Whats In My Bag: Zara Leather Messenger Bag

Last week I hauled this lil gem, my Zara Leather Messenger bag. 

 Today I thought I would do a little follow up/ Whats In My Bag, to show what I take with me on nights out. 

my lil gem all packed up

Darn tootin' (I've been watching too many Nashville episodes)

Diary

Passport

Lipgloss - MAC

Mints - Extra

Hand Sanitizer - Carex (decanted into the Purell container)

Blot Power - MAC

Asthma Inhaler - Salbutomol Sulphate

Lipstick - Rimmel, Sleek

Hand Cream - L'Occitane

Mini Mascara - Benefit

Pen - Bic

I must admit, I  thought that I would have to return this bag.
 Since it would be full after I put in my lipgloss and inhaler, but this lil bag holds quite a few things. I had to eat my words. 
It is s lovely little bag, with a great price point, plus it is made from  leather.
I look forward to many adventures with my lil gem.
 It is especially handy right now for trips to the pub to watch the world cup games.

xx

Brow Arch March

                                                     

"Benefit Cosmetics have been raising brows since 1976. Now each year during the month of March, they will be responsible for shaping millions of eyebrows at over 50 Debenhams Benefit Brow Bars across the UK. The aim, to raise vital funds and awareness for Look Good Feel Better; the only international cancer charity which focuses on problems associated with the visible side effects of cancer treatment.

Brow Arch March is an annual collaboration between Benefit and Debenhams in support of Look Good Feel Better! You can support this great cause by getting your eyebrows waxed and shaped for a suggested donation of £5 - ALL proceeds go to the charity (if you're feeling generous you can also donate the full amount!). You can also participate in the Brow Arch March, which starts in Berkeley Square on 9th March. Visit the Get Involved page for more information. Join us in raising a brow this March!

PLEASE NOTE: Only available in Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bars in UK Debenhams Stores. Offer valid from 1 - 31 March 2014, subject to consultant and appointment availability."

I have already booked my brow appointment for the Saturday 15th March, those of you who can join me in supporting this great cause.

                                                              xx

Magazine Freebies - ELLE UK December 2013

I had seen the ELLE magazine on the shelves but felt meh about it, £4 and the product is not full sized. However last Friday the Metro had a voucher which allowed purchase of the ELLE UK Magazine for the price of £1. I spent £2 saved £6 and received two of the 3 free lip glosses. 

If you can get your hands on the Metro magazine the voucher is still valid until the 30th of November. 

Overall the Benefit lipglosses are a lovely smooth texture

 and they fit in my clutch bag very well. 

May 2013 UK Magazine Freebies

If you know me or you follow this blog, you KNOW, I love a magazine freebie. There are some lovely ones in the magazines right now. Depending on where you purchase your magazines, they might have already hit the shelves or be on their way. No fear I am here to tell you what pickings are available. 

Marie Claire Magazine (£3.80 on sale 2nd May) - Choice of  3 products, Avon Smitten Red Lipstick, Brow Definer or Gel Eyeliner, plus a sample of BB Cream with each magazine.

Elle Magazine (£4.00 on sale 1st May)  - Mini Benefit They're Real Mascara worth £9.50

InStyle Mag (£3.80 on sale 2nd May) - Choice of 3 full size Nail Inc Nail Polishes

Harpers Bazaar (£4.20 on sale 1st May) - REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Cream 50ml

Cosmopolitan Magazine - is currently on sale for £2 (usual price £3.80) 

The Cosmopolitan offer is the one which is calling my name. At the moment I have too many lotions, potions and mascaras. I am going to read the Glamour mag for June and let Jessica Alba tell me her secrets to becoming rich.

wherever in the world you are, have a great day my lovelies.

xx

Summer Skin - the new way to glow

    Though the sun has been fleeting here in the UK, other parts of the world are enjoying blazing temperatures. Trips to the beach and pool parties are well under weigh with travels to foreign lands on the horizon for individuals. Below are just a few things which can be used to keep us looking great while we try to keep up with the summer festivities.

Clean and Clear Morning energy skin brightening daily facial moisturiser - well that was a mouthful, lol let me have a sip of water before I continue. This is a non greasy moisturiser that in chock a block with shimmer. When applied ot the skin the moisturiser sinks in very well and you are left with a very healthy, glowy complexion (not oily). It smells great too since it is full of lemon and papaya extracts (which are supposed to brighten the skin over time by eating away at the dead skin cells, similar to the Elemis  Try-enzyme face wash).

Soap and glory Sweet Almond Dry oil body gloss  with ultra subtle powder glimmer for sexy long distance shimmer.  - there you have it what more can I say? I use this product mostly on my legs if I am wearing shorts + heels to an event. It does what it says on the packaging case closed and good night. lol 

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish - These are great for providing highlight for the face and décolletage. They also can be used as blushes, and eyeshadows. 

MAC Mineralize skin finish natural in Deep Dark -  everyday face powder, with SUBTLE shimmer great for wearing to work if you do not want to wear foundation, a bit of this, some coral blush, mascara and you are ready for the day. Looks amazing on skin.  

L'Oreal Paris Glam Bronze Bronzing power Long Lasting - SPF10 - Bronzing powder great for use as a blush to give your cheek bones a bit of oomph. Can be used to create a contour effect on paler skintones. 

Sleek Blush in Coral - a hint of coral (peachy orange) colour and a wash of shimmery goodness, looks great when accompanied by a smile, great everyday blush, especially if you work in an office or a corporate setting, also great for lunch with your girlfriends or just to a casual party setting. Apply with a light hand a little goes a long way, take care not to put it on the apples of your cheeks.

Sleek Blush in Sunrise -   a hint of pink colour and a wash of shimmery goodness, looks great when accompanied by a smile, great everyday blush, especially if you work in an office or a corporate setting. Apply with a light hand a little goes a long way, take care not to put it on the apples of your cheeks. Lovely on darker skin tones, as well as lighter skin tones. 

MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Trace gold -  this is an excellent highlighter for cheeks and eyes, can be worn as an eye shadow if you so desire. 

Sleek Makeup Palettes in Jewels, Sunset and The Original - these 3 palettes contain all the eye makeup you will need. 

Eye Pen by H&M in Bronze -  great for giving your eyes a bit of colour.

Urban Decay  24/7 Glide on Eye pencil in Lucky -  great for giving eyes a hint of colour, excellent staying power.

Eyeshadow by H&M in Brown dust - A little pot of eyeshadow with great staying power, excellent for just a pop of colour or a wash all over the eyelid. 

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer (dewy finish) - This is a primer which contains very very fine particles of shimmer, best used under liquid foundation as it gives a natural glow to the skin and makes it appear nice and healthy.

Eyeshadow by H&M in Pearl dust -  A little pot of eyeshadow with great staying power, excellent for just a pop of colour or a wash all over the eyelid. When combined with Brown dust above gives a great Shimmery/bronzey smoky eye perfect for the summer. Great for providing inner corner highlight. 

Benefit High Beam - luminescent complexion enhancer aka its a highlighter, dab this along your nose and the top of your cheekbones.

The Body shop Shimmer Cubes - Shade 01 Pearly white found in Palette 18, Shade 02 golden sun found in Palette 15, Shade 02 Sea shell found in Palette 19. These are versatile litte nuggets, they can be used wet or dry and come in a cube containing 4 individually wrapped cubes of eye shadow. These three shades are great for providing inner corner/ brow bone highlight. they can also be used on the lid by themselves or combined with other shadows to create eye makeup looks.

Superdrug Vitamin E Shimmer Body Lotion - this is a moisturiser which contains body shimmer, excellent for giving your body a nice glow. Also this can be used to highlight specific areas, such as the décolletage, shoulders, arms, legs any specific area which you want to show off. The Superdrug vitamin E shimmer lotion is Tres fab, especially if you apply  fake tan on underneath it. What I do is if I have an event coming up I will apply the Palmers natural bronze body lotion for a few days before the event and then the day or night of the event I will apply the shimmer lotion on top…………the combo is positively amazing.   

Sidenote - The Body Shop also has a Coconut shimmer body lotion. I recommend that 4 friends/sisters split the cost of purchase, divide it into four equal sections. These four sections can be held in a small container with a cover until the shimmer lotion finishes. Remember a little goes a long way. 

Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan makeup in medium shimmer - This is a fake tan and body shimmer 2 in 1 product makes your body look great, excellent for nights at the club which you are wearing shorts rub this on your legs wait 10 minutes so that it dries COMPLETELY and then put on your clothes. 

"That Gal" Brightening Face Primer by Benefit - great primer makes your face look lovely when makeup is applied over it. 

Get to Glowing

xx

Instyle, Red, Glamour, Marie Claire July 2012 Magazine freebies

Grab the July 2012 Edition of Marie Claire magazine (£3.70) and get a free Ciate nail polish worth £9. There are three shades to choose from Bon Bon, Jelly bean and Purple Sherbet.

• Purple Sherbet is a pastel purple shade

• Bon Bon is a greige shade (mixture of grey and beige, very work appropriate)

The July 2012 Edition of Glamour Magazine (£2) is also offering some great freebies in this mag in the form of three travel sized products. Benefit that Gal primer, Benefit Porefessional primer and a travel sized version of the Benefit Bad gal lash mascara are all up for grabs. **Please note that this is in conjunction with the Glamour Women of the Year Awards so there are 3 different covers on the magazine.**

The only fashion monthly that you can shop from Instyle Magazine (£3.80) has teamed up with The Body Shop to offer some fabulous freebies as well the July 2012 Edition. Choose from either two full sized (yes you heard me FULL SIZED) eyeliners in a French Navy & Black, or a full sized Big and Curvy mascara. 

Not to be left in the dust Red magazine July 2012 Edition is back at it again this time they have collaborated with Jemma Kidd Makeup School and they are offering full sized products as well. The items to choose from are a black eyeliner or a black mascara. 

Elle magazine July 2012 Edition which features the scrumptious and delectable David Beckham on the cover I offering a limited edition vest from English fashion house REISS. Colours to choose from include White, Grey, a mint Green and Coral. I am personally not a fan of freebie clothing, but its from REISS so I can see how others may be tempted. The Coral is hands down the best one, just saying. 

There you have it a good stash, I must say if anyone is indulgent enough to purchase everything listed. 


My stash

My returns

How to get radiant glowing skin.....

     First of all getting that lovely summer glow depends on having clean skin and also a good skincare routine. A good idea would be to exfoliate skin twice a week. For the face I recommend Sundays and Thursdays that way you are ready for the week ahead and also ready for the weekend.  A good exfoliator is the St Ives microdermabrasion scrub. It contains very fine particles so it is not very harsh on the skin, yet when you are finished exfoliating your skin feels very very very smooth.

      A little goes a long way, you should only be using an amount that is about the same as the size of the nail on your pinky ( small finger). Following the exfoliating a clay mask twice a week would definitely help by drawing out the impurities from deep within your skin. This will help to shrink large pores and eventually if you are acne prone less pimples. (This is for girls, boys, men and women equal opportunity, we want everyone to be looking and feeling their best)

     The same with your body exfoliating is a must, here I recommend exfoliating gloves these are everywhere but if you don't know what constitutes everywhere pick some up at your nearest Body shop. http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalog/product.aspx?ParentCatCode=C_BathBody&CatCode=C_BathBody_Accessories&prdcode=81991m They come in a variety of colours so guys you can get in on this. These are lovely you just put them on squeeze some shower gel or body wash on them and massage your skin in circular motions, they are gentle enough to be used everyday and pretty much all over stomach, thighs, heels, elbows literally everywhere. if you are a couple you can have a lovely bonding experience scrubbing those hard to reach places for each other, wink wink,-----------> "you scrub my back and i'll scrub yours." 

Sidenote -  the best products in the world will do nothing for your skin if you are not on a regular, healthy diet, and keeping your body well hydrated. Fried potato chips, sodas, and alcoholic beverages in copious amounts are not good for your skin. Fresh fruits, veggies, nuts and water all contain great skin nourishing properties. 

Shopping list 

Palmers Cocoa Butter formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion : Gradual tanning moisturiser - this can be used as an everyday body lotion it gives slight bronzed look which is very lovely when the sunshine bounces off of it. 

Superdrug Vitamin E Shimmer Body Lotion - this is a moisturiser which contains body shimmer, excellent for giving your body a nice glow. Also this can be used to highlight specific areas, such as the décolletage, shoulders, arms, legs any specific area which you want to show off. The Superdrug vitamin E shimmer lotion is Tres fab, especially if you put some fake tan on underneath it. What I do is if I have an event coming up I will apply the palmers natural bronze body lotion for a few days before the event and then the day or night of the event I will apply the shimmer lotion on top…………the combo is positively amazing. 

Sidenote - The Body Shop also has a Coconut shimmer body lotion. I recommend that 4 friends/sisters split the cost of purchase, divide it into four equal sections. These four sections can be held in a small container with a cover until the shimmer lotion finishes. Remember a little goes a long way. 

Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant Tan makeup in medium shimmer - This is a fake tan and body shimmer 2 in 1 product makes your body look great, excellent for nights at the club which you are wearing shorts rub this on your legs wait 10 minutes so that it dries COMPLETELY and then put on your clothes. 

L'Oreal Paris Glam Bronze Bronzing power Long Lasting - SPF10 - Bronzing powder great for use as a blush to give your cheek bones a bit of oomph. Can be used to create a contour effect on paler skintones. 

M.A.C. Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Trace gold -  excellent highlighter for cheeks and eyes, can be worn as an eye shadow if you so desire. 

MAC -Trace Gold Blush

"That Gal" Brightening Face Primer by Benefit - great primer makes your face look lovely when makeup is applied over it. 

Sleek Blush in Sunrise -   a hint of pink colour and a wash of shimmery goodness, looks great when accompanied by a smile, great everyday blush, especially if you work in an office or a corporate setting. Apply with a light hand a little goes a long way, take care not to put it on the apples of your cheeks. Lovely on darker skin tones, as well as lighter skin tones. 

Sleek Blush in Coral - a hint of coral (peachy orange) colour and a wash of shimmery goodness, looks great when accompanied by a smile, great everyday blush, especially if you work in an office or a corporate setting, also great for lunch with your girlfriends or just to a casual party setting. Apply with a light hand a little goes a long way, take care not to put it on the apples of your cheeks.

M.A.C. Mineralize skin finish natural in Deep Dark -  everyday face powder, with SUBTLE shimmer great for wearing to work if you do not want to wear foundation, a bit of this, some coral blush, mascara and you are ready for the day. Looks amazing on skin.  

My well loved MAC MSF Natural in DEEP DARK 

Eye Pen by H&M in Bronze -  great for giving your eyes a bit of colour.

Urban Decay  24/7 Glide on Eye pencil in Lucky -  great for giving eyes a hint of colour, excellent staying power.

get to glowing

How much does your face cost.......

     Hey guys I'm coming to you with a post today, which stems from a tag I saw going around on the Beauty Blogs called "how much does your face cost."  The concept is that you get together the makeup that you would reach for on a day to day basis, on the days that you wear makeup and add up how much everything costs. Here I am going to go through mine bear in mind that some things may be used interchangeably eg foundation and tinted moisturiser or the eye shadows. However these are my staple  most used products here goes:

1. Mac Studio Fix  Powder + Foundation compact NW45 £19.50

2. Benefit "that gal" brightening face primer £21.50

3. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural  Deep Dark £18.50

4. Rimmel Professional Eyebrow pencil 004 black brown £2.99

5. Rimmel The max volume flash mascara £3.99

6. Clinique Plum Seduction eyeshadow palette

7. Mac Studio Finish Concealer spf35 £13.50

8. L'Oreal Glam Bronze Bronzing powder £7.99

9. Boujois mineralise blush 74 Rose Ambre £5.99

10. Victoria Jackson eye palette part of a set that cost £20 (no longer available)

11. L'Oreal Made for me Naturals Brow and eyeshadow £2.99 (no longer available)

12. Sleek blush in Sahara £4.30

13. Sleek blush in Sunrise £4.30

14. Sleek blush in Flushed £4.30

15. Mac Prep and Prime eye Dark  £12

16. Hello kitty lip balm in blackberry £2.99

17. L'Oreal eyeliner 13 Noir intense (jet black) 4.50

18. Urban Decay tinted moisuriser £17

      This may seem like alot of stuff but remember things like blushes are used interchangeably please do not for a second think I wear 4 blushes all at once, chuckles to myself.  this revealed a things 1. I only bought 5 things on this list the total cost of those items £37.79,  the total amount of these items £168.34, and two of the items on this list are no longer available lol. Now the idea of this is that you find a dupe (cheaper version/own brand but with similar quality) for these products which costs less. 

    I quite like alot of these products here but there are two definites that I will be checking dupes for  primer - Gosh primer £12 from superdrug and Accesorize minieralise blushes which are a really good dupe for the Mac mineralise skin finish natural  which costs £6.50 also at superdrug. The tinted moisturiser you guys know I absolutely hate so I will be upgrading that with the Bobbi Brown oil free tinted moisturiser in May.

xoxo

Kae-Toya's Top Makeup must haves.

    For this post I must big up ma gf Kady....................before I went to university I was never big on the Makeup vibes. But Kady and I lived together for one year and at the end of it I was changed.............she always says she created a monster and yep she is kinda right, but I'm not doing drugs................so lowe me. :)

1. MAC studio fix foundation plus powder in one.

2. MAC lipgelee  in Moistly..............works for everyone

3. The Body shop shimmer cubes........you should get as many of these as you can, the can be used dry or wet and the colour payoff is awesome. you get alot of product for the price.

4. Rubie amd Millie i tools.........these are the travel make up brushes. Rubie and Millie brushes are the shyt............. cosmopolitan UK has compared them to MAC brushes for many a spend vs splurge. As the owner of quite a few I can tell you they are worth the money.

5. Sleek makeup palettes.............great colours, great payoff, great makeup brand, great price.

6. Bourjois Paris makeup brushes...............these are great brushes and are a great price.

7. Bourjois blush...................again great price and great product.

8. Urban Decay 24/7  glide on eye pencils.....................the best eyeliner I have ever used in my life hands down............................a great alternative to this is the Maybelline khol express waterproof eye liner pencil great product at a greatttttttttttttt price........... I mean come on £18 on one eye liner....................( can you see my waiting in earnest for the urband decay xmas eyeliner set............... I can lol)

9. Sleek hide it concealer with spf 15.................great product great price.

10. MAC prep and prime eye...................:)

11. Benefit concealer brush...........:) great item..................expensive but worth the price.

12. L'oreal Made for me naturals eye and brow shadow.

13. Mac mineralize skin finish natural....................this was recommended to me by a friend.  This is a product I will never stop using.

14. L'oreal glam bronze..............dont be sleeping on the bronzer........its great for a highlight and on top of a matte powder can be used to bring life to the face.

15. Estee lauder kabuki brush....................works great minimum shedding..............love love love this.............a great alternative is the jemma kidd kabuki brush which I also own.................love love love that brush as well.

16. Benefit that gyal face primer......................it works.

17. Maybelline Colour definer waterproof shadow stick...............great as an eye shadow primer to make the colours pop more. Great alternative to mac shadesticks.

xx