Friday 31 July 2015

W7 In The Mood Palette - Review

W7 In The Mood Palette

 Recently I had a little 'I must own ever palette' phase. Consequently when it came round to my birthday last month I asked the other half to pick me up a wide variety of palettes from the W7 range that I have had my eye on. I say wide variety, he pretty much got me all of their tinned palettes. They're pretty difficult to pick up in any store. I've seen them dotted in the clearance/ make-up sections in various clothing stores however not one store seems to exclusively stock them. Gaz managed to get hold of all of them in one go for me on Amazon. So your best bet is probably there.

W7 In The Mood Palette

I think we can all agree that W7 make a good attempt with their larger palettes at creating a Naked dupe. These smaller palettes seem to emulate the Naked Basics palettes as well as being a great portable neutrals palette. I actually packed this palette for my recent graduation for photograph touch ups and it did very well!

Shrimp, Oops & Venice
Left to right: Shrimp, Oops & Venice

There are six shades in the palette in total. They also have names which is fantastic for a cheaper brand. The likes of MUA and Makeup Revolution tend to stay away from eyeshadow names whereas W7 have named all their shadows.

Shrimp: Shrimp is a gorgeous highlight shade. If you enjoy highlighting but don't enjoy the shimmer that some have this is a great alternative. 

Oops: Oops is a great base colour for other shades. It really makes other eyeshadows pop when worn underneath. It is also a great natural shade for those days where you want a wash of colour.

Venice: Venice is slightly deeper that Oops. It is much more warm toned. I love using this during the, all be it very few, sunny days we've been having to add warmth to my eyes. It's also a great blending colour.

Wink, Katie and Cargo
Left to right: Wink, Katie and Cargo

Wink: These next few shades are the deeper in the palette. Wink is a cool toned brown and is a great transition colour for a lighter smoky eye.

Katie: Katie is a much deeper brown. I actually use this for my eyebrows. Yes you heard me right! I use my real techniques brow brush and use it as an eyebrow powder. I absolutely love it and it blends beautifully.

Cargo: Cargo is a gorgeously pigmented black matte colour. I can't get over the black in this palette. It's gorgeous. I'm usually scared to use black eyeshadow but with it being matte I feel like it is a ton more wearable.


The wear time of these shadows is pretty good. As with any other eyeshadow I would recommend a primer or at least using a base eyeshadow colour to help you blend out any colours. As I said above I wore these eyeshadows on my graduation day. They lasted from 7am all the way up to 1pm without any creasing. When I got home they only required the smallest of touch ups. Can't complain really!

Have you tried any of the W7 palettes? What do you think of this one? Let me know in the comments below!

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Monday 27 July 2015

NOTD - Sensationail - Sugar Plum

Recently I've been making more of an effort to keep on top of having my nails painted. I love having them painted but, realistically, I don't have the time to paint them. Either that or I end up chipping them within a day. The beauty of Sensationail is that it is quick, easy and I can do the dishes straight after I'm done painting them! Seriously how did I ever have the time to wait for my nails to dry during the week?

NOTD - Sensationail - Sugar Plum

Sugar Plum is that perfect deep wine red colour, in my opinion, with a slight hue of purple. IT is the perfect autumn shade for, frankly, the bleak at best weather we have been having lately. 

Do you have any Sensationail polishes you would recommend? I am on the hunt to try more!

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Friday 24 July 2015

OOTN 18.07.15

Hello everyone! Firstly, apologies are needed. A few of you may have noticed I didn't post on Monday. This was because I was in absolute agony on Sunday and could not write in time for the following day. I was in a lot of pain because of a trapped nerve in my neck.which made me in pain with my neck, back, arms and leg. I was in agony, crying all night and well... I couldn't write! I could barely move! If any of you have any tips for trapped nerves that would be a massive help for me! Please leave them in the comments!

OOTN 18.07.15


Anyway lets get on with the OOTN. It has been a good old while since I posted an outfit post - though I am still doing miles better than last year which I'm proud of! This OOTN was for a family members 18th at the weekend.

Maxi Dress: George at Asda
Satchel: George at Asda
Shoes (that you can't see) are sandals by New Look

Oh I love a good steal at Asda - can you tell where I do my food shopping from and consequently find a few bargains? This little beauty was actually in the sale for £6 rather than £12. I couldn't resist. I've seen so many beautiful bloggers rocking the maxi dress lately so I thought I would try and attempt it myself!

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Friday 17 July 2015

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

I don't know if I've ever mentioned on my blog before that I'm obsessed with Coronation Street... but I am. I absolutely love it. For a while now I've wanted to go on the Corrie tour but I never got round to it! With the tour coming to an end this December I knew I had to get round to going - so me and Gaz quickly booked it and went a few weeks back!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

The tour is very thorough to say the least. The inside tour that shows you around the sets and the filming studio lasts around an hour/ hour and a half. The tour guide knew her stuff and took her time going through everything. She gave us a good amount of time to look round and absorb everything. Sadly you can't take photos inside the indoor set but you are free to take as many photos as you want of the outside set. You can also get a photo taken of yourself behind the Rovers bar! The only thing I didn't like about that was you had to stand up one by one or in groups and have your photo taken in front of everyone in the Rovers. For someone with social anxiety like myself this really wasn't ideal... but I managed!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Forgive the poor quality of the above photo - I took a photo of the printed photo we bought from the set with my phone. We paid £7 I believe for this photo in a Coronation Street styled paper frame. Okay it's expensive for a photo but it was a great day and I'm a sucker for mementos!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

One thing I will say is that both the indoor and the outdoor set are a lot smaller than you would imagine! The tour guide said the reason for this is that they film the soap with a wide angled fish lens. This makes everything appear much bigger than it is.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Luckily on the day we went on the tour it was very sunny. We travelled down to the tour via train early in the morning. We came dressed for the cold morning weather and ended up boiling!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is me knocking at Gail's... can you tell I'm imaginative when posing for photos?

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is me outside of Underworld - far too overdressed for the heat that turned up shortly after!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

One thing I found particularly interesting was actually making a map of the set in my head. Despite watching the show for years I only had a rough layout of locations of different buildings in my head. My sense of direction is absolutely awful. So this tour really helped with my immersion - since the tour I've enjoyed the show even more!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is Gaz in the famous Coronation Street Ginel. Again a lot smaller than you'd imagine! You can take a look in the various back gardens however some are there for decoration.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Another area I was shocked at how small it was is the back of the Rovers. You'd think it was massive! 

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

On top of having the indoor tour there are also outdoor tours held regularly. We of course jumped on this tour too as it gives you greater information on the building themselves, the history and who has lived and run various different buildings. 

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here I am looking very happy! I really enjoyed the tour and fully took in everything! The great thing about the outdoor sets is that you are free to walk around for as long as you like. There is a gift shop that you can buy from -  we got our picture, a guide book, some shot glasses and a magnet of Roy and Hayley because... well they are #RelationshipGoals. There is also a little van where you can pick up some quick food.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

At the very end of the street is actually a massive picture of a longer street. When you're walking up and down the street and look down it looks so real!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here are a few photos of me and Gaz outside of Roy's ! 

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Audrey's was A LOT smaller than I thought it would be. It was a lot closer to the famous Coronation Street tree and bench than I thought it would be too!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Barlow's Buys... anyone for a cheap, cheeky deal?

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Ah we are back to the staged photos! Here is Gaz waiting for his bus home!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is me calling the bus... oh I'm clearly a natural at staged photos!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Of course we had to go to Roy's. Out of all the Coronation Street characters Roy and Hayley are definitely mine and Gaz's favourite characters. We were distraught when Hayley died, particularly because the storyline hit close to home for the both of us.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is Gaz with his posed photo outside the Rovers!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

I think this was my favourite place to see in the flesh! I stood and fully took it in. Sad I know!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Anyone fancy a kebab! Another building that I couldn't believe was so small! You could actually go into this building and have a look around!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is another small building, Street Cars! It was very tucked away and had a car on display that they used to use.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Due to me wearing a lace skirt I couldn't, of course, lie on the cobbles to re-enact Tina's infamous death pose so, sadly, I had to kill of Gareth temporarily.

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

He got a lot of praise from passers by on his dedication to his pose until we got a good photo! RIP Gaz!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here we are at Victoria Court - the apartments. Again another really small building that was actually only the front of the building. Of course this set was before the fire took place hence why it is still standing! The community centre is also another set that isn't in the tour as it wasn't yet there during filming!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Hats off to Gaz. I think he won the prize for most effort on the day for posed photos!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

I enjoyed the name of the Coronation Street chippy far too much. Got to love a good pun!

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is Sally's house and of course Gaz had to get in and pose some more...

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here he is kicking in the door...

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

and here he is trying to get in!


Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Here is a close up of Maxine's bench on the cobbles. 

Coronation Street Tour - July 2015

Of course I had to take a photo of the famous cobbles themselves! I can't express how much I enjoyed the day. All in all myself and Gaz were there for a good three hours including the tour. We enjoyed just wandering round and taking it all in. I'm so glad I managed to go before it stops running. If you're considering going, go! It is a great little thing to say you've been and done and the photo of me and Gaz behind the bar is proudly sat on our memory shelf in the living room - it always makes me smile when I glance at it!

It is very detailed and you may even learn something about the show and set that you didn't know. Besides visiting the Rovers and Roy's my favourite place to see was the costume department! 

Have you been to the Coronation Street tour? Are you planning to go? Who else is a massive fan! Let me know in the comments below!

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Monday 13 July 2015

Product Empties #18


Here we are again at product empties time and boy do we have a lot to get through this time. My empties bag hanging from my full length mirror in my bedroom was bulging at the seems when I brought it down to photograph everything! So lets get down to it!

Hair

Batiste XXL Dry Shampoo
Batiste XXL Dry Shampoo

One of my all time favourites which, sadly, seems to have been discontinued from Boots. It is still available in Superdrug in the smaller size but I must admit I'm a bit gutted. I don't have a Superdrug local to me so I ordered a few online to keep me going. This product seems to have been replaced by something called Batiste XXL stylist which is basically the same but without the dry shampoo element. I like it but it's not the same!

Elvive Fibrology Shampoo and Thickening Masque, TRESemme Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner
Elvive Fibrology Shampoo and Thickening Masque, TRESemme Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner

  • Elvive Fibrology Shampoo and Thickening Masque - Admittedly my hair doesn't need to be made any thicker. However I'd heard such great reviews about this range giving body and umph to your hair. I loved this range and it definitely gave my hair a bit of life back. I've already picked up another bottle of the shampoo and will be picking up some more of thickening masque too!
  • TRESemme Colour Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner - Again another perfect duo. It does a great job of protecting coloured/dyed hair. These minis are from when I recently went away. I do have the large bottles of both however if you're interested in giving the duo a go I would pick up the minis first to see what you think!

 Scents

Loverdose and Loverdose Tattoo

Loverdose is typically my day perfume whereas Loverdose Tattoo is typically one of my evening scents. I love these two perfumes. Typically I get bought these for birthdays and Christmas but I will always have these at hand in my collection. I love both scents!

Shower

Adidas Deep Energy Ginseng Vivifying Hair & Body Shower Gel, Lynx Dark Temptation Shower Gel, No7 Blissful Body Wash and The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream
Adidas Deep Energy Ginseng Vivifying Hair & Body Shower Gel, Lynx Dark Temptation Shower Gel, No7 Blissful Body Wash and The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream

  • Adidas Deep Energy Ginseng Vivifying Hair & Body Shower Gel & Lynx Dark Temptation Shower Gel - As you can probably tell these are Gazs empties as usual. He tends to like the Lynx shower gels more (which FYI are available in Poundland - full sized). He also likes the Adidas range as they are very refreshing.
  • No7 Blissful Body Wash  - Back to my shower gels! I recently reviewed this shower gel. I love it! It is so luxurious and smells amazing.
  • The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream - This is a lovely luxurious shower gel which, yes you guessed it, has the amazing scent of coconuts. I love it!

 Bath

Gillette Olay Satin Care & Lavender Kiss Shaving Gel, Radox Muscle Soak and Wilkinsons Bath Bombs
Gillette Olay Satin Care & Lavender Kiss Shaving Gel, Radox Muscle Soak and Wilkinsons Bath Bombs

  • Gillette Olay Satin Care & Lavender Kiss Shaving Gel - Two great shaving gels. I always tend to pick up what's on offer or available. I'm not picky. These two do the job!
  • Radox Muscle Soak  - I love using Radox. It helps relax me and who doesn't love a bubble bath?
  • Wilkinsons Bath Bombs - Who doesn't love a good bath bomb either? Wilkos offer an affordable range of bath bombs which are great if you just want that added extra scent/colour to your bath.
Make-up


Rimmel London Professional Liquid Eye Liner, Make Up Gallery Hide & Chic Concealer and Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Liner
Rimmel London Professional Liquid Eye Liner, Make Up Gallery Hide & Chic Concealer and Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Liner

  • Rimmel London Professional Liquid Eye Liner - Recently I had a major clear up of my make-up collection. This liner had pretty much been finished, the remains all dried up. I really loved this liner. It has a fine tipped liner brush so it is great for precision work.
  • Make Up Gallery Hide & Chic Concealer - I still have to post my first impressions regarding the Poundland Make Up Gallery range. Gosh I have so many blog posts on the way for you all. Needles to say this concealer is a hidden gem. It lasted just short of two months. I absolutely love it. Review to come shortly!

 Wipes

Pure Age Defiance and Deep Cleanse Wipes
Pure Age Defiance and Deep Cleanse Wipes

I tend to pick up all my wipes from Poundland/Poundworld or the 99p store. It's just more affordable and I tend to only use wipes to freshen up my face in the morning before getting ready. Our bathroom is actually downstairs and not upstairs so it saves me running downstairs to a sink to freshen up my face or remove make-up from my hands in-between getting ready.

Skincare

Derma V10 Nose Strips, Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful, Olay Refreshing Toner and Wilkinsons Face Mask
Derma V10 Nose Strips, Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful, Olay Refreshing Toner and Wilkinsons Face Mask
  • Derma V10 Nose Strips - These are from good old Poundworld. I love these. They're just as good as more expensive alternatives and do the job well.
  • Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful - I love this serum. I am totally going to be repurchasing it one I get through my others. It has the most amazing sweet scent and does a great job in making my skin feel great each day!
  • Olay Refreshing Toner - I know toners aren't as popular as they once were in the beauty world but I love them. They do a great job in making my skin feel fresh and clean. I love this Olay Toner. It is so affordable and does the job.
  • Wilkinsons Face Mask - An affordable face mask. Okay it won't do amazing things for your skin but it is a nice treat and they smell delicious!


Candles

Yankee Candly Simply Home in Citrus Water and Yankee Candle Beach Holiday
Yankee Candly Simply Home in Citrus Water and Yankee Candle Beach Holiday
  • Yankee Candly Simply Home in Citrus Water - I loved this little candle. I love my citrus scents and this was perfect. Not too overpowering but the perfect hint.
  • Yankee Candle Beach Holiday - A very earthy/salty scent if that makes any sense! Totally reminds me of sea water!

Bits and Bobs

Allura Cotton Pads and Sensational Gel Cleanser
Allura Cotton Pads and Sensational Gel Cleanser

  • Allura Cotton Pads - These, once again, are from good old Poundland. They are affordable and come in two packs of 75. They're not the softest but do the job good enough.
  • Sensationail Gel Cleanser - I have been loving my Gel nails lately and have had to nip out to get some more of this cleanser. Luckily they come separate so you can pick up one easily!


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