Mascara and Maltesers | UK Beauty Blog

Best of Jo Malone (IMO)

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sat, 4 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0100

I say best, and by that I mean the three fragrances I own, and won't branch out on trying any others as I feel like that would be unfaithful. Undoubtedly I wouldn't of brought these if I didn't like them, therefore for me, they are the best.

Jo Malone Blackberry and Bay. Can you tell this was a present? Just compare sizes of the bottles I brought with my own money (crying face Emoji needed). This is the perfect mixture of fruitiness and freshness, there is something weirdly comforting about this scent. It doesn't edge on sickly sweet at all like the name would suggest, but this is my current 'go to' Jo Malone scent.

Jo Malone Peony and Suede Blush cologne, this is a sweet and romantic scent that combines the freshness of red apple, jasmine, the luxury of peony (favourite flower) and the unusual mix of suede into the one heavenly fragrance.Think a floral scent with a touch of leather won't work? Think again. This has no trace of leather at all, so no worries that you'll smell like a new car. The combination leaves a scent I think is a tad musky but the floral edge leaves it warm and understated. Think Marc Jacobs Daisy or Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, but nicer.

Jo Malone London Black Cedarwood & Juniper Cologne. No I can't pronounce 'Juniper' either, but regardless of what I end up calling this, it will always been known as my 'surprise' scent. First sniff actually led to the words, "Mum you can have this one" as it was too strong and woody for me. Yet one week down the line once I tried it again, and let it settle on my skin my mind was changed. It is dark, spicy and woody still, yet the Juniper (its a plant according to Google) gives it a little fruity freshness. Very much a evening fragrance in my books, but if you're after something different from Jo Malone, this is the one. And yes, my mum did let me have it back.

What are your favourite Jo Malone products?

The beauty mistakes I am glad I made

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:30:00 +0100

It was only half way through writing this post (I was writing my 'mistakes' first FYI) that I realised I might actually insult people with this post, and that really isn't my intention. We all need a smile put on our faces at the moment.
So let me start, the word 'mistake' in the post is a very loose term, and only a 'mistake' for me - if any of the below work for you then I am insanely jealous...I do not like learning the hard way.

1. Over plucking my eyebrows, again.

What is that old saying, 'hurt me once, shame on you. Hurt me twice, shame on me.' Well me and my tweezers are having that sort of relationship currently. I have let them get their way once leaving my eyebrows (or lack of), just stupidly over plucked that I can't even describe a shape. So what did I do recently? I did it again...because when you don't suit thin brows for numerous reason of course I would go through the pain twice. Twit.

2. Dying my hair brow.

This one is the reason for my very PC intro to this post as I realised I was probably going to insult half the people who may actually read this. Brown hair is amazing, and that was my issue, as I love it just that bit too much that I wanted to join the club. What I failed to realise is that it looks great on others, and that no, I did not look like Cheryl Cole (current name?!) once the dye had covered my blonde tresses. Washed out, puffy faced, pale and natural hair that was in fact lighter was what I ended up with - see my problem?

3. Never conditioning my hair.

For some reason I was under the elusion that using conditioner on my fine hair would just make it limper and even more lifeless. But then I learnt, so did badly conditioned hair. I don't use loads, but starting at about ear level, I do use enough now for my poor hair to get some looking after, and to be finally appreciated by the head that it lives on.

4. Racoon Eyeliner

This was due to my gothic stage I went through as teen, nothing wrong with the gothic look I may add, but when your like me and can't pull off the gothic look then it isn't such a good idea. I just wanted to look like Avril Lavigne/ Ashlee Simpson, but I just wasn't cool enough. Yet without this epic mistake, and Facebook evidence, I would not of found my beloved cat eye style liner, which I would like to think is much more flattering.

5. Lack of bronzer

More so matching my ears with my face, as even with bronzer I still very much like my pale look. Yet this showed me quite how much I was wearing as my ears often looked like they either weren't mine, or that I had brought joke stick on ears (plus it doesn't help I have big ears). It took me surprisingly long to remember I actually have ears, and am very glad I went all those time forgetting them as I have hopefully ended up with a far more natural glow.

What beauty mistakes are you glad you made?

The Unglamorous Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 09:30:00 GMT

I had to choose this picture as she looks how I feel when I have to look at some of the unpretty makeup items in this post. A this is saying something I love the colour grey, yet these grey tubs just are the most unglamorous things to put on my dressing table. Sigh. But this whole not going out thing has one thing going for it, I can go back to basics with my beauty routine, and wallow in the 'unglamorous' side of beauty.

First on my unglamorous list the E45 Cream. The 'help me' of all creams. There is rarely a skin situation that E45 can't fix for me. Plain and simple, but when your skin is being a rebel this is the one to make it behave. Instantly soothing and calming, many eczema and dry skin situations have been saved by this. Such unglamorous packaging, but luckily small enough to shove in my dressing table draw.

Next is the slightly oversized tube of Oilatum Cream. For when my skin needs more than E45, a real emergency sort of cream, in one ugly big tube. Not only for my eczema but Oilitum is also a complete savour on my hair line when all it wants to do it flake. Yes naturally this does make my hair greasy, but when you sleep alone (minus the cat) it doesn't really matter.

Lastly (and potentially the most unglamorous) is Sudocream. This one is no secret is it? In two words? Spot. Savour. Whoever initially thought they would put nappy rash cream on their spots is a slightly questionable genius. In a pretty ugly grey tub, this can't even remove spot glamorously (if there is such a thing) as first comes the white blob you have to tolerate, secondly is making sure you don't forget this white blob on your face and either smudge it like warrior face paint or worse smudge it into your mouth. Not speaking from experience of course...but lastly does come a less angry looking spot.

What are your unglamorous beauty products?

The perfect bitch: Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 23:42:00 GMT

Not often do I squeak when opening post, and when I do it is always for the wrong reason (brown envelopes I'm looking at you), but a certain package from FeelUnique did this to me recently. All for the right reasons of course, and tucked away in the packaging was the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Bitch Perfect lipstick from the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range.

I am probably Pillow Talks biggest fan - one look in my makeup bag will show you the lipstick, lip liner eyeshadow palette...ok you get it, and I until I looked up this lipstick for this post I didn't realise how well loved this shade is in the beauty world. Being a gorgeous peach-toned nude this is hardly surprising, and it seems Bitch Perfect from Charlotte’s signature K.I.S.S.I.N.G range has become a bit of cult among beauty bloggers (this shade is said to have been inspired by a modern or classic icon did you know?).

I did think this would be to dark and slightly harsh on my pale skin, but it is surprisingly natural looking and just gives that 'my lips but better look' that I always try and achieve as I'm not adventurous enough for much else. Even my mum said 'oh this is a shade you'll actually wear.'

To be honest though, I think I would of fell in love with this lipstick regardless of the colour purely for how creamy and long lasting Bitch Perfect is. You can definitely tell there are some 'light diffusing pigments' thrown into the formula as even after a few hours of wear this doesn't lose its just applied look like some lipstick do. I would say the K.I.S.S.I.N.G range of lipsticks are very similar in finish to MAC Cremesheen or a YSL Rouge Volupte, just better. Bitch Perfect is mum approved and squeak worthy - what else is needed?

Have you tried any Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks?

Handcare 101

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMT

Hand washing has become second nature to us all (hand wash recommendations are welcome BTW), but wow my hands have suffered as a results, clean yes but dry? No, extremely dry would be a far better definition.

A few tips I picked up the past few weeks?

Ok, pat your hands dry. Do. Not. Rub.

Look to hand creams that contain emollients - these have been my savour. The Body Shops Almond Milk and Honey hand cream needs a special mention at this point.

Old fashioned soap and water is always is preferable. Obviously out & about hand sanitisers are essential, but at home (which is the only place I am the moment) soap is far more gentle on my skin.

Face mask for your hands, or otherwise known as hand masks - yes these are a thing. Epionce’s Renewal Hand Cream is ideal for a nighttime treat, a nice think layer will do the trick.

And now for to add to the glamour of self isolating - gloves gloves gloves. Get the marigolds out - helping minimise the expose your hands experience when cleaning.

Marigolds and loungewear - trust me, they go.

What are tips for keeping your hands in top form?

The Monday Pick Me Ups: Part Three

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 09:30:00 GMT

Ok, so beauty products won't be much of a distraction from what's going on currently -and caffeine pick me up only lasts a certain about of time, beauty products make me feel uplifted and well, 'picked up' for a little while, or at least somewhat distracted.

Firstly is the Philosophy Pure Grace body butter. This is very much a grown up Lush sort of smell, and I can apply this on a Saturday night and wake up on a Sunday and get a waft of this scent pass me buy - even after a serious Neflix binge.

Next is the Makeup Revolution Highlight Palette, and being made up of three different shade options I can vary this based on my mood. Well, all of this is providing I actually make it to the point of applying makeup...some days do not quite reach this level...

Lastly is the Lee Stafford Coconut Hairspray. Again, this is providing I get to the point of needing hairspray. Sitting around watching Friends repeats do not require hairspray. But when I do, and when I subsequently move my head I get the most wonderful coconut scent and I almost feel like I could be sitting on a beach drinking Pina Colada out of a coconut, which to be honest, is a thought we could all use as a distract at the moment.

What are your favourite pick me ups?

Wallpaper Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:00:00 GMT

Cliche title? Obviously, but who doesn't want a mid week pick up with a wallpaper change? I change my technology wallpaper more than I drink water (the sin), so naturally I spend far too long browsing the internet for choices/options/new finds - so here are my current favorites:

Corrie Broomfield - AKA best wallpaper around IMO - find all of her creative doings here.

Friday Faye - Pink and motivational? I'm done. Find more here.

Ariana Grande inspired? Blogpixie, well done. Here you go.

Want to make your phone feel expensive (as phones are cheap eh...) you can't go wrong with a Dior feel.

Ok, I know, marble cliche, rose gold etc - but tell me you can't resist this? Here you go.

Tell me your favourite places to find wallpapers?

Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 3 Sep 2017 09:30:00 +0100

Hello, my name is Annabel and I am addicted to all things shiny. But trying to find the balance between on trend highlight and full face sparkle/illuminating is hard. The struggle is real. So when I found out Makeup Revolution have release 7 new highlight shades, including this Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight, my summer was made.

Spoiler alert: it's incredible.

This highlighter is a reflective, iridescent champagne toned liquid, and it comes packaged in a holographic droplet bottle, which just adds to the fun (because let's be honest, packaging matters). Think Iconic London and Cover FX in terms of staying power, as this highlighter stayed on all day, despite the Bank Holiday heat and ever the swatch I did on my hand was staying put. Makeup Revolution also suggests mixing a little with body lotion for a whole-body unicorn glow.

The other shades from this new range include; Starlight, Champagne, Luminous Gold, Lustre Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold and the next one on my list Unicorn Elixir - because what is that saying? Always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn, then always be a unicorn. I'll be a very well highlighted one at that.

Have you tried the Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter Liquid Starlight?

Lee Stafford Coco Loco Mousse & Hairspray

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 10:00:00 +0100

I don't often buy things purely for one reason. Well okay, that may be a slight lie I am a slight magpie for pretty things, but generally speaking I like to buy things when there are a few reasons for me to do so. But did this happen recently? Of course not, I saw the word coconut and the Lee Stafford Coco Loco Mousse and Hairspray just fell into my basket....

To give myself credit, I do know I like Lee Stafford haircare and their 'Hair that doesn't grow' range has been a massive hit in my bathroom but I hadn't really seen much on his new coconut range, but nevertheless being a huge coconut fan this purchase was a 'no brainer'. The hairspray is designed to, well do what hairspray generally does and keep hair in place. No hairspray has ever overtaken Elnette, it's Elnette then everything else, but this Coconut hairspray is on par. Yes, on par. No not better, but just as good. Its does just what I want, holds my hair in place without 'showing', and stays in all day and then brushes out. An added bonus for this pink can? Not only does it smell of coconut (duh), you can smell the coconut when you move your head. Genius.

The mousse in similar fashion is designed to give soft, big, bouncy hair with a deliciously coconut scent, and that it does. Its less of a stiff foam then others, but disappears into my hair and leaves me with hair that is full of volume and with no crispy fringe in sight. This is the first mousse I have actually stuck with using, usually I don't see any benefit so I don't bother but Coco Loco has changed this.

Both were so worth the impulse purchase, and if anything my nose definitely thanks me on a daily basis with the coconut trace following me round - being a magpie for coconut has worked in mine, and my flat fringe, favour.

Have you tried the Lee Stafford Coco Loco Range?

The L'Oreal Paris Paradise Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:30:00 +0100

So, I'm a cliche. I could pretend otherwise, but to be honest I don't mind and I am well on my way to pick up my marble background as we speak....

But, lets be serious as there was no way I was putting down a rose gold packaged mascara and eyebrow pomade was there? It is just far to Instagrammable to miss out on. I'll give myself credit here as I do normally love anything L'Oreal so I knew there was a good chance I'd see beyond the prettiness and use the products regardless. Out of their new range I opted for the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara (£9.99) obviously, and the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade (£9.99) as my new lashes would need new eyebrow friends.

I had heard rumours that the mascara was a dupe for the slightly well known mascara out there... the Too Faced Better Than Sex, and with a price tag of £9.99 compared to £19 and rose gold packaging L'Oreal already had brownie points. L'Oréal's Paradise mascara promises to give "intense volume, spectacular length and a feather soft feel." Which basically sounds like my dream lashes in a rose gold tube. What have pleased me even more with L'Oreal is that I can get away with just one coat of this (hello work mornings), and when one coat doesn't happen, which is quite often, I can build up volume without clumping and with my lashes seeming to grow in length. A versatile mascara? This tube can stay firmly in my makeup bag.

No pressure for the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade....and it was off to a good start at the stand in Boots due to the colour choice. No three shade choices from L'Oreal and I opted for the 'warm blonde', which matches my pale skin and mid blonde hair perfectly. As in it actually looks like my brows, not like I've drawn them on with a darker shade. The natural look that can firstly be achieved with the L'Oreal Paris Paradise Brow Pomade is ideal to match my one coat mascara days. And like the mascara this can be build up (without clogging and looking OTT) to get more of an evening look. But the best thing about the Brow Pomade? The smudge proof qualities...tried and testing accidentally in one of those 'I forgot I put my brows on' situations as I wiped my brows and they stayed put. A miracle. This was then extended to the removal, as this did take quite a firm rub to totally remove.

I am glad L'Oreal didn't let me down here, because as much I don't mind being a walking cliche, I do feel much better about myself (as does my bank account) when the products are nothing less than wonderful. A blonde beauty blogger with a rose gold obsession? Now you don't see many of those around...but least I can have good lashes and brows when I get my marble iPhone out...

Have you tried the L'Oreal Paris Paradise range yet?

The Natural Health Practice Hair Skin and Nails supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 9 Aug 2017 09:30:00 +0100

Patience isn't my strong point, especially when it come to beauty. Instant results is what I'm after, and anything that takes longer than that doesn't generally work with me. So when I started taking The Natural Health Practice's Hair, Skin & Nails supplement (£29.77) I had already pictured myself with Beyonce-esque wind machine type hair by the weekend. Seems I was being a tad optimistic, as until 6 months ago I firstly I had never thought about taking supplements, and secondly didn't realise that these supplements can take around 3 months in 'get into your system'. Sigh. Nevertheless, I thought adding these into my daily routine wasn't going to do much harm, and hey if I got better hair, nails and skin as a results then that is a bonus.

So why did these stand out for me over the others in the market (apart from a certain Kardashian family not endorsing them)? The entire The Natural Health Practice brand is formulated by Dr Marilyn Glenville, AKA the Charlotte Tilbury and MACs of the nutrition world. And we all love a expert. The combination of Vitamin C, Biotin and Zinc in these supplements is specifically formulated for health, radiance and beauty and is a special combination carefully chosen nutrients for women - and being one of the female species myself I thought this pot could only do good things. I am sure these would also work for men, I can't see the limitations stopping at women.

Now for the science bit, and if you're not fussed please feel free to skip this next paragraph (just not the rest obviously...). So, the combination of ingredients all help to slow down the ageing process, with nutrients that help with the strengthening of collagen such as MSM, Lysine and vitamin C. The other nutrients include biotin for maintaining healthy hair and skin, horsetail (nothing do to with actual horses FYI) which provides a natural source of silica for strengthening hair and nails, inositol and choline for promoting hair growth and lastly vitamin B12 for healthy cell growth.

Now onto the important bit - do they work? In a short answer, yes. My hair has been my biggest beauty hassle, long story short it fell out when I was 16 due to medical problems and grew back, well sort of grew back all fine and wispy (goodbye to the dark thick hair I used to flick around), and even to this day has never been the same again. When I'm stressed it falls out and I get with 50p sized pieces missing around my head. But the last 4 months have been slightly different, hair-wise at least as my scalp has seen more hair growth than 'normal', and the condition of my hair has been described by as hair dresser as 'very good', and I am normally the person who gets told off by the hairdressers....

I have spoken to some other people who have used the Hair, Skin and Nails, and seems to be one of those products that varies with every person. Some said they noticed a change in their hair in a few weeks, some said it was their nails they noticed the benefit with first. Like I have mentioned, Hair, Skin and Nails has made the most difference to my hair, but then I am lucky with my skin not to get many blemishes (only sugar induced ones), and the same with my nails as they have always been strong like acrylics - but for what these supplements have done for my hair alone I will make sure I remember to take my two a day, and keep working towards my Beyonce goals.

Do you use any beauty supplements?

Makeup Revolution Baking Powder Ghost Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 6 Aug 2017 09:30:00 +0100

Remember the Luxury Banana powder? As if you could forget that name. Funny off topic story - in my old house we used to have a banana shaped phone. Yes seriously (link link link). Anyway, off the back of banana powder, Makeup Revolution have upped their game for us paler skins and developed a light finishing powder, called the Makeup Revolution Baking Powder Ghost Finish (£5). Can't say I have ever used ghostly white as as beauty inspo, purely as I'd never be as cute as Casper, but as usual Makeup Revolution have made the impossible possible and I have not put this little pot down all week.

As you would imagine with the name Ghost, this is a white mattifying powder designed for setting areas you generally place concealer, so for me under the eyes, in the centre of the forehead, on the bridge of the nose and the chin. Or also known as my entire face...but it does give my foundation a highlighted dewy finish when applied at the end of my makeup routine. I loved the finished, so in true me style I wasn't overly fussed if this powder did much more, but I was pleasantly surprised to notice my makeup lasted longer and didn't smudge around my face so much during the day like normal.

The only thing to watch out for is the mini sieve within the lid, while it will prevent clumping and ensure easy application it does make a white powdery mess everywhere when you open it...just be careful where you choose to open this one or expect a bit of judgement.

I can handle whatever judgement comes by way as I have a dewy face of perfectly set makeup, and being the previously owner of a banana phone I am the last person to throw judgements around.

Have you tried the Makeup Revolution Baking Powder Ghost Finish?

Hello Summer Nails. Hello Rimmel Super Shine Nail Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 2 Aug 2017 09:00:00 +0100

So what happens when you go into Tesco's for a food shop? You come out with a new Rimmel nail polish of course. Or perhaps that is just me and my lack of makeup self control in the vegetable isle. I don't know quite what happened there, but I love my new Rimmel 60 Second Super Shine Nail Polish (£2.99). A summer cliche of course with the coral, or One Last Tango as Rimmel have named this, but what other colour am I really meant to wear in August?

Obviously I didn't really purchase this for the 60 second claim, or the shine factor, as it was just the only nail varnish choice on offer. But I am very impressed with the brush on this and its much better than most, even Essie. The formula is even more surprisingly, thick and non gappy, two coats was plenty, and I could even skip a top coat. I can safely say this is the best thing I have ever brought from Tesco's.

Have you tried the Rimmel 60 Second Super Shine Nail Polishes?

Summertime Phone Wallpapers

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 09:00:00 +0100

1. Pink Flowers

2. Tropical Leaves

3. Summer Vibes

4. Pink Flamingo

5. Pink Champagne Bottle

6. Flamingo Collage

7. Pink Palms

8. Gold Pineapples

So, phone wallpapers. Anyone want to share with me why I am so addicted to changing mine? Most people seem to just switch theirs once in a while, perhaps using the stock ones that come with your phone. But me? Of course not, I take it to the extreme, naturally and I will change mine weekly...yes weekly. With with weekly obsession nowhere near under control I decided to share a few of my current summertime favourites, and just maybe get some ideas for my next wallpaper choice...

What is your current favourite phone wallpaper?

The Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 10:00:00 +0100

Product rave and bargain alert..

I wont beat around the bush here. I am head over heels for this. The Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze forms part of the Instant Glow collection and the minute I laid eyes on it I knew I had to buy it. I've been lusting after Bobbi Browns bronzer for years but sometimes (most) the time my wages just are not quite allowing for £32 to be spent on bronzer. So at £4.99 (!) there was no way I was not buying this, regardless of the hundreds of bronzers/blushes/cheek stains I've accluminated. Makeup is a girls prerogative right?

Well I picked the Gold Bronze rather than the pink shimmer brick, I need to look tanned, not flushed. The gold bronze contains a soft champagne, a golden sandy taupe, a rich coppery bronze and a deep rose bronze. Each shade is super pigmented and smooth. No chunks of glitter here. Phew. Also, the colours could be used as eyeshadows but I wouldn't recommend that and using it as a bronzer too...hello the Oompah Lumpha look, with added sparkle.

Safe to say I love this - seventeens best product in my opinion. Plus my purse is thanking me as this has pushed Bobbi Brown out my wish list and is very happy with the £4.99 alternative bargain.

17 Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze - £4.99 -Available in Boots

Have you tried the Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick?

My Most Loved Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 09:00:00 +0100

This is one big claim isn't it? For such a candle to narrow it down to that one that I will openly say is my favourite. I never venture much further than good old Yankee Candle, perhaps sometimes getting a nice one from Waitress (on offer) but I have gone to the Jo Malone side, and I am not going back. Well that is until I run out funds of course.

The Jo Malone Wild Fig & Cassis Home Candle (£42) has been taking pride of place on my bedside table, and that is when a candle knows it done well in my house, and just for this candles appearance alone it is pure luxurious.

The wild fig and cassis scent is sweet at first, yet not sickly, and after a few minutes its more of a juicy against woody pine scent and a base note of musk. Think sun-warmed figs. If you know what they smell like. Pricey, yes, but when do you walk into Jo Malone and expect any different? Plus this has doubled up as bedside table decoration so really its a two for one deal. I do just need another one for my collection I reckon...

Have you tried any Jo Malone candles?

The Pink Barry M Hi Shine Gel Effect Nail Paints

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 08:30:00 +0100

Something odd has happened to me. I am potentially growing up. I know. But, recently (and slightly OTT) my hair has been cut shorter, and got darker as I grew tired of long platinum-ish blonde hair, and my entire makeup tastes have changed to what could be classed as more sophisticated. In all of this, gone are my false nails for something I would never ever wear, my own nails painted pink. And I don't do pink nails.

Yet I have, and I am in love. So much so that I brought two pinks to fuel this latest passion, and of course they would be the Barry M Hi shine Gel effect Nail Paints (£3.99). Nothing for that price is as good as these Barry M ones, others do come close, Rimmel, Maybelline and Collection to name a few, but Barry M are the kings for a reason.

The two I opted for was firstly, Grapefruit, a bright vibrant pink. (You won't lose your fingers) Borderline neon pink, but not quite. Next was Dragonfruit, my favourite of the two. Slightly more subtle, not that would be hard, and stronger than a baby pink. Both of these of course have that famous Barry M Gelly texture and are thicker than most. Still, two coats is needed but I can skip the top coat, so my inner lazy nail painter in happy. Essie etc are still hold the trophy for better polishes, but these Barry M ones have given it a good shot, and they must be good, as I don't do pink nails.

Have you tried any Barry M Hi Shine Gel Effect Nail Paints?

Goodbye Pale, Hello James Read

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 09:00:00 +0100

My face doesn't do tan, real or fake my face insists on staying white. From a skincare point of view this is of course wonderful news, but for those who have to look at my marshmallow face? Not so much. So these James Read face tanning treats really couldn't of come at better time.

The first item I grabbed from this gold and white goodness was the Day Tan, a 'revolutionary' (their words not mine) day cream that is meant to a deliver a glowing of colour as well as instant moisture and SPF protection. Like I expected, my face wasn't too tanned from using this, but I do think there was a slight glow to my skin rather than a wash of tanned colour. Which is probably a blessing in disguise as my face wouldn't actually mess my pale body. But this mixture of glow and moisture is very welcomed.

Next is another product recently scare me (hiya Makeup Revolution Ultra Cream Contour Palette), with the Sleep Mask Tan for face. Who puts fake tan on and then goes to sleep with hope of waking up tanned? I do apparently. This is fact quite the skin treat, the gel mixes well with my dry skin and I do feel like I am giving myself a little facial, and this is a bit stronger in colour that the Day Tan, but nothing that would make people think 'Oh God she has been fake tanning her face'.

Lastly is one item my skin really needs, the Enzyme Peel Mask. This is meant to be the skin prep for a tan, but I just love the hydrating yet exfoliating mask that I am going to keep using this regardless of the fact I don't have a tan, but don't worry face you just tan in your own time yeah? Pfft...

Have you tried any James Read tans before?

The mascara dream team

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 9 Jul 2017 09:00:00 +0100

Unsurprisingly, I can't just use one mascara at a time. I don't have that much self restraint. Normally its two (often more) mascaras I use for both my bottom and top lashes, as I don't like to deprive them. If I use a purely lengthening mascara I end up with skinny lashes, and if its a volume centred mascara they end up too stumpy for my liking. So my natural answer, and my answer to most makeup issues, add more mascara.

For me, at the moment its the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara that gets first dibs. Wand-wise this rubber offering defies normal rubberness failures of lack of volume and definition, to give me some good lashes. The brush head itself is also slightly curved, which is the perfect tool for even coated and lengthened lashes. Rarely for a high street mascara the formula is spot on; not too wet nor dry, and there is probably a technical way to describe that.

The Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara comes next. This really builds the volume up without it looking clumpy and spidery. There are also bristles on the end/top of the wand whichever way you view it, and I find this helps to 'hook' any annoying lashes. Its easy to coat both the inner and outer lashes, without causing a mess, or more importantly not poking my eye out.

This is the summer jacket of mascaras for me at the moment, as its not a black but a brown. Not a full of hit of blackness which can be too strong for daily wear, but a lighter offering of brown that give the right balance of colour (and warmth if it was a jacket...).

Do you use two or more mascaras at once?

Sleek Highlight Palette Cleo's Kiss

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 31 May 2017 09:00:00 +0100

I don't really get on with cheaper highlighters, I get too annoyed and snobby when they aren't pigmented and wear off after an hour. But there is one brand that I will allow exceptions from on the highlighting front and that is Sleek. I have previously used their Precious Metals kit and this time round decided on the more golden option of Cleo's Kiss (£10). The names did help in my decision progress, not only did I used to have a horse called Cleo (yes really), the shade names of Sphinx, Delta, Dynasty, Goddess just had to come home with me.

Cleo's Kiss is made of two baked powder highlighters as well as two cream ones. Another pain for me is cream highlighters as they always seem to smudge my foundation off, but these two have surprised me on how creamy they are yet not oily so that don't do that annoying smudging thing. The powders meet Precious Metals standards and are extremely pigmented, glowy and so far have lasted all day. Sphinx is a gold powder highlight, Delta is the gold cream highlight - FYI also looks good with Sphinx layered over the top. Dynasty is the second cream highlight, the creamy gold shade. Lastly is Goddess (and my favourite) the rose gold powder highlight. Four of my favourite words right there.

I was worried that these shade combinations would be too dark for my pale skin tone, but good job I took the risk as I like to think that they look pretty good. Even if I must say so myself.

Have you tried the Sleek Highlight Palette Cleo's Kiss?

Pantene Foam Volume & Body Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 10:00:00 +0100

Conditioner and fine hair do not like each, well at least mine don't. No matter which one I try I can only apply conditioner to the very very ends of my limp hair, and even then its a gamble to see if my hair is going to be lank until I wash it again. Incredibly frustrating and before I knew better it lead to skipping conditioner. One tip - don't.

Nowadays I just try and muddle my way through the greasy lankness that is my hair, so when I saw that Pantene could possibly offer a solution to my issue I decided I would risk the £1.99. I don't do faff when it comes to my hair, I need simple quick and preferable something I can do within my very basic hair care routine for it to stay around. Luckily this Pantene Foam Conditioner Volume & Body ( currently £1.99)does just that; just apply like normal conditioner. I can handle that.

The mousse comes about the that traditional Pantene scent and instantly disappears when I apply it to my hair. I followed instructions and waited till it was all gone (practically 30 seconds) then rinsed off like normal. As if it would be that easy, and I did doubt that I had even conditioned my hair, and this was one of the only occasions I didn't mind being proved wrong. Once I got over the chore that is hair drying, my hair actually was lifting from my head and was soft at the ends, almost like I swapped hair in the shower with someone...

I highly doubt this would be conditioning enough for anyone with thick hair (aka the model in the TV advert), but it did work for me and my shoulder length hair which is about a inch wide in a ponytail to give a rough estimate. My risky gamble of £1.99 has truly paid off, and a true sign that I love this (and any) product? I will buy it full price - *inset sassy hand Emoji girl*.

Have you tried the Pantene Foam Conditioner Volume & Body?

Instagram Diary: Part Fifteen

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 09:00:00 +0100

I like blogging, it teaches you a lot. Well at least for me, and what have I learn this week? That I can not spell 'fifteen' and that I am very thankful for Google and its spell check properties. I have also learnt that I like Easter far too much and I am going to see how long I can leave my Easter decorations (yes I decorated) up for before my mum physically removes them. I have also found my new mascara obsession with L'Oreal's Miss Baby Roll mascara, and being very much like Benefit Roller Lash with added volume and half the price I am one very happy girl indeed. I may be a Easter obsessed bad speller, but at least my lashes are sorted.

What have you been up to this week?

L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 09:30:00 +0100

If you can walk into Boots, Superdrug or something similar, without buying mascara please can you tell me how? I seem to lack any sort of self control. The latest addition? The L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll Mascara (£7.99). It's new, its L'Oreal, its volumising and it has pink and green pastel packaging so it was pretty much a sale for me the minute I saw it.

To give myself the benefit of the doubt, this mascara is everything I look for in one. This 3 in 1 mascara combines curling, lengthening and volumising properties to give the finished look. I am not entirely sure where the 'Miss Baby Roll' name comes from at this point, but I am guessing this is more for the marketing rather than what the mascara does. Unless 'Miss Baby Roll' is a look that I am totally oblivious to? Ah well.

Back to the actual mascara, and the rubber brush/wand on this has several curved spirals or very short bristles, which in turn have little balls. It reminds me of the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black, which also has little balls clinging onto the wand. I am sure there is a technical name for these, and I am guessing these little balls help distribute out the mascara itself. This isn't as clumpy to use as the Bourjois one, and reaches the base of my lashes (hello lazy eyeliner trick). On to the formula, this is mascara perfection, for me at least, not too wet and not too dry. It has the perfect in the middle consistency that isn't that new mascara wet or one year mascara dry that is often the case for most. This covers each one of my lashes and gives instant volume to them. Again, a rare combination.

Surprisingly this mascara even delivers on the last element - length. Its no secret mascaras do not do volume and length easily yet Miss Baby Roll has done it. My lashes have been left not sticking together and with the effect of a lash curler, not to mention the elongating/volumising factors and little effort required to get the finished look, I am very happy with this little pastel tube. I often fall back to slightly cheaper brands (Maybelline) for mascara but trying this new L'Oreal offering I can safely say I'll be using this tube all the way to the end, and I am very glad for my lack of self control when it comes to mascara shopping. Although I did draw the line at the colour options with Miss Baby Roll, as I am far too old to be reliving my teenage years with blue and purple mascara. No matter how pretty the lilac is....

In a nutshell from my mascara induced waffle, my lashes are transformed from this mascara. Welcome to the family L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll.

Have you tried the L'Oreal Paris Miss Baby Roll mascara yet?

Products I can’t leave

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 09:30:00 +0100

It doesn't how adventurous I'm feeling, or how many offers are on, there are some products I can't leave alone and I will always fall back to, quite often in a time of utter makeup need. I am guessing this is more to do with myself and being stuck in my ways rather than the items themselves as I have tried plenty of alternatives, but I just continue to go back to what I know.

Firstly is Estee Lauder for their Double Wear foundation. Why why why do no foundations cover like Double Wear? I know this is finish too heavy for some, but for my not so natural and bad skin days I fall back onto Double Wear. For me this is like my second skin in a bottle and I can trust it 99% of the time to help me out in a time of skin rescuing needs.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I know this one in my photo isn't their 'classic', but this bottle is just prettier for photos (shallow I know I know), but again a bit like Estee Lauder I am more a one product fan for this brand rather than their entire range. No hot cloth cleaner beats Liz Earle for me. Balance Me almost almost beat Cleanse and Polish for its creaminess, but it failed on its lack to make my skin feel like I've had a mini facial. I don't ask for much from a bottle do I?

YSL Shocking Mascara. YSL is pure luxury and I am shallow enough to only want YSL on my dressing table and its so pretty (and matches my bedroom). YSL does not fail to pick me up in the same way Jo Malone does for scents. Charlotte Tilbury has been a strong contender these days, but its the classic element and years of standing that make YSL my number one. Their Shocking mascara hasn't even come close to being beaten in all my mascara years. Lancome Hynose has given it a run for its money, but ultimately, is it gold? No.

John Freida Hair Care. My hair resists most hair products. Purple shampoo? Nope, hair stays the same yellow blonde. Volumising mouse? No, pancake hair is still here. Hair spray? Unless you're Elnette my hair doesn't listen. So to find a brand that my hair choses to work with the majority of the time is quite a achievement. Notable mentions are the Go Blonder and Volume ranges. But one standout product for me and one I can trust to give me volume is the Full to Fine Blow Out Spray. All I have to do it spray it on damp hair before I blow dry, and ta-da - I feel like Beyonce (ever so optimistic).

What are your items you always fall back on?

The only two Maybelline mascaras you should pick up

noreply@blogger.com (Annabel) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 10:00:00 +0100

Maybelline for me is one of the 'worse' makeup stands, as there is just so much choice when faced with buying on of their mascaras. Often I panic and just pick up the one they are promoting which i more than likely their newest, and not always their best. So the two you should have etched in your mind in case of a similar mascara panic? (Or you might be calm, cool and collected in such moments) The Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme Mascara and Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara.

The Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme Mascara put me off at first as I don't really do yellow, and yes I am that shallow, but it was too bright for my dressing table. I don't even really know why I then changed my mind, but I am now this mascaras numero uno fan.

Tiny yellow moan aside, the bristles do comb through my lashes, essential for my continual mascara overload. I can also layer a few coats without clumps, luckily. What I do like about the Go Extreme is that it gives a good amount of volume to the base of my eyelashes, hello eyeliner illusion. Anything taking an extra step out of my morning makeup routine is fine by me.

In a much nicer colour tube is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, and worn out one at that. And WHY did I not buy this sooner? So anyone who did tell me to buy this, I apologise for ignoring you. Instantly remind me of the L’Oreal’s Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, as wand-wise this rubber offering defies normal rubberness failures of lack of volume and definition, to give me some good lashes.

The brush head itself is also slightly curved, like L'Oreal Butterfly, which is the perfect tool for even coated and lengthened lashes. Rarely for a high street mascara the formula is spot on; not too wet nor dry, there is probably a technical way to describe that one, I know I know, but it does the job. Not that it is ever recommended to get in such a faff over mascara, but next time you do at the Maybelline stand you know what to opt for; don't be as shallow as me and just ignore the yellow.