Rimmel Base Products - Hit or Miss?

I’m always on the hunt for new base products, I picked up the Match Perfection Foundation and the Powder up on a whim. I thought they could be a good affordable option to wear in work. I knew the foundation was a medium coverage but didn’t know what the lasting power would be like, so also purchased the powder from the same range.

My skin has really improved over the last few years, fewer breakouts and oils compared to my teens. This means that I can opt for a light to medium base, then apply concealer to any blemishes if I have any.

The Rimmel Match Perfection foundation has a buildable formula, it feels light on the skin and coverage any redness. Big blemishes or dark scars do need additional coverage, so keep this in mind if you purchase.

The foundation does need powdering and lasts for 4 hours on me before oils start to come to the surface. It’s easy to blot those away though. I much prefer a lighter coverage foundation and blotting than a mask like, heavy formula that is uncomfortable.

The Match Perfection Powder is a loose powder formula that comes in a plastic pot with holes to allow small amounts of product through. Once you take the sticker off the holes, there is nothing keeping the product in bar a round face puff. I don’t use the puff to apply the foundation, I much prefer a brush, but I keep it to use to cover the holes. For this reason, I don’t think this product would travel well. You might end up with a powder explosion!

I’ll continue to use both the foundation and powder from Rimmel as they work as a cheap option to wear for work. I’d love to know what foundation you like to wear for work, send me your suggestions!

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10 Affordable eBay Homeware Finds

I’m obsessed with homeware lately and look for budget ways to update rooms! eBay is an amazing place for this. Homeware trends change and update frequently so I tend not to spend much on trinkets and soft furnishing. I’ve trawled the thousands of listings to find you up to date trend homeware pieces at an affordable price. I hope you like them!

Simply click the name of the product under the photo to be taken to the listing so you can purchase!

Boho Macrame Cushion

I’ve seen these in the likes of Anthropologie and West Elm. There neutral colour and texture means they can be added to your bedroom or living room without disrupting other colour schemes and themes.

Home Sweet Home Door Mat 

Who doesn’t want to be greeted by this adorable house mat?!

Chunky Knit Blanket

Nothing beats cuddling up under a blanket in the Autumn and Winter. I found a cheaper dupe of those chunky knit blankets you see all over Etsy.

Gold Star Windmill Candle Holder

I saw Diptyque had released something similar last year for Christmas but it was so out of my price range! This affordable option will help to create a cosy atmosphere in your home. It slowly spins as the flame flickers.

Zodiac Star Sign Poster Print

I’d love to have a gallery wall, but for now, I’ll settle for cute prints like this one.

Hammered Copper Mug

Imagine this filled with hot chocolate and whipped cream!

Black and White Rug

I’ve seen so many expensive rugs in this style. eBay has a much more affordable version so you can save your pennies. 

White and Gold Succulent Planter and Stand

I just want to fill my house with greenery! These stylish yet affordable planter pots and stands would look amazing on your desk or coffee table.

Geometric Tray
I can imagine this on a coffee table filled with candles and trinkets.

Geometric Side Table
I can't believe how affordable this side table is! You could even spray paint the bottom gold or rose gold to match your colour scheme.

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Beauty Favourites Restock from Justmylook

I needed to restock on some of my beauty favourites and Justmylook got in touch at just the right time! They are an online beauty product stockist that offers a wide range of brands at discounted prices. You can find the likes of The Ordinary, Benefit, Elemis, Max Factor and Revlon on their website.

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner 
Victoria from In The Frow mentioned Pureology haircare on her channel a while ago and I decided to pick up a shampoo and conditioner from their Strength Cure line, I fell in love from first use and I'll always repurchase when I finish up my bottles! They genuinely do help to improve the strength of my hair and I have noticed less shedding since I starting using them. Their haircare is sulphate-free too.

Beauty Blender Sponge
A cult beauty product that the beauty community loves. I can't go back to using a brush after using the Beauty Blender. It helps blend foundation seamlessly and can also be used for other cream products such as concealer, blush, and contour. Justmylook sell the Beauty Blender cheaper than the likes of Beauty Bay and Space NK!

Revlon Professional Uniq Coconut All in One Treatment
I originally discovered this through my hairdresser, she swore by this for detangling knots in wet hair. It's a thick spray that you distribute and comb through the hair when wet. It helps to smooth and detangle, but it also provides heat protection and prevents split ends. The treatment also smells like coconuts which is heavenly.

I'm so glad to have these items back in my beauty stash! What have you repurchased lately?

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High Street Leopard Print Fashion Picks

I've always loved leopard print clothing even when it wasn't in fashion, but it's set to make a big comeback for A/W '18. I can't spot buying leopard pieces to add to my wardrobe. I've searched high and low to find the best leopard print fashion items to add to your wardrobe.

To shop the widgets below, simply click on the image to be taken to the retailer's website where you can add the item to your basket. Remember, you can use the arrows on the right of the widget to load more leopard items...

LEOPARD PRINT DRESSES

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LEOPARD PRINT SKIRTS

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LEOPARD PRINT BOOTS

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Dermalogica #Skinfluencer Skincare Routine and Mini Reviews

If you've followed my blog for a little while, you'll know I've had skin troubles since I was a teenager. A brand that was always recommended to me for my skin concerns was Dermalogica. I've previously used a few of their skincare products for acne, but now the aim of my skincare routine is balancing my skin while working on anti-aging. Dermalogica kindly sent me a whole new set of skincare products to try. I've been trialing the Dermalogica products for around 2 months now, so I'm ready to share my thoughts!

Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse
This is the first step in the skincare routine, removing your makeup. This is a cleansing oil which comes in a handy bottle with a pump. I just take two pumps of the oil and massage it into my makeup at night. It instantly melts makeup and even works on breaking down waterproof mascara. It's a wonderfully luxurious feeling oil and works well as a first cleanse.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
For a second cleanse, I've been reaching for the cleansing gel. It's a foaming formula that deep cleans the skin but doesn't leave the skin feeling dry and tight. This product would work for all skin types too!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
This is the first physical scrub that I have ever loved, usually, I'd stick to a chemical exfoliant but this works brilliantly. It's a fine, gritty powder that you add water to in your palms and then massage over the face and neck. The formula doesn't scratch too hard at the skin or leave you feeling sensitive, so as the name suggests it's perfect for daily use. I have noticed my skin feels so much smoother after using this product.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum
Don't let the scientific name put you off, this serum works to firm and brighten skin and can be used night and day. It's a lovely thin consistency which smooths over the skin with ease. The lightweight serum sinks into my skin quickly and I wake up with refreshed, plumper skin the next day.

Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30
Of course, the last step in my Dermalogica skincare routine is an SPF, which is very important for protecting your skin against aging sun damage. Unlike some SPF's this feels lovely and nourishing on the skin and isn't too oily. The SPF also has a beautiful lavender scent so feels calming as you apply it. I use this under makeup and I'll also be taking it on holiday with me!

I've really enjoyed using this Dermalogica skincare routine over the last few months. I've noticed my skin looks more fresh and glowy, I'll be repurchasing these products for sure! Have you tried anything from their skincare line?

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Huge Beauty Haul - ABH, Body Shop, Lancome, NARS

I thought I would share the latest products I have purchased and my initial thoughts, I haven’t done a haul post in a while!

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Waterproof Mini

I saw Allana Davidson rave about the non-waterproof version of this mascara on her channel, so I originally picked up that option. However, as the weather has got warmer, the pigment has started to transfer onto my brow bone over the course of the day. Then I saw Anna from the Anna Edit talk about the waterproof version, I picked up this mini one from Boots to see if that improved transfer. After testing, I noticed not as much pigment transfers as the normal formula, however as I have quite oily lids and hooded eyes, I still do get a few smudges throughout the day. If anyone has a good recommendation for a waterproof mascara, tweet me!

Body Shop Drops of Light Brightening Essence Lotion 

Essences have hit the Western market after being highly successful in Asia. So if you aren’t sure what an essence is (I was clueless at first), it’s a watery lotion that you splash into your hands and then apply to your face using pushing movements with your palms. It’s a hit of moisture after cleansing, which a lovely sensation if your cleansing product has left you feeling tight. This essence feels lovely on the skin and would be suitable for all skin types. I’m keen to try more essences.

Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel

This is a very strange product! It claims to help peel away the dead skin cells. You massage the product over the face for a few seconds and you start to see little balls, which I assume is meant to be the dead skin cells coming away, gross I know! I’m not sure I 100% believe in this product but I do find my skin feels squeaky clean after. I’d be interested to see what others think of this product.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette

I recently broke my eyeshadow palette spending ban for this dream! I talk more in-depth about the palette in this blog post but overall I've been loving experimenting with the colours so far.

MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork

This is such an underrated cream eyeshadow from MAC, I bought my first post all the way back in 2015! It's a mid-tone matte brown cream, it's a 'one wash wonder', simply apply a thin layer over the lid and then blend the edges. It creates a modern, slightly grungey effect and I love it. 

Touch In Sol No Poreblem Primer

I bought this on the recommendation of Katie Middleton. She'd raved about it on her Instagram and I was searching for a primer that minimised the look of my pores. This product has a velvety consistency which creates a smooth canvas ready for foundation. My pores do look less noticeable and it does help my makeup stay on longer. 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

You might have seen me purchase the mini version of this concealer from Space NK, minis are such a good way to try a product before splashing out! I loved the consistency so I decided to purchase the full size. The finish is not too matte or cakey, perfect for someone who has fine lines or dry under eyes. 

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner Travel Size

Liquid eyeliner is one of my favourite beauty products to test out. While shopping on Beauty Bay, I saw this cute mini from Eyeko. It's a very easy to use eyeliner which has a thin nib, perfect for winged liner. The only issue with this product is that it does smudge in the inner corners of my eyes in hot weather, not great for summer!

Vita Liberata Body Blur

I've seen so many Youtubers mention this when they get ready for events. They use it as a quick way to perfect the skin without having to fake tan. I'm yet to try the product out as I haven't had a special occasion recently but I have high hopes!

I'd love to know if you have tried any of these products! What have you been buying lately?

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Styling Havaianas with Jake Shoes

Jake Shoes recently got in touch and asked if I'd like to select a pair of sandals which would work well with my summer wardrobe. If you haven't heard of Jake Shoes before they stock a number of well know footwear brands such as Birkenstock, Sketchers and Dr Martens. I was spoilt for choice but finally settled on a pair of Havaianas.

Flip flops are one of the handiest things to have in your summer wardrobe. I picked out a simple black pair of Havaianas, as I thought they would work well with a number of outfits. I'd pair them with blue skinny jeans and a white t-shirt to emulate that model 'off duty' relaxed style. I also have lots of floral dresses that these black Havaianas would look great with, I'd just add a denim jacket for evenings. Of course, if I go away on holiday this summer, I'll be packing these, they are perfect for pairing with your favourite swimsuit!

I found some lovely fashion inspiration via Pinterest on how to style Havaianas.

What style of sandals do you like to add to your wardrobe during the summer?

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eBay Dupe of the StylPro Brush Cleaner and Dryer - Review

I am terrible at cleaning my makeup brushes, yes I know shame on me! Think most people would agree that it's a boring chore, so I started researching those spinning makeup brush sets hoping it would make it quick and easy.

I believe the original product was the StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer. However, when I popped into Boots to find out the price, I was shocked to see it labeled as £39.99. Personally, I thought this was a little too expensive for a plastic bowl and a battery operated spinner. So I hunted on eBay for a dupe. I clicked order and it arrived a few days later.

When the dupe arrived, it was boxed up much the same as the StylPro one, a cube-shaped box, with illustrative pictures on the side. The only difference was that it wasn't branded. The contents of the kit were the same too, a plastic bowl, a battery operated spinning device, a few rubber attachments to grip your brushes while they spin and an instruction booklet.

I put the dupe to the test, my dirty makeup brushes were piling up quickly. The eBay dupe didn't come with any brush cleaner so I used my Real Techniques Deep Cleansing Brush Gel. I added warm water to the bowl and added a couple of drops of the cleaner. The kit provides you with rubber grips, you simply slide your brush handle into the grip and then attach it to the main body of the spinner. These were easy to switch over and ensured the brush didn't fly off as the spinning motion began.

The spinning motion was quite hard to get used too, sometimes it wouldn't do much at all and then the next minute it was zooming around! This made it really difficult to control the speed and make sure my brushes were spinning correctly in the water. 

I'm not sure if it was the brush cleaner or not, but the cleaning kit didn't really seem to be able to get the makeup from the inner part of my makeup brushes. So I was having to take them out and rinse them in the sink to ensure they were roughly clean. I also used the spinning to dry the brushes, it did really help speed up the drying time.

Overall, I'm not impressed by this eBay dupe, I think I'll stick to washing them in the sink!

Breaking My 'No New Eyeshadow Palettes' Ban

Back in the days of old-school blogging, my makeup dream was to create my own custom eyeshadow palette from MAC. Does anyone remember the hype over Woodwinked and All That Glitters eyeshadow? The drugstore didn’t really have eyeshadows that matched MAC quality.

Then came along the Urban Decay Naked palettes, they beat the quality of MAC shadows every time for me. They are highly pigmented and are easy to blend.

I have every Naked palette; however, they now lay gathering dust. So, if I love the quality so much why am I not using them? Every time I open a Naked palette I feel so uninspired, I've had them for so long.  I was actually thinking of getting rid of them, so I put myself on a bit of a palette buying ban to avoid more items gathering dust. I hadn’t bought an eyeshadow palette since the Urban Decay Naked Heat was released back in August 2017.

The ABH Soft Glam palette has been the only item I wanted to break my ban for since last year! One of my blogger faves, Lily from Pint Sized Beauty, raved about this palette. From online swatches, the colours looked so pigmented and buttery. Most importantly I feel the colours work in harmony so I can create a look without reaching for substitutes.

I ripped open the package when it arrived, and it didn’t disappoint. It looked just as beautiful in real life as it did on online. I’m not 100% sure on the velvet style packaging but I’ll try and keep it as neat as possible. I can’t wait to create some new looks, it’s really inspired me to start experimenting with makeup again!

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Have you tried this palette?

Introduction to Antipodes - Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser and Divine Face Oil Review

Antipodes is a scientifically validated organic skincare brand from New Zealand. It’s a brand I’ve heard lots about through the blogging community but until now I hadn’t tried anything from them.

I think a good cleanser and facial oil are staples in a skincare routine. Antipodes kindly sent me their Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser and Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip to test out. I’ve been using both products for a few months now and wanted to share my thoughts.

First up the Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser. It has the most beautiful thick cream consistency that melts away makeup and is gentle enough to use as both your first and second cleanse without stripping the skin or leaving it feeling tight. I believe it would be suitable for all skin types, even oily skin.

Unlike plastic bottles, the metal tube packaging of the cleanser means you can squeeze out every drop of the product, meaning less waste!

The Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip makes my skin glow! Even if you have oily skin, I would 100% recommend using an oil such as this, it stops your skin from overproducing its own oils which can sometimes lead to spots.

The Antipodes oil wasn’t sticky and didn’t leave me feeling overly greasy. I apply a few drops at night after cleansing, the Rosehip ingredient that helps to soothe my skin when it’s dry or inflamed. Plus the dropper makes the product more hygienic!

I adore the packaging of both the Antipodes Grace Gentle Cleanser and the Divine Face Oil with Organic Avocado Oil and Rosehip, they look great on your bathroom shelf. The scent of both products reflects the organic origin of the ingredients, I would describe it as an herbal fragrance. Some may be sensitive to this, but I wouldn’t say it’s a heavy scent that lingers all day.

I’m dying to try their face masks next. Have you tried any Antipodes products?

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Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops, Congested Skin Serum and Instant Lift Primer Review

Balance Me is a brand that doesn’t get enough love and attention in the beauty community as it should! I think lots of people will have seen the brand through beauty boxes which tend to contain their gorgeous hand creams and body washes but Balance Me has a beautiful skincare range waiting to be discovered.

They offered to send me a selection of their products and I picked out the Congested Skin Serum, Gradual Tanning Drops, and Instant Lift Primer. I’ve been trialing them for over a month now and I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you.

First up, the Gradual Tanning Drops. I bring these out when I want to fake tan as I can’t use my body tan on my face. The pipette makes it easy to dispense a few drops into your normal moisturiser on the back of your hand. Simply mix and then apply an even layer onto your face and leave overnight. I woke up with a subtle golden colour to my face, it’s a winning product for me, I love it! You can increase or decrease your drops to achieve the depth of colour you require.

Lots of people have mentioned the Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops, they are a bit of a marmite product, some people love them, and some have ended up with orange, blotchy skin. If you are looking for an alternative to the Isle of Paradise Drops, I highly recommend the Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops.

The Congested Skin Serum was right up my street, I suffer from breakouts, blocked pores, and blackheads, as you might know, I’ve struggled with acne for years. The serum has a light-weight cream texture which has a wonderfully cooling sensation, I think this comes from the eucalyptus ingredient in the formula. It has helped soothe angry breakouts, hasn’t dried out my skin and works well under my moisturiser and makeup.

The Instant Lift Primer is designed to smooth over fine lines and texture, which I can confirm it does. It minimised the appearance of my pores, especially on my nose. I think this formula is more suited to a dry or mature skin, as it didn’t keep my makeup on as long as my usual primer.

I’m so impressed with the quality of Balance Me’s skincare line. No fancy gimmicks or marketing bumf, the products do what they say on the tin. Have you tried any products from Balance Me?

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Summer 2018 'It' Bag Designer Dupes for Under £25!

I really enjoy putting together fashion dupe posts. It would be amazing if I could afford the latest 'It' bag but for now, I'll settle for affordable dupes. With Summer just around the corner, I've searched high and low for the best S/S '18 designer dupes to save you some dollar! Happy shopping!

The Staud Moreau Bucket Bag is well loved by fashion bloggers, but for those who don't want to splash the cash on a trend piece, I have a dupe linked below!

Real Staud Moreau Bucket Bag

Staud Moreau Bucket Bag Dupe 1

Staud Moreau Bucket Bag Dupe 2 

When Lydia Millen showcased her Cult Gaia Ark bag last year, I wasn't sure on the style at first and now I love it! I found a dupe which will save you £££!

Real Cult Gaia Ark Bag

Cult Gaia Ark Dupe 1

Cult Gaia Ark Dupe 2

Ever since I saw Lorna Luxe with the Cult Gaia Luna bag I haven't stopped thinking about it. Luckily I found this dupe which is a tenth of the designer price!

Real Cult Gaia Luna Bag

Cult Gaia Luna Dupe 1

Cult Gaia Luna Dupe 2

While browsing for dupes I also found a number of straw bags that looked very on trend! They are even more affordable than what the high street has to offer.

Straw Basket Bag 1

Straw Basket Bag 2

Circle straw bags are huge at the moment, I found some that were even cheaper than Topshop's versions.

Circle Straw Bags

I adore this straw beach bag, it's a bargain too!

Straw Beach Bag

Which style is your favourite?

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Summer and Holiday Wardrobe Additions with Tobi

The British weather has been so depressing lately, bar that one week of sun in April. I've been optimistically looking for summer pieces to add to my wardrobe, praying that summer is just around the corner.

Tobi got in touch and asked they could send me a few summer pieces so I thought I would show you what they gifted. I find laying out my clothes and taking photos helps when packing for a summer holiday so you can see what pairs well together and which of your accessories work best.

First up was this long sleeve off the shoulder top and check buttoned skirt. These work so well together. The top gives boho vibes but the skirt ticks all the trend boxes for S/S '18.

They also gifted me three mini dresses, which can be dressed up or down. I'd 100% pack these items for holiday! First up is a slinky black halterneck backless dress which is incredibly sexy! There was also a body-con red dress that would be ideal for summer nights out. For something a little cuter and daytime appropriate I picked out this red spotted off the shoulder dress, I love it!

I'd love to know what you have been buying ready for summer!

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