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!