Big Payday Haul

Okay so I love pay day! And I love pay day even more when it involves a trip to Space NK. And maybe boots. And Bentalls. As you can see I definitely hit them all up this past weekend and I have some fantastic new things to share - especially a little gem hiding in this picture that I have saved for the end. 

So firstly I had to get some staple repurchases out of the way. Benefit's The Big Easy is my second round and that is because this is a really easy product to throw on when you don't want to think about your face too much. The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask is a massive must have for me when I'm feeling a bit spotty or grubby. Finally Kiehl's ultra facial cream is my go-to moisturiser, it is so good under makeup or for a light night cream (maybe over a serum or if you are blessed with hydrated skin). The other reason this cream is fantastic is because one of the first ingredients listed is Squalane - I wont go too deep into it but basically: 

The body’s squalane levels start naturally declining when we’re in our 20s. Applying nourishing squalane can help you achieve a softer texture and smoother appearance without dreaded greasiness. It has antibacterial properties and can be effective in treating the symptoms of eczema. Acne sufferers can reduce excess oil production by using it as a spot treatment. Over time, using squalane can reduce wrinkles, eliminate scars, reverse UV damage, lighten freckles and erase skin pigmentation while fighting free radicals. - Basically fantastic.

I also picked up some Emma Hardie Cleansing cloths because I think they are so lovely to use and only £10 for 3. They come with 2 sides - one which is muslin and the other a super soft and plushy towel-y side. 

The YSL sales lady definitely saw me coming - I went to purchase the YSL Youth Liberator foundation as I have heard good things and am planning to do a review for you guys (very impressed so far). Ended up leaving with a Touche Eclat as well. Typical.

Nars also had its counter time - I repurchased the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard as I use it every day and was running out and approaching panic mode. While I was waiting for my shade to be found, I convinced myself to buy a Matte Multiple. Now this is technically a repurchase as I have bought one once before but managed to lose it before I got home. I resisted spending more money on another for a long time but finally caved and kept this one firmly in my grasp the whole day.

And now time for the much loved and much discussed Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser. I have not used this before - I know, shocker. However, I have been massively put off by the word Gel in the title. I will do a full review but just to let you know, I really wish I had bought this sooner. It is so gorgeous. 

Lastly but definitely not least - Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil. Oh My God. This is my top find in the past 12 months. I have included a picture of the ingredients list below because it actually has to be seen to be believed. Not one iffy ingredient. NOT ONE. This is so loving for your face and only £45 for 50ml - massive bargain. This can be found in Space NK and I recommend everyone reading to run to your closest shop right now and buy it. Seriously. Go. 

S.

One Lovely Blog Award

A.K.  nominated us for the One Lovely Blog Award! It's such an amazing way to look at the other talented bloggers out there ! 

So here's the rules....

Rules:

1. You must thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog.

2. You must add this set of rules so that your nominees know what to do.

3. You must add 7 facts about yourself to the post.

4. You must nominate 15 other blogs and leave links to them in the post. (we've kept this smaller by nominating our favourite 10)

5. You must let the people know they have been nominated.

6. Follow back the person that nominated you on Bloglovin.

7 Facts About Us:

1. S & K stands for Scarlet and Kristy 

2. We've been best friends since secondary school 

3. Our dream for the blog is only that we get bigger and better, and that you, the readers, enjoy what we post!

4. Scarlet works as a recruiter whilst Kristy is a student at Loughborough University

5. We are both passionate and driven woman 

6. Random: Whenever we meet for a meal its always an ASK Italian (garlic prawns mmmm)

7. You'll often find us having cocktails or shopping 

Our Nominees :

+The Fashion Antlers 

+clutteredcloset 

+Peplum + Coffee 

+StyleBrunette

@NELLIE_LOVES_

@LADY_FOX88

@KATIELOUEVANS

+lisforladybird 

@GEORGIAJADE

@AlsBeautyBox

Mini boots haul!

Hello All! I thought I would share my recent mini haul from boots (can you tell it has just been pay day?)

First on my list of must buys is the new Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo - I chose the Aussome Volume one even though it's for fine hair because lets be honest, who doesn't want more volume? I can't speak much yet for how well it works as my hair is newly washed. However, I can say that it smells incredible! Keep an eye out on Instagram for updates on this one.

I was desperate to repurchase some gimme brow as mine is dangerously close to being completely used up. Probably due to the fact that I use it every day, sometimes twice. Yes I like it that much. While I was there I was eyeing up the new addition to the benefit line - the Majorette blush. This is beautiful and not only due to the gorgeous packaging but also because of the sumptuous cream to powder texture that literally glides on and the fabulous coral colour that is almost NARS-like in its beauty.  

Oh and the L'oreal Confetti top coat somehow sneaked its way into my basket, again I haven't tried this yet but as soon as my gels come off I will give these cute little speckles a bash. 

Now last but no means least - YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in number 5. This is a really stunning, no mirror, deep berry, super moisturising and all round fabulous lipstick. I have wanted this since my last little pay day outing when it was unfortunately out of stock. I now own it - and I am over the moon! 

S.  

Bumble and Bumble | Our top product picks

So bumble and bumble is a brand that both myself and K are adoring at the moment so we thought we could do a little post declaring our faves. 

As we all know S is the mental product collector so obviously I couldn't narrow it down to one product, I have 2 (well 3 but I'm counting shampoo and conditioner as one) My first pick is the BB Straight Blow dry, pour le brushing. I love this stuff, I don't have particularly frizzy hair but I do have a lot of very unruly wavy hair and this little miracle tames it effortlessly. Definitely a new staple in my hair routine. 

Secondly, I nominate the Color Minded Shampoo and Conditioner. Before using this I was a staunch Aussie Colour Mate kind of girl but since experiencing the pure unadulterated pleasure of using the Bumble and bumble stuff I don't know if I can ever go back. The conditioner is so creamy and does exactly what you would want conditioner to do - nourish and in this case help me cling on to my colour for slightly longer. And now we reach the shampoo... When I first used this I was concerned by the thick creamy almost conditioner-esque texture. However, I was amazed at how quickly this washed out of my hair, washing shampoo out of my hair is usually a long and arduous task but with Bumble and bumble this is the case no more. I won't rant forever but basically I love it. I even love it enough to forgive the way they spell colour. 


While S loves the smooth and slick look, our hair is pretty different, both in colour and texture. I've got blonde wavy hair, and my look is more messy and curly, accented by layers. Unfortunately, due to every day shampooing to prevent it from being destroyed by chlorine (I used to swim competitively), my hair cannot go more than one day without being treated. So, after going through product after product I finally decided to try out Bumble and Bumble's Gentle Shampoo. This product works like a dream! Finally I can go more than one day without having to shampoo and treat my hair  like a normal person. It does exactly what it says! I would recommend this product to anyone that struggles with either greasy or over treated hair.

What I'm Loving Right Now | Non- beauty special.

I thought I would share a few of my current obsessions in life. Just because it's nice to share with you guys that my life isn't all about makeup. 

The first thing is a teapot. Yes, a teapot. Anyone who follows our instagram will have been privy to my love of glass teapots. There is something very satisfying about watching your tea brew. Don't ask me why but there is. The one above has some mango and bergamot waiting to be made into iced tea on a particularly sunny day. 

A few weeks ago I went on a perfume specific shopping trip (I know what an exciting life I do lead). And I was fully prepared to drop some serious money in my search for the perfect scent. I tried a crazy amount of perfume that day, pretty much every single one with rose in. I kept coming back to Paul Smith Rose. And I have come to the conclusion that for a Rose lover, as I am, this is the holy grail of perfumes. It is the most perfect rose, I can't even do it justice, my advice is to go and smell it. Now. You will thank me.

These shoes are a bit on the crazy side for me but I was drawn in by a particularly energetic sales assistant at Office. Once I got over the pure weight of the shoes I came to love them, mostly because they are so comfortable, I went to my days meeting and was stomping around covent garden all day in these bad boys and I didn't even have to put on my back up flats.

This watch was a longtime coming, I wore the same watch everyday since my 15th birthday. But the wait was so worth it! This watch is technically a man's watch, but take a few links out on hey presto, no one would ever know. I'm not going to rave about this watch too much because it's not actually available in this country yet as far as I am aware. However, if this does change I will be sure to post about it on instagram so keep your eyes peeled.

S.

Desktop Beauty

 

As you have probably all deduced by now, I am addicted to products. Therefore, since starting full time work I have had to adjust slightly. However I have experimented and come up with the perfect little trio for my desk to keep me going during the day. Don't get me wrong, if I could get away with it I would be putting on a cheeky face mask during the day but, I'm not sure my clients would still be my clients if they saw me with the glam glow mud mask on my face (to be fair it is truly terrifying).

Firstly, my Reve de Miel. Ohhh what would I do without this? I have 3 on the go at the moment; one on my desk, one in my handbag and one on my bedside table. I am addicted to this stuff, it smells so nice, and it is so creamy and moisturising. This keeps my lips beautifully soft and it keeps me a very happy lady. 

This Caudalie eau de Beaute is such a princess product. But I adore it. Literally adore. My job is one of those up and down, everything goes wrong before it can go right kind of jobs so this is where Caudalie come and save the day by de-stressing me with just a few spritzes. And it actually works! Magic. 

This next one is a complete surprise entry. I tried this once while walking past the nails inc counter and I was immediately infatuated. It has a really lovely classic but fresh scent and a beautiful velvety texture. It sinks in quickly so I don't leave a film all over my keyboard and mouse and the handy pump is perfect for a quick surge of moisture without faff. And to top it all off its a nice bottle, perfect desktop companion. 

So that's it, my little desktop trio who keep me moisturised and de-stressed while at work. On a side note, excuse the cheeky orange in the pictures trying to get its 15 minutes of fame.

TMI tag

1: What are you wearing?
S - Miss Selfridge jeans and a Warehouse T-Shirt, nothing too exciting for a lazy Sunday
K - What I wore to work today. My ripped River Island jeans, a white blouse and my mango sunset Roshe Runs

2: Ever been in love?
S - Yes.
K - Yeah

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
S - Yes definitely a few of those under my belt.
K- When I was 13 I got broken up with via email! That was pretty embarrassing

4: How tall are you?
S -5'8
K- 5'7

5: How much do you weigh?
K- Lets be honest, even if we answered this we would lie!
S- Have to agree with K on this one!

6: Any tattoos?
S- Yes I have 4 at at the moment; a wolf on my ribs, Norwegian writing on my hip and and owl and a christmas tree on my ankles. 
K- Not yet, maybe one day

7: Any piercings?
S- I think at last count I had 10.
K- yeah, currently on 5

8: OTP?
S- I dont really know what this means but if its people you think should be together (I think thats what it is) then I would have to go with.... Me and Joe Dempsie!!
K- So my dream couple was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, but thats kinda happened now sooooo Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman.

9: Favorite show?
S- Im a game of thrones gal, but I will always love Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
K- This is so hard! I also love Game of Thrones, Sex And The City and Modern Family.
  10: Favorite bands?
S- I adore Bastille with all of my heart!
K- Currently listening to a lot of Chvrches and MS MR

11: Something you miss? 
S- Living on my own, i've had to move back home recently and i'm missing my independence.
K- My Friends from Uni

12: Favorite song?
S- Weird one but I have always loved Apres Moi by Eartha Kitt.
K- Currently Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud, but this often changes on a daily basis.

13: How old are you?
S- 19
K- 19

14: Zodiac sign?
S- Sagittarius 
K- Gemini

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
S- I look for (probably because I need it more than I like it) someone who will be assertive and won't let me walk all over them.
K- Someone who shares my sense of humour and also has similar interests.

16: Favorite Quote?
S- Make the decision to be who you want to be - My Grandmother (and probably someone else first)
K- I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will - Charlotte Bronte

17: Favorite actor?
S- Stephen Fry or Jim Sturgess 
K- Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

18: Favorite color?
S- I love Red but I also love muted neon greens 
K- Either a duck egg blue or bright orange

19: Loud music or soft?
S- Mostly loud.
K- Entirely depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
S- I tend to drive when i'm sad... although mostly to Brighton if I can. 
K- I don't really have a specific place where I go.

21: How long does it take you to shower?
S- On average 20 mins if i'm rushing.
K- Usually around 15 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
S- I wake up about an hour and a half before work to get ready without being too stressed.
K- 45 minutes if it's just work, up to an hour if I'm off out for the day.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
S- Yes, but looking back on it, it was kind of pathetic fighting.
K- No , but is it weird that I kinda want to be?

24: Turn on?
S- A guy who is ambitious and wears suits..... and has tattoos.
K- A guy that isn't afraid to dance, i'm definitely one for having a boogie on a night out

25: Turn off?
S- I agree with K here but also someone too soppy, i'm not into that at all.
K- A guy that eats too little, I don't want him ordering the salad whilst I'm having a steak

26: The reason I started blogging?
S- I love reading blogs and I started thinking 'that would be a great blog post' about twice a day so I thought I probably should!
K- Been wanting to for ages and thought why not do it with my best friend.

27: Fears?
S- I'm terrified of cows. I also hate them. 
K- I'm pretty scared of Snakes 

28: Last thing that made you cry?
S- Blackfish the documentary - watch it!
K- Sheer tiredness

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
S- To my friend Kimi just now on the phone.
K- To My boyfriend 

30: Meaning behind your Blog Name?
S- I feel like this is quite self-explanatory. Its our initials.  
K- ^

31: Last book you read?
S- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (amazing by the way).
K- Wuthering Heights

32: The book you’re currently reading?
S- Magician by Raymond E. Feist (you may have noticed i'm partial to a bit of fantasy).
K- Woman In Black, I loved the stage show and was told the book was even better.

33: Last show you watched?
S- Hannibal 
K- American Horror Story

34: Last person you talked to?
S- My grandparents.
K- My Dad 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
S- It was actually a really old friend who I haven't spoken to in a while.
K- My sister 

36: Favorite food?
S- Probably sweet potato. Or any carb.
K- hmmmm Tzatsiki 

37: Place you want to visit?
S- New York, but I think I'm going soon!
K- Thailand

38: Last place you were?
S- Work in Wimbledon.
K- My Kitchen

39: Do you have a crush?
S- No, nothing exciting like that going on.
K- My boyfriend if that counts.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
S- I'm not really sure what kind of kiss this question is referring to but non-romantically it was probably my little cousin who came over for a visit.
K- Saying goodbye to my dad with a kiss on the cheek

41: Last time you were insulted?
S- Im thinking this is a good thing but I actually cant remember!
K- I'm not entirely sure , although I joke with my friends all the time.

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
S- I love rhubarb and custards, but not the boiled kind.
K- Drumsticks

43: What instruments do you play??
S- I sing! But no instruments unless you count my rusty recorder skills.
K- I used to play the drums... not very well I must add

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
S- My ring which I got for my 16th birthday and has not come off since, I don't think it actually does come off anymore. 
K- My Pandora earrings which I got for my birthday

45: Last sport you played?
S- Wow, probably years ago when I was still doing PE, I have a gym at my house so not really a sport kind of gal.
K- I threw a Rugby ball around on Sunday, does that count?

46: Last song you sang?
S- Daydreamer by Adele 
K- Somewhere Over The Rainbow 

47: Favorite chat up line?
S- Something genuine.
K- I'm not the best one with chat up lines

48: Have you ever used it?
S- Hmm well this doesn't really apply to my boring answer.
K- Agreed

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
S- My friend lives with me so all the time really.
K- Last night I went with S to an exhibition then to the pub

50: Who should answer these questions next?
S- Anyone and Everyone! But a special shout out to Emilie at Someone in the Corner.

Space NK Sale - My Picks

Space NK, one of my favourite shops on the planet, is having a sale! Starting today, June 25, there are loads of great products that are up to 50% off and I'm going to share my top picks with you.

Luxe Travel Brush Collection by Laura Mercier - 

Was £65 now £32.50

Mini Rose Gift Set by Ren- 

Was £18 now £9

Life NK Drift Away Bath & Shower Gel - 

Was £12.50 now £6

Included in the sale are also some super cute toiletries bags by Beautannia, well worth checking out! The one above is my favourite. 

Was £30 now £7.50 (yes I doubled checked, I promise it's true)

Space NK have also included some really great Rococo nail polishes including this Lad Nude 1.0 which I love. 

Was £12 now £6.

Basically this is a really great sale I had to share with you, and trust me it was difficult making a list this small, if you want to go and check it out yourself click here.

One face, 3 occasions.

This post I am going to talk a little bit about how easy it is to transform a look by just changing the lip colour.

With for this I just did a really quick base, using Benefit Bigger Than BB Big Easy in No 5 - Beige.

Then I threw on some concealer, today I used NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Medium1 - Custard. This I blended in with my Real Techniques Complexion sponge. I also did some super quick and basic contouring on my cheeks, temples and jaw for which I used Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium which I, of course, blended in a little.  

Next step was the brows, I went for quite a strong brow due to the simplicity of this look. I used Benefit Gimme Brown in Medium/Deep then defined them slightly more with the Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Dark Brunette. 

The most important part of this is keeping the eyes super simple, I opted with just a tad of black gel eyeliner on my eyelids and top it all of with some mascara (L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess).

This look is something that I would wear to work, understated and sophisticated. The lipstick I have on Is Mac in Matte in the shade A83 - Kinda Sexy which is now available in the UK (yay).

This lipstick is a surprise member of my collection, I bought it from New Look and its made by Gold by Giles and it's in the colour Flare. I couldn't resist buying this purely because of the fabulous colour but was pleasantly surprised because it is not a bad lipstick at all. But this is a perfect look for a summer day.

Last but not least is the evening look, this would look perfectly good in any London bar for Friday night drinks, the perfect transition. This lipstick is again by Mac (sometimes you just can't beat Mac) this is again in a Matte finish and in the colour A93 - Russian Red. This is a PERFECT true red and the matte finishes means that it is super long lasting, perfect for a night on the town. 

Veet Easy Wax Electrical Roll-On Kit : Review

This is a product that kind of worked but mostly didn't. I love the idea of it and was keen for it to work, after all who doesn't crave an easy hair removal method. The roll on element of it was brilliant, so easy and the wax even smelled quite good.

However, this was where it started going down hill, it just didn't get all of the hairs out. At first I thought that maybe the hairs weren't quite long enough so I grew them out and tried again but nope, even going over some areas twice it just didn't get those stubborn hairs - you know the ones you want it to get.

A fun fact about me is that I live with a beauty therapist, she very kindly assisted me with this experiment. This means the lack of success is not due to my dubious waxing technique either.

I came to the conclusion that the wax is not the right consistency to grip the hairs, it just sits on top of some of them. So, unfortunately, a purchase to probably avoid.

s.

ATM: Top 5 Beauty Picks

1. Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter.

This cleansing balm is so light and silky making it perfect for young skin. I find a lot of cleansing balms very heavy but this cleanses really deeply but still keeps its heavenly texture. It turns into a really nice oil as you rub it in, perfect for a DIY face massage. Its also brilliant to use with the clarisonic, if you so wish. And to top it all of its only £12, easy on the purse and a brilliant product, what more could you want?

2. Jurlique Rose Hand Cream.

Sinks in oh so quickly but still gets the job done and it smells incredible! Im obsessed with anything rose scented and this one is really hard to describe - almost a slightly fruity light rose, but still definitely rose (can you tell I won't be doing any perfume reviews). All in all a hand cream that is a pleasure to use, I have a few in different sizes dotted around my life.


3. Dior Airflash CC Primer. 

This creates healthy looking glowy skin. It can be used on its own on incredible skin days to give the face a bit of life or under foundation for the slightly less perfect among us. I spray some on the back of my hand then apply to cheeks, nose and forehead with a buffing brush. 


4. Bobbi Brown Corrector. - Light to Medium Bisque.

A little pot of pink magic, the perfect colour to erase any dark circles that crop up (far too often in my case). This layered with any concealer over the top to even out the colour then given a bit of a blend with the real techniques miracle complexion sponge - or a finger - and voila! Beautiful smooth and awake face, like I said, magic. 


5. St Tropez Self Tan Classic Spray.

A light fine spray that I think is the way to go for us lazy girls out there. I am partial to haphazardly spraying it until the point that I conclude it has probably covered the important bits, then throw my clothes on and get on with my day. I know all logic dictates that this must end in disaster but it somehow still results in a beautiful even tan with out the dreaded orange palms. The only problem with this is the nozzle does get a bit rebellious towards the end of it's life, but this is something I am more than willing to put up with. 


This list could probably have been about 100 items long but the rest of the items have been stashed away in my little book of secrets so any lovely readers have lots to look forward to. 

S.