March Favourites

Favourites of the month: March

Chilli Pepper Blusher Pot (No name)

Lovely light pink rose with lilac undertones

Soap and Glory's Hand Food - do I need to say any more?!

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Powder Blush and Highlighter in 014 Winter Glow

You may have seen this in my January favourites, but I have fell back in love with it!

MUA Heaven and Earth Pallette

Had this a while, but use it pretty much every day!

Sorry guys, as you may or may not know I am currently undergoing a shopping ban (I'm about two weeks in), so I haven't been able to purchase any new bits. I've also been very busy working, studying, lecture attending, fitting everything else in etc. etc.! I've rediscovered and rekindled my love for these four products. Hope you are all well! 

Comment or tweet @zoelianne_x I will always get back to you

Lots of love :) Zoe xx

Versatile Blogger Award

Thank You!

A big thank you to the very lovely lady at thefashionarmoire.blogspot.co.uk who awared me the Versatile Blogger Award. I've never been given an award before in the blogging world - so a big thank you! Do be sure to check out her lovely blog :)

 

Pictures provided by We Heart It

The rules:

- Thank the person that nominated you with a link back

- Tell 7 things about you

- Pass this on to 9 newly discovered blogs and let them know they received the award

7 Things About Me:

I'm addicted to anything cute and if I see anything with Minnie Mouse on it.. I have to buy it

I can't ride a bike :(

I drink a ridiculous amount of coffee every day

I don't sleep until past 4AM and have been diagnosed mild insomnia

I love to find new blogs - I'm addicted to a good read!

I haven't seen my natural hair colour in about 8 years - I hate it!

I don't have any pets except for little fishies in the pond in my garden

9 Blogs I Give The Award To:

Jess at Make Up With Jess

Elizabeth at Butterfly Boo

Mali at Mali's Blog
Mantenso  at Fashion Fades...
Jasmine  at La Bella Vita
Rachel  at Rachel's Nice Things
Danielle at Tinks Tales
Laura at Laurzrah
Flutter and Sparkle

Please check all these very amazing blogs out! I have only recently discovered these - some are new bloggers, some have been blogging for a few years - All are very inspirational and very good reads!

Comment or tweet @zoelianne_x

Zoe xxxx

Review: Gosh Eye-shadow in Evergreen

Hi guys, just a quick review on a GOSH Quattro eye shadow in Q 32 Evergreen

It has four gorgeous shadows; a white and a shimmery off white, and an emerald green and a dark green/tealy grey. 

The good: 

Pretty colours which suit a green/blue eye colour like mine

The off white and the green shadows are very pigmented and stay on all day

Shadow blends out really nicely

The price is reasonable at £8.49

The not so good: 

The white is not very pigmented

Packaging isn't the best

Brush supplied is not the best

Would I repurchase: 

Maybe - but probably in more wearable colours as I haven't tended to use these greens as they are very pigmented and I am not confident enough to pull off a dark green eyes look.

Also, if you check out Superdrug's website here, currently they have reduced another of their Quattro Eyeshadow Pallettes Driftwood (lovely neutral browns) for only £4!! That is a saving of £4.49! Very good for the price!

Hope you enjoyed this post!

What are your favourite GOSH cosmetics?

Comment or tweet @zoelianne_x 

Lots of Love xxxxxx

Shopping Ban Update: Week 2!

Hi guys,
So this was my second week into the shopping ban. And all was going well - until I slept in and almost missed a deadline. I had to get a taxi to University (which takes about 2 hours to get to via public transport) which kinda annoyed me cause that was quite a chunk of money I could've gone without spending. But never mind, assignment was handed in on time.

I am still struggling with the leaving/arriving at work situation - especially as the stores on the way out of the shopping centre are BHS, Accessorize, The Body Shop and Lush. VERY difficult. I had a nosey in Claires Accessories at the start of the week, and I was surprised at all of the lovely jewellery and make-up. To be honest I hadn't visited Claire's in about 6 years, as a teenager I swapped my love for the store to Monsoon's Accessorize. To my suprise, they stocked products that would appeal to a woman of any age. AND the point of this story/ramble initially was to tell you about the pretty amazing sale they had on in store. I was so so tempted... but I behaved. So be proud of me.

A lovely blogger Kezzie gave me a brilliant idea to implement during my shopping ban - to put a pound into a box every time I craved or had the urge to buy something! Then after the challenge is over you have a nice little savings box to spend on something nice! I've also been listing the things I've been lusting after this week, some will be listed below. At the end of the challenge, I'll look at the list and maybe choose one or to things from the list.. and continue to save up! I think its brilliant... although, already after only a few days doing this the money box is feeling quite heavy already...

Do check out her blog, its brilliant and shes such a pretty and lovely girl.

This week has been spent (majority) at work, in lectures, and doing a bit of studying. I also went to see Charlie Simpson at a gig on Saturday after work - he never fails to amaze me. My third time seeing him solo and he is so, so talented. If you haven't heard of him, he is a UK artist that used to be in a pop band called Busted, and is front-man of rock/alternative band Fightstar (Whom I also love). He sings beautifully, and if you like musicians such as City and Colour and Bon Ivor, I would definitely recommend you take a listen. My lovely boyfriend even treated me to a Charlie Simpson shopping bag from the Merch stand, bless him. (Picture will soon follow!)

My money this week was spent on said taxi fare (sad face), public transport, my fiances birthday presents, card and wrapping paper, a Mcdonalds (naughty) and drinks for work. Not really saved any money this week, but I still haven't actually brought anything for myself, which is something to be proud of I think.

This week I've been lusting after:
EVERYTHING from Boots as most things are mix and match 3 for 2 :(
Eylure Katy Perry Lashes - Cool Kitty - Oh Honey  both £5.95
No 7 Vital Brightening Eye Pallette £13
Real Techniques Starter Set £21.99
Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Tint £6.99
L'Oreal Color Riche Made for Me Intense Lipstick - Limited Edition Cheryl Cole £8.16
Jimmy Choo EDP 40ml £39
Maxfactor Colour Effect Flipstick in Bloomy Pink £6.49-£8.49

So as you can see I have a pretty heavy money box already!


By they way, I am also thinking of doing a weekly feature on my blog of weekly or fortnightly photos, would that be any interest to any of you? Let me know! 

How have all you been this week?

Any tips or advice you could give me?

As always, comment or tweet me @zoelianne_x I will always get back to you.
:-)

xxxxx

Review: The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter

Now, I know a lot of The Body Shop fans will be shouting at their laptops "Where have you been?!", but only recently have I rekindled my love with The Body Shop. A few weeks previous to my spending ban, I picked up one of The Body Shops famous body butters; in Moringa. 

It states:

"With Moringa seed oil to moisturise. Normal/dry skin"

The texture is like any other body butter, and is so, so moisturising after application. It smells delicious and good enough to eat, which may I add, lingers few a good few hours after.

The Body Shop have always promoted their no animals tested products, which should be highly commended. 

Now,The Body Shop does have a slightly heavy price tag for a 200ml tub; but it is definitely worth saving those pennies up for. It is £5 for 50ml, and £12.50 for 200ml. I opt for the 50ml tubs as it is not too expensive then, and its a smaller amount for something new to try which you may not want to purchase as a 200ml tub. 

This is the first Moringa purchase I have made, but after a little wonder around The Body Shop the other day, the Moringa soap, body scrub and foaming bath are the top of my wish list.

I would definitely recommend this body butter to anyone that loves flowery, girly scents and the feeling of being pampered and deliciously moisturised. 

Tip: Currently on-line, The Body Shop have a sale on a few of their 200ml Body butters. These include: Almond, Brazil Nut, Wild Cherry, Blueberry, Papaya and Passion-fruit.

They usually sell at £12.50, but these are reduced down to £5 - the price of a 50ml tub. Amazing saving!

Hope you enjoyed this post!

What are your favourite Body Shop products?

Comment or tweet @zoelianne_x 

xxxxxxx

Battle of the 'pump up' mascaras

Battle of the pump up mascaras!

Color Trend V Miss Sporty

Color Trend (Avon) Pump Up The Volume in Black £4.50 

Please note: The name of this mascara has recently been changed to 'plump out' but the mascara is virtually the same

The good: The price, nice as a base mascara, sepearates lashes well

The not so good: brush is small, product seems quite watery, doesn't lengthen eyelashes , if worn all day product needs reapplying as does not last. 

Does it pump your lashes up: Not really :-( still a good basic mascara, but does not lengthen or thicken eyelashes

The grade: 6/10

Miss Sporty Pump Up Booster

£3.99

The good: Price, big thick brush, separates and lengthens lashes, long lasting and lasts all day

The not so good: Product can become a little clumpy if applied too much

Does it pump your eyelashes up: Yes, definitely! Eyelashes are thick, long and wide!

The grade: 9/10

That is it for today folks! Hope you found this useful!

What are your favourite drugstore mascaras?

Comment or tweet me @zoelianne_x

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Shopping Ban Challenge - Week 1

Updates on my thoughts on my 1st week attempting the 100 day shopping ban challenge!

Okay, so firstly, I must say, this has been harder to do than I thought, and I am only 6 days in. 94 days to go, not that I'm counting or anything.

My first day actually proved difficult - knowing that I couldn't purchase any impluse buys meant that I wanted to buy things all the more. I work part-time in a fashion clothing store, and with this being located slap bang in the middle of  a very popular (and mega busy) shopping centre near the Birmingham area, it was quite difficult to leave and not visit any other shops as I left.

I have worked four days this week which meant as I left work I lusted in every shop window I passed - even shops i'd never shop in, just 'cause I was shopping-hungry.

I even decided that this week, I would go (sort of) cold turkey. I didn't buy food or drink this week! The only food I brought was a packet of chewits (child at heart) as I needed to break into my notes for change for the bus fare. I made do with home-made lunches for work and University; which I actually enjoyed spending the time making them. I knew if I went into the shops i'd cave in and buy unneeded junk - so I cut shopping off completely.

The only things my money went on this week was on public transport (only for Uni as its two hours away, I walked to and from work everyday!) my mums Mother's Day presents and card, said chewits, and a driving lesson. I'm actually quite proud.

I taunted myself last night having a nosey on the Superdrug website, so much I'd love to purchase simply for the buzz.

I also had a good sort out of my wardrobe this week, and i've got rid of A LOT! Two huge overflowing piles on clothes I don't wear or no longer fit. I think I will give some to charity and sell the rest on ebay.

My 'empties' after attempting to use up half used and last dregs from products lurking in my bathroom/bedroom cluttering up and wasting space, included:

• 1 pack of baby wipes (which had been in my drawer since October last year, yes really, there were only about 5/70 wipes left!).
• 4 half used body sprays.
• The last dregs of Primark's 'Rock Spirit' Perfume which had been in the bottom of my bag for a loooong time.

Picture from We Heart It

I'm finding it quite hard to keep myself sane though! If you have any suggestions please do let me know, I would very much appreciate it. I'm very lucky that my mum brought me some little bits this week (lots of socks and teddybear shaped handbag pomanders if you were wondering) and my lovely boyfriend took me out for dinner twice, and also a cheeky trip to Mcdonalds midweek.
What have you all been spending your hard-earned on this week? Jealous!

Anyone got any good tips on other ways to save money and keep myself entertained?

Comment or tweet at @zoelianne_x

Lots of love, Zoe :-) xx

Review: My Fave MUA Lipstick

MUA LIPSTICK!

Sorry for the shoddy pictures, swatch photos will soon follow, promise :-)

This is MUA Lipstick Shade 9

Me wearing shade 9

Good Points:

The price - only £1!

Very pigmented

Beautiful colour, a dark nudey pink (swatch will follow soon)

Has a little shimmer but not too much

Lovely packaging -has a sophisticated look to it for a cheap lipstick

Not so good points:

Its lastability (is this even a word?!) - you do have to reapply a few times through-out the day

Not many Superdrug Stores local to me sell this lipstick for some reason!

All in all a lovely lipstick. As you know I LOVE MUA products. If you'd like to see a review on some of their pallettes, do let me know :)

Comment below or tweet @zoelianne_x

Thanks for reading :) xxxx

Rimmel... for a pound?

Right, now, pre-spending ban, I had a wonder around the Poundland shop in my local shopping centre just getting a drink before work. And what did I find... a huge job lot of named, high street brand make-up?!

They stocked a lot in my store, including: Rimmel, Wet n Wild, Maybelline, Sally Hansen, Candy Kitten,  etc etc.... They had a lot of nail varnishes, single eye shadows, mascaras (yes, rimmel mascaras!) and one or two lipsticks. Alogn with this they had a brand called Chit chat, which I assume is Poundlands main make up brand? as they stock a lot of it. Anyone tried it out?

I was well behaved and picked out only one item.

I know its already a little dusty looking- i've used it every day since purchase  :-)

This was Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadow in 030 Smokey Quartz. It is a very light pink/peachy colour, quite pigmented (not the best, does take two or three applications but still great) and very shimmery.

Now I am unsure ifthis is now discontinued/old stock (for it being in Poundland) but it was in perfectly good shape and condition when I brought it and beautiful quality, as always.

The back of the shadow also gives a few tips which I thought was lovely, like a few of their older products, and states it compliments blue eyes, and how to get a subtle & London look - for a pound!!
They had a few of these glam'eyes - but I did have to have a good search as there were a lot of green and oranges which I wouldn't usually wear - my sister picked up a green one though!

I was pretty impressed that Poundland stock high street brands - have any of you checked out your local Poundland stores?

Got any bargains recently?

Tweet me at @zoelianne_x or comment! Always a pleasure hearing from you

Love you all xx

100 Days Without Shopping?!?

Yes, you read correctly, I am considering taking this up. I don't know if i'll be able to do it, but I wanted to give it a try and test myself.

I don't spend too recklessly, but I am known for un-needed splurges on make-up, clothes (when I have wardobes full i've never worn), and, well, general rubbish that is collected in the junk heap some of us call a 'bed room'.

I'm taking inspiration for this by a lovely blogger Danielle (http://www.ablogfromblackpool.com/)

and lots of other bloggers are doing the same i'm sure you've already read.

Not to fret, I have plenty of other interesting (well, I think...) posts to come so the hauls may have to wait for

a while, although I do have some new items I have not yet blogged about, so stay pealed.

A lot of people have different rules, so here are mine:

1.) I am able to spend my money on travel, food/drink, driving lessons, birthday presents, my phone contract (as I have no real say in the matter, it has to be paid ) and all other REAL essentials - this does not mean things I already own!

2.) I am by no circumstances NOT to spend my money on things I dont need: I.e. magazines, make - up (I have tonnes), clothes (again, I have tonnes), furnishing/decorations for my room, candles, perfume, etc. You get the drift.

3. A rule I found inspiring from Danielles blog is to make a note of anything wanted and what you would usually splurge out on if you could use your money. After the ban I will be able to look at this list (probably pages and pages long) and see how unimportant the things on my list were... and realise I managed without them!

4. I must re-use any products which are half full (yes, I am an optimist) or are nearly finished.

If you have any suggestions on any other useful rules let me know!

The clock is ticking... this ban will start now (Sunday 11th March) and will last until the Tuesday 19th June (Correct me if I'm wrong - my maths is attrotious! - probably my spelling too).

The aim of this exercise is to, offcourse, cut down on spending, but also, to test myself to see if I can keep myself entertained (and sain) without my favouritie hobby: shopping. I want to know what its like to no longer have that 'shopping buzz feeling' and find other ways to excite me/cheer me up. I really hope I can do it! Wish me luck!

Are you doing the challenge? Any tips or advise?

Tweet me @zoelianne_x or comment below!

Xxx

Review: Sleek Oh So Special Palette

I managed to pick up a gorgeous pallette this week that i've been eyeing up for a while...

I think i'm in love...

All my own photographs. Top picture with flash, bottom without.

The Sleek i-Divine 'Oh So Special - 658' Pallette!

Absolutely gorgeous colours - so pigmented.

And it only costs £6.49 from Superdrug

Bargain!

Have any of you guys tried out any other Sleek products? This is my first purchase and I love it.

What Sleek pieces would you suggest?

Hope you are all well. Comment or tweet @zoelianne_x

:) xxxx

Better late than never...

Right, I know this is Verryyyy late, and you're all probably thinking 'babe, its March!' but i've finally got round to writing a list of things I hope to achieve this year. I know a lot of bloggers have written these posts at the start of the year, but the past 3 months have literally flew by.
There are 21 things, as I will be 21 this year. Currently I haven't achieved any of these, so I think its fair for me to start it now. Better late than never?

1. Lose weight
2. Eat healthier and partake in more exercize!
3. Increase my income somehow, 2nd job perhaps?
4. Have a foot massage - sounds strange but I would love to try one of those foot massage thingy-majiggies!
5. Be nicer to my boyfriend!
6. Do some volunteer work to help me get into the career I want
7. Join a fitness class
8. Try to have a more positive outlook on life
9. Work hard on my last few months at University
10. ...and graduate!
11. Blog more often
12. Travel to a few new places!
13. Start a full time job
14. Actually pass my driving test!
15. Stop worrying about the past, present and future...
16. Take up a new hobby!
17. Spend more time with friends
18. Stop spending money so recklessly
19. Learn a new skill
20. Book a holiday
21. Make new friends

I hope I can achieve most of them at least if not all!
Hope you are all well! What are your hopes for this year, and have you achieved any so far?
Comment or tweet me @zoelianne_x
xxx

Whats In My Bag?!

Hi guys, so this is my 'Whats In My Bag' Post. Sorry if its not of much interest, but I know I love having a nosey at what others carry around in their bags!

This is my current hand-bag. It is a French Connection bag I receieved for Christmas from my partner. I love it. It is a black, quilt like handbag which can be carried on the elbow crease or shoulder.

Top left to right: Superdrug carrier bag, Talliah & Belle compact and pouch, Lee Stafford pink travel mirror, Kleenex, Paracetamol, Cherry Carmex, Nivea Pearly Shine

Bottom left to right: Hello Kitty Liberty coin purse, Grey beanie hat from Primark, Tweezers, Small hair brush, Pen, Classic Pooh 2012 Diary, Sure Deodrant, Rock Spirit Perfume by Primark, Wella hairspray, Maybelline Define-a-lash mascara.

Hello Kitty phone pouch, Blue quilted purse, Next Just Red Perfume, Wilkinsons Perfect body spray, Nivea hand cream, Company and Cosmopolitan magazines, Powder brush, Collection 200 Pressed Powder, Robinsons Fruit Shoot blackcurrant drink.

So thats whats in my bag! Sorry if it is a little boring, hope you enjoyed!

Please comment below if you liked this post, or have a suggestion on my next post!

Send me your 'Whats in your bag' posts or videos- I love to have a nosey!

Tweet me @zoelianne_x

Lots of love! xx

February Favourites

My February favourites guys, hope you enjoy. I must admit I haven't purchased much this month as I have been very ill and swamped over with Uni work. Do let me know if there is any posts you would like to see in the future! Love you all!

Superdrug Simply Pure: Gentle Eye Make-up Remover, Calming Cleanser and Refreshing Toner (All for Sensitive Skin) which cost roughly around £2.50 each. I have always used Superdrug's own branded Cleanser and Toner and will always recommend it!

So...? Fab EDT 30 ml which costs £5.99 from Superdrug which smells very sweet and girly!

The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter (50ml) which cost £5

Lynx Attract For Her, whch is availble for a limited time at Superdrug and costs around £2.50-3.50.

Nivea Glamorous Gloss in Pink Sugar and Natural which cost £3.99

This is a cosmetic organiser I picked up from a UK store called Home Bargains. It cost between £2-3 I cant remember the correct price for it now, but very, very cheap. It is ideal for keeping on your desk or dressing table the essentials you use everyday, I love mine and plan to get another on my next visit to the store. There is a picture below of how I am using mine currently.

Packs of three socks from Primark £2 per pack. Pretty basic and boring but everyone needs socks! I got the white cow designed pack and the yellow cake designed pack incase you were wondering, hehe. They have a huge selection of other gorgeous designs. Thumbs up for cute socks!

And lastly, just a Lip Smacker Fanta Lip Balm (Available from Primark, Claires Accessories, Top Shop) which cost just £1 from Primark. I love lip balms and I always pick one up at the counter!

So sorry this is a short favourite post guys, as I said I have been quite ill and busy with university and working so haven't really had chance to shop, and not worn a lot of make-up due to having the flu.

Hope you are all well, I'd love to hear from you! Tweet me @zoelianne_x or comment below!

How has February been for you?  What have you picked up this months and what are your faves?

Loves xxxxx