Gwen Stefani for OPI

Well, the picture says it all really...Pop and fashion icon Gwen Stefani has designed her own nail colours for OPI.
I have been a fan of hers for quite a few years both with No Doubt and on her own so when I read that she was launching her own range for the new year I was most excited.

There are seven colours being released - Hey Baby, I Sing in Colour, 4 In The Morning, Love, Angel, Music, Baby, In True Stefani Fashion, Push and Shove and Over and Over-a-Gwen. There are several hundred pictures of colour swatches if you google images, but I'm not sure if they are real or not. Some bloggers have been able to get their lucky hands on the actual products and have posted reviews. 

I really hope these colours are as good as the names suggest and that the pictures flying about are the real colours. If or when I can get my naked hands on them, I will be doing a review on my blog.

Rachel xx 

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint

This little pot of under eye concealer has been blogged about within an inch of its life over the last few months. Wondering what all the fuss was about, I had to try it for myself. Hailed as a must have make up item, I was desperately wanting this to be good. But it wasn't.
As an under eye concealer, I actually think it's pretty pants. The product applies nicely and smoothly, but after about an hour it dries terribly to a caked on look that it made me look like I had tram lines under my eyes. I know I'm in my early thirties and have had many sleepless night since my daughter was born, but this makes my under eyes look so much worse.
However, as a general facial concealer its not that bad. Great for time of the month chin blemishes and side of the nose redness, I would use it for. Under the eyes? Nah!
It is only available in two shades - why? Priced at £5.49 you can buy it here. This will last me quite awhile but when it finishes I will most definitely not be repurchasing.
Any products you've tried that aren't worth the hype?

Rachel xx

Dare To Wear ~ Pillarbox Red

With Christmas approaching fast and an even colder change in the weather I thought I would update my winter nail varnish collection to suit the season. As you are aware that in my line of work I am not permitted to wear any sort of obvious make up and nail varnish is a big no-no. So seeing as I have been on leave this week I though that I would make the most of having painted nails.
I bought this beautiful red from Boots No7 called Pillarbox Red to get myself in the holiday season. The shine is absolutely AMAZING. Vibrant and crisp, I just love it. I only needed to apply two coats to achieve a full smooth coverage. With a decent top coat it lasted three days before it started to slightly chip at the tips of my nails. No7 nail colours have a wide flat brush to easy application. Currently on the 3 for 2, priced at £7.

Any new colours that you've bought/blogged about recently?

Rachel xx

My Bath & Body Works Wishlist

If I lived in America I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I would constantly be shopping in Bath and Body Works. I've looked on the website many times and I've emailed them asking if they ship to the UK, but unfortunately they do not...(sad face)

Below is a few of the products that take my fancy...

I have been lucky though to find some sellers on eBay that regularly have BBW products shipped here! You just have to justify the extra added cost that is charged for the exchange rate and shipping fees.
Do you live in the States? Is BBW as good as I imagine it to be?

Rachel xx

Casio ~ Step Back in Time

My apologies for not posting in such a long time. I have had lots going on in my life that time has flown by and I'm not really sure I've even accomplished much!

My blog post today is to tell you about my lovely Casio watch that was kindly sent to me for review by The Watch Hut in an association with the lovely people at etailPR.

With its lovely burgundy colour and a classic design it has quickly become a firm favourite in my watch collection (I have quite a few). It's extremely light and comfortable. Doesn't catch on my clothing which is a huge bonus. I hate a snagged jumper! I've worn this watch most days and I have given it a fair trial.
The stainless steel strap is easy to adjust to tighten or loosen. I normally wear a chunky type watch so this is a nice change for me.

It is from The Watch Hut for £24.75

Rachel xx

A Mother's Journal ~ Our Story Book

When my daughter was only a few months old I took up the hobby of card making and scrapbooking. As she got older and started to become more and more busy, I found that I didn't get much chance to make anything new. I planned to make a scrapbook of key moments in her life with photos and items attached. Sadly I haven't done one for quite a while...(I work full time plus I'm back studying too for my district nursing degree).

A few weeks ago I was browsing in a small gift shop when I came across a journal entitled 'Our Story ~ For My Daughter'. With a lovely hardback cover and cute design with a ribbon page marker I was interested before I even opened it up.

Inside are beautifully illustrated pictures and sections for you to write about your daughter from birth to 18 years, to share your memories and hopes for the future year by year. Then on her 18th birthday it can be given to her; a hand written account of the years you've had together.

I actually plan not to show or tell my daughter (who's almost 3) until I give it to her when that milestone birthday comes. I wonder what she'll she decide to do for a career? Will she still be quite determined and head-strong? Will she still love the outdoors...?

It only takes about an hour or so a year to fill in, which is ideal for busy working Mothers! Although there's not much room for standard sized photos, we are now in an age where we have instagram sized prints available, so 4x4 would be the perfect size to glue to some of the larger sections in the journal.

I bought it from Amazon for £9.99 but the price has since gone up a bit, but it is still cheaper than the rrp of £19.99 on the you to me site.

What are your thoughts on journals? Have you started one? Did you keep one as a teenager? I did, but that's another story...

Rachel xx

Has Primark Got A New Rival? + Win A Years Supply of Clothing!

MRP or Mr Price Group are the South African equivalent to our beloved Primark. The online site is easy to use and has a range of clothing and accessories, shoes, swimwear, sleepwear and underwear and prices start from £1! Although at present there seems to be a bit of summer fashion still stocked (I guess they have to cater for a wide range of countries with different climates) this hasn't put me off. With long, short and no sleeve items, there's something for everyone.
And it's not just ladies that have all this wonderful stuff! There's a whole load of menswear and a children's section too.
If you are really on a budget but still want the latest styles then this is the site for you. I have been looking through the site and have put together my wishlist..so far...but I feel it may just get a bit bigger by the time I finish looking.

I know what you're thinking...based in South Africa...how much will my order cost to ship to me? Well that's the even better part. The website states that if you spend over £54 it is free delivery to the UK. Under £54 is £6. Not a bad price really. And I doubt that I would buy just one item from the site at a time.
At present, MRP are running a competition to win a years supply of clothing which I have been kindly selected to share with you. Please click on the banner on the right hand side to enter. You can also just visit the site from there if you don't want to enter to win.
I really can't wait for my order to arrive.
Let me know what you think of the site and if anything catches your eye? Have you already made purchases from MRP? Let me know in the comments below.

Rachel xx

BYS Eyeshadow Palette ~ Budget Friendly Make Up

BYS or Be Your Self is an Australian  make up brand. I'd actually never heard of it so I didn't know if it was any good.
I was recently in my local Store Twenty One which sells clothes, homeware and other nik nak type stuff just having a nosy about, when I noticed a make up stand by BYS. The products were nicely displayed and like an magnetic pulse, I was drawn to it.
Displayed were eyeshadows, nail varnish, lip sticks, glosses and eye liners. I picked up one of the metalic eyeshadow palettes in 15 Natural Glam. I wasn't able to swatch it but I didn't mind as it was cheap enough to take a chance. (I'll tell you the price later).

The colours aren't individually named but basically start with a dark brown colour then gradually get lighter to a shimmery gold colour.

The staying power is actually quite good but I did find that they were a bit difficult to blend despite using my two usual eyeshadow brushes. The above close ups are just a basic application.

The packaging is nice and simple but it comes with one of those rubbish sponge applicators that I never use.

So overall, not bad at all and I think I will go back and buy some nail varnish (for research purposes of course) but the totally best thing about this palette...it only cost me £1...bargain.

Any bargain make up brands that you've been impressed with? Do share.

Rachel xx 

My Leibster Award Nomination & What's It All About?

An award for me? Why thank you...I'd like to thank my Mother and Father for having me...My faithful computer...The lady who serves me in Boots...etc etc...
Ok, it's not an award as such but, it is in fact a recognition by another blogger who follows you to simply say 'I think your blog is great and I give you an honorary award for your hours of typing, taking photos, spending money (!) to inform the world of this and that and general online sharing'.
Sounds quite nice doesn't it? So I would love to thank the lovely Stephanie Eva for my nomination and here's hoping it brings us both new followers.

So, my questions that Stephanie has set for me and her other chosen bloggers...

1. Have you ever wanted to be famous? If so, what type; actress, model, singer, etc?

When I was younger I really wanted to be a singer. I used to have solo singing roles in the school's yearly productions and often daydreamed about being famous on stage. I once had a job in the summer and autumn of '99 as a singer in a wine bar which I really loved.

2. If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Only one? That's a tough one, but I guess it would have to be foundation.

3. Most people don't like their natural hair, do you like yours? If you do, what do you like about it? If you don't, what did/will you do to change it?

I love my natural hair colour. My Dad tells me it's the exact match of my Mother's when she was young. My hair sometimes has a mind of its own one day being completely straight the other day very wavy.

4. Have you ever been confused for or told you look like a celebrity? If so, who? If not, who would you love to look like?

No, can't think of anyone ever saying I do. I guess we all would like to have other people's features maybe. I would like Jennifer Aniston's sun kissed glow and smooth complexion.

5. Who would you want to swap lives for the day with, if you could?

My daughter. She's nearly 3 and I would love to see the world through her eyes. Plus she gets to play and have her food made for her, no housework, worries etc! LOL

6. Do you like blogging? What made you want to finally dive into the blogging universe?

I love it. I guess I wanted a hobby that was completely different to my job. I guess I was researching something I wanted to buy that was expensive, and wanted to know if it was worth spending my money on. I got to read so many blogs on a huge range of topics from beauty, home decor, DIY and craft that I thought 'why not have a go myself'.

7. Have you ever been addicted to anything (soda, coffee, habits, etc) that you've had to stop using/doing?

I wouldn't say I'm addicted to anything as such. I have a bad habit of letting the ironing build up though which I really hate doing. I never leave the house without my phone.

8. Do you film YouTube videos? If you do, how do you feel about your channel? If you don't, why not?

No I don't. I'm not at all confident in front of a video camera, plus I feel that's a huge commitment. I really wouldn't have the time to film, edit and upload.

9. What is your favourite scent? Could be anything.. 

For a perfume my all time favourite is Eternity by Calvin Klein. I've repurchased it so many times. Whenever I smell it I'm instantly transported to a very happy time in my life. I also love the smell of the morning dew when spring is in bloom.

 

10. If you are dating/living with/talking to/married to anyone, what's their name and where did you meet?

I'm married and he's extremely social media shy so I won't be saying his name. We met locally.

Stephanie only gave me 10 questions but when I researched Leibster Award, 11 seemed to be the most common.

I now tag...

Bee

Parie

Iyana Nikita

Mandy Sickle

Victoria Jane

Amy Tester

Rosie Penelope

Lianne H-x

Kendra C

Charlotte Rose

Sinead

Here are my 11 questions for you...
1) Do you prefer the countryside or the city?
2) What's the worst present you have received?
3) Do you drive? If so, what was the first car you owned?
4) Where do you see yourself in a year's time?
5) Have you ever read a book that's made you cry?
6) What's the strangest dream you've ever had?
7) Salty or sweet popcorn?
8) What's your favourite online shop?
9) How many hours sleep do you have on average?
10) What's the best advice you've been given and by who?
11) Have you ever bought something that you've used or worn and then taken back?

I hope you accept your 'reward' and play along. But before I go, here are my 11 random facts about me...
1) I like peanuts but have never tried peanut butter
2) My favourite colour is red
3) I love antique oak furniture
4) I love rings especially ones with precious stones
5) I started reading 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill and have yet to finish it
6) My first car was a mini (original model)
7) I don't drink tea or coffee
8) I want to visit New York some day
9) My favourite season is Spring
10) I've lost the left sandal of my favourite pair but still keep the right, in the hope of finding it
11) I ran over a cat on my driving test and still past!

Thank you again to Stephanie for my nomination. Now I think I'll go treat myself to something as a reward...

Rachel xx

Ojon Super Sleek ~ Is It Any Good?

Whenever I go to my hairdresser for my usual cut and blow dry she always manages to get my hair extremely straight and sleek without the need to use hair straighteners (or flat iron if you're in the US).
To achieve this she applies about three products in total after shampooing and conditioning whether she really needs to or not. I've often thought 'is this really healthy for my hair?'
Well I've come across a brilliant product to use after washing my hair that leaves me with the same result as freshly cut and styled salon hair...
Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector is my new favourite styling product. Apply a small amount onto damp hair by smoothing from about halfway down. Avoid the roots if you have naturally oily hair anyway. Style in your usual way and once your hair is dry you will instantly notice the difference.

Above are two photographs taken on different days after using the same shampoo and conditioner and hair drier.
I noticed the difference almost immediately. My hair was smoother with less static that I sometimes get after using my hair drier.
If you normally like lots of volume then avoid this product, but if you do have dry ends and sometimes frizzy flyaway hair then I really recommend this.
The price is quite expensive at £22 for 125ml, but having said that I used about the size of a 5p to all my hair so this should last a while. (I used my Advantage Card points at Boots to buy this but I am now willing to pay with real money when it needs replacing).
You can read all about the product here for the ingredients and the Ojon story and also buy directly from the website but this is the link to the Boots site here where I bought mine.

Have you tried any of the Ojon products?

Rachel xx

Which Handbag Are You?

Aaah Next, how I love thee. 

I was 14 years old when I actually bought myself a pair of shorts from there with my own money. I had a Saturday evening job doing waitressing at my local pub for pittance, and I had managed to save up enough money for some make up and an item of clothing.

Anyhow, as I come back to this decade and remember what I'm supposed to be writing about I came across this lovely chart at the Next blog. With the new season coming fastly upon us it's only a given right that us women treat ourselves to a new handbag. I mean we really need one for the new season don't we?

So what better way to choose a handbag that suits your lifestyle...

Source ~ blog.next.co.uk

To be honest, I spend every weekend differently, so I guess that's why I have so many bags in different colours, sizes, shapes and fabrics, or I just have a little addiction.
Whatever the style you're looking for, Next have a massive variety for you to choose from. I actually have my eye on this beauty...the metal corner shoulder bag in camel at £24.

As I said before aaah Next how I love thee.

Rachel xx

Revlon Lip Butters for Autumn

I have my fair share of Revlon Lip Butters; in fact I may have one in every handbag I own (and that's a lot of handbags..) so when I was in my larger Boots store in Swansea, I couldn't resist picking up these new ones for the coming season.

Revlon Lip Butters are usually a cross between a lipstick and a balm, but with these two they are purely a sheer tinted balm, which I'm quite glad of as I really didn't fancy wearing purple and green lipstick!

Provocative has very fine purple micro glitter and Invite Only having green.

So, do I like them? Well yes, but when applied I can't really see the difference between them. The purple glitter in Provocative is more obvious in the flesh than in the above photograph. Invite Only is completely sheer with only a small hint of green glitter.

If you like more of a hint of colour then these aren't for you. You would probably prefer the Maybelline Baby Lips instead, but for me I like these more as they are really hydrating as my lips get quite dry.

I really didn't need the two but as I was only able to swatch one colour I wasn't able to compare them.

Priced at £7.99 they're not cheap but I know that I will use them a lot, especially in my line of work as they are sheer and just enhance my natural lip colour.

Have you tried these yet?

Rachel 

The Body Shop Honeymania

When I was informed by the lovely people at the press office at The Body Shop HQ that there was going to be a new line being launched I was actually quite excited.

Let me introduce Honeymania…

Honeymania is Community Fair Trade honey that is sourced from Ethiopia and is made from the nectar of wildflowers.

The complete range includes:

·        Soap

·        Lip balm

·        Eau De Toilette

·        Shower gel

·        Bath melt

·        Body scrub

·        Body butter

I was able to sample the range at my local shop and I can honestly say that this is by far my favourite range that they have released.

I was first expecting the products to smell quite sweet and sickly but it is far from it.

The body butter is what you can expect from their other ranges; easily absorbed with lasting softness and fragrance. The Eau De Toilette is my favourite though. Not a heavy scent but with notes of honey and a touch of flowers it is lovely for day wear.

The collection launches on 18^th September, and I will be definitely going back to purchase some full size products.

Rachel xx

Back To School/College Make Up

With the new term approaching fast, hopefully you are thinking of getting new stationary supplies, uniform/clothing and shoes. You may also be entering a new chapter in your life such as starting your chosen GCSE or A level subjects, or even heading off to college.

When I was in school make up wasn't really allowed and nail colour was definitely not allowed, but my friends and I used to subtlety apply it. During break times we would look through magazines at the latest products and fashion styles waiting for the weekend to go shopping.

Below are my favourite products that I own, or have owned that I feel are a great natural look for you, and of course purse friendly. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation is perfect for hiding tell-tale signs of a late night. If you have achieved a summer tan then this is perfect for maintaining that sun kissed glow with its shimmer particles.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder is great for touch ups during the day or if you have oily skin.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is great to cover any spots or blemishes.

A touch of blush in Pinched by Nyx is lovely for a hint of colour to the apple of your cheeks.

L’Oreal False Lash Telescopic will open up your eyes by lengthening and separating lashes, and no spider legs in sight.

Maybelline Baby Lips will give a soft colour and moisturise throughout the day, (My new favourite).

You'll probably notice that I haven't included any eye shadow or liner. I never wore any to school or college.

Even though I have left school and college some time ago, I still use a subtle look for work. When I am off duty I like to glam it up a bit so that I look different and it makes me feel nice.

So that's my make up for heading back to school and college.

Have you used any of the products? Do you not even wear any and apply on the weekends? Let me know in the comments below.

Rachel xx

Maybelline Baby Lips Arrives In The UK

The beauty world has been longing for these hyped up lip balms to make their way across from America since they launched there in 2011. Japan actually had them first in 2010!

Well at last they have arrived here on our shores and they have literally been a huge sell out. It has been pretty hard to get my hands on them due to their coverage by the press and other beauty bloggers.

So are they any good? They are moisturising and their scents are very yummy. They have a mild taste but not sickly. The colour is just a hint really, which is what I want from a lip balm.

I think the packaging on the lip balms themselves is pretty and bright and will definitely attract your attention if you've been living under a rock while all the hype has been going on!

They are available in six varieties and are priced at £2.99 in Superdrug (on a 3 for 2 offer at the time of this posting) and also selling quickly at Boots.

I’ve only had these a day but so far I like them. One will go in my handbag, car and bathroom. You can never have too many, right?

Rachel xx

My Current Favourite Lipsticks ~ Summer 2013

Until quite recently, I have preferred wearing lip gloss instead of a lipstick. All that changed when Boots No7 relaunched their branding and I fell in love with their Sheer Temptations Lipsticks. That then led me to dig out a couple of old favourites from the bottom of my handbag, and also to purchase a new one.

No7 Sheer Temptations in Shy Pink ~ A very subtle colour. A hint of pink with a lovely silver shimmer to it.

No7 Sheer Temptations in Pretty Please ~ A very bold colour for me. I like this a lot as it's not what I would call a solid colour. I find I only need to apply one application for a sheer look.

Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle ~ I love this for everyday wear. This is always in my handbag. Compliments my light skin tone

MAC Creme Sheen in Fanfare ~ My first lipstick by MAC. The girl at the MAC counter chose this for me as I was overwhelmed by the choice there. She did a good job.

Chanel  Rouge Coco Shine in Sourire ~ A completely luxury product for me. I swatched this at the counter and instantly had to have it. Peachy pink with gold and silver shimmer. I wear this a lot. Very hydrating too.

Have you got a particular favourite that you seem to carry around with you? If you have a blog post on your favourites please comment and leave a link below.

Rachel xx

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Rachel xx

My Fave Summer Nail Combo

Just a quick post today, to show you my current favourite nail combo I have been wearing over the summer.

This is actually the first Sally Hansen colour I have ever tried, and I like it a lot. Applies easily with a flat brush, with just two coats needed. It is a very pretty coral colour with a slight pink undertone.

I have many China Glaze colours and I thought that Candie went well on top of Get Juiced. I applied two coats on to my ring finger.

The Sally Hansen dried quickly, and to my surprise I didn’t have any ‘duvet’ print the next morning. (I only tend to apply nail colour in the evening after my daughter has gone to bed).

I have no chips or peeling so far after two days and after having a shower, so I think I will be investing in some more colours in this Sally Hansen range.

Do you have a particular favourite combo and are you impressed with my choice?

Rachel xx