Highstreet Concealer Favourites + Swatches

Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener �9.99

I was expecting not to like this very much but anything claiming to brighten tired eyes? I'm on that. This is marketed as a brigthener and a primer. Pop it under your eyes to help conceal darkness or place on lids before applying eyeshadow. The consistency of this light and easy to blend so won't feel cakey or crease. I have the shade 003 and as you can tell from the swatches it is very pink. This makes it great for blue-ish dark circles but i feel you need to layer it with a normal concealer or foundation on top. I like this as a primer too as it does help eyeshadow stay on longer. The only downside to this is the price, a little steep for Revlon! 

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Under Eye Concealer �5.49

A new product from Seventeen and possibly the first concealer pot from a highstreet brand? I'd heard so many good things about the Bobbi Brown concealer i couldn't wait to give this cheaper dupe a go. I went for the lighter shade which looks dark in the compact but blended nicely once on the skin. I use my ring finger to apply this and it covers my dark circles reasonably well. As i have particularly bad dark cirles i pop Collection Illuminating Touch concealer on top of this. I would suggest useing an eye cream before applying this to avoid it going cakey. 

Collection Lasting Perfection �4.19

How could i write a post on highstreet concealers and not mention this? I don't want to say to much about this as i feel everyone and their mum has already tried this but i like it, a lot. I think i'll go on re-purchasing this because of the price, the shades, the availabilty and more importantly the coverage. Two layers of this over blemishes and dark circles and i'm good to go. 

Collection Illuminating Touch �4.99

I've always wanted to try the iconic Touche Eclat but i've been eschewing it as it's way out of my budget. I opted to try this as a cheaper alternative. The consistency of this is quite thick, however it is thinner than the Lasting Perfection concealer and easier to blend. This is marketed as an illuminating concealer but i have to say it's not that illuminating. However i do like using this but may try the L'oreal Lumi Magique one next to see how it compares. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer 10ml �7.99

I like the Healthy Mix foundation so i thought i'd give this a go. This provides medium coverage and slightly brightens without being overly shimmery. It can feel a little powedery after applying so i would avoid this if you suffer from very dry skin. I have shade 51 which is a good match for my pale skin. I like using this under my eyes or on any red blemishes. 

Maybelliene Fit Me �5.99

I picked up the lightest shade which is still  to dark for me so i'm saving this for the summer. This medium coverage concealer has an almost gel like texture which blends easily to a natural finish. I only use this under eyes as it helps to brighten tired skin and conceals them well. 

What are your concealer favourites? On my wishlist is the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer, Seventeen Staytime and L'oreal Lumi Magique - let me know if you've tried them!

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current skincare favourites

Do you read Into The Gloss? Well, this is kind of like my version of 'The Top shelf'. I love skincare. I enjoy nothing more (beauty-wise) than taking my make up off at the end of the day and having a proper pamper. I like to mix up my skincare products depending on how my skin is behaving and what #bbloggers are recommending.

Viridian Ultimate Beauty Skin Repair Tropical Oil �15.66* (link)
I've only recently discovered Viridian and this is the first product i've tried of theirs. This smells so good, i tend to go a little OTT with this just so i can get an extra whiff. I Slather this on each night, it's recommend you use one-two pumps but i can't get enough of the lavender scent - cue slippery hands before bed. This 100ml bottle is lasting me ages and this oil is just as good as other beauty oils i've tried costing 3x as much! I can't recommend this brand enough, i've got my eye on their Moisture Balm next.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask �30.00* (link)
This is the first chemical exfoliator i've ever tried. I usually just use a manual scrub when it comes to facial skincare, so i was interested to see how this would differ. Now, i'd heard a lot of hype about this product, A LOT but is it worth the hype? On first application i applied a thick layer of this to one half of my face and left it on for 10 minutes as suggested. I did this because it claims to give instant results. After washing off with a trusty Moonie my face immediately looked brighter and felt smoother. I also noticed a few fine lines on my forehead had disappeared! I love this product, I think it would benefit those aged 25+ the most.

No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream �9.00 (link)
I picked up this day cream because I need a new one and had a �5 off No 7 voucher. It doesn't claim to do anything fancy, it's just a really lovely face cream. It absorbs quickly which is great when i'm in a morning rush! The light pink moisturiser is quite thick but it doesn't feel heavy, my skin feels softer & smoother after using this.

L'oreal  Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil �7.99 (link)
My current go to cleanser - my skin has been a little dry lately so i wanted to get a cleanser that would help restore my skin texture. The cleansing oil helps to re-balance the skins natural oils and doesn't leave skin feeling dehydrated or tight. I pump a few drops into my palms, then massage into dry skin and remove with a damp Moonie. It's good at removing make up but if i'm wearing a lot i have to go in for a double cleanse to remove it all. As you can see from the photo above i'm nearly all out, i would re-purchase this!

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my march favourites

Is it really April already? 2013 seems to of flown by this year. I don't do monthly favourites very often because i don't normally find products that are favourite worthy! March has been quite a cold month in the UK so my favs reflect this poopy weather, hurry up summer!

Topshop 'K' motif jumper �32.00 LINK

This jumper was clearly made for me so it would have just been plain rude not to buy it. It really chunky textured knit jumper and it's cropped so you could still wear it in the summer over a dress or high waisted shorts.

MUA Undress me too �4.00

I was a big fan of the original palette so i couldn't wait to try the second version. MUA didn't let me down, i have a full review with swatches coming up soon.

OPI 'Don't Burst my Bubble'* �13.50

I'm so used to wearing really bright colours on my nails but this shade converted me. It's a sheer, delicate pink which is really wearable and perfect for spring. Check out my full review and swatches here. 

Revlon Lip Butters �7.99

Since doing my 'highstreet favourites tag' i have re-fallen in love with lip butters. I do love a matte lip but they are a lot of effort. I go for these lip butters if my lips are a bit dry or if i'm in a rush and i don't have time for the whole lipscrub/vaseline/lipline/lipbrush scenario. 

Chapstick Shimmer in Tropical* �1.99

My lips and skin has been soooo bliming dry this month. This new lip balm from chapstick has been a handbag essential this month. It smells like pina colada, what more could you ask for? 

Currently sat on the floor watching Lisa Eldridge's latest youtube video with my dog snoring next to me(i'll tweet a picture of him here!). Hope you've had a good Easter weekend, i don't really celebrate Easter. Does stuffing your face with chocolate and hot cross buns count? This cold weather has driven me to desperation so me and a few friends have booked a little holiday to Ibiza this month! I'll make sure i show you some holiday snaps when i get back :) x

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winter make up favourites

L-R Liz Earle eye colour brush, Maybelline Superstay 24 hour lipstick in Pink on Pink, Rimmel Lasting finish Lip Tint, Collection Shimmer Shade Bronzer, No7 Nail Varnish in Temptress, Collection illuminating concealer in 2, Revlon Nail Enamel in Bewitching, MUA Undressed Palette and OPI Rainbow Connection.

Just a pick of a few make up favourites this winter. I do like to change my look as the seasons change, i just had my hair dyed a bit of a warmer blonde & had to buy some chunky jumpers! I'm currently loving dark nails, bronzed eyes and dewy skin.

What are your Winter make up must haves?

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September Favourites

This months favourites are going to be a little different as I'll be including things i'm loving other then beauty products - check them out at the bottom :)

Jergens Skin Firming Body Moisteriser �4.99 - This is a really nice light-weight moisteriser, it has a fresh clean scent and dries quickly. It claims to visably firm skin, i'm not sure if it does, sorry!
One thing i don't really like about this is the packaging, they've re-done it but i much prefer the old version. 
Benefit They're Real Mascara �18.50 - My all time favourite mascara! Reviewed it here.
Orginal Source Vanilla and Raspberry shower gel �2.99 - next time you see this, smell it & you'll understand why it's in my favs.
Herbal Essense Smooth & Soft Conditioner �3.99 - I have really thick hair that get's quite dry so i use a big dollop of conditioner and this leaves my hair super soft. I have heard Herbal Essense test on animals, does anyone know if this is true? If so i need to find a new conditioner!
Babyliss Curling Wand �19.99 - I prefer wavy hair so i curl my hair with this at night, sleep on them & they're nice and loose in the morning!
Barry M  Nail Paint in Pink Iridescent �2.99 - in I love using this glitter nail varnish as a top coat, makes my nails looks sparkly!
No7 Perfect Lips Pencil �6.75 - Lisa Eldridge makes me buy so much make up, naughty lady. I bought this after seeing her using it in one of her videos. It's just a really nice, soft natural lip liner!

Favourite blog this month is Ring My Bell. I've been really into fashion blogs lately & this one by Ashley is one of my favs, Ashley is a British actress living in LA, if you watch Revenge on e4 you'll probably recognise her! Also, favourite song at the minute is One Day by Asif Avidan. It's just one of those lovely songs & it's had over 20 million views on youtube - you must listen to it! Favourite shop has to be TK Maxx, they've re-done all there shops near me so they look so much nicer & their stock seems better.

Tweet me your September favs, I love reading them :) @kiamakemeup What are your plans for October? 

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May Bodycare Favourites

 Part two of my May favourites, read part one which include my favourite make up products here. These are the haircare, skincare and beauty products i've been reaching for last month!
Japonesque Travel Blush Brush*
Japonesque is a brand i discovered and loved last month. I've put it back in it's original packaging to show you what it looked like. This is a blush brush so i use it to apply blusher and bronzer. It is such a soft brush and picks up just enough product. This is a travel brush because the handle is shorter, perfect size for my make up bag!
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Hand and Nail Cream �6.19
I'm a fan of this organic brand, especially their Olive Oil face mask! I do love a good hand cream and this one smells amazing!
Percy and Reed No Oil Hair Oil* �14.00
My hair has been really dry lately. I like to use a hair oil and this has been my go to one. I use two pumps of this and smooth through damp hair. It helps to fight frizz and nourish my dry ends. This is the first Percy & Reed product i've tried and I'am really impressed!
Avene Eau Thermale Spray �6.50
This basically is water in a can. I've been using this on my face because it has been really sensitive lately. After a spray of this my skin calms down. Its also good for sun burn or if your feeling a little under the weather this is a good pick me up. Because of it's price tag i don't think i will repurchase but it has helped me out this month so it deserved to be in my favs.
Mark Hill Big Night Out Volumising Dry Shampoo* �6.29
What would we do without dry shampoo?! I always like to have one encase of emergencies! I've been using this one because it also offers volume as wells as disguising greasy hair. I've tried to use it this morning but the spray dispenser has stopped working :/ so not sure if i want it in my may favourites any more!
These last 3 items have been in my handbag all month!
Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets �2.99 for 50
I take these to work and normally use one on my lunch break. They help to control shine without ruining make up. They come in a cute little compact wallet and have a nice floral design on them.
White Tiger Balm �4.67
This is a balm i use to help relief headaches. I don't suffer from any migraines but when i feel a headache coming along i use this & rub it onto my temples to reduce tension. And also the packaging is really pretty! You can get this from Boots or Holland & Barrett.
So...Brit Body Spray 99p
This 50ml bottle is perfect handbag size.The sent is quite fruity with hints of cranberry and vanilla. It also has some rose and peony notes.

Phew, that's all my May Favourites done! I keep meaning to do a 'Monthly Empties' post instead but i'm just so bad at finishing products. What do you prefer to see  - monthly empties or monthly favourites? Hope you're all having a good week! x

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May Make Up Favourites

Firstly I am going to show you lovely lot what make up products i have been reaching for last month! I've got a few other skincare and bodycare products to show you, so i'll save those for the next post.
Benefit They're Real Mascara �18.50
The only high-end product in my May favs as I'm more of a high-street kinda person, I really like this mascara and you can read my review of it here.
MUA Pretty Pastels Palette �4.00
I wasn't sure if pastel eye colours were going to suit me, but i love this! The first six colours i have been reaching for daily, let me know if you would like to see a blog post dedicated to this palette. Also, MUA are launching a new neutral palette which looks amazing! I think it's called 'Undressed' so keep your eyes out for that.
MUA Lip Boom in Doin Good �3.00
I was umming and ahhing about this product when I first got it, but it's grown on my and it's become a favourite. This shade is a nice matte red that doesn't look to bright and doesn't dry out my lips. You can see my full review here.
Miners Nail Colour in Sunny Side Up �2.99
Yellow is my all time favourite nail colour. Last month I've been wearing this nice one from Miners Cosmetics. It's a lovely bright yellow, the formula is quite thin so i need to apply three coats. I won this in a twitter comp Miners were running. Check out their twitter here as they do competitions every week!
L'oreal Crayon Kohl in Crome Brown �4.20
I've been a bit cheeky and brought 4 eyeliners last month! I really like this one because it's brown but has a hint of shimmer in it. It's nice and soft, i've been using this daily!
Revlon Nail Enamel in Charming �6.49
There is something about the spring that makes me want to paint my nails in pastel. I brought this lilac colour on a whim because in Boots they were doing a 2 for �8 deal. The colour is so pretty but it does cheap easily. I do love this shade but glad I didn't pay full price!

I'm hoping my June favourites will be full of sun creams, after suns and fake tans - but i'm not sure if we are going to get any sunshine this month in the UK - Fingers crossed! Let me know if you've blogged about your may favs so i can have a looksie! x

p.s notice the smiley face air bubbles have created in the Revlon nail enamel, cute!

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April Favourites

Natural Collection Shower Cream in Vanilla �2.00

1.Some might say this being my favourite shower gel is a bit biased as I love any vanilla scented products.I tweeted a picture about this here. It smells so good, on the back it says 'This is not Food' haha! It's reasonably priced, i like to stock up when it's on 3 for 2.

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes �2.99 for 24

2. Kleenex have impressed me with there new cleansing range. I got my friend to try these wipes out because she's an official lover of face wipes. Her opinion was that these wipes were the best she'd ever tried! They are quite thick and quilted making them super soft and gentle. They are suitable for sensitive skin and remove all traces of make up.At the minute you can get 50p off the range with this coupon on their facebook page here. Always love a discount!  

John Frieda Perfect Ends Deep Infusion �6.99

3.I reviewed the John Frieda Full Repair Range in my last post here. I mentioned my favourite product was this, it's great for repairing my dry split ends. You only have to use it sparingly so this little bottle will go a long way.

Dr. Organic Manuka Honey Skin Lotion �7.19

4.Dr Organic is becoming one of my favourite brands. It's available from Holland & Barrett and they do so many nice products! This lotion smells lovely, it's doesn't feel greasy and really hydrates my skin. The brand doesn't test on animals and contains organic ingredients. 

Liz Earle Gentle Exfoliator �13.50

5.My love for Liz is always growing. Like so many others I am a big fan of the Cleanse and Polish. This exfoliator has been a nice addition to my skincare routine. I use it 1-2 times a week and it helps to brighten my skin and leaves it feeling fresh. It's quite gentle as the name suggests, but it still does a good job at removing dead skin cells. I'm always on the look at to try new Liz Earle products, do you have any recommendations? 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory �8.99

6.Possibly one of the most hyped about Rimmel foundations? I've seen countless reviews on this product - here are my thoughts! At first I wasn't impressed. I use my hands to apply it & felt let down by all the hype. The coverage was light and it didn't really seem anything special. I mentioned it on twitter & I had some replies saying i should apply it using a buffing brush. After giving this a go, the foundation definitely performed better. There was more coverage, it blended better and gave my skin a healthy glow. It does what it's suggest - wakes up the skin. I'll use this if my skin is looking a bit dull. I can't help but think Rimmel launched this at the wrong time. I think this would have been perfect for the winter months when my skin is noticeably drier and looking a bit dull. I still need concealer for my spots and dark circles however it does brighten them slightly. Not a bad foundation, would buy it again but i wouldn't go as far as saying it's the best highstreet foundation out there! 

I've link all the product headers directly to shops where you can purchase or find out more about the product. Normally after reading a product review I google it to find out more, so hopefully by adding links it will make it easier for you! Can you believe it's already May? And where is the sunshine, it better start appearing soon - or i'm gonna have to book a holiday! Also let me know if you've blogged about your monthly favs so i can have a nosey!

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fake tan

Woah there, fake tan doesn't have to look fake. You can look naturally tanned without looking too 'essex'. I don't wear fake tan all the time, but I feel better with darker skin! England isn't the sunniest country & it's much healthier then a real tan.

Fake tan swatches same order as products below 

(that's my leg, encase you were wondering!)

Fake Tan Disasters...

One of my favourite things about blogging is sharing my beauty related experiences with you. My first encounter with fake tan was at the age of 11. Sounds really young but i've always been interested in cosmetics! Sneaking a bottle of mum's fake tan from the bathroom, I applied it on to my face wondering why my skin wasn't getting any darker. Several attempts later i gave up and put the bottle back. 

Monday morning i woke up only to find out the fake tan had developed and my face resembled the shade of a carrot. I went to school that day and denied any fake tan rumours  & tried my best to hide my orange stained hands. Ok, so it wasn't as bad as Ross's spray tan experience in Friends - But it was highy embarrassing & I stayed well away from fake tan for years after. 

A few of my favourites....

All i want from a fake tan is for it to look natural and to smell nice. These little beauties do just that. *LINKS*

Tanatomicals

Palmers

MakeBelieve

Xen Tan 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Have a lovely week!

So do you prefer you tans porcelain or are you a fake tan fan? 

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January Favourites

Not everyone seems to like January. I LOVE it. We started a new year, got some bargains in the sales,I celebrated my 18th birthday and my blog turned one! Here are a selection of beauty products I've enjoyed using this month.

Liz Earle Energising Body Lotion �17.00

When I first saw this i thought 'energising' was a weird verb for a moisturiser. It claims to firm and tone the skin whilst improving it's elasticity. It has improved the appearance of my skin, but It hasn't really toned it. I think this is more suited for older skin but it's a lovely light body lotion. 

Ahava Mineral Foot Cream �13.50

I like Ahava products, and my feet have been so dry lately. This product has been a life saver this month. 

Tanatomical 'because only bacon should be streaky' Natural Tanning Cream �6.50

Possibly the best fake tan name ever?! This is my new favourite fake tan, I've tested quite a lot of different brands out & currently in the middle of writing a mahoosive post on fake tan. This one smells really nice and more importantly looks natural! 

Lulu & Boo Organics Rosehip Face Lifting Serum (LINK!) �28.00

Lulu & Boo is an award-winning organic skincare company. I love using oils on my face, I have normal to combination skin. I've been trying this product for a while now and I really love it. It's quite expensive but it lasts ages, I've had it for a couple of months and don't think I've touched 1/4 of it yet? The packaging says use 6 drops, then massage it into your skin from the neck upwards. The scent is delicious, it kinda reminds me of liquorice. I do feel more relaxed when the oil is applied and my skin looks clearer and feels softer in the morning. This serum is 100% raw and orgainic, it's also suitable for vegans & vegarations - yay!

MAC Pro Longwear �22.50

I've had such a love hate realtionship with this foundation. It one of my first MAC purchases and I really wanted to get it right. When I first tried it, it left my skin feeling dry & looking matte; not happy as it was 22.50! But it's grown on me. The coverage is quite full but has a nice natural finish. Still not sure it's worth the price tag!

So...? Kiss me �1.79

Body Sprays are so handy for keeping in my handbag/locker. It's nice to freshen up throughout the day. This one from So...? Is an absolute bargain and smell delish. 

Nougat London Pampering Body Scrub �18.00*

Completely obsessed with Body Scrubs at the mo. I loved the Burt's Bees sugar scrub featured in my last favourites; but I'm the sort of person that doesn't often re purchase the same products again and again. I suffer from red patches on my upper arms, not sure what the technical name is for it but I know a lot of people have the same thing! Exfoliating a few times a week helps to keep the skin on my arms clear. I also use this on any dry bits like my elbows as it's really moisturising!

Lashaholic 07 �7.99

If i'm going out somewhere nice I like to pop on a pair of false eyelashes. It can be difficult finding a pair that suit your eye shape. At first I had trouble with getting this to look right, so I cut them in half and just used the outer corners. Helps to elongate eyes. These lashes are really light weight and 100% handmade. 

Next month I'm going to do a 'Worst Products of the Month' sort of post - spice things up a bit! What beauty product have you been enjoying this year so far? 

*pr sample

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favourite beauty products of 2011

happy new year to all my beautiful followers and readers. I asked on twitter what post you would like to see & a reader (thanks islay!) suggested my favourite beauty products of 2011. So here they are, a bit of a mixture of skincare and make up. I don't really invest in my haircare products. **Another product I forgot to add is sudocreme. All this unhealthy eating has caused my skin to breakout & sudocreme has been an absolute life saver!

Kim Kardashion Perfume I'm not normally a fan of celeb products. I just assume there not very good & just another way to make money. But I am in love with Kim K's debut fragrance. Next time you see this I urge you to give it a sniff! It contains Mandarin, Pink Jasmine & Vanilla Orchid.

Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser - this product was all over blogs earlier in the year, including mine & I love it! It is expensive retailing at around �13. This year I'm on the hunt for a cheaper alternative!

Burt's Bees mango and orange Sugar Scrub  - This is a lovely body scrub, one the best I've tried. This year I've promised my self I will exfoliate weekly. This scrub smells beautiful and leaves my skin super soft.

Collection 2000 Cream Puff in Angle Delight - Collection 2000 has really gone up in my books this year. Their cream puffs are revolutionary. I hope they bring out some more shades soon.

Frontcover lipstick in Pink Papaya - a really nice peachy colour. This came in their airkiss collection, so unfortunately once I've ran out I've ran out forever as it came in a collection.

Kiehls creme de corps - another new discovery this year & I love it! My favourite body moisteriser, a cheaper much loved would be soap & glory's righteous butter.

Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer - this is a great highstreet concealer, I'll use it over another concealer just to add the finishing touch. Shame the font rubs off!

Superdrug Essential Cleanser - I use this to take of my make up and In the morning if I do'nt have time to wash my face. Absoulte steal at 99p.

Revlon ColourStay Foundation - my mum introduced me to this last year & since then I have brought 3 bottles. Love the coverage, finish & packaging. 

Revlon Compact Photoready foundation - at first I didn't like this, but now I love it. It is a must have before any photo is taken of me. Reviewed it here.

LP Skin Therapy night cream - I can't even explain why this is my favourite night cream but my skin seems to love it.

Super by Dr.Nicholas Perricone Sun kissed Tinted Moisturiser - this moisturiser really does tint your skin, it gives a natural healthy glow. The coverage is low so I like to layer it on top of my foundation. It doesn't look cakey in the slightest. My skin is left tanned & luminous, may have to do a separate post on this!

Hope you are all well & wishing you a good twentytwelve. Any new years resolutions? What have been your fav products of 2011?  

This year I want to travel, exercise more, spend more time with friends, have a job, make this blog brilliant and find a nice - preferably rich boyfriend. Is that too much to ask for?

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Its Christmaaaaaaaaassssss! Update

I love the build up to christmas. This is just a little update on me and my blog. I have created a Youtube channel, need to add my video & edit my profile so it's completely naked atm but you can check it out here. Sorry, i haven't uploaded my first YT video yet but I'm having so much trouble editing it on windows movie maker. I'm working on it now as I want you to see it asap. Last week I passed my driving test! Very happy, it was my third attempt! Upcoming post's include 'False Eyelashes' and 'Best Beauty Gifts this Christmas'. Can't wait to share those with you! Also, this year I forgot to buy an advent calender so on twitter I am posting a  different christmassy photo everyday. Already have a few up - you can seem those here. I'm thinking of making a Facebook profile for my blog, should I? Let me know your thoughts as I always LOVE reading your comments.

Some of my December Favourites;chritsmas decorations,Xen-Tan, Tetley tea, GOSH nail glitters(don't last long on), legal driver & more decorations.

happy christmas!
x
Also, noticed i was no.1 on bloglovin's up & coming WOOO!

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September Favourites!

Each individual product has been specially selected by me because they are my 'favourites'. All have exceeded my expectations and are generally just lovely products. Some have been sent & some I have purchased; this will be clearly stated below. It is important to me that my readers know all views are 100% honest and my own.

Cor Silver Soap �15 for 10g

Something unique to start off with, this soap contains silver. Why I hear you ask. Well, silver is known for it's anti-bacterial and healing propities. As well as this the soap also contains marine Collagen, Sericin and Chitosan that claims to �add a youthful appearance�, �form a film� and �even out skin tone. Sounds like the perfect soap, and after a months use I have to agree! I applied to my skin & left it on for a couple of minutes. Once rinsed off it left my skin firm & clean. It does also moisturise but I still have to apply a lotion afterwards. I use this a couple of times a week because i felt using it daily left my skin a bit dry. Overall it's a good soap, but it is very pricey, so you may have to add it to your Christmas list! More Cor - http://www.corsilver.co.uk/

Lucy Russell Organic Sugar Scrub �27.00 for 200ml

This one is for all you organic lovers! Lucy Russell creates luxury organic handmade  skincare. I was kindly sent some samples which I had to share with you. My favourite has to be the sugar scrub. Love the glass blue packaging it comes in, and it has a delicious May Chang and Eucalyptus scent. The scrub is made from organic brown sugar combined with coconut oil.Will blog about the other products shortly! Check out the award winning range here - http://www.lucyrussellorganics.co.uk/

Ahava Caressing Body Sorbet �25 for 350ml

Possibly the biggest tub of body moisturiser I have ever seen! Love this product, definitely going in my top 5 moisturisers! I do think it is pricey, but I like the finish & the way it leaves my skin feeling hydrated. http://www.ahava.co.uk/

Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing bath and shower therapy �23.00 for 250ml

Bodhi specializes in creating products that are good for you on the outside as well as the inside! I am yet to come across a more relaxing or beautifully scented beauty product. This leaves my skin smelling delicious long after use. It contains  Jasmine Absolute, Lavender and Ylang-Ylang. I would also recommend  their Rosmeray Chi & Ylang Ylang. Browse their website here - http://www.bodhi.uk.com/

Lulu Bombshell Body Quenching Oil �18.50

Did you know current strictly come dancing contestant Lulu has her own range of beauty products? Well you do now! Whenever I have my legs on display, I'll turn to this lovely body oil. I really like the fact it comes with a spray pump. I've not seen that before with a body oil & it aids application. Smells like rosehip & leaves skin looking smooth and hydrated. Really nice lightweight oil. More of Lulu's range - http://www.lulusplace.co.uk/

Ahava Mineral Botanic Lotus & Chestnut �15

Second Ahava product that has made it into my favs. This is also massive & is the biggest shower gel I own. I'm more of a shower person & this is a nice treat for my skin. The gel almost looks pearly & creates a thick lather when massaged in - leaving skin hydrated and clean.

Lavera Sensitive Organic Mineral Eye shadow in Golden Beige �9.50

Love the colour of this eye shadow, such a wearable everyday shade. Pigmentation is very good, doesn't crease,suitable for vegans, stays on & made from minerals! The packaging is lovely too, the shadow is embossed with the Lavera logo & as you can see from the photographs above it comes with a mirror and a compartment underneath which holds a brush.Perfecto. http://www.lavera.co.uk/

I decided to leave my illustrations in there natural form for a change. Not sure if I prefer this! I've just noticed that most of these products above are all quite expensive & I want my blog to cater for a variety of people on different budgets. So next month, I WILL make sure I dedicate it to some beauty bargains :) Got your eye on anything above? Or have you tried it yourself?


*Insert X factor worthy sob story here* you can vote for me in the handbag.com beauty awards if you like my blog! http://www.handbag.com/beauty/awards/beauty-awards-2011-voting
x

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my favourite nail varnishes

George at Asda Quick Dry in Orange �1.75

GOSH Nail Laquor in Hologrphic �4.50

LOVE the effect this gives, but it does take 3/4 coats!

OPI in Roadhouse Blues �10.50

N.Y.C in Yellow �1.99

I have had this for waay too long! But I love the colour & can't find it any more.

Mavala in YlangYlang �2.99

great 'smart' varnish, I wear this to job interviews!

Myface Lil' Bling in Aubergine �5.99

Collection 2000 Hot Looks �1.79

These are really good value for money, however sometimes the brushes aren't very good so check before you buy!

No7 in Salsa �7.00

Barry M in Cyan Blue �2.99

Mavala in French CanCan �2.99

I was sent both Mavala nail polishes & I found they didn't last very long unless I used a top coat. 

So that was a  list of my fav nail varnishes. I think that you don't need to spend a lot; as long as you have a good top coat your sorted! My all time favourite colour has to be yellow, I find painting my nails really relaxing. If your looking for a bargain opt for Asda's own range. They have a lovely range of colours & only �1.75 each! My Splurge product would have to be Myface's varnishes. Good quality, only need one coat and doesn't chip. Do you have a fav brand/colour? x

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August Favourites

hello september. Those lazy months of summer will soon feel like a distant memory as we cling onto the last few days of sunshine. Whether your heading back to school, college, uni or work here is something that might cheer you up. A selection of my favourite products this months, specially chosen and trailed just for you. 

Original Konjac Sponge �5.25

Now, this first product is worth raving about. It is a face and body sponge that not only does wonders for your skin; it is biodegradable and 100% natural. Made from potato fibres, this sponge gently exfoliates,cleanses and softens my skin leaving a nice healthy glow. Very good value for money, and a real treat for you! Suitable if you find muslin clothes to harsh or if you have sensitive skin. Read more on this here.

TOMMYGUNS Colour Save Intensive Mask �7.00

You may not recognize this haircare brand but they have won numerous awards - rightly so! Because I dye my hair blonde it often looks dull, this product helps to condition and brighten my hair. It smells lovely too, with a blend of apricot and almond.I use this once a week ot when I want my hair to look it's best. View other products from their range here. 

Blink Eyebrow Grooming Gel �15.00

This coloured gel is great for filling in any gaps and doesn't leave your eyebrows feeling crusty! It also doubles up as a mascara - making the price not seem so bad. It is great for keeping my brows in place & I use it daily! Blink website here. 

Purity Facial Exfoliator �5.99

A really nice gentle exfoliator. It contains ground coconut shell to exfoliate as well as Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Glycerine and Aloe Vera. Leaves my skin conditioned & clear. I'll always use this before applying fake tan to my face. Purity products here.

L'Occitane Organic Lavender Body Lotion �18.00

You may already know this, but I'm a big fan of lavender scented beauty products. I apply this after a shower, the smell is so relaxing and it leaves my skin nice and soft. The non greasy formula absorbs quickly too. Check out their lovely website here.

SteamCream �10.50

I like my product packaging, and it doesn't get any better than this. This multi-purpose cream is handmade in England. The steam-infused process used to create the cream gives it it's unique name. The natural ingredients it contains inclulde; lavender oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and oatmeal infusion. Specially selected ingredients help to keep my skin hydrated and feeling soft. I LOVE the tin it comes in, I will be keeping it long after the cream has ran out! Check them out here. My favourite August Favourite! 

Bombshell Body Revealing Body Cleanser �12.75

I'm attending my friends birthday party this month and the dress I'm wearing shows of my back. Before I discovered this product, I had planned on using my normal face cleanser to keep my back looking clear! This product contains micro-crystals that help to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells. I use this daily to keep my skin looking fresh & clear. Check out more from the range here. 

Smooch Eye shadow Duo in Suede �9.50

New make up brand Smooch recently launch some new cosmetics. I am big fan of their eye shadow's. Good pigmentation and a lovely range of colours to choose from. I like their matte black packaging too! At the minute everything as 50% off - be quick as it ends soon. View Smooch Cosmetics here . 

Blink Luscious Lash Oil �16.00

Second Blink product, this lash oil moisturises, strengthens and conditions my eyelashes. I really like the hard brush it comes with as it's easy to coat every lash. It also smells very nice! With hints of Apricot & jasmine. It is a little bit pricey, a cheaper alternative would be some good old vaseline.  

Lipcote Lipstick Sealer �3.45

If you wear lipstick, you need this in your life. Simples. This classic product has been going for 50 years & is just as strong today. It stops lipstick from feathering and gives a nice velvet finish. Beautifully packaged and designed, a must have product for all beauty junkies. View the website here. 

Sranrom Blissful Blossoms Shower Gel �12.00

Silly me forgot to illustrate this, but I love it & want to include it in my favs! I like my shower gels to smell amazing - and this does not dissappoint. With aromas like champaka and ylang ylang this luxourious product is very relaxing. I have to use this everytime I shower! More Sranron here.

Another month gone, another post of my favourite beauty products. Let me know if you prefer the layout where my illustrations are bigger or if you like the old way where they are all together in a line. 


Have you tried anything above? x

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