Skin Care | La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat

LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR MAT £14.00*

I have been coveting this product for months. Everytime I go into Boots it's been sold out, and I don't know about you but when I'm told I can't have something it makes me want it even more. So when I was offered my choice of product I went straight for this one.

So, from my understanding, the idea behind this product is that it is a mattifying moisturiser, so while moisturising oily skin it helps to control shine all day. Sounds great to me! So how did I get on...

So I've been using this as my "day" moisturiser, so popping it on in the morning before my primer and make up. It doesn't affect the application of these at all, which is a definte plus for me as I've used some that make it impossible for foundation to stick. Also, I noticed straight away that my skin looked less shiny. Around the bridge of my nose and the apples of my cheeks tend to be my oiliest spots, and my shiniest, and this dulled them completely - in a nice way, not an "eugh dull skin" kinda way. Not only that but it did keep shine away for a good few hours. I won't say all day, because it wasn't, but it was definitely a good few hours and honestly I can't ask for more than that.

Overall, this was everything I wanted it to be. It kept my skin smooth, without being oily, and kept my oil and shine at bay. It wasn't too heavy, it had more of a balm feel to it, which I prefer as thick creams feel heavy on my skin and tend to blog up my pores. So yeah, I am really pleased with this and it was definitely worth the wait. I did look all over the Boots website for this and it was no where to be found, so I'm not sure if they still do it (?) but I have linked it above and is (at time of posting this) 15% off through this link - so enjoy! Take it from me, if you have oily skin this is the moisturiser for you!

What moisturisers do you use with your oily skin?

Event | Benefit Stay Flawless Launch

When I got the email from Benefit inviting me to their latest product launch it was a bit of a no brainer. I love Benefit Cosmetics, I can't always afford it so tend not to torture myself by spending hours drooling over their make up counters, but the products I have treated myself to I've loved.

The event took place at The Orange Rooms in Southampton (down Bedford Place if you're from the area). We were treated to mocktails (strawberry lemonade for me - I was driving) and lots of delicious nibbles including chicken and nachos. Yum.

The launch was for their brand new long wear primer, Stay Flawless, which is to be launched on the 29th June for £24.50, I will do a full review very soon. We had Head Make Up Artist Lisa P-D show us how to apply said primer and with their Hello Flawless foundation on top. We also had the chance to win some of their new sets showcasing some of their best sellers - little old me managed to win herself "Primping with the Stars" a set including Porefessional, Benetint, They're Real, Stay Don't Stray, Hello Gorgeous Foundation and Girl Meets Pearl. Not only that but we were treated to one of their new primers AND a Hello Flawless foundation in our colour. They were incredibly generous and really really lovely.

It was a lovely evening, and my first proper event so I was very excited and nervous. I met the lovely Corrie and Lauren, and managed to have a quick catch up with Kat and Lizzie as well. I was amazed by how many bloggers there are around my area - who knew!? Overall it was a really nice evening, and so far I am loving the primer. I will do a full review very soon so you all can get excited over it as well. Can't wait for the next one!!

Which of Benefit's products is your favourite?

Hair | The "Shob"

Since I've had my hair chopped off I've been playing with the style a lot to see what suits me best, and just generally what I prefer. For the past month I've been turning it into a shaggy bob, or "shob" as I saw Heat magazine call it recently and I have to say, I'm loving it like this. I've never been a huge sleek and straight person anyway, always prefering a bit of wave or curl, so I'm so happy I don't have to loose this with my shorter hair.

So, for all those who want to know how I get my "shob", here is my how to!

So first of all, I've been washing my hair with Head & Shoulders for Coloured Hair - I was having issues with a flaky scalp but this has cleaned it right up (just after two uses) and it's designed for coloured hair which is good for my highlights.

Popping it up in my towel for fifteen minutes, then I give it a good rub to get rid of any dripping. Instead of combing it, I run through it roughly with my fingers to get rid of any tangles and also to sort out my parting (side parting thank you, just off centre).

Next, I use Aussie Dual Personality - yes I want it shaggy but I do NOT want the frizz and this is ideal for this. It has been a god send since I've cut it. I pop about half a pump into my hand then roughly run it through my hair with my fingers from root to tip. Next I just do a rough blow try.

After this, I pop some Elnett Heat Style Spray for Volume on, to protect from heat and just to keep it's volume, then I curl my hair using my GHDS. I run them through quickly to create waves. Afterwards I ruffle them up and pop on some Clynol Hair Spray for hold.

To maintain it over the days I use Batiste dry shampoo for volume and healthy looking hair, and also add some salt spray for texture.

Voila - you have yourself a "shob"... or Shaggy Bob!

Have you tried a "shob"? What do you think?

Nails | Essie Virgin Orchid

 ESSIE NAIL LACQUER IN VIRGIN ORCHID £1.99 FROM FRAGRANCE DIRECT

If you haven't been to Fragrance Direct yet, go there now - Essie for £1.99?! Who wouldn't want that! It depends on what stock they currently have as to what you can get, but I very recently bought this gorgeous sheer salmon pink colour, called Virgin Orchid. It has the wide brush which I love and the colour is just gorgeous.

Also, for bridal season it is perfect for that. It's sheer enough to be delicate, yet opaque enough to create a gorgeous colour in just two coats. As will all Essie, it lasts for a good few days without chipping (unless you have to unjam a copier but that's another story).

At the moment (at time of writing) there were around 7 different colours on Fragrance Direct, including Fear or Desire. I would definitely recommend visiting them if your after an Essie bargain.

Have you been to Fragrance Direct? What Essie would you want?

Outfit | Dotty Summer

top: TU @ Sainsburys | skirt: Topshop | belt: H&M | necklace: Lola Rose

Last weekend I decided I would break out of my jean/tshirt funk and get into the summer ways. So I pulled out my favourite denim skirt from last year and a TU shirt from my Mum's wardrobe (now lives in mine). I love blue, and even more so navy, so this top was one I was immediately drawn too. I think it goes perfectly with my skirt as well.

I seem to have fallen in love with peter pan collars as well, I think they seem to go really well with my bob. And I love the detailing on this belt. It came with a dress I bought from H&M and wear it all the time with other outfits, it is a definite favourite.
Also, my new Lola Rose necklace. My lovely Mummy bought this as a well done for passing my college course. I love the style and the colour - I don't have anything in this colour so it was a definite need. Happy days!

This is a gorgeous dotty outfit and was definitely one of those days where I kept looking down and thinking "O, I actually really like this outfit". Shallow, yes, but I love fashion - so sue me :)

Anywho, my giveaway ends today so take a look here to see who has won! Thanks for all those who entered!

What's your first summer outfit?

Make Up | Revlon Baby Stick

REVLON BABY STICK FOR LIPS AND CHEEKS IN TAHITIAN £6.99

I picked this up from Boots out of sheer curiosity. It's a thick stick that can be used for both cheeks and also lips. Multi purpose if you will. I bought it in the colour "tahitian" as it's a really sutble cute coral colour - perfect for the summer.

Cheeks
I pop this on the apple of my cheeks and drag up the cheek bone until it gets to eye level, then I smudge it in with my fingers. When it first goes on it's a tad greasy, but it soon dries and gets rid of all the greasiness. The colour isn't very pigmented on the cheeks, it's very very subtle but enough to give a little colour. Longevity wise, it lasts for a good few hours - really well actually. It's a very nice subtle cheek colour for holiday I think.

Lips
For lips, it's a very nice formula to apply, it's soft and moisturising and considering the width of the stick it's really easy to apply. Colour wise it's very pale for the lips - as you can see above. It lasts for around two hours, but for me it's just a bit too pale for my lips. Otherwise it's a really nice formula.

Overall, I'm glad I got this. I wasn't holding out too much hope for it so had low expectations, so I'm actually very impressed by this. It's a very nice creamy blush product and it's definitely one I'd take on holiday as it's a very subtle everyday, hardly there make up product. Very natural, very nice. Thumbs up from T&M!

Have you tried Baby Stick? What colour would you want?

Make Up | Hydreane BB Cream

LA ROCHE POSAY HYDREANE BB CREAM IN LIGHT £15.00*

I'm definitely a lover of BB creams. Those days where you don't want anything too heavy on your skin - look no where else, BB creams are the thing you need. Especially in summer. So when this little beauty landed on my doorstep I was incredibly excited and started testing straight away. I love their Effaclar Duo, it's the one constant spot buster in my life so anything from La Roche Posay was always going to excite me.

So, hello BB cream. The consistency of this is heavier than other BB creams I've tried, yet it feels incredibly light on the skin. It's easily applied with my Real Techniques and absorbs quickly and easily. It feels as light as BB cream should on your skin, not heavy like a foundation. The tone is perfect for my skin, it's basically spot on which I love.

I've been using it on its own mostly and it works well that way - I've had a couple of people compliment me on my foundation and then are shocked when I've said it's a BB cream - a real testament to it I think as other BB creams I've tried have very little coverage.

So are there any downsides? Just one I think, I've found that it can be a tad oily - and with my own oily skin it means that sometimes it can make my skin look very shiny/oily and a couple of spots have popped out. But when this is only when my skin is having a particually oily day. I have found that using La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat* (review coming soon) that this does combat this so it's not actually too much of an issue.
This BB cream will definitely be coming with me on holiday, it contains SPF so I don't have to worry about that and it just looks really natural. So far, probably the best BB cream I've ever used. It is at the higher end of my budget, but it's definitely worth it. Also, I love that you get 40ml of this product. Foundations and BB creams are usually 30ml, so you get that extra 10.. Definite plus! It does everything I would want a BB cream to do - definitely on the top of the list for me!

Have you tried La Roche Posay BB cream? What's your favourite?

Wishlist | FD Avenue Summer Wishlist

FD Avenue are a pretty new company to me, but now I've found them - why have I not found them before! Bad Lisa.
Anywho, they have a huge variety of different styles throughout and all really reasonably priced. I thought I would pop together a little wishlist of bits I would pick for our current weather... I've given up saying "Spring" or "Summer" as I just don't think seasons exist anymore. We are just in a continual bubble of random weather-ness. Right, rant over. So, I picked these bits with our current weather in mind.

1 | This dress I couldn't resist. It's blue (definitely a list dress) and floral (check two on Lisa-ness). It's a tropical type dress and I think would be perfect for my French holiday in July. Pop it together with a tan and my tan wedges.

2 | Next up, I fell in love with the girliness of this top and the colour. It's just so cute and it has the really adorable lacy peter pan collar. Okay, you get it, I think it's cute. But just LOOK at it!

3 | These jeans are completely in style at the moment as well, boyfriend cut and distressed and I've been looking for a pair for ages and these seem to be the perfect type.

4 | Pretty pretty top. I have a definite thing for collars are the moment I think. i think this is just a gorgeous pattern and would amazing with denim shorts on holidays. Lotta love for this one.

FD Avenue have been kind enough to offer T&M readers 30% off their entire range of clothing online. Just pop this LISA30 at the shopping basket and voila - discount! This code will last until the 21st June. Happy shopping!

What's your favourite item from FD Avenue?

Life | Beauty Confessions

I've seen this on a couple of beauty blogs over the past couple of months and I've loved reading them. For me I think I fit into a stereotype that bloggers I love are perfect (o dear) so it's been so nice to see that they are human like me! God, I sound like a raving looney fan. So, I thought it would be a lot of fun to do one myself! If you do one please let me know as I love to read them.... And any hints/tips you can give to help me get out of my little issues just comment below!

Removing Make Up
I'm awful. I don't do it every night and it's so ridiculously bad. Every week I start with "right, this week I will do it every evening" and it just never happens. Don't get me wrong, I know how important it is to my skin to do this and I know I will never get the skin I want until I start doing it - I'm just a lazy lazy blogger.

Eyebrow Maintanace
Basically I don't do it. I'm awful. They just get to live like they want to - I will remove the monobrow when needed but I'm so lazy it's usually done with a quick razor - BAD BAD BLOGGER. I know this is bad, and I bought Tweezerman tweezers to try and get myself out of this eyebrow rut. But it didn't work. I did recently see a post on Stacey's blog about HD Brows at salons, so I might be tempted to go get it done and then sort myself out from there. Need the motivation guys!

Daily Make Up
Recently I forgot to take my make up to the boys house, so I bypassed breakfast so I could run home do my make up and get to work on time. I was then judged by someone at work for doing this. She thought I should have just come in without make up. Well I'm sorry I can't - but I refuse to feel guilty about it. I don't wear it a a mask because I'm insecure or hate my face. I just love make up and honestly if it makes me feel happier about myself - what is the problem?

Lack of Perfume
I don't wear it everyday. I would like to - love to really. I have quite a few bottles and I'm in love with a couple that I have, including Marc Jacobs Daisy which is undoubtedly my favourite. However, I just forget to do it. When I do apply it it does get noticed and I get complimented. I just need to remember to do it more.

Sorry Top Coat
I don't use a top coat on my nails, and very rarely a bottom coat. It's usually just two coats of the colour I want, wait twenty mintues and then off I go. I do use Models Own 3 in 1 as a base coat, when I remember, and I know it does make a different. But in terms of top coats, I've just not found one worth the hassle yet.

So the thing to remember - beauty bloggers aren't perfect. We don't all stick to a regimented schedule of beauty dos and don'ts.... Just don't tell anyone!!

What's your beauty confessions?

The How To | Five Item Face

So, the other day I moved in with my boyfriend for 5 days. Why 5 days? Well, because his parents went away so we had to house sit. Everything was going well (well, okayish - when told to get chicken he got turkey and was promptly sent to Sainsburys) on the first night. All was good. Wake up the next day, go to get ready for work and here comes my issue - I forgot my make up.

No, how a beauty blogger FORGETS to pack her beauty items is beyond me. So, I had to drive home quickly put on a very quick face of make up and head to work - making it with about 30 seconds to spare. This gave me the idea to do a post on quick make up - and then I saw others named the "5 item face" so I thought I would combine to two...

So, first of all is your base. For me the idea before the five item face is that i won't be using moisturiser or primer, so on goes the BB cream - in this case it is La Roche Posay Hydreane BB Cream in Light. It's thick enough to be mistaken for foundation, but light to wear so it's a win all round. Next up is my 17 Glow Shimmer Brick - this is a highlighter/bronzer in one and I cannot live without this, and in this case it takes care of two areas in one product. Next I go to the eyes... Some sort of eyeliner is a must for me, and recently I've been reaching for Rimmel's Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Black. I use it as a liner on my waterline and with a quick smudge you have some colour (well, black). Then I pop on the mascara - I do not leave the house without this on, it's just a golden rule for me. Lately I've been loving L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara in black. It's long lasting and lengthens fantastically. Then I finish off the look with my lips. Here I've used Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Shade 4. Long lasting, moisturising and the perfecct everyday colour.

This is pretty much my everyday work face - just minus the primer, moisturiser, blusher, eyeshadow, concealer, lip scrub and gloss... So actually quite a lot. But I have to say, this five item face doesn't do too badly!

What's you five item face?

Life | Sunday Catch Up

ice cream cupcakes for brothers birthday | puppy love | enjoying my sunnies | creating business cards
a coral lip to work | trying krispy kreme | recovering from work out | walking the pooch
drinking from the bottle | packing for the boys | making enchiladas | cute cute outfit
advertising on t&m | making a nest in the pillows | actually trying the 30 day shred | loving life with my boy

It's been a while since I've done a "Sunday Catch Up", but to be honest not a lot has been happening. At the moment I'm living at the boys house while his parents are away for the weekend. Then I get to move back home on Tuesday. I'm on a bit of a mission to get in shape, so I purchased the 30 Day Shred from Amazon... So far I'm on day2 and it HURTS. But I'm perservering!

Things seem to be going from better to better in terms of the blog... I'm going to 2 events in the next 2 months (eek) so I made some business cards, and I've started offering advertising as well (See here).

I'm still getting used to the shorter hair. This weekend I've had a bit of a major "i miss long hair" moment, but i'll probably be fine tomorrow. Just getting used to it I think eek!

Anywho, this is just a quick life update. How are you doing?

Advertise | With Topaz & May

T&M has become a huge part of my life over the last year, as has the entire blogging community. I know how hard it is to get your blog recognised and without the help of other bloggers, my blog wouldn't be what it is today.

So, I've decided that from 1st June 2013 I will be offering advertising on T&M. There will be three different types of packages which I feel suit a variety of bloggers and brands, and are also reasonably priced. I am also open to discussing bespoke packages. To view my packages and prices click here.

I know some people are adverse to bloggers charging for advertising, so I hope I don't offend anyone by doing so. However, beauty blogging starts to take its toll on the bank balance after a while. I love to review the latest items for you, my readers, and sometimes I do need a little help to fund this. Therefore, I promise that all funds that come from my adverts will go directly back into Topaz & May.

Thank you to everyone for all your support with T&M, I really appreciate it and it means the world to me. I hope that my advertising helps others just as I've been helped myself.

Email lisa@topazandmay.com if you're interested in advertising with T&M.

Make Up | Apocalips Stellar

RIMMEL APOCALIPS IN STELLAR £5.99

As reviewed before, I really like the apocalips range from Rimmel. Stellar is a colour that I've been umming and aahing about for a while and finally took the plunge when I was shopping with my friend Amber and she MADE ME BUY IT! Yes, made me.

So I got it, and actually ridiculously love it. It's a gorgeous bright, vibrant pink with a touch of coral in it. It is very pigmented (as with all the Apocalips) and lasts for a good couple of hours. What annoys me slightly with these is that when they wear, the leave a line around the lips like liner - which with something this bright looks a bit silly. But if you keep it topped up it's not an issue.

I really do love this colour, my boyfriend hates it (he's weird) but it's just so gorgeous, you can't not love it. These are just great products and I would highly recommend them to everyone.

What's your favourite Apocalips colour?

Life | Girls Night In or Out?

Lately when it comes to organising a night out I just cannot be dealing with it. Money wise I just cannot justify – but it seems I’m not the only one! A survey of 2000 UK women by Ladbrokes Bingo showed that 69% of women asked preferred to stay in with the girls instead of going out. I, for one, would definitely agree. The last couple of times I’ve gone out it’s just ended in some sort of drama, or it’s just too expensive. Drink prices and entry fees are going up and I can’t afford it.

So instead I tend to have a night in with the girls. Ladbrokes Bingo survey showed that activities included on a night in includes watching films, pampering/spa treatments and takeaways. Well I can definitely recommend all three – so here are my top five tips for a fab night in with the girls!

1.       Stick to the classics. This includes cookie dough ice cream, chick flicks, pajamas and sleeping bags. These are classics for a reason.

2.       Don’t get expensive pampering bits for your spa session. You’re not there for actual results – just the fun. So grab some masks from Montagne Jeunesse, nail polishes from Barry M and use make up you already have.

3.       Dominoes is a must – and they always have a deal on. Currently they have a £20 deal which gets your two medium pizzas, potato wedges, garlic bread and a bottle of Coke – it’s a bargain and yummy yum yum!

4.       Go Disney – you cannot go wrong with a Disney classic. I cannot count the amount of times I’ve had a night in with a good Disney film, singing along. Or even a Disney soundtrack – many a time we’ve been dancing around the room to a classic Disney song (usually I just Can’t Wait to be King from the Lion King) with a glass of wine in hand.

5.       Wine – don’t get the expensive stuff. There will always be a nice bottle on offer (usually in Sainsburys). My personal favourite is Gray Fox Rose which is usually £5 in Sainsburys.

I do love a great girls night in - you honestly can't beat it and it seems most of the UK is of that mind as well!

Do you prefer a night in or out?

*This post is written in association with Ladbrokes Bingo

Life | Would You Rather Beauty Edition

Okay, so I found this on Kayleigh's blog (Couture Girl, if you haven't checked it out already DO IT NOW) and thought it was such a good idea. I really enjoyed reading her answers so... Here is my turn! Feel free to nab it from here if you wanna try it out, it's great fun!

Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?
Oh tough one! I've fallen in love with lip products over the past year, but I do find that since going back into retail I can be more creative with my eyes than my lips... Eeek! Mainly because I can't not put mascara or eyeliner on everyday, i would go with losing my palettes and eyeshadows. I can still be creative with liner!

Would you rather chop off your hair, or never be able to cut it again?
Well, I guess I already answered that one a few weeks ago when I cut most of mine off into a shaggy bob. So, definitely chop it off - sorry long hair!

Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?
This is a tough one. During the winter I am definitely a pink cheek girl, but spring and summer I am all about the coral. I'm going to go with coral at the moment, mainly because I love the way it highlights my cheeks.

If you had £1000 to spend, would you rather by clothes or make up?
I'm going to go with clothes. Mainly because make up I can would have to buy over and over again cause it would run out - whereas most clothes (good quality ones) you'd be able to keep for a long long time. Plus I really do want a wardrobe overhaul.

Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?
Um, neither! Imagine the mess of using lipstick as eyeliner... Ick! So definitely eyeliner as lipstick, you can get eyeliner is so many different colours, so I'd pick a lovely pink/red/plum eyeliner and use that.. But still, not cool.

Would you rather shop at MAC or Sephora?
Well, seeing as I'm in a UK I don't have a Sephora. However, having been in the one in New York I would definitely rather shop there. MAC products are great, but I love variety and I love some of the products in Sephora (Tarte, Stila etc). So yup, definitely Sephora.

Would you rather only use one eyeshadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?
Defnitely one eye colour. I love eyeshadow, at the moment anyway, but I love all my different lipsticks and I love the different shades. Plus, depending on the eyeshadow colour, if it was a dark brown you can use that at all different levels with shading and building it up so yup - keeping the lipstick collection thank you!

Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?
To be honest, I don't have a seperate winter/summer wardrobe... I wear both all year round so this is definitely tricky. In some ways you can wear summer stuff in winter and just build it up for warmth, but at the same time it's not like we exactly have a summer. This is a tough one. But I would have to go with winter clothes in the summer, we have longer winters than summers so that's why!

Would you rather dark nails or bright nails all year round?
I love both, but I'm going to go with bright. I love my dark colours, but wearing brighter nails cheers me up, especially if the weather is absolutely awful (which it is most of the time). Some of my favourite colours are bright ones so I couldn't give it up!

Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?
Probably the lip product, only because I cannot go out the house without eyeliner and mascara on, whereas I can go out without lip product on. As much as I hate it, I could do it.

Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a pony tail or a messy bun?
Before the hair cut I would have said ponytail, but since I've cut it off I do prefer a bit of a messy bun. I'm loving the shaggy bob look and a bun is more shaggy than a ponytail.

Would you rather never being able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?
I would definitely never wear lipgloss again. I have to have my nails painted, it's one of my things! My nails need to have colour on them whereas my lips can go without.

Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all? Or sharpie them in everyday?
Sharpie them in definitely. I would look like such an alien without eyebrows.

Would you rather live without make up or nail polish?
This is a tough one. I love my painted nails, I will always have painted nails, even when I am not wearing make up. So I think I would have to live without make up. Which is a horrible thought but you never know - wearing no make up may clear up my skin. Eugh, okay - move on! I must wear make up and have nail varnish...!

I hope you enjoyed reading - I enjoyed doing it. A couple of them were definitely harder than others and actually I suprised myself with a couple of answers when I really thought about it! If you do this please let me know as I'd love to read your answers. Enjoy!

Make Up | Glamshine Stain Splash

L'OREAL GLAMSHINE STAIN SPLASH IN ROMY, LOLITA AND PRINCESS £7.99

L'Oreal was 3 for 2 a few weeks back, so I decided I'd indulge myself in their new lip product. It's described as a gloss that acts like a stain, that is also 30% water. So, the product itself...

Honestly I am torn. The formula is incredibly light and very watery when applied, but thickens up quickly on application. It's comfortable to wear and again, lightweight. I wouldn't say it's very long lasting, maybe about an hour. I do prefer it over the top of a lipstick as opposed to wearing it on its own.
The wand itself really irritates me actually... Not so much on the lighter colours like Romy and Lolita, but you can see from the picture above that I found it very hard to use to apply Princess, a more pigmented product as I found the product collected at the tip of the wand, and was just a bit difficult to apply.

So now onto the colours...

Romy
A gorgeous pink that I think it meant to be like a deep hot pink. The colour is gorgeous, but very translucent  Definitely more of a gloss than a stain. It applies nicely and is a nice everyday gloss with a bit of colour.

Lolita
This one is my favourite. Its defintiely a "my lips but better" lip gloss and I've been wearing this most days over the top of Bourjois Rouge Edition in Shade 4, the two work perfectly together. It's a great lipgloss.

Princess
This is the one Cheryl Cole is wearing in all the adverts. The colour is a lovely coral red. I wouldn't say it was a stain, more of a pigmented gloss. I do like the colour, I just find it very hard to apply. I find this colour lasts longer than the other two, so there is some stain there.

Overall, I'm a bit torn really. I love the product as a gloss, but I love the colours, but as a stain I'm not convinced. For me, they are definitely more gloss, but they are a nice gloss. Lolita is definitely my favourite, so if you are looking for a a good every day gloss, Lolita is your one!

Have you tried Glamshine Stain Splash? What colours do you love?

Giveaway | The Skin Regime

The perfect complexion is something that we all strive for. Even girls who (on the outside) have the perfect complexion. Dana Ramos has been through all of this and has written this fantastic little book, The Skin Regime. All the way from the US (or if you're in the US not all the way) I was sent this book and a sample peel to try out, just to see if I would be interested and well, this book is actually great.

It's a funny and completely honest account of skin care and products on the market. I'm not going to completely ruin the book for you as I really would recommend it. It gives recommended products, routine and pit falls not to fall into. It's pretty safe to say this has changed my view point on skin care. Am I going to stop using all my usual skin care products? Probably not - I am a beauty blogger so I will always be seduced by different products. But I will definitely take me time over them now, and I am definitely going to get the products recommended in the book.

Okay, so the peel itself - the routine for using it is inside the book - but I was sent a very gentle peel to try out. Initially a very weird sensation, and was a bit anxious about using it due to the whole "peel" element. But honestly, it was a gentle sample, so although my skin felt a little sensitive afterwards, there was no adverse affect and my skin did look better after a couple of days.

I would highly recommend taking a look at this book and giving the Regime a go. So, I am incredibly excited to announce my FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY. Yes, all my others have been UK based but to all my lovely readers all around the work... Dana Ramos is offering one of you a copy of the book and a sample peel to try out. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below!
The giveaway will last for two weeks, once the winner is announced I will give your information over to Dana who will send out your goodies.

GOOD LUCK! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nails | Top Three Spring Shades

I'm a person who loves it when their nails are all painted, suited and booted. I love new colours and I love different shades. This spring I've been keeping to a fairy pastel based palette and these three are definitely my top three.

Models Own Upotia £5
Thanks to Lily I have hunted this down and finally bought it. It's different to what I thought it would be, its a very pale lilac, paler than the photo lets on, and is a gorgeous subtle shade. Long wearing and great as a base when you want to add a sequin top coat.

Barry M Lychee £3.99
A favourite in the blogging world and has become one of my most worn. A "foundation" shade, if you like, which again is great as a top coat base or just a lazy shade. Really long lasting as part of their gelly range.

Essie Maximillian Strasse Her £7.99
Silly name aside, this is a gorgeous pale duck egg-ish blue that screams IM SO PRETTY I COULD DIE! Definitely my favourite. Again, lasts for ages and honestly I am just in love with this shade. it is one of my absolute faves and I will live and die in it.

Pastels are a great shade for spring and summer, and with "foundation" nails setting the way for the next couple of months, these pale shades are definitely in style. Also - look I have a nail wheel yay! About bloody time and I love it. All swatches are just one coat and are without any top/base coat.

What's your top spring shades?