My Current Favourites

I mentioned Narciso Rodriguez in my post last week. I adore this perfume, and it's the only perfume which has stopped me picking up Stella everyday.
I've been trying one of the testers of Benefit's 'They're real' mascara, but I really don't like it. I don't know whether I need to let it dry out a little or if it's not for me. I find it so clumpy and wet. So, I've switched back to my favourite False Lash Telescopic Mascara. I love the waterproof version as it holds a curl in my lashes all day.
The Bourjois Radiance reveal healthy mix is the newest addition to my foundation collection. I often have a few on the go. But, I've been reaching for this every day since I purchased it. Think Bourjous healthy mix original mixed with the serum. It's replaced the original healthy mix, but I always preferred the serum. The only thing I think would annoy people with the new glass bottle is that it's missing the automatic retracter (not sure what to call it) which dispenses the foundation upwards. And of course the glass bottle is a little heavier. But I like how it feels like it is better quality. I'm going to put a review up soon. But I have honestly been loving it. It could even be my favourite foundation I've ever tried!
I've been concentrating on my base makeup this last week, due to my skin not behaving. I had a couple of weeks where I felt like my skincare was spot on. I had never seen my face as hydrated or clear before. But, that didn't last for too long. I always change around my skincare and try new products, so I must find out what made my skin so bad. The Real Technique's 'Pointed foundation brush' is perfect for setting my under eye concealer with a little powder. I've tried other ways of using powder around my eye area, but find patting the powder on works the best as you're not wiping off what you've just applied.
Another product which has been helping me getting my skin back to normal is the Oilatum Natural Repair face serum. I'm always on the look out for a new moisturiser, but this is the one which I fall back on time and time again.
Tresemme's Volumising Dry Shampoo has been a saviour as refreshing my hair in between washes. Not that I have oily hair. I just get flat hair which needs a little 'oompf'.
The KMS California de-frizz oil* has been working on my hair a treat. I'm in desperate need of a trim. I might even get my hair cut a lot shorter. But this is perfect for smoothing my ends down without being greasy.

I know a lot of people have talked about the Bourjois bronzing powder. I was always put off as one, it is in the shape of a chocolate bar and two, it is scented like chocolate. For someone who doesn't like eating chocolate, never mind smelling it I wasn't ever lured in. I swatched it in Boots the other week and was sold. I find it's not overly pigmented, which makes it easier to apply as a contour. Really affordable as well at only £5.99.
Mac's eyeshadow in 'Honey Lust' is another shadow to try and fill my mac palette up with. I must admit I wasn't expecting to love this colour as much as I do. It's a warm gold with bronze glitter running through it. It's brighter than a lot of other eyeshadows I tend to go for but it has the warmth which really make your eyes pop against it.
Lastly, is my most recent purchase. It's the long awaiting, Bourjois Cream Blush in Rose Tender. I only picked it up on Saturday but wore it on Sunday and today, so couldn't miss it out. I love the texture, the colour pay off and want to go back to get the rest of the shades. There was a crazy bright orange which I would struggle to work with. But who knows. If you haven't already tried one, they are definitely worth trying.

Hope you liked seeing what I am loving at the moment with my makeup, skincare and haircare. I was going to film this in video form. But struggling to find time to set up my camera and get on with it. Hopefully I'll film another You tube Video later in the week.

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A few purchases from Primark, Topshop and Lush

Yesterday, I attended the Sheffield Blogger's Meet up at Meadow Hall. I'm thinking of writing up a post about it in the week but wanted to show you a few things I picked up. The bunny purse was too adorable to leave. I didn't see it the first time I went into Primark, but I went for a cheeky look again (when it was pretty empty) and luckily saw it.

I couldn't wait to get hold of one of the Bourjois creme blushes. I love everything about them, to the formulation to the packaging. I'm now wanting to go back to get the rest of the shades. Superdrug have started to sell the OPI by Nicole range. It is the sister brand to OPI, which means they are pretty good quality but for a fraction of the cost. This mint green colour took my eye. I also picked up these cute little bracelets. I thought they would look nice stacked up.

I'm waiting to re-order some old and new stock in my shop. So, we are a little short on candles. I've been looking at a few new brands so I'll be stocking up my house with some new scents, but un till I can I thought I'd get this candle from Primark. I don't normally like raspberry scents, but was pleasantly surprised.

My dog, Dave has been taking a liking to not only my shoes but my fake tan and perfume too. My two dogs usually play some sort of game of catch with a toy, up and down the stairs. But the other day Dave took it to a new level. He has now learnt to open doors and he went into my bedroom, jumped up at my dressing table and took a perfume. He then started throwing it down the stairs and fetching it again to repeat. With his new found game he has also took a bottle of my fake tan and some Soap and glory bubble bath out of a drawer, that I left slightly open.
Three pairs of my shoes have been eaten so I was very much in need of some new flats. These ones were only £8 and I love the rose gold stud beads. Nice to have some in a little different to studs like my others. And for £8 I won't be too cross if Dave eats them again. I have my eye on a a pair from Topshop. But I must remember to put them away.

I've been wanting this Topshop lipstick in 'Pillow Talk' for SO long. I think someone told me it was limited edition, but because it turned out to be so popular they added it to the main line.

My iPad mini usually gets taken everywhere with me. I had to slide it between my kindle case as I didn't have anything for protecting the screen whilst it was in my bag. I saw this one in Primark, and although its a little big. It fits in fine. It was only £3.

I always hate running out of my favourite bath bombs, so I bought one my favourite bath bombs 'Space Girl' and the Bubble bar 'Creamy Candy'. I've always been put off with the description of the 'Ickle Baby Bot', as it is Lavender scented. But, I was surprised when I smelt it as it wasn't the normal 'Lavender' scent you'd expect. I also picked up 'Mmmelting Marshmellow Moment' which is often compared to the 'Snow Fairy' scent. Which it definitely smells like, so I can't wait to pop this in my bath tonight.

Luckily, I can finally pay myself this week. Which will probably mean a shopping trip for some much needed clothes. I should really start saving some money, but that never happens.

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May Wish list

Topshop Three row bolt spike collar -  here,  Kate Spade Gramercy Grand watch - here, H&M Clutch - here, Topshop Pleat Sleeve Detail Tee - here, Chanel Les Beiges Powder - here, Bourjous Cream blush - here

I haven't done a wish list post in over a month. Let's not pretend that I haven't been spending, but I've been so busy I haven't been shopping a lot. I'm going to the Sheffield Blogger's Meet up event at Meadow Hall on Saturday and maybe a quick look round some shops tomorrow, so I'll be able to make up for it. I had a quick look through my bookmarks, and these things stood out for me.
Well.. the Topshop necklace speaks for itself. I am in complete love with it! Definitely going to find that in Topshop over the next couple of days. I've managed to grow quite a collection of statement necklaces over the last few months. But, I definitely wear them enough to justify another.
I have been lusting over a Kate Spade watch for ages. Well, I've been lusting over everything Kate Spade. I love the brand. I'm pretty happy with my River Island watch for now, but we'll see for how long.
I love H&M's clutches. This one is no exception. I love the detailing.
I don't own many Peter Pan collar tops, but I was drawn to this one. I'm not sure if it was the pretty pastel colour or the fact it was more structured than other Peter Pan collar tops I have seen before.
I have heard so many good things about the Chanel Les Beige powder. I'm never keen to wear powder but know I have to, just to set my foundation. So, I really want to try this.
I have been caught up with all the hype like usual, with these Bourjous Cream blushes. If I read write, I think they have been released in Boots/Superdrug today, so going to keep an eye out for them tomorrow.

Is there anything you are lusting over at the moment? I'm been having a pretty crazy week, so I'm hoping to treat myself a little. It's always nice once in a while, dont'cha think?

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Let's talk business...

If you've been a reader of my blog for a while, you may have noticed I tend to blog about a few things. Some days I'll be lusting over a newly released lipstick, while some days I may be organising my office or decorating a room.

Another topic I wanted to introduce to my blog was a business series. I've posted a few times about my shop, and I always receive emails asking for advice and generally wanting to know more.

I know I'm not the next Sir Allen Sugar apprentice, but I can share my experiences, mistakes and achievements along the way. Sometimes it's nicer than reading the typical 'How to start a successful business in ten steps today'. And it'll be nice to share some more things about my shop.

I felt before jumping right into the posts, I'd give you an inside to my previous jobs and education.

At school, I was nothing special. I didn't enjoy school, I actually hated it. The whole environment was not for me and I hated having to spend anytime around individuals who could have a whole series of Jeremy Kyle just to themselves. I came out with what I needed. I think I got 10/11 Pass grades at GCSE. I then applied for a college not too far away from where I lived. I thought I wanted to study A levels, so applied, and went to the taster days. The taster days were two days but I only managed an hour an a half un till I released I was in exactly the same situation. I went straight home and called up my local college and applied for a media course. I ended up applying for the wrong course at start, but that was soon resolved.

College was ok, I studied film. At that time I was a little bit of a TV addict, so it suited. If you asked me to write up an essay about Eastenders today, I would refuse. Back then, it wasn't that bad. At the beginning of my second year was when I started my blog. Here's my cheesy first post. I'd always loved fashion, beauty and had and probably still do, buy umpteen magazines every week and month.

Although I liked studying media, I decided to not continue at uni. Everyone else around me went to uni, but after moving in with my boyfriend the year before  I wanted to find a 9-5 job with a stable wage. That's exactly what I didn't get. I did a Sales Apprenticeship for a year. Earning £2.50 an hour is not the best. But, I did get a permanent position out of it. I was offered a business admin role, so all paperwork and spreadsheets. I loved working on databases for some reason. But, there were quite a few times I had to go without being paid. I went over 2 months, once. On top, of being told if I didn't do something (which was against my morals) I wouldn't get paid, I couldn't wait to leave. I visited my doctor who said they could sign me off for a few months with stress or I should quit there and then. After taking some legal advice, that's exactly what I did. And luckily, I had every penny they owed me paid back.

Whilst I had my office job I also ran an online jewellery shop, which then moved on to a little bit of home ware  My mum suffers badly with arthritis, so she set up an online shop selling gifts.

My mum had always wanted to own a shop. She'd worked in shops before, so one evening randomly, I said we should open a shop up. A mixture of being fed up with my job and looking for something new to do, and that's exactly what we did. At first, I don't think anyone was behind us, family included. But, if you'd understand that my mum had wanted to do it for so long and I was fed up and felt like I was going nowhere. 

As, the economic climate is how it is. We did know it was going to be a big risk. We decided that we wouldn't take a wage from working in the shop. I was working in my office job at the time and my mum didn't need one. This way we could concentrate in building it up.

Back to when I'd quit my job (best decision ever), I went on a good hunt for a job. My boyfriend wasn't too keen that I quit my job, but we made it work. There was nothing around, and my mum suggested I started my own design company. I'd always been into computer coding and graphic stuff. I think I must get it from my dad. He's an engineer and works with companies such as Cadburys (free chocolate is not the best when you don't like it)  BMW, Alton Towers and he's even done something with the staging at Disney Land. So, I've always loved my technology  If anyone can remember 'Bebo' I use to one of them kids making the skins and they would send me one of them love hearts. Then there was piczo? (I think it was called). I'd design gawdy graphics for people for that too. So, that's always been something I loved. A couple of days after my mum suggested I should, I set up my design website. I'm still surprised at how many quotes I get asked for. I've been designing websites, shop logos and branding, leaflets, and not much longer after I started doing blog designs.

When I first started my designing business, I looked into some freelance writing too. I did a couple of articles for some companies, but then luckily Kate contacted me and I now contribute to Nouvelle Daily.

I work on my design business in the week and work in the shop at the weekend. There's lots of late nights involved. I can count on one hand how many times I have gone to bed before midnight this year. But, I wouldn't want it anyway. I run two businesses and it's tough. But it's a challenge.

I hope you enjoyed a little sneak into my life and look forward to my little series! I've got a few topics to get started with, which I've put together from questions I've been emailed. So hopefully it will be helpful.

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My favourite pink lipsticks

L to R: Topshop - Macaroon, Topshop - Innocent, Mac - Creme cup, Revlon - ColourStay Ultimate Suede in Front Row

I've been reaching for pink lipsticks more and more recently. I find them to be a safe choice. If you've seen my other post on Mac's 'Please me'. You'd have seen that I've been loving the muted pink since purchasing it the other week. But, if I haven't been wearing that one, I'm wearing one of these.

I mentioned a few times before how much I love Topshop lipsticks. The formula can be a little drying, but if they were any less dry they wouldn't last as well. They have so many bright shades as well as some more muted shades. Topshop's' Innocent' is similar to Mac's 'Please me'. It has the same purple undertone and its a muted blue toned pink. Is more m the side pinker side of Mac's Please me, while 'Please me' has more purple tones through it.
Topshop's 'Macaroon' is my most recent shade from Topshop's offerings. It's a warm bright pink if that makes sence? It also has a hint of coral which makes it the perfect shade, instead of being crazy bright.
Mac's 'Creme cup' is one of my all time favourite lipsticks. This one is my second tube, and it's very quickly reaching it's end. It's a creme sheen finish, so applies to the lips like a dream.
Revlon's ColourStay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Front row is the the most perfect baby pink shade. I usually keep this in my handbag as it gives a subtle colour, so is perfect for me to just pop on, on the go.

Anyone have a favourite pink lipstick? I think I'm going to be venturing into more Mac lipsticks. I have a few pink shades I want to try, which I'll show you in a wishlist post later in the week.

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A few links to share...

I love discovering new blogs and re-discovering old blogs, which I've mistakenly not checked out for a while.
Apart from my blog roll, here are a few blogs which have been taking my fancy recently as well as a couple of YouTube channels.

Through Chelsea's eyes
I must admit I only discovered Chelsea's blog whilst in the shop yesterday, and I had to bookmark it to read though Later. And that's just what I did do, between watching Saturday night tv. I always love finding blogs where you just read and read through and end up reading through their whole blog feed. She's been firmly bookmarked in my browser.

Fragmented Splendour
Annabel should probably be on my blog roll (stops to add her to it) as her blog is one of my all time favorites. She always has me lusting over her skincare and makeup. And as you can tell she's an arty person as, just look at her photos! They are perfect.
Annabel's also a on the Nouvelle team, and you should definitely check out her milkshake recipe. Thank me later! ;)

Paige Joanna
Paige always posts the most prettiest outfits. Her blog is a mixture of outfit posts, lifestyle and personal style. Definitely one to go on if you are lacking in inspiration fashion wise.

The Weekender Trender
Georgina has recently started making youtube videos (she's amazing) and it's definitely inspired me to get on with filming some more for my own channel. I love how down to earth she is and she has the most perfect blog. As well as lusting over her wardrobe, I love all of her beauty posts too.

Miss Makeup Magpie
I've spent the last couple of days rescuing Gemma's blog. She recently went over to Wordpress and in the middle of re-designing her blog she mentioned she was getting a lot of errors. Fast forward 24 hours and she found out her blog/host was hacked! Luckily I had a back up of her posts, but she managed to loose the last month worth of photos. For that reason alone, if you don't already read Gemma's blog, make sure you check it out. She has a crazy amount of makeup, which I love as I can take recommendations from her before wasting my money on something I wouldn't like.

Pin up Beauty
I have loved Nicola's you tube videos and she has a beauty blog here too. She's a make up artist and just watch this tutorial! Might help that she is super pretty, but I'd love to make my makeup look that flawless!

Velvet Gh0st
I follow Gabriella's instagram account and when I saw she started making You tube videos, I knew I'd love them. She has the most amazing mac lipstick collection, here. Definitely worth watching, trust me!

I might do this type of post regularly, as I often bookmark so many blogs and it's nice to share what I've been reading or watching. I should probably make better use out of my Bloglovin' account and get following blogs I read on there, but I often end up missing my favourites. I may have a mad clear out and whittle it down.

Let me know what you think and even share a blog/youtube channel you've been loving too!

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My Current Favourite Scents

I have my perfumes stored in my wardrobe in my bedroom, and keep my favourite out on display. Recently, I've added two new perfumes to my collection. Coco Chanel Mademoiselle has always been a perfume I've loved the scent of, but never got round to purchasing. But, my boyfriend bought as part of my birthday present in April. I was going to have Narciso Rodriguez, but the sales assistant gave us the wrong bottle. The pink bottle comes in black packaging and the black bottle in pink - should've known ay? I really didn't like the black bottle, so had to do a quick exchange. Hence, the Chanel purchase. One of the boots in my town doesn't stock many perfume brands. They only stock Chanel, Dior, and D&G. It's strange as they don't stock that many drug store makeup either. They have a Clarins and Clinique counter, but for actual drugstore brands I have to go to my out of town Boots. It actually doesn't sound that bad, now I've typed it! But, I'm so glad I got Coco Mademoiselle, it's my joint favourite with Stella and Flowerbomb (which I have lost).
Debenhams had one of their beauty events on the other week, so I bought the write coloured bottle of Narciso Rodriguez this time. It reminds me and my sister of Vogue. As, they use to always have the tester in it.
Another scent I love is Lady Million by Paco Rabanne. It's a scent I don't wear enough, so I've added it to my silver perfume tray in the hope I will use it more. Lovestruck is on it's last drops and Ralph Lauren Romance is a really mature floral scent, which I like for the evening.

Any of these your favourite, or have one I should check out?

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Mac lipstick in 'Please me'

Another pink lipstick to my collection and this time it's Mac's lipstick in 'Please me'. I have been eyeing this lipstick up for a while now and it got added to my basket last minute when ordering online. It's a matte finish. Which, if you have dry lips you're going to have to apply a good lip balm underneath.
It's a muted pink, which is my favourite shade to wear. Think Topshop's Innocent but even more muted. I do like wearing lipstick, but find because I'm so pale I'm never brave enough to sport anything other than a pink nude. So, I am in love with this. And have been wearing it non stop. I even had to swatch it before taking the photo, as I was way too excited (sad? - maybe).
With it being a matte finish, it lasts pretty well throughout the day - so not many top ups are needed.


What do you think? Think this is fast becoming my favourite lipstick.

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