PRIMARK HAUL - BEAUTY & ACCESSORIES

Hello beauties. This is my last post for today and yes it's a goodie. I popped into Primark on Friday to spend some of my birthday money. For once I didn't buy any clothes, but I picked up some fab beauty and accessories.

P.S. LOVE FASHION/FRENCH NAILS (L-R) NEON PINK, FRENCH & AZTEC

I used to really enjoy painting my nails, but I find that I seldom have the time to let them dry long enough and then sometimes they chip anyway due to house chores etc. I have heard a lot of good things about Primark false nails. I know a lot of people use the Elegant Touch nail glue with them so I bought that too. These were a great price of just £1 per pack.

SILVER CLEAN BAND RING

Saving the need to buy lots of singular silver band rings this gives an all in one ring stacked effect for just £1.

COLOUR GEM STACK RINGS

This pack of 6 rings was a total bargain at just £1. I will wear them in so many ways either stacked or singular.

P.S. LOVE THIS FACIAL CLEANSING PAD

I have picked this up to clean my make-up brushes as I am terrible at doing them regularly. There is a sucker at the bottom to keep it in place while washing them in the sink. This was £1.50.

FLORAL ALICEBAND

This was in the kids section, but I think it will fit okay. I am still a sucker for floral hair pieces. This was £2.50.

QUILTED TOTE

I have been on the hunt for a new handbag for so long as I didn't have one with a long handle. This is kind of a cement grey shade with two silver chain detailed straps. There is a zip along the top and an inner zip section as well as a mobile phone holder. This was £10.

DOUBLE ZIP CAMERA BAG

I usually like to have a staple black bag in my collection and although this bag may look small it's like a tardis. There are two zip sections at the top, one with an inner zip and a zip section to the front. As well as the carry handle at the top there is also a detachable and adjustable longer handle which I will probably leave on most of the time. As the name suggests this will fit my camera perfectly. Great for attending events :) This was £8.

I hope you found something you like in this haul so you can run out and find it. Let me know your Primark finds in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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FACE CARE PRODUCTS

Hi once again today my loves. I am back with more mini product reviews for you, but this time of face care.

SIMPLE BABY MOISTURISING WIPES

These were part of my Xmas gifts. I usually by baby wipes as they are bigger than face wipes so you use less of them. I found these very moisturising and the cloths had a textured effect to very gently smooth the skin.

JUICE BEAUTY GREEN APPLE SPF15 MOISTURISER

I received this product in my STARS AND STRIPES GLOSSYBOX where you can see full product information. This really is a lightweight moisturiser that has a lovely smooth texture that felt great on the skin. It worked well as a moisturiser, but I didn't notice any dramatic brightening effect.

IMEDEEN EXPRESSION LINE CONTROL EYE CARE

I was given this at the Vitality Show a couple of years ago. This also has a very lightweight formula. The pump was easy to use, but left the clear lid quite messy as you can see. I got fed up cleaning it so I left it like this to show you. It felt nice to apply, but I wouldn't say that it's one I would pick up myself in the future.

Let me know your current favourite face products in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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BODY CARE PRODUCTS

Hi lovelies. How has your week been? I had work as usual, enjoyed pancakes on Tuesday, went to London on Friday which included a bit of Primark shopping (haul to come) and other chores which I won't bore you with.

I have a few body care products to share mini reviews of with you so here they are :)

These shower products were Xmas gifts as were the razors. I know you can get the shower products in the 99p Store.

Cussons Pure Creamy Shower Cream

This was a lovely cream shower product with a very softening feel and the clean scent of Aloe Vera. It really left a calming and pure scent on the skin.

Cussons Pure Zesty Lemon Burst Shower Gel

This was a nice fruity blend that I enjoyed using, but I didn't notice the scent linger on the skin after showering.

BIC PURE3 LADY DISPOSABLE TRIPLE BLADE X 4

I forgot to keep the razors, but you can see them in the link above. For disposable razors these were actually not bad quality. The handles were sturdy and curved making them quite easy to use for a smooth shave. They are at a reduced price in the link above.

IMPULSE ROCK & LOVE BODY FRAGRANCE

I have said it before and I will say it again I love Impulse body fragrances. They are great value as they last ages. They come in a massive variety of great scents and mist the perfect amount of product. The twist lock cap and their size are just ace if you wanted to pop them in your handbag too. This one is scented with Amber & Orange Blossom. It's really fresh and fruity. It is signed by the Loveable Rogues and was sent to me by the Impulse team. This is also reduced in the link above.

So that's my reviews folks. Let me know your current favourite body products in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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PRE-FASHION WEEK RETREAT

Hi loves I am back again today to share with you my Pre-Fashion Week Retreat experience. I attended the Red Bull Studios London on Tuesday to enjoy some pampering. 

There were many complimentary hair and beauty treatments on offer for guests from brands such as Dermalogica, CND Shellac, CND Vinylux, Pixi by Petra, Eylure, Spa & Massage, Wella SP Men, Wella SP Luxe, Nioxin and Sebastian Professional.

I had great fun chatting with the guys from SERGEDENIMES.COM #SOSERGE

Cast member of Made In Chelsea Oliver Proudlock is the founder of Serge DeNimes bringing to you this exclusive collection of fashion and accessories.

The quality of the garments I viewed was top notch. I even got to try the WOLF BOMBER JACKET which felt great on and should be featured on their Facebook page here.

I have never been afraid to style menswear into my outfit and I think many pieces are very wearable for other ladies like me who love urban fashion. Bring on the oversized street styling I say. 

I was kindly gifted with this HOLMES BEANIE (BLACK) which I love.

I had hoped for a manicure, but they were all booked up :(

Popcorn and smoothies were there to enjoy.

Skin Mapping from Dermalogica.

I unfortunately couldn't get a massage booked in either :(

Style sessions.

I did however have the No 131 Naturals lashes applied from Eylure by the lovely Jessica. They looked so natural with my own lashes and I am told can be used up to about 6 times.

This baby definitely had wings!

Pixi by Petra were also giving makeovers and advice.

How cute are this trolley and basket. I so wanted to take them home.

I left the LFW Retreat with a London Fashion Week Survival Goodie Bag full of wonderful treats that I am so grateful for.

Did you attend the Pre-Fashion Week Retreat? If yes, how was your experience?

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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SNIFFY WIFFY HAND CREAMS

Hey beauties. I am here this afternoon to talk to you about some gorgeous hand creams that were gifted to me at BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 3 by Sniffy Wiffy. You can find out the background on this brand in that post.

I have been testing out these pots of joy for a while now in the scents Mango, Blueberry, Cinnamon & Orange and Apple & Cinnamon.

The creams have a very luxurious texture that feels like silk on the skin. The product absorbs very quickly leaving only a velvety veil which lasts really well.

I usually prefer squeezy tube hand creams, but these tins are just too cute not to love.

So lets talk scents ......

Blueberry is as you would think. A lovely sweet berry aroma that you can notice, but it's not overpowering.

Mango is very fruity and has a very obvious mango scent. It really makes you want to eat the real fruit.

Apple & Cinnamon I applied mainly at night as part of my ritual for settling myself to sleep. It has a lovely warming and calming scent that puts me at ease.

Cinnamon & Orange I expected to love as much, but unfortunately for some reason it made me cough a little. It left an unexpected powdery floral scent on my skin.

So basically other than the one scent that I am not a fan of I absolutely love these hand creams. They are cute, non-greasy, absorb quickly and 3 out of 4 I love the scents of.

They have so many other interesting scents including Christmas Cake, Cologne, Dark Chocolate, Double Cream, Gingerbread, Guinness, Japanese Plum and many others as well as a fragrance free option.

Each tin is £4.00 with 20p of each sale going to the charity CoppaFeel.

Gift packs of 3 tins are also available for just £6.00.

Donations are also made to Ballboys for each male product sold.

With this weekend being all about the love it's good to remember to love your body too. With a range including other products such as bath & massage oils, body lotions & scrubs as well as male grooming I am definitely intrigued. 

Sniffy Wiffy want to make you feel good while reminding you to check yourself as you pamper. Well done to a brand that cares!

Remember to check yourself ladies and gents. It's always worth it!

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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LOVE EDITION GLOSSYBOX

Hi there beauty lovers. Last night I picked up my Love Edition GlossyBox from the post office which includes a 'Fifty Shades' mineral eyeshadow and a few other make-up treats. Here are my first impressions :)

WILKINSON SWORD HYDRO SILK

Designed with 5 blades and a water-activated moisturising serum bar to keep skin hydrated for up to 2 hours after shaving.

Razors are something that I don't usually spend too much money on, but I am going to test this out tonight to see how good it is at giving me a close shave that is hopefully smooth on the skin. I always moisturise after shaving so I see the moisture bar as part of the shaving process only.

MARSK MINERAL EYESHADOW - FIFTY SHADES

A 100% natural highly pigmented mineral loose powder eyeshadow with a creamy texture.

Inspired by the film 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' which I am sure you are all fully aware of this Valentine's weekend Marsk have created this beautiful grey mineral pigment that looks to be very wearable. 

I think it's great for day or night as applied with one layer it gives light smoke of grey with pretty light reflects. For more intensity, especially at night time I think it would look stunning applied with a wet brush.

I hardly ever use eye pigments simply because things can get messy very quickly and I am very clumsy. Not a good combo. This is why I wish brands would create more pigments that come in a tube with a sponge applicator or in a pressed pigment form for ease of use.

ROYAL APOTHIC CORAL TINTIE

A nourishing, moisturising lip tint that Victoria Beckham is rumoured to be a fan of. Tinties come in 4 other shades including berry, kissed, nude and pink.

The scent of this lip tint is very sweet I think due to the trio of oils (argan, grape seed and almond). If you don't like the taste of almonds you won't like this. It's a bit like marzipan. 

It does feel nourishing on the lips and you can tell it's oil based, but it doesn't feel greasy. The pigment is not as high as I had hoped, but it is just a tint so I would use this as a lip butter only not as a lip shade. I have never been a fan of dipping my fingers into pots, but it is a cute design.

SO SUSAN ROSE QUARTET LIP & CHEEK PALETTE

A richly pigmented, hydrating lip & cheek pomade that delivers 12 hours of wear without dryness, creasing or smudging. 100% cruelty free. Fragrance free.

The size of this palette for travel is great because it is so compact however the casing does not click shut so it would have to be kept in the box. I wish that a mirror had been included in the top of the lid too.

The two berry shades on the left are quite pigmented and good for noticeable, but not too bold lips. The shades on the right are much more subtle and I would perhaps reserve for the cheeks.

Because of the packaging not being great quality and the fact that the product actually sits in the palette a bit uneven this makes it look a bit cheap.

B. COSMETICS B. ALL LENGTHENING, DEFINING AND VOLUMISING WATERPROOF MASCARA BLACK

A conditioning waterproof, smudge proof and tear proof mascara that lengthens, defines and volumises. Push lashes upwards waiting for the mascara to dry to set into shape. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

I love trying out new mascaras and although I usually get smudging under my eyes from applying mascara to my lower lashes I never think to pick up a waterproof one.

A mini pack of love hearts sweets were also included in this Love Edition GlossyBox.

I love the actual design of this month's GlossyBox, but I am not as excited as I first was when I opened it as I wanted the make-up pigments to be more bold. I may not use the make-up much if at all apart from the mascara due to how they need to be applied.

For more information on the UK GlossyBox click here and for the US GlossyBox click here.

Let me know your favourite products from this month's GlossyBox in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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OUTFIT IDEAS: VALENTINE'S DAY / NIGHT

Hi lovelies and welcome to my blog. Valentine's Day is a bit Marmite for some people whether single or not. 

Me and my boyfriend are planning to spend time together at home which suits us both. I am very happy to pour myself a drink while he cooks me a meal ;)

Anyway whatever your plans this year why not make yourself feel special. I have put together a couple of outfits to hopefully inspire you for that special date or girls night out!

I love this Carrie Bradshaw style. This amazing Anna dress was gifted to me by ADORE BOUTIQUE.

This gorgeous Pimlico Pouch from NADIA MINKOFF is the perfect accessory for Valentine's Day with it's red hue and on trend laser cut detailing. This was also a gift to me from Nadia.

The bolero is from Only which is a great piece to cover my arms and shoulders while adding a little shimmer.

I can't remember where my heart/arrow necklace and love ring were from, but the love rings are very popular so I am sure you can find them easily online.

My faithful boots are from Dorothy Perkins which I love to wear with feminine styles to give them a more edgy look.

If you want to go full on here I am sexy the sweetheart neckline on this dress really gives you that impact in this bold pink shade. The sequin embellishment on the cut out back is extra special for that added something. I have this in black which I wore a few weeks ago. The ruching is great to hide problem areas while giving you a va-va voom hourglass shape. I got this at Everything 5 Pounds where I have found many great bargains. This shade appears to be sold out, but there are four other alternate shades here.

The earrings are cute from Bank and match well with the dress. I can't remember where my cupid necklace was from.

The quilted bag I bought at The Clothes Show many years ago.

The black bolero was from Primark.

These heels are perfect for giving you height and are actually very comfortable. They are also from Everything 5 Pounds and appear to be sold out, but they have amazing alternatives in their footwear section here.

Within my jewellery collection I also found these other pieces which I think could also be worn with these outfits.

The I ❤ ME studs are from Accessorize. The L O V E rings came in a set I think from Dorothy Perkins. I sometimes wear the V on it's own as my initial. The two bottom left rings were presents from my boyfriend. I can't remember where the rest is from.

I have not added links for all items as I bought them quite a while ago. They are featured for ideas to wear.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great Valentine's Day/Night wherever and whoever you are with.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

IN SITU COSMETICS BODY WASH

Hi everyone. I hope you are all well. Today I have a review for you. 

I was asked to choose my own bespoke skincare product from the company IN SITU COSMETICS that I met at the BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 4. They offered me £30 to spend while putting in my preferences following these easy steps online.

1. Select your skin type, age & ethnicity.

2. Choose your preferred texture of product.

3. Choose am or pm for application time.

4. Select your skincare concerns and priorities.

5. Add your mood boost preference.

Depending on your choices your product cost will vary, but this adjusts as you choose from the various options so that you can change your mind to suit your budget. My choices came to £30.

I opted for: 

Texture ~ Gel Body Wash

Mood Boost ~ Total Unwind

Skin Concern ~ Detoxifying & Purifying

Skin Type ~ Dry

Time Of Application ~ Morning

Age & ethnicity were not asked in the drop down choices.

I chose a body wash as I wanted to see if something that I would use up a lot quicker than say a face product would be worth the money as I don't spend £30 on body wash when buying it myself.

The bottle is plastic with a flip section at the top to open and close. My name as you can see has been printed on the front along with my selected preferences. On the back it tells me that my personalised body wash combines natural cleansing agents that remove dirt without drying the skin. It contains grapefruit and orange extracts to detoxify and stimulate blood circulation and mandarin to help skin look and smell beautiful. Also it contains organic juniper berry oil to help relax. It's 98% natural, free of parabens, colours and SLS.

This is how the bottle was wrapped inside the box. It came with two refreshing tissues.

This is the box that my product arrived in. I ordered it after Xmas so I was a little surprised when it came with a Xmas design, but the characters are cute.

So what did I think of the service and the product?

Good points

*Easy to choose options when choosing a product for a bespoke service.

*Quick and free delivery.

*Well presented packaging.

*Personalised product with my name and my product preferences.

*My skin felt cleansed after use.

Bad points

*Arrived in a Xmas box when ordered after Xmas was over. This took away for me part of the attention to detail of being personalised as though perhaps they had left over boxes that needed to be used.

*The scent was so subtle that I could hardly smell it when is use and it left no scent on my skin afterwards. Scent is something I find important when using a relaxing and detoxifying product to calm my senses.

*Age and ethnicity were not options to choose from the drop down menu as stated in the guidance instructions.

*I have used other body washes that have delivered the same results to my skin for a far cheaper price.

In conclusion I would not purchase products from IN SITU COSMETICS myself. I think that their website was so easy to use, delivery was quick and free and email updates ensured I knew what was happening with my package. 

However with a bespoke service I think things like out of season packaging are important. Yes I ordered a few days after Xmas, but Xmas was still over and my package arrived in the New Year.

I also like to notice a scent when I am applying a product that is going to calm and detoxify me. You know that aroma perhaps you would notice in spa.

Perhaps if I had chosen a body butter with a different mood boost or if I had customised my choices by essence I would feel different.

So that's my overall review based on the preferences I made with my order.

Let me know in the comments below if you like the idea of this kind of service? Also, have you ordered products from IN SITU COSMETICS? If yes, were you satisfied with your selection?

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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