New Purchase: Eye Shadow Stick

For my birthday I asked my sister for an eyeshadow stick, having heard lots of good things about them. She chose the Bourjois Colorband 2 in 1 Eyeshadow and Liner in the shade 04 Rose Fauviste. There's five shades currently availible, which I'd quite like to try some more of. Rose Fauviste is a pink, shimmery colour.

I really like the idea of this product-a crayon like eye colour to use as liner (which I haven't tried, though I imagine the darker shades would work well) or as an all over the lid colour. It blends really easily to give a nice wash of colour which can easily be built up. it is quite shimmery however, or at least this shade is, so if you're after something more matte perhaps steer clear. Whilst it looks like a fairly pigmented colour when swatching, it isn't as intense on the eyes. I quite like this as it makes it more subtle, but it's definitely not on a par pigment wise with my other fave  'slap some on blend it with your finger and you're good to go' eyeshadows, the Maybelline Colour Tattoos.

All in all, a nice product and a good introduction to shadow sticks. 

Any shadow sticks I should try?

Helen x

How I tame my eyebrows

Along with my abnormally curled over toes, I got my dads share of the genes when it comes to eyebrows. They're fairly unruly and would grow half way up my forehead if I let them! I've had them waxed professionally a few times, but then I discovered the eyelure waxing strips. They were really good but I now can't find them anywhere, and so last time I was in Boots I picked up these Eyebrow Shapers instead. It contains 4 sleeves, with various pre-cut wax strips. There's some that fit underneath your brow, some for above, and some straight strips in different lengths for between your brows.

They're very easy to use: simply make sure the area is clean, removing any makeup and moisturiser. Then select the strip, and position it. Make sure its firmly rubbed on and then pull it off, in the opposite direction to the growth of hair.

I tidy any stray hairs underneath my brow with tweezers, and so just used these above. The first time I tried I don't think the strip was pressed into my skin enough-if that makes sense-and so I had to try again, which worked better but did make the skin a bit red and irritated, though this calmed down quite quickly.

My only criticism is that its very hard to actually separate the strips in order to remove one from the sleeve, due to the way they're designed. Other than that though, they're not bad, managing to make even my eyebrows look presentable. Thanks again dad. 

How do you keep your eyebrows in shape?

Helen x

Moisturiser for lazy people (me)

Okay, confession time. I am so lazy when it comes to moisturising. Like, really bad. Before Christmas  my arms had got to the scaly stage and were just so itchy, so my sister gave me a not so subtle hint in the shape of some Scottish Soap Company body lotion. It smells lovely and I did use it religiously every night (promise) for a while but, like I said, I'm lazy and also forgetful so after a while just used it every couple of nights. Then just when I remembered. Which wasn't often. Yes, I know this is bad. After all, it only takes a couple of minutes to slather some lotion on and wait for it to dry. But (add to the list) I'm impatient too and just wanted to put my pjs on and go to bed. So my arms and legs reverted to the horrible scaly look.

Then my mum (again, a not so subtle hint) bought me this. It's the Vaseline spray and go body moisturiser and is, quite frankly, genius. It works in the same way as a spray on sun lotion, but without the horrible greasy feel afterwards. Just spray on, rub in and wait a few seconds for it to sink in, and you're ready to go. Brilliant. I actually enjoy using it, perhaps just due to the novelty factor and so I've been using it morning and night. Is this a new me? My arms are certainly hoping so.

(It's also reduced at Boots at the moment-even better. No excuses!)

Is anyone else lazy when it comes to beauty? 

Helen x

Recent Purchase: Nail Polish

I've never tried a Jessica polish before, so I was very happy when my mum brought this one home after a TK Maxx shop. She proudly told me it was only £2, which I think is pretty impressive!

Its a completely different colour in the bottle to on the nails; its basically a clear polish with a slight shimmer to it when you put a couple of coats on. Its very subtle, but just looks a little more interesting than clear nails.

My friend actually bought me this but I'd been eyeing it up for a while. Its a Topshop one- I think its in the shade Float. Its a pretty pale pink to add to my ever expanding pink polish collection, (although I never think of myself as a pink person). I like Topshop polishes because you only need about 2 coats to build a really nice even colour. This is one of the mini polishes which I also love because the consistency of the polish tends to go gloopy before I actually use it all up. 

Helen x 

What I'm Currently Loving

Belt

When I was younger, my sister and I would mark all the things we liked in the Mini Boden and Boden catalouges, just in case our parents were feeling generous. I marked this belt from Boden and was very happy to see it under the tree one year. I've had it for years now and its still in good condition. It looks great with black jeans, making an everyday outfit a bit more interesting.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

I have this in 35-On and on bronze which as the name suggests is a sparkly bronze. It's so easy to apply-I just use my finger and wear it all over the lid. I've also been using it as a base colour recently, and it really helps shadows to stay put.

King Charles

Not, as my sister first thought, the monarch, but the Indie singer-songwriter. I've been playing his album LoveBlood on repeat for months and recently went to see him live in Newcastle which was pretty amazing. He's also just finished recording a new album which I'm very excited for!

Eyelash Curlers

For a couple of years I used bright pink, plastic eyelash curlers. I was always terrified that if I held them on my eyelashes for too long I'd take them off to find half of my lashes had been chopped off, so I also used them only for a few seconds and as they were pretty awful, could never see any effects. Feeling it was about time I upgraded, I popped into TKMaxx, as they usually have some good beauty products at even better prices (Jessica nail polish for £3 anyone?) They didn't disappoint. I got these Danielle ones. They’re made of 24K gold, and certainly look fairly luxurious. They also come with two spare pads which is good, making them even better value. I simply pump them a few times and I get curled lashes that last all day, making even my short lashes look long.  Far better than the vivid pink ones!

Has anyone recently re-discovered lash curlers?

Any tips for getting curled lashes?

Helen x

Banish the Oil

I have oily skin and so need a primer when wearing foundation or BB cream, in order to keep it on my face, as it has a tendency to slide. Lovely.
 I bought this primer a while ago from The Body Shop but have recently re-discovered it at the bottom of my plant pot full of Skincare. Yup, I keep my skincare in a plant pot. It's a very prettily decorated one however-that makes it better right? It has a slightly odd consistency (the primer, not the pot) -it’s very gel like, and feels quite strange to apply. Unlike other primers which completely soak into the skin you can feel this almost like a film on your skin. That makes it sound very unappealing but I actually quite like how it feels.  I can’t really describe it, but hopefully you get my drift. I apply it all over my face, but apply a little more on my most oily areas-nose and forehead.

Helen x

Soap and Glory Loving

I've always been a fan of Soap and Glory and am always drawn to their products whenever I go to Boots. Who can resist pretty pink packaging and their signature floral smell? Not me, certainly. I've grown my collection a little recently, thanks to friends and family who also understand the love. Here are some of my favourites. 

I keep the body scrub in the shower and use it daily. I get really dry skin in the Winter-especially on my elbows-and this has really helped to get rid of all the dead skin cells. I just squeeze a large pea shaped amount onto a shower puff and scrub away. It smells amazing and wakes me up in the mornings, to the extent I never want to get out of the shower. The foot scrub is also great for a really invigorating pedicure and perfect for making your toes smell of flowers and all things nice.

Next is this shower gel. It has a different scent to the rest as it's part of the ‘Orangeasm’ range. It has a really uplifting, refreshing smell, also perfect for waking you up.

The hand cream has long been a favourite of mine. It’s super moisturising but just smells so good I can’t help but slather it on at far too regular intervals.

Helen x

Book of the Month

I'm a regular reader of the Guardian and usually the first thing I do is turn to the beauty section to read Sali Hughes' weekly column which I love, and so I was very happy when I finally got my hands on her book- Pretty Honest. It's £22 (though cheaper on Amazon-you can get it here)

It's a good thick book packed with sensible, straight forward tips and advice on everything from salon etiquette to acne. All the sections are written in Sali's characteristic no-nonsense style, which I love, and all are genuinely useful. I particularly enjoyed the sections on daily skincare routine, foundation and Teen beauty-all very relevant and well thought out. There's some lovely photos in it, but its mainly just good solid advice. I read it cover to cover, irritating my family by continuously saying 'Sali says…' and then quoting some new fact I'd learnt. I'm now dipping in and out, picking it up before heading to Boots so I know what ingredients to avoid in skincare for oily skin, or what blush she recommends. It truly is a Beauty Bible. I love it-can you tell?

Helen x

Back to the '50's: Record Players and the vinyl to play on them

You know those presents people receive, which are partly your present too? Well, that’s what happened with the record player my dad got last Christmas. He'd unearthed his record player from his youth along with stacks of vinyl and for a while was able to relive his teenage years very loudly. Then it broke and for a while the house was peaceful, until the new one appeared under the tree.

Also under the tree was some vinyl of my own (my dad and I don't have exactly the same music taste, though I do love many of his records). I was very happy to be able to play Mumford and Sons in LP form at last. My friend also got a record player recently, so I thought I'd do an appreciation post of sorts. Below are links to devices on the lower end of the price spectrum (so you still have money left over to splurge on all your new music) and some of the many artists who release in vinyl.

5 of the best Record Players under £70

•  GPO Stylo 3 Speed Stand Alone Turntable
•   Crosley Cruiser Briefcase Style Turntable
•  PylePro Retro Turntable    
• ION Duo Deck Turntable  
•  Steepletone Stereo Record Player 

 5 artists who release in vinyl

• Young the Giant 
•   One Direction (yup, that surprised me too)
•  Taylor Swift
•  Two Door Cinema Club
•  Bombay Bicycle Club

Avon Argon Oil Review

I don't use many products on my hair, simply because I don't tend to find it needs it (though I am searching for a good spray to calm some of the frizz. If you have any recommendations, please let me know). However, now it's winter it's become a bit dry like everything else and I was searching for something to give it a bit of extra moisture.

Enter Argon Oil. I know, I know, I'm pretty late to the party in regards to this. I wish I'd joined sooner because this stuff is good. This is the 'Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil Leave in Treatment' (bit of a mouthful) from Avon and is currently only a couple of pounds. It's suitable for wet or dry hair but I use mine after I've combed it through in the shower, distributing it all through my hair but focusing on the ends as these get the driest. Don't expect dramatic results with this-it does what it says on the tin, but it does it pretty well. And for that price, who's complaining?

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Porridge

I'm normally in such a rush in the mornings I barely have time to shove some toast in my mouth whilst applying concealer, packing my bag, and finding matching socks. When I have a little extra time however I like to make some porridge. I make mine with half milk, half water, and simply microwave it till thick (I like mine pretty solid…yum)  My favourite toppings are banana, brown sugar, red berries and granola.

Suits

Not the clothing, the programme. I've been re-watching this series about an American law firm over the holidays, and I'm completely gripped. It's so good! I really love the central characters and how they're constantly evolving as the plot develops.


Writing letters

I know it seems a bit out of date, what with facebook and twitter etc making it so easy to keep in touch, but there's nothing quite like writing letters (or receiving them-it makes a nice change from bank statements). At the moment I'm using this letter set from Paperchase which always makes me smile, it's so bright and cheerful. 

Helen x

The Season For Sparkle

When the decorations are unpacked and on the tree, the lights strung up and the tinsel on every surface, you know it’s time for some sparkle on your fingers.

A glitter polish is a really quick, easy way to get the festive spirit on your nails. These are my favourites this Christmas.

Barry M has a very good range of glitter nail polish which are easy to apply and last for around 5 days. Their only disadvantage is that they take a lot of effort and polish remover to get off (like most glitter polishes) but I reckon it’s worth it. Both of these work well layered up on their own, or as a top coat. The green is a recent buy in time for Christmas-it reminds me of a Christmas tree and has little silver stars in it-how could I resist?

The Barry M polish with the lovely glittery lid has recently vanished from my room (really need to have a tidy) but it too works very well on a bare nail as the glitter is pretty concentrated. 

I like to wear this OPI silver layered on top of a dark red or purple, or to add an accent nail.

Similarly, this Ciate silver is great for layering. The glitter in this one is more concentrated than the OPI so it could be worn on its own.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas

Helen x

Beauty Bargain Of The Month

I never tried anything from the Skincare brand Witch before, but recently picked up this Blemish stick.

As the name suggests, it contains Witch hazel which is a natural ingredient that soothes and tones the skin. It also has alcohol, to target and prevent blemishes, as well as Glycerin which calms the skin. It claims to break down excess oil and prevent the recurrence of pesky spots. Although its a slightly alarming colour, it applies clear and isn't sticky at all, so could probably be worn under makeup. 

I've only been using this for a week or so, but can already see an improvement in my skin.

What I'm Currently Loving

Firstly, sorry I've been neglecting my blog recently. I started sixth form recently so haven't had much spare time.

Recently I've really got back into using this cute Lorac Pro eyeshadow pallette. It has two shimmer shades: Nude and Pewter, and one matte shade aptly named Espresso. The pigmentation of all three is great, and even for someone with fairly oily eyelids like me (eww) it lasts all day without creasing. The packaging is really good as it has a little mirror so is handy to have in your makeup bag.

Next is TV. There's lots of crime dramas on at the moment, but the one I'm loyal to is Lewis. It's now on it's eighth series and still perfect to snuggle on the sofa and watch. The storylines are always very clever and complicated and keep you guessing till the end. It's on ITV 1 on Fridays at 9.

I don't own many pairs of leggings, but recently I've been wishing I did. They're great for days when you open the wardrobe and realize actually all you want to do is stay in your pjs. The Topshop patterned leggings are my favourites, as they're a bit thicker than normal leggings and the bright patterns mean you don't have to try too hard with the rest of your outfit.

Helen x

P.S I promise I'll try and post more regularly from now on!

Quick, Fast Drying Polishes

My favourite polishes are the ones that you can wear without a base coat and dry quickly but still look great after a few days. A hard task? Not for these polishes, the ones I come back to when I want a pretty nail without the effort.

Nude or pale pink polishes are great when you're in a hurry as they can be worn without a base coat and it isn't obvious if they chip a little. The gold looks very different when on; it seems to have a pink undertone and needs only two coats to get a colour that will last for days. 

I love Rimmel Polishes as they have wide brushes which cover your nail in two strokes. Their '60 Seconds Dry' range is great-lots of colours to choose from that really do dry in 60 seconds. This one is
 a slightly metallic, shimmery pink. The blue is in '503 Mind The Gap, Victoria' a lovely powder blue.

This Maybelline 40 seconds dry is in 'Turquiose Lagoon' and really does dry in 40 seconds. 

Helen x

Nail Polish Storage

I used to house my nail polish addiction in the top shelf of my bathroom cabinet but as I bought more and more, it stopped working as well. It became more difficult to see what colours I had, and therefore, where the gaps were. 

Initially, I only put one of these plastic nail polish stands in my basket, but quickly realised what good value they were, and just how much nail polish I have! These say they hold 30 bottles each on average, but I have 64 bottles and have only just run out of room, though obviously it depends on the size of the bottles.

                              

I've arranged mine in colour order, which not only looks pretty, but has the advantage of enabling me to see what colours and shades I'm lacking in (and so gives me an excuse to buy more!) When they're all laid out like this, I don't think it looks like I have that many and so I've carried on buying more polish with the result I've now run out of room. I think another Amazon order may need to be placed soon...

                                  

Does anyone else have a weakness for nail polish? 

Helen x 

Tea Tree:The wonder ingredient

After an extensive clear out of my bathroom cabinet a few days ago, it's now really easy to see all my skincare and I realised how much of it is tea-tree based. Tea tree is an essential oil, used to treat various medical conditions, including Acne, Dandruff and Lice. Whilst I don't have any of those (thank goodness) I do have oily/spot prone skin that tends to breakout if I don't follow my usual skin care regime. I like Tea Tree based products because I find that they do combat breakouts, but aren't full of chemicals like some products that prevent spots. In fact, a 5% concentration of Tea Tree is thought to be as effective as the same concentration of Benzoyl Peroxide, a chemical commonly used to treat severe acne. See, I told you it was good!

The Body Shop do a really good range of Tea Tree products designed to help prevent and reduce spots. Here's the Tea Tree skincare I use and love:

Pure Tea Tree oil: Tea Tree in it's purest form. I use this to apply directly to any spots before I go to bed and when I wake up the redness is reduced. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion: Good everyday moisturiser (I use this when going away as it's such a cute size)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser: A good primer with a gel like consistency that makes pores look smaller and visibly mattifies the skin, so is perfect for those with oily skin.

T-Zone Skin Clearing Face Moisturiser: I use this every day and it has fast become my favourite moisturiser. It smells great (another benefit of Tea Tree) and also contains Eucalyptus to help prevent spots. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask: I use this once a week (when I remember-I'm quite lazy when it come to face masks) and it leaves my skin slightly tingling which makes me feel like it's doing something and makes it feel really smooth. It does make my face a bit red when I take it off but this calms down and it does help angry looking spots look less red and calmer. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser: This is a best seller on The Body Shop website, so I bought it one evening when I was desperate for something that would improve my skin. I haven't been using it for long but it is quite refreshing. 

 Does anyone have any Tea Tree products they'd recommend?

Helen x

Summer/Holiday Nail Polishes

The sun is shining (and we seem to have the back end of a hurricane here in the UK at the moment, but that doesn't sound as good) and it's the time of year when lots of people jet off on their holidays or wish they were!

These are my favourite nail polishes for summer (but I'll happily wear them all year round)

                                          

       Barry M 'Key Lime'              M&S 'Golden Glaze'

       OPI White                     Soap and Glory 'Pink Soda'

           Rimmel '503 Mind the gap, Victoria' (What a random name!)

                Barry M 'Bubblegum'

                    Sally Hansen '500 Razzle-Berry'

All of these polishes look great with a tan and are just really lovely colours. I think that  textured polishes, such as the Barry M confetti or sugar range are great for holidays, as they don't chip as quickly, so you can spend more time enjoying your holiday!

Helen x

Going blonde: Lightening spray

I wanted to do something a little bit different for this post, so roped in my sister to help. 

She has naturally light brown hair, with blonder streaks that become more obvious in the summer, but for a while has wanted to go a bit blonder. She didn't want something as permanent as dye or highlights, so, after some research, went for this John Frieda 'Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray' (£6.99 from Boots)

After shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual (Emily uses the John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo and conditioner) spray all over the hair, before hairdrying it-make sure to use a heat defence spray! Use the Go Blonder shampoo and conditioner in between using the spray to prevent your hair looking brassy. The spray contains Hydrogen Peroxide, so don't use it too much- Emily uses it every few weeks. 

The spray has worked really well with Emily's hair, and made it look visibly blonder but others have had less success. Has anyone else used a lightening spray, and if so, has it worked well? 

 Before

After 

I'd like some new blogs to follow, so leave yours below, and I'll check it out! 

Helen x