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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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

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

Just under an hour away from where I live is a fantastic place called Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo.

Situated in South Wales in the county of Pembrokeshire, it is home to 250 animals and 50 species of wildlife.

It has been awarded Best Family Day Out in Wales 2010-2012 as judged by the National Tourism Awards for Wales.

Now I’m not a travel or tourism writer but I wanted to share with you my recent visit and a few snaps that were taken that day.

After we (myself, husband and daughter) had paid we placed a wristband on the little one with her name and my mobile number on, just in case for whatever reason she got lost (heaven forbid). These wristbands are given to anyone who comes along with children.

We then headed straight to see the penguins. The penguins are a recent attraction and FF currently has 24 Peruvian ones.

The enclosure allows you to overlook them so you have an excellent view of them swimming and sitting on the rocks. Round the side and underneath the enclosure you are able to watch them swim under water. This was fabulous as they would come up close to the glass and it was such a large size that even little children could get a good view without being lifted up.

After being entertained there, we headed off to see the giraffes at the Giraffe Heights Walkway. This is absolutely amazing as it allows you to stand on a platform so you are the same height as them and even get close enough to touch. Also from here you get a fantastic view of the Zebras.

As you walk around the park looking at all the different animals there are information boards telling you interesting facts. These are by the specifically build and large enclosures that house them.

Dotted around FF there are many picnic tables for your convenience if you have brought your own food along. There are also great places to eat from a light bite to a full restaurant serving hot food.

Aswell as the more exotic animals to see, there is also a huge undercover barn. Here we saw and got up close to a shire horse, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, ferrets, rabbits and turkeys.

The biggest hit of the day that my daughter enjoyed were the adventure play areas, featuring a dragon and a pirate ship. Slides and rope and climbing frames could easily entertain children for hours on end.

The full size ferris wheel is always popular too. This is 50p per adult which you pay by exchange for a FF token. My daughter (who’s almost 3) has no fear and always asks to go on it!

There is also plenty of indoor fun too. Carousel Woods is a massive adventure area that has a forest and a soft play centre. 

A big hit with the older children is the indoor Vintage Funfair with waltzers, dodgems and a shooting range. Again you have to exchange tokens.

There was, and always is so much to explore and do. One day there is not enough. And FF recognises this. They offer a ‘boomerang’ ticket where if you return within seven days you only pay half price.

We thoroughly enjoyed. We arrived at 10.30am and left just before 4pm with an extremely exhausted toddler.

If you are on holiday in this part of the world you must pay a visit to Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo.

I have only told you what my family got up to; imagine the other family’s stories of their day here.

Make sure you visit their website to see for yourself everything that is there and the opening times and admission prices.

I hope you like this post. Please let me know if you have been to FF or any places that are great for a family day out.

Rachel xx

Empties #1 ~ Products I've Used Up

O dear; it's been far too long since my last blog post. My apologies.

I reckon I better get started then...

This post is going to be about the products that I have used up.  This is quite a popular tag here in the blogging world and also on YouTube, so I thought that I would get involved.

Below are some of the products that I have been using over the last few weeks/months. Four of them I have already replaced.

Schwarkopf got2b Heat Protector ~ I have repurchased this many times over, but when this ran out my local chemist didn't have it in stock. So I bought the TREsemme Thermal Creations Style Creator Spray and I have to say that I think that this is much better. If you are styling your hair, it holds it well and it is my new favourite.

Aussie Luscious Long Conditioner ~ Again, I have repurchased this many times and have done recently. My hair is quite long and I find that this doesn't weigh it down.

Revlon ColorStay Foundation ~ I use the combination/oily one. I really like this product. I have bought it again but in a lighter shade. It does stay in place quite well. Blends easily and very affordable. I used this for a general coverage. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer ~ I use the shade light. I have never found a better, blendable product like this. I have used this for about 5 years and continue to use it day in day out.

Tesco Wake Up Tea Tree and Mint Shower Creme ~ This product is ok. Does the job but not a patch on the Original Source one.

The Original Source Mint and Tea Tree Shower Gel ~ I love this product! Really leaves your skin feeling clean. Tingles when you use it. A great product to use first thing to wake you up.

Urban Decay DeSlick ~ I have featured this previously and use it every time I apply make up. I have already repurchased another bottle. The packaging has changed to a more 'grown up' look, but the product is still the same. Phew.

Boots Botanics All Bright Wipes ~ These are my favourite cleansing wipes at the moment. Ideal for all skin types. I only need to use one to remove all my make up before washing at night. I have tried the eye make up remover in the same line and have yet to make up my mind on it.

M&S Body Creme Mood Rescue ~ No link?! That's because I can't find it anywhere. I think this has been discontinued. I was given it as a present about 18 months ago and I assumed that it was part of a permanent line. How wrong was I? I have been using it sparingly. Only applying it for special occasions when I have some skin on show as the fragrance lingers like perfume. Maybe I could start a campaign to bring it back. In fact, I haven't looked on eBay...right, I'm heading there now...  

Have you tried any of the products I've used up? Let me know your thoughts.

Rachel xx