Pre-Christmas Haul and Festive Wishes

That time of year is upon us again - where have the last 12 months gone?!

As well as pounding the pavements and perusing the aisles for the perfect gifts for my nearest and dearest, I haven't been able to resist treating myself too...

Skincare

• At £25 - reduced from £60 - the Soap and Glory Pink Big with 10 full sized products was just irresistible to a Soap and Glory addict like me...I have been good though and given a few products away as I literally have them coming out my ears!
• If like me you are obsessed with the beautiful Pixiwoo girls, you may have been delighted when the gorgeous Nic revealed one of her skincare finds in this video...  I rushed out and bought the aforementioned Oilatum Skin Repair Cream.  My verdict?  Amazing!  If you have dry skin, you need this in your life!

Make Up

• 17 Beehive lipstick - raved about and I finally got my mitts on one... it is worth the hype!  Plus, a bonus free new MaxFactor foundation brush - I love Boots!

Hair Care etc

• TRESemmé 24 body mousse and blow dry spray
• Umberto Gianni Backcomb in a Bottle

This combination will hopefully see me into 2011 with big, voluminous hair perfect to team with my gorgeous new French Connection dress and Oasis earrings.  What can I say...I love to get my glam on..!

For now, all that remains for me to say is Merry Christmas to all of my beautiful followers.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and may all your wishes come true.  

Eat, Drink, Be Merry and above all, watch The Holiday, Home Alone and Love Actually more times than is necessary - it wouldn't be Christmas without them!

Lots of love from George xxx

Products of 2010: St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

I can forgive this product's incorrectly spelt name and its blatant rip off of St Tropez because it is just so amazing!

I apply this fake tan with a mitt (or thick sock if a mitt is nowhere to be seen) and due to the fantastic guide colour, I can ensure there are no missed bits or streaks in sight.  Then, a minimum of four hours later I rinse it off in the shower to reveal golden, sun kissed skin.  And who doesn't want that?!

The best bit?  It's a steal at around £2..

What is your tan of 2010?!

Foundation Trial: MaxFactor Xperience

You may remember I bought this foundation back at the end of November in this haul..  I was enticed by the promise of a lightweight but full coverage finish that would give me the skin of my dreams this Winter.

I've had - give or take - around a month to try it out and, unfortunately, I'm not impressed.  I've used it basically every day that I've put on make up and given it numerous chances.  I've willed it to work.  I've used it in so many ways that I can't even count...

But my general view?

I just don't like it...

And here is why:

Availability:  Maybe its best point - it is available in chemists everywhere so Boots, Superdrug etc.  It has an RRP of around £10 which is pretty standard for a low end foundation but I did get in of offer for £6.99 so can be picked up for less.

Colour: From what I can see from the website, it has only 6 shades.  Classic 'drugstore' foundation.  It also oxidises like crazy so it is near impossible to find a good colour match.

Consistency and Application: To give it its due, it does live up to its weightless promise and almost feels air-whipped and mousse like when you apply it.  It glides over the skin nicely but can settle in dry areas.

Coverage: It is no way in hell full coverage; not at all.  I'd say primarily light-medium..it can be built up due to its light consistency but since it oxidises and settles in dry areas, it is not a good look.

Finish: This is where the major issue lies.  The product is just not consistent.  One day I will be in love with the finish - all semi matte and nicely dewy on my cheeks - and another day it will be cakey and fully matte.

Lasting Power:  I hate to be so negative but it is truly horrendous.  I was out shopping one particularly cold day and when I looked in a shop mirror, I wanted to hide... The foundation had worn off in patches and my red nose was very, very visible..  Even on a normal day, I think it lasts for four or five hours at most..

Overall: I think my overall view on this foundation that is is just isn't consistent.  One day it will look nice and the next it will be awful.  I acknowledge that my skin is changing over the winter but I want to know I can put a foundation on and be aware of how it will wear - not constantly wondering how I look by lunchtime.  This is where Double Wear comes in...

It I had to recommend this to anyone, it would be to a oily/combination skin in a warm environment who want a medium matte coverage for a few hours at a time.  It just does not stand the test of time for a long day or night out.

Repurchase? Unfortunately not.

Have you tried this foundation?  Have you got on better than me with it?!

Products of 2010: Seche Vite Top Coat

I honestly don't know how I ever lived without this miracle.

Well, actually..I do - I spent hours of my life waiting for nail varnish to dry just for it to smudge anyway..

But now, I can paint my nails at 2am in the knowledge that I can hop into bed 5 minutes later and wake up without my sheets imprinted on my fresh polish - it's the small things :)

Plus, the high shine is second to none..

What are your products of 2010??! xx

Products of 2010: MAC Cream Colour Base - Hush

Many products have come and gone this year but only a few have truly gone the distance and earned my love.

This is most certainly one of them!

I know Hush will be a staple in my collection forever.  It is truly amazing - a creamy highlighter that when swiped along my cheekbones gives me a glow I could only ever dream about...

It is love - pure and simple!

Coming of age

I am officially 22 and I guess that means - an adult.  No more adolescent debauchery or days spent watching Disney films whilst in my pyjamas.

Oh, who am I kidding...you're only as young as you feel, correct?!

I celebrated my birthday last weekend at home with my amazing family and then journeyed back to Manchester to partake in a fabulous 'G' themed party thrown by my ever-wonderful housemates.

I was completely spoilt with mountains of tempting cakes and chocolate; relaxing massages; heavenly soap and glory treats; beautiful perfume and sparkly trinkets - honestly, you'd think I'm a girly girl or something...

A selection of my gorgeous presents

On a beauty note, I have been trialling MaxFactor's new Xperience foundation recently so expect a hearty review soon but I did wear Double Wear for my party and I have to say it photographs beautifully - a FOTD will be done soon..I promise!
I also received Rae Morris' book titled Make Up - The Ultimate Guide and I am just in awe of it.  I have been engrossed in it since my best friend gave it to me - I can hopefully take some pictures that do it justice to show to you all.

Until next time... xxx

A soppy little thank you note

HI LAYDEEEZ!

I cannot believe I have hit 300 followers...how did this happen?!

I want to say thank you to each and every one of you - you have no idea how happy it makes me when I gain a new follower..honestly, thank you from the bottom of my heart ♥

Currently:

* Chilling in my pyjamas and poring over Morven's blog -

 http://morven-catsandrockingchairs.blogspot.com/ 

Seriously - she is a complete and utter babe..

*Listening to Rihanna and Drake - What's my name and Rihanna and Eminem - Love the way you lie part 2 (I do love a bit of Rihanna if you couldn't tell..!)

*Looking forward to next Tuesday - I will be turning the ripe old age of 22 and celebrating with my favourite people

*Generally happy and chilled but putting off looking at my bank balance - I shop too much -haul soon I promise!

I hope you are all having an amazing weekend!

Lots of love,

George

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Foundation Trial: Estée Lauder Double Wear

As I'm sure most of us are, I am always on the quest for the perfect, 'holy grail' foundation that will make my face look as flawless as possible.  On this quest, through a combination of reading numerous blogs and spending hours in department stores, I have compiled a list of 30+ foundations that I want to try - either for the first time or for a second round.

So please welcome my new project:

The Foundation Trial

Every week or so I will be obtaining a new foundation to try out and put it through its paces in the hope that I will find my perfect skin perfecting miracle; toss aside the flaky, patchy and generally useless; and hopefully help others along the way!

First up..

Estée Lauder Double Wear 

Availability: Estée Lauder have counters in pretty much all department stores and Boots.  At £25 a bottle it is quite pricey but you can get one of these nifty 10 day pot samples - the perfect way to try it out.

Colour: Double Wear comes in around 20 shades.  I was matched - whilst wearing fake tan - to Desert Beige (2N1) which is absolutely spot-on. 

Consistency and Application:  

[For all these trials I will be using my fingers to apply, instead of a brush, as it is a basic method that everyone can relate to.] 

This foundation runs a little bit thinner to Colorstay which I personally love as it glides onto the skin, blends easily and doesn't feel heavy at all.  It was slightly harder to blend around my nose though which is slightly dry and on top of a primer it is a disaster. 

Coverage: In short - truly amazing!  One light coat provides a medium coverage which I can then build on to cover any redness in my cheeks.

Finish: 

- Over a primer: AWFUL.  I found it just stuck to the primer, dragged on my skin and just looked streaky and cakey.  

- On its own: Truly amazing!  As long as you apply moisturiser before, it looks fantastic - a semi-matte, natural finish as the website describes.  With a light layer and topped up with some highlighter such as Revlon Skinlights you really can get the effect of flawless skin.

- With powder:  Very flat and obvious that you are wearing heavy make up.  I felt like a doll/chav - really not a great look..!

Lasting Power:  I honestly cannot fault it.  The website promises 15 hours and I think that it lives up to that promise.  I also found it made my blusher/bronzer stay in place too - a real issue that I have with Colorstay.  After a long day at University or a night out in a hot club my make up looked as fresh as it did when I first applied it.

Overall best usage:  For a normal to combination/oily skin applied over moisturiser and with limited powder for a long day or night on the tiles.

Purchase? 100% YES!

Hair Growth

I have been on the quest for gorgeous long and thick hair since I first saw Laura/Lollipop26 discussing hair extensions about 18 months/2 years ago.  Since then I have purchased numerous packs of other people's hair but only a year or so ago did it click that if I grew my own hair, I could kick my expensive habit.

I now invest in intensive conditioning treatments, leave in products and heat protectants.  I do forget sometimes and I do have a set of extensions for nights out but we're all human...

Here is my hair in April, looking a little bit sorry for itself:

And 7 months on:

So, 7 months of growth should = 3.5 inches of growth?

Probably about right!  But my hair is also thicker and just generally in a much better condition which for totally abused hair like mine, is an amazing improvment.  

HOW I DID IT

Products

• Shampoos and conditioners for heat damaged hair.  They don't need to be expensive - I love TRESemmé...
• Intensive conditioners as often and for as long as possible.  If I am not going out for a day I will just leave one on all day.  My current favourite is the Lee Stafford Growth Treatment as previously mentioned - makes your hair feel like silk and smells truly amazing!
• Leave in conditioners such as the Aussie Sprays, Redken Anti-Snap or my new favourite, Tigi Ego Boost.  I apply these to the lower half my hair to avoid greasy roots.

• Heat protectant - just cover your hair in the stuff!

Styling

• The main point is, only use heat when truly necessary.  Seems obvious but I was guilty of curling or straightening even if I wasn't going anywhere.  I find when I make no effort and just tie my hair up wet, it can look amazing when I take it down.
• If I do need heat, I only use it on the days I wash it.  The curls I put in it usually last for the next day too or I just tie it up.
• Experiment with tools that require no heat such as velcro rollers - I'm sure I helped my hair by being addicted to bendy rollers for a few months.
• Heated rollers damage your hair less than a curling tong.  Or at least I like to think so...
• Use the time you sleep to dry your hair/put it in rollers etc.  Uses less heat and allows you to have an extra half an hour in bed - and who doesn't want that?!

xoxo

Weather Appropriate NOTD: China Glaze - Recycle

In an attempt to succumb to the season I shoved my lilacs, greens and all other happy colours to the back of my nail varnish drawers and pulled out all the autumnal colours I could find including this recently purchased bottle from the grey family.

Overall opinion?  

Just. Not. Sure

I really, really want to like this...I want to look down at my nails and think "Wow, aren't I chic!"  

In reality, I just think they look a little bit drab...  

I wouldn't mind this so much but it is also a streaky mess to apply and it doesn't last well - in the pictures which are taken just after 24 hours after application you can see some tip wear. 

In general - Definitely not a repurchase but is it OK enough to wear on a regularly basis? 

What do you think??  It just doesn't fill me with happiness...

St Tropez Tan Detox Bath Oil

We've all been there...a hefty fake tan application followed by a busy week/total lack of motivation to exfoliate and one ends up resembling a patchy, reptile with some strange skin disease.  OK, slight exaggeration but you know what I mean..!

I myself am notoriously lazy when it comes to sloughing off all the old tan - I regularly hide every inch of skin under scarves and long tops before taking a near whole tub of exfoliator and an hour in the bath to get it all off.

SO, imagine my delight when I heard about this product..

St Tropez Detox Bath Oil 

is described as a 'salon-inspired home treatment will remove all residue of self tan, leaving skin ultra soft and smooth. Tan Detox is a pampering bath oil that combines a luxurious blend of lavender, lemon and hazelnut oils to help create a calming spa-like environment at home.'

My question is, it is just a regular bath oil that costs £25 for the privilege of being branded with St Tropez and the inclusion of an exfoliating cloth?

Has anyone had an experience with this or use something similar to do the same job?  I'm not quite sure I can bring myself to part with £25....

All I want for Christmas is...

Who cares?!

When you can have a mini present EVERY DAY before hand?!

L'oreal are releasing this very special advent calendar featuring a mini product from their portfolio every day..I need this!!

A mini mars bar will just not suffice this year I'm afraid..!

NOTD: Essie - Luscious Lips

Things I love about this polish

- The colour is simply beautiful.  A feminine, creamy baby pink.
- It applies so smoothly - no streaks in sight.
- It lasts!  Days and days!
- It's amazingly cheap when ordered from America.

The 1 thing I'm not so crazy about

- It is really sheer and therefore takes about 3 or 4 coats to get a decent colour pay off.

BUT, as it lasts so long, I probably still use less as I don't need to change the colour after 1 day.  Swings and roundabouts.. :)

A definite permanent feature in my collection I feel.  It's a perfect, every day colour that's always appropriate and classy - I love my greens and purples etc but I just feel 'polished' in colours like this.

I really rate Essie at the moment - my next purchase will definitely be Merino Cool from the latest Fall collection.

Any other Essie colour recommendations?  I can always be persuaded to buy more...

The Essentials

As a self-confessed beauty product and cosmetic junkie I have a myriad of lotions and potions.  I always have numerous hair sprays, lipsticks, moisturisers etc on the go at any one time.

However, there are those special few items that I will never be without.  The loves of my life in the cosmetic world.  The items I stress about if I potentially lose or use up and don't have a back up.

Let me introduce you to:

THE ESSENTIALS

Clockwise from left:

Sudocrem - The only thing that clears my skin up when I break out.  My saviour.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - My daily essential to even out my skin tone.  Amazing on its own or as a base for foundation.

Olay Regenerist Thermal Skin Polisher - I should probably dedicated an entire post to this beauty.  Makes my skin feel incredible.

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - I've talked about this before - thoroughly rids your locks of a multitude of products, leaving your hair clean and full of life.

Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I've found that provides a matte but radiant finish whilst keeping my moisture levels topped up WITH an SPF.  This deserves a medal!

Seche Vite topcoat - I honestly won't do my nails without this.  No waiting around for half an hour for polish to try and leaves my nails so incredibly shiny.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 - I stopped using this for about 2 weeks and my skin went insane.  The moral of the story?  I will never be without this again!

Olay Eye Make Remover - My mum has used this for as long as I can remember and she turned me onto it a few years ago.  It just easily removes all my eye make up and doesn't sting my very sensitive eyes - all round winner!

Exfoliating Glove - Just turns any old shower gel into an exfoliator - perfect when my St Moritz turns me all patchy..

No 7 Créme Touch Powder - I have never tried MAC's MSF Natural (call myself a make up enthusiast?!) as  this provides me everything I want a powder to - slight coverage with a semi-matte finish that lasts hours.  I'm not taking the MAC off my to-buy list just yet though... ;)

If you want me to provide a full review for any of these, just let me know in the comments!  

As for me, I'm off to watch The Vampire Diaries.  Stefan, Damon, just how do you choose?!

Hair Inspiration

I am so guilty of always wearing my hair the same way - 80% of the time curly; 10% loose waves and 10% straight.  It is also always, always down and to be honest, I'm just getting a bit bored of it.  As I'm also constantly trying to grow it, I really should be cutting down on the amount of heat I subject my tresses to.

I therefore vow to style my hair differently at least twice a week using these pictures for inspiration...famous last words??

Making do with a webcam

I will be getting a new camera next week....until then, please bear with me xxx

The most unglamorous post yet

If, like me, you are not naturally blessed with sleek, glossy locks then you probably have to use a multitude of products to get the hair of your dreams.

My hair is naturally coarse, wavy and potentially frizzy if I leave it to air dry.  Alas, not exactly the look I go for.

I therefore use an arsenal of deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, protein treatments, serums etcetera etcetera to give me hair that looks a little something like this...

However, as always, some things are just too good to be true.  And every so often my hair can't take the overload of products and becomes lank, greasy and just generally overwhelmed.  So glamorous...

The first time this happened I was totally distraught - a standard hair wash does not clean this up.  Oh no.  For this problem, a heavy duty, detoxing shampoo is needed and thankfully I discovered my saviour..

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - £2.99

What Boots say:

No matter how thoroughly you shampoo, your styling products can hang around, leaving a residue on your hair that can really weigh it down. Get rid of the unwanted build-up with Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo.

Well, it does what it says.  Any bouts of build up are now distant memories from using this, without fail, once a week.  Prevention is better than cure as they say....

Too much free time

OPI Mod About You

Pink Crystals - eBay

Sally Hansen Topcoat

Dirty Works Glow Girl Hot Salt Scrub

What springs to mind when you think of a salt scrub?

Gritty;

Rough;

Down-right abrasive?

That was my thinking when I bought this for £4.99 from Sainsbury's.  A nice little purchase - even if it is encased in seriously naff packaging - to help slough off all those dead skin cells and patchy fake tan.  What a great find, I thought; cheaper than the usual scrubs I go for and the added bonus of promising to 'draw out toxins'.  Oh, what a fool I am.

Yes, unfortunately, this did not live up to my expectations in the slightest.

It all started to go wrong when I unscrewed the lid.  Something I admittedly should have done in store before purchasing.  Well, we all live and learn..!

See what I mean??

I really wanted this to work; to surprise me and make me realise that you don't need great big, chunky particles to give you soft, supple skin.  But, well, you do.

This herbally smelling, runny paste does nothing for me but drag on my skin and leave a horrible residue in my bath - due to the Kaolin it contains.  This is the main issue for me - is clay not used in thousands of skin care products to help combat oily skin?  Would that be why my skin feels drier after I use this?  The 'Kiss goodbye to dry skin!!' promise therefore falls short...

What a disappointment.  Dirty Works - you have some serious improvements to make.  Starting with the horrendous yellow packaging...

Perfect Polish

A few weeks ago I had on my list - 'Sky Blue Nail Varnish'.....

I think I found just what I was looking for at ASDA of all places for a mere £1.50.

Sure, it's not perfect and takes a bit of patience when applying but for a quick pick me up it's fantastic and just what I fancied...

IN & OUT #2: Holiday Edition

I got back from 2 weeks of Spanish bliss late last night and although I am freezing back in Blighty, I am happy to be home...mainly at the prospect of shopping - I missed Boots.  Sad, but true.

For now.....

IN

• Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - I've used this basically every day for 2 or 3 years now and I'm still totally in love with it.  It evens out my skin tone and allows me to blend my face and neck - which never tans - together.  If I want more coverage, I simply mix in some foundation with it, slap it all over my face and I'm good to go
• Jungle Formula Insect Repellent - If you are prone to mozzie bites like me - about 15 per night - you need this in your life when you go abroad!  I've come back with 2 bites - a complete record for me!
• Calypso Dry Oil SPF Spray - If the thought of rubbing greasy sun tan lotion on every few hours fills you with dread, pick up this baby from Superdrug for mere pennies.  If sprays on evenly, dries instantly, smells lovely and keeps you safe in the sun whilst tanning  - a sure fire thumbs up from me!
• French pedicured toes - I do love brights on the toe nails but every once in a while it's nice to tone it down and go for a chic french polish. 

OUT

• My natural hair - Although it's about my desired length now, I cannot stand it's texture.  All messy, wavy and frizzy...without tongs/straighteners in my life I resemble Monica in that Friends episode...you know the one I mean....
• Over packing - Hands up who had to sit on their suitcase to get it to close then wore approximately 5% of what you took????
• Pigging out - That half a stone I lost to go away soon went back on with chocolate croissants and Tango for breakfast every morning, followed by constant eating from then on....Back on the wagon now - I can substitute eating with shopping - sounds good to me!

Favourites: Lip Products

I own more lipsticks, glosses, liners and balms than any other type of cosmetic.  I am just instantly drawn to the sparkly, pink, glossy goodness and seeing as most lip products are under the £10 mark a new purchase is always justified....!

Therefore to whittle it down to 5 favourites was no mean feat but here is what I came up with...

MOR LIP DELIGHT - PASSION FLOWER

Oh my days, this is potentially my favourite product in the world. Yes, big claim there!  I received this as a present for Christmas from Space NK but before that I had never heard of the brand.  From a little bit of internet research it turns out it is an Aussie brand and this little pot (10g) is around the £12 mark.  Space NK unfortunately don't seem to stock it anymore though.  Sad face.

However, I have used this every day since Christmas day and the pot still has over half left.  It is the most delicious smelling balm I own that makes my lips feel butter soft instantly and provides the perfect base for lipsticks and glosses.  It is also a slightly opaque balm so can be used to tone down a bright lipstick when used over the top. 

PRESTIGE LIP LINER - SILK

My lip line is naturally not perfectly even so I love using a natural coloured lip liner to even the edges out and make my lips slightly fuller.  

This liner fits the bill perfectly as it is pretty much the same colour as my natural lips.  It gives me a perfectly symmetrical pout and when used all over, makes my lipstick of choice stay put longer than usual.

BARRY M 147 LIP PAINT

Out of all the lipsticks I own, this has been getting the most love recently.  It's a gorgeous corally/peachy pink that is slightly brighter than my usual nudes and therefore perfect for the Summer months.  It's also as cheap as chips, readily available and I do love the matte black packaging.

BARRY M #4 GLOSSY TUBE

I'm just going to say it - I love this and could not live without it!  I would recommend this product to everyone and anyone - it is just a gorgeous, glossy matte pink gloss that I'm sure would suit nearly all skin tones.  It's pretty, light, easily applied and smells delicious - strawberries and cream spring to mind...

On it's own it is pigmented enough to tone down my naturally quite red lips or over the top of a lipstick it provides a beautiful glossy finish.

In this picture from Saturday night I have it applied over the 147 lip paint - pretty much a match in lip-combo heaven ♥

GOSH DARLING VELVET TOUCH LIPSTICK

No surprises here...!  I know everyone raves about this and it's not very original but it honestly is such a fave! It's just a beautiful, versatile lipstick that I can wear everyday.  It goes with basically every make up look and has just enough colour to ensure you don't look like a corpse/chav rocking concealer lips.  If you haven't tried this yet, what are you waiting for?!!!

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Thank God it's the weekend

A sort of blog-vlog if you will :)

After a long week of mainly ten/eleven hour days, on Friday all I wanted to do was crash.  However, never one to miss out on a social opportunity I hot-footed it to my best friend's house ten miles away to see all my old school friends.  We had a fantastic time laughing, reminiscing and munching some highly calorific treats such as these meringues I threw together ....

After all this I didn't get the early night I needed and then being so dedicated to the shopping cause I woke at 8 on Saturday to go to a nearby open-air market which always promises a bargain.

My early morning was not in vain - a Topshop £28 dress for £6 (pictures later) and these little gems:

John Freida Brilliant Brunette Luminous Colour Glaze - £1

L'oreal Studio Secrets Primer - £2

I've always meant to try these out but never got around to it - for those prices how could I resist?! 

I was home and exhausted by midday and after a quick application of St Moritz I fell into bed and had a fantastic nap.  You know, one of the good ones where you fall asleep easily and sleep for just the right amount of time to ensure you wake refreshed and not groggy.  As a student I have perfected the art of napping...!

I then embarked on the mission of getting ready to head out for the night and after a few hours of primping and preening I was ready to go...I could not be a wash-n-go girl if I tried..!

This was the dress mentioned earlier - I was really not sure about it as 99% of the time I wear black on a night out but I warmed to it in the end.  Variety is the spice of life and all that....

I teamed it with just a black skinny belt and my new Bertie shoes which I couldn't be more in love with if I tried.

The elasticated straps mean they are so insanely comfortable and the fact that I got them in the sale for a tiny price make them 100 times more beautiful.

My make up was pretty standard for me - bit of MaxFactor foundation, 3 tone smokey eye, Hush cream colour base and pinky lips and cheeks.  Classic combo!

I had such a fun filled evening with my bestest and even though one too many tequilas were consumed I actually feel bright and breezy today!

I am going away on Tuesday for 2 weeks so today's tasks are to start packing and schedule some posts - typical lazy Sunday :)

Also, I will be watching The Wanted's music video about a million times to catch a glimpse of this beaut..

I mean...his surname is George - it'd be rude not to marry him right?!

Love Mrs George George

xxx

Review: Soap & Glory Hot Cloth Cleanser

A few weeks ago my skin decided to break out in the worse rash to man.  I think it was just an allergic reaction to Rescue Oil - Bio Oil's cheaper imitation - and it did clear up after a week or so but I decided to use it as an excuse to shake up my skincare routine.

I don't know about you but sometimes when I go into Boots/Superdrug I become totally overwhelmed with the choice, faff around looking at everything and usually leave perplexed and empty handed.
WELL, this time I decided to pick one brand and try all the products - yes I'm a bit OCD like that...!

The final choice?  The famous and fantastically girly Soap and Glory.

Obviously I didn't buy all the products in one go but I'm working my way down the list..!

First up we have..

The Fab Pore Hot Cloth Cleanser

What Soap & Glory say...

It cleans, it smoothes, it melts away makeup! A 3-in-1 concentrated deep purifying formula with a natural blend of revitalising aromatic essential oils for an all round FAB PORE™ complexion.

What’s inside that counts?

• A blend of cleansing and invigorating essential oils, orange, lavender, clary sage and rose geranium help to cleanse and refresh the skin, leaving a smoother, brighter and clearer complexion.

• Rich nourishing and conditioning oils of sweet almond, cocoa butter and coconut help to smooth and moisturise the skin

• Conditioning panthenol and vitamins.

Suitable for all skin types

Squeeze out a generous splodge of Soap & Glory The Fab Pore™ Hot Cloth Cleanser, divide it between the pads of your fingers, and then massage onto your face and neck for at least sixty seconds. (Concentrate most on your nose, chin, or other clog-prone spots.) Leave on for another minute (if you're too 'type A' to wait, fill the time by flossing) then rub it all off with a warm, wet muslin cloth.

What I say...

It does exactly what it promises!

The products comes out of it fantastically retro silver tube in the form of a luxuriously thick cream.  I put a pea sized amount on my chin, cheeks, nose and forehead and massage in before rubbing a generous amount into my eyes to get rid of all that shadow, liner and mascara.  Will you look like a panda?  Yes.  Will it sting?  Not a bit - and I have really sensitive eyes.

I leave it for a minute or so to then wipe it all off with the muslin cloth included.  I think this is what makes your skin feel so soft as you are technically exfoliating your face at the same time.  Also, as you rub it into your eyelashes you can get every scrap off mascara off.

I then splash my face with some water and voila!  My skin is left feeling squeaky clean and gorgeously soft.  I can honestly say my skin has never felt so soft or looked so good in a long time.  I've also had no breakouts at all since I purchased it...touch wood!

RRP £8.99 at Boots

Has anyone else tried this?  How does it compare to Liz Earle's version??

xx

Next up .... No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

NOTD: Rose Libertine

This colour is just so delicious - I must have bought 5 or 6 bottles of it since it came out last year.  And that is saying something for a nail polish whore like me..!

It is such a fantastic colour, I never really know how to describe it?  Coral/peach/salmon?!  Either way, it's beautiful and I love it on my fingers and toes.

The application

It now comes with one of those snazzy '1 second' rounded brushes and it does make the application easier but it is by no means '1 second'.  A good three coats are needed but it does dry quickly so that isn't a great pain.

The price

The standard £3/£4 mark in Superdrug/Boots etc.

Overall

Definitely one of my all time favourites.  I always need this in my collection and always seem to get compliments when I decorate my nails with it!  A perfect Summer polish :)

June Favourites

• MaxFactor Second Skin Foundation - For days when I want slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser this does the job perfectly.  It evens my skin out with a dewy finish but my freckles are still visible - perfect for when I don't want to look too made up.

• Elf mineral foundation - Perfect for setting my make up in this weather and giving some coverage at the same time.  Be warned though - even the lightest shade is still pretty dark..

• The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blusher Kabuki - I bought this last Summer and have literally used it every day since.  I use it for powder and honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  It is probably the softest brush I own and it just buffs in powder beautifully.  The best part? I got it for a steal off eBay..

• Barry M 147 Lipstick - I am honestly in love with this colour!  I was so distraught that I lost it last weekend after one too many vodkas that I rushed out and bought two...as you do!  It is a perfect peachy-corally-pink and looks as good on the cheeks as it does on the lips.  It is however, like it's 101 sister, extremely drying and always needs a lip balm under.

• MAC Hush CCB & Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush  - These two work so well together - the brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed all the way along the cheekbone for a gorgeous dewy finish.

• BB Creamy Concealer - Heavy duty enough to cover my dark circles but doesn't cake or collect in fine lines.  When set with the powder provided it stays put all day and makes my eye area look bright and awake even when all I want to do is crawl back into bed!

• Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know I gave this a pretty negative review a while ago.  However, I have to say sorry to Bourjois and admit I now love it.  I guess it has dried up a little and it is now the perfect consistency to work with.  Yes, the brush is still fiddly but when I have the time and patience, it can result in the most amazingly lengthy lashes.  Its not perfect, but pretty damned near :)  

And finally...

Decorated coral toe nails - I refuse to leave the house in Summer without my feet looking their bestest!  And this has been my design of choice so far this year.... simple but effective!  

The shoes?? KG and beautiful but they are the DEVIL - no pain, no gain I guess?!!