A bit of what I fancy from Next

This is not a sponsored post in any way, nor do I receive any profit from this post. I was merely nosing on the website, spotted a few gems, and I thought I'd share them with my followers (: If I do receive any items to review, or if a post was sponsored, I would put a disclaimer in this post, and add an asterisk (*) to any item(s).

If anyone would like to see a wishlist from any other site, just let me know (:

So, onwards! This is quite an eclectic mix of items, but I adored them as soon as I saw them.

The T-shirt proclaiming 'Couture' has a beaded slogan, and I just thought it would look perfect with jeans, or tucked into a high waisted skirt.

Black Tote Bag just caught my eye, as we all know how well a black bag goes with anything and everything, as I always believe a classic piece will be usable for years.

Book shaped Storage Boxes I will admit, as soon as I saw these, I gasped and just said 'Want'. No second thoughts. I am going to buy these, as how often to you get such kitsch things?

Sparkle Ballet Flats The same reaction to these as the storage boxes above. Aren't they just wonderfully pretty? They seem to princess esc, and I think they'd look perfect with high waisted jeans and a blouse. Gorgeous.

Navy Check Trousers, now, I'm not one for a great deal of pattern, but check and tartan call to me, so it was fruitless to try and resist these wonderfully structured trousers. These with either flats or heels, would be perfect, especially with a floaty top.

Gold and Black Metal Belt is the perfect accessory for a simple outfit, like spicing up a plain black dress, or even a coloured maxi. Teamed with gold jewellery, this is a clear winner.

Pearl and Crystal Bracelet, I'm always partial to a bit of sparkle, so this bracelet is right up my street, especially with the classic pearl twist. This would be such a standout piece with a simple outfit.

What items are you coveting this week? And what are you pairing them with? (:

xx

That glowing moisture boost

When my skin needs a bit of a boost, (you know what i'm talking about) whether its dryness, or just dull looking skin, I find that these four little beauties, sort me right out.

Pond's Hydronourishing Moisturiser has to be one of my favourite products ever. It's a well trusted brand in my family, as my mother uses it, and her mother before her, so when my mum suggested I try Pond's, I was incredibly happy with the results. It's rich and cooling, with a smell that is comforting and gentle. I slather this one when I feel like my skin needs to repair itself overnight after a long and tiring day.

Indeed's Hydraluron hydration serum is a holy grail product within the beauty community, and I can totally understand why. This is a once/twice a week product for me, used after Una Brennan's Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask (whew, that's a mouthful) but I also use it when I need that extra kick of moisture on a dry day, which in this weather (hot one minute, pouring the next) is definitely needed. I don't know how I survived without this products, as it's just so damn good.

Una Brennan Neroli Eye Cream is an everyday occurrence for me, morning and night, but when my under eyes are looking a bit dull and grey, a thicker layer of this really sorts my skin right out.

The Body Shop Facial Massager is a wonderful addition to my pamper routine, as not only does it massage the skin, and bring a nice flush to it as well, I find my skin to be practically glowing the morning after, and even for a few days after. So much so that I get questions about what makeup and skincare I use, because I glow so noticeably, it seems. I also get asked what good news I've received to cause such a glow (engaged? nope. pregnant? nope. what's your secret? good skincare products)

So, these little things make me glow, what gives you that lovely look?

What I wore

Seeing as it's Summertime (British Summertime) it means the weather is very changeable (seriously) and yesterday was no excuse. It was warm, it was cold... I swear it rained at some point. Suede shoes and rain = abort mission, abort. However, it was my grandfather's 81st Birthday Party, complete with chocolate cake, finger sandwiches and numerous balloons, so I thought, why not wear something that can be worn in any weather, in any situation? So, that called for a maxi dress, and not just any one. Rocking three trends at once, ombre, maxi and side slits is this gorgeous dress from Matalan, which is sadly now only available in an orangey red but gorgeous, regardless. It has a tie around the waist, which fastens in order to bring some definition to the waistline, which I find is always a good thing for my figure. The denim jacket is from Next, and has become a staple to throw on over any outfit, just to take the chill off. I find it can be worn with anything, and looks especially lovely with a maxi dress. The creamy pink suede wedges are from Clarks, they were in the sale, and they were like walking on a cloud. They are so comfortable, I wear them around the house, because they're just too damn comfy. I recommend all of Clarks shoes, as they are easily the comfiest shoes I've ever owned. The sunglasses are vintage, and were bought by my mum in the 80's, I believe. I think they were even from Boots... and by damn they're a stylish addition to any outfit. Last but not least, the jewels. The Flamingo necklace is a purchase from the Dorothy Perkins sale and has graced my instagram page many times, the bracelets are a mixture of BHS and H&M.

It was a lovely day, and the outfit was smart, stylish yet free enough for me to be the unofficial camera person for the day. What have you been wearing recently? Any stand out favourites?

xx

Painted faces on Parade

These are a selection of some of my most recent purchases, and I will admit, I am developing a serious lipstick/lip crayon fetish/addiction. But who can blame me? There are some such gorgeous lip products out there, and by goodness, I just want them all!

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail polishes in Watermelon and Blackberry, Limited Edition Yellow. I always adore Barry M nail polishes, the choice of colours are wonderful and last quite well, with a good base and top coat. Watermelon is a forest green, that is more Autumn/Winter and this time of year, but oh well, I always was an Autumn child. The same can be said of Blackberry, which to me seems to be more of a Blueberry, but I think there's already one called that? Anywho, it's a gorgeous, light royal blue that I will be coveting this A/W. What is it with me only purchasing one colour acceptable to Summertime? This is their limited edition yellow and it's perfect for a bit of cheer. The yellow is a light daffodil and screams summertime.

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Raplumpzel according to my Mum, smells like chocolate. The colour is a reddy grape, and surprisingly not sticky for a gloss stick, which I adore, because I am not one for glosses. I think I've lost this one to my mother already, haha, but this has the makings of being one of my go to lip crayons, and I love a good lip crayon. 

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Red Sunrise is such a gorgeous pinky red, pigmented, very glossy and long lasting. The colour is so wonderful, I can't stop looking at it and it lasts for a good three or four hours before application is needed again. I am so impressed with these lip crayons.

Barry M lipstick in 160 Black Cherry is gorgeous, very similar in colour to Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick in 107, but I would say a bit more purple. It's perfect for when you want a dark lip, but I would definitely pale out the lips beforehand, to create a good base, and include a good liner. I've only used it without at the moment, but I am planning a lips/lipstick post, to showcase some swatches. 

Barbara Daly Cream Colour lipstick in Tiger Lily is a wonderful coral red, very soft and creamy, not too bright compared to others in the same colour range, which is why I really like it. Even though it's a red coral, it's still subtle enough to wear everyday, this is from a person who until very recently was a total scaredy cat when it came to bright lip colours.

Bourjois Rouge Edition lipstick in 15 Rouge Podium is another coral red, this one is brighter, and yes, another lip product. Say it with me: Obsessed! They last for a long time, like their different coloured counterparts, and I will say, this formula works for me. It can be a bit cakey if you apply layer after layer, so I do try and apply it with as light a hand as possible. Or Even apply some and then blend it out with my finger. 

Along Came Betty Bow Headband is just so darn cute! I adore it so much! It's perfect to push my hair back off of my face when taking off my makeup, or putting on a face mask. I am just loving it. I feel so retro when wearing it. 

What are your favourite lip products at the moment? Any recent purchases that you're loving?

xx

The Rimmel lipstick edition

On a hot day, yes I said hot... yes I do live in Britain... yes, it is actually happening in an event we call, 'The Great British Summertime' meaning it's boiling today, but will probably rain tomorrow or next week. Anywho, on a hot day, what better thing to do than to try on lipsticks, and who am I adoring right now? Everything Rimmel. 

Trying to find the right pout to show off these wonderful colours was quite difficult, (see image above) but, it's all about the colours, right? Rose Passion is a colour unlike others. It's a pink, coral, red that I bet, would look gorgeous on everyone, and because it's a moisture renew lipstick, no need to apply lip balm beforehand. Kate Moss' 16 is a coral pink, with amazing pigmentation, a perfect summer colour that can be blended, or patted on the lip to give the most gorgeous, natural lip coloured stain. 

Lasting Finish in 016 Heart Breaker is a colour that I just adore. Whenever I wear it I start singing 'Foxy Lady' by Jimi Hendrix. I don't know why, but you feel... well, foxy. I've decided that I'm bringing that word back. It's a deep, but light burgundy purple red that doesn't seem too strong, or too light. Does that make sense? The colour payoff is wonderful and lasts for ages. Kate Moss' 05 is such a glorious pink. It's a darker pink than Rose Passion, but much lighter than Heart Breaker. Like the other Rimmel lipsticks, the payoff is amazing, and it just smells so damn good. I actually want to eat it (I won't). I couldn't be more impressed with these Rimmel lipsticks. 

What are your favourite Rimmel lipsticks? Do you rate Rimmel as high as I do? 

Revlon Colourstay Nail Polish in Porcelain

I really, really wanted to like this. I liked the colour and it's Revlon, so I assumed the formula would be good. The answer was a streaky finish, and a brush i'm not too keen on. Love the colour in the bottle, and on the nails from a distance, but up close it just looked like my nail... after two coats I gave up. It may look amazing on another person, but I don't like it on me. Maybe it'd look better on my toe nails.. We'll have to wait and see, but this was not a good purchase, and something I will not be wearing on my fingernails again, unless someone can persuade me otherwise. 

It's a shame, it looked lovely on my nail colour wheel.

What do you think of the Revlon Colourstay nail polishes? Are they something that you like, formula and colour wise? Let me know (: 

xx

June Favourites

A bit late, I suppose, but better than never ^^ These were my favourites for the whole month of june, and are still quite stellar products, that I will undoubtedly use day after day, month after month.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo has been raved about by numerous beauty bloggers, and whilst I do agree with them, I'll just add my little thoughts on it. It's very drying on the skin, which is brilliant for those, like myself, who have oily/combination skin, I would take a great amount of care to avoid the sensitive skin under the eyes, and to apply a very hydrating moisturiser after it, as I didn't, blissful ignorance, and I developed a patch of dry skin under my right eye, which was not good at all. So yes, moisturise like crazy after using it.

Maxfactor Colour Correcting Cream, is, I will admit, amazing. It's perfect for the evening the skin tone and giving you that, 'Oh yes, I have some fabulous skin' look, which is what I tend to think when I wear it, which is quite often. I do set it with a powder afterwards, mainly the No7 Creme Touch Face Powder which is perfect for a light dusting, as well as getting rid of the shine that eventually turns up on my nose during the day. It can't be helped. I've come to think of my shiny nose as a homing beacon for my family, and my boyfriend, as he likes to point it out when my nose is shiny. Somewhat helpful, somewhat annoying because I have to powder again.

Barbara Daly Concealer comes in at a rather wonderful price of £5 from Tesco, and to be honest, I've always liked the BD range, as my mother often used to tell me of Barbara Daly, and how she used to do the makeup in Vogue etc. So, my first real venture into makeup, was with Barbara Daly, and I find myself going back to her each time I pop into Tesco. The concealer actually reminds me of an old purchase from Benefit, Boi-ing. A possible dupe? Maybe. Shall have to check it out. Anyway, this concealer, is amazing. Covers everything, although it does sit in the creases under the eyes, so probably best to use a lighter one there. I use it on blemishes with my fingers, and I adore it.

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil has been a staple in my makeup bag for goodness knows how long. It's simply the best one i've found, and gives me the right amount of definition. I do recommend it being sharp with a decent point, otherwise brows can look a bit too drawn on, which isn't really my style, but if it works for you, go right ahead (: Quick addition of my Shu Uemera eyelash curlers. How did I ever live without you? Same can be said of the L'Oreal Telascopic mascara in waterproof black. Has to be waterproof, as otherwise, my eyelashes will not get off the floor, even with an amazing eyelash curler. So this double team gives me such amazing lashes that last all day, and make me look wide eyed, which is always a plus.

I am loving cream blushes right now, so the two next additions are by MUA and Bourjois. The Bourjois blush in 02 is the most lovely peachy coral, and considering i've never had a blush that wasn't some variation of the colour pink, I am really loving the glow it gives my skin. The cream blush from MUA in Bittersweet is a perfect bright pink that can be really subtle, or really bright and fun. I love how buildable these colours are, like many others, wonder how I could survive with my daily staple of a cream blush.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon. Hello new favourite lipstick ever. Seriously. High praise, but wow. It's subtle, but pigmented. Balm like, but not too glossy. Long lasting but not drying. I can't express how much I adore it.

What are your June favourites?

Lusting after Miss Selfridge

Miss selfridge
missselfridge.com

Miss selfridge
missselfridge.com

Miss selfridge
missselfridge.com

Miss Selfridge sandals
missselfridge.com

Miss selfridge
missselfridge.com

Miss selfridge
missselfridge.com

Who doesn't like a bit of online shopping, now and again? I've been lusting after so many things recently, that I thought I'd compile the best ones and post them for you to see :) and the gorgeousness above are my picks from Miss Selfridge. What are your MS picks? xx