A/W Lust List

Its been a long time since I've posted one of these and I've had my eye on quite a few goodies lately but sadly i am a no buy. Will power wise I'm doing well so far... But here is a few of the bits I'm desperate to get my paws on lately!

1. Elf Goodies

Elf UK currently have a 50% off sale and i am sat here twitching wanting to place an order... They've released quite a few new things since my last order and I'd like to grab a more wearable shade of their HD Blush because I'm loving the one i have already formula wise, its just too bright! In theory i could place a small order just for the blush, but the whole free shipping thing over £30 spend gets me every time...

2. Nars One Night Stand Palette - £45

I need it. Space NK is the only store with it left as far as i can see and the collector in me is going totally nuts over it. I was lucky enough to be gifted the Damnari palette for Christmas last year and i ADORE it. Yes, i already own two of the shades but I've hit pan on them so this is totally justifiable right?

3. MUA Velvet Lips

 I've been stalking my local Superdrug for these for a good few weeks. The displays are up but no stock. I will be getting my hands on these beauties when they finally get them in store!

4. Bubbi Brush Set - £54

Beauty Guru Bubbi has her own brush range and these look super cute! I've had my eye on them since their release but i just can't justify new brush right now... damn.

5. Michael Kors Large Black Studded Selma - £320 ish

My student overdraft breathed a sigh of relief when i saw that this isn't available on any site in the UK currently (if you see it, let me know!). This bag is gorgeous and there is something about it that makes me irrationally want to buy it. Its a real high end splurge but in comparison with other leather designer bags the price really isn't that bad. I've been considering getting the 13in tote from the Apple store website but it just isn't as pretty.

6. Origins Best of Ginger - £45

I love Origins, i love ginger scents but i can't be buying Christmas gift sets my myself! Origins have some lovely gift sets as always this Christmas at all price points, so if you're looking for a beauty gift, check them out!

So that's it! All the pretty things I'd love to buy, but can't. Some of these will probably end up in my Christmas Gift Guide posts (early thinker, i know!) which will be up soon!

What have you been lusting over lately?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

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xox

 

My Skincare Routine

Ello lovelies!

Over the last few months I've had quite a few requests for a skincare post so i thought it was about time i got one up! I'm pretty boring with my skincare and more or less stick to the same staple products with the odd new thing thrown in every now and again for good measure. For reference i have quite dry / sensitive skin and over the past year or two my skin has been slightly problematic with breakouts every so often, nowhere near the severity of acne, but still enough to get right on my nerves! I've found a routine that is more or less perfect for my skin, i just need to find a way to battle pesky blackheads! So onto the products!

Simple Cleanser & Toner

I've been using these two for absolutely years! Having a beauty therapist lecturer as a Mother has meant I've been cleansing, toning and moisturising from my early teen years. These aren't very glamorous and are cheap as chips, but they do the job. I generally only use the cleanser on my lazy days, when i can't be bothered to cleanse and polish or whack out the Clarisonic. The toner i use on a daily basis and if my skins being overly problematic i add a drop of tea tree to a spray bottle mixed with toner to help calm it.

Soap and Glory Fab Pore Minute

This second or third tub on this little beauty. I use it twice a week on my nose to try and combat my blackheads, it helps temporarily but has no real long term effects. But it makes my pores feel and look smaller in the short term.

Rose & Co Apothecary Rose Petal Salve

One of the only good things i received in a beauty box. Feels so much nicer on the lips than Vaseline and i find it a lot more nourishing. Has its place permanently next to my bed before i go to sleep to banish dry or cracked lips.

Oilatum Natural Repair Moisturiser

This really does live up to all the hype. I've been using this almost constantly over the past year and i really would not be without it. If you suffer with dry skin, you need this. Again its not a fancy product but it does the best job at moisturising the skin. I picked up an Embryolisse at IMATS and it does not stand up to Oilatum, its just not as moisturising. I really could not recommend this product enough.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

I really don't need to say much about this do i? Its so hyped online and I've got to agree with all the hype, its a fantastic product. Works great with a muslin cloth and with my Clarisonic, i love it!

 
Etat Pur Salicylic Acid

A new addition to my routine. I'm using this at night in an attempt to rid my nose of blackheads, I'm not sure if its having a huge effect yet, but I'll be sure to do a full review once I've given it a good ol' testing!

Elemis Fruit Active Mask

Its a good mask, but its not my favourite. Elemis is on the pricey side for me and I'm currently out of my favourite Papaya Enzyme Peel Mask and desperately trying to be good and use this one up. On the plus side Fruit Active smells AMAZING, maybe even better than Papaya Enzyme, i just prefer the results with the peel.

Origins Drink Up Mask

I recently reviewed this beauty, you can read that here! Again its another corker of a product, great for dry to normal skin.

Clarisonic Plus

I'm a bit naughty when it comes to using my Clarisonic Plus every day, but when i remember i really do love it. Do i think its worth the money? Meh probably not, the Mia or Classic is a much better choice although still an expensive one. With regular use i really see a difference in my skin, it feels smoother and i have a lot less break outs, i just need to be better with using it! I really don't use the body brush in this either and would of done fine with the Classic model, but no, i had a Veruca Salt moment and wanted the PLUS! Hehe.

So that's it! My entire current skincare routine.

What are your skincare staples?

xox

Origins - Drink Up Intensive Over Night Mask - Review

 Higher end skincare isn't really something i like to splurge a lot of money on. I generally only take the plunge on things like Elemis value kits on QVC or if I've been really lusting over something. I had always assumed Origins was out of my price range, I'd be lusting over some of the Mega Mushroom range and at around £40 per product it wasn't something i was willing to spend the money on. So when i started seeing reviews for their Overnight Mask i halfheartedly read a few, thinking it was out of my price range, until i actually took notice of the price... £20 for 100ml, which is a LOT more reasonable than i had presumed. Most night creams or moisturisers range between 30 - 50 ml so getting double or more product for your money was a huge selling point for me. My last night cream was  an Elemis one, which was okay, but nothing special and at £30 odd for 50ml wasn't cheap. But the Origins Drink Up is technically a mask, not a night cream and is thicker in consistency.

"This overnight replenishing mask with natures most nourishing nightcaps, Plant Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid and Apricot Kernel Oil, instantly quenches compromised skin with deeply satisfying moisture. Avocado Oil and Mango Butters build up a reservoir for tomorrow. And Japanese Seaweed helps prevent future moisture loss. Skin awakens refreshed, replenished, ready to face the day."

Its quite thick in consistency and does leave the skin feeling slightly tacky for around ten minutes or so. It sinks in leaving my skin feeling super hydrated and even feels lovely in the morning. Some people complained about it leaving residue, but having quite dry skin i find my skin absorbs it really quickly leaving no residue what so ever. Now at the moment i am using this about every other day, but i wouldn't hesitate using it every night as a night cream as my skin is so dry. But for people with combo - oily skin once to twice a week would probably be enough. My only little gripe is the smell of it, and now i am terrible with describing scents but there is something in it that my nose just does not like. Luckily its not an overbearing smell and fades pretty fast so your not left trying to sleep with it. I don't think it'd be unpleasant for everyone, just if your like me you may find it a little much initially.

Overall i am really loving this! It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated without leaving a greasy film or transferring to my pillows. And at £20 for 100ml i think for a higher end brand is pretty damn good value for money! I've got my eye on a few more bits from Origins but that may have to wait a while! But if you live near an Origins counter I'd highly suggest checking this out!

What are your favourite Origins products?

xox

Spending ban... What spending ban?!

Hiya Lovelies!
So about that spending ban...

Everyone needs a little treat now and then so after working way more than i have done over the last year and having much less fun than usual i thought it was about time to buy a couple of new "necessary" bits and bobs. So i thought I'd share my little collective haul from the past month.

GHD - Glossy Back Straighteners
I've needed a new pair of GHD's for quite some time now as mine were reaching their 7th birthday and not really performing like they used to. I really begrudge paying a ton on hair care items so the thought of spending around £100 on a pair of these wasn't really a happy thought. I found these beauties for £84 on Look Fantastic, although i cannot find them again now they were a lot cheaper than the same style on other websites. Win!

Banana Boat - Aloe Vera Gel
I spent my Boots point on this so it doesn't really count as breaking my spending ban. I wasn't going to include this as its really just boring sun care, but as its the run up to my holiday, buying things like this puts a big ol' grin on my face. Also on smelling this it brought back memories of my last stay in the USA. So a lot of smiles from a pretty boring buy!

New Look - Sunglasses
Another little holiday buy! Something about these screamed CUTE and Hello Kitty at me so i HAD to have them. Its not often i find sunglasses in a flattering shape for my face that are this cute! New Look had a BOGOF promotion on their sunglasses so i got two pairs (the second not quite as cute) for £4.99.

Origins - Drink Up Overnight Mask
So this little beauty has been doing the blogging rounds so i wont go into too much detail until i get round to reviewing it. But after seeing all the "What i take travelling" videos and posts this product really intrigued me. For some reason I'd had it in my head that Origins was SUPER pricey, I'm not one to spend £40 on a cream even though I've been lusting after some of their Mega Mushroom range for quite a while now. So when i found out this was £20, 100ml and perfect for my skin type, i just had to have it!

Chinovi Cosmetics - Minis
If you've read my blog for a while you would know i have a soft spot for indie cosmetics. I think a lot of indie brands have something special due to the time, effort and creativity that goes into their products. Chinovi is a relatively new brand and after seeing Beauty's Bad Habits swatch post i knew i had to order some. The website is SO easy to navigate and my goodies arrived within a week, preciously packed with some added American sweeties. ADORABLE. I cannot wait to review them!

China Glaze - I'm Not Lion
After reading Powdered Almond's post on I'm Not Lion i had to have this polish, right this second! I literally ordered it within two minutes of reading the post. It is one of the prettiest polishes i have ever seen. Its an absolutely stunning champagney, beigey glitter with multi coloured flecks, god i suck at descriptions. Simply put, its gorgeous, go check it out!

IPhone 4S
Another one that doesn't count towards my spending ban since it was an upgrade. So i have now jumped on the iphone bandwagon, so at some point in the near future, when i can work it all out (god i feel old), expect some Instagramming from me!


So that's it! A bit of a modest haul from me for now if you ignore the GHD's *slaps wrist*

Have you bought anything naughty lately? Feel free to link in the comments!

xox