Are you a PC or a Mac?

Hello!

On  a recent weekend away I called off at York Designer Outlet and dragged my unsuspecting boyfriend to the CCO. This shop has some major discounts off premium brand make-up. Most of it seems last season/ going out of season which doesn't bother me in the slightest as I tend not to follow any kind of make-up trends in terms of colours etc.

I managed to stumble across some delicious MAC products. They had everything from foundation to lipstick, eyeshadows and skin finish. I chose two lovely products; the first being studio fix fluid for the bargainous £13.75. Now granted they only had 3 colours- two for much darker skin than mine and NW18. I haven't ever been colour matched at MAC so had no real idea other than I think I am more cool toned than warm. However, I have wanted to try this for a long time and couldn't see myself buying it as full price. On getting back to the car I couldn't wait to try it so put a little on my face to see how it looked and was pleasantly surprised when it evened my skin-tone in a natural way. Granted it is slightly too warm-toned for me, however I have no qualms about wearing this at all!

My next bargain was some Pro-longwear lipstick in the colour 'Love Forever'. This has amazing staying power and although it's not moisturising it doesn't cling to dry patches- it lasted me 5 hours on a night out drinking and only faded a little towards the centre of my lips but nothing too drastic! Whilst my Creme sheen in Shy Girl dries right up! Has anybody else tried these and found the same?

My only issue was I unknowingly got a little on my teeth which nobody pointed out to me until the end of the night! But that was my own fault for not doing the old finger in the mouth trick! But I can cope with even that for £11.95!!

Apologies for the blur!

 Has anyone else got any bargain make-up recently? These two are my new favourite products (I'm slowly adding to my MAC collection which so far totals 3 products)!!

Lots of Love
Lauren

Book Worms Unite!

 Ok so this isn't a beauty video, but I really enjoy a good book and saw this on a blog I've recently started reading and thought I'd give it a whirl. Let me know if you like reading and some of your recommendations as I need to line up a few books for over the summer and if you like reading about something a bit different on a beauty blog as I'm not feeling too inspired by beauty at the moment!

1. Favorite childhood book?

Jinny of Finmory trilogy- I loved horses and wanted this to be my life!

2. What are you reading right now?

The Great Gatsby- I can't believe I've only just got round to reading it.

3. What books do you have on request at the library?

I don't use a library.

4. Bad book habit?

Starting and not finishing.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Nothing

6. Do you have an e-reader?

I got a Kindle last year for my birthday and haven't looked back since!

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I only ever read one at a time- I think you should be drawn into a book and can't really do that concentrating on more than one story.

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

No because I'm new at it and this is the first book related blog I've written.

9. Least favourite book you read this year (so far?)

Are We Nearly There Yet?: A Family's 8000 Miles Around Britain in a Vauxhall Astra- Everything seemed so promising but then nothing happened apart from they travelled and got into a couple of predictable scrapes.

10. Favourite book you’ve read this year?

The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy- I literally couldn't put it my kindle down!

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?

I make a concentrated effort to do this, but I hardly ever follow through with it. I love fiction books so reading outside my comfort zone would be books on presenting skills and popular science but there isn't anything there to keep bringing me back so I end up reading a few chapters and then forgetting about it (terrible I know)

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

Young adult (shame faced as I am not a young adult) the classics and a nice bit of chick-lit. I do want to start reading more crime and thriller but haven't got there yet.

13. Can you read on the bus?

Not really- all my bus journey's are short and I don't like advertising the fact that I might be carrying a £100 in the form of a kindle.

14. Favorite place to read?

In my bed.

15. What is your policy on book lending?

I find it hard- not because I care if they get a bit beaten up but because I usually forget to ask for them back.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?

I can't help it- I don't use bookmarks, I just fold the corners instead.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

I've only ever done this with text books but I kind of like the idea but I'm unsure what I'd write? Surely then I'd just end up analysing the book as I would for an essay?

18. Not even with text books?

...See above :)

19. What is your favourite language to read in?

English. I'm not a show-off.

20. What makes you love a book?

A romance that I can relate to and a nice bit of history in it. I loved Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy and Me because it's something I would have dreamt about happening to me when I was a bit younger.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If I really love it- unfortunately I don't have many friends that are readers. If I find a good one I usually buy it as a present for someone.

22. Favorite genre?

This is pretty much the same as my comfort zone books.

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did?)

History.

24. Favorite biography?

I think the only biography I have ever read is Jordan's (British glamour model)

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?

I've tried some more general ones but I find most of the advice is what you already know but just don't put into action.

26. Favorite cookbook?

Rachel Allen 'Bake'

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or non-fiction)?

I don't think any have been especially inspirational- I could count the Atkins book and then doing the diet for about a month? No?

28. Favorite reading snack?

I don't really eat and read- past experiences have ended with chocolate covered books (there's your answer)!

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.

I delayed reading Twilight because I thought that it was a book for little girls who dreamt of falling in love, then I realised that even with a boyfriend you can still dream about the fantasy version of love that doesn't involve washing socks and cleaning bathrooms!

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?

I don't read critic reviews.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

I don't feel remorse in giving a bad reviews- I'm pretty strong minded

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?

I don't really see a point in that other than if I was visiting that country and in that case I couldn't choose between French, Spanish, Italian and Russian.

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read? 

The Mitfords, Letters between sisters and The Queen, The Queen Mother both purely because of size!

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?

Ulysses- I've tried to read this but unfortunately couldn't follow it. I think I'll come back to it one day in the right frame of mind!

35. Favorite Poet?

I've not read a lot of poetry but have enjoyed some nice Victorian romance poems and I love the lady of Shallot for it's rhythm.

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

None.

37. How often have you returned book to the library unread?

Never

38. Favorite fictional character? 

Jane Eyre- stereotypical I know.

39. Favorite fictional villain?

 Mrs Coulter

40. Books you’re most likely to bring on vacation?

Chick-lit for beach reading.

41. The longest you’ve gone without reading.

I think probably a couple of months- I lost my mojo for a bit.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Other than what I've already mentioned I'm not sure as I've discarded them to the never again pile in the charity shop.

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

My phone ringing- I should turn it off. Even if I don't answer I have to get up and look who it was.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Lord of the Rings, Atonement, The Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice was soo much better than I thought it was going to be. I think My Little Princess was adapted from a book and that whole film enchants me. I also love the Secret Garden adaptation with Maggie Smith as Mrs Medlock.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?

I find most of the Harry Potter adaptations disappointing due to bad acting on behalf of Harry and Hermione.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?

About £30 I think. Which in England will get you approximately 3 books.

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?

Never- I can't run the risk of spoiling it.

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

If I get bored

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?

Not really- I have a bookshelf that has no organisation to it. I do however have some very sophisticated categories on my Kindle of Books I would read again and Books I wouldn't.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

Keep- I'm greedy.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?

I don't think so- only the Hunger Games so that I'm not following the trend!

52. Name a book that made you angry.

I'm not sure there are any.

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?

Twilight I can't ever thank my old work friend enough for lending it to me!

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?

Again, I'm not sure but it would probably be a classic- I'm not really enjoying The Great Gatsby yet :(

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading?

Jane Eyre!

New Skincare

I'm back after a little break- I'm pretty sure most new bloggers lose a bit of heart after a short while when they don't have a million people viewing their blogs. However I have come to the realization that it doesn't matter if people don't read what I write as long as I like doing it!

So here we go again (on my own)...

I've been doing my usual trawling of TK Maxx. I'm actually a bit embarrassed about how often I go in here (more than once a week) but I just love it! Today I noticed some more unusual products in that they had Korres!

Now I'm not sure but I think it's a body wash and lip butter that are the two big sellers but I saw a lovely cleansing water. Now that my Bioderma and Himilayan Milliclar (spelling)?! have been used up I'm in the market for another easy-use cleansing water and this just fits the bill.

Here is a bit of blurb:

"A soap free, three in one water that removes everyday impurities, face and eye make up while also toning the skin. The organic white tea extract is a rich source of polyphenols which demonstrate strong antioxidant action. Hamamelis extract, due to its astringent action, tightens skin pores, while soothing and calming the skin. The use of natural cleansing agents ensures excellent compatibility with the eyes and skin."

 It is suitable for all skin types and I'm hoping for a refreshing wash that doesn't dry me out. I'm going to try it for the first time tonight and will update you tomorrow with what I think. This cost £7.99 but I think it retails for £16 full price so not really a cheap product either way! They also had some body wash and another cleanser- a milk, I think but this is the only thing that caught my eye.

Has anyone else seen anything of interest in TK Maxx lately??

Lots of Love

Lauren XxXxX

P.s now I've been using this for a little while I really like the freshness of it but have found that it is a little drying and so probably more for slightly oily skin. I've contemplated leaving it until the weather gets hotter and I need a nice refreshing cleanser but as yet, I'm still using it nightly.

April Jolie Box

It's that time again JOLIE BOX TIME!

I'm so glad I went back to the Jolie box. It feels luxurious and I haven't received anything yet that I wouldn't use (and even better, I've never used any of the products before).

I always feel that when I read blogs and watch Youtube videos on the beauty boxes that it's just another thing that people have received and isn't very special for a lot of people. They always say this will be great as I travel a lot and I just think, I don't pay £10 per month to collect lots of travel toiletries! We just get a run-down of what's there and some other facts from the menu. Hopefully when you read this you'll know how excited I am when I get my box!

It's Saturday today- the perfect day to collect parcels as you have hours to luxuriate over them!

I eagerly rushed home with my box (after stopping at Costa for my morning coffee)!

I like to do a lucky dip and not really look at what I am reaching for when I first open the box. What came first for me was the KMS California Freeshape Hot Flex Spray.

 I like to receive hair products like this as normally I don't like to spend a lot of money on them and so this is something I would never normally buy. If this spray works I'm going to be a very happy bunny; my hair is big, messy and curly and when I straighten it, it never lasts and I long for the hold I get after I have my hair cut and my hairdresser straightens it for me.  

Hold this space for an update as it's my mum and dad's anniversary party tonight I will be trying this out!! 

Next to come out was the Balance Me Cleansing Balm. 

This says it is for dry and sensitive skin (me) so looking forward to trying this later too. This brand has featured in a lot of beauty boxes so my heart sank a little that it wasn't quite so unique as some other products but as it's a nice soothing balm and I'm always looking for new skin products I'm going to enjoy trying it out.

This next product's packaging left something to be desired; it feels like it's either new to the market or doesn't normally do samples as the pot was poor quality with a paper label stuck on top (not good for wet hands). However, the Tropic Skincare Skin Revive cream smells divine and like it's bursting with anti-oxidants and lovely face smoothing berries!

The next discovery had me so excited I couldn't stop smelling it....

Pure Fiji Exotic Bath and Body Oil. The smell is out of this world! Whilst I'm writing I want to smell it again- it's addictive!!

After I had been on holiday last year I was obsessed with finding a perfume that had the smell of coconut sun cream. The closest  I came was Jennifer Aniston's perfume which smells like fresh laundry (amazing, but not sun cream). This however fills all my desires to have that smell around me. I'm only a little sad that the bottle is a sample and not a massive one! It's advertised as a bit of a do-all product; for skin, hair and scalp. I think it will be similar to a dry oil spray body moisturiser. I don't doubt that it will smooth my hair but I'd prefer to save it for my skin and I can't wait to use it!

Finally, out popped the mascara. I really like to receive at least one cosmetic in my beauty box. When you don't have a lot of money you can't always try the things you want to and so this is the perfect way to do that. This week I needed a new mascara so bought one from Boots, it's typical that a mascara would therefore be in this months box. 

I can tell though that tit will be completely different from my other new one (I think it was Collection 2000). The Jolie box Bellapierre mascara has a thin brush and the formula looks very thickening. I think for nights out I will end up using this mascara to bulk up my lashes and then my Collection 2000 mascara to add some length. Let's wait and see, this is definitely getting a test later today!

I also really like the printing inside the box. It makes it feel very luxurious.

This is my favourite box I've either tested or read about yet. It has everything I signed up for and more.

 I hope that you all enjoyed your beauty boxes this month and if you don't subscribe, give it a go for a month. There is absolutely no commitment to keep it up for any longer than that!

I hope you are all having a lovely lazy Saturday morning!

Lots of Love

Lauren  xXxXx

Avon Calling...

Hello there chums!

I have been waiting to show you my new nail polish (how sad)!! We've recently started having the Avon book delivered which I've not had for years and as expected I am very excited by it- cosmetics and skincare direct to my door and they always have some really good offers.

My first foray into Avon was when I was about 17 (though we'd always had it delivered when I lived with my parents I never really ordered anything noteworthy), to earn a bit of pocket money I became an Avon lady but, it was winter and the dark nights made me not want to go out to collect the books etc and I gave it up after a couple of months. The people who are delivering on my street at the moment seem to be an Avon couple, but I've only seen the male Avon lady so far.

My first delivery didn't get off to a great start as he delivered on Good Friday, whilst me and I'm sure a lot of other people were away for the weekend. He pushed a note through saying he'd be back the following day but we weren't back until the Sunday and so on his third attempt on bank holiday Monday he was successful. This is what I ordered.....

Tummy sucking in Jeggings

I also got a lavender colour

Good old shampoo and conditioner

I was most looking forward to the nail polish as I ordered the aqua colour and a lovely lavender.  I haven't tried the aqua yet but the lavender certainly hasn't disappointed. The colour is lovely- it did take two coats though but one week on I only have a few small chips to the edges. One thing I will say though is that I didn't like the brush. It made the application difficult and streaky. I kept getting big blobs of nail polish running down the sides of my nails (not something that normally happens when I apply nail varnish). However, a nice thick second coat and a glossy topcoat paid off and I love the colour!

These photos were taken after about 4 days so there is some slight wear, but I am not gentle with my hands!

I'm not too sure about the jeggings as they are more a lycra material than jegging so I might send them back but I need to try them on properly. The shampoo and conditioner smell lovely; flowery but fresh and I think they will be good for everyday use. It wasn't overly moisturising but I might try leaving the conditioner on for longer to see how that works.

Who else loves a bit of Avon shopping? I know you can but online but there's nothing like getting things brought to you and I don't think they have the same offers online!!

Bye for now!

Lots of Love
Lauren xXx

Buyapowa!!

I thought I'd talk to you all about a little thing called Buyapowa. I first saw this on Miss BB's
blog and youtube channel. It's a similar idea to Groupon and Living Social except most of what you can buy are beauty products! Yay!

The idea is that there are four things you can buy at any one time and the more people that buy the lower the price is! There's the added bonus that if you bring other people to the site who also buy, then you might get the item free (not that I envisage this happening to me any time soon).

The website I admit looks a bit cheesy but you can get some really good things at cheap prices. They have had GHD's for about £70, loads of Liz Earle products and all brands of make up! The reason I've recently got excited about it again is because right now they have the Katy Perry perfume for £17 pound!! Less than half price!

I received this perfume from my boyfriend for my birthday last year and I've had to save it so I don't run out because I couldn't afford to buy any more. Everything about it is great- the bottle is so different from any other and the smell is sweet but fruity. I think it's perfect for going out and in the evenings but as Buyapowa have such a great deal I'll be able to wear it all the time now!!

Has anybody else tried Buyapowa and what do you think?? I'm looking forward to my new perfume coming!!

Loads of Love

Lauren


P.S Shipping is only £1.50!!! Bargain!

What's in my bag?....

 I've tagged myself for this as I love this tag and always enjoy a good nosy in other people's bags!

I'll start with the bag itself- a TK Maxx special. If I need a bag or shoes the first place I always look is TK Maxx. This one is a fairly new purchase from last month. I'd found that none of my other bags fit everything in plus my lunch when I'm at work. Hopefully this one is going to last me through until the summer. It's really two bags in one. The inner one clips in so you can either have it extra large or a smaller accross-body bag. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it!






Here's a peek at everything that I manage to fit in it (most of which I don't use on a daily basis)!

I carry way too much with me, but I can't help feeling like I will need it at somepoint! In fact there are only 3 things I every definitely check for with my little mantra before I leave the house; phone, money and keys. If I desperately need anything else I can buy it (money) I have my phone for emergencies and keys to get back in the house!

I don't even wear lipstick to work but for some reason I have many lip products in my bag- just in case I end up going anywhere lip products make me feel  more 'made-up'. I am ashamed by how many I carry day-to-day though!! Don't judge me!

 The products include Lush bubblegum lip scrub, Collection 2000 cream puff gloss (amazing staying power) my sample of Jane Iredale stain from the February Jolie Box along with TWO lipstains that I picked up in a set of four from TK Maxx (told you I love that shop) and my 'never without it' lip balm.

Even with all those lip beauties I manage to fit in my I-Pod- sorry I'm old school no I-Pod touch or I-Phone. Some perfume samples of CK Shock to keep me smelling sweet whatever I'm doing. I also carry Impulse body spray (so cheap but very 1999).

 I have my bag foundation which is a Virgin Vie powder foundation for touch ups. There's also my kindle, my strawberry shaped laptop mouse- I'm at my mum's for Mother's Day so my brother, me and our respective partners all like to laptop it up around the table and the Avon book I've brought to see if my mum wants anything.

The only last bits are L'Occitane hand cream and some anti-bacterial hand gel which has almost run out, a bobble for when my hair gets annoying as it always does and two sets of keys, one for my house and one for my mum and dad's.
.

When it's all in my bag (which when I see it all spread out, I can't believe it can all fit) there is still loads of room! Amazing, maybe I need more bits and bobs to carry around with me?!?

Please tell me I am not the only one walking around with random bits in my bag? Please?!! :)

Carmine Update...

Carmine have said I can have my money back! Finally! I offered to send the box back if they send a free shipping label but they haven't asked for it. I'm going to cancel it and re-sign for Jolie Box! Yay





 Photo provided by Ambro at:
 http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1499

A Wish In My Heart For You...

      

 

Colour block bucket bag is roomy for carrying everything you need for school or work. Patent T-Bar shoes, just enough height to keep it flirty but practical. Barry M pastel collection and Pastel bead coil bracelet, reminds me of something I would have had when I was little but very cute!

All the above are from ASOS which I love! I've been shopping their site from back when it was items from films and tv (As Seen On Screen). It's my first stop when I'm after something new.

What are you pastel must haves??

OOTD (Friday Edition)

Now I'm not one for outfit posts, usually because I can't be bothered to try with my clothes occasionally though I do put some effort into it! This is what I wore shopping to Meadowhall on Friday night. I don't know if I'm pleased I didn't buy anything or sorry! I apologise for the bad quality but I've lost my camera at the moment so have to use my phone!

What does everybody else wear to go shopping?

Pound Shop Nails

Hello!

I thought I'd do a quick Sunday evening post to show you what I've managed to do with my nails using the £1 nail varnish that I got from the pound shop. Here it is after a few days wear.

 Now don't get me wrong it's no masterpiece but it's nice to have something interesting going on with my nails for a change! I hope you've had a lovely lazy Sunday!

Lots of Love

Lauren 

XxXxX

Carmine Beauty Box

Hello There!

I know I am slightly late with a review of the February Carmine box (it being March)! I felt as though I had to as even though the products inside are very good my overall experience hasn't been good.

Let me start with the ordering of the box; I had previously received my first Jolie box and been disappointed as to it's contents so I decided to swap camps and try the Carmine.

After placing my order I received an email stating that my subscription had started and I would receive my first box within  a week (I had decided to start with the February box as I desperately wanted the steam cream). I ordered on the Sunday night and when my box hadn't arrived on Saturday I felt let down as the email clearly stated WITHIN A WEEK!

I emailed customer service (the only means of contact) as on the website it showed that I didn't have a subscription. They explained (two days later- they obviously don't work weekends) that if I was signed in using Facebook it wouldn't show for some reason. This was the case and so when I signed in fully I could see that my box should be coming. It arrived on Monday and being via Royal Mail, I wasn't in so off it went to the depot to wait until Wednesday (the only late opening hours).

At the Post Office depot I was disappointed because my box was ripped. This was a mixture of Royal Mail's fault for rough handling but also the person who had packed my box in it's outer packaging hadn't stuck the clear sticky label that secures the box, on very tight and so it was gaping open and this is where the rip started from. Luckily my inner box wasn't harmed!

I eagerly opened my box- after a gigantic effort (that baby wasn't budging) only to be left feeling disappointed. The reason I had back-ordered a February box was because the steam cream was in February and I have wanted to buy some for a long time but being £10 I didn't want to spend the money on myself- I had bought my mum one as a present which is why I knew how good it would be and I thought £10 for the Carmine box including steam cream plus other goodies made much better sense!

Unfortunately, and to my to my surprise there was no steam cream included! What I actually received was a mixture of products from Dec, Jan and Feb! 

Products from February box

Products from previous boxes sent to me in February's box as an 'alternate' box

I feel very disappointed and let down that I have received the dregs left over from previous boxes and NOT the Feb box I was promised. Overall the products included a really great but the customer experience has not been so far and I still have to spend an extra £10 to go and buy the steam cream now!

I have complained to customer service and will keep you posted. I know a lot of people really love their beauty boxes but from the overall experience of the two I've tried so far I'm thinking that it's probably because they get theirs sent for free. I might even edit this later with a transcript of what Carmine say about my complaint as I think it's important that it's not only the products that are reviewed but the company and service as a whole. Some people will say it's only £10 per month but at the moment I'm trying not to spend so the company should feel like they have to treat me right to keep my business and if it comes to it my home insurance is only a little bit more than this per month an I think I know which I'd rather have!!

Lots of Love

Lauren

XxXxX

Pound Store Haul £$£$£$

I am trying really hard to get out of my overdraft (it's tough)! It's like your saving but for nothing because you're saving so you don't owe the bank money. I am living within my means but that just equates to always going back up to the same amount into my overdraft.

Anyway, I don't want to frighten you with my financial woes but in that theme of saving and thriftiness I recently visited the pound shop- which (I'm sure you don't need me to tell you) for Americans would be the dollar store. I actually found some pretty good things in the beauty section- small though it was!

I was after some new lip balm having previously used and loved Palmers cocoa butter lip balm. This balm is really creamy and smells lovely but I am the type of person that really likes to try out new products. The balm I ended up purchasing was actually a scrub and a balm (winter has not been kind to my lips and face) and so I leapt for this product.

 This is a two step system:


Step One: A cream with Vitimin C scrubbly bits in.

Step Two: A minty tingly balm to moisturise and     refresh.

I can't really feel the scrub bits in the cream but I do feel like it is smoothing out my lips and the balm feels really quite luxe. I have been using the scrub every few days and then just topping up with the balm. Not bad for £1!!

I also got some essentials- baby wipes for keeping me feeling refreshed and what can be better than strawberry scented Hello Kitty!!

I also  found these lovely nail art polishes.

I got a pink and a white, these were the only solid colours they had. All the other colours were glitter. The colour is shiny and nice and thick and comes with a really handy fine tip brush which is perfect for little details (I still need lots of practice though)!!

I'll let you know when I have mastered the art of erm nail art! Haha.