French Gel Overlays part 2.

Awkward nail picture part 2!!! 

I am just updating on my nails. Went to Mint today and had them done again, and I can tell you I am so pleased. They look absolutely stunning. Love how crisp she makes them. Franki who does mine, and the rest of my work (we seem to have started a trend) is my favourite. I have seen some of the other girls' work, and although theyre good, I far prefer Franki - she is just incredibly good at making the line even and precise. 

Its just a short update, but thought Id share it. Off on holiday to Denmark tomorrow, am very very excited about seeing everyone. 

Will try take some nice pictures and blog. 

Z x

Mulberry Spring Season

I would be lying if I pretended that Mulberry's spring season didnt excite me. Cause it is unbelievable! Nothing less! 

I have been lucky enough to have a sneak peak, and there are so many things I would love to have. Especially the dusty colours and rose gold items. 

The item I have truly fallen in love with one item especially. Meet The Oversize Clemmie Clutch in Dark Blush Glossy Goat. 

Its a bit like the Oversize Lily but without the chain. This new item is no secret, its out on the website and will hit the stores in mid-november.. yay! To have a look for yourself, check out Mulberrys website (Link here)

x

Kooples Sport Jeans

I know this doesnt show a great deal of jeans, however, it is a brilliant colour and its a fantastic brand. 

Im blessed to have a boyfriend who has great taste. He bought me these for my birthday and I love them. I will start taking pictures of my outfits, and these are one of my favourite pieces, so Im sure you will see a lot more of these skinny, ankle jeans. 

Have a good night.

Z

French Gel Overlays

Taking pictures of your nails is always a weird one (!). I had these done last week. Whenever I did my nails, it wouldnt be a day and they would have split and chipped. I think it boils down to the dryness and condition. And the Sally Hansen product I bought to prevent this - did nothing but encourage this peeling of nails. Sad eyes.

So I decided to get bio-sculpture (link here) in order to protect the nail whilst hidden under the hard shell. 

'Bio Sculpture Gel is an exceptionally durable gel treatment that nurtures the nail bed whilst allowing the nail to look immaculate. It is a healthy nail system that will not chip or damage your nails, protecting and strengthening the natural nail in the process. Bio Sculpture is the original and market leading colour gel with a range of over 150 different colours.'

I had this done at Mint nails in Leeds (Link here) which is quite an expensive nailbar (£31.50) compared to other places in Leeds, but I am amazed how well its lasted. Its been a week so far, and it still looks immaculate. (usually lasts 2-3 weeks apparently). Whats even better, my natural nails are growing longer underneath, without chipping! I will definitely be doing this again - well worth the price. 


Z x

Jergens Cherry-Almond Moisturiser

Whats more ideal than spending your rainy monday off, inside just spoiling yourself with cups of tea and a bit of pampering?

I have heard so much about Jergens. It wasnt till I stumbled upon it in Superdrug that I even thought about giving it a try. As I showed in my previous post in September empties, I finished one of my body butter and my steamcream, so i needed to top up on the moisturisers. 

I was drawn to the Cherry-almond combination as both fragrances are some of my absolute favourite.. It is very easily absorbed and makes my skin super smooth. A great little product for the cold autumn days when rain and cold wind has over-dried the skin!

Whats your autumn favourite to stay moisturised? 

Z x 

New TOPSHOP Leeds

I would like to apologise in advance for the rather awful pictures. An Iphone just doesnt do the new TOPSHOP any justice. 

Today I ventured into new territory and hand on my heart, I hadnt even planned to do so. After work, at around 7pm, I made it into the new TOPSHOP on briggate. My workmate had gone in her lunch break, today I just couldnt be bothered even going out of the building so had had my lunch comfortably in the canteen. 

But as it was still open when I finished work, and apparently Pixie Geldorf was dj'ing as an extra bonus, I decided to venture in. 8 hours of work, sore feet and wet from the sudden rain made me just have a wander around to see the interior and the display. I honestly didnt even attempt to buy anything - too tired, shock horror. But did have a sneaky peak in the shoe-department. Absolute heartbeat. 

Their nailvarnish and makeup department is elaborate, there is a lot to choose from. I have only ever used their nailvarnishes (not impressed) and their lipsticks (love) but its so nice that everything is updated and new. Its much more like the London Topshop on Oxford street and there is a lot to choose from. 

I have to collect a little bit of courage, cause its a jungle in there and it is full of really really fashionable girls ... here is me in my suit after work. Haha at least its a nice suit. 

Anyways, I am so sleepy, might have to curl up into a little bowl now go to sleep. 

I will be back soon. 

X z

Empties from September

I have set myself a task of emptying out half bottles and hope to encourage myself by showing the empties I go through.

Above is a picture of the empties, and I think its safe to say there is a little bit of everything. Im just going to pick out a few things, as there is absolutely no reason to tell you about the Dove extra sensitive soap bar for example. 

Boots Botanics Instantly Hydrating Conditioner was purchased as I was getting sick of my increasingly drying hair, however, it really didnt impress me much. Although, the bottle is attractive, the consistency as a moisturiser isnt actually that attractive. I love organic and botanical products and this really doesnt do it for me as I might as well not condition my hair - it makes no difference. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro exfoliant Toner which I have already raved on about in one of my other posts. I love it, such a good product and I will definitely repurchase. Love.It.

Fudge Hothed Violet which is another one of my favourite products. It is no secret that I am not a natural blonde (dirty roots a-hem) and this product works so well by eliminating the yellow tones and adding a purple tint which makes the hair look whiter. Its a really thick foam, a bit like purple whipped cream. It has gorgeous smell and it works so well at keeping my soft hair in the right place whilst making my hair look whiter and more platinum. 

Angel fish has an amazing smell of coconut but this product and I did not agree. Had it for 2,5 years(!!!) finally made my boyfriend use the rest of the product. Thats the end of it.

Batiste XXL Volume is the best (BEST) dry shampoo I have ever tried. Because it adds the volume which I would try achieve with another product like a salt water spray. This product adds a "dry" form of salt water spray, and therefore adding it whilst I get ready isnt dependant on whether or not I have dried my hair yet or if it needs to blow-dry boost in order to not get wet-bits-gone-dry. Its also good to add height to a ponytail for really soft hair. 

Tony & Guy Sea Salt and Saltwater Spray is another one of my texture sprays. I absolutely love it, its a good saltwater spray. I am not good at using them as I normally like my hair smooth and pretty but for a Saltwater spray its good. And I have tried a few. 

Bodyshop Shea Butter Body Butter its my favourite body butter. I just love the smell and how it smoothes dry skin. Enough said. 

The John Frieda Volumising spray is my product of the month. I will do a different post of it and show how I use it.. Absolutely love it.  

Hope I havent bored you. 

Z x

No7 Protect and Perfect Day Cream

Its nearly 11 o'clock and its all misty outside. This means autumn has finally kicked in. As it has gotten progressively colder, my skin has become more and more dry, its a natural process, it happens to me every year. Therefore, I have invested in a more thick cream. The La Roche Posay series which I use (link to post) has been put on the holiday shelf for a little while. 

I had received a tester after spending a silly amount of money at the No7 counter and instantly loved it. I have always used really thin facial creams and serums as this is what is normally advised for younger skin. This is rich and thick cream, something I would normally expect my grandma to use, however, I havent seen my skin so smooth and clear in a very, very long time. 

( Obviously need a bit of the cream smoothed all over my hand as well... ;) ) 

As you can see in the picture above, its really rather rich and whipped cream like, but it sinks in very quickly. The smell isnt really something to mention (as it is very regular face-cream-like) but with a £22 price tag it is a "high-end" moisturiser and is one of the best creams I have used for quite some time. 

Happy monday 

Z x

YSL Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume

I have always loved Estee Lauder double-wear foundation, the various M.A.C eyeshadows and L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara. 

I still decided that I would try something new and have heard so much about the YSL Luxurious Mascara Shocking Volume. A lady in work was raving on about this for so long that I was determined to find out about it. I have only ever used Faux Cils once or twice and have never been 100% impressed so have always strayed towards my cheaper L'Oreal Mascara again.

I love spider-like lashes. They have to be bold and long, and so far its performed really well. Although, I did have a tiny mishap this morning smearing it all over my eyelids after coating my eyelashes heavily. The boyfriend DID have a little laugh over me even calling me "amateur" ... Oh well, nothing to do with the mascara then. The packaging is lush, its metal, none of this plastic stuff, and its just nice to whip out.

I will admit: it smells amazing! I know this is such a weird thing to say, however, I hate the cheap mascara smell (which you btw. find in very expensive mascaras as well) and retailing at £23 I am happy to repurchase again if it continues to perform this well. I just hope it wont dry out quickly - if it doesnt, then I think I might have found my new favourite mascara :) 

Have a good weekend

Zen x

Mulberry Heart Frame Keyring

The good thing about Mulberry is that there are so many seasons to choose from if you have the patience and time to look around. There are four factory shops in the UK and one in mainland Europe, all stocking items from previous seasons. Stock is normally released 6-8 months after the sale has been on so there is normally two different seasons on at the time if stock hasnt sold out. 

This is an old item, and I am so lucky to not have lost it to other potential buyers. As I am located in Leeds, the York factory shop in Swinegate is my closest factory shop, and I am happy to admit, there is always something which I cannot live without. 

The heart frame keyring has always been a favourite of mine, and I have had my eyes on this patent red one ever since it was in the shops, but didnt have the funds for it when it was around :( Its a seasonal keyring, the hardware is a little lighter yellow than the core hardware on for example the Bayswater but it just wouldnt suit the item as its a little greener than this. 

I originally wanted the sausage dog keyring, but that is nowhere to be found :( If there is ever anything you want, ask the staff and theyre happy to try find it on the system :)

I love it, it is, obviously, already in use. 

Z, x

Jo Malone Candle - Autumn is here

I am blessed enough to have lovely friends who give me beautiful presents for my birthday. My Jo Malone candle has been nicely displayed since August 1st for a special occasion or a dark night. And here we are! Got drenched on the way home from a long day at work, but got home and my lovely flatmate had cooked me dinner - what more can you ask for? 

I have now installed myself by my desk with a cup of tea and lit the candles in my room. Including my new Jo Malone candle.  

I have never had a Jo Malone candle before, but I am so happy my friends bought me this. Its a true bliss and such a precious present for me. Especially as I got it at my surprise birthday dinner. I love how it was wrapped (in a lovely Jo Malone box) and the fact that it comes with its own extra long matches so I dont have to fear burning myself. 

The smell is hard to describe as it is White Jasmine and Mint, however, a very fresh and subtle jasmine. I am normally not that interested in Jasmine, as I had an encounter with Jasmine oil sellers in Tunisia, so since then Ive been staying away from it. Mint is also a scent which I normally stir away from, but this is likewise very subtle and gentle. It reminds me a bit of spring flowers, sweet but new. Or the fresh linen scents you sometimes find for candles. Beautiful package and lovely candle :) I would most likely purchase again. 

You can buy yours here, or choose one of the many other fantastic scents. 

Wish you all a lovely and cosy night in.

Love, 

Z x

Mads Nørgaard Scarf

Excuse the rather random selection of items recently. But I have found a lot of old items and fallen in love with them again.

This is a scarf I have had for absolutely donkey-years. Its oversize and so comfy. The only thing that annoys me about it is that it picks up any fluff you come across.. and I mean it, any.fluff! Its really cool though!

Designer: Mads Nørgaard RRP. approx. £60

Love,

Zx