Which I have been pairing with the festive golden Beyond Cozy.....What a duo nearly as great as Meredith Grey and Christina Yang in Grey's Anatomy (sorry I am addicted).

 Before I finish I just wanted to say Thank You to all my new followers on BlogLovin, hope you all have enjoyed reading.

Where It All Began

Mac is where it all began, the obsession with cosmetics and beauty products began in this little shop of variety, colour and endless possibilities.

Truthfully it all began when I was 13 or 14, I spent most weekends with my then current closest friend going into the local towns into shops like Superdrug and Boots. It was at a party her parents were hosting, her cousin was probably 21 at the time and looked flawless. I asked her what makeup she used and could she give me tips, one word came out of her mouth MAC, it has been a downward spiral from here.

Annoyingly I cannot remember what my first product was, although I think it was gloss in pink lemonade. I would save all my money up, to buy other little glorious products.

Even now some years later I still get the excited feeling as I walk into a any Mac store, and also get insanely jealous if one of my friend has a haul from Mac. My favourite products have to be the eyeshadows they are so lovely, velvety and pigmented.

Makeup isn't only what they offer, I got such a thoughtful birthday present this year. Chris decided to buy me a makeup session so I could have a new look but having the money of the session in products eeeeeekkkkkkkkk this was such an awesome gift!!

I know how Mac is so popular, and hoped I haven't bored anyone with my little trip down memory lane.

What was your first cosmetic product and fave brand?

P.S. I Love Mac......if you hadn't noticed

Haul #3: I went in for a birthday card!

I went into the local town centre nearest the village I live in.......I went for a Birthday Card.

When in the town I always have to go into the Debenhams, it is like a small little ritual normally to drool over the perfume and have a sneaky little spritz.

But not this time....No this time it was the Benefit stand that caught my eye, and this can only end one way the bank balance being dented......shhhhhh lets not tell Chris hehehe.

I sashayed over to the counter with a foundation in my crosshair.

 I have been on the look out for a new foundation recently because autumn is drawing in and need a more durable base. I purchased it in ivory as that is the closest to my skin tone minus the fake tan.

I have heard some awesome reviews on the foundation. The Benefit Makeup Artist/Assistant (is that what you call them?) asked me what type of coverage I was wanting and colour matched me.

One thing leads to another and then I am picking up blushes and other things and I am on a roll.

This little beaut was just asking for me to take it home. Dandelion Blush described as a brightening powder, I love an English rose complexion, and the Assistant let me have a little play. I cannot wait to use this.

The assistant was busy showing me other products when she asked me what eyebrow pencil I use, I have used Mac ever since I started wearing makeup at 13. So naturally Mac eyebrow pencil in fling has been my go to, but not anymore. Introducing this little fella.

This little tube of miracles is beyond words! I know I am late in loving this product, I am obsessed!! The assistant asked me if I wanted to see the difference, and it was astonishing what have I been doing!? Now I am no makeup artist or expert but I am hoping to get the same results, watch this space.


I was a happy customer, but that was by no means the end. The assistant said she would give me some samples of other products and one of them was so thoughtful we had spoken about fake tan.

 

The lovely assistant gave me a 5ml sample of the same foundation I bought but in the colour honey, so I could mix the two to match my tan. HOW SWEET IS THAT?

 

 

I then was given a 3ml sample of the Porefessional and It's Potent! eye cream.

 

This assistant went beyond all to make sure I was satisfied with my purchases, have you ever had an awesome customer experience?

 

Thanks for reading.





Review #3: Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector

A day off and what am I doing? Watching re-runs of Grey's Anatomy, I work in a hospital and I watch TV programmes on hospitals. I need a life.

So getting back to the matter in hand, we have had some beautiful weather in the UK during the summer months. A medium to full coverage foundation is just too much.....feels like I am wearing a jumper on my face, well not literally but you get what I mean. I wanted something lighter in the base department, truly I would have loved to not have had to use a base at all, but my freckles have come out in full force.......swines!!

I always have good ideas like this when I am walking around the aisles of Boots/Superdrug etc. That's when I saw the BB Cream by Garnier. Cue pictures!

So this little BB Cream just fell into my basket and off to the checkout I went. I purchased it in Light as I am very fair, sitting between NC15 to NC20, to be truly honest I don't buy into the whole BB Cream market to me are they not just hyped up Tinted Moisturisers?

So what do Garnier say?
They claim their BB cream immediately grants you with perfected skin with even tone and a boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines, giving you spf 15 protection and 24 hour hydration. 

This 50ml tube is good value for money in my opinion, Boots always have offers on garnier products, and got it for £6.66.

The packaging is nothing to rave home about, a simple sqeezey tube with a cap. I feel a little more thought could have gone into the design of the tube, because when the tube is "empty" there is actually a fair amount of product still left in the tube.......So I got a little destructive when I thought I had used it all up.

My thoughts on the product:
The consistency of the cream is thick and smooth........which pains me to say it reminds me of tinted moisturiser. But saying that, it blends so easily and sinks into the skin with ease. After application I wait 10-15mins before applying the rest of my make up as I let it dry fully, as it can feel a little greasy.

The coverage I guess is buildable, but in my opinion it does not last for greater than 5 hours, I needed to reapply as it went patchy. 

I have repurchased this, as although I would not use it for anything special, but I have worn it to work, and I confess I wore it to the
gym.

My skin is hydrated from using this little cream, and my freckles are not so pronounced. This BB cream is not going to give you the complexion of a Supermodel. But I am impressed enough to repurchase.

What is your go to summer base?

Thanks for reading.

September Glossybox

Being back from an unwanted break from blogging feels good, I have so many things I want to share.

I woke up this morning with full intentions of having a super productive day around my house, but that just did not happen. Because my September glossy box arrived, I love opening my glossy box and find what treats have been included.

A chic design graces the outside of this months glossy box designed by the elegant Karen Millen, to pay homage to London Fashion Week which is taking place. I have never been a follower of LFW that's not to say I wouldn't love to but my day to day life is very hectic and instead of flicking through fashion magazines I am flicking through anatomy and pathophysiology books and patient notes. I really love the design of the box and the London skyline.......Am I the only one who keeps the empty limited edition glossy boxes?

ModelCo More Brows was the first item I picked up, always on the look out for fuller thicker brows this immediately caught my eye. The product claims to be a quick dry gel that contains little hair like particles to give you a natural looking brow Instantly!

The colour I received was medium to dark.......this annoyed me a little I am blonde naturally and blonde. I took a look on the ModelCo website the brow gel comes in 2 colours Light to Medium and Medium to Dark, I feel the Light to Medium would probably suit me more but I will try the Medium to Dark I was given.

Next up is L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil, this is a regular in my hair salon so had used and heard of it before. Containing Avocado oil and Grape seed oil it leaves your hair shiny, soft and supple. I know I love this product already with many ways to use it, this will encourage me to purchase the full size product.

The grey sachets in the picture are from Skin Pep and I received the Dark Circle Eraser and Brightening Enzyme and Acid Peel. I have never heard of Skin Pep so did some research, branded as advanced anti-ageing skin care. Looking at their website, it shows lots of before and after piccys and consumer stories. I am not a fan of these infomercials: this could be you in Six Weeks if you buy our cream, So will give them ago but not expecting miracles!!

Nails Inc Westminster Bridge Matte Top Coat was included, I am not normally a fan of the whole matte nail trend. I have seen some cute matte nails on my friends, so may donate to one of the girls.

Last but not least is Nivea 3in1 Micellar Cleansing Water,
are you a fan of the recently very popular Micellar Water trend? I haven't I am not convinced that the cleansing process is deep enough for my skin, but I am looking forward to giving this product some use hopefully it will give some of my faves a run for their money!

So tell me, are you guys addicted to beauty boxes? If so what have been your favourite products you have received! Look forward to hearing from you all.

I am back!

Hi Guys

So as my post header suggests I am back, I have been gone awhile. There have been a couple of reasons as to why I have been MIA.

My laptop decided to use its own self destruct button and leave me in the lurch. Because work has been so busy......short staffed as usual, I have not had a great deal of time to do anything but work, sleep and eat, so purchasing a new laptop had to be put on hold.

But I am back and will be posting again.

Thanks for reading.

Natalie x

Body Shop and Growing Up in The 90's!

Hi Guys! 

Another week has passed, The older we get I feel time passes by speedier than ever and the fact I am always working!! I am going somewhere with this so hang in there hehe. 

I am at my mid-twenties and grew up in the 90's, I have been perusing the net and searched "Growing Up in The 90's" this has brought up so many great and cringy memories! 

 

Body Shop takes me back to the 90's, I remember my mum taking me in there to spend my pocket money and I came away with their Vanilla perfume, and this was my go to perfume right up until I was 18 (I really did love it) 

Hahaha I got this Picture from pinterest!

So when I went into the Bodyshop a couple of weeks ago I could not help but browse the perfume section, which I picked out two perfume products. 

Introducing Honeymania and Shea Eau De Toilette, these I am totally in love with. I am addicted to anything Honey, last year I had a love affair with Devonshire Honeycomb Icecream.........this resulted in a few pounds weight gain oops. The Honeymania consists of the glorious scent of Honey, with the delicous paring of floral notes. 

Shea is a different ball game, this sultry, sensual scent reminds me of male cologne which I love as I am the type of girl who will wear my man's scent over mine (shhhhh he does not know I do this)

So were you a 90's body shop junkie like I? Does white musk take you back? If so drop me a comment!!