Amazon finds: Bargain Black Chelsea Boots

It is no secret that Chelsea boots have been seriously popular this season.I have been on the lookout for a nice pair of black chelsea boots everywhere but haven't been able to find them what with everything being all over the place in the sales. Finally I gave up looking in stores and turned online. I took a risk and picked up these off amazon with the 'oh they're on sale I may as well' approach. They ended up being £17.99 down from £22.99.  I have since seen some pairs in New Look which drove me crazy after me trying to hunt them down, but regardless i'm well chuffed with these ones and it did work out a tad cheaper. 

Here's what they look like. I was almost tempted to buy them in burgundy after I saw how nice they were. The heel is pretty substantial, but nothing overly drastic and thick enough that they're comfy. I was so worried about the sizing because I have one foot bigger than the other and ordering clothes and shoes etc on line is always a risk, I'm glad I did. I'm yet to give them a proper good trial on a day into town or elsewhere but I'm sure they'll fair just fine. They feel relatively sturdy and good quality despite them being faux leather (hence the great price point). 

Here's a quick snap of them I just took on my phone so you can see what they actually look like.

You can find these great little boots - here if you're interested! 

Much love, 

                     Natalie x

The £1 eyeliner I've fallen in love with.

I'm prone to a bit of eyeliner most days. Those of you who are also eyeliner fanatics will know that once a girl finds it, she never goes back. You'll also know that finding a decently pigmented and smooth eyeliner for £1 is practically unheard of. We've made our way through most of the flimsy eyeliners from Boots which broke off, didn't sharpen, disappeared quickly, smudged and were never quite the colour promised.
That in mind, finding one which ticks most of these boxes and even has a sharpener for £1 left me blown away. 

MUA are an excellent cheapie brand. I love most things they've came out with. I'd love to do a blog post on my current MUA products if you'd fancy it? I'm looking to try more of their stuff.
They seem to just bring it with the pigmentation for such reasonable prices. We're talking £1 here for lipsticks and the alike and £4 for palettes which I reach for constantly. Their intense colour eyeliners are no exception!

I opted for a dark brown given I own far too many black eyeliners and my brown Stila retractable liner dried out (boo). I wasn't really expecting much and I was so pleasantly surprised with this eyeliner. 

As you can see it is smooth to apply and richly pigmented. I would definitely say this is the best value and best quality eyeliner for the price on the highstreet, that's just my humble opinion of course.
 

I'm very picky so the only negative I could comment on was some transfer onto the top of my eyelid towards the end of the day. It was very minimal however and nothing to rant about, I had expected it to disappear long before that!

 It is perfect to apply and smudge out for a smokey effect. When I last used it I did a winged eye look and just ran over the eyeliner with some dark brown eyeshadow to soften things up, I loved it! 

This eyeliner more than gets my seal of approval and I highly recommend you guys give it a try. It's comparable to my Avon Supershock gel eyeliner and similar ones 5x the price. It's worth it just for the sharpener never mind the eyeliner as well. 

Have any of you tried these eyeliners? What are your favourite budget liners? 

Much love, 

                        Natalie x

Discount store shopping

In the UK we have these bargain stores like B&M, bargain home and poundland etc that occasionally sell discounted makeup. I'm not one to pass up any decent looking cosmetic item that costs £1 so on a recent shopping trip I picked up a few things and it's all good news.

Cue the goods.. 

Left to right: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Sheerest Cream Blush, Revlon colourstay nail polish, NYC applelicious Glossy Lip Balm, NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil.

As you can see above the blush is the shade 'Beaming'. It's a beautiful natural pink shade and, as the name would suggest, goes on very sheer. I'm probably most impressed with this out of all the things I bought. I didn't even know Sally Hansen made makeup but I'm in love. It creates a really nice natural sheeny effect and generally brightens up the face. 

Here's what it looks like on... 

(I wear my blusher quite high up on the cheeks)

Shades left to right: Sweet Tart, Sorbet and Provence. 

The pencil and applelicious lip balm came in a pack together for £1. The pencil is a dark blue sort of colour and whilst i'm not convinced about its' staying power, it is a nice shade. 

The lip balm is in the shade 'Apple Blueberry Pie'. I loveeee this balm. It smells amazing and proper appley. It has a core of moisture surrounded by the colour and, as you can see from the swatch, is a sheer deep raspberry colour. Almost like the colour of Ribena!

All in all I'm well chuffed with the purchases and so surprised at how much of a bargain it all was! The revlon polishes especially. 

Much love, 

                              Natalie xxx

Jumping on the micellar bandwagon - the bargain way

I've been intrigued by the micellar explosion over the blogging world now for months, all started by the highly-acclaimed Bioderma. What was famed for being a make-up artist secret made its way on the highstreet - but only in France initially.  Thankfully however more and more brands are now releasing their own versions within many different price ranges. 

I don't know why I never decided to jump on the bandwagon before, maybe I was skeptical about how good it actually was after it had been so over-hyped.

Micellar waters generally offer thorough cleansing and makeup removal in the most gentle way possible (no more hopping manically around the bathroom fearing you've lost your eyesight due to what can only be described as acid in a bottle). Those days are gone. 

The science behind the magic: 

skip over this if you're already clued up!

 source -Shesaidbeauty blog!

•  'Micelle' is a microscopic cluster of oil molecules suspended in soft water – (complicated right?)

• The clusters are hydrophobic and oil-loving, therefore grabbing and absorbing dirt and makeup without breaking or upsetting the skin’s natural lipid (fat) barrier like a foaming or rinsing cleanser would. (those that contain sulphates).
•  Alcohol and soap free, they can be used as a gentle makeup remover, after-cleansing toner or as a non-rinse cleanser for sensitive skins – most formulations also contain soothing and softening ingredients like glycerin, cucumber and rose that contribute to the soft, clean feel they leave behind.

In short, they are the lazy girl's dream. It's perfect for those late nights which led us to neglect our skin and not take off our makeup or a quick fix in an emergency. What is important to note though is it is not to replace your normal cleansing routine.. as tempting as it is. We've all been there, exhausted and staring at bed longingly, but not wanting to feel and look like a crack addict in the morning. But over use of micellar waters do dry out your skin. (the lovely skin genius Caroline Hirons warns pixiwoo about it in this video - here! This woman's word is God on skincare). 

So, with all the warnings in mind, I couldn't not try out this micellar solution when I walked past it in tescos. It was on sale for buy one get one free! and was priced at just £4.99. A huge bargain!

This one claims to be great for even sensitive skin which is great and I can testify it does not sting your skin and does infact just feel exactly like water which does make your skin feel really refreshed. The Glycerin in this one acts as a calming agent. As you can see from the picture i've got through quite a lot and all you do is apply using a cotton pad straight on to dry skin. 

I like to soak two cotton pads in the water and then leave them on my eyes. When I wipe it away almost all the eye makeup is gone. 

I'll be totally honest the only time I did experience a bit of irritation was when the cotton pad was over saturated and alott of it ran into my eyes.. that hurt a tiny bit. But mostly my own fault! It's pretty unfragranced and claims to be totally hypo-allergenic - which is always good. A nice short ingredients list on the back of the product is always promising too.

On the whole I was very pleased with this product and I'll be using it for all sorts of situations where I need to get makeup off quickly. Just don't neglect your normal cleansers!

I'll link up Caroline Hirons blog - here - for you guys (she really really knows her stuff).

Much love, 

                    Natalie xxx

Korres glory

I took an impromptu shortcut through TK Maxx yesterday only to be seduced by the beauty and bath section.. much to the dismay of the person accompanying me. I could spend hours there and that is no exaggeration. I lifted this body butter simply out of interest but as soon as I smelt the product I was sold. It was a tough choice between the guava or fig scent but guava triumphed in the end! 

The Korres brand is totally new to me and this is the first product I've used by them. I get the impression they're a very natural brand. The packaging tells me that this product is 93.9% natural with no Parabens, no Silicones and no Phthalates - that could only be good right?

There's a really extensive ingredients list down the side called 'Formula Facts' which tells you exactly what is and isn't in the product which would be amazing for someone with allergies or sensitive skin who really needed to check the product over before using it. 

The product normally costs £12.99 according to the Tk Maxx but I got it there for £4.99! And I can safely say it's the best fiver I've spent in a while, I'm delighted with my purchase. This body butter is a 'Extra moisturising' version for dry skin conditions.

The packaging reads: Smoothing and moisturising cream for all over the body, ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees. Guava is an important source of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis. Shea butter and Quince extract have softening moisturising and reconstructing properties. Sunflower, Almond and Avacado oils nourish the skin, thus restoring its elasticity and smoothness. 

It's a 150ml bottle with a very handy pump (I really love it when a product has a pump.. it's just one of those things).

I think it was the scent that really drove me to this product. It's deliciously fruity and it kind of smells faintly of suncream.. but the nicest suncream you'll ever smell. It immediately transported me to my summer holidays as soon as I smelt it and every time I've used it!

It's quite thick in consistency and you have to really work it into the skin but leaves your skin feeling gloriously hydrated and happy! 

After applying this body cream your skin feels totally plump, supple and soft to touch and after applying I sat about admiring the smell and imagining I was on a beach in Spain...ahhhh.

After such success I am determined to try more Korres products, any suggestions? 

 I don't think I've been this enthusiastic about a body butter before and I am itching to try out their other scents and ranges. If you pass one of these in TK Maxx pick it up and see what you think, you might just be as pleased as I was. 

Thanks for reading :) 

Oh and just on a side note - I've customized my blog a little and I think I'm finally happy with the header (hours spend on Photoshop and lots of trial and error - time well spent) What do you guys think?

Much love, 

                     Natalie xxx

Dainty Doll - First Impressions

 Hello there! I was always aware of the brand Dainty Doll and I've always wanted to try it seeing as it's directed specifically at pale girls it seemed perfect for me. I have very fair skin and sometimes it can be quite the pain when it comes to makeup (don't even start me on the foundation quest). I always walked by the stall at boots and swatched everything but never quite took the plunge. But.. when I heard Fragrance Direct were selling the products at 80% off. yes, that's right 80%. I had to reason to say no anymore. And not only that but I could buy a good few things. I couldn't quite contain my excitement!

Please note: I tried to use the most natural lighting possible so the colours come up true to real life. Compromising on the attractiveness of the photos!

The goods

My spoils included: 

• A powder blush in 'Hippy Shake'  
• A powder blush in 'Money Talks' 
• A cream blush in 'Paper Roses' 
• A cream blush in 'Orange County Girl' 
• A lipstick in 'Couture' 
• A lipstick in 'Baby Love' 
• A eyeshadow in 'Treat Her Like A Lady'

 The lipstick packaging is metal and sturdy. It feels expensive and not cheap or plasticy which I lovee. I think the packaging on all these products is super cute. The 1940's inspired line is beautiful to look at.

This is the shade 'couture'. Admittedly it looks terrifying, but it's a dark vintage 40's red and I'm in love with it.

This is the shade 'Baby Love'. It's a nude pink (the pinkness doesn't pick up too well in the photo). It is very chic and great if you're looking for a new nude. From my first impressions I've found both lipsticks to be moisturizing and creamy. 

swatch: Left - 'Couture'. Right - 'Baby love'

In the blush department I went a bit mad.

The packaging has a matte black finish, so (something similar to Nars packaging) it's gonna get grubby. But as it stands it looks pretty good. It's not too bulky either! 

 

 Left: 'Hippy Shake', Right: 'Money talks' 

Hippy Shake is like a pale lilac/pink colour.. it's deceiving in different types of light! I hope it'll flatter my pale complexion well. Money Talks is the thing I've been waiting for for so long.... a contour colour for fair skin! It's a sort of taupe colour. Perfect! Can't wait to try it out properly. 

Swatch

I also got two cream blushes :) 

Left: Orange County Girl. Right: Paper Roses 

(Excuse my reflection.. haha)

From what I've gathered so far these are delightful and lovely and creamy. I'm hoping to purchase a stippling brush soon and think it'll be a great way to apply these.

swatches

My last purchase was an eyeshadow.

The packaging is identical to the blushes only eyeshadow sized! 

It's a beautiful taupe colour, a nice neutral shade which I think I'll get lots of use out of!

 

Time to assess my savings!

Powder blushes: RRP - £13.50. I paid - £1.99!

Cream blushes: RRP - £13.50 I paid - £1.99!

Lipstick: RRP: £12.50 I paid - £1.99! 

Eyeshadow: £11.50 I paid - £1.99!

So that's everything, thanks for reading guys! 

If you'd like me to review anything in full let me know :)

Have you guys tried any of the Dainty doll range? what do you think? 

Much Love,

                Natalie xxx

Boots Botanics - A mixed bag

Hello there! I recently decided to delve into the Boots 'Botanics' range.

I think the general ethos is that it's all to do with the 'power of plants' and this intrigued me.

The line is totally reasonably priced across the board and if you're looking for low-cost, but totally natural, skincare this could be for you. The line is broken down into a number of categories: 

- All Bright (Brightens all skin types)

- Radiant Youth (Protects all skin types)

-Organic (Nourishes all skin types)

-Ultra Calm (Soothes sensitive skin)

-Shine Away (Mattifies oily skin)

-Hand and Body (Intensively moisturises)

I only sampled two things; one from the 'All Bright' range and one from the 'Organic' so I can't advise you on everything!

*Please excuse the shoddy camera work in this post.*

I tried out the Soothing Eye Make Up Remover (£3.99) and the Rosewater Toning Spritz (£4.99)

As you can see they're both reasonably priced. But one outshone the other rather drastically...

 Firstly, the least impressive (and that's putting it politely), of the two. The Soothing Eye Make Up Remover. The packaging  reads: "The clear oil phase effectively sweeps away impurities and make-up, including waterproof formulations. The aqueous phase is given it's colour by hibiscus, and helps to soothe the eye area and condition lashes"

As you can see from the description and the picture below the product is by-phase, so you have to shake it really well to mix both the oil and water layers and then it's good to go. 

My main problems with this product are the promises it simply doesn't live up to. I have to scrub at my eyes with the cotton pad to get it to break down the makeup effectively - something I thought would come with ease due to the oil. The oil leaves my entire eye area feeling particularly greasy and unpleasant. The smell is also VERY off-putting. It's hard to describe but it smells slightly medicinal and just horrible..

The hibiscus is supposed to act as a natural brightener but I can't say I've seen any difference at all. 

Something which also caught me off guard was how much it stings if you get it in your eye... god it packs a punch. I know you're not supposed to get it in your eye but it happens!

I flapped around my bathroom fearing I'd lost my eyesight for a good 2 minutes.

I ended up going back in with a face wipe straight after I used this anyway so I thought to myself, "What's the point?". 

I VERY rarely actually decide to stop using something after I've paid good money for it (I'm stubborn like that). But this I will not be picking up again.

Secondly was the rose toning spray and I was pleasantly surprised by this product!

The packaging reads: "Enliven your sense and refresh your skin with this revitalizing organic Rosewater Toner. Spritz generously after cleansing to visibly tighten pores and remove the last traces of make-up. Skin feels smoother, fresher and prepared for moisturising."

I bloomin' love this toner. Now I will confess I do not actually use this for its intended purpose. 

In my skincare routine post I made clear my love for the Liz Earle Instant boost tonic toner and I remain faithful to that for my day and night use. However.. for refreshing and perking up my skin throughout the day this is wonderful. I find myself grabbing it when I walk past and giving my skin a nice spritz. 

The liquid mists out as opposed to just soaking your entire face which is lovely. It's cooling and smells absolutely divine (if you're a lover of rose scents like I am). 

I have also noticed that, like it promises on the bottle, my skin does infact feel smoother since I started using this. This gets a definite 'thumbs up' from me! :) 

Have you guys tried anything from this range? impressed or not impressed?

 let me know in the comments bellow! 

Thanks for reading as always :)

Much love, 

                          Natalie xxx

L

Bargain Beauty

 My newest obsession. For all you ladies who, like me, have a major sweet tooth and love nothing more than digging into a decadent dessert - your time has arrived.

I first heard about these beauties through missglamourazzi on YouTube. She raved and raved about them and I couldn't help but be a bit cynical: "All that over a lip balm? really?"

But right now I eat my words.

I cannot even begin to convey to you how AMAZING these are. Every time I whap out one of these little tins of deliciousness I get that little bit happier, they are sumptuously sweet.

The formula is creamy and wonderfully moisturizing. I would note however that strangely the Caramel Cream seems to be the most moisturizing. 

I don't even know how to begin describing the different scents, they're just beautiful. They even taste great.. I know. And priced at £2.25 a tin at boots I just couldn't say no. 

They were also on a 3 for 2 offer when I got mine so I got one free! wooohoo! The only version I didn't buy was the plain ole' original, who wants to be boring right?

Here's a LINK

I think i'd have to say the Caramel Cream is my ultimate favourite. But I love them all and change them up depending on my mood. If you haven't smelt these you're seriously missing out, pop down to boots and take a whiff; you won't regret it. 

Any of you tried out these new balms? Do you love them as much as me? 

Much love, 

                      Natalie xxx