L'oreal Infallible Matte

This is my favourite foundation at the moment, I have oily skin and it's perfect for me. It lasts a really long time. I wouldn't say it lasts the 24 hours stated, but I've yet to found one that actually lasts as it's believed too. There's a normal version of this foundation which i believe is a liquid but i haven't tried it as i know it wouldn't be suitable for my skin type.
It's around 8 pound either from super drug or boots. and has around 6 shade colours. 

I use the shade 11- vanilla and i think it's a good match, i have quite pale skin so struggle with any foundation looking orange.

Powder 

The range also has a powder, which i love! it's my all time no.1 now, i wouldn't buy anything different again. I use 123 warm vanilla in that. I think it's really effective, and lasts a long time. I only normally apply once a day and its lasts all day, depending on what activities i'm doing i might need a touch up. It doesn't cling to any dry spots on my face, and is soft to the face. Amazing value for money, it lasts ages and is around 5 pound!
Nicola xxx

motivation..

I've always opening admitted i'm a lazy person, I just have one of those personalities where i'm lazy when it comes to literally anything and everything. Most days I don't wear make up, do my hair even put a pair of jeans on. I'm a lot ore comfortable in my jogging bottoms.
When it comes to house hold things, like cleaning, washing cooking; but now i need a different type of motivation. 

I NEED to lose a serious amount of weight. I've always been a snacker, it's not so much the amount of food I eat, its the junk I eat. since becoming a mummy i cant seem to stop eating, if any of you have been pregnant before, you know what i mean. You get into pregnancy mode thinking you can eat what you want, and then when the baby arrives, you're still in that mind set. It's really hard to think differently.
I've always been larger than average but now its a real problem. 

Any tips or tricks to try and help me stop bingeing every day?!
HELP!! 

Nicola, xxx 

BABY POWDER!

Before I had my son I was a huge fan of dry shampoo, but now sadly it doesn't matter if I have clean hair or not most of the time, but in situations where I have no time ( which is all the time!! ) I find myself without dry shampoo; and my friend suggested to me one day - also a mum of two, to try baby powder.
I thought to myself, ' why not ' and now it's my holy grail, its perfect for the quick days where you don't have time to wash your hair straight away. I use it the night before so its not so white and obvious and the smell isn't so strong, even though there are worst things in the world you could smell of. The next day is just as effective just takes a bit more work to remove the whiteness.  It soaks up all the oil and makes your hair look silky soft again.
Try it out.It's cheaper then dry shampoo and has multiple uses, which is all about what i'm for to save a pound or two where i can.
Nicola xxx 

My First Zoella Product

At Christmas my partner bought me a new make up bag, after a lot of hints. I needed a new one as I was actually using a soap and glory bag that came with a gift set I received the christmas before. 

When Zoella first bought her range out, I knew I needed a new bag. I like all of them but the large size one would be perfect, I found this design the best. 

I love the bag as much as I thought I would. Its a perfect size, it holds everything I need. 

I think it's the cutest make up bag i've ever seen, let alone owned. The nice peach colour is on the lining of the bag. The outside of the bag is easy to wipe clean if you need to clean it. 

For £15 it's available in Superdrug stores. 

Match Perfection

I've been trying to try different foundations recently. 

I've found my skin is in much better condition so I feel like I don't need as heavy a coverage but I still want my skin to look as flawless as possible. Normally I use mattifying products, but with it being winter my skin is a little drier so I would try a more liquid base. 

However this was foundation really does nothing for my skin. I have oily patches and I find no amount of powder keeps me matte. 

The coverage still isn't enough, with some concealer, obviously it gives me a good base, but I still don't like the way it makes me look. 

The shade range is very good, 

If I remember correctly they have re formulated this product, as i'm sure I have tried this before, however I think I preferred it before they changed it. 

I'm not saying that in general this is a bad foundation however it does nothing for my skin type so if your oily I would avoid this. 

Eye brow

I have always used brow powder (well eyeshadow) until very recently I tried a brow gel from Rimmel, it's very effective. 
' Brow this way ' I simply apply the product to the bulk of my hairs and then with a angled brush, I brush out the product to make the perfect eyebrow shape. To do it with the applicator is very difficult as you easily get product everywhere and its difficult to sort out. It clings to every tiny hair and is hard to remove easily if you make a mistake, so you have to be very careful. I think this product makes me eyebrow shade appear more natural and stays ALL day. I find myself removing it at night as it's stayed put all day, no matter what I've done. 

I bought this of a whim, I was literally in Superdrug and saw it and thought oh why not, it was only £3.99, so if I didn't like it, it wouldn't exactly break the bank, If your looking for a new brow product, or if you want to try something different then try this out its very good for the price!
Nicola, xxx 

Peaches & Clean

Where have you been all my life? 

If I remember correctly I have used this product before, a long time ago but I don't remember it having anywhere near as good as effects. 

It is a cleanser, that is great in ' melting away make up ' 

I haven't used A lot of cleanser's, but this one is by far the best i have used. 

All you need is one or two pumps a day, ( I only use this at night times )
If I have been wearing make up I think two is better as you have more to work with, but those lazy days, one is perfectly fine. 

You simply rub it into your face, and eyes as well if you want, I find it's not so harsh on my eyes however my eyes aren't overly sensitive.
Then simply rub away with a flannel, or hot cloth.

It's available to buy at Boots, online or in store. 

http://www.boots.com/en/PEACHES-AND-CLEAN%E2%84%A2-Deep-Cleansing-Milk-350ml_1683520/

£8.00 is a great price to pay, and majority of the time there is some form of offer on Soap and Glory products. So normally you end up getting a great deal out of it.
If your looking for something new, try this one i couldn't recommend it enough.

Blush Palette

Hey Everyone!

I bought my first blusher palette, from make up revolution, ' Hot Spice ' 

It was actually the first thing i had ever purchased from the brand,. as recently i haven't really been updating my make up bag, just living of the essential;s when its ran out i've repurchased the same thing.. Lazy of a beauty lover, but i am making up for it now. 

I wanted a palette for a long time, as they are only £6, there was a choice of 2, one was a pink collection, and the other orange shades. 

I went for the orange, but have made a hint to my partner i want the other one, so if he doesn't buy it i will just buy it myself. 

As you can see there are 8 shades in the palette, so 100% worth every penny, less than £1 a blusher, could it get any better?
It also has a full size mirror so it makes using it even easier. 

Each day i use a different colour and have loved every one, the pay off is very good, you don't need to add much to your brush. If neglected it will become very messy though, so you need to really look after it ( and i would advice buying it !!) 

Available in your local Superdrug, 

http://www.superdrug.com/Makeup-Revolution/Makeup-Revolution-Ultra-Blush-Palette-Hot-Spice/p/246717?singleResultSearchPage=true#.VnFj5hqLSV4

Nicola, xxx 

IT'S A BOY!

Hey Everyone! 

I'm sorry that it has been a very long time but as you can tell from the title, i'm now a mummy. A very proud one i'd like to add. There is literally no other better feeling in the world, my life feels complete. 

Alfie was born 3rd September, which as you can tell makes him 3 months old. So it's a very late announcement. But now he's getting older i feel like i have a little more time on my hands, to pick up my blog again. 

He's a great baby, sleeps at night; has done for a month now, and eats well. He's gorgeous, just the right combination of mummy and daddy. 

He was a nice surprise as i didn't know i was pregnant till late in the pregnancy, but the best surprise we've ever had, and he is easily the best thing ever to happen to me and his father. 

My blog will be taking a different approach now, i'm still very much into my beauty so that side of things will still be the same, but there will be post all about motherhood, so if your not into that, there will be something for everyone. 

Nicola, xxx 

BIG BIG NEWS

I know it's been a very long time since my last post.. Months in fact, but i have valid reasons. Just like last summer i explained how i work seasonally so as soon as April comes I'm busy every day. 

There is also something else that's been keeping my mind elsewhere recently...

I'M GOING TO BE A MUM!!! 

It comes as shock to all of you; not as much as it did to me. I didn't actually find out until i was 30 weeks. Yes i know people will say how did you not know?? But i had no idea -_- 

We are waiting the arrival any day of a baby boy and we couldn't be happier or more excited so please enjoy this time with me. 

My blog will be taking a different turn.. and am actually thinking about starting a completely different one if some of you would prefer ??

Let me know your thoughts.. 

only 3 weeks left!!! 

Lush Christmas - star light star bright

I know normal people will of used up all there christmas bath products from lush, but i'm still getting through all of mine, I really like to make them last. Today i'm talking about star light star bright; which is a bath melt. I wasn't a huge fan because as i expected the slight glitter was a bit of a nightmare because even though it didn't stick to the skin it made a mess in the bath, which is ok but a little annoying. 

The product smelt really nice, and like all the other bath products made the whole of my upstairs smell beautiful. It was strange how it was blue on the inside, which i liked about the product because it was a nice little surprise that i didn't expect. 

If i had the choice i wouldn't buy again just because i have used other products i have preferred them, but included in a gift set i would use it again. 

It did what it stated it would do which i always think is a good thing about a product. 

opi nail set

For christmas this year i got my first ever opi product! How exciting, and makes me wish i could afford to use opi all the time, but sadly right now i can't.. but one day i will! Hard work has to pay off at some point. I got a very nice set of 4 mini nail vanishes. They are from the Gwen Stefani range. 

A very nice red, purple a red and gold glitter and a very nice metallic red, purple colour. 

They are the cutest things you ever saw. They are so tiny, i thought they would be hard to paint with because they are so small. But surprisingly they are quite easy. It is such a nice gift to receive. It's available to buy online here - at £14.99, so make sure you get one either for yourself or for a loved one! 

http://www.lookfantastic.com/opi-gwen-stefani-mini-holiday-stars/10989858.html?utm_source=googleprod&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gp_nailcare&affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=GBP&ds_e_ad_type=pla&gclid=CJv208jF88ICFYgewwod6l8ATg&gclsrc=aw.ds

yankee candles

For christmas my sister bought me a candle holder, it's a cute flowery little stand and it has 3 glass tea light holders, its a beautiful piece to put in the middle of the table, on a sideboard or any type of furniture. I have mine on my desk in my front room, because i thought it would look lovely on the coffee table, but with having a big dog having glass at his level isn't a very good idea.

She also bought me some tea lights to go in the holder, some nice yankee ones that i haven't tried before. 

Pink Sands, the colour looks very nice in the holder as well because it matches the decretive flowers on the stand. 

You get a nice pack of 12, and they are quite large, larger than normal tea lights. 

Yankee candle do basically every candle they sell there is a tea light version so if you would rather buy little candles and try lots than spend £20 on one and maybe not like it. These also make a very nice little gift because they arent too pricy, and its something people can use all the time are on special occasions. 

Brand series - month 1, week 1

Welcome to part one of my new mini series that will be on going for a few months. 

Basically each month i will choose a brand and then mention some of the best products from the brand, and worst.. if i've really disliked something. It also gives me a reason to try out some new things! Which of course makes everything good when you have a reason to buy make up. I thought it would be quite interesting. Every Saturday there will be a post about this, so here is number one.. Enjoy.

MUA- Make up Academy 

One of the cheapest make up brands out there, which of course is a great thing because you can try different shades of things for next to nothing before you splash out and buy something from a different brand. Like a lipstick, you never know what type of colours suit you until you try them.. and it must be very disappointing to spend £10 on a colour that does not suit you at all! 

It's a great brand, that is sold in superdrug's. Every one i have been in stock this brand because i know smaller stores dont stock as many make up counters but luckily this one is everywhere. If you haven't tried anything from this brand, or haven't heard of it. Where have you been?? 

The product i'm talking about today is an eyeshadow trio and i have mention it before but it was quite a while ago. 

http://www.superdrug.com/MUA/Make-Up-Academy-Trio-Eyeshadow-Pink-Sorbet/p/267664#.VKWmbYqsW1w

How cute are these little trios, and only £2.50, they have lots of different shades avaible to make the perfect eye shade. one colour for the crease and then all over shades. I think they are a great idea. You do get a small applicator with it, but i wouldnt reccomend it because i dont think they are the best quality. 

Yes another hair mask....

I've used herbal essences masks before, and really liked them ( mainly for the smell ) but that doesn't matter. They just smell divine. So fruity.

This beautiful ends, split end protection mask is no different. As you can imagine its so fruity and strong. Beautiful, i bought this the other day at superdrug, for less than £2. 

You can buy them from superdrug boots, supermarkets. Basically everywhere that will sell shampoo and conditioner, you'll find this. This really is a bargain product. A lot of people that i know don't use hair masks but my hair really needs something extra about once a week. Its a nice little treat, i have long hair so my ends get a little knotty and dry so i need something to give them an extra boost, and this does the trick. 

Products of 2014

I have a feeling as i start writing this it's going to be a lengthly post mentioning some of my true favourites from the year. Things that have stood out that i can say wow that saved me in 2014, and hopefully will do the same in 2015. 

Body shop oil cleanser

Starting with skin, because i think it might be the smallest category. I've always been quite lazy with my skincare which is why i can't complain when i have spots, but things that have helped me in tricky situations, or just that i think have made an improvement is a cleanser . It is the body shop oil cleanser, its really nice, its the first oil i have used and i really like it and would be without it and will be sure to buy another when it runs out 

Rimmel Stay matte liquid

I haven't really had that many holy grail products of this year, but looking through my make up bag i thought i would mention some products that have been great all year ( or as long as i've owned them '

Foundation wise i've had 2 that i've really liked, and both of them i'd buy again. They are also quite different too, as one is more of a summer foundation and one a winter ( in my opinion ) 

First up is ' Rimmel stay matte liquid ' it was a very weird product to try, as i've used mousse foundations before like the famous matte mouse, but this one came in a tube. It was great throughout the summer, because i had quite oily skin so i thought it really helped combat that oil. 
Rimmel lasting finish

It is a very nice foundation and is reasonably priced too. 

The second one i used; am using now is ' Rimmel lasting finish ' this foundation is a liquid so personally for me is better in the winter because thats when i tend to get slight dry patches, and obviously a mouse type is drying and clings to all the dry bits of skin. 

 Benefit Porefessional

Staying with face, i wanted to mention a primer and i only have one and yes it can only be benefits porefessional. This product has been amazing whenever i have really needed something extra this has helped, with long nights out or hard days at work when i know i've needed to try and look my best i have applied this before my foundation. Its slightly pricy ( not expensive ) but it cost me around £28, and the tube isn't huge but you need the tiniest bit and it goes a very long way. It has to be in my 2014  best ones.

Soap And Glory Shower Gel 

I have to add a shower gel, not everything could be beauty related could it? I have hardly used any of these bottles through the year though because they last forever! Soap and glory shower gels. I love the Sugar Crush one, because it just smells so fruity; but i have tried many of the others scents and still would keep trying others. I love these and always will i believe.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 

In January i got the real techniques expert face brush. I use it every day to apply my foundation. I love it, it helps to blend everything in really well. I now couldn't imagine my life without it. It also washes really easily and dries quickly too. Its around £9.99 everywhere sold. 

Tresemme Hair mask

I love Hair masks, but i'm going to mention the one i'm currently using at the moment because i love it. The Tresemme reconstructing deep conditioning hair mask.  The smell the consistency, even the amount you need. I have very long and thick hair and i dont need much for it to be effective. The size of the product is good too because you get a hell of a lot so you can make it last a long time. 

I hope everyone has a great 2015, and hoping it is better than the last for everyone! 

Happy New Year

21st Birthday Celebrations

I'm so struggling to sort my birthday out, has anyone had a bodyshop party at home before? I'm in contact with a rep and i know the lady is available when i need her. But i want to know if its worth it, i dont want to ruin what should be my best birthday, and make my friends bored. Suggestions? If not can anyone think of something beauty related i can do instead. Maybe visiting a spa? getting a few treatments. Shopping? Any suggestions Welcome.

With it being a special birthday i really do need to go all out. It's all so exciting, bring on some good times with my family and friends.It's the best reason to have a birthday. 

The best christmas present a girl could ask for!

I was so excited on christmas afternoon when i opened the best present i've received. A make up product of my loving fiancee, showing he does pay attention to me and about what i hint at him all the time. I've only tried one product from benefit and it was the porefessional, i've found it to be very good at what it states and has really lasted me a long time and is worth every penny, so i have been looking forward to trying some more things from the brand. 

It has 5 different compartments as you can see that hold different things for your skin. 

A mini porefessional, which will last a lifetime. Mini hello flawless, a boi-ing product, with 2 different shades so you can mix them together to get the perfect shade for under eyes etc. A face powder and a small brush to apply the powder with. I won't use the brush as i have a lot of powder brushes that i prefer, but i think its good that it comes with one just incase you dont have any.  It comes in a book type format, and when you open the lid there is instructions about what to do with every product which is good for any newbies to make up. It also has a large mirror so you can carry it around, the product isn't too big that you can't fit it in a handbag. You can take out every product but the powder which is handy. obviously i dont know the price as it was a gift.. and i dont want to know how much it cost because i think it takes away that important thing about receiving a gift, but if your interested you can check

www.feelunique.co.uk as i know it was purchased from there.

Body shop sale!

The best time of year is january ( well if you like to spend a lot of money on basically everything you dont really need ) So this post is about exactly that, The Bodyshop sale.

Body Butters at £6.50 wow! 

It is also 30% normal priced items too, so surely you can find something and still get a good deal out of it, and really thats what we all want. 

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Also like i have mentioned before you still get your 10% if your a love me beauty card holder, and if your not like i've mentioned before you really need to spend that £5 because its worth it. thats 10% all year round, and then other promotions, like 40% its to good to miss out on. 

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/sale/sale-10-and-under/raspberry-body-butter.aspx

I have posted a link to my favourite product range from the sale, but there is also products from the peach range which i would love to try. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have had a wonderful day/days. Now it's time to prepare for sales and town being busy. The madness would of started today, but for me it doesn't start till tomorrow. And i'm really hoping i can find some good beauty buys. I have seen a few things online, so we will see. 

Hopefully you got some great gifts for christmas so maybe you can be sensible and sane and not bother with any sales. I like to have a look and if i dont find anything that i dont want i never really mind. I won't just buy something for the sake of it, because i got everything and more for christmas. 

Enjoy spending your hard earned money, but dont go overboard!!