Weekend Wishlist

Beaded Bralet  -  Topshop Nails in Rumours and Lies  -  Stud Jumper  -  Petite Jacquard Tunic  -  Bracelets  -  Lace Panel Top  -  Fairisle Snood  -  Acid Wash Hotpants  -  Satchel  -  Studded Leggings  -  Giraffe Onesie  -  Purse  -  Lazer Cut Heels  -  Embroidered Hotpants

Just some goodies I've got my eye on this week. I'm not going to go on about how torturous I'm finding it to make these wishlists at the moment, as I'm fairly sure I unleashed that one on you all last weekend. Basically, I can't have any of this stuff, as Christmas is coming, 'Santa' is already overflowing with Christmas letters from me, and money doesn't grow on trees. They're all so pretty though, are they not?

I may have to make an exception for that giraffe onesie. It's clearly an essential that should feature in every girl worth her fashion salt's wardrobe. No, really though. I want it bad. It'd be my best friend for those nights in on the sofa, and the way I see it I'd actually be saving money, because I'd be staying home, snug and warm in this winner, as opposed to going out and spending my pennies. No?

What do you want but can't have this week?

xx

New Video: Current Skincare Routine

Hi lovelies, I'm back with my second Youtube video after a few disasters with making it! I actually originally filmed this last week, but it was too long and therefore rejected by Youtube - proof if ever I needed any that I can talk for England! Anyway, being the inexperienced video editor that I am, instead of managing to cut out the bits I didn't want I only succeeded in butchering it, and it's taken until today for me to find some daylight and some free time at home in order to try again! In fact, it took me another three attempts today - the first time the radio started blasting halfway through, and the second my laptop ran out of battery! Clearly not my day for filming, but we got there in the end! :)

I'm aware that some of you might possibly be interested in hearing about my skincare routine but won't fancy watching the video. Well, if that's you then please don't feel left out, as I will be doing a blog post about the very same on Monday. I was going to include some info about the products now, but as you can imagine, having made three attempts at producing this video, I now need a little break from talking about them!

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend so far, possibly doing a bit of Christmas shopping and getting into the spirit of things. Some say it's too early. I am not one of them.

Whatever you're doing lovelies, enjoy yourselves!

xx

Origins Modern Friction

I have never been one to spend a lot of money on exfoliants, as I have always been of the belief that one was more or less the same as another. Truth be told, I have never felt that they made that much of a difference to my skin, although I have, on occasion, noticed a momentary brightening after use, having obviously got my circulation going as I was massaging the product over my face. I bought the Origins Modern Friction on a whim , intrigued by its natural ingredients, but not expecting much (at the the time I had never tried anything from Origins before). 

Modern Friction is touted by Origins as 'nature's gentle dermabrasion'. It is so-called because it uses rice starch, as opposed to coarse chemical crystals, to slough away dead skin cells, thus making it that much gentler, and pores and lines are supposed to appear greatly diminished after use. Modern Friction contains lemon oil for illumination, and vitamin C to mop up any nasty free radicals. Oh - and it also helps to remove any uneven patches, signs of skin damage and discolouration.  All this, sans irritation and redness? Sounds good to me.

So, how did it fare?

The first time I used this, I wasn't all that impressed. In consistency, it seemed like any other exfoliator, although it was thicker than most I've tried, and it also had a pleasant lemony scent.

To use, you massage this onto clean, dry skin (you can leave your skin damp if you've got particularly sensitive skin) in circular motions, before adding a dash of water and working it into a lather. Rinse, pat dry and you're all done.

When I had finished using this for the first time, I didn't notice a huge difference. That was, until the next day. When I was applying my makeup in the morning, I was pleasantly surprised by how radiant and glowing my skin looked, and upon closer inspection I could see that my skin and pores looked really clean.

But it was the second time I used it that it really succeeded in impressing me.

I had some dry, flaky patches on my nose where I had been trying to clear some forever-blocked pores there, and nothing would shift it. Eventually, I decided to give it a quick exfoliate with Modern Friction, but I didn't expect it to make a huge difference, as when I have tried to exfoliate really dry/flakey patches in the past it has only improved the situation by about 20%.

Well, I was wrong. Very wrong. 

I used the product in the same way as I had done before, this time concentrating on my nose, and when I washed the product away I was amazed to see that I  had a perfectly smooth,silky soft nose, without a flake in sight. Ah-mazing.

Since then, I've been using Modern Friction Twice a week, and it has fast become an absolute must-have for me. It's rare for me to suffer from dry skin, but this is not just for people who have this problem. It leaves my skin looking absolutely glowing with health, and I haven't had a single spot since I started using this! Granted, I have been using it in conjunction with the Origins Clear Improvement mask (review coming up), but between the two of them they have done an incredible job.

Have you tried anything from the Origins skincare range? What did you think?

xx

Carnival Nails

Finally, a nail post! It's been such a long time since I've done one, mainly due to lack of inspiration and the fact that I seemed to be rocking variations of the same combos over and over, but finally, I have come up with something that makes me happy.

If you can excuse the less than perfect manicure ( this was taken on day four!), I have gone for a bit of Miss Sporty nail polish in gold (shade 312), and then a good dose of 'Rio Glitter's World' glitter polish, by a random brand called Hit. The polish contains turquoise, orange, pink and purple flecks and I love the contrast between these colours and the gold. To me, this look just screams 'party', which is very fitting for the festive season, although the colours themselves are not traditionally Christmassy ones.

I do think I could have layered on the glitter a bit more, but this time it wasn't the look I was going for. I'm quite happy with the way it turned out and will be experimenting with this combo again.

What's on your nails this week?

xx

I Love Autumn Tag

Original pic: source

This is a tag that has been doing the rounds on Youtube over the past few weeks, and having now seen that it has reached the blogosphere I quite fancy giving it a go. I don't usually do these sorts of posts, but I love getting into the spirit of the new season and embracing all the things that come with the bitingly cold Autumn/Winter weather. It's so easy to only see the bad bits (think waking up when it's still dark etc.), but there are lots of lovely things to enjoy as the night start drawing in, so why not celebrate that?

1. Favourite Autumn/Fall lip product?

It's a toughie. I have recently dug out a couple of the infamous Revlon Lip Butters in Autumnal shades, as they had been sitting in my collection and feeling a little bit unloved over the warmer months. Cherry Tart is a bright red shade, while Raspberry Pie is a beautiful berry, both being wuite sheer but buildable. However, I have got my eye on some many new lip products and have just ordered myself a Mac Lip Pencil in Cherry and a couple of Mac lippies, and I'm also planning on giving the new Rimmel Kate Moss Matte ones a go this weekend to see if they can live up to their reputation. All in all, I am all about deep berries, plums and dark reds at the moment.

2. Favourite  Autumn nail polish?

Another difficult one, as this changes on a weekly basis! I adore Topshop Hidden Treasure (multi-tonal metallic green) and Essie Sure Shot (dark magenta duo-chrome), but I've popped the Model's Own Mirrorball and Winter Wonderland collections on my Christmas list as I do love a bit of glitter and sparkle to jazz up my nails, especially during the festive period!

3. Favourite Autumn Starbucks drink?

I'm a year-round fan of the Hazelnut Latte and White Cafe Mocha, but I am always tempted by the Gingerbread Lattes come the run-up to Christmas. However, I've ordered this on a number of occasions, and while sometimes it's lovely, other times it really is not, so I'm undecided on that one! Although I'm a Starbucks girl, I must admit I'm keen to try the Costa Salted Caramel Latte, which sounds just divine (although from what I've heard it's not all that either) :(

4. Favourite Autumn Yankee Candles?

I love it when they bring out all the Christmassy-scented candles. Apple Cider, Banana-Nut Bread and Sparkling Cinnamon all sound delish.

5. Favourite Autumn Scarf/Accessory?

Well, I love being able to layer up and accessorise, and I have a plethora of printed scarves to choose from! They are definitely a style saviour at this time of year, as when it gets too cold, and all you can wear is a super-heavy coat, you can start to feel like you're wearing the same thing all the time. Throwing on a scarf gives any outfit a new lease of life. I also like knitted hats, of various types - this year I am enjoying chunky-knit bobble beanies. Oh, and earmuffs are a must for blustery Autumn walks, I don't care what anyone says!

6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride or haunted corn maze?

Well, with the latter two (I assume) being American things, I can't say I have ever experienced them, and I've only ever been in a haunted house at a fairground. They can be pretty fun if you really get into the spirit of them though.

7. Favourite Hallowe'en Film?

To be honest, I'm not really all that into Hallowe'en these days and don't often bother with it any more. Don't get me wrong, I love getting into the spirit of things, but this is just one day of the year that doesn't really mean much to me. If someone is having a party or doing something special then of course I'll go, but I won't go out of my way to organise something. Christmas and birthdays, however, are a COMPLETELY different matter!

Anyway, the film. Well, I'm not the hugest fan of horror films, not because they scare me but because I just don't have the patience to watch them! Having said this, The Orphan is pretty freaky!

8. Favourite sweets to eat on Hallowe'en?

Again, not really my thing, but if there's an excuse to eat chocolate then I'll take it. I also used to love Haribo Sour Mix.

9. What are your favourite things about Autumn?

Snuggling up in a onesie by the fire with a nice hot cup of tea and a good book, having whipped cream on top of my lattes and hot chocolates and not feeling bad, being cosy in bed while the rain drums against the window pane, long hot baths and relaxing evenings in catching up on blog reading and of course, doing some blogging of my own.

I am tagging:

 Laurzie Mack - A Day in the Life of a Scottish Lass

Jen - It's a Blonde's Life

Collette - Daquiris and Denial

If anyone else would like to do this then please feel free :)

xx

The Best of November Giveaways

Well, I couldn't help but notice the sheer volume of exciting giveaways doing the rounds in the blogosphere this week, and I have to say, there are some very generous bloggers amongst you lovelies! With Christmas just around the corner, who wouldn't want to win some of these treats, whether for stocking-fillers for loved ones, or just to spoil yourself rotten after trawling around the shops and tiring yourself out buying presents for others?

Here's the best of the bunch this week:

Tattooed Tealady is holding her second Christmas giveaway. For your chance to win a Beauticology Sweet Gingerbread Shower Cream, a Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lipstick in shade 107 and a box of Guylian Belgian chocolates, click  here. (Image courtesy of Tattooed Tealady

To enter Dolce Vita's  Thank You Giveaway to win this huge pile of goodies, head over here.

Pretty in Pink's One Year Blogiversary Giveaway is now on, so if you fancy winning yourselves an Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (1st place), a Body Shop Mist in a fragrance of your choice (2nd), a Revlon Lip Butter in the colour of your choice (3rd) or a Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lipstick in a shade of your choice (4th), click  here.

Natalie Roseanne is giving away a Benefit Sugarlicious Lip and Cheek Kit to one lucky follower. Fancy your chances? Head over here.

Trot on over to Fashernably Late, and you could win this stunning YSL lipstick. Click here to enter.

To celebrate hitting 50 followers, Trapped in a Fashion Paradise is offering followers the chance to win a Mac lipstick in a shade of your choice! Go here and enter!

In need of some new makeup brushes? Enter Glossy Boutique's giveaway here and you could win either the Core Collection or the Starter Kit!

To win these goodies, including some MUA goodies and jewellery, go over to Little Bo Blab's 10k Views Giveaway (here).

Enter the Boho Vanity Thank You Giveaway here for your chance to win this enormous haul of cosmetic treats!

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Lucy Rose is currently holding a Welcome Giveaway here. Click to enter if you'dlike to win the four great prizes pictured, including a Mac lipstick and Model's Own nail polish in shades of your choice.

Win the Mac Marilyn Monroe Love Goddess lipstick, as well as a Mac lipstick of your choice! Go on over to Epiphannie A and enter here.

If you wouldn't mind winning this box of goodies, including Barry M, MUA and Yankee Candle then get yourself over to Jetley Mess and enter here.

To win a Burt's Bees Tips and Toes Kit and Basic Beeswax Gift Set, visit Lola and Behold and enter here

Also, don't miss out on Bethlovebeauty's fab giveaway where you can win a mystery box worth £200! Head over here now!

May I just point out to you lovelies that these are all fantastic blogs, so don't just go there for the giveaway and never take a second look, as they are all well worth a read, and the ladies behind them are gems. Give them a little bit of your time while you're there and I am certain you won't be disappointed.

I hope you've seen something you like here my lovelies, and good luck !

xx

Weekend Wishlist

  Fairisle Jumper  -   Tote Bag  -  Mark Jacobs 'Dot' Eau De Parfum  -  Studded Military Coat  -  Skeleton Tshirt  -  Velvet Body  -  Boots  -   Wolf Collar Tips  -  Beaded Clutch  -  Mac Spring Forecast '13 Lip Palette  -  Charles Worthington Intense Rescue Melting Balm

It's that time of the week again!
I'm currently enjoying a lazy Saturday morning in bed with tea, Nutella on toast and the radio on, which quite frankly is a very nice way to start the weekend! That said, I think it really began last night, as I had a bit of a Friday night pampering session, also involving wine and homemade chocolate cheesecake, which was just what I needed after yet another busy week!
I've got to stop doing these wishlists. Seriously, they just encourage me! I used to be quite a bad spender, but in recent years I have become much more sensible about looking after my pennies. Or at least, I had until I started blogging! I swear it's worsening by the day, as I just can't stop mentally adding things to my list of wants, and really, I don't need them at all.I mean, if we are honest with ourselves, do we really need more than one or two  tinted moisturisers/blushes/bronzers at a time!? Lipsticks and nail polishes, fair enough - there are just too many pretty colours to choose from, and it's nice to change them to suit your mood/the season etc. But I do sometimes think that we bloggers go a bit crazy when it comes to makeup and the like. I say this out of guilt - I might have accidentally done some more online shopping last night:(
Anyway, moving on. There are rather a few treats in the shops at the moment that I wouldn't mind adding to my wardrobe, as well as the Marc Jacobs 'Dot' Eau de Parfum and this beautiful 'Spring Forecast'13' lip palette from Mac. I actually love the look of this little compact, as you get six pretty colours, and it seems to be the perfect size for throwing in your bag. I usually avoid doing this with palettes as they are often so bulky! Now, being an indecisive person as well as a lover of Mac lipsticks, I'd rate this as a pretty perfect gift, and it also means that I don't have to rummage around in the depths of the afore-mentioned handbag trying to find one tiny lipstick - only to find I'm 'not in the mood' for that colour that day! 'Right On Orange' looks just like my sort of colour for Spring/Summer, and I'm quite inrigued by 'A Look in Lavender' - it's not a colour I would have imagined using on mylips, but I have learned not to rule anything out when it comes to beauty and fashion, as sometimes you can find you can be really surprised by what looks nice.
Last but not least, I have to mention the Charles Worthington Intense Rescue Melting Balm. I saw Fleur de Force talking about this in her October Favourites video on Youtube, and she couldn't rave about it enough. A product that allows you to leave the house feeling like you've just left the salon, any day of the week? Sounds good to me! My hair has been so dry and brittle on the ends of late, not to mention the split ends, and I'm looking for a deep conditioning product that can really nourish it and nurse it back to health. Fingers crossed this is it!

That's my lot for this week. I'm already getting ahead of myself, as I won't be getting any of this lot until after Christmas, of at all - my Christmas Wishlist is already about two miles long!
What's on yours this year?

xx