MAC Fanfare Dupe

Fanfare is my first ever MAC lipstick and it has definitely made me want to try more! They are expensive though so if you were after that particular shade I have here a pretty good dupe for you. Actually it was my sister who persuaded me to do this post after comparing them and noting how similar they are. The lipstick in question is Rimmel Rich Moisture lipstick in Adorable. This is a discontinued shade I believe but you can pick it at Amazon for only £1.44. Least at this moment- I'm sure you could find it elsewhere. My sis got it from the local market where they seem to have loads of discounted, discontinued products. But considering MAC lippies are £14 this is rather more bargainous! Here are the pics for your perusal. 

Left-MAC Fanfare Right-Rimmel Adorable

As you can see the Rimmel one is slightly darker, but it's pretty darn close I'd say, especially if you are on a budget.

Initial Thoughts- Milk_Shake Conditoning Whipped Cream

I got this in the December Glossybox and was keen to try it out as my hair needs all the help it can get. Lately every day is a Dougal day! I've only used it a couple of times but I thought I would share my initial ideas. Here's what the bottle says. 'Formulated to condition the hair keeping moisture balance and preserving the hair color integrity. It leaves the hair soft,shiny and healthy. The milk proteins improve the hair structure and conditioning, special emollients give long lasting hydration and the Integrity guarantees the great color sealing' So, quite the spiel. This product is all about 'Integrity' though I can't say I get it. It's like someone from the Apprentice got carried away with their favourite buzzword! Anyways, you are meant to apply it to clean, damp hair then style. 

It doesn't say how much you are meant to use so I just had to guess and hope I wouldn't end up looking a greasy mess. I reckon I used a golf ball size blob and used it from the middle down to my ends. First thing that struck me was the vanilla scent. It's strong and quite artificial. I'm not sure whether I like it! I do at first and then it reminds me of those tree shaped vanilla car air fresheners. It is incredibly light in texture and disperses easily when raked through.  I'm also not sure if it actually did anything to improve the conditon of my hair as both times it hasn't felt any different after I've dried it. I'll keep trying it out to give it a fair test though.  This one is 100ml but I believe the 200ml can costs about £15. I can't say I would pay that much but as I said I'll give it a chance! 

I have to say that it does make me slightly hungry!

Have you tried this yet? What do you think?

Romania 2010 & 2012

Lauraeve89's photostream on Flickr.

Pics from my trips to Romania in 2010 and 2012.
News of the Connecticut shootings really does make you realise just how fortunate you are and that there is always someone else worse off than you.

Orly Rage

This was a complete impulse buy! Granted I have been wanting a rose gold polish of late but when I saw this in Boots (whilst I was getting the half price Soap and Glory set I might add- another thing I really didn't need!) I just picked it up and trotted off to the tills. It's a weeny bottle, containing 5.3ml of polish. It also cost £5.99 which is a lot for such a little amount. However, it is a gorgeous shade and I have nothing like it in my collection. I'm surprised I like this as much as I do as metallic polishes are not my faves but when it catches the light it's so pretty. I am pretty disgusted with myself though as my spending has been awful lately. Had a little panic the other day when I realised my car tax and MOT is due in January, followed by insurance in February. I don't get paid in the school hols and I'm never guaranteed any work so I need to be more careful. Thankfully I'm booked for all next week but I may have to rethink my idea of getting a new laptop! Speaking (well writing) of work, it's lovely being in schools now though when they are doing their plays- the one I'm in at the mo is doing 'Babushka' so it's a bit different to the normal nativity!

Anyways, application was great, this took two coats and it dried quickly. For the price though, unless it's a really special shade, I won't be getting another Orly mini.

Sleek True Colour Lipstick- Coral Reef

When I received this in the December Glossybox I was really pleased as it's a good brand, and even though I haven't got all that many Sleek items, I'd love to try more of the range. I've already got two Sleek lippies in Barely There and Liqueur. I do find Barely There quite hard to wear, especially if my lips are a bit dry. It definitely packs more of a punch than the name would lead you to believe! Nonetheless it's a good peachy lipstick that works well with both subtle and more dramatic looks- it looked great paired with smokey eyes. I'm not fond of Liqueur. It doesn't do me any favours and is a bit blah! Now I have Coral Reef, and after testing it out, I really like it. It has a good creamy texture and is very pigmented. It is in the sheen formulation so it has a glossy finish and feels nicely moisturising. It's a lovely bright summery colour- I was worried that it would be too orange on me but it is a pinky coral which I find more flattering. It can be worn straight from the bullet for a more vibrant look or dabbed on and topped with gloss for a everyday look.A great lipstick that will be perfect for when Spring/Summer rolls around again. Though of course it will still get some loving now!

£4.99 from Superdrug and Sleek online here. I love that you can see swatches of the shades on different skin tones!

 

Coral Reef straight up! (With flash)

 Sheered out and topped with clear gloss (With flash)

What do you think of Sleek lipsticks? What is your fave shade? Think I'll be trying Candy Cane next.

Elf Stuffs

I cannot resist an offer so this is how I ended up with all of this, which, if I'm honest, I don't even need! I am pretty happy with everything I got though, bar a few items. It's always a bit of a gamble when you buy online in regards to judging quality and colours etc.

Firstly I got some brushes, a stipple and a blush one. I have to say the blush brush looks a little smaller than I expected but I've yet to use it so we'll see how well it works. Actually I haven't tested any of the brushes so I will share my thoughts on them at a later date. I'm looking forward to trying the stipple brush out with a cream blush though as I can never get it to look right!  These are both from the Studio line.

 I also got some eye brushes- a crease brush, a eyeshadow brush and a defining eye brush. These are from the 'essentials' line but should still do the trick. I have to confess though that most times I just put eyeshadow on with my fingers. Though if  I'm bothering to add crease colours and the like then I will use brushes. I'm really not a brush 'conissuer' so I'm easily pleased!

Next I got the 3 in 1 mascara after reading about it on Hannah's blog, Midnight Violets and being intrigued- I do love trying mascaras, I've got far too many opened at the moment all slowly drying out! I also got a glitter eyeshadow in Nature Girl. This is a really nice glittery forest green. I'm thinking off pairing it with an antique gold shadow I have to intensify it. The last time I tried a matte lip colour was when I got it in Tea Rose. I wasn't really a fan of the mauvey shade but I liked the formula so this time I picked up Rich Red. The design of this makes it really easy to apply and it's not too drying. It seems to have strong pink undertones though and isn't a true red. It's still a lovely shade so I'm not too fussed. Now I really do not know what to think of the Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance. I thought it would be more of a highlight shade but it doesn't seem very 'glowy', more of a pale golden colour- but too pale for a bronzer. I've only tested it on my hand though so I'll try it on my face to give it a fair test. it has some rave reviews on Makeup Alley so perhaps I'm not seeing it at It's best! I got two more nail polishes for my collection- Blush and Fairy Dust. The latter is great with beautiful iridescent glitter flakes but the former is a let down as I'm not a big fan of bronzey colours. This may be on it's way to mother!
Here's a closer look at some of the items. Soz for poor lighting! 

 

 

So overall not a bad unnecessary splurge! What are your opinions of the products?

December Glossybox

I was very excited to find this waiting for me when I got in from work and overall I wasn't disappointed! Bar the perfume sample I will use everything in this box. I also loved the silver box and the starry paper inside-very festive!  Here's what I got.

• Milk_Shake Conditioning Whipped Cream- According to the bottle this is a no rinse conditioning and protective creamy foam for all hair types, which you apply on clean damp hair. Now this is something I can really do with right now and I'm looking forward to trying it out. 
• Seche Nail Lacquer in Aristocrat- Now you know me and nail polish so I am rather chuffed to get this! It's a gorgeous shimmery dark purple colour which is perfect for the season. 
• Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream- This cream is meant to calm flare-ups, irritation and tension as well as relieving itching and replenishing lipid deficiency. Whatever that is! Basically it stops dryness whilst being pH neutral. Whilst I won't use this all over I will be using it on the dry patches around my nose and when spot treatments have dried my skin up.
• Sleek True Colour Lipstick- I got this in the shade Coral Reef and whilst it's not a typical wintery shade it's lovely nonetheless. It's a 'sheen' one so hopefully it won't be too bright on me! I've already got two Sleek lippies, which I have to say I do neglect, so fingers crossed this gets more loving.
• Lemon by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum- Now I'm really not keen on this little sample! It's a very mature scent and not my cup of tea at all! I do get lemons for sure but it's not a fresh young perfume in my opinion. I'll be washing it off my wrist soon haha. 
• Glossybox blusher- This is a bonus item and as I'm rather into my blushers at the moment it's a welcome addition. It's a soft pink shade called Glossy Rosewood - a great everyday subtle shade it seems. I've swatched it and it does indeed feel 'velvety' as it's described with decent pigmentation.

Overall a thumbs up from me! 

Oh and if you've reviewed it, leave a link- love seeing what other people got!

W7 Lava Flow

I finally got this on Saturday after lusting after it for ages! I've already got the blue one-Mosaic, which is lovely. It's actually quite festive with the white and red glitter. It's definitely like nothing else I have and is meant to be a Nails Inc Sprinkles dupe. Application wise it did take 4 coats to reach the opacity I wanted, to get the white to show up more. This wasn't a big problem though as it drys quickly. All in all a great unusual polish that would make a fab alternative choice for Christmas.

Ignore the scribbles on my palm!

 Have you tried this? What did you think?

Book Review: The Spellmans Strike Again

First up I just want to say that I love this series by Lisa Lutz. They are so well written with excellent characters. I was actually quite gutted when I finished this one- I didn't want it to end! This is the 4th book in the serious, the previous ones being The Spellman Files, Curse of  the Spellmans and Revenge of the Spellmans. I have also just found out that there is a 5th book, Trail of the Spellmans, so I am very excited. Amazon here I come!
What makes these books completely unputdownable is Lutz' unique writing style. It's so engaging and witty; it really helps the pace of the book. I love the main character, Izzy. All too often I find it hard to relate to, or even take an interest, in the main character, but this isn't the case here. Lutz has built up a strong, interesting character who you don't end up despairing of, as can happen in many chick lits! I can be pretty rubbish at describing story lines so here's the book description. 

At the ripe old age of thirty-two, former wild child Isabel "Izzy" Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family detective business. The transition won't be smooth. First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey. Next, faced with a puzzling missing-person's case she recruits an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the home of an ageing millionaire as an undercover butler. Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals - an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, Izzy's soon to become Ex-boyfriend No. 12. At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry and just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail - or land Rae in it. It just goes to show, however many Spellman Family Rules are put in place in an attempt to hold the family together, Izzy will never be able to follow Rule No. 1: Act Normal. 

These books have made me really want to be a private investigator! I do think it is possible I have missed my calling in life. Far fetched career aspirations aside, I can really recommend this book. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged and the witty dialogue is excellent, especially when the whole family get together. Throughout the series the books have been fresh and original and whilst starting from the beginning would be best, it stands alone and you could still enjoy this one without feeling too out of the loop. For something a bit different you have to check these out!

Twitter

So I thought I would have another go at Twitter after joining years ago and not touching it since! You only have to look at my tweets to see what an exciting life I lead, haha. If you want to follow my mundane-ness then please follow  https://twitter.com/lauraeve89
Cheers dears.

My Favourites of Late

This was going to be a 'November Favourites' but I'm a little late! Anyways, here are the chosen ones.

I've been loving this Radox bubble bath during these cold nights. It smells really comforting and as it's the 'Moisture Soak' it doesn't dry my skin out. Radox is nearly always on offer, I got this from Poundland so it's a lovely cheap treat.

The V05 Treat me Right hair mask is a repurchase and I love it- It smells so nice,like sweets, and really works to make my hair softer and less knotty.

I got these mini Kings & Queens shower gels as part of a set from TK Maxx ages ago and I've just gotten round to trying some of them. The ones I'm using now are orange and cinnamon and jasmine. The jasmine one is particularly gorgeous with a strong scent that really lingers. Definitely worth picking up if you ever see them around.

This Crazy Rumors A La Mode lip balm in Banana Split has been my lip balm of chIt oice in the mornings before I put on my lipstick. It has a great texture-it's not too slippy like some can be.I find it smells mostly of walnuts but the banana scent is still there. I like it but I'd imagine there would be plenty who don't! I also like that it is natural with no nasty ingredients.

Elf's mineral lipstick in Nicely Nude has been the perfect work lipstick as it's very easy to wear and goes with anything. I also like that I don't need a mirror to apply it, I can just swipe and go. 

The Clean & Clear dual action moisturiser has been great at helping my spotty skin though it's not something I would put on both morning and night. I usually just apply it at night. I quite like the tingly feeling it gives but I doubt it's good for my skin in the long run! 

I always buy this nail polish remover as it's so cheap from Home Bargains, less than a pound, and it does the job quickly and efficiently. It's also acetone free so it's less drying than others.

These are the two blushes I've been wearing lately. The First Date Blush in Keira is a lovely shimmery peach shade and is something a bit different for me as I usually stick to pinks. The MNY blush was a total bargain at £1.50  from Fragrance Direct and is super pigmented (actually they both are-a little goes a long way!) and gives me a healthy outdoorsy berry flush. It doesn't have a proper name, just a number - 501. Again this has a touch of shimmer but it's nothing over the top. 

I've just remembered another favourite that I haven't photographed. How could I forget L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara?! I love it! It really works at making my lashes fuller and although the brush could be a little smaller it's one of the best mascaras I've tried.

Have you tried any of these products?

Pretending to do some Christmas shopping!

I went into town today with the intention of being organised and picking up some more Christmas presents. I was also on a mission to get my sister some thermals for her new job doing the late shift at Sainsbury's. Apparently it was very chilly stacking butter or whatever it was she was doing! However it didn't really go to plan as I ended up mostly getting stuff for myself! I was a good sister though and did get her what she wanted. Though trying to find regular length trousers was quite the palaver! I got most of her stuff in Primark, (bar the trousers, grr) and somehow a new scarf, snood, gloves and earrings ending up in my sweaty mitts. Digressing a bit but  I hate shopping in winter as it's cold outside so you need a coat on but inside it's always packed and boiling. Jeez I was shvitzing in them queues! I don't know why I got the earrings as I never wear them. I'm pretty sure my holes aren't closed up though and they looked cute, especially the key ones. Loving the owl scarf too, it will be perfect for work where I like to wear scarfs to jazz up boring old long sleeved tshirts. And I just could not leave the penguin gloves. Look at his little face.

Next I went to 99p Stores and picked up a couple of scented candles. The mulberry one is a repurchase as I love the sweet fruity scent. I'm looking forward to seeing if the orange one is as nice too. I also picked up a two pack of hand cream even though I don't really need any more of the stuff- I'm obsessed! I used this in uni though and remember really liking it as it absorbs quickly.

At the market stall I also picked up three nail polishes. Two of which are actually little Christmas pressies. They were £1.50 each.

Purple Rain, Lava Flow and Pink Dazzle

My Boots order also arrived today, woop! I got La Roche-Posay Effaclar K cream and the clarifying lotion. I got them on a 2 for £15 deal which is great considering they are £13 and £11 separately. I've used the Effaclar K cream before and I found it to be really effective in helping to keep spots at bay. The clarifying lotion was a bit of a gamble but I like just using toners in the morning sometimes instead of a full cleanse which I find can be a bit drying, especially in the winter. I'll do a review on it at a later date.

Done any cheeky shopping for yourself lately?