My hiatus will end soon!

To everyone that reads this blog my hiatus has been long, but I think I hit bloggers block, and with work becoming busier the schedule just become a bit much to cope with.

So in the New Year I will return and bring you reviews, monthly favourites and hopefully my first giveaway. I am currently rummaging though the endless amount of notebooks I have to start planning blog posts for the New Year and hopefully bring in some more followers.

Thank you for persevering and hopefully I can bring you some great content next month.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma

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Sleek i-Divine Palette - Garden of Eden

Sleek really know their stuff when it comes to makeup palettes, they really seem to push boundaries when it comes to the colours that they add to the palettes.

This palette is one such concotion that allows the user to jump out of their comfort zone when it comes to colour. The Garden of Eden palette is based on the story of the Garden of Eden and features colours around that theme, so expect to see a lot of brown's and green's.

Top Row

The top row contains some gorgeous colours mostly metallic shimmers with the one matte shade on the edge. Forbidden is a great shade as it has flecks of gold in the shadow, and I love Eve's Kiss as this is such a lovely metallic pink shade. These shades are brilliant for during the day, whereas the bottom row I think is the colors where you can start to be creative.

Bottom Row

These shades are I think the ones where you can be more creative when it comes to the eyes. I will admit I have used this row once or twice when creating a smoky eye but I generally steer clear on a day to day basis. 

The shadows are all blendable and there are some gorgeous colours, out of this row I love fig, it is such an amazing colour and looks so pretty on the eyes.

This is a gorgeous eyeshadow palette, and Sleek know how to bring it with their palettes, this can be found at your local Boots or Superdrug.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma

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Rimmel Lipstick Lock

This was a spur of the moment purchase, I don't wear lipstick that often (a beauty blogger that doesn't always wear lipstick shock! horror!), but when I do, I do like it to last.

This looks like a dupe for lipcote (another lip lock product).

What you do with this is once your lipstick is applied you blot it and then apply a light coat of this over the top. Once applied you then have to wait for it to dry (you can't put your lips together until it has).

It does make my lipstick last by drying it to a matte feel (think of the bourjois rouge edition velvet's and your about there for the sensation), what I'm not a fan of is the smell as it just stinks and it smells like chemicals, which is a product turn off especially when it is going on your lips and there is a minute chance that you will probably end up with some in your mouth (not a nice thought).

It's a good product but the chemical smell just puts me off.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma

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Natural Collection Bushed Cheeks - Pink Cloud

I've slowly started to dip my toe into blusher and I picked this up from Boots. When I am trying something I want to work my way up the price ladder so to speak so this was next on the price rung at £1.99

I have found Natural Collection to be hit and miss, there can be some great products, and then there are ones you really need to stay away from, and for me this was a miss.

I loved the colour of the blusher, but I found when applied to the skin it was so sheer on the skin it just didn't show up it was so sheer I just ended up swirling the brush around the pot for ages.

Overall not a blusher I will purchase again.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Models Own Quick Dry Drops

I love Models Own nail polish, I think they are some of the best, so when I saw this in my local Superdrug, it found it's way into my basket.

The premise of this product is once you have painted your nails you then add a couple of drops of this onto your nails and it dries them quicker. The product comes with a little pipette that you use to apply the product to the nail, this then takes over as the lid as you screw it back onto the bottle.

I painted my nails then put this on, now I will admit that I have been spoilt by Elegant Touch Rapid Dry Spray for Nails, which dries really fast. I gave these 2 minutes and they were still tacky (Elegant Touch dries in 1 minute) so I really wasn't impressed with these drops as much as I thought I would be.

The idea is sound, but for me this product just doesn't work.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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MUA Complexion Matte Primer

I am always on the lookout for a good primer, so when I saw this in my local Superdrug for £4 I thought I have to try this.

The description for this primer is that it is good or normal/combination skins as well as oily skin, so this was really right up my street.

I've been testing this out and it applies to the skin well and is silicone based so does feel quite oily when applying to the skin, the tube is small (7.5ml) but does last well and the price isn't too bad either (£4.00).

The primer has been put through its paces as my region of the UK has been experiencing soaring tempratures over the last couple of days so it is having to fight sweating (which it failed at, but it has been exceptionally hot so I will let it off a tiny bit).

I do like this primer, it makes my face matte and it does cover my pores really well, the packaging is nice in its simplicity. The product starts an orangey colour and does go clear on the skin making it ready for when you apply your foundation. You only need to apply a small amount as it can become quite greasy if you apply too much.

I like this primer it does help keep your foundation on for longer and I have noticed that it does stop my face becoming to shiny so it does do what it says on the tin. This is a primer I would repurchase again.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Lime Basil - Revlon Parfumerie

The parfumerie range from Revlon was a massive launch this year, the theory with this polish is that it is scented and to show this the bottles are in the shape of parisian perfume bottles (they seem Parisian to me).

This is a different colour to what I am used to so I am pushing some boundaries (well my boundaries but they are boundaries). The colour is between a pastel and a dark green you could agree on a lime kind of green.

When you open the bottle you get a hint of what the smell might be. The brush is a small, thin brush which allows for you to reach in the corners. With a thin brush I did worry that it would be streaky, on the first application it was but it corrected itself once the second coat was applied.

I applied a top coat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dry), and worried that the smell might not come through once dried, but I was pleasantly surprised that the smell came through and what surprised me even more is the smell lasted a couple of days, I was only expecting it to last a day at most.

Overall a great polish and one that I will be wearing again come Spring.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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MUA Blusher

Since becoming a beauty blogger I have made myself step out of my comfort zone when it comes to makeup, and one of those comfort zones is blusher. I am not a big big fan of blusher it scares me (yes a beauty product scares me).

While I was in Superdrug I was being nosy at the MUA stand and just thought I would have a look at what they have in the shape of blusher, and I came across these little beauties for £1.

Lolly is a pale pink colour that has glitter running through it, this is very light on the skin and adds a nice pop of colour on the cheeks.

Cupcake is a matte peachy shade that is very pigmented so only a small amount is needed on the brush.

These blushers are really pigmented, and for £1 they are really inexpensive. The blushers also blend really well and doesn't leave any harsh lines behind. Out of both of these I have to say that cupcake is my favourite, it gives a really nice flush of colour on the cheeks and applies really smoothly.

These blushers are fantastic if you are just starting out with blusher and don't want to spend a fortune on blushers.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter*

I love lip balm, and this one I have had for ages, my partner bought me it for Christmas one year and I have just started to use it (the pot put me off mainly). All I have to say is Shame On Me, this lip butter is fantastic I love the scent (I am a chocaholic, so this is always up my street).

The lip butter applies to the lips really well and this one gives a nice shine to lips while it also moisturises.

I have very dry lips so this helps to keep them moisturised and what surprised me about this lip butter is that once applied it stays on the lips for ages.

This is a great lip butter and at the moment one of my favourites, and one I will repurchase again in the future.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Avon Infinitize Mascara

I was perusing the catalogue when I noticed this mascara (there was a 2 page spread on the mascara so it was pretty hard to miss). As you know I am a mascara junkie so when I saw the brush on this thing that was it I wanted to try it.

The brush is quite large so it does take some getting used to especially when applying the mascara at the roots. The brush is very different to what I have tried before (in the picture the brush looks quite scary). The brush is also different as it has larger bristles which then start to get smaller as you get to the end of the brush.

The mascara contains lash sculpting, lengthening fibres and a curling molecule that will help shape and set the mascara for 24hours. I will admit that I do like this mascara and the brush did take some time to get used to (there was some poking of the eye with the bristles, depth perception was a tiny bit off), but once I got used to the mascara wand I found that it really did lengthen my lashes and didn't clump, there was also no excess product on the brush (as you know I hate this with a passion).

I managed to get the mascara when it was on offer, but it fully retails at £10.00, which for an Avon mascara is very common, and with Avon their makeup is always on offer (so keep an eye out)

Overall a great mascara, and one I would repurchase again.

Thanks for tuning in.

Gemma
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July Favourites

Welcome to my July Favourites.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - With the hot weather I have been using a lot of light bases, and I have been loving this CC Cream from Bourjois
SEVENTEEN Super Lash Liner - I've had this eyeliner for a while but I have always been scared of liquid eyeliner as I am worried of it going completely Pete Tong. Since using the Benefit They're Real eyeliner I have started to experiment, and this eyeliner is fantastic The nib is wedge shape so you can do a thick or thin line, and because it is a stiff nib it allowed for a more precise handling of the pen when you may have a shaky hand.
Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner - I really do like this liner, it applies well and really does hug the lash line really close.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - This was a little treat to myself for my birthday, I am a chocoholic, I love chocolate so when I saw this on the Debenhams website I knew I wanted it, and my god it is such a gorgeous palette
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion - I received this as a free gift with my naked palettes and have been trying this one out, and I have to admit I love it, it lasts ages and really brings out the colour of my eyeshadows. This I will be buying a full sized version as it is just that good.
The Body Shop Mango Body Butter - I love this body butter, I have been using it through summer and it has just such a summery scent
The Body Shop Fijian Water Lotus Mini Purse Spray - I bought this from The Body Shop on Oxford Street when I was in London, and was told by the cashier that it was their new release. It smells really gorgeous and because it's a purse spray it fits really neatly into my bag.

EcoTools Sheer Kabuki Brush - I love a stippling brush, they are good for blending in blusher and bronzer, and also for buffing in liquid foundation

Avon Makeup Setting Spray - This is the most recent launch from Avon their makeup setting spray, this I am in love with. The size of the bottle (125ml) and for £3 (was on introductory offer but retails for £6 when at full price). It sets my makeup well and really helps prolong the life of my foundation.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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July Empties 2014

Welcome to my July empties, I know my posts have been few and far between but I am trying to get back in sync with them, so let's get on with the show.

 First is skincare/ fragrance:

Johnson's Baby Shampoo - I use this mainly to clean my brushes as it isn't harsh with them, I have a larger bottle that I have started using now so it has already been repurchased.

The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub - I got this as part of a set for Mother's Day off of my stepson, and I am absolutely in love with it and I will be repurchasing this.

Forever Yours Purse Spray - I bought this for £3 in Superdrug just as a perfume that would fit in my bag, and it smelled so lovely.

Dove Original Deodorant (mini) - As you know in last months favourites I was reacquainted with an old friend which was the Dove original deodorant, I finished a mini as I use them for when I go on a night out as they fit into my clutch bag brilliantly.

Next is wipes

Boots Double Sided Round Cotton Wool - I love these, they are so soft on the skin especially when using with my micellar water to remove my makeup

Handy Wipes - These are fabulous I bought them from our local Home Bargains and they are just all purpose wipes and because they are small in size they fit perfectly in a handbag.

Baby Wipes - Another pack of baby wipes, I get through a lot of these as I use them on my vanity to wipe up any messes or wipe my hands from any makeup just until I get to the bathroom.

Next is cosmetics:

MUA Pro Base Fixing Mist - As you know this is my 2nd bottle of this setting spray which I would repurchase but at the moment I am trying out the Avon Setting Spray.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara - I am gutted to say goodbye to this beauty, it is rare for me to repurchase a mascara but this one I will. It worked brilliantly on my lashes and the large brush just grabbed every one of them.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket (Waterproof) - This is another mascara that I am sad to be getting rid of, it is such a lovely mascara and will be one that I am repurchasing.

GOSH Prime n' Refresh Illuminating Eye Roll On - I didn't really find that this did anything for me I loved the delivery system with the massage type balls but it just didn't work for me.

GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer - As you can see from the picture the bottle is still half full, the formula just turned really watery in consistency (alarm bells telling me that this needs to go)

Collection Primed & Ready Primer - I didn't like the feel of this primer as it did feel quite greasy once applied to the skin and the price as well for the amount of product wasn't that great either.

SEVENTEEN Fade Away Concealer - I liked this concealer, but it's been dossing in the back of my drawer for a while now and has seen some better days.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dry - I love this top coat but once you get past the brush the product is just pointless and it becomes messy trying to get it out of the bottle.

Last but but not least is the Look Beauty Ooomph Lashes Mascara, it's not really finished I only just opened it a couple of days ago but when I did it was all dried out just like the Accessorize mascara, so this has put me off buying any mascaras from the Look Beauty range.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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B. Eyeshadow Quad - Glisten

I bought this from Superdrug during their 50th anniversary celebrations when B. cosmetics were being sold for half price (I managed to pick up 3 of these quad palettes).

I have to admit this is my mostly used one (you've probably already guessed the reason because it has brown shades). I will admit that the light shade when applied will need to be patted in if you want the colour to show up on the lid, but if using as a highlighter you should be fine. These colours can be worn separately or mixed with other colours in your eyeshadow stash, all the shades blend well.

I admit I do like these colours, and the quad is compact so it will fit into a makeup bag when travelling, the packaging is simplistic in design which I am liking at the moment when it comes to my eyeshadow quads.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Avon Eyeshadow Duo - Warm Cashmere

Who doesn't love Avon, fair enough some of their products can be a bit outdated but then you come across some gems, and this is one of them.

The eyeshadow duo in warm cashmere, as you know I love my browns, and I love a natural look (especially when I am work, which is for 37.5 hours a week) and this little duo is great for creating a smokey eye for during the day, it contains two shimmers the lighter for a base colour and the darker for in the crease. The duo is also small in size so it can be taken in a makeup bag without taking up too much room.

The eyeshadows blend together really easily and don't take too long to blend out and they are perfectly suited to each other to create a natural look for the eyes.

The packaging for me is also a selling point, it's strong so it's not going to crack easily and it looks quite sleek as well and looks quite nice in a makeup bag, and it doesn't take up much room in there either.

Overall a great little eyeshadow duo for the makeup bag.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Barry M Matte Flawless Finish Foundation -

This one of the most recent launches from Barry M, the Flawless Matte Finish Foundation, one of Barry M's first foundations. I picked this up at my local Boots in the colour Ivory, the foundation comes in a range of 5 colours, and retails for £5.99.

The description of this foundation is that it is an oil free formula with skin moisturisers that have healing properties.

I noticed when applying that this foundation has a light coverage, and can look like it hasn't been applied at all (this can be a good thing sometimes but when you have red patches you really want them covered). I found the foundation to be quite hard to build up just to give a medium coverage, as the product seemed to soak up into the skin more then actually covering it.

I wasn't overly impressed with the foundation and ended up mixing this with the Hawaiian Tropics Face Suncream, to see if that would help with coverage. If you are looking for a foundation with a light coverage this one might be for you but for me it was a complete waste of time.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Cream

This was a last minute purchase before I went to Skegness last May, I was reading a blog post by Serena over at Pretty Wild Things (her Summer Beauty Essentials - Boots), when I read up about this little beauty.

The premise of this sun lotion is that it has been designed to work under makeup (for all those beauty mavens out there this is a godsend), as soon as I knew this little titbit about it that was it I was sold and on my trip to boots it ended up in my basket.

The product looks very eye catching with the coloured swirls in the bottle and the bottle comes with a pump (making this easy for application onto the face)and once the cream is pumped out it comes out in a flat ribbon, and gives off a scent of coconut.

I did find this to be a bit sticky and greasy once applied to the skin (this is not a good sign for anyone with oily skin, so I was wary about using this). I also found that once I had applied a setting powder over my makeup it did take some of the greasiness away.

I wasn't that sold on this sun cream as it did feel quite greasy and felt like my makeup was just going to slide off once heat was added to the mix. I did mix this in with a foundation that did not have an SPF to see if the foundation would counteract the greasiness of the suncream, and it did help quite a bit and once powder was added it did calm it down.

I wouldn't buy this again due to the amount of steps you have to go through just to get to the point where I feel my makeup is going to stay on. The theory behind the cream is sound and if it worked for me it would have been amazing, but it didn't.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Avon Setting Spray

I love a setting spray, especially if it will keep my makeup on my face for longer especially when working long hours. All the setting sprays that I have come across have been small in size and have cost £5 - £8 so when I came across this latest release from Avon with a staggering 125ml of setting spray, I was sold, and when I saw the introductory price of £3 (normal price is £6, which still isn't bad) that was it 2 bottles were ordered.

The setting spray has a non sticky formula and contains vitamins A,C, and E and once sprayed onto the face dries quickly to set your face makeup.

I have to admit I do love this setting spray, my makeup does last longer with this and the amount of product that you get is also a winner for me. I have been using this for the last couple of weeks and I haven't even made a dent in the bottle yet.

I will be buying this product again when my two bottles run out as it is such great value for money and it really does work well.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Travel Makeup Bag - London Edition

As you know if you follow me on Instagram I went to London on Tuesday and just came back yesterday (that's why the blog was a bit quiet, if you were wondering). Being the beauty blogger that I am (it still feels weird calling myself a beauty blogger), I took some makeup.

On with the makeup bag, the theme for this bag is minimal (this is a dirty word in my vocab when packing), as we are only taking 2 small suitcases (1 for clothes and the other for shopping).

The makeup bag I am using is from Primark, I think it was either £1.50 or £2.00, it's quite spacious, you can fit quite a bit in there.

I do love how roomy the bag is so if you were going away for longer you could really fit a lot in before it starts to pull at the stitching.

As you can see I did fit a lot into the bag, I mostly chose things that were waterproof (due to the hot weather, it hit 27 degrees yesterday) and that were quick to apply.

I chose to use MUA Matte Perfect primer to prime my face ready for my base, I've been playing around with this and it seems pretty good, and doesn't feel to slick on the skin. For my base I chose the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream with an SPF of 50 as it was hot down there and I wanted something light on the skin so it wouldn't be too cakey on the skin. Concealer was easy I had Soap & Glory's Kick Ass Concealer, the main reason as it covers both under eye and any blemishes on the face.
To set my makeup I packed the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder in Vanilla, the powder smells really fruity (this is because it has fruit therapy in the product), it applies really well onto the face.
I also took some bronzer and I also grabbed another Bourjois product which was their Chocolate Bronzer in Medium, this was quite pigmented and you only need a small amount of this. I also took a blisher in the shape of Natural Collection Blusher in Pink Cloud.

For the eyes I packed the sample of Urban Decay Anti-Ageing Primer Potion that I received with my Naked palettes (I received 3, 1 with each palette so I put it all into one small pot). I am loving this primer, and I wanted to buy it while I was in Selfridges but couldn't see an Urban Decay counter.
I also packed 2 Rimmel ScandalEyes Shadow Sticks in Trespassing Taupe and Bluffing , there was also the Avon ColorTrend Colour Elements Eye Duo Stick in Fire. These were packed as they were quick to apply and they were light (didn't want dark colours as it is Summer, let's get some brighter colours in there). I also packed Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner in Nude, we were walking so much this was good just to take some redness out my eyes so I still looked bright and bushy tailed.
As the weather was roasting I thought it best to take a waterproof mascara so I chose the Bourjois 1 Seconde Volume Waterproof Mascara in Black. This is a lovely mascara that applies well and stayed on all day, really impressed with this.

For lips I packed the Hawaiian Tropic Lipgloss in Island Berry, this has an SPPF of 25 so was protecting my lips from the sun while also adding a wash of colour as well. I also packed 2 lipsticks, Soap & Glory's Super Color Fabu-Lipstick in The Missing Pink, which is one of my all time favourite nude pinks, and Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Rose Tweed, which is another nude pink but a tiny bit brighter.

 I took some retractable brushes with me as well so I could apply the powders as well as the CC Cream (a full summary of these brushes can be found here).

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Retractable Brushes

Brushes, who does not love a good makeup brush, what I don't love is travelling with makeup brushes. The bristles get bent, some can fall out, and then once used they make a mess of your makeup bag.

So here comes the retractable brushes, not a lot is said or written about these little wonders so I thought it was time something was. When travelling and your trying to keep things to a minimum having a brush roll with you full of makeup brushes is just going to take up room so that is where these little beauties come in.

Trying to find these brushes can be a pain, I needed brushes for foundation, blusher, bronzer, and setting powder. I managed to find a retractable foundation brush from ecotools as well as a kabuki brush which is great for powder..

Superdrug Blusher Brush - I bought this to use with bronzer, this should be good to apply and buff it into the skin.

EcoTools Kabuki Brush - This I have been using for setting powder, and it is brilliant for applying powder to the skin as the bristles are so soft, because the head is quite large it also allows for a small amount of powder to be placed over a large area.

Boots Blusher Brush - This is will be used for blusher as the head is quite small so it won't deposit a large amount of blusher onto the face.

EcoTools Foundation Brush - This has to be the only retractable foundation brush that I have seen in a store anywhere (if you have seen others comment below). It's got a thin head so it is good for getting into to all the crooks and crannies on my face.

Some of these brushes I have used and some I am going to be trying out and see how they go. Have you used any good retractable brushes recently.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Look Beauty Triple Hit Eyeshadow Trio - Luxe

I haven't tried much from Look Beauty, but I kept noticing the stand in Superdrug, so when their products were on offer I thought I would pick up a couple and give them a whirl.

Look Beauty is a brand from Look magazine, the brand launched in 2012, and is being sold in Superdrug stores.

What I have for you today is their Triple Hit Eyeshadow Trio in Luxe, it comes in 4 other colours (Cool Glam, Sexy Smoke, Party Fever, and Sunset). I chose Luxe as I thought it would look good as part of a natural look during the day, and because the eyeshadow has a shimmer, it would also double up for a night look as well.

I admit, I do like the colours, the champagne, and brown colour are fantastic for during the day, but as soon as you add the gold shade it turns the look ready for a night out. In the swatch above that was just one swipe on the back of my hand with my finger so the shadows are very pigmented.

I'm not a fan of the packaging, I think it is too bulky, I know the shadow is domed shape but the plastic lid could be shrunk a bit to fit over so it's not as big.

I do like the eyeshadows and I would look at the others in the triple hit range, but the packaging needs a massive overhaul.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Hawaiian Tropics Lip Gloss - Island Berry

I was in Boots when they had an offer on their sunscreen (buy one get one free), I ended up buying the Hawaiian Tropic Face Suncream and getting this as a freebie.

I don't wear lipgloss that much but when I was on holiday, I popped this into my makeup bag (it's coming with me to London in my makeup bag).

This is a really lovely lip gloss, it applies to the lips really easy, and the applicator is quite hygenic (being plastic). The colour in the tube can be quite scary but it applies to the lips sheer with a hint of colour.

This lip gloss smells fantastic really fruity and reminds me of Summer, it also contains an SPF, which is fantastic as it adds extra protection to your lips with SPF25. The formula isn't sticky on the lips and with this a lot does go a long way.

Overall a great lipgloss, and one I can't wait to get back using when I am in London.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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N.Y.C. Big Bold Bronzer - ManhatTan

When it comes to bronzer I will admit I am a newbie, I've never really dabbled and when I started to become more adventorus I wanted to dip my toe into the bronzer waters (so to speak).

I didn't want to spend a huge amount on bronzer if it all ended going a bit tits up (which in my case is more then likely to happen). I was browsing the Superdrug website at their selection of bronzers when I came across this for £3.99. I ended up going in my local Superdrug and picked it up, if it went wrong it didn't end up costing me the earth.

The bronzer is a light brown colour with a red undertone and a hint of shimmer running through it, the bronzer applies well to the face and blends really well to add some colour to the face when needed (this has become a part of my normal makeup routine).

I love the colour of the bronzer, it's not too dark for my skin tone and does add a nice bit of colour to my complexion (I'm pale so it makes me look like I have actually been outside during summer).

Overall a really great bronzer, and one I was glad I picked up.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Alton Towers Vlog

You have read my blog post about Alton Towers now come see the vlog (My first, I feel so proud)

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma

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Rimmel ScandalEyes: Rockin Curves Mascara

With this mascara I will forewarn you it's love, I bought this when it was released and have just gotten around to testing it out.

The wand is a fibre wand and in a broken heart shape style, this allows for the wand to reach the hard to reach places on the eye.

I love this mascara the brush is just so different and it adds volume to the lashes, I will admit that the brush does have some excess product on when you pull the wand out (which as you know is a pet peeve of mine), it's not too much so it's not enough to put me off of it.

I do like that the pointed end does allow for you to get into the corners of the eye while the thicker section coats the lashes really well. I've also noticed that there is no fallout with the mascara (I don't end up with panda eyes by the end of the day)

Overall a good mascara with a good formula for volumising lashes.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Deeply in Love - Nicole by O.P.I

I bought this last year for my works Christmas party (you will have noticed it in a favourites post), this is such a lovely deep red shade perfect for any time of the year.

The polish applies to the nail really easily and the colour shows up well on the nail, I think if you added a white coat underneath it, this would really bring out the colour more, but it still works OK on its own.

The formula of this polish is pretty good it last 4 days with just tip wear and not any major chipping that couldn't be fixed with a little touch up.

Overall a really good polish for any time of the year.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Alton Towers and the Bigger Girl

Hello, my name is Gemma and I am a big girl, there I said it, I've admitted it.

I haven't been to a theme park for 5 years due to a bad experience on a ride at Scarborough where I had to change seats due to my thighs being too big. This just really put me off and gave me a phobia of theme parks, what if I get on the ride and the harness doesn't fit? The walk of shame would be mortifying and embarrassing to say the least.

When my friend got free tickets with The Sun newspaper due to their yearly promotion she asked me to go, I will admit I procrastinated for months. While we were on a night out she asked me again and on the spur of the moment I said yes.

That left 3 months of freaking out, trawling the website to see what the restrictions were. When I found out about the girth restrictions of 52" on the rides and then 54" on Oblivion and Nemesis I freaked out. I worried myself ill that I would not fit onto the rides, I measured myself so much that it became obsessive. I now know extensively that my chest is 47" and my stomach is 54", I'm also pear shaped I carry a lot of weight in the stomach then I do up top.

I went to Alton Towers on Thursday with my friend and I was nervous, in every queue I had my fingers crossed that I would fit, if I didn't I would take it and I would come back and beat it. What surprised me is that I fitted into all of the thrill rides, the only one that I did have a problem with was Air, the over the shoulder harness just would not lock. I then had to do a walk of shame, and to be honest it was not as shameful as I thought it would be, I wasn't upset by it but it did give me some dread when it came to Nemesis and Nemesis Sub-Terra (I did get on these by the way). I think if I hadn't be able to get on a load of the other thrill rides I think it would have been a larger blow then it was. I walked out of the ride station for Air with my head held high and said to myself that I would loose some weight and next time I would be on there.

I wanted to write this as I thought it might give a tiny shred of hope to any larger sized women that are starting to worry about a trip to Alton Towers. I will admit that after yesterday it gave me a goal to reach for me to actually make myself lose some weight and start being more active rather then procrastinating about it.

After all the worrying I had a great time with my friend and when I did get on the rides it made it that more special.

Alton Towers Ride Photo - Oblivion

I hope this does help larger women like me who are worrying over a trip to Alton Towers or to any theme park, it is not the end of the world if you aren't able to fit onto the rides, enjoy the time with the person that you are spending it with, that is more important.

I also realised what a really good friend I do have, her words to me were that it didn't seem right on Air without me there, and if I hadn't have gotten on The Smiler, she would have got off as well.

As I said the worrying has made me realise if I want to stop the worrying then I do need to lose some weight, and now I have a reason. I just have to push myself to do this. From August I am joining the gym to become more active, and I am cutting down on what I eat and replacing it with healthier options (that means chocolate NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO).

I may start to document my story on the blog so you can see how I go and if I can make myself stick to this (I have my fingers crossed for myself).

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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June Empties

Welcome to my June empties, it still surprises me how many products I get through in a month.

On with the show:

Cotton Wool and wipes is the category that seems to make up a large percentage of my empties.

Boots Double Sided Round Cotton Wool Pads
I love these cotton pads for my face as they are so soft and not abrasive on my face, I already have another packet on the go

Superdrug Cotton Wool Buds
These are great for cleaning up nail polish mistakes, already have another pot on the go.

Cotton Buds
I have had these for ages and have just used them up, they were ok and did exactly what they say on the package.

My Baby Wipes
I use these just to clean my hands while I'm putting my makeup on in the bedroom, these were OK, I have another packet on the go as they were on offer but I wouldn't buy these again.

Handy Wipes
These are fantastic, they are multipurpose wipes so they are great for keeping in my bag (especially when thomas eats chocolate and gets it all over his face).

Morny Lily of the Valley Body Moisturiser
This was a lovely moisturiser, a really strong scent of LIly of the Valley and absorbed into the skin brilliantly. I would repurchase this again but I already have a couple to use so am on a body lotion/ butter ban.

I Love...Raspberry & Blackberry Body Polish
I loved the smell of this but it just didn't scrub the way I wanted it to, it just felt like it was tickling the skin then getting rid of any dead skin cells.

Dove Original Deodorant (Travel Size)
I put the large size in a favourites recently, and have just used up a travel size (I put this in my bag when I am on a night out)

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in1 Purifying Micellar Solution
I love this micellar water, I would repurchase but knowing that I can buy the Garnier one which is exactly the same but contains more, I won't be buying it again in the near future.

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter
This is gorgeous, it feels so buttery and applies really well. The scent is so strong it stays on the skin for ages. I already have another small pot on the go already.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation - Porcelain
I wasn't that impressed with this foundation, this one was really too light for my skin (I ended up mixing it with the next shade in the range), and it just didn't seem to match my skin type.

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry for Nails
This is my holy grail when it comes to nail polish drying, it dries my nails so quickly and really does what it says on the tin, I already have another on the go.

2 True Pro Prime Perfect Primer
This was an ok primer, it worked OK, wouldn't repurchase this in the near future as I have a load of face primers to go through

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara
I liked this mascara especially the brush,the thin point really got into the inner and outer corners of the eyes and coated all the lashes. The only downside was the amount of product that got onto the brush and as you know that is one of my pet peeves..

Bourjois Fan-Tastic Volume Mascara
An OK mascara but again had a load of product on when the brush was pulled out of the packaging.

IKEA Sinnlig - Spa Day
This was a lovely candle and just for £1 I think they smell lovely. The candle burned for ages and really scented the bedroom. I would repurchase this again

IKEA Sinnlig - Clementine
This was so lovely and reminded me of summer so a great candle for the summertime. I would repurchase this again.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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June Favourites

I will admit I haven't got that many favourites this month so it might be a short post.

VO5 So Smooth Control Cream
This I used quite recently, but I have had it for ages (I think that is the old packaging), I applied this to damp hair before blow drying my hair, I then put the straighteners through my hair and it just made such short work of straightening my hair. This goes down as a repurchase when it runs out as it was that good.

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter
I bought the small version of this body butter as I wanted to try it out, and I completely fell in love with it, the moisturiser is just so buttery and just melts into the skin. The scent just lasts for hours and it's such a great moisturiser for summer.

Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette - Iconic 3
This I bought from the Superdrug website, I had read and heard great things about the Iconic palettes and that this one was a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 3 for a fraction of the cost (I have the Urban Decay Palette on the way so can't wait). The shadows are just so pretty, and I will admit I am set in my ways when it comes to eyeshadow (browns are my thing), so this was just a break from the norm and added a bit of colour to my day.

MUA Blusher - Lolly
I have started to dip my toes into bronzer (that was a great experiment and went well), so I have started with blusher. I bought this one from MUA for £1 (inexpensive so if it went wrong it wouldn't break the bank. This applies well and blends well on the skin as well, this is quite a darkish pink and gives a great pop of colour to the cheeks.

The Body Shop Chocomania Lip Butter
I love the chocomania range (as you all well know), I have had this for a while and thought I would finally start to use it. The lip butter smells gorgeous and feels really buttery when applied to the lips. The staying power of the lip butter is good and fiind myself only applying every so often.

B. Nail Polish - Peach Melba
With summer somewhat here I thought it was time to apply a bright colour to coincide with the warm weather. This is a lovely orange coral shade that becomes opaque after 2 coats, the brush is absolutely huge and applies to the nail really well. I love the size of the brush, I've never seen a nail polish brush that size.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick - Rose Tweed
This is a lovely pink nude colour, this applies really well to the lips and just goes on in just one swipe. The colour is great for when you just want a natural lip colour.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Brand Challenge: Bourjois

Welcome to my Brand Challenge, here I am going to create a look featuring just Bourjois products. I decided to create a natural daytime look with the products at hand. This post coincides with the J'Adore and Top 5 post regarding Bourjois.

To start of I used the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer, this came out of the bottle in a pink shade but applied to the skin it turned translucent. This primer didn't make my face feel too greasy and massaged into the skin very easily.

The next step was my base and due to the warm weather we have been having lately I decided to go with a light base and use the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, this contains an SPF15 which is great for adding some protection to your face. The CC cream applied well to the skin and while it did cover it was only a light coverage.

For concealer I used the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye cream. this applies to the under eye very well (i apply using the applicator but then blend using my fingers), I really like this concealer as it does lighten up my under eye area.

Onto the powder, and I have to admit this was mainly bought for the packaging, it is the Bourjois Java Rice Powder. even though it is a loose powder the product contains a locking system as added protection from the powder going everywhere. This applies to the face really well and sets the makeup, it also adds a subtle sparkle to the skin (not like a disco ball before you start to worry)

Once powder had been applied I then applied some bronzer onto the cheeks, forehead and nose (just to give a bit of colour to the face), for this I added the Bourjois Delice Du Poudre in Medium. This applied well (I like to use a blusher brush as it seems to allow for more definition), and blended out very easily to create some colour on the face.

With the eyes I used Bourjois Little Round Eyeshadow pot in #10 glitter (this is a cream colour with glitter running through it) for the base and then applied #54 essential (a light chocolate brown colour) in the crease and on the outer corners of the eye.

For mascara I used Bourjois 1 Seconde Volume Mascara (waterproof) in black, this is one of the most recent launches from Bourjois and applied well the the lashes.

For the eyeliner I used a light application of Bourjois Queen Attitude Kohl Kajal just on the waterline to define the eyes but only lightly.

On the lips I applied Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Rose Tweed, this was a nude pink colour that applied well and gave of a satin effect to the lips.

Here is the finished article, not too bad if I say so myself, I think I will have to do this look more often especially during the week.

I hope you liked the brand challenge as well as the previous 2 post regarding Bourjois.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Bourjois: Top 5

* Denotes free gift with purchase

Welcome to my Top 5 Bourjois products, this will link in with the previous post regarding the J'Adore Bourjois post.

So here is my Top 5:

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - Light Vanilla

Out of all the Bourjois foundations I have tried this is my ultimate favourite. It is a full coverage foundation so a tiny bit does go a long way, 1 pump on the back of your hand is enough.

At the moment I am down to the dregs of this bottle and will be popping out to buy a new bottle ready for when it does run out. Another little thing about this foundation is that it doesn't contain SPF, now I know you may think this is a bad thing but when you are on a night out and there are pictures being taken this stops any flashback happening.

Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Holidays Mascara - Black*

I love a good mascara, and thanks to this little beauty my love of a large brush mascara came to pass.

The mascara applies to the lashes like a dream and there is no chance of fall out

Bourjois Java Rice Powder

This is a great powder for setting your makeup as well as adding some sparkle to your face.

This is a loose powder which comes out of the tub pink but applies clear onto the face. This is just such a lovely powder that applies well and smells lovely (if your not a fan of fragranced powders this might be one to stay away from)

Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish - In The Navy

I love Doctor Who (yes I am a closet Sci-Fi nerd), and when The Doctor turned 50 last November I wanted a blue nail polish (a Doctor Who blue). I found that blue in Bourjois In The Navy.

The 1 Seconde nail polish applies beautifully and dries quickly as well so there is no muss and no fuss especially when applying to the dreaded right hand.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - 02 Frambourjoise

These have only just recently been released by Bourjois, their Rouge Edition Velvets. I took these on holiday with me and I wore this one, I will admit this was a step right out of my comfort zone as this applies on to the lips as a corally pink colour. Once I wore it for a while the colour really started to grow on me.

The formula of these are fantastic, they last for ages on the lips, and I bet if you left this on all night without reapplying it would still be there.









I hoped you like some of the products I have chosen, are there any Bourjois products that you would have included on the list?

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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