Soap & Glory offer of the year

I had to let you know that it's that time again girls - as part of the Boots 12 weeks of Christmas offer series, Soap and Glory fans will be able to get their hands on a bumper set of products for a truly tiny price.

This year it comes in the form of the Big Splendour - originally £60 but starting tomorrow, for 1 week only, will be less than half price.

This year's set heralds the truly classic Righteous Butter and Hand Food alongside some less well known members of the line such as Pulp Friction body scrub.

Although on for a week, make haste girls - these fly off the shelves in record time!  I got last year's equivalent and loved it; cannot wait to snap this up tomorrow!

Latest Addiction: Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are one of those recent fads that have been much on my radar for some time.  Like eyebrow threading, it was always something that I always thought was not for me - how wrong I was.

Having sat in a reclined chair for an hour after a long day at work - yes, I did fall asleep! - I was almost mesmerised by the final result of having tiny hairs painstakingly applied to my own short, and pretty feeble, natural lashes.

As the pictures show, I now have the lashes of my dreams - long, healthy and perfectly graduated in length.  The best part - it is almost undetectable that they are not what nature intended!

If I care for these correctly - absolutely no rubbing and not a hint of an oil based product - I can expect them to last around 3 weeks before I need another set.  Supposedly the glue used - by an independent beautician in my local area - will cause absolutely no harm to my natural lashes.  I cannot report on that so far but all I know is, if there is no damage, I'll be back in 3 weeks falling asleep in the reclining chair ready to get a new set...who ever said natural is best?!  ;)

xxx

Saturday Shenanigans

After a very long and draining week at work, I couldn't wait to hit the town with my best friends and enjoy myself a little.  I picked up a new dress from H&M, slapped the St Moriz on and let my hair down for another classic night out in Leamington Spa.  It may be a little town but for anyone who has witnessed it, they know it holds its own on the nightlife scene.

Today has consisted of sleeping in, McDonalds, a spot of shopping and blogging - exactly what Sundays are made for!

Chanel at a fraction of the cost?!

When the Chanel Illusion d'Ombre luminous eye shadows hit the shelves, it's safe to say there was a little bit of hysteria throughout the blogging community ;).

I, for one, admired them from afar but my frantic saving for 'Gap Year Round Two' restricts me from my buying such luxurious things.  Well....sometimes anyway!

I have to be honest, I was feeling a little bit hard done-by (after all, is going back to Australia really worth it?  Answer - yes very much so!) so was over the moon when these 17 Wild Metallic Eyes popped up on my radar.

Obviously I have no idea on how they compare in formulations, but so far, I reckon the 17 version is pretty much perfect and comes in at a delicious £3.99.

Heavily swatched, Wild Nude is quite a cool toned brown but when blended, becomes a sheer, warm bronze.  Perfect as base for a brown smoky eye or as a wash of colour for every day.  Right up my street and on second inspection, a colour I prefer to all the Chanel options..my bank balance is sighing with relief ;).

Have you tried these, Chanel's version or both?  Let me know how you think they compare! xxx

A beautiful find

Apart from cosmetics, there is one other thing I am really passionate about - Lingerie.

It all started on my gap year when I was offered a job on the lingerie department of my local House of Fraser.  I jumped at the chance and since then I've been obsessed not only with finding beautiful underwear but also telling anyone who will listen to get themselves measured as they are probably wearing the wrong size.  In my honest opinion, out of anyone who has told me what they think their size is, 90% were incorrect.  If you want a bit more information, please read my post here :)

So after all my banging on about correct sizes, I thought I better let you all know that I have found the perfect bra.  If you wear a cup size that is larger than average like me, then you'll know how hard it is to find a pretty and supportive bra that doesn't cost an absolutely fortune.  But, after years of searching, one little lunch time mooch in M&S answered my prayers....

This gorgeous floral lace plunge bra is not only pretty but it is comfortable, supportive, only £14 and is stocked up to a GG (NB - M&S seem to miss out FF for some reason; so a FF becomes a G and G becomes GG).  It is also seriously flattering and gives a great shape - it truly is a perfect bra for larger cup sizes.

M&S are currently also running a promotion of £5 off when you spend £30 which makes this even sweeter!  The range can be found here and includes a gorgeous long line bra up and matching knickers.

Do you all struggle to find gorgeous lingerie in larger cup sizes too that don't cost the Earth?  I'd love to know you opinions on this one!! xxx

Product of the month: Mythic Oil

Ever since the September Glossy Box landed in my lap, there has been one product that I have used every single day, without fail.

It is, of course, the beautiful Mythic Oil from the L'oreal Professionnel range.

Hair oils have been on my radar for months but I'd always been of the view that I had enough hair products to last me a life time and I just didn't need one.  Not anymore!!!!

I honestly could not live without this product now.  From the first time I applied two drops to my wet hair and then blow dried it, I noticed a difference.  My hair was softer, smoother and generally looked a million times better.  My split ends were sealed and any fly-aways were history.  When applied to my dry hair after, it gave me the most amazing shine and the scent made my hair smell like I'd just come out of the hairdressers.  I was hooked!

As for the actual product, it's enriched with all sorts of oils that care for your hair and give it back some moisture without ever making your hair greasy or weighed down.

I am in love!  If you are like me and think that any old serum makes your hair feel as good as you possibly think.....try a hair oil!  You will not be disappointed - I promise!!!

EDIT: I am a useless blogger and put absolutely no details in of where to get this.  It can be bought from hair salons but for the savvy beauty addict, Cheap Smells or Feel Unique are your best option to snap it up for £11.95.  Go on...... You're worth it ;)

Thursday Treats

For those of us in full time jobs (please someone let me be a student again..!), some days the promise of an hour to wander around the shops at lunch time is the only thing that gets you through the day.

Thursday was one of those days.

Soap and Glory's Scrub 'em and leave 'em and The Righteous Butter. 

I always, always have a tub of Flake Away on the go but variety is the spice of life after all so I switched it up for this exfoliator instead.  I'm not sure how I feel about it yet but will keep you posted.!


Sleek Rose Gold Blush

I have wanted this blush for months but I could never find it.  Thursday however was my lucky day with the whole Sleek section having just been restocked.  It is just as gorgeous as I imagined - a perfect peachy pink with just the right amount of gold shimmer.  Expect a FOTD soon!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far and relishes the extra hour in bed tonight - what a luxury! xxx

Mars Bar Melts

I feel it's a bit of an oxymoron posting this after I've just got back from an intense Zumba class but then, and I don't know about you, the only reason I exercise is so I can eat delicious treats like this..!!

I shamelessly stole this recipe from Rosie's blog, which is my current favourite, and couldn't wait to share the joy.  These are so easy to make - 4 ingredients and 10 minutes - which makes them a winner because, after all, who has time to faff around in the kitchen after a long day?!

Ingredients

3 Mars bars
1 box of Betty Crocker's Devil's Food Cake Mix
2 eggs
4.5 tablespoons of oil

Directions

Step 1: Eat 1 Mars bar

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees

Step 3: Mix the cake mix, the eggs and the oil together

Step 4: Slice 2 Mars bars

Step 5: Roll a bit of the dough around a piece of Mars bar

Step 6: Bake for 7/8 minutes

And that's it..!!  Enjoy these beauties straight out of the oven and just make sure you don't store any that are left in the fridge or you'll lose that delicious, gooey centre...

Heaven...!! xx

Six Pack

Waking up to a six pack is not something that usually happens to one on a Monday morning - in my dreams of course Ryan Gosling is with me every morning - but this was reality!  It really was the cherry on the top of the cake when I opened the door yesterday on my day off to see my postman holding a very obvious Glossy Box.  This was a total surprise and I really do need to say a big thank you to Lily and the rest of the Glossy Box team as it really wasn't something I was expecting.

This month was an extra special 'six pack' in celebration of the monthly subscription hitting its 6 month milestone.  We were treated with six products instead of the usual 5, as well as a bonus Dermalogica cosmetic bag which for a make up bag/storage obsessive like me is an absolute bonus!

Obviously I know there will be a million and one posts like this so I've kept it short and sweet but I will try and incorporate my views on the products into some posts over the next week or so.  Like September's box, there is one stand out product for me again - the Stila eyeliner.  It is a beautiful olive green shot through with gold which is one of my favourite colours to wear on my eyes... I will hopefully manage a sleepy FOTD for you all soon!

I hope you're all having a fantastic week so far.... half way though the working week tomorrow!! xxx

TOWIB - The Only Way Is Blogging

This past weekend has been one of the best in a long, long time.  I trundled down to the big smoke and as well as seeing some of my best school and University friends, I attended Saturday's bloggers' meet up - The Only Way Is Blogging.

I was so excited about finally meeting all the beautiful girls that I read about and chat to daily and also seeing Yu again!  The day didn't disappoint in that sense - everyone I met and spoke to was gorgeous and it felt like we'd know each other for years.  I also discovered some amazing new blogs (all links below!) and cannot wait to meet all the girls again!

Yu - http://makeyuup.blogspot.com

Anna - http://www.viviannadoesmakeup.com

Gem - http://www.flutterandsparkle.com

Siobhan - http://www.agirlandabeautyblog.com

Suzie - http://hellooctoberxo.blogspot.com/

Charli - http://www.secretsbehindtheclosetdoor.com/

Clo - http://dustland--fairytale.blogspot.com/

The actual event was an exciting affair held in Babble Bar - a stones throw from Green Park tube station.  There were showcases from new brands Vivo and FashionistA as well as well as talks about HTML, photoraphy and general blogging tips and tricks.  I also had a Rodarte inpsired look carried out on my which was a little out of comfort zone but a new experience all the same...!

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We got some products to try out from both Vivo and FashionistA which I am honestly really excited about so keep an eye out for some reviews soon!

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend too!  I had today off work but unfortunately I'm back to the grindstone tomorrow....wish me luck!!

Undecided

With the colder weather rapidly approaching and a serious lack of sleep, my skin has taken a bit of a hit recently and is looking somewhat lacklustre.  Not even my beloved Hush cream colour base can save it - really desperate times..!!

I hoped that a quick purchase of Fix+ would give me a healthy, dewy complexion but unfortunately I feel like I've wasted £12.50 on a bottle of water that basically doesn't do much?  I've tried it under my make up, over, both, blasted my face with a hairdryer after.... but - nothing?  No effect that I see?

Don't get me wrong - it feels lovely and refreshing when applied but I can't help but think I could have bought a spritz bottle and filled it up with water??

What do you gorgeous girls think?  Are you fan of Fix+ or feel that it is a bit of a gimmick?  I am by no means disheartened just yet......I have a feeling one of you will give me a tip of how to use it and I'll fall immediately in love.....

xxx

Girls Aloud Lashes: Kimberley

Step aside Nicola, the Kimberley lashes are my new favourite!  Whereas Nicola's design are quite large and can look a bit OTT, the Kimberley lashes are beautiful and absolutely perfect the way they are - no trimming or cutting down needed!  They add the perfect amount of length and volume without looking ridiculous or weighing down my eyes.

Looking back I have no idea why I never tried these sooner, especially as Kimberley has always been my favourite member of Girls Aloud.  I think she's beautiful and has the most amazing figure....why everyone is obsessed with Cheryl, I'll never know!

These lashes are now right alongside my other favourites - Eylure's 107s and 110s.  What are your favourite false lashes?  Please let me know!

xxx

Life's too short....buy the shoes

I bought these grey Zara shoes last Friday during a little lunch-time splurge.  I loved them on first sight and thought the metal heel made them look so much more expensive than their £39 price tag.  I honestly thought they would be about £70 but at that price, I absolutely had to have them.

Then on Sunday when my gorgeous mother bear spotted these Jessica Simpson peep toe heels in TK Maxx, I fell in love for a second time that weekend.  I deliberated whether I really needed another new pair of heels but I was reminded of one my favourite quotes I spotted somewhere - "Life's too short...buy the shoes!!"

xxx

AUTUMN

Being a November baby, I am truly an Autumn girl at heart.  As much as I love the Summer, there is something about Autumn that makes it my favourite season of all.  Crisp mornings, crunchy leaves, beautiful colours, new fashion.... Being a brunette also brings an affinity with the season too I think.  Call me crazy but I always associate Summer with blondes and Autumn with brunettes... Am I the only one who thinks like that?!  It also always makes me want to move to Maine or Massachusetts and live in a New England style house with some sort of supernatural undertone - I blame my childhood Halloween favourites of Casper and the like!

I cannot wait for new boots, chunky knits, fabulous coats, crisp mornings, cozy afternoons in and way too many hot chocolates to count.

xxx

Christmas comes but once a.....month

After another long day at work on Friday, coming home to a parcel was definitely the highlight of the working week!  What made this even more exciting, was that I literally had no idea what was going to be inside it.  I am, of course, talking about the infamous Glossy Box.

The monthly luxury-sample subscription service was something that I'd heard so much about but had just never got around to signing up for.

However, after experiencing the sheer excitement of not knowing what I was going to find, I am definitely a convert!  I was literally squealing - talk about a big kid!

Out of the 5 items, there is definitely one stand out product that I am already in love with - watch this space for a review very soon!

xxx

Body Beautiful

My name is Georgina and I am an addict.

An exfoliating, buffing, moisturising, tanning addict.  Honestly, I cannot go a few days without scrubbing my skin and slapping on the body lotion or I feel somewhat lacklustre.  Oh well....there are definitely worse things to be addicted to, right?!

These are my favourite products to use at the moment to keep my skin as bronzed, soft and supple as possible.  Even though I have used these basically every day during the Summer months, I know that they will keep a permanent place in my routine throughout Autumn and Winter too....

If you fancy a full blown review of anything, please say so in the comments!  xxx

Seche Vite's replacement

Seche Vite was one of my all time favourite products last year but as much as I loved it, it was expensive and apparently full of nasty chemicals that could be detrimental to your health.

However, I could not get away from the lure of rock hard nail varnish in 30 seconds and therefore the ability to change up my nails every day if desired.  I was a woman on a mission - find a replacement!  A few products tried, and failed, to live up to the fast-drying promise but this little red bottle won a place in my heart.

It may not be as fast as Seche Vite but it still provides a totally smudge-free finish in mere minutes and that is good enough for me!  It is also so easy to find, a steal at around £6 and regularly on offer.  Sally - you have done it again!!

Kim K and her wedding FOTD

Kim Kardashian is one of those women who I could literally look at all day.  To some, she may have no real talent but there is no denying that she is absolutely beautiful.

Her wedding just over a week ago was, as to be expected, surrounded by hype and covered by many a film crew.  Although limited footage and pictures have been seen yet, Kim's personal make up artist has answered our prayers and already revealed the exact products he used on her big day.

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If you are as obsessed with me and fancy finding out how Mario Dedivanovic once again created a flawless look, the blog post can be found here.

Now, I just need to find the funds to hire Mario and one day I may look like that......

Living for the weekend

Although I'm not quite part of the 9-5 grind just yet, the weekend still heralds an excitement all of its own!  After a week in bed suffering with flu, I couldn't wait to don my glad rags and finally go out with my Penelope Cruz make up look on.
As is always the way, it didn't turn out as good as last week - and my lashes would just not stay on - but I still took a few snaps for you all!

As I drove last night I hardly had anything to drink and I'm now full of the joys of Spring (...or Summer) and convinced that this no drinking thing is definitely the way forward!

I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend! xxxxx

Beautiful Boots

  

£140 - KG by Kurt Geiger.

I paid £19 - Absolute bargain!!