New Shoes

Zara TRF Wedge

Aaaah my latest Zara order landed in my eagerly awaiting lap today. Y DO U KEEP STEALING ALL MY MONEYZ ZARA? Of course I am yet to stray away from my love affair with a wedge shoe. All the height and none of the pain? Yes please. Wedge it may be but boring it certainly aint. Jade green seems to be my current drug atm with my fix upping to an almost daily level after this nail post yesterday.

I guess there are many worse things to be addicted to than a colour and Zara goodness? Although I'm not sure my ever dwindling bank balance would agree. Are you a Zara fan?

Beauty Bargain: Mermaid Nails || REVIEW

First off, apologies for the lack of posts of recent, I've been struck down with Bronchitis - trust me to get a cold in the Summer! When you're down and out there really isn't much more that can cheer you up than the instant gratification of freshly painted nails. However this time I decided to take it to the next level and create a 3D manicure with a little help from MUA.

THE TEAM (L-R):

MUA Nail Constellation in Pisces

Collection 60 Seconds Hot Looks in Bongo Beat

Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat

After applying a base coat I started by applying a layer of Collection's 60 Seconds Hot Look Nail Polish in Bongo Beat (one of the best names for a nail polish ever?!). I used to buy a few of these back in my teenage years (RIP youth) as they were so cheap and dinky but hadn't used them in a while. I got this one free when I re-purchased the infamous Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for the gazzilionth time and chose this chrome, teal colour as I've really been into blue and green lately. I am so impressed with the new formula of these. It went on almost opaque straight away and did exactly what it said in the tin and dried well within 60 seconds. The miniature size makes these perfect for travelling which coincides with the release of Collection's new summer colours. I am yet to discover the lasting power but at £1.99 each these are an absolute bargain and I always think a good top coat solves this problem anyhow.

I then applied my usual layer of the Sally Hansen Double Duty, leaving my ring finger to come back to.  I set up my nail studio with a piece of paper folded in half but laid flat - this was to catch any loose beads so I could pour them back in the pot rather than decorating my bedroom. I began my painting a thick layer of the Sally Hansen polish on my ring finger and then poured the micro beads onto my nail using the spout. Any area of the nail that didn't get covered I went over my applying the beads with my index finger on the opposite hand and then pushed all of the beads into the nail. This is a really important step as it will make sure the beads are correctly stuck. I've seen a few reviews floating around where people have complained that the beads have fallen off within a few hours. Personally, I think this is down to poor instructions: MUA say you should apply these over a layer of their nail polish and I have to disagree. I can't see a thin layer of nail polish holding these on which is why I used my top coat instead as I can paint a thick layer of this to which the beads can 'sink' in to. Alternatively you could even use glue!

I chose just to embellish just the one nail as I like that look and I think the contrast with the plain colour actually draws more attention to it. However you could easily recreate this look on all of your nails. I found that it took no time at all and the end result is beautiful.

Nail Constellation in Pisces and Gemini

What I Think

I really like both of these products and definitely want to try some of the other mixtures. I think the star sign names are a great idea as it makes them a really cute and thoughtful present for anyone into nails and/or beauty. I actually purchased 'Gemini' as a little extra gift for my best friend who's birthday it is this weekend (HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!). I actually bought my own star sign, Pisces, because it was my favourite colouring and it just so happened it was my star sign as well. Unfortunately I can only find Scorpio, Pisces, Libra, Leo and Gemini online. Have you guys seen any others or are they saving the other star signs for a later date? It would seem a little unfair if they didn't complete the whole zodiac wouldn't it? Come on MUA, chop chop. 

Sunset Nails

After returning from holiday to the usual dreary English weather I was looking for something to cheer me up. That's when I thought I'd rediscover my love of nail art. I used to dabble in it all the time at uni when I had more free time on my hand (no pun intended...okay maybe a lil') but despite it being one of my 2013 goals I am still yet to expand beyond the Tom and Jerry nails I posted about here.  

So when a company representing Littlewoods contacted me asking if they could send over some free Model's Own nail polishes I jumped at the chance. I love Model's Own and they are definitely my go to nail brand due to their affordability and colour range. But in all honesty I had no idea Littlewoods sold makeup. I remember constantly flicking through the brochures when I was younger and I hope I'm not the only one that thought it was uber exciting to order something and for it to arrive to your door. This was before the days of internet shopping remember (am I really that old?) They actually have an amazing range including my new favourites the Barry M Gelly Polishes amongst their nail range and it's such an easy way to buy all your makeup and clothes in one basket.

L-R
Sally Hansen HD in Lite
Sally Hansen Double Duty Base and Top Coat
Barry M Gelly in Lychee
Model's Own Black Nail Art Pen (from pack)
Model's Own in Bronze Rage*
Model's Own in Bubblegum*
Model's Own in Orange Sorbet*

Above are the colours I used to create this look. The ombre effect is actually much easier than it looks - all you need is a sponge and then some nail varnish remover to clean up the mess. I have created a mini video tutorial that I'm currently trying to upload but the buffering time is being mean to me today. Check back here later and I'll pop it on or alternatively you can subscribe to my YouTube channel to receive automatic updates. Ciao lovelies <3 p="">

Moroccan Beauty Buys

In my last post I mentioned that I was going to let you all know about some of the beauty products I managed to find whilst I was in Morocco so here I am!

On my second day in Marrakech I came across a small Moroccan pharmacy that specialised in natural remedies and home grown spices. It was an absolute incredible place and so interesting as lately I've been getting more and more into 'natural' products. The people there really knew the science behind all the items and gave a small group of people a talk on everything they had in the store. We were allowed to try/smell nearly everything on offer which was a smooth move as I think everyone bought something. I didn't get an excessive amount but here's a sneak peak at what I did pick up:

1. Herpes Creme... HUH!?

I promise you all I have not come back from Africa with an STD but yes this mini red tub does suggest otherwise.  It is actually a lip balm created for targeting cracked lips and cold sores (that's where the herpes bit comes in... you believe me now?). I have always suffered with cracked lips but since using this they have improved slightly. However I can't say for definite if it's the product or the slightly warmer weather. My only gripe with this item is that it doesn't really have any form of flavour. I guess that's because 'wild watermelon' doesn't particularly work with oozing cold sores but I like my lips to smell like a fruit basket goddamit! For this reason I always add some Cherry Carmex afterwards which I'm still yet to part with. 

2. Argan Oil

It would be rude to go to  Morocco and not pick up some of their well known miracle oil. If by any chance you haven't heard of it before, it is oil produced by the argan plant which is solely native to Morocco. If you'd like to read a bit more about the science behind it and who the sales of it help you can visit this link (which is the company I purchased it from). It's full of vitamin E and can be used in a number of ways including the nails and the skin to prevent dryness and ageing. However I bought this bottle to use on my hair. I have already given it a test run on my dry ends and was thrilled with the results. I highly recommend it if you colour your hair, suffer from frizz or have long damaged hair.

PS. I also picked up the cooking version which is beautiful in a stir fry and brilliant if you suffer from high cholesterol or are looking to cut down on your saturated fats. 

3. Argan Soap

Honestly I never use bars of soap so I'm not sure what crossed my mind when I purchased this. I had clearly definitely been hooked in by the sale and the dream of silky smooth hands and super strength nails. As the name would suggest this cleaning friend is also full of argan oil and is great addition to your bathroom if you suffer from dry hands and weak nails. I am yet to try this yet so can't give my personal opinion but if you do already use soap bars then it could save you a lot of money on expensive hand creams. 

4. Rose Cream 

Oooh look at the colour of it! I just want to eat it... but I won't. This is a cream moisturiser great for anti-ageing and tackling really dry areas such as elbows as the rose plant cells stimulate collagen growth and  helps product and hydrate the skin. You may have guessed from it's name that this product has a floral scent, which really isn't my cup of tea (I just think it smells like grannies). For this reason I'd never use this on my face or all over my body but it's a brilliant deep moisturiser for those areas susceptible to dryness. 

France is a country well known for it's beauty but I have to say I think Morocco could be hot on it's heels in terms of natural produce. Is there any beauty items you've picked up abroad and wished that they'd sell it in your home country? I know I'm still wishing for the Maybelline Baby Lips to come to the UK already!!

Marrakech Travel Diary

If you read this post or follow me on twitter you may have read that the other week I packed up my belongings and headed off to Marrakech, Morocco in the north of Africa. I've been to Morocco before and travelled along the western coast but remained disappointed when I didn't have enough time to head to the country's culture capital. Marrakech has been on my travel radar for a number of years. Everything about it excites me - from the bustling souks and street food stalls to the authentic berber/arabic architecture. It certainly left no disappointments and here are a few photos to prove it...

ELYOUELYOU'S TOP THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH

• Drink fresh orange juice from a stall in the main square
• Visit a natural pharmacy to find out how the locals produce argan oil, rose cream, saffron spice and much more
• Take a trip to the atlas mountains and local villages
• Visit the 'Cyber Park' ...free internet? In a park? WHAAA
• Have a drink on a rooftop cafe in the main square at night
• Try some of the national drink - mint tea (lots of sugar and lots of mint leaves)
• Visit the 16 Cafe in the main plaza for the best hot chocolate of your life
• Wander through the souks and watch craftsmen make shoes and locks and take in the sights (and smells) of the dye souk where they die leather and wool. 
• Get completely lost!

Do any of you think you'll visit Marrakech in the near future? and if not where are you planning on going next? I'm always looking for new ideas because I hate going to the same place again and again!

Don't forget to pop back soon as I'll be posting some of the goodies I brought home with me!

Holiday Packing 101

By the time you read this I will (hopefully) be absorbing some much needed vitamin D and relaxing in Marrakech. A stark contrast to 24 hours ago when I will have been running around like a headless chicken trying to pack my suitcase at the last minute. I hate packing and choosing what to wear in advance. Generally I gravitate towards clothes based on my mood but unfortunately I'm not a qualified fortune teller.

I should really be an expert on the subject by now as I've travelled at least once a month for the last 10+ years but every time I dread getting my spotty suitcase out. I have however, picked up a few tips along the way... So, if you are going away anywhere nice this Summer then hopefully this will help prepare you.

Packing for dummies

• An obvious one but check the weather before you go. You might be convinced it's going to be scorching sun all week but the weather man says otherwise and they are pretty accurate these days. However a side note, remember rain in other countries is often stormy and not as cold in England so a light rain jacket is more appropriate than your faux fur coat. and do you really need 4 pairs of jeans?
• Where are you going? One of the problem's I've found is that Marrakech, being part of a Muslim country, it is respectful for women to remain covered up during the day. Lawfully you can wear whatever you like but to avoid leery onlookers it's best to cover up at least shoulders and knees. 
• What will you be doing? I'm a swimmer so I will more than likely spend half the day in pool (I also get bored sunbathing for more than half an hour) so I always pack 4/5 bikinis. You'll need one decent pair of shoes for exploring in as often cobbles streets and sand tracks are made for stilettos. In fact, I don't bother taking heels at all on holiday. Unless you're on a cruise what's the point? They're heavy and take up loads of room in your suitcase and I want to be able to float around like a modern day hippie goddammit!
• Weigh your case before you get to the airport! What a nightmare it would be to have you SUPER HEAVY XXL TAMPONS sprawled across the floor as you try to stuff your hand luggage silly
• Don't pack too soon. Hmm, I hear you mumble. If you pack too soon you'll have no clothes to wear and will end up unpacking half of you suitcase and leaving them behind. I recommend starting 2-4 before. This is just enough time to start feeling excited about your holiday hopefully making the packing more enjoyable! Remember the turtle won the race....
• Make a list, and no, not just the day before. Starting noting things down up to a month beforehand whilst you think of things you will need and then go over it when you pack and then go over it again when you've finished packing. Which leads me on to my next list nicely...

Things we often forget

• Painkillers - because no one wants their holiday to be ruined by a headache (even if it is self inflicted)
• Gym gear - are you planning on keeping up your fitness regime? Take some clothes for it then! No one wants to see you naked... no matter how toned you may be. 
• Hairbands and Hairbrush - these two are the bane of my life. My hair quickly becomes dreadlocks without them both. 
• Magazines - buy them here while they're still half the price!
• Phone charger - seems like a pretty obvious one but sometimes our beauty over rules our brains
• Socks - because I pack mostly sandals I tend to forget about these but no matter how hot it gets nothing beats a cosy sock in bed. 
• Enough/right underwear - I have a habit of just throwing my underwear in at the last minute. Think about what tops you've packed... do you need a strapless bra? Also are you changing underwear for the evening (FEELING FRESH) if so you might want to pack more than 7 french knickers. 
• Batteries - spares for all those gadgets and gizmos we can't live without. 

Well I hope that has been of some help to you guys. We all know that the packing is worth it once you arrive at your destination and can dive straight into that pool. Let me know in the comments below if you're going anywhere nice? Or possibly have a favourite destination you'd like to recommend? <3 div="">

I'll Try Anything Once

Fedora - TK Maxx
Dress - Vintage
Leather Jacket - Heeli
Snake Necklace - Second hand from eBay
Rose Gold Watch - Next

Do you remember me harping on about my hat fetish in this post? Well here is the cold hard evidence. This is probably one of my most worn hats of the bunch. It just seems to be one of those things you can throw on with anything to help make your outfit that little bit cooler. I tend to shy away from black near my face as I just don't think it suits me but I think the gold chain and orange dress help warm the look up. 

Speaking of which how amazing is this dress?! My Mum has been tidying out her wardrobe and found tons of her old garments tucked away. I'm so lucky to have a Mum that went for all the crazy fashions - lime green polo necks, the lot! This is actually a lot longer in reality, but I've belted it up with a skinny waist belt. However, the longer length will come in handy next week when I'm off to Marrakech where I believe it's respectful to cover knees and shoulders during the daytime.  

I'm not normally one for floral print but I fell in love with the subtle watercolour design, flowing material and colour. OH HOW I LOVE ORANGE. Nearly as much as I love my leather biker jacket which toughened up the look and also helps merge seasons as we enter to the (hopefully) hotter period of the year. 

An extra note - kudos if you got the title reference! The Strokes are one of my all time favourite bands and I've rediscovered loads of their songs recently. The perfect soundtrack as I help my Mum tidy out more of her amazing wardrobe...

Have you guys had any amazing finds in your parents wardrobes or charity shops before?

The Perfect 10

"She's a perfect 10. But she wears a 12. Baby keep a little 2 for me." I will use any excuse to break out into song... even when writing. I have brainstormed and stormbrained for days reducing my top 10 beauty product list to an OCD-pleasing 10. You may notice that there are few (in fact only one) makeup item on my list - clearly I'm much more accepting to change in this department. Without fur a due, drumroll please...

1. Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Lotion

It took me a while to get used to gradual tanners as for years I have been a die-hard mahogany lover. But since sporting a more suiting hair colour I have taken a trip down natural lane and fallen in love with this product. You can see a difference after the first application and after that you can choose to build it up to your desired colour. I absolutely hate it when it takes a gradual tanner 3 days to show a mild colour but then again I always buy the dark versions. I am a firm believer that you're better using less of dark than more of a light version as the darker version will have a browner undertone compared to the often orangey undertone of the light version. This does leave a slight greasy 'film' over your skin so I always apply it before bed which means you can wake up glowing, moisturised and smelling of apricots. WIN WIN.

2. Body Shop Body Butter

I've tried countless copycats and none have ever matched up to the ever powerful, the ever great Body Shop Body Butter. In fact, I recently had an allergic reaction to this Sainsbury's version not so long ago (FYI I've had an allergic reaction to Sainsbury's products in the past - SORT IT AAT SAINZ). I put this on after my shower before bed to reap the full effects of it's deep moisturising qualities and wake up still feeling silky smooth and smelling good enough to eat (don't eat it though, I've tried that...). If I had to pick a favourite flavour I think it would be Coconut... or Cherry... or Satsuma. HECK, I can't decide; they all smell amazing and are super moisterising!

3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush

I honestly can't remember how I applied my makeup before this little baby was invented. This is perfect for all liquid foundations and I will, without fail, use this every day. It works product seamlessly into the skin, offering a flawless coverage which I'm sure has saved me a few pennies splashing out on new foundations. You can buy it as part of the Core Collection set from Boots in the UK but a little tip for you if you're not interested in owning the whole set you can either buy or sell on eBay. I can vouch for both of these methods after loosing two brushes to the dance floor.

4. Tangle Teezer Original

I have had the original Tangle Teezer for just over 2 years now. Any later and I think I would have had to have dreadlocks cut out of my hair by now. What more can I say than IT BLOODY WORKS. My hair is so thick and quite long so brushing it has always seemed like a chore but this makes life so much easier as the bristles are really gentle when it comes to brushing out tangles. My sister says it looks a bit like a horse brush but that's a small price to pay and with the latest colours and designs I'm sure there's one to suit every personality. I love it so much I'm currently looking into buying the Aqua Splash for after swimming practice and the Compact Styler for on the go hair nightmares.

5. Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Oily/Combination

If you read my blog post yesterday you won't be surprised to find this product amongst my top 10. I truly believe Revlon are the KINGS of drug-store foundations and I am yet to find one that matches up to the coverage this one gives - particularly on my oily skin. I think it will always be a staple piece in my collection because it's price to quality ratio currently remains unbeaten. If you'd like to read a more in-depth review click here but for now I will just say that I love it and throughly recommend it!

6. GHD IV Limited Edition Styler

This is a slightly more obscure item on the list as I don't actually straighten my hair a great deal. That, mainly being due to how thick and long it's now gotten - it's a bloomin' workout and a half! That said a life without these straighteners makes me shudder. I am sure there are other great brands out there but GHD have always worked for me and everyone else. I have also had a couple of pairs break on me thanks to an African plug socket and a tripped fuse and GHD have been the best company I've ever had to deal with, sending a completely new set, no questions asked. My exact model is no longer available but you can see the ruddy wonderful new limited edition sets right here. My favourite is the yellow?

7. St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

Ahh, the bargain of all bargains. With a RRP of £4.99 this has to be one of the cheapest fake tanners around. It is not my favourite tanner but considering the price tag it is the one I will repurchase the most and I have to throw it out there I do prefer it to the similarly named St. Tropez. This is a great product to start of with if you're a first time tanner as you can see instantly where you're applying it. Although it dries very quickly so make sure you work on small areas at a time and maybe try the medium version first as the dark version is DARK. That, however, is what I like most about this product - there is no hint of orange-ness what-so-ever (unless you apply 50 layers perhaps?) and leaves you with a natural (but not) glow.

This can be purchased at discount stores such as Savers, Wilkinsons or TJ Hughs and online at Missguided, Katy's Cosmetics and, of course, eBay.

8. No.7 Eyelash Curlers

I can't compare these to the cult favourite - Shu Uemura but what I can say is that these transform my straight-ass lashes into cupids curls within a couple of seconds. They are easy peasy to use and with a good mascara the curl will last all day. I love the dark sheen finish, giving them a more expensive look but at £7.25 they are a cheaper alternative to the Shu Uemera and an absolute steal if you happen to have a No.7 £5 off Voucher to hand like I did!

9. Bioderma Sensiblo H20

It may sound a bit dramatic but this product has changed my night time skin care routine. For years I have been scared to stray from my Johnson's Sensitive Wipes after suffering numerous allergic reactions to all kinds of skincare. But after reading countless reviews and knowing the positive reputation French skin care has I took the plunge. Luckily I wasn't disappointed and I love this so much I've even got the mini bottle for travelling. I use this to take my makeup off at night followed by a deeper cleanser and alone as a cleanser in the morning. It's absolutely perfect for removing all traces of make-up quickly and effectively whilst still remaining gentle. 4 for you Bioderma, you go Bioderma. Despite it's popularity, it's still not readily available to purchase in the UK but I currently buy mine from this seller on eBay. I do hear from certain sources (1, 2 and 3) that it is set to arrive any day though... *fingers crossed*

10. Murad Blemish Spot Treatment

I have had troublesome skin from since I can remember. It has never been regarded as acne but I've always had regular, and sometimes severe, breakouts. As a result I have tried numerous spot treatments and many, including some of the big brands have failed me. Last year, nearing the end of uni, I was on the hunt for a new treatment to combat my 'super stress spots' developed from third year hand-ins and came across the Murad range. I apply a thin layer of this over the target area at night and often by the morning I am completely spot free. This really is what you'd always hoped your toothpaste would achieve as a teenager!


So there you have it my complete 'Perfect 10' list and I think I could live quite happily with just these items (as long as the desert island is included of course). I challenge you all to create one of these lists - you may even surprise yourself  with what you go for when you really think hard. If you do, don't forget to link back to me here as I'd love to read them all if you do. Also why not leave some of your own 'holy grail' products below? I'm always on the look out for trying new things!

THE BATTLE: Revlon PhotoReady vs. Revlon Colorstay

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation - £12.99

Revlon ColorStay Foundation - £12.49

If I had to chose just one makeup brand to buy everything from for the rest of my life, it would be Revlon. They have some great quality nail varnishes, lipsticks and eyeshadows all at affordable prices but the stand out products for me and the ones I always run back to are their foundations

I am in a constant battle of whether I prefer the PhotoReady or ColorStay. I have been using both on and off for a few years now and they are both great foundations in their own way but I've decided to delve a little deeper into helping you guys and myself in deciding what's the best version for my skin and hopefully you can pick up a few tips along the way

My Skin

My skin is oily, pretty much, all over my face (my forehead, nose, cheeks and sometimes chin - the joys) and because of that I suffer occasional breakouts. However, since overhauling my skin care routine in the new year these are fair and few between. I have a hard time getting on with most foundations as I want to keep a shiny face at bay but still favour a dewy, more natural finish. I also need  a good coverage to cover up spot scaring over the years and redness near my nose and on my cheeks.

The Packaging

My number one gripe with the ColorStay is that it doesn't have a pump. I will never be one of those girls that manages to get the exact right amount of product out every time. One flash of Seth Cohen on my screen and half the bottle has ended up on my desk. On the other hand the screw top makes it a lot more handbag friendly. As you can see in the above images I've lost the lid of my PhotoReady (it's not the sturdiest!) which often means every other product amongst it is painted beige.

Colour

There are 9 shades available in the ColorStay (same for both the oily and the dry version) and 8 in PhotoReady. Like a lot of drug-store brands these unfortunately don't cater for those with really pale or really dark skin - although Vanilla in the PhotoReady is a good attempt! Although the shades that are on offer are really good. Nothing too pink, nothing orange or too yellow, just natural colours. What did annoy me is that the 'Natural Beige' shade is completely different in the ColorStay as to how it comes out in the PhotoReady which led to a right mare in choosing the correct shade in the ColorStay for me.

Coverage & Finish

Now we get on to the real important stuffs. I am continuously impressed with the coverage of both of these foundations. PhotoReady is a medium, but buildable coverage that gives a sheen to the skin with it's subtle shimmer. Because of this and because it contains and SPF 20 I tend to use it more in the Spring/Summer. ColorStay is a full coverage consistency offering SPF 6 making it ideal for nights out and when your face is in it's own battle with the wind and rain. I apply both using my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (from the Core Collection set) and both blend really easily, however, the ColorStay dries much faster than the PhotoReady so it's important to work it quickly in to the skin.

Staying Power

The ColorStay wins hands down in this catergory - it lasts nearly all day which is a huge achievement on my skin. The PhotoReady is also good but I need to use a lot more powder with this product. Although I would imagine it would be great on normal to combination skin. 

The Price

For what you get I think these are brilliant priced products. At £12.49 for the ColorStay and £12.99 for the PhotoReady they are certainly at the higher end of 'drug-store' pricing but with qualities of a higher end product I'd certainly regard them as good value for money.

Conclusion

I think I am going to have to crown ColorStay my winner for the moment as it beats my shine like nothing else which prevents me from wearing a lot more makeup than needed - natural beauty FTW! If I am truly honest with myself I don't think I could live without either of these foundations though until my skin looks as amazing as Megan Fox's that is...

...and as a side note I am sure you have already heard but Revlon have recently added the Nearly Naked Foundation to their collection which has been getting rave reviews from an array of beauty bloggers and vloggers. I am yet to buy into the hype, as it being a light coverage foundation, am not sure if it's for me but if you have tried it let me know your thoughts in the comments below? And if you have any other foundation recommendations I'd love to hear those too... HIT ME UP!

Hat-Trick

You see what I did with the title there? Hat...trick. 3 hats... I am beyond help. There's nothing that gets my mojo going more than a good hat. Okay, that sounded weird but you get the jist... I like hats. I always have, even from a young age, and now have a small exhibition featuring everything from a bowler to a beret. 

My Dad is a hat wearer too. I guess we're like some sort of special breed because I look around and there are not enough hat wearing folk. I think it's a confidence issue with a lot of people but for me a hat is my greasy haired day, t-shirt and jeans, spotty forehead saviour. 

I am actually on a bit of spending ban at the moment (does everyone else choose February for month long challenges? It being the shortest an' all...) but when you're faced with 3 hats totalling just £2 it would really be a crime not to oblige to the hats scream's of "TAKE ME! TAKE ME NOW!"

Lilac Beanie - H&M - £0.50 (RRP. £6.99)

No you didn't just read that caption wrong. 50 BLOODY P! Anyone can get away with a beanie and for 50p you can afford to buy 5 and make a whole outfit of the babies. I have to admit I wasn't totally sold on the colour at first. I like it, but I'm not really into pastels, mainly because I don't think they suit me. However I am hoping this will be a great transitional piece from Winter into Spring and hereby name this is my new 'it's still cold outside but I want it to be warm' hat. 

Acid Green Beanie - H&M - £0.50 (RRP. £3.99)

Excuse my Dappy impression and take note of this instead... ANOTHER 50p BARGAIN! BAZINGA! This acid green colour is much more up my street. I adore bright knitwear, and, as a rule bright colours all year round. This will be great when I just want to dress down in black/grey casual wear but make the look more interesting with a pop of colour. This is my 'lazy day lemon head hat'.

Beige Floppy Hat - H&M - £1 (RRP. £9.99)

The height of sophistication. A wide brrrrim. BRIM. That's a brilliant word to say isn't it? I probably won't wear this as often, for fear my non hat loving pals will laugh at me. I shall however save it for special occasions when I feel like swanning around like a 70's hippy (which is my favourite decade FYI). What other name for it can there be than 'the Serena' ?!

I urge anyone who has one close by to check out H&M as quickly as you can as there are some amazing deals in there atm across lots of accessories and clothes. It does make you question how much and why you are paying for some goods when they can offer them at this much of a reduction but then I guess we choose our own value. Thankfully mine is generally cheap as chips. 

Are you a hat lover like me? I think my winter hat of choice is definitely a chunky knit beanie but what's yours? 

Review: Rimmel Apocalips in Big Bang, Celestial and Luna

I don't buy into the hype with most products. Unless it's really something I really feel I'm lacking within my makeup collection I manage to tame my temptation to buy something for the frivolity of it. You probably  heard about the Rimmel Apocalips launch around late December when an array of 'super' beauty bloggers were offered samples to test before their official launch on January 23rd. I, like I do before buying any new beauty item, had been meticulously reading review after review on every blog I could find and had come to the conclusion that, well, my life would be incomplete without them. 

Until about a year and a half ago I wouldn't have given a flying pig about lip products. I had always been a balm girl. Lipgloss, did and still does, annoy me. Sticky lips + hair with a mind of it's own is not a match made in heaven. And lipstick was for grown ups... That was what I thought until I, er, grew up I guess. 

I am now much more open with experimenting with colours on my lips. The trouble is the winter months leave my face pillows flakier than Gandhi's foot. No amount of sugar and rigorous toothbrush scrubbing can sort them out so when I heard about a high-street lip lacquer - a cross between a gloss and a lipstick I think Martine McCutcheon's 'Perfect Moment' began playing on repeat in my head. Well then I just happened to stroll into Boots and they just HAPPENED to be on a 3 for 2 offer... You can guess what happened next.  (Poor boys. They've only just discovered the differences between lipgloss and lipstick and now they have this to contend with). 

Packaging

You apply the lacquer with a cleverly shaped doe foot applicator. The tip is thin enough to paint the corners of your lips without looking like Krusty the clown and there is a mini well (?) in the centre which gathers just the right amount of product to cover your lips. This means you won't be constantly pumping your wand in and out of the tube - an action which drys out a lot of products. 

Formula

They apply so easily - one coat and you're done making them perfect for girls (or guys...hey?) on the go. Hopefully you can see how good the pigment is in the below images. They apply similar to a gloss and dry matte whilst keeping their moisture and not just that but they last almost all day too, with fading hitting around the 4 hour mark. 

Colour

For a high-street launch I think the colour range is excellent featuring an array of pinks (Celestial, Nova and Apocoliptic) a true red (Big Bang), a pinky red (Stellar), a nude (Nude Eclipse), a peach (Luna) and a purple (Galaxy). I would have liked to see a few deeper shades, but that said I didn't get to try the one I really wanted to - Galaxy - which is the darkest of the bunch.

Big Bang

Surprisingly this has proved to be my favourite of the three. The neutral lover me from three years ago will be shaking her head in disbelief. It's what I would call a 'true' red. No pinky undertone, no brown undertone just plain ol' red which I would imagine suiting every skin tone. What really make this my favourite is it's longevity. This has been through every test imaginable... The brushing teeth test, the toffee dodger test... and it still doesn't budge! 

Celestial

Out of the three this is the colour I will probably wear most often. It's a rosy shade which brightens your face just the right amount for day time wear and like Big Bang held well throughout the day although I do have quite pigmented lips to start with.

Luna 

When I purchased these I wanted to pick up a variation of shades from the spectrum - a red, a pink and a nude. Feeling that Nude Eclipse might wash me out I went for it's peachier sister Luna. I thought this might be my favourite because as a general rule I love anything orange. This in fact went on quite orange but dried a whole lot lighter. However it's a very easy colour to wear and I can imagine me wearing this a lot more in the summer time.

L-R: Luna, Celestial and Big Bang

If you read all that then good on you! I forget how much I can talk (or type?) when I really get going but I love reading in-depth reviews on products so wanted to give you my honest opinion. I'm sure you have already read a few but I always like to stick my 2 pence in. I would love to know what you also think of this product if you've tried it. Especially if you've tested some different shades as I can see me investing in a few more when I have some dollar back in my pocket!

Rimmel Apocalips RRP. £5.99

Review: This Works Sleep Balm

These past couple of months have been really weird for me. I am usually considered queen Snorlax of the sleeping world. Fire alarms, my friend Beth and hotel break ins have nothing on me! I love being in my bed and even more I love sleeping. Having a routine, even a vague one is extremely important to me but since graduating I've been doing shift work and even though I've never had much of a problem in the past with this I've never had to do it for an extended period of time. 

I can only guess this has been the reason for my recent strange sleeping habits. Not falling to sleep easy, waking up in the middle of the night and sleeping in too long is a foreign concept to me, so, after spotting the This Works Sleep Balm in their January sale a dent quickly appeared in my pocket. 

Recently I've been turning to much more natural skincare and remedies, especially after watching Meg's  amazing video on skincare. Brands such as Lush and This Works are the main ones I've been turning to and after hearing a lot of positive feedback over the Deep Sleep range I'd really wanted to try something from it. I decided upon the Sleep Balm as it came in a cute limited edition christmas bauble and seemed the easiest and quickest product to use. 

The balm is a thick consistency and has a strong scent of lavender. It is mixed with monoi and coconut oils which are also supposed to act as natural relaxants but lavender is the stand out flavour. I'm not going to lie, it really isn't my favourite scent, but if it works then I'll happily put up with it. Which, although I was initially slightly dubious, it really does!

Before bedtime I run my two first fingers around in the pot and then apply to my temples and both my inner wrists. This action on it's own is enough to relax you but the lavender adds to this often sending me in to a deep sleep within 15 minutes. I can't vouch for this being a replacement for prescribed sleeping tablets, but it really is great if you struggle to relax at night or find yourself frequently waking up. 

At £12 (I got it for £6 in the sale) it seems quite expensive for what only seems like a small balm but I'm not so sure you can put a price on a good nights sleep. I certainly know that if I don't have a healthy nights wink I'm in danger of turning into grumpy dwarf. 

This has definitely inspired me to try out a lot more of This Work's products. I'm currently on the hunt for a new toner and with my new found love for all-natural products I'm looking towards the Clean Skin Refining Toner. Has anyone tried this product or have any other recommendations for me?

Unfortunately This Work's sale has now ended but they still offer free delivery so I may be tempted to invest in the toner along with the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. It really is a battle of my wallet vs. my bed. FIGHT!

Pointless things I want...

Does anyone else have hard time differentiating what they want from they actually need sometimes? I always seem to manage to go that one step further and find things that I really really REALLY don't need and then convince myself that my life is incomplete until I have them. In some ways I am scared to get rich because who knows what rubbish I might decide to buy. Luckily for me my bank account currently lassos me away from my own silliness but that doesn't stop my dreaming...

1. MATCHING HANGERS. It has always been one of my dreams to have a wardrobe full of matching hangers. DREAM BIG GALS. I'm really sure why but I just think it will make everything in my wardrobe look that much more appealing. I seem to have some sort of OCD for collecting sets and apparently sets of hangers are right up there.

2. HARRY STYLES. Oh don't be silly! Not the real Harry... but I've decided that a life size cut out will suffice (for now). Last year in my student house me and my friends decorated our front room window with a cut out Arnold Swatzeneger and Marilyn Monroe, which my Dad picked up from work (don't ask) - My sister got Zac Efron...not fair. I can't begin to explain how much fun can be had with 6ft of cardboard; scaring drunk people at night and putting on dancing performances for our neighbours. Unfortunately they had to be put to rest when we moved out as no one had the space for The Terminator. When I eventually have my own place I am reinstalling "cardboard nation" starting with Hazza. ♥

3. A NALA TOY. You may have spotted in this post that I have a little soft spot for The Lion King. You may also notice Simba is sitting on my pillow looking very lonely without his girlfriend. It just seems cruel not to buy Nala as well doesn't it?!

4. A STAR LAMP. I'd say I've come close to purchasing this most out of my list and it's still hanging around on my eBay watch list now. I am a bit of a space nerd. I always loved studying it at school and I would read space factfiles and study my atlas constantly. I just think the world is pretty amazing and I'd rather look up at stars than a white ceiling any day.

5. A UKELE. Let's start by clearing things up. I can not and most probably never will be able to play the Ukele. Heck, I can only master about 2 chords on my guitar but for some reason I came across these printed ones and thought it would be a nice addition to my room. It took a while but I've decided the kiwi one is my favourite

Review: Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub

If there's anything that gets my motor running it's a good body scrub. For me the satisfaction of entering the shower a reptile and emerging a velvet skinned goddess is one of life's simplest pleasures. (Also recommended for physically scrubbing away the shame of the previous night). I've tried a fair few high street branded scrubs these past couple of years but so far nothing has touched on the Body Shop Body Scrub for me. Reasons being that other brands are yet to compete with the fruity scent produced by Body Shop and I just want to live out the rest of my days smelling like one massive mango.

This was the main reason I was so intrigued to try a product from the Sugar Crush range from Soap and Glory as it's known as the best smelling scent in a lot of Beauty Guru's showers. One twist of the lid and my nostrils had an orgasm. Seriously. This is the type of product you'll open and close repeatedly "just because it's so good"...that is, only if you like fruity/sweet smelling products. If you tend to gravitate towards sophisticated musk and floral scents then the Sugar Crush Body Scrub may become your worst enemy with it's mixture of lime, brown sugar, almond and macadamia. It's really the Marmite of the scrubbing world. Personally I love Marmite and I also love the awakening feeling the lime produces. If you know me well, you'll remember that if I want to eat to eat a beauty product it's pretty much a thumbs up straightaway and never has a label warning you 'THIS PRODUCT IS NOT EDIBLE" been more appropriate.

Of course all of this is completely useless if the product still leaves you a scaly Sue rather than a silky Sally! Good news it's the latter. The product is made up of a thick gel-like formula which means a little goes a long way putting this, at £8 (in most UK retailers), a great price for the 300ml tub. The mixture of smashed sugar and macadamia grains wash away dead skin cells with ease without leaving the skin red raw - a problem my sensitive skin has found with a lot of products. If you do prefer a 'harsher' scrub you could use it dry rather than in the shower and I would guess it would have the desired effect. Another bonus is that it doesn't leave a greasy 'film' over the skin meaning your shower wash/milk can soak in like normal afterwards. As much as I want to bathe myself in the scent every day I find that 2-3 times a week is enough in the Winter months and I'll probably limit myself to once a week when the weather heats up (who am I kidding? This is England).

Again like the smell, the design of Soap and Glory's products isn't to everyone's taste but being a bit of a graphics nerd I love the fun, vintage style of the company and it definitely stands out on the shelves amongst the awash of monochrome ("AWASH"...shower stuff...geddit?...). Practicality wise, it's a sturdy plastic tub which eradicates any fears of ending up with glass in the shower for klutzes like me. It's wide enough to fit a nice big hand in the pot meaning even the last drops of zesty goodness can be enjoyed.

There is only one niggle I have with this product - I wish the scent lasted on my skin so I could thrust myself in people's faces proclaiming "SMELL MY NECK! IT'S NOT PERFUME! IT'S MY NATURAL SCENT! IT'S MEEEE". *cough* To conclude and simplify I love this product and will definitely be investing in it again but with 3 for 2 on Soap and Glory bath and body products at Boots at the moment I might be swayed into trying The Breakfast Scrub for a change or any other Soap and Glory products that you guys would recommend? What are your favourites and what ones will you not be purchasing again?

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (RRP. £8) is avaliable at Soap and Glory, Boots and various eBay and Amazon Sellers.