FOTD #1

I'm just gonna throw this out there. I currently have a whacking great big spot in the middle of my forehead and my eyelids are swollen to the point where I look like a Moshi Monster.

So this is from a few days ago...this has been my usual make up this past week!

Oh my. Must fix my eyebrows.

I have been addicted to the MUA Undressed pallette recently. Teamed with my Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Ivy, it is fab for daily make-up...else I only turn up to work late with a purple smoky eye or something equally dramatic...looking fabulous but not in the boss' good books!

I am also loving my MUA lipstick in shade 11. It is my kinda colour; like your natural lip colour but better? A pinky/orangey shade, ideal for day to day wear.

What's your go-to make up item? A special lippy or a favourite mascara?

I was the one who let you know,

I was your sorry ever after '74-'75.

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Freebies of the week! #23

Free toilet roll! Doesn't that make the world a better place eh?!

Sample of L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

Sleek lipstick win!

Higher Nature Fizzy multivitamins

Admittedly I got the multivitamins last week but I forgot them oops! I've felt quite run down this week so I think I can use all these bits for a body wake up! Except the toilet roll. I don't know how toilet roll can improve my life really.

Any idea on the best way to use hair oils ladies?

If your love was as sweet as mine,

I could be Sunday's Girl...

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Things to do before you turn 40

This morning I was scouting the competitions online, (as per usual!) and found this really interesting post on the Easy Living website.

The things to do before you turn 40.

I heard Christian O'Connell on Absolute Radio discussing his Before 40 bucket list the other day too and it got me thinking. Don't get me wrong, I have dreams. I have a vague idea for my bucket list. But this...well I need to do this! The targets are manageable, some I have already done. Some will bankrupt me if I try them now! I have copied this list from Easy Living.

1. Stop caring what others think - A difficult one, I go through phases of this

2. Buy artwork - I have artwork but I don't recall buying any myself

3. Find the perfect red lipstick - Never worn red lipstick!

4. Accept a compliment - I MIGHT have done this

5. Laugh until you cry - Done!

6. Skinny dip - So badly want to do this!

7. Scream on a rollercoaster - Done!

8. Stay awake til the sun comes up - Accidentally did this at uni! Done!

9. Sleep under the stars - Would love to do this

10. Dye hair -  Done!

11. Have dessert without guilt - Pudding guilt? What is this? Done!

12. High heels - I have heels, but I need these Louboutins.

13. Find your signature style

14. Find a whiskey that you like - Turns out that Southern Comfort isn't whiskey. Damn.

15. Eat alone

16. Date the wrong person - Done!

17. Road trip 

18. Dream destination - Barcelona

 

19. Las Vegas

20. Go to the perfect music festival

21. Have a home you love

22. Have jewellery that means something

23. Have a signature dish

24. Holiday alone

25. Be proud of an achievement

26. Volunteer - Done!

27. Find exercise you like

28. Have too many books

29. Have a dirty secret

30. Kick a bad habit

31. Learn a language

32. Take a course

33. Live in another country

34. Buy expensive homeware

35. Try on jackets in Chanel

36. Go bespoke

37. Have drunk sex with the lights on

38. Leather trousers - Done! There was an All Saints obsession at 7 years old.

39. Tell your parents you love them

40. Write a letter to yourself

What's on your bucket list? Bungee jumping? Travelling?

Admit it you lot...how many of you have skinny dipped?! :P

I'm a lonely boy, I'm a lonely boy...

Oh oh oh oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting.

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Dove Compressed deodorant

Today's post is about deodorant. Not the most exciting of posts, but quite interesting. (Trust me!)

Dove and Sure have released new deodorants which are compressed into a smaller can. By taking out the air inbetween the particles, they fitted more into the cans. Genius.

This means that they have managed to fit the same amount off product that a large can would contain into a tiny can! 

I was sent two of these cans to test as part of a BzzAgent campaign. I can honestly say that I will go out and buy these. I love being able to just chuck it into my hangbag without thinking that it will be seen, and it is nice to know that I am not contributing to EVEN MORE rubbish on this planet.

I have to say, I was not a big fan of the Dove smell, as it is quite strong and I am not a fan of overly strong deodorants. However I have gotten used to this.

To be honest, I can only say good things about it. You can see from the photo that it is substantially diffent in size compared to my usual sized deodorant. I also included a mens deodorant in the photo so you can see the comparison of width. 

My Mum and Grandma were impressed with the idea of this deodorant too.

Anyway, I think I will be purchasing these in the future. This is better than a travel sized as it is a just a full sized can and travel sized cans have nothing in them. This should have been done ages ago.

I finally found my way.

Said goodbye to yesterday,

Hit the gas, there ain't no brakes,

on this Lost Highway

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Freebies of the week! #22

Edible and beauty freebies this week! Hurrah!

Firstly, I rinsed my Priority Moments this week at Bluewater. Hotel Chocolat were giving away a mini Valentines slab worth £3 and WH Smiths were giving a free box of Thorntons chocolates worth £5. I gave these to Jamie!

Also at Bluewater, I bought more of my Bobbi Brown make up and was given a sample of the Hydrating Face Cream which was kind of the Bobbi Brown ladies. Then I walked downstairs and traded in my voucher at L'Occitane to get a free 30ml handcream, as they reached 75,000 Facebook fans.

Then I bought a copy of Marie Claire to get the free sample of Shiseido Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam. This might be nice to leave in Reading as the only cleanser I have up there is exfoliating. There's also a voucher inside for a free lipstick which I must go and get!

I also received this chocolate beast from being one of the lucky..I dunno how many...on the Aero Facebook page. Pretty relieved that orange arrived...I don't like mint! (Controversial I know!)

I went to Boots earlier this week too to get some razor blades for my Wilkinson Sword Hydrosilk (review HERE if you are interested!) as it came with a £2 off voucher. (I got that for free!) Turns out, Boots were doing a promotion. Free razor with £9.99 with the blades. So now I have two! Woo! I have a sneaking suspicion that there could be another £2 voucher in this pack...I can see a never ending cycle about to occur...

Who else has Valentines chocolates then? Guilt free do you think?!

Seems like lately there's a whole lotta leaving going on...

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Rimmel London Exaggerate Undercover Eyeshadow Primer

I am very much new to the world of primers. I always thought my make up stayed on my face! That's the point in it right?!

It was only when I read people's blogs, who mentioned that there can be a fair bit of fallout with MUA shadows, that it occurred to me how long my eyeshadow does not last.

I always grumpily wiped shadow away from under my eyes at work, but never did the joined up thinking there! Plus, more eye rubbing (which I am terrible for doing!) results in darker eye circles. Mine are really dark.

So when I read The Sunday Girl's post about the Rimmel London Exaggerate Undercover Eyeshadow Primer, (what a long name!) I knew I had to try it!

What a lovely surprise when I went to Superdrug to find an introductory offer of £3.49 instead of £4.99! Well happy with that!

The primer is white, but dries clear. It is also silicone based, so fills in any imperfections. I like to blob some on my eyelid, then paint a think coat all over with the brush that came in my Best of 2012 Joliebox. I am a bit funny about touching the eye area with hands. Quite ironic for a woman who doesn't realise how much she rubs her eyes on a daily basis eh?!

The primer is applied with a lipgloss style applicator, which is fab. Less faffing with squeezy tubes, dropping it everywhere; just the ideal amount on the tip of a brush, especially for small areas like eyes.

This primer really does work. I survived a busy 4 hour shift at work yesterday, then went out after, with intact eye make up...and I used the MUA Undressed palette, of which the shimmery shades are my favourites! 11 hours later, my eyemake up looked like new still!

All the different shadows I have used with this primer have looked brighter and bolder. I never realised how much colour was lacking when putting shadows onto skin.

I am always reluctant to add more time to my make up routine, but I will always be using this now. This will always be in my routine! Love it!

My black eyed boy,

You will find your own space in time

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Shopping haul

A haul accidentally happened.

Poundland

Herbal Essences hair masque - this appears to have Greek (I think) writing on it but the product is the same!

Collection 2000 eyeshadow - what a bargain! The old stock from Collection 2000 is being sold in Poundland! Bargains to be had!

Superdrug

Flannel - need to leave flannels at Jamie's

Haribo Eggstras - 2 for £1. Yes, there was another packet...

Dead sea mineral face mask - love this!

MUA lipstick - a potential new favourite!

Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Eyeshadow Primer - review to come soon!

Boots

Goody hairclips - reduced to £2! Bargain!

Nail files

Another flannel

Natural Collection lipstick - not that impressed to be honest. Too shimmery and not enough colour pay off

This Works Beauty Ball - Has a highlighter inside! Reduced to £3.33

There we have it! Not the most interesting haul, but I still felt the need to post about it! Have you bought any goodies recently?

I get fly like paper,

Get high like planes

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Freebies of the week! #21

No freebies this week unfortunately! Boo!

But the tax man sent me a cheque instead! Hurrah!

Have you received any freebies this week? Anything good?

Sittin' on the dock of the bay,
Watching the time roll away

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January Empties

Hi everyone! It has passed the 4th of the month which means that I am suitably late enough for my empties post! These past few days of delays are not good for me or my blog!

Body Moisturisers

Soap & Glory Righteous Butter - Travel Size

There's no need for any introductions, we have all tried it!

Would I repurchase? Yes, probably the same travel size though as the smell is strong and my Mum hates it!

 Bath Products

Soap & Glory Flake Away

I really like this, smells great and the different sized scratchy bits feel lovely!

Would I repurchase? Once again, yes but travel sized

Bayliss & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Luxury Shower Creme

Every bloomin' month! Yes I like it, blah blahhh

Would I repurchase? I might have finally run out...not!

Facial Products

Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

A really sympathetic cleanser! So gentle, you can use it on your eyes. Love it, so good for travel

Would I repurchase? No, it's not the BEST for my skin. It works, but I need something better suited for oil. My Mum has this so I borrow hers if I want some.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Great masque for a good deep cleanse!

Would I repurchase? Possibly

Nivea Pore Refining Day Cream

Nicely moisturing but I don't remember much about it. Will try the others.

Would I repurchase? Need to try my other ones first.

Nivea Express Hydration Primer

I think one sample of this isn't enough to get your head around. Wasn't blown away.

Would I repurchase? Probably not.

Vichy Idealia Pro Deep Corrector

Am using sample number 2 of this now. Review to come

Would I repurchase? Undecided!

Superdrug Energising Peel Off Mask

Not much I can say about it as I had exfoliated first, so the mask stung and I took it off straight away! Will try it again another time!

Would I repurchase? Yes, just to see what the situation is with it!

Make Up

5 x pots of 17 Eye Dazzle 

Not strictly empty, just decanted! See my post about it HERE

Would I repurchase? No

Sachet of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector

I raved about this. Turns out, in daylight, I look terrible in it. REVIEW HERE.

Would I repurchase? No

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Shade 1 Warm Ivory and Shade 2 Sand

My favourite foundation. Shade 1 is winter and Shade 2 is summer for me! Although I have run out of shade 1 though and am using my spare shade 2 now. Nice...

Would I repurchase? Yes yes yes.

Hair Products

Pantene Pro V 2 min Colour Damage Rescue Masque

I don't have colour damaged hair but I love a hair masque on Tuesdays and this was screaming to be used after I had colour put in my hair. Smells lush and hair feels great after!

Would I repurchase? Potentially, really good product

Misc.

Pocket sized Vaseline

Remember when Vaseline brought these cute pocket versions out? Yeah? I bought this then! Could never get in the bloody thing until recently so I have used it on everything, feet, lips, car keys! (Had a little frozen lock situation.)

Would I repurchase? I have so many of these! Probably not anytime soon!

Seems monthly empties posts are a bit easier to manage! Have you written any empties posts recently? I'd love to read them!

A song played in a circle that never skips a beat...

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Freebies of the week! #20

Okay so I am late again! But after the weekend I have had, you cannot blame me. I have been working all day with week three...!...of the catalogue launch, which has been either six or eight hour shifts. Standing outside the store, in the cold, handing out the 1500+paged books is actually knackering! Especially when you need to meet a target too.

Then to top it all off, I had a virus on Monday and Tuesday, so I was a complete write off. Anyway, I am here now with last week's goodies!

Firstly, an Aussie hair mask! Very excited to try this, ideal for my Tuesday pamper day.

I was also sent two deodorants as part of a BzzAgent campaign. I won't go into too much detail about them yet as I will be writing a full post on them. In the mean time, here is a picture of Sunny stealing one!

Have you tried any Aussie products? And are any of you signed up to BzzAgent?

I'm no teenage icon,

I'm no Frankie Avalon

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Wilkinson Hydro Silk Razor

I have to admit, I am pretty damn lazy when it comes to shaving my legs. Gruesome I know.

I have always said that hairy legs are an excellent layer of warmth, especially for us horse owners. Boyfriend has given up arguing with me. Besides, he barely ever shaves his face so you know...he has no ammunition really.

Anyway, I digress...

Wilkinson Sword Women sent a razor to all the people who signed up on their Facebook page. I completely forgot about it until my postman delivered it.

You can probably guess that due to my lack of shaving, I am one of those people that just uses men's disposable razors! I have always thought that they were pretty good and that proper razors were overrated. I probably should have tried them before I said that.

This razor is so good! I look forward to shaving my legs now! 5 blades result in such a close shave, there aren't any prickles left after. So quick as well, normally it would take a few goes with my cheap razors.

In the blade there are moisturising serum dots that are activated when they touch the water. These are infused with marine extracts which leave your skin nourished after shaving. Roughly three times, I didn't moisturise after I shaved and I didn't think any different! My legs just felt soft!

As you can also probably guess, no I do not use shaving gel. I guess I never think about shaving that much, it is all about taking the hair away and that's it. I just use whatever soap is lying around. I'd like to try a gel properly though, see if it is all it is cracked up to be.

My main issue with permanent razors is the price of the refills. For these, they are 3 for £8.49 in Boots. (Currently with a free razor which is worth £9.99!) Which is a lot of money. I always think that I can get at least 40 disposable razors for that! However, they go rusty quick; the Wilkinson Sword Hydrosilk comes with a suction pad to stick the razor to the wall, so it does not sit in a puddle of water.

It really is a case of quality vs quantity. I LOVE this razor, it works so quickly and makes my legs feel amazing. But the price is a little more than I can stretch to every month.

Maybe I will treat myself to the blades. Use them on my Tuesday Bath days?!

If you use proper razors or are looking to invest in a new razor, I cannot urge how much you should get this razor. My legs have never felt so moisturised and smooth after shaving!

Wilkinson Hydro Silk Razor is £9.99 from Boots

I could change my life to better suit your mood,

Cause you're so smooth...

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