More July Must Haves!

At the moment I am just in love with deep jewel colours and rose gold.

I recently started working and of course, the thing that I was most excited about was buy clothes for the office! After splashing out of a few things to wear, I now seem to be attracted to all clothes that would be suitable for working... probably not very suitable for when I start back at uni in September!

Other years I have bought clothes from places such as TopShop and Miss Selfridge but I don't really find any of their current stock appealing. There seem to be a lot of denim shorts, and huge baggy vest tops which look just terrible on me. If I wear loose clothes, I just look fat, so I've started to drift towards Oasis which can be a little more expensive but their clothes look so effotlessly chic.. I love them.

Here are a couple of thing that I have my eye on (out of many) First is their Cowl Lace dress which is currently on sale for £60. It's a beautiful deep ruby red with a flattering cowl neck and a lace panel for modesty (that apparently you can barely see, but I love it anyway!). Their Cowl Belted Coat for £98 is also beautiful. I love the wide waist belt and the neckline – yes I have a thing for cowl necks at the moment!

As for rose gold... FolliFollie are a brand that I adore but have yet to buy anything from. I find rose gold so delightfully feminine and most of their jewellery comes in it! Their pieces come in quite a range of prices but this Dice Bracelet is quite affordable at £55. The watch is £127 and more than I've ever spent on a watch because I'm not very good at wearing them.. but this is so simple and classic looking that I'm sure if would go with nearly anything I wore- and isn't that the most important thing?

Lastly is a Rose Gold plated script font name necklace from Barbabelle88 on etsy (image belongs to her). These necklaces come in either pink gold, gold, white gold or brass and are obviously made with your own name. They cost just under £20 which is a bargain... but shipping to the UK is the same as the price of the item! There are other Etsy shops that sell similar items though so I may buy from a different shop. They are incredibly pretty though and I've wanted a name necklace for quite a while now.

I'm looking forward to payday next month as I seem to be amassing quite a list of things that I'd love to buy.

Are there any clothes or accessories that you're longing for at the moment? 

NOTD – Perky Polka dots

I LOVE polka dots. They're so cute and feminine. Raj recently bought me a dress covered in them (which I love) and today, when I got back from work, I decided to add some on top of the varnish that I already had on to create this adorable look.

The base colour is one of my L'Oreal Paris Color Riche varnishes in Blue Reef. It's a beautiful deep teal with a cream formula that gives good coverage with one coat and is completely opaque in two.

On top of this I used a pointed clay tool that I had to create white polka dots with my white OPI nail varnish. I don't know the name of this one, it came in a mini set that I bought on the way back from my holiday last year. It's a white that I usually use for French tips.

I actually can't stop gazing at my dotty nails. I've been watching the Olympic Opening Ceremony tonight and every time I picked up my phone to talk to text/facebook my eyes were drawn to them.

I don't constantly text, by the way, but I had to do something to fill some gaps when all 200+ countries were marching!

Apologies if this post doesn't make too much sense. I started it before the ceremony and am now ridiculously tired!

What do you think of this polka dot nail look?  

Did you watch the Olympic opening ceremony too?

Makeup Tutorial – Everyday Work Look

So if you've been following my blog you may have noticed a complete lack of updates recently. This was due at first to me going up to Birmingham to see my boyfriend for a week, but when I got back I was then notified about a job that I had applied for and had to start this monday!

The job's not particularly exciting I guess, I'm editing designs for the engineering company Intra, that my dad works for. But it's a really great environment to work in- everyone's so nice!

It's a little weird because the office I'm in has no other women but lots of very pleasant engineers who try incredibly hard not to swear too much as there's “a young lady” in the office, haha!

My usual make up look ALWAYS has gel eyeliner, but for work I thought that was a little over the top. So here is a natural and pretty look that I've been doing this week that is incredibly low maintenance and a lot quicker than when I'm playing around with 50s-style flicks for my eyes!

It's also my first video post. I was too scared to actually say anything, but maybe next time I'll buck up and do a proper video review (with my voice and everything! Ooh-er!)

Products in this video are as follows:
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain
Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in White
Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation in Porcelain
Benefit Coralista
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Cargo Lash Activator
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black
Bourjois Kohl & Contour in Ultra Black
Rosy Lips Vaseline

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Review

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

The past week or so I've been away in Birmingham seeing my boyfriend and some friends -thus the lack of posts! I've been terribly lazy since I got back and haven't even started taking photos for the posts that I'm writing. I bought a LOT over the past week and so there're lots of pretty things that I want to share.

I've also got a job starting monday working Monday to Wednesday with the company that my dad and brother work for and uni work to be done by the middle of next month so I won't have that much time in the coming weeks to write but I'm going to try my hardest to fit it in!

Anyway, I bought these eyelash curlers a few weeks ago on Buyapowa. I'd been waiting weeks for the Co-buy to come up, and on the day that I finally broke down and bought some cheap Revlon curlers to tide me over, it finally started (as is my luck!).

I've heard a lot of good things about these, but I honestly haven't really used eyelash curlers before! My lashes are generally pretty long anyway so I didn't see the need, but I'm actually really excited by these!

Here are my eyelashes before. You can't really see that they're that long because they're not that dark and apparently aren't that curly. 

And here's the huge difference that the Shu Uemura's make! They already look huge here even without mascara.

Here's the final look with one layer of mascara. Apologies for the different angle but I found it pretty difficult to photograph my own eye. My camera kept focussing on my eye and blurring my lashes- not that helpful for this post!


I have very deep set eyes and I did notice that it was a lot easier for my to use these than my Revlon ones. After a couple of times using the curlers I had no problems curling all of my lashes in one go and the curl really is very significant!


People have said that these curlers didn't crimp their eyelashes, even when they tried, but I didn't find this. I did end up with a sharp crimp one time when I was playing around with them but to avoid this you just don't use as much pressure- pretty simple.


Also despite other reviewers saying that they didn't catch on their skin, I do find that I have to curl my lashes lower down than I would like because it pinches my eyelid. I think this is to do with my deepset eye shape though rather than being a fault of the product.


The curlers come with one extra pad, and once both pads have lost their spring you need to buy a new curler. I really hope mine last a while because I'm not sure I could justify spending £20 regularly on eyelash curlers!
Despite the high price, I definitely recommend these. The curl seems to last all day, and paired with a good mascara you'll end up with lashes that have everyone asking if they're fake - and who doesn't want to be complimented like that?

Jolie Box Review - June 2012

Like most people, my box took a while to get to me. I wasn't that impressed seeing as it was my first box that I'd signed up for; but I'd decided to try it looking for something to replace Glossybox.

Here's an overview of the items that I got. I was very impressed with the size of these samples. There is definitely enough to find out whether you'd be interested in buying the full size product. I know some people were disappointed that there were two moisturisers in the box, but I actually loved both of them.

Yon-Ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Cream

The first of these is Yon-Ka Pamplemousse Protective and Vitalizing Cream. This was the customised item; and although I didn't receive the correct box (new subscribers were meant to receive a volumising shampoo also) this was for normal to dry skin which fits me.

As the name suggests, it smells like grapefruit but isn't as overpowering as I thought it would be. A little goes a long way and a pea sized amount gives a light layer all over my face which means that this generous 50ml tube will last a long time!

They say that it should protect skin from external factors and make your complexion look hydrated and bright. For the few days I've used it I can say that it makes me skin very soft and I think it definitely gives my skin a dewy look.

This is actually a full size product and the cheapest price that I could find for it for £25. This means that I'm not sure that I'll buy it after I've finished it as my usual bodyshop moisturiser is £11 and I'm not sure it's worth double the price.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream

The second of these is L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream that they say reinforces natural skin hydration and leaves skin looking radiant and fresh.

I haven't used this one too much as I have been using the Yon-Ka moisturiser; but it feels nice on the skin. I don't actually like the scent of most L'Occitane products because I prefer fruity to floral scents so this doesn't appeal to me immediately.

But the little pot is so pretty and ideal for travelling, so I'll definitely use it for a weekend away some time.

Elysambre Lipstick

Next is a product that I really rather like, but I'm not sure I could pull it off!

I received a lipstick by Elysambre that I thought looked a little brown and would be terrible on my lips, but it's actually a beautiful deep red. It looks rather striking against my skin, but would definitely be too much for a day look- and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to wear it at night!

Here you can see it on my morning face. I'd just taken photos of my eyes for a post on Shu Uemura eyelash curlers and for some reason decided that a sleepy full face picture would be a good idea.

I think it's actually a little darker in person than it is in this photo, but it's a beautiful colour. The coverage is amazing, it's surprisingly easy to apply and Elysambre's products are supposed to be all natural which is always a plus.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Body Lotion

The last sample is Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Body Lotion. It is supposed to fight signs of aging caused by the sun whilst helping the skin to tan. I won't be using this because I don't tan very easily at all and generally stay out of the sun or pile on my SPF 30.

I've given it to my mother because I think she'll use it. I like the idea behind the product even if I wouldn't actually find much use for it.

Joliebox nail file

And lastly a free Jolie Box nail file that is quite cute but I have other files that I'll probably use instead. It's nice as an added extra though.

Overall I loved this box. I much prefer it to Glossybox and so think that I will be cancelling my sub to that and sticking with Joliebox. I adore French beauty products and can't wait for my next box at the end of this month!

If you got the box this month, what did you think of it?  

Review – Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Queen

I found this lipstick the other day in Superdrug and fell in love with it. I was was actually ridiculously excited by it and wanted to try it on straight away.

It is THE most perfect pinky coral colour for me. I've been looking for my lipstick that I can wear for that pop of colour on the lips that everyone wants this season and this is definitely it!

Coral Queen

The packaging is super cute. Metallic purple with the Rimmel London crown imprinted on the lid. I always think that because of this, Rimmel looks very much targeted towards teenage girls, but I still love it!

The formula seems to live up to its name and feels quite moisturising on the lips, which I love. It goes on smoothly and doesn't seem to stick to any dry parts. It looks very vibrant but is more forgiving than red lipsticks would be when it comes to applying it.

Unfortunately after the first couple of applications the bullet started to feel a little grainy, but the coverage still seems really good to me. I guess that's the difference between a £6 lipstick and something double the price from Mac. Not going to complain, this is much more affordable!

I haven't worn this out properly to see how long it lasts, but I'm sure I will be soon, because this is the first coral lipstick that I've found that has been so perfect for me.

Maybe I'll try this with some natural eyes when the weather's a little more predictable.

Before this I hadn't really bought much from Rimmel besides nail varnishes, but I'm not sure why! I'll definitely be keeping my eye on them from now on. Maybe eye shadow singles next.. 

Have you tried any Rimmel Moisture Renew lipsticks? Are there any other products by them that I should try out?

July Must Haves

There are so many things this month that I'm dying to purchase but currently don't have the money for. I thought I'd make a quick post about a few products that I'm super excited about.

Maybelline eye studio gel liner in black

From Superdrug.com

My current gel eyeliner is getting old and I've heard really good things about this one! I don't have money for Bobbi Brown or MAC so this will have to do! I've heard that the brush that comes with it is pretty good too.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain

Copyright Jane Iredale

Another product that I've read good reviews on. It was a sample in a previous Jolie Box that I missed (and later kicked myself for doing so!). It's meant to make your lips look like a better, pinker version of your own. With With Olive butter, avocado butter, wild rose wax and beeswax it should also nourish and moisturize your lips.

Due to it being like a balm, the wear time isn't impressive, but it sounds really easy to wear on the lips and just a fun and pretty product that looks nice and natural without drying out your lips.

Lily Lolo Mineral Blush in Clementine or Cherry Blossom

Lily Lolo Mineral Blush in Clementine
Copyright Lily Lolo

Lily Lolo Mineral Blush in Cherry Blossom
Copyright Lily Lolo

Since being wooed by my Lily Lolo mineral foundation I have been dying to buy some more of their products. These mineral blushes in peachy pink tones look great on my pale skin and are supposedly incredibly pigmented and long lasting.

I'm only a little bit put off because I have to purchase brushes at the same time. I would have to do this anyway because I'm severely lacking in brushes, but it makes what are actually quite reasonably priced blushes into quite a big purchase.

Lily Lolo Mineral Eyeshadow in Green Opal and Pink Champagne

Lily Lolo Mineral Eyeshadow in Green Opal
Copyright Lily Lolo

Lily Lolo Mineral Eyeshadow in Pink Champagne
Copyright Lily Lolo

As above, I LOVE Lily Lolo and these two shades are so pretty and shimmery that I must have them. Green Opal in particular is probably one of the most delicate shades of green eyeshadow that I have ever seen. When I first saw it I knew that I would be buying it in the future, so now it's officially on my list of future purchases.

Pink Champagne is just as shimmery but a perfectly pretty pink. I'm not as fond of pinks on my eyes, but I think I could possibly get away with it. It's a very pale shade of pink that is girly but sophisticated.  

Smashbox Try It Kit

Copyright Smashbox

I've been fascinated with Smashbox for a while now. I don't hear that much about it compared to brands such as MAC but its products always seem to be rated very highly by those that buy them.

When the UK site first opened I was so excited! I have yet to buy anything from them due to low funds, but I'm sure this kit will be the first thing I purchase! For £19 you get 5 decent sized samples.

These include their famous Photo Finish Foundation Primer, their Photo Finish Lid Primer, Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout, Lip Enhancing Gloss in illume and Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx.

All of these products interest me and I think it's a really great set to introduce new customers to the brand. I can't wait to try it! Smashbox also give free standard delivery and a sample with every order.

What are you dying to buy this month?