Lent - the post i thought id never write.

i don't usually give things up for lent, but this year i have decided to. This is painful to say, but i hope that by writing it in a post  won't be able to go back on my word. 

For lent i am giving up buying beauty products.

I have decided to do this because i already have so many products, i won't be short of anything to blog about, and i also like the idea of saving myself some money, which i could possible put toward a holiday this year. 

Is it weird that I'm actually excited writing this? I've never put myself on a ban from anything before, but 40 days of not buying beauty products is not something ill take lightly! Obviously beauty essentials (makeup wipes,cotton pads,deodorant bla bla bla) doesn't count, but everything else does. Ill keep you posted on my process, and in 40 days, ill probably end up on a shopping spree!

Happy wednesday (only 2 sleeps til the weekend!)

xxxx

February GlossyBox

This is my 4th GlossyBox, and for the past 2 boxes I've been considering whether to cancel my subscription. Id probably say I've used around half the products I've been given, the rest have either been to inappropriate (anti-ageing, pregnancy products) despite the fact we all fill in the questionnaire to determine which products will be best for us. So anyway, this months GlossyBox hasn't wowed me, but I'm still undecided ! The products i have actually used to far I've forced myself to use them just because its a waste otherwise, and i can't decide whether to just take the £10 I'm spending on these boxes, and let myself loose in a drugstore (i quite like the idea of having a £10 budget to buy the things i need, it sounds fun!)
Anyway, back to the topic at hand...

So this was my box - when i first opened it, i thought it looked really sparse, but ill leave you to make up your own mind about that. Onto the products...

Como Shambhala Invigorate Body Lotion - (Full size product = 300ml for £20) this is worth £3.33

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm - (Full size £15.25 for 200ml) This is worth £1.90

BM Beauty Pure Mineral Eyeshadow - (Full size £7 for 2g) This worth £3.50

And yes it does look like dirty charcoal in real life too

Dr Bronner Magic Liquid Soap (Full size £1.99 for 59ml) This is worth £1.99

How is this a luxury sample? Something that costs £1.99 isn't luxury in my eyes, but more of a budget product, which isn't why we are subscribed to GlossyBox

DuWop Venom Gloss in Buttercup (Full Size £16 for 10.4ml) This is worth £7.69

So in total the value of my box is £18.41 - not much more than i actually paid for it. Reading other people's posts of their boxes, I've seen some worth around £34, so to receive this is quite disappointing! 
They are also advertising a mystery box next month, aren't all their boxes a mystery? :s


I don't usually ask people to comment on my posts, but i really want to hear other people's opinions on this box, as I'm really unsure as to whether i want to carry on, or switch to another box. 
Is GlossyBox worth it?
Are the products worth what they actually are?


xxxx

NOTD and something a little pretty

These are my wintery nails with a hint of summer via nail art! The colour of the polish is most representative in the top image, rather than the bottom ones. The polish is Max Factor Mini in Boji. Onto the nail art, i picked up these stickers really cheaply (around £1) from Bodycare - i don't know if this shop is around the country or just where i live ! In the packet are 3 sheets of stickers, some are stars, some are flowers, and some are little designs like the ones currently on my nails. These are a really cheap way to brighten up your manicure, i personally love them !








This has no relevance to this post, but i saw these at the weekend and i know i won't be able to wear them for a couple of months but i loved them, and as a ballerina myself i love the design of these. For £8 from Primark, you really can't go wrong!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, only 4 more sleeps til the next one!
Lots of love


xxxx

haul - mostly nail polish

Ok, so I've bought way too many nail polish in the past week, thats me done for a long time now (i think.) I just can't seem to get storage for them all ! Some of these polishes were valentines days fault (not mine !) so i deserve a little slack.. right?

Rimmel Lipsticks (L-R) Crush and Dreamer
Ive been trying to expand my lipstick collection for a few weeks now, and I've taken fancy to nude lipsticks, as i have very little! Crush is more of a nude with a hint of coral, whereas Dreamer is a real girly sugar pink - i really can't wait to wear these !

This is the China Glaze wedding collection. Im not married, nor am i engaged, but i do love weddings, and a good love story ! I also loved the delicate sheer pastels, and i figured why not get the whole set rather than just one?
(L-R) Hope Chest, Exceptionally Gifted, Mr and Mrs, Tie The Knot, Pop the Question

I love Rimmel polishes, and their fairly priced, and I'm definitely going to get some more!
(L-R) Promiscuous, Pink Punk, Cashmere, Sunny Side, Jungle Princess

This picture isn't great but its late and after a good few attempts this is the best i could do!
MUA eyelid primer - I'm really interested in this as i currently use Lemonaid by Benefit, and if this is just as good, ill definitely be converting!
Soap and Glory Thick and Fast Mascara - I've seen this on pretty much everyones blog, so you'll know it was free from Elle magazine. I will swatch this in the next few days 

Nicole by O.P.I in My Lifesaver (from the Justin Bieber collection) This is a dupe for China Glaze's 'For Audrey'. The best way to describe this colour is Tiffany blue!
Collection 2000 in Lemon Soda - i saw this and i don't have a pastel yellow, and at £1.79 i didn't see the harm!

And now the grande finale. This was all because of valentines day. The shade is Significant Other Colour. I basically wanted a nail polish to wear for when me and Lewis celebrated valentines day, and i wanted the name to be appropriate. I looked at all different brands, and saw many i liked, but i had dupes of them, and i didn't know if i could justify spending money on something just because of what it was called. When i saw this i was sold - i don't have a colour anything like it, and it just seemed perfect, different to the typical red or pink you would expect for valentines. This colour is so nice, i walked through the door to find my mum painting her nails with it, before i even had chance myself.




So that was quite a big hall, thanks for getting to the end ! I am going to chill out on the nail varnish obsession, even the postman is using phrases like 'she's at it again' 'heres yet another parcel' . Its wrong i know!


Have you tried any of these polishes?


xxxx

w7 haul

So.. i have never been sent products before, but a lovely lady named Harriet sent me these w7 products to review. I promise to review them honestly, i am not being paid for this!

(L-R) Lipstick in Vampire Kiss, Nail Polish in Silk, Nail Polish in Metallic Jupiter (this picture does it NO justice whatsoever) Bronzed Powder, Big Lash Mascara in Blackest Black




I can't wait to try these out, but I've recently bought a LOT of things, so I'm slowly getting my way through them all, expect swatches and reviews very soon!


xxxx

makeup haul - combination of things!

I recently purchased these from a blog sale, and i got some brill bargains! Here's what i got...

(L-R) Benefit's Sugarbomb, Georgia, Thrrrob

Rebel Nail Wraps (how cool is the pattern??!!) Mac blush in Peachykeen (its a lot more pink in real life, with a subtle shimmer), Clinique lipstick in Rosette




Have you tried any of these products?

11 Questions tag - thanks Laura-Jayn!

The gorgeous Laura-Jayn tagged me in this - I've finally lost my blogging tag virginity !


The Rules

-Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
- Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
- You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
- Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
- No tag backs.
- No stuff in the tagging section about 'you are tagged if you are reading this'. You legitimately have to tag 11 people 



11 things about me
1. I love the colour of my eyes - vain eh? But we all have to love at least one thing about us! And thats me eyes!
2. I was born with a mass of hair - and it only grew upwards like one of those little trolls - don't believe me? wait til the end...
3. i am OBSESSED with Beyonce - as a dancer I'm always copying her moves
4. Single Ladies is my party trick - when it comes on on a night out i do the full routine. Start to Finish.
5. I am left handed, and the majority of my family are
6. I am a navy girlfriend, which is really tough, but i am very much in love !
7. I am studying for a degree in dance - i love every minute of it
8. I crashed my car not even a week after my 18th birthday - some dingbat pulled out on me, it WASNT my fault, but it was enough to write off my little car :(
9. The volume has to be on an even number, or i think something bad will happen
10.Id much rather stay in on a saturday night all cosy with films, than go out on the lash
11. When i was a baby, i used to squeeze people's arms really hard when i got excited. Sadly i haven't grown out of this.


My answers to Laura-Jayn's questions:

1. What's your favourite song?
The Killers - Mr Brightside - it holds a lot of memories and value. Closely followed by any Oasis song2. How often do you wear fake eyelashes?
Everytime i do a dance show, so maybe every 6 months? Sometimes if i am going somewhere nice too3. Pencil, Gel or Liquid Eyeliner?
Liquid, everytime, I've just about got the knack, after 5 years of trying! haha4. What do you feel is your best feature?
Used to be my big Beyonce bum. I still have that bum, but maybe my eyes are better now.5. Whose wardrobe would you love to own?
Beyonce ! Or Holly Willabooby - we are of similar shape6. Would you ever consider having plastic surgery?
Im saying never, but in the future i may feel different? For now though, NO7. Whats the one piece of clothing you couldnt live without?
Ugg boots!!8. Whats you favourite drink? (alcoholic/non alcoholic)
Non-alcoholic - banana milkshake or white hot chocolate. Alcoholic - Pina Colada or Jack Daniels and coke9. What country would you love to go to on holiday?
AMERICA!! I am desperate to go back to New York - its the best place in the whole world.10. Whats the next piece of makeup you plan on buying?
Lipsticks, i feel i have few compared to other beauty items11. Whats your favourite ever smell?
That smell after its just rained ( i live in the country so those of you who don't you might not know what i mean!)




I tag:
http://h0lliedays.blogspot.com/


http://makeupandmemaisey.blogspot.com/


http://ohhellew.blogspot.com/

http://zozeze.blogspot.com/

http://lovemissmiff.blogspot.com/

http://leahlovesbeautyandfashion.blogspot.com/

http://hailesheartsfashion.blogspot.com/

http://justalittlebeautyblog.blogspot.com/

http://un-observed.blogspot.com/

http://www.pretty-in-pink-blog.com/

and finally...

http://laura-jayn.blogspot.com/    ( i know you tagged me, but you can just answer my questions maybe? id love to see your answers!)




MY QUESTIONS


1. If you could travel back in history, and meet any person (dead or alive) who would it be?
2. If you could only ever paint your nails one colour for the rest of your life, what colour would it be?
3. If you were forced to get a tattoo, what would it be of?
4. If you could change your name to anything, what would it be?
5. Is there a story behind the name of your blog? If so what is it?
6. What is your favourite beauty brand of all time?
7. What made you start blogging?
8. What are you currently doing with your life? (e.g studying, working as..) p.s i don't know if this question is too personal, if so don't answer it ! haha x
9. If you received an unlimited shopping spree for any shop/brand, what would you choose?
10. Chocolate or crisps? (I face this dilemma often, so I'm interested to know what you think!)
11. On an average day, how long does it take you to do your makeup ? 


And away we go !!!! 

nail polish haul

Firstly, I apologise for my lack of posts lately, I've got a lot of uni work at the minute ! As of next week, my posts will be more regular!
Today i received these, which i was SO excited about! All the OPI sets are minis, perfect for travelling, and seeing if you like a colour before you have a full sized version of it! I can't bring myself to take them out the packaging just yet because they look so pretty, but once i do ill do some better photos with nail of the day and things like that !

i LOVE the film Burlesque, and when i saw these i was pretty much sold. I probably have a few colours similar to these, but nonetheless i love them!
(L-R) Rising Star, Take The Stage, The Show Must Go On!, Ali's Big Break

(L-R) I Juggle...Men, So Many Clowns So Liyyle Time, In The Spot-Light Pink, Step Right Up
As you can see In The Spot-Like Pink and Step Right Up look pretty similar, so it'll be interesting to see what they look like on my nails!

(L-R) Austin-tatious Turquoise, I Want To Be A-Lone Star, Do You Think I'm Tex-y, RapiDry Top Coat




I am so excited to try these little babies, expect reviews and swatches very soon! The only downside i would say about these is that the actually bottles are so tiny, they don't have the names wrote on, yet i want to know what they are - maybe ill try writing it on myself!




Thats it for now ,
lots of love !!

my all time beauty tips

I've been working on these for a long time now, and every time i think of one i have been scribbling away in my little book! So here's ones I've collected over the past few months, please feel free to add your own in the comments :)


Always have your essential products or products you really want to try close at hand, because you're much more likely to stick to using them, than if they're stored away somewhere.


Regularly go through/tidy/alternate beauty storage - you'll find things you forgot about, and are much less likely to waste products.


After a rubbish day, a coat of bright nail polish will make you feel better, and give yourself a mini pamper in the process.


Keep your daily skincare routine in a box (or some sort of storage) in a place easy to reach (mine is under my bed) as it will be so much easier to carry out, and you'll almost definitely stick to it.


Pack yourself a little handbag kit containing things you'll need on the go. Mine includes hand gel, blusher, lip balm, a couple of lip glosses, a lipstick, bobble, grips, hand cream, you get the idea don't you!


Paws off! Try to avoid touching your face at all times, especially if you're blemish prone. There are more bacteria on your hands than on a toilet seat (how yukky is that?!?!) Make yourself realise how much you actually touch your face, and kick the habit!


Keep small products stored away together, then when it comes to going on holiday, or selecting things to put in your handbag you'll have a whole bunch of things. (please note this is quite tricky if you're like me and have to try EVERYTHING, particularly things i receive in my GlossyBox) 


So there are some of my favourite all time tips! I'd love to hear your tips, after all we girls should be sticking together right? :)


xxxx

JANUARY FAVOURITES - my first !

This is my first ever favourites of the month post, and I've been so excited to do this! I'm going to do this every month, and i actually found it really useful to see what I've been using the most this month. So here goes...


Skincare

Soap and Glory OFF YOUR FACE cleansing cloths

You've seen these before as i received them in my Hey Big Splendour gift set at christmas. I started suing them straight away, and they get my make up off so well. Normally when i take my makeup off using wipes, a bit of makeup is still visible when i use a cotton pad to cleanse afterwards. With these, there is nothing, and the little exfoliant 'bits' make it feel like its really getting into your skin and removing the days muck! The smell is quite unusual, but what more would i expect from Soap and Glory??

Tea Tree Foaming Face Wash, Cleanser and Toner, and Moisturiser

Well, i only discovered these products a week ago, but they are AMAZING, and the best thing I've used this month. I purchased these because my current skincare routine just wasn't working for me, and so i took action. The next day (can you believe it) my blemishes were pretty much gone. I cannot recommend these products enough, i think these will be my go to skincare brand now, and i will definitely repurchase. The smell is gorgeous, and the moisturiser is really good for my dry skin, and you only need one pump. I can't say enough good things about these products!

Soap and Glory Hand Food, Garnier Intensive 7 Days, Soap and Glory Heel Genius

Ive been using all 3 of these products everyday for the past month, and i absolutely love them. 

My hands can become particularly dry throughout the harsh winter months, however Hand Food has made such a difference, and i love the smell. It seems to last forever - ill put it on before i go to bed, and ill wake up still with soft hands, and ill still be able to smell it.

I purchased the Garnier 7 Days because MissBudgetBeauty raves about it, and i was not disappointed! You only need the tiniest amount, as if you use too much it'll make your skin sticky, but it means the product lasts forever. Ive used this over christmas and the whole of January, and there's hardly anything gone from it. Ive already purchased others from the range, but at the great price (currently £2.99 on offer at Superdrug and Sainsburies) i intend to get them all! The shea butter smells so nice, and i can still smell this on my skin the next day.

Heel Genius has been my saviour this month. I was constantly having to use my foot file due to the skin on my feet (I'm a dancer so they get a pretty hard time!) however since i used Heel Genius i have not used my file ONCE. I would even go as far to say the skin on my feet is actually nice now! If i don't find a cheaper foot cream, i will definitely repurchase this, and thats why its been a fave this month.

Vaseline (aloe vera) and ARBONNE Ultra-Hydrating Hand Creme

Everyone owns a vaseline right? I couldn't live without it, the things you can do with this are endless! It has been constantly on my lips this month. Enough said, you all know how good vaseline is !

I received this hand creme in my GlossyBox (december i think) and its been in my handbag since. I'd say I'm about 3/4 of the way through, and i know I've already favourites (is that a word?!?!) a hand cream this month, my hands were in need of a big bit of TLC! I love love love the smell of this, and the quality is brilliant. If i remember rightly though its quite expensive, and i probably won't purchase the full sized version, but its been really lovely to have something in my handbag as a little luxury!

Makeup

17 Hide & Chic (light rose), Garnier BB Cream (light) and Miss Sporty Liquid Concealer (light)

I actually purchased the under eye concealer in december, and I'm pretty sure ill be re-purcashing this ( it was £4.99 but i had a half price voucher). It works really well at covering my circles, and doesn't crease into my skin which a lot of them do. I use this everyday and its still going strong, so it lasts a fair while!

The Garnier BB cream took me a while to purchase because i thought it was a lot of money to spend on something i might not like, but all the positive reviews i read urged me on, and the fact it was on offer in Superdrug! I love the coverage it gives me, yet its really light. Somesaid said it was like 'their skin but better' and i couldn't agree more. And that pretty much sums it up really!

I only recently purchased this concealer, however it is amazing! It covers my blemishes so well, you can't even see them, and i love how its a little smaller than the other concealers i have, so it could be used for travel or in my handbag. The fact i got it free with another Miss Sporty purchase was an added bonus!

This is currently my favourite mascara. I do have fairly long lashes anyway, and when i wear this it looks like I'm wearing false ones. Its supposed to make my bright blue eyes look even brighter, and I'm not sure if it does (I'm going to do a test at some point) but none the less its amazing. It's around £11 - a little more than id usually want to spend on a mascara, but i got this as part of an offer so it worked out quite well. The blue tint reflects differently as the light catches it, which is different to any mascara I've ever had. Ive used this near enough the entire month, and i will continue to do so!

Miss Sporty Lipstick in Malaga, and Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss in Candy Gloss

I recently purchased this lipstick, as it is my all time favourite. It stays on the entire night, whether I'm going for a meal, to a club, or taking part in a 3 hour dance show. It is AMAZING, and such a classic and classy colour. Every girl needs this in their life! This month ive been feeling a bit old school, and so retro curls, flicky liquid eyeliner and long lashes have been a staple look for me (yes i am obsessed with the 40s and 50s, and of course Marilyn Monroe)

I received this lip gloss in my Hey Big Splendour gift set, and at first i was horrified at the very strong tingly sensation i wasn't expecting, as this is my first Soap and Glory lip gloss. The lasting power of this gloss is brilliant, and I'm now used to the tingle, which feels quite nice on my lips when the weather is freezing (is that weird?!) The colour is very 'wintery' id say, and I'm loving the taste.

So theres my first favourites of the month, what ya think?? Ive probably listed a few too many products, but as the weather is so cold and harsh to my skin i find myself using more products (especially skincare) which is reflected on the number of favourites i have! I hope you liked it, and if you would like to know any prices i haven't mentioned, please leave a comment and ill try find them for you :) 

xxxx