Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir

As I have mentioned before, I absolutely adore Jo Malone products. I bought this a while ago, as you probably noticed from the far from full bottle, but I couldnt help myself bringing this smell to Glasgow. 

I had smelt a few of the other scents from the range, including the fairly new one of them - Earl Grey and Cucumber which is lovely, fresh and summery. Its a bit like what a Pimms nr 1 is in drinks, but in perfume.. definitely investing in that when we get some more sun-time. But it was this one which took my fancy for this time of year. Like the Angel Cocoa Powder Limited Edition perfume which I blogged about the other day, its really heady and sensual, a proper evening perfume (I have cheekily worn it during the day as well. Lets just say its a weekend scent). J thinks it smells like cider.... honestly, cannot smell that myself!

I bought it in the York Jo Malone when I was over there on my day off a few weeks ago. I had a day to myself and went for a little shopping spree and lunch. On my own! No I actually enjoyed it, it was very expensive though, no one to hold me back haha

This I paid £38, which I think it quite expensive for 35ml, but then this is a fantastic scent and its nice trying something different than all the big perfume brands.

Absolutely lush. Lives in my bag! And will definitely stay there too. 

Hope youre enjoying your weekend? 

Z x

Michael Kors MK5128 Rosegold

I have been spoilt rotten recently. I got a Michael Kors watch for Christmas, which I had asked for(!) when walking past a retailer in town, but when opening it on Christmas morning and trying it on, I decided it just wasnt for me. SO I took my pressent back. The shame.

Short of the very long is, they didnt have the Rosegold MK5128 in, and therefore I had to wait for quite some time for it to come in. So it wasnt actually till about 3 weeks ago that they got it back in stock and I immediately pounced. Or well, J did. So this is my new baby, so shiny an pretty and absolutely to die for. At first I wasnt sure as the colour goes best with suntanned skin. Living in the UK, thats not something that happens - ever! Also, what jewellery would I wear with it? I have afterwards been out buying a few pieces to match, including a pair of Swarovski Crystal Earrings as they usually come with silver.  

Its incredibly heavy, but such a statement. And I do understand its all about smaller watches now, but Im not giving up these two just yet. Theyve come to stay. Both now retail at £229 and is Michael Kors' most famous style of watch // anywhere selling Michael Kors will undoubtedly have these in stock (or will be able to order them in).

In one of my previous posts I mention wearing the Gold Mid-Size Chrome watch. I still have this, but wanted something a bit different, shiny and new - for special occassions. So far, this has lived on my wrist ever since I got it. 

There isnt a HUGE difference, but the dial is definitely the giveaway. (Note the date on the Gold is wrong as I havent actually worn it for the past 3 weeks // its on holiday). 

I have quite a few more things up my sleeve. Please stick around. It will arrive soon :)

x

Empties Feb.

I dont have a lot of interesting new products to show in this, but its great finally getting some of the old half empty bottles out of the way. 
However, I have found this Schwarzkopf Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner which is absolutely delightful and makes you think of summer and lovely warm days.

The Bourjois Nail Polish Remover was a godsend when my flatmate bought it for me for Christmas. It retails at £6.99 in the Bourjois counter and will be repurchased, just so quick and usable. Pecksniff's Body & Massage Lotion £21 is a gorgeous Lavender Body Lotion. It is super light, not oily at all which makes an ideal choice (this gets technical ;) for blending your Sun Shimmer (or any other instant tans for that matter). Now here is what Ive found. If you blend in a body lotion with the instant tan, it doesnt only last a little longer, as it soaks into the skin rather than sitting on top of the skin thus looking more natural. It also leaves out that disgusting biscuit smell which follows the sun shimmer. Id also like to add that I only ever use this for "special nights out" as applying tan is not something I do on a daily basis. 

The bodyshop shea-butter is a favorite of mine. Long summer-nights, sun-burnt skin and champagne cocktails springs to mind. You can never get enough of this stuff at £4.99. The Radox Berry Burst is lovely and summery too! Think I picked it up for £0.90 at Boots. 

The Clarins Relax Bath and Shower Gel and Clarins Foot Beauty Treatment Cream are both lush products. So is the Sanctuary Spa Face wash, which I buy whenever Im going away on breaks (We have just been to Glasgow, and I will do a post on some of the things I purchased from there). 

Sorry this isn't the most inspiring post, but I promise there will be more soon. I have got some great things which I cannot wait blogging. 

Hope you have a Friday / start to the weekend. 

Lots of love 
x

Thierry Mugler Cocoa Angel

I saw this perfume in Ville de Senlis just outside Paris last year and kicked myself when I didnt buy it. Angel is, and has been for many years, my favourite perfume and my staple scent. So when I saw this, a limited edition with magnified with bitter cocoa powder, which has heavy notes of, well funnily enough, cocoa. So when I saw it in Debenhams for a mere £64 (ouch! for 35mL) I knew I had to get it. Im so happy I did, but it is purely a once in a while perfume as I am well aware that I probably wont be able to get another one of these. Sadly! Its heavy and sexy and is one of my ideal perfumes. 

If you like Angel and use it as an everyday perfume like myself, this is a great evening alternative. Although, I think Ebay would probably be your best shout for one of these as they were limited and I think I bought the last one in my Leeds department. Not sure how long theyre going to be around for.

Have a great night!

Xx 

Seche Vite Top Coat

This has got to be one of my favourite products! These are strong words, however, I have been nothing but impressed since purchasing it. 

It was my flatmate who introduced it to me when I complained my own had gone gloopy! I have previously used Good To Go by Essie and to be honest, thought that was an amazing product. Until I tried this. It just lasts those few days longer. 

I HATE chipped nails, it just isnt very professional and gives a terrible impression that you dont take care of yourself. I Love having my nails done as they last a good 3 weeks, but its not often I can afford a £35 splashout every 3 weeks. SO I use my general nailvarnish (however many layers are required) and then use a topcoat. This is a fast-dry version of the kind. And it thoroughly works. 

So if youre looking for a great new topcoat which just lasts that little bit longer, this is the one!

Hope you all have a great weekend out there :)

x

M.A.C Matchmaster 1.5

Ok, I gave in. I promised myself I wouldnt overdose on foundation this time, but a breakout mixed with a good january wage meant I have now acquired nothing less than 3 foundations in the last month...

I just have to see if this is the one gives my skin a little break from the heavy Doublewear. Well that was what I told myself to justify this. This is the 4th time I have repurchased since I tried it at a 'MAC Makeover' in feb last year .. I just love it. The smell reminds me a tad about paint, but the feel on the skin definitely weighs it up. Its a great product for any M.A.C- lover. 

I chose 1.5 which is very pale.... and on the cold side of foundations. But mixed with my other foundation, its a great match, this way, I can also tailor it to suit my skin on more overcast days where you dont want to look too yellow (as its horrid and stands out during the light hours).

Its quite a lot more covering than the other foundations I have tried by M.A.C but it keeps my skin dewy which I need during the cold wintertimes. 

If you feel like you want to try something new this one isnt a bad choice of foundation, I can imagine it would be a good all-around - and it comes in a good range of colours too! At a cost of £25, its not too bad either. 

Hope youre all great!!! 

Love,

Zen x

Mulberry Accessories

There are great things happening in my household at the moment. Have been a very spoilt little girl, not only by the boy but by myself as well! 

Cannot wait for Valentines day, I dont even celebrate it(!) but this year I felt like doing something nice for my other half. 

I have a few Ace's hidden up my sleeve. I would love to hear what youre doing, get recommendations and ideas youre planning to do. Pinterest has been a great inspiration, there are so many great ideas on there - get on it if youre struggling. Please send links my way if any of you have something spectacular planned :)

Hope youve had a great Weekend. 

Z xx

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference

I have been given this as a present as I was complaining my skin was disgustingly dry and in a horrible condition. I have read a few reviews about this product to find out what I had been given. I will say, the smell is not very pleasant. Overall, im not impressed. Although, my skin got a bit better as it really needed some TLC its not back to the usual but its definitely on the right track... 

Despite not really liking neither the smell nor the texture, it is value for money as it is quite a substantial amount in such a small pot. 

I still wouldnt repurchase, quite disappointing for such a 'high-end brand'. I can see this ending up in the back of the drawer or being demoted to my boyfriends' house as emergency stach. Eek. Harsh.

Have a good weekend, guys.

Z xx 

Empties Nov/Dec/Jan

This is quite embarrassing as I had promised these images ages and ages ago. And when looking at them now, there is just nothing there... In all fairness, I have been a very busy bee trying to fit in everything and worked late-nights, so there havent been a great amount of time for fun - whats even worse, 50% of every Shampoo and Conditioner Ive used arent actually pictured as they were thrown out as my boyfriend would think Im completely nuts had I started transporting them back from his.... I will therefore handpick a few interesting items to point out and just leave the rest. 

• First of all, Fudge Clean Blonde Violet Shampoo RRP £11.95. This is one of my favourite silvering shampoos as it does actually work eliminating the brassy tones and making the hair appear more white and clean, compared to many other, cheaper products. Only stands in the shadow of the Schwarzkopf Professional BC Color Freeze Silver Shampoo, which at times made even my dry skin and nails go purple!!! Strong stuff..! However, a great product would probably buy again. 

• VO5 Plump me up dry shampoo. I once again wasnt impressed. I dont know why I repurchased, i should just stick to batiste, cheaper and easier to use. Granted, it doesnt leave a thick layer of white dust on your hair, but it doesnt seem to work for very long eiter so whats the point of spending £3.59??

• Clarins pure melt cleansing gel... Dont think I ever got the gist of this product? Please can someone explain it to me... a triple-texture cleansing gel which transforms into an oil that melts away the trace of oil and impurities and makeup. Water activates it into a silky milk that rinses the skin. And with marula oil for optimal radiance and comfort. Im not going to say I like it cause everyone does. I do not understand it. I will continue with my dior cleansing milk thanks. I have actually become very good at this. 

• No7 Protect and perfect. Love love love it. Reple-ning tomorrow when I get paid. Check my post from November featuring this specific product. 

• Not sure if I have mentioned fat hair products before? If not, then now is the time. These were introduced to me maybe about 5 years ago when I was studying for my undergrad and big hair was what all us students were trying to achieve. I went through all the hairsprays you can possibly imagine available on the marked. However, it wasnt until one of my class-mates brought a little hairspray out with her on a night out and I tried it in a ladies somewhere. What a revelation. I have loved it ever since. Even ordered it online when I was abroad. It is just so hard wearing, can go quite stiff if you overdo it. Its a bit like doublewear but in hairspray terms. Its not cheap either. Around £6 for a can of hairspray, depending on where you buy it, I tend to get mine in Superdrug as they arent available in Boots and they often have 2 for 1 price offer on. The shampoo and conditioner were good too, but the hairspray and leave in spray are by far some of the best plump-up products ever. Only downside? The smell. But I will excuse them for that. 

• I have started using doublewear again.... thought Id mention the new colour, Dawn, but Ive started breaking out equally bad. :( So am trying to not use this everyday, its hard though when all you want to do is cover, but covering makes it worse..

Ok rant over. I will be back with more soon as I have actually already collected a little selcetion of things again. Never ending this. 

Off to Nottingham again tomorrow. Will be a very long day, so I better get to bed. Sleep well.

Z xxx

Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine

I know its been a while, but do accept my apologies. Its busy times at work again. Up and down to Nottingham, however, Im getting used to the journey so I dont actually mind the mindless times on the train just being able to sit and do nothing. Although, am I the only person who has noticed that theres always one person who expects everyone else to listen to their squeaky phone conversation (with work colleagues, of course) .. and when they hang up on one person they ring another..?? Ok, rant over ;)

Now to something more exciting. I got this fantastic tinted Korres Jasmine lip butter off my flatmate (for Christmas).. Its a tinted lip-balm but works as a sheer creamy lipstick but its obviously lighter. What it reminds me off, is M.A.C Hue (Link), which by the way is my all-time favourite lipstick. Its a pale, matte nude, which works so well with blonde hair ... and pasty skin-tones. Sorry, to anyone who is lucky enough to have a little bit of colour this time of the year. However, instead of the matte finish it leaves a subtle shine on the lips like when for example mixing lipstick and lipgloss. 

I know its bought from Harvey Nichols, but as it was a present, I dont actually know what the price of it was. Sorry.

Anyways, if youre into nudes make sure you get yourself one of these - fantastic daytime nude which also protects from the cold winter-winds. Win-win!!!!

Have a great night everyone.

Z x