Summer 2013 | The Bold Edit

With summer nearly upon us (ha ha) it's time to whack out those lipsticks that really pack a punch. The season cries out for fuchsia, coral and orange shades a like and I've ploughed through my overflowing collection of lipsticks and picked my eight most summer worthy shades (most of them coral...).  Starting from the top and working round clockwise we have:

Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in Hibiscus; £13.00 - I've had this product for almost a year and I use it time and time again during the spring and summer months.  It does what it says on the tin with a creamy, highly pigmented, moisturising formulation that leaves a gloss like finish on the lips without any of the stickiness.  You can use this as a sheer wash of colour or pile it on for a real pop of coral, plus it has a gorgeous vanilla scent.  As it's a glossy product, touch ups throughout the day are required, but for such a beautiful product its no chore. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in 17; £7.99 - More true to form when it comes to lipstick formulations, the latest lip products from Bourjois are easy to apply with a creamy and highly pigmented finish. Number 17 is a gorgeous coral which is slightly darker than Jemma Kidd and less glossy. These last a while on the lips but touch ups are needed after food and drink or perhaps after a few hours.  

MAC Viva Glam Nicki; £14.00 - Another gorgeous coral shade (are you noticing a pattern?) that leans towards the barbie pink rather than blood orange of the previous products.  Viva Glam Nicki is thick and highly pigmented and really adds a pop of vibrant colour to any look.  I like to describe this as "highlighter for your lips" as it really is very bright.  The thick formulation makes for long lasting colour, and a great colour to have on you to take a look from day to night.  

Maybelline Colour Sensation The Vivids in Shocking Coral; £7.19 - I only bought this last week but it's a definite must for any who love a bold pinky coral lip.  The product is cream, extremely pigmented and applies like a treat, with a slightly sheeny finish.  Use sparingly and rub into the lips for a more toned down look or go all the way to give your pout a lil something, something.  

Topshop Lipstick in Legend; £10.00 - Unfortunately, this was a limited edition shade but I just had to include it. Legend is a true blue-toned fuchsia in the typical Topshop formulation.  Pigmented, smooth to apply and with that gorgeous berry smell, this is one of my favourite summer shades.  It lasts a while, but touch ups are needed throughout the day.  It feels comfortable on the lips and the blue tones help to make teeth look whiter.  A good alternative would be something like Sleek's True Colour lippy in Fuchsia.  

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Rebel Red; £8.19 - Something for the faint hearted.  If you're not confident going (p)out and proud with a bold lip, these balm type lipsticks are great for a slick wash of glossy, moisturising colour.  Rebel Red is great for lazy days as you can apply and go, without having to use a lip brush or faffing about.  Needless to say, the staying power is minimal but its so easy to use that touch ups are not  a problem.  

Rimmel Apocalips in Stella; £4.99 - These need no introduction as they swept the beauty blogosphere back at the beginning of the year but they are fab for blod lip days. Stella in particular is for the brave. A bright red-pink colour that leaves a gorgeous glossy lacquer to the lips, I absolutely love these products. These are beyond super pigmented, the colour pay off is incredible and they sit comfortably on the lips.  The only problem is they don't as long as I'd like and they are a nightmare in the wind (hair + lip lacquer = no go). Apply one coat, blot and apply a second for maximum impact and staying power.  

L'Oreal GlamShine Stain Splash; £7.99 - This is a lip lacquer and stain in one.  It applies like a lacquer, creamy and pigmented and sticks like a stain.  If you're going on holiday, these are great as once in place, they just don't budge.  They can be slightly sticky to begin with but once they dry, they leave behind a gorgeous glossy (almost wet looking) stain to the lips.  These do have great lasting power but I find I need a touch up around 4-5 hours into the day/night.  Like the Apocalips, apply one coat, blog and apply a second to make the most out of this product.  

So those are my favourite lip products for summer, but what are yours? 

American Goodies

If I could have one wish, it would be that Sephora would re-open in the UK and with it bring all the fantastic American brands that I've been so desperate to try.  Although you can get the brands on eBay, the shipping is usually more than the product itself so I've always steered clear.  Last Tuesday I was tweeted by a company called Cosmetics and Candy, telling me about their new company that sold American products and shipped them to the UK.  I was a bit dubious to begin with, but after looking and seeing so many products I'd been lusting after for so long, I placed and order and they arrived through my letter box yesterday.  

Before I get onto what I bought, I thought I'd share my experience as I know a lot of people were dubious to place orders with them.  The price of shipping is dependent on how many items you buy, ranging from £2.80 for one item to £15.05 for 24 items.  I paid £4.80 for four items which I think is a bargain, considering most UK companies such as ASOS charge £3.95 for standard shipping, and this package had a lot further to travel.  It arrived within a week and I was also pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to pay any customs on top of my order (I wont say this will be the same with every order and the company do state that you may get a further customs fee).  Their customer service was impeccable and they also have a feature where you can request products.  I know I'll be purchasing again - especially since they've just added the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers!

So, onto what I bought.  From left to right I purchased:

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer in Berry Persistent; £8.49 - I believe this is L'Oreal's answer to the YSL Glossy Stain and is similar to the new Rimmel Apocalips.  I bought this berry shade and on first impressions it applies lovely.  There are several other shades that I would like to try as well.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin; £6.99 - This product has been around for at nearly a year in America, and it seems like Maybelline aren't planning on launching them here.  I picked up a peachy shade ready for spring and like most people, all I've done since getting it in the post is play with it.  The texture is weird but the colour payoff seems great.  

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Mascara; £11.99 - This is a brand I've never tried but heard a lot about.  All their products are formulated without the nasties including Parabens, harsh chemicals and synthetic preservatives.  I've heard a few YouTube guru's talk about this, including Fleur so I'm hoping it's as good as the reviews claim!

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette; £11.99 - I cannot tell you how long I've been wanting to try this.  I've almost caved numerous times on eBay.  This palette is raved about among the US beauty bloggers and it's a favourite of Allure Magazine.  I'm excited to give this a try and seeing if it's really as good as they say! It comes with two concealer shades, a neutraliser and a setting powder - a great travel kit.  

There's my mini US haul. Will you be giving Cosmetics and Candy a visit?

Top 12 Beauty Products for 2012

Without trying to sound cliched, I can't believe another year has been and gone. I caught the beauty bug quite severely this year and I'm not sorry, although my debit card is.  I've tried out a lot of different products and I think it's safe to say this years list looks a lot different to last years.  I've divided my favourite products into three sections, skincare, haircare and make up.  This is a hefty post so I suggest you make a cup of tea and take a break from your New Years Eve beauty prep. 

SKINCARE 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution - A beauty blogger phenomenon and for good reason, Bioderma really is worth the hype. I use this to take off stubborn eye make up by soaking a cotton pad and resting on my eye for around 30 seconds before wiping clean. It's also good for an easy morning cleanse if you don't have time to faff with a cream cleanser.  

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate - At the beginning of the year, I was sworn on a complete Liz Earle skincare routine and that has since changed.  Embryolisse is a french skincare brand and this moisturiser is one that comes model recommended.  It's a simple formula which leaves the skin hydrated but not greasy and my skin really enjoys it. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - An old favourite that does the job. I use this when my skin is behaving to take off my make up in the evening.  It's creamy and soothing on the skin and the muslin cloth gives a light exfoliation as you rinse of the product - an added bonus.  

Origins Out of Trouble Mask - Whenever I'm having a bad skin day or moment, I turn to this face mask.  Not only does it dramatically reduce skins redness, it helps soak up excess oil and banish breakouts.  

HAIRCARE

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Colour Care & Moisture Shampoo - The next three products have made it into my top 12 because they are amazing products both together and alone.  The shampoo cleans the hair thoroughly whilst leaving hair feeling like it has been conditioned too.  It contains rosemary and juniper, giving it a gorgeous herbal scent which lingers in the hair long after you've washed it.  The range itself doesn't contain sulphates, a chemical that is known to being quite harsh on hair.  

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Colour Care & Moisture Conditioner - I can't get away with just shampooing my hair, thanks to years of bleaching and using heat on my hair, so I always follow up with conditioner.  This leaves my hair silky to the touch and easy to detangle.  Unlike the shampoo, this has mint rather than juniper so can feel quite cool on the hair too.  

L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask - Once a week, I like to give my hair a treat, in the form of a hair mask.  When you use heat or chemicals such as hair dye on your locks, it's important to put back in the moisture that they have striped out. It has a thick, paste like consistency which you're advised to leave on for 10 minutes, although I find it works better by leaving in for an hour.  Once you wash it out, you're left with smooth, frizz free, moisturised locks.

Ojon Instant Restorative Hair Serum - 2012 has been the year of the hair oils and although I discovered this product at the tail end of the year, I wont ever look back.  I run it through the mid lengths and ends of my hair, which helps reduce drying time and give a gorgeous shine as well as helping to restore the goodness into my locks.  I've seen a dramatic improvement in the condition of my hair since using, as has my hair stylist.  

MAKE UP

Liz Earle Signature Foundation* - This year I found my holy grail foundation thanks to Liz Earle.  While I've found formulations I've loved, the shades have never gone pale enough to fit my Snow White complexion.  This product is the perfect shade and has a medium, natural, long lasting finish.  If you're not a fan of the dewy look, a dusting of powder works a treat to set the foundation and make it more matte looking.  

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Another one of those beauty blogger phenomenons but possibly one of the best concealers I've ever used. I've recently repurchased my fourth tube of this product and choose it over any high end concealer.  It's got great coverage as well as great staying powder, concealing blemishes perfectly.  I go through phases of using this under the eye, sometimes I find it to be too cakey but for blemishes it does the trick (and it's only £4.19).  

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - I think this product could be my overall favourite for 2012, it's that good. I never got on with the infamous Urban Decay Primer Potion, it made my eyeshadow slide off rather than stay on. The NARS primer however keeps shadow in place for hours without smudging (hence the title) or sliding.  If there's one product I recommend you try, it's this one.  

Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Stick in Hibiscus - My favourite lip product came down to two contenders but ultimately, Jemma Kidd won.  The Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Stick forumla is beautiful, smooth, silky, pigmented and easy to apply - not to mention it also smells amazing.  Hibiscus is a coral shade which can be built up depending on preference and is easy to maintain throughout the day.  

What products have made it into your 2012 favourites? 

Product reviews: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate; Origins Out of Trouble Mask; L'Oreal EverPure Colour Care & Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner; L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask; Ojon Instant Restorative Hair Serum; Liz Earle Signature Foundation; Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer; NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base; Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Stick in Hibiscus

Liz Earle Natural Finish Pressed Powder

Liz Earle Natural Finish Pressed Powder in #01 Sheer Porcelain*

I always set my base with a powder as my skin can become quite oily during the day.  I've tried many different ones including MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish Natural and L'Oreal's True Match but both the shade ranges seemed to miss my pale skintone off the list.  Liz Earle's make up range caters to all with an extensive shade range, so I was intrigued to see if their powder would be a good choice for me.  I chose their Natural Finish Pressed Powder in #01 Sheer Porcelain, described as an "extra-fair shade that suits extra-fair skin".  

The powder comes packaged in a compact, complete with a powder puff underneath the product.  The powder is extremely soft and silky to the touch allowing it to blend into the skin easily.  The shade match is great, it's slightly darker than my skintone but it's not that noticeable.  I usually apply this with the Real Techniques contour brush, which is the perfect size to brush powder on where you need it, rather than all over the face.  I found the powder to be quite high in coverage, which I'm not used to, but with a light hand it works lovely.  

The included powder puff makes this the perfect portable product as I don't have to carry around a brush with me.  I find that the puff can make application a bit heavy, so I would dab the product on with one side and then use a clean side to blend the powder into the skin.  I find that when I use this product, I'm less likely to need a touch up as it controls shine really well and unlike some powders I've tried, it doesn't cake up during the day. 

At £19.50, the Natural Finish Pressed Powder sits in the middle between high street and high end prices.  If you're looking for a powder which controls shine throughout the day and is great for on the go touch ups, then I really recommend this product. 

What's your go to powder?

Today's Face #1

I had an early lecture this morning all about my dissertation (don't even get me started) so I opted for a slightly more minimal make up look with a sheer red lip to pull it all together.  

Benefit The POREfessional - This is my go to primer as of late as it does what it says on the tin as well as mattifies my skin. I'm currently using up a sample as I ran out of the full size product.  For full review, click here.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation - This is such a great foundation that I picked up at the No7 counter after having my Match Made Service. It's lightweight and have the right amount of coverage and is a great match for my skin. I'll be posting a more in depth review within the next week!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - My holy grail high street concealer which gets rid of any blemish or stubborn redness.  

Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Concealer - I've been trying this out for the past week and I really like it so far.  It's a dupe of the infamous YSL Touche Eclat but I think it's slightly thicker in consistency.  

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - I've really been into cream products lately and today I opted for bronzer rather than blush.  This is such a luxurious product and it lasts all day on the skin.  

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - My powder of choice at the moment to set my T-zone.  

Benefit They're Real! Mascara - I LOVE this mascara, it's just so good.  If you want length and volume then this is definitely the mascara for you.  If you haven't got the budget for Benefit, have no fear there will be a blogpost coming soon about a cheaper alternative.  

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Rebel Red - I got given this in my goody bag when I left More! magazine and I've never worn it. It's a sheer red balmy lipstick (not dissimilar to Revlon's Lip Butters) which is great for any of you who are scared to try a bold, matte red.  It's not that long wearing but it's really comfortable on the lips.  I also think it really brings out the blue in my eyes.  

The look is anything from fancy but it certainly does the job.  I think without the red lip it would work nicely as a very minimal, no make up, make up look.  

What's your go to 'easy' make up look?

Bleach Blonde Haircare

With bleach blonde hair, I can't afford to be sloppy when it comes to my haircare routine.  I use products both in and out of the shower that help to keep my tresses in the best condition possible after the strain I put it through with heat styling and regular bleaching.  Here's how I keep my goldilocks healthy, with a few tips and tricks thrown in for good measure.  

I wash my hair every two to three days as it's quite porous and will become dry and frazzled if I wash it everyday, plus I find that thanks to the bleach my mane doesn't get greasy too fast. Before washing, I always brush through my hair to get rid of any tangles.  I have a choice of two shampoo's depending on what my locks needs.  The first is L'Oreal's EverPure Colour Care and Moisture shampoo which helps to lock in moisture and prep my hair for conditioner.  The second is a tone correcting purple shampoo by John Freida, which helps to keep brassy yellow tones at bay.  I only use the John Frieda once a week as overuse can end up leaving a purple tinge to the hair.  I then follow up with a slathering of conditioner, which I comb through before washing out, to ensure the product is evenly distributed.  My favourite at the moment is also from the EverPure range.  Once a week I will go ahead and apply the EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask, concentrating on my mid-lengths and most importantly, my ends.  It says to leave on for 3-5 minutes but for an intense treatment I leave it on for about an hour.  This is a great time to have a bath and read a good book.  

Fresh out of the shower I then brush through my tresses with a Tangle Teezer.  I think I would have a lot less hair if I hadn't had invested in this product.  It glides through my hair effortlessly, even without a detangling spray and it doesn't pull or snag, creating unwanted breakages.  If I'm going to blow dry my hair I will then go ahead and spritz some heat protection spray throughout, right now I'm using the EverSleek spray but I also like the TreSemme one too.  Another heat protection treatment I use is Kerastase Ciment Thermique, which actually requires heat to work.  This treatment helps reconstruct damaged hair and also acts as a heat protectant that needs to be replenished every five days.  Most times that I wash my locks, I like to leave them to dry naturally, so I will just use Moroccan Oil Light and get on with whatever I'm doing.  

Before I go to bed, I'll brush my hair and plait (braid) it, as it prevents any tangles forming through the night. Plus, if you're feeling lazy the next day, it's an easy, heat free way to get soft waves.  I hope some of you found this post helpful and picked up a few tips. My hair stylist is happy with the condition of my hair, so I must be doing something right! 

What's your holy grail haircare product or tip?

Full product reviews: L'Oreal Ever Pure Colour Care and Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner; L'Oreal Ever Pure Reinforcing Intense Mask

August 2012 Favourites

It's that time again and without sounding cliched - just where has this year gone?! Not long to go until I start my third and final (eek) year of university but that's a whole other post.  I don't religiously blog about my favourite products as some months I can't come up with an amount I deem suitable.  This month, as the weather got warmer, I kept tabs on just what I was using so much.  The majority of products I have reviewed in depth and I will leave links for those at the end of the post.  

When I've worn make up this month, I've kept it fairly simple and natural.  I've re-discovered my love for Bourjois' Healthy Mix Serum foundation, which is my cheaper equivalent of Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua.  Under the eyes and along the bridge of my nose, I've been loving YSL's infamous Touche Eclat.  Another Bourjois favourite is my Little Round Pot blusher in #16 which both smells and looks amazing on my cheeks.  When it comes to lips it's either been Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream and a lip balm or one of the two pictured above.  Topshop's Innocent is a lovely rose colour which looks good both straight on or patted into the lip - if I fancied an injection of colour I reached for Jemma Kidd's Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in #4 Hibiscus (bit of a mouthful).  On my nails, I've been loving Essie's Watermelon - a gorgeous hot pinky red shade which looks equally amazing on toes.  

My two skincare standouts have both been from Origins. After having a horrible time with my skin at the beginning of the month I started using the Out of Trouble face mask which has helped clear up active breakouts and reduce the amount of oil, especially around my T-Zone.  When I bought the face mask I was also given two samples.  I've really been enjoying using Modern Friction (which I keep calling Micro Friction - #fail) which has helped get rid of any redness or scarring that breakouts have left behind. Definitely thinking about a full size purchase! 

L'Oreal's Ever Pure hair care range has really stuck out for me, for at least six weeks now.  I use the Colour Care and Moisture system which leaves my hair feeling like silk - plus they smell heavenly.  Once a week I will slather on the Reinforcing Intense Mask and leave in my locks for about an hour before washing out.  As I have bleach blonde hair, it can be quite porous and it's important to give it a good soak to help better its condition.  I've come back to my Moroccan Oil Light, which is nearly all gone (sob).  I prefer the light formulation as it doesn't weight my hair down but still does the job.  

What have been your favourite products this month?

Full product reviews: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation; Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush; Essie Nail Polish; Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in #4 Hibiscus; L'Oreal Ever Pure Colour Care and Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner; L'Oreal Ever Pure Reinforcing Intense Mask; Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Reinforcing Intense Mask

Last week, I spoke of my new found love for the L'Oreal Paris EverPure range (here).  Continuing that love, I picked up the hair mask, as I needed something to replace my Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque.  The first thing I noticed was the smell, it's the same of the regular conditioner, which I can forgive because it smells extremely good.  The second is how thick the product is.  When I picked up the pot it looked a lot smaller than what I was used to and I wondered how long it would last, but because the product is quite thick, you don't need as much to cover the entirety of your hair.  

I use this once a week, when my hair needs a bit of TLC. I leave it in my hair for around an hour, although the instructions say 10 minutes. I think anyone who has over-processed, heat damaged hair should leave it in for longer, to better help put back in what straighteners and colour takes out. After washing the product out, my hair felt soft and nourished, but it didn't feel as silky as it would if the mask was filled with silicons.  At £6.99 for a 200ml it's certainly not as expensive as that of the Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil masks.  

What hair products have you been loving lately?

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure Colour Care & Moisture

It's coming up to a year since I bleached my mousey brown hair to a vibrant, bright blonde and ever since I've tried a million and one hair products, hoping they will help maintain my hair's health.  I saw a review on FleurDeForce about L'Oreal's latest offering, but hadn't seen it in the shops to buy and alas, I forgot about these bottles of joy.  It wasn't until my mother mentioned free samples through Facebook that I remembered.  I ordered the samples and during the six week wait, I grew impatient and happened on a 'buy one get one free offer' in Superdrug. I'm so happy my impatience got the better of me.  

There are four different types of product in the EverPure range - Moisture, Volume, Shine and Smoothing. I went for the Moisture range as I obviously bleach my hair, but I also use a lot of heat on my hair.  My hair stylist has warned me off of sulphates since she doused my hair in peroxide, so these products already had bonus points.  Both products smell herbal, the shampoo contains rosemary and juniper and the conditioner features rosemary and mint.  

The shampoo is creamy and lathers up well throughout the hair and washes out leaving your hair feeling silky soft and squeaky clean. The conditioner is my favourite product - it's extremely thick and again, creamy and I find it extremely moisturising on my hair, especially my fried ends.  I always comb my hair through with conditioner, to get an even coverage of product and usually I have a few lone knots to comb out, but my comb glides straight through my hair now.  

When my hair is dry, that's when I saw the best results.  It's silky soft - like when you change shampoo and conditioner, except it ALWAYS feels like that. My hair appears to be healthier and I'm totally smitten with my new hair care system.  At £5.99 each, they aren't the cheapest of hair products but in my opinion are completely worth it.  I'm looking forward to trying the deep conditioner next!

Have you tried the new L'Oreal EverPure range? 

All L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise EverPure products are currently on 3 for 2 in Boots. 

Final Preparations

It's no secret that I'm leaving on a jet plane for Spain on Tuesday. It's given me an excuse to shop (not that I need one) so I went out yesterday to try and get the final things together and I think I've managed it.  After tweeting about a few things I bought, I was requested to do a haul. Whilst compiling it, I realised there were a few other things I had picked up over the last few weeks which I hadn't yet hauled - so please don't think I went out on a mad shopping spree! 

BEAUTY

In H&M I picked up a wash bag to put the majority of my toiletries in.  It's a really cute turquoise pattern with gold zip detailing and inside has side compartments which will come in handy - a real bargain at £4.99 and comes in two different patterns (nearly picked up the second). I will probably use this as a make up bag for all of my high end bits when I come home.  

I had my roots done on Wednesday and decided to pick up some of the new L'Oreal Ever Pure shampoo and conditioner which is sulphate free. I'm planning on using them tonight and if they are any good I will let you know! They were £5.99 per bottle. 

I picked up a bottle of TreSemme heat defence as I was running low and will need it on holiday. I've used this one before and it was pretty good from what I can remember - I'm not fussy when it comes to heat defence products, so long as they do their job!

I popped into Space NK just to browse and came out with two NARS products.  I picked up the 'Larger Than Life' lipgloss in Place Vendome which is a gorgeous raspberry shade which will look nice once I start tanning. I also bought up the 'Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Primer'. If I wear any eyeshadow on holiday, I want to be sure it will stay. I have tried the Urban Decay Primer Potion but found it doesn't work for me. Fingers crossed the NARS one will.  

Before I go away I need to add a bit of colour to my skin, I wouldn't want to blind anyone with my pasty British skin.  I decided I wanted a mousse tanner and St Tropez seemed to be the best.  Luckily, I was given this bottle to try as someone didn't want it anymore (score!) so I just bought a mit in Boots to apply it with.  I've tried it out on my legs and it gives a nice colour - I'll try it all over my body and let you know how it is.  

The last thing I picked up was the new Bourjois 1 Second Magic Nail Polish Remover that seems to be hitting the blogosphere.  Although I'm getting acrylics put on in Spain when I arrive, I will be able to apply and take off nail colour with this as it's acetone free. I was also running low on nail polish remover.  

FASHION

All of my clothes are from H&M - I had a lucky streak in there!

Possibly my most favourite thing I've bought for the holiday.  At £12.99 it was a right bargain and when I saw there were only two left, I pleaded with the H&M rail that one of them be in my size. The odds were definitely in my favour.  

I needed a lightweight blazer to take on holiday, just to throw over my shoulders should it get a bit chilly in the evenings.  This was £24.99 and feels lovely on.  

Just a plain white tank top at a bargain price of £3.99. 

This top is gorgeous.  I bought it to wear over my black bodycon dress for a quick and simple evening look.  This was £7.99 from the trend section.  

Talk of the devil.  I bought another black bodycon from the basics section in H&M as I wear my other one to death. You can never have enough bodycons!

This seems to be quite a popular print in H&M at the moment. I've seen dresses, skirts, shorts and tops in it.  I picked up these shorts to throw on when we are walking to and from the beach or even to lunch.  These were £7.99 and are extremely comfortable.  

A new pair of sandals as my feet kept falling out of my old ones (not a good look).  These were £26 from Next and I love them!  I picked up a hat from H&M as I will need to keep the sun off my head at times as it's bleach blonde and I don't want to burn my scalp.  This was £9.99 and comes in two colours - I thought the minty colour would go nicely with my bikini's.  The clutch is from New Look and was £14.99.  I plan to use this in the evening when we go out to dinner or to a cocktail bar.  

RANDOM

My two guilty pleasures of the moment - Nerds and The Kardashians. 

If I haven't got everything for the holiday now, I don't know when I will! Are you off on holiday soon?

Oops I Did it Again: Collective Haul

So over the past month life has gone back to normal.  I started University up again and am now juggling Push PR and my hectic student schedule.  The beginning of a new University year means one thing, student loan.  You may have read my student loan lust list here, and will already know the kinds of things I wanted to get my hands on.  So, without further adieu, here's what I bought!

FASHION

Topshop; £75.00

O.M.G. I cannot tell you how much I LOVE these heeled chelsea boots.  I had spied them instore a while back during the summer but never had the money to get them, so I made a bid that once my student loan came in, they'd be mine. You can wear them with everything and the outfit just looks 10x better.  I now want some flat chelsea boots so that i'm fully prepared for the winter months.  

18 AND EAST; £38.00

You all know it by now, I'm addicted to 18 AND EAST.  I recently bought this shirt in berry which is gorgeous and so I had to get the bird/floral print one too.  The delivery is super-duper quick as well which is always a bonus.  I'm now after some of their galaxy print bits!

That's it for fashion, I did buy a new pleather black jacket and a new bag but I haven't got round to photographing them as yet.  I'll put them in an outfit of the day soon! 

BEAUTY

Clinique High Impact Mascara and Clinique Airbrush Concealer

I got sucked into House of Fraser last week when they were offering 10% off all beauty so I thought I'd buy my favourite mascara.  The Clinique lady then talked me into getting the concealer, but i'm now glad I did as it's the best liquid concealer I've ever used!

Benefit Powder Wowza

I've always wanted to try the Benefit powders but could never justify the £23.00 price tag.  Walking around I happened to notice this limited edition powder palette for £19.50 - bargain!  It has Coralista, Bella Bamba 3D and Hoola.  

Confessions of a Concealaholic

This boxset has been around for a couple of years now but I like the fact you get a lot of product for the price. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

I took the plunge and bought this foundation and I'm so happy I did.  It's medium coverage which is buildable so if you want to try it and you prefer a full coverage foundation, get a tester first.  The only thing I dislike it that their isn't a huge colour range yet and they all have a hint of yellow in.  

MAC Prep and Prime

This is probably my holy grail primer as I've repurchased it 3 or 4 times now.  It just does its job well!

(L-R)

Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer,

Topshop Lipstick in Innocent,

Revlon Photo Ready Foundation,

Revlon Nail Varnish in Facets of Fuschia and

L'Oreal True Match Powder

A little high street beauty haul.  I love the rimmel concealer, it may well be the first one I ever bought when I first started out with make up.  The Topshop lipstick is a nice bright baby pink colour which looks nice with my bleach blonde locks.  I wanted to buy a cheaper foundation to rotate between my Chanel as it was so expensive I don't want to use it all up at once. The nail varnish was a bit of a whim as I saw it on an advert and loved it - it's an absolute bitch to take off though. I needed a new powder that didn't turn me orange.  

Moroccan Oil for Fine and Light-Coloured Hair

I can't get enough of this product, it makes my hair feel so soft and lovely and it smells great too.  I got the small size to try but it's perfect to put in your make up bag to top up during the day.  

MISCELLANEOUS

I Don't Know How She Does It

A Discovery of Witches

I wanted to a couple of new books to read after finishing One Day (it ruined me).  I wanted Water for Elephants but once I saw the buy one get one for £1 offer, I couldn't resist.  I've heard good things about both books - have you read any of them?

That's it for my haul.  If you'd like to see any in-depth reviews or some outfits of the days, leave your suggestions in the comment box below!