Get MUA for your money...

MUA Nail Varnish Shade 19

        Being a student an' all, it's all about borrowing off your friends. So, this weekend, when I needed a new nail colour (I am still in serious need of a manicure), I asked my housemate for a nude polish. She handed me this, MUA in shade 19.
        She told me it was a £1, so at first I was a bit skeptical, thinking it would probably chip off in a few minutes! Recommending me to use a top coat, I applied the polish.
        Surprisingly, it only took two coats to cover my nail, and once I'd applied the top coat, it looks fabulous! I get really bored of nail polish really quickly, so after two days I fancied a change. But, when I removed it, it was still perfect!
       I REALLY recommend this product! You can even purchase from Superdrug; so it's super easy to get hold of!
       I scanned through the website just now, and the 'Nail Constellation' products look AMAZING! This is definitely something I am going to have to try so sit tight for a blog!

Please note: image taken from Google!

       ENJOY! (www.muastore.co.uk) (www.superdrug.com)

MUA Constellation Polish: Gemini £3.00

Requested Post: Benefit Brow zing!

     

BrowZing! by Benefit RRP £22.50

 (Please ignore the awful image quality in this Blog- my camera is out of battery!)    

       This post is like marmite; you either love it or you hate it. I've had people commenting on my eyebrows, many saying they love them, others describing them as 'slugs' and stating that they are (in my aunties words), 'very square.' But hey ho, I love them.. and if you do too then here is how I do it! 

        I chose to use the product BrowZing! by Benefit. At £22.50 however, it really isn't that great for our student budgets; but sit tight, at the end I will give you some great alternatives!
        Having said this, I've had my pallet around six months- and as you can see- it looks just as new! It really depends whether you're prepared to make an investment, but I don't doubt other products work and last just as well!

After 6 months! (maybe more!)

         I decided on this product after watching various youtube videos on how to get the perfect eyebrows. As you can see from the initial picture, my right eyebrow is limp, lifeless and undefined. I hated this! In the current fashion of 'scouse brows' and defined arches, I really did need a brow makeover!
         So, with all the inspiration I needed, I popped into Benefit and bought my pallet in colour brown. Although I bought this when my hair was a dark brown colour, it actually still looks great as a blondie! (It's more important to match the colour of your brow than anything else). I personally love the look of light hair and dark eyebrows, but obviously, this is purely a personal choice!
        I hope you enjoy the post!

(To shape the brow prior to styling I use EcoTools Bamboo Lash and Brow Groomer RRP £4.99)

Step by Step: 

This is my original brow!

Not sure you should really follow my advice and I'm sure mostly all beauticians would not recommend doing this, but I usually first shape my eyebrow using the comb, then trim along the top of the first half of my eyebrow to create a styled edge. (I only do this because I can't afford threading) TIP: always make sure your eyebrows are plucked! 

Although the set comes with two brushes, I only tend to use the hard angle brush. It's the perfect length for the width of my brow, but also gives a lot better definition and is a lot easier to use! Most eyebrow kits will give you an option of two brushes.

I also only use the powder in the pallet. I find that the gel is too harsh, and the colour is far too dark for me even in the lighter pallets. The powder gives a more natural finish. I start at the end of my brow, using delicate strokes to define the side of my brow into a point. 

Once I am happy with this, I use the product left on the brush to lightly stroke the remaining powder across the top of my brow to achieve more definition. Obviously, the darker or more defined you want your brow, the more powder you should use! But remember, less is more! 

I think sketch lightly down the edge of the brow to achieve the point/square at the edge. It is really important at this point to only have a small amount of product on the brush, as it may end up being far too dark the most concentrated section of your brow. 

Just to finish off, I lightly fill in the bottom  and the inside of the brow (as also seen below).

I often use a concealer pen around three times lighter than my skin tone to define the brow bone.  Although you can buy specific pencils for this; it's a lot cheaper to grab a cheapy concealer! 

VOILA!

Alternatives:

GOSH (available at Superdrug) RRP £8.49

FashionistA (available at Superdrug) RRP £7

ELF Cosmetics UK (www.eyeslipsface.co.uk) RRP £3.50

The Body Shop RRP £10

Sleek (www.sleekmakeup.com or Superdrug) RRP £8.50

Requested Post: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation

Shade 303: True Nude RRP £6.99

           As most of you who know me personally will know, I am constantly raving about Rimmer 25 Hour Last Finish Foundation! Having previously blogged about Benefit products, I have officially found something even better!
          Quite a few of my friends have used this product for a long time, but I have always been very skeptical about it, regarding my attitude towards the relation between a decent foundation and price. I used to be addicted to MAC, but eventually realised it was continually causing me to break out and the smell began to make me feel sick!
           However, I have found a solution! I now use MAC for nights out (as I love the more tanned colour), and from day to day, stick to my Rimmel!
          Working in the Healthy and Beauty industry, I am constantly looking at the products customers purchase and asking how to achieved such a perfect complexion- but I have never come to the perfect answer. I conclude that there is no magic solution, products works differently for different people, as, of course, we all have different skin types and skin tones.

Without (Please ignore my awful skin!)

           Bearing this in mind, I feel like I have finally found one which is right for me! I use colour 303 (True Nude), which is actually a great match for a more tanned look and an early morning pale complexion! And surprisingly, this is the colour which everyone I know uses (maybe it is perfectly versatile), but I have never known anyone disappointed with this product!

With Rimmel 25 Hour

          One day I was given a piece of advice from a customer, who I'm sure, at the time had no clue she would have such a big impact on my makeup routine. She told me the perfect way to get a great complexion was to use Simple moisturiser before bed and immediately before applying my foundation.. and do you know what, it really does work (this may not be suitable for oily complexions).
           I apply my foundation with EcoTools Bamboo foundation brush, RRP £7.99, this has lasted me a year even with washing weekly!
           Take my advice with this product and I promise you won't be disappointed; but remember, less is always more!

I'm back.... I promise!

              So, I guess you could say I told a teeny little fib in my last post and didn't keep my promise. What I thought might be a summer which enabled me to become a crazy blogger, actually ended up being four months full of full time employment; garnished with a few holidays! That's not to say I didn't have a great time as it was lovely to be with all my family and home comforts.
              Now however, I am typing away from our new home, which is absolutely gorgeous, living with three of my best friends and getting back into studying and of course, blogging!
              I did mean to continue my blog a lot earlier, but a few obstacles (......freshers week), may have temporarily got in my way! With this in mind, I can officially say I am now back to being a typical student with a ridiculous budget to survive on after sprinkling my pounds away on alcohol and the all important hangover cure... dominoes!
              It's been a pretty stressful week, organising reading.... actually reading it, finding rooms, organising parking permits, moving in, meeting new people, but I finally feel as though I am slowly settling back into life here in Essex!
              Anyway, I really hope I haven't lost all your interest, and really hope you enjoy reading my blog once again!

All my love
X

I'm back..

No excuses now; I am officially free for four months.. no assignments, no lectures, no exams, no seminars. Reflecting on my first year studying at the University of Essex, it has revealed a new me. Although my gap year contributed the majority of the work, a fresh, more confident and independent version of myself has evolved. With gazillions of photos to reflect every memory, it will certainly be a period I will never forget.. but at the same time, I am excited at the prospect of the following two years- where it all really begins to count!

With holidays, day trips and weekends away to look forward to this Summer, I will undoubtably have a lot to blog about! But I'm hoping to lead you into a more personal direction and write about my experiences over the next months (as well as beauty tips and reviews). I have my Summerball coming up this weekend, which I have FINALLY found an outfit for; but after that University is officially over until October when me and three friends move into our new home- can't wait!

So, I hope I can receive as much inspiration for this blog as before, and interest you all in what I have to say! But apart from that, thank you for reading!

My former lover..

           It has been far too long since I last blogged, juggling so much uni work at the moment is making me absolutely miserable! But hey, such as life!
           So, I've been back at work for a few days during my Easter break trying to raise funds to afford an addiction to.. well.. anything and everything! Among many positives and negatives of this situation I found myself in.. I became reunited with a former lover!
           I've been using Superdrug's own brand of hairspray for a few months now, and to be honest, have always just used it for the sake of it. It's a kinda habit, like the final spritz of perfume, for me.. it's hairspray. But, I began to come to the realisation that, actually, the cheap crap was making no difference at all!
          Although I describe their product in this way, actually, my love of Wella Silvikrin suprisingly costs me roughly the same dollar. I wasn't even running out of hairspray, but as soon as I saw it I couldn't believe I'd forgotten about it.
         It's amazing, holds my hair all day long, making it shiny, glossy and manageable. At £2.89, you really don't need to spend big bucks to get a product which really works! Most importantly (as my mum would want to know).. it doesn't smell cheap! And, to prove it, plenty of my friends use it.
          I will never neglect you again Silvikrin!
       

   

They're real, I promise!

              At this rate, anyone would think I'm being paid to promote Benefit cosmetics..
              Today, in the spirit of Easter, my mum treated me to the mascara, 'They're Real!' At £18.50, I've been wanting this for ages but as you all know it's hardly suitable for a student budget. This is the perfect substitute to a chocolate egg, adding inches to my lashes instead of my waist! So, I'm sorry Hannah but this is yet another Blog about a product none of us can afford!

               My mum has been using this product since it was released in August 2011 and hasn't swayed from it since.. I can definitely see why. Two tubes of this fabulous mascara have lasted her over five long months, so I was already convinced I'd already love it as I can easily power through a tube of a cheapy every month! 

              Branded the U.K's number one mascara, it not only lengthens, but also, curls, volumises, lifts and separates. What more could you ask for? As you can see from the image, the innovative, unique style brush enables you to hold the wand vertically and gently tease the lashes upwards to create ultimate and unbelievable length. Although I always chose to use Black mascara, the only downside I can see is that those of you who enjoy more subtle tones of Brown will be slightly disappointed. 

             But don't take my word for it, persuade someone you know that it's the perfect, waistline friendly Easter gift! Or.. any excuse to treat yourself..

The really good deal sale: Ascot Racecourse

            High fashion at low cost; The Really Good Deal Sale comes to Ascot Racecourse! (20th-21st April 2012). 115 top companies sell everything from clothing to jewellery and make-up at cheap prices, promising to be nothing like you'd find on the high street and with emphasis on individuality, style and most importantly, price. I couldn't wish for a better day out! Pre-book tickets online for only £4 and also receive a £5 gift voucher to spend at the sale... we're £1 up already; I'm definitely getting involved!

Don't miss out: http://www.ukgrandsales.co.uk/buyNow.aspx?ID=39

£ Savers

I'm always searching for a bargain.. so check out these great offers and freebies.

1. Free Nina Ricci concealer and Elizabeth Arden lip pencil (While stocks last):
Women's Own Magazine exclusive offer. Just add the item to the basket and enter promotional code 'WOW'. At a small delivery fee of £2.95 it's a great bargain!
http://www.beautyoutletdirect.co.uk/ecom-prodshow/womans-own-concealer-lipcolour.html

2. Eyes, Lips, Face (Ongoing Offer):
Elf cosmetics offer an amazing range of makeup at just £1.50! I can't say I've ever tried their products, but I'm constantly seeing recommendations and reviews in magazines. I'll definitely be giving their cosmetics a go!
http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/product~prodID~87.htm

3. 3 for 2 Mix and Match
Boots the Chemists offer a great 3 for 2 mix and match across hair and beauty products in-store and online! A great excuse to treat yourself!

4. Free Bourjois Ombre Stretch Eyeshadow (While stocks last):
I'm not too sure about this one, but if you're a fan of what appears to be lime green eyeshadow, go for it, it's a fan deal for you! Just enter code  'freeombre' at the checkout and pay £1.99 postage.
http://www.halfpriceperfumes.co.uk/en/ombre-stretch/7905-bourjois-ombre-stretch-eyeshadow-and-brush-kit-vert-3052503890517.html

5. Random discount buys:
A few different bargains on this site.. Up to date products at cut prices!
http://www.directcosmetics.com/browse.cfm?text=mascara

6. Debenhams 10% off cosmetics
High street chain Debenhams are offering 10% off cosmetics in-store and online this week only!

7. Limited edition Benefit mini skincare range
I absolutely love Benefits B.right! skincare. This mini kit is fabulous to get a tester of how the products work together to create a great looking complexion. At only £10.. you really can't go wrong, saving you buying the full size products to annoyingly discover you don't get a long with them. But, above all.. they're such cute miniatures! (I particuarly recommend the 'triple performing facial emulsion' and my mum raves about this range too!)
http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/b-right-radiant-skincare-by-benefit-6-piece-intro-kit

8. Models Own nail polish Box Sets
Save £10 on Models Own nail polish Box Sets. Containing 6 different colours, they're great for £20.. only £3.33 a bottle (RRP £5). My personal favourite is the 'Ice Cream Sundae' range, I love painting each nail a different pastel colour, definitely one of my top Summer trends. Grab one while they're hot!
http://www.modelsownit.com/nails/box-sets.html

9. Designer cravings..
For those of you who crave Designerwear on a tight budget, Van Mildert is offering a great 15% off with discount code 'DPR15'. Unfortunately.. I still can't afford any of this..
http://www.vanmildert.com/?source=webgains&siteid=http://www.vanmildert.com

10. Very.co.uk (expires June 13th 2012)
Pretty self explanatory, £25 off a £50 spend..
http://www.very.co.uk/?aff=awin&affsrc=83099&cm_mmc=awin-_-83099-_-Comparison+Engine-_-0_0

11. Barrats
£10 off selected shoes and free delivery over £50 using code, 'MOV5B' at the Checkout.. perfect!
www.barrets.co.uk

12. Sunglasses
Get ready for Summer, cheap! At Boots, selected customers receive half price sunglasses vouchers through the till. Those of you who have an Advantage Card may also have received something similar through the post. They have a great range!

A new faith in Benefit cosmetics

           Taking a short trip to town this morning intending to purchase some mac cosmetic products, I stumbled across this beauty! New this week, Benefits' brightening liquid foundation, 'Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow.' Like Soap and Glory, I adore the brands quirky and individual marketing but haven't ever discovered much truth behind the claims they make about there products. However... it seems I may have to eat my words.

           The consultant gave me the general chit-chat, promising luminous skin with a flawless glow.. and.. actually, that is exactly what it did. Feeling extremely light on my face with a great medium coverage, I was extremely impressed by what I saw. I am the medium shade; 'cheers to me' (champagne) and it's actually a gorgeous colour which would look great when my complexion is fake tanned or natural. The product comes in nine shades which is perfectly versatile, suited to everyone!
             At a price tag of £24.50, I definitely had to come home and have a little think about it. It's still looking flawless on my face, and with the added SPF25 it seems even more tempting! The benefit consultant also recommend the 'hello flawless!' powder to dust over the base. I already own this product, but in a shade slightly too light for my skin tone, so she suggested getting a shade which works a bit more like a bronzer.. and it looked great, but not a necessity!
               I will definitely be purchasing this online in the next few hours.. and maybe I will have more faith in Benefit cosmetics from now on.. (Get a free 'that gal' brightening face primer with two or more Benefit products at Boots.com)
       

I want them all!

           I have become a massive fan of Zara recently! For Christmas, I received this gorgeous 'Plaited Leather Shopper' which I've had on my arm every day since! Its's great, practical for Uni, yet sophisticated and simple. In the tan colour, it co-ordinates with basically anything. Despite comments made about it's size, you know what they say, 'the bigger the bag, the smaller you look,' so maybe, by investing a few pounds, I also managed to shed some!
            At £79.99 it's not the cheapest bag out there, but I honestly feel it's a bargain. Made from 100% Leather, it's really built to last, as of course, reliable is always key for a staple wardrobe item. My only issue now is.. I want them all!

Ditch the perfume!

       Quirky brand, Soap and Glory was released as a Boots exclusive in 2006 and soon spread to upmarket Harvey Nichols. With its' distinctive, almost retro packaging it soon stormed the UK market and is now fast becoming an almost internationally recognised label. (Creator, entrepreneur, Marcia Kilgore clearly knew she was onto a good thing!) Hence, I'm clearly not on my own in saying I absolutely adore them!

        They sell so many gorgeous products, but I have found a personal favourite in their incredible body sprays! Over the years, I've tried perfume after perfume and found that I constantly get sick of the strong, overpowering fragrance after just a few weeks.. such a waste of money. For the average £60 bottle of perfume, you could buy 7 of these savvy gift sets containing all you need to smell fabulous, that's 21 sprays! At only £8.50, I love the ability to switch the similar fragrances around to achieve a different scent everyday; and they're perfect handbag (and aeroplane!) size, at a cute 100ml. 

         But, my passion for the brand does not end there. I have to say, I don't think their is one of their products I dislike, some of them smelling almost good enough to eat! On a student budget, the brand is absolutely perfect in creating luxurious products which you'd expect to pay big bucks for. Even investments into their body butters, at what may seem a pricey tag of around £10 is not a waste, trust me. 

         So ditch the over powering perfume, and go for a the delicate scent of Soap and Glorys' gorgeous body sprays, you won't be disappointed... (Free gift when you spend £10 on Soap and Glory at Boots)

         

Wouldn't go to sleep without it

          My obsession with fake tanning has led to to worry about the products I am using on my face, as many average products are far too harsh. Not only can they create an uneven looking complexion, but also cause outbreaks of blemishes and cling and resist dry or oily areas, which are most common facially. So, I chose to use a tanning spray specifically designed for the face in order to avoid chemicals only suited to the body. I swear by this product, using it religiously every night. After cleansing and moisturising, it only requires a short mist over the face and neck to create a radiant and golden tan by morning. As with any tanning product, exfoliating is key for it to be successful, but, don't panic, I only insist on this once a week! My face absolutely refuses to tan in the Summer, so, for me this is essential. Try it, I promise you'll have no complaints!

P.S It's perfect for those on a student budget! Always on sale in Tesco, I managed to stock up when they were only £3! And.. at the moment they are on offer in Boots at around £5! One can lasts me forever..

Are you mad?

           I have to say, I was absolutely horrified to read about the new 'fashion' which LOOK magazine describes as, 'Skirt over a Frock.' Do these images not prove how awful this can look?! Blake Lively pulls it off pretty successfully, I can almost.. almost accept Diane Kruger's interesting ensemble, but you have to agree with me, Karolina just looks ridiculous!
           What were you thinking, this just isn't fashion.. surely!

But.. if you're going to do it.. do it like this! (Image: Chicotopia, Flattery)

       

AX Paris impresses..

           I've got to say, advertised as a website with dresses priced from £9.99, I was very skeptical to investigate. However, AXParis.co.uk didn't fail in impressing me with some eye catching, on trend bargains perfect for the summer! 

          Being a massive fan of the 'wedged' heel, AX tempt me with some really cute pastel shaded peep-toes at prices which are hard to resist, most definitely worth the investment of around £30. But.. don't feel you have to agree, the brand also do gorgeous platform stilettos in their new summer range and the mint green shade is.. well.. mint! 

           Also with a fabulous range of dresses available for those on a tight budget, AX has been safely saved as a browser favourite and will be receiving much more attention during some of my more affluent times! Bring on the Summer holidays! (10% off with code: LOOK0304X)

H&M's nailed it!

          It would be crazy to not devote a post to H&M's upcoming collection! Following the famous collaborations with Versace and Marni, the high street chain are set to introduce their new distinctive line; Exclusive Conscious.
          Not only are the designs absolutely beautiful and a great tribute to elegant summer style, but they embrace a unique eco-friendly element (perhaps this is the future of fashion!). All items are made from fabrics which are sustainable: recycled polyester, hemp and organic cottons. Perhaps this means guilt free shopping with an earth-friendly excuse!
          I absolutely love H&M, from practical, simple vest tops to lovely dresses and evening wear, you can rely on the brand to be reasonably priced and affordable. I trust that I will walk into the store and pick up items which will not give me a shock as soon as I see the price tag. Not wishing to name names, but as much as I adore Topshop, they have to be the worst for this! The new collection completely embraces this idea. Despite looking high end fashion in appearance, the glam attire can be snapped up for around £39.99.. what a bargain!
         Don't just trust me on this one.. celebs such as Michele Williams and Kristin Davis have already been seen in Exclusive Conscious, as high street becomes the new red carpet craze.
         I will be the first to grab one of these beauties! (Online and in-store April 12th 2012)

A craving to shop!

         I'm sure those who know me best will know how much I adore retail therapy; in any form! Bombarded with revision and assignments on my Easter break at home from University, it's impossible to dream about anything else than the pressure to study...
         As much as I see internet shopping as a blessing, it isn't half a great distraction from the burden of education and, surprisingly for most of you, I am doing extremely well to resist!
        Thus, I am praying this blog may take away my constant urge to pop into town or  admire my beloved online window- shopping favourites, as, with any luck, sharing my desire for the latest trends and beauty products with you may assist in fullfilling my craving... at least until tomorrow that is!