Sleek Blush By 3 Candy Collection

This summer, Sleek launched their Candy Collection, featuring three blush shades, with three finishes; cream, matte and shimmer. A lovely little selection of something different, in one handful size. What is lovely about this palette, is the three shades; they look individual worn alone, or you can layer them together, which compliment each other seamlessly.

 

Blush By 3 Candy Collection Sweet Cheeks (Sleek, £10.00) is the first Sleek product I have tried, and I luckily won this Limited Edition palette through Tattooed Tealady's June Giveaway! I enter so many competitions, and rarely win anything, so this was super exciting news to finally try something I entered to win! I am quite a heavy handed person when it comes to applying make up, so when I use my usual FashionistA Blush in New York (Superdrug, £4.00), I don't need to worry about applying too much, as the pigmentation is quite weak, leaving me with a subtle glow, which doubles as a highlighter, and pinched cheeks look. It was realty refreshing to experiment with different shades of blush, I normally would have been too nervous to try. I would never have dreamed of picking up a lilac toned blush, but in fact, this is my favourite of them all! Dolly Mix (centre shade) is the matte finish out of the trio, which again, is different to what I usually wear. For being an unusual shade to what I am used to, I find this compliments any eye look I go for; which is typically a contoured neutral eye and liquid liner flick. I have quite fair skin tone, so this really does pop against my skin and adds something special, when I go simple on the rest of my makeup.

 

The cream finish of the trio, is the shade Cupcake (left shade). Again, I found this has a warm, purple undertone, but is very bright and adds an instant pop of colour. It's been a good few years since I have used cream blushes, but the pigmentation of this blush is immense. The product picks up so easily with one swipe and gives such an impact of colour. When initially swatching, I barely touched the pan, as I didn't want to stick my mitts straight into it, and the above swatch transferred. In comparison to the other two powder shades, you can see they would work perfectly in combination with the cream, to set it and give the blush longevity. Lastly, is the shimmer of the trio; Candy Floss (right shade). This is so pretty to look at - a bright coral pink, with subtle gold flecks running through it. This shade is super pigmented, so a little will go a long way, as once it is on, it is on! For being a powder blush, this has the impact and longevity of a cream.

 

What is your favourite Sleek product? I am so impressed with this Blush By 3 palette, I'm really interested to see what their eyeshadows have to offer!

 

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BakerDays Personalised Letterbox Cake

The lovely people over at BakerDays sent me a generous tweet, offering me the opportunity to sample their cakes. Now, I am the biggest sweet tooth, so who am I to say no to free cake?! At this point, I was also very intrigued to determine how I would receive the cakes, if they would be fresh and whether they would be damaged in transport. I emailed the company, who informed me they offer an option to order a Letterbox Cake, which is exactly that. Such a cool concept, I think!

I was offered to send them any design/image I desired, so I thought it was only apt to send in my blog header. I did note in the email, that I would have had a floral border or some kind, if I had more time, so I proceeded to send my simple blog header. To my absolute surprise, the cake arrived with the most pretty and delicate floral arrangement, surrounding the border of the cake. This made me feel really passionate about the company, as they are happy to cater and meet all of your needs, and I think this is such an important aspect to a company, to create relationships, as well as a customer/company ratio.

I was initially sceptical to see how I would receive the Letterbox Cake. One morning I heard a thud, in comparison to my normal post. My cake had arrived! I opened the securely closed box, to discover a round metal tin, a little packet of balloons, candles and a gift card. This is such a thoughtful and independent touch to add, as since you are ordering an online cake, it could be no surprise that you forget to pick up those pesky candles, or missing some balloons! 

Inside the tin, is your perfect cake! On the lid of the tin is a patch of padding, to soften any blow to transportation, securing your cake. The cake is encased in a clear protective sleeve, with a strip of paper across, which enables you to remove the delicate cake, successfully. I thought all of these touches were so lovely.

The cake itself is delicious, need I say more? I received the Carrot cake, although they do offer many flavours, including Sponge, Fruit, Belgian Chocolate Chip and also Gluten and Wheat Free cakes. I have actually only recently got into carrot cake, which is good timing! For anyone interested or wondering, I found the carrot cake subtle and delicate, and nothing to overpowering for it's size. This Letterbox Cake is suitable for around 3-4 portions, which is perfect for a little get together with family and friends, or a surprise to your loved one. I really do love the aspect of being able to order a cake online, with any flavour and design, and the complete comfort of knowing it will arrive at the recipients successfully, whether they are home or not. I can just imagine anyone's face lighting up as soon as they set their eyes on this beauty!

Letterbox Cake's retail at £14.99, and you receive all of the named above, including the 5 inch cake of your choice.

Have you tried a BakerDays cake before?

Love, Lucy. x

Face Mask Friday | Montagne Jeunesse Prickly Pear Peel Off

I'm particularly partial to a face mask, actually, quite recently I have been sporting one every few days, to help clear up my skin. The latest one I have been trying, is good 'ol Mudd mask. I find this great to (I'm sorry), drag out all the impurities and gunk from my face. Repetition can get a little boring, so to mix it up, I chose this Montagne Jeunesse Prickly Pear Peel Off (RRP £1-£1.29) out from my stash. Now, I have a love/hate relationship with peel offs. I think they're a great idea, but they can be a little misleading and messy. I'm the time of gal that likes to have a soak, face mask and rinse in one go. Whereas with a peel off, you need a non steamy atmosphere to let it really set.

Montagne Jeunesse have rarely let me down with any of their products. I have always been a fan, as much as I did when my Mam introduced me to them, when I was a teen. I am particularly in love with their dual face masks, with the added sachet of moisturiser. I think they are a great concept. If my skin is feeling a little down in the dumps, I will instantly reach for MJ face mask. Back to the Prickly Pear - What a strange name, is this an actual fruit? You tell me! This has the legendary gorgeously fruity scent, that no one can turn their nose up at. On the peeling side of things, I applied mine before my face, so I could remove the residue then. Once applied, I gave it 1-15 minutes whilst I pottered about (alternatively, you could relax!). I always find that the perimeter of my face never sets as well as well as around my nose and cheeks. Anyone else? Nevertheless, once it has set as much as it can, it peels away fairly easily. I have a strange and satisfying love for removing this plasticy material that has transformed from the once jelly like consistency, form out of the packet. I really feel like these pull out the nasties, but do leave a residue, which I go back and cleanse away. 

I will always return to Montange Juenesse for face masks. Always have and always will. They are hugely recognised for their difficult to pronounce name, eye catching packaging and promising product.

Do you have a favourite face mask? Do tell!

Love Lucy. x

My Summer Favourites!

I must start this post by asking how everyone's summer has been? I think throughout the country, everyone has been welcomed by some gorgeous sun! I thought this would be the perfect time to tell you all about a few of my summer favourites! This weekend, I have spent with the other half, a lovely friend, and some newly met friends! A bit more exciting than my usual boring weekends. I dined at a gorgeous restaurant, where I tried something new, as we were in the presence of people who were familiar with the food. I can't remember any of the names, although I know the starter consisted of Olives, Salami, Bread, Goats Cheese. Safe to say I won't reorder, although it was nice to try something new and out of our comfort zone! Other than that, I have enjoyed a wander through the park and visited my new favourite place - Pets Corner, where you can freely pet Goats, Pigs, and see some birds. Lots of fun!

 

Anyway, enough of my chit chat! As the sun has definitely made an appearance - round of applause - I am super anti burn/tan. I mean, that's half true and half a lie! Let me explain.. I am a sucker for lathering on sun protection. I really do want to protect my skin, and I do enjoy embracing my paler self. For the past few years now, I have been devoted to Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect+ SPF 50. I don't feel particularly educated on SPF's to be honest, I don't think it's regularly established enough, although I knew that the higher the factor, the better the protection, so I opted for full on factor 50. This is a clear spray, non sticky. This has never let me down, it's incredible. I apply it before I leave the house, and pop it in my bag for top ups, although I have just applied it once in the morning, and I still came home burn free! This bottle has also lasted me ages - perfect for families!

PS. At the moment Boots are offering half price on selected Garnier Ambre Solaire sun protection and aftersun.

 

Now, for the counterpart of that ramble! As much as sun protection is so important, I do feel like I look healthier and feel better within myself with a bit of a glow. This is where Garnier SummerBody comes in! I have mentioned this before on the blog, and every other BBlogger is in love with it, but it's the perfect combo of moisturiser and self tanner. As you apply it daily, the tan builds up to a warm, sunkissed glow. I often apply this three days in a row, and I'm happy with that, but it really does give you a natural colour, especially if you're as pale as me, it does not go orange!

 

My nails have been LOVING Essie's Action! I have a bright orange Essie already, although I thought I would add another to the collection. In the bottle, this does look like a pale, muted bright orange, although on the nails is a different story! Now, this does take three, tacky for hours coats, but the end result is so worth it. It's almost hitting a neon orange, which I am all over! Next time, I may try a coat of white polish, then a coat of this, to speed up drying time!

On the note of orange, my lips have been loving Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti! This is a gorgeous orange, a wearable on at that. I am usually so not one to brave a bright lip colour, but there is something special about this one. The formula is so moisturising, too. Perfect for summer days and evenings! And finally, to finish of my summer look, I have been adoring Paul Smith Floral perfume. It's a perfect combination of floral and sweet for summer. I have been waiting months to wear this, as it really is one of those summer scents!

 

So, how have you been spending the summer so far?

I would love to hear your favourites!

 

Love Lucy. x

Cath Kidston Inspired Nails

Okay, so I say Kath Kidston inspired, as this is such a recognised design. However, I got my influence for my nail art from the lovely Islay, who always has perfectly manicured nails! I knew I wanted to create a background of Essie's Bikini So Teeny and white stripes, but I wanted to be more adventurous for a change, and give some floral action a go. Now, I have NO nail art pens, materials, tools, etc, apart from the white nail art striper, which I used to create the white stripes. I love the pale, classic Kath Kidston background.

 

I had a browse through Islay's Instagram, and came across one of her latest designs. As this was a first for me to try, I wanted something simple, and easy. Once I had my background painted and dried, I poured a small amount of the chosen coloured polishes onto a piece of scrap card/paper, that I could throw away, to use as a palette. I then used a bobby pin as my 'tool'. The glued ends of the pin act as a ball, that will grab the polish, to create a perfect circle. I dotted three circles of Models Own Raspberry Crush close together, to create a three bumped circle? I don't know how to describe the shape, ha! Anyway, I repeated the same process on top, although this time, smaller circles to leave an edge, to let the darker pink peek through. I used Essie's Off the Shoulder which acts as a highlight to make your flower have more dimension. To make the flowers look more realistic, I used Essie's Mojito Madness for the petals, with Barry M's Lime Green as a highlight!

 

I'm am totally obsessed and in love with this design! It looks so detailed and pretty, but it's actually so simple to recreate, you don't even need anything special - just what you already have!

 

Love Lucy. X

Satchel Obsession | Steve Madden & Primark

  Firstly, I must point out. Bags are my weakness, my thing. You know how everyone has a favourite item, clothes, shoes, makeup.. Well, mine has always been bags. My preferred choice is River Island. For years now, I always treat myself or I am gifted a RI handbag. They tick all the boxes for me, especially black and studs - yes please! I do intend on treating myself to a new one for my birthday, but for the time being, I really did need a new bag.

 

Lately, I have been seeing satchels left, right and centre! I adore the look of The Cambridge Satchel Company's bags, they are to die for, and they cater for every need, with different styles, materials, etc. I need one! Another company that I hear about is Zatchels, which I believe held a huge clearance a little while back, which I missed. #sob. Anyway, as my purse string will not stretch that far, I opted for good 'ol Primark. Well, firstly I must say I did not purchase this tan satchel, nor did I even choose it. My other half surprised me with it, as I have been umming and aaahing over whether to buy a black satchel, or a small black bag, which consisted of carved detailing and small studs, which The Persian Babe regularly raves and features on her YouTube channel!

 

The Primark tan satchel retails for £9, I believe, and not on a bad note, the quality does reflect the price tag. Bearing that in mind, you are a purchasing the latest trends for a fraction of the price, so I think it's a great bargain for what it is. The material is slightly plasticy, although you can't really complain. As I have worn mine, the bag has become more soft and manuable in the strap, which has been great. The satchel is framed lovely, and has maintained it's shape, ones I have filled it up. I am really happy I have been surprised with this, as the colour goes with everything - I have too much black! I think this is a great starting piece to a collection, and if you really do fall in love with the satchel design, you can purchase another in different colours!

 

As I initially had my eye on the smaller black bag with the intricate detailing, before I headed to Primark, I popped into good old TK Maxx - many bargains to be had! I spotted this Steve Madden small studded satchel bag, which I snatched from the stand immediately! I LOVE this! The leather is so soft and you can tell the material reflects the brand. I have heard of Steve Madden, but never seen any of the products in person, so this was exciting. I picked this up for £15, from £30, although online they do retail higher, so I am super happy I got this! I plan on using this for days out when I really do not need to carry a humongous bag, or for evenings out.

 

I love both of these bags, and I plan on taking some OOTD's with them, so you can see them in action and a bit for clearly. I hope you enjoyed this post, as I rarely treat myself to accessories and clothes, so it's exciting to show you my finds!

 

Love Lucy.