Giveaway Update!!! NOW CLOSED

Hi all!

Hope your all doing well. So this post is just a reminder that my Giveaway will be finishing tomorrow, so if you haven't entered already please do! :-)

Giveaway Prizes! :-D

You can enter by clicking here. And finally.....Good Luck! :-)

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Until next time...keep smiling :-)

Swiss Apple Overnight Skin Renewal Serum

Hi all!

This post will be a review of the Superdrug own brand apple serum from their Optimum range. I've been using this for over 5 weeks now and I thought now would be a great time to share my thoughts.

My Skin

It may be useful to tell you a bit about my skin type so that you can bear this in mind when reading about my results because every ones skin is different.

So I have extremely sensitive skin which will react to random things (I have to do a lot of research before buying a product)! It is also combination and is prone to blemishes and I do get a rash on 1 side of my face quite regularly (not sure why!).

The Product and Packaging

The packaging is a green colour, made of cardboard which can be recycled, all very eco-friendly but it doesn't exactly scream expensive or pretty. The actual bottle is made of glass with green writing, the bottle is clear so you can see how much product you have which is good.

The serum itself is a weird consistency, its not like other serums I have used. I expected it to be thicker than it was but instead its quite watery, but the plus point is that a little goes a long way and it does sink into the skin quickly. If you have dry skin this wouldn't be enough and you would probably have to use a moisturiser on top.

Also it has a weird smell, you would expect it to smell like apples but it has a manufactured smell. Its nothing unpleasant, but I would have preferred a natural smell or something unscented.

The Claim

'Revolutionary anti-ageing serum with PhytocellTec technology, Swiss Apple Overnight Skin Renewal Serum utilises the vitality of the Swiss "Uttwiler Spatlauber" apple cells to protect and enhance the performance of the skin's cells for smooth, radiant and younger-looking skin.'

So basically this Swiss apple is amazing and normally creams which contain this cost hundreds of pounds. Also scientists have found that extracts of the apple increase lifespans of human cells and reverse ageing. All very powerful claims but is this actually what this serum does....read on....

Results

Now on the packaging it tells you...

'Significant results can be expected in just 4 weeks due to the unique ability of the PhytoCellTec apple cells to protect and regenerate the skin's cells...'

Now when I read this I thought it was bold claim, the words 'significant results' and 'just 4 weeks' really drew me to this product. Now like I said before I have been using this serum every night for about 5 weeks so I think I can give you a honest review about its results.

Week 1
I found I was getting very small reddish bumps on my skin kind of like a rash generally concentrated around my nose and a little on my cheeks. My initial thoughts were that my skin was reacting to it, however I thought as its a new product it will take a little getting used to, so I continued with it.

Week 2
I found I was starting to get spots on my skin, which really annoyed me and I don't have perfect skin to begin with and before starting this serum I was actually happy with how my skin was looking!  However, I thought since I'd started I should really continue and maybe it would take a bit longer to give positive results.

Week 3
Finally some good news! I found that dry patches which had been on my skin from the winter were starting to disappear throughout the week and eventually they had gone! I was very pleased with this and continued with the product I thought this was going to be amazing.

Week 4 and 5
Nothing positive! I found that the rash I get on my face very frequently had reared its ugly face and this serum didn't make a difference to that, it didn't make it less sever or make it smaller...no change. (The only thing which makes it go away is a doctor prescribed cream).  And I also frustratingly found an increasing number of spots on my face. And at this point they are getting quite bad! :-(

And now I have stopped using the serum because I really don't want my skin to get any worse than it is. And with me it takes forever for spots to clear so the sooner I stop the sooner my skin can hopefully get better.

In terms of any any anti-ageing benefits I honestly cant say if it works, I'm in my early 20's so I wouldn't be the best person to ask.

Final Verdict

It cleared up dry patches I got during the winter but it left my face with spots! A part from this I saw no other benefits and I think it was hyped up way too much. It's an ok serum at best. It's nothing special and I wouldn't re-buy it. One thing I would say is that if you have sensitive spot prone skin like me then maybe your best to skip this.

But if you do want to give it a go then you can buy it at Superdrug stores or online where its currently half price (here).

Let me know your thoughts, have you tried this serum, do you have any different opinions?

Also, if you haven't already, don't forget to enter my giveaway (here).

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Until next time...Keep smiling :-)

Outfit of the Day!

Hi all!

Hope everyone in the UK is enjoying the lovely weather :-) and wherever you are hope the weather is good too!

So I went out on Sunday and thought I'd show you what I wore, the weather was lovely...not hot but warm for the most part.

My Outfit

What I wore:

- Purple shirt dress from Primark

- Black skinny jeans from New Look

- Black boots from Debenhams



Accessories



- Black DKNY handbag with gold studs and detailing

- Michael Kors rose gold watch (which I've decided needs to be worn and not just admired! lol)

So what are your thoughts on my outfit?

Also don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY (enter here).

Don't forget to comment and subscribe
Until next time...keep smiling :-)

Spring Make-up

Hi all!

So spring is here and so it's time to re-organise your  make-up bags and get out your spring make-up. And to help you decide what to keep and what to put away I'll be showing you my favourite trends for Spring. These were seen on catwalk shows all around the world, it's not all about the clothes at these shows everyone has their eyes on what new make-up trends will emerge too. So enjoy ...

Dewy Skin

The key to this look is making your skin look naturally glowy and fresh, so you will need a really good moisturiser to get rid of any dry patches. Next use a light creamy foundation preferably something light-reflective which will catch the sun and make you glow! Stay clear of matte and heavy foundations as they will way down your skin and look too obvious.

Bronzed Cheeks

Use peachy/apricot coloured bronzer to achieve this look, sweep onto the high points of your face, so the tops of cheek bones, temples, across the nose etc. Don't be shy with the bronzer the look you want to go for is sunburn chic! lol

Full Brows

Now ladies in this case the bigger the better! You want full brows which are brushed up and arched, so fill in with a dark brown colour and use clear brow gel to brush up and set in place. Now I have naturally big brows , I've been rocking them forever, so looks like I've been ahead of this trend for year! ;-)

Modern Cat Flick

Try something different with this classic make-up look, go for different colours not just black. Also try adding two flicks at the end rather than one, just experiment with different styles and make it more 2012!

Pops of Colour

This is for the more daring of you and it involves bright colours! This trend is all about injecting some colour and fun into a make-up look so don't be afraid to use bright stand-out colours to achieve this look, the brighter the better.

Red Lips

You can play round with different shades and tones of red, it doesn't have to be a really dark red you can go with a softer red too. Or you can go for the browny and plummy red shades depends what you want to wear and what suits your skin tone. As this is spring make-up I would probably stay away from matte colours, go for glossy reds or creamy reds, whichever you prefer.

Rose Coloured Lips

Soft rose colours work well with all skin tones and are easy to wear and are very flattering if you don't like too much colour on your lips. Go for a creamy lipstick and pat it into lips then blot to get that perfect stain to your lips which looks natural and effortless. And remember rosey and nude colours make your lips appear fuller!

Doll-like Lashes

To achieve this look curl you lashes before applying mascara, and choose a mascara that is curling and lengthens lashes too. You want feathery lashes so don't be shy with the mascara and pay particular attention to the outer corners pulling the lashes out and up to elongate the eye and give that doll eyed look.


And there you have it the trends for spring which everyone can wear, there are some really pretty looks in here which I will definitely be trying. What do you think, will you be rocking any of these trends? Do let me know your favourites.

Also don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY! (enter here)

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Until next time...keep smiling :-)

CLOSED - Giveaway Time!!!!!!! - CLOSED

Hi all!

Very sorry that this has been delayed I have been busy at work so wasn't able to get things sorted...but without further adieu here is my spring giveaway! :-)

This is just to say a little thank you to all of my fabulous followers who have taken the time to subscribe to my small blog. Thank you all very much! :-D

The Prizes

Let's start off with the good stuff, what you can win! lol

So there are:
- 2 collection 2000 hot looks nail polishes
- 1 Rimmel eyeliner
- 1 Rimmel eyeshadow
- 1 bracelet

As you can see there is a pastel/spring trend with the giveaway which I thought would be perfect, so you can wear the things straight away!

The Rules

1. You have to be a follower (new followers very welcome)
2. In the comments below you have to write 1. one thing you like about my blog and 2. one thing I
    could change/do to improve it.
3. This competition is only open to those in the UK (sorry!)
4. Names will be selected using random.org
5. Competition will close 31st March at 12.00am

Entries

- 1 entry for answering the 2 questions
- 1 extra entry for blogging about giveaway (please provide link)

And finally GOOD LUCK to you lovely people! :-)

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW CLOSED

Until next time keep smiling :-)

Happy Mothers Day!

Hi all!

So I'm sure you all know what day it it, it's mothers day here in Britain, so for all the mummy's out there Happy Mothers Day! :-) Even though you should always treat your mum well everyday make sure you tell her how special she is today! :-)

You let me know you love me
In so many different ways.
You make me feel important
With encouragement and praise.

You're always there when I need you
To comfort and to care.
I know I'm in your thoughts;
Your love follows me everywhere.

Thank you for all you've done
And given so generously.
I love you, my wonderful mother;
You're a heaven-sent blessing to me. 

Have a great day, whatever you do.

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Until next time...keep smiling :-)

Loreal EverSleek Shampoo + Conditioner

Hi all!

So I just got a bottle of the new Loreal Eversleek shampoo and conditioner and thought I'd share my initial thoughts. I've only used it once but I can generally tell after 1 wash whether I like a haircare product or not, then I give it time to see if it really makes any difference.

I actually entered a competition for a chance to win these and I did!!! I was very happy as I'm in the market for a new haircare range.

My Hair

So a little about my hair type, I have quite dry hair which is neither too fine or too thick, its in the middle somewhere. My hair is very long, past my elbows, and it falls out a heck of a lot and it does frizz a bit too, nothing major but still annoying.

The Product Claim

'Specifically designed for coarse and frizzy hair, the EverSleek Smoothing & Nourish range is a Smoothing Care System with non-sulphate cleansing and smooth conditioning care. The formula's are enriched with botanical sunflower extract, and help nourish and smooth the hair, for a frizz controlled look.'

The Science

Right...so what does this mean, well the products are sulphate free which means they do not contain sodium laurly sulphate which is a chemical which creates the thick lather in shampoo and removes oily residue. This is a chemical which can irritate the scalp and cause dryness, and though the shampoo may not lather as much without it, it will help your hair in the long run by making it softer and more silky.

The products are also silicone free and paraben free which means there are no unwanted chemicals or 'bad stuff' in this shampoo! They are all also 100% vegan friendly so anyone can use them without any problems.This is all great news for my hair.

Both the shampoo and conditioner are enriched with botanical sunflower extract which help nourish and smooth the hair and that's how it smooths the frizz.

The Results

I really like it! :-)

The way I used it was I shampooed my hair twice, then I conditioned it, I generally leave the conditioner on for about 10 mins. I found that as expected the shampoo did not lather as much as I like, the first wash it barely lathered at all, the second wash it it a bit. I guess if you want to use products which are chemical free then this is the compromise you have to make.

I let my hair air dry (as I always do) and I honestly found my hair felt quite smooth. It wasn't soft and really amazing to touch but it had definitely controlled my frizz, my hair wasn't flying all over the place! Amazing :-)

In terms of adding moisture to my hair I can't say its done that yet, I think I'll have to use it a few more times to see if its as good in this department as I cant tell at the moment. But so far this looks like a winner. I've checked in my local Boots and Superdrug and couldn't find this range yet (I was in a rush so maybe I just missed it), but you can get it on the Boots website and it's on offer (here).

But I will keep you updated, I do really hope I've found my perfect HG shampoo and conditioner!

Will you be trying this new range?

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Until next time...keep smiling :-)

My Top 3 - Foundation

Hi all!

Hope your all doing good :-) So I thought I'd get this up for you all and share with you my fav foundations as I know this is something I love to read about. I love trying out different types of foundations and have used a fair few in the past few years. So these are the ones I always go back to and re-purchase...

Estee Lauder Double Wear

I know this is a cult product and a favourite for many people and I can safely say it is worthy of the hype. This was the first high-end foundation I ever purchased and I've never looked back. This is the foundation I use when I'm in dire need of full coverage and when my skin is playing up. It genuinely lasts all day with no wear and when it sets, it stays on your skin. It can be a bit annoying taking it off but I don't mind with the results I get.

Plus I always get compliments on my skin when I wear this and this is a test of a great foundation. This is also great if I'm going out, at a wedding. I've heard that some people suffer with flashback in photos with this foundation because of the spf but I've not found that.

I find the best way to apply this is to use fingers and only use a small amount, it really goes a long way, if you use too much then you will end up looking like a caked up mess! (I speak from experience girls!)

Nars Sheer Glow

I fell in love with this foundation from the first moment the MUA tried it on me, the coverage, the colour the feel and look all amazing. I only recently purchased this from a Nars counter after trying to avoid it because I have so many foundations and need to use them up!

It has such a lovely finish on the skin and the colour match is perfect for me, the foundation doesn't look caked on no matter how much I build it up. I love the medium buildable coverage which is perfect for my skin as I have acne scarring from my teen years which are annoyingly ever present. This foundation lasts well and I don't have to worry about it throughout the day. It's great for people with normal/dry skin becasue of the finish, it is moisturising and that is quite important for me.

I prefer applying this foundation with either a traditional foundation brush or a flat top brush, it's very versitile and that's why I love it so mcuh.

Max Factor Miracle Touch

This is definitely my go to foundation when I'm in a rush and need something which I don't need to spend ages blending and perfecting. It gives a satin/dewey finish to the skin and has medium coverage which can be built up or sheered out. It is moisturising which is great for my dry skin and when set with powder it lasts quite well. I love the creamy texture of this foundation which is the only non-liquid foundation in my fav list. I tend to use a traditional foundation brush to apply this, even though it does come with a sponge I don't use that as it's quite unhygienic.

Hope this has been helpful to you all. Do any of you have these foundations if so what do you think. And what is your favourite foundation, do let me know, I'm always on the look out for new foundations to try. :-)

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Until next time...keep smiling :-D
xTSBx

Fashion-House Fragrances

Hi all!

So this is my next 'new perfumes' post, this time I will be talking about new releases from major fashion houses. Some exciting stuff here!!!

Roberto Cavalli

This latest fragrance from Roberto Cavalli has been created for the woman who wants to be noticed, someone who would dare to wear a Cavalli dress. It is a gorgeous oriental-floral fragrance which is based around notes of orange blossom which symbolises Italian femininity, sensuality and extravagance. It also has notes of pink pepper, tonka and vanilla.

The bottle is also very beautiful with the signature animal print incorporated into the lid and the stopper has the designers initials. It is an expensive looking bottle and something which would stand out on your dressing table.

I have tried it and I really do like it, it's a strong powerful fragrance which lingers on the skin, it does actually smell similar to Couture Couture by Juicy Couture.

This fragrance is an Eau de Parfum and will come in 30ml, 50ml and 75ml and is available to buy now!

Diane by Dian Von Furstenberg

This is a woody floral fragrance which has been designed to capture the essence of a strong, confident and feminine woman. The two key notes of soft frangipani and mischievous violet are a mutual contrast, a deliberate choice to show the contrast in every woman. These are balanced by notes of musk and patchouli. Diane is known not to like fruit in perfumes hence the choice of the key notes.

Again another strong and powerful scent which will last on the skin all day, definitely a statement fragrance for someone who wants to be noticed.

This comes in 50ml and 100ml as an Eau de Parfum and is currently available to purchase.


Louis Vuitton

Get ready perfume lovers because the giant of the fashion world has decided to venture into the perfume world under its own name! They've recruited famed perfumer Jacques Cavallier, the genius behind Jean Paul Gaultier Classique and L'eau de Issey, and they've bought a country house in the French Riviera to build a perfume laboratory! Would you really expect anything less from LV?

So it's all a big mystery as to what will be created and when it will be released, though all I know is that it will be sold in Louis Vuitton stores, and I'm expecting BIG things!!!

So are you as excited as I am? Let me know your thoughts.

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Until next time...keep smiling :-)

Feb Nail of the Month & 50 Followers!!

Hi all!

I have reached 50 followers!!!!!! Yay!! :-) I'm so happy because I never thought I would get to 5 let alone 50, and I know everyone says this, but it's true! I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who has followed, read or even liked my blog, it means so much, so thank you all once again. And I will shortly be doing a mini-giveaway so keep an eye out for that!!

Back to the post, so last month I strayed away from my usual colourful nails and although I love different fun colours and nail art I took it down a notch when I made a new nude discovery! lol

I used No.7 Stay Perfect nail polish in 'So Simple' and then on top of that I applied a glitter top coat from Boots 17 which costs £3.99 (here). The No.7 polish costs £7 but I always wait till they do the £5 vouchers otherwise it costs way too much. Boots are currently doing these vouchers so if you like it you can get it for £2!

The downside to the No.7 polish is that its quite sheer and streaky and it took 3 coats to get it opaque, but I just think it's the perfect nude shade! It would also look great as a manicure colour with some french tips. And my nails stayed perfect for 5 days and then I got a chip on just 1 nail, and on my brittle flaky nails that's a miracle! lol

I really do love the simplicity of this look, and the hint of glitter takes it from being boring to being fun, well I think so anyway! ;-)

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

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The Smell Of Summer

Hi all!

There is always a constant stream of new fragrances in the market, and with summer hopefully on the way there are a number of new launches enticing you with the smell of summer.

Personally I wear whatever perfume I feel like, I don't necessarily stick to the unwritten rule that you wear lighter fragrances in the summer and stronger in the winter. But I thought you would like to know what new perfumes will be hitting the stores soon, and I have to say overall I am very happy with whats being released.

L'eau de Chloe

This fragrance is described as a crisp, summery citrus-floral with notes of citrus, rose and patchouli. L'eau de Chloe is targeted towards the spontaneous, natural and elegant woman and is an ode to nature.

The Chloe (2008) is one of my favourite perfumes I love the smell of rose and if you do too you have to try it. With L'eau de Chloe I can still smell rose but it's more fresh with a hint of citrus but nothing too over powering or bitter. I think this fresh take on the 2008 version works really well and I can see it would be a refreshing fragrance to wear in the hot weather. The only thing I would worry about is staying power as it is a lot lighter but I guess that is the whole point of it.

This fragrance will launch in the UK in early March and will come as an Eau de Toilette in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml.

Flora by Gucci - The Garden

This is a collection of 3 different fragrances which represents the loveliness of the flora woman, charming, romantic and optimistic.

First up is Gorgeous Gardenia which has notes of red berries, pear, gardenia and patchouli, then there is Glamorous Magnolia with notes of freesia, citrus zest, magnolia, musk and sandalwood. Finally there is Gracious Tuberose with notes of violet leaves, peaches, rose and citrus.

There are a lot of adjectives used to describe the fragrances, I guess they just want to emphasis the amazing smells and really just get your attention...I quite like the names!

The whole concept right the way from the advert through to the packaging and the smells are just beautiful, these are the kinds of perfumes girls love to have on their dressing tables!


If you love the original Flora by Gucci then you should definitely give these a go, of course the smells are not as powerful but they are still very summery and light, great as an everyday fragrance for any time of the year.

My favourite out of the 3 has to be Gorgeous Gardenia, it is sooo similar to Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture which is another perfume I love! Once you smell it you'll know what I mean.

These will be available nationwide from 7th March, and will be in 50ml and 100ml as an Eau de Toilette.

Miss Dior eau Fraiche

Fronted by the beautiful Natalie Portman and described as being as elegant and bold as it is feminine and sensual, with notes of citrus, jasmine and patchouli this is a fresh citrus-floral fragrance.

I do really like Miss Dior (formerly Miss Dior Cherie) but I have to say I'm not the biggest fan of this new version. Don't get me wrong I don't hate it but I think it may be a bit too citrusy for me, at first when I sprayed it I really liked it but once it settled the different notes started to come to the surface and it didn't smell the same.

But a friend of mine is a die-hard Miss Dior fan, you know who you are ;-), and she really loves this fragrance so if your like her then you'll probably love it too. I say give it a smell and see what you think!

This is launching early March and will come in 50ml and 100ml and will be an Eau de Toilette.

So that's it, those were my summer fragrance launches I really hope you enjoyed reading it and its been helpful to you all. I do have another perfume post to come, maybe my next post, and that will be fashion house launches, so look out for that!

Do let me know if any of you have tried these perfumes, if so which is your favourite and if not which are you most looking forward to trying?

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Outfit Of The Day

Hi all!

So I've been meaning to put this up for a while, it's my first outfit of the day! I wore this outfit when I went shopping with some friends, we were in an in-door shopping centre (despite the outdoor pic lol).

What I wore:

- Republic brown and black colour-block dress

- Skinny black belt from Primark

- Black skinny jeans from New look

- Brown boots from New Look

- Burnt Orange jumper from Top Shop

- Brown bag from River Island

Hope you liked my outfit do let me know your thoughts.

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Until next time...keep smiling :-)