Benefit's 6 Set Lip Gloss

Hey everyone, just a quick post.. Last week I was sorting through all my old make up and making room for some new bits when I can across these Benefit Lip Glosses that I'd been given as a birthday present a few years back, completely forgetting I had them and I know what your thinking, how an earth can you forget about these beauts? It's so shameful as I've been wearing them ever since cleaning out all my make up, and suddenly I'm in love all over again! 

Not only do they come in 6 absolutely gorgeous shades they sit so well on your lips, making them feel really plump and so full. 3 out of the 6 glosses have small speckles of shimmer in them which make your lips so beautifully moist and I honestly can't get enough of them. I've done a few swatches below, just imagine what they'd look like layered on your favourite lipsticks. 

After seeing these slightly shimmery, plump glosses your probably thinking where's the link so I can purchase 1 for myself, or even heading over to the Benefit website, don't bother as they've discontinued them! I know, what was they thinking?? I'm so gutted as I know for sure when mine run out I will cry cause I can't repurchase. However, knowing my love for them and that a few ladies from the bloggers community would love to have these in their collection, I decided to dig a little deeper in a bid to try and find either a dupe or the very exact set elsewhere. 

(if you can't see the writing above because it's blocked by a white strip, highlight the white area and the writing will appear, really sorry!) 

So in my hunt I stumbled across Benefit's Glitz Glam & Gloss on Ebay and they are basically the same just different packaging and of course a hell of alot cheaper, brand new too! I was so thrilled not only for myself but so you guys can try them out if they've taken your fancy, click here for your set. 

I'll wish everyone a great weekend now as I'm off camping tomorrow afternoon with family and friends for my 18th so won't be back to blog until after Monday. Have a great weekend and I'll look forward to reading everyone's post when I'm back. 

Which shade is your favourite?? 

Have you tried Benefit's Glitz, Glam & Gloss?? 

Natalie xxx

OOTD #4 - Casual Denim

 Top: H&M

Shorts: River Island

Heels: River Island

Cross Earrings: Topshop

Cross Bracelet: DP

Watch: Next

What do you like to pair with your denim??

Natalie xxx

FOTD #2 - Smoke

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

Benefit Eyebrow Kit

Sleek Nude Eye shadow Pallet

-Honeycomb

-Taupe

-Conker

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

Loreal False Lash Telescopic MAscara

MAC blush in'Sincere'

MAC 'Viva Glam GAGA 2 Amplified' 

Benefit lipgloss in 'Life on the A-list'

As promised another quick FOTD using MAC Blush in 'Sincere', just wanted to show me wearing it as my last swatch didn't quite do the shade justice. I've also done a brown smokeyish eye as I come across my once obsessed Sleek palette and wanted to try out my new eye shadow brushes. 

Erhh Monday's at work are so long and boring, hope you've all had a better day than me :) enjoy your evening,

Natalie xxx

My Week In Pictures #2

1) Bit of sunshine and I whip my new D&G shades out! 

2) Love a Toffee Sundae with Sophie

3) Back combing opens doors to so many more hairstyles 

4) Favourite bracelet, all the way from Egypt

5) Back in January I wanted to add more colour in my wardrobe and I think I've finally mastered it, HORAY!!

6) Wivzi got back from his holiday in Magaluf, and the weather went from cloudy to brilliant sunshine within minutes of us driving down the motorway to go fetch him

7) Came home from work and found a pile loo rolls stacked up on our toilet roll holder than can only hold 2, literally wet myself laughing. What was you thinking mum?? Just take a guess how many you think are stacked there?? 

8) And finally finished the most addictive book on record 'Fifty Shades Of Grey', can't wait to steam through 'Fifty Shades Darker' on holiday. 

So this is my week in pictures, nothing major exciting but next week is the start of my 18th birthday plans so hopefully a few collective pictures here next week. Having a family thing from Friday to Sunday so I'm really excited for that, just hope the weather holds out. 

Also follow me on Instagram for photo's which I don't post on my blog, hope you've all had a brilliant week!

Natalie xxx

OOTD #3 - Wha'cha Looking At Sailor Boy

Dress: River Island

If I had to pick 2 colours which I love to pair together the most it would definitely be 'blue&red', why?? Not just because half my wardrobe space consist of these colours but because the contrast between them stands out and I relate these colours back to MAC's sailor theme, which I happen to love. So when trying this dress on in the fitting rooms a few days ago the first thing I thought was, god these buttons are hard to do up, just kidding. I thought this is going to look hot with my red lippy.. and then my imagination ran wild with idea's for my hair/nails/shoes, I couldn't wait to get home and try it out. And of course I'm still dying for an occasion where I can actually wear this combination but for now I put it together in a picture just to show you how it looks! I love the long steam of gold buttons all the way down the front (even if it did take me FOREVER to fiddle them through) it's clenched in at the waist by the gold buckle belt and I also kept the look simple by adding gold cross earrings and blue sandals. 

Do you like this look, leave a do dahh below??

Natalie xxx

Fifty Shades Of Grey

In a recent post I briefly mentioned I was currently reading the addictive 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' and when I say addicted I mean literally couldn't put the dam book down!! Considering I'm not a massive fan on reading and when I see the amount of pages I had to plough through I did hesitate on purchasing it, however the curiosity in me took over and so I brought it. 

For those who haven't read it yet, your probably thinking what is all the fuss about?? I will warn you, there are some detailed raunchy parts but that's all part of the addictive read right?? I've never heard such a hype about a book as much as this one, even when buying them from ASDA the girl who served me said 'that's suppose to be a good read'.  I'm not going to sit here and tell you the whole story as it would take too long but read the blurb on the back and if that doesn't tempt you then this book isn't for you!!

The reason for this post is to note that I've FINALLY FINISHED THE BOOK, Horahhh!! Along with many others I've really enjoyed reading it, I have the 2nd one, 'Fifty Shades Darker' but I will be saving this for my holiday, so until then enjoy reading ladies!!

Let just say the men better step up their game, Mr.Grey has set a very high standard.. Have you read this book yet, what did you think??

Natalie xxx

Haul #3 - Recen Buys

Dove: Intense Repair Shampoo&Conditioner

I did a mini review on my April Favourite for those who haven't read click here! 

Dove: Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner 

I see this in Morrisons while shopping with my mum a couple of days ago, and as I'm sure you know I'm a huge fan of Dove products so trying out their new lines is always exciting! I use heated tools on my hair pretty much everyday so when I read this was a nourishing oil care conditioner I knew it was right up my street. I used it this morning and was pleasantly surprised to see the two-toned creamy formula, the gold stripe is a weightless Nutri-Oil treatment to deeply nourish & replenish essential nutrients, that leaves NO GREASINESS. The white stripe is the conditioner that seals cuticles to lock in nourishment and smooth frizz. I like that it is thick and creamy as I feel it's like a hair mask and really is working it's magic, the bottle reads and recommends leaving for 1 mins and then rinse, however I left for 3 mins and then rinsed as I wanted deep nourishment! You apply your shampoo as usual but use this instead of your conditioner. I will be doing a full review once I've given it a longer trial. 

Glow 'N' Go

I've heard a few great things about this product, firstly how fast working your tan appears, secondly how fast it dries and thirdly the 'to die for' smell!! The only way I can describe the smell is, pinacalder! Now imagine that girls, for those who don't know that smell next time you go to a cocktail bar order one and that's what this self tanner smells like.. beats the biscuit type smell the others carry. I'm yet to test this promising tanner, If it test well then there will be a full review and pictures to follow. 

If anyone has already tested this let me know how you got on with it??

James London: Roller Bristle Brush

I already own 1 of these, but with my holiday coming up I thought I'd treat myself to a brand new one, besides I'm to lazy to pull all the red mess out of my old 1. Why a roller bristle brush? Cause it's easier to get a lift in my hair when blow drying and helps tame this uncontrollable frizz..

Pro Tip: Back Combing Brush

The hunt is over, at last. I have been searching the shops for this type of brush to make lifting my hair from the roots a whole lot easier and when I spotted this at the hair/beauty wholesalers near me I was more than chuffed! At last doing my hair in the mornings is made a little more easier, anything for an extra 5 mins in bed ay girls? ;) 

MAC: Studio fix liquid foundation, NW25

My everyday foundation, I swear by this full coverage finish and love how it makes my skin look. Recently ran out so this is just a replacement, I did a FOTD post here if you want to see how it looks on me combined with the studio fix powder. 

- also girls don't forget 'back to MAC' 

MAC: Blush in Sincere

While picking up my foundation I also wanted to have a nose for a blush that I could also use as a bronzer, giving me a hint of tan without applying to much product. I've done a quick swatch on my hand in the picture above however I don't feel it does the blush justice so I'll try do a FOTD including this.

Topshop: Gold Cross Earrings

I already own a silver pair so why not a gold pair too? :)

So there we have it, my recent beauty buys put into a small haul for you to see what I've been spending my pennies on. There will be a few reviews to follow some of the products included, also I picked up a few clothing pieces which I will upload pictures to, so watch this space.

Have you tried any of these products already??

Natalie xxx

Pick Of The Highstreet #2

I need these in my life..

Adidas Originals Honey hook high tops, £55.00

I was gutted when I recently went into Bank and asked to try these on in a size 5, and the lady came back to break the bad news telling me they no longer had my size in stock DOHH!! You guessed it, the first thing I done when getting home looked online for them which again set back as they didn't have my size online either, DAM YOU ADIDAS!! So for now they sit in my lusting basket waiting for the arrival of my size, then their mine *super smiley face*

I can never get my shoes size, please tell me this doesn't just happen to me?? Would you lust over these beauts??

Natalie xxx

Pair them with..

Rimmel's Scandal Eye Show Off Mascara

Today I thought I'd share with you my most recent and favourite beauty pick up, Rimmel London's 'Scandal Eyes Show Off Mascara'. It's no secret that mascara is an essential in every girls make up bag, weather it's the only thing rattling around in it or among many other beauty favs but if your a huge fan (like me) of trying out new mascaras then this one should defiantly be in your collection, you won't regret buying it. 

I purchased this mascara for it's introduction price of £4.99 at Morrisons and to be honest that's cheaper than the majority of mascaras in my collection, and once you see the results yourself the price tag screams bargain! I'm sure you can pick this up for the same price in places like boots, superdrug ect. What drew me to try this mascara wasn't just the stand out hot pink packaging but was the unique ball type brush, it claims to define volume, lift and lengthen. It does just that, see for yourself.

Lashes before application 

Lashes after application 

First I use my eyelash curlers to really open up my eyes, pressing them for around 5 seconds, and then quickly after I apply my mascara. I'm pretty lucky as my lashes are naturally quite long but need a little help in volume/thickness, which the ball brush is really handy as it gets them right from the roots. 

I apply mascara like normal mainly to my top lashes and only a few strokes to my bottoms ones as this helps them to look longer and fuller. I use the flat brush all over and then used the ball part more towards the outer lashes as they need more defining. Overall you get a good amount of product spread across your lashes without the look of clumps and you defiantly don't get flaky bits gather under your eye like some mascaras do, they just look as natural but scandalous as ever.

I would defiantly recommend this Rimmel mascara whilst still at it's introduction price, less than a fiver!! Seriously girls get your hands on this and get scandal lashes now, you'll love showing them off.

Tip: Don't pump your mascara as it tends to dry them out quicker.

Tip: When using eyelash curlers, heat them a little before use as they tend to work better.

So there we have it, my review on Rimmel's 'Scandal Eyes Show Off Mascara' and once empty I will be restocking. Hope you've all had a great weekend, have you tried this mascara or would you purchase it??

Natalie xxx

TGIF

Bring on the weekend I say?

It's Friday night and I'm sitting here home alone stuffing my face with my favourite New York style cheesecake, it's so amazing just look at that picture!! And girls I confess I actually did eat both slices, Fatty Withers what are you like? So the footballs been on and I can't say I'm that in touch with the scores but apparently England played today. COME ON ENGLAND!!

If you follow me on Instagram then you would have already seen these pictures, but for those who don't here they are. Top left, messing around with Barry M nail varnish, really want the sun to come back out so I can paint my nails brighter colours I mean c'mon this is no way to start the summer. Top right, my arm candy for the day so happy I can finally wear the bracelet my nan gave me :). Bottom left, I tried my first ever kiwi this week and now it's like my new favourite fruit, even if it is hassle trying to take the fury bit off, it takes me like 5 minutes. If anyone has a simple and easy way of eating kiwi other than sitting there trying to peel the skin off, then please comment below I would very much appreciate it!! And finally last but not least bottom right, testing my new lippy I wont tell you what it is as I'm sure to do a separate review/post on it.

So there we have it followers, another pointless ramble about my Friday night.. I Hope you all have a great weekend, anybody have plans??

Natalie xxx  

OOTD #2 - Dark Colours

Five Shades Of Grey.

Blouse: Primark, Jeans: Primark, Jacket: H&M, Bag: Zara, Vans: Office, Bracelet: Dorothy Perkins, Watch: Fossil 

Just thought I'd do a quick OOTD, super casual. I'm off out for a little nose and to do some shopping and wanted something comfy with my trusty black vans and zara bag. I don't usually pair so many dark colours together but I kind of like the different shades together, let me know what you think below? 

Like what I done with the title there??, I'm currently reading America's no1 best seller and a definite favourite over here in the UK 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' it's well known for it's raunchy content and is for sure an addictive read. So as I'm wearing five pieces I thought I'd title it 'Five Shades Of Grey'.

Would you pair five shades of grey together?? And have you read this book??

Natalie xxx

Mother Nature Who??

The 12 dreaded weeks in a month 

There's always that one week a month that all us girls dread, it always tends to be at inappropriate times like when were going on holiday in and out of the pool, or when you want to wear that beautiful new dress carefree or when your having a really bad day, mother nature just tends to pop up and burden you with your monthly period!!

Quite a while ago now I experienced such horrific pains (back ache, belly cramps, headache) I had to call in sick at work and that's when I thought ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! So doing my usual research online I went on the hunt for some sort of period pain relief to see if I could win the battle against mother nature. I'm defiantly a girl that's all for quick working effects and ladies I'm please to say I've found just that, I introduce you to...
  Feminax Express

(I take 2 tablets with a glass of water when I first feel the pain and within 20 mins I've forgotten all about the cramps and discomfort, it is that good!) can also be used for muscular pain and headache.

Now I understand there are many ways you can concur the pain but I've found this to be the perfect solution, so I thought I'd share for those girls who also want rid of back/belly ache FAST! Whilst doing my research I'd read quite a few good reviews saying how quick and fast working these tablets really are honestly girls I used to dread my period and now I say 'BRING IT ON'.. You can buy these tablets in all major supermarkets and also in Superdrug and Boots, they retail at around £2.50 (for 8 tablets) but prices vary depending where you purchase them from, I buy mine from Morrisons and they contain 2 sleeves of 8 tablets which I find better value for my money.

(Click here to purchase from Superdrug at £2.49)

 So there we are girls this is my little monthly miracle, all I want to say is thank the lord i was introduce to 'Feminex' and trust me girls period pains are no longer. If your 1 of the lucky 1's that don't experience the horrible back/belly ache, spots and mood swings along with your period then I seriously envy you!!

Hope this helps,

Natalie xxx

Two Toned Lips

Why have ONE colour when you can have TWO?? 

I've been seeing this two-toned lips everywhere, epically this week after picking up my mags and seeing it featured in almost all of them, it's obviously a really popular look. I love the different contrast of colours that can be used, the more creative the better.. it's almost like colour blocking  your clothes but with make up. I put together these images from Google to just show you a few of my favourite looks and I've also added a few below of which i tried, excuse my button nose in the first one HAHA!! Definatly on the hunt for some new lipsticks, try this look for yourself let's get creative??

What's your thoughts on this look, do you love it too??

Natalie xxx