MUA Make Up Academy Clear Mascara Shade 1

Hello there beautiful! Isn't this sunshine just delicious? The heat is amazing! The only down side is it's far too warm to have a face full of cosmetics. I've been enjoying looking and trying very natural looking, multi use and light wearing products to try and look pretty in the sun. I have completely avoided all of my black mascaras and eye brow pencils as I feel that those types of products sit really heavy on me and they always seem to smudge or run when the temperature gets turned up. That's where this Lovely little MUA mascara comes in.

I picked up this mascara from Superdrug for just £1.00 and have used it every day in the heat as a mascara and brow tidy. For me its more of a placebo as a mascara, it makes you feel like you aren't bare faced but gives that naked appearance, it doesn't do much to lashes (other than neaten and maybe thicken a little?) but it really excels as a brow tidy. If you have thick and un-ruely eyebrows you NEED this mascara. It keeps brows in place all day long. It looks completely transparent so its extremely natural looking. Ideal for the beach or pool where you don't want black or brown smudges on your face. 

To summarise, Very in expensive, dual purpose, great on brows. A summer must. 

Have you been looking for sun proof cosmetics? 

Much Love

Amy

xoxo

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave In Conditioner

Hello lovelies, If you haven't used Aussie Miracle then where have you been? This has been my staple hair care product for YEARS now and it has never failed me yet.

As you can see the squirty bottle is very nicely designed. The pump distributes the product thoroughly. The instructions are clear and easy to read, and the list of ingredients is just magical. I'm not exaggerating, who ever made this formula hit the jackpot as it really does smell amazing. What's more,  the smell actually clings to your hair so as you swish it you and those around you get to smell the lovely fragrance.

I'll always remember the night of my first date with my boyfriend and how terribly un-organised I was. I left myself 30 minutes to shower, change, brush my teeth, make up and do all the other pre first date things us women do, only on stepping into his car, I remembered I had completely forgot to put on any deodorant or perfume. Me personally, I was instantly concious of it and was really relieved when he said I smelled nice and asked what had I put in my hair. I don't know why I shared that useless piece of personal information BUT is suppose it shows that If you do have a first date or want to smell nice in a hurry, this is what you need.

Aside from the fragrance, This product works wonders. I spray liberal amounts into my bleached- straw like- thick hair and it really transforms my locks. The ends feel softer and less brittle, my hair always has a shine to it and I find my hair has a lot more strength after prolonged use. It works brilliantly as a detangler and really reduces snagging. I used to have really long hair and I always used this product so In my quest to grow my hair after my countless cuts and colours this is my go to product, (This and Moroccanoil). It doesn't weigh down your hair and there is no worry about Aussie making your hair feel greasy.

Aussie Miracle is retailing in Boots at the minute for £4.49, so Its great value for money. If you buy in boots too, They usually have a special offer on for 3 for 2 and If you have an advantage card you can collect points too.

Anyone else love this? Or have an alternate must have fave leave in conditioner?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

ELF Eyes Lips Face Lipsticks & Swatches

Hello Dolls, Hope you are well and enjoying the glorious sunshine! Today's post is about my ELF lipsticks. I'm not going to ramble on forever about them because they don't really need me to. To put it quite simply: Great lipsticks that have good longevity, nice range of colours, all very matte with a slight shine and feel moisturising. To top that off the cost just £1.50 each. 

Here's the colours I have in my collection. 

(From L-R: Fantasy, Seductive, Gypsy, Sociable, Flirtatious, Fearless)

These lipsticks are one of my favourite budget buys, I have all of these six for just over half the price tag of a trusty MAC. 

Anyone else use ELF lipsticks?

Much Love

Amy

xoxo

My Vitamin: True Woman, Hair, Skin & Nails.*

Hello dolls hope you are well. I've been so busy lately I feel like I have barely had time to breathe. I finally have keys to our first family home and things are well under way, we are having a new kitchen fitted, walls removed, garden landscaped. We need to do pretty much everything you can think of to get the house to look and feel like a home, our home. To add an extra job to the HUGE to do list I have my beautiful little boy has had a little growth spurt too, he no longer fits in his 6-9 month clothes so I have had to go out and buy him a new wardrobe. (Yes, he is just over 6 months but I'm 5 Foot 9 and a half and his daddy is easily 6 foot 3 so he is going to be a tall boy!). Anyway, less of the rambling, I do tend to do that a lot and sometimes forget to get to the point so here goes....

 

My vitamins is a really amazing supplement brand that launched in the summer of 2012. They offer a simplistic approach to buying vitamins and minerals on line. The brand have really spent time with their website  and the on line store is very easy to navigate, pleasing to the eye and the facts and details about each individual product are clear and easy to read. There's a really wide range of products too so something for every one. 


For me, beauty isn't just hair, skin, nails, but it's a good place to start. When you think about all of the products and elements we abuse our selves with, nail varnish, acetone, acrylics, hairspray, dye, straighteners, blow dryers, make up, pollution, dust, dirt, it's easy to understand why we can sometimes look and feel like we have endured a little wear and tear. I feel that it's really important to have good foundations to work with. If we are healthy and strong on the inside it reflects on the outside. Why not give our hair, skin and nails a little extra support and care? 


When I read the description of True Woman Hair Skin and Nails I new I needed to see if the product lived up to its expectations. My Vitamins notes that "True Woman Hair, Skin Nails is a definitive blend of ingredients crafted to support the body with fundamental nutrients to benefit the health of hair, skin and nails. This unique formula incorporates vitamins, minerals and other crucial nutrients that contribute towards everyday health. True Woman Hair, Skin and Nails is a great choice for women who want to maintain a healthy appearance. True Woman Hair, Skin & Nails also contains mixed Carotenoids, which has been known to help enhance tanned skin." Sounds like my kinda vitamin.

 

 

When The Supplement arrived I was really  happy with the packaging, I liked that it wasn't in a medication like tablet box. The foil packet makes it feel more like a health food, foiled of freshness. The packet is resealable and very easy to store. Unfortunately for me, the tablets were a tad on the chunky side, of all of the tablets I have taken during my 24 years, these were the most difficult to swallow. If you are willing to set that aside and want to take a supplement then these are worth it. 


I compared the ingredients list to that of a another brand and they are almost identical, the only difference is you don't have the huge price tag that accompanies the competition. (Yes Perfectil, I mean you, You and your £19.99 price tag  in boots for just 28!). My Vitamins retail their product at just £4.99 for 30. It certainly makes me wonder if we sometimes pay for a brand name and nothing else? 

I've used True Woman now for around three weeks. My hair looks glossier and my complexion has cleared. This may just be a coincidence as I have been taking more care of those two lately but, there is no mistaking the improvement to my nails. I usually find I get pesky little white spots under my nail if I give them a little knock or bang, I haven't noticed a single imperfection (apart from those I already had) and I'd usually expect new white spots where the old have grown out, so they have undoubtedly helped strengthen my nails. I do find that my nails chip and peel less too. 


What's not to like? If you take a vitamin try these for a change, could save you A LOT of money and achieve the same results. beauty is based on good foundations so why not introduce a supplement to your balanced diet to see if you notice any change. Check out the My Vitamin range at www.myvitamins.com.


Do you take any supplements?
Much Love
Amy
xoxo

Simple Kind To Lips Essential Lip Balm SPF 15

Hi! Hope you are enjoying the sun! It feels like such a long time since we have had weather worthy of calling Summer. I'm really loving the warmth but my little one is having a hard time of it. Its just too hot and clammy for babies and he doesn't know where he wants to be. I've got him lathered in factor 50 and stripped to a baby grow. If it stays sunny for the next few days, I'm going to buy a paddling pool for him, try and let him get some pleasure from the sun.

I think its really important to pay attention to SPF in the sun and to always wear protection. It can be so easy to burn and peel and really there is no reason at all we should put ourselves through the pain and hassle. One place that I can easily forget about and neglect in the sun is my lips. I noticed that I had a tube of Simple's new Kind To Lips Essential Lip Balm. I don't know how I came by this product, Not sure If it was something I bought or If it was a sample; I just can't remember to be honest. I'm not sure of the exact retail price but these are going on sale in ASDA, Tesco, Boots and Superdrug. 

The Packaging is really quite nice, Its fresh and clean. I love the combination of white and greens  as the white feels clean and green has a natural leafy feeling to it. Simple's packaging has always been one of my drug store favourites as far as skin care is concerned. The instructions and ingredients are clear and easy to read.

This Lip Balm isn't the best that I've ever used. I loved Figs and Rouge Rambling Rose Balm, but having said that, it's the best lip balm I've used in warm weather. It feels nice and moisturising, helping lips feel smooth. The formula is nice so its creamy but not tacky enough to run with heat. It has good longevity, lips feel nice and comfortable for hours. Its ideal for lips that have already dried too, as it helps restore your pout back to its former kissable glory, whilst preventing further damage with the SPF 15. 

The casing is very functional and the balm feels secure. Nothing worse than applying a tad pressure to a balm and it snapping off. There is a adequate amount of product tucked away in the tube and as you only seem to use the tiniest slick to do the job, Its going to last a long time. I've found It even helps lip stick stay in place better when used as a base. 

To summarize: A really great lipstick that has a space in every handbag. Universal so could be used by all the family. Only down side is I'm yet to see this product in my local shops. I'm going to the metro centre tomorrow (Well today to you lot, this post is scheduled a day in advance), so hopefully I will see it on shelves there. If not and you do want to try this keep an eye on the Simple website for updates.

What do you use to protect your lips in the sun? Do you use a high or low SPF?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

Stila Convertible Colour Trio In Warm

Hello there beautiful. I feel like I have been really neglecting you guys, I tried to schedule a few posts but didn't get to do as many as I'd like and unfortunately my life is rather hectic at the moment (This next little chunk is a ramble of why I'm so busy!). When I found out I was pregnant with my little boy, it was a HUGE shock. I was told it would be almost impossible for me to conceive without fertility treatment, so as you can imagine being in a warm trusting relationship, contraception was the least of my worries. After a trip to the doctors (Where I expected to be told I'd need an operation on my ovaries) I was told I was pregnant. I was so shocked, excited and amazed that it was actually happening to me. As much as we all wanted my baby, If we'd have known, we would have planned a little ahead. At the minute I still live at home with family with my baby and my better half lives at home with his family too. Its really nice having support from my family but we do now need our own space as our own new family. Now this is where my time is currently going, After spending unreal amounts of time looking for the perfect home we have finally found it. So now I'm arranging what work needs doing, decor, appliances and so on. So if I'm a little slower with posts, I do apologise! I still love you all and adore writing. 

I've been eyeing up the infamous Convertible Colours by Stila for quite some time, but always spent too much time um-ing and ah-ing over which shade to buy. That is, until a couple of weeks ago when I heard about their trio palettes and just knew that I had to own one. There are two palettes available, 'Cool' and 'Warm', each consisting of three shades - two classic favourites and one exclusive, limited edition shade. Perfect for an indecisive girl like me! After a little to-ing and fro-ing between which palette to buy, I settled with Warm. 

Gerbera and Camellia are the classic shades and Honeysuckle is the limited edition shade. All of the colours would work really well with all skin tones. My skin is looking slightly warmer this summer so this palette is just perfect for me. Although I do prefer Gerbera Myself! The palette is dual purpose and although the colours work exceptionally well on the lip, Its as a blusher where they really excel. The formula is very creamy and glossy and it's really well pigmented. You can wear it for a sheer and natural look or really build up a strong colour if you so desire. The product applies like a dream. It looks really pretty applied using fingers or I use my Real Techniques Lip or Stippling Brushes to achieve a perfectly polished look.  

The Packaging is nice too. The purple box is amazingly pretty and i can't bring myself to discard it so i keep my palette safe in that. the palette is cased in nice shiny black plastic and the set has a mirror to which is incredibly handy. The products smell really nice and the products last for a decent amount of time on the skin. once applied the blush lasts all day, the lips do need a touch up though as to be expected. 

(L-R, Gebera, Camellia, Honeysuckle) 

I have found that these colours seem to last forever, so as far as value for money goes, I don't see any reason why this palette wouldn't last over a year of everyday use. I'm now exceptionally tempted to purchase the cool palette too. The palettes are a steal at the price of £23.00, especially considering you receive three shades and a single Stila shade costs £16.00. I bought mine from Feel Unique. To summarise, really pretty colours, wearable, versatile and great value for money. If you need a new blush or are after a new lip product, I'd highly recommend that you give one of these palettes a try, you wont be disappointed. Do you love Stila products? What is your favourite?Much Love Amy xoxo

Model Co FIBRE LASHXTEND Mascara

Hi there and thanks for stopping by to look at today's post. I've had this Model Co Fibre Lashxtend mascara for quite some time now, If I remember rightly it was a Christmas gift but until recently, I barely used it. It was only when a magazine gave a free sample of it and a few blog reviews appeared that I decided to get mine out of hibernation and get some pleasure from it. 

I can't deny that this is a good mascara, It does apply really well and doesn't go clumpy. It gives the appearance of longer fuller lashes. Its water resistant yet removes easily. The colour is nice, it suits all eye colours. The consistency and the formula are perfect. It's just so darn costly. Give me this mascara for under £20.00 and it would be my new favourite. 

I really cannot justify paying £28.00 for a mascara, even the mascaras that claim to be miracle workers. There is no way on earth that a mascara can literally lengthen or add volume to lashes, its just an illusion. For me in order for me to pay over the odds for a mascara, it has to have a really brilliant brush (that reaches all lashes even those little weeny ones in the corners), it must be a good formula that doesn't clump yet is thick enough to look full, it has to have a decent life span, have a pretty packet. The closest I've found that ticks all of those boxes is benefits they're real. and that's at a snip of the price compared to this. 

The only saving grace for Model Co is they have a really handy little mirror on the side of the tube which helps application on the go. I will be using this mascara up, if I go to a festival or on a night out it will be my go to product. Just simply because of the mirror. I wouldn't complain if I received it as a gift again, but wont be saving pennies for it. 

How much is your limit for a mascara? Do you use Model Co products? Which ones? 

Much Love

Amy

xoxo

Calvin Klein Delicious Truth Lipstick in Retro

Hi, Hope you are feeling great! Today I'm sharing my most used lipstick (in the past few weeks). Its Calvin Klein's Delicious Truth in the shade Retro. I recently made a few purchases at Fragrance Direct this being one of them. I'd never tried anything from the Calvin Klein range before and when I noticed this reduced from £15.00 to £1.99 I couldn't resist it.

I must admit that the packaging is less than impressive, plain black, dull and boring. Even more shocking the lipstick didn't have it's own box. I know this lipstick was reduced and in the sale but when If I was spending above £10.00 on a Lipstick I'd expect a box (If you don't know already, I love boxes and packaging!!).

The lipstick isn't what I expected at all. It is rather opaque and shiny with just a hint of colour. I do normally prefer a matte colour but that aside, its a very nice natural day to day colour. The image of the colour on the website is VERY misleading, Its more of a bubblegum candy pink than the deep pink I was expecting. There are a few other shades available on the website.

The longevity of this lipstick is quite fair, it lasts an hour or so but after that touch ups are needed to keep that shiny lipstick look. Its an ideal pop in your handbag lipstick for day to day use. My niece (who is still in school) really loves this as its so subtle she can wear it in class. I'd say I'd buy from Calvin Klein in the future although I'd be really reluctant to buy on line without knowing the product or trying a sample. I'm not sure if it was an error by Fragrance direct or Calvin Klein but the description of this lipstick just didn't match the product.

Anyone else found the descriptions a little flawed? Or fell in love with this lipstick?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

ELF: Eyes Lips Face HD Blush Showstopper

Hello there beautiful! I feel like I've been really neglecting my little blog these past few days and I've even missed two #bbloggers chat's on twitter, shame on me! Unfortunately sometimes life takes over and you just have to put blogging on the back burner. BOO. I do have a little more time to myself these coming days so I will try and schedule and write as often as I can. I'm currently looking for our first family home too, so if any of you lovely lot have interior design or make up storage posts please get in touch! (Email, Twitter or just leave a comment).

Today's post is about ELF HD Blush in Showstopper. I had a little spare cash floating around in a paypal account and decided to buy myself some new make up, I wanted to try something that I wouldn't normally go for and this really caught my eye. I do absolutely adore blush but always seem to go for palettes, powders or creams so this squirty bottle was something a little new to me. I'd never normally buy plum colour blushes, I'm very much a coral or pink girl but I do feel that sometimes I miss out of discovering some fantastic products for fear of the unknown. The colour doesn't look as Harsh once its been blended properly although it is still a really strong well pigmented colour. I would like to try more colours from the range,because as much as I do love this I feel it would suit my skin tone better in winter months. It does look more of a deep plum pink on the skin.

The Blush isn't the easiest of blushes to use. The tiniest amount goes a LONG way. If you do buy this use the smallest amount you can and build it up to get the desired effect that you want, otherwise that blob is really going to make you look clown like. I did squirt this onto the palm of my hand and use my Real Techniques Stippling brush and after a little practice I managed to get this to sit and look perfect and flawless. The product is very fluid and personally I feel it adds a little stain to the cheek. Its best to be quick with this Blush. I'm not so sure where the HD comes into it in my opinion Bourjois cream blushes photograph and wear better.

The packaging is really quite nice. Its plain and sophisticated. Its great that you can see the colour of the product through the casing. The pump works brilliantly and its easy to choose how much or little you want to dispense. This blush cost me £3.75 for 10 ml. It Isn't as cheap as some other blushes made by ELF but I think they have the pricing just right. I wouldn't pay any more for this as as its fiddly to apply but I feel that once its on, it deserves its price tag. Maybe a tweak in formula to make this a little creamier would be the answer. Overall a good cheap cream blush, good pigmented colour but a little monster to apply.

Anyone else got this blush? or a HD blush? What do you think?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

NOTD Nail Of The Day Essie Tour De Finance

Hello lovelies! After placing a naughty little order from Fragrance Direct I was excited when this lovely bottle of Essie Nail polish dropped through my letter box. I've never used an Essie nail polish before (shock horror!) quite simply because there were no local retailers I was aware of without travelling all the way to the Metro Centre. When I spotted the varnish on the website I couldn't help but add it to my basket. To the best of my knowledge Essie polishes normally retail at around £7.99 so this was just a snip at £1.99. I chose the shade Tour De Finance as I really love pink nails. A touch of pink and i feel so incredibly girly and ready to take on the summer sun. I really like the Essie brand and will purchase more from them BUT I must say, I will remain loyal to Barry M as its cheaper and equal in quality, unless there is a alternate shade I really want. The wider applicator brush is great too.

I do think the colour would look gorgeous with nice neat long nails. Unfortunately I'm continually snipping and filing my nails so I don't snag them and scratch my little boy. So they don't look at feminine as I would like. Never Mind. The flash of Pink is all I need to add a touch of Glam.

I hope you like this shade as much as me. What are your fave nail shades? How many Essie Varnishes do you own?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo

Baby Soft Skin... Baby Bath Borrows.

Hey there. There's no denying we all strive for fresh looking, young skin. If you think of who in the world has the most perfect skin, it's got to be a babies hasn't it? So why not take heed from our little loved ones and lend their bath time basics? I use so many of my little boys products for my own vanity purposes and I always feel like I'm using something pure and gentle when I use something of his. Manufacturers of baby products must have spent millions on designing perfect products for the most sensitive skins. What's even more satisfying than knowing I'm using something gentle is the cost. Baby products these days are so very inexpensive these days and they could really give some premium high end beauty products a run for their money. All of the products I've featured retail at around £2.00 and they are available pretty much anywhere! I buy my baby basics from Boots as I collect points so I can buy myself a little something nice now and again.

Johnson's Cotton Buds:

I absolutely adore these buds. They are really versatile, If ever I have a little imperfection with my Make-Up I use a little bud dipped in remover and I can clean up the error with precision. I enjoy painting my nails but unfortunately I'm not blessed with the steadiest of hands so again a little nail varnish soaked on the end of a bud and it works like the eraser on the end of a pencil. 

Baby Oil: 

Baby Oil comes in really handy for removing false eyelashes. A little bit on the end of a cotton bud and a few rubs and viola! removal without pulling out pretty lashes. A few drops of baby oil in your bath or massaged onto the body works wonders for dry skin. It can be used to aid tanning to  but personally I feel that it should be avoided and we should always use a sun screen or something with SPF designed to enhance tan. Burnt red skin never looks good. 

Johnson's Baby Powder: 

This is one of the products i don't tend to use as often BUT it still has its place. If I run out of dry shampoo and don't have time for a wash I massage the tiniest bit through my roots and ends and my hair looks a lot cleaner. I use the powder after a bath or swimming too, It always makes clothes or pyjamas feel soo much better and you can't beat the smell of talcum powder. 

Johnson's Baby Shampoo: 

My most used baby borrow. I'm guessing if you are taking time to read my beauty blog you wear make up right? So that means you'll use make up brushes to apply lovely goodies? Well that means you need Baby Shampoo in your life. Its really important to wash your brushes/ sponges and keep everything sanitised and hygienic so that you not only get best results but prevent infection too. I have tried a million and one brush cleaners and I feel baby shampoo achieves the deepest most gentle clean. I really like MAC's brush cleaner but it is a lot more expensive and when you need to clean on a regular basis and you have a lot of brushes it works out a dear do. The shampoo leaves my Real Techniques brushes feeling like brand new. 

Pampers Baby Wipes:

I know how important skincare routine is but as a new mummy I don't always get time to adhere to routine as much as I'd like. So If I don't have time to remove all of my make up, cleanse, tone and moisturise, I use a baby wipe for a quick freshen up and to remove any grime. The wipes hold their moisture too so they last a long time. They are very gentle so even the most sensitive of skins can use wipes. I have a horse and when I do have time to go out riding, some of the tracks and routes I use can be very dusty so when I return from my ride, Its nice to give my face and neck a quick once over to feel clean and free from pore clogging dust. ERGH!

Do you have any products that you use for a different purpose? Or have any Baby goodies you use? 

Much Love 

Amy

xoxo

Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Match

Hello there beautiful. Hope you have had a lovely weekend! I want to introduce you all to my newest little addition to my skincare routine and oh what a shooting star it is. I requested a moisturiser trial from Garnier a little while ago and they sent me three different samples from the Moisture Match range. There are five different combinations so ideally I feel they should have sent a trial of them all to ensure I had all the combinations to tailor the products to my skin type. That said, It was really easy for me to decide which moisturiser would be best for me. The range includes Protect and Glow, Start Afresh, Goodbye Dry, Wake Me Up ans Shine Be Gone. There was no doubt about it I'd need Goodbye Dry. I was going to wait for my current moisturiser to run out and then purchase the Garnier but I quite simply couldn't wait when I noticed the amazing offer in ASDA whereby these moisturisers were just £3.00 Yes, you read that right. What a bargain.

First of all isn't this packaging just the sweetest? It's very girly yet fresh looking. I love that the moisturiser comes in a little box too, I don't know why but I do have somewhat of a love affair with pretty packages in boxes. The instructions are clear and simple and easy to read.
Secondly wow! This Moisturiser is just the best. I don't even know where to start. From the first application my skin felt so very hydrated, It simply drank this product. It absorbed into my skin very quickly. Brilliant if you are in a rush. I do tend to find I'm prone areas of skin that can be exceptionally dry and my make up and other cosmetics never really sit well where my skins imperfections stamp their feet. I say stamp their feet because I have tried scrubs, moisturisers and everything in between to try and tackle these problem areas but nothing that doesn't break the bank has ever really worked (Yes SK-II, I would have loved to have repurchased you but you are just too darn costly!) This moisturiser has literally balanced my skin. To look at now, anyone would think I have normal skin with a really healthy glow.

The consistency of the cream is just beautiful. It didn't feel gloopy or greasy. It is very rich so just a small amount goes a long way. The cream smells very pleasant too. I have noticed a really big improvement to the texture of my skin, it's less flaky, less patchy and I have barely had an imperfection since using this moisturiser. I don't know about you but I do tend to find my sensitive skin can flare up when I alter my skincare routine so it was nice to use a product that is so gentle, my skin didn't notice a change only improvement.

I simply cannot rave about these moisturisers enough. Brilliant value for money even at full retail price (Still under £10.00). They all appear to do exactly what they were designed to do. There are a million and one moisturisers out there on the market but if you want one to work, use Moisture Match. The easiest way to achieve the desired finish you want for your skin.

Anyone else in love with Garnier? What Variant will suit your skin type?

Much Love
Amy
xoxo