Monday 29 August 2011

Giveaway Winner & Meet Up Update!

It's about time I announced my giveaway winner isn't it? Well I am pleased to announce that the winner of my giveaway is..
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JODIE COLLINS!
Congratulations!
I have emailed you so please get back in touch with me asap so I can make sure that the items reach you!
Thank you so much to everyone that entered and I'm really sorry if you didn't win. I wish I could give you all something as a thank you for allowing my blog to grow. It really means a lot to me :) but don't worry, I'm sure I'll be holding more giveaways soon!
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I happened to have a lot of interest in the Meet Up that I've been planning which is great news! So I can confirm that it will definitely be happening :)! I'm thinking around Novemeber time but any suggestions are welcome.. just contact me. When it gets closer to the time I will be emailing/tweeting/contacting all who are interesting letting you know the details so if it gets to the beginning of Novemeber and you're still interested and you haven't heard from me.. make sure you pester me on Twitter!

Here are the people interested so far:
@nicolettasblog, @primpsandpreens, @imcatwest, @selendoll, @sprinkleofglitr, @jessie_leong, @felicityxo, @laauren_love, @msbennett881, @pink_pixie92, @hannahvickers, @poppyredlips.

If you're interested and I haven't mentioned you above, just contact me letting me know a way of getting in touch with you (preferably email/Twitter) and your hometown.
 I can't wait to meet you all :)
xxx

I'm Lovin' It!

Hey guys!
Sorry that I've been absent recently. I've been really busy sorting out university things and also holiday things as next Tuesday, I'm going abroad - really excited! So I thought I'd show you a few products that I'm currently loving.
This rich body butter is perfect for dry skin sufferers. I've had a bad couple of weeks recently where the skin on my legs and ankles has been pretty dry and this body butter has solved all of my problems. It melts into the skin effortlessly and doesn't take long to completely sink in. It also smells absolutely beautiful - and the scent lingers! The tub is 300ml which is huge for the price!

Denise McAdam Moisture Master Intensive Moisture Masque - £3.50 [Tesco]
If you follow me on Twitter then you'll probably know that when I returned home from camping my hair had suffered badly. It was awfully dry which for me, was a shock considering my hair is usually oily. This hair masque saved my hairs life. You apply it for 2-3 minutes, rinse it off and wella! Perfect hair in an instant. After using this just once, my hair had restored to its natural form and it was full of life and glowing. I now use this 2-3 times a week!

I love this product so much! It smells gorgeous - like Bakewell Tarts. This handcream also sinks into the hands pretty quickly which makes it perfect for when I'm driving. I do love the packaging.. very vintage and pretty. However, I wish Burt's Bees' did a smaller version that I could keep in the car. Don't worry though, I did decant some into a smaller tub so I always have it. My favourite handcream.

Skin Wisdom Instant Benefits Eye Roll On - £7.00 [Tesco]
I've always found it hard to find the 'perfect' eyecream. My eyes do get small bags under them and sometimes, they're hard to conceal with concealer alone. This eye roll on however works instantly. It cools the eyes and leaves them looking fresh and awake. I wouldn't be without it.

Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Blast - [Superdrug]
 You know I love lip balms right? Well this one is now my all time favourite. It's highly moisturising and gets rid of chapped lips straight away. Yet the best thing about this lip balm is the taste. Oh my, it tastes beautiful. Just like raspberries and lemonade - ha! Amazing. I carry it with me everywhere.

I reviewed this product here and yes, I'm still loving it. My #1 foundation at the moment!

This pressed powder really does seem magical. It contains different coloured dots [see picture below] which all merge together to not only mattify the skin but also to conceal.  It brightens the complexion, dulls redness, conceals skin discolouration, camouflages yellow & pallid skin and also covers under and over eye areas. It really is that magically. The compact is pretty big and flimsy but it does contain a huge mirror which is a big bonus!
I've gone back to my favourite concealer! This concealer is so cheap yet it has full coverage and a lot of pigmentation. It covers everything. My go-to concealer. I cannot praise it enough. Oh and it lasts all day.

Barbara Daly Lash Boost Mascara [Black] - £6.75 [Tesco]
I tweeted about this mascara whilst I was on holiday. I went in the sea and this mascara did not budge. I find that incredible. I honestly couldn't believe it! This mascara lengthens, thickens and curls my lashes and since I've been using it I have noticed that my lashes have become stronger.

Barbara Daly Eye Liner Polish [Dramatic Black] - [Tesco]
I find it really hard to use gel/cream eyeliners however, this one is perfect. It's really pigmented, glides onto the eye area and doesn't move until it's removed. Once again, I can't praise it enough. It's just perfect.

 Barbara Daly Eye Liner Polish [Dramatic Black]
Barbara Daly Lash Boost Mascara [Black]

What products have you been loving recently? I'd love to know!
xxx

Sunday 21 August 2011

My Footcare Routine

When it comes to summertime it's especially important to keep your feet looking in tip top condition - especially if you wear sandals a lot.. which I do! I though it'd be interesting to show you what products I use on my feet. I only use 4 and my routine is really simple, quick and keeps my feet looking smooth and feeling soft.
Liz Earle Foot Scrub - £10.45 & Foot Repair Moisturiser - £12.50
I've reviewed both of these products before and you find my reviews  here. I'm still loving both of these foot care products.. they do the job and smell gorgeous at the same time. They've changed the way my feet look and feel!

This product doesn't smell very nice at all and normally, I would stop using a product if I didn't like the smell. I know some people that don't mind this smell and some people say it smells lovely so I definitely think it's a personally preference. So don't let me opinion put you off! However, this heel stick is incredible. If you're like me and the skin you get on your heels is really dry then this product is for you! My Liz Earle Foot Moisturiser might be amazing but this heelstick adds even more moisture to the skin and REALLY softens the heels. Infact, after using this once I noticed a big difference in the skin on my heels. This texture is a balm texture and you only need a tiny, tiny amount and because the product is huge, it'll definitely last you a really long time.

PedEgg - £9.99
This is a wonder product.  
As you can see it has two sides to it. On the left is the side you use second in order to smooth the feet and on the right is the side you use to remove dead skin and 'file' the feet. Seriously, this does the job. It isn't painful, it removes dead skin, smooths the feet and best of all, it catches all the dead skin in the egg so you don't get skin all over the floor! I really cannot rate this product enough. It's amazing!

So this is the order I use these products and how often I use them:
1. Liz Eare Foot Scrub; every other day.
2. PedEgg; every other day.
3. JML Heel Tastic; every other day.
4. Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser; once a day.

My feet are now in the best condition that they've ever been in. All 4 of these products work perfectly together to smooth and buff the skin to perfection.
 
What products do you use on your feet? What's your routine like? Do you use any of these products?
xxx

Saturday 20 August 2011

I got into university - & I need your help!

A few people have been asking me if I got into university and the answer is yes - I did! I got into my first choice so I'll now be going to Lincoln university to study journalism! So excited.Fireworks__part_1_by_imstellarrr_large
Caz also got into university and on this post she is asking for help. I'm going to steal her idea (I hope that's okay Caz) and ask for help to.

Any advice you have for university.. whether it's course related, social advice, anything I'd really appreciate it :) After a few weeks I'll post a post with the best advice on so make sure to leave your blog/YouTube/Twitter etc so I can link back to you somehow if I use your comment :)

Thank you so much and congratulations to anyone else who got in!
xxx

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

After reading a few mediocre reviews about this product, I wasn't that excited to be honest. However, I disagree with the majority of them.
The Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint contains mineral UV protection SPF15 and a rangeof carefully selected blend of botanicals including vitamin E, avocado and borage. Like Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish (which I love) this 'foundation' is for designed for all skin types, all year round.

I was sent two shades of this product; Bare 01 and Beige 02. This 'foundation' also comes in a third, darker shade 'Beach.'

On the left is 01 Bare and on the right is 02 Beige. I either use one on their own or blend them together. On the swatch, they may not seem like my perfect colour match however because the coverage and formula is very lightweight, it blends into the skin perfectly. I'll blend them together if I have a bit more time or use them on their own if I don't. But I wouldn't worry about the colour match because when you order this product, Liz Earle sends you all three shades to sample which ensures that you select the right shade, first time. This is part of their 'Reduce, Re-use, Recyle' campaign.

So first of all, the packaging. It's really pretty and resembles the Liz Earle's HQ island home and their unique marine colour. The shimmering pearl finish reflects the warm, summer shine that 'gently filters down through the glistening, inky depths of The Solent.' - sounds very pretty, eh? But yes, I love the packaging. I like the colour as most of my foundations are clear or foundation colour so this one definitely stands out in my drawer. It's also a squeezy bottle which saves wastages!

My usual foundation is Estee Lauder's Double Wear which is very full coverage as my skin isn't perfect. This is pretty much the first 'tinted moisturiser' I've ever used and surprisingly, I love it! I'm going abroad in a few weeks time and I can't wait to take this with me. It's lightweight, easy to blend yet builable. So if you don't have perfect skin, don't worry! I use two thin layers and it gives me really good yet lightweight coverage. It evens out my skin tone, hides my spots and masks my pores. It doesn't cover my scarring however..that's what concealer is for! I've worn this to work twice and I've worn it outside today (it's pretty hot) and it has lasted perfectly and still looks as good as when I applied it. The finish isn't matte, it's dewy and I was worried about this considering I have combination skin. Yet I don't find it a problem. If I want a matte skin day, I'll just powder and if I don't, I don't powder. It's very versatile.

So overall this 'foundation' is versatile, lightweight, lasts all day, doesn't break me out and of course, it's good for the skin! What more do you want?

This skin tint will be available from September 15th and it retails at £21 for 40ml. 40ml is a lot to be honest.. most of my foundations are 30ml and cost more. Oh and I forgot to mention, a tiny amount goes a very long way!

I'll be giving this the ULTIMATE test when I go on holiday and I'll report back to you. But for now, I love it!
xxx


Friday 19 August 2011

What Do I Use On My Eyebrows?

I never really used to be interested in my eyebrows. I used to get them waxed and leave them how they were. However, after watching many people on YouTube and seeing the difference that filling in your eyebrows makes, I started doing it. And these are the products that I use:
L-R HD Brows Palette in Foxy, Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown
The first product that I bought for my eyebrows was the Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil. I do like this, it's okay. I don't think it's anything special though. The brush that comes on the end is a bit too taut and I don't think it brushes through my eyebrows very well. And the formula of the pencil isn't too good either. It's okay, it does the job. But it's not my favourite. However, it is very good for travelling as it's small and you don't have to take a separate brush with you.

Now, the HD Brow Palette is my baby! I absolutely love it! As you can see from the photo, one of the colours is a little bit worn - it's not because I've used it that much it's just because unfortunately it got smashed in the post. But hey ho! Now, I have this in the colour Foxy which is for brunettes. It includes a nude, carbon eyeshadow and two medium brown tone powders. This palette can also be used as an eyeshadow palette to create both a warm, natural daytime look or a night time look - it's very versatile. The shades are obviously matte and they are of a medium pigmentation. Which for eyebrows, is perfect. They're not too soft or too hard.. they're just the perfect formulation for eyebrow use. As eyeshadows they do take a little bit more work. But look fabulous! Also, these palettes have been reformulated and the powders now are anti-smudge and they last all day. I can do my eyebrows in the morning and they'll see me through to nighttime. I also use the brushes that are included - they're really soft and great for combing through my eyebrows and picking up the powders. This palette also comes in two other colours so there's one to suit your hair colour:
Bombshell: For blondes…a nude, a carbon shadow, and two blonde tone powders. When used as an eye shadow palette, this will create a cool natural daytime look and a soft evening look.
Foxy: (the colour that my palette is in) For brunettes…a nude, a carbon shadow, and two medium brown tone powders. Use this as an eye shadow palette to create a warm natural daytime look or a smouldering night time look.
Vamp: For dark hair…a nude, a carbon shadow, and two dark brown tone powders. Used as an eye shadow palette, this will create a dramatic smoky look 
The top four colours are from the HD Brow Palette and the swatch at the bottom is the Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil.

The HD Brow Palette is available to buy here and it will cost you £19.95 however this compact will be in GlossyBox's 13th-19th September box!

What products do you use on your brows?
xxx
xxx

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Midlands Blogger Meet Up!

I'm thinking about organising a Midlands Blogger Meet Up! I'd love to meet other bloggers and followers.. it'd be amazing! I've been thinking of meeting in Nottingham - this is because I know the area pretty well so any questions I'd be able to answer. Also, it's my favourite place ever for shopping!
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If anyone is interested please comment believe, email me (x.x_Jemma_x.x@hotmail.co.uk) or send me a tweet (@bamboozlebeauty). And if there's enough interest I'll start organising it :) I'd also appreciate if you could spread the word?

Thank you!
xxx

Results Day!

Tomorrow is results day for A Level students and I'll be getting my results that decide if I get into university or not. Quite frankly, I'm petrified. Everything I've worked for these past 2 years can just be shattered in an instant. So I'd like to wish every one else who is getting results the best of luck and I hope you all get the result that you're wanting.
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xxx

Sunday 14 August 2011

My Dressing Table

Hands up, who loves storage posts?! I definitely do - maybe it's because I'm nosey! I know I've done a storage post on my dressing table before but since moving into my dads, I've changed it around a little bit. I've also done a storage post on my skincare/bodycare/haircare products but that isn't my dressing table - just a few shelves! So this is my dressing table..
Top Row L-R: The pink and yellow boxes have some skincare samples in them and then next to those is a jar full of cotton wool pads. After that, there's one of my necklaces (my favourite) and then a box with candles inside. The vintage looking storage box is home to all of my Clinique products and also my Katy Perry tour lollipop! The stripey cardboard box contains a few small boxes and also PR contact details and then after that is a Britney Spears tour cup!
Second Row: On this row I have my favourite perfumes, a cupcake money box, an owl money box and a letter holder that houses my favourite palettes.
Third Row: This is the main row and you can see my No7 Light Up Mirror, my nail polish cake stand, 13 drawers for my make up, 2 brush holders, a woven box and lots of other random bits!
Fourth Small Row: This row has a lot of random items on there including shavers, face wipes, hair grips and hair bands.
The Big Area On The Left: This has all of my electrical items in a big box and then some more cotton wool pads and hairbrushes in a black rack from Ikea. I also keep my nail polish remover, Rollasoles and manicure items here.
Bottom Area: A lot of random items here as well including my on the go manicure set, Bumpits, Soap & Glory basket, No7 mirror box (as it breaks a lot), CDs and 4 drawers which houses random items yet again.
On The Right: On top of the woven drawers is a little box that I store my lipsticks in and then on top of that is my PedEgg and some glitter! Inside the drawers is more skincare/haircare/bodycare items.
(click to enlarge)!
xxx

Saturday 13 August 2011

I LOVE READING

I love reading. There's nothing better than picking up a novel and escaping into a fantasy world. I also love blog posts where bloggers show off their favourite books and ask for recommendations so here's mine!
Stephenie Meyer
 L-R Twilight, New Moon, The Host, Eclipse, The Short Second Life Of Bree Tanner, Breaking Dawn.
I absolutely love her as an author and these books are wonderful. Once I had finished the Twilight Saga (in just one week!) I literally did not know what to do with my life. The way she writes makes it feel like you're involved with the book and the characters are very relatable and seem real. The Host I picked up because Meyer wrote it and at first, I couldn't get into it - it starts off slow and if you buy this, I recommend sticking to it because it's a wonderfully gripping book; I love it! Also, if you've seen the Twilight films do not let them put you off the books. For me, I don't like the films. I think they're badly directed and I'm not a fan of the awkward actors. However the books are 1000000x better.
Classics
L-R Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. 
For my literature A-Level I had to study a lot of books and most of them, I didn't enjoy at all. However these are the ones that I can read and read over again. I do find the classic books to be pretty long and boring at times (I'm looking at you Frankenstein) yet these ones are fast paced and catch my attention each and every time. I know that Romeo and Juliet is a play but I can read plays and still find them to be as interesting as novels.
Biographies
L-R Britney Spears Heart to Heart, Britney Spears Inside The Dream, Lynne Spears Through The Storm, Britney: Unauthorised Biography, Miley Cyrus Miles To Go.
Obviously when reading biographies you have to be interested in the celebrity/person that the book is about yet even if you're not a fan of Britney I'd highly recommend the Inside The Dream biography. Britney's life is so interesting and people are quick to judge her without knowing the truth. Both the Inside the Dream biography and her mothers Through The Storm are written so well and explain a lot about her life. I'd recommend them both highly!
 Sophie Kinsella
L-R Shopaholic Abroad, The Undomestic Goddess, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Remember Me?, Can You Keep A Secret?, Twenties Girl.
Quite possibly my favourite author! Her books are lighthearted, humorous and deeply entertaining. If you haven't read any of them yet then I'd recommend picking up Remember Me? to start off with as it's definitely my favourite one so far! Really great holiday reads and perfect for females.
 Others
L-R The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult, Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane.
I would recommend every single book by all three of these authors - especially Nicholas Sparks!

What are your favourite books? Any recommendations?
xxx


Mini Haul & Update

Today I went to see my mum and we decided to go out to do a bit of shopping! I'm going abroad in a few weeks time and I virtually have no clothes that are suitable for going abroad so we decided to invest in a few! Matalan have an incredible sale on at the moment (up to 70% off) so both of these items are from there.
L-R Maxi Dress £10, Shorts £3.
Both of these were such a bargain that I just couldn't resist (my mum bought me the shorts though - thank you)! And I also got a plain black vest top to go with the shorts however I didn't photograph it because it's really not that interesting. Both outfits look completel gorgeous on and I really recommend everyone to get a black, jersey maxi dress because they're really slimming and perfect for summer!

When it comes to summer I don't like wearing powder products so I bought a Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush. My sister has one of these and I love them - I think the formula and pigmention is spot on. This is in the colour Coral and once again, perfect for summer!

If you're wondering where I've been and why I haven't been blogging it's because I've been in Cornwall on holiday. I had a wonderful time but it's good to be home and in a real bed (I went camping)! The winner of my giveaway will be announced very soon - I'm hoping for next week so good luck to everyone and thank you for entering, I really appreciate it!

I'm also expecting my A-Level results really soon and quite frankly, I'm petrified! So if I don't blog before Thursday (I'm sure I will) then good luck to everyone who is waiting on results and I wish you all the best of luck.

What have you been buying recently?
xxx