LOVE NICHE LONDON WISH LIST


Hey sweeties. I have been browsing the LOVE NICHE LONDON website and wanted to share with you my top 3 pieces wish list style.



The mermaid coloured sequins in this dress are amazing. Sophisticated and dazzling.



A classic style that will never date. I love it worn as above or with a thick black belt I think would be great to mix it up.



A cosy piece that looks chic and is easy to accessorise in so many ways.

Let me know your favourite pieces from LOVE NICHE LONDON in the comments below. They have an up to 70% off sale on now too!

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BEAUTY FAVES 2014


Hello my lovelies. I thought it would be good to remind myself and share with you my favourite beauty products of 2014. Here they are with links to reviews so that you can see why I loved them :)













I love loads of the fragrances in this range, but this was my fave for 2014.
















Let me know your favourite beauty products from 2014 in the comments below.

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

XMAS GIFTS 2014


Hi everyone. I hope you are doing well in 2015 so far. I know I am really late putting this up, but for those interested here I have a post showing you the presents I received for Xmas that I am of course very grateful for.


This beauty stash was from my Mum, friends and my boyfriend's Mum. I am so pleased that my Mum got me the Soap & Glory hamper :)


Some essentials for the home, plus a voucher which I am yet to spend. There are some naughty treats too including my amazing Tassimo machine. If you love coffee then trust me when I say you need this in your life. I have only tried two flavours so far. The Cadbury's chocolate which my boyfriend loves and the Costa Cappuccino which I crave constantly now.


My boyfriend and I said we were going to buy things for the house this year instead of personal gifts as we need a tumble dryer etc. Exciting I know!

While out Xmas shopping I spotted this jumper in the Dorothy Perkins sale and I saw some lovely soft lounge bottoms in Next for him. We decided to get them for something small to open Xmas day and I thought it would be sweet even though we knew what we were getting.

However ...............

When going to pick up my Mum for Xmas my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to drive. I said that I didn't want to drive his car. 

Basically I haven't driven in over 10 years and only drove for a couple of months a short distance. This is because I realised I wanted and needed a house more at the time than a car so I saved.

Since moving out I have craved getting another car for convenience and I am sick of waiting for buses in the rubbish weather. Lets be honest also not everyone you ride with are shall we say nice people.

Anyway I do ramble on. I think its obvious what my boyfriend did ........


Yes there were tears instantly and yes I did drive to my Mum's house. 

I now have to get over the fear I currently have of driving alone as I have only driven so far with my boyfriend in the car. 

Even though I passed my test many years ago I don't have much experience and feel like a newbie driver again.

One of my goals this year is to be confident in driving and to actually enjoy it. Any words of encouragement or tips if you felt the same as a newbie driver would be greatly appreciated below.

If you hadn't already noticed I have named my little car Squirt :)



Love to you all



Vicky xx

FREE MAX FACTOR LIPSTICK FOR #GLAMJAN


Hi lovelies and welcome to Beautiful Addictions. 

Tomorrow is said to be the most depressing day of the year and not just because it's Monday. Fear not though my loves as I have good news. Make sure to start off tomorrow with a FREE lipstick gifted to you by Max Factor so that you can strut your way through the day without a care in the world. 


Like the iconic Marilyn Max Factor want to make you feel glamorous as all women should. Nothing says glamour better than a bold red lip in my opinion. No matter what 2014 threw your way I know you all have aims for 2015 big or small.

I have been wearing my Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday this January and while I am writing this post. I will also be posting my #GlamJan selfie tomorrow so look out for that on my INSTAGRAM!

I love this lipstick. It's a truly classic red that would suit all skin tones. It's very moisturising and has great staying power even through eating and drinking.

So where can you get one?

London Liverpool Street

&

Manchester's Piccadilly Station

from 7.30am on Monday 26th Jan (first come first served!)

Post your glamorous selfie to @MaxFactorUK #GlamJan and nominate a friend to do the same!

So go get your glam on tomorrow. Who said Monday's have to be boring anyway.

Images not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

45% OFF VITA LIBERATA NKD SKN LUXE TANNING COLLECTION

Hi beauties and welcome on this fine Friday. 

Today I have a superb discount code to share with you from the oh so popular self tan brand VITA LIBERATA

Fancy a 45% discount on purchases from their NKD SKN LUXE COLLECTION? Thought so :) 

If you are already a fan or want to discover which products in their Luxe Collection would suit you best take a look now with an almost half price discount. 

Option 1: MATTE WASH OFF INSTANT TAN'S (MEDIUM OR DARK) for those who love instant results while feeling moisturised. Perfect for parties or last minute invites with a formula that washes away at the end of the night, or the next morning ;)

Option 2: The DARK TINTED TAN LIQUID is an instant 'holiday in a bottle' if you love a deep, dark tan that lasts up to 7 days. 

Option 3: The TINTED TAN MOUSSE (MEDIUM OR DARK) is a lightweight formula that dries instantly so you can run out the door straight away. Lasts up to 7 days and fades without patchiness.

As you can see there are different products to best suit your skin type and desired shade. All formula's are odourless.


I have been sent this NKD SKN MEDIUM TINTED TAN MOUSSE to try from their Luxe Collection along with their TANNING MITT and will be following up with a review soon.

I am always keen to try self tanners, but what puts me off is the time and effort that usually needs to be put in. Also the dreaded fear that I will end up looking unnatural (tangoed), streaky and smell like curried biscuits for a product that may not last that long anyway.

I am excited to try this product for promises of an instant, natural looking tan with a quick drying formula that is odourless and lasts up to 7 days. I will be back soon with a review!

Enter code BEAUTIFULL45 when making your purchases from the Vita Liberata NKD SKN LUXE COLLECTION. Offer ends 2nd February!

Let me know your favourites from the Vita Liberata NKD SKN LUXE COLLECTION with reasons why in the comments below.

This range is also available at SUPERDRUG.


Love to you all



Vicky xx

GLOSSYBOX FRESH START MUST-HAVES

Hi everyone I hope you are well. Today I want to share with you my first impressions of this month's 'Fresh Start Must-Haves GlossyBox'.



A long lasting soft, glide on eye pencil that does not snag on the skin. The shade clay suits all eye colours. Can be worn on the upper and lower lash lines and the waterline. Not tested on animals.

This pencil does feel smooth on my hand and the shade appears to be very wearable for all eye colours as it's a mid-toned brown. Not too warm or too cool. A nice alternative to black which can be quite harsh and close up the eyes. I am not sure how well this will work on the waterline for me as I have quite watery eyes and find this type of pencil doesn't usually apply well on my waterline.


A loose powder blush that applies with a soft, plush applicator puff. Comes in six shades.

This product is designed with the puff so that no powder sprinkles all over your handbag due to the puff applicator. The middle band of the pot however does twist off so I am not sure if that would be the case. It has a pop off lid so be sure to hold the band when removing it. The lid comes with a mirror which is cool. This shade Romantic is a dusky pink. Quite soft and English Rose. Great for paler girls, but can be built up for a slightly more intense blush. I am not a big fan so far of the applicator, but then I am not a big fan of loose powder or pigment products usually because they tend to spread everywhere so I can see why the puff is in place. However I find using a brush easier to get the right amount of product to sweep over the skin rather than dabbing a puff on a certain area.


An brightening oil-free lightweight, luminizing gel with pearlescent pigments to highlight the face for a radiant complexion. Dab onto cheekbones and brow bones. Cruelty free.

This is a gorgeously glowy product that will instantly give you healthy, dewy looking skin. This is another product that is not too cool or too warm and I think would work well with many skin tones. It blends into the skin beautifully. It's not ultra glittery like some highlighting products can be, but instead has micro particles that catch the light giving a 'lit from within, youthful effect'. I think this would look great on cheekbones for an awakened look as well as the cupids bow for plumped, fuller looking lips. I would also try it on my lids for an easy day or night look. It may even be nice to mix with foundations that you would like to make more dewy.


A soothing and re-hydrating skin re-balancing toner. Controls shine and softens dry areas.

I think some people don't see the point in using toners or just add them in to their skincare routine because they think they should. This is why I am especially intrigued to try this product to see if I think it makes a difference.


A sweet tasting balm that leaves lips nourished with a subtle sheen.

This does feel very nourishing with a silky balm feel. The scent is berry-tastic. I usually find lip balms to not work instantly or work for a while and once my lips get used to the product not work as well. I will keep using this and see how it goes.

I don't want to spoil a product in next month's box, but it is similar to one in this month's which disappoints me a little. I am not a fan of the spoiler card in each box as I like the fact that each month is a total surprise. It's party of the reason I signed up to GlossyBox.

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

Let me know your thoughts on this month's GlossyBox in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NEW YEAR, NEW THINGS


Hi everyone and Happy Wednesday! 

I am sorry that I haven't put as many blog posts as usual lately, but I want to explain why. Like most of us I have been pretty busy seeing a lot of family and friends for Xmas and New Year celebrations. Following on from that I have had a few birthday events too (mine is today, eek).

I also attended a funeral in the first week of Jan which was a sad day, but also a time for reflection. It's so easy to forget or not appreciate the good people and things in life because we get so caught up in work, chores and errands that way us down.

I helped my Mum move to the coast on Monday so there was some prep for that too and I am still obviously settling her in now. I will miss her terribly. We usually see each other every couple of weeks, but that may not be possible so often due to the distance. It will worry me that she is further away, but she is near family which eases my mind a little. Since losing my Dad 8 Years ago I have become even more protective over my Mum. Not in an obsessive way or anything, but I just want to look after her to the best of my ability being her only child. She did after all do the same for me growing up.

I feel like this year is going to be a life changer. I have been living with my partner for about 2 1/2 years now and I feel like we have become closer and grown up a bit more in our home. We have been together for so long that we truly are those 2 peas in a pod.

I am not really sure if I had much of a point to make when I started writing this post, but I guess I just feel like I can talk to you guys about my life changes and thoughts sometimes.

I really want this year to be a blog discovery too. By that I mean I want to venture out further with my blog design and really get myself noticed. I know I write because I love it, but blogging takes a lot of effort and time so more recognition would be great. I have a full time job separate from my blog to pay the bills so it is a daily struggle to keep up with posts. It would be a dream to blog full time for a living of course and one I never want to give up striving for.

I am always looking out for blogging tips on organisation, photography, editing, blog design, social media ....... the list goes on. Feel free to let me know in the comments what you love or loathe about my blog. All criticism is good, because it makes me think and if I agree perhaps make changes. If you have ideas on future posts you would like to see leave those below too.



Love to you all for 2015



Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

HEALTH & FITNESS: THE COSMO BODY SHOW ON FAB TV


Hello Beauties. Welcome once again today to Beautiful Addictions. 

Tonight on Sky's FAB TV (Channel 254) The Cosmo Body Show will be airing at 10pm on Tuesday's for the next 8 weeks with a series covering health and fitness. Following on from the success of Cosmopolitan Body, Cosmo's health & fitness magazine and online website.

I think most of us all feel a bit sluggish after Xmas and in the new year feel like a fresh start. I am going to check out this new series for inspiration if nothing else. There is so much that is going to be covered including:

 BODY CONFIDENCE

  EATING DISORDERS 

 MODELS (THAT ARE NOT A SIZE ZERO)

WORKOUTS (THAT ARE SAID TO ACTUALLY WORK)

CELEBRITY PERSONAL TRAINERS

HEALTHY EATING HOW-TOS

NUTRITIONISTS & HEALTH CHEFS

FITNESS FASHION (INCLUDING CHOOSING THE RIGHT GYM KIT, SWIMWEAR OR 
TRAINERS FOR YOUR SIZE & SHAPE)

BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS

If viewing on fab-tv.com content will be split into relevant videos for easy viewing.

Are you on a health kick at the moment? What are you doing to feel healthier and perhaps look better? Let me know in the comments below along with if this series is something you will be watching :)

Image not my own.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

SLENDERTONE FACE

Hi lovelies and Happy Tuesday. I am so sorry that I didn't get around to putting up a post last week. My Mum is moving this coming Monday down to the coast so I have been helping her to organise things.

Today I have a review for you of the the SLENDERTONE FACE toning equipment that was gifted to me at the BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 3.


Having previously enjoyed using the toning abs belt which I purchased myself many years ago I was interested to see which other products Slendertone had to offer those seeking a toning tool.

I chose to try the face tool as our faces are always on display and usually the first thing that others notice. The ageing process and weather conditions as well as smoking and diet all play a part in how our skin can look and feel.

What does the Slendertone face actually do?

With electronic muscle stimulation the unit aims to lift and tone the facial area to reduce sagging giving a more youthful, toned appearance.

So how do I use it?

Step 1: The battery compartment on the back of the digital unit was a little tricky to open. I used some tweezers, but you can use a flathead screwdriver or other similar object.

Step 2: 3 AAA batteries are included so insert those and replace the cover.

Step 3: Ensure your hair is tied back from your face as little flyaways can become stuck under the pads when positioning the unit. Remove all creams and moisturisers from your face so that the pads will stick nicely to your face without leaving any dirt or make-up residue on your pads.

Step 4: Remove the blue covers from the pads which you can find in the sealed packs. There are 6 pairs of gel pads included with the unit.

Step 5: Position the pads onto either side of the unit. You can see by the shapes on the inside how they should sit. Press firmly for around 10 seconds around the edges.

Step 6: Remove the transparent covers that say face, but keep them to put back over the pads once you have finished using it to keep the pads protected ready for the next use.

Step 7: Connect the headset at the bottom of the digital unit.

Step 8: Position the headband so that the centre of each pad sits on either side of your face between your nose and your ear (approx. 1cm, 1/2 an inch or one finger width in front of each ear). See the above photo for reference. The headband does not have much flexibility so bring it from behind your neck (not down over your head) and pull forward to sit on your cheeks. Do not place over metal/dental implants or metal fillings.

Step 9: While in a relaxed seated or reclining position switch the digital unit on by pressing and holding the power on button (top right). Select a program by pressing the P button

Programme 1 is 20 mins for lift to tone and firm facial muscles, smoothing the overlying skin. In 12 weeks you should see the full effects. Programme 2 is 10 mins increasing blood flow for a healthy, instant, radiant glow. 

Increase the intensity on either side of the unit by pressing the plus buttons to increase and the minus buttons to decrease. Both sides do not need to match in intensity. You should notice muscle movement and then reduce by 1 step and continue the session at that level. You must feel comfortable with the level of intensity. A symbol looking a bit like a neck collar appears with each contraction

The time will count down as your session begins. You can pause the unit during your session by pressing the power button. Just press again to continue. If at any time the warning sign appears (a triangle with an exclamation mark) there is poor contact between the gel pads and you skin or the paddles and the gel pads. Adjust as necessary. 

The information button i will show you the maximum intensity for your current or last session and the number of sessions completed. 

You can also mute the unit by pressing and holding the P button for 2 seconds. There is a key lock to ensure you don't accidently change the intensity of your session. You can activate or deactivate this by pressing and holding the i button for 2 seconds.

Step 10: When the session ends press and hold the power button to switch off. It will however switch itself off after a period of time when not in use. Only remove the headband when the unit is off

The battery power remaining is shown on the top left of the digital display when in use.

Step 11: Replace your transparent pad covers to protect the pads.

How often should I use it?

Use for no more than 20 mins per day, 5 times a week. Leave 24 hours between sessions. I would say though that the maximum you can use the unit is 4 time per week if you must leave 24 hours between each session. Once a desired level on facial toning is met continue using the unit for a recommend twice a week to maintain that level.

What does it feel like?

The sensation was not painful at all for me. It's more like a gentle spasm which sounds really odd I know. I was told that if twitching around the eyes occurs to lower the headband position. I found the most noticeable muscle movement to be around my mouth. My top and bottom lips went in opposite directions no matter what the intensity or how I had positioned the unit. I was reassured that this was not an issue.

Health concerns

Please do not use this device if you:

Are under 18.

Have an electronic implant of any kind or have a heart problem.

Suffer from Cancer, epilepsy or are under medical supervision for cognitive dysfunction.

Have a tendancy to bleed internally.

Have recently undergone surgery, especially on the facial area.

Suffer muscle/joint problems.

Have recent scars, broken or inflamed skin including acne.

This unit can be used by those who have used or are using Botox or fillers. I would however suggest that clarification on this is requested by your medical contact (GP or consulatant) as I have never had Botox and can not clarify this.

Further information should be sought if you have any health, skin or injury concerns at all, are breast feeding or pregnant before using this device.

Side effects

Twitching of the muscles can occur after use. Reduce the intensity of your session for the next use, but if the problem persists beyind 2-3 days consult your GP.

Some users may experince headaches or painful sensations.

I have been trying out this unit in fits and bursts. Not only because of the busy festive period, but because I experienced headaches around the times I used it. I will hold my hands up and say that there are times when I pretty much have a constant headache so I can not prove or disprove that this had anything to do with this device.

Although I did not experience pain when using this toning tool I did however have some aching around the jaw area.

I do not think that I have used this device for a long enough period to say whether or not I have noticed a more lifted or toned appearance in my face (12 weeks recommended use). I am completing this review now though because I found the experience to be a little too intense for my facial muscles. 

I know the level of intensity can be changed to suit you, but what I mean is that it felt less natural to use an electronic muscle stimulator on my facial muscles than on other more fatty tissue of my body. I know that using any EMS is not a natural experience, but that's just how I feel personally. I am however really glad that I got to try out this toning device as now I know. I used programme 2 throughout my experience.

I would not say do or don't try out this product because its so unique and I am sure its a bit like marmite. Some love it and some don't.

As afore mentioned I would however recommend the Slendertone ab belt as an addition to a healthy lifestyle to aid in toning the abdominal area. Mine I think has a slightly different design as its quite old, but this looks like the same product LINK! I haven't used mine in ages so I need to dig it out.

 Let me know in the comments below your favourite Slendertone products with reasons why and links to your results :)



Love to you all



Vicky xx

CARMEX LIP BALM & SMOOCH BLACK LASH MASCARA

Hey lovelies. I am back once again today with two more quick-fire product reviews for lips and lashes.



I received this product in my STARS & STRIPES GLOSSYBOX where you can see product info and my first impressions. This product is very popular among the beauty community as well as a couple of my friends. I am sure that I tried the squeezy tube version of this years ago and it did nothing for me. I am not a lover of the beeswax scent and prefer a stick packaging as it's less messy. I did however give this another try, but I just can't love it like others do. 

I was going through a phase of very dry and sore lips where I was desperate to find a solution. I reached for this product and sadly it did nothing for my lips or the dry, cracked sores around my mouth. The balm itself is very soft and the menthol scent made me think in my mind that this would be like some sort of medicinal treat for my mouth so that I could talk and eat without feeling soreness. It did not however live up to my expectations. It just doesn't work for me, but as I know others that love it don't take my word for it and perhaps try it for yourself.


This was gifted to me at an event. I have never tried any products from Smooch before so I was excited to try this mascara. The rubber texture of this tube stays really clean and makes it easy to hold. The lace detail is pretty too. The brush is a standard bristle style which tapers at the end. There is no funky, innovative design to show you. The formula appears to be a creamy silicon texture and the colour is very black. It's also very buildable giving great fluttery, lengthened lashes. I always wear mascara on my bottom lashes and that is only where I see this product to fail for me. It smudges loads under the eyes, but if you only apply it to the top lash line it's fantastic. I have added a link to Amazon as the Smooch website is down so I am not sure if it is discontinued.

Let me know your favourite lip balms and mascaras (for use on bottom lashes too) in the comments below.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

NIVEA EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER & PRO-DERMA INNOVATIONS DAY CREAM

Hi everyone and Happy Friday. I hope everything is great for you all and that you are looking forward to the weekend. Today I have two mini product reviews for you.



INFO

A very efficient and mild cleanser/eye make-up remover that takes off even stubborn waterproof mascara without any rubbing to protect the lashes. Does not leave behind and greasy residue. Shake the bottle before use to mix up both parts of the solution and apply with a cotton wool pad to remove make-up. Suitable for contact lens wearers and all skin types.

MY THOUGHTS

The bottle has now changed shape, but the amount of product is still the same. Mine has a dent in the bottom right corner for some reason. I am usually a fan of Nivea products, but I have to say on this occasion I don't love this one. It is true that the formula is not greasy at all and leaves no residue behind. It does remove make-up, but it takes a lot of product and so I had to keep opening and closing the bottle mixing the liquid parts together. I tried not to rub my eyes and instead wipe as softly as I could, but as I had to keep applying more liquid and using more cotton pads the skin around my eye area did become irritated. I did unfortunately buy two of these at the time as there was a deal on, but I won't be buying this product again and would not recommend it as I found even removing regular mascara a struggle with this product.


INFO

A silky smooth lightweight day cream that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving a youthful radiance.

MY THOUGHTS

I picked this up in the 99p Store. I needed a face moisturiser and thought why not give it a go. The formula is very lightweight indeed. The scent of this product is quite light too and very fresh. The texture of the cream sunk into my skin easily and the scent was great to wake me up each day. I did use this at night too though so don't think it will keep you awake if you are wanting to relax and settle down for the evening. I would not say I saw amazing results of anti-wrinkling, but my skin was left very soft and supple. I would buy this product again.

I hope you enjoyed these wee reviews. If you have any eye-makeup remover suggestions please leave them in the comments below along with great moisturisers for dry/mature skin.



Love to you all



Vicky xx

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