This Months Fashion and Beauty Buys

A section which is normally dedicated to a weekly list but due me being a bit rubbish at blogging this month and not buying much each week to justify a whole post I thought I'd just in one big post!!

Daisy Stripe Top - £22 - Topshop - BUY 
Its very rare I pluck up the bank balance courage to purchase a full price item in Topshop but I saw this and couldnt resist, after trying it on, I knew I had to have it! Its so comfy too aswell as great for pretty much any occasion.

Sinful Colours in 'Mauve' and 'Social Ladder' - £1 each - Poundland
 

Boots 3 for 2
Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner - not online(?)
Collection Volumising Mascara - £3.99 - BUY
Collection Bronze Glow Bronzer - £2.99 - BUY
Seventeen Lipstick in 'Deep Secret' - £4.99 - BUY
Seventeen Lipstick in 'Hot Flash' - £4.99 - BUY
Seventeen Berry Crush Lip Stain - £4.99 - BUY  

I didn't actually mean to buy the Collection stuff but I left my Make-Up at home afer staying out one night so had to pop in to buy some eyeliner and mascara!

 Rimmel nail Polish in Singing De Blues - £1 - Poundworld

Soap and Glory Face Massage Mini Mitt - Boots Clearance - Was £4 Now £1 - BUY
 I've wanted this mini mitt for so so long but for what it is, I just couldnt justify spending £4 on it,  so when I spotted it for £1 just because the box was ripped - I knew I had to take it!
 

Garnier Caffeine Anti-dark Circles - Boots Clearance - Was £10.49 Now £1 - BUY
I actually own this in the green version and need to get a new one so this was a great find!

Sk:n Repair & Protect Sunscreen - Boots Clearance - Was £15 Now £2 - BUY
Sk:n Cream for Damaged Skin - Boots Clearance - Was £29 Now £5 - BUY 

I haven't even figured out why these have been reduced as they're in great condition so got a great bargain!

No7 Ballerina Spring Collection Bag - Boots Clearance - £5

I think this was meant to be like a free gift from no7 but they had them left over?
The set includes a sample of No7 Protect and Perfect Day Cream, A sample of the No7 Extreme Length Mascara, a gorgeous eye shadow and a Lipstick in the shade Mulberry!
I wouldnt normally pick these up but I actually liked all these products for once! 

Little Finger / Midi Ring - Urban Outfitters - Was £8 Now £4 

Daisy Bracelet - Topshop - Was £8.50 Now £3.50

What have you guys been buying this month?? Link me to your hauls below because I'm nosy!

Don't forget theres still time to enter my 100 Follower Giveaway by clicking here

xXx

Todays Nottingham Haul

Today marks my first weekend off work since November and as the boyfriend is working the West Ham game I thought I'd travel the 20mins to Nottingham for a shopping trip.

Last time I went was my Birthday last November and I'd never been before so it was quite brief and mostly me wanting to find the MAC store.
Although I've had an amazing day, theres just SO much choice of stores! everything from your standard high street to the best high end brands own stores!

I wished I was richer as it was an amazing place to shop but I did buy some lovely bits!


 Topshop

I was actually really good in Topshop, I nearly caved twice into spending more money but luckily?? they didn't have my size in what I loved so they actually stopped me buying, although I def won't be seeing if they have it online after!

I ended up walking away with this,

 

 Topshop Lipstick in Whimsical - £8 - BUY 

I've never actually bought a topshop lipstick before (minus the bullet - which I've now realised is quite similar) but I was recommended this shade so for £8 I thought why not?

Superdrug

 

Vaseline Spray and Go Moisturiser - £4.99 - BUY

I've mentioned countless times how lazy I am with everything so I'm hoping this will kick me into moisturising more!

Batiste dry shampoo in Cherry and Blush -  was £3.99 now £1.97 - BUY

One of the most handy essentials for inbetween washes. I didnt plan on buying these but the fact they were less than £2, I couldnt resist. I only pick these up when theres an offer as I think for what they are, they are a bit pricey

L'oreal Matt and Messy Salt Spray - was £3.75 now £1.85 - BUY 

I recently read a post about salt sprays and heard this was a pretty good buy. I actually clocked it was only £1.85 a few days ago and even if I don't rave about it, I don't think I'll lose out.

MAC

 

 MAC Lipstick in Rebel - £15 - BUY

The fact theres an actually MAC store in Nottingham makes me just want to buy things! I was going to buy the shade Heroine which has just re-launched but when I saw it in store, I couldnt help but think it was abit too purple for me. Rebel is a a deep purple so its still a shade  I'd feel comfortable wearing. Its also a Matte finish which is one of my favourites!

H&M

 Crop Top - was £6.99 now £3

 Cut out dress - was £17.99 now £10

Boots

 Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner - £6 - BUY

Everyone raves about this, and I wanted to try it for myself! I currently only ever wear my Collection eyeliner which I discussed HERE, so I think a change was in order!

Rita Ora for Rimmel Nail Polish: £3.69 each - BUY

Pillow Talk

Breakfast in Bed

I mentioned about the launch of these what seems like ages ago but suddenly they are here, I adore these 2 shades. Breakfast in Bed has been sold out everywhere but I finally found the last one on the shelf!

You can view my post on the full range HERE

Nail Polish in Mind the Gap, Victoria - £3.69 - BUY

They were on 3 for 2 ;)

Primark

 Black Skirt - £5

Mint Green Skirt - £10

 

P.S Nail Varnish - £1 each

 Black Slip On's - £4

I wouldn't normally buy these but my vans were killing my feet as they've sadly worn away so these were just to save my feet.

Lush

 Secret Garden Bath Bomb - £2.95 - BUY

I only mentioned this yesterday HERE but I love it

Brightside Comforter - £4.50 - BUY

King of Skin Body Butter - £5.50 - BUY

So thats todays haul, have you had any goo shopping trips lately? or tried any of these product to give me a heads up on them??

xXx

Shopping Haul (Brace Yourself)

Yesterday I mentioned that I had a rather guilty spending spree when my friend Lyndsey came down for the day (post here).

I also promised to show you guys what I bought so here you go....

 

Lush

Did I mention I love Lush? 

Dragons Egg Bath Bomb - £3.35 - BUY

This smells like every sweet you ever loved as a child! Its like a combination of lemon sherbert and those Love Heart sweets.

Seanik Shampoo Bar - £5.50 - BUY

I actually mentioned here about wanting to try the Shampoo bar after my boyfriend bought one and actually recommended them to me HA! Although I'll admit I havent tried it yet, but I've been reassured if I don't like it, he'll take this one off my hands!

Ark

Ark for me has always been one of those shops I didnt really venture too until I was at uni. Its affordable (although some of the brands are cheaper labels at higher prices) and always got that touch of alternative style which its more my thing. The downside is alot of their sizes are quite misleading as they stock a variety of labels so you need to try them on!
I'm a size 12/14 and I'd like to expect I fit in a size Large so when I don't, I do question the sizing slightly.

However, I did buy these babes..
Red Tarten Skater Dress - £12 - BUY
As mentioned, being a slightly bigger girl skater dresses are an absolute godsend so I couldnt resist this!

Pug Wash Bag - £14.99 - BUY
Okay, I'll admit perhaps a tad too much money but LOOK AT ITS FACE!!!  I mentioned all about our Jug Winstom the other week (here) so although he's only half pug, I can't resist anything that looks like him! I also got the mini purse version for Christmas so I've almost got the whole set now!

We're going on holiday in 2 weeks so I intend to take this with us!

Topshop

Lip Bullet in There She Goes - £8 - BUY

I've tried a few bits from Topshops make up range and I've been suitably impressed with a lot of it and I've heard great things about the lip bullets. This shade is pretty nude meets a light coral. I want to try start wearing more lipsticks but I don't want to stand out at work so I'm trying I opt for more neutrals tones.

New Look

Black and White Cami - £12.99 - BUY

I've been eyeing this up for a few weeks so finally bought it as a summer addition. They also do it in a pink and a blue so theres plenty of choice.

Black Skort - £17.99 - BUY
This year I want to have key pieces in my wardrobe that are not only great as go-to items but also on trend. I wasn't going to get these originally but I know how big they're going to be huge this year! Plus I'm gonna try get them into my work uniform when I can ;)

Boots 

Real Techniques - Foundation Brush - £9.99 - BUY

Real Techniques - Blush Brush - £9.99 - BUY

Boots No7 - Lash and Brow Pro - £8.00 - BUY

I  actually didn't intend to buy these. Honest. I originally only wanted a spoolie as my old horrid eyebrow brush got melted in the sun (I might post about this issue I have one day) but I saw the 3for2 offer in Boots and couldn't resist. I've finally become a Real techniques girl! 

Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette - £22 - BUY

Who hasn't got one of these in the blogger world by now?!  I've decided to just start on the basic palette rather than forking out £37 on one of the other Naked sets just yet. I'm actually more excited to teach myself the looks I can create with this!

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in Shade 8: Pink in Confidence-  £25 - BUY

My complete splurge of the year so far but my god I love it. The best part of working in a shopping centre means I get to use my lunch breaks as testers a lot of the time to look round products and  actually give them enough thought before buying and I've been eyeing up the YSL counter for far too long.

Have you had guilty shopping sprees lately or tried any of these products?

xXx

The Perfect Excuse To Buy More Lipstick

I've seen a few people buying these lately and couldn't resist treating myself.

When it comes to Lipstick, I'll admit I don't wear it half as much as I should, mainly because I'm lazy when it comes to reapplying during the day, I take ages to put it on, I never know if it suits me and its often tucked away in my make up drawers.

Enter this 24 piece acrylic lipstick holder.

Not only does this show off your range of lipsticks perfectly as its tiered so they're always in easy reach but its super cheap too.
I bought this off eBay from this seller for an amazing £2.98, however, it's currently out of stock but I'm sure if you type in acrylic lipstick holder, you'll find the one for you.
It took just over a week to arrive from China, but I was not dissapointed. Its simple (not that you can expect much for less than £3), fits the lipsticks in perfectly and even lipglosses at the back fit in without tipping out.

 

The best part is I now have to go buy some new lipsticks to fill it as although I have the lovely ones at the front, the rest are mainly MUA and Lipglosses to fill the gaps.

Have you got any beauty storage that are a complete godsend??

xXx

This weeks beauty buys

So I've been a teeny bit naughty this week and bought a few new make up purchases that I've had my eye on for a couple of weeks.

As I'm fortunate enough to get paid weekly I hand my rent to my boyfriend in installments 3 times in the month meaning that 1 week I'm left with a slightly larger amount (minus smaller bills) .

So why not?

 

 In my defense, All the Rimmel products were 3 for 2 in the offer currently running in Superdrug, so I did take advantage.

I've dabbled in a few Rimmel bits here and there but I keep hearing great things about such an affordable range of products. 

Firstly I bought the New ScandalEyes Mascara: Rockin Curves - £6.99 - BUY. I've always loved their mascaras so I know I can't go wrong here. You've probably seen the advert for this on TV as it seems to be everywhere at the moment.

Secondly...Lipstick...Kate Moss. Need I say more? Everyone girl and her mother seems to love Kates range (I have far too many of her nail varnishes) I bought this in Shade 107 in the Lasting Finish range in a beautiful deep red shade.£5.49 - BUY

and my final Rimmel buy comes in the form of a Lasting Finish Colour Rush in shade 600 - On Fire- £5.99 - BUY. Its one step away from coral but just about peachy enough to not quite hit a red shade. Or at least this is what I'm hoping when I try it. 

 Maybelline - Baby Skin: Instant Pore Eraser - £7.99 - BUY

Stepping away to my slightly indecisive purchase, it took me 3 days of constantly walking into Boots to decide if I could tear myself away from my Benefit Porefessional Primer to try this one out. In the end, I obviously said 'go on then' mostly because its a new products by them and the Baby Skin range is HUGE and I'm hoping this is going to a decision that genuinely pays off.

REVIEWS - These will follow over the coming week or so when I've had a chance to give them a try.

Short and sweet today but let me know or link me to what you have been buying this week??  

xXx

Christmas 2013

I hope you all had a great Christmas this year and got everything you asked for. For me, this year marked the first where I honestly wasn bothered about anything in particular I did/didnt recieve and cared more about the gifts I bought other people.

That doesnt mean I wasnt truely grateful for what I got, but as I hadnt asked for anything, I wasnt expecting anything either.

I ended up with lots of new things from my family, friends and Jamie which were all incredible and I know I'll use it all, especially the amount of baking things I recieved.

When it came to Beauty / Perfume items, I usually ask for a range of more affordable bits but realised this just ends up in my make up drawers so I asked for products that have become my daily routine this year so I know everything will be put to good use.


Heres a quick run down of some of the Beauty gifts I got...

Boots No7 Illuminating Mirror - Link - Ive been after this for a good few years now after having my old housemates hand me down one and since leaving it at home in July, I finally got my own.

Secondly comes my beautiful Benefit addiction. These were gifts from Jamie and my Parents.

The 'best of benefit' (link) set is ideal for any bene-newbie or someone that just wants to top up their collection without buying the full sizes.

The set includes

The Porefessional Primer
They're Real Mascara
Hoola Bronzer
Boi-ing Concealer
High Beam Highlighter.
Benetint Cheek Stain


The second set is an amazing perfume, Crescent Row (link) miniatures set. I originally asked for Laugh with me Lee Lee as this is a perfume I've owned already, but for the same price my mum bought me this with 4 to chose from, ideal for my handbag and each include their own box so you don't even feel like you're getting abit cheated for the small size.

This set includes:
Laugh with me Lee Lee
Ring my Bella (fastly becoming my fave)
Under my spell Noelle
My place or yours Gina

Although I love The Body Shop, I never seem to shop there as often as I should so to get all these was amazing.

I seem to have gone a bit Mango (link) crazy with this gift set from my manager and the shower gel from my family along with the satsuma one which smells amazing.

The perfume set was actually a gift from my uncle who didn't even know how much I love TBS' White Musk (link)  (it's quite old lady-ish I know but I love it) so to receive this I now have 3 bottles and couldn't be happier. The fragrance mist will also be super handy for a daily top up without drowning myself in perfume.

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a sick adiction to Soap and Glory so much so, we have a box in our bathroom purely dedicated to the stuff so it was always going to be a sure present to get me for christmas.

My grandma bought me this Bright and Bubbly Gift set (link) which includes:
Hand Food
The Righeous Butter
Clean on Me
The Scrub of your life
A pink wash scrub


I also received two full size versions of Clean on Me Body Wash and Calm One Calm All Bubble Bath.

Boots No7 Ultimate Gift Set - Every year No7 release this amazing set full of full sizes of their best products but at the price of £65, its not exactly something I can just splurge out on so I waited until it went down to £32 as a star gift and asked Jamie if I could have it as one of my presents.

I've always considered the boxs' contents as a bit too 'old' for me but the depressing thing, at 22, I think protecting face creams are now my calling in life so i'm excited to give all these a go, however, at the smallest price of £9 for individual items, they will have to be used more sparingly...or at least until next christmas :)

The No7 Ultimate Collection includes

Blissful Body Wash
Completely Quenched Mosturising Body Lotion
Sumptuous Bath Soak
Beautiful Skin Cleansing Lotion
Beautiful Skin Dry Skin Rescue - This will  a god send in the summer
Protect and Perfect Day Hand Cream
Protect an Perfect Intense Day Cream
Protect and Perfect Intense Night Cream
No7 Lash Adapt Mascara
No7 Lipgloss

 

 A few Full Size Benefit Goodies off my Mum.

The Porefessional Primer - My everyday go-to product, I get through this at a depressingly fast speed

Hydra Smooth Lip Color - I'm yet to try this or any of Benefits Lipsicks but I was given the shade, Air Kiss, an intense pink shade which I cant wait to try.

Thats my top christmas beauty gifts, hope you are all having a fantastic New Year (we just booked Harry Potter tickets so thats my first resolution ticked off)

Topshop Sale Haul

So if you haven't noticed yet, the summer sales are well and truly under way on the high street and at a time when I can't be spending a single penny due to moving in with my boyfriend in a few weeks time and scraping together a deposit, this is killing my inner shopper.

However, I did allow myself to have a cheeky trip to Topshop - one of my favourite high street stores (and nicely getting cheaper these days - if anyone else has noticed). I find that their clothes have always been really nice fitting to my figure, despite being of the curvier variety I can always get away with buying a Size 10 which I'm not going to cry about.

I also find as a brand, the range they offer for different women is continuously getting better with the Petite section being an absolute god send to 5foot1 me.

Anyway, I got the 'pre shop' email off them and thought I'd have a cheeky look to see if I could grab myself a bargain and of course I did. I never spend more than £15-£20 on an item in the sale, purely because I love a bargain and I've got to be a little bit careful now the days of Student Finance are over.

Besides the online shop - I did pop into store (I'm a terrible person) and buy a few more bits.
 
Here's my own Topshop Summer Sale goodies....

Lipstick Case - Was: £6 Now £3 -

This one has sold out but you can buy the Glitter one here

I've been after a lipstick case for months and thought I'd have to do an antique shop run to get my hands on one but for now, I'm pretty happy I've found this one.

                                       Pink Lipstick in Bombshell - Was £9 Now: £5 - Here

I'm fairly new to pink lipsticks normally settling with the standard red shades. I've also read alot of      reviews about Topshop lipsticks - some bloggers loving them and others hating them so I think its time to have my own opinion - Review coming soon.

KAPOW Tights - Was: £8.50 Now: £4 

The BANG tights can be found here

I'm a massive sucker for novelty tights - I'll probably upload my Henry Holland collection one day. But sadly I don't have HH money at the moment so these comic book style tights are perfect for now.

Petite Studded Bralet - Was:£18 Now: £5 - Out of Stock

I couldn't resist this from the online sale for a fiver. Plus I got the last one which is always a result.

Star Bodycon Skirt - Was: £22 Now: £12 - Here

I've been after a long bodycon skirt for ages (although being so short, I can wear this as a dress). I bought it in a size 10 so its going to be my target skirt.

 Long Skull Necklace - Was: 16.50 Now: £8.25 - Bought in store

Anyone that knows me, knows I love a good skull and this is beautiful. With coloured crystalled all over it, its so so cute.

Peel Off Nails in What'Up - Was: £6 Now: £3

I bought this by accident as the sale sticker was covering the 'peel off' and there's a reason its in the sale. Its awful. I don't understand the concept unless you suffer from varnish allergies. I literally applied this and it had completely wiped off an hour later. If perhaps you cant wear nail varnish for work and worry you'll forget to remove it its ideal but if you want lasting colour, don't buy this. 

I want to know what you guys have been buying in the sale???!! This is one of my favourite times of the shopping season and I'm so curious as to what others have been buying!

Stevie-Leigh X