September Favourites!

I have been super excited about doing this post as it is my first ever 'favourites' post! So today being the last day of the month I thought I would do this today and delay (now) tomorrow's post - got to be on time for the first one. I have decided to my monthly favourites in categories as my blog is more than just make up. So I got up to collect my favourites, my mind went blank. Do I have any monthly favourites?

Of course I do!

So we have;

Favourite Hair Product - The Humble Comb. I got my hair cut last week as I'm ditching the extensions for a while. After the cut my stylist showed me the best way to do it in the mornings. She did a little teasing, adding volume. I am not a teaser. Never have been. But it looked so nice! 

Favourite Nail Product - Essie Polish in Sole Mate. This polish is from my recent haul. A perfect Autumn colour and has brilliant resilience against my 18 month old. It was between this and my new Illamasqua 'Kink' polish but I was totally let down by the wear of that one. So Essie are, yet again, nail champions. 

Favourite Make Up Product - No7 Gel Liner in Black. This is definitely my favourite rediscover of the month. I'm using this as a base pretty much everyday. I love dark eyes.

Favourite Tool - Sigma SS190 or equivalent. I am loving going back to basics at the moment so I decided to start using my standard foundation brushes again. I switch between Sigma, Mac and ecoTools. I love the ease of applying my foundation with this brush, great for a quick application.

Favourite Accessory - Gold Stud Earrings. I love these earrings! They're my wear everyday earrings at the moment. They came from Primark in a pack of 6 for £2 - go and buy them now!

Favourite Accessory II - Matte Black Studded Skinny Belt. Oh the skinny belt. I love a good belt and this one is just too cute! It's super thin and so wearable - I do literally wear it everyday. It does with jeans, jeggings, jumpers and shorts. I like how it's effective without being too in your face. An all rounder. 

Favourite Fashion Item - Black Disco Pants. I adore disco pants aka wet look leggings, pu leggings. Obviously in black, am I finding myself reaching for a pair of these most days. I own the Primark, H&M, Topshop, cheap ass eBay and American Apparel ones so I do have a choice. I find they do with anything from a vest to a big jumper. Dressed up or down they are just perfect. And they make me look like I have a bum. And I just don't! 

Favourite Miscellaneous - Cadbury's SCreme Egg. It's Halloween season, motherf*cker! I love, love, love Halloween! And I also love Creme Eggs. So for me, these are perfection. I have to admit I have eaten so many (a long with numerous other novelty Halloween treats) already but hey, it's Halloween! Yes, I am 12 years old at heart.

John Frieda Full Repair Review.

The John Frieda Full Repair range claims to 'repair the look and feel of overworked hair.' Yes, my hair is overworked. Yes, it probably could do with repairing and yes, I had high hopes for this range.

I purchased this when it first came out about 4 months ago. I bought the shampoo, the conditioner and the heat-activated styling spray. It looked and sounded good and smelt good too. But for me, that's were the good things end.

The shampoo was a total letdown. It didn't lather at all and after it had been washed out made my hair feel so straw-like it was ridiculous. For me, a shampoo needs to leave my hair feeling clean whereas this shampoo just made it feel stripped of al it's natural oils and niceness. The whole point of this range, if I remember righty.

The conditioner was the second letdown. It didn't really condition my hair at all. It did make it feel smooth when it was wet but as it dried, even though I leave my hair to dry naturally and don't use heat, I could feel my hair drying out and it felt quite brittle and hard. It also left a feeling that it hadn't been washed out properly, which the first time I thought could have been my fault. So I made sure I had the second use but still the same problem of greasy, heavy roots - I don't get greasy hair even after days of not washing. I also got a funny layer on my scalp that looked a bit like dandruff but again has the texture of product that hadn't been washed out. It was disgusting.

Finally, the heat-activated spray. I will be honest, I haven't really tried this product as I don't use heat. But it was on offer for 3 for 2, so I needed something! It is a nice softening spray and isn't too greasy but as for being a styler - no way. It worked for me as heat defense spray if and when I did use heat but that's it.

All in all, I was pretty disappointed in a range I had such high hopes for - but maybe that was my hair. If you have any recommendations of what to try next, please let me know! I have just purchased the Herbal Essences Hello Hydration to try, review to come!

Malawi Jewellery Mini-Haul.

I live in a tiny village in semi-rural Yorkshire, UK. Yesterday, we had our annual village gala (show) that had been postponed from July due to  the terrible weather we had at the beginning of Summer. 

There was a charity there called Monkey Bay which helps run a school in Malawi. They feed the families and tutor up to 50 children at one time. I was given so much information from them, two genuinely lovely women. I have linked their Facebook here. They had sock monkeys, finger puppets, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and other little pieces. All the jewellery was made or brought over from Malawi and was genuinely beautiful. I didn't buy too much - as I had been on a little bit of a splurge for my little one who got so much stuff! 

This is the first piece I bought. The turquoise is wood and so are the little red beads, the black beads are tiny stones. It's a super cute, wearable bracelet. On elastic as it's actually a children's one - yay for small wrists! These are made my the Mother's of the children who attend the school.

This is the second piece I bought which is just a super simple wooden cross on an extendable rope necklace but I love it and it's something I would wear a lot. Again, the wood is from Malawi and shaped over there. They are made my the charity to raise money. Both pieces were so cheap - though I could have bought a lot more. 

Also, bought this little number but this wasn't from the Charity shall. I have a small obsession with thumb rings. I loved this one. It's real silver and very cute! This cost about £5 from someone who lives in the village too. I expect to be getting a lot more from her now she knows. Again, could have spent so much. It was a great day despite the weather though. Long live the small village show! 

Lookbook/OOTD - Army Chic

This is my outfit of the day. A lot like my last and probably most of my OOTD posts to follow. Today I am wearing another studded jumper with some black skinny jeans and a pair of Dr Marten boots - though mine look no where near as nice as these ones! To glam it up I've wore this with a gold studded belt, cross dangle earrings and my Michael Kors gold watch. Finishing touch with my Speedy 35 as it's raining and dull today but I want to cheer up a little!

Watch - Michael Kors at The Watch Shop. £229 S/S 2012.
Earrings - Market 80p. (BARGAIN BUY!)
Studded Belt - The Lanes at Meadowhall. £10.
Bag. Louis Vuitton at Selfridges's. £375.
Boots - Dr Marten Store. £89.
Jumper - Primark. £6 Current.
Jeans - Topshop £38.

Lookbook/OOTD.

This is my outfit of the day. Currently what most of my outfits are looking like - I won't lie. Consisting of PU leggings, a jumper and hidden heel hi-tops. Added a statement necklace and cute bracelet to 'girly' it up a bit but as today was only errants, playgroup with my young one and feeling sorry for myself with a bad cold, it did the job.

Necklace - River Island. £15 A/W 2010.
Earrings, bracelet and bag - eBay. £4 - £38 Current.
Hidden heel high tops - River Island. £40 Current.
Wet look leggings - Primark. £6. Current.
Jumper. Customized - COW Vintage Clothing. £18.

'I have a Cold' Haul.

Yes, I have done what every girl does; felt a little under the weather so cheered myself up with a trip to my local Debenhams.

I've been reading Elle this weekend while I was away - which was gorgeous and I will post pictures soon! I think as well as rocking my usual goth look, I'm going to try out this military grunge glam vibe thats around so I was on a khaki hunt. I think I've finally decided to purchase a new parka from Zara so basing it on that, I wanted the perfect green nail polish. My usual first stop of Essie drew a blank. As did Chanel, Dior, MAC, Barry M, Revlon and every other beauty counter in Debenhams and Boots. I ended up at Illamasqua which obviously had exactly what I wanted. After a quick trip to MAC I was done - for make up anyway.

Left to right we have;

Illamasqua Nail Polish in Kink. This is the polish I was looking for - or at least the closest I was going to get. I wanted a really dark forest green. These don't exist. This was the nicest, darkest green I could find. Though it does have a teal tint to it, it isn't as blue as most of the others out there. In two coats it's a thick, even coverage. This is my first Illamasqua nail polish so I don't know what to expect from the wear just yet.

MAC Eyeshadow in Humid. I've never owned this shadow or indeed had any desire to own this shadow but on my new military green kick, I thought it would look good smoked out over a black - my entire reason for going to MAC. I was really impressed by the quality and colour of this green as there were surprisingly a few to choose from. I tried the look when I got home and thought it looked great.

MAC Eyeshadow in Carbon. It's black. I get through these like they're going out of fashion. It's a good, dark black and easy to use. My second favourite is the MUA for a quid. It's hard justifying £12 on an eyeshadow sometimes!

Swatches. MAC Carbon and MAC Humid.

Illamasqua Kink Polish on the nails.

Graze Boxes!

Does anyone get Graze boxes delivered? I love them! I used to get them about two years ago when it started - only being nuts and dried fruit them. I got a leaflet in my Company Magazine and thought I might try it out again. I'm so glad I did! Now, the selection is huge! They do fresh breads, olives - yuck, flapjacks, dips and cakes aswell as general healthy stuff. I did go through and 'bin' everything I didn't like so I know I will never be disappointed. I remember the quality was really good and with all the added new things I'm really excited to tuck into my two boxes. As I said in my last post I go away for the weekend tomorrow so I ordered one on Wednesday and one to come this morning so I had some healthy snacks to take with me.

















I think this is snack I am most excited to try. Wholemeal shortbread and berry compote. It sounds and looks yummy!




This is one of the breads that you can get. I am a huge fan of cheese bread so I'm really excited to have gotten this!

These are the two boxes I have received so far. Aren't they pretty!

I must also try and remember to do my yoga while I am away. Health kick has started again! 

What's in my make up bag?

A standard post in any beauty blog, this is the 'What's in my make up bag?' tag. I am going away to Devon on the south coast of England tomorrow for 4 days so I thought now would be an ideal time to do this.

Firstly, everything is getting carried in my Cath Kidston ducky print make up bag- this design was available last spring so I'm not sure if it still is. Now, onto the make up which will be in no order from the picture above - sorry!

Skinology Tea Tree Antispot Stick. This is a roll-on gel which is great for spots. I use it just as the spot is starting to come though - when it's all red and sore. 9 times out of 10 it never gets a head or getting big.

No7 Gel Eyeliner in Black. This was bought with a collection in Spring 2010 hence the patterned lid. I think this gel liner is great and doesn't dry out as quickly as the Mac Fluidline did.

Hair ties. Naturally.

MAC Lipstick in Cyber. My purchase from the other day. I'm absolutely loving this lipstick so far. I think it's very versatile and so good for the changing weather right now.

MAC Plushglass in Amble Pink. I wear this over...

MAC Lipstick in Hue. I think together these make the perfect combo. It's my day to day to-go for the lips. the perfect pinky-nude which is a firm favourite for me.

Prestige Mineral Bronzing Powder in Pure Shimmer. I use this 'bronzer' as a highlighter on top of the cheek bones. I use this if I'm no wearing blush and wearing a heavier contour. It's shimmery without being too over the top and has a nice colour to it. And it lasts forever!

Benefit Hoola Bronzer. My favourite bronzer. Works well for an all over bronzer and a great contour. It's the best bronzer I have tried and isn't too orange. I've hit pan pretty hard on this one. Sob!

Barry M Eyeliner in Black. Stays forever in the waterline and blends well too. All in all it's a great eyeliner for all purposes and it's cheap too!

Tomorrow's Girl eyeliner in Brown. I think I stole this off a friend. I have no idea where it came from but it's the perfect shade for my brows! It's actually a really nice pencil, lasts on the brows a long time and is a good buildable colour. I use this under...

MUA Mascara in Clear. Clear mascara as a brow gel. It's £1. It's Superdrug. It works.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW15. My favourite concealer. I think it's great for under the eyes as well as redness and blemishes. Handy little pot too, I always have one thrown in my hand bag!

Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara in Black. I got this as a sample with a gift of purchase and loved it so much. It lengths brilliantly but does volumise too. It's a great day-to-day mascara.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW15. My all time go-to foundation. I don't think it's too heavy and gives a brilliant coverage. I cannot fault it. I have re-purchased this time and time again.

Essie Nail Polish in Sole Mate. My current wear and favourite. Just have a mani so will be taking this just for touch ups.

17 Miracle Matte Pressed Powder in Silky Beige. This isn't my usual pressed powder but the last few times I have travelled I have found my MSF Natural has broken so this a cheap one. But it works great and has a good colour. I could use this everyday if I had to - no problem!

Salon Pro Hair Extension Glue in Black. I have black hair. I wear extensions. Enough said.

Some blush in some colour. I have no idea who made this blush, what colour it is, anything. But it's a mineralised blush in pink with gold patterning through it. I think I got this off my sister for Christmas and it is just gorgeous. It's shimmery and colourful, light but very buildable. I love this.

Sigma SS268. My contouring brush. I love the angled brushes for contouring and my MAC one needs deep-cleaning.

MAC 190. My current foundation brush of choice. I change my foundation application up a lot and this is the way I'm doing it right now. I'm considering the 130 or the 188 next - both I want to add to my collection.

ecoTOOLS Eyebrow and Lash comb. I always have one of these with me. I have them in most brands, this is just the first one I came to.

MAC 266. I use this for gel liner as I find the angled brushes the easiest to apply evenly.

Sigma SS150 Travel. I always have my travel size 150 in my handbag no matter what. And I couldn't fit my MAC 150 in the bad which is now pretty full so I'll be using this one.

So that's everything I will be taking with me. I seems so much written down like this. Oh dear!

Domestic Abuse.

This post is pretty off topic from what this blog will contain - the general beauty/fashion stuff. But for me it's an anniversary and to others, I hope it be a lesson you don't need to learn.

A year ago today, I was beaten by my ex-boyfriend. He strangled me, smacked me and threw me across a room. He endangered my life and my son's. I am a strong person and it came so out of the blue, I have never felt so weak. I contacted the Police who went on to arrest and charge said person. Victim Support and my Stepmother who just so happened to be a Domestic Violence Officer got me through it. I know I am lucky for getting away from that. I know first hand how hard it is to walk away from someone you love. I remember the 'it's just a one off' thoughts. But it never is. For me, it happened a second and a third time.


I came a cross this video earlier this week by Lauren Luke - who just so happened to be the maker of the first ever YouTube beauty video I ever watched. I owe her a lot. Please, please watch this video and just think...

The start of Autumn haul.

Today, I did a little shopping and started on my Autumn make up.

Left to right we have;

MAC Lipstick in Cyber. I was talking to my MAC girl about this lipstick today, it was between this and Rebel but she suggested this as Rebel is actually quite bright and not as dark as it appears. Cyber is the same, it looks almost black but in fact is a gorgeous deep purple. I've played around with it today and dabbed on the lips it deepens the lip colour with a purple hint, for a more everyday look and when fully applied it's a solid, gothic colour. It's not as scary as it looks - I looked on the website and the swatch does not look like the same lipstick in the tube! I think it's going to be one of my go-to lipsticks for the Autumn.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid and pump. Not much to say about this, I think most people have tried it. It's my go-to foundation and have it in a few shades depending on my tan. This is in NW15 - yes, I'm pale! But this is for the no tan, winter days. Though, surprisingly, doesn't wash me out at all and actually compliments my skin really well.

Essie nail polish in Sole Mate. This follows on from my Vogue, October post when I said I wanted a new polish. This is a great colour, a really deep reddy purple but doesn't look too brown. As with all Essie polishes it takes two coats but then you have a rich, deep colour and lasts, on me, 3 days without chipping. And for me, that's really good! I did find it looked a little strange on longer nails so I did file mine down and I think it looks a lot better. I highly recommend this polish for an Autumn colour! Essie is definitely becoming my favourite nail polish brand. Looking for a dark, forest green next...

I also bought a few standard beauty items. Nirvana Spa's mint shower gel - which I love. Simple face wipes. Original Source mint shower gel. Original Source mint and walnut scrub - are you seeing a pattern yet?

Vogue Overview, October 2012.

Yes, it's my time of the month.

The time of the month I sit back and read Vogue, cover to cover and feel at rest with the fashion world for the next month. I look forward to the October issue the most with the fall colours and the annual return of the gothic trend. This issue did not disappoint. From cover to cover we are given black, lace and leather - take note of the super cute Halloween 'Vogue Chart' on the back cover. It has also confirmed it's now time to darken the nails and make up, rock the beanie and go on the hunt for a new winter coat - and bag, shoes, boots...

The thing I love doing is looking at the high fashion promotions and thinking, I can do this on only half the budget. £300 on a blouse? Give me the money, a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's and I will give you a fabulous outfit. There are a few pieces in the months issue that I am seriously looking at purchasing so this week it's time to hit the shops and see what I can find. I'm really looking forward to try out the make up look from the Jitrois ad on page 146 and buying the perfect shade of deep red lipstick. I'm also going on the hunt for the Autumn nail polish and obviously, I will let you all know when I find it.

All in all, loving the knitwear and ditch the oriental.