Monthly Archives

April 2014

Make-up

W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder Review

April 18, 2014
W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder

W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face PowderW7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder

 

 

W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder

 

Benefit style box powders at a fraction of the price? Yes please! Despite the fact I’ve been raving about Benefit’s Dallas (reviewed here) for a while, I couldn’t resist this cheeky little treat when I saw it. As a pale-faced lady I’ve really struggled with the idea of bronzer for a long time, I instantly associate it with orange trendy types and dismissed it as a part of my routine until very recently when I discovered the glory that is contouring.

This is such a great contour bronzer for pale skin. It has a matte finish and is definitely more of a warm brown tone than anything close to unsavoury orange. It has a good build-able pigmentation and surprisingly great lasting power. The fact that it is so matte really makes this a must have for me, as almost all bronzers have at least a little shimmer to them making them less than ideal for using for contour.

W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder Review

I definitely never want to use bronzer as an all over face product (too much of a dirty goff to want to look even slightly sunkissed!) but if you do like the healthy glow look, used sparingly this gives a suitable tone without the tell-tale all over shimmer.

The little brush is no better than it’s Benefit counterpart, but at least is synthetic! I’d personally rather stick to a “proper” face brush, but if you had no alternative it would suffice.

Available  for only £2.95 from FragranceDirect.co.uk.

Totally hellbent for finally finding a cheap matte bronzer

– Gem

News

Get three Ciate Paint Pots for £1 with Sun+!

April 17, 2014

Have you seen this amazing offer from Sun+? You can pick up three Ciaté paint pot nail varnishes in Paparazzi, Knickerbockerglory and Butterscotch for absolutely free when you sign up for the £1 month trial to Sun+.

The set of three is worth £27 so it’s quite a saving, and a great chance to try an amazing nail brand out if you haven’t had the chance yet (or add to your collection!).

Just follow this link to www.thesun.co.uk and follow the directions to sign up.

Totally hellbent for stumbling across such an awesome offer!

Gem & Pants

 

Fragrance

Avon Pur Blanca EDT Perfume Set Review

April 17, 2014
Avon Pur Blanca

Avon Pur Blanca

 

When it comes to perfume I’m usually drawn to the more outspoken and sweet fragrances, and especially those with bright and beautiful bottles. Pur Blanca goes against everything I would normally choose; it’s clean light and simple and the bottle is very plain. Still somehow I’ve come to be quite fond of Pur Blanca and have made a sizeable dent in it already!

I’d agree with the official description of  “A delicate blend of pure white freesia and ylang ylang over peony, rose and waterlily”, though sometimes I find it leans heavily towards rose above the other ingredients.

Avon Pur Blanca

I purchased this set as it was on special offer, and for the price of the perfume alone I also received a body spray, roll on deodorant (?!) and body cream. I do think it’s a bit strange to include a roll-on in a perfume set and unfortunately the deodorant is pretty rubbish at it’s job.  The body spray and moisturiser however are essential as the biggest downside of Pur Blanca is it’s staying power.  The EDT itself doesn’t last longer than a few hours, but layering the scent gives you a little longer – three to four maximum though.

If you’re after something clean smelling with no frills then I’d definitely suggest checking this out! It’s one of the older more stable Avon fragrances so you can find it in practically every brochure! If you happen to pick an unlucky month or don’t have a local Avon representative you can order it from the Avon website for £11 (however the deodorant, body spray and moisture lotion are not included!)

Totally hellbent for something a little more toned down once in a while

– Gem

 

Tags

The “Getting to know me” Tag!

April 16, 2014

tag

We were tagged by the lovely @Aimeebelle86 from aimeebelle.weebly.com for 20 quick questions to help you get to know a bit more about us!

We’ve tagged

@secretgirlwants  from www.plumptuouspretty.blogspot.co.uk

@LazyDaysBeauty from www.lazydaysbeauty.com

@Twinkleboots1  from www.twinkleboots.ca

@MishMreow from www.mishmreow.blogspot.co.uk

@CardiganJezebel from www.cardiganjezebel.com

Go follow these lovely ladies on twitter and check out their blogs!

 

Question 1 ~ Flats or Heels?:

I’d like to say heels but I’m definitely more of a flats girl! Boots, sandals and trainers!

I like to look at heels – does that count? Unfortunately, due to my utter rubbish inner girl, I can’t walk in heels, thus will always opt for the sensible flat, a pair of army boots, flip flops or trainers!

Question 2 ~ What’s Your Fave Nail Polish Brand?:

I can only pick one?! Aghhh! It will have to be a tie between O.P.I and Avon Speed Dry

At the moment (subject to change I’m sure) it’s probably a toss up between O.P.I and Ciaté – I blame the cute bows

Question 3 ~ Top 5 Movies Of All Time?:

Almost Famous, Dogma, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Scarface and The Producers

Oh noes – I’ve always been more of a series fanatic than a movies one but here goes – The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Bulletproof, Wayne’s World, Detroit Rock City and Fight Club (obviously because of the mental health reference!)

Question 4 ~ Fave Male and Female Singer?:

Russell Allan and Floor Janson

Definitely Russell Allen and Tom Englund – as far as female singers go, I’ve never really been a fan of any until Floor Jansen came along, so I’d probably side with Gem on this one.

Question 5 ~ If You Could Take Only 3 Make Up Products To a Desert Island what would they be?:

Concealer, mascara and cream blusher so I can cheat and use it on my lips too!

Compressed Powder, Mascara and some sort of cheek & lip stain (multi-tasking)

Question 6 ~ What’s Your Fave Disney Movie?:

Beauty and the Beast

Since Gemma keeps stealing -all- the good answers – I’m going to mix this up a bit and go for Sleeping Beauty it must be the pink/blue theme they had going on.

Question 7 ~ What’s your Fave High End Make Up Brand?:

Anyone who has been on a night out with me will know that I never shut up about my Dior lipgloss!

I’m going to have to go for Nars – I lust after a lot of their stuff!

Question 8 ~ What’s your Fave Drug Store Make Up Brand?:

Sleek

I guess I’ll be the one that goes for MUA or Collection then!

Question 9 ~ Describe yourself in 5 words?:

Boisterous, noisy, loyal, excitable and optimistic!

Sarcastic, thoughtful, creative, laid back and organised.

Question 10 ~ Shower or Bubblebath?:

I don’t even have a bath! I took mine out to make room for the double shower ;)

Shower – I absolutely loathe baths!

Question 11 ~ Which 3 Products are on your Wishlist that you would love to try?:

I’ve just posted a wishlist here but if I could only pick three it would be 

Urban Decay Electric Palette [Link] | Sleek Blush in Rose Gold – [Link] | Sleek Garden Of Eden palette – [Link]

Urban Decay Naked 3 (it’s been on there for a while and I can’ justify -another- nude palette yet), I really want to try out the Sleek Face Form palette for contouring and the Illamasqua “I’m the one” collection – obviously because of all that red!

Question 12 ~ What’s your Fave body cream?:

 Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

*Raises an eyebrow in Gemma’s direction* “Get out of my brain!” I’ll choose my second favourite which is The Body Shop’s Honeymania Body Butter.

Question 13 ~ Who Is your Fave Actress and Actor?:

 Such a hard choice! Today’s picks can be Meryl Streep and Ian Mckellen

I don’t have one – I’m not going to lie and make some up!

Question 14 ~ Your no1 Female Role Model and Why?:

I’m going to have to fangirl and say Floor Jansen again, she’s a strong and respected female musician in a genre heavily dominated by men who never once lets herself be judged for her sex rather than talent. 

My role models include both of my dads, in their own ways they taught me how to behave properly! (BTW they aren’t in a relationship, I was just blessed with an awesome Step-Dad as well as a Dad) but my number 1 role model is definitely Gemma – I have very few female friends, but Gemma taught me how to be confident and love myself and she also showed me that there are other people in the world (i.e her) who put their friends first and foremost and would do absolutely anything to make them happy and share the same morals as me.

Question 15 ~ Who Are Your Top 5 Fashion/Glamour Icons?:

Dita Von Tease, Simone Simmons, Sharon Ehman of Toxic Vision er..this is hard, can I pick Amie? 

I really don’t have 5! Definitely Dita Von Teese, Immodesty Blaize and more recently I’ve been obsessing over Floor Jansen’s stage wear for some ideas! If Gemma get’s to pick me, can I also pick her?

Question 16 ~ What’s your Fave Chocolate?:

 Milka Dime! 

(Daim to those people born in the noughties!) I have a definite soft spot for Galaxy chocolate – it reminds me of my cousin Lucy who introduced me to it when I was a very small child.

Question 17 ~ Do you wear Fake Tan?, If So, what’s your Fave Brand?:

Never, orange is not for me. 

I don’t think I have ever worn fake tan and doubt I ever will – pale all the way!

Question 18 ~ What’s your Fave TV programme at the moment?:

Vikings. I watch it with my long distance boyfriend and it’s driving me mad that I have to wait for my next trip to see him to catch up with the new episodes!

I’m hoping that Vikings will become my new favourite TV programme – I’m not much of a TV enthusiast so I need something to take over my current Game of Thrones watching marathon, which mostly makes me angry having read all of the books and seeing all the plot changes!

Question 19 ~ What’s your Fave Shampoo & Conditioner range?:

I live by Aussie for conditioner but I’ve never much been fussed with my choice of shampoo.

Like Gem, Aussie  is  a regular comer to my Conditioning regime, but I like to mix it up a bit with Trevor Sorbie – I’m not overly fussed with Shampoo since I try and avoid using this often because it ruins my bright red hair!

Question 20 ~ What’s your Fave Deodrant?:

Whatever I happen to have bought, can’t say I’ve found a deodorant to get excited about yet!

It’s usually Sure roll on deodorant since I find it hard to get on with pressurised cans, however one of my Dad’s bought me two Sure spray deodorants at Christmas as part of his “smelly collection” (which I thrive of) and I’ve actually really enjoyed them!

 

Have a tag you’d like to see us do? Get in touch on twitter at @HBFL!

Totally hellbent for getting to know everyone else too

Gem & Pants

Beauty Boxes

Glossybox April 2014

April 15, 2014

glossybox-april-14-main

glossybox-april-14-contents

Gem actually received her Glossybox yesterday, but mine ended up at the post office instead since I’d spent the morning at the gym and there was no one to open the door to the postman. On collecting it today though, I’m pretty pleased with the contents – even if I did sneak a peek at Gem’s yesterday.

Whats in the box?

glossybox-april-14-emite

Emite Make Up – Lip Brush – L312 (£17)

I’ve been thinking of buying a high end lip brush for a little while now so this has come at just the right time! The brush is also synthetic which means it’s safe for Gem and I to use. It’s slanted and a good size as well which will make application much easier than some of the smaller lip brushes I’ve used in the past. Well done to Glossybox for bring this one out of the bag (or should I say box?)

Visit the emite website 

glossybox-april-14-monuspa

MONU Spa – Warming Ginger Massage & Body Oil – 30ml sample (£25 for 100ml)

I love receiving massage and body oil samples, not only can I convince the other half into giving me a lovely back rub, it’s also a step up from your “Ann Summers Love Oil” so it’s great for your skin! This oil smells absolutely gorgeous and I’m a big fan of ginger at the moment. If this is anything like their other products, I’m sure I’ll be hooked.

Visit the MONU website

glossybox-april-14-mememe

MeMeMe Cosmetics – Beat the blues Pearl Pink – Full size product receied (£5.50 for 12ml)

This looks similar to Benefit’s High Beam which is a huge essential in my everyday (and not so everyday) make-up regime. In terms of application, it looks quite nice with a subtle highlight, whereas the Benefit High Beam has more of a shimmer. I quite like the end result of this for a more toned down look, the only thing I don’t like is the brush applicator it comes with – it’s quite hard and I can imagine using it on my face will irritate me a little. Not to worry though, that’s what fingers are for right? I’m definitely going to get some use out of this, especially since it will prolong the longevity of my Benefit High Beam!

Vist the MeMeMe website

glossybox-april-14-tresemme

TRESemmé – Instant Refresh Cleansing Dry Shampoo – 100ml sample (£4.99 for 200ml)

I do enjoy a good dry Shampoo – since I try to avoid washing my hair more than once a week to keep my colour for longer, I’m often reaching for one of these to refresh my locks mid-wash. I’ve not tried the TRESemmé one before so this is a welcome treat. It smells quite fruity and applies like most dry shampoos. It seems a little pricey at £4.99 for the full 200ml can, but time will tell whether I like this enough to buy it over my current cheaper Superdrug own brand or Batiste.

Visit the TRESemmé website

glossybox-april-14-sun-sense

SunSense UK – Daily Face SPF 50+ – 10g sample (£20.99 for 75g)

Gem was incredible annoyed when she found out I got this in my box. She ended up with some awful tanning product which I was also expecting, but was pleasantly surprised when I received this treat. It’s slightly tinted and has SPF 50+ which is perfect! Gem and I are always on the look out for face products with a high SPF and I know this is going to be just perfect for festival season. Unfortunately the tube has one of those annoying “tabs” instead of an actual cap, so I haven’t opened it, but come the festival season, I’ll be decanting this into one of my many many empties and hoping it helps me avoid the usually inevitable “dreaded-orange-face” over the summer – as well as protecting me from the Sun of course. If it passes the test of the holy Wacken lands at it’s hottest, I’ll definitely be purchasing some more.

Visit the Crawford Health Care website

glossybox-april-14-greenandblacks

Extra Treat!

Like Gemma, it seems I too have been subscribing to Glossybox for over a year, I received this cute Green & Blacks Dark Chocolate as a thank you. I’m no stranger to these mini chocolate bars since Birchbox often dish them out and I think they are most splendid! Just enough chocolate to satisfy your taste buds with minimal feelings of guilt – perfect.

If you want to get your hands on a Glossybox, you can subscribe here for just for £10 (+ P&P) per month. 

Totally hellbent for SPF 50+ samples!

-Pants

 

 

Make-up, Tip Tuesday

Tip Tuesday – Avoiding Mascara on Your Eyelid During Application

April 15, 2014

Tip Tuesday Mascara Application

Do you ever apply your mascara, and as as you look upwards for that final sweep of your bottom lash thinking you have completed  your look, you peek in the mirror to see you have in fact managed to cover your upper eyelid in mascara since your top lashes weren’t quite dry?

Well to keep today’s Tip short and sweet, apply mascara to your bottom lash first! Honestly, I’ve been applying my mascara this way for years, such a simple change but I’ve never smudged it, or ended up with an eyelid full of mascara since. Give it a go and see what you think.

If you have any suggestions for tips you’d like to read about, let us know in the comments below!

Totally hellbent for perfect mascara application every time

-Pants

Make-up

A haul full of bargains!

April 15, 2014

Hellbent for Lipstick Haul

 

I’m always one for a bargain but I think I got some real steals in this haul!

As always this wasn’t planned…I was just going to look! Then suddenly I remembered I had a boots gift voucher and it all got a bit..out of hand. No regrets though as I already love everything I picked up!

 

IMG_8971

My story starts in Superdrug as I decided this would be the day I finally fulfilled my long desire for Sleek’s Rose Gold blusher. Handily enough the Sleek counter faces the MUA counter so it was a no-brainer that I’d turn around and pick something up. I settled on the MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Laquer in Reckless as Amie loves hers in Atomic (reviewed here) and it’s the only thing she’d found that can survive an hour under stage lights!

 

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My next stop was Boots, and how glad was I to have saved my gift voucher from my birthday haul when I spotted the Sanctuary Illumination Moisture Lotion and Soap and Glory CC Superfluid and Sit Tight Intense XS in the clearance section! I also took a swing by the Bourjois counter where I found the light Delice de Poudre (which I’ve been looking for for ages!) and powder blush in 41 Healthy Mix.

 

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I can’t resist the bargains in Poundland, and so picked up a Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colour in Silver Elements, Nail Rock Nail Caviar in Acid Caviar and Mars some Deep Heat and Deep Freeze style sprays as I pulled a muscle in my Body Combat class earlier in the day (owie!), a Love Hearts scented candle in Very Vanilla and some bright blue face cloths for my gym bag.

 

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My final stop was Bodycare where I found my favourite nail varnish remover – Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover – for half it’s usual price and then did a little happy dance as the Technic Electric palette was back in stock!

The best part of all was that (with my £25 boots voucher which covered all the purchases there AND gave me some change!) was that all this came to only £21!

Totally hellbent for all the shinies at a fraction of the cost!

– Gem

Most Wanted

April Most Wanted

April 14, 2014

April most wanted

 

1. Urban Decay Electric Palette – [Link]

I love my Naked palette but I’m a brights girl at heart, I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews for this and so it’s now on my OMGINEEDTHISINMYLIFE list. I think UD palettes are well worth the investment, and though I was considering another Naked I think I’ll be far more likely to pick this up instead!

2. Katy Perry Oh So Sheer – [Link]

Katy Perry Killer Queen is still my favourite fragrance, but I do quite fancy this lighter variant for less in-your-face-perfume moments. Plus the purple is ever so pretty!

3. Vegan New Rocks – [Link]

I feel the time is soon to indulge my life-long want for New Rocks without the need for killing any cows. Yes they’re pretty pricey (and more expensive than the leather versions…tsk!) but none-the-less they will get me through many a muddy festival ground and keep me from falling over when I windmill on stage.

4. Sleek Blush in Rose Gold – [Link]

I have issues with how much I want this blusher, yet I never seem to pick it up when I pop to Superdrug. This is the month. Now is the time. Rose gold…you will be mine.

5. Manowar Earings  – [Link]

I love Manowar, I love jewellery. I kind of hoped they would be made of 100% PURE STEEL, but alas they are silver.

6. Sleek Garden Of Eden palette – [Link]

After I fell in love with my Sleek Au Naturel Palette (review and swatches here), I knew it wouldn’t be long till I was after my next fix of delicious and creamy (but easy on the pocket!) eyeshadows, this one has been doing the rounds on my favourite blogs and all the lovely swatches have convinced me that it should be my next choice!

A good mix of delicious desirables to do some serious purse damage this month! What are you lusting after after the moment?

Totally hellbent for wanting ALL OF THE THINGS RIGHT NOW

– Gem

Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Vegan Banana Flapjack Recipe

April 14, 2014

banana-flapjacks
I came back from my week away to Scotland to a fruit bowl full of blackened squidgy bananas – the only way to resolve this, was to use them in some baking! This is a Vegan recipe, great for using up old bananas, or if you aren’t a banana fan, you can leave them out completely and add a few more oats or dried fruit. This recipe also features my newly acquired Coconom Coconut Sugar from The Vegan Kind box number 6! Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups of porridge oats (approximately 180 grams) (I used just over 1 cup – If you want gooey flapjacks, use less Oats, but remember if you add more oats, this will bump up the nutritional values)
  • 1/2 cup of Soya Spread (approximately 125 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon honey ( swap this for golden syrup or equivalnt for Vegan flapjacks)
  • 4 tablespoons golden syrup ( alternatively you can just use honey)
  • 1 over ripened, squidgy banana you would like to save (mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons Coconom Coconut Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla essence
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

Nutritional Information: If like me you like to know the calories and other info for everything, here is a rough estimation of the
Nutritional Values:
Calories: 113
Fat: 9.4g
Saturated: 2.2g
Sodium 52.8mg
Carbs: 6.7g
Sugars: 3.5g
Proten: 0.6g
Iron: 1.1%

Method:

banana-flapjack-sugar Preheat the oven to approximately 180 degrees or Gas Mark 4/5. In a saucepan, add the Soya Spread, Syrup, Honey, Sugar, Vanilla Essence and Cinammon. Heat gently until the Soya Spread and Sugar has melted. banana-flapjack-add-oats Turn off the head and add your mashed banana and oats to the pan. banana-flapjack-mixture   Mix the banana and oats thoroughly into your saucepan. banana-flapjack-tray Spread the mixture onto a lined baking tray and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. banana-flapjack-serveOnce browned, remove from the Oven and cut into slices – I’ve sliced mine up into 15 mini gooey chunks, which is what the Nutritional guidance is based on. Allow to cool or eat them whilst warm! This is a great easy recipe that can be adapted to include lots of different fruit, perfect for nibbling on and great as a basic mix to make some naughtier breakfast flapjacks. I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and if you’ve tried it yourself I’d love to see some pictures and see your comments below!

Totally hellbent for using up all my soggy bananas

-Pants

Candles

Sunday Scents: Yankee Candle Simply Home in Vanilla Frosting

April 13, 2014
Yankee Candle Simply Home in Vanilla Frosting

Yankee Candle Simply Home in Vanilla Frosting

 

Hello and welcome to the first of many Sunday Scents!

Who doesn’t love a good scented candle? I’m pretty obsessed with them, and sweet vanilla scents are my biggest weakness!

Yankee candles are a little on the pricey side usually but I spotted them in my local Asda at around half the usual cost. The whole line there is branded as Yankee Candle Simply Home and there are some slight differences between the standard candles as described on the official website –

Inspired by the simple pleasures of home and family, Simply Home by Yankee Candle is a range of home fragrance designed with both style and value in mind. Simply Home is created with the same wax and to the same high standards as Yankee Candle Classics (Housewarmer), but with a different complexity of fragrance, and in colours that perfectly complement your home décor. 

So there you have it, the difference should be minimal with only a less complex scent to show for your savings. I picked up the  49g Vanilla Frosting Wrapped Votive Sampler for only £1 and with the full  size at only £13.00 I will definitely be making a return trip to the home-wares aisle!

The burn time of the sampler size is around 15 hours so you get plenty out of your £1 investment! I think this is a great way to try out all the different scents (I know I plan to!)

So onto the part where I actually talk about this particular candle – it is absolutely delicious! A rich and thick sweet scent that reminds me of baking. It’s quite a creamy smell and could be a bit sickly if you aren’t particularly into sweet scents. It takes a little while to get going but once a pool of wax has formed on the top it really fills the room with a mouthwatering sugary smell.

I’ve tried many many vanilla scented candles, but this is definitely my number one favourite and I can’t wait to get my hands on the full size jar!

Find in-store or order on-line at Asda.com

Have you tried any of the Yankee Candle Simply Home range?

Totally hellbent for sickly sweet treats that contain zero calories!

– Gem