Sunday 14 December 2014

Mini Boots Haul



Recently I've made a trip to boots and bought a few bits and bobs at really reasonable prices that i thought i would share! This is only a mini haul so this post should be short and sweet! 

My main reason for visiting boots was to buy a new BB Cream as i want to go foundation free during work days, working in a stuffy office makes my skin feel terrible so i wanted something light for my skin that would still give it a bit of coverage thats why i went for a matte effect!

Ive recently been using Benefits wonderful 'Gimme Brow' i absolutely love it buuuut i love it so much I've basically used it up straight away so i was hunting around boots for some dare i say it ...cheaper options! C'mon we can't always afford benefit I'm back off to uni soon so i needed to find a purse friendly alternative! So i will be trailing Natural Collections Clear gel mascara and Rimmels Brow this way (both a fraction of benefits price!)

Essie oh essie how you always tempt me... i fell into Essies web and couldn't get free until i purchased this gorgeous and simple varnish i think its  perfect transition colour from summer into autumn! 

Last but not least this is an item I've wanted to try for a while because I've heard such good things, generally you can't go wrong with any real techniques products because they are designed so fabulously! This Complexion Sponge has had great reviews so i want to give it a go, i think it might even be easier than using a brush once I've got the hand of it! 

So thats it a little on each item i thought would be shorter but wasn't oooopsie! 

Have you got any of these items? If so let me know what you think!?
Madge x







2. Rimmel London BB cream (Matte): £6.99 
3. Natural Collection Clear Mascara: £1.99



Sunday 9 November 2014

BIODERMA VS L'OREAL SKIN PERFECTION




Bioderma has always been famous within the beauty industry and used by makeup artists all over the world! I found it whilst in Paris and fell in love, although i have a good stock i know it won't last forever so i wanted to try something out that could be easier to get my hands on! Over the last few years Bioderma Crealine H2O has crept it's way into the press and the blogging community, everyone wants to try the cult French cleansing water, Ive stock up every time I visit France sometimes buying four at a time! It used to be near impossible to get hold of, then i saw eBay started selling it and finally it is available online in the UK as well as in lots stores around London. It's now a staple in my skincare routine, mostly just for my eyes because its great for removing stubborn eyeliner/ mascara and sometimes all over if I've been wearing a lot of makeup. Although it's not too expensive, I wanted to try out a drugstore alternative that is easier to get hold of and even more affordable. 

A micellar water I hear a lot about is the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection, my friend picked one up over summer and recommended it so I picked one up and gave it a go! I found that there was just two reasons why the L'Oreal Skin Perfection isn't as great as the Bioderma Crealine H2O. Unlike the Bioderma that you have to squeeze the water out, this one falls out onto the cotton pad creating a lot of waste and too much product for my liking when using it on my eyes. You really don't need a lot for eyes as they are so sensitive you really don't want to aggravate them! Unlike Bioderma which literally feels/ smells/ looks like water, the Skin Perfection feels slightly oily and leaves a bit of residue on the skin. When using it on my eyes I felt a slight stinging sensation and found it left oily residue under my eyes.


I think its an ok alternative to Bioderma and if you can't get hold of bioderma then give it a whirl! But now it's available on Escentual and in so many pharmacies, I'd 100% recommend trying Bioderma Crealine H2O. Have you tried the L'Oreal alternative? What did you think? Maybe you prefer it!? - Let me know :)



Madge x

Sunday 2 November 2014

October Favourites!


I can't believe it Octobers over! How quick was that, i don't think I'm actually ready for November just yet! Although we are now only a month away from crimbo and my Birthday! Yippie ... Anyway heres a few of this past months favourites for you! 

Although October had a few sunny days it just wasn't enough to keep my skin from returning to its natural milk bottle shade as it always does around winter! So to stop me looking like a snowman i like to top up on a gradual tan and this past month I've been loving he-Shi given to me last year by my housemate i forgot just how good it is! He-Shi Day to Day Gradual Tan will compliment and boost your bronzed glow, Day to Day Gradual Tan is a 3 in 1 self tanner, tan extender and moisturiser. This triple action lotion evens out skin tones, to gradually build a light bronzed complexion. Aaaaand It can also be used to maintain an existing self tan or to top up your colour between self tan applications. 

This winter weather doesn't just effect my skin tone, it also likes to dry my hair out which isn't great! To combat this I've bee n using the wonderful Argan Secret - Miracle 10 Leave In Spray TreatmentThis stuff is amazing it really does deserve its name because it has 10 significant benefits to your hair. It Improves Shine, Strenghens damaged hair, Smooths unruly hair, moisturises all hair types, protects from the Sun and wind, Detangles, prevents split ends, seals in your hair colour, eliminates Frizz, Its Great for swimmers, and it also stops your hair burning when using irons...not to mention it smells GREAT!  Yes i know thats over 10 uses/ reasons to love but don't forget it is a MIRACLE!!

Yankees Black Coconut has been my home fragrance favourite lately! 'Sunset in paradise ... rich coconut, cedarwood and island blossoms promise an evening of luxurious tranquility' is what they at yankee and its so true! I love the scent of coconut and this product really doesn't fail to impress! An overall great scent with no wick needed, Simply place one or two wax tarts in a wax burner and light a unscented tea light below. As the tarts melt, they release their scent and can last for up to 8 hours! 

Essie Urban Jungle, I know this is from their summer collection, but i recently added it to my 'step into autumn with new nails' post! I did it because the colour is so versatile i think it works perfectly for autumn winter too! Its a lovely twist on the usual nude nail and will go with any outfit - overall just fab!

Last but not least my beloved White Musk Smoky Rose from The Body Shop, I'm normally not a massive fan of the musk collection from TBS i feel it reminds me of grannies ...but this cool new edited scent to me feels a lot more sexy and up to date! - never thought id use the words grannie and sexy in the same paragraph (awkward)! Also whats great about this product and many more from TBS is its cruelty free, they use Fair Trade organic alcohol that is handmade from sugar cane by the 200 farmers of the Consorcio Agro-artesanal Dulce Organico (CADO). The body shops trade are helping CADO in its aim to give its members “a chance to fight poverty without losing their traditional way of life or destroying the environment”.  So if the banging scent isn't enough to give it a try then knowing the goodness behind it may be! :)


Im really hoping this next month doesn't go so fast lately i feel year year is going to be over before i know it! - anyone else feel like that!? 
Madge x

Friday 31 October 2014

A little Quickie for your Halloween get togethers!

SO this was meant to be uploaded this morning but I've had a manic day and totally forgot! SOZ :S ....Anyway, I love a good cocktail and wanted to share a few of my festive faves for halloween. If your having a  Halloween themed party this weekend, or want to spice up your pre drinks for tonight this is the post for you! Ive got some ghoulish goodies that will bring a bit of spook to you night with out a doubt!!


Image from Harvey Nichols cocktail masterclass

Vampire's Kiss

Whether you're a classic Dracula fan or fully Team Edward, this garnet-hued blend of raspberry vodka, Chambord and cranberry juice will leave you breathless.
  • Ingredients: 2 ounces raspberry vodka,ounces Chambord raspberry liquor (black raspberry liqueur, ounces cranberry juice
  • Directions:

    1. 1
      Put ice and water in martini glass, to chill. 
    2. 2
      Put all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake the heck out of it!
    3. 3
      Dump ice/water from glass.
    4. 4
      Strain into martini glass and ENJOY!

Black Cat

Combine black vodka and raspberry Chambord to create a sinister swill that'll creep out party-goers in all the right ways. This cocktail is so easy to make and only has two ingredients AND its cat related - total winner in my books! 

  • ounces blavod black vodka, 1/2 ounce Chambord raspberry liquor
  • Directions:

    1. 1
      Combine in a shaker with a cup of ice.
  • 2
    Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.

                                                      Green Goblin

Sweet and fruity, this ghoulish cocktail packs a punch with vodka, rum, Schnapps and sour-apple liqueur. This cocktail is really fun and fruity perfect for everyone...to make it even more spooky why not fill a rubber glove with water, freeze it and then cut away the glove leaving a frozen hand amongst the punch bowl! :D

ounce vodka, ounce coconut rum, ounce peach schnapps, ounce dekuyper sour apple liqueur, 1 ounce prepared sweet-and-sour mix

      1. Directions:


      1
      This ones super easy all you have to do is pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well and pour over ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass. Serve with a lime wedge.


      So there you have it a quickie post of some super cool cocktails to get the Halloween theme going in your household! - any excuse for a cocktail or to ;) 

      I hope you have a freaky Halloween - Madge x

      Monday 27 October 2014

      Urban Decay Vault!


      Urban Decay is releasing the mother of all Naked sets — 'The Naked Vault'. No, that isn't some crazy sex den, although when i first heard the name i did think it sounded a little 50 shades of grey! If you are someone who is a massive UD fan like me, you probably already have  most, if not all of these products individually. And if you're new to Urban Decay and don't own any then why not do it in style and just get it all at the same time! - I know i would if i was a newbie, soooo worth it! 

      So for those that aren't familiar with Urban Decay products il give you a little lowdown. All palettes are the standard full size, the Naked palette has a mix of nudes, bronzes, plums and a bit of grey.Naked 2 is slightly more cooler tones with a few more rusts and silver toned smokey shades and the Naked 3 is rose golds and pink infused shimmers.

      The three duo ended kohl's are the 24/7 pencils which are extremely pigmented and have amazing longevity.The flushed palettes are a mix of blusher, highlighter and bronzer - perfect combo and great to carry in your hand bag! Last but not least are the three lip glosses which are all nude peachy/pink and super glossy.- something that I've not yet bought but love the look of them!


      Image from Pixiwoo

      Image from Pixiwoo

      All of this comes as one complete set and is limited edition for £180.00which sounds crazy for make up BUT If you were to buy all of this individually it would be £255.00 so it's a saving of £75.00! And they really are investment palettes that will last you a life time, if i didn't already own the majority of this i would snap it up! Its the perfect christmas present I'm literally in love with the set!

      These are exclusive to Selfridges and will be gone in no time, Urban Decay have an official waiting list which you can join now by visiting 
      http://www.selfridges.com/content/article/urban-decay-product-notification
      They will be available to purchase online and in store from 1st November meaning  you have just under a week to pinch your pennies for the perfect purchase. - alliteration to the max there!

      Like i said I'm in awe of this, totally besotted and would absolutely love it! But what do you think, is it urban decay overload, or are you as obsessed as i am!? - Let me know!

      Madge x

      Sunday 26 October 2014

      A bit of a personal one...

      Sorry I've been away for a little while! Ive had a few personal things to deal with and my housemate also had my camera for ages haha! Im hoping i will be back to normal from now on so don't despair! Ive been a Debbie downer these past weeks and thought i would do a bit of a different post, sharing a few things that i have found have helped me out whilst I've been down, and got me through a few through some though times! 

      Madge's pointers for picking yourself up! :D 

      Make a list.

      Sometimes we are feeling depressed/down simply because we are overwhelmed with all the things we have to do that we haven’t gotten around to doing. All that “stuff” that’s stuck in our head can become overwhelming. Start simply by picking up a piece of paper and a pen, and making a list of the most pressing things you have to do. I live by my 'To-Do' lists i get this weird satisfaction ticking something off each tick is a mini achievement! Sometimes it’s work/Uni stuff, sometimes it’s stuff around the house, or a combination of these and more. Simply making a list can be a big relief it really gives you that feeling that your getting things under control. With a to-do list i can see, right in front of me, what I need to do, and that alone makes me feel more focussed and calm - picking up my mood!  


      Take action.
      So you’ve made a list, and you still feel overwhelmed? Well, as nike would say ...just do it! Get started on the first thing you need to do. Is it a big task? Break it down and just do the smallest task, something just to get you started. Once you get started, once you get into action, you’ll feel better. Trust me. You might still feel overwhelmed, but at least you’re doing something. And once you start doing something, you’ve got momentum, and that feels much better than lying around feeling sorry for yourself. A friend said to me recently when i was blubbering in mid break down, don't think too far ahead break everything down weekly goals, or day by day and if thats still too much take it hour by hour! And its so true when your looking at the big picture and getting overwhelmed its so easy to give up - but don't! Get focussed and take things slow bit by bit and yowl get there in the end - I promise! :)  


       Count the good things in life.
      When you’re sad, and you’re looking for tips on how to pick yourself up when feeling down, then this could be the simplest you can do...count the good things that have happened to your life. Were all guilty of it, your led in bed thinking the world has it in for you, everything is terrible and theres no way out! Focussing on all the little frustrations and failures that are happening only means  you have been overlooking the good things. Just take a moment to find that silver lining some thing or someone thats good in your life hold on to that and remember its not all bad! 


      Exercise like you’re getting paid for it.
      Yes, I know when you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps, the last thing you want to do is exercise! Ben and Jerry's with a series on Netflix will look more appealing, BUT believe it or not, against your initial feelings, exercising can instantly give you that emotional lift. This is because physical activity boosts your “feel-good” hormones, such as dopamine, and these hormones are  what is known as “runner’s high.” So getting out of the dumps can be as easy as taking the dog out for a walk or running a few laps around the park. I personally like to go to classes at the gym because theres an instructor willing me on to go that bit further, i go with my friends too so it becomes a bit of a laugh rather than a chore! 


      Pamper yourself.

      When feeling down, we tend to neglect our personal hygiene and simply wallow in our uselessness... I've done this plenty of times (Normally with some B&J watching Netflix). But laying around in your underwear, smelling bad  and getting greasy is not going to do you any good. Getting out of this emotional slump can be as simple as taking a good, long shower. Feeling fresh and clean, wearing crisp clothes can work wonders on your mood. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave, do whatever it is that you need to do to feel clean and good about yourself. Instant pick me up! I love to go the whole hog when pampering a bath bomb, a few candles on the go face and hair mask the lot afterwards i feel like a new woman!  

      Put your jam on!

       I like Queen Bey, Iggy Azalea , Christina Aguilera basically any powerful, something that i can "sing" at the top of my lungs and feel inspired by a strong female vocalist, but you might have your own brand of feel-good music. Whatever it is, crank it up, and let yourself move to the beat. It may just be what the doctor ordered.


      Talk about it
      Got a significant other, best friend, family member or teacher you can talk to? ...Bend their ear! That’s what they’re their for. If you don’t, there are hotlines, or professionals, you can talk to. And then there’s always online forums. These are great places to find someone to talk to. Getting things off your chest makes a big difference, and can be a huge lift. It can also help you work out the reasons you’re feeling down. Im really lucky at my university they provide a lot of help for all sorts of things a one off chat, or perhaps something a bit more longterm like counselling so maybe send an email and see what your Uni/work place provides! 

      So theres a few of my tips they have helped me through my down times so i really hope it helps! Let me know if you have any tips for me!?

      Oh and heres a picture of my Puppy Lola if all else fails this should bring a smile to your face ;)


      Madge x

      Sunday 28 September 2014

      Step into Autumn with new nails!


      Autumn is here once again, and although i don't really want to say au revoir to summer, i know i can no longer flip flop around i need to look towards the chilly future and embrace it! I'm looking forward to all the little things that come with fall, the crispness in the air, layering wooly jumpers and swapping the bright summer clothes and makeup for a moodier color palette. One of the best ways to accent this new fall look, is with a fresh manicure.  SO, my first step into autumn is a change of the nails! Here are my top picks for perfect Autumn nails!  


      Models Own - Nude Beige £4.99CND Shellac - CocoaEssie - Urban Jungle £7.99

      I normally like to keep my nails very dark in the fall, but I’m all about nudes right now—specifically, nudes that are muddled by a tinge of gray. Essies 'Urban Jungle'  is the perfect combination of a greyish nude its very chic and goes with every outfit! CND is the main nail lacquer I use since I was introduced to it a few years ago, because the colours are always on point and it’s virtually unchippable with amazing staying power. I suspect that my autumn beauty staple will be between Essie Urban jungle  and the brand’s cocoa shade.



      Nails inc - Hampstead Heath £11 CND Shellac - Baroness, Nails inc - Broadwick Street £11 CND Shellac - Masquerade
      For fall I love a clean neutral or a rich, deep red color.  To me, the darker hue is a classic twist on the traditional red and lends the perfect hint of sexiness to my otherwise understated beauty look, the perfect red  for this fall to me would be Nails inc hampstead heath, I've added their broad wick street too f you like a little shimmer to your red. 

      OPI - How great is your dane? £11.95CND - FedoraCND Shellac - RubbleLancĂ´me- Chocolate MordorĂ© £12.50

      Could brown become the new black?  I love browns its a twist on the normal nude but not as deep as black, keep it super glossy with a top coat or gel version such as shellac! 

      Nails inc - Dover St Market £11MUA - Leapfrog £1


      A bit of colour... Whether you go for a candy-color version  or a deep plum like this Nails Inc Dover st Market, give purple a go! It’s an elegant update for fall which i love. I find that teal is simply one of those colors that works year-round, this little gem is very similar in look to that of essie but is a fraction of the price at just £1! Now I've not pictured it but i really want a good navy blue for this fall! Its not quite as edgy as a black,  but blue looks just as sophisticated and i think its a perfect match on square-meets-oval nail shapes.

      So what do you think of this Fall nail colour choices!? Do you have any Navy blue suggestions for me? 

      Madge x