PRODUCTS NOT WORTH THE HYPE

I really enjoy seeing what products people dislike because it shows just how different we all are. Ive sat and watched so many 'Products I regret buying' videos and sometimes they may have included one of my holy grail's. Just because I don't like these products doesn't mean no-one does but personally, I regret these little buggers and heres why;

L'oréal Magic Nude Liquid Powder

I'm sorry but... What the hell is this? The first time I used this I made the mistake of using my fingers and tipped some into my hands not realising this stuff is basically water. Its the thinnest consistency and feels so horribly and slimy. I found it to feel silky like it was full of silicones and I hated it on my skin as it turns matte!

 What the hell L'oréal?

White Shock Blanx Toothpaste

This stuff cost me £7.50. Im a sucker for packaging, evidently.

Ive got to be honest I can't judge the products effectiveness as I think I used this toothpaste twice before deciding I hate it. The taste is fine, but this stuff doesn't lather at all and almost dissolves to nothing. My teeth did not feel clean after using this and I found myself adding my trusty colgate in half way through. Even my boyfriend agree'd as I did wonder If I was just being fussy!

Bit pants really.

Aussie Miracle Moist Range 

I just really don't like Aussie products - period. 

I haven't used this is in ages to be fair but I bought this whole range after Imogen from Foxy Locks Extensions always raved about them. We must have very different hair as all I got from this product was lank hair that kept becoming greasy for no reason. With absolutely no redeeming features, these went in the bin unfortunately. Sorry Aussie.

Chancel VitaLumière Aqua

I have posted about this before when I did my 'Chanel VS No.7 post',

Its now ended up in my 'Products I regret buying'.

I don't absolutely hate this foundation. I just regret spending 30+ pounds on it. I found this foundation to be super orange, I hated the finish and it went so cakey through the day settling in my fine lines. The only way I can use this is with a damp beauty blender and a very light hand, but even then I may as well just use my tinted moisturiser. I never go to pick this foundation up and even tried giving it away. Sorry Chanel, you were been a complete waste of money. 

Elf Studio Blushes

These things cost me a couple of pounds so Im really not slating them but I found them to have little to no pigment and were super chalky. I could probably use them on a lighter skin tone as I bought 'Mellow Mauve' and 'Tickled Pink'. Ive always been really impressed with ELF for the money so, Maybe I just bought the wrong colours? 

 L'oréal Nude Magique CC Cream
These. Are. Shit
Sorry but there just aren't words for how much I hated these. I don't buy into this stupid concept of a white cream that turns to your exact skin tone. Im not sure what colour they thought I was because all I got was the Patchy Oompa Loompa look. I tried everything with these but they are my biggest regret by far. Ew.

EOS Lip Balms

Another one I don't hate. 

I bought all of these in a pack of 5 off Amazon. I love the packaging, I love the colours, I love the concept, I even love the scents. What I don't like is the product inside. I find these to be quite dry so I have to drag them across my lips and even when I do get a good amount of product, It just doesn't really do anything? They are a great handbag accessory and I found them to be more of a luxury but would never grab one when my lips actually need moisturising. 

Maybe save your money?

Nip + Fab Bee Sting Range
These is also a facial moisturiser in this range. I have all 3 but I've literally used the mask and moisturiser once so I can't comment. I went through a phase of using my eye cream quite regularly but for some reason stopped for about a month. When I came back to using it, this stuff (Eye cream) had turned into a hard discoloured wax! It was so gross. I wasn't sure weather it was just a layer on top so I went to stick my finger in and I was so shocked at where the packaging finished! You aren't even getting half the pot full of product its absolutely disgusting how little you get and it went of before I even got my use out of it.
Thanks Nip & Fab. Your pants.


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FASHION WISH LIST / WHAT IM LOVING

 Fur / Coachella / Bohemian / River Island / Boo Hoo / Zara / Ripped Jeans / Asos / Henna

Pretty Little Things / Misguided / Leather / Silver / Gold Tattoo / Forever Modo / 

Tags Below.

Fur Clutch Bag / Here Pink Fur Clutch / Here Camel Coat / Here  

Baggy Ripped Jeans / Here Peach Furry Heels / Here Striped Playsuit / Here  

Baggy White Tee / Here Henna / Here  

Everything I could possibly get my hands on is tagged!

Some of these pictures are purely inspiration so I couldn't find where to purchase them.

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MOTD

Super quick post but here is my Makeup Of The Day.

We were going to Oxford for a weekend away so I decided to do a bit extra for my makeup for once.

Im a bugger for sticking to a nude lip, occasionally an Ombre nude. (Exciting I know)

But anyway, I kept my eyes neutral for this look as I think dramatic eyes and a bold lip can look bit Drag Queen!

Skin - La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense UV Rich

On my face Im wearing - L'oreal Lumi Magique foundation in 'Pure Beige'

Powder - NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Cheeks & Contour - Smashbox Colour & Contour Limited Edition palette - 'Contour' & 'Bronzer'

Blush - Sleek blush in 'Suede'

Highlight - The Balms Mary Lou Manizer 

Brows - Soap & Glorys Archery with Maybelline Brow Drama 

On the eyes - Mac Paint pot in 'Painterly. Crease & lid / Mac 'Saddle' 

Mascara - L'oreal Volume Million Lashes SoCouture NoirBlack

Lips - Mac 'Cherry' liner, Mac 'Russian Red' Lipstick

I also decided to match my nails with O.P.I - Big Apple Red 

I also used their Base & Top coat which I've always been a fan of and I got a good 5 days to a week out of this polish before they started to look scruffy. 

So there we go, I absolutely love red and loved wearing this look!
All products are linked!

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CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Wow. What an exciting post.

I have to start this by stating what a huge fan I am of Charlotte Tilbury. 

Ive followed her work since I can remember. Im pretty sure every man and his dog will have seen her work, even if just simply admiring a celebrities makeup and haven't realised.  She has been around for 20 years and started her career at such a fabulous time. She was thrown into the supermodel world when assisting at the fashion shows, working on faces such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.  

As a makeup artist she's a huge inspiration and I love her work so inevitably I have always picked up bits and bobs to add to my kit. Yesterday however, yesterday was different. 

I went makeup junkie crazy in Selfridges and I splurged. 

Charlottes makeup has always appealed to me through her love of golden, dewy skin and masses of highlight. Her makeup range is no different.

Before I go into product info and what I bought etc, here is my Before & After. All the products used  are listed below;

Skin - Mac Strobe mixed with Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow 

On my face I'm wearing - Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation No.7

Powder - Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Medium.2

Through the brows - Soap & Glory Archery & Maybelline Brow Drama 

Cheeks - Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow & Smashbox Blush in Flush

Highlight - Nars Highlight in Albatros

On the eyes - Crease/ Mac Saddle Lid/Mac Hey and Vanilla Extract 

Browbone and Inner corner/Nars Highlight Powder in Albatross

Mascara - L'oreal Volume Million Lashes SoCouture NoirBlack 

Lips - Mac liner in Spice, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm & Mac Blankety

Now I was in Selfridges so of course I had a little splurge elsewhere to. Yesterday it just happened to be Nars. I picked up the ever popular Nars Creamy Concealer in Custard and Highlighting Powder in Albatross. (I love both... But sorry Nars today is all about Charlotte)

But here it is - My weakness.

Can we just take a minute to appreciate that packaging? And luckily it reflects the products inside. Also I just have to mention how knowledgable and helpful the assistant on the counter was that day. I shopped at the Selfridges in Birmingham's Bullring and it made such a difference to receive such good customer service! 

I also want to add what a lovely touch the box is that you receive all your Charlotte Tilbury treats in. Im a sucker for packaging but this really does feel luxurious which is what you want when treating yourself. 

So, Here we go. 

The Filmstar Bronze and Glow - £49.00

This has been massively raved about in the Blogger world so naturally I felt I had to get my hands on it and its amazing. I cannot believe quite how much I loved this from the off. Sculpt shade is super pigmented with the perfect cool undertone that a contour shade needs but just enough warmth to use as a bronzer. Really blend-able and gives you that gorgeous glow without any chunky glitters or harsh shimmers. L-O-V-E.

The Highlighter is just as lovely, Funnily enough I found it very similar to Nars Albatross which I repurchased the same day. (Doh) However, I do not feel bad about this because I love both so much they will 100% get used! It is more of a golden highlight rather than a pink tone. I find all of Charlottes range to have a golden glow, present in all of her work.

I also purchased the Powder And Sculpt Brush - £35.00

 And I'm so happy I did. Id heard really good things about this brush but it really is fab and perfect for contouring. 

Wonder Glow Primer - £38.50

Charlotte swears by this. Well thats what the assistant tells me anyway!

Beautiful glowy primer and Really hydrating. It reminds me a lot of Mac Strobe Golden Elixir lotion which was unfortunately limited edition so I was super excited to find this. When I was in the shop I tried this on my hand and actually was put off as it has flecks of glitter but when on your skin under your foundation it isn't noticeable and just looks beautiful. 

Light Wonder Foundation No.7 Medium - £32.00

Oh my god this is my favourite product of the collection by far. I have definitely found my new go-to foundation... And probably my night out fave to. If your looking for dewy foundation which is a step up from a tinted moisturiser you'll love this. Perfect for dry skin and even great for Normal/Oily skin who want to embrace their shine. I use mine with a damp beauty blender which is my favourite way to apply any foundation.

Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder 2 Medium - £33.00

If Im honest this is least impressive product I bought but thats simply because Im not a huge fan of face powders. I love a dewy finish so I only use them on my t-zone. I hate matte cakey skin but I did find this did what a good face powder should do - reduced my oils for a good 8 hours before I felt to shiny. 

All products are linked if you are looking to purchase for yourself.

So there you go. Ive fan-girled Charlotte to the max and love everything in her range.

I will definitely be adding to my already extensive collection.

(Probably sooner than necessary!)

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O.P.I MANICURE

As a beautician, I like to really know my stuff about all products/ranges.

Despite it hurting my bank balance, I like to try out as much as I can. Mainly to be able to offer the best, but also to be able to give my opinion on it.

Recently I brought the O.P.I Manicure Range and I am so impressed by it I just had to blog!

Due to constantly having my hands in water or acetone, my skin gets very dry. Especially round my cuticles which can become quite stiff and sore. 

This is the Lemon Tonic range and I bought mine from Sally's Hair & Beauty Ltd.

These smell unbelievable and really remind me of old fashioned sweeties. (I think its cola cubes..)

They don't smell particularly lemony but very sweet with a citrus undertone. 

They are infused with Yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), hints of Vanilla, Ginger and White tea essences and a unique blend of botanical fruits.

Lemon Tonic Mask - £8.99

Lemon Tonic Scrub - £8.99

Lemon Tonic Massage - £8.99

(I get these at discount price, I think they are normally about £12.99 each)

You can purchase here at Amazon

As well as the Lemon Tonic, I bought the Avoplex range to.

This range is more targeted to the nails and cuticles. These smell beautiful to, very different scent. 

They contain a blend of Shea, Cocoa, Avocado, Almond Butters & Deep penetrating protein peptides to 'Revitalise skin at cellular level for optimum results'

High Intensity Hand and Nail cream - £5.99

Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment - £6.39

Cuticle Oil To Go - £4.89

(Again, these are trade price and are more expensive normally)

You can purchase here at O.P.I

My hands were looking very sorry for themselves after i'd finished work yesterday so thought i'd treat myself to a manicure with all these treats and did a little before and after.

You can really see a massive difference! 

First, I massaged in my Exfoliating Cuticle Treatment and cut them back. 

Second I used the Lemon Tonic Scrub to remove dry/dead skin cells.

Next was the Lemon Tonic Mask which I left on for 5 minutes then gently removed with a wet towel.

Finally I massaged in my Lemon Tonic Massage with added Avoplex High Intensity and finished with Avoplex Cuticle Oil.

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COCOWHITE

So today i've caved and purchased the highly raved about, CocoWhite.

Their products originated from the well known practice 'Oil Pulling'.

I have researched the life out of this technique and actually it seems to be really popular, not to mention successful. 

Oil Pulling works by swishing the oil around your mouth for 5-10 minutes. 

CocoWhite have basically created the perfect dosage, packaged it nicely with yummy flavours to make it  (hopefully) a more bearable technique! Oil Pulling works to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. To put it simply, as you swish the oil around your mouth the bacteria 'gets stuck' in it and dissolves in the liquid oil. 

Oil Pulling has all sorts of health benefits linked to it such as ; Brighter, whiter teeth, Healthier gums, Prevents bad breath, Increased energy, Decreased headaches, Clearer sinuses, Alleviated allergies and even clearer skin. Personally all I'm after is whiter, cleaner teeth. Im skeptical about the rest of those apparent benefits but if it works then bonus!

So I've bought mine in the flavour 'Vanilla Swirl'.

They also offer 'Minty Fresh' & 'Light Lemon'. 

They cost 19.99 for 14 Sachets and you can purchase them here, at CocoWhite.UK.

I'm trying these as they are a slightly more luxurious way to perform Oil Pulling. You can also use good old fashioned Coconut Oil. It is the most popular because of its sweet flavour. 

I actually use coconut oil all the time as a replacement for cooking oils. There are so many health benefits linked with coconuts. I myself am a massive fan. Ive replaced nearly everything I can with the healthy coconut alternative! Hair oil, Cooking oil, Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream, etc. 

So if your looking for a cheaper alternative, you can buy jars of it from most supermarkets. My favourite being Lucy Bee, 9.95 for 500ml. You can purchase it here, at LucyBee.UK.

I will be posting my results once I receive my delivery and am looking forward to trying it out!

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SMASH BOX COLOUR & CONTOUR PALETTE

So last weekend as you know we went to Liverpool for a little break.

Sunday the weather was pretty miserable but we wanted to make the most of it so we went to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. For people outside of the UK, Its basically a retail park which has designer labels at discount prices. Its has shops such as Armani, Mulberry, French Connection, Jaeger, Juicy Couture, Michael Kors... You get the picture.

As we were walking round I had actually said how great it would be if there was a makeup shop somewhere among all the brands and just as we were walking to the car, there it was!

As you can imagine I was in my element. It had Mac, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Clinique, Estee Lauder and lots of perfumes. 

I didn't go mad as we had definitely spent enough and we were rushed for time. 

Anyway, on to the fun stuff. I bought my Mac Face And Body foundation in C3 and my Mac Mineralise Concealer in NC25. Not much to say about those, just repurchases! However I'm really excited by my new Smashbox Colour & Contour Palette!

It retails at £80.00 but I bought mine for £56.00 (I know, bargain!)

It comes like a book and you can remove each palette. They both have a hard plastic cover that clicks on top to so they are super handy for makeup artists as you can travel easily with them.

If your interested in buying this, you can get it here at SmashBox

So you get 32 eyeshadows, 3 Blushes, a Contour, Bronze and Highlight powder.

I am SO impressed with this palette. Has a nice mix of Matte and Metallic shades. 

Each shadow is incredibly pigmented, soft and finely milled. Even better with a primer. 

From left to right we have; Naked, Nectar, Flirt, Vanilla, Drizzle, Ambient, Pebble & Golden Orchid.

Topaz, Sienna, Cinder, Nude, Royal, Blackout, Smoke & Sumatra.

Oyster, Sky, Lavender, Snow, Zoom, Steel, Lilac & Rose Petal.

Ivy, Cerulean, Violet, Papaya, Serpent, Nocturnal, Blacktop & Peony.

Contour, Bronze, Highlight, Carnation, Flush & Rosy.

These face powders are exceptional. Lasted all day and I didn't get any fading for at least 8 hours.

I would definitely recommend this palette. I love it and for the quality and amount of product you get, It's well worth the money. 

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