September Favourites 2015

Well, well, well it has been a little while since I uploaded a monthly favourites post or video, so I thought it was about time I started them up again - let's jump straight on in!

Let's start off by talking make-up. My Seventeen shimmer brick has been a godsend since my Fake Bake beauty ran out a few months back (I just can't seem to get hold of another one).  This is a gorgeous finishing touch to my everyday make-up routine, a summer glow is a constant mission of mine!

My Naked palette has been my go-to palette this month, nearly 3 years and countless smokey eyes later and I'm still so in love with this classic. I still love playing around with the different shades, they are so easy to wear.

My lipstick of the month HAS to be MAC's Velvet Teddy - I cannot stop wearing this, it is such an easy shade to just put on no matter what I'm doing or wearing, it's nearly running out which I'm pretty devo about.

Little Ondine is a brand I talked about last week, their nail polishes have changed my thoughts on doing my own nails - they are just so easy and I love this pretty baby blue shade. (Full review here)

The Lee Stafford Arganoil Nourishing Miracle Mist is easily my favourite hair product of the month, it has made my hair feel so much softer and healthier - I couldn't even tell you how many times I've used it already.

Yes, that is an anti-bac hand gel you see there. This is the cheeky little number that has been living in my handbag for the length of September - one of Bath & Body Works best (of course) this is Cozy Vanilla Cream and it smells so yummy!

Skincare pick of the month is my Simple protecting light moisturiser. I'm not normally one for wearing a moisturiser at night but with the change in weather recently my skin has been a little drier than usual but just a light layer of this each night has worked wonders. My skin never really works well with thick, expensive creams so this is perfect.

My Travalo Milano has probably been everywhere with me this month - armed with my fav Vera Wang Princess - this was amazing when spending whole days at Bestival and great for a little freshen up while I'm at work or out for the day! (Full review here)

Dry lips have been the bane of my life the past few weeks so having a lip balm next to my bed has been a total and utter must! Nivea's lip butter in Blueberry has been my balm of choice - I LOVE these butters so much, I still can't decide what my favourite scent is.

Last but not least is a candle from PartyLite candles - you may remember seeing this in a post last month. This Berry Blossom candle is totally Sweet Pea scented and I have been burning it like crazy (as you can see from the photo above!) This candle brand has had me SO impressed, they last for hours and hours and the scent really does fill the whole room/home!

Are you still a fan of the classic monthly favourites posts?

What have been your favourites products from the past month?

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I'm Loving... #22

Total Divas

Being a reality TV show whore I cannot believe I haven't started watching this sooner - I am obsessed. Like crazy obsessed! This show is awesome - I am currently watching season 1 and season 4 at the same time and I'm sure it won't be long until I'm totally caught up! I LOVE the Bella Twins - girl crush overload!

Holly Madison - Down The Rabbit Hole

I've mentioned this a few times over the last few weeks. I was a huge fan of Girls Next Door and a big fan of Holly - I met her in Vegas and she was lovely! As soon as this book was announced I was counting down the days until I could get my mitts on it! It is soooo interesting, you really do see the other side of Playboy and the famous mansion! I haven't finished it yet, purely because I don't want it to end so I'm making it last for a little while longer! If you want to know all the inside goss I suggest you go grab this while you can! I got my hardback cover from Amazon :)

Estee Lauder Modern Muse Le Rouge Perfume

You may have seen my post yesterday about this new perfume in my life! New signature scent - I'm in love! (Review here!)

L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Feline Mascara

Ooooo something else I've done a review on recently! I have used this every single day since buying it - it is brilliant for my short stumpy lashes and used alongside my eyelash curlers this really does help to make a big difference! (full review here)

Touch Of Silver Hairspray

After trying out some new do's recently (like here) I've been using alot more hairspray than usual! I want to start wearing my hiar up more so that it grows faster - last time I grew my hair avoiding heat was the best way! This hairspray is amazing! It feels so light and smells amazing (a little like Aussie) - everything I try from this brand is just perfect for my hair!

Ru Paul  What's The Tee? Podcast

I have become a total lover of podcasts and Ru Paul's What's The Tee? has been making my journeys to and from work a whole lot better! Not only do Ru and Michelle make me full on LOL whilst walking down the road but they have such much wise life advice that I love taking in!

Crunchy Nut Chocolate Granola

Jesus Christ someone needs to take this stuff away from me. I honestly think I could sit and eat the whole bag in one sitting.

Disney Pixar's - Lava

If any of you have been to see Inside Out yet you would have been greeted with this super cute Pixar short before the film began. I fell in love with it - the song makes me so so happy.

Simple Illuminating Radiance Cream

I've been using this stuff for the past couple of weeks instead of a primer and I have been loving my skin! It works just as well as a primer and leaves me with a lovely - non-shiny/greasy glow! IT's still half price at Boots at the moment - try it out girls you won't be disappointed!

New Look Platform Sandals

Did someone say new shoes? You may have spotted these in my OOTD for the Southampton Bloggers meet up on my Instagram (here) - they were literally the most comfy shoes and even though I felt a little tall compared to some of the girls in flats I loved how they looked with my skirt and top combo... and the best thing?! They are only £12 in the sale - here!

What have you been loving lately?

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Simple Skincare Haul

When I saw that Boots had the whole of the Simple skincare range at half price last week I thought it would just be plain RUDE not to invest in a few bits for myself.
I love Simple and have been using it on and off since I was probably about 14- alongside Nivea they have got to be my favourite drugstore skincare brand.
Being on a bit of a budget for the next year ( you can read about about that here) I will be splashing out less on more expensive high end products/brands and sticking to barry bargains which I know work well!
I picked up 7 products from the range and wanted to tell you all about them as I have been so excited about how cheap they are right now!

L2R : Facial Wash, Facial Toner, Facial Scrub, Light Moisturiser, Illuminating Cream, BB Cream & Handwash.

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel - Was £3.39 Now £1.69

This is a product I've used before, but not for a long while! I have to have a facial wash in the shower for every morning, something to wake both me and my skin up and prep my skin ready for my morning skincare routine and make-up!

Simple Soothing Facial Toner - Was £3.29 Now £1.64

This is always my back-up when I run out of my Liz Earle Skin Tonic. This is something I use every morning and every night - I feel grotty without a toner!

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub - Was £3.39 Now £1.69

I'm a scrub addict. Especially during the summer months when I feel I can notice build up so much more! For the price this is a total bargain - great to keep in the shower and use 1 or 2 times a week!

Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser - Was £4.35 Now £2.17 

I'm such a naughty girl when it comes to moisturising... after trying out a few thicker creams and my skin not reacting well I have become very distant from this everyday step. I used to use this as a teen and I thought for this cheap price - why not try it again! (So far so good...)

Simple Illuminating Radiance Cream - Was £6.59 Now £3.29

I have wanted to try this for so long, but my stingy self has refused to pay out the missley £6.59 for it haha! My Mum bought this months and months ago and said how much she liked it and I'm really glad I have finally bought it as it is lovely!

Simple Perfecting BB Beauty Balm - Was £6.29 Now £3.14

Again... I've wanted to try this since the day it came out! BB/CC creams are a favourite of mine for this time of year and I'm looking forward to using something a little lighter than my usual high coverage foundation. The only thing that worries me is that from what I saw there is only one shade... I haven't tried it yet so I'm hoping it will be okay!

Simple Handwash - Was £2.10 Now £1.05

Last but not least something for the kitchen/bathroom (which ever one runs out first!) I wash my hands alot so having something which is kind to skin is really good for me and for half the price I thought it would be a nice treat!

Do you use anything from Simple? What are your favourite products?

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February Favourites 2015

March is here - yes, we are already into the third month of 2015... I'm as shocked as you are!
With that in mind, it's about time I shared with you my February favourites for this year!

Lee Stafford Ubuntu Oils Heat Protection Spray
I've actually just finished this bottle ... and am totally gutted to be out! I love LS products and the ubuntu oils scent is awesome. This leaves my real hair and my extensions smelling lovely and feeling soft even after abusing it with heat!

Bleach London Reincarnation Mask
Now I think you all probably could have guessed that this would make an experience in my favourites - I've raved and raved about it this past month! I managed to get one for only £3 from Boots (half bloomin price!) which was awesome! And once I'd used it and fallen in love I went straight back and got 3 more! 
This stuff is a life saver for dry, bleached, over-processed hair - it has changed my for the better and I will continue to use it until they stop making it! 

Bleach London Silver Shampoo & Conditioner
Alongside the mask I managed to get these 2 half price aswell - and it was 3 for 2 so I only had to pay for 2 of them... bargain central! I have used silver shampoo's before but have always been nervous about leaving them on too long! I have been using these two around once a week for the past month and I can definitely see the difference, plus the conditioner makes my hair feel so nice!

Mac Lip Liner - Hip n Happy
This was a birthday present from one of my bestests and I'm in love! It is actually my first Mac lip liner (although I have just purchased another!) I love the baby pink shade and the quality is awesome.... why don't I owe them all?!

Bourjois Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Nude-ist
Hands down my most worn lip colour of the month. This nude is perfect, I love the velvet matte formula, they stay on for hours and don't budge an inch!

Taylor Swift Incredible Things
Another lovely birthday present, this time from my Mum & Dad! We all know I'm a huge T-Swiz fan and so her new perfume was on the top of my wishlist! I love it and have been wearing it everyday that I'm not at work!

Remington Waving Wand
Alot of people on twitter and facebook ask me how I curl my hair. This thing is the answer! I have the babyliss version too! It has a squared barrell instead of the usual round and works so well! Hold it upsidedown and wrap your hair around it away from your face to create the perfect waves and curls!

Simple Facial Toner! Keeping my 
This has been a great cheap replacement for my Liz Earle Skin Tonic for the month and it's been great! Funky fresh skin every morning and night.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
Like the rest of the beauty obsessed world I got this with last months Elle magazine! I have been so impressed with it and think I may have to invest in the full sized product!

Rodial Contouring Powder
This stuff is beautiful! I have been using it daily to create sharper cheek bones and give myself a bit of colour (I'm so pale right now!!) and I LOVE it.

Nutella

Now alot of us have been discussing Nutella on Twitter over the past few weeks haha! My boyfriend thought I was the only person who ate it with a spoon.... oh how wrong he was! You can't not like this stuff right?

My Kindle

I have been making a conscious effort the last few weeks to get earlier nights and read alot more before instead instead of sitting on my laptop or phone! It's been so nice to get into a book again and I'm hoping to keep it up!

Canon 700D

Yay! I finally have a DSLR! I'm so so pleased with it and have been loving playing around with it over the last few weeks!

Clipper's Green Tea With Peppermint

Now.... I love green tea.... and I love peppermint! Together they are a winner!

Popchips

I was sent a box of these to try at the beginning of the month and they have become a welcome snack in my cupboards! They've been on offer at Tesco  only 89p for a huge bag! I LOVE them! I don't really eat crisps and these are the perfect alternative... I think BBQ are my favourite!

Pinterest

Yes.... my obsession is real. I cannot get off the app - I love it so much. Shame on me for not using it sooner! 

What have you been loving this month?

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This Week I'm Loving... #8

Eastenders

I mean this has just got to be in this post! I think if you follow me on twitter you have kind of gathered that I have been obsessed with Eastenders this week! (I do apologise if you follow me on twitter I am aware of my tweeting problem......) #HowsAdam?
Anyway.... It was only bloody Bobby! After reading a few suggestions it was him over the last few weeks I wasn't was surprised as I hoped I would be when the killer was revealed!
The acting on Fridays episode was so incredible - you would never think that was live! A huge well done and congrats to Adam, Laurie, Ben and Mimi!
I can't wait for all the upcoming storylines.... Is dean dead? Where the hell has Kathy been?!

YouTube

Yay! I have finally started filming videos again! I still need to get some form of editing software to make them slightly more exciting but I have really been enjoying filming and I will be uploading more really soon :)
I would love it if you guys would subscribe to my channel - here! It's been so lovely having your nice comments and support both on twitter and on the videos themselves so thank you you lovely people!

MAC Viva Glam Miley Lipstick

Wooo a new mac lipstick in my life! (This doesn't happen alot!) As soon as I saw this was available in the UK I ordered it straight away! It is a gorgeous fuchsia shade of pink (my fav kind of lipstick colour you know!) and the formula is just perfect! Thick and creamy, this amplified lippy is everything I look for!

Nutri-Grain Breakfast Bakes

Formally known as Elevenses these are so so yummy - it's like eating cake but you don't feel as bad about it! The raisin ones are my favs!

Mememe Flawless Concealer

I've been using this loads over the past week! Normally I use my pwoharr paint concealer from seventeen but I felt like changing things up and this was the first replacement I decided to try out! It is light and creamy and blends in so easily, if you need something not as heavy duty but something that still give good coverage I highly recommend this!

Taylor Swift Style Video

My girl Tay has released a new video! I love Style - it's one of my favourites from the album and I really like Taylor's cool mature video to go alongside it! Bravo Swift!

Simple Toner

You may have seen this in my Boots haul a couple of weeks ago, I have been using this instead of forking out for my usual Liz Earle Skin Tonic! It leaves my skin feels fresh and clean, a bargain alternative!

Blistex Lip Brilliance

My saviour of dry lips this week has been this tinted balm from Blistex! It is perfect for everyday at work, it works so well on chapped lips and gives a little colour too without being too OTT for my boring retail job! Plus it smells good too!

Bleach London Silver Shampoo & Conditioner

I have been loving these since getting my hair dyed blonder! I am a bit of a wimp with these products though as I'm scared I'm going to leave them in too long and end up with purple hair (although it would be cool I don't think work would be impressed!) I've used toning products like these before and I found they made my hair feel super dry but with the conditioner from Bleach these actually make my hair feel really soft!

Pure Beauty Magazine Jen/Feb 2015

Super exciting news (which you probably saw on Insta or Twitter like a week ago) - I'm in this month's Pure Beauty magazine! I'm so excited and grateful to be including in such a fab and informative mag AND I'm in it right next to my beautiful buddy Becky!! I'm so glad my work have let me take it home to keep - tis' one to show my mother!

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Boots Haul

After payday arrived last week it was finally time for me to pick up a few bits and bobs in the blogger paradise that is Boots. 
I had a few things I needed to get and and others were spur of the moment - although I am being good and I did think through each purchase before heading to the checkout, well done Kirstie!

 Simple are a brand I have used on and off for years and years! They were my go-to brand as a teenager and I know I'm always safe with them! 
Recently my skin has been a bit dry and sensitive - damn air con/heating/cold weather - so having a perfume feel shower gel that made for sensitive skin is a must ..... even though I find £2.10 a bit steep for the size... I'm such a cheap skate sometimes!
After running out of my Liz Earle Skin Tonic and turning into a bit of a penny-pincher I decided to settle for Simple's Facial Toner. I've used this countless times before and know it will keep my skin clean and clear.

February is birthday and valentines season .... so my favourite eyelashes were a definite must! These are the Eylure 101's - I used to wear the 107's all the time but they have changed the design slightly on them which makes them way too big for my little eyes ... which sucks! This is the triple pack.... as you can see I had to already swiped out a pair to rock on Saturday night! At less than £14 these work out better than buying pairs separately!

Elegant Touch Express Nails are something that I've used a few times before and have always been so impressed with! These were down to just £2.20 on clearance, amazing right? So I just had to pick up a pair to have on stand-by!

Now it's time to talk about the make-up!

 I needed a replacement for my everyday foundation - Bourjois Healthy Mix in 52 Vanilla as mine was running seriously low. When I picked it up I noticed the deal on Bourjois was "Spend £12 and get a free lip product" - after eyeing up the Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Nude-ist for weeks now and knowing it was worth £9 I knew this was a deal I couldn't miss out on ! So I grabbed the Poudre De Riz De Java powder (which was on the only one there, s it was totes meant to be!) as I have been so intrigued about it for months and have heard great things, chucked it in my basket and got super excited about the great deal I was getting - less than £20 for these 3!

So there we have it - those are the few bits I've picked up this past week! 

What have you been buying?

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Christmas Beauty Box Swap With NotYourAverage

A couple of months ago me and the lovely Emma from notyouraverage decided to create a little Christmas box swap for each other! 

There's wasn't much interest for a secret santa this year with other bloggers (due to some not so great experiences for some people last year) so we thought we would just do something between just the two of us!

So the day finally came last Tuesday where we had both recieved our boxes so we decided to sit down that evening and do a live opening on twitter..... hands up if you saw it! 

It was so fun communicating with each other whilst opening each present, I actually loved it!

I was so so pleased with everything that Emma got me and I loved the box swap experience... I really hope she feels the same way!

 I thought I would share with you guys what Emma included in the box for me.............

Nail Rocks Nail Wraps

These black and white polka dot nail wraps are so cute! My nails are pants so anything that can make them a bit better without damaging is all good with me! I'm currently trying to strengthen and grow them so as son as they are in better condition I'm going to try these out!

Eye & Cheek Palette from H&M

I love love love the mix of all the different types of shadow in this palette!  With metallics, shimmers and mattes this is the perfect mix for me plus you can two lovely shades of blush too!

Simple Facial Wipes

This little packet is perfect for my handbag and for nights away from home... I think I may save these for when I go away to Germany soon!

Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask

I have been eyeing up this brand in Boots for a long while now and was so chuffed to see it in the box! I can't wait to finally give it a go, I'm such a face mask hoe - I can't get enough!

Minstrels & Chocolate Coins

You can't beat a bit of chocolate at Christmas time.... and I'm not going to lie, most of this has already been devoured!

Tetley Mango & Passion Fruit Green Tea

I love love love green tea, it is my fvourite, so I was really touched that Emma had made this box so personal! I've tried this and really really like it, I'm not normally a fruity person but this is nice!

I love.... bubble bath/shower creme's

These. smell. amazing. - yumyumyum!

Christmas Socks

You can't have a Christmas without some new festive socks! These are the cutest, I'm so excited to wear them! I love that I also included socks for Emma too!

Statement Necklace

Obsessed! Love it, I love the festive gold with the pastel colours, this will look super cute with a knitted sweater! 

The Body Shop Snowman Body Washer

This was the first present I saw as it wasn't wrapped up, I am such a fan of The Body Shop and this was a lovely idea for a pressie!

Bleach London Bauble

YES! I've been saying for months I want pink hair, unfortunately for me I'm not allowed it for work but I'm planning to use this when I have a bit of time off in a few months time, I cannot wait! Plus it comes with a cute scrunchie

Reindeer Lipgloss

Adorable AND it's glittery!

Soap & Glory Heel Genius

I've used this foot cream for years now so was really happy to unwrap it! 

PS Love Sultry Lashes

Emma has told me that these are her fav lashes ever so I'm really looking forward to trying that out!

Not Pictured :  Rimmel Glitter Top Coat

I'm an idiot and forget to include the cutest nail polish that Emma bought me! It's a pretty glitter top coat with reds and green - amazingly Christmassy, keep your eyes peeled as I'm sure it will be featured on here soon!

THANK YOU SO MUCH EMMA!! Honestly, this was such a fun experience and I'm so glad we did it! 

Make sure you guys go and check out notyouraverage.co.uk - you may even get to see what I bought her!

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March Favourites

Favourites, favourites, favourites - it's another one of those posts! My favourites things I have been LOVING this month - aka March!

Now I know this is mainly a beauty blog but as always they'll be a few extra's thrown in there - like to keep you on your toes don't I!

First up Simple's Shower Gel! I have been having trouble with dry and irritated skin lately and I thought maybe the highly perfumed shower products (aka soap and glory) I had been using may have had something to do with it so I may the choice to try out a more 'simple' shower gel!

This has made a great difference, my skin seems to feel alot better and I'm going to keep on using this for now - especially as it is discounted in Boots at the moment to about £1.30 - time to stock up!

I did a whole post on this perfume nearly 2 months ago now - and I am still LOVING it! It is Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice! This is my go-to perfume every morning at the moment, it is such a great everyday scent! (My full review is here.)

Now who isn't obsessed with Cocoa Butter?! Palmers is a brand I have used and I recently picked up their snazzy lip balm! This stuff has been a total lifesaver the last few weeks for me - with the drastic changes in weather and works air-con/heating my lips have been getting so sore and chapped and this has been seeing my through and helping me avoid that horrific "trip-lip" (as I like to call it)!

Not only does it keep my lips hydrated and smooth whilst prevented chappedness but it also smells yummy and keeps my lip a gorgeous shine! I've already bought another one for when this runs out!

Next up is my Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream. I bought this back at Christmas in the half price sale and up until the beginning of March it had kind of been sitting in the corner! 

But I have told myself I need to moisturise this face alot more - especially at night so this has been my go-to product before I hit the hay at night! It smells lovely and fresh, isn't greasy and keep my skin feeling hydrated and plump - this stuff is yet again another barry bargain!

Ru Paul's Drag Race. 
Holy moly I have been addicted to this show! This past month or so I have watched ALL 5 seasons on Netflix.... yes I wasn't kidding when I said I was addicted! (I need to watch Season 6 asap!) This is like my dream show, like America's Next Top Model but for drag queens - ahhhh my god it's SO good! These guys are hotter girls than I'll ever be - and they are hilarious! 
Fav seasons have to be 4 and 5! I LOVE Sharon Needles, Wilam, Alaska, Detox, Jinyx Monsoon!

The Pretty Reckless - Going To Hell. I have been waiting for this album for MONTHS! You all know that TPR are my fav band so of course I have't been dissapointed! Amazing band, amazing album - I HAVE to go and see them at the IOW Festival!!

So there's another month's favourites for you guys - I feel like it's a bit thin on the ground this month so I apologise for that - being on a spending ban means alot less buying and trying new things (sad face).
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30 Day Snap #18 - Cascade Cool

After being at a Festival for a whole weekend my nails weren't looking too pretty so today was the day I sorted this out!
I've gone for Essie's nail polish in the colour Cascade Cool - it's a new one to my collection (I mentioned it in my Thank you Mr. Postman post) and whenever I buy new polishes I have to wear them asap!
You can never go wrong with a pink polish and I love this shade as it's so simple, subtle and so girly! (p.s. sorry for my creepy hands and lack of jewellery ...it's late!)


Catch up here, Days - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.