An Unexpected Lush Haul

I say unexpected because I very rarely shop at Lush. As our house doesn't have a bath (walk in showers, etc) it's kind of teasing to walk into those stores and see all the amazing bath bomb/ballistics/melts and all other bath related goodness. Sure, I can easily wonder in and pick up a shower smoothie... 

H&M Haul | Homeware & Clothing Pieces

I have a lot of love for H&M - mostly from in my 'youth' buying stuff from their Divided range (oh yes, emo hoodies..) but as of late (about two years ago) I started venturing on line to take a peak at their Home-wares - and I've been hooked since. They have some amazing textile pieces on offer but also great storage items and the everyday pieces like towels, tea towels etc. 

Not to mention I am hooked on their Best Basics range - the V neck tee (the grey pictured above) and their 'slub' style tees are perfect for everyday dressing up or down - not to mention the price and how they wear quite well. Amazing. I always tend to buy one or two when I'm shopping for other bits 'cause you can never have enough neutral tees - plus this particular cut was in the sale for £3 - absolute bargain.

My recent 'splurge' was mainly for the jumper pictured above - I also picked one up in a dark grey and went for a size larger than I usually do - namely because they are of a fine knit so no risk of looking any plumper than usual, but mainly because I like layering during the winter - as opposed to wearing thick chunky jumpers - these are super soft and just so so flattering. In love!

Two purchases were cushion covers - the crazy looking cat cushion cover reminded me of Grumpy Cat (seriously, I want that cat!) and also fitted in well with neutral throw - plus the grey and white striped cushion matches my curtains. The cat cushion was on sale for £1.99 (and still is,) whilst the striped cushion is only £3.99 - I'll be picking up another one of those bad boys!

Last but not least was a little gold skull tea light holder that I'm currently using beside my bed as a little hold-everything container - namely hand cream and hair ties, which is just under £2.

There are so many little gems on there - I'm after the copper candle holders - so beautiful - and some more cushion covers... as if I haven't got enough...

Have you bought anything from the H&M home-wares section recently?

Peace!

Mini Haul | Fragrance Direct

I didn't intend to go to Fragrance Direct again but so many people had mentioned they had restocked Essie polishes (for the ridiculous price of £1.99,) that I couldn't help but click my way over there - the thing is I decided against more polish, strange I know but instead picked up four things (one a repurchase,) that I was actually intrigued in.

First up is the Royal Seven Way Nail Buffer - I actually lost my previous buffer and for 99 pence I was not about to stick my nose up at it, it works divinely by the by - so if you're in the market for a new buffer - look no further.

My repurchase was of course the Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser which feels like a gel/oil when you work it in - it smells gorgeous and really is the perfect cleanser for morning time.

The Manhattan Eyebrow Kit (I'm sorry but I can't find the link, I'm thinking it must be out of stock but the brand page is here - it may come back into stock,) features a dark brown and a light brown powder plus a setting wax, the texture is very nice indeed but I'll have to see about longevity - so keep an eye out for this one on the blog at a later date...

Last but not least is the Royal tweezer and glass nail file kit - I'd been hankering after a glass nail file and this is perfect, the tweezers are just a bonus (they do a good job, very sturdy,) it's so easy to get the shape I want without faffing around which seems to be the case with standard nail files sending dust flying everywhere. Once again I can't get the link so it might be out of stock but the brands nail tool page is here.

So that's my little hauls over and out - have you had any recent discoveries and new purchases?

Peace!

Real Techniques Mini-Haul

I love Real Techniques brushes and not just because I adore the Pixiwoo sisters (their tutorial videos are always on top of my watch list on YouTube,) but because they really are great brushes at a great price point.  

iHerb is a website I have used before to pick up my other Real Techniques brushes - for an even better price so I used it again and saved some money and if you're in the market for some new brushes, replacing old ones - you can save some money too.

If you spend over $40 on your first order you can get $10 off your order using the code; MPL147. If you spend under $40 you can still get $5 off with the same code. I chose the cheapest shipping option and these came to me (as before) in two weeks. 

I picked up the shading brush - I don't have this particular kind of brush so picked that up as a kind of necessary purchase but the main reason for shopping was for the Duo Fiber Collection, limited edition. I'm a sucker for a limited edition in products that I love so it was a no brainer, plus I loved the look of the brushes (if there wasn't room for them in my collection, I wouldn't have bought them - simple as,) and iHerb also include little gifts - mine a little compact mirror which are always handy.

These brushes so far, I may add I haven't had them long so shan't do a full review - I adore them. I know that the eye brush has got a lot of hate - but I love it as much as the other two. I think maybe because it isn't as soft as the other two that people don't like it? I'm not sure - but I've enjoyed using this as a crease brush and it's working beautifully. The contour brush is perfect for highlighters (powder and cream,) and the face brush is great for bronzer. It's pretty obvious but the single brush I bought is great at doing it's job too; shading and defining. 

Have you picked up this collection yet? Do you love it or hate it?

Peace!

Green + Orange | Mini Haulin'

I finally picked up Reggae Splash from Morrisons the other morning when I had to run out and buy emergency cigars (!) for Joshua. I patted myself on the back for not picking up more colours (trying to curb spending only slightly, I need to save yo'!) and made my way back home. Coming home however and it seems a few small packages had arrived and what tumbled out was all green and orange.

First up, obviously just going to touch on Reggae Splash - it's beautiful - I'm currently rocking it on toes and fingers which never usually happens. It's a subtle summer colour and I dig it. 

A bit boring, but the silicone ice trays were a purchase from eBay - we some how lost ours and had taken to using sandwich bags tied in a knot because we were all so desperate for some ice. I know you can get pretty cool shaped ones but this was just 'grab a bog standard one and be done' kind of thing - plus my local supermarket had sold out and I wasn't about to venture into the city for an ice tray, not in this weather!

I managed to get a sample of the Origins Drink Up Intensive mask to test on my skin, this product has been raved about but I have probably mentioned before - I'd rather get a sample first before shelling out for skin care - I have sensitive/dry skin and sometimes it's paid off being sensible this way. Saying that, I am so eager to try this bad boy!

Last but not least a new Revlon Just Bitten Kissable shade (Charm) for me to lust over - but this one is not in the UK stores I believe so I had to hit eBay for it, and it worked out cheaper than the ones here in the shops anyway! It's a gorgeous peachy shade and feel it's going to have pride of place in my make up bag...

Peace!

Haulin' | Boots

Heh. 

What can I say? One minute you're casually browsing the internet and then this happens. There is only one saving grace to this haul and that is; these were all on offer. Whew.

For my face I picked up two products that I have high hopes for - one has been blogged about by everyone and their cat/dog. The Dr Jart Waterfuse BB Cream was half price when I bought this - so only £9 - need I say anymore? The coverage is light to cover blemishes but to still let your skin through - aka, no mask like tendencies with this bad boy and I cannot wait to try it out on warmer days (that are hopefully coming...) 

I also wanted to try the No7 Essentially Natural foundation that boasts a light/medium coverage for all skin types with an 25 SPF, so no night time wear if you're taking photos but it looks to be promising and a similar consistency to that of the Dr Jart. This was part of the buy one get one half price offer across a selected line so to go with this I picked up the Revlon Colour Stay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Finale. First thoughts - creamy, long lasting and a beautiful shade of hot pink/red that looks a dream on - winner, I say!

A bit boring but I also picked up a tanning mitt - an essential for this time of year but this St Tropez one had £1.50 off. I haven't tested it out yet but I'm hoping it can save me from dreaded orange fingers. 

Lastly the other two combinations I bought were the Bourjois Bronzing Primer - apparently it's useless as a primer but is a pretty good dupe to the Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzer - both of these products look hellish scary in their respective pans but I am intrigued to see how this one works out. With this I also picked up the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - again, this looks like it wasn't going to be a good match for me but once applied it definitely has more pink/peach in it - and doesn't look that brown once swatched + applied...

Overall? I'm going to hide by card now and hibernate for a few weeks I think but I am pretty pleased with the offers/deals I got!

Had an good deals recently?

Peace!

Haulin' - Fragrance Direct & Escentual

Pay day came, and now it is long gone and now I must wait until the next one (oops,) but I did manage to make a killer saving on some things I actually needed to replace...

First up from Escentual I re-purchased my fourth (!) bottle of the Vichy Purete Thermale Hydra-Perfecting Toner. I simply love it, it doesn't feel tight or dry out my skin. Perfecto! Secondly I picked up a new moisturiser from Avene. It's the Hydrance Optimale Rich Protective SPF 20. Let me just say, Hydrance is the right word. Oh dayumn! It's so hydrating, yet light. I'm pleased I got the 'Rich' version because the 'Light' might of been a tad too light. If you have combination skin you might want to try it out though! They also sent out a nail file, which is nice. I always like when companies add that little touch - it's just thoughtful!

So from Fragrance Direct I picked up A LOT of nail related paraphernalia, if you couldn't tell! I bought a cheap pair of nail scissors and they broke after the first week - not great, and when I saw that FD had a pretty large discount on Sally Hansen and Essie (£1.99 for a bottle of Essie? Not bad, right?) so I scooped up some much needed supplies. I'm looking forward to my back getting better, so I can actually bend down to do my feet a pretty pedicure.

A little note though; the colour for Waltz looks more lilac/greige on the website but it is a pure white - which isn't a bad thing, I've got plans for this one!

Have you got any deals shopping recently?

Peace!

Mini-Haul | Superdrug

I think it's safe to bet that if I have to pick up anything from Boots or Superdrug (Hot cloth cleansers, usually,) that if there is an offer on cosmetics, I will pick something up. This time, I picked up three little somethings...

First up was the Rimmel Salon Pro nail varnish in Peppermint. Oh, it had me at first glance - a perfect green-blue for Summer - plus the finish and longevity of the product is brilliant especially for the price point. 

Second, another polish. This time by Barry M - my Superdrug can sometimes fall behind on ranges when it comes to make up but recently they have undergone some changes to their stands (YAY!) and with it comes better stock lines for me to peruse. I picked up the Sequin Nail Paint in shade 1 (really, not a delightful name for this pretty product?) and it seriously reminds me of those penny sweets, my favourites, sometimes called white rainbow drops. I trust in Barry M polishes ever since my early teen years, and this doesn't disappoint. 

Last of all was Permanent Taupe - from the Maybelline Colour Tattoo range. I've had On and On Bronze and love it dearly so picked up this shade. I love it, of course. I usually use my fingers to apply these or the Detailer brush from Real Techniques (it's stiff enough to apply these kinds of products perfectly! A match made in heaven...) and the opportunity to build up in light layers is incredible. You can go subtle to smokey very easily. 

So that was my little pick me up, what was your recent treat to yourself, beauty or otherwise?

Peace!

New Purchases - Feel Unique + Ebay...

Oh goodness.

It wasn't intentional. I was running out of my supplies - case in point, lower picture - my trial run of Bioderma has been extremely pleasing but it was running low so figured, yes, I will go for the next size up. 

That's how it begins you know, just an innocent re-purchase. Then you're on feel unique picking up a make-up removing/facial wash from Nuxe (which is so so honey smelling it makes me want to eat my face,) and a very amazing (so far,) yet bizarre cleanser from Burts Bees which is almost like a balm/oil - and deliciously orange scented.

Not to mention the usual from Palmers (body moisturizer, as standard for me, I tend not to stray far from cocoa butter concoctions,) and a new purchase from Avene.

I shopped around, mind you, to get the best deals. But I seriously cannot wait to tell you how they are working for me in a few weeks time. :)

Peace!

Haul | Superdrug & Boots

So a little thing happened. I went into town to drop off my car at the garage and then thought "Oh, Superdrug has Original Source on offer, I'll pick some up..."

The face masks are Superdrugs own brand, currently on a 4 for 3 offer - who can say no? Original Source is only £1.13 at the moment, I picked up some more face wash and some cocoa butter lotion (I love this particular stuff and for under £2 I don't feel guilty when I slather it on,) and not to mention a cheeky Barry M nail varnish in Lychee.

This was my plan - only to pick up bottles of delicious Original Source. Then I got distracted by everything. The product I am most intrigued to try is of course the Wild Ombre kit from L'Oreal - I'll be putting this into action once my hair has been re-dyed. I have no idea what will happen to my ends in terms of colour, it very well may come out orange - but I am not worrying. It's only hair.

In boots I had only wanted some Hand Food and thought to go for the 3 for 2 offer. Of course I needed some more Heel Genius and picked up some Hand Maid sanitizing gel too. Then Toni and Guy are on offer - 3 products for £12... Oh god help me. Then you know, Revlon. BAM. In the basket.

What had been intended was a simple trip into town turned me into red-wrists. When you buy things, and then they weigh you down and give you red wrists. Red-Wrist Guilt I call it. ;)

What have you been splurging on this week?

Peace!

P.S, Thinking about doing some vlogging, yay or nay?

accessories haul - matalan

 wellington boot socks - £3.

 Trapper hat; £6. Fingerless gloves; £4.

 'J' earrings - £4.

 Cross ring 'knuckleduster...' - £5.

 Pink skull stretchy bracelet - £4.

Glasses - £4.

I usually find Matalan hit or miss with their clothing, but I've never had a problem with their shoes and accessories, especially in autumn.

So whilst shopping for emergency bedding (long story that involves my mother buying a too big mattress...) I also picked up some little bits that deserved my love...

Peace!

little treats...

Tri-Peptox Scrub, Collection 2000 concealer, Carmex lip balm.

Life should be full of little treats.

Peace!

feel unique haul!

 I got the 30ml Caudalie Beauty Elixir, just to try out before I splurge £30ish big ones on a 'toner' -- so far I really like it, but I get the hype about the smell. Eurgh. It also came with free samples, one almost like a BB cream and a serum to use before moisturiser. All of these are floating my boat right now. :)

 I did have three of the lip butters from Revlon, but when my handbag got stolen I lost my 'Peach Parfait' to the thief. Boo. It was the perfect shade for my lips and added a subtle amount of shimmer, so I knew I had to get another nude toned butter... I decided to test out the L'Oreal Paris Caresse in 501 Nude Ingenue. It's perfect - and I adore it. It's a little browner (it seemed a tad pinker online,) than I thought but it is pale enough of on the brown side to still suit my pale skin tone.

I also picked up some Palmers Massage Lotion for stretch marks. I obviously have stretch marks from growing up, standard to most women. I however bought it with mild hopes it may help the scarring from my chicken pox and ease them away quicker. Time will tell. But I love this stuff for moisturiser anyway, it smells gorgeous!

Peace!

3 for £10 at Tesco - Aussie Hair Care!

Hi lovelies! 

Just to let you know, I got these pretties on a special offer at Tesco (3 products for £10... when they are usually £4.99 each!) 

So if you're Aussie inclined like me - get over there quickly!

Peace!

primark + h&m haul - clothing,

 h&m - mens section vest. :)

 h&m - tee, white.

 h&m - tee, dark grey.

 primark - navy blue jumper. 

 primark - khaki sleeveless cross blouse.

 Primark - Owl lounge sweater.

Primark - Nude tote studded bag. 

Had a bit of a shopping spree today. Picked up some basic tees that I desperately required and some other items I didn't need, but had to have. 

Josh also got some belts, sunglasses and a really amazing coat in h&m for under £30... so not a bad haul for everyone involved!

Have a fun bank holiday weekend!

Peace!

mini haul, boots online...

I bought a few things on line from boots.com. I restocked my usual No7 hot cloth cleanser, No7 toner and decided to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer on selected No7 skincare and purchased the Beautiful skin overnight revitalising eye balm too. Which after using for a week so far is proving a really great little product.

Also on my list was some more foot cream, I like to treat my feet especially for vanity reasons, I have quite nice feet, haha!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip stain also made it into my basket - a little review of sorts coming up soon! 

I won't go into too much detail because I really want to save all this for a video (once my pox marks have gone,) so I can ramble thoroughly! 

In any case I really do like waiting for offers when shopping, it really does save your pocket when you have 3 for 2 offers, a free gift when you spend X amount on BRAND make-up (which I got with No7 Make up, so cute, I even got a full size mascara!)

So yes, another haul and hopefully some more reviews and videos a-coming.

Peace!

Mini Haul - MUA + Benefit...

Hola! Well, I've been dying to show some of the things I got on a mini haul - but as I was at my boyfriends with a lack of internet, I've had to wait until today until I could upload the pictures.

Excuse my nails - I had just taken off some false acrylics that were gorgeous, but I was helping a neighbour on the friday to help her prepare a shitttt load of mothers day cupcakes. I did not want buttercream in my nails. 

First up is the MUA primer. I have normal/combination skin. My forehead/nose/chin tend to break out which is fabulous (sense the tone) but my cheeks are either normal or dry, depending on the season. In any case, sometimes I have 'craters' or open pores and it bothers me to hell and back. 

So I thought I'd test out MUA's primer - and it is perfect for me - and at only £4 from superdrug, I wasn't exactly saying no to this little beauty! I'd say the only downside is it leaves my hands feeling slightly sticky after I have applied, but it soon goes away (or I freak out and wash my hands...)

My friend Kirsty, after hearing me blab on about Benefit High Beam then mentioned she had a sample and then gave it to me! Happy, I was, said Yoda. I've been using it on my cheekbones and on my brow bone - and it really does highlight it so well. I'll definitely be buying the full size bottle when it runs out!

I also got a few other items - one of them being a bloody wonder product in my honest opinion... and it only costs £2...

Stay tuned for that one!

Peace!