Yearly Archives: 2015

Mineral Makeup with Pur Minerals

27th March 2015
I’ve dabbled with mineral makeup in the past but have found it pretty hit and miss to be honest. From foundations that have turned orange the second they hit my skin to poor lasting power in products such as eye shadows I found myself sticking more to conventional products and brands I knew. I was recently introduced to Pur Minerals who are launching on Look Fantastic this month. It’s a brand I’d read a lot about via various beauty blogs that I read regularly and was pretty excited to see what they could offer where other brands had fallen short.
I was sent enough products to makeup a pretty complete natural face of makeup which tends to be what I favour these days (gone are the days of rainbow eye makeup looks and mad glitter everywhere). The eyeshadow palette was a real winner for me, made up of pinky, plummy matte nude tones that applied beautifully and lasted all day. The mascara was another star product, one coat gave me longer, natural looking lashes; it’s become my go-to mascara for work days, although I do tend to go a bit lash mad at the weekends.

Face product wise I was similarly impressed. I was sent a spray on foundation which I have never tried before- I’ve seen similar products on the market but failed to see how they could possibly work, all I could think of was potential mess! Despite being a touch too dark for my skin tone this applied beautifully, a fine mist was all I needed for a light coverage that blended well and lasted all day long. The compact can also double up as a foundation, worn on it’s own for a light coverage or as a setting powder which is how I used it here, buffed in with a big fluffy brush.

The stand out product from the range I was sent however was the concealer. I’ve had more than my fair share of sleepless nights recently and my under-eye dark circles were out of control. My trusty Collection concealer had run out and I was just contemplating what to replace it with when this Pur Minerals one arrived. It looks a little dark in the tube but goes on beautifully and blends well. This hands down beats any concealer I’ve ever used to cover up dark circles and it also hides blemishes and redness perfectly. This has instantly made it’s way on to my top products list and will be a re-purchase time and time again!

I’m so happy to have finally found a range of mineral makeup that can compete with more traditional products. I feel happier knowing what I’m using is being kinder to my skin and I’m pretty sure my complexion is in pretty good knick thanks to daily usage of these products.

Have you used Pur Minerals before? I can’t recommend them enough but I would love to know what other products of theirs I need in my life!

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Posted in beauty, make up, review

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JewelStreet

26th March 2015
I’ve been spoilt lately when it comes to beautiful jewellery as I was recently sent the bangle of my dreams from JewelStreet by way of introduction.

If like me you aren’t familiar with JewelStreet yet (and you really need to be) then it is essentially an online marketplace for jewellery designers- boasting an impressive list of names to check out. Some will be familiar to you- think Kit Heath or Fiorelli whereas others are more unknown which makes it all the more exciting. My love of jewellery is well documented on the blog so it was a pleasure to be able to take the time to sift through the website and get to grips with how it works.

I’ve had in my mind that I’ve wanted a fairly delicate silver bangle for some time now so I used this fantastic opportunity to pick out the perfect piece. The website is really easy to navigate and you can filter what you’re looking at by designer, style, collection and material.

With so many amazing designers on board it was really hard to narrow things down but in the end I picked out the Oxidised Silver Open Twig Bangle by Mayah Jewellery for it’s delicate, feminine style with a quirky edge.

It’s fair to say I’m besotted with my new piece of arm candy and I’ve been sending the site out among my friends hoping that they might pick up the hint in time for my Birthday! I love the concept of having a dedicated marketplace for jewellery and the idea has been executed to perfection. One for the favourites folder that’s for sure!

Have you discovered JewelStreet yet? I’d love to know your thoughts/favourite piece.

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Posted in jewellery, wish list

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Pretty Pieces from Orelia Jewellery

25th March 2015
I’m going through a real up and down phase with jewellery at the moment. One minute I want to wear big, bold chunky pieces and the next I’m craving something pretty, delicate and feminine. Orelia is a brand that excels in pretty pieces. It’s a brand I’ve loved for an awful long time so I was delighted when e-tail PR sent over a couple of pieces from the latest collection.
I’ve been after a wishbone pendant for the longest time but never found one that quite fitted the bill- this little golden piece is just perfect and it has an adjustable chain so I can choose which length to wear it at depending on my outfit. The golden bar is so simple and chic and I don’t own anything like it. It’s a really lovely piece that adds just a subtle touch of something to an outfit when you don’t want to go without jewellery at all.
I think Orelia will always be my go to brand for really pretty and girly pieces for myself and as gifts for others. The prices are brilliant too- necklaces start at around £10 and there is also an option to purchase gift packaging to make a present extra special.

Which of these necklaces is your favourite?

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Posted in jewellery, review

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The Watch List

24th March 2015
It’s been a heck of a long time since watches last featured on the blog so I thought I’d use a bit of my afternoon off to un-wind and do a little wish list of the wrist candy I’m coveting right now.

I’ve always had a bit of a thing for watches and even by my own admission I do own more than anyone can possibly need, but what I don’t own is that old blogger favourite- something in beautiful and classy rose gold. There’s always room for one more, right?

No watch wish list would be complete without at least one Michael Kors piece featuring- yep, I’m late to the game but I am totally on this bandwagon. I think I’m actually favouring the tortoise shell design strap to the solid rose gold as it breaks up the full on metal look, but there is something really enchanting about a solid chunk of the pink stuff.

Other notable brands for stunning wrist wear include Fossil- again I’m just loving the contrast of brown tones and the metal. I’ve own Fossil watches in the past and will do again for sure, they last forever, I only don’t have one at the moment because I’m an idiot and lost mine.

DKNY are another top brand who’s watches I’d admire, and although it’s breaking away from my rose gold theme I just loved this white and gold model for the warmer months, it’d compliment a sun tan perfectly (although my skin stubbornly remains pale whatever the weather).

A new discovery to me was Armarni Exchange. Obviously I HAD heard of them but I thought it was clothes and clothes alone that they do. I was amazed to find this beauty whilst I was having a browse and sipping coffee…it’s almost knocked the ubiquitous Michael Kors off the top spot on my list.

Which watch brands do you know and love? Have any of these caught your eye?

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Posted in accessories, wish list

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The Hardworker

23rd March 2015
As much as I love and cherish my Mulberry handbag I do like to change things up every now and again (not to mention give it a bit of a break!) so when House of Fraser offered to send me a product from their impressive array of accessories I skipped right by the shoes for perhaps the first time ever and headed straight for the bags. I’ve been wanting a “trendy” backpack for ages now, although I had reservations about how much I’d use it- finding a bag that could be both traditional handbag AND a backpack? I’m living the dream!

Jumper c/o Wearall | Jeans: Primark | Converse via Sarenza | Bag c/o House of Fraser- out of stock but huge selection here!

The bag is by Steve Madden and is now out of stock on the House of Fraser website, probably because it was a crazy bargain in their sale! I just love the mid-blue colour, it makes such a change from my usual black or brown and the silver details toughen it up just a touch. It’s the perfect size for all of my every day essentials (plus a whole host of stuff I carry around but can’t exactly be called essential) and it’s great to have the option between backpack and handbag, perfect for someone as indecisive and fickle as I.
I couldn’t resist giving my cat jumper an airing, it’s probably my most worn piece of knitwear from the last 12 months and it’s the perfect way to cheer up a day where you feel more than a little bit rubbish. I keep meaning to pick up another pair of these skinny jeans from Primark, I paid £9 for this pair over a year ago and they have worn and washed so well, especially compared to other pairs I have that I’ve paid rather a lot more for. I feel like I should step away from the skinnies for a while though, I really fancy embracing a pair of flares but have yet to find any that are just right- length is a big issue for me but I’m searching in earnest!

I probably ought to look to replace my Converse before too long as well, worn to death the rubber is starting to split and they just look tired. I do think Converse look best once they have been worn in a bit but I think I’m starting to take the look a bit too far- it doesn’t stop me slipping them on at any given opportunity though!

Backpack vs. Handbag- which would you pick?

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Posted in accessories, bags, life, outfits, shoes

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