24 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH LIZ EARLE (2012 ADVENT CALENDAR): extra goodies

Now this has been a long post coming and I've sort of been putting it off for a while but I don't know why. I think it's because I'm not sure how to go about presenting to you all the things I got with my Liz Earle Advent Calendar (i know, it's a strange post to do in june but i really wanted to share it all with you!). I've decided to split it into 2 parts - 1 which will show you the unexpected extra items that I got and then the 2nd post will be all the products that I found behind the doors of the calendar. I think it'll be easier this way because there really is a lot to share with you! So here we go - the first post!

This is the Christmas catalogue which I know is completely out of season but the products inside are available all year round. Plus inside are some wonderful gift ideas. I personally love looking at gift sets that companies put together because it gives me ideas of which products I can use together and which ones would benefit each other. 

Now when I saw this I was a bit confused as to what on earth it was. Upon closer inspection it basically contains a colour spectrum of all the make up available from Liz Earle. It's split into different sections - Face, Cheeks, Eyes and Lips - and then within each section it shows all the shades available for each of the products. It's a really lovely tool I think because then you can compare the colours you do have with those you don't and which ones will work well together. I, personally, don't own any make up from Liz Earle but this little item has made me tempted to check out some products!

I've just had another little flick through and noticed that there are some empty boxes to the side of each shade in which you can smudge your current foundation, favourite lipstick so that you can compare make up from other brands with Liz Earle. I thought I'd just share this with you because I find it such a wonderful idea!

Now Liz Earle really are all about the extra touches. I don't think my mum did anything when she ordered me the Advent Calendar that involved foundation. But they went that extra little step to include  a sample of their Signature Foundation. I'm yet to try it out but I think the shade will be right for my skin tone as I am quite pale on my face anyway. I am actually very eager to give it ago as well, just to see what it looks like. The description on the little 'promo' card makes it sound wonderful and I do hope I like it!

Now this is what intrigued me the most. I came upon this before the actual Advent Calendar so I looked to me mum to see if she had bought me an extra present when she was placing the order. She shook her head and I came to the realisation that Liz Earle had put in a whole gift set for me, for free! I'm pretty sure they do this with most purchases (i.e. placing an extra little goodie in to your package) but I certainly wasn't expecting all these products!

The first item was this miniature Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with another Muslin Cloth. This was a very welcome present because I have unfortunately run out of my full bottle and haven't yet gotten round to purchasing another one. I don't know if I should do a full review on this as there are so many already out there (i'm pretty sure this is Liz Earle's most famed product!) but I really can't rave about it enough! If you're not sure whether to order a full bottle, I know you can order miniatures of everything so it's definitely worth giving it a go! It works absolute wonders for the skin!

This is also something that I'm slowly running out of. I don't really consider this to be a major necessity to my skincare routine but when I do use it I realise how wonderful it is at evening out my skin tone.

This is a moisturiser I'm undecided on. Don't get me wrong I love it, but I already have a pot of this and I have the Normal/Combination type due to my oily skin and I actually find it quite heavy on my skin so I'm not sure if the Dry/Sensitive one would feel even heavier/greasier on my skin? I am actually running out of my usual one (after goodness knows how long - one tub can last a lifetime!) so I will be giving this a go when I've finished but I will apply with caution. I do think it's worth the purchase though! My skin feel so smooth and plump and moisturised after use! Just make sure you get the right one for your skin type!

Now this is a new product for me and one I'm not sure I'll use. I rarely ever use hand cream because, luckily, I don't have dry hands. But when I do they go insanely dry and start cracking (nice!) so this sounds great for when that does happen. Although they only get dry during winter so it may be a little while before I can try this out... My mum religiously uses hand cream so I'm sure I can ask her for her opinions!

I'm not entirely sure what this is for but I think it could be a multi use balm? I'm personally think I'm going to use it as a lip balm as my lips are constantly dry. I'm not too keen on the scent but to be honest, if it works towards giving me smoother and less chapped lips, I'll use it regardless!

So they're all the extra little items I got with my Liz Earle Advent Calendar. I know you can buy these individually so I know this an ultra late post but at least you can still buy everything! I definitely recommend the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and the Skin Repair Moisturiser but I'll keep you updated on my thoughts on the other things! I also hope that this has given you an idea for this Christmas! I know this is an annual thing for Liz Earle so keep your eyes open for this years Advent Calendar!

Now it's time to apologise for a lack of posts recently! It's been a week since my last post which may not seem a long time but it's annoying because the whole time I'm revising, I'm coming up with ideas about what to post and I'm constantly eager to post! As I said though, I do have so many ideas for posts to come up and when I finish on Monday (last two exams - i cannot wait!), these posts will be coming regularly!

This weekend is set to be full of working and revision but on Monday I'll be bringing you the second part of my Liz Earle Advent Calendar posts!

I hope you've all had a wonderful week and this weekend is lovely - such a shame about the weather though! To all those still revising like me, we can do this! And to those that have finished, well, I'm extremely jealous!

january 2013 glossybox

So I have another beauty box post for you today but this is on a Glossybox, January's to be specific! I've finally got a bit 'back on track' with glossybox's and I am at least now in the right year! We all know I struggle to post about the products I get in my glossybox's on time/when I get them but I really do enjoy sharing my thoughts with you guys (even if they are a bit late)!

I was planning on posting this on Tuesday but it's taken me a few days to get back into the routine of revising so that's taken priority and then today I had another exam (just general, not all that important...) and I did an extra shift at work. Safe to say I am absolutely shattered but I'm now enjoying Channel 4's Comedy Gala - great background TV for writing a blogpost!

Now I know these products were aimed for a detox in terms of 'new year, new me' but I'm the type of person who likes to detox throughout the year - whenever I'm feeling stressed, whenever I want to perk myself up or I'm feeling like a new start. And I'm sure these products will be great to use all year round!

Exfoliators are probably one of my favourite skin care products. I love the feeling they give after you've used them - smooth, clean and fresh skin! And so that's why I like getting new exfoliators - to see how they fare against all the others that I've tried. I'm also on the look out for my 'holy grail' exfoliator. So this was a great addition to the box. I've heard wonderful things about 'Elemis' but it's sort of drifted off my radar and I haven't actually read any reviews on any of their products so never really known whether it was worth investigating. This, therefore, is a great chance to check out the brand. I particularly like that this is called a 'skin glow' face wash as I'd never really thought about the brightness of my skin before blogging but have now realised the importance! I do actually have quite dull and plain skin so I'm hoping that this will bring a bit of life and a bit of a 'glow' to my face!

At first, when I saw this in the box I was a bit gutted. I just don't need any more body lotions, especially considering I don't really use them. But upon further inspection I became more intrigued. The shape of the lid is particularly interesting and I've not seen anything like it before. I also like the name of the brand 'Duck Island' - very unique and one I've definitely not heard of before (but i think the 'inner animal lover' inside is what attracted me to the name...). And the final positive point for me is the smell - THE most important bit! Mandarin & Bergamont are very 'fancy' smells and not ones that I usually gravitate towards but I did just open the bottle and fell in love with it! It's super fruity and luxurious - I'm definitely up for lathering myself in it!

As soon as I saw this I instantly thought that it could act as a Burt's Bees dupe. This made me a little wary as I really don't get along with Burt's Bees. I hate the minty feel it has on the lips and it stings a little. I'll just never understand brands feel the need to make honey scented minty flavoured - it's very annoying! But I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt and see whether this brand had decided to get rid of the mint and just stick to the 'beeswax' which I would have loved. However this was not the case and the minty scent was very prevalent which I'm super disappointed with! I'll definitely give it a swipe over my lips to see how it goes and whether this one is less 'stingy' but I don't have the highest of hopes.

Now I couldn't get the lighting right to show the name of this product but it is a MONU 'Warming Aromatic Mask' and the thing I'm most excited about using (if you've read any of my other glossybox posts you'll know i most always have a favourite from each box...). Now above exfoliators in my favourite skincare rankings is face masks. Any type will do me fine. Most of the ones I've used in the past really feel like the make my skin ultra clean and remove any dirt that may be lingering on my face. but many don't actually reap any long term effects. My main skin problems is blackheads and huge pores which is why warming masks are the best for me. They open my pores and bring up all the lingering dirt. On top of this, MONU is a top skincare range (so i've heard) so I have my fingers crossed for some great consequences!

I usually just buy shampoo and conditioner based on the ones that look the nicest or the products I like. I don't actually know which types I should be looking at or what each do. Many say that they will make your hair stronger and shinier but I consider my hair to be pretty strong anyway so I don't know what more these strengthening products could do for me. However, I have noticed that stronger hair tends to be silkier and before I cut my hair, it definitely wasn't silky! Since I've cut away all the dead and dry hair, it is looking better but it's still not silky. Therefore I think by using this strength shampoo my hair will become protected and just overall 'better' looker! I'll definitely be looking for some noticeable differences so here's hoping!

Now I always find it a really nice touch when Glossybox include one of their own items, even if it isn't beauty related. It's super sweet and they don't have to do it - they just do because it's nice! And this one was particularly cute I feel. I don't actually use these because they make me feel a little claustrophobic but when I'm relaxing I think they'll be a nice touch!

That's it for me for now. I'm off to get a good nights sleep because I am so so tired! I'm back revising tomorrow before going to my friends for the night for movies and yummy food! I'm hoping to get in a post during the day but I won't promise anything! :)

I hope you've all had a nice week and that you're enjoying the weekend! 

SELFRIDGES THE BEAUTY BOX: summer beauty box

Now I'm pretty sure everyone in the blogging world knows of the popularity of beauty boxes and one of the best things about them is the surprise you get upon opening them. You don't know what you're going to get and it's all just a bit exciting! However, sometimes, the stuff inside can be a bit of a let down and you wonder whether this box was worth spending money on. That's why I was drawn to this box. It had a wonderful range of products from high end brands and I knew exactly what I was getting myself into! At £25 it wasn't exactly cheap but was a far better deal than what it all would have cost at retail price (£70!). So it's safe to say I was a very happy bunny when placing this purchase...

So these are the wonderful items I received. The box includes an Aqua Splash Tangle Teezer; Models Own Neon Nail Varnish in Bubblegum; Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray; Molton Brown Blissful Templetree Shower Gel; Caudalie Beauty Elixir; St Tropez Instant Glow Face Lotion; Jane Tran Hair Clips; Erborian BB Cream and Lancaster After Sun. There's also a St Tropex in store offer card but that's not really one of the products. Honestly, I was so excited to get this and I was actually pleasantly surprised with how quickly it did arrive. The link for this is here but unfortunately it seems to be sold out online. It may come back in stock but even if it does, you can get these products on their own and so I'll still be doing an individual review of each!

Back before I decided to cut all my hair off (eeek!) my hair was a struggle. I would only brush it after I'd washed it and it was always, without fail, knotty. Sometimes it was just unbearable and I definitely think was down to the fact it was dry and quite dead at the ends. However, now it's much healthier, it's not too bad and I've not actually felt any knots when brushing my hair. Therefore this may seem like a pretty pointless product but I'm definitely glad I have it! I've always wanted a Tangle Teezer and it seems like such a good idea for something to take to the beach/pool with you! My usual brush just wouldn't seem practical to carry around with me and I do find that my hair could do with a brush after being in chlorine/sea salt so this is great! I also love the colour as it's so bright and summery! Another thing is that this particular one is water focused and so the best one to put in a summer beauty box! I'm not sure what the function of the hole through the middle is, though, but I have to say it's overall shape is easy to hold and grip! Another, final positive, is that I can take this in the shower with ease - personally I like to brush through my hair with my fingers after putting in conditioner just to make it feel smooth but this would make life so much easier!

Now even though I'm a lover of Models Own nail varnishes, I don't actually own that many... I do have 3 glitter polishes that I love and the wonderful Beth's Blue (i just had to) but I rarely ever use them. Therefore this was one of the products that I was most excited about. I hope my pictures do it justice on how bright it is! It's from their Ice Neon collection and it's just made me want the rest of the colours! I think they're great for the summer weather - who doesn't love a bright nail varnish to get you in the mood for sun?! I don't actually own a polish this colour so it is a very welcome addition to my collection! Definitely can't wait to show you some pictures of what it's like on!

I've heard all about Bumble and Bumble as a brand and all their products sound really appealing to me. This was actually the first thing I'd heard by them and then their BB hair (un)dressing creme (which i also have my eyes on purchasing). In my younger teenage years I always wanted to create that flawless beach waves look. When I went on holiday and went in the sea, my hair automatically created the 'beachy, windswept' look without any effort or products. But since dying my hair it didn't do this and I need something to give it that 'oomph'. And, again, whilst my hair is significantly shorter and so wouldn't create the ideal long waves but I feel this spray would certainly give some texture! So I shall definitely be taking this, along with my Tangle Teezer, to create some effortless looking hair styles by the poolside!

I, honestly, have enough Molton Brown products to last me a lifetime yet I still don't use them... I don't know what it is but I think it's to do with the fact that their scents don't really appeal to me. They seem too 'fancy' and elegant for a simple gal like me to use! I prefer plain old fruity scents that I know will make me smelling lovely after I've used them However, this one has the most wonderful colour and I can't get over how much it looks like the sea, thus making me super duper excited for my holidays this summer! Plus I like that it has the word 'blissful' in its name and I'll be certain to used this when I need to relax after a stressful day! I also think this will give me a push towards using my Molton Brown products and really testing the brand out!

I remember when this product was released and was doing its rounds on the blogging world but I can't really remember whether it received positive or negative feedback or whether it actually works. I know it's supposed to work towards an improved complexion and generally improving the look of your skin so it seems lovely but I'm doubtful as to whether it will work. I like things I can slather on my face and really rub into my pores whether this is just a simple spritz and spray over my face. However, I am very willing to give this the benefit of the doubt! I do particularly like that you can use it over make up in order to create a gorgeous 'dewy' look. I'll definitely be giving this a go under my make up and over the top to see the different effects!

Fake tan isn't really my thing. I don't particularly like the look most of the time and I'm petrified it will turn out wrong (streaky, orange, too dark?!). However it does intrigue me and there is a part of me that would really love to just take the plunge and give it a go. I have in fact booked myself in for a spray tan for my prom later this month and I'm a little nervous about it but excited at the same time. But this Instant Glow Face Lotion included in my box means I can have a little experimenting on a smaller scale. I'm currently on study leave so I don't technically leave the house which seems the perfect chance for me to give it a go - if it doesn't go right, i won't have to see anyone! It's also wash off which is brilliant! On the other hand, when I opened this to see the colour, it sort of exploded a bit everywhere and the colour is very very dark! As always though, I'll definitely be giving it a go!
Little addition: I did in fact just squirt a bit onto the back of my hand and there doesn't seem to be a change in skin tone at all really. It does look smoother though and a bit more glowy which is a positive! I've also noticed that it has slightly stained my fingertips so definitely need to wash your hands straight away after using it!

I thought this was a cute little addition and would be great, again, for on holiday when you want to pin your hair back off your face. I like the colours as well and think they are very summer orientated. I haven't shown this in the picture but they're more of a 'grip style' clip rather than a 'clippy style' clip if that makes any sense at all which is nice.

I personally have never heard of this brand before. I believe it's an Asian brand and considering that is where the BB Cream hype originally began, I do have some high hopes for it). But, one issue I do have is that it claims to be 'total sheer' and this isn't the type of coverage I usually go for. I prefer heavier coverage as I don't have the clearest skin but on holiday, I definitely don't want heavy make up because I feel like it melts off my face in the heat. Therefore, I'm keen to give this a go on holiday to wear in the sun - the fact it contains SPF 25 is another brill reason to use it on holiday! I'm also interested to see whether it has any skincare benefits along with creating a 'baby skin' effect. I'll definitely be letting you guys know my views on it as it's my first BB Cream and so would love to add my own thoughts on the BB Cream hype!

Finally, this is a necessity for this summer rather than something I particularly wanted. Since I can remember my family have used either Garnier or Ambre Solaire after sun and it's done what I've needed it to so I've never really felt the need to look elsewhere for after sun skincare. However, this one looks exciting because it promises 'tan prolonging' as well as acting as a 'tan maximizer'. Personally I tan very easily but this tan also goes away pretty quickly which is very annoying because who doesn't love showing off their hard earned tans?! I think this was probably another of the most exciting products out of them all as I really want to see whether it does what it says which really would be wonderful!

So there's my little run through and overview of what is in the Selfridges Summer Beauty Box. I definitely think it's worth getting if you can get your hands on one or if one particular product takes your fancy - go for it! I can't wait to properly give each of these products a go either in summer or when I'm on holiday!

Sorry this post is a little later than expected but my weekend turned out a bit busier than little. I had a ridiculous amount of revision and then I was working yesterday but I'm back now! I had my first two exams today including my worst one so I'm feeling a bit more relaxed now. Unfortunately they didn't go as well as I'd hoped but I've just got to forget about them now and work towards my others! Well done to all those that have got through the revision period and good luck to all those, like me, who are still struggling through the revision. My way of getting through it is knowing that in 2 weeks I'll be free for summer! I also went on a little Boots splurge after my exams today so I'll be sharing my goodies with you soon! 

bad blogger is uber bad /// instagram update

Wow. It happened again. I've gone for a very long period without posting. Trust me, I'm slapping myself on the back of the wrist plenty of times! I don't know why I haven't posted in a long time because I've had a real motivation lately to do some blogging but I'm actually revising for my final A Level exams at the current moment and so I really haven't had much time. It's very annoying but these exams are what determine whether I'm going to university (eeek!) so they are ultra important! Also, when I do take a break from the brain numbing revision, I don't really want to do much thinking and end up watching old episodes of Made In Chelsea and catching up on blogs so all round it's not good. However, I thought I'd put an end to this no blogging stage and just update you all on life.

I haven't actually been up to much apart from leaving school (all very emotional and i'm already starting to miss it and everyone!) and just preparing for exams. I've also been getting my summer planned and there are so many things coming together that are sure to make my 3 month (plus!) long summer the best yet! I've also been thinking about a feature I can do on the blog over summer that incorporates more of the lifestyle aspect of my blog. I won't tell you much more but it'll just be sharing with you everything I get up to!

For now though I just thought I'd show you some of my most recent Instagram snaps and then you can see how dull my life has really been for the past however many days it's been since I last posted!

so i come home from school one day to find that i've one a huge parcel of sweets... i'm not entire sure how i won them or where they came from but i'll gladly devour them! so much for a summer body eh?

surprisingly liked this years new summer flavour of fanta... 

inheriting the family heirlooms already! this was a bracelet my grandad gave to my mum which she has now given to me. it's very gorgeous but i'm scared to wear it in case i lose it! 

sometime i just don't know what to do with this little gremlin...

my dad tried to pull a joke on me whilst i was playing chauffeur to him and my mum... one was not amused!

nothing better than the feeling of buying new glossy magazines (although i haven't yet had chance to read them due to revision)

this was my last day of sixth form and i'm wearing the same outfit i wore on my first day
top - topshop
skirt - miss selfridge

possibly my favourite chocolate - i always feel like an elegant lady when i eat it as it's so rich in taste!

this picture and the next three were taken at a lake near to where i live and it's where my parents are currently practicing for the great north swim coming up next month - they practice weekly, even if it's raining! i'm so proud of them! i, on the other hand, prefer to go on a little walk around the lake...

so peaceful...

beautiful swan,
i love this picture!

u ok lottie? this was taken on the night of one of my oldest friend's 18th. she had a karaoke party at a club in manchester, it was all very fun! 

the raspberry ripple cupcakes have returned at costa! i couldn't be happier as i absolutely loved them last summer!

dinosaurs are honestly my favourite things in the world and so these snacks are now my new obsession...

and i thought i'd share the most shocking photo until last...
i went for a (much needed) haircut last week and ended up getting all my hair cut off. it was my choice before you recoil in horror at what my hairdresser has done! on the day, for some reason, i just thought about getting my hair cut a bit shorter and then decided 'what the heck, let's go for it!' it's a dramatic change (if you compare it to the previous selfie in this post) and i'm still getting used to it but i do love it. it just feels so healthy now and i've had an array of compliments which is always encouraging!

So there we go, that's what I've been getting up to recently! Honestly not that much.

As I mentioned I'm currently revising for some pretty big exams so blogging will be on and off and I'm not going to promise anything because we all know that never works. However, I do have lots of things that I want to share with you including a summer beauty box I treated myself too!

My first two exams (including the one i'm most worried for) are on Monday and then it's 2 weeks before my next big two so after Monday I'll hopefully be a bit more relaxed and blogging may be a bit more often! I'm also planning on going for a little splurge in Boots/Superdrug on Monday to treat myself after the exams so a haul may be in the pipeline?

For now though I shall love you and leave you as I'm going to resume some more revision before hitting the hay and getting a well deserved sleep! I hope everyone's been okay whilst I've been away from blogging and I can't wait to make my blogposts a bit more regular! Ta ta for now! :)

OPI my pointe exactly

Now I got this nail varnish last year when I went to New York (read about my oh so chaotic trip here) but I've only really got round to trying it out this year and only just posting it now. Before the three colours I bought from the New York Ballet collection I'd never owned a full sized OPI nail varnish before, only miniatures of some of the Katy Perry colours and some from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection so I was very excited to give it a go! Unfortunately, I'm a little disappointed but I'll share my full thoughts after some pictures!

Now from the colour shown in the bottle you would expect a nice thick, opaque grey to be transferred onto the nails. This, however, is not the case. As you can see from the swatches on my nails, it produces a much more sheer colour and isn't all that brilliant. I put 3 coats onto my nails for the pictures and even then I can see the white tips of my nails At first I was gutted. I had waited so long to try an OPI nail varnish and I was expecting the colour pay off to be great (due to their well known reputation) but I was left underwhelmed.

However, it's not all bad really. I guess the colour can be used for those days when you want something a bit more subtle or if you want/need a colour that's not noticeable. Personally I really liked wearing it at school last week, as it wasn't glaringly bright that it looked silly for just an average day at school but it did mean I had a little bit of colour to my nail. Also, in certain lights, the nail polish does actually look slightly lilac which I really enjoyed noticing! Obviously in the bottle it's a distinct grey and that's what you should expect when you go to put it on but in both artificial light and sunlight, it does appear a little lilac-y.

Now as happy as I am about this 'other colour' discovery, I still am disappointed that it doesn't come out a true grey. And honestly, the first coat you put on looks like you've applied a clear or slightly milky varnish which isn't great when, for example, you're in a rush and only have time for one coat. Plus, I have another grey nail varnish from Barry M that provides a much more opaque grey colour and considering it is much much cheaper/easier to get hold of, I would repurchase the Barry M one over the OPI one.

But I don't want this to be a really negative post as I still do have really high hopes for the brand as a whole. The miniatures I've tried in the past have been brilliant and I do actually have another two full sized bottles from the New York Ballet collection to try out so all is not lost! Also, when I think about the collection as a whole, I'm sure that OPI were going for a more sheer and pastel look which is possibly why the colour pay off isn't all that great but I do feel that this varnish is extremely watery which contributes to making the colour sheer as well.

Anyway, I really hope this post doesn't put you off OPI nail varnish (i'm pretty sure it won't!) but I do feel it is important to give true opinions when reviewing a product! The next two colours should be coming in the next few weeks as I like to wear them and try them out for at least a week before writing up my thoughts on here! If you have any other colours from OPI (or any other brand for that matter!) that you think I should try out, please let me know as I'm always eager to try new nail colours (nail varnish's are my weakness...).

That's it from me for now as I just need to finish a bit of work for tomorrow before getting an early night. I've been getting some pretty good sleep's recently (i.e. i've gone to bed early and not woken up at all during the night) yet I keep waking up really tired. I'm not quite sure what's happening but hopefully my body clock pattern will sort itself out soon as it's getting just a bit frustrating now!

I hope everyone's had a really lovely Bank Holiday/3 day weekend and enjoyed the glorious weather we've been having! Unfortunately I've been stuck inside for most of it - revising and working - but hopefully this is just a sneak peak at what's to come in the summer! I'm so excited for my exams to finish so I can really appreciate the weather that's hopefully here to stay! :)