New In: Recent Beauty Buys

After lectures today, I popped out shopping, mainly to buy my mum a present for Sunday.  I knew there were a few things I wanted to get myself from Superdrug and I also had to top up some of my skin care.  I also went into Primark, but if you've seen any of my latest tweets, you'll know I'm not happy.  To cut a long story short, I found THE shirt I had been searching high and low for only to have to go up FOUR (not exaggerating) dress sizes.  I'd already gone up three and thought that the next size up would surely be the perfect fit.  How wrong was I.  I've just tried it on and want to scream. I might be curvy but there is no way I am anywhere near a size 20 yet this still didn't fit - Primark, sort your life out! I wont be spending my money in there anytime soon.  Back to the goodies - beauty products never fail to disappoint me (unless they don't actually work...) so here's what I bought. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish 100ml and Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

I've been pumping the last of my C+P for a few days now, and I know that if I don't use it. I'll experience some horrific breakouts.  I picked this up and also the Exfoliator which I haven't tried as I want to scrub away my winter skin.  I'll let you know how I get on with it, but if it's anything like my other Liz Earle products, I'm sure it'll be great!

Loreal Super Liner 24 Hour Gel Eyeliner, Loreal Lumi Magique and Loreal Super Liner Perfect Slim

I have wanted to try Loreals liners for a while now, as everyone seems to rave about them.  I took full advantage of the 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug and picked up the newest editions to the liner family.  

I've never tried a gel before but have been looking into it for a while so I will give this a go. I love my MAC penultimate liner but have been looking for a high street alternative.  

My Clinique highlighter/concealer completely run out this morning, so I picked up the new Loreal one to try.  I've swatched it and it seems exactly the same! 

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart

My most exciting product of the day.  I've wanted to try these ever since the American guru's have gone mental for them.  I got lucky with this as they weren't actually out on display, but I asked a shop assistant if she knew when they'd be out as they were released this week and she found them for me! I'm wearing it on my lips now and it is really pigmented and feels lovely on my lips.  I'm definitely going to pick a few more of these up - hopefully they will be on a 3 for 2 or something like that.  

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze

A surprise buy today as I didn't even know these had launched in the UK yet, I just happened upon them whilst wandering around the make up stands.  I wasn't sure which ones to get as I know the Taupe one is quite saught after in America.  I went for this bronze shade as these colours bring out my blue eyes.  This is going to be perfect for those days when you just want a wash of colour all over the lids and nothing more.  

Now we just need the dream bouncy blushes to launch here! What high street make up launches are you looking forward to most?

Preview: Primark A/W 2011 Look Book

I was pretty excited when I stumbled onto the Primark A/W 2011 look book.  The last two collections they've done a photo shoot campaign to accompany and the photo's really give the shop a slightly more luxe feel, even if it is Primark.  The collection seems to have taken inspirations from the late 60s - early 70s with clean lines, bold colours and some whacky prints.  They have taken inspiration from the catwalks of D&G as well as Marc Jacobs, using stars and spots in their creations.  There's even a hint of Topshop Unique's Dalmatian collection thrown in for good measure.

I can't wait to get some of these items in my wardrobe, especially the colour block chiffon dress.

May Favourites.

Another month is very nearly over, is it just me or does every year fly by even faster?  We'll soon be entering June, an exciting month for me as I start my internship next Monday.  I love May favourite blog posts or youtube videos and decided to jump on the bandwagon.  I have quite a few favourites this month, so we best get started!

Beauty Favourites:

Skincare

(L-R)

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

La Roche Posay Effaclar M

Soap and Glory Hand Food 

Avon Solutions Perfect Tone Night Cream

I've had a great month, skin wise and I think it is thanks to my new routine.  Liz Earle is now a must have in my collection, I really look forward to taking my make up off at night, and it has helped my skin no end!  As I cleanse in the evening, I was looking for a nice night moisturiser and came across the new Avon solutions range.  It has helped even out my skin tone, but it's not 100% there yet.  During the day I use my La Roche Posay to sort out any oilyness before I apply make up.  Summer is all about being soft and supple, and my hands always seem dry so I've been loving my Hand Food, plus it smells amazing.  

Haircare:

(L-R)

Umberto Giannini Sex Bomb Mousse

VO5 Give Me Texture Oomph Powder

Elnette Hairspray

VO5 Miracle Concetration

Trevor Sorbie Heat Protection Spray

I'm all about trying to get beautiful bouncy locks, and all of these products have helped.  I use the mousse most days and it works a treat, but for days I don't use it, i've found the VO5 powders been a great alternative.  I've gone back to my hairspray love, Elnette and been loving it's lightweight feel on my hair.  Dying to try out argan oil i've been using this every time I wash my hair, I'm not sure how much of a difference it's made but my hair soaks it up and it smells gorgeous.  You should never attempt to blow dry or straighten hair without heat protection and this product smells great and really protects your hair.  

Fashion Favourite:

Primark

These shoes have been my go to heel for pretty much the whole month.  I love the colour, it's pretty versatile and goes with a lot.  

Now onto some lifestyle favourites...

TV Favourite:

One Tree Hill Seasons 1-7

I love my Tree Hill collection, and as season 8 has just finished in the US, I've been watching old episodes to hold me over until season 9 starts up!  

Book of the Month:

Alyson Noel; The Immortals: Shadowland

Since finishing university I've had more time to read fiction over fact.  I love anything to do with the supernatural and have been loving this series, which is completely different to Twilight (which I love so very much).  I really recommend this series if you enjoy easy reads that are along the same lines as Twilight/True Blood/The Vampire Diaries.  

So there you have it, what have been your monthly favourites?

Please comment below if you'd like any further reviews on any of the products mentioned or even a book review/TV series review!

Style It Your Way Challenge: 'Jigsaw Puzzle'

Today I bring you an outfit of the day with a difference.  The lovely ladies at Push PR (and my future work colleagues) asked me to take part in their 'Style It Your Way' challenge.  I received a lovely dress from clothes brand 18 AND EAST, which was also rather unusual too.  So, without further ado I bring you my day outfit...

I opted for a bit of a casual look to go with todays plans, which was sitting in front of an iMac at university, editing a piece of video for my final project of the year.   I wanted something that would be comfortable to slouch in, so opted for my trusty New Look chunky knit.  The dress has a waisted belt, although I felt it looked a bit odd on me so I pulled the dress up slightly to give the effect of a cape dress, which are everywhere on the high street.  To stop myself looking to drab, and well 'student' I chose beige ankle socks and camel wedges.  Finishing off I donned my vintage watch necklace and green Primark satchel bag.  

The best thing about this dress is its versatility.  It's great to wear when you know you'll be stuck in the office until late and need to go out in the evening for a drink or six.  

To make the day to night transition I opted for a classic blazer and took off my necklace which I felt wasn't dressy enough.  I then changed the wedges for some killer heels from Dressrail.com.  All you'd need is a clutch with essentials and you're good to go out on the town.  

A day out in London.

If you follow me on Twitter then you'll know that I went to London today to visit Oxford Street with my best friend.  It was a lovely day, we had lunch followed by a naughty cheesecake from Selfridges, washed down with a Starbucks during happy hour (half price fraps from 3-5pm, bargain!).  We got off the tube at Marble Arch and made our way down through the shops, until we eventually hit H&M and thought 'enough is enough'.  

Primark; £15.00

I've admired these dresses since I saw them in Grazia so I was excited to finally get my mits on one.  Miss Impatient that I am, I didn't want to queue for a good half hour to try it on, which would have saved some heartache doing so.  I'll be taking this back as I hate it on, I think i'm a bit too big chested for it to suit.  

Primark; £10.00

Bargain!  I absolutely adore these shoes, although I originally wanted some canvas wedges.  I thought these would be great for when I intern (although I will be wearing flats for the commute!).  On the label they were priced £14.00 so was pleasantly surprised to see they were actually £10.00. They have pretty floral detailing on the inside, which although you can't see when on, adds a nice touch.  

Primark; £9.00

I needed a bigger bag than my beloved Chiltern when I intern as i'll need to take a notepad with me for meetings and such.  I liked this faux leather bag, which was a bit different to all the other tan bags.  The green as a bit brighter in real life.  

VO5 Instant Oomph Powder; £4.07

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Starter Kit; £13.25

La Roche Posay Effaclar M; £13.79

I got some beauty products today.  I was most excited about the Liz Earle product as I've heard so many amazing things about it.  I've already used it this evening to take my make up off and on first thoughts it's incredible! My skin felt extremely soft after use and less red.  I also got a full size version of the Effaclar M moisturiser I mentioned here.  And in a bid to get big hair, I am going to try out another of the VO5's new range.  It's already had great reviews so I have high hopes.  

Purse - New Look; £7.99

Ring - New Look; £4.99

Belt - H&M £7.99

Bracelet - Primark; £2.00

I picked up some random accessories, including this purse which I immediately fell in love with.  It has a floral crochet pattern and it solid, a bit like a clutch.  I have changed all my stuff over into it and it's not as roomy as it first seemed.  

These are just the leftover randoms I bought/picked up.  I couldn't go to London and not buy some Nerds from Selfridges and I also wanted to pick up the new loyalty card from Superdrug.  I ended up grabbing a Costa clubcard because, well, I spend most of my time there or at Starbucks so...

Here are some more photos from the day, including a couple of sneaky photos from a small couture exhibition in Selfridges.  

Quite possibly the best combo!

There were some great McQueen pieces.

All in all a fantastic day, minus the dress hiccup.  It's an extra £15 to spend elsewhere...

How was your day?

OOTD: Is it Spring or Winter? Weatherman, make up your mind!

I haven't done an outfit of the day for a while, so I thought I'd bring you one today.  I stood in front on my wardrobe, peering back and fourth from my bedroom window thinking, "What on earth should I wear today?!"  It has been one of those stupid spring days which starts off like a winter morning and chirps up after lunch. 

Jumper:  H&M

Dress:  H&M

Tights:  Primark

Necklace:  Primark

Bracelets: Links of London, DollyBowBow, H&M and Paris

I opted for a thin jumper over my LBD to keep me warm.  I absolutely adore this necklace, and unbelievably it was a Primark find!  I am getting my hair feathered next week just to further my love of feathers!  I'm thinking brown ones to contrast with my blonde locks in a natural way?  I will probably also get some 'blonde' ones put in too.  

We went out on the streets of Epsom today to film vox pops for a practice broadcast video.  The question on our lips was, 'what is your biggest fashion faux pas?'

This could be one of mine, a yellow tee and nappy combo.  Definitely a look I couldn't rock now!  I am however wearing some rather cute fake wayfarers.   Or maybe mine was the Spice Girls platform soled trainers... I wore those everywhere.  

So, what's yours?

Hurrah for H&M online!

Fashionistas everywhere were waiting for the day that the slightly-more-expensive-than-primark-slightly-less-expensive-than-topshop (try say that in a one, it's like not chewing a fruit pastille - aint gonna' happen) H&M graced the online world.  That it did last year, only to thoroughly disappoint with it's shoddy look and the non existent clothes, not to mention crappy delivery times.   Negatives aside, this morning I awoke with an email from the shop - a new website has been launched and girls, there's more than 10 items per category.  

I've been on the site today and it has a far friendly interface (posh word there Nicola) and a better appeal that sites like Topshop and ASOS already have in the bag.  They have included photo shoots of the clothes rather than just a girl wearing the garment and it just looks 100% better.  Naturally, I looked through and found some favourites...

£29.99

Oh, how gorgeous are these?  A great everyday shoe that I can see myself wearing down to the sole.  These would look great paired with a chiffon shirt dress (I will find you in Primark one day!) or with jeans and a top for a more casual approach.  

£12.99

A great sundress with a great print!  It's a little bohemian so why not pair with a crocheted waistcoat? 

£7.99

I saw this dress instore the other day and fell in love.  Can anyone hazard a guess as to why?  Online they also have it in yellow (see below), which I really like too - and for £7.99 who can grumble? 

£7.99

This is a cute slouched top, great with a bikini, vintage Levi's and some espadrilles for a really comfortable beach outfit.  

So what are you waiting for girls?  Head over to hm.com - you wont be disappointed no more!  Now just for Primark to go online and the world will be complete!