Review || Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil

At long last I will write my review of the glorious Shu Uemura cleansing oil. I have bought this product at least 2 times and can genuinely say that you would be hard pressed to find another cleanser  that makes you feel as soft and luxurious as this beauty does. 

You apply about 1-2 pumps directly onto your dry face, making sure that your hands are clean and dry too. Gently rub this into your skin in circular motions, rubbing upwards to delay the nasty hands of time - aka crows feet. I like to soak a face cloth in as hot as I can stand water and place over my face. This really makes your skin open up and accept the glorious components of this oil. Is this scientifically proven? Absolutely not. 

To rinse this off I use my face cloth that has been steaming my face, and I gently exfoliate my skin using small circular motions. I rinse and repeat until I feel like it has all been removed. 

Immediately after rinsing and drying you will see and feel the softest results. Nothing I have ever cleansed with has made my skin so moisturized. 

This cleanser isn't one of the cheaper ones you can buy, but I definitely feel like its worth the $48.00 price tag. It's a luxurious buy that will kick start your skin into Benjamin Button mode. Where's the baby's bum? Oh, it's on your face.  X

JOIN THE CULT OR DIE

We’ve all heard people talking about how autumn is the ‘white girl’ season. Pumpkin Spice lattes, marshmallows, soap, toilet paper. Whatever products you can buy there is a chemically created chance that Pumpkin Spice will be a flavour option. But what about the ‘white girl’ fashion and makeup of fall? Why are we non Pumpkin Spice fanatics getting pushed to the side and not getting relentlessly mocked in Buzzfeed videos?

When fall finally overtakes summer and the wind swirls under our skirts, you can bet that plaid minis, blanket scarves and frustratingly fashionable floppy hats will be in every girls weekly dressing repertoire. Fall is the most unsurprising yet undeniably exciting season for clothing lovers across the world. Layers. We can eat as much cake as we want and just throw on another sweater - if anyone asks, this is fashion. Give them a look until they grow uncomfortable and leave. Eat another macaroon and add a shawl.

Leather pants, boots, capes, these are all staples of autumnal dressing but the most outrageous trend of the colder months is my personal favorite, plum lipstick. When did someone decide that it was a good idea to bring goth fashion into the lives of the trend following women? Of course we’re going to wear it if we’ve been told to! We’ve been sucked into the cult. We just have one question. Does Zoella wear it? If the answer is yes then we'll be over it like a particularly nasty yeast infection. The women’s infection. Because we are women.

Really fall is the most fun, the most cozy and, in my opinion, most risk taking season of the year. Santa sweaters withstanding. Wear what you want and love it. Take yourself out of the cult, and if you’re still in love with the blackberry lipstick just own that shit! You are a woman and you can do what you want, when you want. Eat the second piece of cake and throw on an angora free angora sweater. You do you because there will inevitably be a Buzzfeed video about it. I just hope Eugene is in it. That hair though. X

Nails of the Day || Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy - Sure Thing

Remember in the early 2000's when you were in elementary school and you were just discovering White Out? You were enjoying the new found love of this magic eraser, when all of a sudden you looked to your left, then to your right. A terrible, awful, amazing idea arose. You have finger nails. The White Out comes with a sponge brush.... Thus came the best 10 minutes of your life. Right up until you realize that it actually feels disgusting on your nails, and the only way to get it off is to use your other finger nails and scrape it off in little thin strips. This on off process then goes on for the next 5 months of your sad little life. 

I have found the glossy grown up version of White Out. It comes in the form of a gel nail polish that is as sexy and bold as the latest Taylor Swift album. I've got a blank space baby, and i'll write your name. Then cross it off with my White Out, cause you know.

I am actually obsessed with this nail varnish right now. I have never reapplied as much as I have with this precious babe. That's not to say that it doesn't have staying power - it usually lasts about 3 days without chipping. This is after working days too, so it's not too bad. I was reintroduced to the white craze by Miss Bethany Mota. I was watching her videos and saw her nails and was just like " hey girl, you rockin' those white nails". I talk to my laptop, no big deal.. I saw her nails and just knew that I needed to go out and buy some right away.

I didn't go out with a specific brand or shade I wanted because, as I'm sure we all know, white nail polish can be a bitch. It's almost always translucent or too watery and I really wanted a thick stark white. When I walked into the drug store I could feel something in the air, and it wasn't Britney's Curious on for half price. There was basically a glow around the Revlon wall, a halo if you will. All Revlon products were 25% off, this was a big bonus for me because I absolutely hate spending money on nail polish. I don't know what it is but something about it just seems like a waste to me. All in all I got this nail polish for about $6.00. 

Besides going to an actual nail salon, I had never tried the gel nail effect. I didn't know how or even if it would work. A lot of the time these fads put out a lot of buzz but can never follow through with the actual product. I am extremely happy to announce that it's the complete opposite for this polish - it's a Sure Thing. and now I hate myself It goes on smooth and, although it's quite thick, it doesn't go on gloopy at all. In the end I only have to do two coats. It's a base and colour in one so you only really need this polish and a top coat. 

Revlon also sells ColorStay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat but I didn't buy it, I just use my trusty old O.P.I strengthener top coat. For me this works just fine, but if you're a nail connoisseur I would probably pick up their top coat as well.

I just think that it adds some edge to an outfit of just a T-shirt and Jeans, or it can glam up a LBD. There are so many different ways that this beauty can enhance your look. So why not just go back to your school days but with a more mature feel. If you're really wanting to do a flashback Friday, might I suggest a Lunchable with a juice box? Nothing brings back old memories like processed cheese and rubbery ham. Mmmm that's good cookin'!

If you do try the ColorStay Top Coat please let me know how you like it! 

What other nail colours are you wearing at the moment?! X

Review || Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

If you read my last post on EradiKate, you'll know that I struggle with acne and large pores. I am always looking for products that are effective in fighting against the red pusy hooligans. I have been a fan of Murad since 2012 when I started my Murad collection with their Soothing Gel Cleanser. I had been noticing that my pores were getting larger and therefore more noticeable, so I started looking for a cleanser that would help me out. I immediately looked to see if there was a different Murad cleanser that would do this. Thus I found their AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. A star, ladies and gentlemen, is here.

Not only is this a cleanser, but it also exfoliates! What the frack! It is not rough in any sense of the word. This is not a 50 Shades of Grey cleanser, it's more like The Notebook. Honestly I noticed a difference about an hour after the first use. No lie! I got up and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and noticed that my skin had lost a little bit of the dullness that had been plaguing me for so long. Upon closer inspection I also noted that my pores were indeed smaller. Not significantly, it had only been an hour after all, but even a little was a huge relief. I have been keeping up with using this and am still so happy with it.

Along with my acne prone skin I am also very sensitive to many products, especially exfoliators. My poor skin just can't take it! I have been hugely impressed that I haven't had any additional redness or rawness from using this every day. The small jojoba beads just buff away any rough or dry skin. Nothing scary from a good buffing. ;) Never have I ever been handled so gently by a product - I feel like such a princess!

Since using this I have noticed that my skin has been getting some glow back into it. I feel like a 4 year old again! I have also noticed that I haven't been producing as much oil on my face. I don't know if it's down to this cleanser or something else, but I'm going to give props to this bad boy right here! When I was younger I always thought that after I left my teens my body would just say "kay, we've done our job of embarrassing her. Let's move onto the next one. March bacteria march!" No such luck. At least I have this cleanser to soften the blow a bit...just a bit though. 

I also really love how this cleanser doesn't strip my face of the moisture it does have. I hate how after cleansing with some other cleansers you feel like you've just had all the moisture vacuumed out. Nothing is worse than smiling and feeling like you've just created some wrinkles. So it feels good to find one that promotes moisture and elasticity. You can pick this up for $36.00 at Sephora. Not bad really for a cleanser that is effective for doing more than just taking off your make up. Speaking of make up, this cleanser will also take your mascara off. For real though!! If you're wearing waterproof mascara you may have to cleanse your eyes twice.

If you're in the market for a new cleanser that will not only remove the days grime, but also give you back some life whilst still keeping your face clear of imperfections definitely give this one a try! If nothing else you will still have a cleanser that takes off your make up and removes any excess oils. 

I would love to hear about some of your favourite cleansers in the comment section below. 

Thanks for reading my lovelies! 

Have an amazing day!

Review || Kate Somerville EradiKate

About 8 months ago I bought the acne spot treatment, EradiKate, because I was suffering from never ending red aliens invading my face. I have been prone to acne of all sorts since hitting puberty - the little bastards. I have had a good 10 years of this shiz and therefore have tried hundreds of spot treatments, cleansers, patches, toners, masks etcetera etcetera. Even treatments from the doctor haven't helped. Through all of these products I have come to the depressing conclusion that most, if not all, do nothing but dry out your skin. The one product that has exceeded my very low expectations has been Kate Somerville's EradiKate.

This pink puss sucker has saved my face from causing great embarrassment and further emotional turmoil. Although the start to our beloved relationship wasn't the greatest... I was in Sephora, yet again, and was reading and smelling (cause who doesn't smell their acne products) all of the products and doing an impeccable job of acting like I knew exactly what I was doing. As I was doing this oscar worthy performance, I stopped on a bottle of what looked to be calamine lotion. The products contents were separated and I thought that I would do the humane thing and mix them back together. Big Fat Mistake. I, for the first time in my life, got a lecture from the Sephora lady. She turned full on PETA on my ass - as it turns out I was not being humane, I was basically massacring this poor pink punk. that alliteration though What I failed to notice was the little sticker on the cap that said 'Do Not Shake'.

After our not so great introduction I was taught that she also uses the product and had found her own miracle cure in it. She said that although your spots won't completely vanish, they will decrease in size and redness to the extent where, with a bit of concealer, no one will be able to tell you had a ginormous tomato the night before. Not only that but the tense pain that comes with the huge red under the skin biatches will be dramatically lessened. To say I was sold is probably a fair assumption.
That and she scared me.

So night came and I went through the usual process of taking my make up off, cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Then came the moment of removing the glass bottle from its paper cage, placing it gently on my counter and NOT SHAKING IT!! To use this you'll just need to grab a Q-tip, dip it through the clear liquid and into the pink pool of peer pressure and then dab it onto any zits that you feel need to be EradiKated. You'll notice that it goes on wet but very quickly will turn into a hard chalky bandaid that encompasses the spot. Do your best to not touch your face as it does come off relatively quickly - it will come off as your sleeping so I like to put it on about an hour before I actually settle down. This will give it time to be on your skin and not your pillow.

When you wake up you should definitely be able to see a difference in your spots. If you buy this and don't notice it right away, I definitely do not give you permission to come to my house and punch me in my slightly less inflamed pimples. Good. Once you've scanned your face and asked your family what they think and all you get back is "yeah, it's your face", go ahead and do your usual morning cleansing and make up routines. After a couple nights application ask your family again, they'll most definitely notice a huge difference! I sometimes even feel like maybe I could go out without any foundation. I never do but the feeling is still there! Progress!

This treatment contains the highest level of sulphur allowed to calm any spots. No one likes their pimples to be having panic attacks! It also will prevent future spots from having to take some Xanex. The AHA's also have their own tough job of reducing enlarged pores. If i'm being completely honest I haven't noticed any of my pores decreasing in size, but really my hope for this product was that it would take away my spots, and it's done that so I got exactly what I was looking for. 

EradiKate will set you back about $29.00 at your local Sephora Store and I can confirm that it will be an amount that you will not regret paying. Really from all the new innovative masks that are now on the market for extravagant amounts of money, $30.00 isn't going to break the bank.

If, like me, you have been struggling for years with acne, please do yourself a favour and just try this. If it doesn't work for you what is one more product among the many, but what if it does?

 I know how hard it is to live with a face full of zits so if you're a survivor or a new victim, you have my sincerest sympathies.

To all you young girls, and boys, acne doesn't define you. Your attitude, humour and love for life is what people with remember and talk about. You're beautiful both inside and out - acne or not. X

Review || First Aid Beauty's Skin Rescue Purifying Mask With Red Clay

I know that it has been a terribly long while since my last review, which is why the next few posts are going to be ALL reviews. I know how much you beauty sickos love them!

I got this face mask about a month or two ago and have been using it about once a week depending on how my skin is. I have noticed that it has significantly reduced the size of my pores, and believe me, they were big enough to engulf a small dog. My skin is the least oily that it's been for ages- which was my main reason for choosing this mask specifically. If you have sensitive skin, like me, you can safely purchase this as it is suitable for us fragile dames. All in all this was a stupendous buy if I do say so myself. 

The application of this red beauty is a very sticky affair, but make sure you are doing it over clean dry skin. It is a little bit difficult to spread over your skin at first, but the more you spread the warmer and easier it gets. You don't need it to be overly thick but make sure that your skin is covered. Even if it's a very thin layer you will be able to easily peel it off. It, like many other skin care products, can hurt my eyes so I make sure to be careful around this area. Other than that, just smooth it all over and you're set. 

You will have to wait at least 20 minutes for this to dry but once it is just peel from the outside inwards. This is as satisfying as taking your hair down from a murderously high ponytail after a long day. For real. 

I have found this has been the easiest to peel off of all the peel masks that I have tried. If you do have any bits left over that you can't get off yourself, just dab it off with a warm face cloth. 

I like to follow this with Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.

 

I would love to say that once you peel the mask off you will see a dramatic difference but I couldn't lie to you. The truth is that you will notice the changes the next day when you're putting your makeup on, or during the day if you have oily skin. When sitting in front of your mirror in the morning you will notice that your pores have almost halved in size and throughout the day you won't have to blot or add as much powder as you would in the days prior. The longer you use this baby the less you will have to do that.  

The price of this mask falls at about the midway mark as high end products go. I handed over $37.00 to the nice lady at Sephora. A little painful but after the first use I got over it. It's always hard to spend any amount of money, small or large, if you can't see or feel the results. Pretty much right away I noticed that I wasn't producing as much oil as I normally would have, and my make up didn't sink into the craters around my nose. Obviously I can't guarantee that this will be the same for you as everyone is different, but I would definitely recommend you trying it to see if it can help you as it has done for me. 

I would love to hear about some of your favourite face masks! X

makeupsocial

I think it's safe to say that the majority of us are all here because we like make up, hair, glitter and glam. It's like a drug to us. Watching beauty gurus share how they do their make up, what they're using to create 'the look' that gives us an endlessly full feeling of contentment. This feeling lasts up until we go into our bedroom, sit in front of our mirror and look into our make up bag that's overflowing with products that you were completely satisfied with until you saw that video. You try your hardest to recreate what they so effortlessly ensemble on their pore less faces. You come close but no cigar. We've all been there, right ladies? 

The time has come where we can all share these make up blunders or even some of the surprising wins. Makeupsocial is a new app where you can do all of this and more. Interact with fellow make up lovers, whether they're professional make up artists or amateurs like myself, ask questions about certain products or even post and read reviews. It's essentially Instagram but solely focused on makeup, skincare, hair and anything else beauty related you can think of. It's safe to say that I am firmly addicted to this app that is full of other obsessed beauty fanatics. 

Makeupsocial is honesty the most welcoming and helpful form of social media that I have used so far. Every time I read comments on my own or other peoples posts, there is anyways a dozen or so telling the dame how utterly gorgeous she looks. Being on this app restores my belief that women are caring and gentle creatures. I haven't come across anyone who is anything less than remarkable. If you've been having a down day, I am telling you, download this free app and post a selfie. You will come back in ten minutes to a handful of pep talks from truly amazing ladies. 

So go sit in front of your mirror, recreate the new Tanya Burr tutorial and post that bad boy on makeupsocial. Let everyone send you kissing cat emoji's and tell you how utterly fabulous you are. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you will also meet some spectacular people while you''re at it!

Go add this free app from the app store and follow me! I'm under the handle @10downingchic, who da thunk! X

Holly Hagan || The Fashion Bible *

Geordie Shore's Holly Hagan celebrates her birthday by channeling her in Kylie. With just days before the hit record breaking MTV show returns on July 22nd for series eight, 22 year old Holly has posed for her fashion collection, Summer Holiday Additions. In an apparent homage to the 13 year old smash hit 'Can’t Get You Out Of My Head', the Middlesbrough lass strikes a pose reminiscent of the famous Kylie Minogue track, which topped the UK charts for a whole month. 

Showing her curves in all the right places, Holly’s figure is unrecognizable from the “baby elephant” that entered Geordie Shore series 1, just 2 years ago. Holly added: “I struggle looking at old pictures of myself, I used to think I looked great on a night out with my 5 pairs of eyelashes, skimpy PVC skirt and 1 leather glove, but in reality, I looked like a baby elephant!” “My look this series will shock a lot of people. I’ve ditched the rainbow coloured hair, for some more natural brown tones, and I’ve been working overtime in the gym, as well as getting help with my diet. 

"With TheFashionBible.co.uk I really needed to make a Summer wardrobe that fitted real girls, after all I have to model it, and there’s no way I’d fit into clothes which didn’t allow for a womanly shape. My Mam jokes that I’ve the perfect child baring body, but that doesn’t help trying to fit into some of the stupidly tight clothes on the high street. “The range has sizes from 6 to 26 in selected items, and prices start from £8.99 so there is something for everyone. “This Summer, for the first time since I was a child, I think I’ll be able to enjoy myself on the beach and not be totally embarrassed about my figure, and that feels good.”

Watch Geordie Shore on MTV every Tuesday night at 10 PM

What Do I Order?

Being the baby of my family, I have always felt that it was my duty to be a snoop. I would spy for my mother to make sure that my siblings weren't doing anything they shouldn't. To my sisters and brothers dismay, I took this task very seriously. In other words, I was extremely annoying. 

If any of you were like this when you were younger, you will be incredibly excited for this post. You get to read about all my fatty favourites. So obviously I am healthy 98% of the time. Obviously. But for the other 2% here is what I order.

It really depends on the weather and what I am feeling at the time but my top 3 go to Starbucks drinks   are definitely...

Decaf Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato with Light Ice

This is a most delicious combination of vanilla syrup, espresso and caramel drizzle. I always ask for light ice because otherwise you'll be paying 5 dollars for half a cup of ice and a bit of coffee. 

Decaf Grande Cinnamon Dolce

More of a fall drink but you won't need any dessert if you drink this delight. Also they put whip cream on it to start with so I don't feel like an idiot by asking for it. 

Venti Passion Tea Lemonade with Light Ice

Again with the light ice but really you'll want to get every bit of this refreshing pinkness you can. I'm not a big fruit tea fan, but this is sweet with only a bit of the tart that you normally get with fruit tea. Trust me - order it.

If i'm feeling particularly naughty I'll get either a cheese croissant or their white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. Delicious!

Veggie Burger

All of Fatburger's food is very fresh, but there's just something so amazing about biting into a veggie burger and actually seeing veggies. Normally it's just a puree of questionable ingredients but you can actually see the corn!

To my veggie burger I have onion, lettuce and mayo. Boring that may be, but you don't need any other additions to this love.

If you're severely opposed to a veggie burger, their Crispy Chicken Sandwich is one of the best i've had. I only add mayo and lettuce to this.

I will always have fries and a lemonade with whatever I order.

I don't know how many of you are Canadians but I had to include my mother ship - Tim Hortons.

X-Large Half French Vanilla Half Regular Coffee

Sadly I find Timmies French Vanilla incredibly sweet, too sweet really. So I get half regular coffee and it is perfection!

Chocolate Chip Muffin

Moist, chocolatey, and with a sugar crunch on top! I get this muffin whenever it's my cheat day.

Honey Cruller Doughnut

My favourite doughnut by a million miles. I know that a lot of people don't agree with me, but those people ain't no friend of mine. 

So this really depends on what they are serving when I go, but this is what I would get if everything went as it does in my frozen yogurt dreams. 

Pomegranate Frozen Yogurt with Cheesecake Bites, Grapefruit Pieces, Yogurt Chips and a Waffle Cookie. Sure it may sound weird but don't judge a book by it's pink hipster cover. 

There you have it - my list of amazingly healthy fast food options!

 I would love to hear what you order at your favourite junk joints.  X

YouTube!

So like most of us I watch YouTube, definitely more than I should and definitely when I shouldn't. I work in a reception job where I am literally by myself all day waiting for the phone to ring, so I have a lot of time on my uncalloused hands. I use this time to catch up on the videos of some of my favorites and find some undiscovered favorites. YouTube, as you all know, is a community of people sharing their opinions, art and lives through video. What do you do in a community? Share the things you are loving with your neighbors...except that crazy guy next door who always has his curtains closed and only comes out at night - he could be a werewolf, it's best to steer clear. Anywho, here are a few YouTubers that I've been getting paid to watch this week.

Mackenzie Johnson 

 

Mackenzie Johnson is truly one of the most talented people I have seen- ever. She does killer covers of pop favorites. However, she also does her own original songs with some of the most truthful lyrics this girl has heard in awhile. If you can't tell already I love her. In a completely platonic sort of way. Don't get weird. 

My favorite cover that she does is TLC's No Scrub. I can literally watch that 15 times and not get tired of it. I urge you to take 5 minutes of your time to go check that out, but if you do make sure you either have my job or a spare hour as you will get caught up in her quirky flawless voice.

Just let it happen. 

Mamrie Hart

Mamrie Hart is funny. That's really all you have to know about her, but since this is a blog and blogs are made up of words I shall continue. She is so endearingly bizarre that you can't help but wish you were best friends. She makes puns of the highest of calibers which is exceedingly difficult as puns are not known to be of such a class.Let her lead you into oblivion with her well thought out assortment of celebrity related alcoholic beverages.

Although I will say, she does swear and drink like a champ so be cautious. Big sister talk done.

Charlie McDonnell

So Charlie is definitely not a new favorite but he is a favorite nevertheless. Like many others, he was one of the first people that I saw on YouTube, and what a great way to start hey? Not many people could say that they painted themselves purple or drank a bottle of Ketchup and still managed to make them high quality.  But if you watch this guy's videos you'll see that that's what you will always get. Regardless of subject matter he won't post something that he isn't happy with, which, I must say, is definitely something to be admired in a community as self deprecating as this. Although there are some sillier videos, as mentioned above, he also puts up some amazing thought provoking content as well. If you haven't already watched it please go and watch his most recent video on consent. It's for everyone and their pet.

 I know there are tons of 'fangirls' who swoon over Charlie, and I admit I have been known to swoon on occasion, but he puts out some of the most thought out videos on the interwebs to date.....That wasn't too swoony was it? Just watch, you'll see.

SORTED Food

These are the Sorted boys and by golly you will be happy that I've added them to this list. They make food and they're English. I have sold you already, haven't I? They're just cheeky chaps who are best friends and make really amazing easy dishes. Ben, Barry, Mike and Jamie make up the gang and just like the Spice Girls, everyone has their secret favorite. 

It's because of them that I have found out that I make a mean loaf of foccacia. Thanks guys!

So have you found some new favorites or have I wasted your time? Who are you loving watching this month? Also, is there let me know if there is a less creepy way of saying that.

 Byes!

Review || Origins Drink Up Face Mask

I've had this face mask for a couple months so far but really wanted to give it a fair go before I told you my opinion on it. I had seen and heard about Origins from other blogger for ages and ages before I succumbed and went to Sephora. To be honest this is probably one of the first skin care products that I've bought without doing my research, which is probably why it won't be being repurchasing this again (but we'll come to that in a bit). My skin is extremely sensitive to new products so I always make sure that I check blog posts, video reviews, magazine ratings, ect before I buy anything, especially if i'm going to be spending a pretty penny on it. You live and learn and I feel I have had my fair share of teachings..cue sad montage of pimply teenage Becca. 

I'm a huge believer that when it comes to skin care it is definitely worth parting a good $30 or $40 dollars, especially if it means that your going to get the results you need -want. Although I know that there are some crazy low budget miracle workers out there as well. This is why when you do hype yourself up to just go for it, to purchase that clean velvety bottle of needless necessity and it doesn't turn out, I turn into a very grumpy camper. 

 

Now, finally onto why this $28.00 tube of citrusy doom just wasn't my cup of tea. Although I do love the aroma of it, and really wish I could get a shampoo in the apricoty concoction, this mask has just done absolutely nothing in helping my skin fight against the cold dry Canadian winters. However, to be fair it hasn't done anything to hinder it either. It has a great thick consistency however when you put it on it doesn't sink into your skin, rather it sits on top and mocks you for falling for the simplistic charm of it's packaging. Why do I always think that if something is beautiful that it's gonna treat me right. Two words. Daddy Issues. 

I don't know it was just me who felt that it coated my skin without giving any hydration, but I've since looked at some reviews and have come to a conclusion. It's pretty much just me. I don't know why but no matter what I do I can't seem to make this mask work for me. I've tried leaving it on for the 10 minutes it says, I've tried 30 minutes, going to bed with it on and washing it off in the morning, I've used it as a moisturizer. Nothing has worked and each time I use it I like it less and less. Although it does say that it's the fountain of youth so maybe I'm already 

just so youthful that it doesn't have anything to work on. Probably not though. 

 

 

So since this mask hasn't worked..at all.. I am in the marked for a new moisturizing mask that will actually do something, anything at all, just something. I would love to hear your suggestions so please let me know in the comments!

Talk soon X

Welcome to the Family!

I don't know if you guys know this about me, but I am severely addicted to animals. If I see a dog on the street I simply must pet it, if there's a cat wandering the back alleys I will check it's collar and bring it home, if there's a snake on the grass I...well I'd probably just leave it there - no one likes snakes.

With this love of animals comes the daily checks to the animals available at the animal shelter, and the never ending begs of 'I have to have that dog! We are meant to be'! However, since I am moving in a few months I figured that getting an animal though new and exciting would also be incredibly cruel and selfish as I would have to pawn it off to a friend who most likely would give it back to the shelter. This was an obvious no go for me. Obviously.

 So, as you can see although I didn't pick up anything furry, I did get something living. Succulents! Who knew they came in pink?! 

And before you mention anything I am very aware that this is an insanely boring monotonous post, but I simply had to share my new pals with all my lovely internet buds! 

Sure I don't know much if anything about plants, much less succulents but on the little paper tab thing that all plants come with, it only said that I had to water them once a month. Even I can do that. This way when I do leave, and if these aren't dead, all my mum will have to do is water them and open my curtains. Easy Peasy! 

Also, can we please take a moment and appreciate of amazing these photos turned out?! 

I haven't named any of my new family members - A because they're plants and B because A. If you were to give them identifiers what would you call them?

Apps I Love

 

I don't know about you but every now and then I go on an insane app spree. There's only 1 rule. The app must be free, I can't be spending money on something I can't wear. Through my app spree I often find some greatly unappreciated gems. I know that I love finding new amazing games to play and I thought that you might too. 

First is the oh so festive Rail Rush. Basically this love is a Christmasy version of Temple Run and Subway Surfers. 

Proceed With Caution as this game is highly addictive and may cause fatigue. 

Frisbee 1 & 2. My kryptonite. This game holds my most accomplished and biggest waste of time awards. If you know this game you would know that you can either get a bronze, silver or gold medal once you finish each level. You will also know that there are about 10 worlds and 12 levels within each world. I got gold in everything. When I say everything I literally mean everything! Even those impossible bonus levels. Please please only get this game if you don't have the deliberating characteristic of being a perfectionist.... Actually never mind, just go get it!

Ever watched Countdown and wished that they would have a version that wasn't so fricken hard and that didn't have any math questions? Well look no further than free Boggle! It's amazing. Once you start playing you can't stop. Even when you do stop it's all you can think about. I guess it's kind of like an addiction but if you're learning along the way can it really be called an addiction? The short answer is no!

Next and last is definitely the most unappreciated of the bunch. Scrabble. Yes that's right, I love Scrabble. With the app you can set it on easy so you almost always beat the computer! In any other game where you play against the computer you haven't got a chance in the firery blazes of hell, but on Scrabble you win!! Isn't that enough to make you want to get this? You will finally live the childhood dream of beating 'The Computer'!! 

Just a short little burst of word vomit but hopefully one that you can appreciate. 

What apps are you currently slipping on ice for? 

Have an amazing week everyone! Keep warm! X

Want a Personal Stylist?

Of course you do. Who doesn't? If you thought that you couldn't afford one now or ever, you won't believe me when I tell you that you can now have one for FREE!

I wrote a post a few months ago about a new clothing website that allows you to show and share clothes with your friends. Recently the lovely Laura from Mallzee, hello if you're reading this, sent me an email letting me know that they had created a new iPhone/iPad/iPod app that acts like a personal stylist in your pocket.

 

 

The Mallzee app allows you be at home in your jimmy-jams whilst picking out sophisticated ensembles catered specifically to you and it's so simple to get started! All you have to do is download the app, select your favorites stores, connect to Facebook and browse to your hearts content. There's no need to rifle through racks upon disorganized racks, you just double tap the clothes you like, pinch the ones you don’t, and share to get opinions on the one's that you’re not too sure about. The more that you use Mallzee the more clever and tailored it becomes. BONUS! In no time at all you'll be addicted to this little patch of certain sunshine!

 

Go ahead, get the free app to test and try it for yourself.

 

 

What are your favorite apps at the moment? X

Best Moments of Girl World

Before I start this post I just want to apologize to you all for my being so awol lately. I was in LA and Disney for 10 days but that's all really just an excuse for being lazy. I'd like to promise that I'll post bi-weekly or even weekly from here on out, but if you've been reading my blog for a little you'll know how utterly hopeless I am at being consistent. I will try but basically this note is just a sorry in advance... Sorry.

 

On with the show!

 

 

 

Taking your bra off. I'm sorry if you're a guy reading this but you have to understand how momentous this moment is everyday for us. The feeling of unhooking those leechy latches and letting the blood flow back and when, there's no dignified way of saying this, the girls go free. Phoar! It's a goodin.

 

Releasing your hair from that too tight top knot. I never realized how many bobby pins I actually put into my hair until that miraculous/painful moment where I take my hair down when I get home. How have I not impaled my head on one of those devilish spears yet?

 

Seeing that pink sequined something from across the largest Forever 21 in the world and rushing towards it body checking any girl who even glances at it before you get there. Then deciding that you really don't like it, but you still stuff it behind a large woolly sweater so no one else can buy it.

 

Dancing and singing in a faux broadway fashion but then you nail that high Idina Menzel note in Gravity. You've never felt so proud of yourself.

 

The guy who you like and think likes you too cause you know, he looks at you all the time and blushes and laughs that adorable laugh and is just so perfectly perfect, texts you 'What did I miss in class yesterday?' It's obviously just an excuse to talk to you. Obviously.

 

I know it's not much but I just felt like writing a little mind wandering list. I hope that you have all been well recently and that you are staying warm this blustery evening. It's -30*C where I am without wind chill! Perfect excuse to wear a onesie - am I right ladies and One Direction!?

 

 

What are you favorite of all favorite reasons it's best to be a girl?

ModCloth's Gifts for Giving *

Everyone is planning their holiday parties for the next few months and it's always nice to have a little gift to bring as a thank you or simply just for fun to let people know you appreciate their kindness. I think ModCloth has some wonderful gifts that are absolutely perfect for these occasions! Take a look at some of my favorites below or check them out here: ModCloth's Perfect Gifts

 

 

 

 

Our Favorite Goodies At ModCloth
 

Macaron Maker Apron from ModCloth	Mix Munch Flatware Set in Ocean from ModCloth	Chocolate Chip Cookies from ModCloth	House Rules Table Runner from ModCloth

Lush Haul!



Floating Island Bath Melt || A French Kiss Bubble Bar || Fizz Banger Bath Bomb || Stepping Stone Foot Scrub
 

It feels like it's been ages since I've done my last Lush something. I suppose that I should be proud, given how much I would be spending if I allowed myself to give in whenever I felt the temptation. Which, for your information, would be every second day.

 

My Lush has recently gone and gave their already amazing store a massive revamp so really I was just doing my duty as a mall go'er to support them in their endeavours. I was being selfless until I became selfish and wanted to buy everything and call the lovely sales girls my best friends. It's near impossible to feel unwanted in that store. If your being ignored by the humans in your life and you don't have a dog, go into your local Lush shop because everything will be set anew! Maybe if there was lovely bath bubbles and oils around in when WW2 began things wouldn't have gotten so messy! They really just needed a lovely soak whilst listening to Michael Buble. Solved!

Alright let's get less controversial. I think that it's safe to say that the majority of people love Lush and all the wondrous things that lay perfectly inside. I for one could hold back no longer - this is what I got.


Floating Island Bath Melt She smells of lemon, vanilla and cocoa butter. Basically you let her float and fizzle away in your tub whilst you soak and transport yourself to an island full of Johnny Depps fanning your tanned 6 pack'd body. It's really too bad that it's not actually reality, but if this is as close as I will get to him I'll take it 100 times over. This bath melt is specifically great if you have dryer skin and hate taking the time to moisturize your entire body. You'll never have had a bath as long as the bath you'll have with this melt. Luxury has never been so cheap or found in such a compact form!

A French Kiss Bubble Bar Who doesn't love the deliciously calming scent of lavender? Crazy people, that's who!(unless you don't - your definitely not crazy) I wish I could just soak in a vat of lavender oil, but seeing as how that would be ridiculous, as well as exceedingly expensive, I will happily make do with this bubble bar. Frenchy has the best arms that just wrap around you and allow you to fall asleep within a swarm of comfort and bubbles. What more could you ask for?

Fizz Banger Bath Bomb This bath bomb has pop rocks in it. As if you need a better reason to get this star, which you don't, it also smells of apples and cinnamon toffee! How does this exist?! I have no idea but I am overjoyed that it does. Pwef, Lush has gone above and beyond and I think they deserve a cuddle for this one. How many times have you been in your bath thinking about how much you wish fireworks would just spontaneously start? Obviously people at Lush, which is why they get paid the big bucks. Such beautiful minds! Toffee in a bath bomb! This is happening!

Stepping Stone Foot Scrub So feet are gross right? Not with this smartly designed foot scrub. Its in the shape of a foot. Can I please just be inside the mind of a Lush designer? After summer my feet where surprisingly scuffed up, also I just wanted to try the scrub, so I decided to give this good boy a try. So glad that I did, not only do my feet now smell of a refreshing drink of lemonade, but they also look like I've paid someone big smackerolies to bring my feet back to their former glory. $4.50 for this foot shaped foot scrub. I could lick my feet, if I was flexible enough, and would find it a delightful experience. True story.


I wish I could say that it will be awhile for the next Lush haul, but it's Christmas soon and we all know that Lush is the best play on earth at the most wonderful time of the year. I'd probably say that there will be another next month.

What are your all time favorite Lush products that you can't live a good life without?
 

Links I Love #5

Yet again the week has gone by and once again it is Sunday. Weird how that works aint it?

Not really? Oh..yeah I didn't think so either..

Here's to another round of Links I Love!

Have a Little Faith In Me - John Hiatt

This is my favorite song. Have you ever felt as though you were struck to the heart by a certain piece of music? This is mine, every time I hear it I instantly start crying. John Hiatt is a master - can we all go and ask him to sing this at my future wedding? Also the link I gave you has Benny and Joon playing in the video. Just listen and maybe it will strike you the way it struck me.

Baby Orangutan

Yep that's right. Baby Orangutans! In shopping baskets, getting bathed and being fed by bottles! Can you contain your excitement! Just watch it and come back, I`ll wait...

 Christmas at Lush

I can`t tell you how excited I am for Christmas this year! Especially looking at how amazing the spread is at Lush! They have out done themselves yet again. I might as well just hand them my wallet - it would probably be cheaper. I have a problem..

Thanks so much for reading! Have an amazing week everyone!

Tell me what Lush products you are lushting after this Christmas season! Super embarrassing how proud I am right now after using and creating the word lushting!