QVC December 2012 Beauty TSV's

Sunday 2nd December - Elemis Skin Therapies (PS - you may want to check out the video below!)

Thursday 6th December - Hair Boutique

Saturday 8th December - Laura Geller Makeup

Wednesday 12th December - Emma Hardie - Amazing Face

Sunday 16th December - Mally Beauty

Wednesday 19th December - The Gift of Beauty, featuring Clarisonic

Saturday 22nd December - Perricone MD Skincare

Happy Shopping!!!

October and November Empties

Woah, it's almost December already! Where has this year gone? I totally overlooked October empties, so I've smushed them in with November. So here goes...

• Kings & Queens Cinnamon Orange, Honey and Jasmine mini shower gel's - I really enjoyed trying out this brand.  I bought this set of minis from TK Maxx in the summer and they were great for travel. All the scents were really lovely, there wasn't one that I didn't like.  However, I would say the packaging annoyed me. The bottles were quite rigid and that made it difficult to get the gel out whilst showering.  I'll have to check if the full sizes share the same fault, other than that I'd certainly repurchase.
• Simple Eye makeup remover - Love this. Have a back up.
• Philosophy 'I'm Dreaming of... White Cranberry' 3 in 1 bath/shower gel - really enjoyed bathing with this. Made really nicely scented bubbles. As you know, I love the brand and will repurchase if/when I ever run out!!
• L'Occitane 5% Shea, Ultra Rich shower cream - Gorgeously creamy shower gel that never stripped my skin. I love this and is smells like clean babies. I have another one already on the go, so will repurchase in future.
• Possibility 'Raspberry Pavlova' shower gel - I think I got this as a Christmas present from someone last  year.  It doesn't take a genius to see that this brand have attempted to rip of the iconic Philosophy branding.  This is not even in the same league as the Philosophy versions.  My skin felt a bit scratchy after I'd used it. I'm glad its gone and no, I wouldn't buy this again. 
• Armani Code shower gel - After falling in love with the perfume, I enjoyed using up the scented shower gel.  I wouldn't specifically buy these kinds of shower gels, but at least I am using them now.  I'll certainly repurchase the perfume though.
• No7 Microdermabrasion scrub - favourite scrub. Will repurchase.

• bareMinerals foundation sample - I'm just going through and using up bits and pieces. I like this foundation and will repurchase when the miniatures have departed. 
• Tarte multiplEYE Prime and Extend mascara duo - As much as I love the brand Tarte, I didn't like this duo at all! The primer was okay, if a little sticky. The mascara was awful. Really dry and unworkable for me and I tend to like a drier formula. Not for me, I'm afraid.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara - now this Tarte mascara is amazing. I love the packaging, the product, the brush. Love! I have another one waiting in the wings, but think I'll have to stock up on this when I go back to the States.
• Garnier Pure Active spot-on roll-on - Hate this! Doesn't work, just dries your skin out. Will not repurchase.
• YSL Belle D'Opium EDP - Really enjoyed using this EDP, but it's not one of my all time favourites. Although, I did get lots of lovely comments from both sexes when I was wearing it. I just find there are other scents that are more 'me'. So at this stage, I wouldn't repurchase.

• Batiste Cherry dry shampoo - I use Batiste on a fairly regular basis and given that I love cherries, I thought this would be amazing.  But in truth, I tired of the scent fairly quickly.  It was nice enough, but I'm not sure I'll buy another huge bottle of this scent. Maybe I'll stick to the mini version.
• Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi bath/shower cream - I think Elemis products have to be the height of decadent bath time  This is just gorgeous. The Frangipani scent seems to linger for a long time on the skin (and in the bathroom). It's gorgeous and would make a lovely Christmas gift.  I'm not in the market for any new shower gels, but when I am, I'll be sure to pick this one up!!

Head's up: QVC L'Occitane TSV - Saturday 24th November 2012

There are good points to being up early on a Sunday morning!  

This little sneak peek of the L'Occitane TSV has just been posted by QVCUK on YouTube.  I'm clearly a 'warm' girl, so I'm super excited by the new Almond Shower Gel (I already love the oil version) and anything including Vanilla is a winner for me.  Not sure about the price yet, but I shall do a little bit of digging and see what I can find out for you all...

 What do you think?  Christmas gifting? Or gift for you??

QVC November 2012 Beauty TSV's

Sunday 4th November - Clarisonic Mia (Beauty Day)

Thursday 8th November - Nail Boutique

Sunday 11th November - bareMinerals

Saturday 17th November - In the Salon with Gatineau

Saturday 24th November - L'Occitane: Beauty en Provence

Wednesday 28th November - Beauty Tools and Accessories

Happy Shopping!!!! 

Nails Inc TSV - Thursday 18th October 2012

You know I'm a massive fan of Nails Inc (and QVC), so I wanted to give you the heads up on Thursday's TSV.  The 7 piece All Style collection (£25.94) is a perfect capsule collection for the Autumn and Winter months. I love all the colours, but to be honest, they had me at Disco Lane! A black holo polish is right up my street.

Getting down to the nitty gritty, the kit contains (borrowed from QVCUK.COM)

• 1 x Basil Street Nail Polish (10ml) - pale toffee
• 1 x Disco Lane Nail Polish (10ml) - black holographic
• 1 x Southwark Nail Polish (10ml) - royal blue
• 1 x Holly Hill Nail Polish (10ml) - bright red
• 1 x Rainbow Street Nail Polish (10ml) - multi-coloured glitter
• 1 x Bakers Row Nail Polish (10ml) - dark green sprinkles
• 1 x Berwick Street Market Nail Polish (10ml) - metallic purple

QVC emailed me this morning and I was able to put in an advance order before Thursday's launch, which was great. Of course, Nails Inc have included an Auto Delivery option, which I have taken full advantage of. Eek! I can't wait for them to arrive. I don't know what colour to use first.  Who am I kidding, Disco Lane all the way.  Although Southwark and Rainbow Street are coming a very close second.

It doesn't matter if you are buying this kit for yourself, or getting your Christmas shopping under-way, I think its great value for money.

And then I went to Superdrug and...

...managed to collect another few bits and pieces that I was hunting out.   

Having just run out of nail varnish remover, I thought I'd give the Andrea Fulerton one a go.  I love the pump on the top of the bottle - that should reduce any spillage trauma!! It wasn't the cheapest at £3.99 but I liked the bottle, so I'll report back.  

I'd been looking around for the new Rimmel/Kate Moss matte lipsticks. So I picked up 107 (berry) and 101 (pinky nude, both pictured below). I've only used 101 so far, but I can't say they are really matte. They feel more like a satin finish to me.  Matte lipsticks can feel quite drying, but I didn't find that at all.  I've also heard people mention the fruity scent.  I don't really get that either.  I they smell a bit like Parma Violets to me and I quite like that!

I then managed to nab the nude and taupe versions of the new Rimmel Scandleyes waterproof kohl liners.  I really like both of these and have used them over the past week. As I'd spent over £6/£7 (I can't remember the exact offer) I was given a free Glameyes liquid liner.  I've got quite a few black liners, so I've re-homed this with my friend.  

Has anyone else tried these new offerings from Rimmel? Thoughts?

I just popped into Boots and...

...ended up leaving with this little lot.  First up, Biore.  I haven't use these pore strip things in years!  I can't remember if they are even any good, so I thought I'd give them a second chance whilst on offer.  I picked up a new Sally Hansen Insta-Dri topcoat.  I needed a new one, as I just thrown my almost empty (read gloopy) one away.  I do really like this, as it does exactly what it says on the tin.  And as Maybelline was on offer (2 for £10) I thought I'd try FIT Me foundation and concealer.  I've heard good things about this range, so now seemed like a good time to try them out.

Have you found any good offers recently?

End of Summer Empties

• Sally Hansen Insta-Dri topcoat - really like this, but like other products in the same vein (such as Seche Vite and others below) they do get a bit gloopy and unusable after a while. Still, this version is cheap and accessible on the High Street, so that is a winner for me.
• Leighton Denny Crystal Clear topcoat - same as above. Have another one on the go already.
• INM Out the Door topcoat - same as above.  If I could easily get my hands on this (I got this last November in Las Vegas) then I'd certainly buy this again.
• B&BW Pocket Bac in Fresh Picked Strawberry - Love this and it smelt divine.  This was one of the pocket bac's that Annabella from Skin Scrubs picked up for me when she was back home. Thanks lovely! 
• Giorgio Armani - Armani Code EDP - I really didn't know what to expect from this, when I perused the perfume store that is my wardrobe - but I loved it. I'm going to try and pick this up again in my next Boxing Day Bargains haul.
• Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise EDT - Ahhhhh Jo! I cannot tell you how much I love this.  I have to say I was going very easy on using this.  30ml doesn't last long with me!  Luckily, Nic bought me a MASSIVE 100ml bottle for our birthday.  That singled the end of the baby bottle.  Love this. I think I'll always have this in my collection.  To me, its so warm and comforting. Beautiful.
• MUFE Smoky Lash mascara - this came from my Sephora Lash Stash and it was one of the ones I was most excited to try.  But do you know what, I don't rate it.  Controversial I know. I found it to be  quite flaky by the end of the day, resulting in me having panda eyes. It always transferred down, which looks so attractive!  It just wasn't for me.  Would rather spend the money on Benefit They're Real  - any day of the week!

• Ojon Restorative Leave in Treatment - I know this is expensive (although this came in a kit from QVC) but I think its really great.  It never weighed my (super fine) hair down and left it feeling very nourished.,  I have other similar products to use up, but I would repurchase this again. 
• Simple Eye make up remover - I love this. Will certainly repurchase again.
• Burt's Bees Almond Milk hand cream - I really loved the smell of this, but I didn't really like the cream itself.  Will still to my L'Occitane Shea hand cream in future.
• Vichy Nomaderm Micellar solution - I thought I'd try another Micellar solution.  This one was nice enough,. I can't say that I noticed it doing anything major in relation to keeping spots at bay.  I will probably buy this again in the future. 
• Umberto Giannini Morning After dry shampoo - I liked the smell of this, but I prefer Batiste (which is also cheaper!).  I won't repurchase this. 

• B&BW Warm Vanilla Sugar shower gel - mmmmmm vanilla! What's not to like about this.  Next time I'm in the States, I will repurchase this for sure!
• Freederm sensitive facial wash - Didn't really rate this at all.  Won't repurchase.
• Radox Brazilian Fusion bath soak - same as above. I liked it in Tesco.  I didn't like it in the bath.  The Boy ended up finishing it off
• John Frieda Frizz Ease - this bottle has lasted for eons! Will probably buy this again at some point in the future. 
• Elemis Lime & Ginger salt scrub - this baby version was from a QVC kit.  I think salt scrubs are awesome. This one smelled very exotic (as it comes from the Elemis exotics collection - you'd hope it would, wouldn't you?) and was very moisturising, although it didn't leave a greasy film. All in all, a nice scrub.  Will consider repurchasing at some point in the future.
• Leighton Denny Essential Remover - as nail varnish removers go, this is certainly one of the better ones in my opinion.  Will almost certainly repurchase. 
• Kings & Queens Mango shower gel - I really enjoyed using this.  It smelt just like a Solero ice cream Yum.  Will have to investigate this brand further when I need more shower gel - 2030 it is then!!

I think I did quite well getting through all this in August and September.  What have you used up recently?

Marie Claire Freebie!

If you're in the UK and you like L'Occitane, go grab the November issue of Marie Claire.

This month they have a range of L'Occitane hand creams on offer. I picked up the Date Bouquet scent.

I'd love to be able to tell you what it smells like, but sadly I'm full of cold. I imagine its going to be something i'll like.

If Date's aren't you thing, there are other scents to choose from - including the iconic Shea hand cream (which is my favourite). Not bad for a magazine freebie!

QVC October 2012 Beauty TSV's

Tuesday 2nd October - Beauty Tools and Accessories

Sunday 7th October - Beauty Tools and Accessories

Monday 8th October - Lulu's Time Bomb

Thuresay 11th October - Prai Beauty

Monday 15th October - Judith Williams Skincare

Thursday 18th October - Nails Inc

Saturday 20th October - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare
Thursday 25th October  - In the Salon with Decleor 

Happy Shopping!!

Escentual.com French Pharmacy Purchases

In case you have missed it, Escentual.com have been offering 1/3 off French Pharmacy brands during the month of September.   I logged on and placed my order yesterday morning - thank god for payday!!  Not even 24 hours later the Postman rang the doorbell and the order was placed into my grubby little mitts.  Now how about that for super speedy delivery?  I'm really impressed. 

I've tried the La Roche-Posay micellar water before, but the rest of the products are new to me, so I'll report back when I've tested them out.  

Have you taken advantage of this offer and if so, what did you get? 

Nails Inc (fairly!) New Acquisitions

So here is a little belated close up of the July Nails Inc TSV.   I've only worn two of the shades so far as I've been channelling dark autumnal nails of late.  Well, if this bloody British weather had bucked its ideas up, I might have felt more inclined to wear summery shades during the Summer months! I personally think these shades are wearable all year round, so I'll be getting a lot of use out of them.  Apologies that Blogger has decided to rotate these pics - Grrrr it does my head in!

First up is Sloane Gardens, the most amazing fine navy glitter from the Nails Inc A/W12 collection.  As you know, I'm not usually a fan of glitters, however I'm looking forward to wearing this on a night out soon. 

Then we have the 'hero' shade Porchester Square.  I really love this shade. Goes with every outfit, every occasion.  I can totally understand why this has made it into the hall of fame.

Nails Inc describe Cheyne Walk as a mirror metallic.  It's a really usual purple colour that shifts towards chocolate brown depending on the light. Its certainly one of the more unique shades that I own and I enjoyed wearing it.

Pudding Lane is a turquoise base with suspended micro shimmers/glitter running throughout the polish.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like this, but I really do.

Warwick Street is another special effects polish, but a little more understated than Pudding Lane.  It's nude with a twist.  I think it will go with any outfit.  Looking forward to giving this a test run.

As you know, I'm not a massive glitter girl so I didn't instantly swoon over Princess Arcade.  However, I think this is going to look pretty awesome over black during the party season.  I'll certainly give it a go.

And finally, Portobello is the most gorgeous neon orange. I wore this when Nic and I went to Paris last month and it was a really striking colour on the nails. I used a good layer of topcoat over Portobello, as neon's can dry down a touch on the matte side and I prefer my polish super shiny.  Each to their own...

As I mentioned earlier, I wasn't sure I was going to like Pudding Lane - but I actually liked it so much that I purchased the rest of the 'Sprinkles' collection too!  I love (L-R) Sugar House Lane and Sweets Way.  Topping Lane is probably a little girly for my own personal taste, so I will probably keep that for a gift.  They're certainly unique!

I'll be due for another instalment of my Nails Inc Auto Delivery fairly soon.  I'd better go and make some space..

QVC September 2012 Beauty TSV's

Saturday 1st September - Elemis Skin Therapies

Monday 3rd September - Laura Geller Makeup

Sunday 9th September - L'Occitane: Beauty en Provence

Saturday 15th September - Ojon

Friday 21st September - Glamorous Beauty Gifts

Thursday 27th September - In the Salon with SBC

Sunday 30th September - Leighton Denny Expert Nails

Happy Shopping!!!

Harvey Nichols 'Beauty Bazaar' coming soon to Liverpool!

Okay, I might have squealed with delight when I read (thanks to British Beauty Blogger and Mrs Hirons) that Harvey Nichols are launching a concept store, namely a 'Beauty Bazaar' in my home town of Liverpool. How exciting is that?!?

A bit of googling resulted in confirmation that my thoughts of location were correct.  Harvey Nichols will take over the old Habitat store on Peter's Lane, Liverpool ONE.  This is a mere stones throw from the site of their 2011 pop up Food Hall that provided a great many wonderful treats in the run up to Christmas, along with several delicious Christmas gifts last year.

Anyway, back to the Bazaar! The ground floor will focus mainly on beauty, skincare and fragrance featuring all the usual suspects.  I'm particularly excited to discover that Tom Ford Beauty and NARS will finally be accessible to me, without hauling my arse to Manchester. This is amazing news for me, less so for my bank balance.  The Boy commented "well, you may as well just have work pay your salary straight to Harvey Nics!" What a great idea?!

The first floor will include a range of treatments and services, including the hotly anticipated BeautyMART.  Whist the second floor will be reserved for 'private' treatments such as waxing, tanning etc.  I'm also excited to hear about the Champagne and Cocktail bar that will be housed within the store.  I have a feeling Nic and I will spend a lot of time (and money) there!!

You can read all the in depth details in the press release here

The Beauty Bazaar is due to open in Autumn 2012 and I for one, cannot wait.

July Empties - Travel Edition

Rome - July 2012

• Ambre Solaire Factor 50 'On the go' - Literally a skin saviour!  I'm not sure what The Boy and I would have done without this SPF in Rome. It was scorchio! Perfect for a few days away and a bargain for £3.  I also have to point out, that I barely got any prickly heat rash using this. Now that really is amazing... Will certainly repurchase.
• Boss Orange - Nice perfume that is not usually on my radar.  Not sure I'll repurchase again, as it is not necessarily one of my faves - but I enjoyed using it.
• Elie Saab Scented body cream and shower gel - Enjoyed using the accompanying bath/body products from Elie Saab and I'm still enjoying the perfume.  As you know, I'd never usually purchase these kind of products, but I will continue to use them if I acquire them in gift sets.  
• Pantene Pro-V 'Smooth & Sleek' shampoo/conditioner - Found these in a travel bag. Does what it says on the tin. Nothing outstanding, but would consider repurchasing the travel sizes in future.
• Neutrogena Deep Clean face wipes - I know lots of people rave on these, but I'm undecided.  Did a fairly decent job at removing make up in a pinch, purely because I forgot my cleanser!  Can't say I'd be in a massive rush to repurchase though. 
• L'Occitane Apricot Flower Shea Butter - I really like this multi purpose balm/butter.  I've used it just about everywhere. Brilliant stuff and smells divine. Will repurchase but have two other scents to use up first.

Paris - August 2012

• Johnson's Dreamy Skin face wipes - These were nicely scented but very dry and therefore were quite difficult to use. Won't repurchase.
• Chanel Chance Eau Tendre  - A sample I got from Sephora in LV.  Its a floral scent, so not usually my bag.  Nice to carry about in my handbag for a quick spritz on the go.  Won't repurchase, although my massive perfume collection is sadly lacking Chanel.  I can't seem to find a fragrance that I really love from them. Oh well, the search continues...
• Kings & Queens Lemonflower shower gel - Got this from a mini Kings & Queens sent in TK Maxx for £3! Bargain.  Took this one to Paris with me and enjoyed the scent. Surprising as I'm not really a citrus girl. Won't repurchase this particular scent, but will probably give the brand another whirl.
• Sure Crystal Clear deodorant - Does what it says on the tin. Only got roll on as I couldn't find a small aerosol  Might repurchase if travelling. 
• Bare Minerals powder foundation - I like this for travel as it doesn't have to go in those stupid little plastic bags! Have a few various mini BE foundations to use up before a repurchase is due. 
• Benefit Posie Tint - Another mini sized product. Think this one came from Glamour.  Recently finished the full size.  Will probably repurchase in the future. 
• Bath & Body Works Pocketbac 'All I want is Love' - Gorgeous scent! Love. Hope to always have these little pocketbac's in my life...
• Lancome Hypnose Drama - Sample size that came with Tresor Midnight Rose perfume. Wasn't a massive fan of this.  Didn't notice any additional 'drama' and it transferred on me. Wouldn't buy this. Much prefer Benefit They're Real.
• Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse foundation - This has seemed to last FOREVER, plus I can't be sure if I liked it or not.  Still, it's gone now... 
• Oilatum Natural Repair face cream - Useful for dry flaky skin. Will probably repurchase as the weather changes.

Home 2012

• Illamaqua 'Freak' EDP sample - Love this. Own the full size. One sexy scent and a good one to try if you love Tom Ford 'Black Orchid' but cannot get your mitts on it/looking for a slightly cheaper option.
• Lipstick Queen '5 minutes' lip gloss - really enjoyed using this. It was a nice peachy/natural lip colour. You know the score with lip glosses... No buying at the moment.
• Giorgio Armani 'Acqua di Gioia' sample -both samples were from Sephora LV.  Bit too fresh/citrus for me personally, but it was a nice summery scent.
• Calvin Klein 'Forbidden Euphoria' sample - I love the original, but I am not so fussed with this. The addition of fruit kind of ruins the scent for me.  On the other hand, if you didn't really like the original, I'd say give this one a try.  Won't repurchase. 
• MAC Zoomlash  - Not for me. Very wet formula that I just could not get to grips with.  Shame really, I have a full size to use at some point. 
• Clinique High Impact mascara/Full Potential lip gloss duo - Quite enjoyed the mascara, but loved the lip gloss. A lovely plummy shade. Sad to see the back of this.  Might consider repurchasing the gloss, but probably not the mascara.
• OPI Nail Envy - Tiny bit left in the bottom that's gone all gloopy.  I do like this, but would consider suggestions for other nail strengtheners in the future.
• Seche Vite - Love how quick my nails dry, but not so much with the shrinkage and the gloopy consistency in the bottle.  Still enjoying my INM 'Out the door' topcoat, so will not repurchase at the moment.

And that's me done for another month!! 

QVC August 2012 Beauty TSV's

Sunday 5th August - In the Salon with Decleor

Monday 6th August - Percy and Reed Haircare

Saturday 18th August - Mally Beauty

Monday 20th August - NV Perricone

Sunday 26th August - In the Salon with Gatineau

Happy Shopping!!!

A mini OCD adventure!

Beautiful picture borrowed from http://beautifulplacestovisit.com/cities/paris-france/

Bonsoir mes amis! I'm so excited that Nic and I are off to Paris tomorrow.  I'm distracting myself and writing this while I should be packing.  Actually lets face it, if I wasn't writing this I'd be watching the Olympics - which I am completely OBSESSED with! Whoop! Go Team GB!!

Anyway, its shaping up to be a fun weekend away.  We're looking forward to mooching around the Parisian sights, sampling the lovely wine of the region and of course, a little French pharmacy shopping if we have time. I'm sure there will be plenty of tales to tell upon our return...

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, whatever you are up to.

June Empties - Better late than never!

• Philosophy Field of Flowers 3 in 1 shower gel and body moisturiser - I am such a Philosophy girl! I got these little beauties as a gift and they were so handy for travel.  Whilst 'Field of Flowers' is not my favourite scent from the Philosophy stable, it's a pretty light floral that would work with any fragrance you would choose to apply afterwards.  You know what I'm going to say, don't you?  I've got a tonne of these to use, so I won't be repurchasing just yet.
• Dolce and Gabanna 'The One' EDP - Who knew this would sneak up there to become a top fragrance for me in 2012? But it has! I bought it in a Boxing Day Bargain sale in 2010 as it was something I wanted to try.  Now I have finished this bottle, I'm struggling to justifying not repurchasing immediately.  I have quite a perfume stash to go through.  It is certainly back on my lust list. 
• Benefit 'So Hooked on Carmella' EDT - Really enjoyed this one too. Super sweet vanilla with a twist of fruit.  Not in a massive rush to repurchase, though.
• Revlon Photoready perfecting primer - I found this to be a decent high street primer. Will probably repurchase at some point in the future.
• Lacura Shimmering Face Cream - Fairly basic moisturiser with a definite shimmer. However, use too much and you look like a one of the Cullen's. Probably won't repurchase.
• No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion exfoliator - Love! Love! Love! Have already busted out the back up.
• Benefit Posie Tint - I liked using Posie.  I also have Benetint and more recently acquired Cha-Cha. Will probably repurchase at some point, when I have used a few other bits up.
• Philosophy Vanilla Ice Cream 3 in 1 shower gel - Mmmmm vanilla! What's not to like? Will repurchase when required...well that should be about 2015 then!
• Calvin Klein 'Contradiction' EDP - My signature scent. I adore this perfume, although I am beginning to think they are getting rid of it. Good job I have 4 100ml unopened bottles stashed away. Clever me!
• L'Occitane Sweet Almond liquid soap - Not usually a soap fan, but used this as a hand wash and loved it. The almond scent is warm but not overpowering. Have a new bottle (from a TSV) ready to make an appearance in my bathroom.
• MOP Pear Detangler - I got this for The Boy, but enjoyed using it too. Love anything Pear scented. Can't say that it made a massive difference to my long hair, but I liked the scent.  Plus he liked it, so that was the important thing. 
• The Body Shop Blissful Body Cleanser - Did not like this at all! This huge 200ml bottle was £2 in TBS sale and I can see why.  I found it really difficult to wash off, it didn't really lather and it I wasn't fussed on the scent. Won't be repurchased, even for £2!!
• Hugo Boss 'Deep Red' body moisturiser and perfumed shower gel - Yay! Look at me using up the perfumed mini's.  I like the perfume, but that is long since gone. Glad I'm finally using these up. It bothers me that I used to just let them languish in my stash. 
• Philosophy Surfer Girl lip shine - Lovely Papaya scented lip-shine. Have loads more, so won't immediately repurchase. 
• Philosophy Microdelivery exfoliating wash - A bit ambivalent about this. I don't think it does very much for my skin. It's not scrubby enough for me and the scent kind of puts me off. Won't repurchase. 
• The Body Shop Mango hand cleanse gel -  TBS attempt at Bath & Body Works. Decent enough and became a desk staple. Smelt like Mango margaritas. Will repurchase when I can't replenish my B&BW Pocket-Bac's.
• Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Pocket-Bac - Loved this scent! Super handy to throw in my bag. If I can get this again, I will. Same goes for...
• Bath & Body Works Mistletoe Kiss Pocket-Bac - Yes, I loved this one too. Although a little more citrus than I'd like. Love Pocket-Bac's.

QVC/Nails Inc TSV Thursday 19th July 2012

HEADS UP! Oh look at this!  Tomorrow's (Thursday 19th July) beautiful Nails Inc TSV.  I'm so glad to see a real ecclectic mix of polishes and finishes from the British nail brand.  I really wanted to try the new Mirror Shine and Sprinkles polishes, so this is a total winner for me. Plus I have a stash of birthday money burning a hole in my Radley...

Will you be purchasing?  What do you think?

NARS Foreplay

Being a Sephora VIB is simultaneously a blessing and a curse. Each week I'm emailed with a range of fabulous offers and Sephora exclusives that I cannot get my paws on because I live in the UK! That's not fair, is it? Talk about tempting...

Anyway, I just came home and noticed an email about NARS Foreplay. I am seriously hoping that we get this over here.

The kit includes component cheek colours to enable you to create your own 'bespoke' shade of Orgasm. Apparently, self service is totally hot right now ;-)

The Foreplay kit includes pink and peach matte shades, as well as a gold highlighter and the original Orgasm blusher. The kit retails in Sephora USA for $49. So pretty! Anyone seen this in Sephora yet? Tell me I don't need it, go on, tell me!!!

Balance Me Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve

This little gem arrived on my doorstep this month with my Glamour subscription.

I haven't tried any Balance Me products before, but it's a natural brand that has always interested me. The Rose Otto lip salve is certified 100% natural origin and is petroleum free - bonus!

I've been using if for a week now and I really like it. Whilst not being a massive fan of rose scented products (although there have been recent exceptions!) I'm enjoying the faint 'turkish delight' scent - although it is making me hungry. It's a decent lip balm that provides a fair amount if moisturisation, it's also become a bit of a desk staple for me!

I think I'll have to delve into the Balance Me range a little further, to give some other products a try. Any recommendation's?

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains - Honey and Rendezvous

These came from the States last month, but fortunately they form part of the 7 shades that have been released in the UK.  I'm a massive fan of lip stains and these appear to be the perfect combination of stain and moisturising balm.  

In truth, I prefer the 'Honey' shade, but the staying power of  'Rendezvous' is better.  I think the more pigmented shades have a more noticeable/long wearing staining effect.  I spotted a few more shades in Rome last week and I picked up another two in Superdrug this week (where they are on offer for £5.99 at the moment!).  

In a fairly short space of time, I seem to have accumulated a fair few shades - I'm not complaining though. I think they are fabulous.  Are you a fan?

Don't you just hate it when...

This happens!!!!!!  ;o(

Especially when you have a lot of new nail varnish to try!

Ciao Bella!

Hi there *waves* Long time no speak.  How is everyone? 

I got back last week from Rome.  I had a really great time celebrating mine (and Nic's - although she wasn't with me!) birthday. If you follow me on Instagram (@LeanneOCD) you may have seen a few of the pic's I was uploading from my hols. Such a beautifully photogenic city,  but it was SO FREAKIN HOT!!!  

I might have picked up a few cheeky Italian cosmetic purchases, that I will disclose here.  I also managed to get my hands on a few of the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains whist in Rome, only to return home to find they are in Boots/Superdrug. Typical eh?

Another year older and not much wiser... Normal service will resume shortly.  Well, as normal as it ever was!!!

Love to all x

May Empties

• Philosophy Aloha Colada body cream - got this from a set from Macy's NYC. Lovely reminder of a lovely trip. Smells divine, but I've never seen it anywhere else to repurchase. I'm sad this is gone although I have a tonne of body cream to get through.
• Nivea Pearl Beauty mini deodorant - found in a travel bag and finished it up. Okay but nothing worth noting. Prefer Mitchum.
• Dior Addict Perfumed shower gel and body lotion -  can you tell I'm making a effort to use up these fragrance related bath/body freebies?  Love the Addict perfume and these are really heavily scented with the fragrance, which I like. Although I did wonder if I would have a reaction to it (I didn't). I can't honestly say that I will buy these as individual products, but I'll certainly use them up if I buy them as part of a fragrance gift set.
• Haus of Gloi Hearth bubbling scrub - lovely warm scent to this scrub. Loved the consistency.  Will repurchase more HoG when I have depleted the stash a little more.
• L'Occitane Vanilla Flower shower gel - LOVE this! Same as above...
• Smashbox Photofinish primer - got this in a kit from QVC and I'm not really a fan.  I can't say that I noticed anything outstanding when I was using it, no extra wear from my foundation and I'm not really fussed on the texture. Not for me.
• Clinique Take the Day Off makeup remover - this mini size was included in my Sephora Lash Stash. I liked it, but I think there are other (cheaper) make up removers that do the same job. Might consider a repurchase, but not for the time being.
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar M - I really enjoyed using this sebo-mattifying moisturiser. Effective yet gentle and a great base for make up.  Just noticed it is part of the 3 for 2 in Boots at the moment, so a repurchase is potentially imminent. 
• Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia perfume sample - I have the full size of this, so when I found the sample size it was thrown in my handbag and used up at work.  I love the perfume and it was a total godsend in a stuffy office. I love Jo Malone perfume.
• No7 Beautiful Skin cleansing water - another micellar solution for make up removal.  It was nice enough. Loved the pump action dispenser.  May consider a repurchase, but giving the Vichy version a try out at the moment.
• Fan di Fendi perfume sample -  I thought I'd give the sample a shot after I read about the composition of notes, but it isn't for me.
• Tresor Midnight Rose perfume - I have adored this and it has been quite a surprise to me, just how much I have loved the perfume considering its a rose based scent.  Will repurchase when I have made space.
• Dior Addict perfume - one of my all time faves.  I actually felt quite sad when it came to the last spritz.  I think this is one perfume that  I will always want to have in my collection.  I'll put this on the list and as with Midnight Rose, repurchase when I've used a few others up. Maybe I'll be able to swoop it up in my Boxing Day Bargains *crosses fingers*

• L'Occitane Cocoa Flower hand cream - you know I love this hand cream and the cocoa flower scent is really lovely. I'll get this one again, although I already have back ups...

• Avon Beyond Colour concealer - not sure where this was unearthed from.  It's gone now, never to return.  
• Max Factor Mastercover - another concealer that is pretty meh, in my opinion.  I didn't really rate it so I would not repurchase.
• Thierry Mugler Alien EDT perfume sample -  love Alien EDP and it was nice to have a sample of the EDT. Not currently in my collection, but will repurchase the EDP at some point.
• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration mini shampoo and conditioner - not sure why I brought these back with me from my last trip, as they were almost gone.  I quite like this scent. Reminds me of holiday's.  I my pick these up, for travel sizes they are great.
• Blistex Intensive Moisturiser - lip staple.  Love the medicated/menthol smell to this. Super cheap, works wonders.
• Blistex MedPlus lip balm - really liked this variant.  Very moisturising and the scent reminded me of cherry flavoured Tunes.  Mmmmmm.

Well that's me done for another month.  What have you used up last month?

Nails Inc Jubilee Lucky Dip

Last weekend amidst the Jubilee celebrations I noticed a little email from Nails Inc drop into my mailbox.  To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, they were offering a lucky dip of 6 full size polishes for £15.   Now, I have taken advantage of these kind of offers before and I have been quite pleased, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. 

My nail mail arrived yesterday and I have to say, I'm delighted!

 For the bargain price of £15 ( usually each Nails Inc polish retails for £11) I received Old Park Lane (champagne/rose gold metallic) New Burlington Place (pinky/bronze duo-chrome) Westminster (purple) Culross Street (teal)  Paddington (dark grey) and Carlton Gardens (blue metallic).  I also got Colville Mews (pale nude) after signing up to become a Nails Inc VIP member. 

I'm really, really  pleased with the colours I was sent and there really isn't one that I wouldn't wear.  Did you manage to get your hands on the Jubilee Lucky Dip? What colours did you get?