Nails of the Day #6

Just a quick Nails of the the day post for you all! I am currently in Reading at University.

Model's Own - Bronze Rage

Words cannot express how much I love this colour. I wear it as often as I can, just so pretty!

I aplogise if there are any spelling mistakes, I am typing this on Jamie's laptop and it doesn't work that well...in that when you type online, it typed in webdings font. I am nearly fluent in palm trees and various sized circles. Who invented this font anyway.

#Pointless

I'm a cowboy,

On a steel horse I arrive,

Wanted

Dead of alive

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Freebies of the Week! #19

Hi everyone! Hope you have all managed to get through such a BLAHH week! I know the snow affected lots of people, then we had Blue Monday as well...time to start again eh?!

This week's freebies have been mostly aimed toward Jamie. Which I think is a bit poo.

This is the Redken for Men Clean Brew Shampoo. It has Anti Grit technology apparently. It is an extra cleansing shampoo with malt, brewer's yeast and orange zest, to result in extra clean hair and a balanced scalp. Sounds manly. 

I wonder if he will help me write a post about it...hmmm...

Now I am in AWE of these goodies. The Tropical Sun website were giving away food products and I figured it would be a sachet of seasoning...turned out it was a whole jar! I picked some jerk seasoning as I figured that Jamie's spice cupboard would appreciate it. They also sent a friendship bracelet which is such a nice touch...I'll keep that!

Have you tried any of these products? Any ideas on a Jamaican dinner?!

If I could be, 

Who you wanted,

All the time...

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Lush Party Popper

For Christmas I was given 3 bath bombs from Jamie's sister. I haven't really had much experience with Lush.

I always walked past the shop and thought, "Pwhoaarr that smells strong." So I never went in!

Then when I was at university I won a competition to take me and nine friends to the Lush in Reading, for facemasks, massages and games! It was so much fun!

Seeing the lads with facemasks on was priceless! The masks were a little too strong for my face really, I broke out epically! But after that my skin calmed down and looked good. We used the massage bars too and they were fantastic.

Anyway, I digress...I haven't actually had many Lush products, only Whoosh. So I was interested to try the bombs! (I have never had a bath bomb either, my skin was always too sensitive when I was young.)

Pretty pink and blue cone shape...how cool does this look?! I figured this might be the best one to try as my first bath bomb...glitter would be a bit scary for me at the moment!

This bomb spun around and fizzed, made pretty colours and sure enough, went off like a party popper, releasing soap "confetti." It smells gorgeous too, so much citrus! Lovely! 

As a starter bath bomb, this was perfect for me! Not too scary or flamboyant, gentle fizzes and colours! I think this was a Christmas bomb, so roll on December, I'll be buying more of these!

Here's a video of me using the bathbomb. I will be trying to make more videos this year, keep an eye out!

But what I really want to know is...

Are you gonna go my way?
Cos I gotta, I gotta know....

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A Street Cat named Bob - James Bowen

The saying goes, "Never judge a book by it's cover."

I'm not being funny, but it has a big ginger cat on it. I knew I would love this book. 

I was right. Duhh. ;)

Anyway, review time. This book is serious, funny, honest...and many words that I haven't thought of.

It is pretty obvious what the story will be. Man finds cat. Become best friends. Struggle but live together  happily ever after. 

It is so much more than that. There were points that it was reducing me to tears from being sad, to crying with laughter. Being a fellow animal owner probably has something to do with it, but I really cannot stress how well written this book is.

I started reading it as I was en route to Reading. After 45 minutes I was on page 99. I then read a newspaper on the rest of the way. The next day I started reading it on the way back. I finished it by the time I got home. It is THAT good!

The lovely thing about this book is that it is not just about the cat, Bob. It also follows the story of his owner, James. You learn how cats do not just rely on their owners, but also how owners rely on their cats. (I'm having a cuddle with my main man now!)

I don't want to give too much away, as you really need to read it yourself so that you an understand what I mean. 

Anyway, get out there and  buy this book! It is fantastic, all animal lovers will adore it!

Bob the Street Cat is on Twitter! Find him @StreetCatBob

Follow his blog too, he's being taken around the world! 

All around the world,

You've gotta spread the word.

Tell them what you heard,

We're gonna make a better day

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Freebies of the week! #18

Only one freebie this week, but it's a goodun'!

This is a sample of Pureology Versatile Caring Oil. I'm very excited to try this. I am also very surprised as to how much product has come in this sample! A 5ml sample should last me quite some time!

Have you tried any hair oils? I'm thinking of trying some to compare!

I don't want the world to see me,

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand.

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Lacoste Touch of Pink

This is the first perfume that Jamie ever got for me. It was for my 18th birthday.

I was not sure about it as I had never tried anything other than Anna Sui - Sui Love. However on my birthday meal evening, I sprayed it on and went out.

Then six months later, at Christmas, he gave me another gift set with it in! He probably thought that I used perfume all the time like him, (he drowns himself in it!) but my job at the time involved gardening or I was with my horse, so didn't need to wear it!

It only occurred to me last month that Lacoste Touch of Pink is a daytime perfume and I was wearing a heavier evening perfume to work, so popped it in my handbag with me.

When I first started wearing it again, I didn't think anyone noticed until I visited Jamie in Reading. As he was dozing off he mentioned that I smelt nice, "like when we were younger." Okaaay...! One of our friends  also commented about it twice in a 24 hour period! I also sprayed it on at work last week when I thought I was a bit warm and whiffy (stockroom work!) and one of the lads said I smelt good. Better than sweaty eh?!

I love this fragrance, it smells so fresh and clean; fruity and flowery without being too overpowering. It really is a daytime scent though, it just works so well as it is so light. This perfume encapsulates summer for me. In terms of longevity, I don't notice it after a while, but like I said, Jamie was noticing it at sleepy times, so it must hang around!

I think if I ran out of this, I would definately ask for it for birthday/Christmas. (Anyone else not buy perfume for themselves?!) It is ideal for the daytime and I think I would be disappointed if I ran out. It feels like a true, "go-to" perfume.


Lacoste Touch of Pink can be bought in all good perfume stores. For a link to Boots, click here

Some might say, that sunshine follows thunder...

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Oily skin is okay!

Amber is the lady I go to when my eyebrows are humungous. I am TERRIBLE at maintaining my eyebrows. I get them waxed, keep them neat for a week or two, then all the hairs reappear. At that point I can't be arsed anymore and just go back to Amber. A fiver every month is alright, to have new eyebrows in less than 10 minutes!

Whilst I was there, Amber asked me how my skin was. She's a Dermalogica representative, so always keeps me up to date with the products. She's known me since I was a teenager too, so was there to see my skin first start breaking out. (I was a late bloomer...!) So she has always helped my Mum and I with products for our faces.

She asked me how I was getting on with my acne, so I told her about my facewash. (Currently Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel) I am not the biggest fan of it because it is so soapy and foamy; I want to go back to my Dermal Clay Cleanser. She did inform me that the MediBac range is the most up to date, so mine is probably out of date now! When I get some more cash I think I will change my cleanser and use the last of my current SCG as a shower gel.

She also gave me plenty of samples of my favourite products and a few new ones! I felt bad, but she told me that she doesn't have many clients who have oily skin, mostly older skin. (Woo for me!)

Oil Control Lotion - MediBac

Sebum Clearing Masque - MediBac

Clearing Mattifier - MediBac

Concealing Spot Treatment - Medibac

Active Moist

Dermal Clay Cleanser x 2

I have tried all of these products except for the Concealing Spot Treatment, so am very intreigued to try this. I am also very interested in trying ALL of these samples, because I have tried some of these recently, but the samples were older; the MediBac range did not exist then, so the formulas have changed.

Then Amber gave me some more of her wisdom...wait for this beauty loving girls...

Oily skin is annoying for us now, but it will pay off in the future...

People who have oily skin for longer, have less wrinkles in the future! 

Think about it, oil is moisturising! The struggle we have with it now will pay off, as it moisturises our skin and delays the wrinkles.

Lets embrace our oily skin ladies!

I'm broke but I'm happy,

I'm poor but I'm kind...

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Revlon Lip Butter Win!

Until last month, I had never tried a Revlon Lip Butter.

Blasphemy! Many fellow Beauty Bloggers may cry, but I have only recently been getting in on the beauty buzz.

In 2011, Revlon's Facebook page had a competition called Sweet Boutique to win various beauty products. They did the same again last year, to win a Lip Butter. I won a Tutti Frutti!

It came packaged so nicely, in a sweet bag, with sweeties inside!

I love the design of the packaging!

(I apologise for the line on the photo, it was either this, or have the photo in portrait. Silly phone.)

Swatched

The colour is a gorgeous orangey shade, perfect for the summer! I like the coverage, it applies so nicely. The  only thing I would say is that it is probably not my shade! My usual lipstick is a dark orangey-brown, this is the opposite! I think it is too bright for me, especially where I have my winter skin! (Very pale.) When the summer comes and I have a bit of a tan, I will try it again, but in the meantime I shall stare and gloat about my gorgeous lip butter!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters are currently on offer at Boots

Late night, come home,

Work sucks, I know.

She left me roses by the stairs,

Surprises let me know she cares

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Freebies of the week! #17

Well I wish I had this many goodies every week! Two of these items were Christmas competition wins. I love it when I get lots of parcels!

Paco Rabanne Lady Million sample. 

Think I got this from clicking on an ad on 4oD ages ago!

Wilkinson Sword HydroSilk Razor

Forgot I applied for this! Very excited to try it!

Pringles speaker - batteries included

I won this on the Pringles Christmas Tree app. I already have one of these, so will get crafting!

Limited Edition Budweiser FA Cup Glass

Won from the Budweiser website. I have a Bud glass that Jamie doesn't have. MUAHAHAAA!

Have you won any competitions recently? I'm sure I'm not the only competition addict out there! ;)

But if the offer is shun,

You might as well be walking on the sun

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Love You Bye - Scott Mills

I used to love to read. Honestly, I couldn't ever get enough of books. I was the best reader in my school when I was 9,  put it that way!

These days, I am so glued to my laptop, watching TV programs or blogging. Obviously I am reading when I look at blogs, but it's not the same as a book, eh?

When I went to the library last week with my Mum, I got excited when I saw this. I love Scott Mills, he's one of my favourite radio DJs.

As soon as I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. By the next morning, I had finished it! This book is so funny, so honest, so real. You learn so many things about Scott, like his panic attacks when he was young, what happened when he went to Uganda to film The World's Worst Place to Be Gay and all about him and The Hoff!

To be fair, it is a quick read. There's a lot of white space, but I think that is due to a lot of focus on the layout. It's made to be an easy read because this book is actually FUN. There's no waffle, it just focusses on the most important things in his life. 

Honestly, I think everyone should read this book. When you listen to the radio, you don't think of much else other than what is being said at that point. You don't think of what shapes the presenters to make them and their shows what they are now. This book leaves you feeling like you NEED to be his friend.

You should get this book if you want the big reveal of who from Radio 1 boffed Ke$ha...

Buy Love You Bye here for £7.99

Wake up in the mornin' feelin' like P-Diddy...

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A week in photos #8

It's a few days late, but you all know what this time of year is like! Will set a new routine soon though hopefully.

Festive oranges?

Bobbie & Candy snuggled in the warm

Candy & Bobbie chatting to the neighbours

The lady alpaca wondering what is occurring

She has makeup on!

Date night! 

Silly boy on the left...

On the right...if you can't beat them, join them! He WILL pull nice faces soon...

Oh who am I kidding? :(

My boy in the morning

My poor boy being mauled by my other boy

I bought him wellies. He loves them really...

Having a chat with the piggies

Bad BB Cream. Review explains it all...

Bedtime reading

Naughty boy in the loft again!

Fabulous nails, but sprained my wrist at work! Doh!

Hello

I've waited here for you.

Everlong

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Lindt Lindor Bars

So if you read my post about the Best of 2012 JolieBox, (or anyone else's!) you would know that two Lindt Lindor chocolate bars were included. (If you want to read it anyway, the post is HERE)

Now a post dedicated to a chocolate bar is probably classed as a bit weird. But I like to give opinions on new foods.




These chocolate bars encapsulate everything I like in a product. Everyday luxury.

I wouldn't go out of my way to buy some of those Lindt balls for myself, because they are a gift item. However I could grab this en route to work, when I fancy proper chocolate!

Obviously the balls have that gorgeous pop when you crunch them, then it turns silky, creamy, almost cool?...yummy. I was worried that the bars wouldn't do this.

They do.

Oh gosh, I ate both bars immediately.

Wish I hadn't. I can't find these anywhere. Bad times.

You're sweet like chocolate boy...

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November and December Empties

So once again, two months shoot past! I am getting better at using up all my products, so maybe I might start a once a month empties post? Else these posts are HUGE!

Oh, and this post is VERY photo heavy!

Another note: As these are mostly samples, would I repurchase can also be, would I purchase?

Body Moisturisers

 Bottle of Garnier Intensive 7 Days Body Lotion Cocoa Butter - Dry/Rough Skin

I wasn't sure about this because it smells so chocolatey - almost like cake mixture. But obviously it works so well that I don't mind. 

Would I repurchase? Yes, if it is on offer, I'm such a tightwad! REVIEW HERE.

FCUK Whipped Bodycream

I have had this so long! It sinks in nicely smells lovely! Orange blossom, shea butter, pomegrante and sweet almond oil.  

Would I repurchase? Undecided. It came in a gift set, but if I could find it on its own, then maybe.

 Bath Products

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

Another one of these. Smells good, everyday luxury.
Would I repurchase? Still have more of these to use!

Face Cleansing Products

Montagne Jeunesse Break Out Mask

It was alright. Didn't blow my mind as such. Smelt good, felt good. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe. REVIEW HERE.

Montagne Jeunesse De Clog Pores Strips

I had such high hopes for these but they didn't do anything to my pores. Not happy. 

Would I repurchase? No.

Superdrug Energising Peel Off Mask

I bought this randomly and I have mixed views about it. Must do a review. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe, I want to try it again I think.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Special Cleansing gel 

My normal Dermalogica cleanser. An anti-bacterial cleanser for acne. 

Would I repurchase? I have this in a large bottle, it lasts ages!

2x Sachets Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Recommened for breakout prone skin. Absorbs bad stuff and prevents breakouts. Yeah I'd say so. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe not in full sized, but if I could get a small tube, I might.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Precleanse

Love this. So much. 

Would I repurchase? If I have any spare cash at the end of the month, I would like to!

REVIEW HERE.

2x Sachets Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque

Removes impurities and reduces breakouts. Sounds very similar to the Sebum Clearing Masque. I think these sachets are old! 

Would I repurchase? See Sebum Masque!

Sachet Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

Felt nice, just like an eye cream does.Would need a full size to try it properly, samples just don't give enough away. 

Would I repurchase? Maybe

Sachet Nivea Pure & Natural Regenerating Night Cream - All skin types

This smells fantastic and my face feels great the next day. 

Would I repurchase? Yes, or a similar product

Sachet Nivea Pure & Natural Moisturising Day Cream - Normal to Combination Skin
A thicker day cream, was ideal for any dry patches.
Would I repurchase? Probably not, I am happy with my current moisturiser.

Boots Deep Cleansing Wipes
Not much to say really, face wipes are face wipes!
Would I repurchase? Probably not, I'm not really sure why I bought them. Makes me lazy!

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser
Now that I have finished this cleanser, I really miss it! I think my skin prefers it to the Special Cleansing Gel. It foams up less than SCG, which makes face washing less stressful for me.
Would I repurchase? I think I will return to this after I finish my SCG cleanser.

Make Up

Ginvera BB Cream
Not the best colour for a BB cream, nice coverage but I was a bit disappointed. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? No, it's a bit over my kind of price tag too.

Rimmel London BB Cream
Don't even get me started on this. Just read my thoughts on it. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? No. Just no.

Sachet of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
Good coverage, best shade accuracy I have found so far. REVIEW HERE.
Would I repurchase? Possibly

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Ivy
My favourite eyeliner, love the colour and longevity.
Would I repurchase? Always. Already have a spare anyway.

Hair Products

Salon Size Paul Mitchell Super Strong Daily Conditioner

My favourite conditioner! Takes a while to get through these bottles but are worth it economically, especially considering how particular I am about my hair. Read about my haircare routine HERE if you want to. 

Would I repurchase? Received a new bottle for Christmas!

Perfume

Sample of Hugo Boss Nuit Pour Femme

Love this smell so much. I actually kept it in my room for ages just smelling the sample. I gush all about it in this post HERE. 

Would I repurchase? I don't buy myself perfume and I don't use it as often as I should. If I did buy some for myself, I would like to try this.

I'm actually quite chuffed with myself, to see how I have actually tried new things this month. A lot of Dermalogica it would seem! 

Have you been using up any of your products? Send me links to your empties posts, I love reading them!

Save me from drowning in the sea...

Beat me up on the beach.

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Nails of the Day #5

It's been too long since I have done one of these! I haven't had much work recently, so I have left my nails alone. After seeing the horrid shape and quite how badly mud seems to stain them...(!)...I painted them last night, ready for work later.

Natural Collection - Hibisicus

17 - Glitter Nail Xtras

I refuse to only have glitter at Christmas. It is utter blasphemy.

Tired of being what you want me to be,

Feeling so faithless,

Lost under the surface

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Rimmel BB Cream

Yesterday I felt like trying something new but was in a rush. So I reached for this sample of Rimmel London BB Cream. I think I got this in a copy of Cosmopolitan. SPF 25, 9 in 1 cream...big BB cream promises once again. I should add that this shade is LIGHT. (A big hint for what is to come...)

 I wish this photo could show the consistency better. I squeezed it out the sachet, to find a cream with the colour barely mixed in, with a dark and watery-ness to it.

Here is what it looks like when applied to my face. My neck is the same colour as my face I should add...!

I actually couldn't believe how dark it was! Shade light...well I don't think  that is very accurate. I currently wear the lightest shade of Bobbi Brown foundation, so I am fairly aware of what is a light colouring. This is not it...

Left: Rimmel BB Cream - Shade Light

Right: Bobbi Brown - Shade 1 Warm Ivory

Obviously all products need to be given a fair test, so I left it on whilst I got dressed, tidied up and dried my hair. The colour was still there, looking pretty dark! My quick, time saving idea actually wasted time for me. Gutted. Cue me needing to wash my face all over again, then put my normal make up on! Late to meet boyfriend, feeling paranoid that I was still orange!

So to summarise. This isn't much of a review, maybe more of a warning! This BB cream is darker than you expect! However if you like the orangey look then, you know, go for it...(!)




And isn't it ironic?
Don't you think?

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