MAY Monthly Favourites Round-Up

MAY Favourites Time....

This month I have been using La Roche Posay Serozinc. Finally avaliable here in the UK. My full review can be found here: Serozinc 

 I love to use this as a lovely facial mist which has the added bonus of containing zinc which helps calm and soothe the skin. Helps to prevent any future blemishes.

Elizabeth Arden Primer this was a gift with purchase from debenhams. It's a lovely light primer that's a joy to use. The lipstick was the said purchase in 'WildBerry' and I have been constantly reaching for it this past month. It is such a lovely shade and the formula is spot on!

Bobbi Brown shimmer palette I picked this up from a blog sale. A lovely sparkly shimmer palette, which gives a subtle payoff for those days when you don't really want to wear a lot of heavy eye make-up. Just a little shimmer.

Maybelline Sensational Mascara in... wait for it WATERPROOF! I spotted this in boots and snapped it up double quick. I much prefer to wear a waterproof mascara, mainly because the British weather is just so darn unpredictable. Love this mascara, if I am honest I prefer the effect of the non waterproof but I like the reliability of the waterproof.

TV

I finally caught up with the last and final season of "How I met your mother".... 

(At last! Only about a year later!!)

I won't spoil the end but hmmmm..... It was a thinker!! 
I still can't make up my mind about it. I watched the alternative ending on the dvd and I have to say I much preferred that version, but I guess I'm just a big softy at heart. Don't get me wrong I loved the end but considering the show is called how I met your mother and is all essentially geared up to the big reveal the end just didn't fit for me.

Peter Kay's Car Share has had me in stitches this past month. If you haven't seen it head over to BBC Iplayer. It is so funny. Without spoiling it i'll just quickly mention "I forgot to put my legs in!" oh and the "dogging" conversation with the 80 year old neighbour!! Well done Peter Kay, so glad you're back on our screens hope there is a season 2!!

Oh and have you seen 'The Goldbergs' new on E4? Well if like me you are a 80's chic then you should watch weekdays at 7.30pm for a good old reminisce down memory lane. But also because It's such a brilliant series that leaves you feeling that bit happier for having watched it. Defo my cheer me up show and I look forward to seeing what the Goldberg kids get up to next!

Book

I read "The Good Girl" by Mary Kubica

It was an interesting gripping read, I was in suspense throughout however there were a few times where things didn't quite add up especially at the end. Might just be me over thinking and wanting to know everything. I found myself asking questions to the screen - knowing full well I wouldn't getting an answer any-time soon. So I got to the end and i didn't feel the usual satisfaction i get at the end of a book as I had so many questions and things didn't quite add up in my head?! But that being said it was a great thriller with a twist at the end, that I didn't see coming.

So that's what I have been loving this past month. What have you been enjoying?

April 2015 Favourites Round-up

It's April favourites round-up time. This month I have been using and loving... 

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream - A lovely night time moisturising. I have been using this at night time after my serum and oils. It is a lovely gel/cream that really helps to hydrate the skin. You wake up the next morning with lovely smooth skin.

Garnier Ultimate Blends The strength restorer Honey Bee Serum

Oh my! This serum leaves my hair so silky soft. So soft I can't help but touch my hair way too much! It is a lovely serum which I use on damp hair after washing but also I have been using on dry hair too. Really helps strengthen the ends of my hair.

Kitsch hair bands

Another hair related product... I picked these up in a boots clearance for the bargain price of £1.50. Really like them as they don't leave a kink in my hair, pretty colours too. 

I love peach bath + shower gel.

I have been using this in the bath, as a bubble bath it smells so good, a lovely peachy fragrance, which also leaves your skin feeling so soft.

   

Lush unicorn horn

Finally got around to using my lush bath bomb. First up was the unicorn horn, (on the right) it is almost too pretty to use. Makes a lovely relaxing bath before bed as it has lavender in. I used about a quarter in each bath so it was great value. Unfortunately was limited edition boo :(

This month I discovered "Spotify" thanks to my daughter who I'm sure now wishes she hadn't told me about it as I have had Hoziers album non stop on repeat, along with other 'mum' embarrassing muscic!!
Think, "Girls just wanna have fun"  Shania Twain "Man I feel like a woman" with Bon jovi, Bryan Adams & Backstreet Boys mixed in for good measure!!
What's on your Spotify playlist??  

£25 to spend at FeelUnique for just £15!!

Got your eye on some new make-up that has been on your wishlist for ages? 

Perhaps you desperately want to try the new YSL BLur perfector or primer? .... treat yourself to an Urban Decay Naked palette / try the new beyond perfecting foundation from Clinique or ramp up your skincare routine?...

Well it doesn't have to cost you full price!

Get £25 for just £15 to spend at feelunique.com

Purchase voucher here

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/dealbank_en_gb/feelunique-2/59481903

Feelunique is an online beauty store which sells hundreds of make-up, skincare and hair care brands. From Bare Minerals, Clinique, GHD, Estee lauder, Clarisonic, Benefit and Elemis.

As soon as I saw this deal I swiftly purchased the voucher through the groupon website. They then send you a code which you enter at the checkout. You have to spend it in one go you can't split it up and it excludes sale items.

I bought the YSL Blur Perfector, after seeing Sali Hughes rave about it, thought it'd be rude not to give it a go! 

It arrived this morning, I am beyond excited to try it! When I have had a sufficient play / swatch and drool over this beautiful compact, I will of course compose myself and post my thoughts for you all to enjoy!!

So it ended up only costing me £19 for a £31.50 product. BARGAIN!

Oh and Debenhams have currently got 10% off in their beauty department on-line and in-store. So brands such as MAC,YSL, Benefit, Estee Lauder, Clarins and many more!

Just think of me as the friendly neighbourhood beauty-enabler, who is looking out for those pennies to be saved!!

Happy Beauty Shopping!! xoxo

March 2015 Favourites Round-up

End of March favourites round-up!

Well this month I have been really loving wearing Macs 'Brave' lipstick paired with 'Soar' lip-liner.

The two make a pretty everyday shade that make my lips appear fuller. Review here The-lip-duo-for-fuller-lips.

This past month I started to use Avene Trineal, which is a spot treatment. I suffer from annoying breakouts around my chin area whilst some spot treatments help they never really completely make them go away. So far, this has really helped to reduce the severity of the breakouts and I am very impressed. Fingers crossed it continues to work!

On my eyes this past month I have mainly been using MAC's 'All that glitters' eye-shadow, with 'Satin taupe' blended in the crease. I then line my water-line with Urban decay's 24/7 eye pencil in 'Zero' which is a jet black shade that stays put. Simple eye look but looks like you have made a bit of an effort.

TV

So glad that 'The Big Bang Theory' is back on our screens, I look forward to Thursdays @ 8.30pm as the show never fails to make me laugh!!

 Have started to read 'Gone girl' by Gillian Flynn. I really want to see the film but always like to read the books to films first! That way I can imagine it in my head then compare it to the film. Anyone else do that?

So that's it for March, excited for April and hopefully an appearance of the sun!

February 2015 Beauty Favourites Round-Up

My Feb 2015 Faves Round-up...

I am super late with this months round-up, but better late than never I say!

Maybelline ‘keep it classy’ colour drama lip pencil. I have worn this the majority of days this past month! It permanently lives in my coat pocket / bag. Really easy to apply, stays put a long time and give a matte finish without drying out your lips.

Maybelline colour tattoo in 'Creamy Beige' - a new shade sneaked onto the shelves… it says its a leather effect? not sure about that but love the colour as an all over base shade then a darker shade in the crease.

Weleda skin food, earlier this month I had a really dry patch above my left eye around my eyebrow, this creamy moisturiser really helped to clear it up. Whilst it doesn't smell all that great (more herbal) it did the trick!

Loved watching Wolf hall on tv last month. It was interesting seeing Henry the 8th from the point of view of Cromwell.

Reading:
The Letter by Kathryn Hughes: Literally could not stop reading until 4 in the morning!! I was enthralled to the end with this emotional read.

'Serial' podcast was utterly gripping and can not wait till the next season, find out more at http://serialpodcast.org/

Lastly I have started a gratitude / things I am thankful for diary. Jotting down things that have made me happy each day. I like the idea if I'm having a bad day that I can look over previous days to see what made me happy that day!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Real Techniques Contour Brush, Is it worth the investment?

 Real Techniques Contour Brush 

from the New Bold Metals Collection

I love the original real techniques brushes they are such great quality for their price. Wash well and mine have lasted me well over a year now. There's usually some sort of offer on at boots, so you also get your boots points as an added bonus.

Now when I saw they had released a new collection I was so excited.... that was until i saw the prices....

In total it would cost you a whopping £130 for all 7 brushes from the collection!

I went into boots ADAMANT I would not even look for them, all my resolve melted when I actually saw them out of the corner of my eye, it was like they just called to me.

Reluctant to say they are just so pretty and well shiny!!

My justification: A cheek contouring brush is one brush I actually haven't got, at the moment I just use a normal blush brush which is definitely far too big!
So £22 later I walked out of boots with my fingers crossed, hoping that it really is as good as they say it is.... lets be honest - I want it to actually contour my cheeks for that price!!

The rose gold handle looks and feels luxurious and as for the bristles they are so soft and provide an accurate line of contour to create cheekbones where the don't exist. Can also be used to apply the highlight shade and if used on its flat side the blush too so is very versatile.

So is it worth it?

Brushes are always worth investing in as it's not always the make-up, that makes a look, sometimes it's the tools used. For example, I've used £1 eyelash curlers, whilst they do curl my lashes the curler itself will inevitably will break or fall apart. I find that my Eyeko ones curl my lashes but somehow make the curl stay and have lasted for months and are still going strong. Same goes for my MAC 217 blending brush there's no shedding and I find it washes really well and keeps its shape. Compared to cheaper versions that shed mid application.

Sometimes you do get what you pay for and in this case I feel IF you are in need of a new brush, it's a good investment. So yes I do think it is worth it. Having said that I do wish they had priced them slightly lower, I don't know if it's the mum in me but I am painfully aware of the teenagers who are already hooked on the real techniques brushes, wanting and needing the new additions to the collection.

So my advise would be to pick just one that you need, that you don't already have and don't forget to use your boots advantage card - as that's quite a lot of points. oh and those coupons boots send in the post for double points etc. It all adds up!

Have you tried any of the Real Techniques Bold Metals collection brushes? 

What did you think?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Escentric Molecules 'Molecule 01' Perfume

Meet my new signature fragrance...

Escentric Molecules 01

This is such a gentle smelling fragrance that is supposed to smell different on everyone!

I like the idea of having a scent fragrance that is bespoke and unique to you.

This perfume is created from the aroma chemical Iso-E super, a base-note that is frequently used to add allure to perfumes. It is supposed to meld with your own pheromones. Making it very unique to each person wearing this scent and harder for you to smell it on yourself! It's more for others to smell and compliment!

I'm very picky when it comes to fragrance, as over-powering ones tend to give me a headache so I have to be careful when choosing what scent to wear. Sometimes even being around over-bearing scents is enough to set me off.

This one is subtle enough for me... but smells so good on. Almost fades throughout the day but then unexpectedly you get a lovely hint of deliciousness!

Have you tried Escentric Molecules 01, did you like the scent on you?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Urban Decay Full Frontal Revolution Lipstick Stash Swatches

I have said before how much I love the revolution lipsticks by urban decay. My review of the ' Turn On' Shade can be found over here: UD Revolution 'Turn on' Lipstick

So when I saw this mini set containing 6 of their shades, thought it would be a great way to experiment with different colours and as an added bonus it also came with a full size lip pencil! Win-win!

L to R

F-Bomb, Illicit, Liar, Gash, Ladyflower, Crush

F-Bomb, Illicit, Liar, Gash, Ladyflower, Crush

Now for the swatches on the lips...

Illicit

Liar

LadyFlower

Gash

F-Bomb

Crush

The lip pencil is their clear shade 'Ozone' 

This can be used with all shades, ensuring that the lipsticks not only stay in place but helps prevent feathering and smudging out of the lip area when applying.

I'm not sure if this set was a limited edition for christmas, but I thought either way it would be nice to share the swatches so if you like the look of any of the colours, you could head over to Urban Decay and pick up the full sized lipsticks.

They really are lovely lipsticks to wear, buttery soft and creamy to apply with the added pow of pigmented shades. Even the nude gives a lovely tone.

I think the clear lip-pencil is such a good idea and I can see me getting lots of use from it!!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

November Favourites Round-Up 2014

Well November has just flown by! I know I am a bit late ... well VERY late with my monthly round-up, but better late than never!!

Not long till Christmas!!

So what I have been loving?

Make-Up wise I have been keeping it quite simple, loving MAC's Woodwinked eyeshadow, teamed with urban decay's eye-liner in 'Zero' and finished with maybelline's the rocket waterproof mascara. 

Rebel and Girl about town have been my main lipsticks as-well as my latest find vaseline's paint the town red!

Finally picked up Urban Decays Naked basics 2 at such a bargain price from cohorted.co.uk so looking forward to trying out some new eye looks with these delicious eye-shadows.

Completed my 5km challenge with my sister!!
Run for mum!

... and get this... have even carried on with running since the event!! Go me!!

With the nights getting darker earlier my non beauty faves have been my hat that has reflective parts on and flashing light that goes on your arm. Both help to make sure I'm seen whilst out running.

Christmas is on it's way so cue the xmas t-shirt, jumper and snowman hoodie!! Hohoho!

So let the christmas movies commence, have already watched Elf

A few more on my list of to watch this month are:
The holiday
Love actually

The polar express

Santa Claus

Muppets christmas carol

Serendipity

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Soft-Box or not?!

Whilst I love Autumn ... nights drawing in, cozying up to the fire with a hot chocolate. The downside as a blogger is there is never enough light to take photos for my blog! 
Even in the day time, the sun is rarely out so the photos I do take seem to look dull. Normal lights make the picture appear yellow and not true to colour.

I have been 'umming' and 'arghhing' for months over these lights. 
In the summer months I was able to take lovely bright photos with the help of the sunshine!! Whilst the sun still makes a occasional appearance, lets face it... it's also blooming freezing out there. Don't really fancy going out in the cold plus shivering makes my camera shake!! Brrr!

So anyway, I finally took the plunge and I have to say I really wish I had sooner!!
These soft-boxes were sat in my Amazon 'Wish list' for ages before one day I just thought, "I love blogging, I'm enjoying it and I want my photos to reflect my love of blogging and be the best I can do" (If that makes sense?)

They arrived a few days later... I was a bit worried about the ones I chose as they were cheaper and not a named version, but i needn't have as they work perfectly, are great quality and are very easy to set up plus the height is adjustable as well as the angle!!

I've been using a soft-box for a few weeks now and it gives me the freedom to take photos whenever the inspiration strikes .... even if that is midnight!! 
I can't imagine being without, as it allows me to take bright and clear photos at any-time of the day or night. 

A soft box is basically a lamp with a box shade around it to diffuse the light, you then add the detachable white cover over to make sure you don't get harsh shadows on the picture. (Held on with velcro). Photographers Soft-boxes in taking portrait photos. 
The lamp uses a special 135w bulb which emits the equivalent of daylight. 

When I have finished they fold up again very neatly to store away behind the couch!!

So if you are in two minds whether to get a soft box, I would whole heartedly say go for it! Very much worth it and take up only a little room once dismantled. 

You will wonder what you ever did without them! 
Gives you the freedom to blog whenever the mood strikes.

If you are interested the ones I clicked from Amazon were here

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

#FoundationFriday Smashbox Foundation Give-away Event

Smashbox were giving a free full sized 'Studio skin 15 hour wear' foundation worth £28 to the 1st 20 lucky people who arrived at a Smashbox counter Friday morning!! 

(31st October - Halloween!). I only saw this by chance on the Boots website! So glad I did!

Things I learnt...

I love make-up more than I love my nice comfy warm bed - And that is saying something!!

I am shade 1.1 in Smashbox foundation which was a very popular shade that day.

I am a bit impatient ....as I really wanted to take the foundation home with me! 

But I am assured it will be arriving in the post shortly!!

There are no Smashbox counters on the Wirral! Nearest being said Boots in Liverpool or Chester.

As I arrived at the Boots store Church street in Liverpool, I scanned the line of girls already there, trying to Co-Erse my brain to count - at that time of the morning! 

This was some feat, as I left the house in a hurry without even so much as a cup of tea!! 

Turns out I was number 11...phew!! 

I got there at 10 past 8, wasn't due to open til half past. What really amazed me was the solidarity we felt, a feeling of "We're all in this together!" when the Smashbox counter lady came out and said we needed a printout or screenshot of their facebook page. All mucking in to make sure that the 20 of us had said evidence!

My turn came to be shade matched and of course I was the lightest shade which was now out of stock. She sent me away with a few samples of their redness reducing primer to try, their new primer and a lip-gloss, as-well as a sample pot of shade 1.1 to last me a day or 2. All housed in the cutest mini canvas shopper bag!

So there's what I got up to Halloween morning!! 

I am excited to try out the foundation in 'Real life' and of course blog about it!!

Did you managed to get to the counter in time?!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

10 things that make me happy....

10 things that make me happy....

1. Watching Friends... 

(or should I say re-watching for the 100th time!). Nothing cheers me up like an episode of Friends. Any one episode is guaranteed to make my day brighter and make me chuckle with laughter!!

Disappointing product Alert ....

Disappointing product alert.....

Having loved the Vaseline 'Spray & Go' moisture lotion, thought i'd give the Palmers Cocoa Butter formula version a try, as it was released fairly recently. As you can guess from the title of this post I did not get on well with it.....

The actual moisturising spray is lovely and hydrating to apply. My skin felt lovely and smooth. Delivery in a can is such brilliant idea and really works. My only bug bear is ..... I can't seem to get on well with the scent. 

Don't know if the fragrance is the same in their body butter, as have never tried it. 

Unlike the Vaseline version it is too over powering for my sensitive nose. That's not to say you won't enjoy this, but if you are easily offended by strong smells then maybe this version is not for you.

It is a fantastic idea, great for use after the gym, swimming or a quick spritz in the morning but I'm afraid i shall be sticking to Vaseline spray and go cocoa version being my current fave!

If you are a regular reader to my blog you will probably have noticed I have never posted a negative or disappointing product review.

The reason for this is mainly because the majority of products I buy, I research before-hand, read reviews and of course consult the blogs! So am usually very happy with the performance. This one I picked up on a bit of a whim having seen it on a tv ad, then on offer in boots. Felt I had to share for the fellow sensitive noses out there!

Have you tried the Palmers spray moisturiser? Did you enjoy the scent?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

This Month's Magazine Freebies! October 2014

This month In-Style and Marie Claire Magazines are offering up beauty goodies for us to try.

Instyle has a free Elemis Face Moisturiser 15ml in either Day or Night version. 

Quick note! Buy it from Tesco it's only £2.50 instead of £3.99 everywhere else!!

Having not tried Elemis moisturiser before,  I am impressed. I picked the Day cream (hydra boost for dry skin). This has a pleasant scent but not too overpowering. Sort of a clean fruity smell if that makes sense! Your skin feels lovely and nourished, well taken care of. I am going to have to nip back to Tesco to pick up the Night version too as the day one is just lovely.

Marie Claire has L'Occitane Hand Cream in a choice of 4 fragrances: 

Zesty Lime, Vanilla, Original Shea and Rose. 

I chose Vanilla, it smells delicious!! Really nice and nourishing to apply and best of all sinks in quickly so doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy and sticky afterwards!!

I love these mini tubes as they are so great for popping in your bag, I don't know about you, but my hands get really dry come the colder months!! So it's great to have one in your bag! They all contain shea butter so the hands feel lovely and soft.

Will you be picking up this month's offerings?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo