Apivita Haul

Last week M&S had 20% off all beauty products. M&S isn't a place I usually go in search of beauty booty but this offer along with all the fab brands they now stock was too much temptation. I decided now was the time to get my mitts on some goodies from Greek skincare brand, Apivita!

I've heard nothing but great reviews about this brand and love how the products are free from a nice amount of nasties. I only ordered a few things as I wanted to see how well my skin reacts to the brand but if it's as good as people say it is, I'm sure I'll go back for more and Apivita will be a permanent fixture in my skincare routine.

Express Beauty With Cucumber: Intensive Hydrating Mask x2

Express Beauty With Honey: Moisturizing & Nourishing Mask x2

Express Beauty With Pink Clay: Gentle Cleansing Mask x2

Express Beauty With Grape: Anti-Wrinkle Eye Mask

Express Gold With Rose: Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Patches

Express Beauty With Ginkgo Biloba: Dark Circles & Eye Puffiness Mask x2

Natural Soap: Organic Honey & Lavender

I'll post reviews once I've had a chance to try them all out but let me know if there's any masks I don't have that you would recommend.

Have you tried anything from Apivita?

Don't forget to enter my Urban Decay Mariposa Palette giveaway!

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My Spending Ban Is Over, I Went Shopping.

My spending ban came to an end yesterday. Yay! Most people are taking part in the 100 day spending ban but I just wanted to see how long I could last. I lasted a total of 8 weeks and in that time only bought one thing so I don't think I done too badly.

I went into town yesterday with intentions of buying alot but my time on the ban helped me reign in the need to buy things just for the sake of it. I planned on getting atleast 2 Apocalips shades, Big Bang being the one I wanted most but of course it was sold out. I also wanted to get the L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat but it was sold out too and the L'Oreal Lip Stain Thingymabobs didn't look as nice in person so I didn't get any but before the ban I would have bought them just to have them.

What I ended up getting was the Zara City Office Bag which I've wanted for months and months! I ordered it online and paid through paypal then collected instore yesterday. I kept asking myself do I really need another black bag but the answer is yes! It's gorgeous, well made, sturdy and big enough to carry your house around in. Although I didn't get 'Big Bang' I did fall in love with Celestial, it's even nicer in real life than it looks swatched online and the texture is really good too. After shopping my sample stash last sunday I've been hooked on the Rimmel 9-IN-1 BB Cream. It's such an easy base, feels lightweight on the skin, isn't oily looking like some BB creams can be, is a total bargain and last's all day on my skin! Don't get me wrong, it isn't the best base out there but for everyday use it's perfect. All the coats/jackets I own are quite heavy. During spring/summer I live in blazers but for days when it's a bit too cold for a lightweight blazer I bought the khaki/leather look sleeved jacket from Dunnes. From Poundland or Poundworld (I can never remember which is which) I chucked some Flawless Caviar into my basket. The base colour that comes along with the beads is rubbish but the beads are really tiny and work quite well. I've been looking for small black studs to use on my nails so grabbed this 3 Way Nail Art Pen which includes black crystals. And last but not least I bought a new cafetiere at the bargainous price of £7 from Argos!

I expected to leave town with half of Boots and Superdrug but I didn't. I think about my purchases much more than I used to and don't buy one product in every shade. The spending ban has definitely worked!

Recent Purchases

Just thought I would show a few bit's I've picked up in the last few day's. Some I've had my eye on for a while now, some I needed and some that accidentally on purpose ended up at the till.

*This Works, Deep Sleep Pillow Talk Set

*Stila Eye Shadow - Kitten

*L'Oreal Elnett Satin Heat Protect Styling Spray

*Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base & Top Coat Duo

*LUSH Rose Jam Bubbleroon

*Cherry Batiste

*Soap & Glory Pulp Friction

*Yankee Wax Tarts - Cherries On Snow, Clean Cotton & Christmas Eve

*MAC Brow Set - Beguile (not pictured)
*Montagne Jeuness Nose Pore Strips x2

*L'oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish - 805 Mysteriousicon, 404 Scarlet Vamp & 818 Sweet Amethyst

Thanks to my Boots, Superdrug and Debenhams Beauty Cards I was able to get a few bargains plus I had a £20 Boots voucher.

And because it's almost Christmas I've been in the mood for baking. I'm not the best, I'm probably the worst. The only thing I can make (that is edible) is pavlova. My cakes and buns are similar in weight and texture to that of a brick so I've given up in that area but I LOVE shortbread and am determined to make some for Christmas. I've tried a few times and they either end up like rubber or concrete but I'm not giving up just yet and bought some cute cookie cutters to atleast make my feeble attempts look nice.

If you have any good shortbread recipes please let me know in the comments.

I've Been Shopping..

Over the last few weeks I've tried my hardest to curb my online spending. I had a couple of slip ups (not beauty related) but apart from that I've been good. That all changed though when I walked into the biggest Boots I've ever seen! It stocked everything my local store doesnt so for the next hour and a half I walked up and down the isles getting my swatch on. I managed to pick up a few things I've wanted for a while and added another 12 things to my wishlist.

Boots:

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in 'Opera Ballerina' x3 £4.99: This is my all time favourite nail colour. I love the brush, the colour, the formula and the finish. I've gone through 3 or 4 bottles already so stocked up while the 3 for 2 offer was on.

Essie 'Fiji' £7.99: I've wanted Fiji for a good 5 months now but theres no Essie stand in my local Boots and I absolutely hate the brushes on the regular Essie polishes so wanted to see this in person. The brush is far better and the colour is right up my street (a solid more opaque version of Opera Ballerina) but I'm still not lovin' the formula.

Real Techniques Starter Set £21.99: The Core Collection was one of the best purchase I've ever made even though I only use the buffing and contour brushes but the Delux Crease Brush has been calling my name so I finally gave in. Cant wait to try it out.

Real Techniques Blush Brush £9.99 (I paid £4.99): Still on a Boots high and busy drooling over the swatches on my arm I didnt notice this was a blush brush. I grabbed it for setting powder (I hope it works ok for that?) and it was on offer - buy 1 get 1 half price.

River Island:

Make Up Bag £10: My small make up bag that usually lives in my handbag died last week. It got a bit obesse and the zip broke. I just wanted something plain and thought this was a nice size.

Purse £10: My purses always seem to be from River Island, I dont know why. This was only a tenner and has plenty of space for my cards. My old purse was really structured so wouldnt close properly with more than 5 coins in it. It was lovely but a nightmare to use.

TK Maxx:

Phytorelax Laboratories Keratin Complex Shampoo £5.99: I'd never heard of this brand before and after a quick look on google I'm still none the wiser. I think its an italian brand but I could be completely wrong. The only thing I know is its a professional hair care brand and is free from parabens, sles and formaldehyde. Havent had a chance to try it out yet but if its any good I'll do a review.

What have you been buying lately?

Something For Nothing?

As I'm sure you all know Origins were doing a trade in today. You swap an empty skincare tube/tub/pot for a nice new shiny 50ml Origins moisturiser. There was two to pick from but my mum was with me so she gave me hers and now I've got one of each. :)

Starting Over | A Perfect World £30 each (I think)

Had an email from Debenhams a few days ago saying they'd loaded an extra fiver onto my beauty card, I already had a fiver on it and needed a new Dylash kit so this was another freebie. Been using this for years now (only for my brows), its so quick and easy to do and has saved me a small fortune.

Eylure Dylash in dark brown £7ish

I was feeling quite smug with my freebies but then passed Boots and remembered I wanted to get some Real Techniques brushes. I wanted the buffing brush and the deluxe crease brush but they were both in different sets and I didnt fancy spending over £40 on two sets just to use one brush from each so settled on the kit containing the buffing brush. So. So. Soft. Why did it take me so long to buy these??

Real Techniques Core Collection £21.99

Then as I was about to leave I heard the Chanel counter calling my name, I tried to ignore it but it was too late. One minute I was heading towards the door and the next I was sat on the chair getting colour matched to three different foundations and asking for Soleil Tan De Chanel.

Soleil Tan De Chanel £29

How I went from being colour matched for foundations to buying bronzer is anyones guess.

Did any of you trade in your empties? :)

Addicted To Bargains : Christmas Sales.



Am I the only one who didnt get anything they REALLY wanted in the sales this year? There was loads of bargains but not much that really caught my eye, apart from one cardigan in River Island, I spotted it out of the corner of my eye and ran towards it like some kind of deranged freak, I wasnt chancing anyone getting to it before me! Didnt bother trying it on, the place was packed so instead just waited untill I got home. On the hanger - nice. On me - sack of spuds, awful!

I did manage to pick up a few things though so thought I'd take a few snaps and show you all. Theres nothing even slightly exciting but sure. The first 2 sets are things I wont even use but thought they'd come in good for birthday prezzies...

Both sets are from Boots, they were originally £10 and obviously £5 in the sale.

Umberto Giannini Hair Beautifying Essentials: 75ml shampoo, 75ml conditioner, 30ml hairspray and 50ml overnight moisture balm.

FCUK The Woman Pampers: 75ml body wash, 50ml body polish, 50ml body butter and a shower scrunchie.

I'd saw this next set before xmas and wanted it but wouldnt have paid full price, I didnt want it that badly.

Hello Kitty & Liberty London Brush Roll.

I cant remember the original price or sale price for this but I just thought it was cute, I like Hello Kitty, I like Liberty and I needed some brushes.

All the brushes seem decent enough, I'm not a pro so dont need top of the range stuff. I just thought the wee set was cute and the brushes will come in handy when the ones I usually use need washed.

I seriously cant stand celeb perfumes but I really love Beyonce - Pulse, I already have a bottle but this was in the Boots sale (again, I cant remember the price) I wont use the body lotion or shower gel though, I'll stick them in my blog sale.

The Naked shower gel trio is from Tescos, I'm not sure if it was in the sale but it was £8.

So, thats all I got in the sales this year, got a few other bits and bobs but they're boring necessities/things that werent in the sales and I wont bore you with them. Did anyone get anything they really, really wanted?

Milani Haul.

I really cant stop buying nail lacquer!

I was reading through a blog about 2 months ago and fell in love with some of the lacquers, found out they were Milani and went on a mission to track some down. As far as I know, they're not available in the UK but I ordered mine from Cherry Culture.

From the JEWEL FX Collection...

531 Gold

533 Silver

530 Gems

From the 3D Holographic Collection..

513 Digital

509 HD

514 Hi-Res

I placed my order about 3 weeks ago and they came today which is quite fast considering they came from America and we've just had xmas. Cherry Culture had a sale on at the time and I'm sure they still do. I tried out HI-RES as soon as they arrived.

This is honestly one of the best lacquers I've ever applied, the formulation is quite thin but gives a flawless finish with 3 thin coats. You could get away with only 2 coats but I decided to do 3. The brush is long and thin, I expected it to be a nightmare but it works really well.

I got a new camera yesterday so hope my photos are a bit clearer now, they only seem to be clear when I'm outside though so dont really know whats going on there.



Just A Quickie! HAUL: E.L.F

This was my 1st order from E.L.F, I've always been put off just because of the prices.. so cheap! I decided to go for it because of the offer that was on (not sure if its still on) If you spent £10 you got free delivery plus a Mystery Box filled with goodies.

Heres what I got..

What I Ordered:

Shimmering Facial Whip (Toasted)

Nail Polish (Pearl)

Professional Shine Eraser

Foundation Brush

Concealer Brush

Natural Radiance Blusher (Innocence)

Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (Black)

What Was In The Mystery Box:

Nail Polish x2 (Twinkle & Golden Goddess)

Shimmering Eye Pencil (Purple)

Natural Bamboo Handle Foundation Brush

I havent had a chance yet to play around with everything but the nail polishes really impressed me, I'm a bit of a polish snob just because theres been soooo many times I've tried cheaper polishes and they've been rubbish, 'Pearl' is really pigmented, I expected it to be a bit wishy-washy but its not at all, Pearl isnt a colour I'd wear on its own but I got it for wearing under glitters. I'm also really loving the facial whip, the packaging had split but I couldnt be botherd to wait on a new one so just squirted it into a wee pot. Tried the waterproof eyeliner pen last night, I rubbed my eye and it crumbled off, the colour pay off wasnt good either but atleast it didnt cost me much.

All together my order came to £10.50, couldnt believe it!

Once I've had a chance to try everything I'll upload some reviews and swatches.

Did anyone else go for the Mystery Box?

xo

HAUL: I hate that word.

I bought a few things while I was away and thought I'd show you all..

In Superdrug it was 3for2 across all cosmetics so I got a few things I needed wanted.

L-R

Max Factor, Bewitching Coral.

Benefit Full Finish Lipstick, No Competition.

Estee Lauder, Pure Colour 55 Blushing Creme.

YESSSS, I have a slight lippy addiction at the mo!

NYC Smooch Proof 16H Lipstain, Berry Long Time.

This stain is absolute rubbish, I've used it twice and it has almost dried up. it doesnt last 16 hours, you'd be lucky if it lasted 1 hour.

Swatches in same order as above.

Bewitching Coral and Blushing look very similar in the swatches but they are completely different.

None of these are shades that I would usually go for but I was feeling brave, All 3 lipsticks are long lasting and didnt dry my lips out. Even in the swatch you can see how pathetic the lip tint is, the colour pay-off is almost nada! 

L-R

Revlon, Facets Of Fuchsia.

Rimmel, Disco Ball.

Rimmel, Hot List.

Facets Of Fuchsia has been doing the blog rounds lately so I'm sure you have all saw it before, I tried to do some swatches but my cam is rubbish, as you can tell. The polish is black with different sized chunks of fuchsia glitter packed into it. It's so pretty, looks like you've got wee gem stones set into your nails. I needed 3 coats before it was fully opaque.

Hot List is a really unusual colour, it's a good dupe for Chanel Paradoxal! The wide brush applied the colour evenly and the formula was opaque after 2 coats.

 Disco Ball impressed me the most, I bought it just for the sake of it but I'm glad I did.

3 coats on top of Leighton Denny - Chocoholic and blurry to show how sparkly it is. It is a cross between glitter and holo, depending on how many coats you layer. I wouldnt really wear it over brown but I just wanted to try it out. It will change any polish you already own, making boring shades all glitzy for xmas.

It really needs to be seen in person.

Beyonce Pulse, on offer in Semi Chem 30ml £19.99

A few months ago I got a sample of this from Debenhams, I tried it on my arm and couldnt stop sniffing it all day. Pulse is more of a summery fragrance, light, fresh, sweet and clean but I dont really care, I wear what I want no-matter the time of year. The only thing I dont like is the bottle, it just looks so cheap, same as most celeb perfumes but I love the scent too much to let a naff bottle get in the way of buying it.

I got a few other things but they arent beauty related so I'll save them for another post.
ciao
xo