A Pathetic Sales Haul and a Treat ...!

Bonjour!

I love a bargain (who doesn't?) and usually manage to bag a few in (what used to be) the January sales!  Didn't really happen this year -  my intention was to go the day after Boxing Day but the large dump of snow put paid to that. We set off but had to turn back.  I was disgruntled to say the least!  Not to be beaten I decided to have a look online and ordered a couple of bits from New Look ...

Brave Soul Chunky Knit - £10 - a change from my usual grey/black and is so warm on ... my resistance to the cold is going from bad to worse so this is a keeper!  My mum likes it apart from the huge 'B' logo - ah well you can't win 'em all!

Lace collar dress - £10 ... couldn't make my mind up - I mean I don't really 'do' dresses that often so would this turn out to be one of those items that ends up living out it's life in the wardrobe and no place else? Anyway - right or wrong I decided to keep it at the last minute ... suppose if push comes to shove I could always wear for work with opaques and boots ...

Leopard fur coat - £25 ... I really liked the idea of this baby but unfortunately it didn't fit properly on the shoulders and the collar stuck up in a funny fashion so it had to go back - gutted  I was!

The only thing I managed to pick up in-store was this V-neck knit from H&M at £10 - it's slightly over sized, warm and not black . Need to find something to layer underneath though as that V is a tad deep on!

How pathetic is this? The single beauty item I managed to bag in the half price sales at Boots this year was a Soap & Glory Righteous Butter ... I don't know whether to feel ashamed or proud ...!





And now for the treat ... I couldn't resist this recent TSV (Today's Special Value of course!) from QVC.  Supersizes of the Liquid Gold and Absolute Eye Complex and full size Balancing Cleanser.   This kit is now priced at £70 on their website but the crazy TSV price was £30ish - it was a no brainer!  The Balancing Cleanser and Absolute Eye Complex I've used before and although I have tried Liquid Gold a couple of years ago, I didn't really get on with it ... but the beauty blogger in me wants/needs to give it another go to help with dull winter skin - I have to say the signs are promising this time round!  I shall report back once I've given it a good going over!

So what do you think? Was I pathetic, sensible or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?!  Did you manage to bag many bargains in the sales?

Jen  x

Birthday Wishlist!

Bonjour!

Bit of a hint in the post title there ... yes my birthday is on the horizon - not so exciting an event when you're getting on! Still - always room for some sort of wishlist whatever your age eh?  I've never done a 'wishlist' post since I started blogging but I've recently discovered Polyvore - it's a bit addictive - like Pringles - once you pop you can't stop and all ... I've definitely popped ...!

Birthday Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring black laced boots

Quick blurb on the products then kicking off with the Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, must try this -after all good hair begins with a good scalp right? Had to restrain myself on the make-up front (obviously) or there would have been tenfold blushers on here, but how cute is the Cargo blush - there are several different 'beach based 'options and who knows I may even try a couple! Been wanting a pair of Dr M's for ages and I reckon I can get away with these ... probably not the ideal footwear to wear for the school run though unless I give myself ample time to do the laces up!  I only possess one MAC lippie (in Chilli which I still have to review) - I think it's time for another, preferably bright and matte - hence Lady Danger. Can't wait to shed my duffle coat and get Spring started, love this teal blazer!  Also need a new handbag - something like this would be ideal, roomy enough for my kitchen sink! Last but not least, I tried a sample of the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 and I was addicted - gorgeous!

So that's the list -will keep you posted if I end up with any of this lovely lot!

What's on your current wishlist?

Jen x

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - Review

Bonjour!

Call me predictable but yes the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate was included in a QVC kit from a while ago. These kits are such good value that you end up paying a fraction of the actual price of the product -it's a no brainer!

A little info from the Liz Earle website ...

"The intense, aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils in this rich, rebalancing night-time treat is suitable for all skin types. It helps to soften dry or mature skin and balance combination or oily skin.

Use at night after cleansing and toning (but before moisturising).

Naturally active ingredients include softening argan and organic rosehip oils, soothing neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils plus antioxidant natural source vitamin E."

(source)

Over winter, with the cold and central heating etc etc  my skin suffers the usual de-hydration and dullness. I introduced the Superskin Concentrate into my nightly routine a few months ago. I apply after toning and under moisturiser several times a week and massage in mainly over my cheeks - it alleviates any dry or tight feeling immediately - I then take the excess over my t-zone and chin.  It has a wonderfully aromatic strong scent which I find both relaxing and slightly addictive.  I love the fact that my skin feels nourished and have actually been known to do a surprised double take (through very bleary eyes!) first thing in the morning, as it leaves skin visibly plumped, smoothed and balanced.

You may know (as I bang on about it often enough!) that I also suffer from eczema breakouts from time to time with dry, red, flaky patches on my cheeks.  I have massaged the Superskin Concentrate gently into these areas every night during a flare up.  It soothes and hydrates and basically just clears it up. Whenever I suspect a breakout now this is the first thing I reach for to keep things under control.

So I'm thinking that the Superskin Concentrate is turning into one of my desert island products and possibly my favourite of the Liz Earle range.  It works wonders on my dry bits, my oily bits and my eczema bits - I think that covers all my bits!  I have the 10ml rollerball which is £20 to buy alone and although it is expensive a little goes a very long way so I don't need to panic just yet but it's definitely something I'd repurchase as a Winter skincare saviour!

Have you tried the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate? What is your Winter skincare saviour?

Jen x