Gemma – Hellbent for Lipstick

Nails

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colour in Iconic Indigo, Electric Emerald, Red-y Response & Silver Elements

April 20, 2014

Today I want to share with you another amazing Poundland find! Sally Hansen is a brand I absolutely love, and I must have at least thirty different polishes from various lines but I’ve never paid more than £1 for a single one of them! At any time you can find a variety of Sally Hansen polishes in most Poundland stores, and this week I picked up these magnetic nail colours that are so much fun!

I missed out on the trend when it first appeared because I was sure it would be fussy and complicated (but Amie was really into it as you can see from her post here!) but it was the colours that drew me in this time. The great thing about magnetic polishes is that you can wear them without the pattern so you essentially get two looks with each shade. I thought I might just wear these four lovely metallic shades (Iconic Indigo, Electric Emerald, Red-y Response & Silver Elements) as they are, because they swatched so beautifully, but once I had a play with the magnet I knew I was smitten!

The great thing about the Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colours is that the magnet is in the polish lid (though it is removable which makes using it -much- easier!) so there’s no rooting around in your nail polish storage. You simply paint each nail in turn and hold the lid over for a few seconds to get the lovely wavy design. These four polishes all have the same pattern magnet but you can get a wide variety to give different effects.

I’ve been wearing Iconic Indigo for a few days now and there is only minimal chipping at the nail tips, so I think with a good quality top coat you could easily get a few days longer out of them!

If they take your fancy, have a root around your local Poundland or look on Amazon or Ebay!

Totally hellbent for pretty nails at minimal effort

– Gem

Make-up

W7 Honolulu Bronzing Face Powder Review

April 18, 2014

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.

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

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.

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

The “Getting to know me” Tag!

April 16, 2014

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

Make-up

A haul full of bargains!

April 15, 2014

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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

Candles

Sunday Scents: Yankee Candle Simply Home in Vanilla Frosting

April 13, 2014

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

Beauty Boxes

Birchbox April 2014 Review

April 12, 2014

I’m sure the courier who delivers my beauty boxes thinks I’m absolutely mad because I squeal with delight every single time!

I have to say I’m really impressed with this month’s Birchbox on every factor except one – the new delivery box! The outer box was taped shut and I scored the box beneath in my excitement to find the treasure inside! I know it’s only a tiny thing but the usual boxes were just fine! Anyway, tiny side-issue nitpicking aside, this really is a great box, and though it has only one full size product (and one full size lifestyle extra) alongside four sample sizes, I’m really excited about every single product (and how often does that happen?!)

TheBalm Cosmetics – How ‘Bout Them Apples Cheek & Lip Cream in Pie

I love these tiny TheBalm samples as they take up so little space in my make-up bag. This is a multitasking product that can be used both as a cream blush and a lip colour in a gorgeous pinky-red shade. If the quick play I had with this is anything to go by I will be rushing to get the full palette sometime soon! I’m usually more of a powder blush girl but this blended so smoothly into a subtle flush of colour that I could see myself being converted towards the way of the cream blusher!

0.57g Sample

Full palette £26 from Birchbox.co.uk

RMK Make-up Base

When I first spotted this I thought it was another nail polish, but actually it is a make-up base. Not quite a primer (however it does promise to make your foundation last longer!) but a moisturising skin prep. It’s a very lightweight lotion with quite a thin consistency but a quick test on the back of the hand did leave my skin very soft and even. Perhaps something for those days when I’m in a hurry and just want something to throw my foundation on top of!

15ml Sample

Full size £28 for 30ml from Birchbox.co.uk

Colour Club Gala Gems Nail Polish in Breakfast At…

Birchbox sent an email a few weeks ago allowing subscribers to choose which colour of polish they would receive, which was a really nice touch and ensured that no-one got lumbered with a shade they would not wear. I picked this lovely metallic mint green and I’m happy to say it’s even prettier in person that I expected. I don’t really buy into the seasonal nail varnish trends but if you are the sort that does I think this would be great for a pretty spring shade. The swatch above is only one coat, though I’d likely go with two and a top cot on my nails for longevity!

Full Size

Set of four for £15 from Birchbox.co.uk

Laura Mercia Body Butter in Creme Brule

A squeezable body butter? I wasn’t convinced at first (and it is really more of a thick lotion than a butter!) but actually this is very luxurious and left my skin feeling extremely soft. The scent isn’t something I’d pick out myself and it’s quite strong, however I don’t dislike it enough not to use the rest of this up based on how well it moisturises.

30g Sample

Full size £27 from Birchbox.co.uk

Yin Yang Natural Moisturiser

Made with a whole host of natural organic ingredients and a lovely wholesome scent, this moisturiser won me over right away. It’s got quite a citrus smell but not so overwhelming that you wouldn’t want to use it on your face. The consistency is quite light and I think this will make for a lovely day moisturiser (though unfortunately it has no SPF) however I won’t be using it myself as it says that it is not suitable for those with oily skin *sadface*.

10ml Sample

Full size £13.95 for 50ml from Birchbox.co.uk

Propercorn Sweet Coconut & Vanilla

I’ve been snacking on popcorn a lot recently so this was a pleasant surprise! At only 40 calories I didn’t feel even slightly guilty tucking into it and was so surprised at how sweet and flavoursome it was for such a healthy treat! I’m not the biggest fan of coconut but the flavour was very subtle and really you could have told me this was just sweet popcorn and I’d have believed you. Absolutely scrumptious and definitely going on my food shopping list!

Full size

£0.90 from Birchbox.co.uk

Yet another great box from Birchbox! If you like what you’ve seen, you can get your very own monthy box of treats from www.BirchBox.co.uk for £10 & P&P.

Totally hellbent for tiny treats and yummy snacks

– Gem

Facemask Friday

Facemask Friday: Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask Review

April 11, 2014

Today’s facemask is the Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask from Murad, a brand that I’d not heard of before this sample arrived in last month’s Love Me Beauty box. I say sample, but it’s not actually a sample – when you purchase this you receive six of these little sachets, and I’m not entirely sure I like this concept as one of the first things I noticed was that you get way more than you need for one use.

The official description-

Dissolve tired cells and free skin from trapped impurities for a refreshed, revitalised and balanced complexion.

Despite being an exfoliating mask there are no grains or abrasive particles at all, the mask has a clear gel texture and no amount of scrubbing in the world is going to make it buff away dead skin like a conventional exfoliator. It gave a sort of tingly sensation that I imagine could be quite uncomfortable if you have very sensitive skin, but it was mild enough on my own skin which is tough as nails.

Although the Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask doesn’t really “set” like a clay mask it does tighten ever so slightly after around 10 minutes which I always think is a good reminder to go take it off!

It washed off in a matter of moments and I have to say my skin felt amazing! When I got out of the shower and had a peek in the mirror I almost gasped, ,my ruddy greasy skin looked radiant and bright and the effects lasted for a good few days!

I’ve stuck religiously to my Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed (Reviewed here) recently, but I think I might consider buying a box of these for days when I really need a pick me up.

£25 for a box of six sachets from Murad.com

Totally hellbent for being blown away by the results

– Gem