Orelia London Into The Light Collection

I'm a big fan of simple but unusual jewellery and Orelia pieces definitely fit the bill; they are not overcomplicated, the designs are beautiful in their simplicity and uniqueness. The 'into the light' collection from Orelia is a jewellery dream collection for me and I was kindly sent two pieces via EtailPR. 

My favourite piece is the *Orelia London Geometric Statement Necklace (£18) which is just gorgeous. It is a statement necklace but not overly so and it still remains simple and understated. The necklace is light weight, easy to wear and perfect for spring. The geometric design is gold and the chain is gold with a off white/lavender coating - I love the combination. The tag on the chain has 'orelia' printed on it which is very cute. I think I will get a lot of use out of this necklace, especially in the spring months. 

The second piece is the lovely *Orelia London Mixed Plate Bar Necklace (£12). I love this necklace, it is very dainty and delicate but the geometric, textured chain and bar make it more edgy. The necklace is quite short and it can tangle so you need to store it on it's own. The way the light catches the gold bar is so pretty and I think this necklace will look gorgeous with many different casual outfits or even smart/casual attire. 

Overall, I love both pieces, especially the geometric statement necklace. I think both necklaces will be perfect for spring and they would make lovely gifts, especially as the necklaces look more expensive than they are but also because the presentation and packaging is pretty too. Here is my Orelia London wish list:

Have you bought anything from Orelia? What do you think of the pieces I have featured?

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DIY Spring Ready Pedi Ft. ClearZal

Spring is here and that means it's almost time to get your sandals out! A good pedicure routine is so important and it's one of the areas that I always forget to look after and pamper. Here are my thoughts on the ClearZal pedicure products and my tips for a DIY perfect  pedi!

I received a lovely package from ClearZal including: a foot file, clippers, foot cream, foot soak and a foot scrub to create a thorough pedicure routine for spring/summer ready tootsies! Firstly the *ClearZal Tea Tree Foot Soak which comes in a huge tub and the soak is bright blue. The soak smells very clean, fresh and minty; it contains tea tree which is a natural antiseptic. It's a refreshing foot soak that preps the skin for the next step. 

The next step involves the *ClearZal Exfoliating Foot Scrub which smells lovely and fruity; it contains pumice, essential oils and aloe vera. The scrub is very gentle, I personally would like something with more scrubbing particles in it. Top tip: mixing scrubs and shower products together to get the exfoliation you need. Next up the *ClearZal Foot File which sounds a bit gross but it is very exfoliating, it's not something I would use very often. Top tip: if you cut your nails straight after a bath or shower they will cut easier; the *ClearZal clipper is effective and quick to use although they look a little like a mini torture device! 

Lastly, my favourite step, once the skin is completely dry I always use a foot cream. The *ClearZal Foot Food Nutritional Creme contains aloe, rosemary, thyme and lavender so it smells gorgeous and so relaxing. The cream is very moisturising and I love to use a thick layer before bed with my moisturising/cotton socks on top so in the morning there is no dryness at all! The *ClearZal Busy Feet Energising Creme is better for the morning as it smells so refreshing and clean but I am not a massive fan of minty scents on the whole. Finish with a coat or two of polish, I was kindly sent two of the Rimmel 60 second polishes as well and I love them. Top tip: soak your freshly painted nails in a sink/bowl of very cold water for 30 seconds to help them dry quicker. 

Overall, I am really happy with the ClearZal products I have tried, especially the scrub which even though it is gentle, it's a nice products to use and the foot food creme which I LOVE. Top tip: water and humidity soften the skin so use foot scrubs and body scrubs as they will be very effective. Check out the ClearZal Facebook page (here) for your chance to win a Champneys spa break for two with an added vitality package that includes spa treatment, health assessment and fitness classes.

Have you tried any products from ClearZal? Do you have any DIY pedicure tips and tricks? 

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Spring Fashion Wish List

Spring has now sprung, along with my need to buy a whole new wardrobe...and makeup...and accessories! Here are some of the spring fashion picks I have been lusting after recently from House of Fraser, Asos, Newlook and more!

1. White Low Top Converse: Back in my 'punk' years when I wore nothing but black hoodies, criminal damage hoodies, black skinny jeans and converse, I had a bit of a collection of converse. My style has dramatically changed now although recently I have found myself browsing online for the best deals on white converse; I think they would be perfect with the stripy Newlook top, Asos mac jacket and the Jones bag also in my wish list. 

2. Newlook White Stripe Oversized Top: I have an addiction to stripes as you can probably see. When I'm in a shop I am instantly drawn to stripes every single time, it's a magnetic attraction that I have no control over. Stripes *heart eyes emoji*

3. Warehouse Stripe Fit & Flare Dress: Again, stripes. I love the design of this dress, its appears to be structured but floaty at the same time. I obviously adore the stripes and I think this dress will be perfect for so many occasions. It would be gorgeous paired with the Asos heels and Jones red bag! 

4. Asos Mac Jacket: I have wanted a trench style jacket for so long and I did have one years ago but on my petite frame they always looked like they were drowning me; this one looks like it would be perfect as it is cropped. I love the colour and the design; it would be great for the slightly chilly spring weather in England. 

5. Jones Bootmaker Alvor Cross Body Bag: Another item I have wanted for ages, a red bag! I love the design and shape of this bag, it is less structured and boxy than all of my other bags. I also love the bright poppy red shade for spring/summer. Definitely check out the Jones SS15 collection, it's gorgeous!

6. Asos Panorama High Heels: I have a couple of pairs of black heels but they are all quite chunky which sometimes looks a bit odd as I am very petite so I'm on the hunt for some dainty black heels for all occasions and I think I've founds them! Also they sell UK 2 sizes on Asos which is fantastic if you have teeny tiny feet as I do.

What do you think of the items I have featured? What fashion picks are on your spring wish list?

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March Collective Haul

I haven't been shopping that much recently but as spring has finally sprung, I felt the need to pick up a few new products. This haul features items from Lush, Boots, The Range, Amazon and FeelUnique. Since this haul I have made a mini H&M haul and I'm consistency browsing online for spring pieces!

Lush: Lush is one of my favourite bath, body and skincare brands but I haven't bought anything from them for ages! However last weekend I bought the Blue Skies & Fluffy White Clouds Bubble Bar (£4.75) which is a massive bubble bar! I have used up all of my Lush stash and the bubble bars have become my favourite products (I'm not into bath bombs at all now). I also picked up the Amandopondo Bubble Bar (£2.75) which is quite a small bar but I will get two uses out of it - I've used it once already and it is a lovely lemon/floral bar. One tip with bubble bars: don't crumble them, I just hold it under hot running water and it produces SO many bubbles - I don't get nearly as many bubbles if I crumble them. My last Lush purchase is the Lullaby Shampoo Bar (£5.75). I have tried the New and Sceanic bars which I liked so I wanted to try another and so far so good!

Boots: I cannot resist a 3 for 2 offer and I also had some Boots points so I had to make an order...I bought the two lightest shades of the new Bourjois Aqua Lacquers and I love them; they are gorgeous nude pinky shades for spring, they feel like water on the lips and they look so beautiful. For the 'free' product, I picked the much raved about Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder which I love so far although as with Bourjois foundations, it can cling to super dry patches on me. 

The Range: I'm not a big fan of The Range, I find the products can be a little tacky or they can actually be a bit expensive for what they are. Although I did see some new Ferrero Rocher mini easter eggs - they are yummy (but messy!). I also bought a pack of adorable pink and white candy candy striped paper straws; I think they were less than £2 for 30. 

Amazon & FeelUnique: Lastly, a couple of random buys from Amazon and FeelUnique. I bought another EOS lip balm in the lemon drop flavour and I've been using it constantly. From Feelunique I bought the 'delicate' head for my Clarisonic Mia. 

Overall, I love the items I bought, especially the new Bourjois products *I cannot resist a 3 for 2 offer, I'm only human* and the Lush buys are gorgeous, I may need to go to Lush again...

What have you been buying recently? What do you think of the products I've bought? What do you think of my new blog header?

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An Introduction To MyProtein

Myprotein is a brand that I have been aware of for a while but I have never bought anything from them as I thought it was just protein powders and shakes which doesn't interest me personally. However, they have much more than just protein powders; they have coconut oil, porridge, cookies, cashew nut butter, nuts, green tea extract and so much more. 

I have a few products to try out, firstly the *MyProtein Virtue Bar (£9.99 for 12 bars, Double Chocolate) which only lasted a couple of minutes..oops! It tastes like oats and chocolate, it is really quite yummy and so much nicer than I initially thought it would be. The bar is much healthier than regular breakfast bars or chocolate bars as it contains calcium and it is high in protein. 

Next up is the *Myprotein Fruit and Veg (also called Superfood XS, £14.99) which is a powdered mix of freeze dried fruit and vegetables. I am a vegetarian and I love certain fruit and vegetables although I don't get my five a day so this powder is a great way to increase my intake of fruit and vegetable in a very quick and easy way. I just add half a scoop full (approx. 2.5g) of the powder to the *Myprotein Mini Blender Bottle (£1.99) along with 300ml of fresh orange juice. The bottle has a measuring gauge printed on the side so you can keep track of your fluid intake, it comes with a metal ball which is great for mixing the powder into liquids and it is cute too! The powder is unflavoured but it does make the orange juice taste a little weird, it's not unpleasant but it is different. I love that it is so easy to incorporate into my everyday routine and I love the bottle. I think it would be great for smoothies too (and it's so cheap!). My only negative point about the powder is that the third highest ingredient is 'french red wine extract' which as someone who very rarely drinks, it is an odd inclusion and I would definitely prefer it if the powder didn't contain alcohol. Although I think it is included because of the antioxidants it contains. 

Lastly, the *Myprotein Coconpure Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (£6.99 sale, 460g). I have been using Tescos own coconut oil for oil pulling but I've never tried it within cooking/baking. I made some chocolate and coconut oil cookies a few days ago (if you follow me on Instagram then you would have seen them already, they were massive!). The cookies turned out so well, I am definitely going to make them again and look into more baking recipes that use coconut oil! This Myprotein coconut oil has not been refined, it is cholesterol free, it doesn't contain any GMO ingredients but it does contain healthy fats which can boost metabolism and apparently help support the immune system. The coconut oil and chocolate cookie recipe will be on my vegetarian food blog next month. 

Overall, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to try some products from Myprotein as it is a brand that I never would have tried myself. I would definitely buy the bottle and coconut oil as well as the fruit and veg powder (although I would only buy the smaller size). I would recommend the products I've tried! 

Have you tried any products from Myprotein? What do you think of the products I have featured? 

What do you think of my new blog header?

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Uspicy 10 Piece Makeup Brush Set

I was contacted a while ago about reviewing this brush set and as I have a slight obsession with makeup brushes (I always need more!) I obviously said yes straight away! Also I have read a couple of reviews of these brushes on blogs recently and everyone seemed to like them. 

I have the *Uspicy 10 Piece Makeup Brush Set (White, Sale £12.99 - RRP £35.99) which comes in a gorgeous gift box - I think it would make a fantastic present, especially as it is already packaged so nicely. You could definitely re-use the box afterwards which is what I will be doing, possibly for tea lights. 

In the set you receive five large face brushes all of which are kabuki style brushes and you also receive five smaller brushes. The design of the brushes is realy nice in my opinion, I like the white and gold combination. The brushes are not duo-fibre, the tips are just dyed white. The bristles are synthetic which is fantastic as I do not want to use animal hair brushes. The ferrel is aluminium and the handle is wooden. 

All of the brush bristles are very smooth, soft and they feel gentle on the skin. My one problem with them which I noticed when they were delivered is that with some of the brushes there is a gap between the bristles and the ferrel which is fine on a daily basis but when it comes to washing the brushes, water could easily get in and loosen the glue causing the brushes to shed - although having said that, I've washed them a couple of times and none of them have shed!

The large face brushes: my favourite brush from this range is the domed foundation brush which looks like it has a similar shape to the Louise Young LY34 foundation brush but this one is a bit more tapered. I've been using this brush and the rounded buffing brush (which looks very similar to my Real Techniques buffing brush) for my foundation and they are fantastic. 

There are also two angled face brushes, both of which are again kabuki style brushes. They are very similar and I really don't think this brush set needs so many similar brushes. However all of the large face brushes are smooth, soft and effective. 

Lastly, the eye brushes which replicate the large face brushes in shape and appearance; I've been using the domed brush quite a lot for concealer and all of the others either for concealer or blending shadows through the crease as well as powder under the eyes. 

Overall, I think the brushes look great, they perform well and for the price they are fantastic. The quality is fantastic but not as amazing as brands such as Real Techniques, Spectrum Brushes and Crown Brushes, in my opinion. I think this would be a fantastic brush set for someone just starting out with makeup. 

Have you tried these brushes? What is your favourite makeup brush brand?

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March Non-Beauty Favourites

I haven't published a non-beauty favourites post before but as I had quite a lot to talk about I thought I would put it all in one post. This post features jewellery, exercise DVDs, games, music, bloggers and more! 

Jewellery + Accessories: Firstly, a couple of new jewellery additions to my collection. I was very kindly sent a couple of pieces from the lovely people at Joshua James Jewellery; I chose the Pandora bracelet, charm and a clip. I haven't always been the biggest fan of Pandora bracelets but I love mine; I have been wearing it so much! The second jewellery favourite is the Orelia Geometric Statement Necklace (£18) which I adore. Lastly, for accessories I have my Firmoo Tortoise Shell Effect Glasses; I usually wear my black pair but I have been loving the tortoise shell effect. 

DVDs + Games: Since receiving the Davina 7 Minute DVD, I have been using my exercise DVDs more - especially my 10 minute yoga DVD which I LOVE! For games, I have been playing Assassins Creed III for Xbox 360 a few times a week recently and I have fallen in love with the series again. Last but not least the Sims 4 which has finally come out on Apple devices (through Origin) - I can't wait for the first expansion pack to be released in April and to be a doctor or detective, it looks so fun and so much more interactive!

Music + TV: I have been obsessed *literally obsessed* with James Bay; his voice is just gorgeous! I have had 'hold back the river', 'when we were on fire' and 'need the sun to break' on repeat for the whole month! As for TV I have been watching House Of Cards, Elementary, Whitechapel, The Great British Bake Off (when are they coming out with another season?) and The Two Greedy Italians consistently throughout March. Any TV series recommendations? 

Random: My camera...is that weird? I have the Sony DSc H200 and I have been loving it, especially for pretty good photos of the moon and venus over the past week or so. My Ikea pink memo block, the app Afterlight and my Asda George Duffle/Bucket Bag (£14). Oh and the Five Guys Veggie Sandwich *drools*

Blogs:

Salt + Chic - Amazing style and makeup looks

Studs + Dreams - Great blog design and youtube channel

Katieslovess - I LOVE her outfits!

Beauty With Charm - Great in-depth beauty posts and swatches

Charmed Charlee - Great reviews and photos

Miel Cafe - Amazing pinterest worthy photography!
The Elle Next Door - Gorgeous blog photos and outfits! 

Tales of a Pale Face - Every beauty product review you could ever want

There are my non-beauty favourites for March! If you liked this post let me know! What were your non-beauty, lifestyle favourites for March?

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Silkn Glide IPL System: 7 Week Update

On Sunday (22nd March) I used the Silkn Glide HPL System for the seventh week in a row and I'm noticing some great results. I wrote a post about my initial impressions and how the device works, here. One point to note before I write about my results and experiences is that everyone is different so this product will work better/worse depending on your skin/hair colour, what level you use, how often you use it and your hair growth cycle.

I first started using the device on the lowest/weakest setting (level 1). From weeks 3 to 5 I have been using it on level 2 and now for weeks 6 to 7 I am using the device on level 3. The level you can use is dependant on your skin and hair colour. The lower the setting the quicker it will be to use and the higher the setting the brighter the light and the more effective it will be. I feel as though my hair is quite stubborn and the higher the setting the better. Level 3 is working much better than the two previous levels for me personally. 

I have only used the device on my legs and after about 3/4 weeks I started to notice some results - sparse patches around my ankles which have stayed virtually hair free! In other areas (around the back of my legs and around my knees) the hair hasn't disappeared but the thickness has been dramatically reduced - the hair seems to be half the thickness than it was before I started using the HPL system. 

I have used the device for seven weeks now and as well as the sparse areas around my ankles and the back of my legs, I have also noticed some sparse areas on my shins which is the area that is the most dense and stubborn *TMI*. I am now using the device more thoroughly and it does take longer (about 20 minutes) but I definitely think that the higher levels are better for my skin/hair type. Between the weeks 1 to 5 I wasn't using the device very accurately/thoroughly but now it does take longer as I am trying to cover every little area - it is difficult to know where I've used it. I think I will have to keep using it for at least another couple of months to see more results but so far I am very happy with the progress. I will update in a month or two on my continued progress. 

Overall, the device is easy to use and it is pain-free (I just experience a slight warming sensation but nothing painful or even uncomfortable). The device is a little loud on the higher settings and after using it for a while but so far I would recommend it. I personally wish the progress was a little quicker but I can't have everything; also I wish the instructions were more helpful/in depth.  For more information on how the device works, how you should use it and more check out my first post on the Silkn Glide HPL System (here) or the Silkn Solutions website (here). 

Have you tried a HPL/light or laser hair removal device? 

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March Beauty Favourites + Currently Loving

I cannot believe that it is spring already! This months favourites post is very spring like as there are so many bright, colourful products and some new spring beauty releases too. My March favourites is a bit different this time around as I am going to talk about my favourites for the month as well as a few products that I only received about five days ago but I've been obsessed with! 

Skin + Bodycare: Firstly a product I have been testing for the past 7 weeks, the Silkn Glide HPL System which I'm starting to notice some pretty great results from; I'm getting some sparse areas on my legs *TMI* - full 7 week review will be live this week. Next up is a re-discovery, I bought a new head for my Clarisonic Mia recently and I have been using it non-stop. I bought the delicate head and it's perfect for my sensitive skin; my skin hasn't been this smooth and clear for so long. Lastly for bodycare is my Sanctuary Spa Body Brush which I wouldn't recommend as it keeps falling apart but it does make such a difference to my skin. I use it on my legs and arms mainly and it keeps my skin feeling so smooth and it helps prevent ingrown hairs. I definitely need to buy a new one! I've also been a bit addicted to my EOS lip balms throughout March, especially the Lemon Drop flavour. 

Makeup: My favourite part of my monthly favourites posts is the makeup section but this month I only have a couple of products that I have been loving consistently. The YSL Touche Eclat is a product that I won in a massive Marie Claire competition last year but I never got on with it, until now. I have been using it under my eyes and on any areas of darkness and it makes such a difference in terms of brightening; it doesn't cake up or look heavy and it blends like a dream! My next makeup favourite is the new Benefit Roller Lash Mascara which everyone and their dog seem to be raving about. I love the packaging and the length/definition I get from this mascara; also it's so easy to remove unlike all of my other mascaras!

Currently loving: The new Bourjois Aqua Lacquers are a 'currently loving' favourite as I have only had them for about five days but I have been using them multiple times each day and they are gorgeous! I have the shades 01 and 02 which are beautiful spring pinky nudes - full review post coming soon. I bought another product from Bourjois as it was 3 for 2 at Boots *I can never say no to a 3 for 2 offer* so I picked up the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder and I now understand why everyone raves about it. It's a gorgeous, lightweight powder that sets my makeup perfectly. 

A few honourable mentions this month: I've been having so many baths this month due to testing the HPL system so much so that I have used up all of my Lush and Bomb Cosmetics bath bombs but I've loved each one! I have also been loving body sugar scrubs particularly my FAME scrub (full review, here) and my Lush Sandy Santa Scrub. Lastly, I have been loving the Benefit Gimme Brow which works so much better for me since my brows are now naturally fuller thanks to the Librow serum.

Which beauty products have you been loving through March? Have you tried any of the products I have featured?

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Brand Focus: KMS California Haircare

I am not very loyal when it comes to haircare, I switch between brands, rarely buying the same product twice as I always like to try new products and usually haircare and styling products never really wow me enough. However, KMS is a brand that I have bought from time and time again over the past couple of years. 

I was recently sent some of their products to try out from the lovely people at TheHut.com and I couldn't wait to start using them! The first product is the *KMS Moist Repair Revival Creme (£12, 125ml) which is a leave in conditioner; it claims to restore moisture balance and improve manageability. I don't like the packaging, I managed to break it first time round. I have been using this product almost every time I wash my hair and it is fantastic. It smells lovely, it doesn't weigh my hair down (unless I use too much) and it helps moisturise and tame my hair. Overall: a great product but the packaging could be much better.

Next up is a product from the KMS Tame Frizz range which I have wanted to try for ages! I have the *KMS Tame Frizz De-Frizz Oil (£10.85, 100ml). I have thick, wavy/curly hair that can be very frizzy; I have a lot of products to help tame the frizz but nothing ever get rid of it completely - low end or drugstore nothing is taming the frizz! The oil is quite thick but when distributed on my palms it turns into a silky thin oil. I have only used it on dry hair so far and it definitely reduces frizz and it makes my hair appear smoother and shiny but not in a greasy way. Overall: a keeper and one to re-purchase. 

Last but not least is the *KMS Curl Up Perfecting Lotion; I am always looking for products to enhance my hairs natural wavy/curly texture and I have tried a lot over the years with very little success. This product worked surprisingly well from the first use even though I did apply too much. I applied two pumps of products to the mid lengths and ends of my hair by scrunching the product in my damp hair. I sleep with my hair wet/damp and in the morning my hair was definitely a bit curlier than usual also the curls were more defined. Overall: definitely worth a try!

I bought a few products from KMS last year including the KMS hot flex spray which I love, the KMS clarifying shampoo which I use one every three/four weeks to make my hair squeaky clean and the KMS curl up conditioner which I used up and I would definitely re-purchase. 

Have you tried any products from KMS? What are your favourite haircare products?

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Design Your Phone Case With Mr Nutcase

Mr Nutcase is a brand that I was introduced to by my sister who reviewed one of their iPhone cases on her blog (here) and it looked great. My parents very kindly bought me an iPhone 5c (32gb) for christmas and I have been looking everywhere for cases - there are so many to choose from. So when I came across a blogger opportunity involving Mr Nutcase on Twitter I jumped at the chance and I was able to design my own iPhone 5C case!

Mr Nutcase has a wide range of cases for so many devices! You can pick designs that their artists have made already or you can make one yourself with photographs you have of family, friends or summer holidays for example. You can choose to use one image or a collage. I chose the *Mr Nutcase Ultra Light Weight iPhone 5C Case (£14.95) with the half and half collage. 

I found royalty free images on google to use for my case although it was so difficult deciding which images to use! I picked a simple white and black striped image which I placed on the top half of the design and then a gorgeous ombre watercolour pink image for the bottom half. I love the combination! 

The case seems durable but lightweight and it is very easy to attached and detach from my iPhone 5C. The images printed onto the case came out so well, even though the images were not the best quality! However, the edges of the case were only half printed, so there is an edge where the printed images stops and the plastic case is. I wish it was printed as a wrap around case but as my iPhone has a white back anyway it isn't very noticeable that the sides of the case are mostly see-through. 

Overall, I love the final product, the design came out so well and it feels durable. It doesn't scratch or damage my iPhone when I attach and detach the case. The case doesn't obstruct the essential buttons/ports or the camera which is great. Mr Nutcase have a wide range of options for phone cases and tablet cases, so there is something for everyone and I think personalised phone cases would make great gifts!

Here are some of the iPhone 5c case designs I created:

Have you bought a phone or tablet case from Mr Nutcase? What do you think of my design?

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My Favourite Makeup Revolution Palettes

Makeup Revolution is one of my favourite drugstore/cheaper brands, especially for more 'out there' products that I don't want to spend a lot of money on. Makeup Revolution also make amazing eyeshadow palettes, I love the awesome palette for bright halloween looks but they also have gorgeous natural palettes.

I have two of their newer palettes, the *Makeup Revolution I Heart Obsession Palettes (£3.99); I have the 'pure cult' and 'paris' palettes. I have been using the 'pure cult' palette a lot since I received it, it's fantastic and I love most of the shades. The four matte shades in the 'pure cult' are amazing, they are not patchy and they blend so well which is difficult to achieve with cheaper eyeshadows. The glittery shades are beautiful, especially the amber, mink and purple shades as they are so pigmented but there is quite a bit of fall out. 

I've also been loving the *Makeup Revolution Essential Mattes 2 Palette (£4) - it is so rare to find a completely matte eyeshadows at such a low price point! The shades are all so wearable, smooth and blend so well for cheaper matte shadows; the shades also build well. Within this palette, I've been loving the lavender, mink and creamy shades which look beautiful paired with a coat of mascara for a fresh, floral spring look that is very wearable. 

Lastly, the *Makeup Revolution Pro Looks Palette (£6, Stripped & Bare) which is also one of their newer palettes. I love the layout of the shades in this palette, it looks similar to a Too Faced palette that I have wanted to try for a while. Each of the three sections contain five shadows which compliment each other perfectly or you can mix and match the shades. I love the matte shades as well as the deep purple and navy shades. The dark olive shadow is so beautiful but it is very patchy and there is a lot of fall out, thankfully the rest of the shades are great!

All three looks above were created with the 'pure cult' palette and the Essential Mattes 2 palette. Overall, Makeup Revolution is a fantastic and affordable brand that have been releasing so many new products recently, a lot of which are innovative or dupes for more expensive products. I have been a massive fan of Makeup Revolution since they launched and although on occasion they can make a products that are not so great, most of their releases are fantastic, especially for the very low price point. 

Do you have any of these palettes? Have you bought anything from Makeup Revolution?

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Get Spring Ready Ft. Repertoire Fashion

Spring is almost here! I am so over winter and I cannot wait for lighter nights, warmer days and sunshine. Although in the UK, spring is still a little chilly so lightweight jumpers are essentials for me, especially as they can be paired with so many outfits and accessories. 

I was very kindly allowed to pick a couple of items from Repertoire Fashion and I chose the *Barbour Blue Indigo Daisy Jumper (£69.97 sale, RRP £99.95) and the *Barbour Pink Puffin Kite Jumper (£69.97 sale, RRP £99.95) both of which are made in collaboration with Bella Freud. I also received a couple of extra goodies which I love and I'm very grateful for!

The jumpers are so soft, lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear - I think they are perfect everyday spring jumpers. I love the designs, they are cute and summery but simple and causal. The jumpers have Bella Freud stitched on the front and there is a little metal Barbour tag on the hem of the jumpers - I love the little details. 

I picked both jumpers in a UK size 10 and they fit well on the whole although as I am petite they are a little baggy and they can ride up a bit making my stomach area look bigger than it is! The arms are also a little bit long but I just roll up the sleeves. I'm wearing my Topshop Vintage Wash Jamie Jeans with both jumpers and my Nica Nikki Tote, Newlook Ankle Boots and Zara Leopard Ballet Flats. 

Overall, I know I will get so much wear out of these jumpers, especially in the spring on their own or layered. The designs are a great way of injecting so colour into my monotone, natural wardrobe without being too bright. The quality is also fantastic and I'm sure you will see these jumpers on my blog and social media again soon. Repertoire Fashion stock so many gorgeous brands, including Maison Scotch, Ted Baker and Vivienne Westwood. Here is my Repertoire Fashion wish list: 

Have you bought anything from Repertoire Fashion? What do you think of the jumpers I chose?

Get 10% off using the code: BEAUTYANDNOTHING

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Saint Patricks Day Giveaway

Happy Saint Patricks Day! To celebrate I am hosting a little giveaway which sadly will be UK only as shipping perfume and nail polish internationally is not possible. Also I reached over 1,600 followers on GFC recently (thank you!). Today I am giving away some Irish/Ireland themed beauty goodies including The Library Of Fragrance Four Leaf Clover Cologne (for men or women, 30ml) and the Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Polish in the shade Wintermint.

There are a few compulsory entries for this giveaway: you need to be following my blog on GFC, Bloglovin, Twitter and you also have to leave a comment on this blog post. There are other ways to enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below. No competition only accounts, genuine entries only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Librow Serum: Final Results

Over three months ago I published an initial impressions post about the Lilash and Librow Demi Enhancing Serums (here). I have been using the Lilash serum up until the past month or so but I had to stop using it because I started getting a purple line the next morning after I applied the serum along my lash lines. I didn't experience any irritation or other negative effects while using the Lilash serum but I thought I should stop using it as I do have sensitive skin/eczema. 

I have been using the *Librow Demi Purified Eyebrow Serum (£52.50, 2.95ml) consistently for the past three months and in all honesty, I love it and I have noticed some pretty amazing results in the thickness, density and fullness of my brows overall. The serum is so quick and easy to apply, it is fuss free and it doesn't irritate my skin at all. 

Sorry for the no-makeup photos but I wanted to show the results of the serum alone. Both photographs on the left show my brows and lashes after using the Lilash and Librow serums for just over one month. Even then I did notice my lashes and brows were a little darker and stronger. Even thought I had to stop using the Lilash serum, I did notice positive results initially. 

The Librow serum worked so well, even after only one/two months. After three months my brows are thicker, fuller and darker; also the sparse areas are now filled in with new hairs especially the front of my brows on the bottom two photos. I am so impressed with the results with my brows, I don't have to use as much brow pencil now and I can easily get away with using the Benefit Gimme Brow on its own but I couldn't before! 

Overall, I am so happy with the results from the Librow serum, it has made my brows so much fuller - the photos above don't do the serum justice, as my brows look even fuller/denser in real life. I've nearly finished the Librow tube and I would definitely recommend it!

Have you tried the Lilash or Librow serum? What do you think of my results?

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Mother's Day Baking Ft. GBBO

Happy Mother's Day! Today's post is all about baking as myself and my mum both love baking and the Great British Bake Off! I was kindly sent the *Great British Bake Off Big Book Of Baking (£20) which is a dream baking book as not only are the photography and layout gorgeous but the recipes are lovely too! As soon as I received the book, I started marking off pages and the mini cakes and quick cupcake recipes instantly caught my eye. As I didn't have much time, I decided to make the quick chocolate cupcakes for my mum.

I followed the instructions to the letter, although with the frosting I made my own chocolate buttercream frosting. I also used the same mix to make regular cupcakes with frosting and edible paper decorations, mini heart cupcakes and mini chocolate doughnuts! I'm so impressed with this recipe, everything came out so well first time round. 

The cupcake mix is so versatile, it makes delicious cupcakes as well as mini heart cupcakes and also mini doughnuts. The mix is relatively quick and easy to make, it bakes evenly and well first time round and it tastes so light, chocolaty and yummy! Experiment with different cupcake moulds, I used heart shaped moulds and a cute cupcake mould for some of my cupcakes.

The book has so many delicious recipes, I love how it's laid out and it also has information about the GBBO contestants. It would a be fantastic gift for bakers and anyone who loves the Great British Bake Off. My mum loved these cupcakes as did my dad and sister. If you are planning to bake some goodies for your mum, guardians or grandma this weekend then I would definitely recommend this book! I will be making some easter bakes soon on my vegetarian food blog, here.

Have you tried any GBBO recipes? What do you think of the cupcakes I made for Mother's Day?

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Pre-Mother's Day Treat Ft. Bonmarche

Mother's Day is tomorrow in the UK and the lovely people at Bonmarche have treated my mum to a lovely early Mother's Day gift and my mum has the chance to feature on my blog for the first time! Bonmarche very kindly allowed my mum to receive a dress and I think I picked well. 

My mum has the *Bonmarche Ladies Black Linear Stripe Side Tie Dress (£30). My mum loves the dress, she said that it is lightweight, comfortable and a great length on her. Also the dress is very slimming and smart; I have to agree as it looks smart and well designed but not too formal. The dress is a soft stretchy jersey fabric but usually clothing made of this material is clingy and shows lumps and bumps that you would like to be disguised; however the dress is fairly loose fitting and flattering. My mum is petite and it is a good length on her but it will be knee length or shorter on taller women. I think it would be great for so many occasions, formal or causal, especially with spring on the way. 

Overall, my mum is really happy with the dress - the perks of having a blogger as a daughter! Thank you to Bonmarche for my mum's pre-mother's day treat! Here are some of my mums favourite spring picks from Bonmarche:

What do you think of the dress and my mums Bonmarche picks? What are you treating your mum to this Mother's Day?

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StressFreePrint Blogger Business Cards

I have wanted to get some business cards for my blog for a while but there are so many designs and they can be pretty expensive; also I feel as though it's a little bit controversial in the blogging community. I wanted them to include in giveaway and blog sale packages as well as keeping in my purse to take to events as I always meet new lovely bloggers but in the delirium and excitement of events, I never remember their blog name/url so if everyone takes blogger business cards then we can all check out each others blogs! 

Mine are from the lovely people at *StressFreePrint and I received so many, I'm drowning in blogger business cards! The artwork team and others helped me through the website and designing my cards - everyone was very helpful. I used the online designer tool which was really easy to use and it was fun creating different designs but it did take me a while as I couldn't make up my mind! I modified one of their designs by changing the colours of the blocks in the corner of the cards and also the font and font colour. 

I am so happy with the way they have turned out, I love the design - it is colourful and eye-catching but it's not over the top and it still looks simple and professional, in my opinion. They arrived quickly and in business card boxes which is very handy. I have my blog url, email and a few social media links on the card and there was more than enough space. The text and colours are clear, the cards feel like they are made of good paper stock and they make me feel like a official blogger now! 

Overall, I would definitely recommend StressFreePrint, the cards turned out so well and I can't wait to use them properly. I think the prices are reasonable and designing the cards online was very easy. My only negative is the font range isn't massive and some of the fonts seem unusual for professional business cards but despite that very minor criticism, I am very happy with the service and the end result. 

Have you used StressFreePrint? What are your opinions on blogger business cards?

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Kiko Clic Palette System + Infinity Eyeshadows

Kiko has been a favourite brand of mine since I discovered them about five years ago while on holiday in Taormina, Sicily - I spent over €40 on kiko makeup and I do believe that the price have gone up very slightly but the products are still inexpensive especially for the quality. I wanted to try their clic system for a while and all of the shades were on sale so I thought it was the right time to make my own palette. 

The Clic System features numerous sizes of palettes which you can choose from including singles, duos, trios, quads then the 9 pan palettes and a massive 24 pan palette - I was so tempted to get the massive palette especially as the palettes and eyeshadows were 40-52% off. I chose the 9 pan palette and obviously 9 eyeshadows for it which was about £26! 

The eyeshadows come individually packaged, they have the shade name on the box and on the back of the eyeshadow - there are two stickers on the back so you can keep one on the eyeshadow pan and then the other can be place onto the inside lid of the palette if you want. The eyeshadows are so easy to remove from their packaging and clicked into place in the palette. 

I picked all natural, neutral shades as those are the ones I use daily and I am so happy with them. The shades are mostly matte, with a few satins and shimmers and the pigmentation is just fantastic. The texture is so buttery smooth with minimal fall out; they also blend so beautifully. They crease on my deep set eyes after almost three hours (with no primer) and my skin as unusually oily the first time I tried them too. I will have to test them fully with my primers.

Here are all of the shades I bought with swatches so hopefully you can see the pigmentation and shades - as the palette is black, my camera has washed out the swatches a bit especially for the lighter shades. 

200: Pure white with micro shimmer - slightly chalky 

236: Metallic slightly bronze champagne - almost wet looking

238: Cool grey (micro shimmer isn't visible on the skin)

215: Warm chocolate brown with golden shimmer - very pigmented

240: Matte cool medium brown with purple undertones 

217: Rich warm matte medium brown - very pigmented, slight fall down

235: Matte burgundy brown 

288: Matte cool toned concrete grey 

295: Matte black - very pigmented 

My favourite shades are 200, 236, 240 and 295 which blend perfectly together. The 217 and 235 shades when swatched are quite similar but when used on the eyes, they are different. I definitely want to get the bigger palette and buy some more lighter shades. My only negative point about this palette/system is the size of the palette itself - it is quite chunky (2cm thick) and fingerprints show up very easily. This competition is open to the general public; for more information follow this link: www.justmylook.co.uk/blog/2015/02/get-featured-on-justmylook-as-blogger-of-the-month/. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you purchased any Kiko eyeshadows? What do you think of the shades I chose for my palette?

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