Repurchases Haul

Don't you just love it when almost everything runs out at the exact some moment? Well last week was one of those moments and on Saturday, I went out to stock up on my essentials as well as take advantage of various deals which just so happened to be on a few of these products.

I stocked up on another Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser which is definitely making its way to be a HG product for me. Everybody raves about the Liz Earle C+P and I personally don't see the fuss about it (Although that being said, I do quite like the smell of it and how it leaves my skin feeling!) I'm almost out of my Aussie Miracle Insurance Leave In Conditioner which I use to detangle my hair when it's wet. This was on offer for 2 for £7 across all Aussie products in Superdrug so take advantage of this whilst you can!

I'm one of those people who like to have my own toothpaste and not use the family one so when my BlanX Whitening Toothpaste* ran out a few days ago, I hurried over to Boots to pick up the Colgate Max One White which was half price! I bought two as I find that this particular toothpaste doesn't last long. I also picked up two more Superdrug Coconut Oils which were £1.50 each instead of their usual £2.29. I use coconut oil every Sunday as a treatment for my dry hair and it always works a treat.

Have you had to run out recently to repurchase anything you've run out of?

#NottsBBMeet

Two weeks ago today, I attended the highly awaited #NottsBBMeet which took place on Saturday 13th April 2013. It was arranged by Sophia from Tattooed Tealady, Jessie from The Bode Boutique, Sophie from Candy Cane Heart and myself. It was highly successful with I believe 55 people turning up overall which us four were extremely pleased with especially after the many stressful texts, phonecalls and emails!

I met up with Megan from Cupcakes & Converse at the train station before meeting up with Rhiannon from The Sparkly Panda and Amy from Cocktails in Teacups before heading over to the meeting point where quite a few bloggers were already waiting. I would just like to give a big thank you to both Rhiannon and Jessie for helping me to hand out the name stickers as finding the names in the first place was a big struggle! 

For those who were not aware, one of the biggest highlights of the meetup was being able to go to Kiehl's for not only a talk about their products but as well as a skin consultation which I personally found to be eye opening. We were split into groups of up to ten bloggers and taken over to Kiehl's one group at a time. I was in Group 1 with my good girl Sophie and boy, did we have a laugh!

 

Each group was greeted with drinks + cupcakes! (Photo c/o Sophia)

A saying by the founding father of Kiehl's.

Kiehl's products!

 More Kiehl's products!

 Bloggers enjoying their refreshments.

 Ally from What's Alexandra Wearing? during her skin consultation.

 Sophie about to get her skin consultation.

 The world famous 'Mr Bones'.

 Sarah from Beeauty Geek and myself with 'Mr Bones'.

After our groups' session at Kiehl's and in between other groups going to Kiehls', we found ourselves venturing into many shops including MAC, Space NK and Boots just to name a few. I think it's fair to say that we deserved a sit down for an hour or two after all that walking!

Just before five, we had to say good bye to those who wouldn't be staying with us for the evening meal at TGI Friday's as there was only space for thirty people to attend. Upon arrival at TGI's, we were greeted with TWO goodie bags jam packed with so many items! We were also told that there was 50% off our first round of drinks and practilly everybody ordered an alcoholic drink. We also had various giveaways throughout the meal where I was lucky enough to win a Make Believe Gradual Tan Lotion.

 As you can tell, we were definitely spoilt!

I had a amazing time at the #NottsBBMeet and I also had the greatest to have met so many wonderful people! If you would like to see what I bought at the meetup then click here to see my haul.

Birthday Wishlist

For as long as I can remember, I've always had a birthday wishlist ready for my parents months in advance which would often be as long as my arm. This is still the case however I've shortened the list quite a fair bit for my dad (I've only asked for THREE things this year!). With my birthday in exactly a months time, I thought I would give a little insight into what I'm currently lusting after.

Like many bloggers, I bought into the hype of Real Techniques brushes and I've never looked back. I'm wanting to add to my collection with the Travel Essentials Set purely for the multi task brush as it seems like the perfect brush for literally everything. Another brush I'm lusting after is the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki which I remember reading a raving review of not so long ago. I seem to have a love hate relationship with the RT Buffing Brush at the moment and I'm wanting to see if this brush is better.

Another hyped up product/s are the Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Varnishes and in particular, the shade Blueberry which looks like it'd be the perfect colour for Spring/Summer if we do get any. Another nail varnish ideal for Spring/Summer is Essie's Bikini So Teeny which I do regret buying when I saw it in America last year and have been wanting ever since. I'm currently wanting to expand my nude nail varnishes and what better addition to have than OPI's Don't Pretzel My Buttons which was raved quite a few bit last year.

I've seen countless reviews of MAC's Soft and Gentle that I'm wanting to try it out for myself and see if it really is worth the hype. It's apparently the perfect highlight that just adds a subtle glow to your cheeks that doesn't look overdone. I've always been a bronzer girl and I can't believe that I don't have the infamous Bourjois 'Chocolate Bronzer' as it's known as in my collection. It has good colour payoff and practilly lasts forever which is pretty good for a highstreet bronzer.

I've recently downsized my lipstick collection to make way for new ones and one lipstick that I'm eagerly wanting is MAC's Myth which like Hue is another blogger favourite. It's a light neutral nude with a satin finish which compliments most skin tones. Another lipstick I'm lusting after is Topshop's Lipstick in Macaroon which is definitely out of my comfort zone of mostly nudes! It apparently is a lot lighter on the lips than it looks in the bullet which reassures me and makes me want to step out of my comfort zone even more. Yet another lip product I'm wishing for is the Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Carnation which I spotted on Laura from Belle's Boutiques' blog and literally fell in love with. It looks like the perfect nude lip pencil!

Every blogger and their dog have been raving about the Tangle Teezer which I forgot to pick up at the #NottsBBMeet. It's the perfect brush for detangling hair and since I'm on a mission to grow my hair long, what better way to start caring for it than with a tangle teezer. Yet another hyped up product that I've been lusting after for the longest time (since it was released) is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo which is meant to be a skin saviour for those who suffer with blemishes like myself. I've been reading many mixed reviews about it and I'm hoping that it would work for me. The last item that I'm lusting after is the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I recently found out that my skin is Normal/Dry so I've been trying to use as many hydrating products as possible on my skin. I'm hoping that this would help make my skin not as dehydrated as it is.

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned?

#NottsBBMeet Haul

On Saturday, I went along to the muchly anticipated #NottsBBMeet which not only was a massive turnout (55 people overall had turned up either for the day event or just for the evening event) but was also a very expensive day not only for myself may I just add!

I found myself in the company of my three best friends from blogging; Sophie from Candy Cane Heart, Jessie from The Bode Boutique and Sophia from Tattooed Tealady as well as many other people from the blogging community who I had much pleasure meeting and shopping with! There were quite a few swatching moments, especially in MAC with Jessie as well as many spur of the moment moments with Emma from Style Splash to name a few. 

First place I shopped in was of course Kiehl's as not only are their staff helpful and friendly but also very persuasive at making you part with your pennies! I was already intending on picking up their Midnight Recovery Concentrate but after getting it recommended during my skin consultation, I was most definitely not going to leave their branch without it! Next place was MAC where I found myself getting my swatch on with Jessie who couldn't quite decide on whether to get a Moss Green or a more Khaki Green for her MAC palette. After much deliberating on her part over which shade to get, I mean while decided to pick up two MAC lipsticks in Hue and Creme D'Nude which have been on my wishlist for quite a while. Hue is a definite blogger hyped up shade as it's described as being a soft pale pink which is why it's so popular with many bloggers after a nude lip whereas Creme D'Nude is of course a true nude in my eyes.

After MAC, a few of us ventured into Space NK where I finally got matched up to the infamous Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation! I'm in the shade Rose Ivory which is the second lightest shade if you were wondering. I also managed to get a complete make over by the friendly Sarah who also convinced me to buy the Caudalie Beauty Elixir whilst prepping my skin which sadly they only had in the bigger size. I also popped my NARS virginity and picked up the Laguna Bronzer which I'm sure will lead to more purchases from NARS very soon!

Last port of call was Boots who were still having their 3 for 2 across all make up and hair care. This is the only time that I think every beauty blogger really splash their cash in Boots as the savings you make when you're being savvy truly are amazing! I repurchased my favourite hair oil which is Organix Macadamia Oil which I've reviewed here. I also picked up the matching shampoo and conditioner which I cannot wait to start using! I also caved and pick up three more Real Techniques brushes. The three I got are the stippling blush, blush brush and the expert face brush.

As you can see it was a very expensive day which also lead to a very expensive Sunday too (Carbooting + IKEA is never a good mix!) More on what I bought from IKEA very soon!

Have you tried any of the products that I've mentioned above?

March Empties

For once, I didn't finish nearly as many products as I have in March unlike in other months! Perhaps it's because my stocks of half used products are dwindling or maybe it's because I'm taking longer to finish products? Either way, I'm glad that I've finished up some products atleast to make room for new products.

I've finally finished my Anti-blemish Skinetica* which was sent to me back in January! At first, this definitely helped get rid of any blemishes however after using it twice a day daily, I found that it didn't seem to do the trick at helping to remove any blemishes with a few days. None the less, it's still a nice blemish treatment which I'm sure to repurchase soon. I've used up another Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash which is my favourite daily wash which also exfoliates my skin at the same time. One of my all time favourite products that I've used up is the Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser which is the one I prefer over their Naturally Radiant version which featured in my last months empties. Another skin care related product that I've finished is The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion which I tend to use as a serum before I apply my moisturiser as it's very light weight and doesn't do much in terms of moisturising my skin. In terms of blemishes however, it's okay. I wouldn't say that it gets rid of blemishes quickly unlike some products out there. The last skin care related product I've used up is the Australian Bodycare Argan Cream w/ Vitamin E which I actually have quite a few in my stocks. It's a very thick moisturiser which I prefer using at night as it takes quite a while to sink into the skin. 

I've finally finished my eos Lip Balm in Summerfruits which I bought in America back in August last year. I truly enjoyed using this on a daily basis and it definitely did the job at keeping my lips moisturised. Another product that I've taken my time to use up is Charlie Body Spray in Black. This is the only scent that Charlie does that I actually like and I don't know why it's taken my so long to use it up as. It lingers on your clothes for quite a while and is a rather refreshing scent. I've also finished up another Salon System Individual Lashes Ultra in Medium Black which are my every day lashes and they last about two or so weeks before they need redoing. One product that I sadly didn't get to finish is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri as the last quarter of it went gloopy. It's definitely lasted quite a while as I picked this up in America also. It's a brilliant top coat and I'm already on my second bottle of the stuff!

I'm proud of myself of using up the Superdrug Coconut & Sweet Almond Intensive Conditioner as this was one product that was never ending! I really enjoy using this especially on a Sunday after my coconut oil hair mask as it leaves my hair feeling really soft and manageable afterwards as well as smelling like coconuts! I'm already on my next tub of this! I've finished up a bottle of Johnson's Baby Oil which I actually use to shave my legs with instead of using a shaving foam. I finish this helps to make my legs soft after shaving as well as helping to lock in moisture. Lastly, I've finished up a shower gel in the form of Avon Senses Shower Gel Bead Burst in Waterbabe which was a pretty average shower gel. It lathered up okay, smelt nice but I don't think it did too much of a good job at leaving my arms and legs clean. 

What products did you finish during March?

#NottsBBMeet Shopping List

 1. NARS LAGUNA BRONZER

2. KIEHL'S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE

3. MAC LIPSTICKS (IN HUE & CREME D'NUDE)

4. LAURA MERCIER SILK CREME FOUNDATION

5. REVLON LIP BUTTERS

With only a week to go until the #NottsBBMeet, I've been preparing myself for a very expensive weekend and this is just a peek as to what I'll be buying at the meetup. I've been lusting after the NARS Laguna Bronzer ever since I started blogging and I cannot resist not buying any longer. Sophia from Tattooed Tea Lady has been raving about the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate for absolutely ages, so much so that I bet she'll twist my arm if I don't buy it sooner.

After receiving my first MAC lipstick for Christmas from my lovely friend Jessie from The Bode Boutique, I'm destined to pick up two more shades in Hue and Creme D'Nude as they are the perfect nudes for any nude lover. Like many, I'm determined to find a foundation that is deemed holy grail worthy and after reading so many rave reviews of the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, I think it's time that I finally bought into hype and tried it out for myself. Lastly, I'm wanting to add to my Revlon Lip Butter collection (I have 11!) and what better way to buy some more than in the company of fellow beauty lovers.

Will you be at the #NottsBBMeet? What are you planning on buying?

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Greenberry

BARRY M GELLY HI SHINE NAIL PAINT IN GREENBERRY: £3.99

I've recently had a boots splurge or three and one of the items I picked up was this beaut, Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Greenberry. I haven't had much success with Barry M nail varnishes - the cult Peach Melba shade was far too streaky and the Instant Nail Effects in Silver chipped after only a few hours so I was a little dubious to see if this was any different.

After five days of wearing it with no chips to be seen and the intense high shine/gloss still there, my thoughts about it being rubbish have disappeared. It is opaque within one coat (two to be on the safe side) and the shine of the finish is amazing - it looks as though you've put a top coat on when you haven't. 

Seeing as I didn't buy into the whole Mint Candy Apple by Essie obsession, this has made me not want to be that particular shade for a little while longer as it is the perfect mint green shade for our wet spring/summer.

Have you tried any of the new shades in the Barry M Gelly Hi Shine range?

 

March Favourites

The cold weather has been causing havoc with both my skin and hair and whilst February was mainly about my skin, March was all about hair care. I've been using the Organix Macadamia Oil Dry Styling Oil religiously every time I've washed my hair and I've found that my split ends aren't nearly as bad as they were back in July last year pre-oil. This is only my second bottle which means that cost per use is pretty low! Another product that I've been using a lot is the Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Leave-In Conditioner. I use this as a detangling spray mainly when my hair is damp and just whenever my hair is feeling limp and life less. It makes my hair a lot more manageable and it leaves it feeling soft and feeling hydrated. I would definitely insist that you try this product out as it's a hair saver in my eyes!

I'm on a mission to grow my hair which means that I only use heat when I need to which has resulted in my upping my hair care to reduce the damage that I've done to it over the years. I started using the Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and matching condtioner recently which I brought back from America back in August and I have to ask myself why did I not use these sooner!? They both contain a unique blend of Moroccan Argan Oil and is made from the most natural-ist ingredients as possible to restore your hairs shine and softness whilst penetrating deep into the hair shaft to make it strong again. I've definitely noticed a huge difference in my hair condtion and I've noticed that I'm not loosing as much as I did before.

Lastly, I've been reaching for my eos Lipbalm in Lemon Drop quite a fair bit after my Summerfruits one ran out. It smells artificially of lemons however it leaves your lips feeling moisturised and hydrated for hours.

What products have you been loving throughout March?