Elizabeth Arden Skin Balancing Skincare

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Skin Balancing Skincare:
Exfoliating Clenser, Optimizing Skin Serum, Skin Balancing Lotion

I can't really remember where I got these Elizabeth Arden samples from to be honest, which probably shows how long I've had them stored away. I think they were from Glossy Box a few months ago, but don't quote me. If anyone can refresh my memory I'd be very very grateful. Anyway I've never ever tried anything Elizabeth Arden before but I've always heard good things, so I was in kinda positive mind when trying these.

In the set you get a Clenser, Serum and a Balancing Lotion that you use all together as part of a routine. Admittedly I tried them a few days ago and I seem to have misplaced the packaging (most likely in the rubbish by now) so to be honest I can't give a lot of information from the actual packets. Anyway if anyone's interested, I'll add links to the products at the top of the post.

I really loved all three of these products, and surprisingly I actually got about three uses each sample. I'm always impressed when a sachet sample lasts more than one usage, as I think it gives you a much better chance to actually try the product. All the products made my skin feel absolutely amazing and so fresh, I actually can't remember the last time I was that happy with a skin care product. They all weren't too harsh or heavy on my skin and I know this isn't normally a big thing for a lot of people... but they actually smelt really nice. I'm always put off by bad-smelling products but these were lovely! The Clenser and Toner made my skin feel so clean and finished with the Lotion, my skin was incredibly soft and smooth.

I'd definitely think about buying these products, but at the minute I really don't think my bank balance would be too happy with me. Trying these samples has really opened my eyes to Elizabeth Arden and I'll definitely be looking into more things to try.

Have you tried these before? What were your opinions?

A Mini Christmas Catch-up

Wow, Christmas has been so busy that I literally haven't had any time to blog or really do anything. All I've done since Christmas Eve is work work work, apart from my day off on Christmas Day. Retail is crazy this time of year so my life seems to have been taken over my Matalan. In between that I've had time to see my family and catch up with them, which is definitely my most favourite thing about Christmas time. I'm a really family orientated person and I don't think there isn't a day where I don't see one member of my family (minus my parent and brother, obviously) I've also had a bit of time to hit the sales for a few hours, but to be honest I really didn't see anything that caught my eye. I'm planning a few more trips this coming week so hopefully I'll have some buys to show you.

This is just a little quick update, I'll be doing a post about my Christmas and some of the presents I received. I decided to just show you all a few things I got anyway, seeing as that seems to be the thing to do. I've had such a lovely Christmas so far and I'm very much looking forward to the New Year.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas :))

H&M Nail Polish 'Blue Bliss'

H&M 'Blue Bliss' - £2.99

H&M nail polishes are one of those things that I've been looking at for months now, but I've never been able to make my mind up about whether to try one. I've bought them in the past as little gifts for friends, but I've never really bothered to ask how they got on or anything. I wondered in a few days ago to actually buy something for a friend's birthday/Christmas present and saw this amazing sparkly blue colour and just had to have it. I'm obsessed with sparkly polishes and nails at the minute, so I tend to have sparkle on at least one nail every time I paint them. Blue isn't usually something I'd use for my nails but I thought it looked quite christmasy and would maybe fit well with some of my outfits over Christmas.

The polish itself is quite thick and even though it looks an amazing blue colour in the bottle, it is actually nearly clear when it comes out. I was quite disappointed about this and as you can see from the pictures it is very light. The pictures show one coat of the polish, which I guess is quite nice and subtle, but I only really bought the polish for the blue colour. In the end I think I applied about three coats of the polish to get the right amount of colour, which actually looked a lot better with the sparkles too. I haven't got a picture to show of this but no doubt there'll be one on Instagram soon. (my name is terribacon_)

I do like this polish and after the numerous coats it is really pretty and quite festive in a way. The glitter really catches the light and the blue kind of brings it out a lot more, so overall I'm quite happy with the outcome. I'll probably end up painting my nails again before Christmas because I'm absolutely obsessed at the minute.

Have you tried H&M polishes before? What is your favourite festive polish?

The Beauty Blender Sponge

Beauty Blender Sponge - £2.99 (free p+p)

This is another beauty product that I've been seeing a lot of recently and was extremely eager to try for myself. I'd actually seen the Cosmopolitan one reviewed on a blog I tend to read a lot and my instant reaction was need to try this, as in the past I've absolutely hated make-up sponges. The thought of all that excess make-up getting clogged into the sponge makes me shudder and feel a bit sick, but nevertheless I hopped straight onto the internet to research and purchase. I went straight to eBay and found this bargain blue one at £2.99 with free delivery, super stuff! I really didn't want to spend a lot on something I thought I wasn't going to like, and figured that all the sponges do the same thing? 

As you can see from the pictures above I have been testing it and I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised by the outcome. A the minute my skin is super dry and I'm trying to tackle it with huge amounts of moisturiser, so its really hard to apply my foundation at the minute. I've been using my trusty Real Techniques foundation brush included in the Core Collection, then blending the foundation with this sponge and it has worked so well. The sponge gives a really even, flawless look that I still find I don't get sometimes when using brushes. It also helps to soften and remove the foundation lines that brushes sometimes leave too, which is so much better than using your fingers.

I've found that the larger flat side is very good for blending on larger areas of the face, such as the cheeks and forehead, because it just works really well especially on the cheeks. The pointed side of the sponge is really good for around the nose, as the thin point can reach into the harder places that a wide sponge can't. There's many a time I have to blend foundation around my nose with my fingers because my usual tools haven't done the job, so I'm glad there's something that can help with this.

I'm still a bit funny about the whole germs germs germs thing but I've figured that if I keep it really clean then everything should be okay. If anyone has any tips for my please feel free to comment! Overall I'm extremely surprised and really happy with the outcome of this little sponge. It just shows that if you have any doubts you should always try the product... I always tend to be impressed when my doubts are corrected.

Have you tried the Beauty Blender? What are your opinions?

My Winter Coat

Primark Coat - £20.00 (WAS £35.00)

I thought I'd give all you bloggers a little insight into this years Winter wardrobe, as I don't often do many fashion-based posts. I've seen this done on a few blogs that I've been reading recently, so I decided to follow the trend. Anyone who knows me will know that I absolutely love coats/jackets/blazers and I've actually started to build up a little collection. It really is as bad as me having three of the same style quilted jacket... but in different colours, but a girl can never have too many coats right?

I don't usually have a standard 'winter coat', as I usually just wear a jacket or blazer with things layered underneath. I saw this absolute beaut in Primark a few weeks ago on a little trip round Lincoln with my cousin and I instantly fell in love. I'd seen a slightly similar one in Topshop, but it was more of an oversized boyfriend blazer and had a lot more fur around the collar. As well as that the price was considerably more expensive and with it being Christmas, I just couldn't budget to spend that much on myself. Anyway, I found this little beauty and instantly had to have it. I did try and talk myself out of it (honestly) so I'm going to blame my cousin for making me buy it! It was also marked down at £20.00 from about £35.00 I think, or it may have been £40.00... anyway I definitely wouldn't have paid the normal price for it so I guess I got myself a bit of a bargain. 

The coat itself is quite thick and even though it doesn't look it, it's actually super warm and cosy. The fur on the collar can be removed really easily with a few buttons, which to be honest I thought would have been off straight away. I've come round a lot to fur (faux obviously) and I've been longing for a fur scarf for agers now. The coat is zip-fastening too which I thought was very different, but actually I don't think I've even zipped it up yet and I've worn it nearly every day. I absolutely love the pattern too and I've found that I can wear it with just about anything, its a really versatile coat. 

What do you think of my winter coat? What's your favourite style?

The Christmas Tag

1. What is your favourite thing about christmas ?

I think my most favourite thing about Christmas and the whole period in general is getting to see all my family loads, and them actually all being together. 

2. What is your favourite make up look for festive the season?

 I don't really have a favourite I guess. I love big black lashes and maybe a red/plum coloured lipstick for a party look? I'm definitely determined to have a smoky eye at least once!

3. Real tree or fake tree?

I absolutely love real trees so much! They look absolutely gorgeous and there's nothing better than the smell of a real Christmas tree. At home we do have a fake one, just because of the space mainly, but I know my Mum would love to have a real one.

4. Giving presents or receiving presents?

I love the whole shopping for presents process, and the wrapping, and the giving... I just love everything about it :)) But then again I do love getting presents too, like everyone, so both?

5. Do you open presents christmas morning or eve / evening

Always open presents on Christmas morning. We go to my Nan's for dinner so on the way we always call at my other relatives and open our presents there too. When I was younger I used to open my presents from my great Nan and her family on christmas eve when I went to visit, but seeing as I usually end up working I don't get the time to anymore :(

6. Handmade christmas cards or bought?

I love handmade cards but unfortunately I'm not really the most crafty person around, so I usually just end up  buying nice cards. Saying that I only buy them for my close family though, I don't tend to send a lot now.

7. What is your favourite christmas film?

I know it'll probably be the same as everyone else's, but I absolutely love Elf. It makes me so happy every time I watch it and its one of those films I could watch over and over again. I've actually just bought it on DVD too, so that'll definitely be happening in the run up to Christmas.

8. What's your favourite christmas food?

I've never ever been a massive fan of the whole roast dinner thing, but Christmas is the only time I actually look forward to it. For some reason cheese and crackers always reminds me of Christmas time, so I tend to stuff my face with those for days around this time.

9. What's your favourite christmas song?

I don't really have a favourite, but I do really love WHAM's Last Christmas. Working at Matalan you kind of get sick of listening to Christmas songs as they play them constantly from about November-January.

10. What's your favourite christmas memory?

Again I don't really have a favourite memory as such, I guess its more of a favourite tradition that used to happen. On Christmas morning we could always drag our huge Santa sacks into my Mum and Dad's bedroom, then sit on the bed and open them all. They'de be sat in bed with a cup of coffee, while me and my brother would cover the whole bed in wrapping paper. Then we'de take all our presents downstairs and lay them out in the dining room and they wouldn't move for days. 


I'd love to read your Christmas Tags, so feel free to leave your links below. 

She Said Beauty's December Box

She Said Beauty Box: December Edition - £9.00 (plus p+p)

It seems so long ago since I got my last She Said Beauty box, so long that I'd literally forgot all about it. It appeared in the post this morning and its always such a nice feeling to get... plus I love surprises! This month's box includes seven products altogether, with one being full sized and two being a little Christmas treat. In previous boxes I've had a few more full sized products so in that aspect its a little disappointing, but I'm not going to sit here and complain. Now, onto the box...

This month's box includes:
YaNa Kiss Savon Nior or Ghassoul Clay Mask
Minivita Baobab Baby Oil

Dr Duve Anti Aging + Firming Eye Cream

Technic Nail Varnish in 'Tawny Port' - Full size.

Dr Duve Skin Boosting Cream
Amie Spring Clean Cooling Clay Mask - Full size.
JING Whole Leaf Teabags

After reading a bit about each product I'm yet again impressed this month and I think there's a really good mix of products in the box. I'm really fond of clay masks and creams so I guess this is definitely the box for me seeing as they take full priority this month. The Technic nail varnish looks such a lovely purple colour and I'm really looking forward to trying that soon, seeing as my nails definitely need a bit of TLC. The little Christmas treat of Amie's clay mask is a really nice thought and I think that will be the first thing on my list to try. The tea bags are a really different idea too! I'm actually going to use these today I'm that excited to see what they're like.

There will no doubt be reviews to follow, so keep your eyes pealed if there's anything you like the look of. Did you receive your She Said Beauty box this month? What products do you love?

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - £4.99

I bought this foundation on a whim when I saw it was on sale in Tesco a few weeks ago, and to be honest after I asked myself if I'd actually use it. I have a love-hate relationship with foundations of all types and colours, just for the pure fact that I'm never pleased. My skin tone changes so much because I tend to tan quite easily and quickly, so virtually all of my foundations are different colours. I've also developed a love for high coverage foundations, which to be honest a lot of mine aren't, so I think I just feel that nothing compares to what I want. It sounds silly I know. Anyway, I decided I may as well try it seeing as I saved about £3 (I love a good bargain!)

I used Rimmel Wake Me Up a lot in the summer and absolutely loved it, so I'm already sold on Rimmel foundations as being good products. At the time I was still quite tanned so I bought it in 'Soft Beige' which is number 200 on the Rimmel chart. As I bought it from Tesco I didn't really have chance to try it on my face, so did the most awful thing EVER and tested it on my hand... all you bloggers should shoot me now! I always get told that its the worst thing to do ever ever and that you should never test like this, but I didn't really feel like removing my face in Tesco just for a £5 foundation. I took the risk and actually, when I got home I found it suited very well.

The foundation itself is a really nice, creamy texture and it doesn't feel like you've got too much on when its on your skin. I like to feel like I have something covering my face, but not so much that I feel caked in make-up. It blends really well and the colour was really good for me at the time (my tan has suddenly now faded/lack of faking it.) Admittedly when I wear it now I do look a little dark, but I think its definitely going to be my 'tan foundation.' The coverage is actually really good and I was overall very impressed. It felt quite nice against my skin and this may sound a bit weird, but it felt like my skin could breathe underneath the foundation. Overall I'm really impressed and actually quite tempted to buy it in a lighter shade for winter.

Have you tried Rimmel Match Perfection before? What are your thoughts?

The Best Bargain Slippers

Primark Slippers - £3.00

This might seem like a bit of a lame and pointless post, but recently I've seen a few blogs doing a kind of 'favourite buy of the week' so I decided to join in. I never ever wear slippers and hate having anything on my feet, but I think I've got such bad circulation because my feet are ALWAYS cold. I decided that it was about time I grew up and actually bought some slippers, so made it a little mission. I saw these exact slippers on llymlrs and instantly fell in love! They're so Christmasy and cute, so I went straight to Primark and invested. They're super comfy and are all fleecy inside, so my feet are nice and toasty all the time! The huge pom-pom on the front is totally ridiculous but that's why I love them! Primark have some amazingly cute slippers at the minute too... maybe they'll end up being my new favourite thing!

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Repair 10 BB Cream

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Repair 10 BB Cream - RRP £9.99

I haven't really had to deal with my love-hate relationship of BB Creams in a while... until this little sample came through the post. I can't ever remember requesting a sample too because I have such trouble with the stuff, so I was quite surprised when I opened it. I don't think I've ever bought anything L'Oreal before... maybe some foundation in the past, so I was actually quite excited to try something of theirs. I do have to admit though, I did try not to enter this with a closed mind, but there's just something about the products that I can't get along with.

Anyway, the packaging is super cute though, which really impressed me. It opens out into a little pocket that contained three samples of the medium shade BB Cream. The sachets are square-shaped and actually quite big too, which is good, and there was more than enough in to use at least twice. It really isn't too different to the other BB Creams I've tried, although it does smell a lot nicer than the others. The shade was far too dark for me and actually made me look quite orange, so I'm guessing that the light shade would suit me.

It was really easy to blend into my skin, despite the colour, and actually felt quite nice while it was on. It wasn't too thick or heavy, but it still kinda felt like there was something there. The coverage was okay for a BB Cream, but I'm not sure if that was just the colour totally masking everything? Who knows!

Overall I really wasn't overly impressed with the product. I didn't really find it any different to the other products I've used and I didn't really see anything special. I'm not sure if that's my past experiences of BB Creams talking... but I don't think I would ever go out and buy the product.

Have you tried Revitalift Repair BB Cream before? What's your opinion?

The Wave Double

The Wave Double - £1.99

Now before I even start this review, I'm going to say that this was a total impulse buy and I actually had no intentions of using it seriously. I can remember seeing this advertised on the television years ago and thinking "Wow I really want one!" just for the pure fact it looked good. It soon fizzled out and disappeared... but to my surprise I found a few on a little trip to a discount shop last week. My Mum was instantly like "You are not buying that" but obviously I had to... it was just a pure impulse buy and what I thought was a waste of money.

It is actually a clever little gadget when you think about it really. It's battery operated and you attach cleansing pads to the textured circle, then gently massage it over your face. I felt so stupid at first and I was thinking how silly it is, but actually I completely love it! I went in thinking that it would just be one of those things that totally doesn't work, but I can actually feel a difference in my skin! I'm literally shocked. It has two speed settings too, which to be honest I couldn't feel a difference between. The first speed is supposed to be for general daily cleansing, and the second for those days when you feel like your skin needs that extra effort. I tried it on both settings and actually preferred the first gentler setting.

Its pretty simple... all you do is run the bad under water until it starts to slightly foam, then just massage it over your face avoiding the eye area. I did it for a few minutes on each cheek as a tester, then rinsed, and I'm not even lying when I say my skin felt incredibly soft. I tried this about an hour ago and I still find myself sat here rubbing my cheeks. My cheeks were a little pink after I'd finished with The Wave and I was so so worried that I'd had a reaction or something, and they really tingled, but I think that's just due to my skin having a really good cleanse. The pad also removed a lot of leftover make-up that I'd missed last night, which was actually quite good too. You get about 14 little pads with the gadget, so obviously if you wanted to use it daily you would have to buy more.

Overall I'm actually super chuffed with this £1.99 bargain and to say I really didn't have any faith, I'd totally use it again. I know obviously I've only tried it once but I definitely intend to carry this on maybe once a week and see how my skin gets on... then obviously do a little update.

What do you guys think? Have you ever used this before?

What I've Been Buying

Star Lytes Candles - 99p / Wicker Heart - 99p / The Wave - £1.99

I haven't done a little post like this in a while and recently I've been buying quite a few things, so I decided to show you all my recent bargain buys. There's a shop in my little town called Discount UK, which is sort of like Home Bargains and some of the other discount stores, and it's really good for picking up little bits. Admittedly there is a lot of just absolute crap in these shops but especially at this time of year you really can find some amazing things if you take the time to look. I usually go there for my deodorant  make up wipes, cotton pads etc etc just because its so cheap and you literally save a lot of money.

At the minute I'm a total candle addict and this shop is definitely the best place for anything like that. These Star Lytes candles were 99p each and up to now I'm burning the red one, which is Cherry. I've had it on for a few hours each day and its lasted nearly a week already... the wax isn't even half way down the jar yet! How good? At 99p I don't really think I'd complain if they weren't too good anyway.

The cute heart was only 99p too and I wanted to spruce up my room a little because it's quite boring at the minute. I love anything that looks quite vintagy and shabby so this was perfect! I've got my eye on a few other things so no doubt there will be more to come for my room.

The last thing I bought was this Wave contraption. I can remember seeing it advertised on the television agers ago and thinking 'I'd really like to try that' but it was always super expensive. Well, I found this and was literally like 'I'm having that!' I haven't even used it yet and to be honest I don't really know why I bought it but... impulse buy! No doubt there'll be a little review of that soon.