A Long Overdue Haul ...!

Bonjour!

Well it's been a while ... ended up having a bit of an impromptu blogging break (as you do) ... either didn't have the time and when I did the old 'mojo' had wandered off! Anyway here we are back with a haul type thing ...obviously all this lot was not bought in one fell swoop but rather more of  an ongoing, slow burning affair over the last couple of months ...

The only body care item is the Garnier Body Oil Infused Nourishing Scrub, I'm trying to run down my stash (heard that before haven't we?) but it was on offer in Sainsburys, although I've not even cracked it open yet so can't pass any judgement!

Skincare wise,  Marks & Spencers had one of their 20% off beauty events a few weeks ago so I ended up  with the Pure Beauty Gentle Refreshing Face Wash - it's been pinched by my young daughter who's using morning and night and says she likes it as it 'feels gentle'. The Pure Beauty Moisture Plus Miracle Balm is for me - it can be used as a cleanser, face mask or skin salve so I'm intrigued! And ... the 20% off event coincided with the launch of Pixi Beauty within M&S so I ended up with the iconic Pixi Glow Tonic - which I've wanted to try for ages! Oh and not forgetting the random Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in the background there, which was cheap as chips in Boots so I grabbed it as my current Nuxe Micellar is coming to an end.

Nails then ... I felt like they deserved a little TLC as the old things have been cracking and splitting and so enter the OPI Nail Envy - which I've started using on and off and seems to be working so that's a winner then!  Also actually did need a new top and base coat so decided, again, to give OPI a go - the one I had, a top and base in one (I won't mention the brand!), was simply not cutting it on either front and my nails had become badly stained - looked like I'd dipped them in a bowl of turmeric - nice!  Lastly - the mini bottle of Jessica Polish is from the Autumn in New York collection  - this colour is NY State of Mind - love it!

Make-up wise it's definitely been a 'lip thing' recently ... apart from the little Collection Nude Palette there, which was at a stupid price of £2.50 or similiar in Superdrug!  The L'Oreal Color Riche in Eva's Pure Red, I grabbed back in August (see told you this haul went back a while!) when my brother was about to get married just as a back-up red lippie mind!  Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Beau Brun was more of a recent 'addition' (see what I did there?) as I thought it was a good Autumnal shade and then there's a little treat in the form of a MAC Lipliner (my first) in Chicory, which I'm intending using as an all over lip colour.  Lastly, a few nude lippies - my excuse is as follows, I've lost my favourite Naked Beige lippie from Soap & Glory - no idea where it is and every time I pop into Boots to repurchase it's never in stock, really hope it's not discontinued as it's the perfect mix of pink/brown and the exact tone I need for my skin! Anyway ... Maybelline had 3 for 2 on, I was in a hurry, did a quick swatch and bobs your uncle! Turns out the two at the back (one is Nude Embrace and the other Tantalizing Taupe) are a little pale and will have to be mixed with other lippies - hate it when that happens!  The Colour Drama Lipstick Pencil in Nude Perfection however, is actually ok - I had read that this particular colour is a bit of a dupe for MAC's Velvet Teddy so it'll do me for now!

And lastly ... Feel Unique had up to a third off specialist skincare (think this is still on actually here) so I grabbed a couple of essentials from the La Roche Posay Lipikar range - so good for those dry, sore, eczema prone days! I also thought this a good opportunity to try the Bioderma Micelle Solution for dehydrated skin and then noticed the huge pot of  Bare Minerals Original Foundation in my exact shade of Medium Tan (plus brush) was at the silly price of £11. The tiny sample of Marc Jacobs Decadence is complimentary!

So that's it ... as I said this lot has evolved over a decent length of time ... I think it's safe to say that it will be a while before I post another haul - definitely time to shop one's stash!

Have you used any of these products? What have you hauled on recently?

Jen x

Summer Holiday 2015 Favourites ...!

Bonjour!


Can I really be writing about this Summer's Holiday favourites already?  Doesn't seem like two minutes since I was rushing around like an idiot trying to get the packing done (getting all stressed out as I do every year!).  And then we were there ... South of France, gorgeous villa,  fantastic weather (30+ degrees most days!), good food and company - what more could you want?  And then we were back ... and it all seems like a distant memory ... so here are few bits that I snapped whilst we were on holiday that stood out for me  ...

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - I knew this would be ideal for holiday and I was right! I only used a small amount to add a smidge of cover and it did a brilliant job of keeping in with the 'no make-up look' - will definitely repurchase for use again next summer. Full review here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 30  -  I'll try and sneak a full review of this on here before  the Summer ends (which basically means sooner rather than later!) it did a good job  of helping me avoid that overly greasy feeling!

Mally Under Eye Brightener - this isn't only a summer staple - it's an all-year-round staple to help combat dark circles and under eye shadows! Reviewed here this particular pot was coming to an end so I just shoved it in my make-up bag as I didn't have a travel size to take. I've since reordered a kit with both the same size pot (which honestly seems to go on for a couple of years!) and a handy travel size which will be saved for next year's holiday!

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry and 1 Seconde Volume in Ultra Black - a couple of winners here from Bourjois! I reviewed Sweet Cherry last year here - it's a lovely natural looking everyday blush perfect for holiday. I'm about to write up my review of 1 Seconde Volume up but I think it will be a good one - say no more!

Philip Kingley Elasticizer and Daily Damage Defence and Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream - moving onto hair products!  I've used Elasticizer for years, this travel size came with a recent Elasticizer kit from QVC and is so convenient to use on holiday, just stick it on late afternoon, sit out in the sun to catch those last rays and then just wash out when you go in to shower - easy and effective!  The Daily Damage Defence is brilliant for reviving frizz prone hair, leaving it soft without any crispiness. Similarly the Color Wow Styling Cream smooths hair with a tiny bit of texture, yet doesn't weigh hair down or leave it sticky or greasy and you only need a small amount! I left my hair to dry naturally after mostly every wash on this year's holiday and these two styling products really helped to control the inevitable frizzies and stop me looking like an extra from the Hair Bear Bunch!

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo - I picked up this travel size on a last minute shopping trip before we went.  It does leave a bit of white cast on darker hair if you spray too close but nothing that can't be 'rubbed out' once massaged in and helps to refresh and give hair a decent amount of volume at the roots. I'd buy again to take away!

Large sun-hat and and equally large box of French Rose - a couple of obvious favourites for a hot holiday ... I don't think I need explain why!

One more favourite ... (sigh!) ... the view from our balcony ... (further sighs!) ... lovely isn't it! 

What have been your holiday favourites this year?


Jen x

Hauling in July ... !

Bonjour!

It feels like forever since I did a haul post so this is a big one ... although all this lot wasn't just bought in one go but rather in dribs and drabs over the last month-ish ...!

Starting off with hair ... yes well ... now that I've had my hair cut into a short bob I've decided I want to grow it into more of a 'lob' (my daughter says this is all I ever do ... cut it off then try to grow it ... grow it then cut it off again and so on and so forth!). Anyway, I've invested in a couple of appliances for starters ...

I needed a new hairdryer after my old one packed in ... ummed and ahhed for ages and in the end decided to go for a professional brand (more on that later) so went for the Diva Professional Veloce 3800 Pro from Amazon. And also the Babyliss Dual Big Hair Rotating Hot Air Styler which, in contrast, was an impulse buy after I saw the demo on QVC and decided it was the styling tool for me - so far so good!

A few clothing buys ...

This lot was bought fairly recently ... the softest off-white top ever from The White Stuff, navy linen blend dress from Gap, long sleeve basic t-shirt and another 'fluffy thing' from Next (have one in grey and how I love it for softness and warmth during the colder months!) all in the sales! The only non sale item was my new leather bag - a bargain from TK Maxx - I'm in love and can't stop gazing at it - I've never had a 'handbag fetish' but this could be the start of a bad habit!

Flowery print gypsy top (not sure it's me as I don't usually do the flower or the gypsy thing but my mum likes it!) and khaki utility skirt from the New Look sale.  Also got hold of a pair of thin khaki trousers from New Look (only £9!) and was unsure whether to keep or not as I'm rarely out of my jeans but the opinion was an outright 'keeper' when I asked for opinions over on Instagram!

Next up a few beauty buys ... some essential and some treats ...!

The essentials ... (in my book anyway!) were the Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 30 as I fancied something non-shiny on my kite this holiday and  Bourjois Bronzing Primer - it's meant to be a dupe for the Chanel Bronze Universel, which I have loved in past years so we'll see how it compares!

The treats ... Original Source Coconut and Shea Butter Shower Cream and Mandara Spa Shea & Coconut Body Butter on offer in Sainsburys and Rimmel Wake Me-Up Concealer (although this could be deemed as essential as I should never be without an under-eye concealer!), Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lipliner in Spice and Natural Collection Eye Liner in grey.

A couple of footwear items ...

Can't stretch to Birkenstocks this year so these will do me nicely from Primark at only £4! And finally  ... my JuJu Reilly sandals - a bargain in the Office sale at a tenner - they are so comfy - I could shop for hours in them (but I won't!) ... I want another pair!

So that's me done for a while, must try to be good now although my brother's wedding is coming up next month so that could be a problem!  What have you bought in July?

Jen x

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - Don't Pink Of It!

Bonjour!

I recently treated myself to a couple of Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and this is the first ... Don't Pink Of  It ...!

A liquid lipstick with loads of pigment, it's creamy when wet with a slight 'cooling' sensation and glides on before drying to it's matte finish - the doe foot applicator makes it super-easy to paint on 'la bouche'.  It's  meant to last for 24 hours on but nope - not on me anyway - maybe a couple of hours (less if I've eaten anything) but it fades fairly evenly  leaving a decent stain on the lips which sticks around for a while, although it does have a tendency to sit in any dryer bits if I've not kept up with a lip scrub/exfoliator. I also need to top up with lip balm at this stage as there's no hydration once it's worn away and it can feel rather drying being a matte and all!  When I swatched in store at Boots it did appear a warmer and deeper shade (as in the above  pic) but once on it takes on more of a powder pink hue and for this reason I only apply lightly as it does intensify with each additional coat and too much pale pink seems a bit odd on my type of kite!  

Now I've sussed how to make it work for me I'm actually really liking my  Don't Pink Of It! as a lip stain - it's  different to anything I've used before and a good one for those 'not so much make-up days' - paired with a bit of balm it's a  fresh and pretty Summertime shade for the old lips ...  it is still Summertime isn't it? 

Have you any of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lippies? How do you wear it and which is your favourite?

Jen x

Beauty Haulage ...!

Bonjour!

I haven't done a haul post since January (even then it was pathetic) so here are a few bits I've picked up over the last couple of months ...

E45 Repair and Protect Overnight Hand Cream - on offer in Boots - the old hands need some TLC.  Not tried it yet but it will be placed on my bedside table shortly!

The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil and Balm -  I'd run out of my beloved DHC Cleansing Oil and not got round to re-ordering so decided to give the Camomile Cleansing Oil a go. The dilemma set in as I entered The Body Shop and discovered they had a buy one get one half price offer on - the rest is history ...

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence and Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray - buy one get one free in Boots. I'm a big fan of the Thickening Essence so got the Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray as the freebie. I've had a couple of  'tries' with it and can't decide if I like it or not so will follow up on that!

L'Oreal Paris Hair Expertise Everstrong Shampoo and Nourishing Intense Mask - these were both half price in Sainsburys and I've been meaning to repurchase from this range since my review here.  

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - after using a sample from an old beauty box, I grabbed this on offer from Amazon.  Still loving it for it's hydrating properties but you really have to get used to the smell!  It's all a bit confusing but my sample was fragrance free (yet with a bit of scent to it) and this large size is the original - to me it smells a bit strange, really industrial, like new plastic? It's a fragrance (if you can call it that) that you have to get used to ... to my mind (and nose) the fragrance free 'smells' much more inviting so will go back to that next time!

No7 Stay Perfect and Moisture Drench Lippies - I used the No7 Match Made Service to help choose these two colours - Pillarbox and Sweet Chestnut.  I had one of those No7 money off vouchers plus they were buy one get one half price - can you tell I like my offers?!  I didn't intend buying brights, I was after a nude lippie but the No 7 lady informed me that for some reason they don't seem to 'do nudes' at the moment - shame!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - as soon as I heard this mascara was a dupe for the Benefit Roller Lash, which I reviewed here, I had to try it out - especially whilst it was on introductory offer! First impressions are good and full review will follow.

Bourjois One Seconde Volume Mascara and Happy Light Primer - I used the Waterproof One Seconde last summer - review here so wanted to try this Ultra Black version - the primer just 'fell' into my basket too as it was half price! I'm useless aren't I?


Have you used any of these products? What beauty bits have you picked up on your travels over the last few weeks?


Jen x

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - Review

Bonjour!

This is my Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - I picked mine up back in July so went for the Bronze option.  As you can see it boasts 3 pigments - Apricot, Green and White for Anti-Fatigue, Redness and Dark Spots (respectively!) and is meant to give you a "luminous complexion and smooth skin" with "24hr hydration and SPF 15" ... yes please ...!

The Bourjois CC has quite a runny texture and is golden in colour.  It applies well just with fingers (but I guess you could easily buff in with a brush) and works best for me if used fairly soon after moisturising. If I get sucked into the usual trap of "I'll just empty the washing machine, put another load in and sort out the dishwasher" before putting my face on (sound familiar?) then I have to stick on a bit more moisturiser, otherwise it does tend to cling a little to any dryer bits.  For this reason I reckon it may be better suited to normal/combo skin, dry skinned gals would have to ensure they're using a kick-ass moisturiser!  I find it does provide a decent level of coverage - more akin to a light foundation.  I tend to wear mostly on days off and weekends but have worn to work on a few occasions over a primer and it has actually worked really well - so easy to stick on your kite in the morning when you're bleary eyed and half asleep!  My T-zone does have a tendency to shine through from lunchtime onwards (nothing that a bit of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil can't sort out) but generally speaking it lasts really well during a day at the office of dreams (!) without going patchy etc.  I can't speak for all of the Bourjois 123 colour options and I'm not sure you can tell in the pics below but Bronze does have more of a 'yellowish' hue to it once on than I would usually go for - for that reason I may not use into the depths of winter when my face takes on it's usual khaki/grey tone but we'll see ... may try one of the lighter shades ... any excuse ...

On the left is a nice selection of my usual open pores, a dash of redness and a few freckly type things on my cheek thrown in for good measure. Bourjois CC applied on the right (not directly under the eye) and nothing at all done to the pic (apart from cropping a bit of the old conk off !).  Although it doesn't completely cover everything in sight (if I wanted that I'd be using a full coverage foundation) I think it does a decent job of disguising most of the bad stuff, smoothing, brightening and evening out skin tone - whilst keeping the hydration going - job done. Don't ask why I look so solemn - anyone would think I was at work!

All in all I think this is a great little product - bit of a multi-tasker, easy to use, effective and affordable at £9.99/30ml.  I think I will try one of those lighter shades for Winter!

Have you tried the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream? Which is your favourite CC?

Jen x

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Waterproof - Review

Bonjour!

I bought the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in the Waterproof option back in July - in   preparation for my daughter's end of term school concert/assembly ...

Bourjois say their Volume 1 Seconde gives your lashes 'clump free 360 deg volume', due to this unique brush which is made of both spherical and straight bristles -  it's basically a load balls and spikes! Apparently, the balls are meant to do the coating and the spikes take care of the separation bit.  The formula is quite thick and creamy with a good black pigment and it has an 'internal scraper thingy' at the top of the tube which means you don't get too much product on the brush. You're meant to apply in a zig-zag motion to top and bottom lashes to create an 'instant eye-opening look'. The brush is quite large and fat - which means I have to be careful not to coat my lids when applying at the base of lashes. That said it's not too bad to work with after a bit of practise, although I have to keep up with the zig-zagging to avoid clumps - if any do arise a quick comb through is all that's needed.  I tend to apply two coats straight off as it dries pretty quickly - it is possible to add extra coats later on but can clump if used in this way (whether or not this is due to the waterproof formula I'm not sure, not having tried the standard).  Although I haven't immersed my head in water, I literally bawled my eyes out at the leaver assembly in July, the Volume 1 Seconde did good and literally did not move despite almost constant saturation for about an hour or so!   You do have to use a decent eye make-up remover and although it takes a bit longer than a standard mascara it's not too bad to remove after you've broken down the formula, by holding your eye-makeup pad over your eyes for a minute or so rather than rubbing!


A before and after with a couple of coats on ... apologies - I have no other make-up on  apart from under-eye concealer - how  did I not do my brows!

Although it obviously take me longer than 1 second (or thereabouts!) to achieve decent results, all in all I think this is a pretty good mascara, it volumises (as promised) but also curls, lengthens and defines well and basically doesn't shift all day.   Bit more pricey than some high-street brands at £9.99 but I'd be interested to try the standard version to see how it holds up on the non- waterproof front!

Have you tried the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara? Which waterproof mascara have you been using this Summer?


Jen x

Summer Loving ... !

Bonjour!

I haven't managed a monthly 'favourites' post for while but couldn't let the warm weather finally come to a close ... (sob!) ... without a brief mention of the some of the products I've been 'into' over the Summertime ...

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-in Cream SPF 30 - used on face, neck and decolletage - it's great for holiday, can be worn under make-up, non-sticky, non greasy and suits my sensitive areas!

M&S Formula Aloe Vera Aftersun Gel - I've bought this aftersun gel for a couple of years now - usually when M&S have their summer offers on making it a ridiculous £2 per tube! Cooling and hydrating after a day in the sun - unfortunately we didn't have as many of 'those days' on holiday as I'd have liked this year hence I have some left!

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion (Medium to Dark) - I'm rather lazy with the whole 'self-tan thing' and so use gradual tanners instead. This one has been my favourite for a while, subtle colour which can be built up over time, pleasant smell, moisturises well, quick and easy to use - job done for lazy girls!

Treacle Moon 'One Ginger Morning' Bath and Shower Gel - still hanging on in there, one of my favourite zingy bath/shower products ever!

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Dehumidifier Spray -  found this at the back of the bathroom storage cabinet (must have forgotten about it - it's a big cabinet!) - gave it a whirl and I'm hooked! A quick spray keeps any frizzies at bay really well so I'll be repurchasing and keeping at the front of the bathroom cabinet in future!

CK One Summer - I have a bit of a soft spot for CK smellies and this one is my everyday Summertime spritz. I usually pick one up on offer in some sale or other. Love the clean, refreshing scent - just smells of summer - always a good thing in my book!

Bare Minerals Warmth All-Over Face Colour - a favourite for bronzing, gives a warm healthy glow (which is actually appreciated all year round!) - full review here.

Top Shop Stage Dive - I just love orange tones and this one is a real sizzler, brilliant for the summer months, wore it on holiday this year - here.

Emma Hardie Soothing Moisture Mask - a lovely cooling mask which feels fantastic on after a hot day (or even not so hot!).  I've been using this twice a week in the evening after removing my make-up and exfoliating (after all what's the point in slathering something on over a load of dead skin cells!). I then usually warn the hubby that I look like a ghost (he doesn't mind - he's used to it!), watch a bit of tv to relax and go to bed! It sinks in overnight and leaves skin hydrated and plumped in the morning.  Another lazy girl's winner! I am so lazy!

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte 110 - I think this is one of my all time favourite lippies. I can use as a stain with lip balm or slap it on good and proper for a more full on look if needs be. A lovely vibrant summertime colour and seems to go with virtually everything - you can see it on here.

Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear and Sweet Cherry - last but by no means least my Bourjois cream blushes. Love em to bits - have used them on holiday and at home. I want another! Full reviews here and here.

I'm still hoping that this Indian type summer thing will continue for a while - fingers crossed - I'm not quite ready to wrap up yet!

What have been your favourites this Summer?


Jen x

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry - Review

Bonjour!

I was rather smitten with my first Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear which you can see  here) - so it was no surprise when 'Sweet Cherry'  (not 'Swee'  Cherry as my particular pot would have you believe!) landed in my shopping basket ...

Sweet Cherry is the deepest of the original shades of the Bourjois cream blush ... rather than cherry as in fruit, think of a rich Japanese Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom ... a dusky, fleshy pink.  Described as a cream to powder formula there's no 'flake or cake' about it, nor is it too gloopy or sticky but just the loveliest silken texture and can be applied with fingers or brush. I think it's meant to be a matte finish but for me it depends on which type of base I'm wearing, dewy/natural over a BB or CC and more velvet over foundation.  It was perfect on holiday for a hint of colour but has also worked well with my 'more full-on work face' for the office and lasts a good few hours. Sweet Cherry is really well pigmented and you don't need to use a loads so although the pot may seem small for the price of £7.99 I think it's well worth the money.

Can you tell my love-affair with the Bourjois Cream Blush has developed further by the dreamy ...  or should I say rather 'stupidly spaced out' expression on my face?

So it's official ... I'm sweet on my Sweet Cherry! Am debating whether to go for the 'Healthy Glow' colour next to help with my usual Winter zombie kite problem ...!

Are you a fan of the Bourjois Cream Blush? Which is your favourite shade?

Jen x

Face and Outfit of the (other) Night!

Bonjour!

Bit overdue this post but better late than never! So ... outfit and mug shot from an evening out with the hubby and kids a few weeks back ... yep apologies for yet another awkward pose with yet another pair of creased knees (what is it with me and creased knees?) ...  the husband never thinks to point any of this out - probably as he was impatient (as usual) to get off out, rather than taking silly photos ... men!!

Top - H &M (old)
Creased skinny jeans - Primark
Red Cork Wedges - New Look (very old)
Distressed Handbag - Top Shop (very old)

With the pooch - who happens to be sitting very smartly don't you think?

Make-up ...

Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer and Under Eye Brightener, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer review here, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium, L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation in Nude Beige, Mally Eyeshadow Stick in Antique Taupe and Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight review here, Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - review here, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony review here, highlight on brow bone from MUA Undressed Palette (not pictured),  Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - review here and good ol' faithful Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippie in 110- review here.

And corresponding 'Mug Shot' ...

Had to take this when we got back as I'd run out of time before  - story of my life!

One day ... yes one day I'll do a proper outfit post sans 'creased knees' and make-up before the evening out!

Jen x

Just Call Me Rudolph!

Bonjour!

Well it's been a jam-packed roller coaster of a week alright and now school's finished I feel like a deflated balloon! And now it's throwing it down with rain so that's even better!  The Y6 party was a great success midweek with all the kids dressed up in their 'sunday best' - was great to see them all bopping and jumping about on the dance floor - and as the weather was so nice they were in and out of the party room playing boisterously outside on the grass - just as children should, whilst the parents had a drink in the beer garden - just as adults should! Seriously though our young ones have a tendency to seem so grown up before their time these days - it was so refreshing to seem them all behaving just as kids!

As for the leavers assembly yesterday - well ... just a bit of background information for you here.  I cried when my kids started and left nursery. Same when they both started school. I also cried when my son left primary so I had a good idea of how yesterday would go!  It was a lovely assembly with the kids reciting their memories of school from reception through to Y6, a reading, a song or two and a slide show of the kids photos we'd all provided from reception to current day! As you can imagine it was a proper and I mean PROPER  'Kleenex fest' ... need I say more! My blogging bud Sharron from Style At Every Age left this comment on last weeks post ... 'Been there done that, it's hell on earth. Poor you I sympathise' ... I can confirm that this is an accurate description ... I am so no good at holding it in and resembled Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the time it was over!

My girl has also been a bit down with all the build up so this one's for her - she and her friends have done many a 'Wake-Up/Shake-Up' to this tune in the school playground over the last few months as well as bouncing around to it the other night at their party ...


Pharrell Williams - Happy ...

And on a 'happy' (sort of) note I can confirm that my Bourjois Volume One Seconde Waterproof Mascara held up it's end of the deal admirably - it didn't budge despite being saturated many times for most of the afternoon - full review will follow shortly!

How's your end of term been mums? Did you need your waterproof mascara?

Jen x

I Didn't Cry but I'm Gonna...!!

Bonjour!

No - it's true ... amazingly I didn't cry buckets at last week's Summer Show performance! Only welled up a little as the kids were singing the closing number!  I was so intent on filming the show and trying to focus is not easy at times when your eyes are losing their long sighted ability!

It was the best school Summer Show I've seen - based around the children's last day of school whilst they remembered their years in Primary ie comical sketches of past infant nativities, frantic registrations and school trips - the kids acted it out tongue in cheek to a tee and made us all laugh (and cry in some cases!).

I had asked our Y6 teacher if we could please have a cheerful song to finish the show - instead of the usual emotional ballads that have us crying buckets ... luckily she obliged with this one ...


We're All In This Together ...

So glad it was upbeat and bouncy - the kids all sang and bobbed around on stage with their pom poms and did us proud  - they are growing up so fast ...!

A frantic last week of school ahead - only 5 more drop offs/pick ups at Primary!  School picnic and walk/pilgrimage to a local church/abbey, Y6 leavers party, school leavers assembly, that will be mascara carnage - that's the one where even the 'hardest' of the mums are expecting to have a cry.  The kids have to take pics of their reception days in to make a collage - once I set eyes on the display that will be it - the Bourjois Waterproof mascara will really be put to the test as I'm even welling up just typing this and listening to the above track - think it will always remind me of my daughter's Primary days now - ahhh I'm so pathetic!!

It's going to be an emotional week and I'm going to be an emotional wreck so any useful tips on self control would be greatly appreciated!

Jen x

Bargain/Budget Buys, Bourjois and Freebies ...!

Bonjour!

If you read my last post re 'Shopping my Stash' then you are probably thinking 'there is no hope!' However, you can't pass up on a bargain (or three) can you - even if it means adding to your bulging stash?  Anyway ... apologies for a slightly picture heavy post here ... I should also point out that these items were not purchased all at once but over a reasonable period of time ...!

First up Primark bargain footwear - a quid for the flip flops ... crazy!

I had a H&M gift card so bagged myself a much needed sun-hat for holiday ...

Superdrug hand creams are supercheap anyway but were on offer buy one get one half price. L'Oreal Expertise Heat Protection Spray half price at Tesco and I've been wanting to try their own brand of dry shampoo for a while ...

Also had a TKMaxx voucher which I put towards this baby. Ok so it's not leather but you know when you just like the way something feels in your hand (!) - I love the colour, the style and the way it hangs ...!

Limited myself to two magazine freebies - not bad considering there are tonnes out there this month! Red mag has the Rodial Stemcell Super-Food Glam Balm (how long?) for lips and could not for the life of me find any Clinique Chubby Stick freebies with Glamour so plumped for the High Impact mascara ...

And last but not least ... Bourjois goodies on 3 for 2 plus free sunglasses at Boots.  I'm blaming my daughter for this one (sort of)! We have the school summer show this week and the Y6 class will be playing all the lead roles in the performance - singing, dancing etc.  Mums will be crying ... I know this because I cry (a little) every year at the show when other people's kids are singing their farewells to the school ... this one is going to be agony! Cue the Bourjois 1 Second Volume Waterproof Mascara - let's see how it fares ... if all else fails guess I could stick the sunglasses on!

Have you picked up any bargain/budget buys recently? Any tips for composure during sentimental school concerts would be greatly appreciated!

Jen x

Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - Review

Bonjour!

This is my first little round pot of Bourjois Cream Blush ... I chose Pink Sunwear ... in keeping with the season and all ...!

A golden salmony pink in colour when swatched, with an acceptable level of shimmer (but not in a glitterball way!) - it's like an all-in-one blush/highlighter.  It has a silken texture and glides on easily with fingers or brush over the old apples to give a sun-kissed and healthy glow - exactly what I'm after at this time of year! A little goes a long way - it works over a BB or full foundation and lasts really well throughout the day without going patchy - it even passed the 'sweaty office' test the other week! Definitely one for this year's holiday!

Here it is 'in situ' ... and please try to ignore the shiny conk in the foreground which is threatening to take over the entire universe - black hole style (and that's only half of it...!) ...

I must admit I am a little smitten with my Pink Sunwear!  A super-easy Summertime product that takes seconds to apply and helps me to look more 'human' and less 'zombie' (been having quite a few 'zombie days' - must be my dratted age!). As I said this has been my first delve in the world of Bourjois Cream Blush ... somehow I don't think it will be my last ... mark my words!

Have you had a bash at a Bourjois Cream Blush? What's your favourite Summertime blusher?

Jen x

New Specs Haul!!

Bonjour!

Totally blaming my new specs (below) for this one! Had to pop into Boots to pick them up (check for fit etc) - it's been 3yrs since I last had my eyes tested so new specs were overdue. Of course, any 'normal' person would just walk out with their new spectacles but not me - oh no ... it's like offering sweets to a child letting me loose in there ...! I don't think I'm on my own with this affliction? Correct me if I'm wrong - actually don't ...!

To be honest everything here (apart from the nail files) was on offer. 3 for 2 across haircare - my hair is mis-behaving at the moment so I went for the No Sulphate Nourishing Care System - can't wait to try it out! The hand cream was down to £1.99, selected Original Source Shower products are down to £1 (why did I only get one?!) and the Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate Nail Polish had a quid off so only £3.49 ...

I bagged the Trilogy Rosehip Oil and Bourjois Cream Blush in 'Pink Sunwear' with my Boots points - don't you just love those Boots points!

So I actually didn't spend that much believe it or not (even my specs were half price) and it gives you such a warm feeling inside when you walk out of Boots with a large carrier bag of goodies ... doesn't it?

Have you bagged any Boots bargains recently or are you 'normal' ie able to walk out empty handed?

Jen x

Friday Night FOTD and Illamasqua Lippie ...

Bonjour!

I went out last Friday night (well I went out for dinner with the hubby and kids this Friday just gone too but last Friday was more of a couples 'out out' and not just 'out' if you get my drift!). Anyway just thought I pop up a post with my slap for the night... really should this be entitled FOTN?  I'll just shut it and get on shall I...!

The products ...

Face
Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealers in Medium and Deep - used medium under eyes and mixed the two for the rest of my face
Laura Geller Balance n Brighten Foundation in Tan
Bourjois Blush in Rose Thé - you can see my full review here
Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder (only used a smidgen as it was my first time playing with it!).

Eyes
Mally Evercolour Eye Shadow Stick in Antique Taupe - all over eyelid - so easy to use - stays put all day/night!
MUA Undressed Eye Shadow Palette - to highlight under brow
17 Eyeliner in Onyx (got it in a kit last year)
Revitalash Volumising Primer
Mally Instant Impact Mascara - review coming up
HD Brows Kit in Foxy

Lips
Illamasqua Lipstick in Blaze - won in a Giveaway last year - sadly it's discontinued - what a shame, it's one of my favourites!

Here's the whole lot on the kite - a bit more of a half kite than usual - you can see the nose is screaming to take over the pic - ah well...!

And a quick 'awkard pose' of the outfit - both last year's H & M top and Zara jeans - what on earth has happened to the knees on my jeans - they had been thoroughly ironed although it doesn't look like it in this pic ...!

Trying to get one of me and the pooch but he had other ideas! Must have been where I got my creased knees from!


Jen x

Bourjois Rose The - Little Round Pot Blusher ...

Bonjour...!

After mascara I'd say my next favourite make-up obsession is blusher. A girl can never have too many!  This is my Little Round Pot of Bourjois Rose The ... I think the translation is Tea Rose (can't work out how to get the accent / over the 'e' so if anyone knows please share!). It's not a proper review as everyone I know is familiar with Bourjois blushers - so just a bit of a musing ...!

I've used Bourjois blushes on and off for years and have a sort of love/hate relationship with them 'hate' is too strong a word I guess.  I love the range of colours, the packaging and they're a good price at £7.49 (got mine on 3 for 2 at Boots). They have a 'baked' texture (and I usually love baked products) but for some reason I  find these blushers somewhat difficult to work with at times - is it just me - maybe they're baked a bit too hard? It's not a blusher I can just 'touch' the brush to, I have to really work the brush around rather a lot to pick up the product (my own brush that is - don't tend to use the little one provided!). Once it's actually on the brush it applies ok - as long as I'm having a 'reasonable' skin day - if I'm feeling extra spotty, wrinkly or 'dry patchy'  it's not one I'd choose as it seems to emphasise all of the above (I think this is more so of the matte options).

Having said all that once it's on my kite it gives a good flush of colour, it can be used either on 'apples' or for more of a contour and it lasts well throughout the day. I absolutely love the colour of Rose The as it's a lovely fleshy, dusky pink with a slight hint of shimmer to it and I know from past experience that the pot will literally last for ages!

As I said - bit of a love/hate thing going on - I suppose it's a learning curve and I've come to know when to use this product and when to avoid for something a little more forgiving.  It's not the first time I've encountered these issues with the old Bourjois blush pot but there are so many tempting shades in the range bet it won't be the last!

What are your thoughts on the Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher?

Jen x