Beauty| LUSH Cosmetics Blooming Beautiful Gift Set

I was recently gifted this Lush set for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love Lush Cosmetics but often hesitate to buy the items myself due to the steep pricing and overwhelming amount of choice. Nevertheless, I love receiving their products as presents as I feel it can be personal and thoughtful as well as being the perfect solution to a very much in need pick-me-up. Blooming Beautiful (£7.95) is described by Lush themselves as a 'petite pink gift perfect for anyone you think is bloomin' beautiful'. The products exterior for starters has a gorgeous, floral meets pop-art style patterned wrapping paper tied delicately with a bright pink bow making it almost too pretty to open. In this case I did judge a book by its cover or at least a gift by its wrapping paper. The floral packaging along with the ever so slightly 'punny' name with the adjective 'Blooming' creates strong connotations of Spring making this a great gift set to snatch up for you or a friend in these coming months. 

Inside were two pretty, pastel coloured bath bombs following a floral theme by both appearance and fragrance making the contents match the exterior perfectly. I had never tried these bath bombs before which is always an extra bonus and I found myself waiting for the perfect time to finally have a nice relaxing bath and drop these in the hot water. I find bath bombs to be the perfect accessory for an ideal pamper evening after a long week or the go-to product when in need of a de-stress in the bath tub. 

Pop In The Bath (left) is known as a bubble bar and works best by crumbling under a running tap resulting in the best bubbles and a lovely fruity, floral fragrance that feels the whole room. This bar can easily be cut in half and thus stretching to a two bath usage making the individual price of £2.95 more justified. Citrus fruit oils are used in the process of making this bubble bar therefore emitting a refreshing and rejuvenating scent. The oils also work wonders for your skin too and so leaving your whole body feeling soft and smelling gorgeous once used. They also recommend using this product for your hair, a quality I didn't feel inspired to test but Lush promise an ultra-shine effect for the hair once exposed to the products oils. The colour of the water was only a tinted blue shade, not the most exciting in comparison to some others but nevertheless the body benefits of this product make it right up there on my 'would repurchase' list. 

Think Pink (£2.50) is a bath bomb that has quickly made itself one of my most favourites along its Lush companions. A bright pink ball with a strong smell of Sweet Vanilla and Tonka Bean, it's no surprise that I found this to be a sweet, sensual and a lovely addition to my bath time. Decorated with small iced, candy flowers, this also instantly created strong connotations of Spring which was only emphasised more so by the scent. The only downside to this bomb was the subtle hint of Lavender, a smell I'm not so keen on but can tolerate when mixed with my more favoured scents eg. Vanilla with a Citrus top note. One of my favourite things about this bath bomb is the strong pink colour created once released into the water, a benefit that I always love in these type of products. This also went the extra mile by containing tiny, confetti hearts that float around the bath making it ultra pretty and girly. Don't worry these do eventually melt away and so limiting the amount of mess to clean up afterwards.  

 All in all this is a lovely gift set which only makes me want to go out and buy some more bombs to sample. The only downside to this product being is in theory you really are paying for the packaging. With the individual prices of the two bombs costing at an overall price of £5.45 you're in fact paying an extra £2.50 purely for the exterior, luckily it's pretty but in future I will definitley be purchasing these products separately. Especially if it's a gift from me, to me.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite Lush product?

Beauty| Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Créme

For the past few months I have been looking for a decent moisturiser that actually makes a difference to my skin. After trialling and testing a number of drugstore products ranging from Sanctuary to Olay and none being exactly life changing I decided to splash a little more (or a lot more) cash on a high end moisturiser that may well be the miracle product I've been searching for.

The Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Créme is a light gel-based moisturiser that radiates the skin and both feels and appears hydrating. I stumbled upon this when getting colour-matched for a foundation at a Chanel counter where the lady used this as a base. The instant cooling effect was enough to win me over, creating a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation that made my skin feel instantly restored and almost too soft to touch. 

This miracle product is made up of a number of key ingredients that ensures that this moisturiser delivers a sense of freshness when still intensely hydrating the skin. The first being, of course, Chanel's trademark Camellia flower that enables hydration with it's incredible moisture-retaining powers that restores any dry or lifeless skin to a healthy glow. This product also used the power of Blue Ginger which aids to protect the skins appearance with its antioxidant power that helps to control and prevent oxidation of the skin. 

A moisturiser that is best suited for Oily/Combination skin the light but rich, hydrating gel really soaks in whilst  delivering the epitome of freshness with an amazing, uplifting smell of an abundance of fruit and flowers that make even the dullest of skins or even moods feel rejuvenated. If you don't like fragrant products this product probably won't be for you. Perfect for all year round this product seems more of an investment then an item of skin care. Once applied my skin feels smooth and soft even after a foundation application - a quality that is often a rarity with cheaper moisturisers. A little bit goes a long way making the painstaking price of £50 slightly more justified. 

The only negative of this product being that it doesn't bode well with most primers and instead works better with serums, a minor set back for some but when I have a couple of primers on standby that I'm desperate to use but can't to avoid an overly moistened base, this can be quite annoying. Although I am impressed with this product I am not sure I would repurchase it again as for the high end price I wasn't blown away with its performance and feel that there may be just as good out there for a more affordable price tag. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite moisturiser?

Lifestyle| The TMI Tag

I was tagged by Petrina from Grey Walls to do the TMI Tag, something that's been swimming around the blogging industry for a while now and I guess I'm late on the bandwagon. For those of you who don't know TMI stands for 'too much information' meaning this tag enables you to get to know me, the girl behind Nails And Teapots and find out things about me you might find interesting or mind numblingly boring (hopefully the former) So lets go!

1. What are you wearing? 

A grey baggy top with high waisted leggings. I'm currently in the middle of a 'chill day'. Yes a whole day.

2. Ever been in love?

Yes.

3. Ever had a terrible break up?

Nope! I've only been in one serious relationship which is the one I'm currently in. 

4. How tall are you? 

5ft 3 - I'm a midget I know!

5. How much do you weigh?

Rather not say!

6. Any tattoos?

Nope. I'm too indecisive! I used to want to be a tattoo artists though. Strange I know!

7. Any piercings?

Have my 1st, 2nd's and 3rd's pierced in my ear lobes (but very rarely wear earrings) my tragus and my belly button. 

8. OTP?

I guess Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl. Who doesn't love them?

9. Favourite Show?

It's between Pretty Little Liars, Family Guy and Hustle. A real mixture!

10. Favourite Bands? 

Bowling For Soup (my boys!) My Chemical Romance and The Killers.

11. Something you miss?

University :(

12. Favourite song?

Ooo so many can I pick 2? The Way It Was - The Killers and Come On Eileen - Dexy Midnight Runners for old times sake. Cheesy I know! 

13. How old are you?

19

14. Zodiac sign?

Aquarius 

15. Quality you look for in a partner?

Sense of humour mainly. I like anyone who can make me laugh!

16. Favourite Quote?

The one that always sticks in my mind is 'Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind'  - Dr Seuss 

17. Favourite actor?

Can I say actress? If so then Jennifer Anniston - she's so hot! 

18. Favourite Colour?

Red 

19. Loud music or soft?

I like any kind of tempo/genre but with volume I have to play it loud. I get irritated by things I can only hear faintly. 

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

The shower! Random I know.

21. How long does it take you to shower?

Washing hair -15 minutes

Not washing hair - about 5 minutes.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Admittedly about an hour. I spend too much time faffing around. 

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

No partly because I hate fighting and partly because I'm so small I know I'd be destroyed. 

24. Turn on? 

Sense of humour and a great smile.

25. Turn off?

Arrogance and rudeness.

26. The reason I started blogging?

I eat, sleep, great make up (metaphorically) and this is the best way I can get it all out in the open!

27. Fears?

Spiders/ Clowns/ Being Lost.

28. Last thing that made you cry?

Probably frustration.

29. Last time you said you loved someone?

This morning.

30. Meaning behind your blog name?
It was one of those email addresses you make when you're like 12 but I guess it's relevant because I address 'nails' on my blog when discussing nail varnish and I LOVE afternoon tea which explains the 'teapots'?

31. Last book you read?

Playing Away

32. The book you're currently reading?
One Last Thing Before I Go - Jonathan Tropper

33. Last show you watched?
Snog, Marry or Avoid

34. Last person you talked to?
My Mum

35. The relationship between you and the person you last texted? 
Boyfriend

36. Favourite food?
Anything italian! 

37. Place you want to visit?
America or New Zealand

38. Last place you were?
Bed?

39. Do you have a crush?
Hmm I guess celebrity ones?

40. Last time you kissed someone?
This morning

41. Last time you were insulted?
In the last week or so

42. Favourite flavour of sweets?
Probably strawberry

43. What instruments do you play?
Nothing now but used to play the Violin and little bit of Guitar

44. Favourite piece of jewellery?
My Thomas Sabo necklace that my bought me for my 18th. It has an angel wing and a pearl on it because my parents used to call me 'Angel Treasure' when I was younger.

45. Last sport you played?
Oh god ahahaha! I'm going to say possibly football?

46. Last song you sang?
I think maybe Bonfire Heart - James Blunt. It's catchy!

47. Favourite chat up line?
Would you like to whomp my willow?... Hahahaha

48. Have you ever used it?
No!

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?
Yesterday. Went to my friends house and then saw my boyfriend in the evening.

50. Who should answer these questions next?
Too many people to choose form so anyone and everyone! Let me know if you've done it!

Beauty| Tanya Burr's Lipgloss in Heart Skipped A Beat

I don't think I need to begin to explain to any of you who Tanya Burr is. I think we all know by now she is one of the most successful Beauty Guru's out there. Officially trained as a professional make up artists she generously shares her pro tips and tricks with us online via her blog and YouTube channel. That's why when I heard she was releasing her own line of make up mainly focusing on Lipgloss and Nail Varnish, I knew I needed to get my hands on them. Being a Beauty Blogger herself she knows exactly what we look for in our products when it comes to quality so my expectations were met and exceeded when I tried and tested her products and realised how impressively they performed.  Tanya was involved with every step in the process of creating these products which is an obvious feature when it comes to the products names. In a interview on her launch night she explained that all her products were named after things she loved. For example Mini Marshmallows - a name of one of her nail varnish's. This being said I think we can all agree that every single one of her products screams personality. 

I'm sure many of you will agree that Tanya Burr has the perfect pout so thats why I opted to try out one her lip glosses first. I feel I need to mention that there are 12 easily wearable colours to choose from and I honestly think I would love every single one, a trait that doesn't happen often with myself. I chose mine in the colour Heart Skipped A Beat (£6.99), pictured online as a sparkly pinky-red that is actually a lot more of a dark pink in person which I actually preferred. The finish promises ultra-shine with an almost wet-look, applies beautifully to the lips and gives off a colour that's your lips but better. The colour is not overly pigmented which I personally love, I was worried with it being such a deep hue it would be hard to wear but with a sheer finish it's appropriate for everyday meaning I can get a lot of use out of it. 

 It has a moisturising formula that aids and hydrates the lips meaning you don't only look good whilst wearing this but feel good too - what else could you want? I was also pleased to see that it had a doe foot applicator, a quality that I guess I expected with a Tanya Burr lipgloss with this being a peculiarity most Beauty Bloggers praise. 

The only negative to this product being that the gloss isn't as long lasting as one would hope and does require multiple applications throughout the day to maintain the shine. Yet a hidden bonus to this product is that it does also act as stain meaning once the gloss wears off there is still a trace of that deep pink colour on my lips for a few hours after. 

All in all, a beautiful product and I'm already lusting over more from the collection (ahem Afternoon Tea and Champagne Toast) and with the collection coming straight off the web from online shops such as FeelUnique and into Superdrug stores soon, I think this will be a dream that's going to be made a reality!

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Have you tried any of the Tanya Burr products?

Beauty| Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Lip Pencils and Chubby Sticks seem to be the most up and coming thing in the beauty blogging world with Cosmetic companies such as Revlon, Clinique and Bourjois already producing great quality matte and lacquer pencil's with a shade for everyone. That's why when I heard the hype surrounding the Nars edition of these, the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (£17.50), I knew one had to be mine. 

I chose mine in the colour Damned, a Rich Magenta shade that's gorgeous and sophisticated but still a far cry from Goth, perfect for vamping up an evening look or going bold during the daytime. When it comes to lip products with a mattifying effect I tend to go for the deeper colours as I feel the velvet quality only enhances the colour making it appear more sultry. The pigmentation, like most Nars products, is incredible giving your lips a bold coat with a velvety, matte finish. 

The great thing about these product is they mimic the application and finish of a lipstick yet appear more convenient being a jumpo-type pencil with a pointed crayon-like peak that's perfect for precision and quality. The formula is fairly long-lasting, a trait that is enhanced by a combination of silicones that promise perfect, bold coloration. The product is slightly drying but feels satin smooth when applied. It doesn't particularly cling to the dry parts of your lips as much as some high street pencils but doesn't completely eliminate them either, a small price to pay when comparing to the positives of this product. The product isn't moisturising but still has a creamy texture which ensures a seamless application, a must for me when it comes to lip products. 

Another great thing about these style of products is that they prove to be incredibly versatile with qualities that enable it to be used as a liner, lipstick or enhanced with a fellow lip product. There's nothing better when you're paying for high end item then when it can perform in a variety of different ways. One of my favourite (if yet shallow) things about this product is the simplistic packaging, a trait that many will come to know with Nars. I love the slight matte, black effect that mimics the finish of the product inside and coloured base that gives the impression of the shade, a touch that I found to appear pleasing. 

Swatches of the product and how it appears smudged

All in all, a great product that has definitely got me wanting more from the collection and with a vast selection of colours to choose ranging from Pinks and Nudes to deep dark Red's, I'm sure it won't be long until there's more in my Cosmetics stash. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite Lip Pencil? 

Beauty| YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Lipstick

 

I probably buy lipstick more then any other product out there. There's something about the variation of colour, formulas and finish that gets my heart racing. Admittedly the majority of my lip products were actually bargains snapped up on the hight street but a lipstick fanatic surely must have to own something high end? Especially if it is a YSL product. I am completely in love with YSL beauty as there truly has not been one product that I have bought from them that didn't have excellent performance and wasn't worth the heavy price tag.  There's always a promise of great quality and not to mention the gorgeous packaging, a trait that many beauty buyers, myself included, are usually drawn to. 

This product definitely ticks all the boxes that most search for in a lip product. The YSL Volputé Sheer Candy Lipstick has gorgeous coloration wrapped up in beautiful packaging, a product I feel proud to have in my collection. It was definitely the silver tube with the pink/gold band around the middle that initially drew me towards this product. I actually like the fact that its more weighty then most lipsticks as it creates connotations of luxury, something I want when it's costing me a bomb. I chose mine in the shade 3 Juicy Grapefruit a really sheer, pale pink with a slight shimmer and extra shine, a diverse colour that's perfect for both day and night. I love it because the light, pretty shade is perfect for any look be it bold smoky eyes or something a little more natural. The product itself is unique and I find the best way to describe the formula is a lipstick but with the benefits of a lip balm with its super rich, hydrating formula, a touch of colour and fruity extracts that works wonders on your lips. The hydration and moisture on lips really lasts a length of time even if the colour doesn't.  The thing that really topped it for me with this product was the gorgeous, fruity smell that makes both me and my lips feel refreshed and rejuvenated once applied. A definite added bonus that sets it aside from most other lip products. Priced at £25 it's expensive but that comes at no surprise with it being a product from YSL but as I mentioned before, you are paying for quality.

All in all this is a lovely product which sparks my interest at trying some more in the same range. Maybe a richer colour to create some show stopper lips for an evening look. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite YSL product?

Beauty| Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer

Being someone that suffers with what seems like permanent dark, under eye circles, Concealer is a must in my make up routine and there is nothing more inconvenient then having a concealer that's perfect for blemishes but not for the under eye department or vice versa.  I have been an avid lover of the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer for years now but decided I needed a change. This is where the Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer comes in!

This is a perfect little compact concealer that comes with three steps to achieve that perfect, clear skin finish. I found it exciting applying this the first time round as it just worked so beautifully and eliminated all the bad areas, brightening up my face like no other concealer has ever done before. S&G themselves subtitle this product as a 'Three- Piece Flaw Camouflage Kit' a statement I definitely agree with. This product ultimately is great at covering over blemishes without appearing thick of heavy on the skin ergo creating a pretty, flawless look helping anyone to feel confident. 

It contains three different pans of product all with slightly different formulas, consistency's and hues to counteract all the flaws on anyones face giving the effect of porcelain skin. Step 1 is a Brightening Under Eye Concealer with a pinky undertone, perfect for eliminating blue circles and making even the tiredest of eyes appear awake. This paired with the Puffease technology ensures you that your eyes will appear new and improved after an application - a quality I can definitely appreciate! Step 2 is there for your blemishes, a nude with a yellowy-undertone Concealer with a ultra creamy consistency that applies to the skin beautifully and acts as a Make-Up miracle. 

And finally Step 3, the lightweight Powder, transparent in colour that literally feels weightless during and after application. This sets the creams ensuring that they are there to stay, protecting the Concealers from creasing and wearing away. I feel once applied, this product makes the overall look appear more natural and gives the effect of flawless skin that everyone craves. It uses Instafix Polymer Technology, a quality that enhances the products performance and adds a range of benefits, two for example being slight water-resistance and long-wearing on the skin. 

The packaging for me has to be one of my favourite things about the product. Not necessarily the way it looks as I'm not one for 'Cartoony' effects and 'Comic Book strip' writing but the general design of the item. It's small and compacted, a perfect item for travel with two levels that are easily interchangeable allowing you to take not only two but three different products around with you in the convenient little shell. This along with a mini mirror and a light sponge-applicator for the powder, a addition I never choose to use but for some of you this could be a great bonus, makes it a very nifty piece of work!

Bottom - Step 1 Under Eye Concealer   Top - Step 2 Blemish Concealer

As you can see from the swatches the products are thick and pigmented but sink into the skin beautifully allowing the skin to appear naturally flawless. Yet, once again, with a large amount of positives there aways has to be one negative which in this case is the lack of colour selection in the products, a common problem with high street make up. This product only comes in Light (pictured) and Medium meaning it's only suited for a narrow audience and so misses out a mass of prospective buyers who too could love this product. Something S&G definitely needs to improve on. 

Priced at £10 and bought from your local Boots, this a product everyone needs to get their hands on to try out the benefits for themselves.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite Concealer?

Beauty| FOTD ft. Tanya Burr's Lipgloss in Heart Skipped A Beat

Hi everyone!

I've had a very busy day today and didn't have time to write what I originally planned so I thought instead I'd capture a few snaps on what my face looked like today. I decided to take Tanya Burr's Lipgloss in Heart Skipped A Beat for a spin and I absolutely loved the quality and literally could not get enough of it. There will definitely be a review on this product coming to this blog really soon. I also spent a ridiculous amount of money on some high end Cosmetics today (and also got served by Lucy from LucyandLydia - check there channel out) so expect a haul coming soon! 

Here's a quick run down on what I'm wearing: Benefit Porefessional Primer (review here), Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation (review here), Revlon Highlighting Palette in Rose Glow, Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle, Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light (review here),  Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer, Mac Woodwinked Eyeshadow, NYX Gel Eyeliner (comparison review here), Anastasia Brow Pomade (review here), Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara (review here), Tanya Burr's Lipgloss in Heart Skipped A Beat.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Have you tried the new Tanya Burr products?

Beauty| Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara

 Estée Lauder, for me, is the go-to brand when on the hunt for good quality products in excellent packaging. I've been an avid lover of their Double Wear Foundation (review here) for years and have recently nominated their Sumptuous Extreme Mascara (review here) as one of my all time favourites. This is why it hits even harder to home when you find a product that is less then satisfactory in terms of quality and being cost effective. After being very impressed with their Sumptuous Extreme Mascara I decided to branch out ever so slightly and purchase the Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara to see how this performed. I've never really given many Waterproof mascara's a go because the forever-staying quality never acted as much of an attraction but I was eager to know what I might be missing which in this case, wasn't much!

This mascara promises to be 'bold and uplifting' a quality I definitely agree with. This really did give me lengthened, thicker lashes and performed in that area almost perfectly much like the original Sumptuous Extreme. Alas, there was already a negative surfacing at this point and this is the incredible amount of clumping that comes with the application. The formula is most definitely not build-able and often found myself having to give up and go out into the world with spiders legs for lashes - not my ideal look. It was hard to manipulate once the lashes had been coated which often led to even more clumps or one big monstrous eyelash which I don't think anyone really aims for. 

Estée Lauder also state that the lashes will be 'virtually indestructible' which is another trait thats very accurate. Once applied there isn't much they will make this budge for a standard length of time. Come wind, rain or shine your lashes will be coated base to tip in this product. The same goes when trying to remove this product. No wet wipe, cleansing cream or balm will effectively get this off. I've put my most highly commended cleansers to the test and none of them have managed to rid me off the panda eyes look the following morning. This might be a quality some of you may look for but I personally like to remove my make up quickly and effectively, an impossibility with this. The main negative of this mascara was the fall out which became an ever-growing problem once the formula had gotten wet. If you were to be caught in the rain wearing this expect hard, clumps of mascara in your eye, a massive issue for something that needs to be effectively waterproof. It became a vicious cycle after a while. My lashes got wet, clumps fell into my eye, made my eyes water, more clumps fell - not great! I just thank the heavens it was fragrance free. 

One definite positive that comes at no surprise with Estée Lauder products is the packaging. A gorgeous metallic blue colour with the signature gold in a band along the top of the base. The only negative to this being that it's reflective and so taking pictures of it proved to be a challenge but that really is a minor set back. It feels classy and expensive in a decent sized tube that allows for plenty of product effectively making it last a long time.  I can't majorly fault the brush either. For something so thin it really was great at thickening my lashes and adding heaps of length and was good enough at getting the hard-to-reach lashes along the edges. I just think it could improve on its separation technique!

Priced at £20.50 it's expensive and almost not really worth the steep price tag. I feel there are many high street mascara's out there that are just as good if not better! All in all not an overly positive review on a product from one of my favourite brands. I am in no means trying to convince you out of buying this product as it does the job it's intended to do excellently and it seems for every negative review regarding this mascara there are a few positives but I personally will not be repurchasing this once the tube has eventually ran out. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What products have not exceeded your expectations?

Fragrance| Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose

Seeing as we are now fast approaching Spring/Summer (although the English weather may say otherwise) I thought this would be the perfect time to review one of my all time favourite fragrances the Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose. This is the perfect fragrance to wear on a Summer's evening or to add that little bit of flirty something in the Spring. Being a light and girly fragrance with a hint of musk, it really is no surprise that Lancôme themselves describe it as being the ideal scent for 'capturing hearts' a very fitting quality with Valentine's Day on the horizon. Overall, the scent can be best described as fruity, floral and completely addictive which explains why I love it so much. 

The fragrances top notes that create the most obvious scent when first applied and are usually what give the initial impression are Jasmine, Peony, Blackcurrant and Pink Pepper. The abundance of ingredients pretty much explains why I was hooked at the first spritz with the exotic flowers and juicy berries.

 Along with this are the heart notes the base of the scent which often acts as the main tone of the perfume are made up of a lovely combination of Rose and Raspberry. I was pleased to find out that Rose was a key smell in the perfume as this along with the Blackcurrant element of the fragrance cleverly mimic the colour and design of the bottle - a really nice touch. 

Then finally the all important base notes, the rich, deep smells of the perfume which in this case contain Vanilla and Musk which explains why this is of course, a sexy, womanly fragrance. 

All of these fragrant flavours are wrapped up in a pink/purple ombre themed bottle that I personally think to be beautiful. I love the added rose decoration which in fact was used in bracelet form when sampling the fragrance in shops as opposed to a Perfume Tester Strip. Considering the rose was made out of a thicker material meant that the smell was soaked in and lingered for longer meaning the sampler was able to enjoy all the different notes of the perfume before making the purchase - a perfect idea. The bottle feels classy and expensive with a slight vintage touch with the shape of the base and lid making a lovely addition to an ever-growing collection. 

Priced at £39 for 30ml makes it not too outrageous and I would like to say worth it for this unique and original scent.  There really is only one downside to this product, this being that the fragrance is quite light meaning it requires multiple applications throughout the day to make it last therefore the bottle does ran out quicker then most. Yet, with that single negative aside, I will definitely be quick to purchase this bottle once this has ran its course and most likely the bigger size!

Let me know what you think in the comments!

What's your favourite S/S fragrance?

Beauty| Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour

If any of you have read my previous post on my favourite Mac Blusher (here) you would know that I am a Blush fanatic so it's no surprise that this little beauty has become, to me, one of my all time favourite cosmetic products. The Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour has everything a blush needs to make it perfect for whom ever chooses to wear it. Clarins themselves describe it as the The Perfect Blush and I definitely don't disagree. It's a powdered blush, with a silky, lightweight formula that applies to the skin beautifully to give that added bit of extra colour. 

I have mine in the colour Rose Wood 05 a subtle pinky-red which I find to be the exact, perfect colour for mine and many others skin tone. When doing other's make up this usually happens to be the blush they pick which comes at no surprise with its amazing quality and excellent performance. It's not too pigmented which is perfect as it's easy to apply, build and blend to get the exact finish one desires. 

The mosaic pattern of the product adds a variety of different tones along with smaller blocks of shimmer that are perfect for adding that bit of highlight. This is great at enhancing the apples of your cheeks, really brightening the face and creating a healthy looking glow, perfect for those who need to fix a dull complexion! The product comes with a good sizeable amount of product making it worth the high end price tag. I've had mine for coming up to two years and as you can see I have only just about dented the 'oh so perfect' surface. 

It's no surprise that Clarins didn't disappoint with the beautiful packaging considering they're a brand who never fail to make their products look classy and luxurious. The reflective, gold exterior is what had drawn me to this product in the first place and when I saw it was repeated on this inside I knew it had to be mine. I like the added touch of the Clarins logo imprinted onto the blushers which, unlike some powdered products from other brands, hasn't disappeared easily with use, something that is always a nice touch. The gold-coloured compact also came with a brush to match which I never intended to use but may be an added bonus for some of you. 

The best thing about this Blush is the variety of colours in its sister products that will sure be mine in the near future. There is literally a colour for everyone in the collection with a colour scale ranging from soft, baby pinks to spicy red-browns. Priced at £26 they're expensive but most definitely worth it, with it's long-lasting quality and beautiful finish. It's definitely a product that every Beauty blogger can't go without!

Let me know what you think in the comments. 

What's your favourite Clarins product?

Beauty| Mac Powder Blusher

A good blusher is one of those products that I don't feel complete without applying it. I definitely think blushers are my most commonly purchased item as I can never resist the deep reds or pretty pinks. In this case, the Mac Powder Blusher in the shade Desert Rose was given to me for my birthday exactly a year ago yesterday! As you can see by the photos, I've been using this blusher regularly since and it shows no signs of decreasing in product. 

First things first, this blush is VERY pigmented which would always be a shock in the early days of application because I used to do the classic error and compose the look of a clown which is never good! Since I got the hang of it, this blush has been one of my top favourites because of the build-able qualities, perfect for achieving the exact look you want. 

I like the cute, compact packaging as it's perfect for travel but still holds plenty of product and so lasts a long time. As avid readers of my blog would know, I love anything with clear packaging as I can see the product beneath and this has ticked that box. Only negative about the packaging that seems to be a common problem with a lot of the similar Mac products is the clear circle can be prone to popping out. It is easy to fix but there's always chance that product could be damaged, which when paying so much, is not ideal! 

I am obsessed with this shade as the deep red with a slight browny undertone looks great on my fair skin and appears more subtle once on then what it does in the pan. With its powdered consistency it can be easily blended and creates the perfect finish when the look is done. They apply to the skin softly and smoothly, a noticeable benefit and last all day like a stain. There really is little bad to say when it comes to these Mac blushers. 

Priced at £18, it definitely is an expensive product which arguably, with all the amazing dupes out there, could be lived without. Yet as I mentioned before, considering the time period I have had this and how much product I've actually used, they do last a long time therefore making the steep price slightly more worth it. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite blusher?

Skincare| Clinique 'take the day off' Cleansing Balm

A good cleanser is exactly what the skin needs on a day-to-day basis to thoroughly clean the skin and make it appear refreshed and renewed. I have tried my fair share of cleansers from waters, gels, hot cloth creams and milks but this has definitely taken the lead as the most effective and luxurious cleanser I've probably ever had. The Clinique 'take the day off' Cleansing Balm has made a massive impact in the Beauty World and I believe it's been sold out in many stores across the country. (I, myself have had no problems locating this which I suppose is the one positive of living in a small town.) This fact comes at no surprise when considering the quality of this miracle product. 

It's a light-weight cleansing balm that appears to be a hard, solid texture in the pot but once on the fingers melts to a silky, oil-like consistency and glides onto the skin beautifully. You can see it removing skin make up instantly as well as the fact that it breaks down tough eye makeup efficiently including most waterproof Mascaras! Once washed off, the skin is left feeling soft and smooth after just the one use.

I usually apply this with my fingertips and massage it onto my dry skin using circular motions. I start with my face make-up and then work into that of the eyes breaking it down until I'm left looking slightly like a Panda - not a great look! I then rinse it off with warm water, I prefer to use a clean muslin cloth to help with this step but it works just as well with your hands but does take slightly longer. Once my face has dried I then go on to use my typical toner or moisturiser to complete my skincare routine. 

Although the consistency of this balm does feel slightly oily, it still works beautifully for oily skin with a non-greasy as well as non-drying effect. This benefit makes it appropriate for all skin types which probably explains why it is so popular.  Priced at £21, it's expensive but because of the balm-like formula, a little bit does go a long way making it quite cost effective. I can definitely see myself repurchasing this once this tub is empty as I really do think this has cleared my skin impeccably, improved scarring and tamed red patches, maybe not a certified benefit but has definitely worked its wonders for me! 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite cleanser?

Beauty| Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil

Filling in the eyebrows is a necessity for some, me included and as much as I love my Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade (review here) there's nothing better then a cheap high street product that's there to assist for a quick and easy look on the more 'natural' days. This is where the Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil comes in. 

When I think Soap & Glory my mind instantly alludes to there amazing body scrubs and miracle working, moisturisers but the brand also do really good quality make up for a decent price. I have already written one review on a S&G lipstick (here) which wowed me with it's amazing pigmentation and beautiful colour. This eyebrow pencil was no different when it comes to quality. I picked this up on a whim and had read little reviews on it and if I'm honest I wasn't expecting much. It was the Brow Tint that interested me mainly about this product as a felt a more staining formula would be ideal for long-lasting brows. As low as my expectations were, this product exceeded them completely. A double ended stick with the tint on one end and a waxy, crayon-like pencil on the other makes the perfect team for full, precise eyebrows. 

The revolutionary idea of this product is that you brush-on the coloured stain to create the fuller, -no-gapped effect and then perfect the shape with the crayon therefore manipulating your brows to achieve the exact look you want. The overall look appears more natural then most but the felt-tip end can be easily builded to create a more harsh contrast. As both ends are really fine there's no need to worry about filling in the brows too thick or over-doing the shape which is always a relieving thought. 

Having very dark eyebrows I bought mine in the colour Brownie Points, a slightly too light shade which is where the main negative becomes apparent. The pencil only come in two shades including this and Love is Blonde. This makes it very difficult for a vast variety of people who wish to use this product as there's a high chance that the colours will not match. Something I hope S&G will improve on. Nevertheless, priced at £10 it really is a more affordable alternative to some of the high end brow products which makes it hard to argue with. 

Brow Tint (Left) and Precision Pencil (Right) 

All in all, another great product from Soap & Glory, a cosmetics company that is swiftly making itself my almost, go-to brand when it comes to finding good quality products for an affordable price. I can't wait to try out more of their cosmetic items especially there Kick Ass Concealer. 

Let me know what you think in the comments.

What's your favourite Soap & Glory product?

xx

Fashion| OOTD

Today me and a new fellow blogger, Katie from Black Trackk, went out to take a few snaps of what we were wearing. Make sure to check her blog out as her post will be going up later today and if you're lovers of gold jewellery and tartan, you won't be disappointed. 

I'll apologise now for the not-so-great lighting and muddy background but living in England, brightness and sunshine is a rarity, as depressing as that sounds.  This is just an example of a really casual, daytime outfit that ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfortable but confident. Some of you may recognise the jumper below as I won it in a competition on Hollie's blog, Give Me More. I was absolutely chuffed to win and as soon as the package arrived this morning I set to work trying to find some of my own clothes that would go along with the lovely jumper to make a cute outfit.

You can grab your own Ellesse Ski Jumper from ASOS for £40 and I'll tell you now it's cosy, warm and perfect for the blustery weather. I teamed this with a denim shirt from Primark which I bought last year for just under £10. I'm a massive fan of the collar look and thought the light denim colour, contrasted with the Navy blue on the jumper really help to do one another justice. 

I then added a Chunky Chain Choker with a block of gold at the centre to break up the blue as well as add detail. I purchased this from Topshop for £8, slightly excessive for something that feels plastic but it does the job. I also had my nails painted in Essie's 'Shearling Darling' a lovely deep browny-red  colour which, although I didn't apply for the purpose of this outfit, worked because of the deep, sultry colour. I will be doing a blog post soon on all my Essie Nail Polish's so watch this space! 

Last of all, I added a pair of black leggings from Primark and black leather boots from River Island, a  Christmas present but I believe they were priced at £60 on ASOS. Black knee high boots are a staple in my A/W wardrobe as I found them to be flattering yet diligent and most have lasted me ages. I especially love the gold detailing and I pretty much wear these with every outfit, boring I know but they just go with everything! 

Hope you guys like this post. I know this is different to my usual Beauty based reviews but may do some more OOTD's in the future.

Comment below what you think.

What style have you been loving?