MAC Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick

When I heard the next Viva Glam celebrity was going to be Ariana Grande I knew I was going to invest. It didn't matter what shade it was - I was interested. (any excuse to buy another MAC product really....)
I'll admit it - I'm a fan girl! I love Ari, she's a babe!

Anyway.... the collection was released and at first I was actually a little unsure whether to take the plunge and buy it, but because it looked so awesome on Ari (Yup, we are so close I can call her that...) so I decided that it was a must and my life wouldn't be complete without it.

This Viva Glam isn't like any of the others I've had before, I'm used to the fun girly pinks of Nicki and Miley but this lippy is super dark - a gorgeous matte plum in fact! 
Don't be alarmed buy the shade in the tube - it isn't as scary once applied!

The shade is gorgeous, I'm in love and so,so pleased I decided to buy it.
The forumla is surprisingly moisturising for a matte shade - a little like the feel of Velvet Teddy (my number one lippy).

I highly recommend you pair this with a liner though - it's too easy to make a mess of it .... as I may have found out!
 I have a liner slightly lighter which isn't overly great with it so I think I'll be investing in one a bit darker to perfect the look!

I cannot wait to wear this on a night out - is it sad I kind of want to base my outfit around it?!

Have any of you tried it out yet?! You can check it out - here.

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10 Holy Grail Beauty Products

I'm often asked what my 'favourite' this or 'favourite' that is and alot of the time I don't have a definitive answer.

But there are a handful of products out there that I can easily class as my holy grail's. Products that, since finding, I haven't turned my back on, replaced with anything else or haven't yet found better.

I always love seeing everyones ultimate beauty favourites (as beauty blogger's I mean... it takes alot to become number 1 in someones eyes) so I thought I would share 10 of my beauty products that I just cannot be without!

SKINCARE

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

My number one, my favourite, my desert island choice. I love this stuff.

 I am yet to find a product better than this when it comes to make-up removal and I really do struggle to live without it. I mean, I'm sure most of you have tried this by now but if not I'll give you a quick low-down. Cleanse and Polish is a lovely creamy hot cloth cleanser which you pop straight onto your skin. You then remove it (along with all your make-up) with a wam muslin cloth. I usually use 2-3 pumps depending on how much make-up I'm wearing and I also feel fresh as a daisy afterwards! THE best.

Nivea Hydration Primer

My everyday base. Yes I use other make-up primers such as Porefessional and Baby Skin but this is always my first step when it comes to my make-up routine.

I'm not a fan of day creams or thick moisturises as they tendd to clog up my skin alot and I hate that feeling. This however is a lovely light moisturiser which really does waken my skin each morning, leaving it feel hydrated and smooth - I couldn't even tell you how many of these I've been through in the last 18 months or so.

MAKE-UP

MAC Lipsticks

Duh! What beauty bloggers DOESN'T love MAC lippys! My collection is ever-growing and I don't think I'll eve get bored of the colours I own already. The amount of choice is insane and the quality is just fabulous! Want to know my most worn shades? Then check out my post - here.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

This is my everyday foundation. The foundation I wear to work, for days out, even when I pop to the shops - I love the coverage and haven't switched back to another foundation in nearly 2 years now! I'm always recommending this stuff and even mix it with my MAC stusio sculpt for girls nights out.I wear the shade Vanilla most of the year.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

The ultimate holy grail. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette of all time and the one which I always go to as my fail safe. I've had this palette for nearly 3 years now and it has been one of the best Christmas presents I ever got (Thanks Mum & Dad!). and as you can see from the photo - it really does last and last so it is so worth the price.

Eylure False Eyelashes

The greatest and easiest to use eyelashes out there. I'm pretty useless when it comes to eyelashes but slowly but surely I've learnt the nack of how to pop these on with ease ..... even after a couple of vodkas! 101 and 107's are my ultimate favourties.

BODY

Mitchum Deodorant

The greatest deodrant ever made? I think so. I've used this since I was a teenager and have dared to try anything else since! I've got so many of my friends using this too - no sweating, no smelling.... it's amazeballs.

St. Moriz Fake Tanning Mousse

I've tried a good few fake tanners in my time but I always seem to go back to St, Moriz, for the price the quality is insane - just as good as the more expensive brands, This is the tan I always send people too, plus they have so many different products and shades to choose from aswell so there is something for everyone. (I've only just started to brave using the 'dark' shade!)

ESSENTIALS

Bath & Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gels

Well.... I couldn't live without these could I?! The amount I have gone through in the last 3 years is kind of embarrassing! Obviously I can't get them here in the UK so each time I have been in the US I have tried to fully stock up! (especially as they are so cheap, I think they are like 5 for $5 - bargain!) The scents to choose from are incredible, I akways have one lurking around in my handbag!

Tangle Teezer

Last but not least, my Tangle Teezer. Well.... one of the three that I own... yes 3! I hardly ever use a proper hairbrush anymore, only these. I feel like my hair is so much stronger from swapping over to these plus I don't loose as much hair whilst tugging and pulling like before! A total must.

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A New Look : London Retro - Piccadilly Glasses

Why yes that is me - and yes I am wearing glasses, you like?

When I was asked if I'd like to try out a new pair of glasses from Glasses Direct - I jumped at the chance. It's been a loooong time since I picked out new frames and the ones I did have were so dated and made me look like a 46 year old librarian ..... they really weren't great.

So being able to try something completely new and giving myself a new look had me really excited!
I knew I wanted to go for something a bit bigger than my previous frames, I have a big face (yes I can except it.) so small glasses just don't really do me any favours!

I ended up going with the London Retro Piccadilly frames which you can see below in all their glory :)

London Retro - Piccadilly*

Glasses Direct are a fantastic website for both men and woman and have a huge range of designers to choose from.
It's also great for someone like me who is a little bit fussy and wants things just right - so to help you pick your favourite pair they offer a fab Free 7 day trial. (genius!)

Just pick 4 frames you like the look of and GD will send them out to you within 2 days. You can then try them out for real, pick your favourite and the order them! Easy peasy and no awkward ordering and regretting!

I am absolutely loving these from London Retro and definitely think I made the right choice with Piccadilly! They are plain black which I love as they go with everything (unlike my previous red things!) and I love the slight cat eye style.

I was also really intruiged to see that London Retro have teamed up with designer Nicholas King to create a limited edition range! This range of statement eyewear is to support the worldwide eye care charity Orbis - who you can find out more about right here.
Anything that helps a charity out is all good in my books, especially when you're getting something awesome for yourself at the same time, the range is available exclusively at Glassesdirect.co.uk and all profits will be donated to the wonderful people at Orbis.

So... what do you think of my new look?

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I'm Loving... #20

It's been a while since I did one of these - I've missed it!
 I've decided to change the name of these posts to "I'm Loving" instead of "This Week I'm Loving" just because they may not be weekly so I think it suits it better!

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

I thought I had lost this favourite of mine, so when I stumbled across it in an old bag this month I coulnd't help to whip out a happy dance! I had been missing this shade so much and since finding it I have been wearing it so much, perfect with my Whirl lip liner.

Armani Diamonds Perfume

New perfume alert! Yes I finally cracked and spent some of my Boots points I was saving for Christmas.... shame on me! I had got up to £86 and was feeling like cheering myself up and this was on offer so I couldn't really say no! £29.99 instead of £52! I love this scent, it's not something I've had before and I think I will be saving it for special occasions - not an everyday work scent.

Brita Fill & Go

Something else now that I splashed out my points on because it was on offer! I had been looking at these for a while... I buy so many bottles of water which is ridiculous really so I thought this was a great way to save some money. I've been keeping this in the fridge and popping some lemon slices in there too - great for the skin!

Rock Challenge (Ryde Academy)

This is something very random for the blog but also something very close to my heart! I did Rock Challenge throughout my years at high school, in fact I did it for 5 years with 3 of those years being part of the committee that create the pieces.

 Since leaving high school back in 2008 I have missed being part of this amazing, fun and emotional thing that is Rock Challenge! I went and watched my school participate in the Premier Final this week and am SO proud of them! They came 2nd and are on their way to the National Finals and rightly so! #RydeRockTheHouse (I would literally do anything to go back to school and take part again!)

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

You may have seen my review on this a few weeks ago! This has happily slotted it's way into my everyday beauty routine and to be honest I'm not sure how I spent so many years without it! If you want to know a bit more check out my review - here.

Little Mix - Black Magic

I.love.this.song. Little Mix can do no wrong in my eyes - I cannot wait to get their new album!

Benefit They're Real Mascara

When I was clearing out my make-up collection earlier this month I found a whole aray of Benefit minatures that I had forgotten about - some I hadn't even tried yet! This was one of them and using it for the last week or so has reminded me how brilliant it is! Although I can't decided whether I prefer this one or Roller Lash..... what do you think?

Jurassic World

This movie is bloody brilliant!!! I love the originals so much and have been So excited for this since it was annouced and it didn't disappoint! In fact... I want to go and see it again! Chris Pratt gets 11/10 from me.

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Berry Sorbet Anti-Bac Gel

My most favouritest hand gel at the moment! Aswell as smelling amazing this brings back so many memories of America - I LOVE this scent. 

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MAC Viva Glam Miley Lipstick Review

Now, Mac is a brand that a love - alot, but it's also a brand I can't afford to buy willy nilly! (Yes, I'm a poor, poor sole - get that violin out!)

BUT when I saw that the UK was releasing the Viva Glam Miley I knew that I had to invest in the lipstick! As soon as I spotted it on the MAC site I popped it into my basket and headed straight to the checkout before I could be tempted by anything else! 

I used the every-so-helpful code MACTREAT which got me free delivery AND a free sample of a mascara which is amazing - I hate paying postage so any site that can give me free delivery is highly likely to receive my custom!

Anyway back to the product.... this is a total and utter beaut (you probably saw my Instagram post last week)! I do love my MAC lipsticks and it always excites me greatly to have a new one join my collection, as I don't actually buy them that often!

MAC Viva Glam Miley Lipstick

Viva Glam Miley has the iconic mac lipstick formula which I am such a fan off! A hot fushciia pink shade with amazing pigmentation and lasting power - check!
This is my favourite kind of lipstick, a bold colour in a creamy formula - and it's a hot pink (my most worn of all the pinks!), I can't say anything bad about it!

(Sorry this is just a pic from Instagram so the colours are slightly edited... rubbish aren't I!)

I'm really glad I splashed out the £15.50 on this, not only is it going to be one of my most worn this year (I can feel it) but some of the proceeds goes to charity which is awesome! The only other Viva Glam I have is the Nicki Minaj lipstick which I got in New York and have used soooo much over the last few year - these lipsticks rock!

Would you guys be interested in a MAC lipstick collection post? It's something I've been considering for a while!

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This Week I'm Loving... #7 (& My Fifty Shades Movie Review!)

Canon 700D

It's official - I own a DSLR! I have been wanting one of these beautiful cameras for so, so long now and after receiving some money for my birthday I went ahead and invested!

 I went for the Canon 700D for a few reasons and have been overwhelmed by how awesome it is so far! Obviously I'm a total beginner with this sort of thing so there is definitely alot for me to learn but I can't wait!

Dirty Looks Quad Piece

After my lovely friend G chopped this clip from my extensions set to my own hair length a few weeks ago I have been wearing it non-stop! I have actually given up on wearing the whole set of extensions and live for this one easy clip! 

Being a quad piece it is alot thicker than all the other bits I have and it gives such an amazing natural look! Here's a photo of me with it in - here! I think it blends so well with my hair now I've had it dyed and makes me hair look so much thicker than it is - I really want to buy another one on payday!

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask

You may have read my review all about this in my last post (see sidebar for that one!) so I won't ramble on about it again! All you need to know is that this stuffed has saved my newely bleached hair from dry, cottoon-wool feel hell! AND I've actually grabbed a bottle for one of you to win :) So head over to Instagram now and enter quick, comp ends on Wednesday evening! 

Popchips

Holy Moly I've found a new snack that I'm obsessed with. Damn, it's like weekly now that I'm finding these new treats I want to eat 24/7! I was actually sent some bag of Popchips from their lovely team to try and as soon as I tried my first bag I was sold! I'm not really a crisp person, I hardly ever eat crisps - if I was to have anything it would be Ryvita minis or snack-a-jacks! So these are right up my treat street! Me and Joe have already eaten the whole box we were sent.... shame on us BUT I managed to get some more today in my local Tesco AND they were on offer - only 89p for a huge bag, YUM!

Better Call Saul

I'm sure I'm not the only person who sat down as soon as they could this past Monday & Tuesday to watch the first 2 episodes! I am a huge Breaking Bad fan and always will be so for there to be prequl/spin-off show just gets me hugely excited! I loved Saul in BB - I thought he was hilarious, such a loveable fool and after seeing the first couple of episodes It think this series is going to be just as brilliant as BB!

Mac Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick

Opps! I had forgotten I owned this! I bought this in the airport in Orlando before I flew home to England and it just kind of got chucked into my make-up collection when I got home! But after wearing it out shopping last week I have found myself reaching for it more and more! This fairly sheer (compared to others I own) baby pink is perfect for a simple girly look.

Taylor Swift Incredible Things Perfume

As soon as I had mentioned this to my lovely Mum I knew it would be wrapped up for me for February 8th! (She's such a babe!) 

Yes T-Swiz - my queen - has another perfume out and I bloomin' well love it! I've decided I'm not going to use this daily - only on my days off work and when I'm off out doings things.... wearing it to work is a waste. (Especially as I work with perfume and end up spraying myself for half the day anyway!)

Cloud 9 Magical Duet*

Now this is something that I have to admit - I forgot I owned until about 2 weeks ago when I was having a good old tidy! I used these two alot just before xmas and at the end of last year and really, really enjoyed them! 

There is the Magical Remedy and the Magical Potion. The Remedy I've found is fab for popping in the ends of my hair after I've washed it and letting it air dry, this is hands down my favourite way to use it although there are a few other options! Where it's such a small tube I only like to use a small dollop. It really does make my hair feel softer and alot less coarse, perfect for all this dying I seem to be doing lately! 

The potion I used more at Xmas time as I had alot more things to "do" my hair for which involved alot of hair drying ..... I'm not one to dry my hair everytime I wash it I normally just let it air dry! This stuff is great as a heat protector too and I reckon it does cut down drying time ... plus I have the ghd air which helps too! Check them out on the official site here they makes an amazing present for a hair obsesser like myself!

Fifty Shades Of Grey Movie

Last but not least it's probably what you all want to read about - what on earth did I think of the 50 Shades movie?! Well being in this particular post I think you can probably tell that - yes I did like it!

I read all three books in just a week back in 2012 - and I'm not ashamed to say I enjoyed them! Yes they aren't literary genius or going to go down in history as a fantastic novel but they were easy to read and I enjoyed reading them (it isn't all about sex you know!)

I was a little reluctant at first to see the movie - the reviews out have been a tad critical and some just totally harsh, so when I went into my local cinema I wasn't expecting much!

Saying all this when it came down to it.... I actually really liked it! I think going in with an open mind and not really expecting alot helped (plus a shirtless Jamie is always going to up my rating of anything!) I knew the plot obviously and yes there were a few bits missing but I think that happens with every book-to-movie transition! 

Dakota was a fantastic Ana in my opinion, she made me laugh out loud with her one liners and sarcasm and that drunk phone-call scene was brilliant! Jamie is a god as we all know and I loved him as Christian all dark and brooding! 

I think this movie has been taken way too seriously by some and should just be taken for what it is! I will be looking forward to Fifty Shades Darker whenever it may appear! 

Have you seen it yet? What do you think?

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Mac Amplified Creme Lipstick - Girl About Town Review

Here is the last of the Mac lipsticks I got for my birthday (I know, I'm a lucky lucky girl!) Check out my previous reviews of Impassioned & Candy Yum-Yum! As you can tell I have a major love for lipsticks.... especially pink ones! 

Another Amplified Creme from Mac here, a gorgeous creamy formula (my fav!). I have been eyeing this up honestly for months and months and now I finally have it I'm actually annoyed I hadn't bought it sooner because it is a beaut!

This shade reminds me slightly of a Mac lipstick I bought years ago called Trimming Talk, which was discontinued, (yup I was devo!) just a little less vibrant - it is a gorgeous deep fusicha shade.

As you can see I've already worn this one - couldn't wait sorry! Although I probably should of cleaned it up a bit before giving it a photoshoot - opps a daisy! I do look after my make-up I promise!

This is such a wearable colour - daytime, nighttime even bloomin bedtime - I will be wearing this!

I choose to wear this out for my birthday night out and thought I'd insert some photos in here so you can see what it looks like on - because normally I'm rubbish at doing that - blogger fail! (in some of these I may be a little tipsy... but it was my birthday so you can let me off right?)

It's a little darker than the other shades I featured recently but for me this is a must have colour! If you're looking to purchase a new or even your first mac lipstick I would highly recommend Girl About Town!

The pigmentation as always with Amplified creme's is perfect for me - just one swipe and you get a flawless thick opaque colour (like below) - what more could you want?

Girl About Town  is £15 and I think well worth it - I've found a pink that is so wearable and great for my skintone, a product I'd buy over and over again!

Have you tried Girl About Town?

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Mac Amplified Creme Lipstick - Impassioned Review

Oh hello there lovely readers - I am back with another review, horrayyyy I hear you cheer! I feel like I haven't done a proper good old beauty blogger review in forever (I've missed it!) and am so glad to be back in the game with the first of 3 new mac lipsticks I want to share with you guys!

If you saw my mini birthday haul (or my instagram) you will know that my lovely boyfriend spoilt me with 3 new Mac lipsticks for my birthday... I know, such a nice guy..... so I thought I would go ahead and take some photos of the beauties, first up - Impassioned.

Now when I hit Twitter a couple of weeks ago and asked what shades you girls thought I should be lusting after sooo many of you piped up and said this badboy and I have to say - I am glad I listened to you all.. good choice ladies!

I had looked online at other reviews and swatches and thought it looked gorgeous and now I have it here I have to say it looks even better in real life.

Firstly, it is one of the amplified creme lipsticks - a personal favourite formula of mine.

I love how shiny and creamy these shades come out and the pigmentation is fabulous - only one swipe and this colour is completely opaque... now that is the results I want from a lipstick! (none of this sheer, use 100 coats to get a good colour rubbish!)

As you can see by the photos - I've already used it! Yup sorry for breaking blogger rule #1 - taking photos of the product in brand new, mint condition - but it was my birthday and I couldn't wait to get this on my lips! (you can forgive me right?)

This is such a bright, fun and unique shade - I'm happy to say I don't think I have any others that are similar. (which is pretty good for someone who has nearly 70 lipsticks!)

Perfect for both days and evenings I can see me wearing this constantly all year round!

Bright lips in summer are my fav!

I think Impassioned would suit a range of skin tones, I'm super pale and it doesn't look ridiculous on me and I can imagine it looking fab when I have a tan too (if that ever happens!)

If you are after a new pink shade and want to avoid the standard Barbie pink this is a great colour for you - with it's bright watermelon-like colour it stands out a mile.

Not only am I loving this colour but it's stay time is super impressive - I literally had to use my cleanse and polish to get it off - that is what I call long-lasting!

As you all know Mac lipsticks are now £15 - I'm very lucky to have received it as a present as £15 for a lipstick isn't something I can afford to do alot  (even though I have a list as long as my arm that I want to invest in!)  - although I do think the quality for the price is definitely worth it.

Bring on my trip to the USA and cheaper Mac price tags!

What are your favourite lipstick shades (Mac or not!) ?

Keep your eyes peeled for some more Mac lipstick reviews coming soon.

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