APRIL FAVOURITES

Hello!

It's been a while since my last monthly favourite's post, and since I've had a lot of favourite's for April I thought it was a good time to post them-especially as we've just started May. Also, this will be my 2nd April Favourite's post since I started my blog!

I haven't been loving many beauty items as I haven't really discovered many, however I have discovered new foods, and hobbies!

1. Barry M Nail Varnish in "Huckleberry"

I'm a massive fan of the "Hi-shine" Barry M range anyway, however this colour attracts me to them so much more. Huckleberry is a very subtle, sky blue which is perfect for Spring time. I've worn this constantly ever-since I got it because it goes with everything as it's so subtle, but also dries incredibly quickly, and only requires one coat because of the thick, but not gloopy, consistency. This is a must have for Spring!
 

2. Seventeen "Stay time long wear" Primer

I've never been a massive fan of primer because I never thought it worked, and was always a waste of time. However, after using my Urban Decay primer on my eyes and realizing how good it is, I thought it'd be a good idea to get a primer for my face as my make-up comes off in the heat! Anyway, I opted for a cheap one to test out, and I'm surprisingly really liking this one. It's not incredibly sticky, but enough to keep the make-up on, it also helps my make-up stay on for a lot longer than it used too. As this was cheap it obviously isn't amazing, but for something so inexpensive I'm really liking using this.
 

3. Model CO Fibre Lashxtend mascara

 My last beauty favourite was discovered after receiving it from Glamour magazine, and it's a fibre mascara. I first thought this was an everyday, normal mascara, however it's not. Fibre mascaras contain tiny fibres in the mascara fluid, so when you apply this on top of normal mascara the fibres transfer onto your lashes, and lengthen them out. This makes a massive, noticeable difference to my eyes, and I will definitely be making investments in other mascaras.
  

4. Dumbbells

 These are an odd thing to have in a favourites post, however I've been really into eating healthily and exercise at the minute, and recently found these dumbbells in my house. After some research I found some exercises I could do with these, and I've been loving it! After a workout with dumbbells I immediately feel a difference, but also feel a lot better about myself. Dumbbells are pretty expensive, however going down to a local gym may be more worthwhile.

5. Sushi

As you can see this packet is currently empty as I've eaten it, but I didn't have any other sushi to show! Anyway, carrying on with the 'being healthy' regime, I've been eating a lot more sushi lately. I've always liked sushi, however I'm eating it more than ever, and loving it more than ever! After eating some I feel incredibly refreshed and energized, as well as lively because of how healthy sushi is. I don't prefer any particular sushi brand over another because sushi is all the same, however I much prefer fish filled sushi to vegetable (I've said sushi way too much).

6. Prestat Red Velvet truffles

These red velvet truffles are the nicest tasting truffles ever. Words cannot describe how much I love these, they are so incredibly delicious. Red velvet truffles consist of an icing encased in milk chocolate, and dusted with crushed raspberries. I thought these would be unbearably sweet, however the light dust of raspberries really helps sharpen out the sweetness, and add some fruity-ness that really changes the whole truffle. Unfortunately, these are £11.50 per pack for 6 truffles, however every penny is worth it if you're a chocolate lover like me.

7. Scrunchies

My last favourite's for April are Scrunchies. These have been making their way into fashion a lot more recently, and I've been loving them. These 2 particular ones are from American Apparel and were £6 each which is reasonable for a very good quality velvet scrunchie, anyway, I love these because they're incredibly handy for tying up hair in emergencies, or in general. As they're so big, they add a lot of volume and lift to your hair which is what I need because my hair is quite fine. Also, they look extremely cute, and also look nice on your wrist as an accessory, but also necessity!

MY BATHTIME ESSENTIALS

Hello!

Recently I've been suffering with bloggers block and cannot think of anything to write about, until Saturday morning when I started running a bath and thought 'How could I make this into a blog post?' and after a little discussion with myself, I decided I would write about my bath essentials!

Whenever I have a bath I like to use these products the most before, after, and in my bath.

Hair

I am currently obsessed with the Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner, and they have easily become my favourite hair duo. The shampoo leaves my hair looking fresh and healthy which is everything I want, especially as I have previously used a lot of heat on my hair, and dye it so sometimes it can look quite limp, but the shampoo vanishes my split ends and brightens my hair nicely. I only use the conditioner on the ends of my hair otherwise my hair becomes very slippy and hard to handle, but it gives my ends a very silky feel and a lovely shine.

Body

I got these 2 body washes for Christmas which is why they look full, but I have used both of them before and immediately fell in love with the scent of them both. The Strawberries & Cream wash smell is very powerful, and the scent stays on my skin all day which is a plus. Also, it doubles up as a body wash and bath mixture, and comes in a very big container so will last me a long time. However, it's not the best for dry skin, where as the Snow Fairy wash is. Snow Fairy is very good at moisturizing the skin, as well as washing it, and leaving a very sweet scent behind, but it is limited edition so I have to be rational when I use it.

After bath care

Espa isn't the most affordable brand for everyone, especially as both of these 200ml bottles cost £22.50, however every penny is worth it. The first thing I like to use is the Cleansing Milk on my face and neck as it's very good for dry and sensitive skin which is exactly my skin type, and can also be used to take off makeup as it's a gentle milk, so wouldn't be harsh on sensitive facial areas. After using this my skin feels very hydrated and soft because of the sweet almond and soya beans to moisturize, whilst the marshmallow, rose, geranium and chamomile soothe and soften my skin as well as leaving a lovely scent.

The Floral Spafresh is for toning the skin and leaving it ready for applying moisturizer and makeup, but also gives a very refreshed feel, and as though my skin as been fixed and repaired-this is because the rose damascena hydrates the skin for moisturizer, and rose geranium soothes and protects while neroli rejuvenates for a smooth finish.

After the bath my body feels very dry-even if I have been using a moisturizing bath lotion, but this vanishes any feeling of dry and cracked skin which is exactly what I need. When applying this you only need a little bit as it goes a long way, but as a 50ml tub I have a feeling it will run out quicker then I expect! The body souffle smells of rose, sandalwood, and vanilla which I admit isn't a fragrance that sounds very enticing, but it is.

Relaxation

The ultimate bath relaxation product is candles, you can't have a bath without candles-it just doesn't work! I used a range of lovely smelling candles to let off a nice aroma in the room, I'm not sure where these candles are from but they all smell delightful. I always get scared the candles will fall into the bath or fall off the bath, but you just have to be weary that you're surrounded by a potential fire hazard and place the candles in a sturdy place otherwise things will go terribly wrong, and you will most definitely not be relaxed.

Whenever I have a bath I always need something to occupy me otherwise I get extremely bored, so I like to take a book or magazine in there with me. I've been taking in The Fault In Our Stars recently as that's what I'm reading, and it keeps me in the bath for an extra unnecessary 10 minutes, but that means I am extra clean and replenished. I sometimes make the mistake of putting my hand in the water then touching my book again leaving me with a partially wet book, oops.

The worst thing is having a dry throat when you're in the bath because that means you have to get out, get a drink, then get back into a possible cold bath which is something I dislike a lot. So, I take up some kind of flavoured tea with me as it's more exciting then English tea, but still leaves you relaxed and humble. Also, when the bath starts to get cold I have a sip of my hot drink and my body feels warmer again so I can stay in the bath longer.

My last relaxation product is bath bombs or bath melts, a bath isn't a bath without some sort of in-bath product. I finally used my Melting Marshmallow Moment bath bomb, which was incredibly relaxing, and a delight to use. My skin felt really clean and clear after lying in the lilac water for around 20 minutes, as well as smelling very delicious and sweet. The great thing about this is that I don't have to use all of it in one go, I only used half in my bath meaning I can use the other half another time, and didn't have to waste it all in one sitting!

Those are a few of my bathtime essentials that I think all baths should consist of.

JANUARY FAVOURITES

Hello!

I've been liking quite a few things in January, not so much makeup and beauty items, but a range of foods, drinks, soaps and accessories.

1. Mac Vanilla Pigment

Although I got this pigment in November for my birthday, I've only just started using it, and honestly it's the best beauty product I've ever used. If you didn't know, this is a very iridescent white pigment which most people use as a highlighter (including me), and by applying this along: the nose, inner eye corners, brow bone, cupids bow, and cheekbones it really transforms the shape of your face. This adds a beautiful shimmer to your face, without looking too tacky and over-powering, it also looks gorgeous in the sun light as your best features are shown.

2. Jacksons Sencha Green Tea with Lemon

Last week I was ill with a very annoying cold, and apparently this tea was meant to help. In all honesty, it didn't help very much, but I did find a new love for it. The taste is quite odd and not something I would usually like, but I surprisingly did like it a lot! I can't say too much about this because it's just tea, but after having it for a week on end, it's one of my favourite tea flavours.

3. Flappy Bird Iphone game

 This Iphone game has tested my anger very well, and leaves me feeling very frustrated after playing. The game is very simple, you tap a bird to make it fly, but you have to guide it through some tubes without hitting them because if you do, then you die. It's hard to explain but it leaves me entertained for hours, as well as annoyed. If you do have a phone that supports the app, please get it and you will understand what I, and the nation have been going through.

4. The Devil Wears Prada DVD

 Even though this is a 2 film collection, I am obsessed with The Devil Wears Prada film, the whole concept of the movie makes me so happy, and is almost like my dream life. The movie is basically about an ordinary, plain women who looks for a job which every girl dreams of having without realizing how good it is, however she gets the very special job in the huge fashion company, this then changes her whole attitude towards life and becomes a very fashionable women herself. Her friends then leave her after her attitude sucks, but she eventually realizes the job isn't right for her and leaves. Whilst all this is going on, she is also involved in multiple love situations. In short, watch the film.

5. Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer 

For the past few months I have been using 17's instant glow bronzer which was ok, but I had been after this one for a while, and finally got it last week-best decision ever made. The 17 one was way too orange, and very hard to blend in where as this one gives a subtle bronzed tone without looking too tacky, or splodgy. 'Delice de Poudre' claims to smell of chocolate, I personally can't smell the chocolate however everyone else can. Anyway, this is my favourite bronzer I've ever tried, and is perfect for that sun-kissed look.

6. Lush Bath Bombs

I'm more of a shower person, and have only recently discovered how much I love baths. Over the past week I've loved having baths with Lush bath bombs, or bath bombs in general, it's so relaxing and is a great time waster. This bath bomb is called Melting Marshmallow Moment, I clearly haven't used it yet but the juicy candy smell is very enticing. The bath bomb which I have used is called Honey Bee, it left my bath smelling of a sweet caramel and honey, and my skin as smooth as ever. I really recommend Lush bath bombs, or anything from Lush as it's very affordable, and does great things for your body.

7. Rings

The last thing I have been loving recently is rings. I have 3 midi rings, and 1 full ring which I am constantly wearing as a set. Eversince I got these I have not taken them off due to the feeling that my hands were glamorous, and designer. Most people ask me if my midi rings get annoying, but half the time I don't even notice I have them on because they're so comfy which is odd to say the least about a ring, however it's true, most the time I'm oblivious to the fact my rings are only half way down my hand!

These favourites were quite random and varied, but oh well, they are what I have been loving throughout January.

RECENT FAVOURITES

Hello!

Sorry for the late upload today, I've been sorting out my room and going a bit mad with cleaning products and the hoover. At some point I plan to take photos of my room for a Room Tour, but I need to paint a few things first before I show you all.

Anyway, recently I've found quite a few products/items I have enjoyed using, so I thought I'd express my love for them today.

1. Kyle Minogue Perfume "Showtime."

 The first product I have been loving is this perfume by Kyle Minogue called Showtime. The scent of this is so sweet, but with a hint of floral to it-it's hard to describe but I really do love the smell. I've had this for quite a long time, but only really started using it recently! An odd thing that I love is the packaging of the perfume, sometimes you get really plain bottles, but this one is really cute and girly, and also goes with my room-bonus!

2. Rimmel London Blusher in Pink Rose 020.

 I've been using this for about 2 months now, but I'm really getting into it, and I've recently realised how nice it makes my cheeks look compared to other blushers I have. The small hint of shimmer adds a nice highlight to my cheeks, and transfers a super pretty pink/peach colour on my face, which I also vaguely dust on my nose, and forehead to make it look a bit more natural. Anyway, this blusher stays on and lasts for ages, and I haven't even hit pan yet.

3. Pearl Drops Toothpaste/polish.

 Weird thing to put in a favourites post, I know, but this toothpaste/polish is honestly the best whitening paste I've ever used. After 1 brush I already see results compared to other whitening toothpastes, and this toothpaste is also relatively cheaper than others which is a bonus. According to the toothpaste, it uses "Pearlite" to whiten the teeth, I have no idea what that is but it sounds rather odd. Also, the tube may look small, but it does last quite a long time, however not as long as a Colgate tube for example, but this doesn't bother me.

4. The Fault In Our Stars book by John Green.

 I'm possibly the person you would least expect to find a book in a favourites list, however John Green has cracked me and I was reluctant to include this book. I'm not going to go too far into detail, because I don't want to ruin it for others, but in short it's about a girl called Hazel who has tumor cancer (I think), but meets an exceptionally gorgeous person called Augustus Waters who changes her life. I'm not too far into the book, but whenever I have the oppurtinity I end up reading it which is very unlike me! If you haven't heard of John Green, he writes award winning novels, including this one, which I strongly suggest you read.

5. Baby Lips in Cherry Me.

 Recently, I've done a post on the Baby Lips lip balms, however Cherry Me is appearing a lot on me lately. As Autumn symbolizes reddy colours, I thought wearing Cherry Me would fit in with the season, so I wore it for a few days and now I can't stop putting it on! I carry this with me in my school bag because it's a handy size, and I don't get told off for wearing it which is good, however when applying this in lessons I do get a few odd looks, oops.

6. Fifa 14 App.

 Oh dear Zoe. I've really let myself go this time, I have found a new love called Fifa 14. We only met a few days ago, but we've been interacting ever since, and can't seem to put eachother down! Fifa 14 has never been my cup of tea, but after finding this app I am well and truly addicted. I've always loved football, but I love the idea of creating your own team, playing against other people around the world, and playing real matches which is what this app grants. My friend Charlotte and I were on facetime for 7 hours on Saturday 5th October playing Fifa 14 constantly, that's how bad my addiction has got...help!

7. L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

 The last product is a fairly new product released by L'Oreal, and I'm warning you, it's a gift from the hair god's. My hair has quite a lot of split ends, and is also very brittle, but this oil reduces the appearance and feel of the brittleness, and split ends which constantly loom on my hair. All you need is 2 small drops of the oil as it goes a long way, then rub the oil onto the ends of your hair. I use this almost everyday, and it leaves fabulous, noticeable results! If you have hair like mine, then purchase this because it really helps, however it is around £9-£10.

What products are you loving?

MAY FAVOURITES

Hello!

I'm in a really good mood today as the sun is out, and looks like it will be out for a long time! I'm not too sure when Summer starts, however it certainly feels like Summer is dawning upon us.

 Throughout May I have been keeping an eye out for products I have been loving to put in my May Favourites post, so here are my top 8.

  

1. Real Techniques Blush Brush-1407.

This brush is possibly the softest brush ever without a doubt. I absolutely adore the Real Technique brushes, however I have needed a blush brush for a long time and considering Superdrug were doing an offer on these brushes I decided to pick one up myself, and I don't regret that decision at all. This brush gives off the right amount of colour, and doesn't make you look over done with blusher. All the bristles on the brush are hand-cut and 100% cruelty free which I think is so so good, and at the price of £9.99 it is worth it.

2. Simple 'Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser.'

As my skin is quite dry, I use a moisturiser every morning before applying my foundation powder, and after trying alot of different moisturisers the Simple is the one for me. This product doesn't leave the skin feeling wet, and soaks in quickly making it easier for me to apply my powder. Also, I have quite sensitive skin so this moisturiser is great for me as it isn't full of harsh chemicals, and doesn't leave my skin damaged. You can buy the product in any drug/beauty store and big supermarkets for around £3.50.

3. L'Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette.

If you saw my L'Occitane Obsession post, you may have noticed the Verbena perfume and I have loved it too much to not put it in my May Favourites. Seeing as though it has gotten alot hotter recently, this perfume has been great for using throughout the day as it is so good for refreshing yourself, because it has such a calming citrusy scent to it. I only have the perfume in a travel size (20ml) as I got it with a set, but I am really debating whether to buy the full size 100ml bottle for £39.00, hmm.

4. Batise Light and Blonde Dry Shampoo.

Dry Shampoo is a definite life saver. On days that my hair feels or looks horrible/greasy then a few sprays of dry shampoo just sorts it all out in under a time of 10 seconds. Batise do a large range of Dry Shampoo products, and I currently use 'A hint of colour Light and Blonde,' this product adds a very minimal amount of colour to my hair, but definitely doesn't leave it looking fake or plastic like. Previously I have used 'Fruit and Cheeky Cherry' and 'Cool & Crisp Fresh' and both of those were a delight to use, so I really suggest you to buy some Batise if your hair feels or looks horrible on the odd day. The Batise Dry Shampoo ranges from £2.99-£4.99 and is sold at most drugstores and big supermarkets.

5. Holographic Nail Varnish.

I am going to do a blog post on this product so I won't go into too much detail, but if you know me then you know I love anything holographic so when I saw this in Urban Outfitters I immediately fell in love, and got it for the price of £12-I know this is quite extreme for a nail varnish, but it does come in quite a big pot, and was too amazing not to buy.

6. Caffe Latte Skinny Iced Coffee.

Recently, I have started to take a very strong liking to iced coffee ever since I tried Mcdonald's Caramel Frappucino. 'Emmi' do a range of iced coffee's, and the reason I like them so much is because you only get a hint of coffee and the rest is the flavour, as I got a 'Skinny' Iced Coffee it is mostly milk/cream I can taste with the odd bit of coffee. Emmi do 5 flavours such as: Flat White, Skinny, Vanilla, Cappuccino, and Caramel. If you're not a big coffee fan like me then these are the perfect thing for you and are available at most Supermarkets.

7. Stay Matte Pressed Powder-Peach Glow.

Yes, I am still in love with the Stay Matte Pressed Powder. This powder has such a good coverage it is unreal, it gives your skin a matte finish leaving your skin looking smooth and clean. Before applying this, I apply the Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser which I have infact mentioned in my May Favourites. I have had my powder for atleast 4 months and I have only just hit pan-bare in mind I use this everyday. The Stay Matte Powder is available in 7 shades and sold for £3.99, the product is sold in drugstores and some big supermarket chains.

8. Vaseline 'Pink Bubbly' Limited Edition.

  I'm sure most people know Vaseline for it's lip tins, but Vaseline have recently released a limited edition Pink Bubbly lip tin. This product has a hint of champagne extract and smells of a rosey champagne with a pink tint. The Pink Bubbly Vaseline glides over the lips very smoothly, keeping in mind a little bit goes a long way. As weird as it sounds, what caught my eye the most with this lip tin is the packaging, it is packaged in the traditional Vaseline tin with 2 colours around it, but this one is pink and black giving that high-class, regal feel to it. The Pink Bubbly Vaseline is sold for £3.49 in drugstores and supermarkets, however as it is limited edition I recommend you get some as soon as possible before it goes out of stock!

I hope you enjoyed reading my May Favourites, and maybe think about purchasing one of the products mentioned.

  

TOP 5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF 2012

Bonjour!

Today I am going to be reviewing my 5 favorite, and most used beauty products of 2012. These are in no particular order, and some of the products might not be on sale anymore.

1. The first product is Benefit They're Real mascara.

This mascara comes in tube which weighs 85g, the tube has a metallic effect on the front, and is made by Benefit. I'm not one for being a massive fan of Benefit products, and owning lots of their items, but this mascara is honestly the best mascara I have ever used as it causes no clumps, and gives a full long lasting lash. One of the reasons this is the best mascara in the UK is because, the brush has bristles all over, and even at the tip of the wand to get right into those corner lashes for a fuller effect. The product is £18.50 from the Benefit website, and I really recommend this to everyone. I have had my Mascara since before December, and use it everyday, it's only just starting to run out so the product does last for a long time.

2. Models Own eyelash curler

I got the Models Own eyelash curlers as a Christmas present last year, I know some eyelash curlers don't really work or just make the lashes go a funny shape, but these ones work very well. The curlers give a nice rounded curve on lashes, and it keeps the lashes in position all day. One thing I would say about this is that once you have curled your lashes with the Models Own eyelash curler, when you look up and your lashes move up as well, it sometimes feels a little odd on my eyelids, this is probably just me being picky, but if you do get this product just beware of that. Otherwise I suggest you buy this as it's only £6.00!

3. Topshop nail varnish in 'Tidal'

This was the first nail varnish I ever bought from Topshop, and I love it! The nail varnish itself is very good, the quality of it is brilliant. I bought this in the colour 'Tidal' which is a pastel matte blue, and dries in under 2 minutes maximum, but considering my attention span when it comes to waiting for nails to dry is quite low, I do manage to smudge my nails very quickly, so if you do have a low attention span then it is probably best you purchase a quick dry nail varnish. When buying Topshop nail varnishes, depending on the colour and whether the varnish is matte or not,you might want to apply 2 coats just for that extra colour boost. Other than that I love Topshop nail varnishes, and the variety of colours are amazing, you can find these here.

4. Naked Pallet by Urban Decay

I currently cannot find a link for this pallet by Urban Decay as it is one of their best sellers, so many people are after this product it's unreal and, I was very lucky to be able to get one. The reason so many people want this pallet is because it is incredible, the colours that come with it are called Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Dark Horse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, and Gun Metal. All the colours are natural looking-not bright colours, you can wear these all year round as they are warm yet natural tones. The eye-shadows last all day, and don't crumble off of your skin when applying. There is a brush that does come with the pallet, but I recommend using a 287 Fibre Eyeshadow brush from Mac as it is easier to apply it with that brush, and if you want to blend tones use a 217 Blending Brush from Mac. Overall I really love this pallet from Urban Decay, and the rest of their products for sale are really good aswell.

5. My last and final product is the High Beam Highlighter.

 My last favorite beauty product of 2012 is the High Beam Highlighter from Benefit. I don't usually use highlighters, but I got a sample of this product, and it really does make a difference! To apply this Highlighter you dot, and blend over makeup onto cheek and brow bones-or anywhere you want a glance to linger. The point in this product is to enhance your complexion, but this only works best when it is sunny because, as the sun reflects on your face the points where you placed the Highlighter glow, and define your facial features. The applicant of this product is like a nail varnish wand, but the brush tip is a little thicker, and so is the liquid inside. I would recommend you get this product if you aren't afraid of your facial features being enhanced, and more noticeable.

These were my top 5 beauty products of 2012, I hope you enjoyed reading, and maybe purchase one of these items.
 

Some of the links may be out of date and the items aren't sold anymore in the shop, but at the time when I found and uploaded the post the items were on sale.