Autumn Wishlist ... !

Bonjour!

We've been lucky with this recent 'Indian Summer type thing' haven't we?  It definitely feels colder and crisper these past few days though and the timer is now preset for the heating to come on for a few hours each evening!  Anyway ... here are a few bits and bobs I have my eyes on  ... I realise there are no chunky knits, scarves, coats within this list but that'll come later on I'm sure ...!

Autumn Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring a smashbox lipstick

Paul Mitchell Thicken Up - ok I realise this has nothing specifically to do with Autumn as such but I feel the need to try this out - not that I need any more hair products at the moment - but all the same - it could be 'the one!' 

Office Cutout T Bars - I'd like these primarily for work - will go with my usual black trousers and maybe even a skirt or two!

Top Shop Cigarette Pants - speaking of  'black trousers' - really need a new pair for work and Top Shop trousers usually fit me quite well so will have to pop in next week and check these out!

Cloud Nine Standard Iron - been 'umming and arring' over some new straighteners for ages. If I end up with these I'll be doing a little dance!

The Doors 'LA Woman' T Shirt - I must have this T Shirt - not this particular one as it's Vintage 1970s (and therefore very expensive) - mine will be a much more purse friendly option!

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Chestnut - everyone needs (read that as 'should treat themselves to') a new lippie in Autumn - and what could be more fitting than a lippie by the name of Chestnut!

Urban Decay Anti-Ageing Eyeshadow Primer - I'd say this is actually more of a need rather than want. My current Elf Eyelid Primer is ok ...but I'm curious to see how much better my eyeshadow would sit and last using legendary UD. The old eyelids are getting a bit crinkled and wrinkled so this anti-ageing option seems a good choice!

Chunky Black Boots - I have no need for these beauties at all but I bloomin love em! I'd wear with skinnies and my Doors TShirt (and the Smashbox lippie) - if I had some sort of furry jacket to stick over the top then that would be marvellous! I'll save that for my next Wishlist!

So ... that's my lot for the moment ...you can go on forever once you start can't you?! What's on your Autumn wishlist?

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

June Favourites ...

Bonjour!

Has June really come and gone - are we over half-way through the year already? Plans have already been made at work for the Christmas party - madness or what ...!

So...favourites over the last month...

Big Sexy Hair 'Spray and Play' Volumising Hairspray - got this in a beauty box a while ago.  I really like this hairspray for nights out - it adds volume, holds the style really well and lasts throughout the night.   It does leave the feel of product in your hair though so probably not one to go for if you like a more natural look and feel but works for me when I want/need extra texture and oomph!

Vichy Idealia BB Cream in Medium Shade - been using this for the last few weeks and - in an nutshell I'm impressed. Full review to follow.

Top Shop Nails in Stage Dive and Sinful Colors in Sweet Nothing - great combination of bright summer nail polishes I've been enjoying this month - like sun and sea these two (a slightly orange sun but sunny nevertheless!).  You can see my nail painting efforts here and here.

Batiste Dry Shampoo for dark hair - actually an empty - I can't seem to do without my dry shampoo. As well as drying up greasy roots etc it's great for extra texture and the dark brown pigment is ideal for my hair.  I think Batiste is on offer at Boots at the moment so probably a good time to re-purchase as it's not the cheapest and I go through it like cold water!

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Rose - a lovely dewy summer blush. A little pricey but would like to save up to try another colour! Full review here.

Liz Earle Sheer Lip Gloss in Mallow - great everyday neutral lip gloss. Moisturises, gives the old lips a look of plumpness and very non- sticky I've found. A good one for popping on (without a mirror) on my way out of the door on the school run!

And finally...

I have a problem with this little lot of Peanut M&M's!  I only buy them when they're on offer (which they were last month!) but I'm addicted good and proper! I tend to take the bag with me into the front room at the end of the day to sit with hubby and watch TV. On more than one occasion I've had to send him out of the room with my M&M's in tow as I'd just eat the whole lot in one go - they're so addictive and I keep fooling/telling myself that nuts contain good fats so they can't be all bad - yes that's what I tell myself!  Anyway I did make one bag last for a few nights ... will try to stretch it a bit longer next time...wish me luck on that one!

What have been your favourites last month? Could you eat a bag of M&M's in one go?


Jen x

NOTD - Top Shop 'Stage Dive'

Bonjour ...

I bought this polish a couple of weeks ago from Top Shop (obviously) in 'Stage Dive'.  I do love a good orange and it was just love at first sight ... (also bought a top which looked really good on the hanger but when I got it home it made me look like a sack of potatoes so that's going back!).

Anyway - got Stage Dive out in the sunshine over the weekend ...

This is my first nail polish from Top Shop and I found the consistency a little watery when applying and the first coat was pretty streaky. Still can see some faint streaking after the second coat but I don't think it looks too bad and may well be down to my useless application technique!   It was pretty standard 'drying time wise' - 10 mins or so? It didn't last terribly well unfortunately and had chipped within two days (I've now bought a new top coat so will try it out and see if I have better results).

To be honest though - I'm so head over heels in love with this colour - it's verging on fluorescent but not quite. It's just a lovely bright, sunny, happy colour and it cheers me up every time I look at it - sad but true! As you can see I applied it when the sun was shining over the weekend, now were back to normal with grey skies and pigging rain I'm going to need some 'bright nail therapy' more than ever!

Stage Dive is priced at £5 and you can check out the rest of the Top Shop Nail Varnish range right here.

Have you tried any Top Shop Polishes? What's your favourite nail varnish for 'bright nail therapy'?

Jen x