Inika Liquid Mineral Foundation

Inika Liquid Mineral Foundation in Honey (sample size)

I won this foundation a few months back through a Twitter competition and like a bad blogger, I've not written my review on this yet! I review their lip gloss a little while back here and really liked it so I was hoping I'd love this product as much.

This foundation is said to blur the lines between moisturiser and foundation by hydrating and nourishing the skin whilst providing a flawless and radiant finish that lasts all day. So how did I get on?

Well, it smells of tea. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if you like the smell of tea, I'm not entierley keen so the idea of putting something the smells of tea all over my face wasn't that appealing. However, I did and it is a really nice product.

The colour match wasn't fantastic, but then I won it through a Twitter competition so what can you expect. The foundation itself is quite watery, which is a bit weird, but it applies really nicely and is really moisturising. In terms of staying power I wouldn't say it stayed longer than other foundations without a primer.

Like I said, it's a nice foundation and I think if it was the right colour it would be more than a nice foundation. However, for a full size product is it £25.55 and that's just a little bit too steep for me to purchase so I'm just going to enjoy my little sample which I can!

What do you think of Inika products? Have you tried their foundation?

Winter Warmers: Fade Out Moisturising Cream

Fade Out White Original Moisturising Cream £8.16*

This is the first in my little series of winter warmers! With going to New York I've been on the lookout for products that are gonna help me with the cold weather and this is one I was kindly sent to try.

It's a moisturising cream which has "clinically" proven to significantly lighten and brighten skin as well as moisturising. I've been using it for around three weeks now every morning and I really do like it. My skin started to look brighter after just a week and my dry winter areas stay moisturised thoughout the day.

It targets the dark areas and brightens them, while making my skin seem more toned.I really do like this product. My only niggle with it is that I'm not 100% keen on the smell, I don't know what it smells like, I can't put my finger on it, but it makes my noise wrinkle slightly. But it is something I can get over for the quality of the product!

I had never used "Fade Out" before, but I will definitely look into more of their products! This will be coming to NY with me to keep me nice and moisturized, and get rid of all the darkness stemming from jet lag!

Have you tried Fade Out products before? What "Winter Warmers" would you suggest?

tag: why do i wear make up

I've seen this post flying around and after I saw it on Kayleigh's site I was like right, need to jump on this bangwagon! So here I go!

When did you begin loving make up?
If I'm honest I can't quite remember. I remember having conversations with my Mum trying to convince her I need foundation to cover up my acne as I had it quite bad at the beginning of secondary school. She always said no as I didn't need it. Well, I ended up convincing her otherwise and my first foundation was Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse as my friend Beth used it. After that I never really looked back, I had to wear make up.

How do you feel without make up?
It depends on what my skin is looking like at that moment in time. For example, at the moment my skin is actually really bad so I cannot be seen without it on or I feel really ugly. However, if my skin is behaving, like it does when i go abroad on a summer holiday, I'm more than happy to go without. It also depends on who I am around. I'm quite happy to go without it on when i am with Adam as I know he isn't just with me for what I look like. But I do always feel a bit more "safe" when I am wearing it.

What do you like about make up?
I think make up can act as a mask. If you're feeling tired you can hide it, if you're feeling sad, you can hide it. But I also think it can make you feel powerful and beautiful. It's another form of expressing yourself and expressing your identity, and I think everyone needs some sort of creative outlet and make up is definitely that!

"Holy Grail" items:
1. Chanel Intense Eye Pencil - I love this product. It's probably been the one constant make up item I've had and the longest running. I have never found anything as good!

2. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Conceal - my holy grail blemish concealer. Nothing has beaten it and it stays on all day

3. Clinique Stay Matte Foundation - this is a  new one of mine, but I've fallen deeply in love with it and would definitely buy it again!

So yeah, this is my little make up history/story type thing! Lemme know if you decide to do it so I can see your answers :) it would be really interesting and I hope this has been a bit interesting for you too!

Why do you wear make up?

Wake Me Up Concealer

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

 If you are like me, you fell in love with Rimmels Wake Me Up foundation, so it was only a matter of time before I nabbed their concealer as well. I predominantely use this for under my eyes. I find it helps to get rid of those dark areas and makes me look bright and awake! As the name suggests...

 I'm not too keen on using it on my blemishes as I find Collections Lasting Perfection works better on those. So I am now a two concealer kinda gal! I really do rate this product, it has become an everyday staple and has helped with my recent exhaustion thanks to new energy filled job! I got it cheap as chips on asos when they were doing a Rimmel sale, but its usually quite reasonably priced anyway!

 Have you used Rimmel's Wake Me Up range?

a touch of girliness

cardigan: Tesco  |  tshirt: topshop  |  jeans: topshop  |  boots: dorothy perkins

This is such a girly outfit for me. It was one of those mornings where I literally couldn't be bothered so I threw whatever on and actually really liked the outcome. I wouldn't usually put pink with purple as I feel it goes a bit over girly. However, this works really well. This is such a typical autumn outfit for me. Jeans, boots and a thick cardy. Hi autumn!

This cardy was a complete bargain in Tesco, I trailed through their sales rails and found it, fell in love and found myself paying £6 for it. Bargain! I actually bought this on the evening I got my job in marketing, which I have since left.

This outfit is super comfy and I wore it to Adam's grandparents for Sunday lunch and games. A perfect sunday outfit I think! And definitely an ode to being a girl!

What do you think? Too much pink and purple or just enough?

DGJ Organics Hairjuice

DGJ Organics Hairjuice Everyday Shampoo £5.99*

I was a fan of DGJ's Hangover Hair shampoo so I was excited to try another one of their products. Hairjuice is a Honeydew and Watermelon Shampoo which is meant to gently cleanse hair of impurities and stimulate the scalp to strengthen hair.

My hair is prone to breakage so I was interested to try this to see if it made a difference. If I'm honest, I really don't like melon. I don't like the taste, and I'm not a fan of the smell so the scent of this shampoo really didn't do it for me. However, if you like a fresh scent shampoo then you'll like this and if you like melon you'll love the smell.

The shampoo itself was really easy to use and left my hair feeling really nice and soft. I didn't notice a huge difference with the breakage of my hair, however it did leave my hair feeling light and clean. Exactly what you want from an everyday shampoo!

I just wish I liked melon (sad face) because it really is a nice product!

Have you tried this product? What haircare would you recommend for breakages?

i love, he hates

top: topshop  |  leggings: topshop  |  boots: H&M  |  necklace: topshop

This is me being a chicken and not going the full hog with disco pants or leather look leggings. Instead I bought these gorgeous leggings with leather panels down the side. I have to say, I love them. Adam hates them, but there you go - you win some you lose some.

My Mum bought these about a year ago actually and I've been coveting them ever since, so when I saw Topshop were still doing them I had to snap them up. I got them in a size bigger than usual and still debating if this was a good move as they fit the legs well and they are comfy, but I do have to keep pulling them up! Otherwise, totally in love. I've wanted some smart leggings for a while and these fit the bill!

This top is a new fave as well. I've been living in it ever since I got it. It's so comfy, it's perfect for Autumn and Winter, and I'm just a bit in love with it. It's the perfect accessory to dress down these leggings.

You never know, I might still go the whole way with disco pants, but for now these leggings have definitely satisfied my curiousity.

What do you think of these leggings? Do we love the leather panel?

my "big" birthday present

It's now under a month until my birthday, and I am still yet to write my birthday list. However the big thing my parents want to know is what to get me for my "big" present. For birthdays we always get a "big" present, and then little ones - same for Christmas too. If I'm honest all I really want is a house and a new car - that would be nice! However seeing as my parents haven't won the lottery I need to rethink this... So I have come up with the above shortlist...

1  |  Pandora Pure Watch in Light Gold
On the top of my list at the moment is this gorgeous watch from Pandora. I don't really wear a watch, well, I never wear a watch and I feel like as I'm getting older I should. This is such a gorgeous one as well, I have fallen quite in love with it. This image doesn't really do it justice as I couldn't find a really good high quality one, but take a peek at the link and you'll see what I mean!

2  |  Mulberry Continental Wallet in Black Forest Soft Matte
Second on my list is this lovely Mulberry purse. I'm not gonna kid myself and ask for a Bayswater (that'll be on the 30th birthday wishlist for Adam) however, a purse will placate my Mulberry lust for another 7 years and this one is such a gorgeous colour. I felt an instant urge to lust over it! Maybe I could ask for this for Christmas...

3  |  Shelburne Large Zip Top Tote Bag in Storm
Last, but not least is this gorgeous Radley bag. I love Radley as a brand, it is the cutest brand in the entire world - but I am just a dog lover! I do have a couple of Radley bags so although this one is GORGEOUS, I could probably live without it. Whereas the others, I feel like I need them in my life now and forever more!

So which would you choose? Like I said, I'm edging more towards the watch as I do love it and I don't have a watch, so this will be a complete new item for me!

Which would you choose?

Aussie Dual Personality

Aussie Dual Personality Anti Frizz an Conditioning Milk £4.99

I have recently fallen a bit in love with Aussie and their range of hair products. I got this little beauty as part of a 3 for 2 offer in Boots. Now, if I'm honest I don't usually give much creit to anti frizz products as I've never really found that they really do anything to me hair, apart from weigh it down. But I thought no, I'll give it a whirl!

I'm glad I did, I have been using this on wet hair and it has helped to tame my frizzy locks. More than anything it's helping to keep my hair healthy in this cold, drying weather. I'm not gonna lie, it does weigh my hair down slightly, but not as much as most other products I've used and I love the effect it has on my hair so!

I wouldn't say it's a frizz miracle, it does tame but not completely but it is a nice product and it's one I would happily buy again and recommend.

What anti-frizz treatment works for you? How are you keeping your hair nice in the cold weather?

A Vegging Flower

top: topshop   |  jeans: topshop  |  bracelet: links  |

I seem to have adopted really simple outfits since going back into retail. Probably because I have to wear a uniform everyday so when I get home I just wanna chuck on something simple. This has been quite a staple for me lately - jeans and  tee. This outfit is all about this tee.

It's a really cute floral peplum top, from Topshop, for ONLY £12!! I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, I had to have it for that price! It is a tad crop top, so I got it in a size bigger than my usual, but I still have to be careful reaching up or bending over! But I do love it and it's comfy to the max!

I want to apologise for the lack of outfit photos lately! It was a lot easier to do them when I worked in an office as I had to style everyday, but wearing a uniform is kinda restricitng and like I said, when I get back I just wanna veg in something comfy! Having said that, I do love doing outfit posts so I will be bringing these back and making a massive effort to keep these going as I know you guys love them too!

What's your staple outfit at the moment? Are you vegging like me?

Pixi Lash Line Ink

Pixi Lash Line Ink from Asos £12

I am an eyeliner kinda gal. We all know this, usually it's more of an eye pencil kinda look but more recently I've been swaying towards liquid liner, flick eyes. But in a subtle way, cause you know me, I like my subtle make up.

This is another product from Pixi, thanks Lily, that I picked up with the tinted brilliance balm and I have to say, I really do like it. It's very black, which I don't have a problem with, and it's really easy to use.

The pen itself is quite small, and quite solid so it creates a really nice solid line without too much effort required and it lasts for ages. It says 24 hours, I would say that it does last for that long, but it does fade after about five or six hours. You can still see it, but it's just not quite as strong as when first applied.

My only gripe (I seem to like this word atm) with this is that it can transfer up onto my upper lid if I don't let it dry. However, I have found that when I use my MUA Professional Eye Primer underneath, it doesn't tend to do this so I have found a way to combat this!

This is £12, so a tad more expensive then the GOSH version I've tried before (nearly double the price). I wouldn't say it's doubly better then the GOSH version, but I do prefer it as the pen is just that bit more solid so it's easier to create a steady, perfect line and flick. So I would definitely recommend this. It has become a staple in my daily routine! Plus, I love the Pixi packaging. It's the cutest I have ever seen in my entire life!

Which liquid eyeliners are you loving right now?

Clinique Stay Matte

Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Make Up in Ivory £21.50

I had a little tester of this a while ago, and really liked it, yet couldn't justify the price. However, I thought I may as well pick it up at the duty free in Dublin, and I'm really glad I did.

The colour match is the closest I have ever found and it blends so nicely in and gives the perfect amount of coverage without looking cakey or fake. It's really lightweight as well so doesn't feel too heavy or hot.

It's oil free, so suits my skin type perfectly. I don't feel oily and the make up stays in place for a good few hours, which is fab.

I'm still a tad dubious about the price, however this has lasted quite a long time and it really does do the trick and I do really like it. So it might just have to be an investment!

Have you tried any of Cliniques foundations? What's your favourite piece from their collection?

Any Size: Disco Pants

Yay! It's another Any Size! Apologies for the couple weeks absence but it is now back with a bang! This week we look at how Disco Pants can be worn by any size!

I really wanted to see this one as I wanted to see if this was a trend for all, or just the skinny minnies (jealous much, yes!).

So take a peek and see how this weeks Any Size bloggers do it!

size 8: Laura from Tiny Twist
Such a gorgeous girl in such a gorgeous outfit. I love the monochrome theme, and totally in love with this blazer as well/ She has teamed it with vampy lips. Yum yum!

size 10: Ashleigh from Pretty Girl Rich
Look at those legs! I can't stop looking at them, they go on forever!! These suit her figure perfectly and she has teamed it for a night out with a fab crop top and gorge heels!

size 12: Emily from Recipes and Reviews
a reappearance from the lovely Emily! Doing casual disco pants and showing me that even I could do disco pants! I love this casual outside and the colors!

size 14: Hannah from Baileycakes
Showing no matter your size, you can still pull this trend off! Big thumbs up for this casual look. Rocking to fab trends of a denim shirt and disco pants!

A big big thanks to all the girls for this week, go check out their blogs as they are all amazing!! If you'd like to be involved in Any Size please let me know! Just give me a shout on twitter and I can get you involved!!

How do you style your disco pants?

Body Shop Beautifying Oil

Body Shop Beautifying Oil in Coconut £9.00

This is quite a new little beauty from The Body Shop. As a consultant I get my own kit and this was part of it. It's a dry oil solution for your body, face and hair which is meant to help with very dry skin.

Due to my oily skin I haven't attempted to use this yet on my skin, but I have been using it on the ends of my hair. Due to mass amounts of dying the ends of my hair can get really dry, so oil is something I was dying to try to restore some of this moisture.

First of all, I love the smell. Body Shop always meant coconut for me, it was always my first choice of 'flavour' or 'scent' when choosing their products. One lady at one of my parties said it reminded her of holiday, and it really does just that.

Secondly, the ends of my hair haven't felt as healthy as they do now. I've changed a lot of my hair routine of late, but I swear this is down to this little baby as nothing else focuses on the ends. I pop it on my dry hair, day after washing. It doesn't feel greasy, it blends in straight away and creates texture in the end as well - which I wasn't expecting so that's an added bonus!

I really do love this product and I recommend it to all my Body Shop customers - and I definitely recommend it to you as well! It's a nice easy way to keep the ends of your hair healthy!

Have you tried Beautifying Oil? Have you testing it on your skin yet?

Video | My Make Up Bag

Welcome to my latest video post! Click on the video page for links to my reviews for each item :)

Products mentioned already reviewed:

Reviews:
L'Oreal Primer   |  MUA Eye Primer |  Pixi Brilliance Balm   |  MUA Heaven & Earth Palette  |  17 Mirror Shine On   |  Collection Foundation & Concealer  |  Real Techniques   |  L'Oreal Caresse   |  No7 Natural Blush 

Hope you enjoy!

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Deep Nourishing Intensive Mask £3.99

I have used Herbal Essences for years, and for the past year or so I have used their Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner collection due to dry and damaged hair.

Recently I bought this on a 3 for 2 with the shampoo and conditioner and thought I would give it a whirl. The idea is to use it instead of the conditioner around 2 - 3 times a week. For someone who doesn't wash her hair every week I took this as once a week.

So, you wash you hair normally, then put this mask on your hair for around a minute, then wash it out again. It smells amazing, like all Herbal Essences products, and it was a nice product.

It did provide my hair with moisture, but I wouldn't say it did anymore than the normal conditioner. Plus, it made my hair feel quite heavy after drying, which is not what I really want, I like my hair to feel light - it's so thick it doesn't need that extra weight!

Overall, the product is nice. It does what it says in terms of moisturising, but I probably wouldn't purchase again, just because I don't think it really did anything extra. Sorry Herbal Essences!

What hair masks do you use? Any hair conditioning tips?

LOreal Lumi Magique Primer

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer £9.99

I've been looking for a primer for a little while, and after seeing this on Lily's blog I thought I would give it a go. It's a little pricey for just a teeny product but I thought I would give it a whirl!

I love the look of it, look how shiney it is. It looks like it has tiny little shiny molecules that reflects light and helps to illuminate your skin. I pop this on around the apples of my cheeks, my t-zone and chin.

Once the foundation, or BB cream as I've been using at the moment, is applied over the top it really does highlight those bits and bobs you've applied the base to and it holds your make up a little bit longer then usual. Which is fab and exactly what I wanted.

Another plus point is it doesn't aggravate my oily skin. There is no excess oil and I don't look greasy, just lovely and highlighted. On days when I can't be arsed with foundation this is quite good as well, it just gives you a new dewy natural look without any coverage. Nicey nice.

I do like this product, I'm still a bit on the fence about the price - it's not a huge product for quite a pricey tag, so I'm just seeing how long it last - so I will let you know. But atm, this is a must have product for me!

What primer do you swear by?

Superdry Neon Orange for Women

Superdry Neon Orange Fragrance, 40ml £35.00*

I can't stop staring at this bottle. It's hypnotizing and it's just so bright! May I introduce Superdry's first ever womens fragrance, Neon! The collection includes four contrasting scents inspired by on-trend fluro colours

The embossed bottle showcases each statement colour and a soft-touch flip top cap the fluorescent Neon logo. I was kindly sent the full size Neon Orange and a sample of the Neon Blue.

Neon Orange is a fruity citrus scent, which I was really eager to try as I'm usually a floral scent kinda girl. It combines madarin zest, blood orange, blackcurrant, orange blosson, pineapple, cedarwood and musks. It is a very citrusy scent, so if your not a citrus person then you should definitely choose one of the other fragrances. This is definitely different from my usuals, but it's a really nice fresh scent and I do like it. It's definitely a summer fragrance.

Neon Blue is more my usual, it's a fresh floral fragrance, combining juicy pear, apple, melon, lily of the valley, petals of jasmine and musks. It's a very delicate floral fragrance which I love. I think I do prefer Neon Blue at the moment, but that is probably just because that is what I'm used to. I love the packaging, I think it's so striking and bright. It definitely adheres to the Superdry brand.

The other two in this collection are Neon Pink (Oriental Amber) and Neon Purple (Creamy Ozonic). I'm not particularly sure what ozonic is, which makes me curious and I'm so in love with the packaging I just want them to decorate my entire room!

I think this is definitely worth checking out. The scents are strong, yet subtle (if that makes sense) and after a few hours the smell still lingers, which is a nice surprise.

The collection launched in September and is available from Superdry stores, www.superdry.com, larger Boots stores and selected independent department stores.

Have you tried Superdry fragrances yet? Which would you choose?

How I Style: Owls

Owls seem to be everywhere at the moment, and after falling in love with this gorgeous Lavish Alice jumper I thought I would explore what other owly fashions there were and how I would style them for this Autumn!

1  |  I fell in love with this Lavish Alice jumper, it's simplicity and cuteness and was devastated when I saw it was out of stock (it isn't now!). Que chocking back tears. I thought I would team it with my aubergine jeans and some black riding boots and you have the perfect everyday look. Don't forget your snood!

2  |  A girly take on the owl trend, a gorgeous AX Paris skater dress, topped with a comfy jumper, the perfect look for a day shopping with the girls or a lunch date. Team it with some gorgeous brogues and this cute and infamous necklace and you're set!

3  |  This bag is adorable, impractical probably but adorable! Leggins with a long top seems to be my style of choice these days, so this owl blouse is perfect for drinks with the girls. This blazer finishes the look perfectly with some gorgeous ankle boots!

I have fallen for the owl trend I must say, and I am coveting the blouse.. Payday treat I'm thinking..! Or not, seeing as I'm meant to be saving for a house... Wish me luck!
If you haven't jumped on the natural train yet I suggest you do! Get your owl on!

Which is your favourite look? How would you style your owls?

P.S. I'd like to announce some of my giveaway prizes!! You can enter it here...

1. Essie Ballet Slippers
2. L'Oreal Caresse in Lovely Rose
3. Gorgeous Raspberrygrape goodies..
                 Upper Finger Ring
                 Cross Bracelet - no longer available online!
                 Cross Necklace

More to be revealed soon!!!

Topshop Blush in Head over Heels

Topshop Blush in Head Over Heels £6

Another make up product from Topshop! I seem to be loving Topshop make up lately and I have some other bits and bobs on my list to get so, you will probably see some more soon I'm sure!

This little product featured on my August favourites. It's the Topshop cream blusher in Head Over Heels. I'm not usually a bit fan of cream blushes, given the choice I will always go for powder but I do really like this.

I think it's the colour that wins me over.

It has a really soft creamy consistency, that applies really easily. I've been naughty and used my fingers to apply as I can't really get it to work with a brush. However, once it's on the skin it has a bit of a powdery finish, so it's really easy to blend afterwards with my buffing brush. I've been applying it to the apples of my cheeks and along the cheek bone to give myself a bit of colour.

It's a really nice coral finish and I just think its a really good shade for every day wear and if you want a really subtle colour.

I would recommend this product. I probably wouldn't buy another, just because I am more of a powder blush person, but I don't regret buying this and I have been reaching for it near on every day through August and most of September.

Which blushes do you recommend? Have you tried the Topshop ones?