Look Beauty Sale Purchases

Being the bargain hunter I am, I couldn't resist having a peek at the Look Beauty Sale and inevitably my little peek led me to a basket full of makeup.  I am a huge fan of Look magazine and Look Beauty has always been a brand that excites me.  I love the fun, cute packaging and just the simplicity of it but I've always been under the impression that the quality of the products are similar to that of MUA Cosmetics which undeniably are a LOT cheaper than the Look Beauty ones.  Nevertheless, half price sale, gotta treat myself!

Holiday Glow 'Hollywood' £4 (usually £8) - I absolutely love the pigmentation of this, it reminds me of the Fake Bake Shimmer Brick that I coincidentally also love.  Can't wait to start using this in the warmer months!

Mattify Me Pressed Powder - £4 (usually £8) - I have high hopes for this.  I haven't actually tried it yet but will let the world know my thoughts when I do!

Nail Pop Nail Polishes in 'Corsage' 'Dazzle' and 'Mink' £2.50 each (usually £5) - I'm disappointed with these, they all look like polishes I already own.  The colours online look so different to what they do in real life and the lid was scratched on 'Mink' before I'd even tried it.

Double Hit Lip in 'Rose Riot £4' (usually £8) - There's no way that I'd pay £8 for this.  Almost identical to the MUA Lip Booms that I believe are £3.  The lipstick smells suspiciously like the Vivo Cosmetics ones and also has the same pigmentation.  On the website this looks pink, however, in real life it's more coral with gold flecks.

Loud Lips in 'Petal Nude' £3.50 (usually £7) - Another disappointment for me, this colour looks completely different online.  I thought it'd be a little bit brighter than what it is but it's still something I'd wear.

How to...Smokey Eyes Look Book £6 (usually £12) - This is actually amazing value.  I love the triple hit eyeshadow, it's well pigmented and the colours just suit me down to a tee.  The Oomph lashes mascara is completely dried out though, not quite sure whether I'm even going to be able to use it.  I love the eyeliner, it's amazing!

Fresh Cheeks in 'Melon' £2.50 (usually £5) - This is a lovely shade but I'm going to save it for the Summer when I'm constantly fake tanned because I don't think it'd look particularly nice on my pasty Winter complexion.

Stretch Factor Mascara £3 (usually £6) - I have high expectations purely for the fact Look Beauty have dubbed this as 'eyelash extensions in a bottle'.  Full review on this mascara to come!

Did anybody else take advantage of the Look Beauty sale?  What products would you recommend from the range?

Grace x

17 Va Va Voom Mascara review

 Hello lovelies, i'm having such a lazy weekend.  I've literally been in my pyjamas for the whole weekend, gotta love the snow haven't you?!  I don't really post many reviews and was massively excited by the prospect of this mascara.

I picked up the 17 Va Va Voom Mascara from Boots around two weeks ago.  I actually purchased this and the BB cream as 17 had an offer on - 2 products for £8.  Usually this mascara retails for £6.29 but I've just checked the Boots website and the offer is currently still on.  I haven't tried any 17 products apart from the lipsticks but I must say, after trying this mascara, I will definitely be purchasing more of the products in the 17 range.  

The brush is quite big, people with smaller eyes like myself will probably find that you do get a bit of mascara on your lid as the brush is so hard to control due to it's size.  It reminds me a bit of the Collection Big Fake Mascara if any of you are familiar with that.  I quite like the packaging, it's fun but basic and I'd say it's definitely aimed at a younger audience.  I mean, I wouldn't see this chilling in my Mum's makeup bag.  

As you can see from the pictures above (CRINGE), my eyelashes are absolutely tiny and so fair, in fact without mascara they are pretty much non existent.  I absolutely detest my eyelashes so I'm always looking for mascaras that promise to give you that 'false lash effect'.  I often use two or three mascaras at once to get my desired look.  I didn't curl my eyelashes before applying the mascara for the purpose of this review so this is purely just the mascara.  I had to use around 3 coats to get my eyelashes how they look in the picture above but I am really thrilled with how they turned out.  I will probably pair this mascara up in the future with a lengthening one out of habit and just because I like my eyelashes to really stand out.  My eyelashes do look a little clumpy but that's exactly how I like them although it's not to everyones taste!

Have any of you tried the mascara? Or any of the other ones in the 17 range?  Which ones would you recommend?

Grace x

What's on my bedside table

I've seen lots of these posts floating around the blogging world at the moment and seeing as I love them, I've done my own.  My bedside table is filled with everything that I love - florals,  a candle, beauty products, a teddy from my Grandma and an obligatory photo of me and my boyfriend.  Some people will probably think this is pretty cluttered but it's just the right amount of clutter for me and I love the girly feel of it.  I do like to keep special things on here such as the candle that my mum made, a teddy from my Grandma and the picture of my boyfriend and also just essential things like hand cream, steam cream, a spray on moisturiser and a bottle of heel genius so I can pester my boyfriend for a foot massage every now and again. I also keep my work tag on here just so I don't get panicky when I don't know where it is.

Grace x

Roberto Cavalli Eau De Parfum

You know those times when you're running through Boots and your boyfriend stops to smell aftershaves so you can't resist spritzing a couple ten different perfumes all over yourself?  Well that was me.  I've sprayed Roberto Cavalli's perfume on me a couple of times and each time I've got home and been like 'awww, wish I got that perfume' but I've always held out.  Anyway, in Boots, one day after I posted the 'Project 10 Pan' post might I add, where I shamefully said that I wasn't going to buy any new beauty products until I'd used up those ten, this cheeky number caught my eye.

This gift set was reduced down to £24, half price it's original amount, in the sale for a 50ml eau de toilette perfume, bonus body lotion and a pretty box.  Project 10 Pan obviously fled my mind as soon as I laid eyes on this little beaut and I wasn't in the mood to 'umm' and 'aaaah'.  I absolutely love everything about this perfume.  It's not too 'cutesy' like a lot of the Britney Spears perfumes and this just oozes sexy and sophisticated.  I feel like I want to branch away from the sickly sweet smells and start wearing grown up fragrances, if you will.  I love the classic design of the bottle too and the tiny amount of leopard print that gives it just the right amount of tacky.  The bottle stop is an absolute winner for me too, in fact, it looks a little medal-like.  After a little google, I've found out that the top notes of the perfume are Pink Peppercorn, Green Mandarin, and Italian so imagine all of those blended together and you might come out with a scent that's a little like the perfume. Haha, sorry, I'm rubbish at describing scents just pop in to boots and have a little smell. 

Grace x

50 Random Facts about Me

I watched this tag last night on Essiebutton's youtube and I thought it was really fun so I've decided to my own, only in writing form so I hope it's not too boring.

1) I'm scared of birds, hamsters, rabbits and horses.
2) I used to get panic attacks A LOT.
3) I love everything Cath Kidston or just floral printed in general.
4) I live around five hours away from all of my friends and family.
5) I spend my life wishing I looked like various different celebrities.
6) I'm obsessed with ALL reality tv programmes apart from Made in Chelsea.
7) I still watch Tracy Beaker.
8) I can't stand spelling mistakes.  They genuinely make me feel weird.
9) I'm slightly obsessed with anything Hello Kitty.
10) Thinking of fifty random facts about myself is harder than I thought.
11) I AM A MASSIVE ONE DIRECTION FAN!
12) I'm left handed.
13) I have to watch something 'nice' before I go to sleep every night so I can fall asleep feeling happy.
14) I would rather stay up all night and sleep all day rather than waking up at the crack of dawn and going to bed early.
15) 5 times out of 10, I don't take my makeup off before I go to bed. OOPS.
16) I love painting my nails but end up peeling the nail polish off the next day.
17) I hate hugging/kissing everyone except my boyfriend.
18) I rarely show my true emotions.
19) The only time I ever say 'I love you' to my family is at the end of a phone call, but I do love them loads.
20) I've never met my Dad.
21) I've never been abroad.
22) I've lived in England, Scotland and Wales.
23) I hate peas!
24) I could easily eat a whole jar of Beetroot in one go.
25) I like the idea of being 'arty' but in reality I can't even draw a stickman.
26) I have enough makeup to last me forever but I still want more.
27) I'm terrified of dying.
28) I think about dying every single day.
29) I'm a massive hypochondriac which usually leads me to googling things which essentially ends in me thinking i've got horrendous illnesses.
30) I have such bad eyesight but I'm scared of the opticians.
31) Mean Girls is my favourite film in the whole wide world.
32) I don't see/speak to my friends as much as I should.
33) I forget EVERYONES birthdays.
34) Whenever I get pretty notepads, I won't write in them because I don't want to ruin them.
35) When my Mum was pregnant with my little brother, I didn't want her to have him but now I think he's the best thing in the world. like, ever.
36) Oasis will remain my favourite band for the rest of my life.
37) I wish I was a Disney Princess.
38) I'm scared of Phil Mitchell from Eastenders.
39) I don't watch any soaps anymore.
40) People that patronise me because they think they're more intelligent me make me want to punch them in the face.
41) I hate violence.  Even shouty arguments make me feel shaky unless i'm involved in them.
42) I never thought my blog would have as many followers as it does.
43) My blog is like my little baby!
44) I love to sing and record myself singing. HAHA.
45) I am incredibly homesick.
46) I wish I could put all of the people I love in my pocket and just carry them around with me constantly.
47) I'm proud of the person I am.
48) I've never tried a cigarette and never will.
49) I haven't read a full book since I was about 15.
50) I want to make something of my life to make my family proud of me.

PHEW! Hope this wasn't too much of a bore.  I feel a little self obsessed writing 50 whole facts about myself but I think all of you should do it too.  If you have already done it, leave links to your posts below :)

Grace x

Today I don't feel like doing anything

Hello! I'm so angry today, I've just made cakes but they turned out disgusting and now I've found out that my favourite programme on BBC three - Lip Service is being axed.  To make matters worse, my pretty nail varnish has now chipped off and I can't resist peeling the rest. Lucky that I took the pictures earlier isn't it?! 

This pretty combination is Models Own Jack Frost and Essie's Cascade Cool.  They don't look as glittery and pretty in the pictures as they do did in real life though. I feel like part of me is saying lay off the glittery nail varnishes because it's not christmas anymore but the magpie inside me is just crying out for glitter. I went with the magpie.

I hope you're all having a relaxing Sunday. I'm just waiting for Celebrity Big Brother, is anybody else loving it this year?! I hate Speidi! Don't be mean to my poor baby Rylan!

Grace x

I've got mixed up memories and I've got favourite places

Instagram - Glitzcarousels

Drinking Rekorderlig with my Grandma, a spot of lunch, my favourite perfume at the moment, NERDS, Cath Kidston goodies, the cutest kitten in the world, disney princess cup to help me drink more water, cous cous and tomatoes for lunch at work, a bed full of christmas present, my favourite ring, yummy hot chocolate my mum made & a silly face. x

Project 10 Pan

Hello lovelies!  Hope you're all having a great week!  I've been ill so returning to work today felt like Monday for me.  BOO.

I was browsing through my massive collection of makeup, hair stuff, lotions and potions and everything else that a girl could need when I couldn't dismiss just exactly how much 'girl stuff' I own.  It is actually crazy so enough is enough! I've decided to use up lots of things I've got before I go and splurge on things that I shouldn't really be buying.  (unless I really really really want something!).

SO I've decided to jump on the Project 10 Pan bandwagon.  I believe 'Project 10 Pan' was created by the lovely Laura at Buy now, blog later.  If you aren't familiar with the concept of Project 10 Pan, you basically pick ten items and the idea is to use them up, or at least hit pan, before you purchase any other tempting treats.  Thinking about it, I've probably made this harder for myself by picking products that I'm not anywhere near to finishing but I guess that shows just how determined I am to stop my spending! ;)

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter 70% left - I absolutely love this but I've got about another 3 tubs to use and this has been open for ages! I'm going to smell amazing.

Argan Magic Restorative Hair Mask 50% left - I just don't use this as much as I should do and keep opening different hair masks instead.

Purity Cleansing Lotion 30% left - Y'know when you just get a little bit bored of something and you need to move on to other things?  That's how I feel about this even though I do really like it.

Cucumber Freshening Water 99% left - I've literally used this once.  I want to slap myself.  I need to see what this actually does and whether it makes a difference to my skin.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation 45% left - I don't know why I even bothered re-purchasing this.  It was my favourite when I was about 13 but I just can't bare to let foundation go to waste!  Will have to wear this when I'm fake tanned though cause at the moment I'm horrifically pale.

Revlon Lip Butter in Sweet Tart 60% left - I love this, I really do but I just want to finish a whole lipstick!  Something I've never done before.

Essie Nail Varnish in Cascade Cool 90% left - I have a ridiculous amount of nail varnishes and even though this is one of my prettiest ones, I just don't seem to love it enough.  Times are changing.

Strawberry Carmex Tube 100% left - I love Carmex!  I love it so much I must have about 6 tubs/tubes. I am making it my mission to one hundred percent stick to this one.

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Primer 80% left - Am I the only person that doesn't reap the benefits of primer?  It just doesn't make a difference to my skin.  I need to use this though.

Soap and Glory Thick and Fast Mascara 90% left - I needed to put a mascara in here because I have about 6 open at the moment.  I wear lots of mascara so this shouldn't be much of a problem for me.

Do you think I'll be able to do it or just fail miserably?!  Have any of you participated in Project 10 Pan before? Come and join meeee!

Grace x

Favourite Products of 2012

Hello lovelies, I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend.  I seem to be running behind on everything lately, my Christmas haul was late and ideally I would've liked to get this up at the beginning of the month but life and light just seemed to stand in my way.  Anyway, better late than never eh?!

2012, for me is a year where I've seemed to find SO many products that just suit me to a tee.  It's been terribly hard to narrow down lots of my loved products but I've came to the conclusion that these are my absolute faves.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover - Oh my god, this foundation is literally like a miracle in a bottle.  It makes my skin look flawless, even, cakey (I like a cakey face) and lasts until I have to literally scrub it off my face.  I know there's been mixed reviews on this and it doesn't work for everyone but for me it's just incredible.

Sleek Contour Kit - I have to thank beautycrush for this one.  I was watching one of her videos where she used this and I couldn't believe the effect it gave.  I instantly had to have it.  I've used this daily and am not even anywhere near hitting pan.  I stupidly didn't swatch it here but you're probably all well aware of how it looks anyway.  I bought it for the contour but have found myself using the highlighter loads more lately.  It looks beautiful on the brow bone and swept across your cheeks.

Models Own Nail Varnish in 'Beth's Blue' and 'Ibiza Mix' - 2012 was the year where I discovered Models Own nail varnishes and I honestly don't think I will ever find a nail varnish brand that I love more.  Beth's Blue and Ibiza Mix are the nail varnishes I'd say that I've used the most this year and I'll be so upset when I run out of them.

St Moriz Self Tanning Mist in Dark - I would hate to know how many bottles of St Moriz I've been through in my life.  I've definitely tried the mousse, spray and lotion about 4 times each minimum, probably loads more.  The spray is my personally favourite just because I feel as though it's the darkest out of the three and lasts the longest.  I haven't found a fake tan to beat St Moriz yet.  I always end up with a flawless tan.  It's relatively long lasting - around 3-4 days and is only £2.99! BARGAIN!  The people who run St Moriz's twitter account also seem absolutely lovely too which just gives the brand that little extra.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush - Is it normal that I panic whenever I run out of Batiste dry shampoo?! It is a little bit isn't it?  But you never know when you're going to wake up late for work when you planned on having a shower and just haven't got time eh?!  If you haven't guessed already, Dry Shampoo is a god send for me.  My hair gets so easily greasy which I hate but dry shampoo just makes me love my hair all of the time.

Soap and Glory's Hand Food - I was undecided between Hand Food and Heel Genius but then realised that Hand Food is something I use a lot more.  I don't go a day without smearing this all over my hands.  I currently own 4 bottles (a little excessive, I know) but I can't get enough of it.  Literally makes your hands feel like a baby's bum.  That sounded weird, and the Soap and Glory signature scent is also to die for. If you haven't tried it, what are you waiting for?!

Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - At first I couldn't stand this eyeliner whatsoever and left it in my makeup drawer until I ran out of my last little ridiculously priced Eyeko one.  I don't know what came over me but I decided to give it a go and I've never looked back.  It's everything I need in an eyeliner - long lasting, very black, has a sturdy tip to apply and is massively cheap (£2.99 I believe).  I am never going to stop repurchasing this.

Phew, that seemed like a ridiculously long post.  I hope it wasn't too much of a bore to read.  If you've done a post like this, feel free to leave it below for me to have a little gander!

Grace x

What I got for Christmas 2012

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope you all had an excellent Christmas and a fantastic new year.  I celebrated Christmas with all of my family at my Mum's house in Wales and only got home on Sunday so this post is a little overdue!  It's the first chance I've had to get out all of my Christmas presents and have a play around with them so naturally I just HAD to share my beautiful prezzies with you all.

As you can see I've been a very lucky girl this Christmas and I'm very thankful to everyone who bought me gifts!  I couldn't pick a favourite because I just love everything so much.  I can't wait to use everything now I've taken photos for you all!

I'm off to eat a chocolate orange and chill out in bed before work tomorrow.  BOO! :( If you've posted about what you've received for Christmas, please let me know because I love reading these kind of posts!

Grace x