Review: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

Like I mentioned in my review on the Macadamia hair mask, I received a Birchbox gift subsciption for Christmas. This was also in my box of extra goodies! I was so so so so SO excited to try this. I have heard only good, and as a secret QVC watcher, I had watched this on there a million times, nearly ordered it, then backed out. 

Lets just say, now I can see what all the fuss is about. 

This is the most perfect cleanser ever.

 It takes off every tiny bit of make up making my skin feel cleaner than it ever has, which is very impressive. It also smells really nice, slightly witch hazelly I would say, like it's doing some good for my skin.  I comes with two muslin cloths, which are great for removing the product with. It distributes the perfect amount in one pump.

I know that I will repurchase this when it runs out for sure. It costs around £14 (from most places I have looked this is the common price) for 100ml, but it works out cheaper to buy in bulk off QVC. 

I would definitely say this is holy grail cleanser right here, in love. 

Have any of you had the same life changing moment with this product?

Kelly

xxx

Review: Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

 Review: Maybelline Gel Eyeliner

I'll be honest, I'm not a master at gel eyeliner by any means. This is only the second one I have tried, and after hating the Collection 2000 one, I was excited to try one that actually had good reviews.

This cost £7.99 which I think is reasonable for an eyeliner. My first point is that I like the brush that comes with it, it's a good size to be able to do little winged liner, big winged liner, or just a line along my lashes. I also like the colour, a very black black. This liner applies very nicely, looks perfect and gives a really nice finish. 

Despite this looking perfect when it is first applied, I doesn't really stay put for me. Admittedly, I do have oily eyelids, but even with my UD primer potion it smudges under my eyes and onto my brow bone making me look tired and like i have been actually punched. 

I am really disappointed that I don't love this, I had really high hopes. Hopefully I am just being a gel eyeliner novice, and I will eventually get the hang of it and smudging won't happen. We'll see, and I'll let you know.

Can any of you recommend some gel/liquid eyeliners I could try? I am in need of a new one, as my Avon liquid liner (which I really like) ran out, and I was putting all my eggs in one basket with this Maybelline one! I'm linerless until I have chance to go into town!

Kelly 

xxx

What I Bought #7

What I Bought #7

I have recently bought a few skincare bits and pieces in the hope that my skin will become perfect and lovely. Whether that happens, well we'll see, but these are the things I bought...

Origins Zero Oil Moisturiser, Super Spot Remover, Ginzing Eye Cream

I have problematic skin that never looks quite right. I had heard SO much good about the super spot remover, so after student loan came in, I finally bought it! It was £14 from the Origins website, with free delivery. It also came with two mini sample sizes which I chose. Pretty excited to try them all, and I have the highest of high hopes for the Super Spot Remover. 

Super Spot Remover

Loreal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution

My problems with Bioderma. 1, it is not easy to get hold of. 2, it is more money than I would like to spend. Therefore, when my housemate told me about this, I thought it was the chance to test a Bioderma type product, see how I feel about it, and whether I still feel the need for it in my life. I can't remember how much I bought this for, it was some sort of offer, but it was no more the £3 for sure. Like I always say, I'll let you all know how I feel. 

Have any of you tried these products? What do you think? 

Kelly 

xxx

Review: Macadamia Deep Repair Mask

Review: Macadamia Deep Repair Mask

For Christmas from my parents I received a 6 month Birchbox subscription.As it was a gift purchase, it came with a box of free goodies worth over £50. One of the things I was most excited about was this, the Macadamia Deep Repair Mask. 

I'm not really massive on hair care, but seeing as I have recently had a hair cut, I knew that this time, I will take care of my hair, and attempt to stop as many pesky split ends as possible. I have used this three times, and I have to say, I am very impressed. Firstly, it smells gorgeous. Secondly, it looks cool, a sort of iridescent cream (I realise it's weird to enjoy this, but I am a sucker for anything that shines!) 

Most importantly, this does a really good job. I apply this just before I shower, after dampening my hair, and leave it for about ten minutes. Then just wash out and do my usual hair routine. This makes my hair so silky smooth and smelling gorgeous. 

The true test of knowing how good a freebie is, is whether you would repurchase it. The answer is yes, I would. It isn't too expensive, currently £7.45 on Amazon, which I definitely thing is worth it.

Also, given the Birchbox subscription, I'm going to do monthly reviews on what I think of it. I might be a bit late on the bandwagon each month, as my boxes will get delivered home, to my parents house, and I am currently living at uni, so I'll only get the boxes when I go back home. Better late than never though...

Have any of you tried this mask? What do you think?

Kelly 

xxx

My Top 5 From You Beauty Advent

Top 5: You Beauty Advent 

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I received the You Beauty Advent Calendar for Christmas, and I adored it! I am impressed with pretty much every item, and I am loving using all the minis, and treating myself with a bit of high end luxury! I've picked my top 5 from the calendar, things I am pretty sure I will either repurchase, or lust after until I can ask for them on my birthday!

Caudalie Feuille de Cassis hand cream. 

This smells like blackcurrants, which is amazing. I use this multiple times a day, and it leaves my hands feeling soft and smooth. I love that the smell lngers for a while too, as it is such a gorgey smell.

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath and Shower Oil.

AHH. This is incredible. Obviously it is one of those luxuries I will never justify repurchasing myself, but I will try and find a few minis. You just drop a capful in your bath, and I spreads a gorgeous relaxing smell through the house. I also like that my skin feel nice and nourished when I get out of the bath.

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips.

Hahaha nipple balm. You will probably all know this, but for those of you who don't, as I understand it, this was originally formulated for women breastfeeding, to stop it from hurting their nipples. I haven't tried this for that purpose, but I can tell you it's the best lipbalm I have ever tried (ok I have not tried many but this far out runs Carmex). It is a very thick balm, and I use it every night before I go to bed, waking up with smooth soft lips. My only problem is that in my freezing cold student house, this pretty much freezes in the tube and is a bugger to squeeze out! 

Leighton Denny Vamp.

There is nothing bad about this except that I want more of it and I do not have it. It is a perfect colour for winter, a lovely berry red. It also dries quicker than I expected (and quicker than any other polish I own) and it leaves an opaque shiny finish in only 2 coats. 

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

I have quite oily skin, so I was slightly reluctant to try this. However, I am a convert to oil cleansers. This is amazing, melts away your make up and leaves your skin feel really clean, and also quite moisturised. It feel like it is taking away the bad shit on my skin, but still leaving the moisture and plumping it up too. I honestly cannot rave about this enough, it's a certain repurchase!

Like I said, I loved nearly all of the products in the calendar, but these were my absolute fave faves. Did any of you get this calendar this year, or any other beauty calendars? What did you think? I liked the look of the benefit one, and of course I will always dream of the Selfridges one haha!

Kelly 
xxx

What I Bought (Got For Free) #6

What I Bought (Got For Free) #6

L-R: Skin Radiance Mask, Skin Radiance Moisturiser, Refining Skin Polish, Replenishing Face Oil, Pro Serum, Cleansing Balm.

For Christmas I got the You Beauty Advent Calendar from my grandparents. It was literally the most spoilt I have ever felt, opening 24 tiny beautifully formed presents from a lovely box. In one of the doors, were some Espa goodies (the Refining Skin Polish and Pro Serum), and a £15 voucher to spend on Espa, with no minimum spend. Now I do love a good freebie!

With the £15, I chose the nourishing cleansing balm in the 13g size. I'll admit, I did scowl at the thought of spending £15 on such a small size, but as it was technically free, I thought I could justify it. So far, I have noticed the product has a lovely texture and smells gorgeous, I'll report back on how good it is at cleansing my face!

Nourishing Cleansing Balm. £15 for 13g. 

Now the best part of Espa online is that you get four mini freebies with each order. I chose the skin radiance mask, skin radiance moisturiser, replenishing face treatment oil and 24 hour eye moisturiser. I wasn't too bothered by any of the body care samples, as I (along with most of the country) received more body creams and washes to last me a lifetime for Christmas! I've given my mum the eye moisturiser. I know I should be, but I am not too bothered by using eye creams, I don't feel the need for them, and my mum is always up for trying anti-aging products. Again, I'll let you know what I think of these when I've tried them, and whether I'll repurchase (though looking at the price tag, they would have to make me look like Scarlett Johansson for me to justiy it!).

Another thing I want to comment on is how beautifully the items were packaged! They came surrounded by purple paper confetti stuff (that's the best way I can describe it), and I was really impressed! 

Did any of you get the You advent calendar? What did you spend your Espa voucher on?

Kelly
xxx

2014

Hello! Long time, no blog! Firstly, I just want to apologise for lack of posts for the last few months. Uni work got in the way, and quite honestly, I lacked to motivation! I had no money to buy new things, so hauls were off the cards, and I felt like I had nothing new or creative to write about. 

On a more positive note, I have decided I want to try again with blogging. I'm going to try to blog at least once a week, any more is a bonus :) I have christmas presents I can review, and new interesting things to write about, so hopefully it'll keep you all interested!

I now also have instagram! Finally! There is a link in the side bar >

I hope you all had an amazing new year, hopefully 2014 will be good to us all!

Kelly

xxx

Autumn/Winter Lips & Nails

Autumn/Winter Lip & Nails

Obviously it's Autumn now, so bright orange lips and pastel blue nails are less acceptable. Whilst I'm sure I'll try and work Mac Morange, and Essie Bikini So Teeny, these products will be my go to's for the next few months...

L-R: Revlon Black Cherry, Clinique Grandest Grape, Revlon Berry Smoothie

L-R: Revlon Black Cherry, Clinique Grandest Grape, Revlon Berry Smoothie

I love berry colours my lips all year round. In fact, I was shamelessly wearing Grandest Grape most of this summer. These are some of my faves right now. Black Cherry was me trying to convince myself that i don't need MAC Rebel. And I think it's worked. I love this lipstick, its staying power and it's price! My love for Grandest Grape is clearly out there now, I have written about it in several posts! Berry Smoothie is one of my fave your lips but better colours, I wear this in more casual days, when I don't want to look like I've made TOO much effort. 

Barry M Red Wine, Barry M Gelly Plum, Nails Inc Motcomb Street, Revlon Sequins

These are the nails colours I can see myself wearing this Autumn/Winter. Barry M nail varnishes are probably my favourite, so cheap and such lovely colours. Red Wine is a lovely deeper red. I still think I need Barry M Red Black though, for an even more autumnal colour. Plum has a lovely finish. I love purples in the Autumn, and I am actually wearing this right now! This Nails Inc colour was a freebie in Glamour mag last year, and I love it. I can sometimes even get away with only 1 coat. I think this Revlon glitter polish was also a limited edition freebie, but I'm sure you could find similar. It's perfect for Christmas, who doesn't love glittery nails to brighten the cold dark days?!

What are your Autumn/Winter faves?

Hope you've enjoyed this post :)

Kelly
xxx

My Face #9

My Face #9

Today I'm heading into uni to the library. 3rd year is getting pretty hectic, I feel like I have so much work, and so little time! As part of my 'weight loss' efforts, I've joined the swimming pool near where I live, so I'll be going swimming later on this evening. 

Face: Mac Studio Sculpt in NW15, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair, Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Mac Soft and Gentle

Brows: Maybelline Brow Drama (not that you can see my brows!)

Eyes: Maybelline The Rocket Mascara, Naked Palette (Sidecar and Darkhorse, Creep on lashline)

Lips: Mac Up the Amp

Kelly 

xxx

Naked Palette

Naked Palette

This is my new found love. I am so annoyed at myself that it has taken so long for me to buy this, Admittedly, £37 is a lot of money, however, for 12 eye shadows, an eye shadow brush, and a mini primer potion, I thought I could justify it! 

This honestly might be the most beautiful looking product I have ever owned (apart from the YSL lippy of course). All of the colours are lovely, and I have used them all already despite only owning this for 2 weeks. My favourite shades so far are Sin, Toasted and Hustle. I love how they blend in together. 

I bought the Stila in the Light palette last year in the hope that it would stop that feeling I had that I needed this. It didn't. I still felt like I needed the Naked palette in my life. I went for the Naked1 as opposed to the Naked2, just because I like the colours a bit more, and I also wanted to try the free primer potion. 

Have any of you got this palette? What do you think?

Naked Palette : 10/10 

Kelly 

xxx

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Review

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Review

I have raved about this product on several occasions, so I am sure you'll know this is going to be a positive review. I thought I would tell you guys a bit more detail of why I love this to bits...

I have had problem skin for about 2 years. WARNING, GIRL TALK. I all started when I went on the pill. Clearly something mucked up my hormones and,  boom, spots. I'll be honest, up until this year, my skincare routine was virtually non existent. But, I promised myself that 2013 would be the year I sorted out my skin! This is the product that has helped me do this. 

I wish I had makeup-less before and after pictures for you. Just to demonstrate how good this has been for me. Admittedly, when I first used it, for about a week, it broke me out. But, I persevered, and slowly started to notice that I was getting less spots, and that my acne scars were less obvious. Since then (April ish?) I have been using this pretty much everyday. (Apart from 1 month when I tried to convince myself I didn't need it, broke out, then went back to Boots and repurchased).

So, if any of you have similar skin type to me, acne prone and combination, I would definitely say this product is for you! It is £13 in Boots, but when I last bought it (last week) it was 25% off La Roche Posay, so was only around £9.50. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

10/10

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #8

My Face #8 

Today was just a normal uni day. I was in uni from about 10-3, so I wanted makeup that would last without having to top up. Thankfully, it did. This is what I wore on my face...

Face: Nars Sheer Glow in Mount Blanc, Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Dainty Doll Blush in 001, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 01.

Brows: Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown

Eyes: Urban Decay Oz Palette, Avon Liquid Liner, Maybelline The Rocket Mascara

Lips: Mac Shy Girl

Hope you're all having a lovely day :)

Kelly

xxx

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic, £20.50 with P+P

I have heard so much good about this in the past month or so. I knew I wouldn't be going to London any time soon, so I got this by mail order from the Pixi Store in London. It arrived two days ago.

I am so far, really impressed. There are 3 things I love about this already. 1- the smell. 2- The way it leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. 3- The way it leaves my skin looking bright and healthy. Obviously I haven't been using this for long enough to decide how I properly feel about it, but first impressions are brilliant, I am really happy I bought it!

Have any of you tried this? What did it do for your skin?

Kelly 

xxx

September Faves

September Faves

This month has been more busy than most. As you know I have moved back to uni, and I have had a week of lectures. I'm 3rd year now, so things are going to be a lot more hectic than the past two years, and quite frankly I am terrified! Most of my favourites this month have been newish purchases that I have fallen in love with...

 I posted about buying these about a month ago. And I love both of these. They have been really sorting out the stress breakouts caused by the terror of starting 3rd year of uni. The Una Brennan Superfacialist Tea Tree Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask (they need to think of shorter names) is lovely. I like the way it kind of tingles on your skin and leaves my skin feeling very soft. The No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser is my favourite cleanser of all time(not that I have tried a huge amount). It feels lovely on my skin, a real balmy creamy texture. 

As for my hair favourite, I have been really loving this Schwartzkopf Salt Spray. It leaves a typical beachy wave in my hair, but unlike many salt sprays I have heard about, it doesn't particularly dry out my hair, or leave it feeling weirdly crunchy. Also, it was under £5. 

More new purchases that have become staples in my life. The Bourjois bronzing primer is lovely. I love the smell(chocolate) the texture(creamy and blendable) and the colour(a perfect brown, not orange!). I would definitely recommend this. Nars Sheer Glow was always going to be in this months faves. I leaves a flawless finish, which is incredible for me, as I sometimes found even Estee Lauder Double Wear didn't cover all my imperfections. My only problem is that I need to powder though out the day, which is a pain when I'm out all day.

Sorry this months faves are a bit late. Things have been getting a bit hectic! Hope you're all having a good October!


Kelly 
xxx

What I bought #5

What I Bought #5

I needed to pop into town yesterday, and obviously, when MAC is near, and Boots started calling, I cannot resist!

Boots are having a buy one get one half price on make up at the moment. I needed a new mascara, and I always hear good things about the Maybelline mascaras. I picked up the Rocket Mascara. I also wanted to try the Maybelline Brow Drama, so I picked that up too. It's basically a tinted brow mascara, and after using it this morning, I can tell this is going to become a staple in my make up bag.

I also had a voucher for £5 off No7 skincare. I always spot this eye make up remover, and I am having trouble removing my eye liner recently, so I thought this would be a good buy. With the voucher this was £3.50. I used it last night, and it seems really good so far! I love the way it looks, with half blue, half clear liquid that you shake before you use. I have known for a while now that I want to try primers. However, firstly I don't have the money, and secondly, the only one I have ever tried (a sample of Benefit Porefessional) make my skin quite dry. So, I picked up the Nivea Express Hydration Primer. It was around £3.50, as there was a £1 off offer! 

 Obviously being back in Birmingham means being near Selfridges, which means being near MAC. Woo! I had a few on my list (Plumful and Rebel) but when I swatched them I was less impressed than I thought. I then picked up Speak Louder, and realised how gorgeous it is! So, after comparing it to Girl About Town (my other MAC pink) and realising they are very different, I bought it :)

L- Speak Louder. R- Girl About Town

I should probably stop buying things now and buy books for uni. Hmm...

Hope you're all having a nice day :)

Kelly 
xxx

The Saturdays on Saturday

The Saturdays on Saturday

I go to uni in Birmingham, which means regular trips to the Bullring. If you haven't heard of it, (which I'm sure you have if you're in England) the Bullring is a big shopping centre in the middle of the city. Last Saturday was the Bullring's 10th anniversary.To celebrate they had a fashion show hosted by Molly King (from the Saturdays) and the Saturdays performed too. 

I didn't manage to get any good pictures of the fashion show. There was quite a lot of tartan for Autumn/Winter, which I am not sure how I feel about. I'm good with tartan scarfs etc, but I can't quite see myself in a tartan dress. There were also some gorgeous evening dresses from Debenhams. It made me wish I was actually going somewhere posh enough to where something like that! 

As for the Saturdays performing, they were really good. I am not their biggest fan, but I do like most of their music. I have to say I was pretty surprised by how good they were live!  Frankie wasn't there as she is very pregnant, but they were still pretty good! Not bad for a free performance...

How was your weekend? Have you guys ever been to the Bullring?

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #7

My Face #7

This was from the day before I left to come back to uni. I forgot I had taken these photos. Even though these are from a few days ago, I thought I would show you what was on my face that day. I was going to visit my grandparents and boyfriend before coming back to uni..

Face: Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecra(Got a tester, I'll let you know what I think), MAC Sincere BLush to contour, MAC Soft and Gentle, Topshop Flushed Cream Blush, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1.

Brows: MUA Pro Brow Palette

Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Eclair, Loreal Superliner Perfect Slim, Benefit They're Real Mascara

Lips: MAC Please Me

Now, I'm back at uni, I'll try keep my posts frequent, but if I don't post for a while, please don't lose hope, I'll be back! :)

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #6

My Face #6

As I said in my last post, I'm back at uni now. The lighting isn't great in my bedroom, I only have two little roof lights, as I have the attic bedroom. So, I'll do my best with photos, but see how it goes. Today I popped into uni. Lectures don't start till next week, but I had a meeting to go to. This is what I wore on my face...

Face: Laura Mercier Silk Creme in Soft Ivory, MAC Sincere Blush as contour, MAC Soft and Gentl Highlighter, Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1
Brows: GOSH Brow Ink
Eyes: Avon Liquid Liner, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara, Urban Decay Oz Palette
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple

Hope you're all having a nice week. 

Kelly 
xxx

What I bought #4

What I Bought #4

I am so excited. I finally got Sheer Glow! I am back at uni now, which means I am just a ten minute train journey to Selfridges, so I took a trip there today.

The first thing I did, obviously, was head to Selfridges. I love the beauty hall, I spent at least half an hour just swatching pretty things and saying, 'just looking thankyou' to anyone who approached me. But I did buy Nars Sheer Glow, a foundation I have been wanting for a while now especially since my skin has cleared up (thanks effaclar duo!) I also bought a pump, just to make my life easier.

Now, Boots. It's currently buy one get one half price on makeup/nails so I allowed myself £15. I bought my trusty Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1, and the new Bourjois Bronzing Primer. I'll be interested to see how this works for me, as I simply cannot afford the Chanel one. And, if things couldn't get any better, I only spent just over £12, haha. I have also save £5.62 on my Boots card so next time I'm there I'll be treating myself to a Barry M nail varnish or two. 

Hope you enjoyed this little 'haul'. I'll be doing a review on the Sheer Glow and Bronzing Primer once I have given them a good try.

Kelly 

xxx

What I Bought #3

What I Bought #3

So, I went to Primark. I can't remember where I saw it, but on someones' blog I spotted the most gorgey coat ever, from Primark. As soon as I saw it, I knew Primark was calling again! Obviously I didn't just buy the coat. Here's what else I bought...

The coat is like a Mango coat I wanted last year. I am sooo happy with it! I would recommend going a size down, I bought a 12, I'm usually a 14, but I think I could even get away with a 10 and it would still be oversized. It was £25. I also bought this tartan scarf. I love it, and it was only £4 :) I love how it goes with the scarf! 

I want this pattern of this top on my walls. It's beautiful! It falls really nicely and loosely, and it looks really good with my disco pants! I think it was £6.

Potentially my fave bargain is the bag. It was £7 down from £12! It's the perfect bag for uni, and I love the fact it has shorter handles as well as a longer strap. 

I love the jewellery in Primark, and I was particularly looking out for some midi rings and a chunky necklace. I got both! The chain was £3 and the rings were £1.50 for 8! Crazy Cheap!

Hope you liked this post! I recommend you all go to Primark! Haha :) I would buy so much more but I had to restrain myself! 

Kelly 

xxx