Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Hi! Having a six month old can be very tiring and sometimes sleep just doesn't happen. A mixture of these two can leave your skin feeling rather undesirable. I think all new mums (and mums who have been mums for quite a while) always want to look at there best and like they have had a good nights sleep (even if they haven't). I need something to "Wake Me Up" and say bye bye to tiredness. 

I've been a blog reader for quite some time now and although I do occasionally jump on the "hype" bandwagon, when this product started popping up all over, left right and centre on every blog page going, It didn't appeal to me. Its only since becoming a mummy that It's started to gain my interest. I have followed the lovely Kayleigh at her Couture Girl blog since she started it, I really love some of the products Kayleigh features and after whilst searching for a miracle product I noticed this foundation popping up on her blog quite a lot I decided to give it a try! Thanks for the posts Kayleigh keep up the good work!  

The Packaging is really nice. I love the bright acid orange cap. It makes it so easy to find this foundation when your rummaging around in your make up bag. The instructions and information are clear, well written and easy to follow. As far as appearance goes, this drug store foundation is a winner. No one can accuse this of being boring. 

This Foundation is really very versatile. No matter what skin type you have, it seems to adapt to give you good coverage and it really hides problem areas. My mum uses this foundation now too and no matter what age you are it just seems to work. It doesn't sit in any lines, it blends really well (I use fingers or my Real Techniques Brushes). 

My normal Foundation is Chanel and as much as I love it, I prefer the consistency of Rimmel. It isn't as runny or liquid so it is easier to apply. It feels more like a face cream than a foundation. Rimmel have really got the formula right as its not heavy or "cakey" either. The Foundation is build-able so no matter what type of coverage you want, you can achieve those results. 

This foundation does contain a slight shimmer but it is barely noticeable, the little hint of shimmer simply makes you look more freshened. It's a really dewy foundation and it brightens up your face without leaving you concious of feeling like a disco ball. The foundation sits on the skin really well and doesn't look patch or uneven.When the foundation is applied flaws are barely visible, so if like me you suffer from the occasional blemish, or like my mum who has rosea, this will hide everything. Team it with a good primer, good concealer and even the most problem of skins will look perfected. Hd photograph ready. 

The product has really good staying power, even after a long day of running around doing the shopping, washing, bottles, hoovering, mopping, cooking, cleaning and having my six month old spit his broccoli at me and, I still maintain a bit of glam. 

A yummy mummy essential, and if like Kate Moss you like to party, its perfect for you too, and your nan. 

Anyone else use this? What do you think? 

Much Love

Amy

xoxo

  

Barry M: Turn My Lips Pink: The Green One: Lipstick

Hey there! Hope you are feeling well! Today I'm sharing yet another lip product with you all. I'd say that my favourite beauty product is blush, yet I always seem to own more lipsticks than anything else. I suppose it's a woman's prerogative!

I really love Barry M, I think its a really affordable brand they have a nice wide choice of products and colours. In the past I have mainly stuck to using Barry M nail varnishes, Check out my summer shades post here), but I decided to branch out and try a lipstick for a change.

TMPL Really caught my eye. On first inspection I was a little puzzled, surely nobody wears green on their lips right? I know Jennifer Lopez has gone all yellow on us all but she's Jennifer Lopez. TMLP or Turn My Lips Pink does exactly what it says on the casing. In the Casing the lipstick is a really bright slime green colour, It reacts with the PH level in your lips and turns the correct shade of pink for whoever uses it. Its personalised lip stick, what's not to love?

I've swatched the lipstick on my hand (I know that's not ideal but I really couldn't get the product to stand out on my lips to photograph, the images just didn't do the product justice), For me this lipstick turns a pale pink colour just ever so slightly darker than my own natural pout colour. I'm happy that it looks natural as I have LOTS of lip products that completely change the appearance of my lips whereas this seems to accentuate them.

The lipstick is really easy to apply, It doesn't go "cakey" and smells quite nice too. Its very moisturising and doesn't dry your lips out. Barry M say that the product lasts 6 hours and I agree with the longevity provided there' no food or drink involved. I picked up TMLP from Boots and it cost £4.49, so It's fairly priced.

If you want a change from standard lip products, give it a go!

What shade did you get? Do you like the unknown?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

My Hair Time Line: Colours, Styles, Cuts

Hello, Hope you are well and life is treating you nicely. When I first started writing my blog, I wanted to include fashion and lifestyle posts too, just so that you lovely lot get to know me as a person. I do have a few big events to attend so I have OOTD and Haul posts planned. I thought that in the mean time, I'd share something quite personal with you. My hair timeline. I have always been quite experimental with my hair, I suppose I've used my locks as a way of expression.

So this is where my journey began....

As a little girl I always had shoulder length naturally curly, ringlet hair. As a little girl I suppose it was quite cute but as I grew older and started junior school, my hair made me feel baby-ish and I wanted it to be grown up and straight (strange considering perms were all the go at the time!). 

I had a long bob for several years with a fringe that I combed and combed to be rid of my curls. I know, how strange to hate curls so much, I think I just wanted to fit in with the other girls at school. I slowly grew my hair out and and by the time I was in senior school, I used to use my GHD's and curl my hair, no one else really curled their hair and I wanted to stand out. Complete U turn! From hating curls to having them back again. 

I only started to colour my hair in college. My hair is naturally mousey blonde but it lightens in the summer and darkens in the winter months. I used to feel dull in winter so decided to get highlights. Initially I enjoyed the highlighted with roots look. 

I became somewhat obsessed with trying to coax my hair to grow and went threw a phase of plaiting my hair and avoiding bobbles. I'd deep condition and wear my hair wavy. I think it was the best condition my hair had ever been in at this point, I cared for it tenderly. 

My hair eventually with highlight on top of highlight became a one tone blonde. 

and it got lighter...

and brighter and shorter. I decided when my hair was full peroxide bleach blonde to cut in a fringe. 

I then added hints of pink

and decided to wear clip in extensions

I grew out my fringe and decided i needed a drastic change. so i took a trip to the dark side. 

my hair gradually got lighter

and I added Racoon International extensions and dip dyed my locks.

out came the extensions and now I'm slowly in the process of finding my natural colour. growing out bleached damaged bits. My hair sits just on my collar bone. It has done through and since pregnancy. I have a deepish root and very bleached ends. I'm not using heat or styling tools. My hair is growing really well and is starting to improve. After years of punishment it needs a rest. If you see me today its either down and unruly or on a night out its trussed up in a bun (to avoid heat and hide root). 

I think that a colour and hairstyle can change your appearance and the way you feel about yourself in an instant. Its really lovely to experiment and I think you can define yourself with a style. I think in the future ill be more natural, maybe re embrace my natural curl. Why not? 

Sorry about the pictures, I'm terrible at posing and try and avoid the camera if I can. I didn't know back then I'd be writing this post otherwise Id have smiled and not showed my tongue. Hope you enjoyed my ramblings. 

Much Love

Amy 

xoxo

Moroccanoil Treatment Oil Light

Hello lovelies, hope you are all feeling well and life is treating you good. Today's post is about a little something that I added to my hair care collection a while ago. If you have read my previous posts, you may know I've been trying my best to improve the strength and overall quality of my hair since I've had my baby. I've used everything from Supplements to Shampoo's and Conditioners. After finding that I really liked Moroccan oil Shampoo and conditioner, I decided to try more from their range.

I purchased the Moroccanoil from feelunique.com and it was £12.85 for 25 ml. To me that's a touch on the expensive side compared to other brands out there at the minute. In this case, however, you do get what you pay for. I'm more than confident that you have read a million and one blog posts about this cult product and its hyped with good reason.

The Bottle itself is just beautiful, it looks fit for a Queen. I adore the "Seal of Originality", for any of you that don't know, Moroccanoil have basically rejuvenated and revolutionised hair care with their innovative oils. Hundred's of brands have jumped on the band wagon and released their own version of "Argan Oil". How proud Moroccan oil must be to be able to show that seal and take credit for such a huge hype in the hair care and beauty industry. Well done guys!

The oil is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! no longer does hair oil mean greasy, heavy or slick, In this day and age a good oil suggest healthy hair full of vitality. I use this on a morning to smooth down any flyaway's and my hair looks glossy and neat for the rest of the day. The treatment is a nice consistency so it allows you to distribute it really well through the lengths and ends of your hair. I've found that my hair has stopped snapping as much and is much more manageable. My hair feels a lot less course and is a lot softer to touch. With regular use this product help's encourage hair growth. My hair has grown a cm in about a month and a half which is a lot for me.

The product does go quite far, unfortunately, I have really thick really dry hair so my locks literally drank a bottle of this in just one month. If you have normal, undamaged hair, it I would say you'd get a few months out of a bottle this size. I'm finding I'm not using as much as my hair improves. The picture above shows how much I use at a time.

This will be on my repurchase hit list. Anyone else love the oil?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

MUA Make Up Academy: Pro Intense Kisses Gloss

Hi, Sorry for the lack in posts these past few days, I've been spending time with my family and have had a bit of an ordeal that really shook me on Sunday night. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you may already know, I was witness to the aftermath of a very tragic road incident where, to now, two have passed away. I know this isn't the nicest thing to be reading on a blog post BUT, I do hope that if anything, it will encourage all of my readers to be super mindful of other road users, wear seat belts and above all stick to speed limits. My heart felt condolences do reach out to all of the families involved and I pray for those still fighting on. You don't know what is around the corner so live every day as if it's you'r last, tell people you care for them, smile laugh and do what makes you happy.

On that note, I stumbled across these glosses in Superdrug and was more than happy to have found them. They are made by MUA. I know MUA is seen as one of the less expensive, less glossy dupe brands but they do make some good quality products. As an avid blog reader I know that there are some bloggers out there who wouldn't feature this brand. BOO! If you ask me, High end, Mid range or Dirty cheap, If the product works well with your skin, Does its job and does it well Who cares about the brand or the price tag. Lets all say bye- bye to brand snobbery and use a combination!

These are the shades I bought, from L-R,
*Kiss and Tell
*Quick Kiss
*Lips Are Sealed
*Sweet Nothings

They are all really boringly packaged . They remind me of those free glosses that I used to get as Freebies from Mizz Magazine as a girl. I'm really not keen on the glitter kiss at the tops of the tubes as it makes the glosses look cheap and childish. That said, these glosses cost just £2.00 so they are cheap and would probably appeal to younger girls too who are discovering beauty on a pocket money budget.

The Saving grace of these glosses are they are really not bad quality. The Doe Foot applicators work as well as you'd like and need. The colours are well pigmented, they have the right consistency and don't smell foul. The longevity isn't the best in the world but I find that's the case with all glosses. Nothing a quick re application won't fix. As far as value goes, if you want a cheap gloss, don't mind packaging and a touch up, these are brilliant.

Not my favourite gloss but I will use them non the less.

Has anyone else noticed brand snobbery? Any brand you wouldn't use? What about the glosses? do you use them?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

Lush Ickle Baby Bot & Space Girl

Hi! I'm sure I was destined to be a mermaid one day, I spend all the free time I have relaxing in the tub. My favourite pass time seems to have been inherited by my son too, only he's not one for relaxing, he'd much prefer the fun of making waves, splashing and playing with bubbles. It was inevitable that when I passed a lush shop, that I was going to treat us both. 

 I'm such a sucker for a bath bomb, who doesn't like a explosion of pretty coloured girly scented  amazing-ness in their bath? (I know amazing-ness isn't a word, but it should be!). I very much doubt my better half would be happy about me putting our son in a pink girly bath (not matcho enough for our Tommy), so I chose him a very boyish Ickle baby bot, Its a baby blue coloured robot and I was told It was soothing and calming for baby. It contain sleep-inducing oils, but everything has been selected to be mild, gentle and soothing for skin and any itchy bits. Smells nice too. It cost £1.90 which is really reasonable its also available here on line. You could snap it in pieces and get more uses out of it. My little boy was in a fit of giggles when I dropped this in the bath, he couldn't take his eyes off it, It lasted a good while but not nearly long enough as the little fella got a bit upset when there was no bomb left. Now he knows how mummy feels when her bomb runs out. BOO... 

That brings me nicely to my bath bomb Space Girl. It was the first time I used this specific bath bomb and although I did like it, I won't be buying it again. It smells lovely, the ingredients list is attractive, its a nice purple colour and has glitter bits but it just wasn't me. It reminded me too much of Radox. I do however, adore the shape of the bomb and it lasts a good while. It was £2.10 so very fair priced and is available on line here. I don't think you could cut this product in half for more uses and to be honest, its not sizeable enough to warrant it. If you love Radox and Purple, this bomb will be just right for you. I like my Radox to smell of Radox and my bath bomb to smell, well, Different. 

Over the moon with Tommy's bomb, not as keen on mine. Lovely pieces but its all personal taste at the end of the day. 

What Bombs do you love? Have you got a bath product your little one loves? 

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

No7 Airbrush Away Primer

Hi all you lovelies, hope you've had a good day! I've got a wedding to attend in August and I'm starting to think about outfits and what I will be wearing on my face. I'm far from having perfect skin and a flawless complexion is a big deal these days, don't you think? For me it's really important to have long wearing make up especially on big occasions. Anyway, I decided to find a primer to help with just that. I'd like to introduce you all to my Boots No7 Airbrush Away Primer. 

No7 primer claims to be innovative the first of its kind, reducing the appearance of all the signs of ageing instantly. The unique complex combines filling properties with light-diffusing particles to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and put uneven skin tone and pores into soft focus. Proven results can be seen in just ten minutes and last for up to eight hours.

No7 Airbrush Away primer is designed to work perfectly with all foundations and moisturisers. Airbrush Away has a silicon base which provides an elegant texture, aids the optical effect and has been shown to be compatible with all foundations and moisturisers. 

Sounds amazing doesn't it? The only thing that I was a tad wary of was it's suitability for normal to oily skin. My skin can be dry, oily, normal and some days it likes to be all three combinations at once. I found this primer to be very nourishing without being greasy, so it works well with all skin types. It really clings to the face regardless of its condition. 

I wear my primer under foundation and It sits really well with all foundations, I love using this with my Chanel Vitalumier, Quite simply because the two products are creamy and moisturising. I always get really nice results. 

This product does help your make up stay in place and improves the longevity of pretty much all products. Applied well and evenly, the overall appearance of the skin is improved even without any cosmetics. Skin looks brighter and more youthful. Pores look less visible and lines are "filled". It does what it says on the tin. 

The product smells plain, which is nice. The packaging is quite plain too which isn't so nice. I think the white bottle is very boring, although it looks clean, it doesn't capture the eye. The consistency of the product itself is good, as you'd expect a primer to be. 

The only real issue I have with this product is it's price. It retails in Boots for £19.50, so it is on the higher end of the pricing scale. In my eyes its not the best value for money, It's a 30 ml tube so you don't get a great deal of product for your money. 

If you don't have a primer, invest in one! Me personally, as much as I love this primer, I wont be paying just short of £20.00 for it in the future. I will enjoy using it don't get me wrong, and I'd recommend it to anyone who needs something that works without the fuss of shopping around, but I'm sure I can find a brand that delivers just as much at a snip of the cost. It will be on my wedding wear list for now. 

Any cheaper recommendations anyone? Do you wear primer? 

Much love
Amy
xoxo

Benefit Posie Tint Review

Hello everybody! Hope life is treating you well. I'd like to introduce you all to a beloved friend of mine Posie Tint from Benefit. I was talked into buying this at a make up counter and boy am I glad I was. I was very reluctant to use it at first as the thought of "staining" your face sounded too risky.

With a little bit of precision and a careful hand (or brush) this product applies amazingly well (especially as its dual purpose, for lips and the cheek). I use it with the applicator it comes with and swoop it across my cheek bone and give it a rub and its perfect blush, it works well with the Real Techniques Stippling Brush too. What I love about this product is its so universal, it applies to the lips for a natural glow too. The applicator it comes with is great for the cupids bow, or I sometimes transfer the product onto a Real Techniques lip brush for high definition results. I have used specialist lip tints before such as MUA Kiss Proof Lip Stain and I do prefer the build-able colour results Posie Tint achieves. You could apply a slick of clear gloss over the top for a transition for day time to night time. As for the cheek, it doesn't look powdery or fake like some multi purpose cheek products do.

The packaging is really pretty. Its very much like a models own nail varnish in size. The cap secures really well so there are no leaks or spills. I adore the pink shiny base. Isn't it cute?

I did nearly run a mile when I realised how PINK the contents were but, don't be conned into thinking at your face will end up that colour. The product blends to leave a nice "pinched cheek" shade. As a girl I was always told blusher should look like I've just stepped into the heat from a cold winters day and this is the result I get with this product. Lovely thick, creamy consistency. Soft to the touch.

Posie Tint lasts FOREVER. I have had this bottle for over 6 months now and I still have half a bottle. Available to buy from Boots at £24 for 50 ml its brilliant value for money.

Personally I find this a must have in any make- up bag. Brilliant for travel. The longevity and staying power of this cosmetic are amazing, It can last into the next day unless you use a good make up remover. It does remove with ease if you use a good make up remover. Soap and water will budge it but it would take a lot of washing. Holiday planned? going to be in the sea? pool? This is for you.

The only fault I can find with this are its quite quick drying, so once it touches the skin, you've got to get it blended quickly (especially on the cheek), otherwise you could end up blotchy/ streaky. If you needed a fake cheek look for Halloween or a children's party, this product makes that infamous perfect circular clown cheek but only if you leave it to dry in the place you put it and don't blend. Not what you might want to hear on a make up review BUT as long as you tailor the way your using the product it will meet your every need.

Anyone else use this? Do you love it too?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

MUA nail varnishes

Hi! Just thought I'd share the three new shades of nail varnish I've added to my collection. I think they are really summery and girly.

I'm happy with the way the varnishes apply (definitely need two coats) and really love the finish, (sorry about lack of pictures I only painted one nail in each colour). The only thing I'm not too impressed with is the copy cat packaging. Then again, we all know and love MUA for bringing cheaper versions of new high(er) end brand releases.

These were a snip at £1.00 each from Superdrug. I bought from L-R,Strawberry Crush, Bold Blue & Frozen Yoghurt.

 What do you think of these varnishes? what about the copycat bottles?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

The Body Shop Wild Cherry Body Butter

Evening, Hope you have all had a good Monday (if that's ever possible!). I thought that I'd share my new favourite body treat with you. It's The Body Shop's Wild Cherry Body Butter.

I've not used a Body Shop product in years so on the spur of the moment last week I decided to see if I could re kindle my old romance. My romance with The Body Shop stemmed from childhood, I used to go to Body Shop party's with my mum and she always used to buy me play soap. Unfortunately they stopped making it (Please Body Shop, bring it back, I know my little boy would love it!).

I love fruity products and things that smell sweet so this really jumped out at me. Nice and summery looking and I do adore cherries. This cost me £4.00 in store for 50 g which is really reasonable. I was very disappointed to find it cheaper on line, but, unless I spent more than £20.00 it would have cost more due to p&p. I'm always a bit miffed to find in store and on line prices vary. It should be the same either way, some people can't physically get to shops or use a computer.

That aside, the product is beautiful. The severity of the scent is just right, not too weak not too over bearing. It smells just like the tub would suggest, of cherries, almost good enough to eat.The consistency of the butter cream is as a body butter should be, thick and creamy and it melts onto the skin really well. It does make your skin feel instantly soft and its not sticky.

I do suffer from dry patches of skin on my arms (since pregnancy, oh the joys of babies no one tells us about!) and since using this not only has the dryness gone but the overall texture of my skin has improved.

I've made a promise to myself that I am going to buy more items from The Body Shop when I'm near a store and not just walk by. I want to try the shower gels next and more fruity smelling goodies, watch this space for more reviews.

Does anyone else have a store or product that they have neglected or fallen out of love with? Any favourite body shop products? what;s your favourite scent they produce? Get in touch!

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

ELF Eyes Lips Face Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder Luminance

Hello there! Thanks for stopping by. Today's post is about my ELF bronzer. With the odd flashes of sun we are blessed with every now and then, It's nice to have golden godess skin.

I purchased this bronzer a while back from the ELF website for the tiny price of just £1.50, I didn't expect it to be up to much and I intended on popping it in the little make up bag that I use for out and about. Yes, it might sound strange that I have a out and about cheaper bag, BUT, I have lost my make up bag when travelling in the past before. If you tot up how much moneys worth of product is in your kit, you can imagine how much it cost me to replace. £1.50 isn't something you'd cry about if you left it in a taxi, on a bus or airport.

I was pleasantly surprised by this bronzer. It isn't the type of bronzer I usually go for, I love Matte as opposed to anything with a shimmer. I do make the exception with this bronzer, when applied lightly and carefully this bronzer's shimmer is fantastic at contouring cheek bones and adding definition to eye/ brow bones and jaw lines. Its very highlighting. As the name Luminance would suggest, it illuminates the areas where you want definition.

The packaging is very basic, it doesn't look unsightly but it isn't the prettiest of pots. It has a good longevity when used with a good primer. It doesn't crumble easily when transferring to a brush so it doesn't leave you feeling patchy when applied. Its very easy to apply I use my Real Techniques Blush Brush and always get flawless results. If you love shimmer this will be perfect for you, if not, give it ago as a highlighter teamed with your usual bronzer.

For the price tag, its worth a try. Anyone else use this or one of the other shades?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo