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

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

It's no secret that I love a good mascara and as soon as I heard that the Maybelline Lash Sensational was a) a decent dupe for Benefit Roller Lash and b) on introductory offer I had to go out and grab it - you get that don't you? It's meant to give a multiplied, layered, super-black look to the lashes - you get it now don't you?

The curved brush is plastic and packed with teeth-like bristles ranging from small to big and the overall size is much fatter and heftier than the Roller Lash brush (which you can see in my review here).  Huge brushes aren't always the best option for my pathetic lashes but I find the key is to scrape the excess mascara off all sides of the brush  really, really well,  if not it can clog lashes up as the formula is quite thick and creamy and you have to comb through.  However, now I've got the hang of it I'm really pleased with the overall effect.  It grabs all available lashes -  is jet black and gives good volume, length, curl and definition, and I love the impression of thickness to the base of the lashes so I don't have to grab my eyeliner all the time!  One to two coats is enough for me but it's easy enough to add an extra layer for more drama later on - as long as you remember to scrape - never forget 'the rule of the scrape'!  I've applied first thing in the morning and it's lasted all day and into the night with no flaking or smudging - even after a) a night out or b) I've fallen asleep on the settee for an hour or so (hate that groggy feeling when you wake up on the settee and remember you still have to remove your make-up!). What I would say is that you do need a good eye-make up remover - I have to saturate my lashes for a minute or so, once the formula is broken down it can then be wiped off without removing those precious lashes in the process!

Before and after the Maybelline Lash Sensational multiplying experience ... two coats on here - you can see for yourself which is which ...

If you read my blog you may remember that I've never really got on with Maybelline mascaras, always wanted to but it never quite happened until I tried the Maybelline Big Eyes.  I'm happy to report that this is another success - it's a great mascara both for everyday use and nights out, gives instant 'oomph' to the old lashes and is a very decent price of £7.99.  I love good lashes for not a lot of dosh!

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara? Which mascara are you enjoying at the moment?

Jen x

PS - A small edit!  I suddenly remembered this morning (whilst in church of all places - how bad it that!) that I'd not really mentioned how Lash Sensational compares to Roller Lash - given that it's meant to be a dupe and all!  The Roller Lash wand grips and pulls the lashes up in a way no other wand has done and gives more length and cleaner definition.  It's a good one if you're in a massive rush and more of a daytime mascara I'd say.  Lash Sensational gives the lashes a thicker, heftier appearance but you do have to spend a bit more time on the whole process.  I suppose it just depends on how much you're willing to pay. £19.50 is a bit steep for me so I'd be drawn to the cheaper option and just work at it until I achieve the desired results - but that's just me! How about you?

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

The Smallest Haul ...!

Bonjour!

Did anyone witness any actual daylight today because it seems like twilight has descended upon us - hate this grey, murky, damp weather - my hair hates it too!  Unfortunately, according to the long term weather forecast things don't look much better over the next few days, not one 'sunshine' symbol to be seen (in these parts anyway!), only pesky black cloud - pants!

Anyway - just a few bits and pieces I've picked up over the last few weeks here ... been trying to restrain myself but you know when an 'offer' hits you in the face - sometimes one has to do that thang ...!

OGX Anti-Breakage Keratin Oil Shampoo/Conditioner & Biotin & Collagen Thick and Full Oil Treatment - I've been wanting to try more from OGX after using their Hydrating Macadamia Oil range in the Summer - review here. When Boots had one of their 3 for 2 offers on I dithered around over which to choose (there are so many!) but finally went for anti-breakage and thick and full!  I've already dipped into the oil - call me a bad blogger for doing so before taking the photograph but I couldn't wait!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - a firm favourite,  as you will know if you read my blog!  I spotted this kit on offer at £18 from John Lewis this weekend and jumped straight to it - no P+P either as I had it delivered to my local Waitrose to collect! A 400ml bottle plus 50ml travel size plus a make-up bag was a complete no-brainer - as the 400 ml usually comes in at around £22-24.  I was so tempted to order two sets but held back - this supersize will last for months so I can relax for a while!
 

Tell me ... if you were to pop into Boots for just the one item of make-up ie the Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Gel Eyeshadow in Permanent Taupe and realise the 3 for 2 is across all make-up brands - would you a) just stick to the original item and walk away ... or b) grab another two products of similar value ie Sleek Make-Up Eau La La Liners in Cocoa and Molasses and come home with the three?  No prizes for guessing which path I followed ...!

Last but not least I finally got to H&M last week to take advantage of my 20% discount card with Glamour magazine.  Red mohair mix sweater - may end up being my Christmas Day jumper - just love the colour!  Fitted denim shirt - need to get my thinking cap on and style this with something other than my usual/perpetual jeans - is double denim acceptable these days?  I don't want to resemble a member of Status Quo!  Suggestions from you lovely fashion bloggers welcome! Orange woolly hat - to brighten my barnet up on a dull day! Thanks again Glamour!

What have you picked up recently? Did you get hold of the 20% H&M Discount card? Double denim - yes or no?

Jen x

September Empties ...!

Bonjour!

First empties post in a while here - they're not all strictly from September - some are from August and even now there a couple of products I've forgotten to include so they'll have to be tagged onto next month ... that'll teach me to not keep things all in one place!

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - think this is actually an empty from the back end of July (whoops- told you I was behind!) -  gentle and effective, gets everything off (even waterproof mascara) without and need for rubbing or scrubbing. Have repurchased and am well into my new bottle!

Dove Refresh and Care Dry Shampoo - not going to waffle on too much as I have a whole 'dry shampoo thing' coming up but I do like this one and have already repurchased.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - my second bottle empty and I'm now on my third!  I use this for my evening cleanse and find it especially comforting during the colder months - a firm favourite in my routine. Full review here.

Gatineau Firming Throat Gel  - ok stupidly I managed to hide the fact that this is actually the Gatineau Firming Throat Gel but I promise you it is! Another backdated empty from the start of August here. I'm now on my second tube (gifted from my mum!) and use every morning. Although I do like it's tightening effect, I'll probably have a hunt for something else after this finishes as it's a bit expensive!

Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Gommage - this, on the other hand is a product I probably would repurchase. I'm on my second tube and it's a large one so should last for a while. Love the fact that it smooths and brightens my tired old kite! Full review here.

Treacle Moon 'Her Mango Thoughts' Body Butter -  I do like a bit of 'Treacle Moon'!  This one feels like silk and smells like a load of lovely mangos. Will probably wait until it's on offer in my local Tesco to repurchase - cos that's how I roll!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - another empty from August and another ongoing favourite!  I use every morning under moisturiser to keep my skin hydrated. Can't remember how many times I've repurchased this one now but am on my upteenth bottle! 

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara - I've never really got on with Maybelline mascaras but was pleasantly surprised with this one - well with half of it anyway. Loved the big brush but couldn't do much with the small one -shame! Full review here.

So that's it as far as 'empties' go (for the moment!). Must try to keep on top of things in future otherwise it could really get out of hand!  

What products have you got through last month?

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

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

I bought the Maybelline Big Eyes Volum'Express Mascara (in black) a while ago - not long after it was first launched actually as it was on offer with a couple of quid knocked off.  Not sure why really as I've never really 'got on' with Maybelline mascaras and therefore delayed opening it up! It boasts a double-ended brush - the upper brush is designed to volumise and push the lashes up whilst fanning them out with a quick-drying formula. The lower 'micro-brush' is meant to grab and coat all those elusive lower lashes.

I don't think you can see from the above pics but the top brush has a twist to it so the bristles almost spiral around the wand (reminds me of Bare Minerals Lash Domination in that respect) - maybe it's that ol' twist that's the secret weapon?  The top brush is just the right size for my lashes - not too fat - not too thin and works (for once!) with the formula, which appears to be the right consistency. It fans the lashes out well and provides length, volume and definition.  It's smudge and flake proof and managed a whole day in the office last week during our '33 degrees office heatwave' without moving - so proper result there! I tend to apply two coats as quickly as possible as it does dry in no time and you have to work fairly quickly if you want to layer. You need to scrape excess mascara off the brush well, especially if you do come back for another coat later on - otherwise it will clump and you'll need to comb lashes through. It's easily taken off at the end of the day with a decent remover.  I have to say that although I can see the reasoning behind the lower brush, it doesn't really have the desired effect for me and I get far better results using the top brush on the bottom lashes. If anything, I've just been using the lower brush to add a bit of extra definition once my mascara is on just because it's there and I don't want it to feel left out!

Two quick coats here on usually non existent lashes (no idea what's going on with those mammoth frown lines - good aren't they?).

I'll admit this is my first success with a Maybelline mascara - 'Big Eyes' is great for everyday wear. It's been a pleasant surprise and if it sported just the one upper brush I'd readily repurchase at the full price of of £8.99... I may well do anyway and just ignore the micro brush!

Have you tried Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara? What do you think of 'bottom lash brushes'?

Jen x

March Empties ... & Misses!

Bonjour!

To put it mildly it's been a bit hectic round these parts so a bit late with my March empties but never mind eh?  ...

Noble Isle Summer Rising Bath and Shower Gel - from a beauty box ages ago. What a gorgeous product, really does smell of summertime, flowers and sunshine. It's expensive but would love the hubby to buy this as a pressie for me sometime as a little treat!

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Body Cream - lovely - heady and floral. Not the quickest to rub in (so I tend to save it for weekends) but it does leave skin soft and the fragrance lingers for ages.   Definitely will repurchase (again) and Mandara Spa are on offer frequently in Sainsburys so even better!

Maybelline Colossal Volum'Express Mascara in Black - I haven't had much success with Maybelline mascaras in the past. This one is ok but not brilliant - it doesn't make my lashes colossal or anything. I don't know - I've used big brushes before but the bristles in this one don't overly get on with my lashes and the formula seems a bit thin - just not feeling the colossal love unfortunately - shame!

Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream - this is described as a blend of skin conditioners, butters and oil meant to help out even the driest of hands? I think I can safely say that my hands fall into this category! I prefer to apply last thing at night as it's quite rich but lovely and moisturising on my sore dry hands.

Liz Earle Nourishing Botanical Body Cream - a regular repurchase - love this as it's so gentle but soothing. Wish I could afford to use it all the time but I can't so tend to save it for days when my eczema is playing up or my skin feels extra irritated and it works wonders!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat - this really does get your nails touch dry in a jiffy with a lovely glossy finish. Unfortunately my nail polish didn't last much longer than a couple of days (that would be nothing short of a miracle!) and now it's gone all gloopy and sticky with still a third left in the bottle so I'll have to chuck it!

L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair Daily Moisturiser - I've used (and liked) the BB from the same range so thought this would be a good choice of day moisturiser but it's not worked for me.  I don't feel that it moisturises enough and every time I take it onto my neck it brings my eczema out so going to have to give up on it.  There's still a little left so will have to use it on my elbows or feet or something!

What have you used up last month? Have you had any 'misses'?

Jen x

January Favourites/Empties ...

Bonjour!

So that's January over with for another year - I'm so looking forward to the lighter mornings and evenings  - how about you? A mixed bag of favourites and empties over the past month or so then ...

Kerastase Ciment Thermique - been using this since the middle of December and it's a firm favourite! Full review to follow.
L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo and Conditioner  - this duo is coming to an end now. I was pleasantly surprised with it's performance and have re-purchased. Full review here.
Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Moisturising Shower Gel - just finished, gorgeous smelling product this one with a  heady floral scent - reminds me of high summer!
Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - all finished. It gives a good effect once on but is a bit of a smudger. Couldn't make my mind up about it - as you can see from my review here. 
Benefit They're Real Mascara - I'm giving up on this one.  A magazine freebie and something I've been trying on and off for a few months - but it's not to be.  It just doesn't 'do it' for me and I poke myself in the eye every time I try!
Elf Baked Blush in Rich Rose - been loving this for a touch of colour and radiance (both of which have so been needed!) - review here.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment - this finished about a week after my review here and I was gutted and am missing it already! I'm trying another eye cream out but will be re-purchasing as soon as I can snap up a good deal!
Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer in Nude - used mainly for the under-eye area. You do have to be light handed otherwise it has a tendency to cake up but I would re-purchase as it's quite a good concealer for me.
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - one of my all time favourites - especially in Winter - it's hard to beat that's for sure. I've repurchased a few times and will continue to do so!

And last but not least ... why oh why does this have to be empty...

Toblerone has to be one of my all time favourite items of confectionery - the chunks are just the right size for a treat after dinner and because you can't (or shouldn't) really fit it all in your mouth at the same time then one is enough on a school night. I've been allowing myself two chunks at the weekends though - get me!  Yes I will be re-purchasing on a fairly regular basis!

What have your favourites been last month? Are you able to fit a whole chunk of Toblerone in your mouth cos I can't!?

Jen x

Oh Haul - It's Been A Long Time!

Bonjour!

Apologies for sparseness of posts over the last few days - kids were on holiday, I was in London with the family over the weekend  - then kids were back to school yesterday so things were slightly manic! My youngest brother even commented to me on Skype the other night (from France) that I hadn't posted since last Thursday - so ... he does have a sneaky look at my blog now and again ...!

I had popped (just typed 'pooped' then but corrected myself  luckily!) into Boots on a couple of occasions since my Spend Ban recently ended and come out empty handed - I thought there must be something wrong with me! Also as you may know I hadn't really spent any of my recent birthday money! Anyway - I got to do some shopping with my daughter last week and took full advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offers which are on at the moment. I'm not going to waffle on about each product as I'll probably do separate reviews ...

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paints in Grapefruit and Watermelon/Maybelline Forever Strong in Hot Salsa  or is it Rose Salsa - says both on the bottle!

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher in 'Rose The'/ Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium and Dark 

Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist/Tresemme Texture Style Backcomb Dust/John Frieda Luxurious Volume Dry Shampoo

Our local Sainsburys also had their 25% off TU clothing and footwear earlier in the Easter hols ...

... I grabbed these sandals - hoping for the promise of summer (no way can I show you my feet in them at the moment though - some major renovation work needed in that area!). The pumps will be great with my skinny jeans and also for work. Bargains!

And last but not at all least ... my Mum gave this to me the other Sunday - she said it was a belated Easter present as she didn't get me an egg and would be ideal for my impending trip to London. She's an absolute star - don't you think?

Gatineau 16 Piece Little Luxuries Collection ...

Gatineau is a French Premium Salon Brand available from QVC - so far I'm really impressed with everything I've tried from this range so looking forward to dipping into this lot! The cute pink 'carry case' is jam packed with lovely products and as you can see there's a really good selection.  Thanks again Mum! xx

So - that's me done on 'hauls' for a while - looks like I've spent a lot I know but for the amount of products I've managed to get don't really think I've done bad - plus I know for a fact what I've spent on all this lot is far less than some of my young friends at work would spend on one night out!

Have you taken advantage of any current offers? Have you hauled?

Jen x

March Favourites, Empties and Misses!

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... got me some favourites, got me some empties and unfortunately a couple of  'hit and misses' ...

Bare Minerals Warmth - you can't tell from the pic but this is my tiny pot of Bare Minerals Warmth and it's practically empty (have a larger one waiting in the wings though!). Love this and really need to get a full review sorted - it adds colour to my face without any 'orange factor' going on!

The Body Shop Moringa Body Mist - I can't stop spraying this - addicted is the word. I'm useless at describing fragrance but this a heady - intoxicating in a good way - floral scent which lingers and I've used it copiously over the past few weeks when it's been so cold and miserable to cheer myself up! If anyone remembers the old 'Impulse' ads where the bloke passes out at the girls doorway - then I'm that girl ...!

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask - a couple of old favourites - the Exfoliator I use twice a week and  is super-gentle but effective in bidding goodbye to those dead skin cells - helps brighten and smooth. The Mask is a night-time treat and for plumping and soothing de-hydrated, grey tired skin - just did a full review here.

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - one of my go-to eye products in the morning - really wakes up the eye area - finished it earlier this month and luckily had another to open - full review here.

L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 60 Second Saviour - coming to the end of this tube - it didn't transform my hair in 60 seconds, but did an 'ok' job after having been left on for 10/15 mins or so. I wasn't wowed by it though and think it's been replaced by a different masque in the L'Oreal range anyway.

Tresemme 24 Hour Sky High Plumping Powder - finished this little bottle (been re-purchasing this for quite a while) - can't seem to do without plumping powders these days for extra lift and oomph. I know some people hate the feel of this type of product in their hair but it doesn't bother me. I've just bought a new version from Tresemme try.

L'Occitane Limited Edition Ylang Ylang Hand Cream - a pressie from my mum almost finished - have had it in my handbag to use on the go and it's lasted ages as it's very concentrated - smells wonderful like all other L'Occitane products I've tried.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara - unfortunately a 'miss' for me - I know this is loved by many but it just didn't do anything for me certainly no volume, just a bit of definition - and I couldn't get on with the 'spoon brush' - just felt too flimsy for me to work with. Never mind.

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Deep Cleansing Milk - another 'miss' - shame - I've heard many good things about this product. I actually bought and first used it last year when my skin was really playing up - hoping it would help but I just didn't see any noticeable improvement - I put it away and forgot about it until recently when I ran out of Elemis Cleansing Gel. Thought I'd try and use it up as my morning face wash but again - I just didn't get it, no brighter complexion or improvement in pore appearance etc - I like the smell of the peaches but maybe it's better for a younger/oilier skin?

Couldn't let this month's faves go by without this lot ...

Mum cooked Easter Sunday dinner, Anglo-Indian style, with hot mince curry and rice with dhal and fried meatballs and potatoes - oh and some poppadoms! Very tasty it was too and exceedingly stuffed we all were afterwards! Centre pic is of Mum's Easter cake - not a traditional simnel but the inside was choc and vanilla rainbow cake with stacks of choc fudge icing on the top and vanilla buttercream round the sides. It's mums birthday soon and I'll have to attempt to make a cake for her but as you can see there's going to be a fair bit of pressure involved ...!

So that's this month's little lot - what did you stuff your face with over Easter?

Jen x

NOTD - Maybelline Forever Strong - Taupe Couture

Evening!

This another of the Maybelline Forever Strong polishes which I bought from Boots around this time last year (yep last year!) and didn't crack open until a couple of months ago! (I know it's weird!).

Taupe Couture...

I reckon Taupe Couture could easily be worn into Spring. It's a dark nude and has a laid back - not too intense - easy like Sunday morning vibe.  Reminds me of Belgian Chocolate actually!

Easy application, two coats covered well and lasted (with base and topcoat) for three and a half days - that's good for me!

I can't wait for this dratted spending ban to finish (not the right attitude I know) so I can check out some more nail varnishes from Maybelline Forever Strong - they're £4.09 each so a good price.  It's becoming one of my favourite ranges!

Have you tried out any Maybelline Forever Strong polishes?

Jen x

NOTD - Maybelline Forever Strong - Dark Denim

Bonjour!

So - in between all the current glitter and sparkle that's obviously going on - thought I'd to a quick post on  Maybelline Forever Strong in Dark Denim.

After the success of my Maybelline Extreme Blackcurrent I was in Superdrug (about a month or so ago) buying  a couple of pressies and picked up Dark Denim as part of the 3 for 2 offer which was on at the time.

I  love the colour - not too light, not too dark - easy on the application front, good glossy coverage with two coats and again lasted really well - for a good few days with base and topcoat.

I'm really liking these polishes - at £4.09 you can't go wrong.  I'm physically restraining myself from visiting Boots or Superdrug until after Christmas but would love to check out some more colours from the range once the festive season is over.

Are you allowing yourself to visit Boots or Superdrug or are you saving yourself for the sales?

Jen x

NOTD - Maybelline Forever Strong - Extreme Blackcurrent

Bonjour!

I actually bought a couple of Maybelline Forever Strong Polishes last winter before my blogging days occurred and never got round to opening them - can you believe it? This is one of them...

Extreme Blackcurrent is probably the darkest nail polish in my possession, I was a bit worried it may be too deep a shade and too sophisticated for me (I am far from sophisticated - even at my age!) but now that I've finally cracked it open I'm loving the richness of the colour - it's  intense and glossy and reminds me of a well-rounded, full-bodied red wine!  I found the brush made application dead easy and it dried fairly quickly too. The polish didn't last for 7 days unscathed - but I only received my first 'chip' after 3 days (with top and base coat) so I was pretty pleased with that!

Anyway as it's Saturday evening why not? Cheers everyone!

Maybelline Forever Strong is priced at £4.09 from Boots or Superdrug - even better if bought whilst any of the current offers are on I think!  I'll be checking out some of the other colours in this particular range very shortly!

Have you tried out any polishes from the Maybelline Forever Strong collection?

Jen x

Half-Term Haul!

Bonjour!

Me and my gal did a bit of shopping over half term - we went to Boots and Superdrug (there's a surprise) and I picked up a few items ...

Boots had their 'Buy 1 Get 2nd Half Price' offer on ....

Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Concealer in nude - £6.99 - I was actually after the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer as I've read so many good things about it - but Boots never seemed to have the colour I wanted (having been in a few times) so thought I'd give this a go - feedback to follow.

Bourjois Intuitive Liner - £6.99- I've been wanting to try out the Clarins 3-Dot Liner ever since I heard it creates the look of a thicker lash line but just can't justify spending £20 on it at the moment.  Bourjois Intuitive is meant to be a pretty good dupe (and obviously far more purse-friendly) so lets see what happens.

Batiste Dry Shampoo (dark and deep brown) - I can't live without my dry shampoo, particularly when my colour is growing out and dark roots are coming through (as they are at the moment). My hair seems to grease up so much more at the roots and this is a little life-saver.  Also adds texture and body without looking like I've tipped a tub of talc all over my barnet. Got two as they were reduced from £3.99  a can (rather expensive but it works for me) to £2.66.

Dove Heat Defence - have to admit I did just grab this as we were running out of time, thought I may as well try it at £2.99 as I'm  running low on heat protection spray being a regular user and all that!


Superdrug had 3 for 2 across cosmetics ...

MUA Lipstick - from left to right Shades 11, 13 and 1.

Just could not resist - £1 each and 3 for 2 for crying out loud! We went for the reds initially because my daughter wanted me to create a 'blood effect' around her mouth for Halloween (in the end we ended up using some red lip gloss!).  The dark nude/tawnyish shade 13 looks ideal for everyday wear.


MUA Nail Varnish ...

.... in Stormy Skies and Plum Noir - also a quid each, (picked up an extra lippie in shade 13 for my mum to make it up to 3 products) - a couple of lovely colours here with an Autumnal vibe - can't wait to get these on!

Not strictly 'half-term' - I actually popped back to Superdrug the other day and noticed these on offer at 2 for £3.79 which I thought pretty good.  I'm a terrible lip balm addict and re-apply throughout the day - can't stand the feeling of dry, chapped lips.  I've not tried Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm before but it's raved about by lovely Claire over at Another New Day so looking forward to trying out!  The tube will be ideal for shoving in my bag and the cute little tub for bedtime!

All in all quite a few bargains to be had at Boots and Superdrug - could easily get so carried away! Have you picked any bargains up recently?


Jen x