I fell into yesterday

365/6 may

2012-06-01T14:40:00.002+01:00

Coffee addictions | Superhero crossing | Criminal Minds <3

All that Jazz | Disco shoes

BGT Hopeful | Red hair dye | Nightly Routine

Red head | Double Choc Chip :)

Nubar Love | Kitty Candles | Drops of Youth | MIC

Cinema4D | Blue Ombre | Pen as 11 and Reid as 4 <3

Metallic Leopard | Ozzy | Typical Derry Photo | Juicy Jules

Good ole Tyrion | Messy Hair | Guard Doggy

Too Warm! | Brunette, again!

White Lace Dress | Pimms yum! | Battle of Blackwater

MIC catch up | Nom!

Holy shit! Is it June? Hope you are all enjoying the summer weather. Roll on August :) Hope these posts aren't too boring now that everyone has Instagram posts. I do really miss blogging properly but I suppose it can't be helped if I want to get all my work done.

365/6 april

2012-05-01T14:31:00.000+01:00

Tardis Tea | Game of Thrones | Organising Nail Polish | Mr Cumberbatch

New Phone, New Cover | Gawd Bless Batiste XXL

Recipe | Baked | Eaten

Crimbo Lights, still | Retro Nokia | Ring Collection

FEEEED ME! | Lovely Laptop Skin

Nom! | Animal Prints | Lipgloss Haul | Hair Mask

My weekness | Foxy Tee | Everyday Essentials

A silly doggy | Polka dotty | Empty Sketchbook :) | Lily Flame

Beetlejuice & Hedkandi | Can't choose | These don't fit anymore :(

My fav mug | Not so nice panini at rude cafe

I can't find any time for blogging lately and I actually can not believe April is over! I actually have not achieved any thing off my to do list for college in the past month. I've spent most of it being a bit poorly and running around like a headless chicken, joy! Crunch time now. I better finish up organising my timetable for May and hop to it. Roll on August 17th!

365/6 march

2012-04-10T14:39:00.002+01:00

Kitty | Stand Still! | Heather

The North Remembers | Crabby Macbook | Free Sample | Eye Lash Addiction

Proudlock Earring | Marine Scene and Nubar | Tortie Kitty

Ombre Extensions | NOM! | Pastel Nails | Catified Cheshire Cat

Bloody Thesis :( | Ombre and Curls

Spring Time | No make up day | Birthday Card for my bestie

Mother's day Posie | Criminal Minds

Minnie Mouse Cupcakes

Pizza | Grilled Cheese and Tomatoe Soup | More hair dye! | Go away! I'm sleeping

Fav Sunnies | Extensions curled | Natural looking nails

Birthday Girl Cocktails

Metro Cocktails :)

These posts seem to be slowly morphing into month of Instagram posts, especially now that Instagram was released on Android :)

pore perfecting vs porefessional

2012-03-23T15:21:00.000Z

Like most women, I'm all for reducing the appearance of imperfections on my skin. Pores right now seem to be my biggest problem. Whether it's black heads or visible pores, I want the best defence against these problems.

A product that is surrounded by a lot of hype in the beauty world is the Benefit POREfessional. A pro balm that can be used a primer under make up or alone, it promises to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines by creating a smooth surface on your face. Curiosity got the better of me when this product appeared on Buyapower for a knock down price of £16.50 instead of the original £23.50. I quickly snapped it up then waited patiently for it to arrive.

Urban Decay PPP vs Benefit POREfessional

I've been using the POREfessional for about a week now. I can honestly say that I'm not exactly impressed. I find the pores at the side of my nose and part of my cheek closest to my nose to be quite prominent and often notice my make up clogging them up. I don't see any improvement with this problem when using the POREfessional. Granted it leaves my skin feeling wonderfully soft, smooth and make up stays put longer, but other than that it's just another primer.

I noticed when applying the POREfessional that it was rather similar to the Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer, which I had originally stumbled upon by accident last year. Like the POREfessional, the Pore Perfecting Primer promises to minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving your face feeling velvety smooth.

Personally, I find the Urban Decay Primer does a better job at hiding pores. There are pro's and cons about both products. POREfessional is a 20ml product reatailing at £23.50 while the Pore Perfecting Primer is a 30ml costing only £18. POREfessional can be used on it's own without make up, while I find it's best to use make up over the Pore Perfecting Primer. The knob on the Pore Perfecting Primer I find is annoying and I just screw the cap off to get at the product now. I find my make up looks a little dry around my nose after using the POREfessional.

Also if your a supporter of cruelty free products and are firmly against animal testing, the Urban Decay Primer will be for you. Urban Decay pride themselves on having cruelty free and vegan products, granted not all products are vegan but all are cruelty free. Benefit on the other hand can not guarantee that all of the ingredients they use are indeed cruelty free, but are apparently working on this issue.

In the end, I'm more impressed with the Pore Perfecting Primer in terms of use and value for money. I'll never buy the POREfessional ever again, most people out there might love it but it just doesn't seem to work for me. I'm not expecting miracles with these products but I would like something in return for my money.

Does anyone else use any of these primers? What are your thoughts on them?

spring wishlist

2012-03-21T12:55:00.002Z

1 2 3 4 5 6

Wish lists seem awfully cruel lately as I'm always skint. No one said a master's would be easy or trying to scrape together pennies for a bus ticket, never mind any of the above luxury items. The Iron Fist Land Lubber Sandals will most definitely be mine before the semester is over. I've so many little saving funds here and there for various things I tend to forget about them. I suppose a new phone is the first major thing I need. My good old tocco lite is on her last legs, I've had her about two years now, bless!

sugar witch

2012-03-20T15:00:00.002Z

I had saved a few pennies recently for a long over due night out in Belfast last weekend. But when those plans fell through at the last minute, the cash was burning a massive hole in my pocket. I really should have saved the money, especially for a new phone which I am in dire need of. Instead, I spent what I like to call my 'alcohol money' on a pair of Iron Fist Pumps that have tempted me for quite a few months now. The Sugar Witch flats were bought in Schuh for £35 and worth every penny! Aren't they just gorgeous! I imagine if I ever worked in Schuh it would be like letting an alcoholic work in an off license/pub. Plus there would be some serious abuse of the staff discount.

fashion smashion bfw

2012-03-17T15:33:00.001Z

I managed to snag some front row tickets to Belfast Fashion Week's High Street Heaven show last night at the Europa Centre. I had never been to an event like this before but I must say I definitely enjoyed it. A free West Coast Cooler from the sponsor plus a lovely goodie bag filled with samples and discount vouchers went down very well, I'll have to make sure I get back next year.

As the gorgeous models sashayed down the pink glitter runway, I was busy snapping photographs of any outfits I fancied and marking them off in my programme. Here a couple of my favourite looks.

A big shout out for the very adorable children who strutted and posed like professionals on the runway. The whole centre just went 'awwwww' when they appeared.

Also Boohoo.com has made me want to run out and buy little head scarves. I'm not sure if it was meant to be fashionable or to simply keep the models shoes on, but I'll be doing this to jazz up a pair of shoes for a night out.

And a final mention to the man candy that was Matthew John :)

spring skin care

2012-03-12T16:49:00.000Z

We're all aware of how our skin's needs vary from time of year, I thought I'd share what products I'm using now during the transition from winter to spring. I am and will always be a moisturing-freak. I love my facials, face masks and rich moisturisers especially in this cold and mild weather. I am however very price concious lately, if a product is cheap and does the job it says well, that's good enough for me, and my purse.

Good Things Fresh Start Creamy Cleanser: I am still new to the Good Things range, this being only the second of their products I've bought. The scent of this cleanser is just gorgeous, just as the label says, it's wonderfully creamy and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight like some cleansers would. I find myself using this cleanser at night time as well as it's so gentle and leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and moisturised.

St. Ives Naturally Clear Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub: St. Ives to me is the best facial scrub, hands down! When it comes to a facial scrub I don't like the very gentle ones with soft little particles or flakes of things like oats and seaweed. I like one that it jammed packed with little bits that you can really feel working. Maybe I'm a bit of a masochist there lol but my skin feels like new after a St. Ives scrub. I always try to use this scrub at least once a week, sometime twice if I have any blemishes.

The Body Shop Aloe Protective Restoring Mask and Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask: I started using these masks last year after I decided it was time to get over my fear of face masks (result of a bad reaction to Montagne masks) and sort out my dry skin. I started off using the Vitamin E Sink-In Mask and fell in love. It is just amazing for a really intense moisture kick that my skin needed. However, it can sting my skin a little, especially around my nose and chin. So I tried out the Aloe Protective Restoring Mask instead. It's not quite as moisturising as the Vitamin E mask but it also reduces any redness and soothes blemishes and inflamed skin. I love having both of these masks at hand as I've started using them just about every second day, I'm able to judge now which one my skin would prefer before any stinging sensations can occur.

No.7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Dry/Very Dry Skin: With all those £5 No.7 vouchers piling up in my purse I thought I'd try out something from the Beautiful Skin Range . The only review on the Boot's website for the Dry/Very Skin Night cream was by a lady who apparently tested this cream to it's very limit, by using it at the Arctic Circle lol. She gave it rave reviews, so armed with my voucher I set off for Boot's to satisfy my own curiosity. It certainly is a wonderfully rich moisturiser that does indeed leave my skin feeling super soft. I find myself often using it twice daily as it works so well. It must be said though, sometimes I get a little bit of a stinging sensation. Boo my sensitive skin!

The Body Shop's Aloe Protective Serum: I mentioned this serum in a previous post, I think this guy is going to be firm favourite all year round. I use it under my make up every single day. Other moisturisers I find mix with make up primers and foundations leaving you with a clumpy mess, but not this guy. It's absorbed straight away, reducing any redness in my cheeks and nose immediately.

The Body Shop's Vitamin E Facial Oil: Found this little beauty once again when on the hunt for items to hydrate my skin. This item may not be for everyone, after all who enjoys the idea of rubbing oil onto your face? I normally use this oil about twice a week when I'm too tired or lazy to apply a face mask. A couple of drops of oil on you cheeks, forehead and chin is all you need, massage in ensuring it's well absorbed then apply your normal night cream. Like the Aloe Serum, it's supposed to be a pre-moisturiser that helps out with extra moisture.

Simple Pore Minimising Toning Cleanser: If my friend who studies beauty and skin care caught me using this she'd probably hit me with it. As a rule of dry skin, I'm told to avoid toners as most of the time they can lead to dryness. But like most girls who hate their pores, I just have to use it! Occasionally I'll use a Clean & Clear Blackhead clearing toner, but I prefer this Simple one as it's much more gentler on my skin.

The Body Shop's Tea Tree Blemish Gel: Finally, this little stick is used as a primary defence when I get any blemishes. I suppose I'm a bit lucky I only get blemishes at that time of the month, but as soon as I've battled the blemish to oblivion with this, I'm left with a dry scar that takes up to three weeks to disappear completely. Although, this is entirely my own fault, I'm a picker lol.

So has anyone's skin care routines changed much now that we're finally heading into spring?

Do you have any products that you find yourself using all year round?

the marine scene

2012-03-09T13:44:00.000Z

It's not often I post about a nail polish instead of nail art, but I am so in love with this colour I just had to! Marine Scene from Topshop is a wonderfully deep colour. The flash on my camera makes it look a bit bluer than it is, it has a greenish undertone so it reminds me of sea water. Hence the name, Marine Scene :)

Also when cleaning my bathroom last night I decided I'll have to have a blogsale soon as there are some un-loved and un-used make up items hanging around.

lily flame

2012-03-06T12:37:00.000Z

I just had to share my love for this Lily Flame Scented Tin Candle. I'm not really a fan of Yankee Candles as I don't think they have very good or even noticeable scents, but the Lily Flame Candles I just adore. My sister bought me the Silent Night candle years ago and ever since I've been in love.

They retail at £8.50 but if your sneaky you can find them on eBay costing on average £5-8. This Silent Night Candle may not be to everyone's taste as it has a very sweet scent. Said to be the scent of the evening fields at harvest time. I like to burn the candle for a few hours every evening, as the instructions recommend, to give my bed room a lovely welcoming aroma for relaxing at bed time. I may try out the Reed Diffuser next time so I can have a continuous subtle scent all through the day, then again maybe not. It is hard enough trying to get out of bed some mornings.

Has anyone else tried out any of the Lily Flame range?

pink velvet

2012-03-03T14:58:00.000Z

- Garnier BB Cream : Light - Benefit Moon Beam -

- Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer : Fair -

- Natural Collection Pressed Powder : Neutral -

- Bourjois Bronzing Powder : 52 - BYS : Pink Velvet -

- 17 Eyebrow Shaper - Soap & Glory Supercat -

- Maybelline The Colossol 100% Black -

- MUA Love Hearts : Sweet Kiss -

Just thought I'd try doing a face of the day post for a change. I'm always talking about various products but never really show me wearing them. This is just a pretty simple look that I would use everyday. I don't bother too much with make up that I would have to keep re-touching every couple of hours, who has time for that? I do tend to carry around a little ELF Pressed Powder Compact most of the time, and if my skin is feeling abit rebellious some concealer or tinted moisturiser.

So I see that GFC seems to have well and truly snuffed it. I had been looking into other follow sites besides Bloglovin' and found Hello Cotton. Feel free to add me on it, I'll be following everyone back :)

s&g supercat liner

2012-03-02T17:15:00.000Z

It's no secret I adore my eye liner. Whether it's liquid, creme or kohl it doesn't really matter, I have to wear it! I had been using the Eyeko Grafitti Eyeliner until recently when it started to run out and look grey. I popped into Boots last week to hunt for a new eye liner when I spotted the Soap and Glory stand. I was over joyed to find the Supercat Liner as I prefer to have the felt tip marker eye liners for everyday use.

I had already read some mixed reviews on other blogs about Supercat, some felt for example, that it wasn't black enough. Personally I think the fact that Supercat dries with a 'gloss fix' makes it look a little lighter? But only a little. I find the Supercat Liner so easy to use and the shade is very dark. Sometimes with these felt tip eye liners you can make sure they last longer if you keep the tip facing down when storing it, like upside down in your brush jar. As then the ink/liquid stays at the nib ready to use and doesn't leave you with greyish eyeliner until the ink is well and truly finished.

The last two items I featured as my Products of the Month have been discontinued, typical lol. Here's hoping Supercat won't fall to the same fate any time soon.

Are you an eye liner addict? What eye liner is your favourite?

365/6 february

2012-03-01T14:23:00.000Z

Another month come and gone, but it's not all doom and gloom as it's finally spring time. Still chilly though, but all the daffodils definitely make up for it. Yet again the majority of my 365/6 photos are instagram. I use it on my iPad which isn't too bad but I don't carry it around with me when I leave the house. The other photo's that I took using my little Lumix camera are mostly for my college work, but some were just crafty snaps taken while out shopping. I don't think I'm doing too badly at this 365/6 malarkey, although it is only March. Anyone else doing a 365 project or even photo-month?

oreo cupcakes

2012-02-22T12:30:00.000Z

Every time I bake I take loads of photographs with the great intention of blogging about it. Often, I never get around to it. These Oreo cupcakes are a definite example of such a time. I made these bad boys a few months ago and only found the photos on a memory card yesterday. Everyone has different ways of doing Oreo cupcakes, I love using a vanilla sponge recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery.

Vanilla Sponge

120g plain flour

140g caster sugar

1½ tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

40g unsalted butter at room temp

120ml whole milk

1 egg

¼ tsp vanilla extract

I know the book says, makes 12, it actually makes about 7.

If you want at least 12 cupcakes, double the measures and you'll get 12-16.

Preheat your oven to a temperature of 170ºC/325ºF/Gas3

Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter using an electric mixer until they reach a sandy consistency. Then gradually add half of the milk and mix until well combined.

Whisk the egg together with the remaining milk and add the vanilla extract. Add this to the flour mixture and mix until well incorporated.

This is where I put half and Oreo cookie into the paper cases, (feel free to use a whole cookie) and using an ice cream scoop, spoon the mixture over the cookies in the paper cases.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. I always test the cupcakes by sticking them with a toothpick, if it comes out clean, they're ready.

I think next time I make Oreo cookies, I may crumble some Oreos and mix them into the batter or even just sprinkle the crumbs over the batter before it is baked.

Vanilla Frosting

250g icing sugar, sifted

80g unsalted butter, at room temp

About 4 tblsp of milk

a couple of drops of vanilla extract

and 2 or 3 crushed Oreo cookies

(crush them well or they may clog your icing bag)

Beat the icing sugar and butter together on a medium speed until well combined.

Add the vanilla extract to the milk, turn the mixture down to a slow speed and add the milk to the sugar mixture. This is where I like to use a hand held whisk to beat the mixture until it's light and fluffy.

Mix in the crushed Oreo's.

You can apply the frosting using a palette knife or icing bag. I used a clear food bag which had a corner snipped off as the lumps of Oreo cookie's blocked the nozzle on my bag.

Decorate with whole, halved or crushed Oreo's. Or even anything else you like :)

sorry I left you, take me back?

2012-02-19T13:12:00.000Z

The thought occurred to me just yesterday, there are few products that I truly love and always ensure I have at hand. I mean my bathroom is simply jammed packed with products, most of which bought on a whim because they were cheaper, on offer or new. Out of all of them, I'd say the following three are the only ones I truly can not live without. Sure I may experiment with another from time to time but I always come back to these.

The Colossal Volum' Express

I can't remember when I first bought this mascara, I only know I've had one in my make up kit for years. I've tried most of the different versions of this mascara like One by One, Falsies and Stiletto but original is best. What makes a good mascara to me is the mega fat applicator wand. I know different people like different shape brushes but if a mascara hasn't got a wand like the above I won't use it. I really love this mascara as it adds both a wonderfully dark volume and length, my lashes always feel quite naked without it.

Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Liner
I just love, love, love liquid eyeliner! This bad boy is my favorite out of all the different eyeliners I've tried. It's super dark, doesn't flake and lasts all day. It's crippled me when it comes to using other eyeliners, especially creams and gels with their little angled brushes. I just can't seem to use them as I'm so used to this pointed brush. Also you can't beat the price of approx. £5 depending on which store you buy it in.

Samy Fat Hair Mousse
Lastly, this mousse I feel is a must have if like me you have super fine, flat hair but want thick, voluminous locks. I've tried other mousse's from many, many different brands but none compare to this mousse. It quite literally is the shiz! I buy it in Superdrug for £5.99 but am constantly on the look out for great offers such as buy one get one free in this range. I've tried other products in the Samy range such as shampoo, cremes and hair spray but didn't like the texture they left in my hair. The mousse however I just can not live without.

Are there any products out there you can't live with out? Or do you like to mix it up and try out different products??

Leopard Lovers

2012-02-14T17:42:00.000Z

I've never been one to go all out on Valentine's Day, single or not, but I had to try a bit of Leopard Hearts to celebrate today :)

Sticking to a few old favorites this week, Nail art pen, Pink Blush, Pastel Pink and Lilac Dream all from Modelsown. Happy Valentines people :)

twit twooo

2012-02-07T16:17:00.002Z

So what do you guys think of my little owls? I had an idea of painting these little guys last week, they're a little messy and they all seem to be leaning to one side but I think they're pretty cute. If I was to try these guys again I would probably use some nail art pens, instead of a paint brush. Speaking of nail art pens I am in dire need of some new ones. I've been browsing on eBay and they're seems to be a few good deals, I just wonder if the nail polish is good pigmented colour.

Above are all the nail polishes I used this time around. Avon Nail Wear Pro in Vanilla Shake for a base coat, then Modelsown Purple Poppy, Lilac Dream, Pink Blush and Pastel Pink. Avon Nail Wear Pro in Sunshine, Modelsown in Lemon Meringue, Green Grass and Jade Stone. Barry M Cyan Blue, Avon Nail Wear Pro in Vintage Blue and finally Modelsown Nail Art Pens in white and black. I am so not happy with their black nail art pens at the moment. Every time I buy one whether in Boots or online the needle or the brush is bent or broken and beyond use. Does anyone else have that problem?

Also the nails I used in the past few posts are a Nailene 200 Full Cover Nail Kit that I bought for £4.99 in Semi-Chem. I also use these nail sets from eBay, they're great for nail art but a little too long for my liking and I'm too lazy to cut them down to size every time.

One more thing guys, Check out Rosie's 300 Follower Giveaway on her cute blog 'A Pocketful of Rosie!

good things dream cream

2012-02-03T14:03:00.001Z

I know I always seem to be talking about moisturiser, I can't help it. The lovely cold Irish weather just does not bode well for my skin. I love trying new moisturisers, especially when you can get them discounted in stores like TK Maxx. My lucky find of the Good Things Dream Cream is my product of the month in February 2012.

The Good Things range had tempted me for quite some time on various other blogs as it just sounded so good. It was cheaper than my usual night time moisturiser, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream, plus extra pounds knocked off thanks to TK Maxx. I believe the Dream Cream retails at £8.99 and I got it for £5.99.

It would be great if you could smell it guys, the scent it heavenly! Fig extracts, avocado oil and shea butter extracts just smells so fresh and luxurious I actually look forward to applying this cream. It's texture may seem slightly greasy but it absorbs so well. The next morning you can really feel how well the product has worked as your skin feels so soft.

For an extra moisturising treat you can thickly apply the cream to create a face mask, then wipe off. I've stuck with applying it to my face and neck every night as it works so well. I bought this during Christmas week last year and there is still loads left after using it for over a month. I would most definitely recommend Good Things Dream Cream to everyone, especially those with dry skin. I'd love to try some more of the Good Things range, but at the moment I'll have to wait as I'm on a Frugal February spending ban.

Any one else use anything from Good Things? What would you recommend I try next?

365/6 january

2012-02-01T18:27:00.000Z

This is my first real attempt at doing a 365 or in this case, 366 project. Honestly I didn't mean for most of them to be instagram shots. I'm still in awe of my iPad but don't carry it around with me all the time. I must take more photographs with my DSLR and even with my lovely little Panasonic Lumix that I try to carry everywhere with me.

cosmic nails

2012-02-01T14:04:00.001Z

I've always wanted to try out some cosmic nail art in the past. For a first attempt I don't think they're all bad, a bit messy though. I used so many different nail polishes this week I honestly can't remember all of the ones I used. Extra tools included tweezers, make up sponge (tore up into tiny pieces) and a tooth pick.

I watched a number of youtube tutorials to learn how to do this. Then tried experimenting to create my own little nebula's and galaxies. I finished another set of nails last night that I can not wait to show you guys too :) May post them buy the end of the week as I can't wait until next week.

counting down the days

2012-01-29T13:22:00.001Z

Oh my God, is it not Spring or Summer yet! Actually sick of big coats, scarfs and wholly hats. Can't wait for sandals, jackets and floaty dresses again. I'm determined to get a few of my mates to have a nice wee picnic in the park this summer, complete with cupcakes and Pimm's, lots of Pimm's and fruit lol.

Winter Saviours

2012-01-27T17:47:00.001Z

The weather is beyond irritating lately. It's cold, then it's mild, it's wet, then it's windy. I am so ready for spring. Bright, mild sunny days, birds singing, seasonal flowers and blue skies. It's nice to dream isn't it?

The following products are my essentials for braving the ever changing winter weather. Some are only recent discoveries as I'm constantly on the hunt for cheaper products that work just as well as the more expensive brands.

Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days I recall seeing a few reviews for this on blogs when it was released earlier last year. At the time I was using a Body Shop Body Butter and I'm trying to not buy any new products until the ones I'm using are actually finished, not nearly finished. I am actually quite amazed by this product, I got it in Superdrug for only £2.99 and it does everything you want a body moisturiser to do. Absorbs well, leaves your skin feeling lovely and soft for days, (yes, exactly what it says on the tin!) plus there is the choice of five different scents depending on your skin type. Can't imagine any other body lotion stealing my love for this lotion.

Faith in Nature Aloe Vera Shampoo After I had a bleach bath to remove the black dye build up from my hair it was insanely dry. Regular shampoo's made my hair feel awful like straw and conditioners just made it heavy with product build up. I spotted this shampoo in a one of those natural health stores when I was in buying my Clipper Tea's. I already used some Aloe Vera products for dry skin so I bought this on a whim. Like magic (yeah I said like magic lol) it left my hair soft, healthy looking and shiny. I don't think I ever what to go back to high street shampoo brands after this.

The Body Shop's Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask Love, love, love, love, love this mask! Fair enough sometimes I swap it for the Aloe Protective Mask if my skin is feeling a bit sensitive but this mask is excellent for a really intense moisture kick. The past few weeks I have been using this mask everyday, either when I come home in the evening or after a shower. Without it my skin becomes tight, flaky and you only have to wear this mask for five minutes (although I leave it for about fifteen to twenty) to feel the full moisturising effects.

Urban Decay Dew Me I was always a bit wary of make up setting sprays for some reason, I think it's because I always associated them with those bright orange girls on Snog, Marry or Avoid. As I remember a few of them blasting their heavily made up faces with extra strong hairspray as it was cheaper lol. Originally I wanted to buy the All Nighter spray but the Urban Decay Sales Lady took one look at me and suggested I try Dew Me instead. Dew Me is a make up setting spray but for dry skin. There's even one available for oily skin. While it may not make your make up indestructible to everyday wear and tear I have definitely noticed it lasts a lot longer. I always remember to give my face a quick mist in the mornings, a little help in the moisture department is always welcome.

The Body Shop's Aloe Protective Serum I love the Body Shop's Aloe range, it's so moisturising and has soothing effects for troubled skins. The Protective Serum is sold as a pre-moisturising serum to give that bit of extra hydration, plus calm and reduce redness. Some days I find myself using this and not bothering with my daily moisturiser as it works so well. It's so light I often use it before using my Garnier B.B. Cream as other heavier creams sit on my skin and tend to mix badly with the B.B. Cream.

Leopard Jade Dream

2012-01-24T17:20:00.002Z

It's been a while since I did a nail art post. I've been trying to grow my nail back from over the holidays when I had college deadlines, my driving test and some general nail abuse. Now I'm using nail glue tabs to stick on my falsies. If I'm honest, they're not great as the nails feel like they are loose but at least they are extremely easy to remove as you don't have to soak or file down excess glue.

I used Modelsown Jade Stone, Lilac Dream and a nail art pen that has seen better days this week. Using a small triangle make up sponge I dabbed the polishes to create a sort of marbled effect. I can't stop using make up sponges for nail art lately mostly for gradient effects. I think some cosmic nails will be next. I'll never get sick of leopard print nails though.

Nail Polish Haul

2012-01-21T21:32:00.000Z

I appear to have spent a ridiculous amount of money on nail polish this week. As if I need anymore nail polish. I need a new set of drawers or a trunk to keep it all in, it's getting a bit out of hand.

First up Nikki Minaj Metallic 4 Life by OPI. For a nail polish addict I'm still pretty new to OPI. Honestly the price is a tad off putting but sometimes I just have to treat myself. Metallic 4 Life is from the new OPI Collection by Nikki Minaj, I'd have to describe it as being slightly similar to Revlon's Facets of Fuchsia, although more glitter intense and silver. The nail polish underneath the glitter is gorgeously dark making the glitter look like little stars on your finger tips.

I've never bought any of the Accessorize make up collection before but this little diva caught my eye so I just had to buy it. Magic is a wonderful warm mix of purple and reds. I find sometimes some glitter polishes loose their luster and shine after they have dried, and this is definitely one of them. I layered on plenty of clear topcoat to try and keep the shine but other than that gorgeous colours!

When Barry M released Croc Effects I honestly wasn't interested. I thought 'it's just another crackle topcoat and I have enough of them.' I saw on another blog recently and was actually really impressed with it. I think it's tidier than the crackle topcoats and looks really professional. Team it with a metallic base coat and you could pass it off for minx or foil nails. Also I'm a sucker for blue nail polishes at the moment, especially metallics and Azure by Rimmel is a gorgeous deep metallic blue that just cried out to be bought.

I kept spotting Nubar 2010 G188 (At least I think that's what it's called) on nail art blogs on tumblr and pinterest. Earlier in the week I decided that I just had to have it. Luckily you can get it on eBay, Gawd bless eBay! The little flecks of foil reflect different colours depending on the angle you view them and isn't it just beautiful! The base coat is Emerald Black from Modelsown Beetlejuice Collection. Personally I find this topcoat works best over dark polishes, then covered in a Matte topcoat, which makes the base polish go matte but the foil stays shiny!

Finally a little T.L.C. for my nails. I blame nerves for me chewing on them and making them short and soft. Wearing false nails all over Christmas hasn't helped much either. OPI Nail Envy Original has some some pretty good reviews as a nail strengthener so I decided to try it out myself and see. I bought it on eBay and it came with the RapiDry TopCoat which is great as I really need a decent topcoat now that my Modelsown 3-in1 has been finished.

My babies

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My new babies were a gift from my mum at Christmas. I just had to share them here as I was too afraid to wear them out at the weekend. They're Red or Dead Rainbow Star Heels from Schuh. *sigh* Ain't they just lovely?