Beauty Haul November 2014

Don't you just love it when you sell some unwanted things on eBay and can do some guilt-free shopping with the money you made? I do; it's the best kind of shopping!

I managed to do a little guilt free shopping last week, when I popped in to town with my sister. Well, almost. I was planning to buy Christmas presents with the extra cash, but we only visited four shops before I had to give in to the pain and go home. (It spoils all my fun)! I only bought one present, but I did manage to treat myself to a few bits from Lush and Boots before we left. I figured it would of been rude not to! I only feel slightly guilty.

Would you like to see what I bought?

I bought a dozen beauty products, from Boots, Lush, and Morrisons and ten of them are completely new to me.

First up are these three make up items from Rimmel, which were on 3 for 2 in Boots. I went in looking for a new foundation to try, as I still haven't found the right one for me. My skin is so pale most foundations are too dark for me, and it's even harder to get it right with a face full of tan freckles to complicate things. I swatched the Rimmel 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Make Up Matte BB Cream in Very Light, and it was a surprisingly good match, so I decided to give it a try. I've worn it a few times already and so far, so good!

I also picked up the Brow This Way Brow Styling Gel in Dark Brown 003. I've wanted to learn how to do my brows for years, but I never have. Most of the time I just hide the awful things under my fringe! I first heard of brow gels earlier this year when Benefit brought out Gimme Brow, but as much as I wanted to try it, I couldn't afford the price tag. Then I heard of Rimmel's dupe, and at just £3.99 it was a far more appealing product to try out and learn from. I've used it once so far, and I'm impressed with the results already.

The free product I picked up on the 3 for 2 deal was the Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in Transparent 001. I haven't used Rimmel's powders since secondary school, so it's like a blast from the past!

In Boots, I used my Advantage Card points to treat myself to the Original Source Pineapple and Moringa Skin Quench Moisturising Body lotion. I'm obsessed with pineapple scents, and this body lotion has the most gorgeous pineapple fragrance ever. I wish there were more pineapple beauty products out there and that they all smelt as good as this one.

Before I left, I couldn't resist popping in to Lush for a couple of things. Lush is one of my very favourite beauty brands, but it's a rare treat for me now. 

I bought six items, mostly from the Christmas range, including Mask of Magnaminty, my favourite face mask; the Dashing Santa Bath Bomb; a Christmas Hedgehog Bubble Bar; Yog Nog Soap; Baked Alaska Snowball Soap; and the First Snow Sparkling Dusting Powder. I love them all. I'm not going to write about each of them individually now, but check back later in the week for my Lush Christmas post when I'll give them all a proper review.

And finally, I was in Morrisons last week when I spotted these two new dry shampoos.

The Herbal Essences Uplifting Volume Dry Shampoo (Citrus Fragrance) is one I first heard of on a beauty blog a couple of weeks ago, and I knew I had to try it. I've loved Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners since the nineties. This shampoo has a lovely citrus fragrance, and unlike Batiste, it doesn't leave white or grey residue in the hair. It was only £1.00 for a 65ml bottle, and so far I'm impressed.

I also picked up the Aussie Mega Instant Miracle Dry Shampoo. I had no idea that Aussie also made dry shampoos, and I'm presuming it's another newcomer. It was £1.50 for a 65ml bottle, so I couldn't resist that one, either. Aussie make the best hair products. If you can't get to Morrisons, it's £2.29 on Boots here.

What beauty products have you bought lately? Do any of these spark your interest?

Teal and Green Nails

Morning guys,

Just a quick nail of the day from me this morning. 

This is how my nails were painted over the weekend, as I was in the mood for something a little cheerful and bright since the sun was shining (albeit ever so briefly). I used a lovely apple green Sally Hansen polish in Grass Slipper on my thumbs and ring fingers, and a mid green-teal Rimmel 60 Seconds in Sky High on all the rest of my nails. Although the green was captured pretty accurately in these photos, the teal is much darker and more green based then the blue the photos show. It's a beautiful nail colour, and happens to be one of my firm favourite polishes; I'm currently on my second bottle, and the great thing is, it's so pocket friendly! It retails around £3.50, and is currently just £2.50 on ASOS here.

I bought the Sally Hansen nail polish from Fragrance Direct, where it's currently being sold for just £1.49 (!), which is a snip compared to it's RRP of £4.99. I only recently saw it on sale in Superdrug for £6.99!! You can find it on Fragrance Direct here, along with other colours. I must add they're brilliant nail polishes, that handle beautifully, dry super fast, and remain chip free for days. What's not to love?

I hope you all have a great day. What are you all up to?

Life Lately

Today I've put together a post featuring the good things in my life of late, and also those little things which have been pleasing the senses. I've never written a post exactly like this before, so please let me know if you enjoy reading these type of posts, and if you might like to see me repeating this idea from time to time.

So, lately I've been...

Listening To...

Fall Out Boy's first album in four and a half years came out on Monday, which as a big FOB fan, is something I've been hugely excited about for the last few months. I've been playing it on repeat ever since.

I LOVE this album. I love every single song. Every song is so catchy and uptempo, the type of songs which instantly put me in a good mood; which is something Fall Out Boy's music has always had the power to do. Their music has evolved so much since Folie A Deux, yet it still has that distinctive FOB sound. The album is a real mix of genres, with collaborations from artists ranging from Courtney Love to Elton John! I keep finding myself suddenly bursting in to 'Rat a tat tat! Rat a tat tat tat hey!

Watching...

I've been having a Liam Neeson moment lately (c'mon, the man is God!); and have been watching the extremely moving Schindler's List, and the gripping action film, Unknown. Schindler's List is heartbreaking, and I always bawl at the end when Schindler cries for not saving more people.

Reading...

I recently finished reading Dean Koontz's Sole Survivor, which is a thriller about a fatal plane crash in which over three hundred people died, and a man who lost his wife and daughters in the crash trying to uncover a conspiracy others are trying to keep hidden. As a Dean Koontz fan, I enjoyed this novel a lot, and didn't want it to end.

I'm currently reading The Lifeboat which is a debut novel from Charlotte Rogan, and a book I can't put down. It's set in 1914; an ocean liner has sunk on route to New York from a mystery explosion; and a lifeboat full of survivors is left to wait for rescue. The book is about the passengers of this lifeboat, seated inches apart in a boat which is over-capacity, with limited supplies, and an uncertain fate. Initially, I likened the plot to Titanic; a disaster which has always interested me- which is probably why I was intrigued by this novel in the first place, but apart from the era, and the tragedy at sea, that's where the comparisons end. I'm not quite half way through yet, but it's a real page turner, and a book I'm loving. The plot could quite easily have been dull and boring, but the author has really made the unusual setting work perfectly.

I recommend you give both of these books a try.

I've also picked up a couple of my favourite magazines to kick back with.

(Marie Claire Magazine Freebies)...

The May edition of Marie Claire (UK) comes with a Ciate nail polish, and a Jerfens Ultra Healing Body Moisturiser! I picked up the issue with a magical gold nail polish in 'Sand Dune'. I don't actually own a gold nail polish so I'm looking forward to trying it out. There's another colour to collect (a nude, I think), and since these Ciate nail polishes retail for £9 each, they're great freebies!

Buying/New Additions...

I added a couple of nail polishes to my collection last week. I replaced one of my favourite light teal nail polishes 'Rimmel 60 Seconds in Sky High'; was given the Sally Hansen pot by my Sister who used it once and didn't like the colour; and tried my first Gelly Barry M polish in Prickly Pear.

I got hold of a copy of a nail art tutorial book I'd wanted since Christmas.

I treated myself to some Listography books to plan things I'd like to do in the future, and record a little more of who I am to look back on one day.

I got this heart shaped polka dot memo board from Sainsbury's a month or two ago. It was only £6!

And my older sister treated me to some bunting which compliments the memo board, and work well with my curtains and bed linen. They should hopefully look great in my bedroom when it eventually gets redecorated.

I also used some money from my eBay sales on some L'Occitane make up, but I didn't have a photo ready to show you today.

Loving... The lighter evenings, and the slightly mild weather which is finally setting in. I feel like I'm coming out of hibernation! I'm so much perkier when the days get longer, and the sun shines brighter. I love everything I showed you above, too.

Wanting... This lamp for beside my bed. // Some maxi skirts, like this one, this one, and this one. // More L'Occitane make up, and some of their Verbena and Cherry Blossom products. // This ring. // This dress. // 

This nail polish. // Some Dainty Doll make up. This Stila make up palette. // A hair cut. // 

Smiling... Smiling's my favourite.

Eating... I had the most delicious sweet waffle with hazelnut and Nutella chocolate gelatos and Nutella chocolate sauce yesterday afternoon. I've not been able to eat anything since, but it was so good! 

Seeing... Currently my laptop screen, and my signed Ronan Keating calendar on the wall in front of me.

Hearing... Just the sound of my laptop whirring as the cooling system is over heating. I've no music playing, nor am I watching the TV as I've got a headache, and I'm enjoying the peace.

Smelling... Right now I can smell the orange juice from the glass on my bedside table.

Touching... My laptop's keyboard, and my burgundy throw quilt.

Tasting... A mix between the morphine I just took, and the square of Malteasers chocolate I took to try to take the taste of it away. Morphine tastes like nail polish remover...

Doing... Writing this post on my laptop.

Wearing... Star print pyjama bottoms, and a sleep shirt with a bunny motif on it. Well, it is half four in the morning as I write this...

Time... 4:33am.

Temp... According to the weather forecast, eight degrees Celsius.

Sitting... I'm not sitting; I'm slumped down on my bed.

Needing... I need a new bedside lamp or lamps, since the lamp shade on my battered old one has now got holes in it, and it's all faded. I also need a hair cut, quite desperately, in fact. Apart from that, my 'needs' are mostly 'wants'.

Tabs Open... Facebook, and Blogger. Google, iTunes, Tweetdeck, and Photoscape on my desktop.

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation Review

Finding the perfect foundation can be as difficult as finding the right pair of jeans. One size most certainly does not fit all.

When it comes to foundation, we're searching for the perfect shade. The one which won't leave us looking like an Oompa Loompa, like some of the girls we see every day. Admit it, you know at least one lady who always looks like she's been tangoed...  Then there's the optimum level of coverage- light, medium, full. There's your skin type to think of- sensitive, dry, oily. Are you looking for a matte finish, or a dewy one? Are you looking for one with an SPF? Do you prefer using liquid or cream? It's exhausting just thinking about it.

I can't speak for other skin tones, but I've always had difficulties finding foundation pale enough for my very fair skin. All too often, the lightest shade in any number of ranges is still too dark for me. The times I've managed to find a good match, the foundation has felt far too heavy on my skin, even when mixed with moisturiser.

However, I think I may finally have found that elusive 'one'.

And the 'one' is Rimmel's Match Perfection in Light Porcelain.

I was compelled to purchase this foundation after trying a sample in a magazine and finding myself impressed with the results.

I picked mine up from ASOS for £6.99, but you can usually find Rimmel in Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds Pharmacy, and most of the big name supermarkets.

The Match Perfection foundation has been enriched with blue sapphire pigments which help to reflect natural skin tone and texture, and cover imperfections, while providing a flawless finish and radiance under any light. It's been designed to last all day and to give a natural finish.

But is it worth the hype?

The Match Perfection foundation comes in a 30ml glass bottle, which is a generous size and doesn't have a 'cheap' appearance like many of the 'drugstore' brands often do. The foundation comes in eleven different shades, the palest being light porcelain as shown above. It also contains SPF 18.

It has a pump for applying the liquid on to your fingers or make up brush, and I find it really easy and convenient to use.

So, as you can see the colour is a pretty good match for my skin tone. I began to rub a little in to my skin to the right of the swatch to show you how it begins to blend it beautifully. Once properly blended in, it leaves no streaks or noticeable lines along the hair line, and leaves a natural but flawless finish. I've found it even evens out my skin tone, and conceals the dark circles well, too. I'd say this foundation is a medium coverage base, not too heavy, and not to light.

My best friend loved the results on me, and noted that the shade was perfect, and my skin looked great.

I'm extremely pleased and impressed with this foundation. The shade is the perfect one for me. It gives a flawless finish. It evens out my skin tone, and disguises red areas and dark shadows. It leaves my skin feeling super soft, and it even keeps my oily nose at bay. 

The longest I've worn it so far has been about nine hours, and I can report that it remains consistent throughout the day/night- even during a concert where I was over heating from the hot lights from the stage.

In the photo above, I am wearing the foundation on the right half of the back of my hand, and none on the left. As you can see the colour is spot on, and the finish flawless.

So, overall I'm very impressed with this foundation. I give it top points across the board, and will definitely be replacing it when I've used it up. This may actually be the best foundation I've ever used! And believe me, I've tried a few.

 I hadn't used much Rimmel make up since my teen years, but I think that may be set to change.

Five stars!

Have you tried Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation? What did you think?

Do you struggle to find the right foundation? Which one do you swear by?

Thanks for reading,

Amethyst and Teal Glittery Nails

Lately, I've found myself a little obsessed with trying out glittery nail polishes with most of my nail looks. I don't know where this little obsession has come from; up until a few months ago, I hadn't worn much glitter make up since my mid-teens. Perhaps it's because the festive season is upon us, and Christmas requires a bit of sparkle.

The other day, I gave myself a teal and glitter manicure; a combination I had never tried before. I was especially excited to try the Barry M glitter nail paint I picked up last week. Trust me when I say, that polish is beautiful!

I applied two coats of Rimmel's 60 Seconds polish in Sky High to all nails but the ring fingers. Two coats was enough to give an opaque finish; not bad for a budget brand! This polish is a light teal and it really does dry within a minute. I then added a light coat of the Barry M Amethyst Glitter to the tips of my nails, painting it over about a quarter of each nail.

 On the ring fingers I painted two generous coats of the Amethyst Glitter, and finished each nail with a couple of coats of the Inglot topcoat, mainly as I don't like the texture of glittery polishes, but also because it protects the nails and lets the polish last longer.

The Amethyst Glitter is such a beautiful blend of colourful glitters. Black dominates the nail (although in some lights it appears more silver), and it also contains pink and blue flecks, too. It's a stunning varnish, a bargain at just £2.99, and perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to your party outfits this festive season!

And... voila!

After two days, I'm still really loving this look! The colours are beautiful, and so far there have been no chipping incidents. I think this would be my Christmas party nail if I could join in the festivities this year, but I may just recreate it for Christmas Day instead.

Do you like to use glitter nail polishes? Can you recommend any to me?

What would be your go to nail look for the festive season?

One step forward, two steps back...

Hey guys,

I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I'm sorry for the lack of posts here recently. My back pain has taken another turn for the worse and has been keeping me hostage in my pyjamas all week.

I began my first session of hydrotherapy yesterday (on three hours sleep). I'll admit I'd been a little nervous at the thought of being dressed in just a swimsuit in public as it'd been five years since I'd last been swimming, but I really needn't of worried. It was a small group and everybody was absorbed with their own pain. A conversation with the other lady patient in the pool did briefly have me questioning my appearance and self-worth when she confided that she had been 'large, even larger than you'. Larger than me? Was that meant to be a compliment, or was she confirming that all people see when they look at me is a large girl? I don't even think she meant to be nasty (and she was roughly my size!), but it did take me aback that she felt comfortable talking to somebody like that. She also implied pain levels were down to weight, not the fact she'd been in a motorbike accident or anything... I just kept quiet and bit my tongue, and put my energy in to the stretches.

Although the hydrotherapy experience wasn't as bad as I was expecting, the aftermath was a whole lot worse. I arrived home in a bit of a state, and attempted to put a post together before crawling in to bed, but I didn't have the energy. I ended up falling asleep while catching up on my Tumblr dash at 1am- the first time I've fallen asleep before dawn all year! I slept on and off for thirteen hours with the added comfort of a new memory foam mattress topper- (makes such a difference I swear!) but today I'm still feeling a bit delicate.

 As for outfits? I  haven't really got anything new to share with you exactly, but this is the first time I've worn these pieces together. It was the outfit I changed in to once home from hydrotherapy.

This fish print dress from AX Paris is one of my favourite dresses. It's just so unusual! It has capped sleeves, goes in at the waist, and then exaggerates the hip area with lots of draped material and big slouched pockets over the hips and upper thighs. Normally I'm not a fan of garments that add bulk, but as the shape is in proportion I like how it looks on my figure. I sized up for comfort, but I really needn't of. The pattern looks like little fish crackers, and being a fish enthusiast I couldn't resist! I also have the dress in yellow with a bird print.  (Please excuse my uneven face- it's a combination of freckles and a dislike to pool chemicals!)

You've seen me wearing the dress before, but this time I dressed it with a navy cardigan and purple leggings (although I wasn't happy with my legs in the photos so I cropped them out). I also have a navy bow bag on my shoulder in the top pic.

Just keep swimming...

I would wear the dress with my lovely blue shoulder-bag if I was out and about for the day, as I think the soft faux leather and colour work nicely with the fabric of the dress. I bought this bag from Accessorize a year or two ago and used to use it for work quite a lot.

It has a dark floral lining.

I dug out one of my Abilu Creations charm bracelets which I bought from the stall in Camden a few years back, but she also has a website now. The jewellery is all handmade and designed to have a vintage rock feel. Many of the charms used in her designs are also vintage, which I'm sure I was told the little Pepsi can charm is, and each piece is finished with a signature guitar plectrum. I was won over by the quirky, retro look the moment I laid eyes on the stall. I bought this bracelet along with a necklace on my first visit, and a seaside themed bracelet on another shopping trip. I specifically chose this bracelet as I loved the pepsi can!

Along with the bracelet, I accessorized with my owl brooch (I love owls!), my anchor ring, and my little purple rose earrings. A random mix, but I liked it! I've had the brooch and earrings for a couple of years now.



 I was also wearing these two nail colours (red on the fingers, purple on the toes), which I picked up on the ASOS website for just £2.00 each on the weekend. The bright red Barry M nail polish is my all time favourite, and I just had to order a new bottle when I realised how gloopy the one I owned had become. I've been wearing this colour regularly all through my twenties and I love the colour more and more as time goes on. It's become my signature nail colour. I haven't used Rimmel nail polish since my teens, but I was impressed by how well it managed. It went on easily, dried smoothly, and only took two coats to get an even colour- not bad for a couple of hundred pennies!

Dress: AX Paris

Cardigan: New Look

Leggings: New Look

Bag: Accessorize

Bracelet: Abilu Creations

Brooch: Accessorize

Earrings: 99% sure they're Accessorize

Nail Polish: Barry M and Rimmel via ASOS

I promise to try harder to post regularly again. I really will.  I have actually been around catching up on other blogs and working on improving my own. It's still a work in progress, but hopefully when I'm done Polka Spots and Freckle Dots will be nicer to look at, more organised, and easier to navigate. Let me know what you think so far, and if there's anything you'd like to see more of from me here in the future. I do have a few ideas for future posts, but I'm open to opinions and suggestions!

Night guys,