Mac Haul - Tendertone Lip Balms

When I first started watching beauty related Youtube videos almost 3 years ago, I remember gurus mentioning Mac Tendertones and how great they were.  They are a lip conditioner that combines the look of a gloss and the conditioning benefits of a balm with SPF 12 sun protection. It also has a really lovely strawberry-kiwi flavour.  Over the last two summers I have been paying attention to the Mac collections in hope that they would once again be re-released.  I was so excited to find out that this year they were to be re-promoted in the Cook Mac collection (currently out now). There's four different lip balms within the collection and there was two that I really wanted to get - Tread Gently and Hush Hush.

The day after they had been released I went to my nearest Mac counter.  I should have known better really as when I arrived (as soon as the store had opened) I was told that they had already sold out of all of them.  I could have kicked myself as I knew that they would be popular as they hadn't been released in over two years and they are limited edition, but I was still surprised that all of them had sold out on the first day.

During a quick coffee break I checked their website on my phone as the shop assistant had told me I could still get them on-line.  One again I was disappointed to see that they had all sold out except for Purring (the orange one) which I didn't really want to get (but now wish I had).  I thought I would try the mail order number, just in case they still had some and luckily for me they did.

I wasn't able to get Hush Hush which was the one I wanted the most out of all of them.  But I was able to get Tread Gently and Hot 'n' Saucy, so overall I was really pleased.

The packaging is cute and consists of a pink and white check pattern. This is the outer sleeve only as inside it is just a white box.

The lip balms are in similar containers to Mac's Paint Pots with a screw top lid.  The glass container is also see-through so you can see how much product you have left and they are small enough to carry around with you.

Tread Gently is a soft lime green with yellow pearl and gives a lovely sheer gloss to the lips.

Hot 'n' Saucy is a soft cherry red and is the only Tendertone that gives a more pigmented look to the lips - perfect for adding a wash of colour for a quick pick me up without needing a mirror.

Do you like Tendertones or have you had difficulty in finding them?  I really like some of the Mac collections, but it is frustrating when so many are limited edition.  Then again, I guess that's partly the desire, as the products are more exclusive.

March Glossybox - The Harrods Edition

Last month I posted that Glossybox had included a card advertising a mystery box for this month.  You had to go on to their site and use the letters they gave you as a clue to work out what the box was.  I had mentioned that I thought the box might be designer - well I was wrong as the box was in fact Harrods. 

If you are unfamiliar to Glossybox, then you can look at my previous January and February posts for more information or click here to be taken to the Glossybox website.

Rather than the usual dusty pink box, this months box was white with The Harrods Edition written on the front.  You were also given an Age-Defying Skincare brochure which gives advice on how to care for your skin depending on your age.

As usual, inside the box you have a card that gives the details of all the products included.  However this time they do not tell you how much the full size would cost and how much product you get.  This is a little annoying but I guess it is a great marketing ploy as it forces you to go on to their website to find out.  The card also includes a discount code of 20% of selected beauty products at Harrods.com
.

The packaging inside also continued the Harrods theme by including a green ribbon with gold lettering and a Harrods sticker to seal the paper.

Inside, on first glance I was genuinely quite excited about the products.  Although I was a little disappointed to see that there wasn't any full sized products (usually you get at least one).

1. Ojon - Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum £16 / 25ml: 



This is described as being a weightless, highly concentrated serum which helps to restore brilliant shine and softness to dull, damaged hair. You warm one to two drops in the palms of your hands and apply to either damp or dry hair concentrating on the ends. It can be used daily before heat styling or as a finishing touch. I haven't yet tried this on my hair but this is the product that I was most excited about as I have very long/coloured hair and I like to use either a hair oil or serum on the end to protect them. I have a few to use up but once I have tried this I will let you know.

 2. Fendi - Fan Di Fendi Eau de Toilette £35 / 30ml:

I am always disappointed when I receive a perfume sample, firstly because I think perfume is a very personal choice and I love my Chanel and Dior perfumes and very rarely stray from them.  Secondly, because often you can get free perfume samples from counters.  This sample however was nicer than previous ones as it came in a beautiful miniature version of the full size.  The only downfall for me is that the lid is the stopper and I am always frightened of spilling perfumes like this (I once knocked over and spilt a whole bottle of Eternity by Calvin Klein when I was younger - very frustrating).  I much prefer a spray bottle as it's easier to apply and carry around in your bag. 
The perfume is described as a luminous floral fragrance, radiant with sunlight and leaving a lasting impression of light Roman leather on the skin.  I haven't yet tried it on my skin, but I agree that it does have a light floral scent and I think this would be lovely for spring/summer, although it's not something that I'd prefer to wear instead of my current perfumes.

3. Clarins - Extra-Firming Body Cream £39.50 / 200ml:

I could not find this product (or any Clarins products) on the Harrods website.  The price listed above was actually from the John Lewis website.  I'm not sure as to whether or not you can buy Clarins in store but it is rather odd that it isn't on their website which leads me to think that this might be an extra product that Glossybox decided to include.  Or perhaps Harrods are planning on including Clarins in the future. 

This product is described as a formula rich in regenerating and firming plant extracts which immediately helps to lift and tone, for firmer skin and a younger looking body.  I'm always quite skeptical about whether products like this one actually do what they claim to do.  But as I've recently had a baby, my skin could certainly do with a little firming so I'm more than happy to give this product a try to see if it works - fingers crossed!

4. Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Cover, Rosewood No4 £23 / 3.8g:

I was really pleased to receive this product as lip products in general are probably my favourite makeup item.  The lipstick is a complete miniature of the regular product and as you can see from the picture the lipstick is even embossed with the trademark Burberry print (so is the lipstick case but as it is reflective the picture doesn't show it).  Described as a soft satin lipstick that offers intense moisture and luminous long-lasting colour. Combining oils and light waxes, the super light formula is easy to apply and contains anti-aging ceramides for fuller lips.   This product is certainly very smooth on application and feels very moisturising on the lips.  The consistency reminds me of the Cremesheen lipsticks from Mac.  The colour is a deep berry stain and complements my dark hair and eyes, however it is a colour that I would be more prone to wearing on a night out.  However you can apply it lightly for a sheerer coverage if you wish for a day time look.  This certainly is a luxury product and one that would look very stylish in any makeup bag, but I am reluctant to purchase a full sized product as there are so many comparable lipsticks at a fraction of the cost.  But if it was bought for me as a present, I wouldn't say no!



5. Erno Laszlo - The Hollywood Collection: 5 Piece Cream Gift Set:

I had never heard of this product before so I went on to the Harrods website as I was intrigued to find out more. However once again, I could not find the brand. However on doing a bit of research I was able to find out some information. This Hollywood Collection is to celebrate 85 years of Erno Laszlo.  Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Madonna are just a few of the Hollywoods finest who have been huge advocates of this revoluntionary skincare and there is a store in Covent Garden where you can purchase the products. Dr Erno Laszlo was a Hungarian dermatologist who, back in 1927, started the company that went on to become a worldwide sensation. At first, the Erno Laszlo institute would only treat those who came via recommendation, thus assuring its exclusivity. Now, however, anyone can enjoy the benefits of Laszlo’s skin-boosting systems, from their classic Black Sea Mud soap to luxury spa treatments that target anti-ageing, brightening and problem skin.  So perhaps Harrods are about to launch this product in their stores too.

This sample pack contains Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, Instant Eye Repair, Intensive Porcelain Veil and Velvet Night Cream.  I'm not sure what all of the products claim to do but you can click here to go to their website.

As you know, I love my Liz Earle skincare products but I might just have to give these products a try.  I just hope that I don't like them too much as I doubt I will be able to afford the price tag as the US website has the items ranged from $85 to $175. 

A little tip - if you have samples in a sachet make a hole using a safety pin so you can squeeze out a small amount at a time ands then seal with some sellotape afterwards this ensures that you don't waste any of the product and so they last longer and don't expire.

Initial impression:

I'm really pleased with my box this month, and I'm happy with all of the products, especially with the hair oil.  The only thing I am slightly disappointed with is the perfume sample which I feel you can get over the counter anyway, but other than that I think this months box was a great edition and I look forward to future limited edition boxes that Glossybox do.

February Beauty Favourites 2012

I do not have a lot of new favourites this month I'm afraid, as I'm still loving the products mentioned in my January Beauty Favourites.  But I thought I'd still share a couple of things that I've been particularly enjoying this month.

I've been a lot more minimalist with my makeup lately and I've been trying to achieve a more natural glow.  Blusher is one product that I feel can achieve this as it really helps to warm the skin.  Usually I go for Mac's Melba blush for a more natural cheek, however this month I've been reaching for Estee Lauder's Tender Blush in Rose Wood (No 13) which is a rosey/mauve colour.  Unfortunately this blush has been discontinued but you might still be able to find it or one similar to it.   

Rose Wood is on the left

This compact came as part of a Christmas limited edition gift set a couple of years ago.  This is a matte blusher which is fairly pigmented and gives a nice warm flush to the cheeks and is perfect for Winter.  It is always worth keeping an eye out for Estee Lauder compacts as this is perfect for travelling with as it comes with a decent sized mirror, two blushes, a bronzer and a brush (although I never use these brushes it's always good to have for touch ups).

My next favourite is an eye look which I have been wearing almost every day throughout February.  All the eye shadows can be found in the Urban Decay Naked Palette (probably my favourite palette of all time).  I start by priming my eyes with Two Faced Shadow Insurance and then add a small amount of Mac's Bare study Paint Pot over the top,  I use both of these as they help to keep my eye shadows in place all day as well as enhancing the colour.  I then apply Sin all over the lid and blend Naked just above the crease.  I then take a small amount of Buck and blend it into the outer corner, feathering inwards a long the crease. 

L-R
Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecare, Buck

Sometimes if I want a more subtle eye I will leave it and just use Virgin to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of the eye.  However if I want to add a little more depth, I take Smog (a beautiful bronze colour) and put a small amount in the outer corner and feather lightly along the outer crease.  I then line the outer half of the lower lash line to give the look more intensity.


L-R
Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted

 Below are some swatches of the main four shadows that I use.


L-R
Buck, Naked, Sin, Smog

This eye combination works beautifully with my brown eyes however I think it would be suitable for all eye colours as well.  I love this palette and at the moment I tend to be reaching for it on a daily basis and ignoring all of my other eye shadows, which I must stop doing as I have so many others.  But the Urban Decay shadows are brilliant as they are so pigmented and are really easy to blend - why would I want to use anything else?
If I've not been using Mac's Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink (as mentioned in my January Beauty Favourites) then I've tended to gravitate towards the following lip combination.  I apply Mac's Creme Cup lipstick (which is a cremesheen finish) lightly over the lips and then apply Mac's Baby Sparks Dazzleglass over the top.  I use to love Dazzleglasses and I have quite a few of them, however this is the only colour that I seem to use now as it is a wearable baby pink (with pink and blue shimmer/glitter) without having too much glitter like some of the others.  As I'm getting older, I've started to like a more natural but glossy lip.  This lip combination works brilliant for day or night and can be paired with either a natural eye or one that is slightly more dramatic, so for me this is perfect.

This swatch was taken without a flash so I'm afraid it is not great but it gives you an idea of what the colours look like.  As you can see from the picture below, the lipgloss is fairly thick and it is very sticky so if you don't like that feeling on your lips then I would avoid this, however the plus side is that it does last longer on the lips so you don't have to keep reapplying it.

My last beauty favourite for February is Sudocrem.  Recently I've had the odd blemish on my face and so I've been reaching for this product and applying it over any redness at night before I go to bed.  The next morning, the blemish has either completely gone or become significantly smaller with hardly any redness left.  A true winner and something that I will constantly repurchase and use time and time again.

Other non-beauty favourites this month have been Cath Kidston.  I've really discovered their products this month and currently I have a long list of things that I would like to get.  I also have a review of one of their changing bags coming up in a future post so look out for that. If you like floral prints with a countryside flair then you will probably love her things, I know I do.  They sell a variety of things from clothing, accessories as well as things for the home and more so it is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already. 

 

My other favourite this month has been American TV shows.  I have especially been loving Ringer at the moment as well as The Secret Circle and Hart of Dixie.  Also previous favourites such as Gossip Girl, Greys Anatomy and Vampire Diaries have just returned to our screens following a mid-season break.  Our Sky box at the moment is looking rather full from all the shows that I've been recording, but as our nights are mostly spent in looking after Olivia, it gives us something to watch.  Plus Phil doesn't mind watching them either which is a bonus for me.

 

I've been loving some more products this month, but as it was towards the end of February I thought that I would include them in next months beauty favourites.  So you will just have to wait until then to find out what they are.

 

Glossybox - February 2012

Last month I posted about the January Glossybox which was a Valentines Day limited edition box.  This month it is back to the traditional dusty pink box containing products that reflect London Fashion Week (23-26 February).

If you are unfamiliar to Glossybox, it's a monthly subscription where you receive 5 or 6 luxury product miniatures (some of which may be full size) from high-end brands every month.  You just register to create an account and subscribe to receive your first Glossybox.  The box is sent directly to your door every month and will allow you to test out new products in the comfort of your own home. You can also provide product feedback in order to receive Glossydots which you can collect in order to claim a free box.  The box also contains product information, application notes and tips and tricks about beauty and style. It gives you the chance to try new perfumes, make up, body and care products of high-end and niche brands some of which you may not have heard of or tried otherwise.  The beauty box costs £10.00 per month (plus p+p).

This is the traditional box that you will receive each month which is a dusty pink colour with the Glossybox logo on the front.

There was a little more literature than usual in this months box.  It had the standard product information card that tells you where you can buy the products, how much they cost and any discounts that are available to you if you want to purchase the products.  But it also contained a flyer about London Fashion Week with a 15% discount code for tickets. 

The last item was a small business card that says "Expect The Unexpected" and to log on to the site from the 24th February for more information.  When you log on you see the following image:

Every day when you click on the box you receive an individual letter that spells a clue about the mystery box.  So far I have received the letters D, G, and I.  I think that the box may have something to do with designer, but that is just a guess and I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Back to this months box and as usual the products were beautifully wrapped.

Finally let's take a peak inside this months Glossybox.

1. Duwop Venom Gloss in Buttercup £16 / 10.4ml:  This doesn't look like anything much in the tube but on application the product is quite sheer and gives a nice neutral sheen to the lips with gold reflex.  It causes a light tingling to the lips (due to the venom) which I'm not really a fan of and the product has quite a strong sweet smell which becomes slightly sickly after a while.  I have so many lip glosses that this wouldn't be one that I would reach for on a regular basis but it might be pretty as a top coat to tone down a stronger lip.  The product is also very sticky, so I definitely won't be wearing this on a windy day as I'd rather my hair wasn't stuck to my lips.

2. Impress Press on manicure £17.40 / Set:  I have my nails done professionally, so I never use press on nails.  But even if I did, these would not be something that I would try, purely down to the colour which is neon orange (the picture doesn't quite capture the true colour as it is much brighter).  This is a new product that claims on application to last up to a week.  The packaging is innovative as it looks like a nail polish bottle and keeps the nails contained so you won't lose them, but sadly this will not be a product that I'll be trying. I would have prefered to have received a nail varnish as at least I could wear it on my toes, but I never wear press-on-nails so I am rather disappointed with this product.

3. Paul Mitchell Quick Slip £14.25 / 150ml:  This is a styling cream that claims to p

rovide flexible hold and definition, s

hields vulnerable strands from the sun and s

peeds up drying time while it conditions and protects.  It also contains s

oftening conditioners and UV protection to leave hair looking and feeling healthy.  I have yet to try this product, but it is definitely something that I will try as I love experimenting with products claiming to protect your hair.  The product has a thick creamy consistancy (like most conditioners) and the inclusion of a pump means that you can control the amount being used without wasting any product.  It has the same scent that can be found in other Paul Mitchell products which is quite strong and sweet (to me it smells like fabric softener).

4. BM Beauty Pure Mineral Eyeshadow in Wolf Howl £7 / 2g:  I am not the biggest fan of mineral eyeshadows, purely for the fact that I have a tendency to spill them.  I received the colour Wolf Howl which is an iredescent midnight blue colour.   I tend to wear more neutral eyeshadows however I would probably wear this to line my lower lash line to add a pop of colour. 

5. Como Shambhala Invigorate Shower Gel £20 / 300ml: I have so many bath/shower products at the moment that I didn't really need a new shower gel (I'm currently trying to use up a large bottle of Snow Fairy by Lush).  However this 50ml bottle would be perfect for travelling so I know I will use it at some point.  It is described as being an invigorating shower gel which contains a blend of essential oils (eucalptus, geranium, lavender and peppermint) which are designed to uplift your mood.  You can really smell the lavender and peppermint especially in this product and the smell reminds me of Turkish Delight.  I wouldn't pay £20 normally for a shower gel so I don't think I'll be repurchasing this as there are some brilliant alternatives for a lot less money, but it's always nice to try out something new and a little different.

My initial impression....

Some nice products, but generally a little disappointed, especially with the colour choices of the lipgloss, eyeshadow and press-on-nails in particular.  I'm looking forward to seeing what will be in next months Mystery Box - hopefully it'll be something exciting!

If you would like to read future posts relating to Glossybox then please subscribe.

What's in my everyday makeup bag?

This is the makeup bag that I carry with me on a daily basis.  I do not keep a full face load of products with me, just a few items to refresh my makeup if I need to.  The current contents listed below were the items that were present in my What's in my handbag post. No items were added or removed, so this is a true reflection of what I carry with me (which is probably too much!). 

Mac Makeup bag from the Graphic Garden Collection
(Bought in San Francisco in 2009

The picture and list below shows you the content in more detail.  The majority of these products always remain in my makeup bag.  The only items that I change are the eye liners I use and the lip products and these tend to vary on a daily basis depending on what kind of look I am going for.

Starting from the top:

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen in Light Breeze 4ml: This is my signature summer scent, however I always leave it in my makeup bag as on the odd occasion I have forgotten to put perfume on (which I hate to do) and this sample means that I can quickly spritz some on me where ever I am.

Freedent Chewing Gum: I don't have chewing gum all the time, but again this is something that I like to have with me just in case I need to freshen my breath.

Gosh Velvet Touch Eye Liner in 006 Bananas: This is such a pretty light gold colour which I often use as an inner corner highlight, especially if I am wearing gold/bronze shadows.

3 Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils in Yeyo (white), Bourbon (brown with gold shimmer), Zero (black): These eye liners by Urban Decay are my all time favourite as they last all day long without smudging.  They also come in an array of colours.  I bought mine in a gift set that contained 5 or 6 different pencils so it is worth keeping a look out for these if you are interested in trying them.  I use the white eye liner as an inner corner highlight and the brown and black tend to go with the majority of makeup looks.  I usually just line the outer half of my lower lash line (if I line the whole lash line it tends to make my eyes look to closed and small).

Benefit It Stick: This is a pencil concealer (I shade fits all) that I use to cover any blemishes or redness throughout the day.  I like that it is small so it doesn't take up much room and it is really creamy so it is easy to apply.  Sadly I can't seem to find it on their website so it's probably been discontinued (something Benefit do a lot which is most annoying), but you still might be able to find it on Ebay or Amazon.

Mac Select Moisture Cover Concealer in NW20: This is my under eye concealer although I do sometimes use it to cover redness and blemishes as well.  If I am out and about all day and not heading home, I like to have this to refresh under my eyes so I look a little brighter.  It is really creamy and very easy to blend which is important as the skin around your eyes is so delecate that you don't want to damage it.

Sigmas travel lip brush:  I love Sigma brushes and I bought mine over a year ago as part of the Premium Professional Kit from their Website in America.  Unfortunately you can't buy this brush individually at the moment, however you can now buy some of their brushes in the UK from Love-Makeup.

Kirby Grips & Hairclip: I have very long hair and sometimes (if I have a side parting) my hair really annoys me and gets in my eyes so I like to hair a few hair grips with me so that I can clip it out of the way especially if it is windy outside as I don't want my hair getting stuck to my lipgloss.

Saline solution: I keep a few capsules with me at all times as I wear contact lenses and sometimes my eyes can feel a little dry, especially if I have been wearing my lenses for a while.

Vicks Inhaler Nasal Stick:  This might seem like a random product to have in my makeup bag but as you may have realised by now, I like to plan for the inevitable.  So many times I have been rescued from a blocked/stuffy nose at work by remembering that I had this with me.

Nail file:  Not sure what brand this is as it was a present.  I always have a nail file with me as there's nothing more annoying than having a chipped nail and I know that if I don't file it immediately I will keep picking at the chip making it a lot worse in the process.  One little tip - make sure that you get a nail file that comes in a sleeve - I stupidly didn't once and I had it in my bag and it scratched some of my things.  I was very upset!

Benefit Eye Bright: This is a instant eye brightener which comes in a milky pink shade.  I often apply it as an inner corner highlight or to line my lower waterline which helps to brighten your eyes, especially on those days when you are feeling rather tired.

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Carbon Gloss in Carbon Black: I cannot say enough good things about this product - it is my favourite liquid eyeliner of all time and it is always in my makeup bag.  If I have been out all day, by refreshing my eyeliner (especially the little flicks that I like to do at the outer corner) I never feel the need to reapply my mascara as the eyeliner seems to make my eye makeup look as though I have just done it.  L'Oreal also do the same liner in Silver Black and I like to use this colour if I want a softer look on the eyes.

Mac Lustre Glass in Pinkaret:  This is a beautiful pink lipgloss with gold shimmer and I usually like to wear this in the summer months, but lately I have been applying this over my Mac Tinted Lip Condition for a more glossy finish.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit:  This is a sheer pink lipgloss that is extremely moisturising on the lips and perfect if you want to add a little colour and gloss to the lips.  I got this product free when I ordered some Clinique products via their website.

Plasters:  These often become more used in the summer months when I start to wear pumps on my feet as no matter what I do I always seem to get a slight blister on my heal.  I have learnt that rubbing Vaseline into the backs of shoes helps and it does, but you never know when you might be in need of a plaster so I always keep a few to hand.

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm:  I really like Carmex as a lip balm and this is probably my favourite for moisturising dry lips.  It is also handy as it comes in a squeezy tube and it is not as big as some of the tins that you can buy.  At first I didn't like the smell (sorry - not sure how to describe it, I guess it reminded me of playdoh) but I now quite like it.

Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink:  This was in my January favourites and still is one of my favourite products I use especially as it has an spf 15.  It has a slight vanilla scent (like most of Mac products) and it really leaves your lips feeling smooth and kissable whilst adding a nice tint to the lips.  Definitely a product that I will continue to repurchase in the future.

Hairbands:  I carry these for the same reason I carry hair grips and that is because my hair often gets in my way.  Especially if I am carrying Olivia as she is just starting to grab things (my hair being one of them).  No matter where I am, these hairbands (which prevent snags) mean that I can quickly tie back my hair if I need to.

Laura Mercier Hand Cream in Creme Brulee:  This product can also be found in my January favourites.  During the Winter months my hands have been a lot dryer so I always make sure that I keep hand cream with me.  It also means that my nails stay in better condition too.

That is everything!  Like I said at the start, the majority of the items above can always be found in my makeup bag.  It is usually just the lip products and perhaps eye liners that change.  I don't carry a pressed powder with me as my skin isn't oily and my foundation tends to stay in place all day.  I also don't bother with blushes and it would mean that I would need a brush which would take up more space.  In the summer months, occasionally I might carry a cream blush with me as that can be applied with my fingers but my cheeks are quite pigmented anyway and my blusher usually stays in place (I always use Mac's Cream Colour Base in Hush underneath my blushes so that helps them to stay put).

What do you carry in your makeup bag?  Leave a comment below and subscribe for future makeup related posts. x

What's in my handbag?

Whenever someone holds my bag they always ask what I have in it as it is so heavy.  I don't think that it's that heavy, but I do carry quite a lot with me as you never know what you might need.  That and the fact that I can never be bothered to have a good clear out.

Well, today was the day when I thought enough was enough and finally I would have a look at what I have been carrying around with me for so long.

So here it is...my handbag and it's contents!

Before people judge me for having a Louis Vuitton, I want to state that I do not have lots of designer things, in fact I had wanted a LV bag for a long time and this was a first year anniversary present from my husband.  I love this bag so much and it is my pride and joy.  It is a Speedy 30 (in Monogram Canvas) which is the perfect size for me, I found the next size up to be too big, especially to use on a daily basis, whilst this one is just the right size for everything I want to have with me.

 The following picture is an overview of the contents of my bag and as you can see I carry an awful lot of "stuff" around with me on a daily basis.  Before you see inside, let me just say that this was not planned and the contents below is a true reflection of what's in my bag - I did not remove or add any items  - what would be the point! 

 So this is what I'm currently carrying around with me - a tad too much I think - but if it fits, then why not!  Let's have a closer look.  I've broken the contents up so you can see the contents in more depth.

  



• Hall Soothers Throat Sweets in Cherry flavour (not my favourite but I had a sore throat recently and I was desperate), plus a wrapper
• Car key
• 10p in change - not sure why this was loose in my bag
• Freedent chewing gum - only one left
• House keys - also has a mini torch and a Disney key ring
• iPhone 3GS (looking rather dirty) and phone case
• Dior mirror (inside pouch)
• Weight Watchers Gold Membership card

• Mac Makeup bag (Graphic Garden collection, bought in San Francisco) - contents to be shown in a future post
• Kleenex Balm tissues - my favourite as they don't hurt your nose
• Old shopping list
• Receipt
• One of Olivia's toy rattles - just in case she wants to play
• Muslin cloth - for those sick moments
• Sainsburys coupon
• Hair clip
• Mac zip purse  (Graphic Garden collection) - contents in a picture below

• Curtain hooks - we're putting up blackout curtains in Olivia's room
• Olivia's booties - they never stay on her feet
• Weight Watchers Eat Out guide - so I can try and keep to my diet if I eat out
• Louis Vuitton purse - Zippy Wallet in Monogram Canvas
• Receipt - JoJo Maman Bebe
• Compact hairbrush/mirror
• Glasses & case
• Little Brown Bag zip purse - contents below

• 3 pens - don't know why
• Weight Watchers Strawberry Hearts and Mint Humbugs (2 points for the whole box)
• Antiseptic throat spray - I've had a sore throat
• Glasses - cheap pair from Accessorize
• Weight Watchers points calculator
• Prescription ticket
• Mini Nivea deodorant

• Contains car key for our other car and loyalty cards for Tesco and Sainsburys
• Keys for my parents house

• 2 pairs of spare contact lenses
• Saline drops
• Kirby grips
• Hair clips

The picture below shows the layout inside my Louis Vuitton Zippy purse (this was a birthday present from Phil).  I love this purse as it can hold so much.  It can hold 12 cards although I tend to double mine up in places.  It has an additional sections behind these on both side as well as a zipped compartment for coins in the middle and another section where you can put notes.  It can also hold my iPhone, so you can use the purse as a clutch on nights out - which is one of the reasons why I wanted this one.  It has the same Monogram Canvas pattern to match my bag.

So that is the contents of my bag.  Like I have already mentioned, nothing was added or removed so this is a true reflection of what I carry around with me on a daily basis.  There is a lot of items I know, but I always like to be prepared just in case I might need something.  I would like to reduce the amount of things I carry, especially as Olivia is getting heavier to carry, this bag isn't really ideal.  But I see this bag as an investment and something that I will have for a very long time.

Clarins Double Fix Mascara - Product Rave

Do you have a favourite mascara that you wish was waterproof? 

For some reason and I don't know why, but waterproof mascaras just don't work on my lashes.  I often find them very difficult to remove and I end up causing more lashes to fall out from repeatedly rubbing them with makeup remover.  Plus they don't seem to hold the curl in my lashes for very long.  Perhaps I need to find a different make-up remover or perhaps I just haven't found the right waterproof mascara. 

I have found the perfect alternative and it is a product that I have used for years, and that is Clarins Double Fix Mascara.

Clarins Double Fix Mascara is a clear gel like formula that you apply just like a mascara over your usual mascara or it can even be applied alone.  This product is multi-talented though as you can even use it as a brow groomer.  It leaves your lashes looking glossy and ensures that your mascara stays put and you don't get any smudges throughout the day. 

This product has been well and truly tested over the years, so I know that it works (for me at least).  I was first introduced to this product in 2003 when my Nan passed away.  My cousin had it on her and said that no matter how much I cried, my mascara would stay put, and believe me I cried my heart out that day and yet my mascara didn't budge.  I have been swimming in pools and the sea whilst wearing this product and I even wore it on my wedding day, and once again this product did not lot me down.  My eyes also tend to water, especially during the cold/windy weather, but I know that if I wear this product I don't have to worry.

The packaging isn't my favourite as it is a hard tube and it doesn't allow you to see how much product you have left which is a little annoying.  The old style packaging used to resemble a toothpaste tube which meant that it could be squeezed to ensure that every bit of product was used.  I don't know why they changed the packaging, but I wish that they hadn't.  As it is a clear gel, it does discolour over time especially if applied over other coloured mascaras and although it doesn't make the product look very nice, it doesn't stop it from working.

Priced at £16, there may be a waterproof mascara that works for you and is much cheaper.  However if you are like me and have a favourite mascara that isn't waterproof, then this might be the product for you.  I know that until I can find a waterproof mascara that works, I will continue to buy Clarins Double Fix Mascara.

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Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty Tag

This is a beauty tag that has been doing the rounds on You Tube and after seeing Amarixe's tag (love her beauty channel as she gives great reviews on products) I thought that it would be quite fun to do. 

Below you will find the questions and answers to my Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty.

1. GREED:

What is your most inexpensive beauty item?

I would have to say that Vaseline is my cheapest beauty product which retails between £1 - £2.  I like the fact that the product is very versatile (especially the original formula) as I can use it on my lips, on my eye lashes to condition them as well as parts of the body that are dry or cracked.  It also works wonders in preventing Olivia from getting a rash on her chin/neck which can sometimes occur due to feeding.

What is your most expensive beauty item?

LiLash is probably the most expensive item that I have purchased.  It is an eye lash growth serum and I ordered mine from the States.  It was around $130 which is about £70 or £80.  I wanted to try and lengthen my lashes as unfortunately I am not blessed with gorgeous long lashes and I have seen a lot of positive reviews of this product on You Tube and thought I would give it a go.  You use the product at night and apply is like an eye liner to your top and bottom lashes (I just did the top).  Mine lasted for quite a while, I think 4 or 5 months and I am pleased to say that I did see a noticeable improvement in the length and condition of my lashes.  Sadly I didn't repurchase it as I couldn't justify spending that sort of money regularly on just my lashes (when you stop using the product your lashes will eventually go back to normal length on the next cycle).  However it is a brilliant product and I loved the effect that it had on my lashes.

2. WRATH:

What beauty products do you have a love/hate relationship with?

So many people love this foundation and some are even as bold to call it one of their holy grail products.  Because of this I was desperate to try it as I too wanted gorgeous glowing skin like so many had claimed it gave them.  I have to agree that the first time I used this product my skin did look beautiful.  However over the next couple of days of wearing this my skin started to breakout in some red blemishes (no white heads - more like a raised rash) so I stopped using the product and my skin cleared up.  I have tried, on more than one occasion to try this product out again but the same thing happens.  To me the product feels quite oily on the skin, so I'm not sure if it is this that is causing a reaction.  All I know is that I love it the first time I wear it but then after that no so much.

What product has been the hardest to get?

There aren't any products which I have really struggled to find.  I am not someone who desperately goes searching for "that" lipstick from a collection, instead I just face the disappointed of missing out and hope that the product will be repromoted at some point.  I did however find Benefit's They're Real Mascara a challenge to get my hands on it.  There was so much hype about this product, especially as it had been released in the US before it had over here, so there was a massive buzz in the beauty community about it.  When it was first released in the UK it seemed to be going off the shelves like hot cakes and every wear I seemed to go didn't have it.  I decided to use up the large quantity of mascaras I already had in my collection first - even if I was slightly saddened by the prospect.  I was extremely pleased though when Christmas morning came around to see that my hubby had bought it for me.  I have been using it every day since and am loving the results it gives.  This is one product that for me, was worth the wait.

3. GLUTTONY:

What are your most delicious beauty products?

I find this question a little strange, especially as you don't tend to eat beauty products.  However I interpreted it as the beauty products that smell the most delicious.  I have two rivals for this category.  The first being any products by Bed Head as they smell just like sweets.  My favourite is Superstar, Queen for a Day Thickening Spray which you spray on to the roots of your hair when damp to inject some volume.  It smells like Starburst sweets and even lasts in you hair which is something that I love.

The second rival for this category is any products by Lush.  Their products would have to be some of my favourites and even though the smell can be quite over powering when you walk past their stores the scents of some of their products are to die for.  I especially love their lip scrubs (which you can eat and I take great pleasure in licking the product off my lips every time I use it) and my favourite is Mint Julips as it smells like Aftereight mints.  I also like any of their Vanilla scented products as this is one of my favourite scents of all time.

4. SLOTH:

What beauty product do you neglect, due to laziness?

When I was working I always used a Primer every day to ensure that my make-up stayed put, especially as I work long hours.  However since being on maternity leave this is one product that I often skip.  Unless I am going out for dinner and I want my skin to look flawless, I don't tend to use it.  Once the hotter weather comes around I will probably start to use it again, especially the Prep and Prime from Mac as it has an SPF 50.

5. PRIDE:

What beauty product gives you the most self confidence?

If I'm completely honest, having a complete made up face (not drag queen style though, more natural looking) gives me the most confidence.  But if I had to narrow it down to one product then I would say foundation because if my skin looks even and blemish free then I am happy.  I still love my Estee Lauder Sheer Tint Release and I am currently using this everyday.  However that doesn't really hide everything.  If I am going out for the evening, or at work and I want my skin to look flawless for a long time then I always reach for Mac's Select Moisture Cover in NW20.  It evens out my skintone perfectly and really makes me feel as though I have flawless skin (especially when blended with my fingers which I feel are the best tools for applying this product).  It's a product that I honestly couldn't not have in my collection and it's even the foundation that I wore on my wedding day.

6. LUST:

What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?

Again, I thought this question was a little odd as it's not beauty product related.  I thought it might be about the product that you most want to purchase and are lusting after, in which case I would have to say Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua foundation.  I have heard so many great things about this product and I really want to buy it, but I still have quite a lot left of my Sheer Tint Release and my Studio Fix Fluid so I am patiently waiting to use these up (or at least one of them) until I buy it.

In answer to the actual question though, I have interpreted it as physical attributes.  With this in mind I would have to say nice eyes (my hubby has really blue eyes which are gorgeous...I'm so jealous as I always wanted blue eyes) and nice shoulders/upper back especially with a tan.  And yes, hubby if you are reading this, I think you have very sexy shoulders/upper back.

7. ENVY:

What items would you most like to receive as a gift?

One beauty product that I rarely buy myself, and that is perfume.  The perfumes that I like tend to be on the pricey side (Chanel and Dior perfumes being my favourite), so usually I wait until my birthday or Christmas to ask for one.  Therefore this is the product that I most like to receive as a gift.  I think that there's nothing better than receiving a bottle of perfume which come in a pretty bottle and having it displayed on my dressing table.  I love to wear perfume and I have different signature scents depending on the seasons which always make me feel beautiful and put a smile on my face when I wear them.

So what are your Seven Deadly Sins of beauty?  Leave a comment telling me about yours and subscribe for future tag related posts.