SEVENTEEN Rock Hard Couture Nail Effect in Celestial Pearl

Whilst perusing the local Boots for a  new pink polish the other day, I came across this beauty. Having not read much about this is in the blogosphere, I was intrigued so naturally I decided to pick one up.

The SEVETEEN Rock hard couture Nail Effects are textured polishes but with more sparkle. I''m not the biggest fan of the texture effect as I pick at my nail polish, and they just feel weird and heavy on the nail. In terms of the texture though it's not overly gritty like the Barry M offerings. More spongey and marshmallowy. Yes, that is now a descriptive word.

The colour, celestial pearl, is perfect though. White, with glimmers of a champagne colour. Looks classy without being over the top. The textured effect also helps show off the colour as it adds extra dimension. I'd call it 'classy glitter'. It takes two coats for full opacity, which is fab. It takes a bit longer to dry as it is a thick polish due to its texture but once dried it had minimal chipping in the three days I sported this on my nails. Winner.

So if you want something a bit different, I'd recommend you try this. Yes, textured polishes may be so last season daaarling but there is still time to squeeze this into your nail wardrobe. And at £3.99 it's not going to break the bank now.

Did you know that by clicking here you could enter my MAC giveaway?

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The Starting Off Project: Skincare

The modern age means one thing: reviews are plentiful, lust is there and there are a whole sea of products all vying for you to open your purse to purchase. If you are new to this mess, where do you start? Enter The Starting Off Project (#theSOproject) the brain child of Steph over at Stephs Voice. An initiative for those who maybe need some guidance by those who have tried and tested many things, a collective of good (and questionable) advice!

Today, I'm going to talk about skincare. For reference, I have normal/combination skin that doesn't break out unless I'm having a hormone fight. Below, the products that you need, some alternatives to them and an explanation why. Oh, and nothing will cost more than a tenner. I'd like to point out that this stuff is normally on offer in one of the drugstores, so shop around. The links I've provided are for the cheapest at the time. Enjoy...

Morning

So you've woken up after a fitful nights sleep. You drank all that water you are told to before bed right? You KNOW that you are supposed to.. terrible. Drink more. In the morning I like to go the extra mile, as putting makeup on skin that isn't smooth takes more time and effort. I use Nivea Refreshing Facial Wash Gel  and depending on how the skin is feeling, either use a flannel to take it off or my Bodyshop Facial Brush, which for £4 is a bargain and if you take anything from this post go out and buy this. Once your face is clear of any dead skin cells, grime and buildup lets plump it up using a nice moisturiser. Firstly, buy one with SPF. Every little helps and all that. I use No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal Skin which is £12.50 but Boots normally have £5 off No7 skincare vouchers knocking around. I like the smell, it sinks in quickly and makes my skin feel plump and ready to go. For a cheaper alternative, use Nivea Visage Light Daily Moisturisng Creme. As you can imagine, this takes all of about 5 minutes, if that.

Evening

This is where a little more time is taken, as it is removing the build up of general dirt and makeup residue. Start by taking that pesky eye makeup off. I use Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover as it is hardwearing against that pesky waterproof mascara. And currently its £2.66. Once that is done I like to was the face. My current fave is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask as it washes the face, it feels clean after but also doubles up as a 5 minute mask for more in depth cleaning. Also currently £2.66. The Biore Nose Strips are used as and when I need them, at the most once a week. These things are handy to have in your arsenal of goodies. Finally, a night cream, mine of choice being the Nivea Regenerative night cream, £3. In the morning my skin still feels moisturised, thats why I use it so much. I really rate the range, and you should too.

As you can see there are no makeup wipes. Why? Because even if you are drunk this doesn't take long, it can be done and makeup wipes are work of the devil.

Notable Extras

These are for when my face needs a little extra, or there is a bit of residue left over. Fit these in between  the cleansing and moisturising stages. Lush Eau Roma water is a Lavender based toner water that removes any excess cleanser and doubles up as a facial spritz on hot days. I leave this in the fridge.

The Neutrogena Blackhead eliminating Cleansing Lotion is a powerful little tool I use when my skin is feeling clogged.. a quick sweep over the face after taking the makeup, used every other day, keeps spots at bay. Finally a hot cloth cleansers is a great tool to have if your stash. I use the Boots Hot Cloth Cleanser but Superdrug do a great alternative too.

There you have it. The routine. All under ten pounds. Your welcome.

Do you agree with any of these? Disagree? Lets start a discussion! Let me know what you think below.

Remember, you can win a MAC lipstick of your choice by entering here.

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Pinterest Picks 2

Another day, another load of useful pins to share from my virtual pin board.
Please feel free guys to leave your names for me to follow and check you out.
Today I've focused more on beauty rather than my mishmash like last time so I hope you enjoy, always leave a comment if you've any suggestions!

http://pinterest.com/pin/407294360021173531/

Nail Polish Trick

I am going to try this today. If it works, dear lord I will be a happy bunny.

http://pinterest.com/pin/407294360021162090/

Eyeliner Shape Step by Step

I cannot do my eyeliner. Fact. By trying out this helpful step by step though i did achieve something that could pass mid way as passable so great for movies like myself!

http://pinterest.com/pin/407294360021162105/
Colours to suit your eye colour

Now this in invaluable. Eyeliner and eyeshadow that suits your eye colour? In a handy chart? Amazing!

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No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour in Hotting Up

Recently featured in my Daisy Nail Art How To, this new offering has quickly become a firm favourite of mine.

No7 Gel Look Shine is tagged as giving 'spectacular coverage in one stroke' and a 'high gel shine'. But does it?

I present to you 'Hotting Up', a bright fuchsia pink. Brilliant, classic colour which is great all year around. It does cover well in one coat but I would recommend two to make sure every flaw is covered. For the shine... Well that it does live up to. For research purposes I did use a topcoat on one nail but you wouldn't be able to tell which. One less step on a manicure? Epic win.

So, if you are in Boots any time soon why don't you give them a whirl? For £6.50 you can't really go wrong...

...But you could get two Barry M Gellys for that price. Just sayin'.

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Rimmel Apocalips in Nude Eclipse

With the announcement that new shades are going to be released, I believed it the right time to pop my 2p (not cents, I'm english after all) in. Following on from my need to have more subtle, neutral colours for work this purchase seemed a given as I had never tried a formula such as this before. Rimmel Apocalips promise rich, intense colour and a satin smooth shine. I love this colour on me, however it does look akin to MAC Japanese Maple on these photos ( I promise they aren't the same).
Lasting power is good, they last a few drinks on a night out before topping up, and for normal everyday use they fare well also. For the price tag of £5.99 (or depending which drugstore has an offer on them) there are more than enough reasons to have at least one in your stash..

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Liebster Award 2 & 3

In the last few days, I've been nominated for not just one, but two Liebster awards, by Alice at Mutterings Of A Teenager  and Stef at Scottish Stefs Nails. If you don't know what its all about, its for those blogs than have less than 200 followers, as a way for you, the reader, to find new blogs and find out about the authors of them.
I've already done one, which you can read here last year so I won't be doing the whole hog again, but as Alice and Stef were lovely enough to nominate me, I will answer their questions and find another 11 facts about myself! So here we go:

11 Facts About Me
1. I don't like tomatoes but I love ketchup.
2. I like lager. And craft beer.
3. I love watching Come Dine With Me. I LOVE IT. I can't cook anything though..
4. My nickname is Lil Moo.
5. Oh, my names actually not Charlie either. It's Charlotte. (Oh Haiiiii)
6. I have a ridiculous bodyclock. It's currently 8am on a Saturday, I'm not at work and I've already been awake 2 hours.
7. I have a scar on my iris from when I got an eye ulcer. I was about a milimeter away from blinding myself.
8. I have been to 11 primary schools. I was always the new girl.
9. I prefer dogs over cats (I have a cat.. go figure)
10. I am not a vegetarian but often choose veggie dishes over meat ones as I prefer the taste.
11. I have 7 ear piercings.


Stefs Questions
1. Do you prefer prints or block colour?
I prefer block colour as it lasts for longer, in the fashion sense.
2. Are you creative, academic or both?
I would hope I was academic, I sure am not creative in the slightest
3. Name one blogger and their blog that you would recommend?
Adrienne at The Sunday Girl. Her massive following is because of her honest reviews and great swatches meaning a purchase is rarely a waste of money.
4. What's your favourite song at the moment?
Probably I'm Into You by Paramore as its definitely a treadmill song.
5.What would your ideal career be?
As a child I wanted to be an air hostess, now I want to be successful I'd love to be a high flying translator for some rich dude or dudette.
6. What are your favourite American TV programmes?
Franklin & Bash, Greys Anatomy, True Blood, Suits, New Girl to name a few! I'm slowly getting into suits but I'm all over True Blood.
7. What is your favourite nail polish brand?
Nails Inc as I've tried and tested them, I love them and their application and colours are great. That doesn't mean Models Own and Barry M don't give them a run for their money.
8. Skater dress or bodycon?
Skater dress as it hides last nights beer and curry podge. Bodycon dresses really make me feel self conscious at the moment.
9. What is your favourite make up product?
Foundation. I hate my skin for its uneven skintone, freckles and redness. If I can cover it, its all the better.
10. Boots or Superdrug?
This is hard! I prefer boots for the points but Superdrug tends to always have the better offers on!
11. Bright nail polish or nude nail polish?
Bright! Models Own Beach Party anyone?

Alices Questions
1.When did you first start wearing makeup?
If I remember correctly, Year 7 so would be 12/13? Granted it wasn't much but it was still something.
2. Favourite high street brand?
Rimmel, as their foundations do as they say on the tin, the polishes are hard wearing and durable, their face powder is one of the best and their lipsticks are brilliant with a range of colours. I think that about sums it up.
3. If you only had one day to live, what would you do?
Do something crazy, like skydiving or bungee jumping. Eat anything I wanted without issue. Blow my savings on gifts for friends and family (I wouldn't be needing it would I?)
4. All time favourite piece of clothing (include a picture)?
I dont have a picture as I don't have a favourite piece of clothing! I'm not totally into fashion, I wear simple pieces. My favourite thing I guess was my All Saints Jeans but I ripped them on a fairground ride so no pictures.
5. Why did you start blogging?
A few years ago whilst at uni. I didn't really put my all into blogging until a few months ago as recently there have been mucho changes going on.
6. What are your goals for life?
Buy my own house.
7. Would you rather buy one expensive product or buy a few drugstore products?
A few drugstore products, as some of them are on parr or surpass the higher end!
8. Who is your celebrity role model and why?
I don't have one as I don't think its possible to truly know who they are. There are those I respect but I don't see them as a role model!
9. Favourite scent?
Lady Million by Paco Rabanne
10. Who are your fashion icons?
This kind of follows on from question 8 however someone like Holly Willoughby or Angelina Jolie, they dress for their shape in well tailored garments that suit them!
11. If you could have anything in the world, what would it be and why?
My own house. Its my goal in life, it's what I really want. A sanctuary of sorts!

PS Remember you can win a MAC lipstick of your choice in my giveaway

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Giveaway: MAC lipstick of YOUR CHOICE

I've only recently got back into blogging, now my life has found a balance I can deal with. Over the last few weeks my blog has gone from strength to strength, the writing has improved and people have given me some feedback I really do appreciate. So with that said, I know some people don't have the cash to have the more luxury things and some do. But I want to give everyone a chance to get something for nothing, something they will love and appreciate.

I want to give you the chance to win a MAC lipstick. Of your choice.
How awesome is that?!!

It means you can pick something you love, which will make me happy. It really is a thank you for taking 2 minutes out of your life to read this blog.

Rules:
- UK only, simply because of the postage extravaganza
- GFC, Twitter and Bloglovin' follows are mandatory entries (it is for readers after all)
- Runs for 4 weeks
- Winner will be contacted over Twitter.

Thank you so much. Really.
It means the world.

Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Soap and Glory Bodycare: Quick Reviews

L-R Heel Genius, Smoothie Star, Clean Girls, Slimwear

Every girl has (probably) either owned or used something from this iconic retro brand. No nonsense on the label, cute pink colours and retro glam all neatly containing some wonder products. Today I'm going to focus on a few, and give some 'quick reviews'.

Heel Genius (£5.50 here)

Socks? Check. Bed? Check? Heel Genius? Check.

This stuff is worth the hype. I used to work in a bar, constantly on my feet so they developed a very hard and crusty (sorry for using that word.. imagery or what) layer of hard skin. Massage into the feet before bed and go to sleep. You'll notice something in the morning but do it everyday for a week and you will have feet that are as soft as a babies bottom. It smells of fruits and mint, not an overpowering one but it is a strong scent all the same. Out of all the products mentioned this one would be the ultimate re-buy as for the price you can't go wrong. If you are going to buy anything, buy this.

Smoothie Star (£10 here)

Ingredients like Almonds, Honey, cocoa butter and oaks makes this smell divine. With its useful pump it means you don't over use the product and have to walk around like a zombie whilst it dries. It soaks into the skin with ease and makes it feel plump and soft. Works well on those nasty areas such as knees and elbows. I rate this more than the body butters and its great for after showers and everyday use, rather than a luxury treat. Did I mention it smelled divine?

Clean, Girls (£6.50 here)

Not quite the iconic Clean on Me body wash, Clean Girls is a much more girly and pleasant scent (in my opinion). Vanilla, musk, blackcurrant and freesias help make this body wash smell a lot more luxury than it really is. It lathers up really well so you don't need to use much (1 pump) and it locks in moisture so you don't get out the shower and have that tight skin feeling. I'd recommend this over Clean on Me anyway, but ultimately it depends what scent you prefer. Apparently boys prefer this to, if the other half is anything to go by. He often smells of this.

Slimwear (Discontinued but £3.99 here)

Advertised as an anti cellulite product, Slimwear was always going to be hit and miss. It didn't promise miracles but with morning and evening use it claimed it would firm, and I did notice a slight difference but nothing to hail the gods about. It was minty so gave that tingly feeling to legs, and moisturised well. It's a shame it isn't readily available anymore as it was an alright product after everything!

So my lovely bunch of readers, what do we think? You tried one of these? Inspired to or simply disagree?

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Five Minute Face Version 1

Welcome to Five Minute Face!

In the morning, sleep is all I want. So if I can find a viable way to stay in bed for longer then yay for me! Five Minute Face is the result of 5 minutes make up application that makes me acceptable to the human race. Here is version 1....

Products Used:

SEVENTEEN Wild Metallics Eyes in Wild Nude (£3.99 here, review here)

HD Brows Palette in Foxy (£19.96 here, review here)

Max Factor False Lash Effect Masterpiece Mascara (Full size £10.99 here)

L'Oreal Color Appeal Solo Eyeshadow in Cream Lame (£5.99 here)

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation (£14 here)

Quickly buff in No7 Stay Perfect foundation over the face. Whilst this is setting, a quick go over the eyes with Seventeen Wild Metallics Eyes with a finger, This stuff is great as it lasts all day. Using The HD Brows Palette I give a bit more shape to the brow for a more tidy look (at the moment they aren't great, growing them out for a HD Brows consult and shape). Quick slick of mascara, the Max Factor False Lash Effect is great as it dries quickly and gives length to the lashes. Finally I used the L'Oreal Eyeshadow as a highligter on the cupids bow, top of the cheeks and the brow bone as it gives a healthy glow without looking too shiny. And here is the result....

... first time I've shown my full face on the blog. Hello!!! Ready to run out the door, coffee in hand.

How do you feel above Five Minute Face? Any tips? Let me know in the comments.

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MAC 'Japanese Maple'

 I love my makeup like any other girl, but sometimes you've got to tone it down, take it back to basics.

A classic, effortless no makeup look (for me that involves a whole plethora of cosmetics though). This was the logic behind this purchase of MAC Japanese Maple. After many decisions, dirty tissues and an arm that could be mistaken for a paint mixing board I left £14 pounds lighter.

Japanese Maple a muted nude beige, MAC describes it as frosted, but I'd disagree. Frosted makes it sound dated and old. This is glossy and youthful. This lipstick is one of the Cremesheen and Pearl formulas (sounds snazzy eh?) which basically means its a creamy texture (Cremesheen) with the shimmer and sparkles of the frost lipsticks (Pearl).

In terms of pigmentation the colour isn't the strongest but it gives a subtle and natural finish that I feel comfortable wearing.

So, would I recommend this colour? Yes is the short answer but depending on your skin colour it may wash you out. With all MAC lipsticks though you are paying for the quality... And it does show.

Avaliable at MAC counters or online for £15.

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Daisy Nail Art How-To

Bonjourno!
Nail Art. Simple Nail art.
Grabbed your attention yet?
Fancy some super cute, super easy daisies for your fingers? The best thing about this design is it is made up of dots so it makes adorning the right hand a doddle (why do you think all my photos are off my left hand - it looks better!). So Follow my step by step guide for cute daisies.
You can use any colour combination you like so grab some polishes and move to step one....
For the dotting tool, I used a hair grip. If you have fancy dotting tools they work just as well :P

Step 1)
Paint the nail in any colour you desire. Here I have used No7 Gel Shine in 'Hotting Up'
Step 2)
Grab your dotting tool of choice. I'd put a bit of polish onto a piece of paper for ease. Lightly dip it in then dob onto the nail (four dots close together)
Step 3)
Add Some more flowers. Remember the edges!
Step 4)
Now clean your dotting tool and grab your next colour, the one for the centre of the flower. Here I used Models Own 'Beach Party'. Put one dot of this colour to the centre of each of your flowers.
Step 5)
Now for leaves. Clean the tool, dip into your polish and apply two dots opposite each other. Do all the flowers or for a different take only add leaves to one or two. (Barry M 'Greenberry for those of you who are interested'
Step 6)
Whilst waiting to try, clean the nail edge with acetone and a brush/cotton bud.
Step 7)
When completely dry, top coat it baby! Dab rather than drag to make sure you don't smudge.
Step 8)
Admire your handiwork! Take photos, instagram that stuff!

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