Handmade Greeting Cards

I love writing my friends and family cards and love making them extra special just to make them smile, whether this be the design or the message it is someone's special day and they deserve it all! The lovely Nicola Heales kindly sent me some of her handmade cards to have a look at and use, and you can see that they are the cutest things ever! Each card is different and all you have to do is email her or ring here with a order and she will surely get it done for you! I am in love with the wedding day card the most because of how sweet it is! 

If you fancy some sweet and cute handmade cards then drop Nicola a line on twitter @NicolaHeales or her email which is nicolaheales@blueyonder.co.uk or on her site Nic-Nacs.com

 

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Face B4 Wash + Serum|Review

If you caught this post at the start of this month, then you will know that the month of July was the month that I get my skin back in to shape! I set my self some goals, some of which I achieved and others I didn't therefore will be carrying it on through the month of August as well. But one thing I did do was use these amazing products from FaceB4. I have been using this for over a month now and its time to give you all the verdict of how I found them.

Face B4 Wash + Serum

 

Face Wash // This was something I really enjoyed using in the shower, because of the easy to use pump at the top of the bottle. It seems unusual for skincare products to have a pump like this, but this wash is a cleanser and toner combined in one magic bottle. Killing two steps with one application; the product claims to do so many things and I was curious whether or not it would live up to its facts. I used it in the shower on some nights and others over the sink, which ever method I used it removed my makeup like a gem and will carry on using it.

Serum// I am not the biggest fan of serums but I think this has converted me forever! I loved the texture of this as it wasn't liquidly or runny instead more like a cream on my face. It also had a really subtle smell so I knew it wouldn't irritate me. As soon as applying it, it sunk into my skin and I loved the feeling of it. This serum together with the wash is like a match made in heaven as the box suggests using it together has way more benefits. 

During the first week my skin experienced a rough patch, and I broke out like crazy! To which I begun to think that I need to stop using it but then I thought maybe my skin is just clearing up and everything is just coming out from underneath so I carried on using it for a further week. To which I then begun to see a really big difference and would recommend these products to everyone and anyone!

FaceB4 is a brand I would have never ever gone towards in Boots but now I think differently and want more from the brand. 

 

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*this post contains pr samples, all opinions expressed are my own.

How to Style Kimono's!

My recent go to outfit has been this one, and I just had to show you all it because it is very summery and pretty! Kimono's seem to be everywhere at the moment and have taken over the fashion world, and I knew that I just had to get my self one. This one is actually from Asda! Yes, probably you're local supermarket. I always go in the clothes section and just happened to find this bargain at £5, more than half the price of the ones in other shops these days! I paired it with a plain top from Store 21 and then my go to Matalan jeans because they are uber comfy.

I tried to photograph the print as best as I could because you all just needed to say it, it is so gorgeous and very summery and it was from Asda? I mean seriously! I love Kimono's because they are summery, airy and very lightweight so you can throw it on top of everything!

Styling a Kimono!

I also thought I would share with you some tips on how to style them as well as there is so many out there I personally never know what to wear with them!

- Wear it with a skirt and a tank top which will make it look more colourful.

- They look super cute with jumpsuits/playsuits/rompers because you are adding some extra style.

- Use it as a bathing suit cover up! Yes that right, they are long and big enough to cover you up in the sun.

- Like mine, pair a printed Kimono with some jeans and a plain t-shirt. Maybe even add a long necklace for a bit more. 

- If you are a fan of all black, then pair a brighter Kimono to break up all the black and some chunky gold accessories would be great as well!

- The above point also makes sense if you use it all white as well, then you can look all monochromic and trendy!

- For something more casual wear just your everyday jeans and t-shirt and throw a kimono on top.

- As far as shoes go, I like anything with them but as you can see in this post I paired it with my nude heels and it worked well!

 

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NOTD| BarryM Gelly in Coconut

I hope you clicked on this blog post because you wanted to know what shade this beautiful colour of nail polish is! I won't keep you waiting any longer and tell you that it is one of the newer summer gelly's from BarryM in the shade 'Coconut' and by far one of my favourite colours ever from any brand! Its this perfect off white colour that doesn't seem to wash out my skin tone and looks amazing in the day and at night. 2 coats is all it took, and it took me by surprise. This is the perfect all round summer shade.

 

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All Kinds of Pink.

This post is all because of Anna from ViviannaDoesMakeup, and her post all about the 'Pink Spread'. Whenever it gets to this time of year I always seem to get really attracted to the colour pink, no matter what shade, tone, colour whatever it is I love it! Now a lot of you may be thinking that the colour pink is a difficult colour but think again my friends. Majority of you must be thinking of that Barbie coloured pink and the colour of tutus but rethink that! The colour that dominated your bedroom in the past can now be a staple in your makeup bag it can come in the form of eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, and nail polish. You can either apply it subtly in places or go strong and play up one feature. 

ON YOUR CHEEKS

Blush pinks  look the best on darker skin or pale skin with a rosy undertone. Livelier pinks flatter most skin tones. Just don’t get scared off by the colour, try it out one day and see how to feels and looks: It often goes on sheer and diffused. A cream formula allows you to build that colour up to something more and lasts all day too! Peachy pink blushes are ideal for olive skin.

ON YOUR LIPS

 If you want to stick with subtle, there’s a loads of sheer shades and glosses that add just a little bit of colour, for example Revlon lip butters are amazing, they are so sheer and the colour can be built up easy! 

Those with fair skin can ease into bolder pinks with a peony-coloured lipstick or just go for it with fuchsia which also looks great with darker skin. 

ON YOUR NAILS

Just like your favorite black dress, certain shades of pink will never fail to look good on you―like a petal pink polish for darker skin or a paler version for lighter skin. These are classic colours that look amazing on any skint tone, pinks are also amazing on your toes with whatever you are wearing.

Hope you found this useful a little bit, as pink is a gorgeous colour to wear in the summer. 

 

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Yves Rocher Makeup Review!

Recently, I was very kindly sent some things in the post from Yves Rocher* and when the parcel arrived I was so excited as I have never tried anything from the brand so I was starting with a fresh mind.

Lipstick// The first thing that caught my eye was this beautifully packaged lipstick in the shade 'Sienna' now the colour looked really off putting at first but then when I put it on it was a sheer colour and I fell in love with it. They have also got Cherry Oil in the lipstick to give it more shine and a light reflection power. There are loads of different shades if this red looks a little frightening.

Eye Shadow// Another thing I was very excited about! A cream based eye shadow is something I have never used or bought because I didn't think it was worth it but it is okay in a way. It took a while for the colour to show on it own, but when I paired it with other neutral colours it looked much better. Bonus point alert the brush is outstanding, it isn't one of those really hard dofer brushes its really soft and feels gentle on the eye lid and doesn't drag.

Mascara// Something that everyone is fussy with and some love all the different types. When I opened this product the first thing I said and looked at was the brush - its like WOWZA! So it looked really promising...This mascara doesn't promise nor deliever those lovely curved lashes, but if you want that effect then use a curler as that would be the best thing. But the volume is good enough for the day and night because of this amazing brush and it needs to be dried for a little bit before you close your're eyes.

Overall, I love all these products and am so glad that I discovered this brand because there are so many amazing things to discover and can't wait to start trying more things!

 

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*this post contains pr samples

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation|Review

I am the fussiest person when it comes to what foundation I use because of all the factors that go into consideration. I ask my self questions like What will it look like on my skin? How will it feel? Will it react? and the list goes on and on, but I finally think I have found my perfect match because this foundation from Rimmel is great for everyday and the night and feels like there is nothing on my skin! When I was reading reviews about the foundation it was all very mixed as some people loved it but others hated it because of the shimmer but that really doesn't bother me!

The first thing that caught my eye in Superdrug was the packaging and how brightly coloured it was! I mean if orange wasn't a better colour to catch your eye what would be, the glass bottle really appeals to me as well because it think that it makes me look after it a little more. It may become a problem when I'm travelling but because I have to mix two colours together I could put it into a little bottle. The pump is also amazing, I hate things with no pump because it gets really messy. 

So, I bought the shade on the left at first because I thought this would be perfect but then I had to go back and buy a shade darker because the light one was too white on my skin tone. Mixed well on the back of my hand it makes my perfect shade and that has never happened to me! The consistency of the foundation is very thick but thin as well as it is bendable and easy to apply. Coverage is medium but I find you can build it up to give you a flawless finish. I never knew exactly what a dewy look was, until using this I love the way dewy skin looks and feels! 

Would I repurchase? YES!! Have you tried the Wake Me Up?!

 

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The Body Shop/Superdrug Haul!

Today I have a small haul for you all! I have been collecting and buying these small items over the last few weeks and now I think its time to finally share them! I actually went to buy something else (cotton wool) and didn't end up coming out with any!

The Body Shop - A place where I don't go very often but I had a voucher and they were having a sale so it was a win win!

Papaya Body Butter..I never buy body butters because I never seem to finish them but this time I was attracted to this smell and wanted it so bad and reduced to I thought why not? I love putting on butters on in the summer time it makes you smell amazing! 

Tea Tree Pore Minimiser...A product that is meant to help minimise pores and help with those imperfections, not tried this out yet and I want to try it soon so that I can review it as it is promising a lot of things.

Blush...I never buy blushes because I can never ever find as colour that looks natural and not too much, so when I swatched this and found it I just had to buy it because the colour is stunning and looks amazing on my skin tone!

Superdrug - A place where I always go and spend lots of money at even when I don't need to but when things are on offer I just have to buy it! 

BarryM Nail Polishes.. My collection of Gelly polishes are slowly growing and I am buying more and more because everything about them is amazing. I picked up Coconut which is a off white and it also very nude and then Greenberry which is the brightest colour I have ever seen and looks so pretty in the bottle. Along with them both I got a free limited edition one as well! 

MUA Nails Polishes..Yes, more nail polishes! MUA have some really cute colours and both these bright summer colours looked really appealing and for only £1 who can go wrong with them!

Rimmel Wake Me Up...I decided to pick up this foundation after so many people were talking about it to me! And I can say that it does live to is expectations and I will have a full review soon!

 

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NOTD| Rimmel London 'Breakfast in Bed'

Rimmel London by Rita Ora in Breakfast in Bed

My perfect summer nail polish. This is such a gorgeous colour and the picture does not do it justice as in real life it is the most stunning minty blue colour I have in my nail collection. The formula and staying power of Rimmel Polishes are always on point, and this just made me agree with that even more and I want to try more from the Rita Ora range as all the colours look amazing. The name is also uber cute and makes me feel all relaxed when I read it and wear the colour.

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Simple BB Cream| Review

Simple BB Cream// 

Why on earth has it taken me so long to write this review? I have been using this BB cream from Simple for a long time and not once have I done a proper review on it! Well, that it changing right this minute. Me and this BB Cream have a love hate relationship which I will explain more about later!

Universal shade with a unique blend of multi-vitamins and skin loving ingredients to give you a flawless, instant natural looking coverage with UVA/ UVB SPF15 protection . Perfect even for sensitive skin

Why I love it?

This BB Cream is great if you are in rush because it warms up in your hands and applies and sets really quickly, for me there is no need for powder or concealer as I get enough coverage. It claims that it is a universal shade so it adjusts to your skin tone, for me it is a little lighter than I would like but I have fairly medium toned skin and have no idea what it would look like on paler or darker skin. You can see in the picture below just how light it is on my skin, but once blended in properly its fine and wearable. This is also the first BB Cream that is great for sensitive skin and it hasn't broken me out. 

Why I kind of hate it? 

Well because, on days that I have dry skin all over my face I find it really hard to blend this in and wear the BB Cream because it clings on and that the most annoying thing. It also doesn't stay on for very long, I know I said that you don't need powder but even with powder and a primer it just comes straight off after a few hours.

Would I repurchase it? 

Yes I would because on no dry skin days I find amazing on my skin to use, and its so quick and easy. But for £8.99 I don't really know whether or  not I would actually buy it again, unless its on offer. 

Obsession; Statement Necklaces

L-R Asda (not online), Ebay and Primark (not online)

 Over the past few months I can't stop buying statements, I went through a phase where I liked long necklaces and now I like the shorter more bold ones. These are my favourite ones but you can find so many in the shops today, but I think that you always need to be careful when buying them so that you don't over do the colour and the style ect. Here are a few tips on how to wear them so that they don't look a bit funny!

Coordinate and Cohesion // Wear a statement necklace that is a similar colour to your outfit and that will bring out the colour in the outfit as well. for example if you are wearing a white and red top then a red necklace would love great. 

Contrast// Brighten up your darker outfits of blue and black with necklaces that are bright and colourful. Colours in the neon family make the outfit stand out and draws attention to your face. 

Monochrome// Add a necklace that is in the similar colour category to your outfit, this works best for your mint colours and blue toned. 

Dress up a t-shirt// If you want to dress up a casual t-shirt and make it look as though you didn't just wake up and forgot how to dress. Wearing something sparkly will make you look all pretty and done up when you woke up 5 minutes ago. 

Colour Pop// If you are a neutrals girl and wear outfits with lots of light colours then dress it up a little by adding a necklace with a bright pop of colour. Red is a great one to add!

Collar and Layering// If you wear a lot of collars on shirts and tops like I do, then wearing a necklace underneath looks really pretty. As well as this you can layer up your clothes to show off different colours and styles. 

Hope this helps!

Clean&Clear Dual Action Moisturiser| Review

Buy Here

Since purchasing this cream from Superdrug a while ago, I have been using it night and day and have seen the biggest change in my skin. This cream has helped with my breakouts every month and controlled the amount of oil that my face produces during the day. I have oily,sensitive and dry skin which I think you class as 'combination' but my skin type changes everyday so I would class it as 'can't make its mind up'. If you suffer from breakouts and want a moisturiser that isn't greasy and you can wear under your makeup then this is the best thing for you!

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June Favourites

Primark Oil Control Wipes// I seem to always go back to Primark wipes because they seem to do the job perfectly, these oil balancing ones are amazing and the other ones I love are the exfoliating ones. Every time you got to Primark and go to the till make sure you check out their wipes there is a whole selection and for £1 who can go wrong!

Victoria Secrets Strawberries & Champagne Mist // Summer fragrance right her ladies and gents. This is such a sweet and summery scent that you don't get sick of smelling it. The name is also very appropriate for this time of year and VS mists feel so luxury on you.

Revlon Lacquer Balm in Vivacious // Spoken about these Revlon balms a lot on here, so I am going to keep it short and sweet. Wearing a bright pink lip with bronzed skin and neutral eyes will look amazing in the summer sunshine and this one from Revlon is the perfect pink and the formula is very glossy.

Benefit Porefressional Primer// I got this sample in Elle magazine and haven't stopped using it. Why? Well because along with my moisturiser it works wonder in keeping my makeup on my face all day and I know that its on my face without looking in the mirror constantly. 

Rimmel Salon Pro in Hip Hop// A summer staple for me has always been a coral/red nail polish colour because it looks great with anything as well as being one of those polishes that can be worn on fingers and toes. The formula of these Salon Pro things are amazing and worth the rave. 

Rimmel Breakfast in Bed// To say I wasn't really a Rimmel girl, lately I have been hooked on buying things from them and this is another nail polish that started it all off. After seeing several people posting it on instagram, I had to try it for myself I am so glad the colour is the perfect minty blue for the summer and with one coat you are good to go. 

Macaroons by Lulu// I picked these up in Manchester and have been eating them slowly every week, I bought a few and these are my final ones and I am saving them. 

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Operation Fix My Skin.

Over the past few months I seem to have my skin under control, with a few occasional breakouts here and there. Then I go through stages when my skin is really bad it really needs a good detox, so I have set my self a challenge to get my skin sorted through the month of July and then hopefully by the time we get to August we will be fresh skin and ready. 

• The first thing I need to do is stop using all these different products and treatments, instead use certain ones because my skin needs stop having all these things slapped on to it. 
• For those who didn't know my skin is very sensitive, therefore I have to be so careful about the products I use because anything could happen, of course at first you are going to get small breakouts but it will be fine in the end. 
•  I also need to start drinking lots and lots more water, this includes cutting out the fizzy drinks that I consume every now and then. I guess one is ok but I seem to need it all the time.
• As well as cutting out the high volume of fizzy drinks, I also need to cut the coffee. I seem to be addicted to it and can't stop drinking so it needs to stop. 

So that's what I need to do, but what will I be doing instead?

• I swear that I will stick to a skincare routine and these are the products I will be using from Face B4. Who asked If I would like to review some products and take their skincare challenge, sticking to using only one brand and these products night and day will hopefully help my skin. 

I will be sending FaceB4 weekly skin updates so they know what a difference their products are making as well as writing a blog post at the end of July to show you all what a change I can see in my skin. Hopefully it will be noticeable and seen. 

What is your skincare goal?

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