June Favourites

Hello lovelies,

The end of the month has rolled around once again, how quick is this year going?! I've only got a few products to show you, there hasn't really been much that I've been like wow... I can't wait to tell you about that. I finally settled on five products from my stash that I've been enjoying for a long time or rediscovered this month.

Soap & Glory Cheekmate - £8

I already reviewed this earlier, so won't go into too much detail but it  really adds a beautiful natural looking flush of colour. And it stays put all day.. Review - here.

Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask - £16.20

I've really been getting into face masks recently, I've had a terrible breakout on my chin and this seems to calm my skin and reduce some of the redness. It's designed for oily/combination skin, so suits me perfectly and doesn't dry out my skin. 

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara - £9.35

I really love this! I've been using it for the past 4-5 months and at first I wasn't keen. I found it clumped my lashes together but after the formula had dried out a bit, my love affair began. I have long lashes to start with but this gives them an extra boost, length and volume wise. It might not be everyone's cuppa tea, it can sometimes leave your lashes a little bit spidery but I quite like that look.

Tresemme Liquid Gold Perfecting Treatment - £6.99

I'm on to my second bottle of this now, I went through a phase where I completely stopped using this, it just wasn't doing anything for me. I started using this again by rubbing a pump full through wet hair before I dry it. It has helped with split ends and leaves my hair silky soft. This is argan oil infused, I don't know how much percentage wise but I think it's a cheaper alternative to say Moroccan Oil or similar products on the market.

Barry M High Shine Gel Finish Nail Polish in Prickly Pear - £3.99

These nail polishes have been so hugely hyped in the blogger World and I just love them too. They're cheap, thier finish is divine and they hardly chip. I really like the range of colours and have a few to pick from but Prickly Pear has to be my favourite, the colour is perfect for summer.

What have you been loving this month?

Empties /1

Hello lovelies,

Hope you are all having a great weekend! I've been at work all week so making the most of a chance to rest. Today I've got a post on my empties for this month, I don't have one for ages and then they come along like buses. I wasn't sure whether to do this post or not but I thought it would allow me to show you what I have been using and items that I would or wouldn't buy again.

These are just going to be mini reviews but if you would like a full review on any product, just let me know.

The Body Shop Cucumber Freshening Water

This has an instantly recognisable cucumber scent. which may put some people off but I do love cucumber! This is designed for all skin types and I would say it's no better or worse than any other toner I've used. It's something that I might pop into my basket if I'm running low, for me, it was just an alright product. I've started reading Caroline Hirons blog and she suggests using a toner that has an exfoliating effect, so I'm on the lookout for a high street toner that does the job.

The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask

I've had this for donkey's years and made a real effort to use it up. Unfortunately, it had dried up a bit so I had to throw some away. This should be suited to my skin but I found it a little drying on my forehead, it certainly purged my pores but I think there are other face masks that work better with my skin. Saying that, it's good value and did help clear my skin up, I think I would buy it again if they did a sachet size.

Radox Spa Care Wellbeing Shower Gel

This had a lovely fresh scent and lathered up really well, unfortunately it's no longer available but I'd definitely purchase other Radox washes once my shower gel mountain has decreased.

Organic Surge Eye Gel

Now to be honest, I don't feel like I'm at a point where I really need eye creams and so on but I include one in my routine anyway. This was so cooling and refreshening, I can't say I saw any effect on my under eyes but  it's something that I may pick up again.

Garnier Summerbody Medium to Dark

This only worked for me when topping up my tan, I found starting from my pale self, I ended with build up and streaks. Scent wise, there was none of the biscuit smell but an apricot fragrance, which was fresh. I think I'll stick to Palmer's Gradual Tan.

Can you recommend me an exfoliating toner to try?

Would You Rather? Make Up Edition

Hello lovelies,

Now this tag has been floating around the bloggersphere and I thought it would be a good way of getting to know me!

(Hehe I just love this image)

Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?

Both sound pretty bad but I only really wear eye shadow for special occasions and have nothing expensive, so it would have to be eye shadow and palettes. Without mascara or eyeliner, I just look really young.

Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

I love my hair long but it does grow super fast so I'd rather chop it all off.

Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Oooh this is difficult! Pink for Winter and coral for Summer. Can I say that?

If you had £1000 to spend, Would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

I have lots of make up and I think make up is timeless whereas clothes aren't, they go in and out of fashion. Probably make up but if it included bags, I'd be having a Mulberry, no choice.

Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

Eyeliner as lipstick, you get so many eyeliner colours, and it would only be like using a lip pencil. Could you imagine trying to put lipstick on your lower lash line?

Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Ermmm I have a confession to make, I have never bought anything from either. We don't have a Sephora here and the MAC ladies scare me. There are defintely MAC products that I want to try but Sephora stocks loads of different brands. Sephora wins.

Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?

Easy peasy, eye shadow. I don't wear it often and stick to neutral colours when I do. I think you can really make a statement with a bold lip and love changing them from day to day.

Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?

Summer clothes in Winter as you can layer them up and I love pretty little dresses.

Would you rather dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Bright nails, I don't own many darks, they seem to wash me out.

Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?

Favourite lip product, I have a great mascara but with lip products, there's always another product that's so similar.

Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a pony tail or a messy bun?

Messy bun, I just think I suit them better. And I don't like it when you walk and can feel your pony tail swishing from side to side.

Would you rather never being able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?

Never use lipgloss, I could still use lip balms and lipsticks. I find lipglosses too sticky and my hair constantly glues itself to my lips.

Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all? or sharpie them in everyday?

Sharpie them! I just think anyone would look strange without any form of eyebrow at all.

Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Nail polish, no question. Make up hides a multitude of sins.

Have you done the Would You Rather Tag?

Review: Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning

Hello lovelies,

Now I've always been a bit of a fusspot when it comes to facial tanners. I've seen several people swear that you can just use your body tanner on your face but every time I've tried that, it has either broke me out or it's really patchy and just doesn't look natural at all.

The Clarins Liquid Bronze is my first investment into high-end facial tanners, I find a good facial tanner just helps to even out the complexion and add a light wash of colour, disguising any scarring or blemishes. This is probably the most perfect face tanning concoction you'll ever come across.This never over bronzes but just adds a nice hint of colour, giving a natural finish avoiding the I've been tangoed look!

I just add a drop, about the size of a 10p coin, to a cotton wool pad and just sweep it over my face before bed, adding a nice radiant glow in the morning. If you used this continuously, you'd build up the depth of the colour giving a "I'm just back off holiday look". It's best to avoid the hairline and eyebrows, but I've never found it to create an orange outline. On a plus side, this leaves your skin feeling oh so soft and smells divine. There's none of that biscuity fake tan smell that just lingers.

This is definitely more of a gradual facial tanner rather than instant tanner, which makes it perfect for palies like me as you can reapply to boost the colour.

You may initially think price wise, that's expensive but a little goes a long way, I probably apply this 2-3 times a week and in two months, I've only used a third of the bottle.

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanner 125 ml is available from Escentual for £14.40.

Are there any facial tanners that you would recommend?

Goodbye GFC!

Hello lovelies,

So this is just a very quick techy post. As of July 1st, Google Friend Connect (the smiley faces on the sidebar) will cease to exist, Google has announced this as part of their cleanup initiative. For me, moving over several blogs to a new feed is a bit like mission impossible .

The lovely people at Bloglovin' have got it all sorted. Firstly, click on http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader

This will take you through to this page:

Click on import and it does all the hard work for you.

Rest in peace Google Reader, rest in peace *sob* 

Review: L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer

Hello lovelies,

Hope you've all had a lovely weekend, I spent mine working, boooo :(

I've had the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer for going on six months and picked it up alongside the matching foundation. L'Oreal have been knocking out the designer dupes left, right and centre recently and this is based upon the well loved YSL Touche Eclat. Now I have actually owned the YSL version previously, as one's high end and the other is high street, you're purchasing into a different market. If you would like a follow up post comparing the two, just let me know.

My relationship with under eye concealers has been down a long and well worn rocky road, I want something that will cover my dark purple circles when I inevitably don't get enough sleep as I should do but I find regular concealers can be too cakey and crease. I have only just dipped my toe into the edge of the illuminating concealer pool. I like the light reflecting nature, instead of just concealing, they highlight and awaken the face.

Now I like the YSL version but I'm obviously not about to splash out £25 on a concealer. I think the L'Oreal Lumi hits the nail on the head and has a near perfect formula.

You twist the pen end to dispense and I found it surprisingly easy to control how much. The applicator is a brush but I prefer applying to my fingers and then blending it in. YSL claims to be a highlighter, whereas this is marketed as a concealer, the coverage is slightly heavier but yet it feels light on the skin and doesn't crease throughout the day. It doesn't entirely cover my dark circles on bad days but I think I would need something pretty heavy duty to do, this is more natural looking and doesn't look like you're caked in make up.

(Hopefully you can see the coverage this gives)

Shade wise, I chose 1 Light, which is slightly yellow toned but very brightening under the eyes. This is available also in medium and dark. When swatching medium seemed to correct more rather than illuminate. Oh, and as for the packaging, that scores top marks with me, I adore anything rose gold.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer retails for £8.49.

What have you been up to this weekend? What's your favourite concealer?

June Haul

Hello lovelies,

Now I'm meant to be on a spending ban but as you can see from the title, it's not really working. I think I read so many reviews of different products and then convince myself that I really need them in my life. I have been good to a certain extent, I stopped myself from buying the Latest in Beauty Glamour Box, I showed some online restraint but I work in a large shopping centre so when I get there a bit early, I always end up going for a browse. And it's just so easy to buy when it's right in front of you. I thought you might like to see what I've picked up recently.

I recently found out that one of the girls I work with is an Avon Rep. For those who don't know what Avon is, it's basically a company who sell beauty, health and cosmetic products online and through representatives. Any one can become a representative and sell Avon products through brochures, I think the Reps receive an amount of commission depending on their sales. So having never tried any Avon product, I thought I would just stock up on a few items that I was running out of. I picked up the Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Moroccan Oil is meant to moisturise your hair leaving it smooth and silky but doesn't leave a build up or make it greasy. I really look forward to trying these and seeing if they are any good. I've been using a curl heat protector spray instead of a straightening heat protector, so I was in desperate need for a new one.

MUA Pistachio Ice Cream just jumped out at me, it's a lovely mint green and I know there's been much debate over whether MUA have copied Essie, I think they have with the packaging but it's not going to stop me buying their products and I think they are each aiming at a different market.

I had a No7 voucher burning a hole in my pocket again, every time I get rid of one, they give me another and I can't not use it. I've never used bronzing pearls before, I tend to just stick to a pressed powder bronzer, but I think the colour might be nice for summer.

I also had a voucher for M&S Beauty, so again had to spend it! I've used the primer before and I am really impressed by it. I want to try Benefit Porefessional but this is the second time I've bought it, it's a tiny tube but seems to last ages. I'm wanting to see how well the Autograph Lip Crayon compares with the No7 and the Rimmel Lip Crayons. I picked this up in Apricot, which is a lovely orange coral with a hint of shimmer running through. After trying the Apivita Green Clay Mask, I couldn't wait to pick up another type of mask.

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - £1.70

Avon Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - £1.70

Avon Advance Techniques Heat Protection Styler - £2.25

MUA Nail Polish Pistachio Ice Cream - £1.00

Boots No7 Perfectly Bronzed Bronzing Pearls - £9.95

APIVITA Express Beauty with Apricot Gel 2 x 8ml Sachets - £3.00

Autograph Ultra Shine Twist-Up Lip Colour - £9.50

Autograph Mattifying Primer - £12.00

Have you bought any of these recently? How do you stick to a spending ban?

Tag: How Much is My Face Worth?

Hello lovelies,

So I've seen this tag floating around the bloggersphere and decided to do it myself. This is where you add up all the products that you have used on your face for that day. Obviously, you're not using all the product up in one go but it is just the overall cost of your face. I've decided to leave out my skincare routine and just get straight into the make up.

Face

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in shade 103 True Ivory - £8.99

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Shade 2 Fair - £4.19

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 001 Translucent - £3.99

Seventeen Instant Glow Bronzing Powder in Medium - £4.59

M&S Autograph Pure Colour Powder Blush in Coral - £6.00

Brushes

Japonesque Travel Powder Brush (No longer available) - £30.00

Real Techniques Buffing Brush  (Part of the Core Collection)- £20.99

Eco Tools Bamboo Blush Brush - £7.99

Eyes

Rimmel Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer in 010 Ivory - £5.99

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in 002 Hazel - £2.99

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara in Magnetic Black - £10.99

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Pencil in 001 Black - £3.99

Lips

Boots No.7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Delicate Pink - £9.00

Total - £119.70

That's shocking!

I think the cost of the brushes plays a huge part in that amount. Seeing that amount isn't going to make me change what I buy, I love everything that I use and it does make me feel better about myself. Some of the products have been picked up on offers and it's not like I've spent all that at once. This sounds increasingly like I'm trying to justify it to myself?

How much is your face worth?

Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Body Lotion (Gradual Tanner)

Hello lovelies,

As you probably already know I'm naturally pale, think Casper the Ghost...spot on. I love the look of a tan but just can't be bothered with all the maintenance involved and it quickly becomes expensive. I had been using up a L'Oreal gradual tanner but it left me with build up and streaky marks. Now I had never used any of the Palmer's range before but I had seen good reviews of the Palmer's Gradual Tanner and picked it up.

At this time of the year, as the sun is out, I want a natural looking colour. I'm not brave enough to reveal my pasty legs to the World. I find using an instant tanner, I can go one day from being Casper's twin to looking like I've had a month in Barbados, I wish! 

This product claims to offer a natural looking tan. It's a cream formula which both moisturises and tans, it has quite a thick and creamy consistency but is easy to slather on and the skin quickly absorbs it.

Application wise, I use around about 1 pump for each limb, I apply this using a tanning mitten. I personally find this helps to give better coverage and it stops my hands turning orange. I slap this on in the evening and in the morning, I have a nice subtle hint of colour. What I like about this is that you can build up the colour, so you don't have a dramatic transformation into a bronzed goddess. I tend to use this every couple of nights in place of a regular moisturiser just to maintain the colour. Unlike other gradual tanners, you only need to use this once and the glow starts to show. Looking at the colour of my mitten, the tan is green based, so it gives you more of an olive toned tan rather than orange oompa-lumpa.

I find that the tan fades like a natural tan rather than going patchy, I moisturise everyday and exfoliate every few days, so I'm not sure whether if you just left it, it may turn out differently.

The fragrance might not be for everyone, it does smell strongly of cocoa butter but if you ever used any Palmer's products before, I think it's just their generic fragrance. It does have a slight biscuity fake tan smell to it, which doesn't bother me as I only apply it, go to bed and shower in the morning.

The packaging is really simple with a pump head. My only issue is I'm not so sure how to close the pump without squirting the lotion everywhere. It's not messy to use and you can get the right amount of product out 

This product is fantastic! I don't think I could rave more about it. It's great for fake tan novices or those just wanting a slight hint of colour. I think this may become a staple product in my collection and something that I'll use every summer.

You can purchase it from Feelunique for just £5.09 with free delivery.

What tanning products would you recommend?

NOTD: Leighton Denny Leading Lady/ Maybelline Express Finish Diamonds

Hello lovelies,

When it comes to nails, I either go for bright and in your face or nude and very understated. Currently, I have chosen to embrace the nude trend. I spotted my friend wearing an accent nail and decided to mix it up. I chose Leighton Denny Leading Lady and Maybelline Express Finish Diamonds in Cashmere Diamonds. Both are polishes that I use religiously.

Leighton Denny Leading Lady is really underrated in my opinion, it's a sophisticated pinky nude hue with a subtle grey undertone to it. It's so easy to wear and would especially suit darker skin tones due to its pinky blush colour. I used two coats of polish just to create a stronger colour.

For my accent nail, Cashmere Diamonds is my go-too when I'm not sure what to wear. It's a pink toned metallic gold which works perfectly alongside Leading Lady, again I used two coats. I find these last a good couple of days without a top coat.

Leighton Denny Leading Lady is available from Musthave for £11.00 and Maybelline Express Finish Cashmere Diamonds can be picked up from YuYu Beaute for a teeny £1.50.

Do you go nude or are you a never nude?

Selfridges Sale Picks

Hello lovelies,

Now I'm not usually one for high end, designer goods because let's be honest, I'm a student and don't have the budget. I would love a Mulberry bag, but I can't see that happening any day soon. Whilst shopping in the Trafford Centre in Manchester last week, I noticed Selfridges had a sale on and had a quick browse. Where I live, there isn't a local Selfridges, so I was very wary of making any impulse purchases and then not being able to take the item back on reflection. I ended up looking to their website, just to see what's on offer.

Michael Kors Jet Set Chain Large Shoulder Bag - £157
This is so beautiful. It's such a good price for a good quality leather bag. I spotted this in orange and um-med for way too long and it went out of stock. I really want to splash out on a designer bag but need to decide which one and start to save up.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Eau de Parfum 100ml -£25
I've heard so much about the Taylor Swift perfumes from FleurDeForce and MissBudgetBeauty, both rave over them. I've seen the 50ml bottle retail for more than this price. I may have to place a cheeky order.

Steve Madden Kstudd Studded Suede Pumps - £24
All I can say is I love the colour, I think these would be perfect to pair with a pair of jeans or just to add a pop of colour to a dark outfit.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie Bunny Ipad Case - £25
How cute is this! I don't own an Ipad but if I did, I'd probably have about 30 cases and this would be one of them. It's quirky and it's a bit of fun.

Vivienne Westwood Candy Orb Bracelet - £45
Vivienne Westwood is such an iconic designer, sometimes I look at her designs and think they're a little out there and not something I would personally embrace. This bracelet is simple but embodies her style and design.

Have you picked up any bargains recently?

Review: Bourjois Express Eye Make Up Remover

Hello lovelies,

I've only used one other eye make up remover before. It was a cream based remover from M&S and the day they stopped making it, I was heartbroken. Once I ran out of my stockpile, I was onto looking for a new eye make up remover. I was um-ming and ah-ing, then I was recommended the Bourjois dual phase eye make up remover by a friend so picked it up.

 

Bourjois only make one eye make up remover being this one and in one size. Value wise, I think it's a good price for the amount of product you get, I've been using the bottle I have for the last 4-5 months and I'm only about half way through. The bottle contains two liquids which you have to shake up and down to bind and I'm assuming this creates some sort of chemical reaction. My only issue is that the liquids separate quickly and you find yourself having to shake the bottle again.

The packaging declares the product to be non greasy. I don't know who tested this but it definitely leaves a oily residue. I don't know whether I'm oversensitive to the residue just because I've only just a cream cleanser before that wiped off but it must have some sort of oil in it. It annoys me slightly that they claim the product is non greasy and that one of the liquids must be oil based! Oil is the best agent to remove dirt and make up. I can cope with the greasy residue as I do find the remover effective, it doesn't remove with one wipe, I find I have to hold the cotton wool pad over my eye and then wipe several times. If you use waterproof mascara, this has no problem at getting through it.

I have a slight moan about the packaging, I really don't like it. It's plastic and flimsy plastic for that matter, there's a little knob on the top which you use to open the lid, mine broke off after probably two weeks use. I now have to stick my nail between the lid and the bottle and pull it open. Once it's open, there is a small hole on top where the remover comes out, you have to pop your cotton wool pad on top and turn the bottle over. I have had several spillages as you can't see how much is coming out. Although the bottle is transparent, it doesn't help, you just can't see how much product is coming out.

I hate being negative about a product but I'll finish this and won't be buying it again. I usually get on with Bourjois products but this really disappointed me, it was far too greasy and too much effort!

However, if you are still considering buying it, you can purchase a 500ml bottle for £4.99 from Boots

Can you recommend me a non greasy alternative?

Review: The Body Shop Candle in Jasmine and White Frangipani

Hello lovelies,

I've always adored The Body Shop. I like their ethos and it's always been somewhere I can go and peruse and see what's new. I have often bought body butters and skincare but somehow had never spotted their home fragrance range. I love lighting a candle when I'm having a pamper evening, it just completely changes the ambiance.

I spotted their range of candles online and put in an order, I bought 4 candles but unfortunately two arrived broken. The Body Shop were fantastic, they just sent replacements straight out.

The Body Shop Jasmine and White Frangipani Candle is made from Fair Trade Soya containing essential oils. The candle is both paraffin free and uses an unbleached cotton wick which gives off a gorgeous soft scent. It really carries the fragrance throughout the room as it's burning and when it's not, you catch a waft of scent.

I have to say that all the candles I burn end up tunneling and this one did too. I think in the right hands it would burn properly. I read to avoid tunneling, you must allow the candle to burn for several hours, the pool of melted wax needs to reach the edge of the jar before you blow the candle out. If the melted wax doesn't meet the edge of the jar, it will create a ring around the wick and next time you burn the candle, the wax will only melt as far as the ring and the wick begins to tunnel down the centre of the candle.

I can't find an approximate burning time for these candles but I'm guessing around 20 hours from my use so far. 

I can't wait to try the Aloe and Soft Linen Candle. These candles are available online and in-store from The Body Shop for £10.

Have you tried any of The Body Shop's Candles?

Review: Apivita Express Beauty Green Clay Mask

Hello lovelies,

In the UK, I don't think Apivita are that well known as a brand, so I'll just start by explaining who they are.

Apivita were Greece's first natural skincare brand in 1979 and since then have launched several products and spread across 12 countries. Apivitas' ethos is to be friendly as possible to your skin and the environment. All their products are free from parabens, silicones and propylene glycol (the naughty stuff!).

Now I spotted these in the M&S Beauty Hall, and knew nothing at all about the brand. The sleek packaging 

appealed to me and my skin was being a nightmare so I'd picked up a sachet. The Apivita Express Beauty Green Clay Mask is designed to cleanse the skin as the green clay deeply penetrates the pores removing excess oil and dirt, eliminating and preventing blackheads.

Although I have combination skin, I find clay masks can sometimes be too drying, sucking all the moisture out of the skin. What really sold this to me that unlike other masks, this didn't sting at all, or make my skin feel dry, it went on completely smoothly and had a cooling effect. I left this on for about 20 minutes, it recommends 10 minutes but I never follow instructions.

When I rinsed it off, it came off easily, sometimes you feel like you're scrubbing away at your skin trying to get a mask off which just ends up aggravating your skin rather than calming it. My skin felt smooth and clean, the mask contains aloe, lavender essential oils and wheat proteins which help leave skin smooth and radiant.I can't say after one use that it has helped with blackheads but my skin does look brighter. I think I will continue using this just to see the effects and whether it lives up to its claims.

When you purchase the sachet size, you actually receive two sachets and I would say there is enough for a couple of applications from each. Apivita make a vast range of face masks, so even if you don't have combination skin, one of the others may suit you. 

In the UK, you can pick up Apivita Express Beauty Green Clay Mask from M&S for £3 for the sachets or a 40ml tube for £13. If your store doesn't have a Beauty Hall, you can order it for free delivery to your local store and pick it up.

In the USA, you can pick up 12 sachets for $30 from Sephora  

Have you tried any Apivita products? What would you recommend?

Review: Seventeen Trio Eye Shadows

Hello lovelies,

Now I don't really do eye shadow at all, I just get it wrong and end up looking like the glitter fairy has had a party on my eyelids. I look at people who manage to do amazing smokey eyes and who just have the knack of getting it right, where I do not. It doesn't help that I'm pretty much as blind as a bat and trying to apply something to your eyelid with minimum vision is never going to end up being a masterpiece.

However, I received a voucher through the post from Boots for being an Advantage Card holder, which allowed me to pick up one of these sparkly beauties for £1 which is pretty darn good considering the usual price tag is £5.49. After having a good play round, I opted for the trio of "Metallic Toffee" which is a selection of neutral shades. I have blue eyes and golden shades are meant to bring out your eyes supposedly,  the trio is made up of a dark brown, a light gold and a iridescent white. The trios are designed so that the colours all work together.

I have to be honest and say that I wasn't expecting anything much from the trio in terms of pigmentation and staying power. I've used the odd Seventeen product in the past and thought yeah it's alright, that's what I expected. However, this surprised me, from the photos, you can see that the shadows are heavily pigmented and when I applied them to my eyelid, they went on smoothly with little fall-out.

All the shades work really well together. I tend to do a golden smokey eye using the gold as a base, the brown in the upper corner to create some depth. The white works brilliantly on the inner corner as a highlighter opening up the eyes. Using a primer, this trio will last all day.

As for the packaging, it's simple, small and sturdy. It's easy to open and compact enough to pop into a makeup bag whilst giving you a choice of colours.

Without the voucher, I probably would have completely bypassed this. The trio is great for everyday wear but you could use it to create a golden sophisticated smokey eye evening look too. I've got my eye on the "Vengence" trio which appears to be a mixture of copper tones and would look great with green eyes.

Seventeen Trio Eye Shadows are available from Boots for £5.49 and the whole range is currently on buy one get one half price, the perfect time to stock up!

Have any of the trios took your eye?

Five Father's Day Ideas

Hello lovelies,

I know this is a little bit different but the day is quickly looming and I know every year I'm stuck knowing what to buy. This year Father's day is on Sunday 16th June in the UK, After navigating my way through the tonnes and tonnes of suggestions on the good old interweb, I still hit a sticky wicket (a bit of the old cricket language). 

1. Fawlty Towers - Remastered Box Set: £9.62 on Amazon

This Special Edition marks the 30th Anniversary of one of the greatest situation comedies British television 

has ever seen. Every episode of the BAFTA winning sitcom has been fantastically remastered and for the first time ever. This is bound to be a winner among the majority of Dads.

Image: grattan.co.uk

2. Calvin Klein Man EDT 100ml: £19.99 at The Perfume Shop

This was advertised as a very masculine perfume with a woody and spicy scent, yet remains a fresh fragrance with the addition of spearmint.

Image:escentual.com

3. Quick Play LP - USB-Powered Vinyl-to-MP3 Turntable : £39.99 at Maplin

If your Dad is anything like mine, he will have millions of vinyl records that he hardly ever plays. This is a fabulous addition for any music loving father converting records into MP3 format that then can be put on CDs, IPODs etc.

Image: maplin.co.uk

4. Make a picture montage of all the photos you have together.

5. If all else fails, a bottle of whiskey never seems to go a-miss. 

What will you be buying? What will you be doing this Father's Day? I'd like to know down below!