Yves Saint Laurent - Black Opium

For as long as I can remember I've always loved perfumes & experimenting with new fragrances. So when I noticed the buzz of beauty bloggers discussing Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium I knew it was a product I needed to try.
In fact Black Opium made an appearance within one of my "wish list" posts back in January, but was just never a product I ever got around to purchasing for myself.. So you can imagine my delight when my lovely mum gifted me with a bottle following their recent trip abroad (yay for duty free!). 

With a gorgeous combination of Jasmine, Vanilla & Orange Blossom (to name a few) it's safe to say that this perfume was worth the wait. Plus - I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover - but how beautiful is the packaging? The hints of glitter & pink were almost enough for me to fall in love before even smelling the fragrance itself.
The 30ml bottle currently retails for around the £44.00 mark & can be purchased at many places on the high-street & online including; Boots, Debenhams & Feel Unique.. Since opening it's become my go-to perfume & I can't wait to wear this throughout the Autumn/Winter months. 

Have you tried Black Opium? What are your thoughts?

Walt Disney World Haul

Unfortunately - despite how the title of this post may sound - I haven't run off to Disney World to become a Princess *sobs quietly*. However my family have recently returned from their trip to Orlando, which meant both my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to receive some gorgeous Disney themed gifts.. so of course, I couldn't resist sharing.  

Minnie Mouse Ears,  A Disney Princess Car Ariel Topper,  Owl Themed Chop-sticks,  A Tinker Bell Christmas Decoration,  Mickey Mouse Shaped Pasta,  Cat Themed Chop-sticks,  A Mickey Mouse Shaped Fried Egg/Cookie Cutter,  A Cat Shaped Chop-stick Rest, Mickey's "Really Swell Diner" Chocolate Fudge Flavour Cocoa,  Owl Shaped Chop-stick Rest  Remy from Ratatouille Plush. 
Obviously not each item above is strictly "Disney Themed" but I know my Mum couldn't resist the chop-sticks & matching rests once she spotted them in the Epcot park... which is great as they're adorable (plus they give me the perfect excuse to order Chinese take-out on a regular basis..). 
It's safe to say that I am completely in love with each of the above items.. If I can't run away to live/work at Disney World, then stocking my little flat full of themed accessories is the next best thing!

Weekend Getaway: Make-up Essentials

If there's one thing I'm awful at, it's packing lightly. Even if I'm popping away over night, I will always be the one who brings a tonne of items that simply aren't needed *Yes, it's spa break.. but I'd really better pack my trainers.. just to be on the safe side...*. 

Unfortunately I also struggle to pack lightly when it comes to my make-up bag.. How can anyone be expected to decide in advance which lipsticks to wear or which foundation will be best?

However after a few weekend trips visiting family/friends (& finally realising that I just cannot carry the majority of make-up at all times) I've finally managed to narrow down my choices to - what I think - are the essentials for a few days away.

Moisturiser:

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Fluid [x]
Base:

Rimmel Lasting Perfection 25 Hour Nude Foundation [x]

Real Techniques Stippling Brush [x]

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer [x]

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder [x]

New Look Kabuki Brush [x]

Bronzer: 

Rimmel Natural Bronzer [x]

Front Cover Cheek Brush [x]

(I can't seem to find this brush online so have linked one similar)

Mascara: 

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara [x]

Eyebrows: 

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil [x]

Lips: 

The Body Shop - Born Lippy Lip Balm [x]

Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in shade 08 [x]

Make-up Revolution Lipstick in shade "Rebel With Cause" [x]

As you can see, I've kept the main base of my choices pretty neutral. This way the products - such as foundation, mascara & bronzer - can easily be used for both day & evening looks. I've also included one neutral day-time lipstick (Rimmel & Kate Moss in shade 08) along with Make-up Revolution's "Rebel With Cause - a deep purple shade - to add a little extra something for any evenings out. 

Obviously if I was going away for longer than a few days I'd include more items - a red/pink lipstick & an eye-shadow pallet for example - but I find this to be the perfect combination of products for a few days away.

What are your make-up essentials for a few days away?

Current Favourites: Lipsticks

If I was stranded on a desert island & could only take one make-up product it would be lipstick... 

Now don't get me wrong I love make-up & couldn't be without my mascara or foundation.. but in my opinion, there's no better product that can can take a look from casual to glamorous as effortlessly as a lipstick.

As much as I love each product within my lipstick collection - & yes, there are definitely a few too many lipsticks in that collection - I've recently found myself reaching for the same four shades on a regular basis. So I thought this would be the perfect excuse to share my current favourites & justify each purchase.. (I needed to buy them for my blog.. obviously). 

1.  "Falling Fast" from Top Shop's lipstick collection [x]

2. Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade No. 08 [x]

3. MAC's Disney Cinderella Collection in Royal Ball [x]

(Currently out of stock - So I've linked a similar shade)

4.  Amethyst Shimmer from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection [x]

For a natural look, both MAC's Royal Ball & Kate Moss' shade 08 are two of my favourite go to shades. Both shades are low maintenance & long lasting which is perfect for busy days spent running about (who knew stopping to reapply lipstick doesn't count as urgent?!). 

However - on the other end of the scale - if I want to add a colour pop to a look, then I've found myself repeatedly reaching for  either Top Shop's Falling Fast or Rimmel's Amethyst Shimmer. Both are perfect for adding a hint of glamour to an otherwise neutral look... 

These four shades have become staples within my make-up collection as they offer the perfect balance of neutral & bright shades. 

What's your current favourite lipstick?

xxx

"Not On The High-street" Wishlist

As much as I love looking online for new clothes & make-up to add to my ever growing collection.. I also love browse various home-ware stores to find new items to bring into my little flat.

Recently I've been loving the items available on Not On The High-Street & couldn't resist putting together a wishlist of a few of the items that have caught my eye.

1. Frosted Bird Tea Lights - £8.25 [x]

2. Alice In Wonderland "Tea Party" Print - £12.50 [x]

3. Fairytale Bookends - £25.00 [x]

4. Glass Cube Vase - £32.50 [x]

5. "This Home Is Run On..." Cushion - £32.00 [x]

6. Vintage Bottles and Flowers  - £30.00 [x]

7. Cream Heart Latte Mug - £9.00 [x]

8. LED Star Light - £60.00 [x]

9. Mini Photo in a Bottle - £10.00 [x]

If you love home ware as much as I do, I'm sure you'll understand how much I really don't need - & probably don't have room for - most of the above.. However I can't help but picture how amazing they'd look around my home. I mean, who wouldn't feel happy coming home to an Alice in Wonderland print or adorable bird themed tea lights? Maybe this is a sign that I need a bigger flat?!

Where are your favourite places to find home ware?

xxx

An Autumn/Winter Purchase?

Don't worry, I am very aware that we're currently only just into our summer (even if we have seen more rain than sun.. Thanks for that England!) so don't panic, I'm not about to launch into a post all about Autumn, Winter or *heaven forbid* Christmas.

However recently I decided to treat myself to a little something ready for the upcoming winter months after accidentally stumbling across them in an online sale..

Right back at the beginning of the year you may have read my January Sales Wishlist  in which I detailed my want for a pair of Hunter's Boots. Unfortunately at the time I simply couldn't justify spending that amount of money on - what essentially is - a fancy Wellington Boot.. So I decided to go without & moved on with my life..

That is until I recently made that silly mistake of "just popping" onto the Hunter website & stumbled across any blogger's weakness - a sale.  Now I honestly had no intention of making any sort of purchase... that is until I discovered the "kids section" & found that the range includes a size UK  4.. The rest - as they say - is history.

Aren't they beautiful! 

Now obviously the children's sizes are cheaper than the adults (full price children's wellies retail at around £45 compared to women's that come in at around £90) however if - like me - you're a little on the shorter side, this is definitely something to look into. I managed to pick these up at the absolute bargain price of £27.00 & couldn't be happier about it.. *squeals with excitement*.

However - if you have grown to normal height (I'm not at all jealous..) & therefore aren't able to squeeze into the smaller sizes, there are still some great deals to be found.. for example these boots (which are available right up to UK size 8) that are currently reduced from £80 to £55.

Although I'm sure I'll continue to purchase summery things whilst the sun lasts, I have had my eyes opened to the great deals on autumn/winter items that can be found off season.. however I am now constantly having to remind myself that no I do not need another coat... even if it is half price.. 

Have you found any winter bargains in the sales?

What are your thoughts?
xxx

Garnier Micellar Water - Review

I know, I know - I am very late when it comes to jumping on the Micellar Water bandwagon. However - as much as I love using new products - I've been loving my current evening skincare routine & have been pretty reluctant to mix things up.

That is until I spotted the travel sized version of Garnier's Micellar Water on offer for only £1 in my local boots. At such a bargain I simply couldn't resist trying this product out, with the thought that there's really no loss should the product be disappointing.

I've been testing this product for around a week now & to use I simply dispense the product onto a cotton pad & apply directly to dry skin. I then follow with my Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser to ensure any left over make-up or dirt from the day is washed away. 

Despite having reservations at first, it's safe to say  that I've been pleasantly surprised by Garnier's Micellar Water. In my opinion the product is perfect to use as a "first step" cleanser to quickly remove make-up & day to day dirt without any dry, tight and/or irritated feelings.

Another element that I love about this product is the "no rinse" factor, which is perfect when you're looking to remove make-up effortlessly after a long day.

If you're looking to try Garnier's Micellar Water but - like me - can be a little on the picky side, I'd recommend purchasing the 125ml "mini format" bottle first. However as soon as this bottle comes to an end, I'm sure I'll be re-purchasing the full size.

Have you tried this Micellar Water?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

Candy-floss Hair

As much as I love my blonde hair, I have to admit that it can become a little boring at times. I often find myself browsing photos on Instagram & Tumblr of gorgeous multi-coloured mermaid hair & various dip-dye styles whilst longing for my own hair to look even remotely similar.

During my care-free time at university I happily dabbled in a bright pink dip dye (& loved it).. however now that I'm (supposed to be) a responsible office-working adult, weird & wonderful hair colours just aren't something I'm able to pull off an a day-day basis.. *sigh*.

However - after spotting an offer on Bleach London's dyes this week - I decided to bite the bullet & finally re-live my dream of exciting hair. One of the things I love about Bleach London is they offer hair dye on a semi-permanent basis. Perfect for someone who - like me - isn't 100% sure on whether they can make a full-time commitment to pink/purple/blue hair.

After spending a lot of time in front of Bleach London counter I finally decided on a gorgeous light pink dye called rosé which - as the post title suggests - is a gorgeous candy floss shade. 

Before                                                                                                                     After

The only difference to usual dyes is that Bleach London products are applied to pre-washed, damp hair. So after washing & conditioning my hair as usual, I applied a generous amount of dye to the ends of my hair & proceeded to wait. After the waiting, rinsing and blow-drying my hair I was left with the light pink shade you see in the "after" photo above.

As you can see in the "before" photo, my hair was already a pretty light blonde which I do believe helped the colour take so well. Unfortunately I'm not sure how well the lighter colours (such as rosé) would take to darker hair. However there are colours available for those who have dark hair & still want to experiment (think dark reds or blues...).

The Bleach London semi-permanent dyes gradually fade over the course of 2 - 10 washes, which is perfect for anyone whose office/school is strict on "non-natural" hair colour or if perhaps you're just testing out a new colour.

Personally, I couldn't be happier with the end result & I'll definitley be looking topping up the rosé dye once it begins to fade.. I'm also a little tempted by the Violet Skies & Sea Punk shades.. Hurray for fun hair colours! 

Have you ever tried the Bleach London products?
What are your thoughts?
xxx

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer.

A few months back I purchased of one of Rimmel's Apocalips Lip Lacquers in she shade Stellar... I then realised that - although mentioned it in a few make-up looks - I've never actually completed a review.. (I know, I know.. I lose blogging points for this mistake). 

For those who don't know, the Apocalips Lip Lacquers collection combines the pigmentation & lasting power of a lipstick with the application of a gloss. Now I'll admit that when I hear the words "lip gloss" I usually have intense flashbacks to being a new-to-make-up teenager who had to deal with sticky packaging & constantly peeling hair off my lips *thanks wind*.  However since discovering this product those awful teenage memories have been long forgotten &  a new favourite now sits amongst my lipsticks. 

Please excuse how grumpy I look here - apparently taking photos before work isn't the best time. 

• Packaging: One of the main things that catches my eye about the packaging of this product is how it slowly progresses from hot pink (showing off the product colour) to black. In my opinion this is far more attractive than the option of all black or all pink. 
• Finish/Colour Pay Off: As mentioned above I own the shade "Stellar" which (as you can see from the photos above) is a highly pigmented, bright pink. Obviously if "bright" isn't your thing then I wouldn't recommend this particular product - however if like me you love to experiment with bright shades, this will not disappoint. 
• Applicator: Another aspect of this product that really stands out to me is the applicator. Although at first you'll notice the usual, spongy brush- upon closer inspections you'll notice a small cut-out section which allows the product itself to settle in. This allows for an easy application that offers the perfect amount of product. 
• Price: Currently retailing at £6.49, this is a tiny bit pricer than Rimmel lipsticks. However in my opinion the extra pound or so is completely worth it for the quality of product. 
• Formulation: A silky and creamy formula that is not at all sticky.. What more can you ask for?
• Staying Power: Another great element of this product is that I find it almost stains my lips. Although it doesn't last for a full day  (if you take eating/drinking into account) it does last well into the afternoon without too much of the dreaded part-fade & therefore eliminates the "six year old that's eaten way to many ice-lollies" look. 

It's pretty clear to see that I have been completely won over by the product & I can honestly say that I can't wait to invest in the gorgeous looking shades... (I can hear my poor bank account groaning already).

Have you ever tried anything from the Apocalips range?
What are your thoughts?
xxx