Revolution Beauty Haul

Hiya,

I purchased a few items in the after Christmas\ New year (yep that long ago 😊) sale on the Revolution Beauty website.

I love there items and had my eye on a few bits before Christmas so was soooo happy that they were included in the sale.
I actually had two hauls as I received an email about further sale prices for a couple bits that I just had to get lol.
It ended up that the email and website was showing two different prices but they graciously allowed me to purchase at email price. So good of them.


Enjoy the haul video xxx

Affordable Makeup brushes

Hiya!!! I posted another Budget Buys video. This time showing affordable Makeup Brushes.

Brushes can be pricey so I share some that can be purchased from Amazon, EBay and Aliexpress as well as other places that sell goods for bargain prices.

I was privileged to receive many to try and I also purchased a few.

I can’t wait to play with the brushes as they look and feel lovely.

New Valentine Baby Lips Goodies

Maybelline Baby Lips - Valentine Kiss(15 Pomme D'Amour) and Balm and Blush(02 Flirty Pink)

Hiya!! I thought I'd post to share my happy dance at seeing the new Baby Lips goodies in Superdrug's.

I actually went in for some facial wipes as I had a 50p off coupon (whooop back to couponing!!) and my eyes came across the Maybelline stand alone section....... you know the one with the new or special offer items on.... the one that grabs you and then allows it's items to jump into your basket? yes that one lol.

There were a few different products on the stand but what grabbed my attention were the Baby Lips items. The normal balm has been given a shimmery addition and are called Valentine Kiss Balms.
The colours/shades I saw were  Candy Kiss, Pomme D'amour (the one I chose) and I think another one but I cannot remember it now!! I'll edit if I find out.

The item that really got me smiling was the new Balm and Blush!! The packaging is soooo cute. I love the shape of the handle. The colours/shades I saw were:
Flirty Pink(the one I chose), Innocent Peach, Booming Ruby and Bronze Shimmer.

I was trying to be good and the offer was BOGOHP so I took the two.
I do think I'll get a couple of the Balm and Blushes over the next couple of weeks as the red one looked nice and I deffo want to try the bronze shimmer, I tend to wear golds and bronzes a lot.

I have tried the Balm and Blush (in Flirty Pink) and I love it.
* texture: very nice, it's creamy and smooth with a slight  glossy feeling but not greasy in any way. The ball shape makes it glide over the lips.
* fragrance: light and fruity.
*appearance: sheer with a light wash of colour. Very natural.

swatched on back of hand.....very pale today, have flu please excuse the veins

*packaging: I love the packaging!! It looks absolutely lovely, in fact it was the packaging that caught my eye. The handle looks and feels lovely, the shape makes it easy to open. I like that the lid is transparent so you can see the balm, great for before you buy and nice to look at too. The writting comes in different colours for each shade. I feel the packaging is quite unique, there are a few "ball" shaped balms on the market that seem to follow the style of the EOS balms. I haven't seen any that look like the B&B one.

Maybelline Blush and Balm Flirty Pink - Open

*value for money: I feel the price could definitely be better. It costs £4.99 at Superdrug. I feel that's a little pricey but the product will last long and you don't have to apply it too often throughout the day.
*wearability: (is that a word?) The balm is long wearing which I love, some balms need re-applying so often. The B&B is moisturising and leaves a pleasant film. It's not at all sticky. I tried drinking with it to see how it goes up against that and it's still on my lips with out the need to re-apply any.
As of now, I haven't tried it on my cheeks as I haven't worn make up this week but from the swatch on the back of my hand, I can tell it's going to last well. My hand has a lovely glow and I needed to wipe it well with my finger to try and get the swatch off, my hand feels so soft!! After removing the swatch my hand remained very soft and the fragrance is still there.


Please tell me I'm not the only one with a "thing" for the baby lips?! I also picked up a few of the Christmas editions in December lol.

Unboxing - Mally Urban Chic Collection.

Hi!! I picked up the Mally Urban Chic Collection before Christmas for a Christmas present and finally got around to filming the unboxing.
It's been ages since I recorded anything much less uploaded and I'm very thankful to those who gently prodded requested some new videos.
I have sooooo many isms that keep me from uploading but I'm getting better at quieting the negativity and getting on with things.

I love Mally and her make up items so when I saw the collection at a special price I had to get it.
The items included are:

• Face Defender Boost in Universal Bronze.
• 1 x Volumizing Mascara in Black 
• 1 x Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Eyeliner in Sailor
• 1 x Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra in Over The Taupe
• 1 x H3 Gel Lipstick in Orchid
• 1 x Strobe Cream 

The kit looks absolutely fab, I can't wait to play with it.

November's faves.

Doh!! forgot to add my video of November Faves! I never remember to post here about videos when I upload them....


This time round there was an "unfave" too.

Blogmas Day 16 - Beauty Gift Ideas - my fave Eye Shadow palettes

I love buying gifts for others. I like to make people feel happy and appreciated. Even if I know the recipient really well, I have that anxious feeling that they wont like what I have picked out. I tend not to buy perfume for people I don't know very well as it can be quite a tricky thing to buy, you can't just go by what you like as everyone's sense of smell is soooo different and then preferences of sweet or spicy or fruity or floral or musky or.... you get the drift.
Buying beauty gifts also comes with its own *headaches* I only buy beauty stuff for people I know are into beauty and who I see wear make-up regularly or at least have an interest in wearing it - well obviously - and even then how do you choose? One person's treasure is another persons trash and all that. I take my lead from what they already wear, items they use most, brands I know they love or are interested in etc.
I also go by what I know is great quality - no point in buying something that's only fit for the bin after all.

A beauty gift I tend to reach for is Eye Shadow Palettes, They can be great value for money, often have different finishes(sparkle/matte/satin etc) are versatile,  have a variety of colours that can be mixed to get the exact colours/looks which make them great for every make-up wearer and I LOVE them lololol.

My Fave Eyeshadow Palettes in no particular order (Ooohhh I've gone all X-Factor haaaaaa) are;

[pls note I borrowed internet pics as my palettes are very..... well loved and not pretty looking]

Urban Decay : Naked 3. approx £37 $54 €46

Although on the pricey side, the Naked 3 palette is worth every penny. you do get 12 shadows - both shimmer and matte - in the pack so you can happily justify your splurge.
The pigmentation is on point. I feel the colours would suit a whole spectrum of skin tones and something about the.rose gold vibe is so sumptuous.
I love that the names of the colours are printed on the case(under the shadows).
The eyeshadows are creamy and blend well. The longevity of the shadows is very good.
A duo ended brush is included which works well and is better than those cotton bud looking things. I know some people don't like the brush but it comes in handy when you are travelling.
The Packaging is nice and sturdy. The metal is both strokable (I love the raised lettering) and durable.
The mirror means you can apply on the go and also get a close up view if at home.
There are soooo many different looks you can do with this one palette.

Bourjois: Smoky Eye Trio - Modiore chic. approx £8 $13 €10

These may be little but they pull a big punch. The pigment is subtle but very pretty.
They make a cute stocking gift or a little something to add to a basket/hamper and looks nice enough as a little gift by itself.
For a smoky eye, the shades are set for you with a little demo on the back to show you how to get that smoky effect.
The size is great for travelling and on the go.
A little applicator is provided but to be honest it isn't very nice. You could buy an eyeshadow brush to replace it if you don't think the recipient has one of their own.
The packaging is pretty and I like that you can see the colours without having to open the top. The plastic is durable and makes popping it in your bag mess free.

L.A. Color: 6 colour eyeshadow - hypnotic £1 $1.50 €1.25

Talk about bargaintastic! I picked up this palette in Sam 99 for you guessed it, 99p :) for 6 shadows.
I wasn't expecting much to be honest but really liked the colours. (I hadn't heard much about LA Colors at the time but now that I know more about this fab brand I'm kicking myself for not getting more. The shop had different bits and pieces by LA Colors, like lipsticks and glosses, eyeshadow pigments, eye pencils etc. I picked up a couple lippies and a pigment to try out but didn't go back for ages and when I did they were gone.)
I was so surprised at the quality and the colours just sing on the lids.
The pigmentation is fair but is better with primer or a white shadow pencil first. I don't go too wild with this one anyway because I'm not that brave fore really vibrant colours unless it's to go with a costume.
The metallic colours blend well together but the shadows are not very creamy and can look a little chalky if not smoothed nicely.
The packaging is basic and although the plastic hasn't broken, it doesn't feel as strong as I would like but I still put it in my bag with no qualms. Being nice and thin it doesn't take up valuable space.

Too Faced : Chocolate Bar Palette -approx £39 $49 €50

Another pricey but worth it palette! You get 16 shadows - shimmer and matte, 2 being *doubles*
The shadows are soft, creamy and smooth. Pigmentation is second to none.
The shadows actually smell like chocolate! Like seriously lol, not sickly I may add.
The eye look possibilities - both neutral and striking are (almost) endless. Such a versatile and delightful palette,
The shadows blend seamlessly and feel so buttery on the lids. The longevity of the shadow is very good.
The packaging is both functional and charming. The chocolate bar case is too cute, and the metal very durable. The only let down packaging wise is that it comes with a piece of crappy plastic that has the names of the colours on it instead of printed on the case. (the new semi sweet version has names printed lol) I thought I would have lost said piece of plastic but as I keep the palette in its box (unless travelling) I've managed to keep it.

Sleek: i-Divine - So Special - approx £8 $12 €10

This was my first big palette, I had a few quads that I played with but wanted to get a bigger one. I wasn't able to go for the big name ones at the time and had heard good things about sleek for years. I went to Superdrugs and had a good play look at the different options (they had loads). With the help of 2nd son I chose this one as it had soft and dark colours but still looked fairly neutral without being a wash of browns.
The price point is very good, 12 good sized shadows.
The shadows are not creamy being mineral based but they're not chalky either. You do get *fallout* but not too bad.
The pigment is good and longevity and vibrancy can be boosted with the use of primer or white shadow pencil if preferred.
The packaging is basic but - excuse the pun - sleek. The plastic is very strong and thin enough to slide into a bag without being bulky.

MUA: Undress Me Too palette  - approx £4 $6 €5

This has to be my most used palette, I have as you say *hit pan* on one of the shadows - only the very last bits around of the side left and another is heading that way.
The price is fantastic, £4 for 12 shadows!
Said to be a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked2 palette it is was always out of stock at my then local superdrugs until one day I found it and sang all the way to the till, we've been inseparable ever since. I have the Undress me (dupe for UD original naked) but don't reach for it even 1/4 as  much as this one.
The colours are delicious and blend so well it's a breeze to get a nice eye look without trying.
The quality of the shadows are awesome and they go on very smoothly.
The packaging is basic and being white gets dirty quickly but it doesn't get stained and a quick wipe gets it tip top. The transparent lid allows you to see the shadows without opening the lid but it isn't very sturdy and I have a crack in mine (MUA packaging as a whole is the only thing that could be worked on, other items I own have broken hinges, broken lids)
It's not bad enough for me to wrap it before putting in my bag though and is nice and slim so takes up little space,







Wow!! Who lnew I could go on so much about Eyeshadow haaaaaaaa. Hope it was helpful anyway.

2nd Empties - used but would I repurchase

I decided to do a video for this round of empties, I actually published it in October but forgot to add it here *blush*





I am sooooo glad that I have made an effort to try and curb my Product Junkie tendencies. I have slight hoarder issues so not only do I love to try new stuff, I love to keep them too. Budgeting and getting my life in check has helped me to USE the products (instead of staring at them from afar and stroking the tubs/bottles/packs) before buying more.

Empties - Used but would I repurchase?

I have promised myself to use ALL the things I buy. I have learnt to be less frivolous with my pennies in the last few years but the old shopaholic in me rises her sale hunting head at times. I find myself buying hair stuff to try or on a whim when they are not strictly necessary or I don't really think about them and they are not for me. Either way my stock pile increases and I don't use the stuff.
I am soooo glad to see empties as it means I am keeping my promise.

Here are my empties, I'll try to keep it short with a quick sentence or two as to whether or not I'd repurchase and why. I'll do reviews at a later date as it will remind me later on whether or not to buy something when my shopaholic self visits.

{{Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream - Optima Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil - Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Mask - Ojon Reconstructive Cleansing Treatment - Aspal Organic Cyder Vinegar - Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner - Organix Macadamia Oil Intensive Moisture Mask - Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream - Naat Silicon Moisturizing Hair Mask
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control}}

{{L'occitane Sweet Almond Liquid Soap - Christian Breton Longueur Intensite' Eyelash Builder - Cussons Mum and Me Emollient Body Cream - Argan Oil Cleansing Wipes - Garnier Skin Naturals Soft Essentials 24hr Nourishing Day Cream - Christian  Breton De Luxe Radiance Gold Cream}}



Kanechom Karite Butter Hair Moisturising Cream
Did I like it?
I cannot express how much I love this Brazilian condish enough and have gone through 4 or 5 tubs the size in the pic. Its called a hair cream but it's a rinse out conditioner which can also be used as a deep condish (or bath as they call it on the jar) I have problems finding the Karite "flavour" of Kanechom hair mask and have been to many Hair Shops searching for them, I find so many of the other ones which is good and bad - good as I get to try others but bad cos I spend lololol. When I do find them I stock up with at least 3 tubs.
This was introduced to my hair regime from early on and has become a staple... nah more than a staple. I use it in a deep condish mix.
Would I repurchase?
Yessssss and have done lol. Thankfully I found a 1k tub whooooop.



Optima Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil
 Did I like it?
Did I?? Yep!!  The difference between organic raw virgin CO and the refined/non virgin kind is like cat and dog...chalk and cheese.... ok I'm being extra now *eye roll* but yea, and optima is my fave brand. Chapter... 
Would I repurchase?
Yessss been through another jar since and had to buy a different brand of RVCO, when that one finished I had to buy a non virgin coconut oil(Vatika Enriched) as I don't have spare pennies..... saving up to get my beloved Optima lololol



Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Mask
Did I like it?
This was a let down, I expected it to be a creamy, thick, deep but it just feels like the normal HH condish (which I love and have been through 2) but not as thick. I really didn't love it so used it up by mixing it in my pre-poo and on eldest boys hair condish mix
Would I repurchase?
In a word NO!



Ojon Reconstructive Cleansing Treatment 
Did I like it?
The first Pre-poo I used when I started my HHJ, I actually got this way before my HHJ as part of an Ojon TSV bundle. I didn't even know the real benefits of pre-poo and I deffo didn't use it every wash. But when I got into my regime... whoooo. I loved it! It really made my hair feel strong and soft at the same time. I really do feel that this was a major part in my hair's health renewal.
Would I repurchase?
I soooo would but it looks like it's been discontinued gahhhhh they have a thicker version but I didn't like the look of it in the demo, I like my pre-poo/ pre-poo mix to be quite thin. I really miss it but at least I found Elasticizer.




Aspal Organic Cyder Vinegar.
Did I like it?
I love this brand of  ACV and use it my ACVrinse and in cleaning solutions. It is crisp and not too fuzzy smelling.
Would I repurchase?
I would but this again but wanted to try the Bragg version as I heard good things about it and it had more of the mother thingy in it. I do like it alot so will prob get that one. As I have to order Bragg online I would get Aspals if I needed ACV right away.



Curly Kids Curly Creme Conditioner
Did I like it?
Funnily enough this is actually a hair moisturiser, not a rinse out conditioner..... but I digress ... it's fantastic!! When my hair went through it's rebellious 5 month stage this moisturiser "gave it life" did I just say that? been watching toooo many vids but Seriously, my hair was dry and unresponsive and wouldn't style right, I went on the look about for something that was heavier than what I was using but not greasy like an oil moisturiser.... it was fabbb!! and it has no parabens, and alot less yuckies than the others. I cant stop going on and I use it on the boys hair too. My youngest hair loves it and I love to use it as it isn't harsh and yuck free.
Would I repurchase?
Yep, on my second tub but haven't been using it for a while as my hair has been asking for something else(my hair is such a dive!! *sigh*)



Organix Macadamia Oil Intensive Moisture Mask
Did I like it?
I gave this deep condish a try a while back and it had become a staple to add in my DCmix. I love it, rich, creamy and smooth and makes my hair soft and nourished. I love macadamia oil and before adding the actual oil to my collection I wanted to get a condish with it in and was looking for an alternative to the really expensive macadamia brand. It's great. I love everything about it and it has organic stuff in it... and no yuckies whooooop. It's great by itself too which is a bonus.
Would I repurchase?
Yessss and have done.



Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Split End Protection Cream
Did I like it?
I tried this early on in my HHJ when my hair was relaxed. it was FABBBB, it's light but nourishes and gives shine and made my hair floaty. I try to get it when its on offer as it can be pricey and as my hair had more regrowth I needed to use more of it in one sitting. I came across it in poundworld and stocked up but it soon disappeared from the store when people found it lololol I have one more bottle left in my stash. As my hair got naughty I stopped using it but when I straightened with my GHD's I reached for it again, lovely! I don't use it much at the moment but when my hair feels like it needs very light moisture in the day time it works great.
Would I repurchase?
Was you not listening?? lolol joke... yep and have done.



Naat Silicon Moisturizing Hair Mask
Did I like it?
I first picked this up on a whim last year when I heard about the silicon mix hype and couldn't get SM in the shops and didn't want to pay big delivery charges from US. I saw this in one of the many shops I had searched for SM in and it just jumped at me so I tried it and added it to a mix with kenechom.... ahhhhhh wonderful!! then I added the Organix Mac to the mix and whooop my DCmix was born and I used it for months up until my Dominican Condish fetish experiment started. 
I dont really like the Naat Silicon by itself as it isn't as thick as I like my DC to be.
Would I repurchase?
Yes and have done but it has taken a backseat while I use Silicon Mix Bamboo (sneak peak... Dominican Hair Product Haul Post coming up)



Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Edge Control
Did I like it?
This is part of my Edge control/tamer addiction collection and it's fantastic!! holds my hair slick in a bun, ponytail and double puff, smooth for updos and sleek in flat twists and canerow. Oh how I love it, let me count the way... ok that was slightly geeky but I really do, love. IT. It was first edge control and was my go to It was great for when I had my quick weave/upart but I got curious... and went for a different tamer, and another... and, well, you get the idea but yea I used others. And then my hair didnt like any of them, so I used gel and whatever tamer I felt like. Then my ORS control finished and I used the other lot. I picked one up in my weekly shop at Tesco and then lost it so I didnt want to buy another one so just got by..... I thought my others were very good... then in one of my declutter hoarding pile removal efforts I found it!! yayyyy then last week I used it and whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! I fell in love alllll over again! You know when you think somethings good, then you use something you used to and feel like what had I been thinking?! yes, I love it.

Hnmmmmm this really is turnuing into a faves post but alot of the stuff I used up are Bumb!!
Would I repurchase?
yes, yes,YesSSSS and I have 
and will again.



L'occitane Sweet Almond Liquid Soap
Did I like it?
I love L'occitane products. I used to snap up every L'occitane TSV bundles that came around and this came in one of those bundles. Its a lovely liquid soap, moisturising not drying like some can be, but I love the she butter milk scent better than this one. I love that the boys can use this as it's gentle enough but they dont reach for it all the time as they think of it as mummy's special soap. They do use it out when they're in one of their cheeky adventurous episodes but not as an everyday thing (I do go on) 
Would I repurchase?
Probably not for now as am budgeting at the moment and L'occitane prices  are not part of it, besides I still have some of the others in my stash. If I did splurge it would be on a different variety.


 
Christian Breton Longueur Intensite' Eyelash Builder
Did I like it?
Oh my!! I found this in TKMaxx last year, it came with a sample size of moisturiser and eye make up remover - and gave it a try as my eyelashes had gotten short and thin, along with my hair. I used it every night (may have forgotten a few nights) and I saw a difference after about two weeks. When it finished I didn't repurchase right away and it wasn't until about a month after I was looking at a mascarra I had tried and not liked and put it on to give it another try.... My eyelases looked long and thick.... I put it down to just another case of a product second chancer. Then I took a pic of my protective style and make up play where I had forgotten mascarra and my eyelashes looked thick..... then the penny dropped.... The lash Builder!! When I saw it again on another TKMaxx trip (this time at the galeria) I snapped it up!
Would I repurchase?
Yes, and have done. I wouldn't buy it at the RRP though as it's a bit pricey for me. TKMaxx price is just about doable as it lasts quite long and I've seen the great results.



Cussons Mum and Me Emollient Body Cream
Did I like it?
 I love using baby products as I have very sensitive skin and find many products bring on a reaction of some kind. I saw this on offer and picked it up to use on Kuppie and myself. Its a rich cream and sinks in well. It's gentle enough to use on the face and has a lovely light lavender smell.
Would I repurchase?
Havent repurchased as have other creams I use but if I felt the urge to get it I would only do so if it was on offer but wouldn't pay the £5+ RRP for it as I dont think it warrants the price at all.  



Argan Oil Cleansing Wipes
Did I like it?
I make no appologies for having a not so secret crush on make up/cleanser wipes. I need to have a pack at all times and cant stand to have one finish before I have any back ups!! I like to try different ones but tend to stay with sensitive/non fragarance type I cannot be dealing with a red blotchy reactive face at best or horrid rash at worse. I saw these in poundworld and decided to give them a try as I love the condish and oil from the same brand. These had a strong smell and maybe the marketing team got me but they do feel like they have oil in them. *side glance*  The pack looks like Chocolate and both Kuppie and Adj thought I had some treats whenever I took them out at night lol. The wipes are good and get make up well. 
Would I repurchase?
Yep for £1 they are better than some more expensive ones. When my current pack gets low I'll get these again... or maybe the very next time I go poundworld... Im due a trip as I want to get a couple more aloe vera gesl and cooling sprays I saw in there before they all finish.



Garnier Skin Naturals Soft Essentials 24hr Nourishing Day Cream  
Did I like it?  
Oh my!! This is one of the best face creams I've tried. Its enriched wirh rose water and has a really fresh subtle smell. Oh and it feels like putting whipped cream on my face. It's smooth and very moisturising and makes me smile inside... and outside, truth be told I know it says day cream but I used it as part of my night routine also. When it finished I was gutted as it was lovely and I had a different moisturiser to use. Welllll the stupid moisturiser I picked up on sale was terrible, my face felt like it was on fire and I had to actuattly wash my face after using it. Thank God I had purchased a soothing face mask earlier that day, I slathered it on my face and it soothed... cha!! Thats waht I get for being cheap!! And I got an eye cream by the same brand but I aint using it no sirree cant risk that reaction under my eyes!!
Soooooo I ordered my beloved Garnier with a free heart.
Would I repurchase?
Oh yes, yes, yesssss and have done. I keep looking out for it to be on offer as my current pot is soon gonna be finished.





Christian  Breton De Luxe Radiance Gold Cream
Did I like it?
Ahhhh luxtury skin care at it's finest. This was a sample that came with the Lash Builder and oh it was delish!! It was a treat to my face. It has Caviar and Colloidal Gold don't you know lololol yes seriously!! It is without a doubt WONDERFUL. I loved the feel of the cream and it sunk into my skin like no ones buisness. ooooo yes miss, it was fab. I tried to strectch out the uses of this as it was delectible and I knew it was just a sample size.
Would I repurchase?
Goodness knows I'd love to but at around £84 for the proper size.... It is not possible. If TKMaxx had it for a good price then maybe but if money was no object, yes all day long I'd get it quick smart.



Soooooo that was my empties haaaaaaa what a Loooong post.


 

OMGosh!! A real live post.....

..... lolololol

so yeah... I'm actually posting in real life time and not playing catch up.... hopefully this will continue.

Thought I'd come with a quick post about my personal challenges and a little about my day.

Today Hubby and two of the boys are doing his sponsored walk for mens department.
I had to cheer mello up as he wanted to go too but he wouldn't be able to do the 12miles. I planned to bake with him as he loves it and kay was having a surprise nap but no eggs!! Isn't that always the way?? He was not impressed and asked for face painting as an alternative... I couldn't very well say no could I sooooo after lots of smiling, itching, wriggling and trying to stay stilling we had a happy scary Lion:

raaarrrr!!!

This morning I had a unexpected package! I completely forgot about this auto delivery thing from QVC.... no wonder I had less money than I thought in my bank.... must really get a statement of auto deliveries and/or easy payments left so I can be more organised.
well the yummies were so prettifull I soon forgot about my moaning bank balance.












I had a little play, just staying in so did a very subtle look. Also no mascara.... the set didn't have it and since I was using just the set I didn't even remember to put any in {haaaaa}













My hair is in a ponytail with ends roller curled and a flat twist at the front(was meant to be roller curled fringe but FAIL turned to STYLE lol. I added a re purposed chain as a head band.


 Now as for my personal challenges......

I always start something or other and am not great at keeping it up buttttt, I had started a 30 day bamboo tea challenge...... 2 weeks ago.... and I'm pleased to say that my 15 tea bag pack is finished!! whooooppppp the only reason I haven't drank any the last 2 days is because I ran out and my order didn't clear so I'll get back on it when I get my package.
I had seen bamboo tea discussed when I first started my HHJ on Relaxed Hair Blog and was intrigued. Many YTers and bloggers alike have talked and also documented results about Bamboo Tea and I decided to try it. I love herbal and fruit teas and since starting a healthier choice journey I have been drinking them more often again so it wasn't going to be hard for me to add another variety.

I have been reading and viewing all the discussions about supplements for hair growth and health and I feel the Bam tea will be the best way for me to have a try at one of them. The hair,nail and skin vitamins that I got in costco sit unopened as I was br feeding at the time and the warning on the back spooked me. I have heard about break outs and reactions so just left them there... looking at me.
Biotin, hairfinity and mane thnigy all make me jumpy not to mention the later two are moneys soooooo..... I searched for bamboo tea which was a challenge all in itself. Every shop I asked in looked at me like I asked for some thing not nice....or imaginary... online searches were for US and the blog I saw it on was out of stock.
I was browsing for something on Amazon Uk and thought why not have a try - I found a couple of options, one was loose tea from a seller and one was tea bags fulfilled by amazon. I chose the bags, they were bamboo and nettle`- was worried about the fact its not plain bamboo but nettle is great for hair and health. The description in the listing and on the pack talks about silica etc so I know they know their stuff lol.

I'll do a post of a full review and results when the 30 days (plus few days for excuses ) are  over but I'm sure I notice a difference already oh and it tastes great... haaaaaa just remembered long and healthy saying it tastes like dirt in her video.


My other new hair challenge is to use my growth oil mix concoction every night.... ok backtrack...
I have already played with oil mixes for myself to replace my beloved hair grease for my scalp and to seal the moisture, and made some for friends and my mummy customised for their needs but I haven't thought about doing an oil mix specifically for growth... Until I kept reading and hearing about these wonder, miraculous, grow hair to your bum oils!!
Don't get me wrong, I would actually use a commercial oil for growth but how do you choose?? also which one would actually work?
I have heard great things about Virgin and Wild Growth for instance and they are easy to get in the UK so I would prob choose one of them to start with but I cant stand the smell of virgin... oh and the thick greasy feel..... I have heard that Wild Growth stinks also so nah, not gonna happen.... I have sensitive smell as it is and lots of stuff give me migraine.
As I have so many oils already I thought I'd give a growth concoction a try.

I had to put a generous amount of JMBCO in there, I have tried and tested this fabby oil and can testify of the claims working... I have told so many people about it and encouraged many to buy it so that was a no brainer..... I decided to use the rest of my current mix as a base as it already had my lavender petals in there so added the JMBCO to it..... then I went to work adding oils I felt would go well and then turned to my kitchen.... yes sah, kitchen goods turn hair concoction lol. I added what I felt would be great scalp/follicle stimulants and good for growth from reading and looking at other hair products.
I added some of my essential oils.... the funny thing is I purchased the right oils for hair benefits without even knowing it.... I have found that God has directed me to the hair products and oils that I need from the very start of my HHJ, I prayed from the beginning as my hair was in a baaaadd way and God has kept His word.

 So Growth Oil Concoction was made on Tuesday and I have used it every night so far, I use it in place of my JMBCO .... oooo that was a great challenge and I actually kept up with that, maybe dropped a few nights but deffo at least 5 days in a week and i have seen the fruit of my labour.... on my scalp and a little on the hair if it's dry.

It feels good so far, it does have a tingle at times and is very cooling on impact so lets see how it goes.

I'll do a 15 day challenge with it to see how it works and that will bring the finish in line with the Bamboo Tea.


The old challenges I have continued are:
Moisture and Seal nightly - done every night unless hair was well moisturised already
Cover head up nightly- done every night
DC every washday - done
JMBCO Challenge for edges nightly and scalp massages at least twice a week

My challenges for skincare has not gone well at all.... I'll have to sort that out next week.

Beauty Haul - Ben Nye Banana Powder and friends

Having wanting to try Ben Nye Banana Powder for ages, I finally tracked some down. I could have ordered it online but I wanted to try the other colours too so I roped hubby into driving across London to the Make up Emporium. What lovely place is all I can say, well I can say more but... Yea..... I can feel this throat infection making me a little loopy so I'll just get on with it.
My little makeup hunt was in October - having some holiday money left over- and I've played with my treats twice now.

Being a fresh face kind of gal, I have been trying out new make up looks lately. Don't get me wrong, I  am not a make up application novice as I have had great fun applying to others, friends, brides, models..... But I don't really wear it myself. I wear mascara and lip gloss for church and for the odd days. I need moisturise on my lips all day so gloss doesn't really count I suppose.
Rushing around after the kiddies I don't have time anyway so it doesn't bother me much but I do like trying out different looks and for special occasions I break out my bare minerals powder.

I don't use a foundation or concealor or the like as it feels very heavy but I thought I'd give highlighting a try. BNBP has popped up all over the place while I've been browsing blogs and YouTube and I jumped on the bandwagon, I also scooped up the topaz and colourless too.
For some reason that seemed good at the time, I also picked up the sealer.

I loved the little cosmetic cove of yumminess and my roaving eye had a field day and my hands too swatching here, testing there.... I snapped up a make up forever eye pencil and circled back to the BN section a grabbed a lip pencil. An extraction tool caught my eye so that came along for the ride.
If only that place was nearer to me I'd be there ALL the time.


Anywhoo I've prattled on long enough. Here's results from my first play. I used the powder alone without concealer as I don't actually own one {gawp}- I'm not saying I don't need one - I'm aware of my dark circles some mornings and don't let me start with the puffiness, I am looking into getting a La Girl Pro Hd one to try it as I've heard so much about it....  - I
just don't use concealer :p

***Edit***

 29/03/2014 Found this post in draft mode!! I now have played with some concealers lol

Viva.....

.... La Juicy.

I got this box set a from Boots a month or maybe 2 ago. It was a chance sighting. I think it was part of the Christmas Star promotion but I was running into Boots to get a pack of tissues and Olbas inhaler and my eye glanced the bright pink box and the price...better than half price.... whoooop.

I didn't have enough pennies on me but vowed to get it the next week before the offer expired. And I did lol. Im a Juicy Couture Charm addict and wait for sales or visit outlets to peek at the charms when I can. I LOVE their bags and the jewellery so this box set really had me at BTHP.

The perfume is one of my faves and my previous bottle is running on fumes so I had been wanting to replace it and it made sooo much sense to get the box...... buyers justification anyone.....
it's sweet but not sickly and fruity but also has very a subtle floral spritz to it that stops the scent being clawring. Its a lovely candy scent which has me giggling.

The lipgloss is a lovely pink colour {LOVE PINK} and as I am into pink lips at the moment was a great find. The texture is creamy and not too gummy or sticky which I love as I hate when lip gloss is sticky. The colour is a lovely shade too bright but not garish and has a pearly look.

The nail varnishes look lovely but I haven't tried them out yet.

Oh the charm!! A cute black and gold stilleto shoe, so cute and petty, I hope it is hard wearing as I have found some of Juicy charms to loose parts and or gems or wear very quickly which is a shame.

I love the make up bag, its quilted metallic yumminess is too pretty. The little JC logo is a nice touch. I used it as a little clutch for a fancy dress party and my phone, lipgloss, mints and such fit in nicely, hubby even had it in his back pocket at one stage, obviously it stuck out the top but the width was a great fit.