Spring Scents: Nina Ricci, Davidoff, Sanctuary, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang

I've rotated my clothing, skincare and now my fragrances. These are all perfumes that I already in my collection, the Nina Ricci is the only new edition.

My taste in fragrances lean mostly toward citrus and floral scents.  This means that I have a great range to choose from when it comes to perfumes.  

Vera Wang, Sanctuary, Nina Ricci, Ralph Lauren, Davidoff

 

The Davidoff cool Water Wave is an EDT I use this along with the Sanctuary Body spray for work. They are very light, great for perking up my mood, however they do not last very long. I keep these scents going with top up spritzes throughout the day.

Very Wang - Lovestruck Floral Rush I wrote a blog post about this fragrance last summer. This is an EDP great floral fragrance, which lasts all day ( prefer to touch up around 3pm).

Ralph Lauren - Romance I love this perfume, it is one of my absolute favourites. (I already bought a backup). 

Nina Ricci- Ricci Ricci this is the new kid on the block. This scent is a bit heavier/muskier than the others, I will using this in the evenings. 

My spritzes for 2014 Spring/Summer.

xx

The New Avengers:Skincare

The season has changed,  and some of my skincare products have finished. 

It is time for the changing of the guard, arise the NEW avengers. 

Lierac, Murad, Korres, The Body Shop, Nivea

TK MAXX Avengers  

LIERAC Cleansing Oil £5.99 (replaces Emma Hardie Cleansing balm £34)

KORRES Pomegranate Moisturising Cream/Gel £9.99 (replaces Origin Ginzing £23)

KORRES Wild Rose Brightening and Line Smoothing Serum £9.99 

Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF30 £14.99 

Body Shop Avengers

Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil £12

Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel £7

Nivea Avenger 

Nivea Oil Free Moisturising Day Cream £1.98 (Love this stuff, went through 3 tubes of it at uni)

These are my skincare items for the Spring/ summer months. 

Lovelies have you changed your skincare regimen?

What new products are you using?

Comment and let me know. 

xx

Love Your Hair Challenge Phase 2

Hey guys I know I know I have not written a hair post for w a while. I am still interested in growing my hair healthier and retaining more length. I have joined the Kibibi Love Your Hair Challenge which is now in its second phase. This phase will last for three months (finishes June 30th). The aim of this phase is to retain 1 inch of hair. 

The Rules during this stage of the hair challenge are as follows:

- Moisturise - I will continue to moisturize and seal my hair twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday evenings. 

- Protect - My forms of protective styling will be buns and pin up styles for the firs two months of the challenge.  Then I will wear my hair in braids as a protective style during the last month/4 weeks of phase 2.

- Growth Aids - if you follow my blog you will already know that I am committed to two things, Cod Liver Oil/ Flaxseed oil  and water. I have a bottle of Flaxseed oil capsules at the moment (enough for three months) I will continue taking 2 of these capsules daily, these will serve as my hair growth aid.

- Before and After pictures 

Before 

- Exercise - I walk to and from work every day and i am fairly active. However I am prepared  to amp up my exercise regimen preparing the summer body and all of that, lol.

Hair Stats
Currently: 1 week post relaxer
Current length: Line #2 on my length check t shirt** 
Last Relaxer:  March 28th 2014
Next Relaxer: June 30th 2014
Short Term Goal: line #3 on my Length check T-shirt by June 30th 2014
Long Term Goal: Line 6 on Length check T- shirt  OR  Strap Length by December 2014 
Wish List: None 
Recent buys: Almond Oil, Argan oil, Pantene Pro - v vitamin oil, Pantene Pro - V dry oil.  (I love oils. I put a tiny amount of oil on my ends every night) 

My supply of  hair oils.

See you on June 30th my lovelies...xx

The Boudoir: Butterflies for Spring

I am pretty sure the last time I bought new bedding was in 2008. 

 It was a duvet set with green background and cream/brown designs all over it from John Lewis. It was 100 cotton, thick and lovely fabric. Ok back to present day, I needed a new duvet, since the one I currently own is years old (easily between 5-7 years old). 

I went to Primark on my duvet hunt and left with not only a new duvet,  2 new memory foam pillows and 2 new sets of bedding/linen. 

the first duvet set I bought this lovely duvet set it has a cream background with pink and purple butterflies. 

The full effect 

Butterflies up close

Reversible

There is just something about a well made bed, that makes me feel relaxed.

 I can just forget about the stresses at work/uni and have a nap. 

Have a great day my lovelies. 

xx

Spring/ Summer Haul: GAP

The GAP is one of those stores, where I never quibble about paying for clothing. 

It is not the most trendy/fashionable place to shop, I will be the FIRST to admit. 

However, one thing about clothing from the GAP is that once you take care of it, it will last. I have fond memories of saving up  weeks of my paper round money and going to the GAP to buy clothes in the sale. Some of those items I still wear them today. All of my work trousers are from the GAP, and you have seen them several times in various posts. 

Trends come and go, a basic item can be stylish forever. Less is more and all that, moving onto the haul. 

Modern Boot - Irish Cream Green

Linen Shirt - White

Slim Cropped Double Weave Pants - Mulberry

Slim Cropped  double Weave Pants - Deluxe Green

Bowery Supersoft Boatneck T-Shirt - White

Pleated Print Skirt - Red/Navy

I will be putting a few looks together with clothing from this haul, along with other items from my wardrobe. Some of the clothing you might have seen before in previous posts, other items I might have never posted on the blog. 

I purchased 2 classic trench coats  from the GAP last November, they will be featured in their own W. W. W. posts soon. 

*whispers* Barack Obama was spotted shopping at the GAP in Manhattan earlier this month. What other reason do I need to love this store? lol lol 

Be Stylish my lovelies.

xx

Braid Maintenance: Products I Have been using to maintain my braids

For the last three months, I have had my hair in braids. Originally I braided my hair as a protective style against the snow. The snow which has yet to arrive. Though I have had my hair "protected" I have still been carrying on with my healthy hair regimen. 

Below are the three main products I have been using:

ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo

ORS Oil Moisturising Hair Lotion

Infusium 23 Pro-Vitamin Leave In Hair Treatment (the same bottle from way back when, lol) 

I decant my Infusium 23 into a spray bottle for easier application. 

Have a great hair day my lovelies.

xx

5 need to know tips about perfume

5 need to know tips about perfume

1. Where to wear
Your pulse points are naturally warmer than any other areas on your body and heat intensifies the scent, so apply perfume to the wrists, neck,  and the inside of elbows. Feel daring? Try spritzing  scents behind your knees, above your hip bones and the small of your back.

2. Settle in
Rubbing your wrists together after spraying your signature perfume will bruise the scent. Instead, spray and let it settle the smell will last longer.

3. Seasonal Scents
Just like you have clothes for different seasons, some scents suit the warmer weather, while others smell like cozy winter night in. Choose citrus, fruity, aquatic and floral scents for Summer and Spring; or oriental, spicy and  woody for Autumn and Winter.

4. Layer by layer
Using the body wash and body lotion  versions of your favorite scent before spritzing your perfume on your pulse points will make the scent last longer on your skin.

5. Makes scents
Store your perfume bottles in a cool, dark place and keep them out of direct sunlight to make sure they retain their lush scent.


Reblogged from SCENTS - The Perfume Shop Magazine

Spring Prep: Fuzz Free Legs

 

Friday the 21st is the first day is the British Springtime. With lighter mornings, later evenings and warmer days  most of us shake free of the layers forced upon us during the winter. As more of us turn to our spring/summer staples of skirts, vests and shorts, come the added task of making sure we partake in various depilatory processes. lol 

My methods of torture when it comes to hair removal run to waxing and threading. I love the shape that threading gives my eyebrows. Though I might not like the process of waxing my legs I love the results. There is just a extra level of smoothness to my limbs after I have had my legs waxed compared to other hair removal methods (at least I think so anyway.)  

I go to a beautician to have my threading/waxing done, but Superdrug currently has some great offers on hair removal products perfect for those who are skilled at DIY beauty. (I would love to be able to do my own waxing but, I am a wuss, lol)

For the waxing enthusiasts (like myself) there are several products to choose from, the Veet Easy Roll On Kit, Veet Facial wax 2 in 1 Pen (I am very intrigued by this), Veet Wax Strips, and  the Veet Wax Jar (the wax is infused with essential oil) 

    

Those who prefer hair removal creams might be intrigued by these items, which are perfect for stocking up the spring/Summer beauty cupboard.

 

Veet Sensitive hair Removal Cream Aloe Vera & Vitamin E 400ml ,

 Veet Shower Hair Removel Cream Lotus flower & Jasmine 150ml, 

Veet In Shower Hair Removal Cream Aloe and Vitamin E 150ml, 

Veet Hair Removal Cream Lotus Flower and Jasmine 200ml. 

There you go dolls a list of products,

 to  help keep your legs smooth 

during shorts weather (and beyond).

xx

The Additions - Eco Tools/ Body Shop

A lunchtime TK MAXX raid yielded these two Eco Tools brushes, which I snatched up. There were a few brush sets available, but I limited myself to these two brushes. I might decide to go back and purchase one of the Eco Tools brush sets at a later date though. I will be sure to keep you posted about this. 

The Body Shop had these two lovely 100ml hand creams on  50% off sale. I have been spying  them out from afar for a long time, so I decided  to take the plunge. My sister got me a L'cOcitane Trio for Christmas and it is now absolutely official I need to go on a hand cream ban or something. lol 

Hope that you are having a great day my lovelies.

xx

The Look for Less: The Monochrome Dress

Hello my lovelies, wherever you are I hope that you are enjoying some fabulous weather. 

With spring currently approaching / arrived (depending on where in the world you are, reading this blog entry)  the monochrome dress as a wardrobe staple steps up to the plate as our social calenders pick up speed. 

A monochrome dress is a flexible item which can be dressed up or down to suit a variety of occasions, and it is this flexibility which makes it a great piece. 

The title of this post is called "The Look For Less" Here I have two dresses in the same style but with different price points. There is nothing wrong with looking great, while you are saving money. 

OASIS Graduated Stripe Dress £58

Dorothy Perkins Black and White Stripe Dress  £25

both of these are easy wearing dresses, which can be styled up or down to suit a variety of occasions. 

Outfit suggestions for various occasions:

Work - black pump, pearl earrings/small studs, classic blazer black (or red to give it a bit of pop, that way you are keeping it professional yet cute)

Lunch with friends - Statement jewelry, coloured clutch (for colour blocking effect) jewel toned flats

Ladies Day at the races - facinator/ hat (in a complementary or contrasting colour) heels, clutch

Travel - trench coat, leather bag (tan to get a bit of contrast in there, but still keeping the palette neutral), flats

There you are my lovelies, 

the first "Look for for Less" of 2014.

New Shoes - ZARA Patterned Ballerinas

I purchased these shoes last August and since then I have been waiting in earnest for the Spring to arrive. Soon  I will be able to wear them with my linen trousers/skirts, and summer dresses. These are Spring shoes in every sense of the word, from the delicate design, to the materials and colours used. 

Green Patterned Ballerinas

Purple Patterned Ballerinas 

                                     

Come on its tradition, lol. 

Be happy my lovelies.

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

Today is not like yesterday

So how about them Seahawks? Well here we are in the 6th week of the new year. January has come and gone in a haze of wind and rain here in the UK. February is now upon us with more rain, hail, sleet and snow expected. According ot statistics (I have no idea how the stats are gathered) 80% of the persons who made new years resolutions have already broken them, the British economy lost 38 millions pounds on monday due to the amount of persons who did not go into work on monday after watching the superbowl on sunday night.

No worries though when it comes to your New Years resolutions you can still dust them off and start again, get back on track. Is it not part of success to fail, have doubts or derail a little? Sometimes we all fall short of the glory, but we can still achieve our goals/ resolutions in the end if we have the courage to start again. Today is not like yesterday, we must remember that everyday brings fresh perspective  and new opportunities, it is up to us to grab them.

Now in relation to the lost millions cause on Monday, Valentines Day is just around the corner and I am sure the guys and girls will be making up the deficit in some small way.

Be Courageous
xx

The best of the after Christmas sales

I like a good bargain like anyone, but I am not one for standing outside a store at dawn or facing the madness of Boxing Day shoppers. These are just a few things I managed to find after the frenzy had died down. 

My lil stahs of goodies 

Kurt Gieger Mabel flats 

Laura Mercier Mini Eyeliners 

        

Soap and glory Eyeliners

Laura Mercier Mini glosses 

I did not get much but I picked up a few good things. 

The Kurt Gieger flats are super comfy,

 the Laura Mercier glosses are moisturizing with 

great colour payoff plus they are travel sized, lol. 

I love coloured eyeliner, that is just my thing. 

This year I did not pick up any of the urban decay eyeliner sets, 

but these two are more than making up for it. 

Have a great day my lovelies.

xx

Birthday Presents - MAC Stuff

I received a MAC makeup lesson as a birthday gift. The lesson was £50 and then afterwards I was allowed to redeem that amount in products. The makeup lesson was an hour and a half long, in the back room with all the bright white lighting that makes your skin look amazing.  The MAC lady went through skincare, prepping skin before makeup, foundation application, highlighting and various other processes with me. She had a look at my skin, and thought that it was a bit dehydrated (which was true) otherwise there were no major concerns. I enjoyed the lesson, and I picked up these products to add to my collection. 

My haul, lol 

Magenta liner, Moisture cover concealer in NC45, Flat out Fabulous - Lipstick , Blucsh - Ambering Rose

This lipstick colour is just tooo gorgeous.

Great blush for summer outings and photos. 

There is a bit of a back story here, this gift was for my 2013 birthday. I got the  voucher in July but the MAC concession in Leicester Highcross where I originally wanted to book in. They could not fit me in unless it was during the day, which was no good for me since I would be at work. Also that MAC concession they do not have any lessons or makeovers on Saturdays because they are too busy. So I booked in at the MAC store in Nottingham, with my weekend schedule and their availability I only had the lesson about 3 weeks ago. (Yup from July to December) another person might think wow that is long for just 1 booking, I like the fact I had time to pop into the store, look at the products, choose my lipstick. Also I was able to look at my current makeup collection and see which items I needed to upgrade / add. 

Something similar happened last year as well. My brother bless his soul gave me  a MAC gift-card as a Christmas present. (MAC gift-cards are quickly becoming his go to gift  for all his sisters I have noticed.) Did I immediately go out and buy the first thing  I saw? No, I waited until I had a MAC item that finished then I replaced it. This time the item that finished (in April) was my MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural which you all know i am in very very very deep like with. For me the wait is a bit of a strategy as well as a saving mechanism.

This post is a bit of a ramble but I say all of that to say this. Sometimes it is better to hold out and wait to get those few items that you absolutely love. Even if you have to try them 4 times just to be sure. 

Have a great day my lovelies.

xx

Birthday 2014 - OOTN

Yesterday was my birthday  (25th January)  there was a lot of love via calls, texts, cards, champagne and cake, cake, cake cake. Shout out to my aunty M for being the first call of the day and to G for being the first text of the day. Usually I am awake and my skype pops off at midnight  with my friends calling to sing me happy birthday. This year I was asleep so the skyping/calling had to wait til the morning. 

Face 

Laura Mercia Tinted Moisturiser - Walnut

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - Deep Dark, Dark deep (whatever they are calling it these days)

Sleek Blush - Flushed#

Rimmel Brow Pencil - Dark brown

Kate Moss by Rimmel lipstick - 22 

Dress - Little Mistress via House of Fraser

Shoes - Call it Spring

Happy Birthday my fellow January births,

 back to the celebrations now.

xx