I'm trying my best to save money this month. So I find if I make a wishlist it gets it all out of my system! Towards the end of the month if I've been good I'll treat myself to a little something...a girls gotta have a treat every now and then!

Wishlist 2016 by pureflow featuring lip gloss makeup

Maison Margiela flower perfume
£93 - nordstrom.com

GHD straightening iron
thehut.com

NARS Cosmetics beauty product
£25 - lookfantastic.com

Lipstick Queen beauty product
£19 - bloomingdales.com

Kate Spade blue leather handbag
£110 - lordandtaylor.com

Yves Saint Laurent lip gloss makeup
£28 - bloomingdales.com

Nars cosmetic
net-a-porter.com

Ariat pull on boots
£210 - zappos.com

It was my Birthday in May, so after receiving a little bit of spending money; I wanted to treat myself to something that I wouldn't normally justify spending the money on.

I LOVE Charlotte Tilbury products - the packaging and the colours are stunning. My Friend brought me a lipstick for Christmas, and since then I've wanted to try out more from her beautiful make up range.

I decided to go for 2 eye products as they are some of my favourite products to play around with. I went for a cream eye shadow in Mona Lisa and a colour Chameleon eye shadow stick in Golden Quartz.

The Cream eye shadow is a gorgeous taupe brown with enough shimmer to make your eyes pop. It's super pigmented so a little goes a long way. This looks gorgeous worn on its own as a wash of colour, or is great as a base for more colours to create a smokey look.

The Colour Chameleon stick is a really bronze brown, with flecks of gold glitter in there too - which makes this more special than your high street brands. The colour really makes my eyes pop, and its super simple to create a smokey eye look with this. It's super creamy and easy to smudge out - I defiantly want more colours in my collection! The colour Amethyst Aphrodisiac is a gorgeous muted pink which I've found suits my skin tone really well.

The only items I'm not sold on are the blushes from Charlotte's collection. Non of the colours really stand out to me, however the lip and eye products have me drooling for more!

Good Evening All,

I wanted to get back into the groove of my little corner of the internet - so I thought I'd talk about something I love, to ease myself back into things.

The Benefit blushers are gorgeous. I currently own three, however I wish to add a few more to my collection. I use at least one of these everyday, even if I'm not wearing any other make up - a little blush goes a long way to brightening up your complexion! First up we have Coralista - a gorgeous coral with a beautiful sheen. This is perfect for so many different skin tones and is a really easy colour to wear, I love this especially in the spring and summer to add that youthful peachy - just been running through a field of tulips look. (obviously)

Next up is Rockateur - this rose scented blush is a sheeny dusty rose shade. The scent of this product puts me off sometimes - it's very strong and if you don't like rose scents, you may not enjoy this! However the colour is easy to wear, and flattering all year round. It has a nice glowy sheen to the rose shade blush and the design inside the box is gorgeous. One thing I dislike about this blush is the packaging...lace, studs and snakeskin isn't my style. But the product inside is beautiful. A word of warning to the heavy handed ladies out there (raises hand) this is a lot more pigmented than coralisa - use a light hand!
One thing I noticed is that Coralista is £23.50 for 8 grams of product - where as Rockateur is the same price but for only 5 grams of product. Not sure what's going on there! These blushers have lasted me ages so I have no complaints! Just seems slightly odd!

Benefits Hoola Bronzer is a cult classic - I've never been fond of bronzers. Sometimes they make me look muddy and extra hairy (you know what I mean, when you can suddenly see EVERY tiny facial hair you have on your cheeks because of your bronzer!) and two I've never really known how to apply them properly without looking like an oompa loompa! I spotted a mini size of the Hoola Bronzer in my local Boots, and at £9.95 for 4 grams of product, I thought I'd give it a shot.
I've started sweeping the product on a duo fibre blush brush and focus on the bridge of my nose and across my cheeks - giving me a natural looking sun kissed look. I tried contouring with this but it's just too warm toned for me. I have a new love for this product, and the taster size product means I can try it out without feeling guilty!

I also own The Fine One One cream blusher. This was one of my first Benefit items I purchased from the brand. It has 3 gorgeous sheeny shades, in fool proof packaging. You literally swipe the stick over your cheeks, and blend upwards either with a brush or fingers. The look is natural and pretty! It's certainly an all time favourite! If I'm having a dry skin day, this can cling onto dry patches and make them more noticeable, just as a warning!
I still want to add Dallas and Hervana into my collection, but I'll wait for my Boots points to catch up first! I will say that you can pay a fraction of the price for decent blushers from the drugstore - but for a little treat and a piece of luxury I love these!

Do you own any Benefit Blushers? What are your thoughts?

December was a busy month, there was Christmas, Christmas dinner, work, boxing day, work and more work! As soon as January hit and things calmed down and that meant I ended up browsing the sales! - Which is very dangerous when you've just been paid and deserve a treat after such a busy month!

Firstly I hit up Boots - I was tempted by their Soap and Glory big £60 box down to £25 - but after scoping out the perfume aisle, I spotted the Stella McCartney Perfume Stella down from £60 to £30 - I've wanted this perfume for ages, so I snapped it up and didn't look back! I was tempted by a Juicy Couture option - however the I have enough sweet smelling fragrances, so the more grown up scent of Stella is perfect to add to my collection.

Next up was Amazon - My boyfriend needed a few bits and bobs, as I was looking around I noticed there were a few Korean make up brands available and decided to dip my tow into the water and purchase something from Tony Moly. I'd heard of this brand a few years ago - however Korean beauty is on the uprise and have some stella products. I opted for the So Cool Panda eye treatment stick. This is super cooling and hydrating and now I need more from the brand! Watch this space!

Now for the main purchase Kate Spade - I have been eyeing up Kate Spade purses and bags for months, and as soon as I saw there was a sale on, there were no hesitations! I opted for the small Stacy purse in the Glitterbug finish which was down from £70 to £35 - BARGAIN. The purse is gorgeous. I opted for the smaller purse size as I was hoarding way to much in my large one and wanted a smaller option for a purse, The larger size was £88 from £150 which was super tempting, and might still get purchased! Keep and eye out for a full review.

Expect full reviews on some of these items and many more!
Did you purchase anything in the sales?

I certainly didn't need it.....but it just happened to fall into my basket in Boots before heading for a weekend away to Bruges.

I'd already started packing for our little trip away and was about to pack my Naked palette...whilst perusing for minis to pack, I stumbled across this teeny weeny (ridiculously priced) eye shadow palette by Smashbox - I'd seen this in Sephora hauls and was so excited seeing it my local boots It didn't even take a second thought! 

The palette is super compact and contains 8 beautiful eye shadows. There are 4 shimmer shades and 4 mattes - each a perfect neutral shade perfect for day and night looks. The pigmentation is really good and they blend together nicely. I still think the Urban Decay shadows are more 'buttery' but these are still really good quality. The shimmer shadows look gorgeous on the lid, and a little smokey matte shade on the crease look perfect.
I find with 8 colours it's a lot easier to create a simple, elegant look. 

This palette was £17.50. Pretty pricey but for a wearable compact palette that's going to get plenty of use? I think it's worth the splurge if you go away a lot or need it for your handbag.

Over the past few months I've brought a few items to pamper myself during our hectic house situation - I'm sorry thats all I'm ever going to talk about now!
It's nice to have a little treat every now and then; and the only place to do that is in Boots. Most of the items I picked up have either been on my lust list for a little while now, or I've seen them spoken about in videos so I had to try it out for myself! - Watching Youtube videos is so enabling!

Make up:
I found the cutest, tiniest eyeshadow palette from Smashbox that I couldn't refuse - the Smashbox Full Exposure palette has the perfect shades in it to be the only palette you ever need - Full review to come!
Benefit Gimmie brow has been on my list for a long time - and today I finally bit the £18 bullet and brought it. I haven't had much time (or a good enough mirror) to see to my brows recently and thought this would be great to tame things till I can get them professionally done. I havn't tried this yet so await a full review!
Whilst I was gorming at the Benefit counter I also picked up a Posiebalm - just cause it looked cute and I wanted a little treat for myself...I have no excuse, have you seen the packaging?

Skincare:
I had a sample of the Lush moisturiser in Skins Shangri La and remember it being like a drink for your skin. With all the stress from moving and months of decorating, this was very much needed! It's quite a thick creamy consistensy, and almost oily? If you suffer from oily skin this won't be for you; but for those who lack moisture this would be perfect. I use this as the last step in my routine to add a good dose of moisture before starting my day.
Hylamide Booster Glow Serum - I saw this brand on a few skincare blogs and was intrigued so I picked one up. It's from the same brains as Indeed labs, so I thought it would be worth a shot! I picked up the glow booster serum as my skin has always been a bit lacklustre...If I like this one I may have to stock up on more from the brand!

Tools:
On my sprees I also picked up two new brushes from varying spectrums of price. First is the tapered blush brush from the Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection - which I had been eyeing up for a while, and soon as I saw they were on offer I ran to the check out. Its a gorgeous colour, supersoft and applied blush like a dream - no regrets!
On the other side is a £3 blush brush from Wilkos. The softest brush, not too dense and visualy not at all bad...for anyone whose on a budget I highly reccomend taking a look!

Shower Products:
First I brought the St Tropez in shower gardual tan lotion; this was on every blog and every youtube channel and had some real mixed reviews. I've never been one for self tanning as I always end up turning orange or have a horrid streak down my arm. This is the perfect self tanning lotion for people who don't want to look orange and want a streak free application.
Next on my jollies I came across some Ritauls products in Marks Spencers. I chose the Indian rose scent in the foaming shower gel formula. This is similar to the Imperial Leather Foamburst, but a bit more luxurious and creamy.

Well there you have it! 2 months of purchases wrapped up! Expect full reviews very soon as I use the products and get to know them, and expect to see others in Most Used Monday posts - which will be back soon too!

I've really missed blogging and having my little space on the internet...it feels good to be back!

It's not often that I'll finish products up, so when I had a small collection of empty products I thought I'd do full reviews on them.

Firstly is my Benefit Moisture Prep toning lotion. I will be repurchasing this ASAP. This has changed my skincare completely. Its a moisturising toner that preps my skin for the other products I plan to use. I place a small amount on a cotton pad and  wipe all over my face each morning; followed by my serum and moisturiser.

I've also ran out my hydraluron. This is used between my serum and moisturiser as a 'glue' it keeps the moisture in and allows it be absorbed better - which is what my skin is not great at. Without this product I'd still have dry patches and tight dry skin, This has already been repurchased in the form of the moisture jelly instead of the serum, however both are the same price and just as effective as each other.

My Eve Lom cleanser has been low for a while now but I've finally finished it up. I enjoyed this balm cleanser but feel there are better and more affordable options elsewhere in the market, so I won't be repurchasing this. Was a great one to dip my toe into the world of balm cleansers though! 

For my hair I've used up Bumble and Bumbles Blow Dry Straight cream. This helps smooth out my frizzy hair before blow drying it. I wouldn't repurchase this in full size as its SO expensive when Tres Eme have some great alternatives for a quarter of the price.

Next up are some make up empties. It;s hard to finish make up, but I have a few! Firstly is the Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara. This is a lovely mascara and I'd repurchase when I have used up a few more in my collection. It has a nice big brush and a great formula. Next up is a sample of Benefit That Gal primer that I got in one of the Benefit make up kits. I've already purchased the full size for this because it is just beautiful. I have really dull skin and this adds life back into it and adds a subtle glow. This was in my make up bag for the gym to perk up my skin before work. It's a shame you can't just buy sample sizes for this purpose!

Last up is a lip liner from Rimmel in 'East End Snob' there's been loads of chat about this all over the internet. Its a beautiful blue toned pink lip liner in a twist up pen. I really enjoyed the colour for this product but not the texture...it was a bit drying and clung to dry patches on my lips which is a shame. It's great for the price, but I won't be repurchasing.

What products have you finished this month? 

I'm always searching for the best new mascara, I have incredibly straight black lashes that don't want to curl. Even with my eye lash curlers they end up dropping down.
After watching a video from Amelia Liana; she used the new L'Oreal Superstar Mascara and it looked amazing on her. So...into Boots I went and come out with the Mascara. (I was going to buy some of the new Revlon HD lipstick too but resisted, as a shop assistant was putting them all out on display) - expect those to be brought soon!

There are two sides to the mascara, firstly there is a white voluminous side. This is almost a primer for the second step. This includes a beautifully shaped brush to add volume to the lashes. Then you add the other side which is a black formula with small fibers in which covers the last coat and adds color and extra thickness to the lashes.

I've fallen in love with this mascara, it's just annoying to apply as the wands are on the inside of the tube so it's a bit fiddly...but worth the results. I managed to grab this for £7.99 from Boots instead of £10.99, I just might have to pick another one up before this offer disappears!

The only other mascara I've tried from L'Oreal is their Miss Manga mascara. But I've heard great things about their other ranges, I must remember to give them a go sometime!

Have you tried this mascara out yet? Or have any recommendations from L'Oreal's Mascara Range?
Please let me know!

I recently did a post all about Soap and Glory's make up range. But I thought these mascaras needed their own review as they're all so different. They're all priced between £9 and £10.50. So slightly pricier than your average drug store mascara which are usually priced around the £7 mark. 

Thick and Fast 'Super Volume' Mascara

First up is the original Thick and Fast mascara in black packaging. It states that its a 'Super volume mascara.' This mascara has the largest brush of the three and a slightly dryer formula than the others.

My lashes are naturally very straight and not the longest in the world! (My boyfriend has longer eyelashes than me!) So I have to curl my lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara anyway or else I end up with thicker straight lashes! 

This formula holds a curl well and is the most volume enhancing of the three.

Thick and Fast 'High Definition Collagen
Coat Mascara

 Next is the Thick and Fast 'High definition collagen-coat' mascara i nthe gold packaging (which feels heavy and luxurious!)

This one has an odd paint smell to it...but it doesn't linger...I'm guessing its the collagen maybe?

This ones want has two sides. One side is really small and fine, whilst the other side has two longer edges to almost grip the lashes? I can't explain it, But this formula is quite messy and wet to apply, but is super lengthening! The formula is quite clumpy if you use too much, but one light coat is more than enough! This holds a curl even better than the last one, it's just slightly harder to apply.

Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions
Effect Mascara'

Lastly in the silver packaging is Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara. This wand is super thin and precise and is the easiest to apply. As you can see from the photo it's very separating and quite lengthening and almost gives a fluttery look to the lashes which I prefer and generally holds a curl really well.

My personal favourite is the 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara as it looks naturally enhances my lashes and makes them look 100x better than normal! For a night out when I want a little more volume I normally opt for the 'High Definition Collagen-Coat' Mascara. As it shows up great on photos and really adds some depth to the eyes.

So there you have it! I hope you've found this helpful if you were in the market for a new mascara. Have you tried any of these mascaras? Or do you prefer another brands mascara range?

Here's a little wish list I made as I'm trying to save right now, but this kinda curbs the need to spend money for the moment.

I have two perfume wants on here. First is Yves Saint Laurent in Black Opium, I smelt this in duty free on holiday and became addicted...but not to the price tag! I have plenty of perfumes to use before I splurge on a new one. It smells deep and sexy and slightly sweet? I love it.
Next is Molecule 101 which I've heard so much about on the internet! From what I understand it only has one ingredient which smells different on everyone else and smells differently too other people as well. They only sell this in Liberty London so I'd have to try it before I bought it.

Next up is a cleansing balm from Emma Hardie. As soon as my Eve Lom one has run out this is going straight into my basket!

Next a clothing item. I'm all about pastel colours and cute collars right now. But they are no where to be seen! I'm not even sure we have a Jane Norman anymore? But this little number is cute.

From The Balm is this 'Nute Tude' Palette. Every colour looks wear-able and  it has a reasonable price tag. The only reason I haven't already purchased this is because I cannot find one to sample/swatch to see what the quality is like! Superdrug are supposedly meant to stock The Balm...however I am yet to find one that does!

Also from The Balm cosmetics range is their 'Mary-Lou Manizer' highlighter, This is meant to be the best of the best for high street highlighters. Again same problem as above...I'm not able to swatch it to find out if it's worth the money! Maybe I'll bite the bullet on these two items if there is ever a deal on Feelunique.com.

Benefit Dallas looks quite dull in the box, but I've seen swatches of this and it looks gorgeous. I'm just unsure if this would suit my skin tone as its kind of a dirty looking pink? Maybe when I save my boots points up I can give this a little try.

Last but not least is the new YSL Lip Oil. These sound gorgeous...but a total luxury purchase. I'm in love with the packaging and I'd also love the YSL Lipstick...
This is a case of seriously wanting one. But not needing one.
Would certainly look very nice on my dressing table!

Yves Saint Laurent fragrance
selfridges.com

Escentric Molecules fragrance
£54 - net-a-porter.com

Emma Hardie botanics skin care
uk.spacenk.com

Jane Norman green top
houseoffraser.co.uk

TheBalm eyeshadow
nelly.com

TheBalm face powder
£22 - asos.com

Benefit blush
£19 - bloomingdales.com

Yves Saint Laurent lip makeup
johnlewis.com

I was perusing around the beauty hall in Selfridges and came across a little gem.

I've always wanted to try the skincare range from Ole Henrikson ever since following Caroline Hirons's blog. However was always put off by the expensive price tag.

For a mere £30 I managed to get my hands on 7 luxury sample sizes of their products. Heres the low down and what I would re purchase full size and what is not worth looking at.

African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser: 

I was a bit sceptical at first as we all know foaming cleansers dry out your skin; and for someone with VERY dry skin I wasn't sure how I would get on with this. However it feels like silk on the skin, it leaves a nice residue on the skin so it doesn't feel stripping, yet it feels cleansed. This also smells LOVELY. In the mornings this never fails to perk me up.

Would I buy the full size? Yes. It's one of the cheaper items to repurchase.

Walnut Complexion Scrub:

This is very similar to one I've tried from The Sanctuary Spa range. Its quite gritty with large particles of what I can only assume are walnuts? It'd a little too rough on my sensitive skin, However I think it makes a nice body scrub? It's not overly scented either.

Would I buy the full size? I'm afraid not. Drugstore face scrubs are cheaper and more gentle.

Truth Serum Collagen Booster:

This is by far my favourite product. The serum is light and sinks straight into the skin, making my normally tight dry skin feel hydrated and relaxed. Its like a vitamin tablet for your face. It smells divinely of oranges and really gives a boost to my skin before I add my moisturiser.

Because you only need the tiniest amount for your face, this is sure to last a good amount of time.

Would I buy the full size? Yes. However I'd have to hand my credit card to them with my eyes shut.

Truth Revealed Super Cream SPF:

This is a nice light moisturiser, with the added bonus of an SPF. This is nice. However I much prefer my current Benefit Total  Moisture Cream. It's cheaper and its more hydrating. I feel in the summer months this would be nice for a nice light application, whilst being protected by the sun without having to wear a heavy SPF.

Would I buy the full size? Nope. Way too pricey.

Ultimate Eye Lift Gel:

Like it says on the pot. Its an eye gel. It feels cooling and not at all sticky. However after using this for a few weeks straight I can't say I've noticed a difference around my eye area, and it doesn't really moisturise the area either? Maybe if I had more prominent signs of ageing I would benefit from this.

Would I buy the full size? I don't think I'll ever need to! you need such a small amount of product that I think this will last a while! However I prefer my Keihl's Creamy Eye Cream to moisturise under my eyes.

Sheer Transformation Cream:

This is alight air whipped formula which is meant to even out skin tone, rid of dark areas and perfect the skin. I've been using this a few times a week and have noticed a small change. Its great to use under make up as it sits nicely on top and makes make up look better. t just gives you a nice smooth base and good looking skin.

Would I buy the full size? I don't think so... I feel I an live without this. However it is a really nice product.

Invigoration Night Gel:

I've been after an acid exfoliater for a while now, however they're either too expensive or the cheap ones irritate my skin. This however truly does the job! It slays dead skin and you wake up with a beautiful smooth face. No dry patches, no irritated skin, just lovely happy, soft skin.

Once again this a gel formula and you only need a small amount. My little pot is going to last me! I just place a pea sized amount of product onto my face and apply all over, And in the morning my skin looks revitalised.

Would I buy the full size? Yes. This product is the hero product in this set. Again I'd have to shut my eyes at the counter. But it would be worth it!

Have you tried anything from Ole Henrikson? What do you think?

I still want to try the brightening face wipes? However I'm not sure I can justify the £15 price tag?

Cute polka dot packaging

In this mini series I want to write and review all of my blushers. I hands down LOVE blushers. I don't own anything overly high end because I think there are some great high street finds out there! However I'm always lusting over Benefit 'box o blushers', but can't bring myself round to paying £23 for a cardboard box? Anyway....

Today I'm going to be talking about the brand Topshop beauty.

I currently own two blushers from their collection and I have to say I'm more than impressed!

Firstly the packaging is cute and compact with white spots all over the top, and a nice rounded shape. As well as a small mirror on the inside and 4 grams worth of product.

Left - 'Dream Phone'
Right - 'Do It Again'

The first one is 'Do It Again' which is a shimmery peach colour, almost looks like a dupe for Benefits 'Coralista' it brings a beautiful natural glow to the skin without making you look like a tomato if you apply this too heavily!

The second one is 'Dream Phone' which is a beautiful plum shade. Again this has a small amount of shimmer and is incredibly high pigment, so only a light hand is needed here! The colour looks flattering and healthy and has pretty good staying power!

There are plenty more colours I want to add to my collection, and for £7 a pop I can't see why I can't have them all! I also want to add the 'glow' highlighter to my collection as well as a few Topshop lipsticks!

Have you ever tried anything from the Topshop beauty range? 

Lizzie xx