Soap and Glory Ultimelt Cleanser Review

I am a sucker for something new in beauty. Ooh barry m has new colours? Gimmie. Ooh your eyelashes look amazing? Gimmie. So when TalkBeckyTalk raved about the Soap and Glory ultimelt cleanser in her video, I just had to try it for myself.

My skin type?
Normal - Dry

What does it do?
In a nut shell - takes off your make up. A standard cleanser for the standard face. S&G say that make up 'melts' off with this product.... nah you do have to rub a little bit. Your mascara isn't just going to fall off and if it does well you need a new mascara baby.

Whats in it?
Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter Oils, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Sorbitan Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Synthetic Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Linalool, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Pantolactone, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil

How do you use it?
Put about a large blob the size of a grape on your fingers and just rub and smush all around and up in your face until it's all covered. I like to rub in my cleanser for a couple minutes and rinse off using a warm flannel.

How does it feel?

According to Soap and Glory 'It's super-concentrated, smoothing, revitalising, and deep cleansing – like a detox spa for your skin.' Do I agree? Not really. Yeah it takes off your make up, yes it cleanses your skin and yes it does the job but do I feel super revitalised and refreshed after using it? No, I'm just happy to have my make up off. 

Don't get me wrong, this product is great for the price but there's one thing I can't get over. It contains something that reminds me of toilet cleaner. Not exactly what I'm after. 

When do you use it?

Morning and evening, whenever you want to. I like to use it in the evening when taking off my makeup just to get me all makeup free and clean before I go to bed.

Price

£10.00

A lot things about this review might make you think I'm not a fan but I am. It's a great product. It takes off your make up, cleanses your skin and is a great product to include in your skin care routine. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a new cleanser because whilst theres aspects I might not enjoy, that doesn't mean someone else wont. Would I choose this over the Liz Earle? Probably not but it's a pretty good substitute!

disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.

New Look Obsessions

You know sometimes when you're just doing an imaginary shop online and get suckered into one website and suddenly you have like 30 tabs open with your new fantasy wardrobe.. no? Well that's me. Spending my imaginary money on looking fabulous this summer!

Now don't be thinking I'm prejudiced or sponsored on this post. I do love (pretty much) all the high street stores and lust after those equally but New Look's summer collection particularly stood out to me. I just couldn't hold off on opening a tab... and another... and another, then suddenly there's a whole collection just sitting in front of me screaming BUY ME. My bank account weeps.

I am a big fan of culottes. I used to wear them when I was a young brownie except back in those days they were a little less fashionable and a little more brown and durable. Naht a good look I am telling you now. But since those days, thank god, they have evolved into the most fabulous summer staple this year ranging in colours, textures and patterns. I love it. I own 3 pairs so far and there is no stopping me now. 

As soon as I saw these beautiful white floral print culottes I knew I just had to have them. So come pay day, I am getting those bad boys. 

Another thing I am absolutely in love with is New Look's shirt dress collection. Floaty, effortless and fabulous. In fact I saw a woman in town yesterday wearing the striped number with a blue sleeveless jacket and some boating shoes. Dream.

One thing that is missing from this little imaginary haul is accessories so I just guess I'm gonna have to get one of those going too. What a shame!

Floral Top 
Floral Skirt
ZigZag Skirt 
Floral Skirt
Nude Skirt
Floral Cullottes
Bird Top
Bird Shorts
Black Jewel Shorts
Black Jewel Crop Top
White midi dress
Yellow Floral Top
Stripe Shirt
Cat Top
Bikini Top
Bikini Bottoms
Stripe Midi Dress
Floral Skater Dress
Blue Cropped Trousers
Crochet Jacket
Red Dress
Check Sleeveless Jacket
Kakhi Sleeveless Jacket
Bag




disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.

KIKO Long Lasting Shadow Stick Review

There is probably nothing I hate more than when you're happily going about your day and you pop off to the loo, look in the mirror and find you've got half your eye shadow down your face. Just me? We worry about the pigment of the eye shadow and the huge amounts of colours we've stashed in our collections but all of that means nothing unless it lasts long enough for people to see it. 

Usually when something says long lasting I'm pretty sceptical. There are thousands of products lurking on the high street that claim to be long lasting, water proof, bullet proof and child proof but more often than not all it takes it a step into the wind and you're drowning in liner and eye shadow glitter. 

But that's where KIKO steps in with their magical eye shadow in a stick. 

Firstly, these eye shadows come in such a beautiful matte packaging that makes it feel much more high end than its £6.90 price tag. The colours you can see here are 05 Rosy Brown and 07 Golden Beige.

Now the big claim that KIKO make is that this product is an '8 hour no-transfer' eyeshadow. Do I agree with this? Essentially yes. It's not going to stop gel eyeliner from creasing on your upper lid when you have hooded eyes (personal experience) but it is pretty indestructible. You can rub your eyes as much as you want and this stuff doesn't come off. 

But then if it doesn't come off, how do I blend it? I personally like to do one eye at a time when using these products as I think when it's warm, it moves better. I simply twist up the stick and apply the eye shadow and blend blend blend. Please note - you should always be blending your eye shadow any way. This is essential. Once I've done one eye I just move onto the other. 

Getting it off isn't a problem either! Simply use an oil based removed and it comes off nice and easy with no residue. 

(I took these photos 4 hours ago and I still have the eyeshadow on my hand. It's survived hand washing, fairy liquid and an outfit change, it's that good.) 

The 05 Rosy Brown is more of a purple-brown than a deep brown and the 07 Golden Beige is yes a gold flecked eyeshadow. Both eyeshadows have flecks of gold within them which I think is lovely and these two colours work well together, for me. 

For an everyday look I use the 07 all over the lid with a small amount of eyeliner on the lash line which can be taken to an evening look by adding the 05 and a bit more eyeliner. They're so easy to use it's unbelieveable. From a beginner to a professional, these eyeshadows are perfect for everyone. 

Well done KIKO. 

These shadows are available in 32 colours across the entire colour spectrum so you're bound to find something for you. Available in store and online. 

Disclaimer: this post is not sponsored. I actually just love this. 

(p.s photos taken with my fancy new camera... how swish am I?) 

Taking Inspiration from Pinterest

Do I own my own home? No. Can I afford to buy anything for a home? No. Does that stop me pinning? Hell no. 

I have a board on pinterest called 'Home Inspiration' where I gather all the images, styles and designs that I want to create in my future home, whenever I am able to afford that. So I thought today I would show you a little bit into this in the hope that you feel inspired too. 

If there's anything I learned making this collage it's that I like white. Lots of white and grey. I have no shame, clean simple lines are what I love. I also have a huge desire to create a photo wall. Filling a space with my favourite art work, memories and cool designs just seems like the perfect way to portray your personality. It's a great focal piece for a room and makes a great conversation starter. 

I've always been taken by Swedish furniture and 1950's inspired decor. Not that I would choose a bright pink kitchen or dusky patterned wall paper but give me a thin dark wood table leg any day. 

And that's why I love pinterest. You can mix and match, pick and select everything you love and store it all in one place whether that be planning your wedding, building your dream home or lusting after jewellery pieces from fashionistas and models alike. 

If you want to check out what photos I've been hoarding away for the past few years you can check out my boards here

disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.

Styling 101: Suede Dress

Picture the scene. You're out shopping in your favourite store and you see an item that makes you go all heart eyes emoji but then your rational mind thinks What the hell would I wear with that?! This happens to me on a regular occasion. Partly because I think I'm not cool enough to wear some pieces but more than likely they have a quirky style, outlandish print or asymmetric hem that will cut just a bit too close to my lady bits. 

But never fear I am here to save the day. Whilst shopping on Topshop the other day I spotted this beauty that, unfortunately for me would never fit over my huge bum, but is cool none the less. Suede and 70's styling is a huge trend this season. You cant even walk into a shop now without some fringe and orange staring you in the face and honestly I love it. Yes I am all for 80's scrunchies and a white 60's shift but come on, bell bottoms, wide brim hats and tassels. Bring it on. 

But maybe the 70's isn't for everyone. After all, some of it is for an acquired taste but this doesn't mean you can't take a little bit of inspiration and make it your own. And so, let us begin.

Because trainers are incredibly comfy. Get on the 8am tubes out of Paddington and you'll see all kinds of office workers, business women and fashionistas rocking the trainers look. Taking inspiration from the 90's, think sporty spice, match this suede dress with a sheen backpack, Nike's and a thin bracelet and you've got a comfy, subtle look. Anti-Wimbledon if you will. 

Trainers 

Backpack 

Bracelet 

Now for those of you looking for something a little more formal, office style, why not put the dress with this long green duster from Topshop. The difference in hems will add detail and interest to your outfit. Get, yes you guessed it, wedges and a tassel bag and you've got 70's chic without all the flower power. 

Jacket 

Bag 

Shoes 

Watch 

Now who says you can't wear suede in the summer. Not me. This sporty little dress would look great with some metallic sandals and a crisp white jacket. But keep the suede in by adding this large brown bag, perfect for carrying all the summer essentials. Finally finish off the look with some mini rings for a bit of sheen and interest.

Bracelet 
Shoes 
Bag 
Jacket



disclaimer: this post is not sponsored

Top 10 under £10!

You can rave about luxury make up all you like but we all know the high street is where it's at. Often people shun paying under £10 for a product because 'oh it simply won't be as good as [insert luxury brand here]'. Well that is codswollop. With more dupes, formulas, colours and textures appearing every week from high street and drugstore make up brands, we are spoilt for choice. So if you don't like it somewhere, you'll probably find something you like for the same price somewhere else.

I don't think it's any secret by now that I love and am obsessed with make up. Gone are the days of free sponge eyeshadow applicators and a small makeup bag, I've gone the whole hog with a hair dresser size box filled to the brim with make up and more brushes than you can count. Wonderful.

But as you walk into Boots or Superdrug, to any non make up obsessive the shelves of Rimmel, Revlon, Gosh and Maxfactor (to name a few) can be a little bit over whelming. How can you know what's going to work and what's going to fall off your face in a couple minutes?! You could go for the old trial and error, or you could keep reading... 

I bring to you my top 10 favourite products under £10. So let's go through each of them and I why I bloody love them so much!

1) Revolution Redemption Palette 'Iconic 3' £4

At just £4 for 12 eye shadows this palette is an absolute bargain. Also even more of a bargain as it is a dupe for the Urban Decay NAKED 3 palette which is priced in excess of £30. With a range of pink and warm tone shades you can create multiple looks from just this one palette. The palette has 3 matte shades and 9 shimmer shades. My personal favourites are the first 3 shades as I think these create a really light everyday look with just a hint of sparkle.

2) MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter 'Iridescent Gold' £3

I am so in love with this highlighter. In contrast to the other highlighter in their range, this highlighter is more yellow/white in tone which just provides such a lovely highlight both both cheek and brow bone. As someone who is incredible pale I do find it difficult to find highlighters that are actually highlighting! Many are just a bit too dark but this one is perfect. Long lasting without being too intense, I would definitely recommend this. 

3) Collection Work The Colour Eye Shadow Pencil 'Hot Chocolate' and 'Vintage Blush' £3.19 

The Collection work the colour eye shadow pencils are great to use as a base for your eye shadow. Yes they can be used as eye shadow alone however, on my eyelids, I find they do crease a little bit. But when put under other eye shadows, this layering ensures that your eye shadows stay on all day. With a range of shades available you're sure to find something that takes your fancy.

4) MAXFACTOR Bronzing Powder '02 Bronze' £6.99

A bronzer that isn't orange or sticky or matte and shallow, Maxfactor have done it. This bronzer has tiny gold reflective particles making your skin glow and look fantastic. This is also a great contour powder as it's dark enough to define but also highlights in just the right way. A great product to add colour and shape to your face without making your orange or shallow. Heaven. 

5) Rimmel Match Perfection 010 'Light Porcelain' £6.99

Pale skinned people rejoice this shade is a god send. The lightest, as far as I'm aware, in the Rimmel collection, this foundation is dewy, glowing and has an SPF in it too. I love following this up with a light sweep of the stay matte powder. Stays on all day and reflects the best parts of you.  

6) Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 'Translucent' £3.99 

All kinds of perfect. Nothing more to be said. Buy this now. 

7) Topshop Cream Blush 'Illicit' £7

Can I rave about these enough? I am a cream product lover. As someone who prefers a dewy look over a matte look (despite the two matte products in this top 10) any day I love the way a cream product can provide colour in a way powder cant. Topshop isn't your usual stop for makeup but I don't think it should be overlooked. 

8) Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick '477 Black Cherry' £7.49

Not necessarily a colour I would wear at this time of year but perfect for the autumn and winter. These lipsticks have a great formulation as they are just slick enough to glide on but stay on just as well too. As this particular colour is so dark I like to use a lipliner underneath just to ensure the colour doesn't bleed or run but with lighter shades I wouldn't see a problem. 

9) Rimmel Colour Rush Balm 'Not an Illusion' £5.99 

Who needs the Clinique chubby stick when you can have this beauty for under £6. Subtle, soft, wears off well and smells fantastic, I love these balms for quick easy lip look that doesn't require the attention and precision of your ordinary lip stick. These also wear off beautfully so you don't have to worry about any discolouration or smudged lines around the edges of your lips! 

10) MUA Matte Palette 'Ever After' £4

As you can see this is one of my well loved and well used palettes in this top 10. Each shade is well pigmented and, with a range of shades, you can create a natural tonal look for just £4. An absolute bargain. The most well loved shade, Unwrap, can be likened to MAC Vanilla shadow creating the same subtle look for a hell of a lot less. It's interesting that this palette also contains a yellow and a blue shade as I personally wouldn't use these for eyeshadows however I have found them useful for covering blemishes and under eye circles as the yellow counteracts the darkness and the blue counteracting the redness of spots. Lovely.

disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.

Home Style: Wishlist

There is literally nothing I love more than sitting on my laptop, under a blanket and scrolling through endless photos of beautiful homes on pinterest. There's something so entirely comforting for me to picture, imagine and design in my head how my perfect home would look. 

That being said, I currently live with my parents, have £4 in my bank account and have no job. So yes, at the moment this is more of a dream list at the moment than anything I'm ever going to be able to afford in the near future. However, that doesn't stop me looking. 

For me summer means bright colours, shiny objects and refined style. Think thin lines, the brightest cushions you can get your eyes on and patterns, textures, and styles as far as the eye can see. 

I might do another one of these soon but more furniture focused as you can't have a cushion without a sofa to put it on. That would be entirely ridiculous, wouldn't it? But I digress. If you've seen my instagram recently you'd know I recently bought a giant metal A from ASDA for just £12. An obvious essentially addition to my bedroom that I really couldn't be without. And then that's got me all inspired for metal accessories and silver shiny objects and so was born my current wishlist. 

Clock

Umbrella Holder

Rug

Bin

Glasses

& Ornament 

Blanket

Velvet cushion

Yellow cushion

Lantern

Floral cushion

Grey tea cup

Glass box

disclaimer: this post is not sponsored.