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Friday, 29 August 2014

MAKE UP | KIKO Daring Game Collection










Bronzer, Highlighter, Lipstick, Lip Liner

Kajal, Marker Liner, Color-Up in 11, Color-Up in 20, Eye Pencil in 2, Eye Pencil in 6
KIKO have outdone themselves, AGAIN. It seems like this make up brand can do no wrong. Their new collection, Daring Game, has been inspired by the smart, quick-witted Bond girls. The collection is strong, sophisticated, elegant, confident and absolutely perfect for autumn. The packaging, for starters, is exceptionally clever and reflects the Roulette table, card decks and dice.

This multi-tasking palette hasn't left my side since I received it. It comes with a two-toned matte bronzer and a pearly highlight. For me, this is the collection's stand out product. The packaging is stunning (it includes a large mirror) and the formula is exceptional. The three shades are buttery soft and of the right pigment - no muddy look. I use the bronzers to sculpt my cheekbones and the highlight to add an all over glow. I'm addicted.

These creamy jumbo shadow sticks are incredibly soft and blend like a dream. The pigment is outstanding and the pencils don't drag on the eyelids. They create a beautiful smoky eye but I find that I definitely need to use a good primer with them. They're very creamy which means that they don't last as long as they claim, sadly.

I was extremely confused about these when I first received them but after reading the press release, I realised that they're actually hidden. Underneath the outer packaging is an eyeliner pencil that glides onto the eyelids and waterline. These can be smudged with the brush encased in the packaging or left to set for dramatic, stunning eyes.

This eyeliner is a two-in-one product. It comes with a marker tip and a kajal tip - both great for creating a smoky eye. The marker isn't the best that I've tried. It's perfectly shaped but it isn't quite as intense and black as I'd like. The kajal, on the other hand, is wonderful. It's long-lasting, dramatic and easy to use.

I think I'm addicted to this lipstick. It's a stunning grown-up shade and it's definitely going to be my most worn autumn lip. The lipstick itself is long-lasting and easy to apply thanks to its ultra-gliding formula. The finish is demi-matte which for me is perfect for a lipstick.

I've never really used a lip pencil before but I think this one might convert me. It matches the lipstick perfectly and really ensures the lipstick stays put throughout the day. This lip pencil doesn't drag on the lips and leaves behind a strong pigment. It's great for making my thin lips fuller.

How adorable are these nail polishes?! From the top they look like dice. Incredible. The blue shade is one that I'm most definitely going to be wearing on my graduation as it matches my dress perfectly. The plum shade is a gorgeous colour for autumn. I'm yet to try these out on my nails (nail polish ban) but KIKO claim that they give a gel-effect on the nails.

I adore this two-toned face brush. It has been designed to follow the natural lines of the cheekbone. The two levels allow for bronzer and highlighter to applied at the same time and this is what I've been using with the bronzer I mentioned earlier. Both products work in complete harmony with each other and create such a gorgeous sculpted cheekbone. 

What's your favourite item from the collection?
*PR Sample
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Saturday, 23 August 2014

NAILS | Models Own Sweet Shop Collection

Writing about these nail polishes now makes me incredibly sad. You see, at the minute I'm having a break from nail polish. It's my graduation in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to whip my nails into shape. Before I started this drought these were the only polishes I used. Models Own's Sweet Shop Collection* has been inspired by retro sweets - they're definitely onto a winner with this one.

Fizzy Cola Bottle, Gum Ball, Liquorice Allsorts, Pear Drops and Rhubarb and Custard. These polishes have all been infused with the scents of their named sweets and I can confirm that (most) smell delicious and replicate the scents entirely. Well, apart from Liquorice Allsorts. I hate the scent as it smells exactly like the sweets. Great if you love Liquorice Allsorts though. 

Rhubarb and Custard is a raspberry colour with small flecks of silver glitter. It's quite a textured polish but this can be sorted out with a top coat. Liquorice Allsorts is a standard black polish that's incredibly shiny - it's just a shame I don't like the smell. Pear Drops is a shade that is perfect for summer. A beautiful coral shimmer that reflects the look of the sweets perfectly. 

Sadly, my swatches were atrocious but you can have a nosey at Flails and Nails' post to see how gorgeous these polishes truly are. They're all of semi-sheer consistency and to get an opaque finish, you only need two coats. The lasting power on the shimmers is great, but I can't say anything about Liquorice Allsorts as I took it off after a few hours - the scent is bloody strong! 

Have you tried these polishes? What's your favourite from the collection?
*PR Sample
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Thursday, 21 August 2014

Being cheated on

Im going to cheat on you and make you believe its your fault.

I've always wondered what it'd be like to be cheated on. I've always been massively anti-cheat as no one is forcing you to be with a person. But I never imagined it'd be this awful. It's not as if you're mourning for that person - every nice feeling you ever had for them is quickly replaced with hatred - you just feel so low in yourself.

What's worse for me is that I had no idea it was going on and I had no idea he was unhappy as he claims to be right now. I thought everything was fine, and I was going along all happy whilst he was sat there lying to me and planning a life with someone else. I was telling my friends and family what an amazing guy he is, whilst he was scouring online, searching for someone new to replace me.

It's as though it's all my fault. Everything that's happened is because of me, like the quote above says. He did what he did because I wasn't good enough, because someone better came along. I tried hard, I did everything I could to make him happy, but it wasn't good enough and there's nothing I can ever do about that. To him, it might've been a joke. I might've just been someone who was there to entertain him for a few months before someone better came along. But to me, it was serious.

To make matters even more worse, he still can't see what he's done wrong. And all I'm now left with is a worthless half-hearted apology. He's continuing his life, happy as Larry with this new girl, and I'm here, confused. I have no idea how I'm supposed to be feeling, and I have no idea what to do. I've not only lost him in a relationship-sense, but also as a best friend.

He walked away (in the most disgusting way, I might add) and left me as if I didn't mean anything to him. All of those months completely wasted. And I had no idea it was happening. I don't really know where I'm going with this post. I have no idea whether or not to publish it. I suppose I just need advice. Similar stories. And it's nice getting your feelings out there. I haven't read this back so sorry for any mistakes and errors.

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Wednesday, 20 August 2014

SKINCARE | Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Micellar Cleansing Fluid


Don't get me wrong, I love a full on proper cleanse as much as the next person. But one thing I've realised recently is that sometimes after a long day, I just want to take my make up off without any fuss. And that's where Eucerin's DermatoCLEAN Micellar Cleansing Fluid* comes in. I've tried my fair share of micellar waters in my time and although Garnier's offering remains in the top spot, this one is a great contender.

This cleansing fluid provides a 3-in-1 cleansing action and is perfect for all skin types - even sensitive. The consistency resembles that of water and feels light and refreshing on the skin. It works wonders on eye make up and quickly removes make up easily. I find that my skin feels balanced and moisturised after using this which is fabulous as I know some can dry the skin out.

This micellar water is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free and that's where I think it could top Garnier's version. For me, I'll continue to purchase the one from Garnier as it's cheap and easily accessible. But if you suffer with extremely sensitive skin and are worried about putting things on your face, you can't go wrong with this. It's definitely one of the best out there!

What's your favourite micellar water?
*PR Sample
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Monday, 18 August 2014

Lush reviews: The good, the bad and the undecided

I cannot deny how much I love Lush. I'll never forget my first venture into one of the stores. Suddenly, I was surrounded by an array of delicious scents encased in beautiful packaging. For a young Jemma, it was heaven. And I still get the same feeling today. Yesterday, I want on a little spree in Nottingham and the moment I set foot into their Lush store, I was in my element. I've been trying a few things from the brand recently. There's one that I'm addicted to, one that I'm not sure of and one that I really don't like. So I thought it'd be worth sharing my thoughts with you... After all, who doesn't love a bit of Lush?!

When it comes to Lush's skincare, in the past I've liked everything that I've tried. But I just can't seem to get on with this cleanser. The gentle exfoliant uses lavender oil, rose absolute, kaolin and ground almonds to soften, tone, brighten and calm the skin. There's nothing wrong with the ingredients, there's nothing wrong with the cleanser itself. But I just can't get on with the smell. I'm really not a fan of lavender and sadly, it puts me off using this cleanser. I always promised myself I wouldn't be "one of those people" but I can't help it. So if you love lavender and you're wanting a fabulous daily cleanser, head on over and pick this up! But if you're like me, and you're a lavender hater. I'd steer clear and stick to the Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser (which smells like cake)!

First of all, I must say that I'm very happy Lush have started bringing out SPFs. If you know me then you'll know I'm not a sun worshipper, and I'm constantly slathering on SPF. First of all, this SPF is expensive considering most are on offer for around £10. Secondly, it is only SPF 10 which is quite low in my opinion, and I'd always recommend using at least SPF 30. Those little remarks aside, I really enjoy using this. It uses cocoa butter and aloe extract which both nourish and soothe the skin. It's very cooling which is fabulous when you're in the heat. I also quite like the smell - it's a toasted sesame seed lotion so as you can imagine, that's what it smells like. So I'm in two minds about this. I think it's fine when the weather is like it currently is in the UK, but I wouldn't recommend it abroad (unless you're using it as an aftersun).

I could rave about this stuff all day! This pink shaving soap uses fresh strawberries and cocoa butter which leaves the skin silky smooth. It's a strange consistency as it really is like using a whipped soap, but it smells delicious. If you remember Lush's Yummy Yummy Yummy then you're going to love this. YYY was my all-time favourite shower gel but sadly, they discontinued it. So this takes me back to my 16 year old self. So basically, this shaving soap looks great (pink!), smells even better and leaves the skin beautifully soft, smelling gorgeous and helps get a close shave. It's perfection in a tub.

What are your favourite items from Lush?
*PR sample
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Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Outfit of the day and a blogging break

Recently my blogging schedule has gone out of the window and I've decided to take a bit of a blogging break. This could be for a couple of days, a couple of weeks or even a few months. I won't go into too much detail but I think I need a bit of me-time, and a step away from social media. It won't be forever, I absolutely adore blogging and the escape it provides me. But I need to put myself first sometimes.

In case you didn't know, I've been working for The Nottingham Post for the past four weeks and because of this, I've featured in their newspaper and on their website a couple of times. If you're interested, you can view my features here and here. I quite like the outfit that I put together for their "fashion blogger" segment so decided to showcase it on my blog.

I do apologise about the photo. It's no secret that I'm useless when it comes to taking outfit photos. But the sun was shining so I definitely made the most. I've recently been adoring midi skirts as I find them flattering and classy. I'd be eyeing up this one from Matalan for ages so when I saw it in the sale, I knew I had to snap it up. I also love the fact that it's pink too.

Top: Matalan
Skirt: Matalan
Necklace: New Look
Shoes: Primark

What clothing items have you been loving recently?
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Friday, 8 August 2014

eBay wishlist #2


"I'm a lot cooler on the internet" t-shirt | Silicone make up brush cleaner | Make up bag | Lipstick holder

I haven't posted an eBay wishlist in a while because I haven't really spotted anything that I fancied. But over the past couple of weeks, I've been adding a lot of products to my wishlist and when I get paid, I'll definitely be purchasing a few (okay, all of them).

You can never have enough storage and although I don't use cotton buds, I love the dispenser a lot. I'll just have to start using them. The same goes for the lipstick holder. Currently my lipsticks aren't very organised and this holder will allow me to have my favourites on display. Which brings me on to the MAC lipstick. I haven't ordered from this seller before but apparently the lipsticks are 100% genuine for a few quid cheaper.

I definitely don't need any more make up brushes but you can't grumble at the price of the Real Techniques rip offs. The ring is adorable and although most of my rings sit inside my jewellery box, I love cats so I need it. The t-shirt is a must have and I can imagine it'd look lovely with jeans or a high waisted skirt. I'll definitely be investing. In multiple colours.

The silicone oven mitt is something that I think will make cleaning my make up brushes a lot easier. I find it a bit of a chore and I can never quite be bothered, but this mitt will make it fun. I think. And finally, the make up bag. This has been in my wishlist for a really long time and it's about time I bought it. For me, it's quite pricey but I think it's adorable.

What items are currently on your eBay wishlist?
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Wednesday, 6 August 2014

GIVEAWAY | Pebble Grey LED Cosmetic Mirror


This blog post has been a long time coming, but I haven't wanted to run a giveaway until I had fully settled into my new house and job. I suppose it means I've been able to give this mirror a proper test run, and let me tell you, I don't know how I've ever lived without it.

The Pebble Grey LED Cosmetic Mirror* is compact, elegantly designed must-have essential. The mirror itself is beautifully packaged and comes with a velvet pouch meaning the mirror should never get scratched in your handbag. The lights are the perfect brightness and it makes doing your make up on the go a doddle.

I've included this mirror in a blog post before in case you want more information. However, I can't really say anything more other than it's perfect! I have two of these - one for myself and one to giveaway - and if you'd like to be in with a chance of winning one then please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


Do you have a light up mirror for on the go touch ups?
*PR Sample
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Monday, 4 August 2014

REVIEW | Natural beauty products with akamuti




One of the best things about being a blogger is getting to try out and discover fantastic new brands. Which is exactly how I feel about akamuti. If I wasn't a blogger, I would never have discovered the brand, and I'd have missed out on some wonderful products. In case you don't know, akamuti is an all-natural brand that doesn't use nasty chemicals, preservatives or additives. The brand try to source ethical and fairly traded ingredients and all of their products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure you receive them fresh. 

Chocolate Marshmallow Face Mask* - £7.96
This was without a doubt the product I was most looking forward to trying out. The powder is a hefty 70g and as you only need to mix a tiny amount in with water, it's going to last you an awfully long time. I wet my face and then massage the powder onto my skin to create a paste. I then leave this face mask on for around 15 minutes and once washed off, my skin is left feeling soft and looking healthy. And of course, it smells delicious. It uses fairtrade organic cocoa, crushed rose petals, nourishing pink clay and softening marshmallow which when combined is great for the skin and great for your nose. 

Buttered Rose & Almond Hand Cream* - £8.00
I absolutely love hand products and this one hasn't let me down. It's a rich cream-gel that combines roses, peach and plum, flower oils of rose and ylang ylang with marzipan to create a delicious aroma. The hand cream itself takes a while to sink into the skin, but once it's absorbed you're left with incredibly soft hands - perfect for those with rough, chapped skin. It's definitely one that's going to be getting a lot of love in the winter.

Aritha Shampoo Powder* - £4.96
This is definitely the strangest product of the bunch. It's shampoo in a powder that uses soap from a tree. Once I've wet my hair, I mix the powder in with water to create a paste and massage this into the scalp. I leave it on for around five minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. At first the process felt very strange as the shampoo doesn't lather, but I soon got used to it. It doesn't leave the hair caked in product or weigh it down, it just leaves it feeling clean, fresh and revitalised. Although this hasn't replaced my love of "normal shampoo," it's definitely a product that I love using as a weekly deep cleansing treat.

Have you tried anything from akamuti before? What's your favourite natural brand?
*PR Sample
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Saturday, 2 August 2014

MAKE UP | MeMeMe Cheek and Lip Tint in Coral Blossom


I'm someone who isn't particularly fond of cream/liquid blushes. I like the idea of them, but with my blemished skin, I usually find that blending them moves around my make up and exposes my scarring. When I received the MeMeMe Cheek and Lip Tint in Coral Blossom* (£5.50), I was dreading it. I thought, "I can't possibly put this on my skin and expect my make up to remain in place."

But after a few weeks of staring at it, sat there all pretty in my make up drawers, I couldn't resist. At first, I applied quite a lot of product which left me looking a bit doll-like. The second time, I simply applied a small dot and stippled the product into my skin using the KIKO Face 106 brush (£14.90). The brush and blush work wonderfully together to add a beautiful, subtle flush to the cheeks.

My worries have vanished, and if anything, this blush actually adds a little bit more coverage to my skin. It doesn't move my make up around and it doesn't expose my scarring. Instead it warms up my cheeks and leaves my skin looking glowing, yet natural. At only £5.50, this tint is an absolute bargain. Like I mentioned earlier, you only need a little dab as it's incredibly pigmented (it also lasts all day long too).

However, you can also get this blush for a little bit cheaper by using the code "mememe15" to get 15% off of your entire order.

Have you tried this tint before? What's your favourite liquid blush?
*PR Sample
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