Hello darlings,

What a fabulous weekend. I'm always a little bit saddened by the end of the weekend and the start of a new week.  I don't mind that a new week is starting necessarily, however it is always nice to spend time with your family over the weekend.  The end of this time is sad.

A short while back I managed to get my mitts on some fabulous Victoria Secrets goodies.  I love the undies, active wear and clothes (including VS Pink merchandise), however my true love lies with their body and fragrance range.

I want to share some of my favourite items from my haul.

From left to right:  Amber Romance fragrance mist, Coconut Passion ultra-moisturising hand and body cream, Secret Craving daily body wash and finally Amber Romance body butter.

After a bath the Amber Romance body butter is lush to use as a moisturiser to really rehydrate your skin. You'll smell amazing too. It is a seductive, warm fragrance. Ignite an Amber Romance, a sensual embrace of sultry amber and crème anglaise.

Coconut passion just reminds me of going on holiday to the beach and truly envokes the feelings of sheer joy associated with holidays. And finally Secret Cravings is a delicious smell of black currants and a base note of vanilla.  You just smell so nice with any of these scents.

If you don't get an opportunity to get to the States or a Victoria Secrets outlet in the UK, it is also possible to buy some products from Amazon.

Feel free to let me know if you like Victoria Secrets body products as much as I do.  If you do like them, which ones are your favourites?

Get to know me

Hello beautiful people,

This will historically be my very first post! I'm so exciting to start blogging regularly and sharing my views and ideas with you the lovely readers.

This blog is very much a 'work in progress' and will be changing bit by bit. So please don't mind me, it will start making sense shortly.

I thought that I'd share a few things about myself...so here goes:

1) I live on the outskirts of London with my husband. He is a lovely chap and a whiz at DIY. SCORE!

2) Travelling is one of the things we love doing, and regularly plan fun trips. Our most recent few trips included Disney World in Florida and Majorca.

3) I've had the pleasure of hanging out on a luxurious yacht. It was spectacular, but unfortunately I have a tendency towards sea-sickness.

4)  After many practices, I'm still not very good at applying liquid eyeliner. I'll always get one eye perfect, and the other wonky. It is as tragic as the 'eyebrow' situation that is very similar.

5) I've only recently started enjoying wearing lipsticks. Now I can't get enough of those little tubes of colour.

6) My favourite beauty brands include: Liz Earle, Urban Decay, Benefit, Bare Minerals, Marc Jacobs, Lime Crime ... to name but a few.

7) My day job has a scientific twist, and I'm currently studying towards an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry.

8) I love my family and would love nothing better than to add a 'fluffy baby' to my brood. I'm talking about a dog or cat. I'm a huge animal lover and can't wait to get one.

9) I'm a lover of books. Reading is sensationally relaxing in my opinion and a great escape from the mundane. I'm not too fussy about what I read, but recently I read Helen Fieldings latest Bridget Jones book. You can have a look at that here: Mad about a boy
I have to admit that I caught myself laughing out loud on more than one occassion.

10) I work as a freelance editor in my spare time and have currently got one book that was released that I've edited. My friend Yolandie Horak wrote a series about an exiled princess that turns into a fully-fledged queen. The series (The Evangellion Trilogy)  is amazing and I'm so thankful for the opportunity of working with her. Please support her by checking out her books (this is available in kindle form and can also be ordered in paperback). The two books are 'The Rise of the Exile Queen' and 'The Song of War'. The final installment of the books will be released shortly.

Keep on sparkling.
xoxo

Fashion Favourites

Hello and welcome to Friday!

Gosh, it feels like this week wouldn't end.  I've been majorly excited for all the beauty and cute fashion ideas that have been floating around on the web, and I decided to make a collage of my absolute favourite ideas into one place...

If I talk you through my collage from left to right:

Firstly I am in love with mint/turquoise nails especially when paired up with silver chuncky glitter (as per this photo that I found on Pinterest) - BTW please go and follow me on Pinterest if you get a moment! 

I also found this photo of a Fashion Blogger (sorry that I don't know who it is - boo) but the look is so inspiring.  I love the chunky heels in black with the bold print of the trousers and a simple silk black blouse.  The picture is so gorgeous and I'm going to hunt high and low for those trousers! 

Colour-wise I've also loved coral hues so much.  I found this picture of a Michael Kors handbag from his core collection in the exact hue that I love.  I'm so obsessed with Michael Kors handbags and watches for the longest time, and will be getting in on the action this summer!

And finally I've fancied changing my hair for the longest time now, but am not sure what I want to do. My favourite idea is a longer bob with a gorgeous brown hue over the entire head of hair.  I've noticed that my style-crush Olivia Palermo has a pretty great looking 'do' and it close to what I like. 

These are just a few firm favs in beauty and fashion.  What do you like?

Benefit Birthday Treat

Good morning,

Last August I celebrated my birthday.  You're probably wondering why I'm sharing this information with you at such a late stage, but bear with me!

Sephora - the beauty store mecca (which is unfortunately only located in America, Canada and certain European countries), offers their customers a free beauty treat on their birthday.  I happened to visit America about two weeks after my birthday and was lucky enough to visit a Sephora store to get myself a lovely little present by Benefit.

There are two Benefit mini sample sizes of the Watts Up! Highlighter and They're Real Mascara.  The Watts Up! Highlighter is a soft focus highlighter with a soft golden colouring compared to the Moon Beam Highlighter which is more silver toned.

My favourite mascara at the moment has to be They're Real by Benefit, it is awesome and really gives wonderfully lengthened and volumized eye lashes.
 
I'm so happy to have received these two little gems, because I haven't stopped using them during the past 6 months! Have you received anything free for your birthday from Sephora?  If so, what was it?

Beauty hugs,

New Years Resolutions 2014

Good morning beautiful!

Sooo time for the inevitable New Years Resolution post.  Yup, you might be sick of reading these bad boys BUT guess what? I'm still posting mine! Hahaha.

So last year I wrote some down...
Lets have a look at how many I actually achieved to complete before bridging the gap to my NEW new year's resolutions.

New Years Resolutions for 2013
1) Keep moving on my journey of weightloss.  I've finally found a system that works and my local Slimming World Group never fails to reinvigorate and inspire me towards weighing less.  I'm also thinking of joining a dancing or martial arts class to help with slimming down and getting fit.

Yes, for the post part I've managed to keep the weight off and am currently still at Slimming World and eating very healthily (except over Christmas cough cough). However, I haven't visited the gym recently, it is definitely on my list. So yup achieved this one!

2)  Learn to be happy no matter what happens.  I found myself getting angry at the smallest things in 2012 and I'm determined that nothing will steal my peace this year.  I'm going to weed out those things that make me feel discomforted.
I didn't achieve a happy medium at all times, SO this will have to be ongoing. I did manage to work out some kinks and found peace with certain things that wound me up before, however driving is still my major gripe and I'll have to keep working on this one.

3)  Build up an even deeper, more meaningful relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ.  God is always there to love and support each and every one of us, and it is time that I made loads more time for Him. I love you Jesus!
I've certainly worked on this but feel that it needs A LOT more work!  Each day is definitely a step in the right direction.

4)  Learn a new language or two....German first then French :-D
HA! Okay, I may have been a bit enthusiastic on this one...however I've certainly started learning German and am continuing in my lessons. It is going well, however french will have to wait. Hehehe.

5)  Learn to ski....I really want to go in to Austria and ski down the slopes.
Crud, I didn't achieve this at all.  It is still on my list for 2014 and I'll endeavour to achieve atleast learning how to ski, even if it is just at the Tamworth Snow Dome.

6)  Laugh more, apparently this keeps you young so certainly it's the best remedy for beauty?
Yep, mission accomplished! With a husband like mine, you can't help but laugh half the time.  He is funny and full of silly jokes. More of this though me thinks!

7)  Drink more yummy cocktails.  I'm not a big drinker, but I LOVE cocktails, especially mojito's!  So I'd like to make more 'me' time to have a cocktail or two once in a while with friends.
Ahh, I certainly have gone for cocktails on numerous occassions over 2013 and enjoyed every moment. So yup, this is a thumbs up.

8) Make more true friends.  It feels that often friends come and go....really I'd like to make friends and keep 'em.  I'd also like to spend much more time with friends that I don't see often and make loads more time for them.
Hmm, I'd say half and half with this one.  I've certainly made some long lasting friends especially at work, however feel that I'd still like to meet more good friends.  I'd also like to keep in touch with old friends that live further away.

9)  I'd like to further my career and really work on 'learning' new skills.  That can only be a good thing right?
Aha, mission accomplished.  I'm certainly learning new skills all the time at work and am currently working towards management. I'm also currently studing towards an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry which will certainly help towards a better career later in live. So this is great.

10)  Love my husband more dearly with every passing day.
This is a thumbs up.  I love the dude more than ever and can't imagine not having him in my life. He is my best friend and confidant. Also frustrating hehe but absolutely adorable.

Image courtesay of Gemma Correll (https://www.facebook.com/gemmacorrell?fref=ts)

So moving on...

New Years Resolutions for 2014

1)  Travel more and enjoy the delights of different cultures.  I got a small taste of travelling whilst going to Mallorca and Florida this year and it has only inspired me to continue the travelling trend.  

2) Continue learning...whether that be the German language or lessons in life. I love the feeling you get from learning new skills.

3) Be more confident in my own skin then ever before!  Love myself, my body and the package of 'Angie'.

4) Continue working on my health and fitness...and keeping up with being healthy whatever that may entail.

5) Love every moment in life and life to the full.  

6) Smile more!  Smiles opens up many doors and makes others around you happier.  I might add here that I'd like to tell more jokes (even if they aren't that funny!).

7) Rejuvenate my wardrobe.  I've not bought many clothes over the past few years because I haven't felt very confident but things are going to change and I'm going to buy myself some new stuff to make me feel as great and I want to feel!

8) Get laser hair removal on my under arms.  This sounds crazy, I KNOW! BUT I hate shaving and this would truly make my life easier. My husband didn't like the idea of this being one of my resolutions but I'm determined to keep it on my list. Kapeesh!

9) Buy more amazing beauty, skin and hair products to share with my blogging friends.

10) Blog more and take more photographs! 

And with that, it is the end of my list.  Apologies for the long post, but I just wanted to share.  Please also share your stuff with me :-)

Lots of huggles from my house to yours

Glamour Latest in Beauty Box

Beauties, this is the latest beauty box that is available for purchase if you are interested.  So far it is only available in the UK, and costs in the region of £14.95 including postage and packaging.  There are 9 products in this beauty so esentially you're getting an extra 4 products for about £4 compared to other beauty boxes that retail for about £12 (selling 4-5 products).

This is a great idea to try new products before you buy the larger sizes.  However, if you've notices there are atleast four full sized products.

The products in the box are:

JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ- EASE ORIGINAL FORMULA

An iconic hair product if ever there was one- if you haven’t tried it yet, you’ll be blown away by the instant smoothness it gives your hair. And it feels so light, that it won’t make your hair oily- just super shiny, manageable and soft. 

L’OREAL SUPER LINER GEL INTENZA GOLDEN

I love the look of liquid liner- it’s just so chic and glamorous. But I seriously can’t get it right and I’ve tried it a lot. This one- stroke genius is a blessing for klutzes like me, or anyone who wants to get the look without the hassle. 

JINNYLASH NATURAL FALSE STRIP EYELASHES

Some fake eyelashes can look well, really fake, which is fine if you are into that. Personally I like my falsies to just gently enhance and plump my own lashes for a more natural feel. You want people to notice your eyes, not

BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO

Everyone- and I mean everyone - needs dry shampoo in their hair kit, whatever your hair-length or type. It’s the simplest sexy hair trick ever- it boosts root-flatness, adds tons of volume and extends the life of your blow-dry. 

BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL

Who needs to ass another step to their makeup routine right? I am definitely not a fan of complicated makeup steps but if your pores bother you, this truly is magic. Even if you don’t wear foundation, apply a thin layer of this over your moisturiser and it will give the illusion of smooth, flawless skin. 

REVLON NAIL ENAMEL

This is the most flattering coral ever- just the right mix of orange and pink to look great on all skin tones. It pops against dark and olive skins, yet doesn’t overwhelm paler skins. Great on toes to brighten up summer sandals, but I love it on short nails too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GINVERA GREEN TEA EXFOLIATING MARVEL GEL

This is one of the best beauty discoveries I’ve made recently- and has totally transformed my skincare routine. It feels a bit jelly-like when you rub it over your skin, yet it literally hoovers out your pores and pulls out all the black- heads, blockages, makeup grime or whatever else got stuck in there. I am HOOKED and you will be too. 

STILA LIP GLAZE

A super- pretty rosy pink with a hint of shimmer in Stila’s cultish portable, apply anywhere lip glaze pen. It will become your new go- to lip colour. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VINTAGE COSMETIC COMPANY TWEEZERS

I love these pretty and precise tweezers- they are sharp enough to pull out even the teeniest hairs and last forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This sounds like a great all-around beauty box filled with handy products.  I'd be very happy with just the Revlon Nail Polish, but the gel eyeliner is a great surprise too.

 

To get your hands on this box, just visit the Latest in Beauty website. 

 

Enjoy your day x

 

Beauty on a Budget

Hi everyone,

Sorry for not posting so frequently in the past few days - things have been turned upside down!

But I'm coming at you with a really interesting little post for beauty on a budget.  Here is my top picks for getting an entire look for much less than you think!

1. Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant Foundation

This beauty steal from Collection 2000 offers light-to-medium coverage with a lightweight feel. It contains SPF 15 and is transfer-proof for a flawless finish.

Luxury treat:CHANEL Pro Lumiére Professional Finish Make Up

2. Natural Collection Lash Length Mascara

For a lavish lash look, try this mascara that defines and lengthens even the stubbiest of lashes without clumping.

Luxury treat:
Dior Diorshow Mascara 

3. Maybelline Watershine Lip Gloss

You don't need to spend a lot to get a fabulously glossed pout. This one has a gel base and is formulated to give spectacular sparkle and shine without stickiness.

Luxury treat:
Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Pur Lip Gloss

4. Barry M Blusher

A light dusting of this blusher will go a long way for your complexion. Use it to warm up the apple of your cheeks and apply a dab to the bridge of your nose to create a flattering, warming effect.

Luxury treat:
Benefit Coralista Blusher

5. Miss Sporty Cover Stick

Target your skin bugbears with this concealer that will hide dark circles and blemishes. Use it alone or on top of foundation for that bit of extra coverage.

Luxury treat:
Clinique All About Eyes Airbrush Concealer 

6. Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye Pencil

There's nothing like a swipe or smudge of kohl to define eyes. Leave your line sharp and precise or soften it out with a cotton bud. This soft pencil doesn't disappoint with its long-lasting, jet black pigment-packed colour.

Luxury treat:
Estée Lauder Double Wear Eye Pencil

7. NIVEA Visage Daily Essentials Moisturising Day Cream

This moisturiser ticks all the boxes: it contains an SPF, it's easily absorbed and oil-free, so it won't clog your pores. Mix it with foundation to create a light, dewy finish with plenty of moisture, or wear it alone for a fresh look.

Luxury treat:
Clarins HydraQuench Day Cream 

8. 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick

For satin-like lip colour that will go the distance without drying out, take your pick from 17's impressive range of lipsticks. Choose a statement red shade to get more impact for your money.

Luxury treat:
Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

Angelique