Sally Hansen Stash

Hey guys 

I've heard a lot about Sally Hansen nail polishes but as I'm trying to save money I wasn't keen on buying them from Superdrug or Boots as it's a bit more than I wanted to spend.

So I went to eBay and found a UK seller who was selling a few Sally Hansen polishes for £2. Of course it wasn't the full range Boots and Superdrug offer but they had a few and for £2 and £2.50 so I can't really complain.

I bought 6...

Four of them are the sugar coat effect (at £2.49) which is different to any kind of nail polishes I own which is why I felt the need to buy 4...

I'm not sure if you can truly see the effect from the picture and I'm not quite sure how to describe what it looks like. It's a bit like pavement and it does look a bit sugary; hence its name.

The salon manicure polishes (at £2) aren't textured or have any special effects but they're good quality and don't require many coats. 

So far I'm impressed with these polishes. They last and haven't chipped or peeled and the bottle is a decent size so I'm happy to say it was a great purchase. To be totally honest they probably are worth the money drugstores sell them but I like to save money where I can (whilst still spending money... I have a problem I know and I'm working on it...)

Have any of you tried these polishes?

What do you think of them?

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin!

x x

You just got lit up!

Hey guys

I thought its about time I reviewed a product. It's been a while and this time I chose a non beauty product.

Unfortunately, here in the UK, it's autumn/winter time so it's freezing so I don't particularly like leaving my house unless it's necessary. I have to contemplate if lectures are necessary and going to the gym seems like a myth at the moment... Although I did manage to go today!

I've been wanting a scented candle for ages! I really wanted to buy a Yankee candle but I can't quite justify spending that much on a candle. Maybe when I finish uni and find my own place.

I saw one in tk maxx that I almost bought. It was called Copenhagen candle and the scent was Christmas spice. It smelt amazing but then I had to stop myself as it's not a necessity for me and even though it was a lot cheaper than a Yankee candle, as somebody who's trying to save money (haven't even done my Christmas shopping yet...), it wasn't needed.  

Anyway, I got into Tesco and came across candles they had on offer. They had candles my Glade, for £2!

I got the scent 'honey and chocolate'.

I was a bit hesitant as to whether it was going to be rubbish but I thought £2 wouldn't hurt me if it was.

I'm happy to say it wasn't! Despite burning it over 24 hours ago for like 20 minutes and sitting quite far from the candle I can still smell it's fragrance!

Unfortunately this is my first personal experience with scented candles so I don't really have anything to compare it to but for £2 I really can't complain. 

I highly recommend it!

It's such a pretty candle and smells great!

Prefect for staying cosy at home with a great book (or textbook...) or watching tv or something.

I don't know if it's a range out for Christmas but I need to get some more just in case!

Has anybody tried these candles? Or have you got any recommendations of scented candles that won't break the bank? Do let me know!

Thanks for reading! (And sorry if anybody is a Suits fan and because of the title thought it would be a Suits related post. I love Suits and thought this phrase was an appropriate lol- just me? Ok lol )

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin!

x x

Nail therapy

I haven't been having the best couple of days so I decided to treat myself to some treats.

Superdrug is currently doing 3 for 2 on cosmetics and I'm trying to cut down on spending so I thought I'd buy some nail polishes.

If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know I love Maybelline's color show range. (You can check out the review here) And at the moment they have a limited edition range of 'brocades' nail polishes. I got the shades 'woven skyline' and 'rosy rosettes'.

They're a kind of gilttery effect.

I haven't used them yet and to be honest I don't think I'll use them until I have an event to dress up for but as soon as I do I'll definitely review them. I just bought them because limited edition stuff always gets me and I feel I have to buy them.

I then needed to find my free nail polish. I must admit I'm finding it difficult to find in drugstores nail polish shades I don't already have. My collections is already filled with almost duplicates. 

But I found a shade in Barry M's gelly hi-shine range that I don't have.

It's shade guava and I love it

I'm currently wearing it now with Maybelline's color show black shade:

What do you guys think? Have you tried any of these products and are they working out for you?

Do least me know. And if you have any nail polish and/or nail art design recommendations please do comment below.

Thanks for reading!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin and if you haven't already do check out my giveaway!

x x

Christmas wishlist

Hey guys 

I can't believe its November already!!!

I really should be doing an October favourites post but to be honest I didn't buy that much that really deserves gushing about.

I'd rather do a post on what I want (need) for Christmas!

I haven't been shopping in ages so there are loads of stuff I want but I'll try and keep this list relatively short!

1. MAC lipsticks

I'm not the biggest lipstick wearer so it's difficult for me to spend lots on them

I currently own 2 MAC lipsticks. I've previously mentioned I got them at the cosmetics store so they were cheaper so it was easier for me to part with my money for them.

However there are a few shades I need. They're like the best colours ever and my makeup collection is incomplete without them

I've previously mentioned them before but I can't help it. I really want them:

- Girl about town

- Up the Amp

- Ruby Woo

2. Revlon Chalkboard Nail Art polish 

If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll know that I love my nail art. 

Revlon have brought out a new range of nail art polish in pastel colours. I love pastels and even though I still think it's weird that pastel is a trend in the cold weather I'm not complaining. Who said autumn/winter is for dull colours only

These pens look like so much fun and the designs are fun. I definitely see myself treating myself to couple very soon...I don't think I can wait till Christmas and in my opinion I think I deserve a treat or two.

3. MK 2279

 I have to leave the house with a watch. My hand feels naked without it. It's so annoying when I have to work at a hospital because I'm not allowed to wear any form of jewellery below the elbow.

Everyone goes on about Michael Kors watches. And for good reason too

Definitely a statement watch. I've been wanting to get a new watch for ages and this one from thewatchhut.co.uk would be perfect for me. It would go with anything and it's not massively in your face so can be worn pretty much everyday!

4. Google nexus 32Gb

 I have been wanting a tablet for ages! I like iPads but I'm not too keen on getting an iPad because I already have an iPhone, iPod touch and nano. I have a love-hate relationship with Apple products and so don't think I can take anymore of their products for now. Also, I've been wanting to see the fuss about android is all about and see if it is really better than iOS. Majority of the reviews I've read says the google nexus is like number one on the tablet market. It's nice and portable. I like that it's not bulky like the iPad of the Samsung tablet. Great and easy to carry around to take to lectures and the library and help entertain me...( I mean help me revise)

Thanks for reading! 

What's on your Christmas list? Any if these? Or have you already got them? Let me know!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin! 

x x 

Nailed it!

Hey guys

I've been suffering a bit from blogger's block so I though I'd go back to the reason why I started blogging in the first place. (Watch out for a lot more nail related posts)

I'm a massive nail art fan and I feel like it's my only opportunity to show my creative side because I can't draw to save my life. I hated art. It just wasn't a talent I have.

But with nail polish I'm able to express myself.

I have great fun just messing about with the numerous (maybe too many) pots of nail polishes that I have. And it's also a great way for me to de-stress and relax.

What do you guys think of today's design?

I've been totally neglecting my other nail polishes due to my obsession with Maybelline's color show range. I had forgotten how much I love Bourjois' nail polish. Their polishes do cost a bit more that I normally like to pay but it's worth the price. The colours are great and don't require many coats and they last. At least I know I'm paying for quality. (Besides I bought it when Boots had some kind of offer on...).
 I used Bourjois nail polish in Violet couture for the base and then Barry m's staple black and white design on top.

Anybody else a fan of nail art?

I'd love to see what designs you've come up with!
Do comment below, I love receiving them and I do take time to reply them.

Thanks for reading 

Don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin and if you haven't entered my giveaway what are you waiting for?

Have a great day!

 x x

NOTD

Hey guys

I know it's been a while. I've had a super busy week at uni and my weekend isn't any less busy.

I feel like my blog has been a little bit neglected so here's a little short but sweet post.

I'm a massive lover of nail art and love doing a bit myself when I have the time and patience but I was quite limited since my only accessory was sellotape.

So I decided to treat myself and get some accessories from eBay!

I got some brushes, a pen, some acrylic nails and nail glue.

I was pretty tired last night when I was doing my nails so decided to keep the design simple. I used a turquoise as the base and a black for the extra detail. Both polishes are from Maybelline's color show range which I have reviewed before and can be found here.

For a first attempt the design turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself

What do you guys think? Any suggestions of designs or accessories? Or have you had a go at nail art. Do let me know. Also if you're interested in getting my designs on acrylic nails do let me know! I don't really wear acrylics myself only for special occasions but I'm quite interested and keen on painting designs on them and selling. I've always had a love for business so why not combine that with one of my passions?!

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin'!

And if you haven't entered my giveaway make sure you do! You can find it here. Free beauty products up for grabs!

Have a great day!

x x 

My first giveaway!!!

Hey guys!!!

I mentioned on Twitter that when I reached 500 page views I was going to do a giveaway and now that I have reached over 500 I have to keep my promise!

It may seem like a small achievement but for me who started my blog last month, as a little hobby it's a huge achievement!

The prize is a surprise but it will be beauty related. Some of my favourite items :)

The giveaway runs for a month

The instructions are as follows:

Follow me on twitter and bloglovin'.

Tweet about the giveaway

Comment on this post and one other random one.

Entries will be checked for validity.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks for reading and entering and good luck!

x x

Prep+Prime

Hey guys

Hope you're having a great day

I thought I'd review the two products I have from MAC's Prep+Prime range.

I've been using the skin base visage for a while.

I was recommended it after visiting the MAC counter to buy a new foundation and I told them I had oily skin. I was slightly hesitant but I thought what have I got to lose (except like £18).

It's supposed to keep the face shine-free and matte.

It can be worn on its own or under make up to help set the foundation and leave it looking matte.

I have to say it's not bad. My face is super oily so doesn't remain shine-free all day but it helps my face for a couple of hours. It's the best I've tried so far. For those of you who don't have super oily skin like me if think it would work greatly.

The second item is a transparent loose powder.

This is a relatively new addition to my collection. I've been looking for a transparent powder for ages but have always been hesitant as I've heard some can leave the face looking ashy and as I'm quite a dark skinned girl that's a massive concern for me. After reading many reviews I finally gave in and bought it.

I'm quite impressed with this product. You don't have to use a lot to get a result.

It can either be used to set your face or after foundation.

Since I already use a primer to set my face I use it after my foundation. I use it when my face is getting a little oily. I blot and then use minimal amount to make it look matte again.

Have any of you guys used these products or could recommend anymore products from this range?

Do let me know and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'!

Thanks for reading!

x

Beauty favourites

Hey guys

I thought I'd write about a few of my favourite beauty products. I do have quite a few but I thought it best to limit it to 3.

(Please do mind the quality of the pictures- all I have is my iPhone camera and the lighting in my room sucks)

First product is MUA's Undress Me Too Eyeshadow palette. 

At the time of this purchase I hadn't started blogging but I had read so many reviews for this product and I have to say they didn't let me down! It's meant to be a dupe for Urban Decay's naked too palette. I don't wear eyeshadows often- just when I feel like making an extra effort like for dinner or something so didn't feel like paying the amount for Urban Decay's as it would be a waste of my money. MUA didn't let me down- it's a great dupe! The colours are vibrant, it's great for creating smoky eyes and last for ages! Even better if you use it with the MUA eye primer (I'm an MUA fan- can you tell? Lol)

The palette is at a bargain of £4! And if you have an NUS card like I do you can even get student discount on it bringing it to just over £3.50!  You can't go wrong. One of my favourite beauty purchases ever! As you can see- well used lol.

Second product is Maybelline's colossal volume express mascara- the cat eyes one. 

I did try others in this range but the cat eyes one did it for me. I already have pretty long curly eyelashes so this mascara just accentuates them making them even longer and fuller without clumps. I've been so happy with this mascara that I'm very hesitant to try any new ones (even though the blogger within me tells me to try new ones). I have tried and they've all failed in comparison to this one.

Third product is Collection 2000 extreme felt tip liner.

 I got this for free after spending a certain amount on collection 2000. It was new at the time so I think they were trying to promote it. I'm a sucker for offers and I love eyeliner so obviously I spent enough to get it. At first I wasn't convinced. I think it was due to me switching from eye pencil to something different but after a few times I began to love it. It's bold and you can create thin and think lines with it and great for the 'eye flick' we all know and probably love. It has lasted me quite a while and doesn't dry out. There have been a couple of times when I haven't put the lid on properly by mistake and I thought that was it but weirdly no, it hasn't dried out!

That's it's for now. What are your favourite products? Do any of them include these? Do comment and let me know!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'

x 

October beauty wishlist

Hey guys

So I'm on a spending ban again so thought I'd write a list of what I would have bought if I wasn't on one.

Maybe it'll help me from getting sidetracked when my ban is lifted and stop spending unnecessarily.

Lips

MAC lipsticks: Girl About Town, Up the Amp and Ruby Woo

I love these shades and have wanted them for ages but for some reason I've never gotten round to buying them 

I currently own 2 MAC lipsticks (Lady Danger and Quite the Thing) which I got from the cosmetics store so they were cheaper so maybe that's why I haven't bought these 3 shades. But I think I'm just going to close my eyes and buy them. (Not at the same time I hope...)

Maybelline Color Elixirs 

I saw them on the American Maybelline website and I don't think they're out here in England yet but they look amazing. It's a combination of a lipstick and a lipgloss which I think is perfect for those days when lipsticks may seem too much but still need some colour on the lips. I love Maybelline so I'm sure the pigmentation will be great. I'll be keeping an eye out for when and where I can get that from.

Eyes

L'oreal blackbuster super liner in black. 

I love a good eyeliner and after seeing adverts for this I knew I had to have it. Eyeliner is a staple part of my face when I want to make even just a little bit of an effort (my usual face is foundation and concealer) and this eyeliner looks perfect to create dramatic eyes which I do sometimes like to do. Make my eyes POP! Lol 

Fragrance

Escada cherry in the air 

This perfume smells amazing. Perfect if you like perfumes with a fruity smell. It does cost quite a bit which is why I haven't bought it yet as I haven't thought it a priority but I'm definitely thinking of treating myself with it soon or a family member/friend would be nice enough to buy it for me... I'll start dropping hints.

Clothing

Parka

These were pretty big last year but I couldn't find one I liked or in my size so I'm still on the hunt for one. Perfect for these cold days that seem to be descending upon us.

Fluffy jumpers

I have a few but you can never have more that enough I believe...

Well I think that's all that's on my list for now.

What's on your wishlist? Any of these items or do you already have these items?

Do let me know

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'

 x  

Books

Hey guys

I decided to write a post on a different topic this time. It was either going to be about books or tv.

I chose books (hence the title) but I'm sure there will be a tv related post soon as tv does take up a lot of my time (I'm working on reducing it) so watch out for that one.

Winter is a perfect time to get warm and cosy and find a great book to read so I thought it appropriate. 

I love to read but sadly, during term time I don't get that much time to read. I struggle to read what I'm supposed to let alone read for fun but I'm trying to organise my time better so that I have more time to read for leisure.

My main favourite genres are chick-lit (#sorrynotsorry) and thriller.

With the days getting darker earlier maybe it's not so best to read thrillers at the moment lol.

I could list my favourite authors but we would be here for days so I'll try to pick a few from each genre and then some miscellaneous ones.

Chick-lit:

- Sophie Kinsella

- Lindsey Kelk 

- Carmen Reid

- Meg Cabot

Thriller:

- James Patterson

- Karen Rose

Miscellaneous:

- Malorie Blackman

- Dorothy Koomson 

If you haven't heard of any of these I urge you to go check them out if you're a fan of these genres. You won't be disappointed.

I will be posting book reviews of my all time favourites but I'd love to hear some of your favourite books and authors. I'm always looking for new books to read.

Feel free to comment! And don't forget to follow me on bloglovin' and twitter!

Thanks for reading

x x

Macarons Galore!!!

Hey guys

It's time for another food related post, this time not made by me.

I was fortunate enough to receive some macarons free of charge from a company called Macarons Galore who deliver macarons straight to your doorstep. You don't even need to leave the house for them which is always a bonus for me.

I'm a massive fan of macarons and these did not disappoint. Mine unfortunately did come slightly smashed as you can see from the picture but I blame my housemates for not handling my delivery with care. Luckily it didn't take away from the taste. Each macaron had its unique flavour and after eating the four provided I definitely wanted more. Worth postponing my diet for. Lol

I highly recommend and I'm sure I'll be ordering from them soon.

Thanks for reading and check them out on Facebook and Twitter (username: macaronsgalore)

x

Clinique disappointment

Hey guys!

Long time no blog! Super busy week at uni. I defo need a holiday again

Thought I'd write a post about my latest dissappointment.

Those that have read previous posts would know I battle with super oily skin so I'm always on the hunt for products to help me remain shine free for as long as possible.

I've heard many people rave about Clinique so I thought I'd visit their counter at debenhams and ask for their help.

The lovely lady helped me and recommended me the Pore Refining Solutions- Stay-matte hydrator hydratant matifiant. It's supposed to absorb any oil produced during the day and last up to 8 hours.

This cost me £32!!!

I was hesitant and had to leave and think about it. I read reviews and all I saw were positive and great reviews so I was sold. I closed my eyes and bought it as I thought it would be an investment.

It comes out like a cream. A bit like a primer. Can be worn alone as it has no colour or can be work under make up.

This item seemed to make my face seem even more oilier and shinier than ever!!!

Just after 1 or 2 hours and I would be blotting for ages!!! 

I was so annoyed. 

Has anybody used this item and found the same thing? Or used it and loved it? Maybe I'm using it wrong? Who knows. But all I know is that I'm not rushing to the Clinique counter any time soon.

This has got to be my worst beauty buy that I can remember to date.

Just had to air my frustrations!

Thanks for reading and have a nice day!

Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions and please follow me on Bloglovin' and Twitter!

x x

Barry M matte nail polish

Hey guys! 

As you can see from the title this post is about Barry M's new range of nail polishes.

I've been wanting a matte nail polish for ages but I didn't want to pay loads for it so as soon as I heard Barry M were releasing a matte range of nail polishes I just had to get them! I'm a massive fan of Barry M so on the 25th of September (the release date at Superdrug) after my lectures I rushed to go and get them (using my beloved NUS card) before they sold out.   

I restricted myself and bought 2.

I got crush and espresso.

Espresso is a black colour and crush is more of a burgundy colour. 

I was impressed. I loved that it truly was matte and yet the colour that Barry M is known for was still evident.

My only complaint is that it seems to chip easily. I hate to say it because it pains me to have to say something negative about Barry M but after the first day there was significant chipping. I don't know if that's due to not using a top coat to keep the nail polish looking matte.

Has anybody else tried it out and found the same thing or is it something I'm doing wrong? Or have you tried it and loved it and have no complaints?

Please do let me know 

Comment below and follow me on bloglovin', twitter and google+

Thanks for reading!

 x x

Boots haul

Hey guys

After what seemed like a lifetime spending ban I finally went shopping!!! I went a bit crazy so I'll spread my purchases over a few blogs.

This first one is on what I recently bought from Boots.

My first item is a face mask from 'Good things'. I was actually looking for another mask but this one caught my eye because of the shine control and blemish control it claimed to have. These are 2 of my main issues as I have super oily skin. I've only used the mask a few times so far and at the moment I'm liking it. It has quite a bit of menthol so when it's first out on it can be quite uncomfortable but when it's washed off it leaves my skin feeling smooth, soft and grease free. I'll see how it goes. I've got quite a high bar set, thanks to soap any glory's facial peel.

Boots had buy one get one half price so I thought I'd find 2 items I really liked. I bought four... *facepalm*.

I decided my lips were in need of a treat so I bought 2 lipglosses and 2 lip butters.

I had forgotten how much I loved lipglosses. I used to associate them with when I was younger and now that I'm older (uni student) I should be wearing lipsticks. But if I'm totally honest, I'm not the biggest lipstick fan. Don't get me wrong, I think lipsticks are great but I feel that I tend to find lipglosses that suit me more easily than I do lipsticks. (Maybe it's  just all in my head). They also keep the lips well moisturised and barely need topping up.

Well I got a L'oreal shine lipgloss and a revlon lipgloss.

The L'oreal lipgloss is in a purple shade and the Revlon is a dark red shade. I love these shades as I feel they're quite appropriate for the autumn season were in. Not too bright but still enough colour especially with the darker clothes worn in this season.

I also got 2 of the Revlon lip butters. I bought a red colour and a pink colour. I can definitely see myself going to get a few more. They keep the lips well hydrated (important as it starts to get colder) whilst giving the lips great colour. I was impressed at how long the colour remained. I'm more inclined to use these on nights out or dinners rather than everyday use as the shades I bought are quite bright (for me personally) to use everyday. Maybe if I get some darker shades they'll be used for everyday use.

All in all a pleasant (not to my bank account) trip to boots.

Unlike my trip to Clinique but that's another topic for another post.

Apologies for the picture quality. I don't have the best camera and it doesn't bring out how great the shades are but I hope you've enjoyed this post.

Thanks for reading and leave your comments below- I love to read and reply them and follow me on bloglovin', twitter and add me on google+!

Have a great day!

x x

Back to uni!

Hey guys

I start back at uni tomorrow and thought it would be good to write a different type of post.

It's a really important year for me and I really want to get good marks so I need to make some realistic aims.

When I begin a new academic year I always make these promises to myself about how I'll revise a lot more, spend less, eat healthily you know the usual lol 

So I thought if I put my goals in writing it might be easier to achieve and I'll be more likely to stick to them so what better place to put it than on my blog!

1. Get organised and keep organised

     - I always start off organised but give

       it a few weeks and my folders are a

       mess and my room begins to get

       cluttered

       This year I'm gonna try and file my

       notes as soon as soon as I have

       them instead of waiting for them to 

       pile up

2. Write up notes ASAP

     - As soon as I finish a set of notes in

       lectures I want to have written them

       up in my own writing (within a week)

       and filed away so it's easier to make

       my flashcards and mind maps when

       it comes to revision.

3. Start coursework ASAP

    - No more leaving things last minute

       I want to start my assignments

       within 3-5 days of the day it has

       been set

4. Exercise regularly and continue

    barely ordering take out

    - Healthy body healthy mind! :)

      Exercise is a great way to relieve

      stress and uni can get very stressful.

      I recently lost a stone but I slacked 

      over the holidays so I want to lose

      a stone or 2 and then tone up.

      I want to be going to the gym 2-3

      times a week even more if I can in

      less busy weeks. 

      I've been managing to order take out

      less which is great because not only

      does it save me money, it

      encourages me to cook so I can

      make relatively healthy meals.

5. Procrastinate less!!!

    - I'm a massive procrastinator. It

      should be my middle name. At uni I 

      use tv shows to procrastinate. For

      some reason all my shows come

      back when uni resumes- it's almost

      like they want me not to work. 

      I'm going to try (emphasis on the try

      and only watch when I'm eating and

      maybe an hour or so before bedtime. 

      Make sure my work is done first

      before I watch.

6. Keep blogging!!!

    -With increasing workload it's difficult.

      to keep up with leisure but I really.  

      don't want my blogging to suffer. I'm

      a relatively new blogger and I really.

      enjoy it and I don't want going back

      to uni to mean less posts so I'm

      going to try to post a minimum of 3

      posts a week. Some months maybe

      crazy busy but I'll try my best!!!

Hope you've enjoyed my post. It's different type but I wanted to get myself in the best mind frame so I can start this year as I mean to go.

Then I can look back next year when I'm in my final year and can see what I achieved, what went well, what didn't go well and anything else I need to do.

Anybody out there starting uni or sixth form and has set themselves goals? I'd love to read them!

Thanks for reading! :)

x