Barry M Autumn Release and Strawberry Waves Rollers

Just a quick one today for the new Barry M collection. Popped straight into Superdrug after work today to get the new polishes, At first I grabbed them all, then I thought about it for a second and decided I should see how I like these ones first.

So after my sensible side kicked in I decided to get two of the matte collection and went with Espresso,  because you can't go wrong with black, and Vanilla because from the swatches I've seen so far this is one of my favourites. I also got two of the textured glitters in Lady, because I look at it and all I see is Christmas, and Princess, because this really is a Princess shade.

They also had an offer on where if you spend £9 or more you receive a free Lash Vegas mascara. I wasn't looking for this mascara and I'd have preferred a 3 for 2 offer but hey-ho, can't turn down free beauty products.

No time for a full review just yet but I'm excited to try all of it!

Also last night I finally got round to trying my cute strawberry rollers from the last post and seriously, I would suggest everyone go out and buy them!! They're actually amazing, I'm so glad I tried them before I spent money on expensive curling tongs like I was about to. They were so comfortable to sleep in and made my hair look amazing! My manager thought I'd been and had my hair done that's how good it looked, and I am not someone who is good with hair. I was running late so sadly didn't have time to take a picture but I used quite thick pieces of hair as I wanted waves rather than curls and it gave me the perfect waves,  so bouncy and natural looking and without any product on it it lasted pretty much the whole day, we're talking 12 hours before there was a noticeable difference and even then it still looked good just not as bouncy, I'm sure next time when I have the time to style properly they will last ages! So they don't use heat so don't damage your hair, they leave hair with an amazing natural looking curl, are comfortable to sleep in and more importantly they're as cute as this

These rollers are so cheap on eBay for very very cheap. I have very long thick hair and I only needed a pack of 12 to get my wavy result, you would maybe need 18 if you want super curly hair from these though :)

PS. Don't forget to check out the competition from MRP to win clothing, I've had a look at the site and they actually have some nice stuff. Click here to enter.

Bargain Shopping: Primark Basics

A day off work and thankfully I'm no longer feeling ill and sounding like a man! That only meant one thing: shopping! The reason I actually went out today was to head to Superdrug to pick up the new Barry M releases because for some reason I spent all morning thinking today was the 25th, today is not the 25th!

Anyway with that disappointment over with I wandered around the high street for a while and decided I'd head to Primark to pick up a couple of basic jumpers. Due to a bit of travelling going on in a few weeks my funds this month are limited so a trip to Primark seemed the best I could do right now. That said, I'm actually extremely happy with my purchase.

(Disclaimer: the Strawberry Waves rollers are not from Primark, they're in the picture because they came through the post this morning and I wanted to share the cuteness haha).

Under £50 for all this, such a bargain! First thing in the basket on my little trip today was a couple of pairs of jeans, I have about 7 pairs of light and brightly coloured jeans from the warmer months so thought a dark blue and a black pair are needed now we're into Autumn. I'm not sure how other people feel about Primark jeans but this super skinny stretchy style I love. I need my jeans to be tight and stay tight and that's exactly what these do. Admittedly they're not the longest lasting jeans I've ever owned but they're all of £7 each so for that you can't expect too much. In my opinion these are some of the most comfortable jeans that I own.

Next was a not-so-basic purchase. I never, and I mean never, buy leggings from Primark. They have a tendency to be so thin that they're virtually see-through and I don't care how cheap they are I do not want see-through leggings. Then I saw this pair! We all know by now that tartan and check prints are essential this winter so I was initially drawn in by the print on these. I walked over not expecting much once I got close enough to see the quality but I was more than pleasantly surprised. The material on these is very thick and very stretchy, they fit perfectly and are comfortable and most importantly they're definitely not see-through. Again these were just £7, my guess is they're not gonna last me forever at this price but they'll definitely see me through these colder months.

Now we're onto leopard print. I love animal print whenever I see it but aside from I think one dress (which isn't even traditional animal print colours) I don't think I own a piece of clothing with this print. These t-shirts are in a lot of different colours and prints in Primark but I decided I'd try my first leopard print. The picture doesn't show it but it's a lovely soft quilted material, it has roll up sleeves and gold chain detailing on the pocket. Another purchase I'm quite happy with so far as it feels lovely and was just £5.

After all this I finally got around to buying what I actually went in there for. A plain black jumper, this has cute little button detailing on the shoulders, and a lovely peach v-neck jumper. Both very fine knit and very soft especially the peach one. They were £5 and £7 respectively.

Then we have the strawberry waves rollers. Can't wait to try these. I've tried sleeping in rollers before and it hasn't worked but I've heard some good things about these so fingers crossed! These were from ebay and were something like £3 including delivery.

So that's me and my bargain hunter self done for today. Slowly but surely getting ready for the cold winter we're heading towards!

Have you found any bargains recently?

Speaking of bargains, a South African clothing brand similar to Primark (who deliver to UK for £4) are offering a years supply of clothing. I'm definitely entering after seeing some amazing pieces from them, CLICK HERE! to do the same :)

Autumn Shopping: Wishlist

My original plan for the day was to go shopping for some warmer clothes. I got up, put my face on, picked out an outfit... then got back into bed. I was determined to beat this cold but unfortunately the illness won and since I have work tomorrow I decided to rest up and do a little online browsing. I begrudge paying for postage unless I really have to so browsing was the most I could do for now.

First stop: River Island. I've never gone into River Island and not seen at least a handful of things I liked. Here's just a few picks but, trust me, there is so much more I want.

1. Beige Animal Print Sequin Jumper. I love animal print but prefer it in different colours to the natural leopard print browns. This jumper looks so cosy and the sequins add a little sparkly touch. This with a pair of dark blue jeans and some sturdy boots would look great, add a leather jacket and a beanie and you've got the perfect outfit.
2. Blue Abstract Print High Waist Leggings. Even though its getting cold I'll never be able to say goodbye to bright colours and prints completely. I just think the print and colours on these leggings is SO pretty. Since it's cold out there now I'd probably throw on an oversized sweater and some wedge sneakers with this for a nice bright casual look.
3. Black High Shine Leather Look Trousers. I'm a huge fan of leather and leather look and these high shine leather look trousers are just perfect for a night out! A nice bright peplum top and killer heels would complete the look. I'm a dress girl but my legs can't take it in these winter months so I'll definitely be picking these up for those cool nights out.
4. Black Leather and Suede Biker Jacket. How beautiful and warm does this look! I can't guarantee that this is something I'm going to purchase but this is without doubt the best thing I've seen today. The only reason I'm not so sure about actually buying this is because it's £200. I'd no doubt get a lot of wear out of this but whether or not it would be £200 worth of wear is why I'm just not sure yet if I can justify splashing quite that much cash. For now though I'm just going to admire it's amazing-ness.
5. Cream Cherry Print Eyelash Jumper. How freaking cute is this?! I love quirky little prints and I love fluffy fuzzy jumpers. This is so perfect, this would make the perfect girly outfit teamed with a cute skirt and ballet flats.
6. Lime Sheer Panel Peplum Top. Lime green? Check. Peplum? Check. That's two of my favourite things in one top! This with the high shine leather look trousers is the most killer outfit, it's so good I'm even considering this as a Christmas party outfit option.
7. Black Chunky Buckle Cut Out Boots. I love love love cut out boots, I have a few pairs but they all have quite a big heel which isn't really practical for the rain and snow (I swear I'm not being premature talking about snow, I've heard it's starting from next month!). These are perfect with the chunky sole. I just love them and I feel like these will be getting worn a lot over the next few months,
8. Black High Shine Chelsea Boot Wellies. Another practical but oh so pretty pair of boots. So super shiny, I know I'll be wandering around feeling 10 again jumping in every puddle I see.
9. Cream Contrast Bottom Zip Tote Bag. This bag is so classy and expensive looking. The perfect colours to match most outfits and I love the zip detailing and the little tassle. So ladylike.

Next we're onto New Look. I have a weird relationship with New Look, whenever I shop online I find it hard to see many things that I like but whenever I'm in the store their stuff just looks so much better. I don't know if it's just me or if they just have a better selection in-store or what but that's always how it is for me. That said I did find quite a few pieces today.

1. Monochrome Aztec Fluffy Jumper. Another fluffy fuzzy jumper, love the print. I can just imagine this with black skinny jeans and some cute ankle boots. 
2. Monochrome Tartan Skater Skirt. Tartan is going to be huge this season and being a massive Clueless fan I can't wait to start wearing it (I won't be held responsible if I happen to start relentlessly quoting from the film). This skirt with a plain black cropped fuzzy jumper is the ultimate throwback to the 90s!
3. Black Animal Print Collar Jumper. I don't even know why I love this but I do. Anything with a collar is good in my book and the hint of animal print against the plain black is just so stylish. 
4. Retro Tile Jacquard Print A-Line Skirt. First 90s and now we're going  a little bit 60's. The cut on this is so flattering and the print is so wearable. I'm so glad for the collection of skirts around this Autumn, as much as I love jeans and leggings I like to be a girly girl every once in a while too.
5. Tapestry Floral Sleeveless Skater Dress. Tapestry print is such a good floral print for the colder months, that teamed with the always flattering skater style makes the perfect Autumn dress. I'd love this with an oversized cardigan, some frilly ankle socks, chelsea ankle boots and a plain tote bag (the bigger the bag the better).
6. Black Leather Look Side Zip Skirt. More leather look, it's impossible to have too much of this! A staple piece for Autumn that I could dress up or down. I'll get so much wear out of this!
7. Black Metal Plate Lace Up Boots. The fact that I can wear so many biker style pieces now it's Autumn is making me almost giddy. I already own a couple of pairs of biker boots but the gold plate on these really makes them stand out.
8. Black Leather Gold Plate Block Heel Ankle Boots. Another pair of boots with gold plate detailing, real leather and so simple but with that little bit of edge. Perfection.

This next one is probably not the most popular place for shopping both for my readers and for myself, but I was actually quite surprised at the stuff they had and it's all so reasonably price. Everything here is from George at Asda (shocking I know).

1. Faux Fur Collar Leather Look Biker Jacket. More biker and more leather, I'm sure you're getting by now that this is my style haha. This time featuring a bit of fur, I'm not at all a fur lover but a little detailing here and there just adds a lovely cosy warm feeling to an outfit. This is also a bargain and just £30.
2. Textured Skater Dress. Skater dresses are so comfortable and wearable, I just love the colour of this one and the texture makes it a bit more appropriate for Autumn/Winter than some of the other plain jersey material ones around at the minute.
3. Check Print Tube Skirt. Love the print and zip detailing on this. It's just so perfect, I feel like I'll want to wear something like this when I go for my annual early Christmas Dinner with my friends.
4. Peplum Shirt. I already have about 100 things in my wardrobe I can imagine wearing this with. Peplum is flattering and once again this is a piece that could be dressed up or down, all it would take for a night out is some trousers, skyscraper heels and a big statement necklace. Oh and don't forget the red lip.
5. Stud Peplum Jumper. It's a jumper, it's peplum and it has studs. It's like this was made for me. I don't see too many peplum jumpers around so I really love this one.
6. Tartan Shorts. I never really wear shorts but these are just adorable. I can imagine them with a cute printed jumper and some thick tights. I just fell in love with these the second I saw them, the fact that they're only £12 and have nothing but good reviews on the website helped make my decision to buy these.
7. Stud Pixie Boots. Don't worry I'm not gonna be buying all the ankle boots pictured in this post, these are just a selection of the ones I'm deciding between. Love the stud detailing and the suedette panels.
8. Studded Boots. In case you hadn't already guessed, I love chunky boots. The stud and buckle detailing on this really finishes off the look. I'd definitely have to see these in person as I'm not so sure of the quality from the picture but they are only £22.

Now I just have one quick mention left for New Look and it's for their range of Seasonal Jumpers for Christmas that you can currently preview on the website. The most adorable Christmas jumpers EVER!

Pretty colours and cute prints. What more could you want? How about a jumper that lights up!! Thats right, the second jumper in the above picture actually has little lights on the Christmas tree. I love Christmas and have been talking about it for weeks now so I know not everyone will be as enthusiastic as me about these but I just love them!

Sleek 'Face Form' Contouring Kit review

You know when you read about a product and you think 'I kinda want that'. Well that;s what I thought when I kept seeing reviews for Sleeks contouring kit. I wanted to attempt contouring for a while but buying everything separately just seemed like it would take so long and I was always 'which blush will compliment which bronzer, which highlighter isn't gonna make me look like the tin man...'. Anyway all those problems were solved when I saw Sleeks kit sold in the Superdrug right next door to my work.

The packaging on this is lovely as is most of Sleeks stuff, before this purchase I only had a few lipsticks from them but their packaging is lovely and simple and I do love a matte black finish.

The Light Face Form kit contains a matt bronzer, a creme/pink highlighter with gold flecks and a pinky peach blush with a gold shimmer.

The second I opened this the blush drew me in, if I'd have opened the palette and it had contained nothing  but the blush I'd have been happy thats how good this blush looked. It's obviously not a blush for everyday wear but who contours for the daytime unless you're a Kardashian. 

I have never contoured my face before, ever! So bear in mind that this is a beginner using this product. As we all know though, the matt bronzer is used below the cheekbones (I'd also say around the hairline but maybe that's just me), the highlighter on the upper cheekbone and down the centre of the nose and the blush on the apples of the cheeks and temples.

The quality of each of these is perfect. The bronzer is matte, as any bronzer used for contouring should be. It's silky to the touch and applies evenly and thanks to how well it blends it avoids looking "muddy" has some matte bronzers tend to.

The highlighter is decent enough, I have nothing to rave about but it applies well and does it's job without looking too glittery or anything. Then we come to the blush, oh my! Anything thats pink with a gold shimmer is good in my books so I'm so glad that this lived up to my expectations, it looks beautiful!!!! As I said above I wouldn't ever wear this in the daytime but it makes your skin GLOW! Not in an over the top kind of way but just in a beautiful "why yes I do have perfect and healthy skin" kind of way. I actually cannot wait to go on a night out just to wear this! Here's a few pictures of my results, again beginner to contouring and I'm far from a make-up artist so imagine what someone with talent could do with this beaut of a palette!

Sorry for the two posts in one night but this just had me super excited!

Superdrug Mini Haul

Woohoo it's the weekend!!!

Actually, I'm ill and back to work on Monday so my bed and Netflix is about as exciting as it will get for me. I do however have a few little treats to play with on my lazy Sunday off tomorrow. My pay came a couple of days early so as soon as work was over I was off to Superdrug.

This is how bad I am for my little Superdrug trips during and after work, I went in there and two out of the three staff working said to me "it's been over a week since we've seen you, I'm guessing todays payday". I felt kind of special haha!

Anyway onto the post, there's nothing amazing just a few bits I'd been wanting

I have naturally wavy hair which I very rarely wear down without straightening it, the problem is I don't want to cause too much damage with too much heat styling but think my hair just doesn't look styled enough when worn natural. I'd heard a few good things about various sea salt sprays and so here it is Schwarzkopf got2b Mermaid Look Texturizing Salt Spray. Now I've never tried a salt spray before and I can't even lie, being the little weirdo that I am I got this because it said mermaid look and who wouldn't want to look like a mermaid? I'll no doubt review this product in the next couple of days so wish me luck!

Yet another hair product to hopefully help with my new salt spray, Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly shampoo and conditioner. Herbal Essences never let me down and I'm hoping this won't be any different, I already know this much; it smells GORGEOUS!

Hands up, who's the last beauty blogger on the whole of planet Earth to try out Maybellines Baby Lips? Oh right, that would be me! It was there, right next to the till, and before I knew it two of them were in my hands. Damn Superdrug and their impulse buys and damn me for being sucked in by it. I'm sure from the reviews I'm not gonna be disappointed by it though, I picked up Pink Punch and Mint Fresh.

Last but not least, another blogger favourite that I am ridiculously excited to try! I present to you Sleek Face Contour Kit, in Light for my pale self. Very excited I might even try this tonight.

That's all for now, I'll no doubt be here in no time with a review for a couple of these purchases. Hope everyone has an amazing weekend, and hopefully yours is a little bit more exciting than mine :)

Thrifty Thursday: Calvin Klein Tempting Glimmer Sheer Creme Eyeshadow

Evening my loves!

So it's 4 days until payday. Monday seems so long away. As always though I've been getting slight beauty withdrawals, I found myself aimlessly wandering around Superdrug picking out things that I'll be buying come payday. To ease the symptoms I made a little trip to the good old pound shop today. It's cheap and cheerful and at least I'd be able to find something new to try.

And here was my purchase; Calvin Klein Tempting Glimmer Sheer Creme Eyeshadow in Vinyl Black. Being Calvin Klein the packaging is as sleek and simple as you'd expect, nothing special for people like me who like something a bit different but very pretty nonetheless

The description I've found for this is as follows: "Single creamy, velvety eye shadow Offers high shine, high impact color Lightweight & extra-smooth finish No creasing or fading for long wear."

First of all the colour of this is great, it is sheer but it's so buildable if you wanted that super black colour. What I like about this is that you can basically create a smokey eye with just the one shade by building the colour in the corners and blending inwards

(Top to bottom: with flash, without flash)

This colour would definitely go a lot darker than I had it but having light eyes I'm not a fan of anything too dark but if that's the look you wanted this product would work. As you can see in the above pictures, this has settled into the crease of my eye but this was after a couple of hours wear and without a primer and it really isn't as obvious as it seems in the second picture.

Overall I'd say it's a pretty good product, I don't often go for a smokey eye but I'll definitely be reaching for this when I do.

So that's my fix for now, now it's just time to count down the days til the new Barry M launch in stores!

Have you had any bargain finds lately?                                   

Sleepless Style Post: The Skirt Edition

Who's awake?

So even with a very long week at work and a very early start tomorrow I still can't sleep. When I can't sleep; I shop! Tonight I started out looking for a Christmas Party outfit. I fully realise we've only just left Summer behind but what can I say, I like to be prepared. A quick look shows that retailers aren't quite as excited about Christmas as I am and so there's nothing that quite fits the bill just yet. That said I did come across a few nice finds that I'd like to share with you all.

First up we have some particularly colourful midi skirts from River Island, I fell in love with every single one and they're now there in my favourites waiting for payday!

First up we have this gorgeous fuschia skirt with black wet look geo pattern (£25.00), I'm a sucker for pink and I'm a sucker for wet look/leather so this was basically made for me. Then this beautiful royal blue beaded number (£28.00), beautiful colour (I already have my Barry M Blue Grape polish picked out to match this) and beautiful beading. And lastly we have this psychedelic kaleidoscope print skirt (£22.00), how amazing are the colours on this skirt?? 

I also checked out missguided.co.uk and found a few little gems (little being the word, I do love me a super short mini)

First I fell in love with the colour, then with the asymmetric wrap design, this asymmetric zip detail mini (£12.99) is perfect for a night out. As for this sparkly pink number (£24.99) I fell in love with this because who wouldn't wanna rock a skirt that would make a Disney Princess jealous! And another asymmetric zip detail skirt but this time in burgundy PU (£19.99), this with a plain white tee is the most perfect Autumn outfit and I cannot wait to order it!

Thats it for now, time to try get some sleep. Do you have any skirt finds to share?

Where to buy:

Pink Wet Look Graphic Print Pencil Skirt

Blue Floral Beaded Pencil Skirt

Orange Kaleidoscope Printed Tube Skirt

Ernestina Zip Detail Asymmetric Mini Skirt In Deep Green

Bailarina Sequin Skater Skirt In Blush

Taqara Zip Detail Mini Skirt In Burgundy