While there is tea there is hope. We're back!

I'm ever so sorry guys, it's been a while hasn't it? We've both been super busy for the past few months, Sophie had her exams to endure and work has put a downer on me lately so I've not felt in the right frame of mind to blog. However, September brings a change to all that so hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of us. 

June, July and August have been jam packed full of trips and memories. I took a week off to visit Soph down in Plymouth where we danced like lunatics. I've celebrated my dads birthday at Windsor, had a 1940's inspired afternoon tea with Amber at Stratford-Upon-Avon, and behaved like a classy lady with Rosie and Maisy in London.

I even celebrated my own birthday last month (I turned the big two one) and seeing as I had such a lovely time, I'm going to dedicate this post to it. 

Like everyone else who is remotely sane, I love cake and I love tea so I thought I'd combine the two and host a vintage inspired afternoon/ garden tea party for the big day. Lots of preparation was involved (a whole two days of solid cooking and baking!), drink and obviously dress shopping. I had been searching for months for the one and after many tantrums and dragging everyone round the shops with me, I finally went with this beauty.

It's a white, off the shoulder tea dress from Topshop (was £70, but I got it for £45 in the sale and Sophie's student discount!) It fitted perfectly and I'm not ashamed to say that I felt like a little princess in it. The white feather fascinator was also a bargain buy from Dorothy Perkins, however I can't be exactly how sure it was as my mother bought it me as a gift. (This is why I know it was a bargain.) 

Everyone else looked like absolute dolls, and I'm glad everyone went to such an effort! Lots and lots of goodies were involved including my own vanilla, chocolate & ginger cupcakes and cookies and I can tell you now that i've never been so full in my entire life. You could of rolled me to bed and I wouldn't of cared. 

That's it for now guys, just a quick post to get back into the swing of things. I hope you have all been well and enjoyed your summers! 

Much love

XXX

Garnier Moisture Match Freebies

Afternoon ladies (and gents!)

I'm probably one of many that are reviewing these bad boys as of late as Garnier are giving away LOADS of free samples, so if you haven't got your own yet then hurry! 

Moisture Match are a new collection of moisturisers that are tailor made to your skin, whether that be super dry, dull or oily. I don't know about you but I rejoiced that, finally, a company had latched on to the fact that not everyone has the same skin and made products solely to accommodate me.  

There are 5 moisturisers in total and they differ in skin type, texture and results. I got three samples in my pack which included Protect and Glow, Start Afresh, and Goodbye Dry. The remaining 2 include Wake Me Up, a gel that's meant to leave you fresh faced and hydrated, and Shine Be Gone, a lightweight cream that helps reduce that irritating glare because an oily face isn't a happy one. 

Goodbye Dry

This is tailored for those who have dry/ very dry skin. Unfortunately, this is me all over so it's the first sample that I used. 
What does it do? Pretty straightforward here, it's meant to hydrate super tight and flaky faces. It claims to work instantly, easily absorb into your skin and keep it watered for up to 24 hours after usage. 
What's in it? Camellia oil which is a tea seed oil and also Mannose. Mannose is a sugar monomer which helps prevent water loss, thus making this the perfect ingredient in this moisturiser for dry skin. 
The texture? This seems to be a massive selling point in the Moisture Match range and Garnier claim that Goodbye Dry is 'rich but non-greasy' and isn't heavy on your skin. Which would be pretty ideal, wouldn't it? 

What do I think? My favourite of the 3 samples, by far. It's a dainty pink cream that is, true, very lightweight. It smells absolutely delightful (think fresh!) and absorbed into my skin immediately. I put it on just before I went to bed and my face was still very soft and supple in the morning, which makes a change as it's usually as rough as sandpaper. I recommend this highly!

Start Afresh

Start Afresh is made for those who have normal to dry skin so I decided to this second as my face was feeling considerably better after using Goodbye Dry. 
What does it do? This is probably the moisturiser that's designed for 'everybody', as it doesn't boast to solve any major skin issues. It's one to use for the everyday.
What's in it? Ingredients include Blue Lotus extract and, again, Mannose. 
The texture? Pretty much the same as Goodbye Dry. It claims to be light weight, easy to absorb, and non-greasy. 

What do I think? Unfortunately, this was my least favourite. Firstly, I was put off by the overpowering sickly, sweet smell which I could still pick up on when I woke up in the morning. Normally I like to catch a whiff of my skin care/ perfume but I actually felt like I had been smacked in the face with a floral bouquet. Not only this but my face felt very, very greasy the whole time it was on. However, just because it wasn't suited for my skin, doesn't mean it won't be for you!

Protect & Glow

This is the one that I wasn't that fussed about using as I'm not a massive fan of 'illuminating' products. I fear they'll make my skin look oily! This is made for those who want to keep skin looking glowing but also protected.
What does it do? It claims to do just that really, it's also designed for 'normal' skin, which is another reason why I wasn't sure about using it as I definitely don't have normal skin. Claims to keep you looking healthy, radiant and protected. 
What's in it? Lemon extract and Mannose.
The texture? It says to be oil-free and 'extremely lightweight'.

What do I think? It's alright, but definitely not my first choice. Despite the claims, my skin felt a little bit heavy after using it so I knew that it wasn't for me. I also wasn't fond of the light reflecting pearls but I imagine it would suit someone of a slighter darker skin because it made me look like Casper The Friendly Ghost. It smells good though! 


Overall I like idea of Moisture Match, I also like the fact they sent me a variety of samples ranging from very dry to normal skin so I could decide for myself which was most suited for me. Obviously a lot of hard work and time have gone into developing these little treats and the devil is in the detail in every one of these moisturisers, even down to matching the pastel pinks, blues and lemon creams to the packaging. I like this, I like the detail. I will definitely be looking into purchasing Goodbye Dry after I've used up my current skin cream and I would really like to hear if any of you have tried the other two in this collection!

XXX

Mani Monday!

Hi hi hi (: 

Manicure Monday comes in the form of these little bargain buys from Primark Beauty. I actually got them quite a while back so these one's aren't readily available in stores right now, although if you search around on Ebay and Amazon you might find them. However, they are currently selling a pastel set and a lovely collection of blues so for £2, I think you should go and see for yourself. 

The set doesn't have a name, I'd say they were all jewelled colours. It includes a purpley blue, a blue/ pink/ purple glitter, a silver glitter which has various sequins in, and a glittered bronze. My favourite would be the silver polish, as it's really thick (gives the illusion of a gel nail) and it only requires 2 coats to get an even finish. 

They're all pretty different polishes in regards to consistency, texture and pigments which is quite odd but it is Primark and you get what you pay for. 

• Purpley Blue Polish- This is probably the one I wouldn't buy if it was sold seperately. It looks really rich in colour in the bottle but once it's on the nail it's almost invisible. It required 4 coats to get the colour in the photo, therefore took quite a while to dry. In fact, it took the best part of an hour to completely dry, this is no good if you're looking for a quick fix. 
• Blue/ Pink/ Purple Polish- I really like this varnish as it only took 2 coats to get an even finish and dried really quickly. It's a pretty standard glitter nail polish at the end of the day.
• Silver Glitter Polish- Not only is this my favourite of the set, but one of my favourite glitter varnishes in my collection. Like I said, it applies thickly so it looks like I've had it done professionally, but it also dried pretty quick. Bonus! 
• Bronze Glitter- I use this quite regularly because it's such an versatile shade to wear. It's easy to wear this from day to night and it doesn't chip that easily either. I wish they sold this individually!  

I'd definitely recommend getting yourself a set of these. Yeah okay, they're not the best quality but you get 4 pretty decent nail varnishes for a measly £2. 

£2!

XXX

Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards 2013.

Just a quick one this evening folks. 

I'm sure you are all aware of the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2013 with Next. If not, then it's a fantastic opportunity for bloggers to get noticed and have something given back to them for all their hard work, time and effort that goes into it. There are catergories varying from the best beauty blog, interiors, fashion, food, relationships, and general well-being. The blog awards embrace the passion and dedication that we all share, so if you would like to nominate us then here is the link!

Read more: http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/blogs/cosmo-blog-awards-2013/enter-the-2013-cosmopolitan-blog-awards-nominate-now#ixzz2T6muQgtm

Thanks!
xxx

MAY. Little Haul & Mini Reviews.

Hello little darlings, how are you all doing??

Is it just me that is slightly alarmed by how quick this year is going so far? Come on, it's May already! 5 months in and the sun has finally come out and you're all embracing it I'm sure. I spent the warmest bank holiday weekend of the year at work, boo ): 

I've spent a little bit (only a little bit!) recently so I thought I'd give you a peek of it today. It's a mix of beauty buys and clothing so here we go. 

Cíate Nail Polish in Pocket Money

So I cheated a bit here because I didn't actually buy the nail varnish, it just came as a freebie with last months Marie Claire (£3.50) and this was just a bonus. 

I've never tried any Cíate products before so I was excited to get this in my magazine. I've heard really good things about them, they're a high-end brand, and the bottle is adorable. Not only this, but Pocket Money is the PERFECT shade. I'll go as far as to say this is my all-round favourite colour in my collection, just because the caramel shade goes with anything. Anything. 

Pro's 

• The colour. 
• The brush is amazing, it leaves no track lines and application was so easy. I hardly had to concentrate.
• Highly pigmented, only needed 1 coat. 
• Hasn't chipped at all so far, woop! 
• Dried within 2 minutes, max.  
• It comes in the best bottle and I am a strong believer in making your product look as classy as possible. 
• Well, it was free but Cíate polishes are usually around the £9 price range. Normally I would say this is too much for a nail varnish but I'd pay it. 

No Con's!

Avon Perfect Kiss Lipstick in Smitten Red

Again, this is a Marie Claire purchase (£2.50 for this the June issue!) This time I got this Avon Perfect Kiss lipstick in Smitten Red, which is actually more pinkish than red. I've never purchased anything from Avon before but I've heard very good things about their make up range so I rushed to try this out. 

The results? I love it. 

Pro's

• Really nice, appealing packaging. It has a 'clicky' lid which I always look for because I've had many mishaps with the lid coming off in my bag and all of my belongings have been smeared with lippy. 
• Long lasting. I applied it this morning and since then I have eaten and it's all still on. 
• It's super moisturising, my lips feel really smooth and nourished instead of dry and chapped, which many lipsticks seem to make them. 
• Easy application, it glides on.

Con's

• Requires a couple of applications to get a block, all over colour.
• Maybe a bit pricey for £8.50. That's just my personal opinion though. 

Next Petite Vest- Charity Shop

I love charity shops as much as the next person, but I've got to be in the right mood to go through all the other rubbish that they sell in them. I was in the best of moods this day though as I got this little spotty vest and the jeggings below all for £3.50. This top was only £1.50, but can you imagine how much this was originally?! Primark do similar ones and they're not even this cheap. I like the fact it's light weight and floaty because it makes it perfect for the summer sun. 

Primark Jeggings- Charity Shop

I like Primark denim and I'll forever sing it's praises no matter what people say. Yeah, a couple of months down the line they kind of lose their shape but come on, the most I've ever paid for some jeans are £11 so you can easily invest in another pair. These were £2 from my local charity shop and they fit so well and they're comfortable. I couldn't ask for much else.

Grey Cardigan- Primark

Speaking of Primark, I spotted this grey and white, oversized cardigan on sale for £3 and snapped it up. I love it and I've found it goes with pretty much everything and it's a perfect cover up in the spring sun. 

Black Heels- Primark

My taste in shoes is going through a massive change. I used to love big platforms and sky scraper heels, and I still do for a big night out. However, they just aren't appropriate for a quiet night down the pub or having a relaxing meal with my friends. Here come these beauties, which are a really soft, mid heel, pointed toe shoe which I find I'm wearing everywhere. I can hardly take them off and they're only £10!

Oversized Grey Split T Shirt- New Look

I'm so glad I spotted this in amongst all the mess of the New Look Sale. I've been wanting a top like this for absolutely ages, but as I am skint most of the time I don't want to pay big prices for one. This one is super soft, has two splits down the sides so I can show off a nice bralet or top underneath, and only cost me £5. Yes, £5. 

Internacionale Oriental Shrug- Charity Shop

Another quality charity shop buy here for £2.50. I love the summery colours, how it hangs, and how it can completely jazz up a simple vest and jeans combination.

I'm so impressed with my bargain buys! 

Do you love charity shops too? Drop us a comment and tell us about your favourite second hand purchases (: 

XXX

OOTD: spot of leopard

 It isn't very often that I truly want to write an outfit post. Why? Well, I don't think any blogger will be ashamed to say how much bloody effort goes into one. Firstly, you have to reaaalllllyyy plan what you're going to wear because, I don't know about you, but I love nothing better than to just shove on my comfies and be done with it.

Secondly, once you've selected your outfit you then have to find a place to shoot it. There is literally no blank walls in my house to photograph against so I have to improvise by taking off all of my coats and scarfs off the back of my door (I have tons, it takes forever) and then balance my camera on makeshift podiums to get the right height. There is also no good source of natural light, it's like living in a cave.

Thirdly, my face always looks a mess, which is why I'm always cutting it out. It is the outfit that counts though, right? 

However, it's sunny and quite warm out and i'm in a good mood so I don't mind going through all of the above to show off my outfit for today/ this evening where i'll be going out for a bite to eat with my parents. 

(But, i'm not taking the rubbish off my door. Sorry!)

What I love most about this outfit is that it all cost under £30, yay!

Cream collar blouse- Primark 

Black peplum sweater- Primark 

Light wash skinny jeggings- Urban Outfitters

Leopard print shoes- Primark 

Leather bag- Charity 

Green leopard earrings & ring- Unknown, gift

I love my knitted peplum so much because it's so easy and versatile to wear and I really think it's an item of clothing that everyone should have in their wardrobe as it gives curves whilst at the same time hiding anything you don't want the world to see. It's also a bonus that I only paid £3 for it in the Primark sale but I know that they also do cotton/ t shirt versions and also a more fancy formal version in lace cream and black. 

So, I am hoping you all have a lovely day and rest of the week :) 

Enjoy the sun whilst it lasts!

XXX

Mani Monday & Jungle Fever!

Hello (: Jenn here! 

We're really sorry about our lack of posts lately, we've both been stupidly busy so you'll just have to forgive us for the time being. 

Got a double whammy for you today, with a nail polish review (it's Manicure Monday!) and a quick outfit post which I haven't done for ages because the weather is so messed up ): 

Today our manicure comes in the form of Sinful Colors, an American brand which Boots stores all over the UK have now claimed. I've never heard of this brand or of their collection before so after spotting this absolutely lovely shade, and after seeing they are only £1.99 each, I was quick to grab it. 

 The colour of this caught my eye immediately, I don't have many greens in my own collection but this looked very refreshing and fit for spring. This one is called Pistachio and is slightly more vibrant than these photos suggest. 

Pro's 

• It's £1.99 and the bottle is quite big so you're getting a lot for it. 
• Highly pigmented, needs 1-2 coats (2 is really pushing it though)
• Dries reasonably quick, give it about 5 minutes. 
• I've done loads today and it still hasn't chipped, yay! 

Con's 

• Quite a gloopy consistency, so you have to make extra effort to wipe off the excess before applying. 
• Leaves slight track marks but it's quite easy to fix so that's not a massive issue. 

I really, really like this nail polish and I like it even better because it's so cheap and it doesn't lack in quality which most expensive brands seem to. There are 70 shades in the Sinful collection and they all look beautiful. You can find them here or at your local Boots store. Go, run! 

I also mentioned at the beginning of this post that I have a look for you, but it's just a really quick one (: So, it's stopped snowing (finally!) and the sun is starting to come out, kinda, and I can now go out without wearing my biggest coat which makes me very happy. 

Leopard print batwing t shirt- Topshop 

Jeggings- Next

Brown leather boots- River Island

Brown leather jacket- New Look

Alright, so it's not warm enough to go out completely without cover but my favourite leather jacket does the job perfectly. (I also wore it in this post!)

You can find it here in brown and mink for only £39.99. 

Have a lovely day (: 

XXX