Review: Nail Stamps

I'd seen these nail stampers and design plates around for quite a while but I never thought they would be any good. Well, I was browsing Ebay and found some! They were about £3 and you can find one like the one I have here. I found them so hard to do at first, but after a few practice rounds (and I mean a few) I began to get the hang of it. There's a really good tutorial on how to do them here.

This is just a quick trial I did where they actually worked quite well. I think they're a really good idea and with practice, you can create some nice designs. You can also buy more plates and build up a little collection. There are hundreds of different designs to choose from on each plate too.

I'm quite proud of these tips that I did a little while ago. It says to always use a lighter colour onto nail polish, but I think these look quite nice on clean nails. I will definitely be trying out more designs, and I think this could catch on and become extremely popular.

Latest In Beauty Box - April 2012

Elemental Herbology Facial Hydrator, Radiance Peel Masque & Facial Clenser, Dr.Organic Organic Rose Otto Skin Lotion, and Sasy n Savy Rose Lavender Hand n Nail Repair Creme. (£1.50)

So yesterday my second Latest in Beauty box arrived through the post. For those who don't know, its similar to Glossy Box, just on a smaller scale in the sense of the sample sizes and price. I loved my March picks, but this month there really wasn't anything on the list that I really wanted to try. I'm always up for trying skin care products, so I opted for those, as well as some different lotions.

I'm not overly blown away at first sight by these, but I'm never one to judge too much before I've used something. Reviews will more than likely follow in the future.

Today's Nails

These are my nails today. I tend not to wear dark colours on my nails, and seeing as summer's coming I've been concentrating on pastel colours, but I'd never used this before.It's Models Own 'Deep Purple'. I got it in a Models Own goodie bag at Clothes Show Live last year, and I've only just decided to try it out.

I'm a big fan of Models Own, like everyone else, and I have to say this colour is one of my favourites. It looks quite dull when you first paint it on, but it becomes so shiny and metallic when it dries. It took about two coats for the best coverage and it dried really quick, which is always good.

These polishes are about £5 each I think, and you can get them from Boots. There's a link to their website here where you can see their full range! I'd urge everyone to try them at least once.

Glossy Box April 2012: The Natural Box

I've been really excited for my first ever Glossy Box to get here ever, and the postman bought it for me this morning. I've read a lot about these boxes and how good they are. I couldn't wait to get it open after hearing all the hype about it and the products, and I was really hoping I wasn't going to be disappointed.

I think they have a super cute appearance and the packaging is lovely. This month's box is full of natural products, so obviously the box and the packaging all biodegradable (which is always good!) I like the idea of having a themed box and the idea of natural products is something I'm always interested in trying.



In this box (April 2012) I got:
Caudalie Vinosourse SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum, Inika Organic Eyeliner, Ayuuri Natural Body Wash, Figs & Rouge Lip Balm and Kai Perfume Oil. (£12.50)



They're all packaged so nicely and it really makes you feel quite special when a little box like this comes for you. I've never used any of the products before so I'm quite excited to start, and they all sound really good too. To be honest, I was excited a lot from the boxes and this one doesn't blow me away. I know you can't judge something by trying it once, so obviously I'll conceal my opinions for a few more months until I have had a few more boxes. I think from appearance, the product I was drawn to first was the Figs & Rouge lip balm. The packing is so cute and I have a bit of an obsession with lip balms, so that will definitely be out of the packet soon.

I shall be reviewing the products from my first box over the next month and hopefully I won't be disappointed.

Natural Collection Lipsticks

I've got a real love for Natural Collection lipsticks at the minute. 

American Apparel at Republic!

I received an email this morning from Republic, announcing that they are now selling American Apparel items! As imagined, I was very very excited, as I'm thinking of buying a pair of Disco Pants myself, and they have them on the website!

They obviously don't have the full range of items, but a few staple t-shirts, vests, hoodies and leggings are all on there, as well as some super cute knee high socks.
You can see the range here.

According to the website, they are also selling them in Republic stores, as I searched for the Disco Pants and my largest local store (Meadowhall) popped up. Seeing as there isn't really an American Apparel store near me, this is quite exciting news.

(Images are taken from the Republic website)

I love this jumper too, the colour is bang on with the current pastel trends, and could definitely be worn with the Disco Pants too. I'm going to pop to Meadowhall tomorrow to see if they actually stock this yet. Otherwise Republic will be getting a hefty order tomorrow!

A few of my photographs

I've always had a bit of a love for photography, and about four-five years ago my parents bought me my first digital SLR, a Nikon D40. It is still my absolute favourite thing ever, and I still use it loads when I get the chance.

I've done lots of photography and also at college and university, and I have just applied for a photography job for when I leave university (hopefully!) I also have three or four film cameras that I use, but I haven't got round to developing the films yet. When I do, they will no doubt make an appearance on here too.

I decided to put a few of my recent images on here for you to see. They're mainly of a trip to London a few weeks ago. I may throw in some more in other posts, but yeah, feedback would be lovely.

(You can click on them for the full sized images)

My Favourite Nail Polish

This isn't a very good photograph, but this has to be my favourite nail polish at the minute. I can't stop using it! Yes, I know it's only from Tesco and it was around 99p, but it is such a good product.

I know people would usually think twice about buying cheap beauty products but I can assure you, this is actually really good quality. It takes about two-three coats to get a good coverage and it stays so shiny for days!

I tend to change my nails a lot, and I've found that this polish stays on until I'm ready to re-paint them (which is usually every few days-a week) It's a lovely colour too. I have a shocking pink colour too which I use quite a lot, and I'd definitely go back to buy more.

They are quite small bottles, but for 99p you can't really complain too much.
Has anyone else used these polishes before?

Today's Little Makeup Buy

So, on the way back from university I popped into boots to get some new nail polish. I'd seen these Miss Sporty polishes in a magazine a few weeks ago and really wanted to try them, so after seeing they were only £1.99 each I decided to get two! If also read that their pressed power was supposed to be worth a try, so I thought why not!

If you spent over £3 you got a free 'Miss Cocktail' lip gloss from Miss Sporty too. I can't say I'm a huge fan of lip gloss, apart from my clear Models Own tube, but since it was a freebie I may as well use it and see ey?!

The lipstick is Natural Collection 'Pink Mallow'. I've got a new found love for these lipsticks, so I'm always looking for new ones to try. They have a nice subtle glossy finish too, and they seem to stay on for agers!

Reviews soon.

Today's Topshop Buys

Today I decided to have a little trip to Meadowhall to have a window shop and let some steam off after all the dissertation work I've done this week. I was quite excited when I walked into Topshop and saw the sale. I can never usually stand the sale when its a total mess, but I actually found a few things I liked.

But obviously after trying everything on, I changed my mind, and settled on a jumper and two rings.

The jumper looks HUGE here! (It's actually a size 6, but its very over-sized and boxy)

It was £12, down from £26. It's a pale mint green colour and it's really comfy and slouchy to wear. This is definitely going to be my new 'comfy jumper.'

These two rings were both half price. The first one was £3.75 and the second was £2.50.

The first one is quite a statement ring and is a lot bigger than it looks on the picture. I have a bit of a thing at the minute for big chunky rings! I've also been looking for a little casual ring that I can wear instead of my Pandora rings when I fancy a change, and I thought the second one was quite unusual.

I wish I had more time to look round the sale, as they had loads of jewellery which I would have quite liked to search through.

Today is 'D-day' !

Today is D-day! I printed out all 50 pages of my dissertation (x2) out last night, and I'm off to get it bound and handed in today, a whole day before the deadline! This is definitely not like me!

Once its handed in, I'm going to probably cry, then go and buy myself something nice because it has FINALLY gone! ba byeeeee!

Now I just have a million and one other things to do! This month is going to be a busy one.

Another Foundation..

So are you all may be aware, I am having a small war with foundations at the minute! I'm on a little mission to find the perfect one for me. While I was in The Body Shop the other day looking at their makeup range, a lovely lady matched me to this foundation.

It's a moisturizing foundation that contains SPF 15, and the lady said it's supposed to have really good, full coverage and leave a dewy effect on your skin. I will be using this a few times before I make my decision, so expect a review soon.

Review: Scent Refillable Atomizer

So, I've been looking for something small and compact to store my perfume in - so I don't have to carry the whole perfume bottle around. I cannot count the number of times I've nearly smashed my perfume bottles in my bag because I've thrown it down and forgotten. Well, in a mad rush round Home Bargains today, I found this...
It's a mini refillable scent atomizer!

It's so cute and small, just what I was looking for, and at 99p it was an absolute bargain! I know you can get other products similar to this, but to be honest I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something that was going to get battered around in my bag. Whether this little bargain will be any good or not, I shall let you know!

My Marc Jacobs 'Oh Lola' will be going in this straight away, as I have the massive bottle and obviously, I can't really carry that around.

Review: Ginvera Green Tea BB Cream

I got this sample with my first ever Latest In Beauty sample box, which is a cute little alternative to other monthly boxes (and a LOT cheaper!)

It's a BB Cream, which I have always been absolutely against ever since I bought the Garnier one and hated it. I found that it didn't do any of the things it said on the tin, so to speak, and it left my skin feeling really horrible and heavy. Now this, on the other hand, I LOVE!

It's enriched with Green Tea and Hyaluronic Acid, and says that it 'provides the benefits of blemish free concealing, sun block effects.' I was really funny about trying this due to my previous hatred, but I am so glad I chose it. It says to apply after your daily facial care, and to gently tap the cream onto your skin for even coverage.

It came out really watery (as you can see below) and was quite a thin consistency, which didn't fill me with much hope. But as soon as I applied it to my skin, it covered my pores and small blemishes in seconds. It is the perfect colour match for my skin too (the colour I was sent is Nude Cover)



It isn't greasy, it's light and you can't even feel it on your skin. I absolutely love it, I'm such a big fan. I've used it a few times now and I've found it makes my skin feel lovely and soft after too. You can buy the full sized bottle for about £15 here, and this is the best price I've found so far.

So overall review: amazing product! I am definitely going to invest in this very soon.

My Foundation Hunt

I decided to share my foundation collection with you all, as I cannot seem to find one that I actually love and want to use all the time.  h e l p !

I must have used nearly every make imaginable, so I am starting to think that I may need to branch out and spend a bit more money to find something I really like.

My skin's prone to breakouts every so often, but apart from that I'd say its a pretty normal mix. It isn't too oily or dry. I generally look for something with a really good overall coverage, but to be honest I really can't seem to find one. I used to use the MAC shown above but due to me developing a tan this no longer matches my skin tone, and I'm quite apprehensive about investing in some more if there are better products out there.

The one I'm using at the minute is the Avon Ideal Flawless foundation, with a mixture of Loreal's True Match as a kind of base. This works well for me now, but I can't help but think I need something with more coverage.

I keep hearing good things about a lot of other brands, but I really wouldn't know where to begin with anything I'm not too sure about.

Can anyone suggest anything?

My Easter Egg Collection

I can't help but think I am going to have gained a lot of weight after demolishing all these!

Busy Busy Busy!

I am into my second week of Easter break for uni and I can honestly say I have never been so busy, its unreal!

Last week I spent a lot of time doing uni work, and working at Matalan too, so I was extremely happy on Tuesday when my wage slip came through! I love payday. It was the day after 'Student Loan Day' too, which is my last ever one! (I don't know how I'm going to survive)

I went out on Thursday night in Chesterfield, which is a rare event to say the least, and I actually had a really good time. It was the start of the bank holiday celebration so you couldn't move and were queuing for everywhere, but I saw lots of people I hadn't in a while and it was quite nice.

I have worked all bank holiday weekend, apart from yesterday, so I have been finishing my dissertation since I got home at 11am this morning. Its fair to say I'm nearly finished :D So I'll then have a tiny break and blog a bit (I've been slacking) and then get back to my pile of other assignments.
Sighhhhhh!

Anyway, here are some photos from Thursday:

My Outfit:

Shirt - H+M

Belt - Vintage

Leggings - Topshop

Wedges - New Look

Bracelets - Pandora

This man was the funniest! I have no idea who he is, but his hair was CRAZY!

Latest In Beauty Box

A couple of weeks ago I was debating over subscribing to one of the monthly makeup boxes, and went on a little internet search to find out which was best.

I came across a website that offered small samples of three products (which you get to choose yourself) all for £1.50, which you pay for by text. Well, my box arrived this morning, and here are the contents:



Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream
Floris London Sirena Perfume
Super by Dr Nicholas Perricone Bright Eyed Flawless Eye Cream

They are small samples, the kind that you'd get in a magazine, but for £1.50 I really cannot complain.

I shall be trying these products out soon, so expect reviews.