Highstreet Beauty Haul

I have been fairly well behaved the past month and didn't really treat myself to any new beauty bits or makeup, so come payday i decided i deserved a few treats. I haven't done a haul post in ages so i  thought i would share with you some bits i picked up from Boots and Superdrug a few are new buys and there are a few re-purchases as well.

John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate+Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner-
I got sent these to review a while back and i enjoyed using them so much i had to buy them again, they are both are really lovely and leave my hair feeling great. (Full Review)

Essie Good To Go Topcoat-
Topcoats make such a difference to the overall finish of your nails, they make your polish last longer and if you like doing nail art like i do its an absolute must. I've been practically scraping the dregs out of my Nails inc. topcoat and thought it was time i bought a new one, i like Essie polishes and i love their Matte topcoat so I'm hoping this will be hit too.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original-
I know dry shampoo is not the most exciting thing to have in a beauty haul, but for me it is a necessity. I have tried this one before, but since then have used Batiste's blonde and their XXL Volume dry shampoo which i didn't really like, i find the volume one makes my hair feel matted and a bit strange so i decided it was time to go back to the original, an oldie but a goodie!

Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Blonde-
Having just ran out of my Benefit Gimmie brow i was looking to try and find a slightly cheaper highstreet alternative, a few brands have brought their own versions out and this Maybelline one seemed as good as any, i've used it a few times so far and I'm a bit unsure of it, i will do a full follow up review soon for anyone interested.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream and Concealer-
Another couple of repurchases, i have been so impressed with both of these products and i had to buy them again. I used to wear foundation most days, however since finding this CC cream its taken the place of my everyday skin base and i feel like its so much better for my skin than wearing a heavy foundation. The concealer also works wonders at brightening up my under eye area, definite power duo! (Full review)

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Velvet in Orange-Olog and Meteoric Matte-
Being a massive fan of the original Rimmel Apocalips i was so excited when i spotted their new Matte collection. I am loving the matte lip trend and i have high expectations for these, there is also such great new colours Orange-Olog was a stand out for me and i am looking forward to testing them out properly.

Revlon Colour Stay Moisture Stain in La Exclusive, New York Scene and Parisian Passion-
More lip products i most definitely don't need, yet do still definitely need! I'd had seen Fleur de Force rave about them so i knew i had to try them out. There is a massive colour selection so it took me forever to narrow it down to just three (Boots 3for2) i decided to go for the plum and the deep red as their great A/W shades and a pretty light pink shade.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what i have treated myself to, i will do full reviews on the new products soon. 

Easter Bunny Nail Tutorial

Hello lovelies, i've got a cute Easter Nail tutorial for you today. I thought as i had done fun theamed nail tutorials for Halloween and Christmas i had to do an Easter tutorial and what is more fitting than cute little Easter bunnies? 

I apologize for the lack of pictures, i was having camera issues, luckily i managed to get a few of me doing the rabbit on my phone and although their not the best quality they show the steps. 

What you need-

For the Bunny, white, black and pink polish (I used BarryM Matt White, Pale Pink and Rimmel Black Out)

For the Polka Dots, white  and colored polishes of choice,  i went for pastel shades (I used, BarryM Berry, Blueberry, Peach Melba, Gosh Bubble Gum and Topshop Gone Fishing)

Nail Dotter, 

Topcoat (I used a Matt Topcoat from Essie)

For the Bunny-

Step One 
Paint two coats of your background colour and allow to dry.
Step Two-
Taking your white polish paint on a half moon shape at the tip of the nail, allow to dry and then go over with another layer.
Step Three-
Taking the brush of your white polish brush off the excess polish and carefully paint on two lines for the ears almost in a V shape, allow to dry.
Step Four-
Taking the smaller end of the nail dotter dip it into some pink polish and draw two pink lines inside the ears.
Step Five-
Taking the larger side of the nail dotter dip it into the pink polish and dot on the nose, clean the nail dotter then do the same with some black polish and dot on the eyes.
Step Six-
When the nail is completely dry apply the topcoat to seal.

For the Polka Dots-

Step One-
Apply two coats of your chosen colour polish to the nail allowing to dry between coats.
Step Two-
Take the large end of the nail dotter dip it into some white polish and dot on to the nails, i find the best results if you do the dots in lines (Sorry their are no pictures of the polka dot stages the main picture should help to show how i do it)
Step Three-
Allow the nails to dry completely then apply a topcoat.

I hope you liked my Easer tutorial, and found it clear enough, even with the lack of pictures. I hope you all have a great Easter weekend. 

My top Spring nail polishes

 

I did one of these posts back in October with my top Autumn nail polishes and so i thought i would make it a seasonal thing and bring you my top nail polishes for spring. 

For me when i think of spring i think of the new flowers particularly daffodils, and baby animals, its all fresh and full of life. In colours that translates to me as a mixture of pretty pastels and a few vibrant shades. 

Topshop 3D 203-

I had to pick a glitter as i do love a glitter polish! This beauty is a really pretty mixture of very fine glitter in clear polish, its mainly a sort of green colour but in the light it looks multicolored and holographic. 

Essie Madison Ave-hue-

This is such a pretty pink, it was actually from Essies spring collection last year. the colour makes me think of roses, it also has a very light barely detectable shimmer to it. 

Rimmel Lemon Drop-

No spring nail picks could be without a yellow it just makes me think of cute little chicks, ahh... This is just the perfect pastel yellow its also has good coverage for such a light shade. 

BarryM Blueberry-

Not quiet a pastel but not too bright either this is such a nice blue, it may be called Blueberry but it reminds me of Bluebells.

Bourjois Amande Defile-

This is a lovely fresh colour for spring its in-between a mint green and an apple green, just a lovely green colour really.

BarryM Papaya-

I love this gorgeous vibrant peachy/orange its bright and perfect for Spring, orange is everywhere for lips at the moment so why not rock it on your nails too. 

Topshop Chase-

This is probably my favorite Topshop nail polish its just so pretty, the prefect lilac with a gorgeous shimmer. 

I hope you like my top picks for spring nails, what will you be wearing on your nails this spring?

Polka-dot and Roses Nail Tutorial!

Hey lovely's, i've got a new nail tutorial to share with you. I no everyones starting to get into the feel of autumn with all the new season trends but i love summer and want to drag it out as long as possible, so i've done a pretty summery nail design. I thought i would try and do some roses and then i decided to mix it up a bit and add some polka-dots as well for a fun cute look. 

What i used-

White base- BarryM, matt white,

Green base- Topshop, Gone fishing (sorry forgot to put in pic)

Pink rose colour- Essie, Maddison ave-hue,

Rose detail- Models own pen in Pastel purple,

Leaves- Models own pen in Pastel green,

Top coat- Nails Inc, Kennington caviar.

Nail dotters (could also use rubber end of a pencil, end of a hair grip or end of a make up brush to make dots)

If you don't own any nail art pens you can get the same effect using a toothpick dipped in nail polish to do some of the rose detail and the leaves.

Step one-

Paint two coats of the white polish on the middle and ring finger, paint the rest with two coats of the green polish.

Step two- 

Using the large sized end of a nail dotter, dot white nail varnish onto the nails with the green base.

Step three-

To make the rose shape use the brush or a nail dotter to make blobs on the nail where you want the flowers they don't have to be neat circles slightly odd shapes will look more realistic.

Step four-

Using the smaller end of a nail dotter (could also use a toothpick) dipped into the white polish make small swirly c shapes inside the roses to look like petals.

Step five-

Using the purple nail art pen do the same thing again, make a few smaller swirly c shapes inside the rose.

Step six-

To draw the leaves on use the green nail art pen to draw a couple of triangles coming out of the roses. 

When the nails are dry add a topcoat and ta da, the look is complete!

The finished look...

I hope you like this tutorial, the roses are really simple to do when you brake it down into steps. I hope it inspires you to have a go for yourself these are just the colours i fancied but it would look great with all sorts of colours, and remember if you don't have a nail dotter or any nail pens, things you can find around the house such as toothpicks and ends of make up brushes will work just as well. 

Zoe 

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Dissapointing Product, Topshop Matt Nails!

Hello lovely's todays post is a first for me, its the first time i am writing about a product that has disappointed me! As much as i would love my blog to be purely a place for positivity and amazing products, i think if i am disappointed in a product i need to share that with you too. 

I was excited when i picked up Topshops matt nails in Drink Pink, i've been loving the look of matt nails and am usually a big fan of Topshop nail polishes. I painted on two coats of the polish and waited for it to dry, to me it looks nothing like i would expect from a matt polish, as you can see from the picture above it even has a slight shine to it, which in my opinion is not a matt finish. The colour of the polish is a lovely bright raspberry pink but thats the only good thing i have to say about it. Along with the finish being disappointing i found that it was a very thin formula and chipped really easily i removed it after about a day or two. The Polish was £6.00 and i feel a complete waste of money i expected more as i am a massive fan of Topshops makeup. If your looking for a great product for matt nails i  would recommend spending a few pounds more and purchasing Essies matt topcoat which gives a brilliant matt finish to whatever polish you put it on top off. 

I hope this review had been helpful and that you don't mind the negative vibe too much! Has anyone else tried the Topshop matt nails? What did you think?

Zoe 

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Beauty Haul //2

Hello lovely's, i thought i would share with you a few beauty goodies i've purchased over the last month.

St Mortiz Tanning Mouse in Medium-
I had been wanting to try this fake tan for a while as its supposably a dupe of St Tropez, but at only £4.99 its a LOT cheaper! I spotted it in Boots and decided to give it a go i think for the price its  defiantly worth trying.

Vichy Dermablend in Nude-
This is another thing that i had really been wanting to try, i had heard a lot of good things about it being a great full coverage foundation with good staying power which is exactly what i want out of a foundation. This was £15.50 also from Boots.

Sleep IN Rollers-
The Sleep in Rollers were the last thing i picked up in Boots, i wasn't planning on getting them that day i was trying not to go to mad, however i spotted them and they just jumped into my hand and refused to be put back..... (hate it when that happens) I am so excited to properly test these out! They were £19.50.

Essie matte about you-

I looked for this in Boots but it had sold out (sad face) I thought Essie was only stocked in Boots but then spotted this in Superdrug and literally snatched it off the shelf, yay! I have seen videos and pictures of this being used and it looked so good i had to try it, got to keep up with the nail trends! This was £8.99.

Topshop Matte nails in Drink Pink-

Sticking with my whole new obsession with the matte nail trend i picked up this Topshop nail polish, it was £6.00.

Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle-

I hadn't seen this bronzer before so i don't no if its new or they didn't stock it before in that Topshop, I had been on the lookout for a matt bronzer as i usually use shimmery ones and fancied something different. This bronzer comes in two shades i got the lighter shade Sandcastle and it was £9.00. 

Topshop Matt finish Lipstick in Whimsical-

I seem to have a problem when it comes to Topshop lipsticks and cant seem to leave the shop without a new one. I just tell myself that a girl can never have to many! I really do like this colour its a lovely nude peachy shade thats super wearable. Love it!! It was £8.00. 

So thats everything i have treated myself to on my latest shopping trip. I didn't realize till i typed this post up that every bit of make up i bought is a matt finish...i clearly have a new obsession i was unaware off! Thanks for reading, has anyone tried any of these products what did you think?

Zoe

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July Glossybox!

I have been subscribed to Glossybox since april so this is my fourth box. I am still in love with the idea of getting a little box of goodies in the post every month i am always so excited to see what each box brings. Each box costs £10.00 (plus p&p) and I'm still happy to pay that each month for the products i have been receiving. This months box Seaside Splash is a box of summer must haves! I am really impressed with this months box, all the products are aimed towards making you look beach perfect and how amazing is the packaging!

This is what i received in my box........

Alterna Haircare, Bamboo style Boho Waves Tousled Texture Mist

"Your perfect seaside splash summer companion! forget perfectly primped hair, and instead opt for effortlessly tousled just back from the beach waves with this weightless mist. Adds texture, volume and healthy style to all hair types"

I was excited when i saw this in the box, i have a thing for beachy looking hair and i have tried a fair few these sort of products claiming to give me sexy beach goddess locks! However i seem to just end up with a crunchy, not so goddess like mess... not the look i am going for! The first time i used this i sprayed it into dry hair and then put it in a plait and didn't think much more about it until i took my hair out the plait later on that day and my hair had perfect beachy waves and volume! I was so impressed my hair wasn't crunchy or hard either. I also tried it sprayed onto to wet hair but i didn't find the effect as good as on dry hair. Overall super impressed with this, however at £23.00 for a full sized bottle i am wishing i didn't like it quiet so much! 

Coola Mineral Face SPF 20 Unscented

"We love this little tough but gentle multi-tasker. Coola Organics Suncare Collection is hypoallergenic, free of parabens and packed with antioxidants. It provides complete UVA/UVB protection and fight free radicals, while soothing, toning and minimizing pores. Organic Acai oil delivers powerful anti-aging benefits, while organic evening primrose and linseed oils reduce inflammation and balance moisture.

I was interested to test this out as its specially targeted for the face and has lots of added benefits for the skin, however i cant say i was particularly impressed with this. I thought it made my face really white which i found strange considering its only a SPF20 and didn't rub into the skin very well at £29.99 for a full size bottle i think its safe to say i will not be purchasing it.


Essie Sleek Sticks

"Discover a whole new way to Essie. Now you can re-create chic looks fresh off the runway without so much as picking up a brush. These glam Essie sleek sticks mimic the look and feel of handcrafted nail art that lasts up to 10 days. All you need to do is match the stickers to the size of each nail, peel them off and apply, before buffing away any excess with the file... easy peasy!"

I was really happy to get these in my box, i am a big fan of Essie nail polish and i am super excited to try these out. I haven't had the best experience previously with nail wraps, i can never seem to get them on flat and straight so hopefully i will have better luck with these.

Sleek Makeup Pout Paint

"Pout Paints are intensive, long lasting lip pigments that are made to be mixed. Use a tiny bead of Pout Paint and smooth onto your lips for mind blowing vibrant colour that gives you full coverage that lasts for hours and dries to a satin finish"

Left (161 Minx) Right (154 Mauve Over)

I was very happy with the two colours i received my favorite is the peachy nude shade Minx. I tested Minx out on my lips and only needed a tiny amount to get a good colour. I struggled to get the swatches off my arm, i really had to scrub so i can imagine they are long lasting on the lips. I am looking forward to experimenting with the bright purple pout paint.

Anatomicals Spray misty for me Facial spritz

"Our current obsession in the Glossy office: ultra hydrating facial mists- the number one summer essential. This facial spritz with calming lavender and refreshing peppermint extract helps re-hydrate and calm skin. Wonderful every day, during flights, at the beach, in the city or in the office. We love that this is suitable for all skin types"

I like the idea of facial mists to cool you down and refresh the skin, thats exactly what you need in the summer. I sprayed this for the first time over my makeup and wasn't very impressed i found it didn't feel right on the skin and just make my face look wet and shiny, i also not too keen on the smell i feel its a bit too perfumed for a facial mist. I do like how cooling this is on the skin and think i will just use in on my body to cool me down or possibly on my face as long as I'm not wearing makeup.

So that what i received in this months box overall i am very happy with it the Bamboo Style Boho Waves mist is definitely a winner for me.
What did you think of this months glossybox? I love reading your comments and will reply to any questions asked.

Zoe

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My first Glossybox!

Now i am well aware that i am a bit late writing this post,  as this is the april box and not only is it no longer april,  but I'm also about to receive my may box... but who cares! It was my first box,  I'm excited about it and so thought it fitting as my first blog post. 

April Spring Fever Glossybox

I first became aware of beauty box subscriptions a while back as a few of the beauty youtubers i watch had done videos on the ones they received, and after a bit of research i thought id jump on the bandwagon and try one out for myself.

The idea sounded brilliant to me i mean who wouldn't love getting an exciting little box of beauty goodies delivered to there door every month?!

I decided to subscribe to Glossybox. Glossybox is available in a monthly subscription that costs £10.00 a month (plus p&p) which you can cancel at any time or a fix term subscription of either the 3-month plan which costs £27.00, 6-month plan which costs £50.00 or the 12-month plan which costs £100.00 

i chose the monthly £10.00 subscription as i wanted to be able to cancel at any time if i was unhappy with the product.

So lets get on to the good bit, here's what i received......

The products

With each box you receive five beauty products these can be full sized products, miniatures and samples.

Canyon Coral

Essie nail lacquer in the colour Canyon Coral- I was very happy with this as id seen and heard about Essie nail polishes but had never actually owned one myself. The colour is a very bold orange/red toned coral colour perfect for spring and summer time. I found this very easy to apply, the large brush coats the nails well and i was very impressed and definitely would like to add a few more colours to my Essie collection.

Suede

Sleek blush in Suede- This was the only product i was disappointed with, and thats not a reflection on the product thats purely because of the colour blush i received. The blush is a darkish tan brown colour and i just dont wear browns i go for pinks and corals as they match my colorings. 

Sunsence daily face 

Sunsence daily face SPF 50- This is a facial sunscreen with a slight tint, i haven't tried this product yet as i thought id leave it till we actually get a summer... to open and test it then, im quite excited about tying it though as i always have dilemmas knowing what to put on my skin in the summer, i obviously want SPF protection but i find suncreams a nightmare for my oily skin as they make makeup just slide off my face, this sunscreen is oil free and says its ideal for all skin types even combination and oily so im interested to see what its like.

So Elixir Purple

So Elixir Purple Yves Rocher Eau de Parfum- I received this little perfume tester, the bottle is just so cute and i love the pretty packaging. The perfume is a sweet floral scent which i really do like, its probably what i would describe as more of a nighttime scent, i like to wear lighter fresher scents in the day but i will defiantly use this perfume.

Mango Smoothie

Nip+Fab Dry skin fix body butter in mango- This was my favorite product in the box i absolutely love it! The smell is just amazing so fruity it almost makes you want to see if it tastes just as good. I've already pretty much used it up as i've been using it daily since i received the box, its makes my skin feel lovely and soft its not too thick or sticky its just right for a body butter, and i will defiantly be purchasing a full sized version.

Overall i was very happy with my first box and im excited to see what i get in the next one.

If anyone is interested in Glossybox il put the link here http://www.glossybox.co.uk/

Zoe

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