tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61524443961606992242024-03-19T08:46:57.000+00:00Taupe & Pearl: UK Affordable Beauty and Accessories BlogKirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-37316972916386760632016-10-05T08:30:00.000+01:002016-10-07T10:59:19.072+01:00Transitional Beauty - Summer to Autumn<span style="font-family: inherit;"><centre></centre><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Summer is my favourite season so it's with sadness that I say goodbye to lush green grass and hello to crisp brown leaves, but autumn is officially here and it's time to dig out the cardigans and coats hiding at the back of the wardrobe. I've made some great beauty discoveries in the last few months and these are things that I know I'll be loving as the weather turns colder.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It took me so long to try out <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Eraser-Eye-Concealer_1321843/">Maybelline's The Eraser Eye concealer</a> £7.99 but I've actually been swapping foundation for the light shade as it has such good coverage, a smoothing effect and a lovely glow with such a light consistency. This glow will be just what I need in the colder weather, but until then a sweep of <a href="https://www.octer.co.uk/search/product/results?term=hourglass+ambient+lighting&groupUuid=">Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light</a> £40 mattifies shine while brightening with a subtle yellow luminescence. I was dubious as to whether this was worth the hefty price tag but it's been a staple in my makeup bag and it never looks chalky or cakey like many of my other powders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourite two lip colours of the moment are the gorgeous <a href="https://www.octer.co.uk/search/product/results?term=rouge+volupte&groupUuid=">YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick</a> £26 (check out <a href="https://www.octer.co.uk/">Octer</a> for great deals on beauty brands) in Nude Beige, a lovely light pink that looks equally beautiful on pale or tanned skin, and <a href="https://www.tambeauty.com/en/Freedom-Makeup-London-Pro-Lipstick---Bare-112-Sooner-or-later/m-1011.aspx">Freedom Makeup Pro Lipstick in Sooner or Later</a> £1, an easy to wear nude brown that goes with any makeup look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="https://www.tambeauty.com/en/gb/Freedom-Makeup-London-Pro-Studio-Radiance-Tonic/m-1045.aspx">Freedom Pro Studio Glycolic Radiance Tonic</a> £6 may be a scary bright orange colour in the bottle but it's much gentler than other glycolic products I've tried and is actually quite moisturising. Used in conjunction with a brilliant little beauty find, the <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Skincare-Offers/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Glycolic-Overnight-Peel-30ml/p/953857">Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel</a> £6, a clear gel which is applied at night, my skin never looked smoother or more naturally glowing. Another great summer find and still a favourite this autumn is <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Right-Guard-Xtreme-Cool-Air-Conditioning-Effect-72H-Protection-Anti-Perspirant-150ml_1042416/">Right Guard Xtreme Cool Antiperspirant</a> £2.29 which has an 'air conditioning effect' (ie it actually makes your underarms feel cold) to cool you down when you're feeling hot and bothered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My hair has never smelled more delicious thanks to <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/dr-organic-manuka-honey-conditioner-60083585">Dr Organic Manuka Honey Conditioner </a>£5.59 which smooths and detangles but has the most wonderful warm honey scent. However my favourite hair find of the last few months is the <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5552883.htm">SuperShine AC Hair Dryer by Nicky Clarke</a> £49.99 which does more than I thought a hairdryer could - as well as being powerful enough to dry my hair quickly, it makes my hair feel so soft and look so healthy, which must be down to more advanced ionic conditioning than my previous dryer. I'm hoping this will also keep my hair sleek and stop it becoming super static in the winter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What summer favourites will you be taking into autumn with you?</span></div>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-60932804157104322472015-09-13T18:15:00.000+01:002015-09-13T18:31:21.465+01:00Bandzee Monthly Hair Tie Subscription<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYcEzXv6Huk/VfWtXwZkBgI/AAAAAAAADqA/tmjKGOrWm2A/s1600/Bandzee%2Bhair%2Btie%2Bsubscription%2B2.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myvp1OgD850/VfWtX0n_8MI/AAAAAAAADp8/HEa7s34qijc/s1600/Bandzee%2Bhair%2Btie%2Bsubscription.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><centre></centre><br />
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Snagless hair ties that have no metal binding and are stretchy enough not to leave kinks in the hair have taken off in a big way. They don't tug and pull on strands like many can and feature a large range of designs as they're wider, which also makes them harder to lose.</center>
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New on the hair tie scene is <a href="http://www.bandzee.co.uk/">Bandzee</a>, a company who's bands are made from knotted soft elastic trim. Bandzee debuted their products in Pink Parcel's period product subscription boxes, but now they're launching a monthly subscription service of their own which will mean you'll have a constant supply of new hair bands at your door.</center>
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The bands themselves live up to their claims and are soft but strong with fun designs, causing no hair pulling or deep annoying kinks. The Bandzee bands come in packs of four on a card with an inspirational quote and in a little cellophane packet. The subscription is expected to launch this month, costing £4.95 monthly with free postage. </center>
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While wondering whether spending almost £5 on four hair bands is actually good value, I considered whether my usual purchase of Boots ponyband value packs had jaded my view. As it turned out, it had- the world of patterned bands is lucrative and can see you paying almost twice as much for a four pack. One of the leading brands even sells individual bands for £5 each. </center>
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A hair band subscription service is definitely a novel idea, however the brightly coloured designs of the bands I've seen confirms the thought that it's one I would probably have been most interested in 10 years ago. Aimed at the young teenage (or even younger) market, I can see the fun patterns of Bandzee bands and the novelty of having new designs arriving each month doing well.</center>
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What do you think of the idea of a hair tie subscription?</center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-88855343494574167082015-08-23T15:07:00.001+01:002015-08-23T15:07:46.822+01:00Beanies Decaf Flavour Coffee - Vegan & Sugar Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">If you saw my recent </span><a href="http://www.taupeandpearl.com/2015/06/sweet-tooth-my-tips-for-cutting-down-on.html" style="text-align: justify;">Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> post, you'll know that I've been trying to cut a lot of sugar out of my diet. So I was tantalised to hear about the </span>Beanies Flavour Coffees<span style="text-align: justify;">,</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> which claim to contain the right amount of flavour so that they don't need extra sugar.</span><br />
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I received Decaf <a href="http://www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk/decaf-instant-coffee/decaf-chocolate-orange-flavour-instant-coffee.html">Chocolate Orange</a> £2.75, <a href="http://www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk/decaf-instant-coffee/decaf-amaretto-almond-flavour-instant-coffee.html">Amaretto Almond</a> £2.75 and <a href="http://www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk/decaf-instant-coffee/decaf-irish-cream-flavour-instant-coffee.html">Irish Cream</a> £2.75, which are all as deliciously tasting as they sound. I've been drinking these with soya milk and the flavours are strong, but don't overpower the coffee taste. As promised, the coffees don't taste like they need extra sugar and these three pots all have a richness that makes them feel quite naughty, even though they're vegan, sugar free and have 2 calories per serving. My boyfriend tried them and said he thought the flavours were too strong, but who would listen to a Nespresso addict like him anyway?</center>
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My favourite of the three is Chocolate Orange and I particularly enjoy a level teaspoon stirred into hot chocolate to give the flavour an extra dimension. A teaspoon of the Irish Cream flavour is really good in an Irish hot chocolate with a dash (or two) of whiskey which creates a creamy warming drink that has the perfect level of sweetness to bitterness. </center>
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Beanies also do a range of instant and ground full caffeine coffees, including a <a href="http://www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk/beanies-stash-box.html">Stash Box</a> with nine flavours in which I think would make a great gift. Although I haven't tried it yet, I bet the coffees would be awesome for baking too- Amaretto Almond coffee cake anyone!? The <a href="http://www.beaniesflavourco.co.uk/decaf-instant-coffee.html">choice of flavours is huge</a> and perfect for those of us who have a sweet tooth and are looking to spice up the drinks cupboard. </center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-76265164605110649112015-08-16T17:08:00.000+01:002016-10-04T22:20:07.224+01:00Holiday Beauty Essentials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've put together a list of my must-have beauty and hair products for a holiday in the sun, whether you're travelling abroad or staying in the UK and hoping you won't have to dig out your wellies. Read on to find out what's made the cut for my bag! </center>
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When it's hot you need a foundation that stays in place and I haven't found one better than <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Revlon-ColorStay-Makeup-For-Normal-Dry-Skin_39474/" target="_blank">Revlon Colorstay</a> £12.99, even without a primer. The normal/dry version is water based, whereas the oily version is silicone based, so I find the former holds up better in hot weather as it doesn't separate or turn patchy when you get a bit sweaty in the heat. </center>
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For oil control and mattifying power, <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory%E2%84%A2-One-Heck-Of-A-Blot-9g_1610922/" target="_blank">Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot</a> £12 is definitely one of the essentials. It removes shine in an instant and sometimes actually looks its best when you start to get a little oily. You can read more of my thoughts on the power <a href="http://www.taupeandpearl.com/2015/05/soap-glory-one-heck-of-a-blot-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</center>
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Instead of trying to squeeze all your palettes and compacts in your makeup bag, use a <a href="http://www.gurumakeupemporium.com/epages/BT4080.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT4080/Products/109/SubProducts/109-0072" target="_blank">Make Up For Ever Metal Palette</a> £6 to hold your most used creams and powders. The medium sized magnetic palette holds singles and depotted pans perfectly and there are plastic and foam sheets included to protect your powders on the journey. </center>
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<br />I find nail files to be a handbag essential for pesky splits or breaks, and the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stylfile-AV3P1a-Emergency-Nail-File/dp/B007HMRYL2" target="_blank">Stylfile Emergency Nail FIle</a> £4.49 is perfect for taking on holiday. Not only does it feature the innovative curved design for the emery side and smoothing/shining side, but also has a spiral holder that prevents the file from scratching your phone. </center>
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If you're looking for a really long lasting lip colour that will see you through eating and drinking from morning to night, then I'd suggest trying <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-SuperStay-Bold-Matte-24hr-LipColor_1305548/" target="_blank">Maybelline SuperStay Bold Matte 24 Hour Lip Colour</a> £8.99. Although application is a little tricky (you need to keep your mouth open until the creme has dried completely) the results are definitely long lasting. This bright Peach Cocktail shade is the perfect holiday colour and there's a balm on one end of the tube so you can choose between a matte or glossy lip. </center>
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There's something quite endearing about travel minis and a 7 pack of <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Simple-Kind-To-Skin-Facial-Cleansing-Wipes-7s_1235383/" target="_blank">Simple Cleansing Wipes </a>£1.25 just screams holiday to me. There's the perfect amount for a week in the sun so you can easily remove your makeup before a bedtime cleanse without having to carry a heavy big pack or take unnecessary liquids in your bag.</center>
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I recently switched to Right Guard antiperspirant from another brand and now I wouldn't use anything else in the summer. With the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Right-Guard-Women-Total-Defence-5-Floral-Power-Anti-Perspirant-48h-Protection-250ml_1667134/" target="_blank">Right Guard Total Defence 5 Floral Power</a> £2.89 I guarantee you will only smell lovely, whether you're hanging out by the pool or picking up the pace on a walking tour. Also, the Floral Power scent smells quite like passion fruit to me, the perfect exotic holiday fragrance! If you don't want to pack a big bottle of perfume too then the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HGE3MB2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2/279-1180119-9656039?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_r=098F660RSCHR1H86M3H3&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_i=B0055KLNG0">Flo Refillable Atomiser</a> £9.99 is the perfect solution, holding up to 77 sprays of your favourite scent.</center>
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For hair basics, there's <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Batiste/Batiste-Dry-Shampoo-On-The-Go-Tropical-50ml/p/578533#.VcTypSYzbIU" target="_blank">Batiste Dry Shampoo</a> £1.50 which comes in a handy (and cute) 50ml travel size for root refreshing, and <a href="http://www.superdrug.com/TRESemm%C3%A9/TRESemme-Salon-Finish-Freeze-Hold-Hairspray-100ml/p/428280" target="_blank">Tresemme Freeze Hold 100ml</a> £1.69 to hold your style in place once it's finished. </center>
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To cut down on bulk in your bag and to make styling easier, swap your hair dryer, round brushes and styling tools for the <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4433659.htm" target="_blank">Nicky Clarke Frizz Control Hot Air Styler</a> £24.14. This all in one tool blows the hot air straight into the brush so you can get a perfect volumising blow dry every time. The Hot Air Styler comes with two different sized round brushes and has a cool shot setting to set your style along with an ionic setting to reduce smooth hair and reduce frizz from humid weather. </center>
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An essential, whether you're going abroad or staycationing, is sun protection. I would thoroughly recommend <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/nivea-protect---refresh-aqua-gel-200ml" target="_blank">Nivea Sun Protect and Refresh</a> £8 and <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Garnier-Ambre-Solaire-Protection-Lotion-SPF15-200ml_871410/" target="_blank">Garnier Ambre Solaire Light and Silky Lotion</a> £7 for being light, easily absorbed and non greasy enough that you don't feel the need to wash your hands after application. They're also budget friendly and don't increase in price if you need a higher SPF like with some brands I've seen! </center>
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Eyes need protecting from bright sun as much as skin and my favourite shop for sunglasses this year has been<a href="http://www.riverisland.com/women/sunglasses/_/N-835" target="_blank"> River Island</a>. I picked up four pairs to replace some old ones in my collection- a couple of aviator styles and I found some great tortoiseshells Wayfarer style glasses in the men's section. I'm really impressed with the big selection and they're only around £10 each. </center>
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What do you take in your beauty travel bag?</center>
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*This post contains one or more sample products</center>
Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-73167807927219686232015-08-03T15:30:00.000+01:002015-08-03T16:36:18.001+01:00Origins Clear Improvement Mask<centre></centre><br />
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My skin has always been oily and easily congested, but it's only in the last couple of years that I've found products that work with it to combat breakouts instead of working against it to make it dry or irritated. One of the products that my skin seems to love is <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Origins-Clear-Improvement-Active-Charcoal-Mask-to-Clear-Pores-3-4oz-100ml_34715/" target="_blank">Origins Clear Improvement Mask</a> £23 which contains charcoal and white china clay to absorb dirt, oil and toxins, along with lecithin which dissolves impurities in the skin.</center>
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The dark grey mask feels creamy when applied and dries to a slightly chalky finish which washes off easily with water. Clear Improvement really cleans my pores and, from using it once or twice weekly, I've noticed a big reduction in breakouts and the annoying little bumps that oily skin is prone to.</center>
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Another benefit of the Origins Clear Improvement Mask is that the tube seems to be never ending! I first tried the product as a mini at Christmas time and it kept on going for around three months before the tube finally emptied and I knew I had to purchase the full 100ml size.</center>
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While some people think masks are gimmicky, I believe that when they're used regularly enough they can really improve skin of all types. If you're prone to roughness, congestion and breakouts I would highly recommend this mask for keeping oil and spots at bay. </center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-47292527648870895332015-07-22T18:30:00.000+01:002015-07-22T18:30:00.986+01:00Zhuzh Tan Accelator- A Faster Deeper Natural Sun Tan?<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ZziV9Q7Ss/Va-04dA9YxI/AAAAAAAADlI/eb0YuT7_lHQ/s1600/Zhuzh%2Btan%2Baccelerator.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><centre></centre><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">These two Zhuzh products are designed to 'accelerate' your tan- they claim to boost natural pigment in the skin to help you develop a deep, long lasting tan quickly in the sun. The </span><a href="http://zhuzh.com/product/zhuzh-tan-accelerator/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Tan Accelerator</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> £15.99 and </span><a href="http://zhuzh.com/product/steve-whatleys-zhuzh-the-best-of-both-tans/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Best of Both Tans Luxury Daily Moisturiser</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> £15.99 both contain the 'tan accelerating' ingredients, but the moisturiser also has a gradual self tan that aims to add extra colour on top of a quick natural tan.</span><br />
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I was sent these products a while ago but because of the weather I haven't a real chance to try them out until now. I was really intrigued and had high hopes for both of them as I don't tan well in the sun but I would love to be naturally bronzed.</center>
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The Zhuzh Tan Accelerator comes in a spray bottle and the product is applied to skin on top of SPF and then rubbed in. The Daily Moisturiser is also applied on top of SPF, but instead of a light mist, the product is a thick cream that needs a bit of work before it is fully blended. Both products left my skin feeling smooth and moisturised, and after a few hours in the sun I was completely... the same colour. I've tried each of the products several times, especially when wearing shorts or other clothing that would leave a visible tan line, but they really don't seem to do anything at all for me. Even the moisturiser with gradual tan didn't seem to impart any colour on my skin.</center>
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The spray and cream are both water based, and the only ingredient advertised on the packaging or website is Shea Butter. Looking through the ingredients there's a list of things I can't pronounce, but the ones I do recognise are several alcohols, parabens, fragrances and silicone. This leads me to wonder whether the products really are doing anything magical to my melatonin or whether they've been based on some kind of research that suggests skin tans faster when it is moisturised. </center>
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While the product line is a great idea and something we could really do with in England, I was left disappointed with two formulas that turned out to really just moisturise and do little else. They both seem to have some good reviews online, though, so I'd be interested to hear if they've worked for anyone else as maybe they'd do better on different skin.</center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-65426278795300271002015-07-17T15:26:00.002+01:002015-07-17T15:26:55.931+01:00How Laser Hair Removal Treatment Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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Do you feel like your home is a war zone? Are you always fighting with your unwanted hair? What happens when you've tried waxing, shaving, and plucking and are just at the end of your tether? Then it might be time to see if you're a good candidate for laser hair removal. But first, there are some basics you should know about the process.</div>
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<b>Why Hair Disappears for Longer Time Periods After Laser Treatment </b> </div>
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When you shave or wax away your unwanted hair, you'll probably notice it starting to grow back after just a couple of days. In fact, most of us have been known to shave or wax at least once a week. That's why laser procedures can look like miracle fixes, since the hair might stay away for weeks. Sometimes it might not grow back at all, but why is that?</div>
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The answer is simple. Techniques like shaving only remove the hair that shows on top of your skin, but those hairs grow up from below the surface. Think of hair as being like a vegetable that grows out of the ground from a seed. You can chop off the plants, but the root systems are still intact underneath the soil. It's the same way with hair.</div>
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Luckily, laser devices have been designed that can target hair at the roots, also known as follicles. When those roots are damaged or destroyed, it discourages regrowth. It might take weeks for the follicles to repair themselves and start producing hair again, and some follicles may be permanently destroyed, preventing regrowth entirely.</div>
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<b>Treatments Still Have to Be Repeated Sometimes</b></div>
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One thing to remember is that laser treatments often have to be repeated. In fact, they're usually done in a series of 3 to 5 treatments, which are spread out over several weeks. Once one set of treatments is over, you may not need another for a long time, but you probably will eventually, unless you just want to go back to shaving or waxing. So, you should consider those repeated costs before investing any time or money in laser hair removal treatments.</div>
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<b>If They Are So Good, Why Doesn't Everyone Have them?</b></div>
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There are a couple of reasons why not everyone has <a href="http://www.nylaseroutlet.com/laser-hair-removal-equipment-options-2">laser hair removal</a> treatments done. As just mentioned, money can be a factor. The costs of the repeated treatments can add up, and not everyone has the funds to keep up with that. </div>
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That being said, the bigger reason that not everyone is a good candidate is that most average laser devices are designed to target hairs by looking for dark spots against light skin. Not everyone has light skin, and not everyone has dark hair either. If you are lucky enough to have both, you are the ideal candidate for the procedure. If not, you aren't totally out of luck, but you may have a harder time finding a clinic with a custom laser capable of treating someone with your hair and skin tones.</div>
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Even if you aren't what is considered the ideal candidate, you still might want to look into laser treatment for your unwanted hair. After all, in the long run it can save you a lot of time and fuss.</center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-25685916902057907802015-07-15T12:30:00.000+01:002015-07-15T12:37:05.447+01:00How To Fake Tan The Non-Orange Way<centre></centre><br />
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Summer is here! (apparently!). But for pasty girls even the hottest of heatwaves can leave a chill in the air when they remember that wearing a dress means they'll have to put their lily-white pins on display. Having tried everything from self tan oil to gradual tan, the thought of baring my skin doesn't bring me out in a (heat) rash, and I've got some tips to make you look bronzed and lovely without having to crisp up your delicate skin in the sun.</center>
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Everyone knows they should exfoliate more than they do, but it really is key before applying self tan. A product like <a href="http://www.justmylook.co.uk/tanning-c1/pre-tan-preparation-c98/exfoliate-250ml-p5712" target="_blank">Whitetobrown Exfoliate</a>* £7.99 is great for this as it has a gel formula which doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin. The exfoliating particles are small and scrubby but you do need to get your palms in there on tough areas like ankles and knees.</center>
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After exfoliating to get rid of dead skin cells and any previous tan you had on, applying a moisturiser will ensure that the self tan develops evenly and doesn't stick to dry areas. The <a href="http://www.justmylook.co.uk/tanning-c1/pre-tan-preparation-c98/tan-optimiser-body-moisturiser-240ml-p6115" target="_blank">St Tropez Tan Optimiser</a>* £5.95 contains Apricot Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil which make sure that skin is moisturised, particularly on the knees, elbows, hands and feet. St Tropez also say the Tan Optimiser can be used on holiday to prolong a tan (I've yet to try this out!).</div>
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Once you're smooth and prepared, it's time to self tan. I was sent the <a href="http://www.justmylook.co.uk/tanning-c1/fake-tan-c3/self-tan-c186/original-self-tanning-lotion-170ml-p5683" target="_blank">Fake Bake Original Self Tan Lotion</a> £12.50 to try out, which is one I haven't used before, but the brand has been around since I first started tanning. The lotion comes enclosed with a pair of blue gloves, but I find that all tans apply best and fastest with a mitt so it's definitely worth getting your hands on one. <br />
The lotion is a dark brown colour which smells to me a bit like lychee, and it smooths in easily to create an even layer. After leaving the product on overnight, you're left with a medium tan that's not orange and definitely a better colour than you'd get from a day in the English sun. You can reapply the tan the next night for a darker colour or use an oil-free moisturiser to make sure it fades evenly.</div>
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Self tanning can add a bit of extra time to your routine, but it means you'll be a nice sun kissed shade, even if you haven't faced the sun for a while!</div>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-22835603656889810572015-06-08T22:15:00.000+01:002015-06-09T19:22:05.223+01:00Sweet Tooth? My Tips For Cutting Down On Sugar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always had a sweet tooth but recently I'd found it really becoming a problem. I'd start the day off with something sugary and the end it the same way too, snacking on cakes, biscuits and sweets in the time inbetween. Since cutting out gluten and dairy from my diet a few years ago I've become much more interested in the ingredients of the foods I eat and the abundance of unnecessary sugar in everything from raw chicken to packaged fruit really made me think. Like milk, sugar is one of the things that wouldn't naturally be in our diet and I've got the fillings to prove it. </center>
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I've managed to cut out a huge amount of sugar from my diet and I thought I'd share my tips for anyone wanting to do the same as I know how difficult it can be.</div>
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<b>Don't try to go cold turkey</b></div>
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Completely removing something from your life that has become part of a routine can be really hard (think of a bad breakup, the end of a series on Netflix or when Tesco stopped selling your favourite cheese) so cutting down is much easier than cutting out. Slowly reducing the amount of sugary foods you eat is a much easier way of doing things than trying to shun it completely and then thinking about it all day.</div>
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<b>Remove the temptation</b></div>
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It's easier said than done but if you stop buying things that are packed with sugar, then you won't have them in your house and you won't eat them because they're simply not there. If you run out of the cereal or biscuits that you usually buy, the next time you go shopping choose another food instead like <a href="http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/nakd/" target="_blank">Nakd bars</a> which taste sweet but wont make holes in your teeth quite as fast.</div>
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<b>Reward yourself</b></div>
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I can now go for days without sugar but when I do eat it I only do after 8pm. If you set a time of day in the late afternoon or evening after which you'll allow yourself something sweet, then getting through the day with healthier snacks will be much easier. You'll know that later you'll get a reward for your hard sugar-fighting work. As time goes on you won't even notice that "sugar o'clock" has come along and you can set your goals in days rather than hours.</div>
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<b>Replace the addiction</b></center>
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Cravings for a sweet taste can be really easily curbed by snacking on things like fruit and especially dried fruit which can be very sweet naturally. Yes, fruit does contain natural sugars but it also has so many vitamins, minerals and nutrients, plus fresh fruit is full of water too which we could all do with a bit more of. I've always been a fruit lover but I now eat it by the bucket load which is far better than filling up on chocolate, Haribo and toffee slices throughout the day.</center>
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<b>Cook from scratch</b></center>
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Cooking from scratch enables you to have pastries and baked foods in your house so you don't have to miss out on the things you like. I don't eat honey but Maple syrup has been a brilliant find for me in my quest to cut down on sugar consumption. It's all natural and is about a third sweeter than white sugar so can be used in baking to give a sweet and yummy taste while also helping to keep things moist. I substitute it for white and brown sugar in almost everything by using the volume of the sugar needed and reducing it by a third. You might need to adjust the dry ingredients to make up for the extra liquid, but for things like flapjacks (which I love and could eat all day) it just serves to make them more moist. </center>
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Muesli is also a great sugar free food to make as it can be eaten at any time of day with any type of milk. I throw dried fruits, chopped nuts and seeds into a bowl then add about twice as much oats and a really good glug of maple syrup. I then mix everything together and spread out on a silicone baking tray before baking quickly at about 180° until it's all toasted and lovely. Its brilliant straight out the oven but can be kept in a sealed container and enjoyed for days.</div>
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Instead of eating sugar morning, noon and night, and I feel like I control the sugar instead of it controlling me. My body (and my teeth) are thanking me for it! The only times I particularly do choose something sugary over sugar-free is with things like fruit squash, as I'm not keen on the taste of artificial sweeteners and they're just another chemical I don't need.</div>
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If you have any other sugar fighting tips I'd love to hear them!</div>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-13481239953845866572015-05-23T16:15:00.000+01:002015-05-24T12:22:01.773+01:00Beauty & More Haul (Crown, Origins, Maybelline, Yankee, Cocoa Brown)<centre></centre><br />
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It's been a long time since I've done a haul but I'm really enjoying seeing them on blogs and YouTube at the moment. I like to see people's first impressions of new products or why they decided to repurchase something so hopefully this post will give you a few ideas for things to consider when you next feel a spree coming on!</center>
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The first group of items were purchased from Amazon with a gift card that was kindly provided by <a href="http://www.taupeandpearl.com/2015/04/buy-sell-discounted-vouchers-with-zeek-review.html" target="_blank">Zeek</a>.</center>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AQKZW20?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00" target="_blank">Cocoa Brown Regular and Dark Versions</a> £7.99<br />No matter what brands I try I always go back to Cocoa Brown and the dark version is my favourite (but the regular shade is good for a light tan too). I tend to leave them for around three hours so I can get a good colour going on my pale skin and then wash off without shower gel whenever I can so the colour keeps developing. The tans dry quickly, don't streak and fade the most evenly from all the brands I've tried so if you haven't given them a go yet then you definitely should, plus the gradual tan is lovely too.</center>
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<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ITQGBK0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00" target="_blank">Yankee Candle Orange Splash</a> £11.05</center>
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This is my first 'real' Yankee Candle, I've tried lots of scents before but they've all been in tart form. I love the fresh orange smell of this jar and it's a must try if you love fruity smells, but I feel a little let down as the jars have nowhere near the same scent throw as the tarts which can fill up the whole main floor of my house. I've also found that this candle tunnels no matter how long I burn it for, but I am really enjoying having a yummy orange smell in my bedroom.</center>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/184994167X?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00" target="_blank">Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom</a> £3.99<br />Colouring was never my artistic forte but I've been enjoying settling down with this book and filling in the beautiful animal illustrations. The spaces are very small and intricate so you need to have a good eye and steady hand but that makes it perfect to concentrate the mind and forget about worries or distractions. I'm really regretting that I gave away my coloured pencils not long ago as fine liners just don't look quite right!</center>
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<br /><a href="http://www.crownbrush.co.uk/c405-contour-blush.html" target="_blank">Crown Brush C405 Angle Contour Blush Brush </a>£8.29<br />I've been seeing lots of people on YouTube recently using the Mac 168 brush to contour, apply bronzer and blusher too, but I knew I didn't really want to spend £27 on one brush. The Crown version is just what I wanted and is the perfect size and shape for all three cheek jobs. It also blends everything out really nicely and I wouldn't swap back for any of my previous bronzer or contour brushes.</center>
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<a href="http://www.crownbrush.co.uk/c433-pro-blending-fluff.html" target="_blank">C433 Pro Blending Fluff </a>£6.09<br />I'd read that this brush was a slightly flatter dupe for the Mac 217 and it does do a lovely job of blending but I feel a bit disappointed because the hairs are quite stiff and scratchy. I've tried soaking it in conditioner for a few hours but it hasn't helped much. I do like it and will continue to use it but after all the good reviews I'd expected something a bit softer.</center>
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<a href="http://www.crownbrush.co.uk/ss027-syntho-dlx-blending-crease.html" target="_blank">SS027 Syntho DLX Blending Crease </a>£4.99<br />This is a really soft fluffy brush and if only it was a bit smaller, it would be perfect for the eyes. I've been using it for highlighter and it does a great precise job at applying and blending. I regret not buying a smaller version instead of the C433 but I'll definitely be getting more of the Syntho range if I put in another Crown order.</center>
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Origins-Make-A-Difference-Plus-Rejuvinating-Treatment-Gel-50ml_1284290/" target="_blank">Origins Make a Difference Plus Rejuvinating Treatment</a> £34.50<br />This has been my moisturiser of choice for the last year or so and I can definitely tell the difference in my skin when I run out and have to use something else. It's great for oily skin but still provides a good amount of moisture and never clogs my pores.</center>
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Mascara-Great-Lash-WTP-Very-Black-12-5ml_1416712/" target="_blank">Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof</a> £4.99</center>
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I've loved this mascara for years and particularly love the bristled brush. It is always my waterproof mascara of choice and the dense black colour is good for layering over another if the first doesn't quite have the impact I want.</center>
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Lash-Sensational-Lash-Multiplying-Mascara-9-5ml_1655586/" target="_blank">Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara</a> £7.99<br />This is my second tube of the Lash Sensational and I find it gives a seperated, fluttery look that is great for during the day or can be layered up in the evening. It doesn't weigh my lashes down like a lot of mascaras can but my lashes do need a very good curl before application.</center>
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Brow-Satin-Eyebrow-Pencil_1505328/" target="_blank">Maybelline Brow Satin</a> £5.99</center>
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It was 3 for 2 at Boots so I decided to grab this eyebrow pencil and powder duo to give it a try. I bought the colour Dark Brown and I'm really enjoying the twist up pencil end so far which gives precise smudge proof colour. I'm undecided about the powder end at the moment as I usually use brow powder with a damp angled brush to get a defined shape, but with a few more uses it might grow on me!</center>
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Have you tried any of the products above?</center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-87409160537678530172015-05-17T15:00:00.000+01:002015-05-20T11:54:17.544+01:00Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot<centre></centre><br />
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Described as a super-translucent mattifying powder for all skin tones, One Heck Of A Blot promises to degrease shiny skin with 'world-class shine control and oil absorption'. The powder is fine with a milky colour in the pan and translucent finish that reduces shine without adding coverage to the skin.</center>
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I'd read many reviews that said the blotting powder was almost undetectable over foundation, but I've found that it depends on how much you need to apply- for oily skin like mine I find quite a lot needs to be applied when setting makeup to keep it in place so at first it can look a little powdery. However, after the application of a setting spray (or an hours or so later when oil starts to creep through) the powderiness disappears. One Heck Of A Blot really helps to keep my makeup in place and can be re-applied if needed throughout the day without making foundation look cakey or heavy. </center>
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I'm onto my second compact of One Heck Of A Blot and, as well as the application, I really like the compact's typical Soap & Glory vintage style image on the lid which is both whimsical and hard-wearing! The embossed 'powder' design on the actual product is a nice touch (even if it doesn't last very long!) and a very good sized mirror helps with touch-ups. </center>
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I apply the blotting powder with a small brush like the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Real-Techniques-RLT-1413-Setting-Brush/dp/B007O7AYYE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431806648&sr=8-1&keywords=real+techniques+setting">Real Techniques Setting Brush</a> under my eyes and around my nose, but I've found applying to the rest of my face with dense brush like the <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/EcoTools-Recycled-Retractable-Kabuki-Brush_1051182/">Eco Tools Retractable Kabuki Brush</a> patted onto my skin actually helps make the product look less powdery than a fluffy brush. Once you've used this powder for setting, your makeup really is set in place so you need to be sure that your base is perfect and doesn't need any liquid or cream products added!</div>
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I would really recommend this powder for both setting makeup and controlling oil throughout the day. If you have normal or combination skin then I'd imagine a light dusting would be all you need to keep any oil at bay. <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory%C2%99-One-Heck-Of-A-Blot-9g_1610922/">Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot</a> is available for £12 from Boots.</center>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-770571262648261832015-04-28T21:22:00.000+01:002015-05-24T21:28:22.751+01:0010 Of My Favourite Accessory DIYs<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every now and then it can be great to sit down and try your hand at something new, whether that's creating something out of base materials or taking an item you already own and adding a bit of personality to the piece. Accessories are a brilliant place to start if you're new to fashion DIYs (or just fancy a quick project) and I've put together 10 favourites to get your creative juices flowing!</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.swellmayde.com/2012/06/diy-dip-dye-ombre-ballet-flats.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DIY Ombre Flats</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perfect for both summer and winter, flats are an all year round staple. But have you ever seen a pair as pretty as these? Click the link above for an easy and almost mess free DIY!</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.lovemaegan.com/2012/04/hanging-chains-headband-diy.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hanging Chains Headband</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes long hair needs a little jazzing up and this chain headband is brilliant for adding texture and interest to your locks.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://www.onceoverlightly.com/2012/12/miu-miu-glitter-sole-heels-diy.html" target="_blank">Glitter Sole Shoes</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Forget red soles, we want glitter soles! These are sure to turn heads (and use up that glitter hanging around at the back of your cupboard).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b><a href="https://www.forthemakers.com/tutorials/after-party-tattoo" target="_blank">DIY Silver Leaf Temporary Tattoos</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Metallic temporary tattoos are so popular right now, try this cool DIY before the weather cools down so much that we have to start covering up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/forthemakers-production-new/projects/images/253/large/AfterPartyTattoo_1-1.jpg?2014" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b><b><a href="http://shinetrimny.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/diy-beaded-applique-headpeice.html" target="_blank">DIY Appliqué Headpiece</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make a classy statement with this easy headpiece project.</span><br />
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<b><a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2012/01/hot-mess/accessories-hot-mess/semi-diy-clutch-with-tulip-shimmer-sheets/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glitter Stick-On Clutch</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Got a plain clutch that needs jazzing up? Look no further than stick on glitter sheets!</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://daretodoityourself.blogspot.it/2012/05/diy-dress-pollock-impulse.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Abstract Painted Hem Dress</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With a little nod to Jason Pollock and a lot of splattery fun, you can have a unique designer-looking dress for a fraction of the price.</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.studiodiy.com/2014/07/30/diy-fruit-slice-umbrellas/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fruit Slice Umbrellas</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Winter in the UK is always a wet affair, but how cute would a fruity umbrella look on a grey day? These are easier to make than you think!</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.trashtocouture.com/2013/01/diy-embellished-sweater.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Appliquéd Jumper</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Give an old jumper a quick and fuss free makeover with this DIY.</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://dontmindifidoblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/turn-sweater-into-cardigan.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn a Jumper into a Cardigan</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Got a jumper that's too small? Transform it into an autumn cardigan with this brilliant tutorial.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-9450742085794998182015-04-19T19:17:00.000+01:002015-04-25T19:28:37.559+01:00Buy & Sell Discounted Vouchers With Zeek<span style="font-family: inherit;"><text-align: center=""></text-align:><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it happens to many of us when we get given money for birthdays, special occasions or even a bonus at work that we say we'll hang onto it and save it for something special that we really want, but we actually end up spending it on transport, bills or even the boring weekly shop.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Having a brand- or shop-specific voucher can really help when it comes to making sure that we don't spend <i>all</i> our money on necessary but boring things and that we keep a little left over for ourselves. For that reason I think vouchers make better gifts than money in a lot of cases, and my sister has started asking only for vouchers at Christmas and her birthday because she knows she'll spend actual pounds on the boring stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was recently contacted by <a href="http://bit.ly/zeekb19" target="_blank">Zeek</a> and asked if I'd like to try out their app which enables people to sell their unwanted vouchers so they can earn a bit of money and someone can buy a voucher with a bit of a discount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Zeek is free for both iOS and Android and has a super simple interface- forget eBay or any other marketplace app you use, it would be easy even for a complete technophobe to understand how to use it. There's a large range of discounted vouchers on offer from Ticketmaster to Amazon and lots for fashion lovers like River Island, New Look and Urban Outfitters, as well as for beauty lovers like John Lewis and Boots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrG0wQkImMk/VTPuTg-fDgI/AAAAAAAADcY/tzxfq7Hw-Kw/s1600/Buy%2Band%2Bsell%2Bdiscounted%2Bvouchers%2Bwith%2BZeek.png" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Zeek generously offered me a £50 discount code so I could properly try the app out and I went for an Amazon voucher as I thought it would offer quite a lot in the way of options when it came to spending the voucher. My voucher had a discount of 6%, but I have seen discounts of up to 27% which means you could end up with a real bargain!<br />
All the vouchers have been verified as real by Zeek and you can pay by credit/debit card or PayPal once you've chosen one you'd like to purchase. The Amazon voucher I chose was an electronic voucher, so after checkout (which look literally less than a couple of minutes) the details appeared in my account almost immediately and I could start shopping right then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't had experience of using Zeek to sell a voucher but if it's anything as easy as buying then I'll definitely be putting a few unwanted gifts up for sale soon. Zeek charges £3 to the seller regardless of the voucher amount and buyers don't have pay to processing fees, even for postage.</span></div>
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If you'd like to check Zeek out you can download the app for iOS <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/zeek-lmkwr-wlqnwt-zykwyym/id825631837" target="_blank">here</a> and for Android <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marketplaceapp" target="_blank">here</a>, plus if you use the code <b>2WFFFH</b> Zeek will kindly add £5 to your account to spend on your first voucher purchase! I'll also receive £5 to my account too (think of that as a little gift from you to my sister!).<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How do you feel about shop-specific vouchers, are you happy to receive them or would you rather just have the cash?<br />
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xeccdM0u24/Ua9QGRst1AI/AAAAAAAABL4/srH6jnjFbdg/s1600/kp2.jpg" /></span> Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-70203388566258502712015-03-25T19:30:00.000+00:002015-05-24T21:28:43.647+01:00Foundation Always Too Pink? Make Up For Ever Yellow Chromatic Mix Review<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mzlPV73iMo/VRLuBOjt_iI/AAAAAAAADbc/25q_tRG5DlM/s1600/MUFE-Chromatic-Mix-Liquid-Pigment-Yellow.png" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jedUCO6KQIw/VRLuA7GZFdI/AAAAAAAADbY/0rBvqwVngMU/s1600/MUFE-Chromatic-Mix-Liquid-Pigment-Yellow-2.png" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first started buying foundation everything seemed too dark and orange, but as the years have gone on it now seems that all the shades that are light enough for my skintone always pull too ashy and pink on me. No matter what the shade name- sand beige, buff, naked, ivory or vanilla, when dry these foundations just don't look quite right against my neck but the darker more yellow colours are just too dark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My skin is naturally yellow toned but self tans (which I wouldn't be without) seem to make my undertone a lot stronger. Don't get me wrong, I don't walk about with the body of a Simpson, so it's annoying that brands think that when you're pale (even with self tan) your skin must be pink or beige coloured.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make Up Forever Chromatic Mix in Yellow is a liquid pigment that aims to change the tone of makeup, allowing you to mix up your perfect shade with perfect undertone. The Yellow colour isn't a bright banana or Simpson colour but more a mustard yellow with a very slight green tinge that matches self tan well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The pigment is in a small dropper bottle and is very liquid so I need just under one drop to mix in with my foundation for a full face. I find it makes my foundation a little looser and easier to blend, but it also dries a little bit quicker and </span><span style="text-align: justify;">smells a little strange once the product is mixed in</span><span style="text-align: justify;">. I've found it really helpful to counteract the ashy tones that beige and pink foundations can bring to my skin without darkening the foundation too much, and the colour blends easily into my neck to create a more seamless finish. The small bottle contains 13ml and although this doesn't sound like a lot, you need such a small amount that it will last for months.</span></span><br />
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I bought the water based pigment as my current favourite foundation Revlon Colorstay for Normal Skin is water based, but MUFE also do an oil based version for oil and silicone based foundations. I will probably purchase that too as the majority of foundations are oil based, especially from more affordable high street brands which seem to pull the pinkest on me in the lighter shades.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to yellow, the Chromatic Mix liquids are also available in white, brown, black, red and blue which perform different functions from making make up lighter (white), darker (black) to removing luminosity (brown). I've heard the red and blue colours are very good for mixing the perfect foundation shade for dark skin tones, and I think a tiny drop of the black or brown colours would be helpful for anyone who tans well in the summer but hates having to buy a whole new set of foundations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make Up For Ever Chromatic Mix liquid pigments are available in the UK for £12.95 <a href="http://www.gurumakeupemporium.com/epages/BT4080.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT4080" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xeccdM0u24/Ua9QGRst1AI/AAAAAAAABL4/srH6jnjFbdg/s1600/kp2.jpg" /> Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-85340350699538933972015-03-17T21:46:00.001+00:002015-05-24T21:29:15.838+01:00#WrapMe Photo Wrapping Paper<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I came home a little while ago to find an unexpected parcel waiting for me and I never would have guessed what was inside! After tearing through the outer wrapping I saw my cats' faces staring back at me straight from the wrapping paper of a little gift!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gift inside was absolutely perfect for me. If you know me in person (or follow me on Twitter) you'll have already got the sense that I'm a bit of a crazy cat lady, so I'm not going to pretend that I won't be flicking through Homemade Treats For Your Furry Friends any time I get the urge to cook and whip up a treat for my fur babies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The real treat though was the photo wrapping paper. I'd seen personalised wrapping paper, phone cases etc before and to be honest thought they were a bit gimmicky but when I saw the pictures of my kitty cats on this paper from <a href="http://wrap.me/">Wrap.Me</a> I was genuinely excited and thrilled that someone had gone to the trouble of choosing the photos. For that reason I think it's a brilliant way to dress up a gift, especially if you'll be sending it through the post (although I'd love to see a friend's face as they pulled the present from a gift bag!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The paper is matte which gives it an expensive look and it has the Wrap.Me logo on the back which actually looks very useful to use as a guide for cutting straight lines. On the Wrap.Me website you can upload up to 30 photos to use on your paper, either from Instagram, Facebook or your desktop, and you can also choose different border styles. The paper costs from £4.99 for a single sheet up to £14.99 for a large roll and Wrap.Me offer free delivery in the UK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If a friend has a birthday coming up I would definitely recommend taking a look at the <a href="http://wrap.me/">Wrap.Me</a> website and maybe making your own wrapping paper creation for their gift. I'll definitely be hanging onto the paper that I received as it reminds me of the cute times I've shared with my cats (however soppy that sounds!). So some fun or meaningful photos of memories you've shared with a friend would go a long way to making their gift even more special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What do you think of the idea of personalised photo wrapping paper?</span></div>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-88729746729896911362015-02-06T15:00:00.000+00:002015-02-06T15:00:02.835+00:00February Birchbox- The New Slimbox! <img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3g--i4XZnI/VNSvJxqsJrI/AAAAAAAADY4/mCYcsl5P3H8/s1600/Birchbox%2Bsmall%2B3.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHqYs4dBX50/VNSvKu4clRI/AAAAAAAADZI/oVZAHe2B2gw/s1600/Birchbox%2Bsmall%2B5.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EmEmDfJ6qKE/VNSvJ07Z1YI/AAAAAAAADY8/p693TVjhtts/s1600/Birchbox%2Bsmall%2B1.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's more than one reason that I love this month's Birchbox*; not only does it contain some genuinely squeal-inducing products, but it is super slim and tiny so fits through letterboxes with ease! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My postman loves to throw things over the 7ft gate at the side of my house when no one's in, and it upsets me inside to come home to dented and lonely looking packages wrapped in soggy carrier bags abandoned next to an old dustbin. But with the new Slimboxes that measure just 3.5cm high, February's box dropped onto my doormat and was met with delight when I opened my front door. The new smaller boxes contain the same value of products as the larger ones and if you're a new <a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/" target="_blank">Birchbox</a> subscriber you can choose your style of box when you sign up, or if you're an existing subscriber you can opt-in to switch your box type this February.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honesty, and as is sometimes the way with subscription boxes, January's box wasn't really my thing. However the February box is full of products that I was so excited to try and features brands such as theBalm, Liz Earle and Caudalie. Read on to find out what my box contained.<br /></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/box-spoiler" target="_blank">Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner in Black</a> (£11)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cynthia Rowley is a brand I've been hearing quite a lot of recently and I was really pleased to see a black eyeliner in this box as I tend to get stuck with strange shades in beauty boxes when it comes to colour cosmetics. This pencil looks lovely with its shiny gold dots and the eyeliner glides smoothly across the skin with ease. You get a little bit of smudging time before it sets but when it has set it lasts really well.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/caudalie-vinoperfect-radiance-serum" target="_blank">Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum</a> (Full Size £45)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received a tube of this serum in last months box and have been using it on and off since then. The oil free serum promises to reduce the appearance of dark marks and scars plus boost radiance. I haven't seen a huge difference to my skin yet but I stopped using this product through a breakout so hopefully when I get back to testing it again it will help reduce any marks that are left.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/t-london-darjeeling-hand-body-lotion-100ml" target="_blank">T London Darjeeling Hand & Body Lotion</a> (Full Size £6.50)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hands have suddenly become desert-like in the past couple of weeks and I've been slathering this cream on since I opened the box. It contains aloe and jojoba oils but feels very plumping and non greasy which is exactly what I want from a hand cream. The lotion is supposed to have the scent of darjeeling tea, but I think it smells very zesty which I love and I wouldn't at all begrudge paying £6.50 for a bottle double the size of this sample.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/s/all/stype/tbm/?q=liz+earle" target="_blank">Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo</a> (Full Size £10)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't tried this yet but I am dying to as it smells so fresh and lovely. This shampoo contains shea butter and vitamin E that aims to boost shine in hair of all types so I can't wait to get in the shower and lather it up.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/s/all/stype/tbm/?q=the+balm" target="_blank">theBalm Cosmetics Cindy-Lou Manizer </a>(Full Size £15)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is this not the dinkiest little powder sample you've ever seen? The cardboard packaging is like a full product in itself with full on illustrations and magnetic closure, but I've got eyeshadows bigger than this tiny little highlighter! I'm not really complaining, I think the sample packaging is wonderful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onto the actual product- I love the Mary-Lou Manizer and thought this would be similar but with a sheen in a different shade, however Cindy-Lou is much more pigmented and is more of a subtle blush than a highlighter. Applying high on the cheekbones makes this powder look a little misplaced but swept back from the apples of the cheeks it looks glowing and natural (plus I it makes a lovely eyeshadow).</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/s/all/stype/tbm/?q=chia" target="_blank">The Chia Co Oats + Chia Porridge</a> (Pack of 5 £4.95)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's quite rare that I get sent food that I can actually eat, but this lovely mixture of oats, fruits, chia and coconut oil went straight in my breakfast bowl and it made a sweet and fruity treat for the morning. I've always considered porridge to be quite bland but this has a lot of flavour and a richness that fills you up. Now that I've learnt about the wonders of The Chia Co I'm wishing they did a bigger pack size than 5 because I would be eating this all the time!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you looking forward to trying from February's Birchbox?</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xeccdM0u24/Ua9QGRst1AI/AAAAAAAABL4/srH6jnjFbdg/s1600/kp2.jpg" /> Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-85024414247691242662015-01-19T20:00:00.000+00:002015-04-19T19:36:14.728+01:00Decluttering & Letting Go <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I'm not the type of person to sit and make a list of New Year resolutions, I think January and the start of a new year can create a great excuse to make some changes, whether big or small and physical or mental. Over the last few weeks I have been trying to downsize the amount of things I own, rearrange my bedroom a little bit, and generally declutter my storage areas in the hope that I will not only have a clearer room but also a clearer mind.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had the chance to put up the lights and pictures I've been meaning to put up for ages, but one of the biggest changes I've made decor-wise is to move my bed off the side of the wall and into the middle of the room. Even though I have a perfectly good desk and chair, more often than not I find myself using my bed as a desk, and being stuck in a corner felt just as much a reflection on my mental state as it was a description of the bed. It has meant I've lost a bit of floor space, but I have to say a shift of just 40cm has really changed my perspective of the room and opened it out, making my white metal bedframe actually seem like a purposeful design feature with clear open space to each side.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, this change has meant I've had to sort through and consolidate everything lurking under my bed, as well as in my door-less wardrobe (no room for a waist high clothes pile at the bottom of the bed anymore!), and a sudden need for clear surfaces has meant drawers, cupboards and shelves have had to be attacked too. There's a lot to be said for decluttering small areas as well as making larger space changes, in fact it can be a bit like decluttering your mind- letting go of all the extra 'stuff' makes room for the things you really need.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the things I've really struggled with is the idea that I <i>might</i> use/wear/need something in the future, despite not having even looked at the thing for months. Ruthlessness needs to be your best friend when decluttering, letting go of the things that you keep hold of just in case is a really liberating feeling and asking yourself "would I actually notice if this disappeared?" is a good way to distinguish between '<i>want</i>' and '<i>need</i>'.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big sort-out isn't just for aesthetics and peace of mind (tidy room, tidy mind- or so they say) but also because I'm planning to move this year. Although I don't have concrete dates yet, having a reduced amount of stuff to take will definitely make my life easier now and in the future.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if you're not planning to move house, a good spring clean at the start of the year can do the world of good physically and mentally, and the infographic* below gives some good decluttering tips. I really like the idea of separate 'sell' and 'donate' piles in particular as I tend to do either one or the other, but creating two piles would make sure things go to the appropriate place (especially for items like bras and cosmetics which are actually very gratefully received by the right charities as donations).<br />
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Whether moving or staying put, a sort-out might be just what you need at this time of year- never underestimate the power of a good declutter!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ecomovers.co.uk/man-and-van" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ynoIIAiPYCE/VLZlnoUQwII/AAAAAAAADVs/Cb-nqG5Pb0E/s1600/09%2BMAY%2B-%2BHow%2Bto%2Bdeclutter%2Byour%2Bhouse.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ecomovers.co.uk/man-and-van" target="_blank">(Source)</a><br />
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</span></span>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-81698160151621373112015-01-12T17:30:00.000+00:002015-05-20T11:56:08.538+01:00Curlers for Long & Shorter Hair- Babyliss Curl Secret and Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Wand<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dd_fGqFpe6c/VLPl_xoI6oI/AAAAAAAADUo/-w7OqkpQ0Jg/s1600/babyliss%2Bcurl%2Bsecret%2Bnicky%2Bclarke%2Bdiamond%2Bshine%2B2.JPG" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've learned the hard way that not all curlers suit all lengths of hair; some will easily create a smooth flowing spiral on long hair, while others will (quite literally) chew it up and spit it out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because electricals tend to be on the pricier side of beauty products, I want to make sure that the tools I'm using are right for my hair, especially when it can bounce between lengths and textures. The two curlers I've chosen for todays post are the Babyliss Curl Secret for shorter hair and the Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Pro Salon Styling Wand for long hair.</span></div>
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</span> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7e6VizHM3o/VLPmABX5TzI/AAAAAAAADUs/VPLwngIRJYQ/s1600/babyliss%2Bcurl%2Bsecret%2Bnicky%2Bclarke%2Bdiamond%2Bshine%2B3%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7e6VizHM3o/VLPmABX5TzI/AAAAAAAADUs/VPLwngIRJYQ/s1600/babyliss%2Bcurl%2Bsecret%2Bnicky%2Bclarke%2Bdiamond%2Bshine%2B3%2Bsmall.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/BaByliss-Curl-Secret_1337289/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Babyliss Curl Secret</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (£119.99)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'd all seen the videos of women effortlessly creating perfect curls with the Babyliss Curl Secret, so I was super excited when I received this glittery purple gadget as a present a year or so ago and I thought I'd be using it pretty much every day. The problem is that the tool isn't meant to be used on hair that goes down past the bust and (disregarding the fact that everyone has a different length torso and boob height so the thought of a 'universal bust' is impossible, and weird) my hair did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really wouldn't recommend the Curl Secret for long hair- this tool works by automatically rolling a section of hair round a barrel in the 'ceramic curl chamber' when its clamped against the hair, and I suppose the barrel is just too small to cope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the tool was constantly beeping at me to let me know the hair hadn't been wrapped properly and I needed to re-clamp, or it was getting stuck in my hair and pulling it out when I went to release the curl. A couple of times it got so stuck that I had to unplug it out of fear of burning my hair off as I tugged hard to release my locks from the thing. The sections of long hair needed to ensure the curler works properly are so small that it makes it more time consuming and prohibitive than using a normal curling tong or straightener (especially as it's quite heavy to hold in the air for a long time), which in my eyes defeats the point.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, after I had an extra big trim not too long ago, the Curl Secret worked much more as it should and does prove to be a useful tool that makes life much easier. I need to have a mirror handy to make sure the hair sections are tangle free and inserted correctly, but with the heat on high and the time option set to the middle of three, I get bouncy and long lasting alternating curls that can be separated with my fingers or brushed out to a lovely wave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love curly hair but the constant wrapping and waiting can be difficult to master with some wands, so a curler that produces consistent results with less effort is exactly what I needed, even if I can't use it when my hair is at its longest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its a bit of an investment, even though you do get a free heat mat and dust cover, but if you have short to mid length hair then the Babyliss Curl Secret is a tool you'll definitely reach for in order to make curling an easier task. </span></div>
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</span> <img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KPD__Th0TY/VLPl_jyQ5rI/AAAAAAAADUk/Nx7L3ynk3Rc/s1600/babyliss%2Bcurl%2Bsecret%2Bnicky%2Bclarke%2Bdiamond%2Bshine%2B4%2Bsmall.JPG" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Nicky-Clarke-Diamond-Shine-Pro-Salon-Hair-Styling-Wand-NTS083_1523717/" target="_blank">Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Pro Salon Styling Wand*</a> (£34.99)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always up for trying out new hair tools but it was the inclusion of real diamonds in this wand that intrigued me the most. The Diamond Shine Pro Salon wand has a diamond infused ceramic coated barrel that uses tourmaline technology to help transfer heat evenly, avoid damage and moisture loss, and leave a smooth shiny look to the hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this wand would also work well on short hair, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25mm barrel is exactly the right size for my hair now that it has grown out. Smaller sections produce tighter curls but the barrel can quickly heat through larger thicker sections of hair and its easy to get the hair flat against the barrel and avoid twists that produce an uneven curl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Diamond Shine wand reaches a maximum of 210⁰c and I use the middle of the five heat settings at around 170⁰c. With my hair held for 15 seconds against the barrel and a few seconds resting in a gloved hand, I get a really nice curl that doesn't drop too much. I'm not convinced that there's all </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">much diamond in this curler, but it's doing something right as it produces curls which are much more even and uniform than some I've tried. I get trouble with visible split ends and increased dryness with some tools, but thankfully with the Diamond Shine the ends of my newly bleached hair look smooth rather than frazzled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For longer hair, the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicky-Clarke-Diamond-Shine-Styling/dp/B00LASDNQY" target="_blank">Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Styling Wand</a> is a hit- the high heat transfer of the barrel but lack of damage makes it a really useful tool and, if like me you're not a pro with hair styling, it will definitely speed up your curling routine! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which tools do you find work best for your hair length?</span><br />
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<img alt="Gold fashion skull, unicorn jewellery. How to clean and care for your jewellery" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiYk5wPL4Wg/VLHlCSBAkHI/AAAAAAAADUQ/pf3XGSdGDCg/s1600/Cleaning%2Bpost%2B2.jpg" title="" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> How many times have you dug an old favourite piece of jewellery out of the cupboard only to find it's discoloured, rusted or (horror!) fallen apart? As much as you might curse the shop you bought it from, not caring for your jewellery properly is actually the biggest cause of defects.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Giving your fashion jewellery the proper love and care it deserves can ensure it stays looking gorgeous for years, and luckily it's very simple to do!<br />
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<b>CARE</b><br />
Do protect your lovely jewellery from rain, sweat and body lotion during wear<br />
Do apply hairspray, perfume and body products (sparingly) before putting your jewellery on<br />
Don't do the washing up in all your rings and bracelets <br />
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Why- fashion jewellery is made from metal alloys (which means different types of metals mixed together) and water, alcohol and some oils can cause these metals to oxidise, creating rust, corrosion and a range of strange colours to appear on the surface from green to yellow. Alcohols and strong astringents can also cause metals and some types of beads and crystals to lose their gorgeous shine.<br />
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<b>CLEANING</b><br />
Do give your items a rub with a soft cloth after wear to ensure they're clean and sparkling<br />
Do use a soft, clean dry toothbrush to clean daily dirt from hard to reach places occasionally if needed<br />
Don't use soapy water, chemicals or harsh abrasives to clean your jewellery<br />
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Why- as above, too much moisture can cause metal alloys to oxidise, but chemicals or over vigorous cleaning can remove the coating from some pieces and loosen glues, increasing the chance of losing crystals and beads or the item falling apart!<br />
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<b>STORAGE</b><br />
Do remember to remove jewellery before bed<br />
Do hang necklaces or lay them flat in a box, to stop them becoming tangled<br />
Do store earrings in pairs for ease and piece of mind<br />
Do find beautiful holders for your jewellery (especially lovely ring stands!) but remember to rotate the items 'on show' frequently, as direct sunlight and exposure to air can sometimes cause colours to fade.</span>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-24293153698768962052014-12-10T16:00:00.000+00:002015-01-21T16:09:01.982+00:00Luxurious Foot Creams for Budget Conscious Shoppers<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uosYBtOmHnY/U5zOWWNslRI/AAAAAAAAC2A/_Q5GRx6VC98/s1600/freeimage-9067972-high.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't have to spend a ton of money to look great or be comfortable. Nothing is more important to a successful day than having happy feet. In a demanding world where from the moment we wake up to the time we lie down to sleep, we're constantly on our feet. While perhaps the most important aspect of comfortable feet is the shoe and to find the </span><a href="http://contributors.luckymag.com/post/iconic-shoes-across-the-globe" rel="dofollow" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">perfect one</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, those shoes won't soak into your skin morning, day, and night and bring a smile to your face!</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">There are as many foot creams available as there are flavours of tea. Consumers looking for dry or uncomfortable foot relief can pay as much as £100-200 for what appears to be a simple foot cream. If used enough, one could zip through a container a month. But is it necessary to spend such money for real comfort and relief? According to reviews and professionals, it is absolutely not needed.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soap & Glory makes a foot cream called <a href="http://www.soapandglory.com/us/catalogsearch/result/?q=heel+genius" rel="dofollow">Heel Genius Amazing Foot Cream</a> that runs less than £20 in most outlets. Even more budget friendly is a foot cream by <a href="http://www.eucerinus.com/products/repair/eucerin-intensive-repair-extra-enriched-foot-creme.html" rel="dofollow">Eucerin</a> that will put a consumer back around £10, and is reviewed as one of the best creams for fast absorption (meaning little slipping and sliding after application) with excellent results. Elemis Spa offers a foot cream known for a pleasing lemon oil and eucalyptus scent for about £33, enriched with Shea butter and jojoba oil. Another option in this middle cost area for the budget minded, and those who often prefer natural exfoliating products, is <a href="http://www.h2oplus.com/product/revitalizing+hand+&+foot+collection.do?sortby=bestSellers&refType=&from=Search" rel="dofollow">H2O Spa's foot</a> and hand collection for about £45.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many foot cream reviews that revealed rubbing the cream over the feet at night rejuvenates the skin and heels so that by morning, they are soft and feel light. These particular foot creams are used by men and women alike, which for couples makes an even more pleasurable way to end the night. Some skincare practitioners suggest <a href="http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/beauty-tips-products/do-foot-creams-work#slide-4" rel="dofollow">it isn't necessary</a> to use foot creams if you own hand creams. But the logic doesn't hold up as foot creams and hand creams tend to have different consistencies. Many quality hand creams aren't formulated for use on tougher, and often less absorbent, skin surfaces like the foot.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For any budget there are quality foot creams available and easily available by online ordering or visiting your local spa or salon. No reason to walk day after day with cracked and achy feet regardless of your budget!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is a guest post</span></div></div><o:p></o:p>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-36167213789159962262014-12-03T15:00:00.000+00:002015-04-27T22:12:46.710+01:00Everybody Nose It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After seeing these photos of Khloe Kardashian sporting a nose ring and chain on her Instagram, we couldn't help but wonder where we'd seen the look before. Nose jewellery has been sported by celebs from trendy Rihanna to less the likely Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel, and we don't think this trend is going away anytime soon.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Kendall Jenner was seen in a huge nose ring at the Coachella music festival earlier this year and I can't help but wonder if this is where Khloe took her inspiration for the above look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In May, model Imogen Anthony posted Instagram photos of her posing with an incredibly dangly nose ring and chain. She followed up this week wearing a large silver choker and matching nose ring with metallic tattoos to the face to create a boho wild child look. </span><img alt="Imogen Anthony with nose ring and chain" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrxIuEb7ik8/VH51IYyM13I/AAAAAAAADL0/gaKiqQ-ZdAY/s1600/imogen-anthony-nose-ring.png" title="" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only are Indian style nose rings an increasing trend between celebs, but fancy septum rings and clips are the new must-have accessory for the fashion forward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Rihanna and Lady Gaga were spotted with chunky septum rings this summer. While Gaga's is real, varieties of clip on rings similar to RiRi's are popular for those with enough confidence to pull them off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As early as 2006 septum piercings started to appear on the radar- Scarlett Johansson was papped in her chunky nose ring while out and about, and in May last year the Met Ball saw Jessica Biel don a subtle silver ring. Model Cailin Russo is a regular wearer of nose jewellery and embraces the look with a fresh face, showing you don't have to be super quirky or an A-lister to pull the accessory off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel with septum rings" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTRycT-Spnk/VH6AvyiLF9I/AAAAAAAADM0/uKZJ7TSn6jA/s1600/scarlett-jessica.png" title="" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <img alt="Cailin Russo with septum ring" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1C6Am68nY4M/VH6AxWChrrI/AAAAAAAADM8/7rF3EQu2fqQ/s1600/cailin.png" style="text-align: center;" title="" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While it may be pretty cool to wear for a day, we're not sure yet if I'm sold on the trend. A clip on would certainly be the best bet to try out this look before taking the plunge with a sharp needle, but I think we might give it a miss for now until we work up the courage to wear one in public! </span>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-48211072676704096342014-10-12T16:57:00.000+01:002015-04-19T19:30:03.089+01:00Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo and Conditioner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was asked recently if I wanted to try out a shampoo from </span><a href="http://www.faithinnature.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Faith in Nature</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I jumped at the chance- I'm very cautious of highstreet shampoos because of allergies, but I can't tell you how bored I'd become of baby shampoo! It does the job, smells nice and is easily available, but after about a year of use it has become seriously dull!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I chose the </span><a href="https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/products/pomegranate-and-rooibos-shampoo" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (£5.50 for 400ml), and Faith in Nature were also kind enough to send me the matching conditioner. These products are vegan and cruelty free, don't contain artificial colours, fragrances, parabens or SLES, and in each of the list of ingredients there are only two (Sodium benzoate and Potassium sorbate) that aren't either vegetable derived, organic or from essential oils.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find the scents quite unusual- quite herbal and earthy but they seem to change each time I open the bottle. Sometimes I can smell orange peel, sometimes cut grass and even a few times I've smelled Christmas trees as I massaged the shampoo into my hair. I can't remember the last time I actually ate a pomegranate, but that's definitely in there too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the smell a lot but if I'd sniffed them in a shop I might have gone for something just a little more sweet and fruity, even though it doesn't really last on the hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shampoo lathers up well which I really like in a hair product, and it makes my hair feel super clean and light after use. I chose one of the range that was 'for all hair types', but other Faith in Nature shampoo scents like Rosemary are designed for normal to dry hair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Over the past few months I've cut down hair washing from 7 days a week to 4 or 5 days a week (a big deal for me and it took a while!) but the cleaning and de-greasing power of the Pomegranate and Rooibos means that 2 day hair is easy and even 3 day hair is possible for my oily noggin. It also detangles really well which makes life easier as my hair is so prone to knotting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The </span><a href="https://www.faithinnature.co.uk/products/pomegranate-and-rooibos-conditioner" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Pomegranate & Rooibos Conditioner</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (£5.50 for 400ml) is light in texture and coats the ends of my hair easily. It also helps to detangle not just while in use but also afterwards so I can get a brush through my hair even after it's been dried. I've been using this a few times a week for about 3 weeks and although it hasn't made a difference in the way my hair feels, it does look shiny all down the lengths and ends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faith in Nature also make a wide range of other scents of shampoo and conditioner such as Chocolate, Hemp & Meadowfoam, Pineapple & Lime and Seaweed & Citrus, which all sound delicious, as well as skin care, baby products and soaps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't have to be into natural or organic products to give this shampoo and conditioner a go, but the Pomegranate & Rooibos would be great choice if you have oily and easily tangled hair like mine.</span></div>
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</span>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-35166129831157486492014-09-25T13:20:00.000+01:002015-04-19T19:30:46.369+01:00TheBalm Mary Loumanizer + September Birchbox + Discount Code!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've wanted to try the </span><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/thebalm-cosmetics-mary-lou-manizer" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> since seeing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/shaaanxo" target="_blank">Shannon Harris</a> rave about it quite a while ago. The packaging is really fun and has a 50s style illustration on the outer box and compact showing poor Mary-Lou's mugshot after being arrested for being too pretty and too popular, which definitely makes it stand out among other products. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside, the silver compact is a large mirror and 8.5g of silky slightly textured highlighter. The shade is a very peachy golden colour and, although much less yellow than other golden highlighters, it makes the rest of my highlighter collection look frosty silver or very pink. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The powder is very fine and</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> blends out into a lighter but very flattering colour that sits really well on my skintone. Only a small amount of the fine shimmer is needed on the face as too much can look a little too glossy, so with my heavy-handedness I use a stippling brush (my favourite for highlighters is from MUA) to create a perfectly blended sheen. You can see the powder in action in the photos above of me and my sister!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Mary-Lou Manizer can also be used as an eyeshadow, it can be packed onto the lid to create quite a strong colour that is definitely 'there', and I've been loving it patted onto the centre of the lid over other colours to create some lightness and dimension. It also makes a really gorgeous inner corner highlight that puts most of my other eyeshadows to shame!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TheBalm Mary Lou-Manizer can be purchased from the <a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/thebalm-cosmetics-mary-lou-manizer" target="_blank">Birchbox website</a> for £15.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 'Happy Days' Birchbox</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like the brown Birchbox boxes but this lively green and pink affair would be really nice to use as storage or to make into something (I've seen ideas floating around Pinterest). The theme of this box is Happy Days and the card insert describes 5 'happy day hacks' which I think is sweet. The box also came with a Birchbox <a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/shop/photo-holder" target="_blank">Happy Days Photo Clip</a> (£10 for a set of 5) in a bright green colour which is currently sitting out of reach of my cats who like to play with (read: destroy) little pretty things when they get their paws/teeth on them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/urban-fruit-urban-fruit-mango-100g-strawberry-90g-pineapple-100g-pack-of-6-2-of-each-flavors" target="_blank">Urban Fruit Magnificent Mango 100g</a> (£13.20 for a pack of 6)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was really hungry when I found this box behind my plant pot (thanks postman) so I ripped into this packet straight away. Then threw the empty packet in the bin because I forgot I'm a blogger and immaculate photos must be taken! While the packet is sitting in a landfill site I'm reminiscing about those big dried chunks of mango. I love dried fruit and they were soo good, especially as I'm not really allowed mango on the low FODMAP diet (boo!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/shop/benefit-it-s-potent-eye-cream" target="_blank">Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream Mini </a>(full size £25.50)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've tried this eye cream in the past and liked it but it started to break me out around my eyes. I already have a couple of milia that look annoyingly like sleepy dust under concealer so I think I might pass on trying this one again. However this is generous sample for eye cream and the little pot is so cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/shop/premae-mild-pro-dermabrasion" target="_blank">Premae Mild Dermabrasion Face & Body Scrub Mini</a> (full size £25)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This dermabrasion scrub is meant to be used for the face and body, but I think I'd stick to the body with this one. This is natural, vegan and allergy-friendly so doesn't have much scent about it which I actually quite like for shower products. It doesn't feel overly grainy but which is probably why it's called a mild scrub but it's good for removing those final bits of patchy fake tan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/shop/agave-healing-oil-treatment-2062" target="_blank">Agave Healing Oil Treatment Mini</a> (£16 for 60ml) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two things I know about agave- you make tequila from it, and bats use the crops to navigate in the night. Hair oil however has nothing to do with tequila or bats and instead it aims to smooth and restore hair through hydrating agave plant sugars. The oil is apparently based on a centuries old mixtec indian recipe! I thought this would smell a quiteearthy but actually it's quite fragrant and smells a bit like melon sweets, it's also not a pure oil like I was expecting but contains silicones along with fragrance and other ingredients. So far this has made my locks feel nice and smooth, plus made my hair dry quicker than normal as silicone based products tend to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/modelcor-powerlash-black-mascara" target="_blank">ModelCo PowerLash Black Mascara Mini</a> (full size £24)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a big mascara lover but this brush really scares me! It's very loaded up with product and I'm not sure how it will look on my lashes as they're easily weighed down. I haven't had the courage to try this yet but I will do soon. I'm a fan of bristle brushes but I like dry formulas so I think this mascara would be good for shorter lashes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://birchbox.co.uk/jane-iredale-just-kissed-lip-plumper-rio" target="_blank">Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper in Rio Mini</a> (full size £22)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I opened the tube the first thing I thought was chocolate- this really is quite a melted chocolate colour with just a hint of red. On its own, the shade washes me out a bit and makes me look like nothing but dark lips, eyeliner and eyebrows. But with a lighter colour layered on top, it's transformed into a more wearable shade- think Rimmel 101, Mac Snob or even Sleek Minx Pout Polish to knock the brown down a little.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've worn this a couple of times and the formula is smooth, creamy and has a satin finish. I didn't see any noticeable size difference in my lips but it does have that mild minty feeling similar to old school plumping glosses.</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birchbox have been kind enough to provide a discount code which will give £5 off your first box- use code </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">BBX5PEARL</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> until 6th October to take advantage of this great offer!</span></span></span></i><br />
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-77221867286722065222014-09-17T20:00:00.000+01:002015-03-17T23:17:46.381+00:00September Pink Parcel Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtatpOO1muY/VBi3IBNHbLI/AAAAAAAADFM/78RxAYp0v1s/s1600/Pink-Parcel.png" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cok8OoL91bQ/VBi2-rdt3HI/AAAAAAAADEk/p3DBzBZVpgc/s1600/Pink-Parcel-2.png" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>That </i>time of the month isn't usually something I tend to look forward to (ironic, as from about age 11 I couldn't wait for it to start!), but I was genuinely excited while waiting for my first <a href="http://www.pinkparcel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pink Parcel</a>* box to arrive.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This subscription service provides a selection of women's products tailored to you, plus some special goodies and beauty treats to make you feel a bit better during that miserable time. And the best part is that the box's arrival is synched with your cycle so you always have something to look forward to while Aunt Flo is on her way! The Pink Parcel is £9.95 per month, and the first box is currently just £5.95.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wide box grey and light pink was waiting for me behind a plant pot (thanks postman) and I was intrigued to see what I'd find inside. The first thing I came across was a little black cloth bag marked 'for now' containing four multicoloured and compact tampons to slip in my bag in preparation for 'the arrival'. I'm not sure if this is included in all boxes or only the first box of the subscription, but I really like the idea and it definitely beats having having random tampons floating about in the bottom of my bag!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKx-u7IAWMc/VBi2-ZBW52I/AAAAAAAADEs/X6drOBwlL_g/s1600/Pink-Parcel-4.png" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mu5mdvVtV0E/VBi2-UpDfgI/AAAAAAAADEo/szPlkhd0BvI/s1600/Pink-Parcel-3.png" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next part of the parcel was a stack of two flat grey boxes marked with 'for later'. These contained more tampons of varying absorbencies a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nd each box contains 25 tampons in all. The ones I received are Kotex U, which are new to UK and feature a pretty snazzily designed applicator, along with cheerfully coloured outer packaging which is small and discreet.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the Pink Parcel <a href="http://www.pinkparcel.co.uk/my-pink-parcel-3.html" target="_blank">subscription page</a> you can not only choose between different brands- Tampax, Kotex and Lil-Lets (non applicator), but you can also choose between individual or multi </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">absorbencies so the box is suited to your own flow type. You also don't have to purchase an ongoing subscription- instead you can decide on a one-off box or you could even send one to a friend as a little surprise.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLkuK88Hlf8/VBi3FFtHJYI/AAAAAAAADFA/cSUdsL4c8rM/s1600/Pink-Parcel-5.png" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqvWbF4mbFE/VBi9SiHaOOI/AAAAAAAADFc/EPrhQul8vfM/s1600/Pink-Parcel-6.png" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">On to the final part of the parcel that I know you're probably most excited about- the 'for you' box! Marked with 'a little something to cheer you up', this is the box that I'd leave to delve into when I was groaning, hugging a cushion and wishing a slow death to any many or beast that happened to annoy me even a little bit.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside I found three full sized beauty products, a little bar of vegan chocolate, a lovely caffeine free fruit tea bag and a little voucher for a free glass of bubbly at Cafe Rouge! Seeing this on a grey September afternoon definitely did cheer me up! </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little run down of the September products:</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Witch Anti-Blemish Redness Relief Moisturiser 30ml (£6.99)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was very surprised on trying this moisturiser to find out that it's green! I use a few Witch products regularly but I haven't come across this one before, and it's designed to fight blemishes with antibacterial and astringent Witch Hazel while balancing redness with its green tint. Only a small amount of the cream is needed (otherwise you do tend to look a little green skinned and ill) but it sinks in very easily and provides a small amount of evening of the skintone. My skin really likes witch hazel and I don't need a thick moisturiser as it's also oily, so this product has now found its way into my daily routine and I will report back soon.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Garnier 5 Sec Perfect Blur Primer 30ml (£12.99)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a much hyped product that claims to smooth and perfect in only 5 seconds, blurring wrinkles, shine and pores to create a smooth and diffused base. I was really excited to try this prime, and it's very silky on the skin. It really does provide a blurring effect, but I think I used the wrong amount as when I tried this on my nose my makeup had disappeared after just a few hours. I've only given it a go once so this primer will be put to the test, as lord knows my face needs some blurring!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Maximum Volume Mascara 10.25ml (£21)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This mascara comes in a long heavy tube which definitely makes it feel high end and I was pleased to see a bristle brush instead of a fancy shaped rubber one. This gives really natural length and definition to the lashes and is easily layered (although doesn't give that much volume on its own) and it stays put really well without much flaking. This is also very easily removed with just plain water, which makes a nice change to the effort of having to remove waterproof formulas, but also means that wearing it on rainy winter days will be a no-no!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Doisy & Dam Maca, Vanilla and Cacao Nibs Organic 74% Dark Chocolate 40g (£2)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't come across this brand before but if its chocolate and dairy free too then it will be in my mouth pronto! In all honestly the paper wrapper is empty in the above photo as I scoffed this right away, whoops! It was really nice though- soft, sweet not bitter, and had little crunchy bits in which was a nice surprise, will definitely be purchasing!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Teapigs Super Fruit Tea Bag (£3.99 for 15)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't drink normal tea so a warm cup of something herby or fuity before bed is where it's at. I find a lot of fruit teas can be a bit weak but this one is lovely and fruity, and I really want to get a box as an alternative to sugar filled berry squash.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCT-p4pfL54/VBi3F56lcSI/AAAAAAAADFI/tSX42s9KduU/s1600/Pink-Parcel-7.png" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure you can tell I'm really pleased and impressed with this month's box- it contains products that I'm guaranteed to use, along with full size samples from some well known beauty brands and a couple of extra treats too. I think the presentation is very classy but has a good mix of fun without feeling like it's aimed at teenagers.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pink Parcel have plans to include sanitary towels as well as tampons in the near future, and my only complaint would be that they don't have a 100% cotton option as I know quite a few people who won't use anything else.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're into subscription boxes, want to try something new, or just need a bit of cheering up each month then I would definitely suggest taking a look at <a href="http://www.pinkparcel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pink Parcel</a>!</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6152444396160699224.post-60144414175103337882014-08-31T16:00:00.000+01:002015-04-19T19:34:46.215+01:00Disappointing Products<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCLN4cHc9X0/VAMOFPI2Q1I/AAAAAAAADBM/sxM6cfoNMYs/s1600/disappointing-products2.png" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imhm5CaTbiY/VAMOEex4afI/AAAAAAAADBI/NcUXncNQ-68/s1600/disappointing-products.png" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Generally if I don't like a product I can make it work for me by using it in another way, but occasionally I buy or receive something that really doesn't live up to my expectations or to its claims. I've been compiling this list for a little while which is why a few of the products have gone to different homes already, but each of the products below just really haven't been my cup of tea. [Apologies again for the slightly below par photos- I'm in between selling my old camera and buying a new one, so I'm still using my phone for a bit]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Garnier/Garnier-Cleansing-Micellar-Lotion-400ml/p/809257#.VAMLR_ldXkE" target="_blank">Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (£4.99)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was really excited to see this Micellar Water on offer at Superdrug, as I thought it was the highstreet cleansing water everyone was talking about. But as I quickly found out, the one with the good reviews is actually the Loreal version! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Garnier version is not for me at all- it does a pretty bad job of removing foundation and concealer, leaving me either tugging at my skin or using about 5 cotton pads and even then I can't remove everything. For eye shadow it's not bad but it's useless for waterproof mascara (I never wear non waterproof) and it's like trying to rub it off using actual water. I've lost countless eyelashes (and my patience) trying to get everything off my face using this, but as it's a huge bottle I just want to finish it, so I've been using it liberally on my face and I'm back to Simple wipes just for eyes. I can't comment on how it performs with normal mascara, but if you use a long wearing foundation and waterproof eye makeup I would stay away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Dove-Style-Care-Dry-Shampoo-200ml_1372031/" target="_blank">Dove Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo (£4.59)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is OK as a volumising product but it's not my first choice for dirty or greasy hair. It's quite wet when first sprayed out of the can and when I rub it in it feels a bit sticky. This dry shampoo doesn't have that very powdery grey look that others do, and it gives my hair some shine without really weighing it down, but the shine of greasy hair is usually what I want to remove when using a dry shampoo! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been using it on clean hair to get a bit of volume without the matte look, but for dirty hair its a thumbs down from me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lumie.com/products/bodyclock-starter-30" target="_blank">Lumie Bodyclock Starter 30 (£59.95)</a> (not pictured as I sold it on, £60 ain't cheap for an alarm clock you don't like!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought this in the winter as I've noticed over the past few years I tend to feel particularly down from about October until the weather starts warming up again. Add to that dark mornings and an inability to get out of the bed at the best of times and you've got trouble on your hands! This clock houses a daylight SAD bulb and has a sunset and sunlight alarm which is designed to wake you up by mimicking natural light and make you a bit more cheery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the clock quite difficult to set, the buttons are very loud and the actual face that shows the time kept me awake it was so bright (thankfully that was dimmable). You can use the light as a 'normal' daylight lamp during the day and it does give off a nice bright glow, but the light slowly fades and then suddenly turns itself off every 30 minutes or so. The biggest problem for me was that it made no difference to the time or mood in which I got out of bed. Sometimes it was pretty annoying to be woken up with a bright light, other times I slept through it completely! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read a lot of good reviews before buying, but if I was to buy another product this autumn/winter it would be a simple light box as I think that would be easier, more useful and probably cheaper too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://avonshop.co.uk/product/make-up/color-trend/color-trend-chopsticks-eyeliner.html" target="_blank">Avon Colortrend Chopsticks Eyeliner in Night Star (£3.50)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can we take a second to talk about the name of this eyeliner- chopsticks? What have they got to do with my eyes? Anyway, I thought this would be similar to a dark grey kajal eyeliner, but the pigmentation is quite poor and its difficult to get a precise looking line with the chunky tip. I use this if I'm in a mega hurry- I apply it messily then rub it in to give a little bit of definition, but I was hoping for something much darker and less glossy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Vita-Liberata-PHenomenal-2-3-Week-Tan-Mousse-Medium-125ml_1253344/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vita Liberata PHenominal 2 Week Tan* (£37.50)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit I have only used this once as I was so disappointed with the results I didn't want to try again. This tan is designed to last up to two weeks- you apply two coats with a shower in between and watch in amazement as your tan fades evenly over the next 14 days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the first coat went fine, the second coat was also fine after showering until I woke up the next day with marks everywhere! I had rings round my ankles where my socks had been, white streaks down my arms and an actual white hand print on my leg where someone had squeezed my knee! I was pretty unimpressed and I scrubbed it off that evening, so it's been sitting in my cupboard ever since. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've tried this and had good results then let me know because I've heard good reviews and I don't know what I could have done wrong!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Barry-M-Waterproof-Gel-Eyeliner_1311433/" target="_blank">Barry M Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in No.4 White (£5.49)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been looking around for a light colour that will stay in my waterline but that isn't shimmery, and when I came across the affordable Barry M waterproof white eyeliner I thought it would be perfect. I like the design of the bottle- there's a brush in the lid which you upturn and clip in to give a long brush handle, and the pot of liner unscrews from the bottom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The product, however, is very dry and appears quite lumpy, almost moussey. That makes it very difficult to get a nice smooth line, and the lumps are very apparent in the waterline unless you apply it very thickly which obviously doesn't look right as its an unnatural bright white. It does seem last to last reasonably well in the eye but that's only when you've spent ages applying, wiping off and reapplying in order to get something that looks kind of ok. This product definitely need to be creamier as even on the back of my hand it looks like I've drawn a line in waxy art pastel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.xtras.co.uk/w7-style-eyes-brow-lash-shaping-gel.html" target="_blank">W7 Style Eyes Brow and Lash Shaping Gel* (£1.99)</a> (not pictured, in bin)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a decent sized tube of clear mascara, but unfortunately it's a very wet product and doesn't have much hold. I have quite unruly brows and this made them feel a bit sticky until it dried but didn't do a good job of holding them in place. W7 have some great products that I've written about in the past, but unfortunately this isn't one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Cocoa-Brown/Cocoa-Brown-Night-&-Day-Tan-150ml/p/804258#.VAMLzvldXkE" target="_blank">Cocoa Brown Day and Night Tan (£7.99)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've said in previous posts I love the 1 Hour Tan and I love the dark version even more, but this product didn't live up to my expectations. It's designed as a tan that you can wear on a night out, then wash off in the morning leaving more of a 'day time' colour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the guide colour (the 'night' colour) really dark, much darker than I would wear outside as I'd be worried about accidental runs or smears, and I didn't think it was a very natural shade on me. On washing off, I thought I'd be left with a colour similar to the 1 Hour Tan, but the shade was so light in comparison to the guide colour that it looked like it hadn't done anything at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The formula is very nice- silky, moisturising and non streaky, and I'm sure it works well for people who like wash off tan, but I was expecting to get a darker end colour after spending the time on a full body application.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lookfantastic.com/balance-me-wonder-eye-cream-15ml/10621895.html" target="_blank">Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream* (full size £20)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This might be great for people with ageing undereyes or wrinkles, but for me it makes the skin around my eyes feel uncomfortably tight. Whether I use it during the day or at night, I'm not keen on the taught feeling it gives and I feel like I want to plump and soften my eye area, not try to shrink it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Revlon-Nearly-Naked-8482-Pressed-Powder_1311355/" target="_blank">Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder in Fair (£7.99)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, this setting/face powder from Revlon- after swatching the three available shades in my local Boots I settled on Fair which, after double checking swatches online, I believe is the lightest shade. As I wear fake tan I'm not super pale, but I've found this powder so dark that after using it all over one day, I came home and was horrified to see how orange my face looked! The Fair shade is darker than my other setting powders in the pan so I don't know if it's that along with an oxidisation problem, but I'm really not sure how they can call this the lightest shade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I bought this after seeing Mikhila from <a href="http://missbudgetbeauty.co.uk/" target="_blank">Miss Budget Beauty</a> talk about it, and she also frequently mentions that she's quite pale, so maybe they have reformulated or mine just has the wrong label? If you also have this powder please let me know as it's such a nice formula but mine is orange!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What disappointing products have you tried recently?</span></div>
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Kirstyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07066343279006452317noreply@blogger.com4