Month: September 2012

Addicted to Boots

- Vicki 9 Comments

I’ve such a problem with walking past Boots without going in and spending money – I try to look for the bargains but I still have to purchase something. I just love it in there. Esp the big one in Manchester it has some great brands and it’s always empty (when I’m in). I always leave with a bag full of things. Please tell me you’re the same.

I popped in to pick up the VO5 Hot Oil Moisture Soak Elixir that LLYLMRS talks about in her videos and I picked up a few more bits too ……..

I’ve been wanting to pick up a handcream with an SPF in for so long. I didn’t want to spend a fortune as I go through handcream so fast. When I saw this Vaseline SPF15 one on offer for £1.99 (normal price £2.99) I had to pick it up. Only used it for 3 days and so far it’s good. The VO5 Hot Oil Moisture Soak Elixir is what I went in for & haircare was on 3 for 2 so I picked up the VO5 Miracle Concentrate too (hubby got a shampoo). My hair has been really dry so I’m excited to see if these can add a little moisture to it. The Tea Tree Witch Hazel stick is for a few spots I have that won’t bugger off.

The Boots Botanics range is still 1/3 off so I picked up some of their wipes. The Collection  2000 blush in Trouble – I managed to buy with my Boots points (love them). It’s a cute dusky pink. I’ve also never tried any of the Rimmel Face Powders and saw the Clear Complexion version and though I could use all the help I can get in the old spot department so I’m giving this a whirl. It’s in 021 Transparent.

I’ve just moved house & I have no business buying more things from Boots – but it’s so tempting and I have NO will power.

 

Something Sweet

- Vicki 4 Comments

Orla Kiely Fragrance

I was really chuffed to find this sample in my LiveBlogger goody bag. I had smelt it whilst in the Orla Kiely store in Covent Garden with my lovely Mother & we both really liked it. She had used the tester and we noticed how well the scent settled down and lasted on her skin. It was lovely and fresh. Although at the time I thought it was’t a great summery scent.

So to find a sample in my bag made me very happy. I’ve been using is sparingly and trying to make it last as long as possible. I’ve been a huge fan of the Orla Kiely print as most people are. They are so recognisable and iconic now. I managed to pick up a dress in the Orla Kiely line released in UNIQLO & I LOVE IT. But im getting side-tracked, back to the perfume.

As I said I thought it wasnt a great summery fragrance but think it’s a lovely scent for Autumn as it has

‘Notes of uplifting Green Tea, Peach and Fig combine with natural Rose extract and delicate White Flowers. Base notes of Cedarwood, Sandalwood and classic Musk’

It’s a really warm rich scent that is easy to wear. I love it and my mum keeps trying to pinch my sample. So I’d say that is a good fragrance for most people. It’s so hard to describe a perfume & I think also fragrance sit and develop differently on everyone. So if you get the chance to test this Orla Kiely Eau De Parfum then do so. You won’t be disappointed.

You can buy this Orla Kiely Eau de Parfum online HERE for £55 for 100ml. I must also just mention the packaging is as lovely as you’d expect from Orla Kiely. It’s a real treat. Have you tried this or any other bath / body products from Orla Kiely. Let me know what you thought.

 

 

 

 

 

LiveBlogger Event

- Vicki 6 Comments

I was lucky enough to be invited to the big smoke by Grace from All That Slap & Ewa from Social Beautify who were hosting a #LiveBlogger event last week. I travelled down from Manchester to attend and I had so much fun. It was lovely to meet the other bloggers and have an evening discussing makeup & skincare.

We were asked to discuss our favourite budget buys and also our favourite items to splurge on. It was so interesting to hear what brands & products people enjoy using. I’ve since added a lot of items to my already out of control wish list. We talked about most products from mascara, fragrances, foundations to body lotion. It was very varied. MUA, Collection 2000 and Sleek were amongst some of the favourite and most purchased budget brands and NARS, Bobbi Brown, Chantecaille and Stilla were amongst the high-end faves.

People were unanimous that having the right colour base was the holy grail – Laura Mercier, NARS and Rimmel were highly recommended. Whilst Mac was not so popular.

I could’ve stayed there all night talking about products it really was a lot of fun and I was super excited to be invited. Living up North I don’t get to attend many events I have to say a massive thank you to both Grace and Ewa for organising and hosting the event and for putting together the best goody bad I’ve ever had. I will be reviewing the products over the next month or so. Lots of them I’ve never tried. Have you tried any of them? Link me to any reviews you have done. I’d really like to read them.

The other lovely ladies that attended were –

Amelia – from Liana Beauty,  Laura from Laura Lou Beauty, Lola from Lola Star Hearts, Annie from EpiphannieA, Hafsa from Muslimah Beauty, Victoria from VikBeauty, Sam from Honey Go Lightly, Julie from Sweets Are My Weakness, Lisa from Brunette Beauty Banter, Cat from Perfectly Polished Nails, Aysh from Discovering Beauty and Mez from Mez Made Up 

As the night went on so did the drink (happy hour) the food and the beauty chat – I was a very happy lady. I stayed over night in London with the hubby and let me tell you the products I received in my goody bag were VERY heavy, I carried them around all day. I had to buy a bag to put them in. My hubby kept telling me beauty is pain :o)

If you have any holy grail products let me know. You know the wish list is never full :o)

 

I Love Gold

- Vicki 11 Comments

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been in to Topshop to swatch this Highlighter in Sunbeam. It’s so pretty and thought it was about time I bought it. I don’t own many highlighters and this is a really lovely gold toned one. I have a few liquid ones like the Benefit Highbeam & Moonbeam. They are both really nice but I needed a powder one and I’d always had my eye on this one.

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam

It comes in a pretty compact – the star pattern on the lid is so sweet. The white and black design is simple and just lovely. There is no mirror which is a little annoying but it’s not a deal breaker. The product itself is so pigmented and beautiful. It adds a lovely glow to face or body. It gives the top of your cheeks a beautiful highlighted effect –  the light just catches the gold and reflects off your cheekbones so your skin looks bright and healthy.

Topshop state that this can be used on face & body – which is perfect. This gold shimmer looks fab lightly dusted over your collar bones. Lightly is the key to this highlighter. As it’s so pigmented, product stays put and you really only need a small amount. Less is more. You get a lot of product for your money as 6.5g will cost you £10 this is available in Topshop stores and in their online store. I can see this lasting me a long time.

This has a really nice shimmer to it and as I said the gold colour is highly pigmented and is stunning on the tops of your cheeks. It has been my go to highlighter this month and I am pleased I finally gave in and bought it.

I’m really impressed with Topshops makeup range. I’ve picked up a few things now like their Cream Blush, Nail Polish, Lipsticks and this lovely Highlighter and I must say I love them all. What have you picked up from Topshop and what have you been enjoying?