Recent Empties #1

I've never done an Empties post before - this is because I put things in the basket in the bathroom to review in one big lump, but the boy sees a basket of empties and recycles them for me, being 'helpful'. So I've had words with him and have collected a range of bits over the last two months.

Skincare/Makeup

- Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish - I like this, its not love but I do like it & I was gutted when it died a death, but it did its job and now I've moved on.

- Bioderma - I admit I did buy into the blogger hype, tracked this down on EBay and fell in love. Quick & easy to wipe over my face when I get home before heading out to the gym, I haven't purchased as trying something else, but I almost want to book tickets to Paris! 

- Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control- Meh, could take or leave this, not something I would want to use again, nothing wrong with it but not a lot right with it.

-No7 Eye Makeup Remover - I found this very oily and left my eyelids greasy so I won't be picking it up again.

- Mascaras - These have been in my project 10, they are nearly dead, but I've got to throw them as they are not hygienic anymore.

Bath/Nails

- Natural Collection Mango & Papya - Nice shower gel, did the job, not a lot to say really.

- Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends - A great shampoo for those with Ombre hair, has helped to keep my hair looking a lot better.

- Umberto Giannini Conditioner - This was in a set, no idea what it is but it was a nice, creamy conditioner.

Wilko Nail Polish Remover - YUCK, this smelt like vinegar and was total rubbish! Teach me to buy cheap polish remover.

- Baylis & Harding Body Wash - I actually use this for chucking in when I have a LUSH bath bomb that doesn't give many bubbles. A nice bubble bath, not overpowering in scent, its cheap and cheerful.

- Batiste Dry Shampoo - I can't get on with dry shampoo, no idea why but it just makes my hair greasier! Not sad to see this go, but I will try and persevere to see if I can find something better.

So I'm glad to have these gone, I've not repurchased any of them as I have plenty to work through in the meantime :)

What bits have you used up recently? xx

Review & 250GFC follower Giveaway - La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

When a blogging hype comes round, I try and fight it for as long as I can, however I normally cave at some points, and I did with the Effaclar Duo.

I picked up two of these as I know that my Boots was empty of these for the best part of a month! 

Effaclar Duo is a serum that helps to correct & unclog any imperfections. Some people choose to use this alone as their moisturiser whilst others use it under their moisturiser. I tried both ways and preferred it under my moisturiser. 

I used it for 2 months, twice a day and did see some improvement in my skin. My skin felt softer, appeared smoother and less red. A nice product, but it didn't wow me.

As I picked up two, I've got one sitting there in need of a new home, plus I recently hit 250 GFC and 175 Bloglovin. I'm planning a big giveaway at 200 Bloglovin, but thought I would give this one away as well. To enter, all you need to do is follow the instructions below.

It will run from today (31/05) until 14/06). I will pick one winner and will let them know by e-mail :) It's open internationally!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! xx

Boohoo Midi-Skirts - £10 Bargains!

1,2,3,4,5,6

As its half term, I've been spending a lot of time bored, planning is done, books are marked and so that leads to internet shopping! 

When a free delivery code popped into my e-mail from Boohoo.com I couldnt resist a look - and look at these gorgeous skirts!!

All of these are £10 (Bargain!) and perfect for the summer - think I need some of these for the final part of the term as they can be dressed up smart for school :)

To get free delivery, enter the code FREEUK at checkout! 

Which one would you pick? xx

Wobble-Less Wednesdays - Youtube Fitness

With only 7 weeks to go until the summer holidays, plus 13 weeks till I have to force myself to wear swimwear, I need to get a move on with the beach body. Sometimes heading to the gym is not always possible, or I want to add extra to my routine, so I head to Youtube!

I have my favourites to follow, but thought I would share my favs with you :) I'm sure everyone has heard of  both Tone It Up and Blogilates, but I adore both, using everything that is on their sites to help my weightloss.

Tone it Up is filled with different recipes, routines and some wonderful girls. I love how they update daily with different motivation or challenges or meal ideas. The community on the app is great, I know I can jump on their and check in and get the support of lots of other girls around the world!

Cassey is possibly the most bubbly, over-excited fitness instructor I have ever seen! She is bright, excited and one of the best things is that she does the exercises with you, the whole way through the routine. She has full body routines, targeted challenges and it super motivational. I love the monthly workout map - I have this everywhere - on my laptop desktop, IPad background & on the fridge door - If I do the full workout then I can have a tiny treat :)

There are loads of different people on Youtube & blogs that I follow as well!. I adore Carly Rowena for fitness advice and little videos, plus she responds on Twitter! I keep uptodate with Jayne Becca & Cantara to help keep me motivated!

THere are loads of other fitness bloggers out there, I'm trying to build more fitness into this blog, I would love it if you let me know what you want to see!

Who do you follow to keep your fitness on track? xx

NOTD - Look Beauty Nail Pop in Fetish

I spent the weekend with my family, so no posts over the weekend but its half term (woohoo) only a week but time to get sorted with blogging again.

Kicking that off, we have the anti-summer nail polish. Black nails are meant to be winter shades, but with the weather like this, I might as well rock it now! 

Nail Pop is the nail polish range from Look Beauty. There are loads of colours, but the names are awesome - this one is called Fetish.

An almost gun metal black/grey, Fetish has tiny silver flecks in it which really stand out under bright lights.

The formula is really good, I found this to be quite creamy and easy to work with. It covered perfectly in two coats and was really shiny. It lasted 3 days with no base coat, only really chipping with general wear & tear on the last day.

For £5 the nail polish is well worth picking up, Look Beauty normally have some offer on their products, either on their own site or via Superdrug (their currently 3 for 2!)

What do you think? What are your anti-summer colours? x

Wobble-Less Wednesday - Sometimes I wish...

...that there was a magic tea to help make me thin

...that weight didn't disappear from the top down

...that seeing results was a lot quicker

...that orange chocolate could be classes as part of your five a day

...that it didn't matter what the scales say

...that jeans didn't toy with your emotions

...that water had magical properties that helped rid cellulite

...that there was a cream or a pill to take

...that it was possible to swap bodies with a thiner person for a day

...that we weren't judges on what we eat, what we look like or how much we weight

...that all the above was true, but it's not, fitness and health is not just a short term thing but a way of life. It takes time, hard work and dedication.

When you feel like giving up as your not seeing results, stop and look at the small achievements - keep going!

What do you wish? Xx

NOTD - Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Paint Greenberry - Review

Barry M are fast becoming one of my go to nail polish brands. Their Gelly Hi-Shine range is one of the best ranges of polishes in the shops at the moment! I've worn most of them now and they really are a smashing group of polishes.

This week I've been wearing Greenberry on my nails. A bright, turquoise green, this is like the love child of Essie's Turquoise & Caicos and Mint Candy Apple, but one of them had a secret fling with Seche Vite!

Its a gorgeous blue green, very bright and eye catching. Like all the others from this collection the formula was easy to work with, no streaks and it lasted really well on my nails, without a base coat. No need for a top coat as its super shiney.

For on £3.99, these are a bargain. You can't currently pick them up from Boots due to safety issues, however Superdrug do still have them in stock and on line! 

Which has been your favourite colours so far? Have you tried any of the new releases? xx

Sunday Makeup Shake-up - #11

 A sneaky repeat this week, but I'm in the depths of Report writing, assessment marking and general getting ready for half term!

Face: 

- Seventeen Photo-flawless Primer (It's nearly finished!)

- Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturiser - an oldie but a goodie!

- L'Oreal True Match Foundation

- Rimmel Blush in Santa Rose

Eyes

- Benefit Browzing

- Benefit Badgal Mascara x2 - nearly finished

- Benefit Lemon Aid 

- Clinique High Impact Mascara

- Rimmel Eye shadow

- No7 Black Gel Liner

I'm nearly through the mascaras so I can't wait really, need to get these chucked away soon! 

Blogging might be a bit thin on the ground at the moment, I'm trying to get things scheduled but its hard when school work is more important! Anywhoo, hope you've had a good weekend. 

Any of these bits in your stash? xx

Wobble-Less Wednesday - Trainers

Another week, another attempt at wobbling less! One thing that spurs me on to the gym is having new gym kit - I actually spend a lot of time in my kit now, but I love buying more but not paying more! 

So I head to the Primark of sports gear - Sports Direct. I could look at the trainers all day, I live in trainers (comfort over style most days) 

The range at Sports Direct is awesome, with some higher priced brands at discount - who really wants to pay £80+ for shows they use to get hot and sweaty?! - would you go to the gym in your &80 Topshop boots?

 1, 2, 3, 4

So, here are my picks from Sports Direct at the moment - all of these are either in the sale or heavily discounted!

All of these are under £40 which is good - especially for the Nike Flex as these are normally £60! 

I've just bought myself a new pair so I can't wait to test drive them!

Does new gym gear motivate you as much as me? xx

NOTD - Models Own Banana Split - Reviw

Afternoon all - another Monday and another nail polish. This is the final polish from the Models Own Pastel Collection, and sadly this is my least favourite!

Banana Split is a bright Banana yellow polish which is very creamy and lobster hand inducing! 

This was quite an easy polish to work with, I didn't find it streaky like some other pastel polishes, it was opaque within two coats. This is a very white toned yellow soi its very pastel and so any redness in your skin it will pick up - not a full manicure for me, but I will use it for dotting and striping I think!

The scent isn't overly bananary, if you like them then this will be fine, but it just reminds me of horrible Narna flavoured medicine as a kid! 

So, thats all the colours from the collection - which ones your favourite?!  xx

Sunday Make-up Shakeup #10

Hola Mon Amigos! I lie here on the sofa, very full of Mexican food and going slightly mad from writing reports, however I needed a break - any excuse to go play with make up!

This weeks bits & bobs is quite simple one, I'm using up lots at the moment so I'm delving deeper into the box - I need to get rid of them.

Face: 

- Seventeen Photo-flawless Primer (Its nearly finished!)

- Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturiser - an oldie but a goodie!

- L'Oreal True Match Foundation

- Rimmel Blush in Santa Rose

Eyes

- Benefit Browzing

- Benefit Badgal Mascara x2 - nearly finished

- Benefit Lemon Aid 

- Clinique High Impact Mascara

- Rimmel Eye shadow

- No7 Black Gel Liner

Lots of old products here. This weeks SATs & Assessment week in school so a busy week, so easy, quick makeup is needed!

As ever, let me know if there is anything you want a review of. What are you using this week? Anything here in your collection xx

Review - Dermalogica Microfoliant

Recently, my skin has been going mental, so I'm packing on the make up which in turn makes my skin worse - its a real vicious cycle. So I've been trying out a few new things, and one of those things has been the Dermalogica Microfoliant.

Dermalogica is one of those brands that I used to think was too expensive, but now know is 'high end' and one that is worth the cost. The Microfoliant is the first thing I've tried from the brand. Its a very finely milled exfoliant which you mix with water and create a paste, before rubbing it onto dry skin.

Its very finely milled but it still sloughs off those dead skin cells. After one use, my skin felt soft and smooth, especially on my skin. Its suitable for being used daily, but I tend to use this twice a week - more because I forget then anything but that seems to be working for me.

This pot is the 13g Travel Size, which retails for about £11.50, but this has lasted me ages, I received this in a Glossybox way back when. Its something I do like, and I would consider repurchasing when this runs out!

Anywhoo - off to hunt down some more skin care, any recommendations? Have you tried anything else from Dermalogica?

Wobble-Less Wednesdays - A Plea to the Nation

Ladies (and gents), tonight I witnessed what I never thought I would witness in my life. An event so upsetting, so shocking, something I never thought I would ever see, I didn't think it was possible.....a lady at the gym hit herself in the face with her BOOBS!

So I ask you, ney I beg you - strap your boobies down!!! 

Boobs, Baps, Boobalas, Tits, Melons, Fried Eggs, whatever you call them, get some support on them if you are doing sport. Its incredibly important that you do strap them down correctly, as the long term damage in undoable. 

Your boobs are made up of a layer of muscles (Pectorals) then all the important bits as well as layers of fat. This is all covered by skin that is thinner than on other parts of your body. This muscle underneath helps with the pertness of the boobs, but thats no good if you've gone and damaged the connective tissue on top - the only way of protecting them is with a correctly fitting, supportive Sports Bra.

Images from http://www.sportsbras.co.uk

You might think you can get away with a sports crop top, over the top or not of your normal bra - this is not enough! Think of your sports bra as the scaffolding to your body - it needs to support them as your boobs move in the opposite way you do, especially in running. They cover 4x the distance you run in a figure of 8 movement!!

You can pick up a decent sports bra for as little of £20 - some of the best out there are by Shock Absorber, you don't need a plunge style - compression is better, especially if you have extra boobage!

So, please lovely reader, protect your boobies as you really do not want to ever give your self, or other gym goes a boob related black eye.

Do you correctly control your boobies? 

NOTD - Models Own Blueberry Muffin - Review

Blue skies, matched with sky blue nails. It's gorgeous weather, and another gorgeous nail polish from Models Owns Fruit Pastel Collection.

With Flash - its more purple based then I could capture! 

No Flash, Natural Light

Blueberry muffin is a purple toned light blue, it's a much lighter, brighter lilac.
As with the others from this collection, it has a hint of a scent, this one is very much like the blueberry gel pens I used to have as a kid - remember those?

Formula was a tad on the light side, it needed 3 coats and for some reason it was harder to work with, and some nails drove me mad - it took ages for them to dry which is really unusual!

The colour for me is the only redeeming thing of this polish, I don't have anything similar, but I don't think I would reach for it very often. You can pick these up for £5, from Boots or Models Own.

What do you think, a gorgeous colour? Did you have the gel pens?!

Sunday Make Up Shake Up #9

This Bank holiday couldn't have come at a better time - it seems that everyone's a bit burnt out and in need of some sunshine and relaxation.

With that in mind, I've picked bits this week that welcome the summer and add some light to my make up.

 Face: - 

- Seventeen PhotoFlawless Primer

- Benefit Your Bluffing

- Benefit It Stick

- Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Foundation

- Mac Medium Deep (Contour)

- Benefit Coralista

- Benefit Girl Meets Pearl highlighter

Eyes: - 

- Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes

- Benefit Bad Gal Mascara

- Clinique High Impact Mascara

- Benefit Lemon Aid

- Benefit Browzing

I realise its a very Benefit heavy week, but I have a lot of Benefit products so it is inevitable sometimes! I'm trying to sort out my skin and get it looking better but these go some way in making it look better.

What have you been using this week? What plans have you got for your Bank Holiday Monday? xx

Models Own Splash Collection

Exciting news lovelies - Models Own have been at it again, releasing their 3rd New collection of the year! Following the success of The Neon & Fruit Pastel they have a collection of 'glide on glitters' just in time for the summer!

Designed as either a glittering top coat or a wash of sparkle for the nails, the five colours are inspired by the sparkling seas!

The colours are;
Aqua Splash - Sea Blue
Pink Paradise - Pink
Red Sea - Fuchsias & Red
Golden Shores - Sandy Coral
Mermaid Tears - Aqua Violet

Judging from the picture, I need Golden Shores and Mermaid Tears in my life and on my nails - imagine on top of the Fruit Pastels/Neons!!

You can pick them up from the Bottle Shop on May 11th, online on the 13th and in store at Boots on the 15th! Priced at £5 , their the perfect holiday nail accompaniment!

Which is your favourite colour?! Don't you just love Models Own?!

Wobble-Less Wednesday - The Power of Protein

Hands up if you like milk shake? What about a shake that helps aid recovery as well as supporting weightloss and promoting lean muscle development?!

Protein shakes are becoming a staple in most people's gym routines, I adore getting home and having an ice cold shake! I used to buy Maxitone but its just so damn expensive (£25 for 14 servings!), plus you only get the choice of 3 flavours, so I went on the hunt for more choice at a lower price.

The Protein Works have produced what I need! They have a range of different products, from shakes to pre-workout supplements and everything in between. I picked up the Diet Whey protein as it contains caffeine & green tea as well as a huge chunk of protein.

The Diet way comes in 8 flavours, currently I have the strawberrys'n cream flavour which is really yummy. I picked up the 1kg bag, which comes with a scoop to help measure out.

The packaging is good as its a ziplock bag so doesn't take up the space of a tub, but it keeps it fresh for ages.

I mix 1 scoop (it advises 2 but I find it a tad chalky) with 350ml of skimmed or 1% milk and shake until smooth. It tastes really good, plus I'm getting a good dose of calcium as well.

I paid £19.99 for 1kg, which is good because that's 18 serving if you do the two scoops, but one scoop stretches it out further! I've seen great result since starting this 4 weeks ago, my recovery time is shorter, I notice more definition on my things and lower legs plus it tastes really good.

If you fancy giving this, or the other flavours a try then head over to The Protein Works - when you register use my referral code  -  SM6476 to get a free 250g bag when you spend £10.

As an extra, if you fancy stocking up then the products, then get 5% off when you spend £50 - click through here! 
                    
For now I'm going to go and mix a shake - need to or I can't walk! Do you use a protein shake? What's your favourite flavour?