The Weekend Pamper Series

As inspired by my absolute favourite beauty guru - Vivianna Does Makeup, i've decided to start a series on my blog that will include different forms of pampering i'm trying out on different weekends or just general beauty maintenance!

A quick note before we get started, Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup, if you don't already know has a well established blog along with a youtube channel that may as well be a permanent bookmark on my Macbook! She's incredible.  She's one of the only beauty guru's i've come across that is genuinely passionate about each and every product she owns and uses; this girl is definitely about quality over quantity! Her skincare addiction is only equalled by that of her makeup, and i seriously recommend you all check her out :)

So this was just a post to introduce the new series to you all and to let you know what to expect in the upcoming weeks, if there are any posts or reviews you'd particularly like to see then let me know in the comments below and i'll do my best.

That's it for now!
BeccxBeauty
xoxoxo

OPI Nail Envy

My nails naturally grow rather quickly, having said that they are extremely brittle and often peel at the ends once they gain any sort of length. I don't bite my nails, but they never tend to grow more than a few millimetres above the ends of my fingers tips and I can never get the edges to square off as I'd like! In an attempt to combat this, I invested in OPI's infamous 'Nail Envy'.

At first I was a bit apprehensive as to whether these sort of products do have that much effect, and as a student I wasn't prepared to waste my money on another base coat that I couldn't reep many benefits from, so decided to go for the mini version.

As it happens I did in fact LOVE this product, and invested in the full sized bottle, which set me back £13.50 for 15ml from eBay.

I now keep the full sized pot stashed away with all my other nail goodies, and pop the mini bottle in my bag with me, or if I'm travelling I make sure I always have it to hand. The only downside I've found is that as applying coats becomes some what of an obsession, the product does get used up quicker than most other base coats - I'm nearly all out of my travel bottle!

The bottle instructs to apply 2 coats of the product, and then one further coat every other day. Now, as I'm not one to follow instructions when it comes to beauty products (naughty, I know) I use it a little differently. For example, I'm going on holiday next week, therefore I've stripped back my nails to basics, dealt with my cuticles, filed them to shape, the whole shabbang! I then applied a few coats of the nail envy, and then a further few coats for the next few days until they feel a little stronger with a little more length, then I'll be ready to paint them with my Barry M 'strawberry ice cream' and I'll be jetting off to turkey :)

The only major downfall for me with this product is that after its applied and dried, it looks very matte on the nails. My nails are naturally very dull and lack any sign of nutrition or shine, therefore I have to apply a shiny top coat such as my Sally Hanson top coat, just to achieve a healthy shine to a natural nail. But other than that, this product is fantastic not only for achieving some length in your nails but also strengthening them, allowed more confidence when us DIY ladies have some business to handle!

I highly highly recommend :)

beccxbeauty
Xoxoxo

LUSH: Shaving Cream

You all know that my passion is finding beauty alternatives, and this times ladies, I've outdone myself.

I've been an avid lush fan for years and years, a few of their skin care products are staples in my skin care routine and I've often been known to enjoy a bath bomb or two. I also highly rate their shower gels! Yummy.

For Christmas 2011, I wanted to get my boyfriend something he could start to collect and really enjoy - lord knows he deserves to be pampered :) so I thought the perfect small present was a Lush gift set called 'Dirty' as it gave him a selection of products to try and see what he thought of them. Thankfully, he loved the idea and the products! And it had been dually noted that his face was smooth and stubble free (yay!)

He raved and raved about the scent and the products, so one day when I was feeling particularly cheeky I thought I'd help my self to a dollop of the Dirty shaving cream and shower gel whilst in the shower (he uses enough of my essentials, eh?)

To my surprise I absolutely fell in love! Although I adore the shower gel scent that lingers on him from the beginning of the day until bed, for me it's just a bit too masculine, although the lovely helpers in the shop claim it to be unisex. However, don't let the fact the shaving gel is for men put you off - it was without doubt the most luxurious, thick and moisturising shaving cream I have ever used! So much so that if you didn't moisturise after your shave, you really wouldn't notice any difference as it seems to do the job for you!

We then later tried a similar product, 'Prince' - neither of us were impressed. The texture and consistency was the same, but the heavenly scent just wasn't there; not was it replaced by the fragrance of orange of which it claimed.

All in all we were both more than delighted with the product and the Mr's even venturing out into the world of Lush skin care! Who knew eh - he's getting worse than me! ;)

I've recently bought the 'cosmetics lad' gift box for my brother upcoming birthday so I'll be sure to report back with my findings :)

Beccxbeauty
Xoxoxo

BOOK REVIEW: V.C. Andrews - The Dollanganger Series

These treasures were the epitome of an attic find! While moving house my mum came along hundreds of her old books that she'd stashed away when she was a twenty-something! Now my mum and my sister had tried to convince me to read the first book when I was a bit younger, but I found them a bit too dark - but when I picked them up this time, i was enthralled!

#1 Flowers in the Attic #2 Petals on the Wind #3 If There Be Thorns #4 Seeds of Yesterday #5 Garden of Shadows

This is a series that I have read, and re-read, and re-read all over again - and each time i understand different and further parts of the story that make me love it even more.  The story line in definitely not for the faint hearted.

The books may not be great literature, but it's an amazing story nonetheless. And I disagree completey with all the people who say that it would have been better with the incest taken out. I found that that was essential to the horror of FITA, and it turned the characters into flawed humans. And by the end of the book, the narrator's future looks promising and the reader is left believing that perhaps she and her brother will become better and stronger people.  As for this being a true story, as far as I know, it was never proven that it was. I read that V.C. Andrews used some real life events in her book, but she never disclosed which parts were based on truth.

Cathy is still the narrator in the next sequel, which is not as grim as its predecessor, but has ten times the amount of incest. Returning characters include Chris and Carrie, of course, and Corrine, the grandmother and Bartholomew Winslow. Cathy is still haunted by her past.
I am one of those people who tend to prefer the characters whom others hate, or simply disregard. In Julian's case, he is seen as nothing more than a wife-beater. But he is definitely more than that!
Many will say that the mystery surrounding the events, and the characters, is enough to drive you nuts! One thing is for sure, her books keep you guessing, even after the last page is turned - what more could you want?

The next two books are set up differently from other V.C.A. novels. The story is told from the points of view of Bartholomew Scott Winslow Sheffield, Julian Janus Marquet Sheffield aka Jory, and a little bit of Cathy. I'm really struggling on what to say with these novels without giving away the plot!

The last book is not just a prequel - it's the most thrilling, enticing prequel i've ever read. It answer's questions you didn't even know you had, and you're left feeling like you know more about the characters lives than any of them do!

i highly, highly, highly recommend this series to anyone that just needs to disappear - even if it's just for that half an hour before bed.  The books are so easy to pick up, put down and pick up again whenever you have a free few minutes.

If you have any recommendations for some new books please let me know :) knowledge is useless if not shared!

beccxbeauty xoxox

Herbal Essences 'Beautiful Ends' range review

When i began this blog, my aim was for it to be a place for the everyday, average beauty lover that perhaps don't have the money to purchase every item available from MAC! (am i right?) So this is a little post just to let you guys know about a cheaper, yet high quality alternative to give your hair a bit of attention and care!

The beautiful ends range isn't new or anything - just some items that i've been testing for a fair few months and that i feel are blog worthy enough to share with my lovely viewers.  I believe they have the same range in America, known as the relationship range.

I have most definitely seen a change is the condition of my hair, the ends look a lot healthier and last a lot longer between trims! I'm admittedly very lucky with my hair as it tends to grow at a fast pace, as I learned after making the horrendous mistake of having 4 inches chopped off in May - but thankfully my locks are back to their rightful length :) these products certainly aided in up-keeping my hair's maintenance!

All the products from this range are so, so affordable - which makes the whole experience, in my opinion, much more enjoyable! The Shampoo and Conditioner both retail at £1.99 for 200ml - these bottles are HUGE. I'm a 'plaster-on-the-product' kinda girl, and these beauties last me a good few weeks.  The formular is directed at mid-long hair, so a little is designed to go a long way.  Although I probably shouldn't, especially being a b.blogger, i HAVE to wash my hair every.single.day and although some say this results in hair getting dirtier quicker, they definitely keep the grease at bay.  The consistency doesn't dry out your hair, and is so different to the usual gel like feeling that usually come with the shampoo's especially.  They have a deliciously creamy texture.  Needless to say, with Raspberry and Silk extracts, they smell fabulous!

The Leave-In Cream retails at £4.99 for 150ml.  Slightly more expensive, but a little goes a long long way.  As i said, i've been using this routine for months and have only just had to repurchase a bottle.  My only constructive criticism of this product is that you really need to use it sparingly - only apply to the ends of your hair as i have over applied on many occasions and the results are dirty looking hair all day long - how attractive! but other than that, it's fabulous.  You can feel the protection and the condition of your hair improve almost immediately.  The pump on the bottle is a great asset, i've found it to help me measure exactly how much product i need to satisfy my hair (half a pump).  It finally works as a detangler, which for me is ESSENTIAL.

Finally, the split end intensive protection mask retails at £3.99 for 200ml.  It's advised to apply this mask once a week, which i take full advantage on my pamper filled sunday nights.  I apply the mask after wetting my hair, soak in the bath for half an hour, pop in the shower, rinse, shampoo and rinse again.  The mask is so replenishing and nourishing and really gives your hair that oomph it needs after facing a long week.  Again, this tub has lasted me a good while, as i've only had to repurchase this week.

So overall, for me this hair routine has worked amazingly over the last few months.  It's cheap, affordable and smells amazing.  I highly recommend!

Beccxbeauty xoxo

welcome back, bloggers!

As you may or may not have read in my last post, in the past 6 months we've had some huuuuge difficulties with the flood and moving and various things - so i took a bit of time out from blogging, but it's safe to say im back and here to stay! I've also recently bought myself a Macbook pro 13" and if anyone has any tips or tricks for this life long windows user - it would be greatly appreciated! So! as of tomorrow i'll have my next real post up for you guys, if there are any requests i'd be glad to here them!

In the mean-time, here are some ridiculously attractive photo's of me playing around with my new toy.... 

til next time :)

BeccxBeauty

Excuses!

Hey bloggers! Just a little update and reasoning for why i've disappeared! Unfortunately, late last use my home was flooded with the terrible rain we had, and so while the renovations are being made we've had to move out in to a town house... With no wifi!! It's a nightmare.

So I apologise to my followers for the lack of blogging, but I'm going to try my hardest under circumstances! :)

Miss you all!
Beccxbeauty
Xoxo

Weight Watchers - week 2!

So - my first week of weight watchers, let me tell you - it was fab :) I've tried maaaany many diets in my time, including the atkins diet (do NOT recommend, it made me dread mealtimes.), a freaky 2 week only diet that resulted in me consuming about a carton of grape fruit juice a day and so on and so on, but nothing has ever made me feel so comfortable and at ease! I got to eat pretty much whatever i wanted, had three full meals a day, with a cheeky snack when i came back from lessons! and as long as i tracked my points, everything was fine.  I felt that having to track my points through-out the day gave me something to focus on, and i could really see the diet coming together, therefore helping to keep me on track! At no point in the week was i tempted to teach or go over my daily allowance of points, and considering it's exam week - i think that's an achievement in itself!

So, as my meeting and weighing on Monday approached i began to get more nervous - not that I hadn't lost weight, but the disappointment i knew i'd feel if i hadn't when I knew i'd be soon good! But low and behold, scales time came and i'd lost a fab 3 and a half lbs! which i was very much pleased with :) 

On my high, i must admit i did impulse buy! on the counter i spotted a cracking deal that I knew would not only make my points counting easier, but would also keep me interested and therefore motivated :)

I purchased this fantastic little box, called the Deluxe Starter Kit - it contained a journal that held 12 weeks, with page long days to track your points and events, a shopping guide, to tell you the points values of everything you can think of in all your local supermarkets, no matter where you live in the UK, The propoints calculator that allows you to work out the points of something on the go without needing to log in online or look up in your pocket guide, a weight watchers pen - double ended with a Biro and highlighter, a complimentary shopping list note pad and finally an eating out guide containing the menu's of almost all the mainstream resturaunts around the UK.  Unfortunaly the stand had sold out of the eating out guides, so i'm currently awaiting mine to arrive in the post :) 

Here's to another good week! :)

what are your experiences with weightwatchers? how are you getting on?

thanks for watching beautiful's!

BeccxBeauty

xoxoxo

MUA products!

MUA, (Make Up Academy) is a fairly recent make up brand, available in Superdrug, and i think it may be available in Boots too! The first thing that attracted me to this brand was the price.. £1! with a few exceptions, the vast majority of the products available in this line retail and just £1.  The brand has quite rightely been compared to ELF (Eyes Lips Face), with the added value of being available to buy on the high street, where-as in the UK, ELF is an online store only.  

Apologies for the rubbish lighting - alot of these swatchers aren't appearing true to their colour, but whats a girl to do! 

I especially want to comment on the two trio pallet's.. the amount of pigmentation and product you get, all for £2.50 is incredible! 

The MUA proffessional eyeshadow trio, in "innocence"

The perfect combination for a lid colour, crease and highlighter.  Personally, i like to mix, match and combine these gorgeous colours with those from my other pallet... 

"Chocolate box"

Personally, this trio doesn't compliment all the different colours as well as Innocence.  I could easily use the first trio to create a look that i'd be happy with all day - but i don't feel like the chocolate box allows you to do that without incorporating some other shadows.  None the less, a gorgeous trio :)

The line also offers singular eyeshadows.  

The single eyeshadows definitely have mixed reviews with me! The second and the fourth picture, featuring shades 1 & 2 are extremely sheer.  The swatches you can see come from me digging my finger in to the shadow and applying 4 or 5 layers - so all in all, very disappointing.  Other than that, the colours are extremely matt, if that's the look your going for - i guess the white could be seen as a staple colour, but the more skin coloured tone is a powdery and really oranged toned.  

However! the two darker shadows, shades 11 & 12 have really impressed me.  They're very similar, with shade 11 having more red, burgundy tones.  Both shades shimmer beautifully, but don't glitter, which can often look too over done on the crease, and are extremely pigmented.  

My attention was then drawn to the amazing range of lipsticks! although they don't have many variations of colours, they make up for it in that they carry every staple colour a girl could need! 

Now, the lipsticks aren't the most pigmented available, but if you're anything like me, that's perfect! I love to have a bit of colour on my lips but i'm not brave enough to pull of the bold colours! 

So all in all, the brand has many positives and negatives! the biggest issue is the pigmentation,  but for the price ladies, can we really complain?!

Let me know what you all thought of the brand if you've tried it out, and whether i'm neglecting any must haves!

thanks for reading!

BeccxBeauty

xoxoxoxoxo

Weight Watchers - week 1!

So! New Year, new me and all that... or maybe not!

I've decided to sign up to weight watchers for the new year :) 

my motivation comes from my brothers wedding this August requiring me to wear a very skimpy dress, and also the booking of my girls holiday in August, wooooooooo!

So, at first impressions - i loved it! The women were so lovely and friendly, and I felt i could talk openly about any weight issue's or problems in front of them.  

My group leader, Phillipa, was so welcoming, asking what my reasons were for joining, what my motivation was and my goals.  She came across as very approachable by giving me her phone number and telling me to phone her anytime.  

I was given a blue binder to keep any leaflets or info i'm given, and also the weekly magazine, as seen above.  I'm not yet accustomed to what the whole situation is, but this week the theme of the magazine was motivation :)

This handy pocket guide provides almost all of the basic foods you could think of on a day to day basis, states the recommended weight and amount and then the propoints value of the food! 

I decided to get a monthly pass, i paid £14.99 for the first month in cash, and then would have to pay £19.99 every month onwards from a debit account.  It works out that i'm paying something like £3.45 a week, instead of the normal weekly fee £5.99! so i ended up with a really reasonable deal :) 

I was provided with so many informative booklets to get me through the week, and found it all extremely motivating!

i'm looking forward to going again on Monday!

thanks for reading, let me know you're experiences with weight watchers!

beccxbeauty

xoxoxo

Soap & Glory's birthday box!

The Righteous Butter, 300ml.

Clean On Me shower gel, 500ml. 

oversized shower puff. 

Okay, so no it's not my birthday, and yes i did buy this for myself... but never-the-less! a fabulous buy! 

As i went on my mission to Boots to TRY and catch the last of the January sales from the Soap & Glory xmas sets, i failed! although i did find this little beauty from the 'everyday, any day' range.  

The Birthday Box includes the classic Clean On Me shower gel, the Righteous Butter body butter and finally a gigantic shower puff!

Firstly, if you're an avid Soap & Glory fan you'll know exactly what i'm talking about, the smell of both of these products are very distinct and recognisable, but above all - ABSOLUTELY FRIKKIN GORGEOUS! 

I use these two products every morning, and the fruity fragrances  set me up for the whole day! 

If you've ever tried the Body Shop body butters, the moisture and effect of the Righteous Butter is very similar in the indulging feeling they leave, although personally i feel the scent of Soap & Glory wins hands down.  

The Clean on Me shower gel is such a humungous size, and so handy just to leave in the shower and squirt a few pumps on to the body puff.  The product lathers so nicely that two pumps is plenty for the whole body! 

The size of the body puff feels very luxurious and helps the shower gel lather excellently.  


The box retails at £15.00, an absolute bargain! with the righteous butter retailing at £10.21, the Clean on Me shower gel at £5.11, and the shower puff at £3.50, you'd be mad not to snap up this deal :)

Let me know what you think of these products, and what other Soap & Glory products are worthy of a purchase!

Thanks for reading! remember to follow :)

Beccxbeauty 

xoxoxo

bit o' Barry love! collection and review.

As i'm sure you've all seen numerous times, Barry M has a wide range of nail paints in various colours, suitable for every season and occasion.  They're available in most Boots and Superdrug stores, and retail at £2.99 each with 'buy 3 get one free' deals on regularly! Many of the 'effects' e.g. foil, glitter, crackle, are often dearer, but still the only £3.99.  As far as i'm aware the collection is still ever expanding.  

a fairly new obsession, but my collection is ever growing!

L-R; Lilac Foil (142), Foil effects (141), Foil (319)


The collection has a fab 'effects' range, with 3 different foil effects including a gorgeous matt purple, a gold with very orange tones and a bold silver. 

The collection also includes a glitter range, perfect for the holiday seasons! 
The pink iridescent applies a sheer coat, with more rainbow tones than pink - the light reflects shades of blue, green, pink and yellow gorgeously.  


The silver glitter applies a much thicker coat.  With one coat, the glitter compliments the chosen base colour on your nails, however the nail paint could be worn alone for an all over, opaque look with two/three coats.  


Both nail paints have proven difficult to remove with my strongest nail varnish remover! and if you're like me and can't abide the feel of cotton wool, this may be a problem! however i simply used my Acetone remover (for any gel/acrylic removal) and the problem was solved :) 


L-R; Silver Glitter (147), Pink Iridescent (264) 

L-R; Peach Melba (318), Coral (296), Pink Flamingo(305), Shocking Pink (272)

These next paints are far more summery! with a few coats, they can brighten up the most miserable of days; for me anyway! 


In the picture the Peach looks far more yellow, although an accurate swatch proves to be the perfect neutral :) if you're looking for simple with a bit of oopmh this is the one for you! a gorgeous, plain paint with very pink tones.  The tone of your skin is a huge factor in the buying of this paint, as i'm not sure it would compliment every tone! 


The coral is much more of an orange, rather than a nice inbetween pink and orange.  Still a lovely colour, although not entirely true to it's name! 


Pink Flamingo is a much brighter, almost neon pink! lovely for the right occasions in summertime, but personally not one of my 'go-to' colours!


Shocking pink is a bold, sexy pink.  Comes across as much more mature compared to colours like baby pink, and personally the only shade of pink I can wear comfortably! easy to tone down or to glam up!

These beauties are my naughty nautical paints! Perfect for Autumn/Winter seasons.  These colours are so elegant and really help to elongate yours nails.  


The Colbalt Blue is very much for the brave hearted, but still a lovely bold, matt blue that would be perfect for Spring/Summer.  


Navy is almost black with reflections of blue from the light, perfect for an evening event.  


Racing Green is similar to Navy in that it could be mistaken for black, with the slightest reflections of dark green.  Again, a very sexy, seductive shade.  


L-R; Colbalt Blue (291), Navy (292), Racing Green (299)

PLEASE IGNORE THE NAIL PAINTS IN THE LEFT CORNER. PHOTO FAIL. 


Rasberry was love at first sight! my first Barry M purchase.  This deep red is again a very seductive, sophisticated shade if you're not brave enough to go for a full out and out bus decker red!


Dusty Mauve is a very intriguing shade.  An off, tope-esque brown with very visible tones of purple and blue - a lovely neutral with a twist! 


Mushroom is one of my very favourite shades.  THE PERFECT NEUTRAL! so 


Matt White is exactly what it says on the tin.  A very useful, staple colour for any girls collection!










As i said, my collection is ever growing as i can't pop into Boots or Superdrug without being indulged! if you've never tried this brand i highely, highely, highely recommend :) apply so easily, with only 2 coats needed and such an affordable price!


Feel free to comment and let me know what you think of the brand or if there are any colours i'm missing that are note worthy!


thanks for reading beautifuls,


Beccxbeauty 
xoxooxox