Sunday 29 September 2013

TAG: Youtube Made Me Buy It!


As a beauty blogger and a fan of all things girly. I've been watching the beauty gurus on Youtube for a long time now. 

Naked Palette - Probably every beauty guru on Youtube. 

I can imagine that every "Youtube made me buy it" post has this one in it. It's become a classic in the beauty comunity and is still reved about today! It was a great purchase and I'm happy I went with what everyone was saying and finally bought it. I used it ever day for a year! I would repurchase.

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette - Eleventh Gorgeous 

Another great neutral eye palette, Eleventh Gorgeous talk about this in thier top 5 palette video and I really liked the sound of it. As a big fan of neautral shades I'm happy with both this and the Naked palette but If your not that into neutrals you could go by with only one of them. I would deffenitly repurchase. 

La Roche Posay - Tanya Burr

I believe this past year La Roche Posay has become a holy grail brand for many people. I've only been using it for just over a month. It's deffenitly made a difference to my skin and I would repurchase.

MAC Ruby Woo - Grav3yardgirl

I love Bunny and her red lip looks! She (and many other ladies) adore this lipstick and although it's taken my sometime to purchase it i'm glad it did! 

Ralph Lauren Ralph & DKNY Be Delicious - Various Guru's 

You all know I'm obsessed with perfume and these two perfumes are ones that a few years ago were constantly talked about in Collection Videos. Both seemed to be very popular with american beauty gurus and I really wanted to check them out. I received Ralph for my birthday about two years ago and although it's very fresh and clean smelling, I've noticed I prefer warmer scents so it's not one I would repurchase. DKNY Be Delicious on the other hand is glorious and I love it. I would like to try the other versions in the range first but I will someday repurchase it. 

Real Techniques - Pixiwoo - Obviously 

I may have first heard about this amazing line of beauty brushes from Pixiwoo because Sam was the creator of them but I've heard them mentioned by many beauty gurus since. Not surprising either. They great, affordable brushes and I want them all! 

Maybelline Baby Lips - Eleventh Gorgeous

They've only recently come to the UK but we've been hearing about them from American Beauty Guru's for a long time now. I recently bought my first one and I'm quite impressed, I don't know if I'd repurchase though as I much prefer the Burts Bees Lip Balms. 

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner - Tanya Burr

I've been using Bobbi Brown long wear gel liners for over two years now. I was in search for a great gel liner after trying out my friends Maybelline one and not liking them I was happy to pay a bit more for something better. I watched a video by Tanya where she talked about gel liners and she said that Bobbi Brown and Clinique where her favourites. I went with Bobbi Brown because I'd also watched the brand on QVC many times and I new they had great deals on. I will always repurchase this liner! 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - Pixiwoo

I've been using this foundation for years and love it. I first heard it from the pixiwoo girls and loved how great the coverage looked. I made sure to pick it up a few months later when I was in duty free at the airport. I now get it on my birthday every year. I will always repurchase.

Rimmel Apocolips - Fleur De Force

There was a lot of buzz about these lip lacquers this year, I'm pretty sure I heard about them first from Fleur but everyone was talking about them not long after.  I like them but I don't love them. I can't say I would repurchase them once I run out. 

Nails Inc Baker Street - Various Guru's

The most gorgeous blue nail polish EVER created, It's amazing and a lot of guru's agree. It was very popular last Summer and It's my only nail polish that I've nearly gone through. Will be repurchasing! 

ELF Blushes - Emilynoel83

I've been watching Beauty Broadcast for a long time now and shes always been a big fan of ELF. At such a inexpensive price I couldn't not try them out and they really are great! I would definitely repurchase them. In fact I have a few I really want to try!

So you can see, Youtube definitely influences what I buy :-) 


What have you bought recently after watching Youtube? 

Linzi xxx







Friday 27 September 2013

Eau My Giddy God: Armani Code - Giorgio Armani


Hullo Ladies!

A fragrance review for you today :-)

This is focused on one of my all time favourites, Armani Code.

Armani Code has been in my life for nearly two years now and this is my second bottle. 


I was in Boot's the January before last and was looking at what was left of the Christmas gift sets, I noticed two different fragrance sets in the sale. This one and Emporio Armani Diamonds. I tested out both perfumes and although Diamonds is a very pretty scent, Armani Code smelt like home to me. It was love at first sniff, if you like :-) 

I purchased two sets when they were £19 each because I knew that I'd have to be super lucky to get such a great deal again, I was right, last year I searched everywhere and couldn't find one for a price as good. 




Armani Code was launched in 2006 and is categorised as a floral but I'd say it's leaning more towards an oriental.

Notes:
TOP – Bitter Orange, Italian Orange, Jasmine
MIDDLE – Ginger and Orange Blossom , Jasmine
BASE – Sandalwood, Vanilla and Honey


It's a complex mix of being comforting yet mysterious and sexy.

If I had to choose a signature scent then this is it, if I wanted people to be reminded of me by a certain smell then it would be Armani Code.

If you're a fan of sweeter scents but your looking for something slightly more mature for nights out and special occasions then this is perfect. You get the sweetness from the vanilla and honey, the mysteriousness from the Jasmine and Sandalwood and the sexyness from the Ginger and Orange Blossom.

It has great longevity and sillage, which I like. I don't buy a fragrance so that I can only smell it and it disappears within the hour.

 Along with the perfume came a tube of scented lotion. It's gorgeous, smells exactly like the perfume and I use it often when I wear the fragrance so that it's layered and last even longer.

The bottle is gorgeous and is a perfect match for the scent.

This perfume is a 10 out of 10 for me :-)

Have you tried Armani Code?

What's your favourite perfume?

Linzi xxx


Monday 23 September 2013

Some Great Perfume Deals On Amazon!


Hullo Ladies!

If you're a lover of perfume like me then you may know that with fragrances it's a good idea to shop around for the best price.

A lot of the time, I've found the best price on Amazon.

Maybe not the most obvious place to buy perfume from but if it saves you money and it's the same thing you'd get in store? Then why not?!


Over the years I've bought many perfumes from Amazon and have never had any trouble with them, I usually like to buy from Amazon themselves as the seller though, just as a procaution for if anything did go wrong it' may be easier to get in contact with them.

Not just that though, you an usually get free uk delivery if you buy from Amazon themselves.

Here are some recent great deals I've found whilst browsing the site. 












£34 - 100ml 


£21.88 - 50ml


£22.50  100ml



£33.49 - 50ml



£34.65 - 100ml 


£33.95 - 50ml 


£20.94 - 100ml 


£25.97 - 50ml


Some great perfumes for some amazing offers :-) 

Be careful though, these prices change all the time on Amazon so get them while you can!

Thinking of purchasing a new perfume recently? 

I'm going on holiday next month so I'm having a think about what to get in duty free! Might end up waiting and get something from Amazon though, looking at these prices! 

Linzi xxx



Sunday 22 September 2013

21st Birthday Haul :-)

Hullo Ladies! 

I've had a great birthday, I found turning 21 very emotional for some reason, whether its because of everything that going on in my family and the scary thought of the future I don't know. One emotion I was glad to feel though was "happiness". I was happy to have a meal and a few drinks with my family. I was especially happy with all the alcohol I consumed on the night, but if you can't get drunk on your 21st, when can you?!   :-D

Gorgeous card made by my Nan for my birthday.

I spent the morning in a pretty average way, opened my birthday cards and then took my mother to the dentist. Then I dyed my mams hair and started getting ready for that night. 

Me, My Mam and My Nan.

We had an amazing meal in a local restaurant and it was lovely to see all the family together. I was very spoilt with some lovely gifts and money for the holiday I'm going on in a few weeks. 



Some high end gifts I received.


From my brother I received a 100ml bottle of Chanel Chance EDT

From My parents I received :

Peace, Love and Juicy Couture EDP 

Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation in Shell.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in - Ruby Woo

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink


Eeeeek I can't believe I finally own it, I've wanted this perfume for months. 

I think one of the big reasons he bought me it because he was fed up of me talking about it! 


I also received this gorgeous Body Shop Strawberry Gift Set from my parents.


From money given to me by family I picked up some products from Boots. 

Real Techniques Eye Liner brush and Expert face brush.

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I breakout Cream

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation.



From the money my Auntie gave me I picked up some things from New Look, A gorgeous Mocking Bird dress that's gorgeous for the Autumn, some lovely new hair clips for when I go away and a new pair of tights. 


From my best friend Emma, I received a photo frame with a photo of me and her inside it and a lovely book called The Hundred Dresses which I've been reading and It's very interesting and funny.

The next two things where surprises from my parents at the end of the night. 


A stunning displaying red wine glass.


A 21 charm bracelet. 


I told you I was super spoilt! 

I've had a lovely few days and I have to say it's been probably my favourite birthday yet :-) 


Hope you have all had a great weekend!

Linzi xxx


Wednesday 18 September 2013

The Body Shop HAUL and More (Skin Care, Perfume, Hair + Baby Lips!)

Hullo Ladies!

It's been awhile since I did a body shop haul, especially as it's one of my favourite stores! 




You may know already but I've been having some trouble with blemishes so I decided to purchase some products from The Body Shop as I'd heard some great things :-) 


The products I knew I wanted to try was the Tea Tree Line. All for blemished skin. 

From L- R - Tea Tree Face Mask, Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Toner, Tea Tree Facial Wash, Tea Tree Pore Minimiser. 


I'm also obsessed with masks at the moment so I made sure to pick up a few more to try.

I choose the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask and the Blue Corn 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Mask.

I've tried them all out already and will be reviewing shortly.


Also while in The Body Shop I took advantage of my £5 birthday gift and picked up a few of the EDT's 

Shea, Mango and Satsuma. 

I stopped in Asda as well and picked up a few things. 

L'Oreal Preference Hair Colour, Herbal Essences Bee Strong Shampoo and Conditioner and I finally picked up one of the Baby Lips from Maybelline in Pink Punch. 


It's my Birthday tomorrow so I apologize in advance if you don't hear from me in awhile...or I might surprise you and do some blogging straight away as I'm really excited about some of the things I'm having. I know most of them because I went shopping last weekend with my brother ;-) 

Hope You All Have A Great Week :-) 


Linzi xxx








Wednesday 11 September 2013

REVIEW - The Body Shop - Body Butter DUO - Vanilla

Hullo Ladies!

It's been awhile since I've reviewed a body butter from The Body Shop. 

I've loved with them for a long time now and have grown a pretty big collection. 

This is going to be a review on one of the Body Butter Duo's. 


I own the Vanilla version, which I received for free with a purchase I made online back last year. 


This is the only Duo body butter I've tried so I couldn't comment on the others in the range but I have to say I love the idea of them. You have one half of the butter that is for dry skin and one that is for normal (less dry) skin. So they're great if you find yourself having to use are range of different lotions for different areas of your body e.g. legs, elbows, arms. 


The thicker butter is for dry skin and the lighter butter is for normal skin. I use the thicker version on my arms, elbows and knees. Then the lighter lotion for the rest of my body.

I really enjoy this body butter, I don't find the scent to strong or headache inducing. 
It's sweet and fresh. 

It's great for dry skin, really helps to soften elbows and knees. 

The hydration lasts for at least 24 hours so I like to apply it every night before bed as it can take some time to sink into your skin. 

This isn't one for rubbing on in the morning, getting dressed and running out the door. Due to it's deep moisturizing qualities I'd say it's best to be used at night before bed. 

I really like this duo body butter and will be having a look at the rest of the line.

Like I said though, this did come free in an online order back last year so make sure you look out for those special deals the body shop like to do.

Have you tried any of the Duo Body Butters? What did you think of them? 

Linzi xxx







New Empties Post: September 2013


Hullo Ladies, 

It's been awhile since I've done an empties post, some people seem to be doing them every month now but I guess I don't use up that many products frequently. I have finished a few though in the last few weeks and I thought I'd tell you how I feel about each product. 



DKNY - Be Delicious - EDP

I really like this scent for the Winter, I know it's a very popular one for the summer but for some reason I love it around late Autumn to Winter. Maybe because that when I bought it and wore it the most. I would re-purchase this, although I'd like to try out the other scents in the line. 

Sanctuary - Body Scrub

I bought this quite awhile ago. I ended up using the last of it up as a hand wash. I didn't like how watery it was as I seemed to waste a lot of product as it would just run out of the bottle, I didn't feel like it helped to exfoliate my skin and I found the scent very manly. I wouldn't repurchase this product. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Tropical 

I love Batiste Dry Shampoo as I have oily hair. It usually only takes a day or two before it starts looking oily. I've used a few of the different scents but the Tropical one is my favourite so far. I would re-purchase this product. 

St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub

Another product I love, I've used it for years. I'm going to hold off re-purchasing it for awhile though do to the fact that my skin has been really bad lately and I think I need something a bit better for blemish prone skin. It's a great scrub for the price though. 

Soap and Glory Face Soap and Clarity Facial Wash 

Even though I liked this facial wash fine, it did take me a long time to use it up, mostly because for a long time I was very lazy about my skin care. I liked how well it cleaned my skin and brightened my face. I'd repurchase this again when it's on sale. 

The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter

I've been trying to use up some of my body butters this month as I have way more than just one woman needs. I love the Satsuma range from the body shop. I use this all over my body and I get a lot of compliments from people after I use it. I love using it in the Winter as Satsuma's remind me of Christmas :-) I would repurchase this product.

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter

This is a body butter I've used up over the Summer. I love the strawberry scent. In the tub it smells slightly artificial to me but once it's melted on the skin it smell divine. I can't wait to pick up the full size. 

Nelsons Pure and Clear Facial Wash

I reviewed this very recently - here. Although I found it okay as a facial wash I don't find that it helped with blemishes. I wouldn't repurchase this facial wash.

Simple  Moisturising Facial Wash

One of the few Simple products that don't break me out. It's an okay facial wash but I didn't find it moisturising. I also didn't like the scent, it wasn't particularly fresh or pleasant smelling.

The Body Shop Mango EDT

I am in love with this scent. If you love the Mango line from The Body Shop then you need to try out this fragrance. It lasts quite a long time and it is very refreshing. It's also inexpensive, especially when you get it on sale. I can't wait to try out the other scents that The Body Shop has released. 

So that's all the products I've recently used up and what I thought of them. 

Have you tried any of these products? Love to know what you think about them :-) 

Linzi xxx




Friday 6 September 2013

My Top 5 Perfumes For Autumn

Hullo All, 

These are my top 5 perfume picks for Autumn, I do this every season and this season I have some gorgeous perfumes to talk about. 





Fantasy - Britney Spears 

Group - Floral Fruity Gourmand

Launched - 2005

Notes
TOP – Kiwi, red litchi and quince
Middle – Cupcake, white chocolate, Jasmine, orchid
Base – Woodsy Note, Musy and Orris Root


Great for day time wear in the autumn  or just for a comfort on those nights in front of the telly with a scary movie on. 

Powerful silage and very long lasting. 

Loverdose - Diesel

Group – Oriental Vanilla

Launched - 2011

Notes
Top – Manderin Orange, Star Anise
Middle – Jasmine, Gardenia and Liquorice
Base – Amber Vanilla and Woodsy Notes

A sexy and unique liquorice infused fragrance, great for day and night.

Sits close to the skin and lasts for a long time.


Armani Code - Giorgio Armani

Launched - 2006

 Group – Floral

Notes:
TOP – Bitter Orange, Italian Orange, Jasmine
MIDDLE – Ginger and Orange Blossom , Jasmine
BASE – Sandalwood, Vanilla and Honey


A favourite of mine to wear in the day and night. Mysterious and sexy. 

Quite a strong silage and long lasting. 


Princess Night - Vera Wang 

Launched - 2012 

Group - Floral Fruity 

Notes:
TOP – Watermelon, raspberry, red berries
MIDDLE – Rose, African Orange Flower and Jasmine
TOP – Woodsy Notes, Musk, Vanilla and Sugar 

A gorgeous girly scent for day and night.

Heavy Silage and moderate longevity. 





Group - Floral Woody Musk

Launched – 2011

Notes:
TOP – Rose, Raspberry,
MIDDLE – Jasmine, Pink Pepper, peony and cassis.
BASE – Virginia Cedar, Vanilla and Musk

Great feminine night time fragrance. 

Heavy silage with moderate longevity. 




 It's going to be getting colder so vanilla and woodsy notes are very attractive to me in this season, something sweet and inviting in these colder months.


What are your favourite Autumn scents? 

Linzi xxx 



Wednesday 4 September 2013

The Autumn TAG






Hullo Ladies!

I've seen a few people do this Tag now and as Autumn is my favourite season, I couldn't wait to do it! 





For Autumn, what is your....


Favourite thing about it? 

Halloween, I've already started watching the horror movies!  Not only do some amazing beauty gurus bring out some epic halloween idea's but I just love that exciting "creepy" feeling that I get around the end of October. I also love me some Halloween specials



Favourite Drink?

Hot Chocolate :-)  


Favourite scent/candle?

You may know by now that I'm a big fan of perfumes and pretty soon I'll be doing my Top 5 for Autumn post but my absolute favourite autumn scent has to be Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose. It screams Fall to me for some reason and that's usually around the only time I break it out frequently. 



Best Lipstick?

MUA It's A Situation Lip Boom. 



A gorgeous creamy deep berry shade. Very Vampy. Perfect for the season. 

Go to moisturiser?

I'm in the middle of changing my whole skin care routine and I haven't found the perfect moisturiser for me yet but I am looking into it. I want to try The Body Shops Aloe day cream. 



Go to colours for the eyes?

Dark matte colours for smokey eyes. 

Black, greys, purples. 

Favourite music or band to listen to?

I don't really have something that I only listen at certain times of the year but  there some great "halloween" playlists on Youtube that are great for when your getting ready for the Halloween party! 

Favourite outfit to wear?

I love to layer it the Autumn and Winter as It really get's cold here in Wales. I love to wear some lovely thick tights, a nice new dress, a cardigan and a coat ad scarf :-) Got to keep yourself warm! 

Autumn treat? 

My birthdays in Autumn and my treat this year is the faux leather jacket my nan is buying me. Perfect for the Autumn and Winter. 


Favourite place to be?

 Cwtched up on the sofa with the log fire burning, a new movie on the telly and a hot cup of tea and some chocolate in my hands. 



What are your favourite things about Autumn?


Linzi xxx



Sunday 1 September 2013

REVIEW - Nelsons - Pure and Clear Facial Wash



Hullo Ladies,

In the last week I've been becoming more and more interested in skin care due to the trouble I've having with my skin. 

Today I'm going to review a product I've had for other a month now.

I won this Nelsons Facial Wash from a Glamour magazine competition back in June. If you like in the UK, I really suggest checking out their competitions. I won a few things from them other the last few years. 



I was excited to know it was for blemished skin, due to the fact that recently I've developed what seems to be cystic acne.

It's paraben free, fragrance free and dermatologically tested. 


It contains a mixture of  plant extract: Tea Tree, Amica, Hypericum and Calendula. 

What they say : A daily facial wash that helps to clear impurities and leave your skin feeling cleansed and invigorated.


I've been using this for a few weeks now, when I first tried it, I wasn't a fan of the smell. It's something crossed between seaweed and grapefruit. 

After a few washes though I've  gotten used to it. 


It's  a gel based facial wash that foams slightly when rubbed into your hands and face but not as much as I'd like. For some reason my skin feels more clean when theres more foam...anyone else feel that way? 


So like I said, I've been having a lot of trouble with blemished skin lately. I've been using this every night and I'm sad to say it hasn't made much difference in my skin on it's own. I think it cleans my skin fine but it's not helped with blemishes, that is definitely down to another product I'm using that I'll be talking about soon.

One thing that is good, is that it doesn't contain the ingredient Polyethylene, which I've recognised as something that makes me breakout so I'm trying to keep far away from it. 

I'll use the facial wash up but I wouldn't repurchase it. 

I think I'm going to try The Body Shop's Tea Tree Facial Wash instead :-)  

Have you tried the Tea Tree range from The Body Shop? I keep looking at the line on their website...I need them in my life....Now! 

Linzi xxx