17 Magnetized Nail Polish

I love these nail varnishes!

 They're £5.99 each in Boots and they are included in the make up 3 for 2 that is on at the moment.  Hence the reason I went in for one and came out with three!  There is also a green colour, I don't have that yet.  But I will...

I've thrown it on with my current manicure,  OPI's Cuckoo for this Colour.  Well, I had to try it as soon as I got home.  Really love the look of this.  It reminds me of one of those moving picture books I had as a child.  I can seriously see myself being very distracted in work tomorrow, as its really quite mesmerising.  I'm looking forward to using it for a full manicure at the weekend.

What do you think? Are you a yay or nay?

Burberry Body

I was probably one of thousands of people who signed up on Facebook for a free sample of Burberry's newest addition to their fragrance stable, Burberry Body.


I fairly hefty 4ml sample landed on my doormat last week.  What do I think of it?


The blurb says: An effortlessly sensual, feminine fragrance with an eclectic combination of refined ingredients. Top notes of fresh green absinthe, illuminating peach and delicate freesia.  Floral heart notes of natural rose absolute, iris and warm sandalwood.  Base notes of woody cashmeran, creamy vanilla, amber and musk

I like it, but it's not really me.  It's probably just a little too floral for my nose and even the additions of sultry amber, sandalwood and vanilla don't do it for me.  In my mind, this would be a nice daytime fragrance.  Classy and understated.  It retails at £75 for 85ml and can be purchased from here 

Benefit - They're Real! Mascara

How lucky am I?  My gorgeous friend Amy (@SalsaAmy) sent me a belated birthday pressie that made me squeal with excitement.  The much hyped Benefit They're Real! mascara was gifted to me last Saturday and I couldn't have been happier.  I've been wanting to give this a try since I saw the reviews flooding the blogsphere and YouTube.  

The wand is amazing! Like an instrument of torture from Medieval times.  The inclusion of the spiky ball at the tip (think Givenchy Phenomen'eyes) helps to lift and define each individual lash.  I've used it for a few days this week and so far I love it. Do I love it more than anything else? Only time will tell.  I have had a crazy time at work and have been experiencing mammoth work days of 12 hours plus and I've still managed to look pretty presentable when I've finally managed to escape the office.  Well, as presentable as I ever am! 

Amy asked for a full review. It appears that I am the product guinea pig, before Amy makes a purchase for herself.  I have no problem with that whatsoever!! hehe.  Promise to report back Ames and thank you again lovely! x 

August Empties

I'm getting quite good at this using things up lark!  Making a conscious effort each month to use up some of my stash, has made me truly appreciate the products that I really love and depend upon.  A 'separating the wheat from the chaff' if you will.    There are items that I have already or intend to repurchase.  I still want to try new things, I just am getting a bit better at reigning myself in and thinking - have you got something similar at home.

The flip-side of this coin is that I realise what I really cannot wait to get rid of.  It's usually the things that you like the least, that seem to take an eternity to use up.  Does anyone else find that?  So what have I used this month?

• Givenchy Ange Ou Demon - beautiful, classy fragrance.  I was upset that I'd used this up, then found another two new bottles.  So I'm happy again now! hehe.
• The Body Shop Vitamin E facial mist - this is okay.  I got it as a kind of make up setting spray, I don't think it was particularly successful for that.  But it is quite refurnishing just as a facial spritz. 
• Lee Stafford Poker Straight Flat Iron Shine Protection mist - another meh product.  I have had this for forever. I love how it smells, but I'm not sure that it actually protects my hair from heat styling. I guess we will see if I notice a marked difference now it's finished.
• Urban Decay Primer Potion - this is one of those can't be without kind of products. Love this and can't remember what my life was before UDPP.
• Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara -  was okay. Nothing major.  This was a sample size I must have picked up somewhere. Certainly didn't wow me.
• No7 Extreme Length Mascara - love it. Read here

• L'Occitane 20% Shea Butter Hand cream - my number one hand cream. Would not be without this. Even got Parental Unit Number One (Mothership) onto this one now and she is not remotely bothered by things like this at all! Woah, what an achievement! 

• Origins Checks and Balances - I like this cleanser, but I don't love it.  It does exactly what it says on the packaging.  Only sometimes, my skin is left feeling a little tight and almost squeaky clean.  Does that make sense? I guess my combination skin is not it's target market and it would be more suited to oily skinned beauties. 
• Garnier Pure Active Exfo Brusher Wash - love the scrubby bits, they're great. Hate the packaging design and the actual product. I find it really cumbersome to use and quite difficult to get any cleanser on the Exfo Brusher.  Plus I find it a little too drying for combination skin. 
• Original Source Chocolate Mint Shower Gel - really like this although the chocolate brown colour was a little bit off putting.  Still, it made for a very refreshing, zingy bathing experience.  

• Alpha H Rejuvenating Cream - this is a nice moisturiser. Feels a little strange upon first application.  It's a bit tingly due to the inclusion of glycolic acid.  I'd buy this again.

What have you used this this month? Have you rediscovered any gems in your collection?

Belated August Favourites

I thought I might do a quick belated post on my August's Favourites.  There are products that you find yourself reaching for, they are not the most exciting, luxurious items.  But they are the products you depend on, on a daily basis. Here are a few of mine, that I have relied on in August.

• La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Solution - I really like this solution for taking of my make up at the end of the day.  It's free from a lot of chemical nasties and really gets the job done without stripping your skin.  This can be used on face and eyes without any problems/reactions.  I'll certainly be re-purchasing.
• Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream/stick (both pictured) - I use the iconic 8 hour cream every single day.  I put some on my lips while I'm getting ready and let it sink in while I do my make up.  It's pricey, but it seems to last for ages.  
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - Creamy, blendable and a great colour match.
• No7 Contour and Blending Brush - as good as many high end blending brushes on the market and if you get them with a £5 No7 voucher, they cost about £2!!
• ELF Shimmering Facial Whip (Lilac Petal) - I got this as a present from a lovely friend and I cannot believe that I hadn't tried it before.  I usually use Benefit High Beam, but when that runs out, I think I'll buy another ELF version.  It really is just as good, for a fraction of the price.  For £1.50 you can't grumble. The other bonus of the ELF Shimmering Facial Whip, is that it comes in a range of colours to suit all skin tones. Check them out here
• VO5 Miracle Concentrate - This treatment oil is amazing for the price. I think I paid £2.50 for this little bottle of liquid gold.  A few drops are all that's required for smooth, frizz free hair.  It's a staple in my haircare routine now. 
• Max Factor Miracle Touch Blush (Soft Pink) - I use this as a base to layer my blusher each day.  A little of this goes a long way and it also helps promote the longevity of any powder blusher choose to use afterwards.  You can of course wear it alone for a dewy finish.  
• Revlon ColourStay - Favourite foundation ever. FACT!
• OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go - great handbag essential.  The pen applicator makes it very easy to apply on the go.  I use it while sat on the train in the mornings.  It also makes your nail varnish super shiny.  
• No7 Extreme Length mascara - I think I got this from a little No7 freebie kit and threw it to one side without much investigation.  This mascara lengthens and separates perfectly.  I don't find it gives much volume. But I am fine with that. Now I've used up this sample size and I will repurchase - except for the fact I have a lot of mascara to try first. I will return to it though.  I really like the wand!
• Borghese duo fiber blending brush - I use this brush to apply the Facial Whip and the cream blusher.  I think it's fabulous.  Plenty similar brushes like this out there on the market, so find one that suits.
• Garnier Roll-On Anti Dark Circles - this product provides both treatment and immediate (light) coverage.  If you have really bad dark circles, you would probably still need to use a concealer.  But some days, I find this is adequate coverage for me.  

What are your daily staples? Or what have you been loving in August?  

I Love New York!

Just thought I'd share that with you all!

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