Origins Haul!

Yes, I broke my spending ban, for about the 4th time. I justify this as Ive ran out of Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish and had nothing to use with my Clarisonic. Id heard about the frothy cleanser from Origins so went online to buy it and got a little carried away...But hey at least it isnt make-up.

Its pretty easy to get carried away on their site, free delivery for orders over £30, then a free 30mls of Vitazing for orders over £40. On top of that all online orders get two teeny extra samples to try out as well, and you have a choice of about 8 to decide which you want to try. As a marketing student you would think Id be wise to these kind of deals, but they still suck me in again and again.

However I do think I made some wise investments for my skin which has been playing up recently.... 

Out Of Trouble

10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin

I have yet to try this, but I wanted to get a good face mask that will last me and I can keep in my routine as apposed to the little £1 sachets Ive previously picked up in Superdrug. This mask is meant to be good for problem skin, so the likes of spots, blemishes and blackheads and aims to help clear them up. My skin is ridiculous, dry patches mixed in with spots and blackheads (lovely!). So I intend to use these during my spottier times to try and clear my skin. I will report back on results! This was £19 for 100ml, so not cheap, but nothing from Origins is! I just hope it does good for my skin. 

Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

This was the product I initially went looking for. I wanted a cleanser to use with my Clarisonic, my Liz Earle was nearly gone and I wanted something that would work better with it. Id heard good thing about this so I picked it up. Its meant to balance your skin and its oil levels, so great for combination skin like mine where there are dry parts and oilier parts. Ive only used it a few times so I cant really report back on that bit yet, but I have had a really dry nose this morning when I dont normally, so I dont know if its down to this. Ill keep using it and hopefully its fine! This reeeeeally is frothy, it kind of feels like the foam on top of a coffee on your face. Ill do a full review in a few weeks. Its £17 or 150ml which I dont think is too bad if it delivers results! 

Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel

This is another product Ive heard good things about. The beauty blogging community is the main reason for my suffering bank balance! This product is teeny tiny, and £12 for 10ml seems steep but you need the tiniest amount each time you use it. Its basically a spot gel that you put on blemishes t try and get rid of them quick. Ive used this on a few spots I have and it certainly delivers that tstingy tingly feeling, which akes me feel like its working. I havent used it enough to cmment on how well it works yet but Im going to persist with it on any spots. Anything claiming to "remove" blemishes is worth a go! 

Drink Up 10 Minute Mask to Quench Skins Thirst

and Dr Weil's Mega Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum

These are the two teeny samples I chose with my online order. I love that Origins do this, but there is a fair chance it will mean me coughing up more money to buy the full size if I love them, so very clever Origins. I couldnt decide between the Out of Trouble mask (which I bought in the end) or the Drink Up mask, as my skin is both toublesome and dry. So Im very glad I could get the sample of this to try out too. Ive also been very interested in trying out some serums recently, and have nly ever had a Liz Earle one, so Im veger to give this on a go, bt at £46 for the full size I kind of dont Vi

want to love it!

VitaZing SPF 15

I have the full size of this already and absolutely love it. Its basically Origins version of a light coverage tinted moisturiser. I was thankful to get this in a smaller size as its going to be perfect to take on holiday with me. Its still a great size sample, only 20ml smaller than the full size! But I love anything thats slightly smaller to chuck in my case and leave more room for ridiculous amount of clothes! I need to do a proper review on this soon to, its on the to do list.

Thanks for reading :)

xoxo



MAC Haul and Nicki Minaj Lipstick!

I recently purchased some new MAC products, which I know is all going against my ban but hey ho! I got my hands on a few little gems and have really bene loving them, and also managed to get the new Nicki Minaj Viva Glam lipstick which anyone could get if you put yourself on the mailing list, they sent out a code to my email address and I got straight on it and ordered it, so heres everything!

 Sorry about the awful lighting in these photos, but I didnt want to use flash and the sun was going down.

First up is the Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom. I saw this in a collection ages ago and really wanted it but didnt purchase it until last week as its currently on limited edition sale again. I wasnt really sure how it would look in the skin and bought it because of how pretty it is in the pan, which I realise is ridiculous. However this is absolutely gorgeous on, and Ive worn it ever since I got it.  I jsut swirl my brush around all of it and it makes a lovely pinky colour. Its just so pretty and a lovely natural shade. Love it!

Next up, Mystery eyeshadow. I went in search of a good dark brown MAC eyeshadow to put in my palette, as I bought Swiss Chocolate thinking it would the job but its far too warm toned for me at the minute. So I searched "Top MAC Eyeshadows" on Youtube and "MakeUpByTiffanyD" said this one was good, and I trust her opinion. This is just perfect for day to day through the crease. Like the blush, Ive used it every day since I got it paired with All That Glitters. Lovely pigmentation and on of those great basics that everyone should have.

I love that its slightly cooler toned so its great on paler skin as warme rowns can often make me lok slightly dead!

Another product I got and have fallen in love with is the Dazzleglass in BabySparks. I always eye these up at the counter because of how pretty they look in the tube but always thought they were a little pricey for a gloss. But I eventually bit the bullet and purchased this one, and now I need more! Its a little sticky, but I really dont mind that as it makes it stay on longer, and its a beautiful colour. It can be worn with anything, nudes, bright pinky lips and it will still look great. The sparkle in it look slovely on the lips, not scary at all and catches the light beautifully making your lips look fuller and very glossy!

I tried to get the sparkle t show up on camera but it just wont, but this is a clear indication of the lovely colour, a light pink but not too light.

You can kind of see the sparkle on the lips here, this is a good representation of how it looks on without anything underneath, seriously cant recommend it enough.

And now for the one everyones been talking about...(Que lots of unnecessary photos of a lipstick)

Im a big fan of Nicki Minaj, and a big fan of the Viva Glam programme, so buying this came naturally to me, I didnt hesitate for a second. MAC;s Viva Glam scheme donates ALL of the proceeds from their Viva Glam lipsticks to an Aids charity which I find to be amazing. Even if I dont care much for the lipstick I dont feel bad pruchasing it as all the money has gone to a worthy cause.

Firstly I love the packaging of the Viva Glam lipsticks, the red is beautiful and I love that they put her signature on it, nice touch.

The lipstick has a nice formula, its my first Satin lipstick and Im impressed by the quality of it, amazing pigmentation and doesnt dry out the lips. I like that its still got a nice sheen. For some reason I expected a satin to be more drying and dull looking, but it isnt at all.



At first I wasnt sure if the colour suited me, I thought it was a bit bold, and not in a good way. However Ive found by weaing it a little less heavy, and blotting it out a little with my finger so it isnt so opaque, I get the result below, which I think is pretty. Sorry about the dodgy lips, one side is scarred from when I was younger so theyre not perfectly symetrical. But that aside, Im loving this lipstick, it may not be one Ill reach fr everyday but its a welcome addition to my collection

Thankyou if you got this far, its been a mammoth post to write so it must be long to read too! If you have any MAC recommendations for my eyeshadow palette let me know, I still have four spaces left to fill and my little OCD side wants it full up haha.

xoxo

Nars Wicked Attraction

First things first, yeh I broke my spending ban, and as youll see Ive broke it a whole lot more in Manchester! But once I get home its full steam ahead to sticking to it.

The Nars Wicked Attraction set is £35, and I got mine from asos.com.

 I used the Saver Devliery option with is free and it still arrived in 3 days which I thought was fantastic.

The set came with a duo of Laguna bronzer and Orgasm blusher, Fathom eyeshadow, eyeshadow primer and a Larger Than Life lipgloss in Spring Break. I bought this as it looked like such a good deal as Ive been wanting to try Orgasm and Laguna for a long time now. However when it came the products were mch smaller than I exected, teeny tiny actually, but after the inital suprise I was fine with it.

Spring Break lipgloss is very pigmented, way more so than I expected. Its actually really wierd on me, way too nude. But Im trying t find a better way to wear it. Other than that its really pretty and I think in a brighter colour this would be a lovely formulation of gloss. 



I havent used the eye primer yet as Im trying to use up the Urban Decay one I already have, but Im going to give this one a go and if its nice Im going to keep it for when I go on hliday as it absolutely tiny so great for travel! Every little helps where saving space in the make-up bag is concerned!

Photos of this duo are quite deceiving I find, its actually really small, but just enogh space to squeeze my blush brush in. Im really pleasantly suprised with these, thinking there were both over-hyped and that I would be disappointed, but Im not at all I love them and neeeeeed them in full size at some point. The Laguna bronzer is my favourite, its way more wearable for me than any other bronzer Ive tried, not orange in the slightest and really good for light skin like mine. Amazing! Orgasm is also a very pretty blush, very unique...but I have way too much blush fr now so Ill keep this little one for a while before purchasing the full size. This little duo will laso be great for taking on holiday as it fits two products in one little compact.

I'd never thought to try an eyeshadow from Nars, always focusing more on the cheek products, however as soon as I sw this I was very excited. 

I took a million photos to try and get one to show how pretty this is in the pan, and this still doesnt even get close. Fathom is a very pale pink wit lots of gorgeous fine glitter. However, this doesnt transfer too amazingly onto the lid. Its still a nice all over lid colour, but not very pigmented and doesnt transfer much of the shimmer well either. Definately one thats better in the pan than on the lid, but Ill still use it as it is still nice, just not as pretty as in the pan.

What other Nars products do you love that I need to try? I think Im starting a bit of a fling with Nars!

xoxo

Nail Polish Haul

Just realised how long it is since I last posted here, Im not going to make any excuses as I dont think I really need to, I just havent, but Ive got lots of little ideas now! This is a haul post of sorts, just a few nail polishes Ive recently acquired from Christmas onwards. I included  few of them in a recent haul video you can see here if you like, but I didnt really show them up close, so here we go...

 A nice little mixture of OPI, Essie, Mdels Own, Avonn and Sally Hansen

OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark

 One Ive wanted for a long time,and finally caved and bought it. Its

 a lovely deep winter colour which is quite unusual in real life, it has kind of purple and red tones to it which looks quite nice. I havent worn it yet but Im about to paint my nails with it once Ive finished this post, excited!

OPI'S Too Hot Pink To Hold'em

A gorgeous hot pink, I cant have enough pink nail polish and this is a lovely bright addition to it. I cnt wait to wear thi n brigt summery days, and even now on dull winter days it makes you feel slightly more bright and happier.

OPI's Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous

This was a Christmas gift, and not really one I would have picked myself, but its actually really nice when its on. It looks really shimmery and metallic looking on the nails and is actually really flattering. I like nice suprises like this.

Nicole by OPI's Step To The Beat Of My Heart

This is part of the Justin Beiber collection, but that didnt stop me buying this because I loved it at first sight. Im a big fan of glitter top coats over other colours and I thought this heart shaped version was lovely and ridiculously girly, and also a bit of a change from regular glitter ones. However its really difficult and takes a lot of patience and concentration getting the hearts out on to the brush. Then when you apply them to get them in the right places you have to kind of dot them on, which doesnt make for a very smooth or even coat of polish. Still, I cant help but love this.

Models Own Juicy Jules

Everytime Im at the Models Own stand in my Boots this is always sold out, the pretty ones I always like are, and so I had to snap this up when I saw it sat there. I dont knw whether t wear this over a colour or build it up and wear it alone. 

Essie's Super Bossa Nova

Another bright pink, but this one was a Christmas gift and my first Essie polish. This one is more blue toned and right up my street. My boyfriend chose well! Its got lots of lovely blue toned shimmer through it, another one Im really looking forward to wearing!

Avon's Sequined Turquoise
I got this for Christmas from my Mam and its so bloody gorgeous on. Its exactly what the name suggests, a beautiful glittery turquoise greeny toned blue (more so than it looks in the picture). I wre it for New Year and got loads of compliments. I love Avon polishes and Im glad to have this added to my collection.

Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base and Top Coat

I got this as I sadly looked EVERYWHERE for a new bottle of Sally Hansen Insta-Dry (the red bottle) and cant find it anywhere...does anyone know if its been discontinued?! I hope not! I gave up hope and bought this instead, and although it is nice as a base coat, and Ive used it as a tp coat too and it does keep my nail varnish on forever. However, it cant live up to Insta-Dry, it takes so long to dry. I painted my nails 3 hours before bed and woke up in the morning with dul loking nails as the shine had all been transfered away by the inprint of my pillows on my nails...if tht makes any sense to you. So "Diamond Shine"...not so much. I just really need my Insta-Dry back :(

xoxo

 

Collective Fashion Hauling

Over the past few weeks Ive bought clothes in excess. Afterall, I have just started Uni and wanted to stock up for some new autmn-y clothes, along with some outfit ideas for upcoming birthday parties/engagement parties. along with my holiday to Lanzarote in 10 days (super excited). Anyway heres some of the more vaguely interesting things Ive been "investing in"...

Missguided - I think they were about £25-£30 (I dont have the receipts/tags for most things)

How gorgeous are these, just had to have them. Theyre dead comfy too because of the platform and the thicker heel so I want them in the other beautiful colours too.

Primark Shorts - £14

What a bargain! You would see something similar in Topshop for at least £30. I love that they come with the little belt, and they fit really nicely, so flattering. I cant wait to wear them with a little vest on holiday, and layer them up with tights and boots in the winter.

New Look Shoe Boots - £25
I got these for £20 with student discount, bargain! Theyre so comfy and great for wearing through the day. I wore them for Uni today and my feet didnt hurt at all. Loveee!

Missguided Skirt- around £10
Id seen more expensive versions of this in Miss Selfridge so was glad to find this one for a tenner. Sorry Im wearing it in the photo haha. Its soooo soft and cosy, proper Christmassy too.

Miso Dress from Republic - £25
I love these skater dresses and think theyre perfect for winter because the material is to thick and warm. Ill wear this through the day with a leather jacket and tights and boots, or for nights out with sky high wedges. I love versatile pieces like this :)

Missguided- bout £15
This is a teeny bit tight, but once I get to the gym Ill be fine! Ive liked the idea of mesh panelling on dresses before but think it can sometimes look slightly tacky and cheap. I like the placement of the lace band and think its a nice way of incorporating the trend.

 Primark - £10
So you could most definately find something very similar in Topshop for at least £40. This is fab wualitiy as well, its reasons like this that remind me why I like Primark.

Bank - £8
I got this on sale, which Im so glad about because I nearly bought it for full price around March. Its such a comfy daytime dress for winter, perfect for Uni.

Bank - £20
This dress is much nicer in real life, the patterned part is kind of baggy and gathers under the bust, and the black bit is bodycon. Its perfect for nights in Lanzarote.

 New Look - about £10
This photo is crap but its here anyway! I lvoe these dresses, such a bargain. Another one I could dress down for day or dress up for night. A great affordable wear to channel the velvet trend which I love. The other colours are gorgeous too.

New Look - £25
I dont know why I havent owned a denim jacket before (well not since I was about 5 anyway). I think its because Im so picky and never found the perfect one. I bought this randomly, spur of the moment and just took it straight to the counter without examining it. Ive worn it most days since then and Im suprised by how warm and comfortable it is.

New Look - about £27
Theres something about chunky oversized knits that I love, one of my favourite parts of winter. This one is gorgeous, I love the flecks of black wool throughout the red as well, so cosy and wintery! Be careful though and dont go for the size up as they are made to be baggy so the small on me fits in an oversized way anyway, if that makes any sense. Basically you dont need to buy a size bigger for it to be baggy!

ASOS - About £30
I needed a giant bag for carrying files in to uni, and this is just perfect for that. I call it my Mary Poppins bag, because she has a carpet bag like this and little Michael asks why she would want a bag for carpets (good old disney films). She fits everything in there, and I fit everything, ever in this. Its seriously like a bottomless pit. Its my new love and I wouldnt hae anywhere for all my crap anymore if it wasnt in my life.

Primark - About £10
I wanted a little satchel style bag for days when Im not lugging around half of my belongings and this one is perfect. I like that its green rather than black or brown too.

Dorothy Perkins
Tights- £10
I wanted some cable knit tights for the winter time and these are just what I wanted, cant wait to wear them.
Hair clips - £1 per set
Such a bargain! If I had bought these two sets full price it would have cost me £12...steal!
Bow Ring  £2
My mam has already bought me this a while about in a size medium and had taken the packaging apart and everything and its just a wee bit too big but I didnt have the heart to tell her. At £2 I can now actually wear this one and she wont know any different :) hehe


Congrats if you got this far, sorry theres so many pictures!
xoxo

Superdrug Haul

I got a little bit carried away with myself in Superdrug a few days ago when I went in for some make-up wipes and a nail file and came out with all this...

 My student loan definately isnt going to last me until January at this rate!

 Revlon Nail Polish in 095 Facets of Fuchsia.

I bought this totally on a whim (like most of the products in this post) because it is jsut the most beautiful polish Ive laid my eyes on. Honestly the camera cant do it justice. Its a gorgeous pinky purpley polish filled with glitter in a range of small and large pieces. Cant wait to paint my nails with it!

 Clearasil Rapid Action Seal to Clear Gel

Necessary but boring. Spot cream is a must for me at the minute due to awful hormonal breakouts :(
This gel promises to fight the spot while creating a barrier over it to spot germs getting at it and making it more infected and gross. Im willing to give it a go.

 Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Anti Chip Top Coat

All I can say is...WOW. Ive had top coats in the past that really havent done much but this is fantastic. It dries almost instantly, and my nail polish is still in perfect condition 4 days later, when for me it is normally chipped within the first 2 days at least. Ill definately be using this every time I paint my nails from now on.

Emery Boards
Not much to say, why did I even take a photo?

Clean and Clear Truly Gente Facial Wipes.
For the days when Im too lazy to go to the bathroom to cleanse my make-up off. I thought these ones might be alright at getting rid of my spots as well as I used to swear by Clean and Clear when I was a spotty teenager haha.

Barry M Nail Paint in Pink Irridecence
Ive wanted this for ages to layer over other colours and finally picked it up. Ive just taken photos for a NOTD post with this included, its so pretty and girly. I get the feeling every colour I put on my nails now will have this slapped on top.

 Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream
This is such an odd product to me, I knew it was matte when I bought it but it feels so strange applying something in a lipgloss type of manner and it coming out matte. Its very refreshing though, I really like it. Oh, and it smells amaaazing! Like cakes :)

Sleek Lipstick in Candy Cane
I picked one of these up because Id heard good things on here about them and Im so glad I did. The lipstick is such good quality, really soft and really pigmented and didnt dry out my lips at all. Theyre so cheap aswell so Ill definately be picking up some more!

Maybelliene Gel Liner
Ive wanted this for ages as Ive never tried a gel liner before, shock horror. I honestly dont know why I havent now Ive used this. Its so much easier than liquid liner, Ive been using liquid for years and can still make mistakes whereas this was so easy to use first time. It stays on forever as well, highly recommend it!

xoxo