Recent Empties.

Helllooo.

I've been saving up these empties for ages, and now I'm having to split them into a couple of posts as I have too many haha. Typical.

Yea.. please excuse the terrible picture, I took it in a massive hurry and it's really terrible. Ah well. If anyone has any photography tips, let me know!

(l-r)

Batiste Dry shampoo in  Tropical and Blush - the tropical one is pleasant enough but I wouldn't buy the Blush one again as the scent is far too sweet and overpowering for me. It works really well, though.

got2b Guardian Angel - I liked this. I'm not sure if it really protected my hair as I had let my hair get into terrible condition anyway. I would buy again as it's pretty cheap, but I have a hear protector that I got in a Birch Box last month so I'm not on the market for it.

L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Shampoo - I bought this in France, hence the French bottle. This was supposed to help hair that has a tendency to fall out, however I think this is wishful thinking! It's a nice enough shampoo, though.

Le Petit Marseillais White Clay and Jasmine conditioner - Absolutely love this! Would 100% buy again and definitely recommend if you're going to France. Read my review here.

Caudalie lip conditioner - Lovely lip balm, nourishing and moisturising. I wrote a review on it here.

Revlon lip butter in Peach Parfait - I think the entire world has a Revlon lip butter. I really like the formula and this is possibly my fave colour in the range. I do think they are a tab expensive as they aren't all that long lasting on the lips, however I would buy again as it's the perfect middle between boring lip balm and a full on lipstick.

(front row)

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing cream - Great multipurpose cream, really sorted out my dry skin in the winter! I do wish I'd bought the larger tube. Read more here.

So have you tried any of these products, what did you think?

xxx.

Sample Sunday - Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia perfume review.

Hey guys, how are you?

I missed last Sunday's Sample Sunday post because I was away on holiday and didn't have time to schedule a post before I went, but all back to normal now! Today's product is a perfume, which I think are quite hard to review because it all comes down to the scent, which I can't really send over the internet... unless you fell for Google's April Fool's Day prank? But anywayyyy... the perfume sample I've been using is Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia Eau de parfam. 

So this is a 1.5ml sample I received with a recent makeup purchase, and although 1.ml doesn't sound that much, I've used it pretty much everyday this week and there is still plenty left - obviously, unless you drown yourself in perfume, a spritz or two really isn't too much. I've visited The Perfume Shop page for this perfume, and I can definitely smell the jasmine coming through - which I'm loving, just in case you missed my last conditioner review! It really is a lovely, fresh spring/ summer fragrance and I'm glad I have come across it in sample form as Giorgio Armani perfumes aren't something I've tried before. I would definitely consider buying the full-size version once I run out of my Chanel Chance.

Have you tried this perfume before? What are your fave S/S smells?

xxx.

France Alert! - Le Petit Marseillais White Clay and Jasmine conditioner review.

Bonjour mes petits pois!

I thought a French intro would be all the more suitable today as I'm writing a quick post about a French product - sooooo I know the majority of my readers live in the UK and therefore can't get this product, I thought I would write this review as a heads up, just in case any of you have a cheeky Parisian weekend coming up haha. The product is Le Petit Marseillais White Clay and Jasmine conditioner.

The main thing I absolutely love about this conditioner is the scent - it's just like a Dior perfume my mum uses (Diorissimo, perhaps?). It makes showering a dreammmm and believe me with the awful excuse of a bathroom I have, it's a much welcomed product haha! The scent isn't too overpowering though, meaning that it doesn't linger too much after rinsing and doesn't interfere with perfume. 

The formula is luxuriously thick, and it really coats the hair very well, and detangles it, too. I can feel the difference in my hair as soon as I put it on - it really does get rid of a lot of knots in the lengths. Which is great because my hair is soooo long at the moment. 

I'm not sure if I can make a comment about whether it has greatly affected the condition of my hair (above the usual level) because I am in need of a haircut at the moment so my ends are horrendous and I doubt there is any conditioner on the planet that would salvage them! But, this is a great, inexpensive, everyday conditioner and if you are after a great smelling and luxuriously feeling product on a budget (and happen to be in France) then definitely pick this up!

I would also recommend you try the other products by Le Petit Marseillais - they have shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and soaps, and they all come in gorgeous scents!

Have you ever tried anything by Le Petit Marseillais?

xxx.

P.S. This conditioner, along with other Le Petit Marseillais products, is widely available in all supermarkets and some pharmacies and department stores in France.

Archive - L'Oreal Collagen Filler Lip review.

Hey guys!

So today's article is actually an archive article from my old blog! Hope you enjoy.

 

I have wanted to try this product out for ages having seen adverts for it on TV (who doesn't want fuller lips?!) but always thought it was a bit expensive seeing as I was a bit dubious as to whether it would actually do anything. But a few weeks ago I was browsing TKMaxx and saw it for only £4 so I thought why not give it a go!

I have been using L'oreal Paris Collagen Filler Lip for about 3 weeks now, morning and night. The product consists of two creams: one for around the lips and one for the lips. You apply the Anti-Feathering Cream around your lips and gently dab it into the skin, and then you use the Plumping Serum on the lips. The Anti-Feathering Cream is very light and absorbs very quickly, which is great as no-one has time in the mornings to wait for heavy creams to absorb! The Plumping Serum is a little bit thicker, but still absorbs really quickly and has a lovely moisturising effect on the lips.

As you can see, the applicators are really well designed making the product easy to use - you don't even need a mirror! It's probably one of the reasons I have actually used it everyday.

Right, so has it actually worked though? I haven't really got any lines around my lips as I'm only 21, so I suppose there wasn't really much for the product to do in the first place. Apart from the fact that my lips do feel like they are in better condition due to the moisturising effect, I am sad to say that my lips and the surrounding area haven't changed much. However, I think I would give this product a go again in a few years when I might have more wrinkles as I think it would be a fairer test.

I look a before and after picture, can you see any difference?

I would love to read a more positive review of this product, anyone written or seen one?

xxx.

The product is available here priced at £13.99 - or maybe you'll find it in your local TKMaxx too!

(Another...) NOTD - Sephora in Where's My Purse?

Bonjour!

I had a look at my post views the other day, and a lot of my NOTD/ nail varnish reviews seem to be pulling in the most readers and comments, so I'm taking this as a sign that you guys like reading them? Anyway, I've been majorly busy so I haven't had time to photograph anything so NOTDs are the easiest thing to do I think. So as you know, I'm living in France at the moment (only a month or so left, booooo!) so of course I've made a few trips to Sephora, and I picked up one of their own-brand nail varnishes in shade L23- Where's My Purse? I'd been after a nice nude shade for a while - I think it's great for when you haven't got the time to paint your nails properly. It's just a lovely neutral.

I would describe this shade as a milky tea colour. I personally hate milky tea (and milk in general) but I'm loving the colour! I think it's really classy and simple, making it very easy to wear in any season.

I'm very disappointed with the formula, though. It's obviously a very sheer colour so I had to apply three coats to achieve a nice level of coverage - no problem with that as my fave Ciate varnish also takes three coats to look good. However, this varnish started peeling off in large pieces after about a day, not great! What's worse is I've actually bought two Sephora varnishes for a friend, so if she does a post on them we will see what she thinks! Overall, the range is very affordable to I probably would buy a few more colours, but as least now I know what the expect wear-wise.

What's your favourite nude? Have you tried Sephora varnishes?

xxx.

P. S. Remember you can also 'Like' my blog on Facebook - here - and keep up-to-date with posts on there!

Sample Sunday - Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential.

Happy Sunday, readers!

To carry on with my 'Sample Sunday' series, I'm reviewing a sample of Dior Capture Totale Eyes Essential Eye Zone Boosting Super Serum. 

I received this sample with a purchase of a perfume a few months ago, and have been using it on and off since. The bottle doesn't actually state how much product is in the sample, but it's actually a fair amount, especially seeing as I usually use a tiiiiiny amount for each eye - a little goes a long way! It's a lovely eye cream actually and doesn't irritate my eyes one bit, which is a miracle haha. The texture is very luxurious and I can definitely feel the moisturising effect around my eyes more so than with a cheaper or thinner formula cream. However, the price tag is a hefty £49 for 15ml, and although  I do love this product, I don't think it's something I can afford to buy seeing as I am a student... once I have a real job I will definitely consider buying this though!

Do you use an eye cream? What's your favourite?

xxx

Available at Boots priced at £49 for 15ml.

NOTD - Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Blood Orange.

Hello! 

I've been doing so many NOTD posts recently, hope no-one minds! I usually have the worst nails so now that they are a bit longer, I am so proud and I want to show them off and paint them all the time haha.

So today's NOTD is Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint by Barry M in Blood Orange. This is one nail polish which has been reviewed so much recently but I haven't seen this particular colour - I also love the Pomegranate one, definitely one that I need to add to my collection!

As you can see, it's a lovely, classic red which is exactly what I want - I love experimenting with nail colours but you can never go wrong with a classic red. It definitely lives up to the 'Hi Shine' name and the only reason I added a top coat was to increase longevity! I love the glossy finish - it's all very femme fatale, don't you think? Overall, I am actually a very big fan of Barry M polishes as they are purse-friendly and come in a great range of colours and finishes, and I will hopefully be adding more of the Gelly Hi Shine range to my nail polish collection.

Have you reviewed this nail polish? Leave me a link below! 

xxx

Sample Sunday - L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil.

Hello, how are you?

I realised recently that I have loaaaads of samples that I've received when buying other products, so I thought I would do a little 'Sample Sunday' series to use them up and do a mini review on each one. If you do something similar, leave me your links in the comments below. I have by no means come up with this idea so I'm not claiming it at all haha.

So the first product in this series is the L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil. I had a 3.5ml sachet from Red Magazine. I decided to use this because my hair is majorly long and the ends aren't in the nest shape at the moment, but as I have just booked two holidays, I can't really afford a haircut (especially seeing as hair salons are totes expensive here in France). So I cracked this out to try and remedy my ends a bit. Obviously 3.5ml only covered my ends, but then I'm not a massive fan of applying hair oil to the whole head anyway. 

 The product says that it's a versatile product and lists four different ways of using it - so before shampooing, as a masque, before styling, or as a finishing touch. As I said, my ends are in dire need of moisture so I decided to apply the oil and put my hair in a bun whilst I did some work for around 30mins. Then I shampooed and conditioned as usual. I should have taken pics of my hair afterwards, because I think it actually did make quite a bit of difference to the appearance of my hair - I had less frizzy bits and even the very ends were glossy and shiny. Overall, I will definitely be looking out for this product in the shops.

What's your fave hair oil? Have you tried this one?

xxx

L'oreal Extraordinary Oil - here - priced at £9.99

NOTD - Essie Mint Candy Apple.

Bonjour mes petits!

I've got a quick NOTD post for you guys today, and it's the lovely Essie Mint Candy Apple. I know it's probably not quite the season to be cracking out the pastels yet, but I won this particular polish in a giveaway in December and haven't had a chance to try it yet, so I couldn't resist. Also, so sorry but I can't remember whose blog the giveaway was on - if it was your blog, please do let me know as I would love to thank you again.

I think it's a lovely shade actually and can't wait to wear it in summer teamed with some nice pastel yellows, perhaps! I also bought an orange watch from eBay recently, and I think it would go with this polish rather nicely.

What are your favourite Essie colours?

xxx

Winter Essentials - Caudalie Hand Cream and Lip Balm review.

Hey lovelies!

I've been absent for longer than anticipated - just too much going on at the moment and I didn't want to write a rubbish post just for the sake of it, so apologies. However, I'm scheduling lots of posts for the next few weeks so should be able to keep on top of everything now. Bear with me!

Even though it's March, we are still experiencing winter weather, so I wanted to share my thoughts on these two fabulous Caudalie products I've been using recently. I bought them in France for 4,90e for both! I was looking for a lip balm but as this packet was only a euro more expensive, I decided to give it a go (that's how they get you, right?).

 

So this lovely packet contains the Caudalie Lip Conditioner and the Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream. So first of all the lip conditioner - it took me ages to figure out what it reminds me of but finally I remembered. I think it's very similar to Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner in texture and fragrance. However, I do feel that the tube is more convenient than the pot that the Blistex comes in! I do think that my lips are staying hydrated for longer since I have started using it. It also absorbs pretty quickly, meaning that I can apply it before lipstick and it won't affect the staying power at all. I would definitely buy this again!

The hand and nail cream is also a nice product. It smells lemon-y and has a lovely rich texture which again, absorbs quickly. I also like the 30ml tube because it's small enough to carry around in your handbag - I sometimes think that hand creams come in tubes which are too large for everyday use. I would probably buy this again, and definitely if I chanced upon a set like this!

What are your Winter Essentials? Have you tried any Caudalie products?

xxx

Both are available at feelunique.com

NOTD - Barry M Chameleon Colour Change in Chameleon Pink.

Hi my lovelies!

 

Hope everyone's good and ready for the weekend. Just a quick NOTD post today - I got the Barry M Chameleon Colour Change polish in Chameleon Pink as part of a Christmas present from my best friend, and this is the first time I've actually used it! Basically as the name suggests, the colour of the polish changes - so you apply a base coat (I used Barry M Basecoat, Topcoat and Nail Hardener All In One) and then you apply the Chameleon polish - it comes out as a glittery, metallic pink, which is actually lovely. My mum has used this a few times and just left it as it is, without a topcoat.

 

This is before the colour change!

 

I actually only applied one coat because I forgot to add another one but I think it actually looks fine - maybe I did apply a bit thicker than usual...

So then I applied a coat of Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat and the colour changes to a shiny, pearlescent, deep purple which is utterly gorgeous! I think it's a great winter colour and it's bang on trend.

 

After the colour change!

 

Ok so this polish is just a bit of fun really, there's no real point to the colour change thing! I think I will try doing some sort of pattern with the top coat and see how that turns out. Really, you are just getting two different colours for the price of one - and no-one's going to complain about that, right?

 

What do you think about the colour change effect?

 

xxx

 

Barry M Chameleon Colour Change - £3.99 - available here.

 



Review - La Roche-Posay Cicaplat Baume B5.

Hello all!

 

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a little French Pharmacy Haul and this is the first full review of one of the products I bought - La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5.

 

 

It is described as a 'soothing repairing balm' and it is said to speed up the natural repairing of the skin. As I have mentioned, my skin is pretty dry and I read an article here which said that this moisturiser was great for winter skin, so I thought I would give it a try. It doesn't contain any parabens or perfumes so this is a great sign that it at least won't irritate my skin!

 

I apply a this twice daily, so in the morning and evening. I have found that the moisturiser does in fact leave my skin feeling soft and moisturised for most of the day - obviously if it is particularly windy or cold, dry patches do appear towards the end of the day but this is not everyday. The consistency is very pleasant - it's thick, yet it absorbs relatively quickly which is great in the mornings (who wants a shiny, moisturiser face?).

 

I bought the smaller version, a 40ml tube. I think it also comes in an 80ml tube. I think the smaller size is more convenient to be honest, and seeing as I do a lot of traveling, I don't want to be carrying around huge amounts of skincare! I do think that this will still last me quite a while - as I said, I use it twice daily and I haven't made much of a dint in the bottle. I usually use a blob about the size of my middle finger tip (precise measurement I know...).

 

I do think that this is a great winter/ cold weather moisturiser, and I have noticed that my skin doesn't get that tight feeling in the mornings if I have used this the night before. I do however think that it might be a bit much in summer for everyday use BUT because of the repairing qualities, I will definitely be taking a tube to Morocco to apply if (probably 'when') I get sunburnt as I think it would have a lovely, cooling effect.

 

Have you tried the Cicaplast Baume B5? What other La Roche-Posay products should I try?

 

xxx

 

La Roche-Posay is available at Boots. I bought this one in France for around 8euros.

 



35 Questions.

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight? - Straight!

 

2. What is your natural hair colour? - Well, I always say it’s ginger but apparently it’s red…

 

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? - I don’t dye my hair, I love my natural colour.

 

4. How often do you wash your hair? - Every other day, otherwise it’s a big grease ball. Not nice.

 

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it? - I do usually just wear it down, but sometimes I experiment with a ponytail or bun.

 

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon? - I love getting pedis! But usually I do just do them myself, faaaar cheaper.

 

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer? - Always. I can’t remember the last time they weren’t red.

 

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup? - It depends how much time I have! If I only have 5 minutes then that’s all it takes. If I’m honest, the only makeup I wear on a daily basis is the MUA Brow Kit, Mascara and a nude lipstick. When I go out, it takes me longer, maybe half an hour but I like to do it slowly whilst listening to music etc so I could probably do it a lot quicker.

 

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes? - Well as I said above, I don’t usually wear anything on my face – but I would always but foundation on before eyes.

 

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it? - Ermmmm, essentials such as mascara I buy when I’m running out. However if I see something I really want to try and I haven’t run out of the previous one I’m using, I will buy it (therefore I have three different mascaras on the go at the moment!).

 

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes? - I used to wear them a lot for dance shows and I think I personally look absolutely awful in them! However, other people look fab so I have no problem with them, they just aren’t for me.

 

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day? - Nope!

 

 

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)? - I do usually do my everyday makeup everyday because there aren’t many days when I literally don’t leave the house all day.

 

15. Will you leave the house without makeup? - Nope, although if I had to or I was feeling awful and couldn’t be bothered to put on makeup just to go back to bed after popping to the shop, I would (I’m getting a feeling some of these questions are the same just reworded…).

 

16. How many high end products do you have? - Not many, I have a few mid-range things and a couple of Chanel lipsticks but I’m a poor student.

 

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? - Weekly, but it does depend how often I use them.

 

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed? - If I have to be up particularly early or I’m doing something spesh, I will plan my outfit. But day-to-day, no.

 

19. How often do you change your handbag? - Haha hardly everrr. I have three that I use regularly in the day.

 

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep? - It completely depends what I’m doing. I usually just get up in time to get ready for whatever I have to be ready for – so if I’m teaching at 8 I will get up at 7, but if I don’t start until 11,  then I won’t wake up until half 9/10ish. I go to bed depending on what time I have to be up!

 

 21. How often & when do you workout? - I go through phases where I swim every other day and do an exercise video afterwards, but at the moment I haven’t done anything since last week… Awful, I know.

 

22. Left-handed or Right-handed? - Right-handed.

 

23. How tall are you? - I’m not 100% sure, how bad is that? I’m like 5’8ish.

 

 

24. Do you speak a foreign language? - I’m Finnish so believe it or not, I speak Finnish. And I study French and am currently living in France, so I speak French.

 

25. How many pets do you have? - We have a Border collie called Sally. She’s so loving, I miss her!

 

26. How often are you on Blogger? - Daily.

 

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs? - Yep, and I reply to each and every one.

 

 

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts? - Yes, I do make a note. I bought a blogging notebook today so that will make it easier I think.

 

29. How did you come up with your blog name? - Ermmmm, it took me a while. I googled things like ‘what should I call my blog’ (cringe). Basically, I wanted it to convey what kind of stuff I would be writing about.

 

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs? - I have a Nikon Coolpix, it’s not the best but it does the job!

 

 

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other) - When it needs cleaning, so I do a bit every day! I’m a bit obsessed with having a clean bathroom though so that is daily.

 

32. What is your favourite colour? - Red!

 

33. What is your favourite beauty/fashion magazine? - I love Vogue but I don’t buy it often, I just read the website. I also love Glamour.

 

 

34. Do you swear? - Well, yea… not like all the time but the occasional profanity might slip out.

 

 

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day? -  have to plan a lesson for tomorrow… Reaaaaaaally can’t be bothered but it has got to be done!

 

 

I tag everyone! Let me know if you do this tag.

 

xxx

Recent Empties.

Hey guys, hope you've all had a lovely week!

Today's post is a classic empties post, I didn't have enough to do a proper post at the end of January so thought I would do it now before it all builds up and there's too much for the end of February (vicious cycleee).
 

Back l-r: Gel douche gourmand (Apple scented shower gel) - This is an own brand product from a French shop called Monoprix, but the range is pretty similar to Original Source shower gels, which I love! This cost around 2euros. I won't be buying again though because I felt I had to use a lot of this shower gel compared to others.

John Frieda Radiant Red Enhancing Conditioner - This I bought in Boots when they had a 3-for-2 on haircare back in August but I only started using this in November. I think it lasted pretty well, seeing as my hair is loooong so I do use a lot of conditioner! I would definitely buy this again as it left my hair delicately scented and so soft, but I will definitely be waiting until I'm back in England as it's a bit more expensive here in France.

L'Oreal Smooth Intense shampoo with Argan Oil - Being in France, L'Oreal shampoos are everywhere and I think they actually have a wider range available here, and it's a bit cheaper than in England. However this one is also available in Boots, I've checked online! I tried this particular one because it contains Argan Oil and I have heard this is great for your hair. I have noticed that my hair does feel healthier, so I would buy this again, maybe after I've used up my current one!

The Body Shop Body Butter in Japanese Cherry Blossom - I received this as part of a birthday present. I adore the scent, it's so delicate so it isn't overpowering. I love the body butters from the Body Shop so will be buying again, but I do love trying the different scents.

Middle: The Body Shop Body Butter in Pink Grapefruit - again, this was part of a present, but a different one. I love the refreshing scent and I used it a lot during summer but forgot about it, so I've only just finished this one.

Front l-r: Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice Eau de toilette - I love this perfume, every time I use it it makes me smile (geek). I have had this for over a year now because I like to use different perfumes on a daily basis. I would buy this again, or I would like to try the Naughty Alice Eau de Toilette also.  

Vichy Aqualia Thermal cream - I bought this in France and it's a teeny bit cheaper here than it is in the UK. My skin was feeling really dry and the pharmacist said that this would sort it out! It definitely did! Also, I have extremely sensitive skin and this didn't irritate it at all. I won't be buying this again in the foreseeable future, though, because I want to try as many French skincare brands as possible whilst I am out here - I will definitely keep this one in mind though!

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

xxx

Roses are Red.

Hello!

Whether you actually have a date or heading out with friends, all things Valentine’s Day related will be pretty difficult to avoid this Thursday! So in preparation, I thought I would do a little round up of my favourite red lipsticks which I think would be perfect for whatever you have planned.

Lacura Beauty Lipstick in Classic Red (review here) - £1.99 - unfortunately this range isn't available on the internet but it's available in all Aldi stores, and there are quite a few dotted around! Really great if you are on a budget.

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Really Red - £7.49 - available at Boots. This is a really great, long-lasting lipstick. The colour is really deep so if you are into your red lipsticks this is a must-have!

MUA Lipstick in shade 1 - £1.00 - available here. This is again a great lipstick if you are on a budget. The colour is more of a purpley-red which is a nob towards the plum lipstick trend. 100% recommend, and I look forward to trying the different shades in the collection.

And finally, Revlon Lip Butter in Macaroon - £7.99 - available here. There has been so much hype about these on different blogs recently so I'm sure everyone is familiar! Not strictly speaking a lipstick but I love it so I added it into the round up. I think this would be a great option if you aren't usually a lipstick wearer, or you are suffering from dry lips due to the cold weather/ central heating combo.

 As always, I would recommend that you apply lip liner around your lip line and then fill in your lips before applying lipstick - this well help it last longer. Also, Lipcote is amazingggg, but it only works with matte or quite dry lipstick formulae.

I am single this year so no hot date for me - I'm staying in and watching Dexter with my friends. What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

xxx