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

Sleek Make-Up Blush in Flushed - Review and Swatches

Bonjour!

This is my first Sleek Make-Up Blush (in fact my first Sleek Make-Up anything!) - bought it back in June ... rather a long time ago I know ... reckoned I'd save it for the Autumn/Winter ...

Comes in a neat black case with a clip fastening complete with a really decent sized mirror inside...

'Flushed' is described as a deep plum, matte finish - although there is a random sprinkling of glitter running through it (but not enough that I've noticed sparkly cheeks!) - so does this mean that technically it's not a true matte? Anyway ... it has the most ridiculous amount of pigment packed into that little black box - you really only have to touch your brush to the blush to pick up the product - this is not one that I can slap on willy-nilly (funny how spell check approved 'willy' but didn't like 'nilly' there - ignore me - I'm going mad!).  It is also long-wearing - I've applied first thing and it's lasted all day into the evening so no need for touch ups.   With this particular shade, obviously, less is more and  maybe just be careful with any dryer areas on cheeks as it could accentuate them if you don't have a proper base on?  The Sleek website states that the colour is ideal for darker skin tones - I'd consider myself a light olive at this time of year and it works fine for me - I reckon a darker skin tone could afford to be heavier handed though!   As you can see from the swatches it is pretty deep but used correctly can give a decent 'I've just been on a walk in winter wonderland' flush - I think it's a really flattering shade for this time of year to pretty up your cheeks!

Swatched heavily above and blended below - in shade on the left and in the super-bright winter sun on the right...

Applied very lightly here - too much more and I'd have looked like I'd just done several hours of step aerobics (I love step aerobics by the way!) ...

I  imagine this would be a good winter blush for teaming with dark berry lips - I'm not that brave yet - are you?

So ... yep ... I am impressed with my first Sleek blush. They are only £4.49 a pop and are available from Superdrug. There are a couple more shades I would like to try and as Superdrug have 3 for 2 across make-up at the moment, I wonder if it will be sooner rather than later?!

What's your favourite Sleek Make-Up Blush?

Jen x

It's a Haul Thing!

Bonjour!

Picked up a few items over the last month or so .... been making use of the current offers .... as you do...!

3 for 2 at Superdrug - got the MUA Undress Me Too palette and Sleek Make-Up Blush in Flushed (the 3rd item was a lip gloss for my daughter). Used my No 7 money off voucher on the Instant Radiance Concealer (which I've used before) and then  buy one get one half price on the No 7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in brown.

You'll see from my recent empties post here that I've finished my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum. I wanted to re-purchase as I really like this product and  feel it's helped to keep my skin hydrated. Also wanted to try the Aqualia Thermal Light (normal/combination skin) as a day cream. But then the 3 for 2 offer had me in a quandary because although I don't need anything else - how can you walk away from the third item? After much deliberation went for Idealia BB Cream - Medium shade, it seems to have a whole host of benefits which I could do with at the moment!

Been meaning to get myself a good topcoat for ages - quick drying and longevity is exactly what I need so let's see how the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat does. Since I've recently had loads of colour/highlights in my hair I picked up the John Frieda Intense After-Colour Conditioner whilst it was on offer at Boots (think it had £2 off) and then John Frieda Shampoo and Conditioners were half price at Sainsburys that same week (the offer was still on when I called in Friday) so went for the Brilliant Brunette Multi-Tone Revealing Shampoo (which I've used and liked before) to go with it.

So that's my lot for a while - I think I need to stay away from Boots and Superdrug and ignore any vouchers but you only live once right? Maybe just the odd lippie or two wouldn't hurt and maybe a new bronzer for summer?

What have you hauled recently?

Jen x