Barry M Lip paint in 129 Palest Lavender

Barry M Lip Paint in 129 Palest Lavender 

I was quite disappointed with this lipstick. I own only one other Barry M lipstick which is good quality, so I did not expect to be as disappointed with this one as much as I am. As you can see, the lipstick melted and slightly snapped, making it look unattractive and making it really difficult to use. I kept it in a cool, dry place, with all my other lipsticks and I only had it one day and this happened! 

As for the pigmentation, it is quite a light, almost neon pink- lilac. The quality of the product isn't the best, as it is melted and feels very 'creamy', yet it still clings to dry skin and isn't moisturizing at all. It isn't long lasting either, with it lasting around one hour without completely disappearing from the lips.

Boots Extracts Cocoa Butter Body Butter

I seem to feature a fair few body butters here on my blog, that is probably because my skin constantly feels dehydrated and dry, I need to moisturize every day, and body butters are one of my favourite ways of doing this rather than using moisturizers.

I love using light moisturizers mainly for my face, but I find them a little greasy sometimes for the body so I opt for a body butter. The product I am featuring today is Boots Extracts Cocoa Butter Body Butter. I think cocoa butter is a big favourite for a body cream product, mainly as it is smells beautiful but not overpowering. 

The Boots Extracts range is fair-trade and organic, so is very good for the skin as it has limited synthetic inputs. The Boots Extracts range is very reasonably priced, with this body butter coming in at a teeny tiny £8 which is great value for a 200 ml tub. I actually received this at Christmas from a gift set including other Cocoa Butter products which I am currently using too.

This body butter hydrates the skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and soft. 

You can purchase this online or instore at Boots.

The Blogger Made Me Buy It Tag

1. Who are your most influential bloggers?  Who are the ones that you really rely on for reviews and swatches?

I trust The Sunday Girl blog as her reviews are always very detailed and honest. 

2.  Do you buy a product solely as a result from one review from your favourite bloggers, or do you look for more reviews from others?

No, I tend to read quite a few reviews before purchasing something, particularly if it costs a little more than what I would normally pay. I use Make Up Alley to find a lot of reviews as they are short and snappy, and very honest. 

3. What is your most favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?

Most definitely the Real Techniques Make Up Brushes. I have the starter kit, core collection and two blusher brushes, and they are some of the best brushes I have used. I use four of them without fail every day. They really are worth the hype!

4. What is your least favourite item that you have ever bought as a consequence of blogs?

To be honest, I can't quite think of anything right now that I disliked that I have bought as a result from reading blogs. The only item I can think of is the Seventeen Brow Kit which I dont detest, it is an OK product, but not what I expected from some of the reviews I read online. 

5. Name 5 products you have bought recently as a result of blogs.

Maybelline Baby Lips, Seventeen Brow Kit, MUA Eye Brow Pencil, MUA LUXE Power Brow, Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick. 

6. Have you ever given into blogger hype?  If so, which hype?

I would probably have to say yes; one that stands out in my head are Mac lipsticks. 

7. Have you ever avoided blogger hype?  If so, which hype?

Any lip gloss, lip stain or lip pen product. I always get so into the hype after reading rave reviews, but I know I just wont wear or use them enough, so I manage to talk myself out of buying them (so far, anyway!)

8. Is everything you buy based on blogger reviews or are there some items you buy without checking out a review?

Off - course there are products I buy without checking reviews before hand, I impulse buy occasionally with brand new products, but the majority of the time, I do search for reviews online before buying something new. 

Natural Collection Lipstick in Pink Mallow

Natural Collection Lipstick in Pink Mallow

There is nothing better than a bargain in my eyes, I am always trawling the shops for a good beauty bargain or two, Boots Natural Collection being one of them. 

One of my personal favourite products by Natural Collection are their lipsticks, this one being 'Pink Mallow'. As you can see from the photographs, it is a very cool toned pink. It is quite long - lasting for a few hours before needing to reapply. It is for me, an easy go - to every day colour. If you like your pinks and neutrals I would recommend this one for the fantastic value for money and it is quite moisturizing, too. 

Hask Argan Oil

Until about a year ago, I was fairly new to Oil Treatments used on hair. Since then I have tried a handful of different brands, including the bloggers favourite Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment (I reviewed it in full here). Hask Argan Oil* is a fraction of the price, and having received this in an event goodie bag, I decided to see if it was just as good as Macadamia. 

This Oil is great to apply on both damp hair and dry hair, always avoiding the roots. It leaves my hair feeling slightly less damaged and considerably less frizzy.

The scent stays in the hair for a short while after use, the best way I can describe it is sweet vanilla and slightly zesty. You only need to use a very small amount of the oil as a little goes a long way. It is no miracle worker on my hair but it is a good product I would probably buy in the future. 

Chupa Chups Strawberries and Cream Candle

As a child, the strawberry and cream Chupa Chup lollipops were always my favourite, I had such a sweet tooth. I was beyond delighted to see a strawberries and cream candle when I was out shopping a few days ago... and in Poundland of all places! Bargain.

The candle itself looks very similar to the Forever Friends candles that Poundland stocked a while ago.

This scent is quite sweet. It doesn't last too long and it certainly isn't overpowering but it is a very pleasant scent and great for just a pound. Just thought I would give you all a heads up on these nifty little candles as they smell nice, last well and are so affordable!
Where do you buy your candles from? 

Because I'm Happy Wishlist

Blue Crepe Skate Dress -Dorothy Perkins Loop Knit Heart Jumper - George at ASDA Don't Worry Be Happy Necklace - ASOS Yellow Smudge Print Snood - New Look Plastic Aviator Sunglasses - Topshop Boxy Lock Bag - ASOS

Today's wishlist features lots of very cute and sweet items that have lifted my mood recently. I love anything cute and I love pastels as I relate them to feeling refreshed and happy, I have no idea why colours have this effect on me, they just uplift my outfits from my every day monochrome colours I think. 

50s Make Up Inspiration

Anyone that knows me very well will know I have an avid interest in 1950s fashion; particularly beauty. Here are a few of my beauty inspirations. I love the defined eye brows, red or nude lip and dramatic eyeliner. I love the classic beauty from the simplicity of these make - up looks. 

Note: None of these pictures belong to me, all found through Search Engines.

Little Mistress Date Night Wishlist

There is no denying it, I adore clothes and lust after pretty little dresses on a daily basis. I love date nights when you can get all done up in a beautiful outfit; it makes it that little more special knowing the effort you have made. I have compiled a little wishlist of a few items I love and think would be perfect for a Date Night. This is also my entry to the Little Mistress and Etail PR competition, for all you bloggers out there that may be interested in taking part yourself, you can find out more here!

As you can see, the star of the show is the Red Lace Overlay Bow Front Dress. It is beautiful and is right at the top of my wishlist! I love the detail on this dress, it is so sweet yet stylish. I am usually scared of wearing colour (I am a Monochrome girl 90% of the time) but there is something about this little red dress that I cant stop swooning over. I already own this Little Mistress Dress and I love the quality and fit, so I know their dresses are true to size and wash really well. A LRD is perfect for date night! 

I spotted these Cream On Cream Floral Applique Shorts and this Beige Lace Detail Long Sleeve Top and instantly knew they would look beautiful together. The floral detailing on the edging of the shorts would match well with the floral pattern on the top. I love anything lace because it is so pretty and delicate. To complete the little duo, I would pop a cami top on underneath, and add a pair of tights and simple flats. 

I am also lusting after this Silver Clear Stone Spike Necklace as it is such a statement piece which would look perfect with both outfits on my wishlist, as well as just about everything else in my wardrobe. 

What do you think of my wishlist? What is your favourite thing about your Date Night?

Natural Collection Lipstick in Crimson

Natural Collection Lipstick in Crimson

Natural Collection and their £1.99 lipsticks are fantastic value and well worth the money. Albeit they do not last all day, but have a good few hours staying power before having to reapply. They feel quite moisturizing on the lips, and don't tend to dry your lips out, or cling onto dry skin. I really love this particular colour, Crimson, as it is a true red with a blue undertone to it. I don't find the colour bleeds at all for me, but have seen a few other reviews of this lipstick where others have experienced a little bleeding of the colour. Once it has been worn a few hours it does leave a slight pink stain to the lips which I actually like. I think this lipstick is great value for money, especially if you aren't that adventurous to try bright lipsticks, its only a few pound to give it a whirl. I own quite a few of the Natural Collection lippies and I am a big fan. 

MAC Lipstick in MAC Red

Mac Lipstick in MAC Red

This lipstick was my first MAC lipstick purchase. A whole year ago now, I picked this pretty lippy up and I have worn it so much since. I love the creamy finish to it, it is a Satin finish which I love. It lasts about 2 hours before having to reapply, I find it difficult with vibrant reds as they don't tend to last, but this doesn't smudge so I don't mind reapplying every few hours! It actually leaves quite a nice stain to the lips. The colour is a blue-toned red which we often hear raved as this is meant to make your teeth appear whiter. It is a very true red which I find looks great if you are after that lovely, classic red or if you are like me and love anything 50's. For me this is the perfect red lipstick and is the one I use the most. 

Montagne Jeunesse New Blackcurrant Burst Peel Off

Montagne Jeunesse

New Pressed Blackcurrants

Blackcurrant Burst Peel Off

It is always a real treat using a face mask. For me, there is nothing better than Montagne Jeunesse face masks, as they are so ridiculously affordable and you can pick them up from pretty much anywhere! The sachets cost around £1 and I can usually get one or two uses out of one sachet, which is great value for money. Montagne Jeunesse is a brand I have always repurchased, I even remember my little sleepovers and girly nights in with my friends and my sister where we would use these face masks! 

To use the peel - off masque, you simply wash your face and pat it dry, then apply the product evenly over your face and neck. After leaving the product on for 15-20 minutes, you then gently peel it off, and wash your face again and pat dry. 

The masque smells very fruity and refreshing! After peeling it off, my skin felt smooth, baby soft and I felt wide awake! I always find after using these that my skin is left feeling refreshed, moisturised, and glowing. 

I love a mid week face mask treat, and this Blackcurrant Burst Peel Off did just the job!

What is your favourite Montagne Jeunesse product?

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Primer*

When it comes to primers, I am quite clueless if they actually work for me. I have tried several different primers in the past, and I much prefer the silicone consistency of ones like this. 

My make - up lasts well when I use this primer underneath it. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy; which is something I find with a lot of primers. I like how this primer doesn't clog up my pores, just smooths the face ready for an easy make - up application.It is very silky soft on the skin and leaves the face feeling smooth. You only need a tiny amount of this product (a mistake I made the first time I used it) as a little does go a long way. I would recommend this product if you fancy spending a little extra on a primer, as it is on the pricey side. 

You can purchase the travel size 12ml of this product for £12.50 at Smashbox 

GIVEAWAY: Half Sleeve Lace Top

Hi everyone, today I have another giveaway for you lovelies. It is this beautiful half sleeve  lace top from Bonmarche. Bonmarche kindly sent this for my readers to receive as a giveaway prize! I recently featured this top in an Outfit Of the Day post if you want to check that out and how I styled it you can see it here. You can see all of Bonmarches beautiful tops here if you are looking for some stunning tops to complete an outfit. This top is in a UK size 14 but I would think it would fit sizes below and above! 

The only mandatory requirements to enter this giveaway is to Follow my blog Publically Via GFC, Follow my blog Via Bloglovin and Leave Your Email Address too! It would also be lovely if you could head over and follow @Bonmarche on twitter, as it will give you an extra entry! :)
Good Luck!

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giveaway reminder MAC LIPSTICK OF YOUR CHOICE

Just to remind you of my current giveaway of a MAC lipstick of your choice! You can enter here or on the original post from January.

Please note: You MUST follow me on GFC pubic-ally to be in the chance to enter. If you follow anonymously your entry will not count.

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Favourite Blogs To Read #2

Last Month I shared two of my favourite blog reads, and a lot of people liked the post. I think it is a great way of finding new blogs to read, so I think I will continue doing these types of blog posts in the future. I have picked two of my favourite reads of the minute which you can see below. I definitely recommend you having a nosey!

Pretty Petticoats - link

I have followed Rachel's blog for a while now, and it is one which I always read when I see a new post on my feed. She blogs all things beauty and fashion; a personal favourite read is her blog post on her Glittery Jeffery Campbells. 

Hannah Hepton - link

I have been enjoying reading Hannah's blog recently. A great read is her review of the John Frieda Full Repair Range . She seems such a lovely person from reading her blog and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future!

Let me know in the comments your favourite reads so far this Month?!

February Wishlist

These are a few things I have seen recently that have really caught my eye. 

Black Small Check Contrast Collar Tunic Dress - New Look. Cowshed Moody Cow Shampoo - ASOS Milli L/S Top - Vero Moda White Sleeveless Shirt - River Island Collection Little Mix Lipstick in Perrie - Superdrug Converse All Stars - ASOS

Battle Of The Brow Kits

Battle Of The Brow Kits

The contenders:

HD Brows in Foxy

Seventeen Brows That Brow Kit

W7 Brow Bar

MUA Pro Brow Brow Kit

The Results

HD Brows In Foxy

The RRP of this kit is an eye-watering £19.96! I refused to pay for this at full price as I find £20 for an eye brow kit very expensive.  I was happy to find it included in the Latest in Beauty Box, which made it Way cheaper than I could find it anywhere else, and worked out to cost me roughly £4 which I thought was very reasonable. I was really excited to try this kit as I had seen fantastic reviews online. Included in the kit are a nude and carbon shadow and two brown tone powders, and a small brush. There is also a handy mirror on the kit. There are three different coloured kits available - I was happy to find 'Foxy' in my beauty box as it is best suited for medium hair. The pigmentation for this is of a fantastic quality. Admittedly, only one shade is suitable for my brows (the darkest) but I do really like it. The other shades would make great use as eye shadows. It has great staying power, and makes the brows look defined and not over the top. 4/5. 

Seventeen Brows That Brow Kit

When I see new Brow products advertised I get a little excited, so when I saw this new product at the Seventeen stand in Boots for £6 I picked it up. Included in the kit is a powder, wax and highlight shade, as well as a small brush and mini brow pencil. The kit has a small mirror attached which is handy. The pigmentation of the powder is not the best, but this probably depends on your own preference on how bold and dark you like your brows to look. Personally, I like a bold brow, which I don't achieve with this colour. The staying power is quite good, lasting a few hours. The pencil is a handy tool which none of the other kits have, but it isn't quite as dark as I would like, and overall, this product lacks the colour range suitable for a darker brow. 3/5 

W7 Brow Bar

I was particularly intrigued with this kit as it included eye brow stencils, which are something I have never tried before. Also included in the kit are the four powders, an eyebrow comb, a slanted brush and also a mini brush. This is fantastic value for money as it retails for less than £5 (currently only £2.99 at Fragrance Direct if you like a bargain). There is a good selection of colours in the kit as well as a highlight. The quality of the powder shadows is great for the price. The brushes and brow comb are of a standard quality but nothing to write home about. I enjoyed using the stencils as they give a more definitive brow. The product lasts well for a few hours, the only thing I think the kit is lacking is some sort of wax or gel, but other than that I am really impressed with this kit. This is the only brow kit out of all four which doesn't include a mirror. 4/5  

MUA Pro Brow Brow Kit

The most inexpensive of the kits coming in at a mere £3.50 is the Pro Brow Kit by MUA. Included in this kit are three shadows, a setting wax, some small, slanted tweezers and a small brush. There is a small, handy mirror attached to the kit as well which is always a plus. The darkest shade is a dark brown, which is a perfect match for my eye brows. Also included are two highlight shades, personally these shades are a little too dark for high light for me, so I don't really use them for my brows, but I have used them for eye shadow and they are actually quite nice! The dark brown shadow is the perfect brow colour for me and lasts really well. The wax is the best part of this kit as it leaves my brows staying in place without that 'wet' look. I only use the brush for applying the wax as it is a great tool for this, and the tweezers are actually of a fantastic quality, and are the tweezers I use all the time. 5/5

It is a surprise to see that the cheapest product here won hands - down for me! I do like the other kits, but MUA have stood out for me for not only the price, but the quality of the product and the staying power. It just proves that you don't always have to pay for a more expensive brand name to get great results, as this is by far my favourite product which I use every day, and a great bargain make - up find!

What I Wore Today: White Lace

What I Wore Today

Half Sleeve Lace Top, Bonmarche*
Floral Skirt, Primark
Boots, New Look

I love anything lace as I find it is very feminine and girly. I spotted this beautiful ivory lace top which is new in at Bonmarche. I find it difficult looking for pretty tops which will go with anything in my wardrobe, but Bonmarche have a fantastic range of tops (you can find them all here) which are very pretty and would look great with pretty much anything. I have teamed it up with a simple floral skirt and some boots, for quite a casual look. I think this top is very versatile, and would look gorgeous with a leather jacket and jeans for a more edgy twist with the lace; great for a night out, and also with a pastel cardigan and neutral skirt which I think would look lovely in the day time.