Slate or Rate: Bubble and Squeak

In my firing line today is a brand called Bubble and Squeak;  a company which focuses on producing organic skincare products. As you may know, I'm a die-hard skin care fanatic, so I love finding new products to give a test run. To find out if these rubbed me up the right way, and for more cheesy pun usages, keep reading!

What did I try out?

- Shea Bliss body butter

- You're Nuts!!! Body butter

- Vanilla Clouds body butter

- Humble Honey Lip Balm

The Selling Point...

A definite pro to the company has to be Bubble and Squeak's products are natural, handmade, organic, and fairly traded. This is a definite plus as I don't like the idea of rubbing lots of potentially harmful products on my skin, and I also really like that the company is ethical too.

Tried and Tested

I'm going to start with my favourite of the products which I tried: the lip balm. It ran on my lips smoothly and kept them feeling really well moisturised. I only needed a tiny bit and my lips felt nice and smooth for a few hours without a need for re-application. The smell is pretty intense (as are all the products), but I quite like strong scents so these weren't a problem for me at all, but might be something to keep in mind. 

Vanilla Clouds smells amazing just like cake, literally good enough to eat. Shea Bliss is the ultimate summer smell as it reminds me a lot of cocunuts, and You're Nuts smelt like cocoa if you're into smells like that. 

Shea Bliss

However, with all the body butters the consistency was a bit troublesome. They all tended to have thick chunks in which reminded me a lot of soap, making it very difficult to remove from the tub, and even worse to apply to my skin.

Vanilla Clouds

Vanilla clouds had the same problem with the added downfall that all the black bits you can see here are very apparent when using it on your skin, reminding me a lot of sand.

With all that said though, once I managed to get it on they settled nicely into the skin and left it feeling supple and moisturised. Still, I wouldn't buy the butters as I get similar results with other products without all the negatives that these products have. In comparison the lip balms are worth your pennies for those kissable lips (James McAvoy look-a-likes please feel free to form a line...)

Rate or Slate?

For all Bubble and Squeak's good intentions I think the formulas should be changed so that they are not just ecologically friendly, but are cosmetically friendly too in order to compete with bigger brands such as Lush. However I still really rate the balms and would definitely re-purchase these in the future.

Have you tried Bubble and Squeak? If you have, let me know how you got on!

Birthday Bash and Goodies

Hello everyone!

Jo, me and Ashley

It was recently my birthday (May 19th) and I thought I'd share with you a few snaps and a video on what I got for my birthday. I had a great day despite having to get up at the crack of dawn to start my facials course. The facials course was extremely relaxing though and made my skin 100x better for the night which was a great bonus, even if it did take off my tan! I came home, had a quick shower and then my friends popped to mine for pizza and wine (keeping things classy..ahem). We went to a few places on the sea front and then off to a cheesy club. Good times!

Ashley, Becca, me, Jill and Brogan

As you can see from the photos, a bit of a wardrobe malfunction as my black crop top fell down to reveal my bra the entire night! haha.

Brogan and Jill

Looking worse for wear after numerous drinks and lots of sweaty dancing! L-R: Me, Ashley, Roz and Jo

I also received some fantastic presents which I thought I'd share with you! I'll also list where everything was from if anything catches your eye!

- Zara shirt: http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/uk/en/zara-S2012/189508...

- Leopard Earrings: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_37484+JME...

- Teal earrings and necklace both from Accessorize

- Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation [bought from Superdrug]

- Sleek Brow Kit [also bought from Superdrug but not on website]

- Lush Comforter Bubble Bar https://www.lush.co.uk/product/408/The-Comforter-Bubble-Bar

- Vita Liberata Silken Mousse Set £25 http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_157057600...

- Diary from Paperchase http://www.paperchase.co.uk/

- Lacura Beauty French Manicure Set

- Gold necklace and bracelet set by Allusions (stocked at BHS and other shops under the Arcadia branch)

- Book "The story of Blanche and Marie" by Per Olov Enquist

- Pacha Ibiza Perfume - smells amazing and lasts ages (it's meant to last whilst you're clubbing) and discounted atm! http://www.perfumesclub.co.uk/en/searcher/detail/34121

- Story of Flower Perfume by Fine Perfumery

- Body Shop Radiant Highlighter: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/make-up/cheeks/radiant-highlighter.aspx

- Body shop matte and shimmer cheek colour

- Kath Kidston travel wallet

- Burt's Bees Radiance Day Creme  

Hope you are all having a lovely week! Not long now until I'm free from exams and can enjoy the summer - I can't wait!

Emxx

How To Video: Day Makeup

Hello everybody, this is a video showing you the day makeup look that I learned on my NVQ course that I thought I'd pass on!

Here is a list of all the products I used in case you were after anything in particular! I'll also put links to the place I found the item the cheapest but if you find anywhere cheaper please let me know and I'll add it in here :). I'll write all the prices next to them too to save you having to look them up!

CONCEALERS AND FOUNDATIONS
- SBC Concealer Compact Green, £4.44, http://www.amazon.co.uk/SBC-Makeup-Concealer-Compact-Green/dp/B005L8YXKE/ref=...
- SBC Concealer Compact Lilac , £4.44, http://www.amazon.co.uk/SBC-Makeup-Concealer-Compact-Lilac/dp/B005L8ZL82/ref=...
- Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Foundation SPF 20, £5.98, http://groceries.asda.com/asda-estore/search/searchcontainer.jsp?trailSize=1&...
- [Under eye concealer] MAC Select MoistureCover, £13.50, http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123443735...
(note: be careful where you buy MAC from because there are so many fakes knocking around and they can be really dangerous for your skin. There are cheaper places like ebay but I don't know if they are credible so I included the cheapest department store instead just to be safe!)
- [concealer for my blemishes] Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, £4.19, http://www.boots.com/en/Collection-2000-Lasting-Perfection-Concealer_984434/
- Constance Carroll Pressed Powder Compact Refill , prices varies depending on shade but between £2-3, http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_23?url=search-alias%3Dbeauty&f...

EYES
- SBC Micro Fine Loose Powder Dark, £12, http://www.sbcgels.co.uk/make-up/foundations/foundation-powders
- [Light eyeshadow] SBC Eyeshadow 11N Frosted Beige, £3, http://www.sbcgels.co.uk/make-up/eyeshadows/individual-eyeshadows
- [Accent colour] SBC Eyeshadow 19S Frosted Purple, £3, http://www.sbcgels.co.uk/make-up/eyeshadows/individual-eyeshadows
- SBC Eye Emphasiser in Brown, £4, http://www.sbcgels.co.uk/make-up/mascara-eyeliner/eyeliners/eye-emphasizer
- [can only find this mascara in a gift set] GOSH Mascara, £9.99, http://www.superdrug.com/gosh/gosh-bohemian-eyes-set/invt/280392/&bklist=

CHEEKS:
- SBC Blusher in 6BN Frosted Pale Peach, £4.44, http://www.amazon.co.uk/SBC-Individual-Blusher-Compact-Frosted/dp/B005MG228A/...

LIPS
- [liner] SBC Lip Emphasiser in Medium Natural, £4, http://www.sbcgels.co.uk/make-up/lipstick-pencils/lip-emphasizers
- [lipstick] SBC Lipstick in 05N Pink Fudge, £6.24, http://www.amazon.co.uk/SBC-Lipstick-In-Compact-FUDGE/dp/B005MDVW4I/ref=sr_1_...

I think that's everything! Let me know if I've missed anything out.
If you want to contact me, here are some links:

TWITTER: twitter.com/emma0m
EMAIL: emma0m@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks for watching!

Groupon Deals

Doesn't everybody love a bargain? I know I do, and often I find Groupon is my website of choice. If you've never ventured onto Groupon before, it is basically a website with a huge range of nationwide deals from restaurants, healthcare, travel, and my personal favourite: shopping. 


When this bracelet made of 41 crystals containing Swarovski elements popped up on my screen, I knew I had to get it. There's always a risk ordering online, but I love this bracelet so much. I don't feel like the photos do justice to how pretty this piece is as it catches the light so much when I'm wearing it. The best  bracelet is for sale for $99 dollars (est £62.67), but I only paid a sweet £25 using Groupon, so I definitely feel like I have a bargain too. I really recommend making a cheeky purchase if Neverland jewellery comes on Groupon again - I know I will be!

For anyone who wants to find out more about what Groupon has to offer, you can check out my in-depth review here which I wrote a few months back and I hope you will find helpful!

Have you scored any bargains from Groupon recently? If you have, please recommend the deals you went for below!

Em xx

No matter what time of day it is, chaos reigns in Primark. My hatred of feeling like a sweaty sardine was intensified when I began working long hours in there, and I've avoided it ever since. Still, there are always great bargains to be had, such as this bag above which I received as a present off my Nana. I think this bag makes a perfect little weekend carry. The nude colour will go with everything, and I love the shape and added "snakeskin" detail.

A good tip if you fancy venturing into Primark: go when it first opens. This is the only time (at least in the store I worked in) that it is ever orderly and fairly empty. I'd also recommend not paying attention to the hangers (the size it says on the hanger to what it actually is is usually wrong) and don't be afraid to just throw everything in your bag, try it on at home and then return what looks crap, as Primark only allows you to put in a few items at once to try on. I remember there were some amazing deals to be had when I worked there, particularly the extremely comfortable pajama bottoms and on trend jewellery pieces, so I do think it's worth setting the alarm for. 

Have you found any great deals in Primark lately? If you have let me know! I think I might get up early one morning and see what goodies I can find.

Em xx

Sunday Roundup #17

Just to say that I will be blogging a lot more after May 30th when I finish all my exams! Between my placement, beauty course and Uni I'm swamped at the moment but this should all settle down soon.

I just finished my Makeup Application course and received a distinction in Makeup so I'm really happy with that! I'm going to write all about my course for anyone who was considering an NVQ but for now I'll just  say it's one of the best things I've done. I loved the people I was with and the course so much so that I'm starting the Facials next week which runs 9-5.30pm. A really long day for a Saturday ha but if it's anything as good as the makeup course I know it'll be worth it.

 This Saturday is also my birthday eek! I have a luminous orange dress to wear (I remind myself of a slutty tangerine).

This is not something I would normally wear (I prefer floral floaty things) but I feel my youth escaping me and an increasing awareness that one day I will not be able to wear this, without looking like I'm making failed attempts to be down with the kids. Still when I see older ladies all dressed up in little dresses I always just think good for them! Everyone should be allowed to go out, get pissed and let their hair down. That shouldn't come with an age limit but alas in our society it does, so I'm getting all my desire to wear things like this out the way now! haha. Can anyone recommend a good bra for this dress though? It's very low cut at the front but I feel uncomfortable wearing nothing under and don't want to be on boob patrol all night!

I think I'm going to pair it with black tights and these shoes:

 I'm secretly crying inside that they have went so low in price, but you may as well grab yourself a bargain whilst you can! I think my friends are going to come round and we're going to keep it classy with pizza and pre-drinks. Then we'll be hitting the sea front and we'll probably end up somewhere that has a sticky floor and a leery DJ as per haha.

Hope you are all well!

Emxx

REVIEW: Avon Be Bronze Self Tanning Lotion Spray

I was rooting through my tanning box today when I came across the long neglected Avon Be Bronze Self Tanning Lotion in Light/Medium. I go through the same routine with this one: apply once, hate results, regret buying, put back in tanning box, forget. I find chucking out a nearly full product so wasteful, but at the same time I wouldn't wish this product on any of my loved ones. I think I'm finally going to take the plunge and put it in the bin tonight!

So why do I dislike it so much?
* The smell. I love strong scents and I like the smell of fake tan (I know I'm strange, I do try to get rid of it just for the sake of everyone else before I leave the house!) but this smell is like no other tan I've smelled before. It's kind of like the smell of developing tan times a million, thrown off with a indescribable "off" smell.

* There is no colour guide whatsoever, so if you are anything like me you will completely forget about a limb or do the same ones over and over as you forget you've already done them!

* The spray nozzle is hard to control. If you spray it directly onto a limb no matter how much you rub it around it leaves a really dark patch where you first sprayed it on. Also as the nozzle is so strong I find it actually powers through my mitt and through onto my hands, but if I spray too far away I inadvertently get it on all surroundings. This might just be a personal preference but I much prefer a lotion or mousse for this reason.

* The end result is not that nice. It comes off as a very dark orangey-brown which looks completely unnatural. Kind of like I'm pretending to be an oompa loompa which isn't that hard anyway when you're my height ;). It's always really patchy too (no idea if this is the product or my application technique since I can't see what I'm doing).

Phew! As you can see, I don't have fantastic things to say about this product. It's one and only redeeming feature is that it was fairly cheap (think around £5) so at least I didn't waste too much money. Still, St. Moriz is cheaper and I much prefer it! Of course I'm sure there will be people out there who like this product and find the colour suits their tone, but for me (and I think all pale people) this is a no-go.

Have you tried this product? If you have, let me know what you think!

Em x