A Perfume I am oh so in love with at the moment...

So I purchased this a while ago but as I had lots of others I wanted to finish of first (perfumes generally tend to lose their smell after a year of purchase/opening) I never actually got round to using this. So about a week ago I started spraying this on lightly when ever I went out and have gotten complemented on it countless times since.

The picture probably already gave it away but the perfume I am currently raving about is Burberry weekend.

I know a lot of people generally viewed Burberry as a 'chav' brand before they got the beautiful Emma Watson on board their advertising campaign and gave the clothes a dramatic overhaul but I have always quite liked the brand and this perfume has just cemented my love.

There is actually a little story behind this. My friend went to some perfume launch where they were giving out tiny, stingy samples of this (probably only enough for one or two squirts) but she got it and didn't really like it so guess who got lucky ;-) So I tried it and totally loved it and as it was a tiny sample she told me that I may as well keep it (my friends and I always share cosmetics and trade stuff- a true sign of real friendship I think, don't you?) As I said before it was a meagre sample and soon the tiny bottle was completely empty.
So guess what?

Without a second thought I went and got a 50ml version.


I love the smell- I can never really describe smells or even pick out what goes into them- I can just about differentiate between fruity and floral but that's about it so you'll have to make do with the Burberry description (Tangerine, Sape Greeness, Reseda Greeness, Blue Hyacinth, Red Cyclamen, Nectarine, Iris, Wild Rose, Cedar Wood, Musk and Sandal Wood), packaging (Pale yellow box with silver cross hatching and the bottle is unusually shaped and very chic I must say) and the longevity- which by the way is about 2-3 hours without a Vaseline base which is the only fault I can find with this perfume. Other than that it is an absolute favourite.

By the way, I am undecided about whether or not to do a 'Favourites of the month post' at the end of the month. What do you guys think? Is it a good idea or not? Comment below and let me know (hey that rhymes!)

Anyway, See you all very soon!
TheBeautyBlogger x

Giveaway!

Hey Everyone,
I have something really exciting to announce- I am going to have a giveaway!!! It is 50ml of CHANEL's Coco Mademoiselle. There are only two conditions though-
1) There have to be 200 subscribers before I do the giveaway (which means you have to badger as many of your friends and family members as you can to subscribe to this blog)- I mean there is no point in having a contest with 7 people, is there?
2) You have to be a subscriber to enter- this is to make sure that you aren't a random person who will never visit my blog again =)
Once there are 200 subscribers I will declare the contest open all you have to do is type 'ENTER ME' in the comments section of that particular post- it's that easy.

Bye xxx

OPI Nail Polishes

Hey everyone,

Yes, this is my 2nd post today but after being incredibly AWOL I feel the need to make it up to you guys. In Florida I went to Walmart, a store we don't have in England (It was so big I got lost more than just a couple of times!). Anyway, we were so sick of eating restaurant food that we took the matter into our own hands and went to Walmart to buy basic foods (Bread, Butter...etc, etc). I subtly broke away from my family and visited the beauty isle and what do I find?? OPIs for $7 each. This is what they look like... I have the one on the left (hint of mint) and the one on the right (Di-Vine is Divine) and I love them! I must say that I was disappointed with the quality of hint of mint- it was streaky and thin and I used 5 coats to get a colour as intense as one coat of Nouvelle Vague. Nevertheless I love the end result so I am willing to look past all it's faults. I prefer Di-Vine because of quality (one, easy, streak free coat) and I am wild about the colour!
I also got 2 ordinary OPIs as a present from my aunt. Meet Java Mauve-A (bottom) and Meet and Jingle (top). I feel like Meet and Jingle is a christmassy red and I love it. It's classy, timeless and elegant and I think that it may be the first bottle of nail varnish I get through. In terms of quality it was very good- no streaks or chips and it was the perfect consistency.

This is Java Mauve-A. Now I tried this out and I have got to say it is a lot pinker in person than in picture. There is also not a lot of contrast between the colour and my natural skin tone so it looks very blah. I don't think this one will be 'love it, use it, repurchase it' product- sadly.

So that's my take on nail polish

What are you recommendations?

TheBeautyBlogger x

Where has she been? Florida!

Hey guys,

I am so, so, so, so sorry for neglecting you guys for nearly a month now! Anyway, I arrived back on the 1st from my fantastic holiday and I was absolutely knackered. I have slept for 2 days straight- seriously and I think I have just about recovered and adjusted back into London life. Okay, I will tell you guys about my trip because I know that you are all dying to hear about it (let's be honest....joke). It's wasn't all perfect- but between missing our flights and fighting with American Airlines staff it was pretty good. Well, I'm gonna get started.

So we flew out to New York on the 14th and we left on the 16th. We actually arrived really late on the 14th so we literally ate and then slept and we left in the early morning of the 16th which really just left us with one whole day. It was so worth it though! We travelled by tube from Long Island where we were staying to the city.

First we went on a tour bus for a tour around New York which was amazing! Then I went to the World's biggest Macy's store in Times square...

And, all of you, knowing me know that I would not have come out empty handed- and you were absolutely right. There was a small coach store in there and I fell in love with a black handbag from the latest poppy collection. It was originally $269 down to $200... not exactly a steal but I had to have it. Here it is- it's my new baby =)

I also went to the MAC store there and I came out with the New Vibe blush duo from the In the groove collection. I actually wasn't intending to buy it but as I walked past the MAC store I couldn't resist setting foot in it and looking around. I swiped this as I was heading towards the door but when I looked down it was such a stunning colour I turned on my heels, grabbed it, paid for it and then it was mine <3

After this we (me, my mum, my aunt and my cousin) headed to Sephora. Now I don't think that we actually have a Sephora here in London but everyone always talks about it so I had to check it out. I absolutely loved it- floors and floors dedicated to makeup? Love, love, love!!! I left the store with a Korres lip butter in wild rose (purely because I loved the colour it gave my lips) and a roller ball version of Marc Jacob's Lola (the latest release) which is now firmly my favourite perfume of the moment.

So, on the 16th we were meant to fly to Orlando with American Airlines who always overbook their flights (meaning that they sell more tickets than they have seats in the hopes that someone will miss their flight, the extra people get subbed in and the airlines make more money). Anyway, we arrived at the air port a regulation 3 hours early. We checked our selves in, checked in our baggage and proceeded to security. The cue was at least an hour long and when we got there my cousin (who was also travelling with us) realised that he had left his Cologne, shampoo, body lotion, conditioner and tooth paste in his hand luggage and so it took us another 20 minutes for the security to the call the bag out, search the bag and then for us to 'surrender' the items in question. Also my mum who can't live without tea for 5 minutes decided it would be a good idea to bring sugar and tea bags in the hand luggage. Of course, the security, seeing the bag of sugar through the x-ray machine decided that it was drugs and spent another half an hour drug testing it. When we arrived at the gate there was a good 20 minutes left but the hostess at the gate simply closed the door in our faces. My guess is that our seats had already been redistributed to someone who booked a ticket on standby. There was no one nearby and we had no idea what to do- our bags were on the flight but we weren't which would mean that whatever way this played out we would only have the clothes on our back until we could get to Orlando.

We were then told (after an hour of wandering aimlessly, wondering what to do) that we had to rebook our tickets. While standing in the line to rebook tickets we discovered that many other people who were supposed to be on the same flight as us were in a similar situation. At last when we got to the head of the cue we were met by a lemon sucking job's worth who told us that it was our fault and that we would have to pay all over again for a new set of tickets. Lesson one- don't mess with my parents when they are already annoyed and tired- they yelled and the woman and argued for a good hour and lo and behold- new tickets. To Miami though- not Orlando as originally planned. AND only on standby (as overbooked passengers). I must say that I don't think that I'll ever travel with American Airlines again. A woman that we were chatting with in a cue to rebook the tickets told us that AA was 'mediocre beyond belief' and in the situation we were in I understood totally what she meant. The workers were rude, arrogant and extremely unhelpful and they had to be told several times and yelled at if you were to get the simplest of things done. On the topic best airlines that deserve a shout out- Etihad and Sri Lankan Airlines are among the best I've ever travelled with.

We then flew to Miami, stayed the night in a hotel then rented a van in the morning. We went to Miami beach, ate in a fabulous restaurant and then had a 4 hour road trip to Orlando. My family actually happens to love road trips and driving so we were fine.

Here's a pic of the beach-

Yes, the sea really is that blue and it is that beautiful- it's not digitally enhanced in any way. I would SO recommend Miami beach if you have the cash- it's truly gorgeous. If you want cheaper then I'd say Sri Lanka (where I come from!). Airline tickets are expensive but once you get there everything else is cheap.

In Orlando we spent 6 days. Here's how it went...

2 days in Disney, 1 day in The Kennedy Space Center, 1 day in the Ripley's believe it or not museum, 2 days shopping, 2 days resting/ lounging by the amazing pool.

The Kennedy Space Centre-

^ To give you an indication of how big this building actually is... you could drive a bus up one of the stripes on the painting of the US flag...

^A piece of rocket =)

Ripley's Believe it or not museum-
^ See how it looks tilted... it's built that way =) I think that I enjoyed this with Kennedy Space Center more than Disney Land. It's basically weird and wacky facts and exhibits. You can even take a picture with a wax model of the world's tallest man! Also, the tickets were super cheap when compared to Disney and Kennedy.

Disneyland-
^ Last and definitely the least was Disney. Our party paid nearly $1000 in entry fees. Was it worth it? No. Disneyland is the most over hyped thing I have ever come across. I have seen real animals, I have been on Europe's fastest roller coaster-I don't have to fly halfway across the world to see pieces of plastic 'move' and go on rides I can find in Thorpe park for a lot less money.

We went to Animal Kingdom 1st which was crap, then we went to Magic Kingdom which was okay. Third was Hollywood studios which I loved becuase there were tons of 3D movies and we were shown how movies were shot (including lots of stunt scenes from the Indiana Jones movies). Lastly we went to Epcot (which I think was the best of all four. It's really scientific and futuristic if you like that kind of thing because I do) but we only spent an hour there before the rain came down in bucket loads and we had to call it a day. If you ever go to Disney I would say go to Epcot 1st because it's the best one and Animal Kingdom last (it's the worst!!).

Anyway, that was what I did in my holiday.

What did you do?? Comment below because I love getting comments!

Lots of Love,

TheBeautyBlogger x

Bye Guys!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to do one super-short, quickie post before I leave. It is now 11.20 at night so I am going to finish off this post, wash my hair, blow dry it and then go to sleep. As my flight is at 11 in the morning I am leaving really early- which means getting up earlier- which then in turn means that I will not have enough time to log on and say goodbye to you all. So that's what I want to say really- see you in another 2 weeks- I will miss writing on my blog like crazy but I will make up for the slacking with lots of picts and posts.

Also I am hoping to have a giveaway-but for that to work I really need 100+ subscribers. I have no idea if I'll ever get that many but I really need you guys to get suggesting for me to keep the idea alive- friends, family members and anyone else who loves makeup, fashion and beauty and badger them until they subscribe- then we can have a contest!!!!

Lots of love,
TheBeautyBlogger x

Tagged by Fashion Buddies- My favourite Mascaras and Mascaras I want to try

So, I was tagged by 'fashion buddies' to do a post- 'Favourite mascaras I have tried or want to try'. Now, I have kind of already done this one so I am going to expand ones I want to try because on the last post I only mentioned one I wanted to try. Read the 1st post here.

An issue to address with Maybelline's Colossal Lash Mascara

As I was throwing out old makeup (see ins and outs post) I came across the Maybelline Colossal lash I thought was over hyped and that I was underwhelmed by. I know a lot of mascaras misbehave and after a bit of o2 exposure they start to listen. I tried the product when I was inexperienced in makeup and I didn't know all the little tricks that most people just 'know' so perhaps I should re buy and retry- the one I threw out was VERY old and mascaras can't be trusted after the 3 month mark of opening/using.

Sometimes things really are over hyped- especially when it comes to MAC but in other instances I feel that 1000s of people can't be wrong. My bottle could have been a faulty exception because I was looking into it and it isn't uncommon to have one 'bad' batch and I have only read good reviews about it online. Either was I will look into it again.

Eyelash Primers

Personally I think that eyelash primers are just another ploy by big, corporate companies to get you to part with your hard earned cash. If you were being really, really picky you could come up with primers for every little hing. So, I guess that just leaves me to say that I've never tried one.

However from a couple of descriptions 'maximises your lash look and extends wear' specifically I want to try it.

MAC Mascaras

Now, I'm not really a huge MAC fan like most people- I just feel like their products don't live up to the price tags and the hype. I have only tried 2 MAC mascaras and they were both awful and in fact I'm not alone in thinking this: many people don't like MAC's mascaras so I don't want to try any of MACs (in case you're wondering why it isn't on my list).

5 Mascaras I want to try

1) Blinc's Kiss me mascara

This is a totally new idea. Instead of painting your lashes with mascara- tube them! That is actually how it works- the little tubes coat your lashes. They can't be removed with just water or just pressure but a combination of both- no smudging, no flaking, no panda eyes! Sounds like a breakthrough to me.

2) Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara

I have heard countless good reviews on it. Unfortunately I have never found it in an of the shops. However I have heard that the UK version is Max Factor false lash effect. Even the packaging is nearly the same- Covergirl's bottle is orange and Max factor's is black and it can be yours for £10.99- not exactly drugstore pricing.

3) Laura Mercier Mascara

I have heard good things about all Laura Mercier's products- her lip glaces, her tinted moisturiser... etc...etc... However La Mercier is not known for being affordable- it is pretty pricey if you're on a budget.

4) MUFE smoky Lash

A lot of big make up gurus on YouTube love MUFE- I have heard a lot about their foundation specifically-if it's not too shabby for Richie Nickel it's good for me! One of my friends recommended this to me a long time ago but I never got round to trying it. So even if it is just to please my friend I have to try this out.5) Helena Rubinstein Lash queen Mascara

This is £27 so it's definitely one to conserve but I saw Lollipop 26's before and after picts and read her rave reviews- now I want it =)

So, that's it from me.

What do you want to try? Share some love and leave a comment!

TheBeautyBlogger x

Ins and Outs of the moment

Hey guys,
this is just going to be a quick post rounding up all the good things and bad things of the moment. I want to get in as many posts as possible to compensate for the lack of them to come. I'll try and make this as efficient as possible and then if you feel inspired do one on your blog and post the link in the comments section.
I'll begin...

IN


- Holidays
This is completely obvious really. I mean who doesn't like holidays??- the preparations aren't too fun though (one for my outs!) but I love the excited feeling you get when you are anticipating a holiday. I really can't wait to fly as I love flying and I promise you guys I'll take a ton of pictures to document the best moments in NYC and Canada and of course, Orlando- so you can see all the Disney photos. *Note to self- BUY A DISPOSABLE CAMERA!* Also I've heard that you can't swim in the beaches of Orlando because there are tons of crocodiles! Yes, you read it right- apparently they even leave the sea and get into private pools (most of the houses in Orlando have pools) purely because they're inquisitive. The idea of a day in Miami has been thrown around but it's not yet confirmed. We're actually hiring a van so we can decide what we want to do on the day and then just drive.


-Seeing people you haven't seen in a long, long time
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I am so, so, so excited to see my Aunt (Dad's sister). She lives in Sri Lanka and I actually saw her a month or two ago (no, I was not on another holiday- I was there for a funeral) but I haven't seen my cousins (her kids) in a year apart from on Skype- so I am so happy that I will be able to see them soon. I can't wait to see my Uncle (Dad's brother) and family as I haven't seen them since they visited London two years ago. I am somewhat anxious to see the new family friends I have yet to meet in NY (Mum's family friends) I'm sure they'll be lovely but I can't help but feel slightly nervous. I will be seeing my other uncle (another one of dad's brothers) and his family who I haven't seen for four years now (wow, time flies!) and also my cousin (Dad's older sister's son). As you have read I have a LOT of people to look forward to meeting!


-Not at all holiday related- but perfume
I have been trying out a LOT of perfume of late. I have been loving Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle (it smells incredible- so sweet) and Calvin Klein's Eternity but I think that it's time to move on and try something new- I'm thinking Chanel's famous No 5 which I can't believe I haven't tried yet, but I've also spied Miss Dior Cherie. I sprayed myself with the tester and it smells really nice- I only like the pink one mind you- I found the rest too strong for me. Jennifer Aniston's new perfume is said to be quite nice- which it should be for the £36 price tag attached to it! Being a huge Friends/Rachel Green fan I feel obliged in some way to rush out and buy her scent. I will wait till after the holidays and if the urge is too strong and I happen to see it in Duty Free I'll blame it on fate and give in to the temptation. I'm also looking into solid perfume. I saw one a couple of years ago by Estee Lauder (makers of the notorious MAC)- it was really pretty- some solid version of one of their scent in a gold case with crystals showing each star sign (mine's Aries) I didn't buy it at that time so I am looking for another.

-Reading
I have finished Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for English coursework and I must say despite my initial scepticism of the plot I really, thoroughly enjoyed the book. I am currently stocking up on trashy holiday novels to occupy myself while on transit- though I may use that time effectively and shop around. Also- reading isn't just restricted to books, in my world flicking through magazines constitutes as reading and I've done a lot of magazine flicking =)

-Michael Jackson
I have always been a fan and will continue to be one. Yesterday, whilst holiday shopping I picked up a Jackson 5 CD with all their Motown years. In fact I'm bopping along to it right now.

-Buying and trying excessive amounts of lip products
Oh yes, you all know how much of this I've been doing. I'm loving discovering new combos and lipstick mixology. It's very fun! (and you save a bit of cash- always a good thing)

-Blogging like a crazy person
You know the deal with this- I love every moment of it though <3


OUT

-Packing for holidays
It is incredibly stressful for someone like me, being reduced down to one case. Also, I'm constantly worried that I will forget something that I really need. Toothbrush-check, Underwear-check, Toothpaste-.....uh oh


-Rushing around doing last minute everything
This always happens at my house- ALWAYS! We NEVER plan ahead and what worries me is the fact that no one else in the family seems to be at all concerned about it! We are usually the last family to board a plane, we arrive at the airport late and book tickets a couple of days before leaving.


-Throwing out old/out of date makeup
I always feel guilty doing this because I see really how much makeup I have spent money on and not used up- then I feel bad for wasting money- but, it really does have to go because the slap is so old I will get all sorts of infections if I attempt to use them. To the bin they go...


-Losing things
No one likes losing things- but I especially can't stand it. I hate wasting time looking for things- which is all I seem to be spending my life doing at the moment.

Anyway, enough about me.
What are your ins and outs?- comment below!

Lots of love
TheBeautyBlogger x

America/Canada trip + Soft Lips Lip Balm Review

Hey Everyone,
I'm leaving for America on Saturday and I will only be back on the 31st.

I have looked into it and there is no possible way I can blog because I won't have access to a computer. I am so, so sorry, but it means no new posts until then.

My 'I'm back' post will be long and informative and have lots of pictures and I will post as much as I possibly can for the next two days. (Our flight is at 11.45 in the morning) My family and I will be flying to New York and staying with family friends for 2 days (I am so nervous as I have never met them before and I am really awkward around new people), then we're flying to Orlando to do the Disney thing (Walt Disney is one of my idols- I am SO excited to visit Universal Studios too) then lastly we will fly to Toronto for a family festival.

Hopefully I will be able to squeeze a bit of shopping in so a haul post?? Maybe??


Soft lips

Today I had an eye test. The opticians happened to be conveniently located very near Superdrug. The urge was too strong. I went in an didn't come out empty handed.

A couple of months ago Blair Fowler (Juicystar07) a beauty guru on YouTube reviewed the Soft lips new collection. Then I wanted it. Unfortunately I could only locate one product in the UK- Soft lips lip balm in French Vanilla.

What initially attracted me to soft lips was the slimline packaging (I love slim and sleek) and also lots of people commented that it smelt amazing. That was all the prompt I needed. I looked on the Soft Lips site and they suggested an online pharmacy to order from. All was going well- until I noticed how much they were charging for shipping- $24.99! That was too much. So I guess I was pretty fortunate when I stumbled into it for £1.79 on the Superdrug website.

Now you know how I got the product it's time for the review =)

First of all- it smells INCREDIBLE nice and Vanillery.
-It has SPF 20
-It is so smooth
-It moisturises the lips incredibly well (leaving them nice and soft as a baby's bottom)

When the balm is first applied you will feel a tingle/burn- like the feeling you get when you wear mint lip products. I soon realised that this was due to the menthol in the product. My mum has Menthol crystals that you can dissolve in water and inhale to relieve a blocked nose. It is strong. So strong it makes my eyes water. Thankfully this is nowhere near as harsh but you do feel a tingle. This doesn't bother me and the results were good so the little tingle was a thing I could look past- also- once you wear it for a while you don't feel it anymore.

So, overall verdict-
Do I like it?- Yes
Would I buy it again?- Definitely! At £1.79 it's a great deal.

Lots of love,
TheBeautyBlogger x

Without a doubt the cutest nail design I have ever seen

I just wanted to share this picture with you becuase it is just SO cute! Look at those nails! I think I will recreate the look-even if it is just to show my devotion to my ipod- I mean it, literally- my ipod and I are one person (is that even gramatically correct!?). Anyway if you want to try it out feel free to do so and post some picts in the comments section becuase I will be doing this soon and I want something to compare it to!
I will do a proper post in a minute *pinkie promise*- please don't dispair!
Anyway,
talk to you soon,
TheBeautyBlogger x
Nails; How To #2 ♥ by »CAiTYY. .♥™ on Polyvore.com'>polyvore nails

L'OREAL Renewal Lash Serum Update

So, I posted that I was trying out L'OREAL renewal lash serum and that I would update you guys later. If you read the last post you will see that I paid £10.99 for it in Boots after I heard that Lollipop26 really liked it and she seems trustworthy so I got it. Also Frieda Pinto is really beautiful and I wanted to try and buy Pinto lashes. Although I haven't been using it for 6-8 weeks I want to post something about it.

Some conclusions-

1) There hasn't been a dramatic increase in the length of my lashes. I initially thought that this would stimulate a lot of growth and my lashes would double in length. This is not the case. I haven't noticed an enormous increase in length but I will say that the condition had improved.

2)My lashes feel and look a lot healthier than before.

3)They are now all the same length.

4)I am totally happy with the results and the price I paid for it- will be using my current bottle up and then repurchasing.

My only issue with the serum was the actual application- it was kinda difficult and messy because of the weird curved brush. They should replace it with a mascara brush... Anyways- that's my verdict on Renewal lash.

But well done L'OREAL! I'm happy =)

TheBeautyBlogger x