March 2013 Favourites

I cant believe that it is the end of the month already, it has absolutely flown by! I didn't really do too much in March and I 'tried' to go on a beauty spending ban. It wasn't massively successful but I did manage to cut down a bit. Most of these products are ones that I have had a while- with a few cheeky new additions.

I bought the John Frieda Full Repair deep Conditioner Mask as it was on special offer in boots and I had finished the last of my deep conditioner. I love everything else in the John Frieda range, so I thought I would give this a go and I am so glad that I did. This is quite light weight but it really nourishes and smooths the hair without leaving it greasy. For £6.49 (or currently on 3 for 2 at boots) it is a bargain. 
Available: just here

I am quite fickle when it comes to hand cream and tend to swap and change a lot but recently I have been loving the Dr Organics Virgin Coconut Oil Hand & Nail Cream* it smells so coconuty, it is absolutely delicious and it sinks straight in and leaves your hands super soft. They are available to buy from Holland and Barrett and there is a load of different delicious scents available. 
Available: here, on buy one get one half price

The Loreal Confetti Top Coat is so, so, popular at the moment and I know that absolutely everyone is completely in love with it! I'm really getting on with it, it is similar to the Illamasqua speckled polish- but it is different as it has white speckles in it too. I think this looks so pretty on top of pastel shades. I've heard that it is difficult to get hold of, but keep your eyes peeled for it on the highstreet, it costs £5.00. 

Paco Rabanne Lady Million is quite a cliché scent isn't it? I think it's quite a standard pretty floral scent which isn't particularly unique, but it is such a pretty scent that I absolutely love it. It is perfect for work and day to day activities. I definitely recommend it for anyone after a nice girly scent. 

It costs £36.50 for 30ml and can be bought right here

I think you can see how much I have been loving Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer  as I have managed to rub all of the writing off the bottle. I know this is a well raved product and I can assure you that I have nothing exciting to say about it except for the fact that it works. Since buying this, I have had so many different compliments on how awake I look, how great my skin looks and other lovely things so I really recommend that everyone tries this. I am using shade 2 'light'. 
For only £4.19, this is a serious bargain. You can buy it here.

Lastly, I have been absolutely loving MACs Plumful Lipstick and have been wearing it pretty much every day. I have literally just reviewed this here.

And that is what I have really enjoyed using in March! What have you been getting on with? 

MAC - Plumful - Lusture Lipstick

Mac Plumful Lustre Finish Lipstick- £14.00

I'm sorry that this is another MAC lipstick review so close to the last, I was planning on pushing it back a while but I just love this colour so much at the moment that I just really wanted to share it with you all now.

I bought this after Sasha and I swooned over it at the Bristol MAC counter and we both really wanted to buy it. Unfortunately, they didn't have it in stock (also, the girls on the counter were rude which put me off buying anything else- I find this a common problem with MAC) but luckily for us, it was in the flash Debenhams sale at the start of March.... so we both bought it.

Plumful is a beautiful rose-purple which builds up from a sheer 'just bitten' effect to a full on intense colour. The formula is very nourishing and doesn't dry my lips at all and it lasts for hours, result! It has become my every day lipstick and I think that it looks like 'red wine' lips (if you've ever gone out and drunk far too much red wine then you should be shouting in agreement right about now).

I have been pairing it with a No.7 lip liner in 'plum' which is the perfect colour, thank you CSI Beauty Blog for that little tip.

What do you think of my current favourite lipstick? Is it a shade you would reach for?

Opi Polka.com nail varnish

OPI- Polka.com £11.50

I do like a nice glitter polish and this offering from Opi is my current favourite and one that I have been absolutely loving recently. Polka.com is a pretty blend of hex shaped glitter in turquoise, bright pink and a deep violet with smaller flecks of purple glitter all in a clear base. I have been swatching and playing with it and the above look is by far my favourite (base colour is Essie- Mini How High).

This is part of their Euro Centrale collection- a celebration of the fusion between old and new Europe. I think that this nail varnish has a bit of a circus theme to it and it is certainly a playful fun loving shade- every single day I have had it on my nails, I had compliments about the beautiful blend of shades and sparkling finish. I think that this will look brilliant over spring/summer and looks great on top of pastel shades.

It lasts a really long time as well- I have had it on for 5 days before it started to chip. What do you think to this glitter finish top coat? Will you buy it?

(Also, I know that my nails aren't great- if you have a miracle product please let me know!)

Skin Care Wishlist

Now, I must start of by saying that this is your fault. Yes, yours blogging community. I never used to like skin care, it seemed boring and a waste of money. I was more than happy with my 3-quid-a-bottle Garnier rose skin cream and that was that. But you lot... oh you have a lot to answer for. Recently I have gone completely crazy for expensive potions and lotions to take off my makeup- there seems to be something ironic about spending a lot of money on makeup and then spending more money on products to take it off.

At the moment I am using the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and I am just not getting on with it, so I think that I am going to have a revamp and try some new products and here is what I have in mind!

Glamglow Mud Mask- I tried a sample of this and my skin felt amazing afterwards, it's expensive but I am certain that it is worth it so I am going to pick this up on payday!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm- This seems so tactile and nourishing, I really want to try it.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir- Everything I have read about this product is making me itching to get my mitts on it- I plan on getting the 30ml bottle to pop into my bag.

Benefit Triple Performance Emulsion- One of my friends recently bought this and absolutely loves it, we tend to get on with the same products so I think that I will have to give it a go!

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash- I love a good exfoliator, I get dry skin on my cheek bones and it does need  a little extra power to scrub it away.

Bioderma- This is actually quite cheap so this is a definite must, I tend to use a micellar water in the morning as it's easier to use than something that needs washing off (yes I am lazy in the morning)!

Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips- Oh the name of this product does make me laugh. I like the concept behind it and I am quite interested in trying a pure lanolin balm.

Avene Thermal Spring Water- I'm not completely sold on the concept of this product, but I really want to give it a go as I have read some rave reviews. If you've used it, leave me a comment letting me know what it is like.

I'm not planning on buying all of these, that would be a hell of an expensive skin routine, but these have all really caught my eye, let me know if you use any of these and also, if you have any other suggestions then please let me know!!

My teenage years....

Aged 17 in Florence with my two friends Kate and Hannah. I am in the middle.

I really never thought that I would want to openly discuss the past here, I tend to focus on the here and now because it is significantly better than the way it once was. Today I felt like the final part of my teenage self has been thoroughly buried, a band that I once loved more than anything in the world split up. I don't want to write a whole post on My Chemical Romance, as important as they were- I haven't listened to them properly in years although I do have them on now. What I really wanted to talk about was my teenage years, I can promise you now that they were your standard angst filled years. I really struggled with certain parts and the ways in which I acted (and other people acted towards me) still make me sad now. Being aged 14-17 really, really, sucked. I was lucky and had a great best friend, without her I could honestly say that I had no great memories from that time.

When I was sort of 11 I developed a fair bit of puppy fat, now I wasn't overweight but I was definitely bigger than the average 11 year old. Kids can be really cruel about that and from the moment year 7 started until the moment year 11 ended (and I moved school for sixth form) people continued to be cruel about it. Looking back, I really lost all the puppy weight by the time I was about 15 but in their eyes I was always a fat kid who deserved to be put down for it. I felt embarrassed to get up and go into school, I felt embarrassed to eat lunch in front of other people and I felt embarrassed that this was the person that I had turned out to be. I just used to completely resent the person that I was and the fact that I couldn't have just been like everyone else. My self confidence was at an all time low and I just genuinely thought that I was sad, pathetic, not cool, not pretty, not funny just.... nothing.

What an awful feeling to have.

Nobody should genuinely feel that bad about themselves. I lost myself in so many ways, I kept a fairly heart wrenching diary. I got bitchy and I definitely put up a massive guard around myself that I still struggle with now. I went on a multitude of diets, I dieted until I weighed under 7 stones and I still didn't feel thin enough- I pushed myself to far and I ended up pretty ill- I still struggle with my weight now. I ended up with some level of anxiety, a problem which is still around. I completely knackered myself out.

To me, what really stands out to me is a conversation I had with a work colleague at 17, he said to me: we are a really attractive team, everyone who works here is really fit. I had never been more embarrassed in my life. I went bright red and told him that they were all really attractive, except for me. He looked at my like I was mental, but hand on heart I meant it. I couldn't talk to him for weeks. 

I never wanted to write an angsty post, that person isn't me any more and I never, ever, want to go back to that place. In the last couple of years my confidence has really soared and now I can believe that I am pretty and that I am not fat (I'm not fat and I never, ever, was so screw everyone who told me I was). I don't want to write and tell My Chemical Romance that they saved my life... because quite frankly they didn't. I saved my own life and it was only by changing the way that I thought, by changing the way I spoke to others and to not allow myself to be a victim anymore that I managed to become confident and happy with myself. I just really wanted to thank them for writing songs that I really connected to at a time when I really needed to connect to them. I wanted to thank them for having my back when no one else did.

They're splitting up because they aren't those people anymore, because they are older and because they want to focus on their lives and where they are now. I feel the same, I'm not the person that I was and I can't keep revisiting the past. I have cried whilst writing this, it's taken me an hour to write it and my arms are covered in mascara. But that's it, it's time to just become the beautiful confident happy girl that I know I am.

(ps- if you are struggling with low confidence, or if you are going through a tough time... Please get in touch with me, I am a great listener and I know how important it is to have someone who will listen. All my contact details are on my about me page. Do not hesitate to get in touch).

Firmoo Glasses Review

Firmoo.com- sunglasses*

Whilst the weather is currently rather er... British, it is undeniable that it is coming up to summer time. Summer brings a ton of nice stuff with it... ice cream, short shorts, flip flops, the beach and nice trips out. Where ever you are heading and what ever you are doing... you are very likely to need a decent pair of sunglasses to keep you going. Firmoo recently contacted me asking if I would like to review their service, I jumped at the chance as I find it really hard to find a pair of sunglasses that I really like. 

Firmoo is an online eye wear company that deal with prescription and non prescription lenses that are able to be clear or tinted (made into sunglasses basically). As I don't wear glasses, I opted to try out their tinting service. The great thing about Firmoo is that you are able to virtually 'try on' the glasses by simply uploading a photo of yourself and then you can try on as many pairs as you like. They also take the measurement between your eyes, to adjust them to the right size, so that you know that what you see is what you get. I spent absolutely ages trying on all variations and styles before falling in love with this pair, I then chose to have them tinted at 80% in grey- but you could choose all different levels and colours to tint at. 

The delivery took about two weeks and arrived well packaged with both a hard and a soft carry case. The glasses are a really good quality and the tint is absolutely perfect. They are just what I wanted and were true to life compared to the online photo service. 

I was really impressed with Firmoos brand, service and products and I would encourage others to use them- I definitely will do in the future.

Lush- King of Skin

Lush King of Skin- 5.25/75g

This is a product that I have seriously been loving. King of Skin is a solid body butter bar that is designed to be used in the shower. Yes really, shower moisturiser. I'm  mega lazy lauren when it comes to moisturising, I don't particularly like being cold and clammy so I avoid creams like the plague in winter.

This is completely different experience. You simply have a normal shower and then just before you're ready to get out you simply step out of the water (like you would do with shower gel!) and give this a good rub everywhere. Then, step back in the water for a final rinse and voila you're all done. It doesn't rinse off either, instead it causes the water to bead up on your skin forming a thick and nourishing layer. It then absorbs in your skin leaving it buttery soft until you next shower.

The product is packed full of natural goodness with: Cocoa and Shea Butter, Bananas, Avocado, Oat Milk, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Tangerine Oil, Lavender Oil and Sandalwood. Which are all brilliant little soldiers intent on making your skin lovely.

It lasts for about 3 weeks per bar which is quite expensive but I think that it is totally worth it and I will definitely repurchase.

Recent empties- March 2013

I've made it my mission recently to actually try and use up some of my stash and I've actually powdered through alot of stuff recently!

Aussie Three Minute Miracle Reconstructor Deep Conditioner: This is definitely my favourite hair mask, it is so nourishing and it makes dry ends feel revitalised. I really reccomend this to anyone.
Repurchase? Definitely.

Paul Mitchell Strength Super Strong Daily Shampoo: I found that this dried the ends of my hair out and I didn't notice it getting any stronger, I really didn't get on with this and was glad when it ran out.
Repurchase? not a chance.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Three Day Straight Spray: I can't begin to explain how much I love this, it really is a wonder product and it makes hair smoother, softer and is a great styler. I even spray a bit in when its wavy as it just helps the style look more polished.
Repurchase? Yes. and again after that and again after that and again after that...

Now as much as I like Soap and Glory, and as much as it pains me to say this, I just didn't like either of these produces. Flake Away is a bit too sickly sweet for my taste and whilst Pulp Friction smells nice, it didn't really do anything. Such a shame but at least they are finished now!
Repurchase? Neither of them will be coming back to my bathroom.

Rapid Dry For Nails is a spray that you can use to dry your nails instantly, simply spray it on once they are touch dry and it will instantly make them tap dry. It works but it definitely isn't for me, it makes you nails uncomfortably cold and leaves a greasy coat behind. Im also not comfortable with having to spray so much of this, I worry about it staying in the air and getting in my lungs.
Repurchase? No.

Sure Maximum Protection is my gym deodorant as it has a greater level of protection. it does, however, leave white marks and dry out the skin. It's not an every day one for me!
Repurchase? I already have, it's handy to have in the gym bag.

Queen of... Tada Shaving Gel is a great alternative to a shaving foam. It comes in a cute tube and rubs on as a thick layer that makes shaving really comfortable. It smells like coconuts which I love and it washesoff easily, leaving the skin behind feeling moisturised. It also lasts alot longer than a foam and is quite cheap!
Repurchase? Yes, I must remember to pick this up next time i'm beauty shopping. 

Moroccan Oil is my absolute favourite hair oil, it really does smooth, nourish and condition.I really recommend this, it is definitely worth the money!
Repurchase? Yes yes yes.

I reviewed Skinetica a few weeks ago here.
Repurchase? I have a full sized bottle already but I will buy it when it runs out.

Throwing away both of these products was a bit of an emotional experience as they have both been very, very well loved.

Benefits Dandelion is a great product, it can be used as a blusher or as an all over translucent powder to set makeup in place as the colour can be built from sheer to a pretty light pink. It is quite shimmery as it is a brightening product and it creates a beautiful healthy glow. It suits my skin tone which is quite pale with  pink tones but it also works on my olive toned friend.
Repurchase? I already have.

Nars Laguna/Orgasm is my holy grail bronze/blush combo & I really love this but alas both pans shattered when they got thin and I can't get any more colour on the brush from the last remaining slivers. I recommend both of these to all skin tones.
Repurchase? I have both colours in seperate palettes but I want the duo again to pop in my bag.

Dream Touch Blush in Apricot is a lovely coral blush, it has a shimmer in it and is quite bright in the pot but blends in to a warm glow. It is quite well suited as a highlighter on dark skin tones or a blush for a dewy summer look on a pale skin. It isn't my favourite coral blush but it is a nice drug store product.
Repurchase? I may pick this up again in the summer.

I reviewed the YSL mascara here. It was a great mascara but it dried out fairly quickly and it's quite expensive. I have tried cheaper that I have preferred.
Repurchase? I don't think it's worth it to be honest, but I would like to try their shocking mascara.

I really hope that we stay friends!

As you're all probably aware, google are on their way to scrapping google reader, this was a bit of a surprise... but not really all that surprising as everything seems to be going to make way for google +.

As a result there is a massive concern that GFC may go as well.

It'll be really sad to see GFC go, I have some followers that I sincerely care about and would hate to lose... so I joined the masses today & imported all of my blogs into bloglovin, so if I follow you now... i'm still following you! 

If you want to follow my via bloglovin you can either click on the bloglovin button to the right or simply click here.

You can follow my twitter: @poppys839 

Or Instagram: @poppy839

More than anything I urge you to follow suit and back up the blogs you like to read via bloglovin. We may lose GFC and we may not but it never hurts to be prepared. We all work so hard on our blogs that it would be such a shame to lose our connections.

Please leave links in the comments as well.

Much love and kisses to you all (I feel like I need to hug you all forever now) 

Aromatherapygold.com Aroma Squeeze Me Energising Stress Ball

 

Energising stress ball- 4.75 *

Being 22 and balancing a busy social life, maintaining a blog, university and a full time job can be alot of hard work. I often ended up very stressed out, tired and with too much to do. Do you ever get the feeling that you have so much to do that you don't even know where to start and it gets so overwhelming? That is basically my life. When it's going good, it's brilliant. I love being busy and having my little brain work its bum off to make sure that I am acheiving at everything I set my mind to. However, when it isn't going so well, when plans don't work out or when I'm too tired to do my university work, I get really stressed and upset and I struggle to focus my mind. I usually respond with tears and the need for a pep talk to get me back on track. 

In my goodie bag from the bristol bloggers meet up was the aroma gold squeeze me energising grape fruit and geranium stress ball. I loved the novelty factor of the product, i'm sure we all had stress balls when we were younger, and was simply looking forward to getting it home and having a play with it. 

This product surpassed all expectations, firstly it smells incredible. The grapefruit and geranium scent is strong, but not over powering and smells fresh and delicious- I want to eat it! (don't eat it). It is packed with essential oils which rub off on to your hands leaving them feeling soft and smelling delicious- but the product doesn't feel oily, instead it feels like play dough.

I have found in the last few weeks that when I am starting to feel a bit over whelmed with work that this really helps to focus my mind and makes me want to get back to the task in hand. This could be down to all the oils in the product, or simply because I am taking the time to focus on playing with the stress ball. Who knows? (probably someone, somewhere) It is just a lovely sensory experience and I will definitely be buying another when this one reaches the end of its life. 

Review MAC Satin Lipstick in Mocha

 

 

 

 Mocha- £14.00

Mocha is sort of my unloved MAC lipstick, when I have it on my face I like it- but in the bullet i'm never too keen and I don't ever tend to reach for it.

It's a warm terracota shade with a satin sheer finish, it has a burnt red undertone and is fairly matte, it isn't particularly long wearing and can be build for a sheer wash to a deep colour.

I tend to wear this when I am feeling fairly autumnal, with my hair tied up and a giant jumper. It works for an every day casual look but I just don't think that it is me. As much as I hate to slate MAC, I wish I hadn't bothered buying this shade.

I think that it would work better on though with olive toned skin.

Would you reach for this shade?

home tour

"Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration". 

 - Charles Dickens.

There is knowhere I love more than home, there is something so comforting about walking through the front door and knowing that you have the freedom to relax and indulge in your needs. I still live at home and my Mum has always been very house proud, wanting everything to look beautiful. I think that she has managed it, my house is beautiful, I hope you think so too. 

Last summer I did a garden tour I will do a tour of my own bedroom very soon, watch this space.