Lush Review: Ro's Argan Skin Conditioner

Hello all! So according to my last post I have not blogged in nearly a month, where did that time go?! Hopefully I can be forgiven by providing the following review for you all...

 After receiving one of lush's lushest Rosie packages as a gift a couple of months back, I finally got around to testing the first of its contents. Living in a student house it's not often that I have the luxury of a long, hot, relaxing bath so I guess I was savoring the moment to open this gift box until I could really appreciate it at home. I am not a religious buyer of lush products, she says shamefully as they are so ethical, but I guess have been too comfortable with using my normal bathing and beauty products that I haven't taken the plunge, so I was very excited to receive this gift! I was most eager to use the Argan body/skin conditioner as I have used argan products before of my hair and LOVED them. And as I occasionally suffer form pimply arms I was hoping this product would help soften my skin as effectively as Argan products had done for my hair!  As described on the pot, you apply and rinse the product the same way as you would on your hair. However, the word rinse is used fairly lightly as I did find some of the product remaining on my skin the first time I used it so I would recommend paying more attention to the rinsing process if you were to use this product yourself, in order to achieve the best results. I have been using Ro's argan body conditioner for about a week now and I have found that as well as leaving a lovely almondy scent after use, my skin is noticeably softer and my pimples less apparent,  so I am confident with continuous use this product will continue to please.

Fighting animal testing, Hooray for Lush!

This product alone retails at £16.50 for a 225g tub (please note the one in my images is 45g) which may seem a little pricey but worth it for all the natural goodness that is jam packed into it! Or you can purchase it as part of the updated version of the Rosie gift box for a reasonable £21.25 just in time for Christmas.

I also plan to use up the other lovely goodies in this box soon so keep an eye out if you would like to see another review!

Have you used this body conditioner before?

what Lush products are you loving?

Love,

Ellie

A spooky treat!

To those of you who follow my blog will know on festive occasions such as Easter and in this case Halloween, I like to get my baking hat on! So just in time for the big day tomorrow you can still have fun making these scarily good treats (I apologies for that awful pun) with the kids, or like me alone with your 20 year old self! So what am I making you ask? Well having browsed the internet to get some inspiration I found a fab recipe which i have adapted to make the below, frozen banana ghosts! I decided to make them on the slightly less scary side as they turned out to be the cutest little bananas ever. So if I tempted you enough to make these yourself heres how...

You will need:

3 chunky bananas (or if you can find them in the supermarket a bunch of mini bananas will work well too)

150 grams of melted white chocolate 

100-200g of dried coconut shavings

And a handful of milk chocolate chips
Lolly sticks or blunt ended skewers

To start making your banana ghosts you will need to melt the white chocolate in a bowl over or pan, or the microwave. TIP: If you are using a microwave heat at a high heat but in short bursts to ensure it hasn't burnt! Once melted put aside to cool whilst you prep the fruit.

Next, peel your bananas and  cut in half so you have 6 portions but if you are using mini bananas leave whole. Gently push a lolly stick or skewer half way up the banana, try not to do what I did and poke a whole through your banana on the first go!

You then need to prep a large baking tray, lay a sheet of grease proof paper on it so your bananas dont stick. Make sure your tray can fit in your freezer.

Return to your melted chocolate and using  a pasty brush begin to coat the flat side with a layer of the white chocolate, do this for all 6 halves. 

Now to start with the coconut coating, this was my favourite part! Sprinkle your coconut onto a plate big enough to dip the banana in. You will fin you might not use all the coconut however I found it easier to coat the bananas with more coconut to play with! Once you have coated the chocolate covered half, just repeat the process again coating the other half in chocolate and covering with the coconut. NOTE: If you have any melted white chocolate remaining, lick off spoon now.
Your bananas are now ready to be tunred into proper ghosts as it is decorating time, use your milk chocolate chips to create whatever faces you like! Once you feel you have finished decorating, line your bananas on the tray and place them in the freezer.

If you are patient enough to wait 4 hours for your banana ghosts this is the recomemnded time to freeze them for, and not that mine would last that long you can freeze them for up to a week. For your bananaas to be as fangtastic as they can possibly be, try leave them in the freezer for the allocated time, wait and enjoy!

 HOW CUTE IS MY MUNCHKIN PUMPKIN (this is just for show by the way!)

I hope you have been inspired to make some treats of your own, I look forward to sharing with you my next festive creation!

Happy Halloween!

Ellie

OOTD: When In Florence...

I couldn't of asked for a more lovely way to start the autumnal month of October than in the north of Italy in the beautiful city of Florence. Although we arrived to worse weather than England, the days following we couldn't of asked for better as temperatures reached 28 and the sun was shining over the Florentine skyline. As I have recently been taking a night class in Italian i was very excited to practice the language. I have visited Italy a few times but no where like Florence, the city itself felt very chic, yet traditional, and full of culture and beautiful people. To those of you who aren't familiar with Florence might like to know that Florence is also a great city to visit for fashion as it is home to many famous Italian fashion designers, including Gucci who has in recent years opened a museum there, a great place to see an archive of the designers greatest designs. Not forgetting, if you are a fan of leather pieces, Florence is THE place to go for a genuine leather article, with almost every other shop and or market selling the most gorgeous selection of leather bags and goods. So as I was in fashionable surroundings I thought it only right to an outfit of the day post. My most recent shopping spree involved me hitting the H&M sales and grabbing a bargain or two. This including the new love in my love at the moment, my black duster coat (similar to one in my wish list post below); which I was surprised was in the sale as I have noticed this style of coats just becoming a popular trend. I teamed this lightweight with more H&M both old and new, along with some H&M sunglasses that I bought especially for the trip. In fact, I think the only thing I was wearing that WASN'T H&M was my sandals, a Topshop purchase a couple of years that I absolutely worn to death i am pleasantly surprised with how long they have lasted! See below for some similar options of the older items.

The beautiful Florence itself...

Duster jacket H&M was £29.99 sale £15

Top H&M full price £14.99

Shorts (old) for similar click here

Sunglasses H&M full price £6.99

Sandals Topshop (old ) for similar click here

I think it is safe to say that this OOTD post is the last one where I will be seen wearing shorts for a while as on my return from Italy i decided the season of coats has finally arrived!

Have you got your winter wardrobes ready?

Keep in touch!

Ellie

LFW: Zoe Jordan SS15

Another September passed and another fashion week been and gone, and in my case, also the end of a 5 month internship at womenswear brand Zoe Jordan. My time with the London based brand was a valuable experience, to any fashion students reading I was really interested in hearing about other peoples experiences in the industry before starting mine, so to those interested here's a little inside info on mine! After a bit of a steady start working within the business, branding and admin side, I was soon in my element working closely with the design team getting some real hands on experience including designing, pattern cutting and my biggest achievement during my time there, sewing actual show garments! When looking for placements, although a well known brand would stand out on my cv, from the start I wanted to go to a small studio with the hope I would get given more responsibilities, and I am pleased to say that the further I got into the duration of my internship, the more I was trusted with. This enabled me to gain some great skills for the reminder of my degree! 

As part of my Zoe Jordan experience I had to opportunity to accompany the lovely team to London fashion week to showcase the collection, the atmosphere at Sommerset House was incredible, with fellow bloggers and designers surrounding the area it was a very fashionable affair. But as you can imagine, in the build up to fashion week things are slightly less glamour behind the scenes with last minute changes, alterations, and finishing touches. However the thing I love most about studying fashion is that all the hard graft is worth it in the end to see the finishing result. With some gorgeous prints, tailoring, quality fabrics, and colour palettes, Zoe Jordans spring summer 15 collection 'Tour' is completely wearable and luxurious. Here are a few of my snaps from the designer show room at London fashion week. 

LFW Sommerset house

 LFW Sommerset house

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Zoe Jordan SS15 'Tour'

 Designer showrooms after party

Did any of you get a chance to go to London Fashion week?

What were your favourite collections?

If any prospective fashion interns would like to know more on my internship or advice on how to get one, please don't hesitate to contact me!

E.D

September Wish List

With the arrival of September it's out with the shorts, vest's and flip flops and in with the autumnal shades, long sleeves and boots. Fortunately, this means an entire new range of clothing is being launched into stores, excuse for a shopping spree, I think so! The nights are still light and the return of the limited editions Costa coffees is not far away, Honeycomb Hot chocolate I'm ready for you! However optimism aside for a moment, I am still a student so my shopping spree is on standby and wishing is all I can do at the moment. 

But honestly, composing this wish list post has actually got me rather excited for the upcoming season, and do I dare say the C word? Okay maybe it's a tad early to be thinking about Christmas just yet (oops I said it). For now, see what bit and bobs I'm loving for this season.

1. All hail the new palettes from the 'A Novel Romance' collection at Mac. My personal favourite, 'A passionate quest' is a premade made palette of the most gorgeous autumnal shades of pinks and purples, with a hint of navy and slight shimmery pigments, to die for! £30.
2. Also from Mac and the 'A Novel Romance' collection, are these lush lipsticks. Available in a few shades but I have my heart set on 'Myself', a gorgeous nude beige for a more a natural look and 'Hearts a flame' a statement purpley red that is perfect for the season. Both £15.50.
3. I am loving a cropped knit and shirt look at the mo, find this grey knit in New Look for a mere £14.99 and this silk shirt from Zara, £39.99.
4. You can never go wrong with a pair of super skinny dark wash jeans to team with your autumn knits, River Island, £45.
5. The most gorgeous pair of boots that will unfortunately remain on my wish list for a long time yet, Kurt Geiger, £90.
6. I have seen these everywhere in the shops recently but I have found no other other duster coat quite like this one, this will be hanging in my wardrobe one day, Zara, £79.99
7. Practical, and a statement accessory, this large faced bracelet watch can be found in River Island, £28.
8.Would it be autumn without a tan tote bag? Of course not. I have my eyes on this one from Zara, priced at a purse friendly £29.99.

What's on your autumn wish lists?

Until next time,

Ellie

Jimmy Choo Flash Perfume & Body Lotion Review

Thanks be to my boyfriend and his wonderful taste, I was very happy to receive for my birthday the most recent Jimmy Choo Scent, Flash. Although scents can be tricky to describe I think this perfume is a good example of one that can be bought without having smelt it first. Reason being, this perfume has the perfect balance of sweetness and muskiness so is likely to appeal to many. Flash Eau Du Parfum contains essence of tangerine and strawberry,  giving it its freshness and sweetness, however its notes of exotic flowers and woods reveal a glorious muskiness. This perfume comes in a luxurious little bottle and is a spray. It is quite a powerful scent therefore is long lasting, I find just two squirts is enough, one to the neck and one the wrists, delicately rubbing onto the other wrist to not crush the scent. Along with the perfume I also got the perfumed body lotion to match which smells equally as divine. Its light by creamy texture absorbs into the skin after several minutes, leaving your skin to feel silky smooth, dewy and smelly fab. Be careful of wearing the two together, you can if you want to, however as I like my perfume to be subtle and more personal I find it a bit overpowering wearing it all once, like I would leave a trail behind me! The great thing about scented body lotions though is that you can wear them alone, not having to spend the extra on a perfume, I just find it a little bit more luxurious owning a bottle of perfume itself.
Overall I think this a gorgeous scent, each of its notes combined release a powerful smell that if I had to describe in three words I would say it's, Sophisticated, seductive and sweet. So if you're one for changing up your scent and would like to try something new I think this is nice one that will appeal to many a nose, so I recommend you give it a go. This product retails between £35 - £61 alone, depending on the perfume bottle size, around £35-40 on the gift set with a 100ml bottle of body lotion the same size as mine. You cannot miss it on the shelves for its super sparkly packaging, hence the title, Flash. You can also buy the body lotion alone in a 200ml bottle for around £20-£24 depending on where you get it.

Have you tried this scent before?
What perfumes are you currently loving?

See you soon.

Ell

Do it like a dude

Recently I have unintentionally found  myself wearing a range of loose fit, boyish clothing and have since been more and more aware of this type of look in stores and magazines. And quite frankly, it is safe to say I have now fallen in love with the boyfriend fit trend!

In this slightly more summery weather there is nothing more I have loved to do in a morning than throw on a pair of ripped jeans, a loose fit T or cami with some Birkenstock sandals and a pair of shades. It's great to be comfotabale and feel great in what I'm wearing, so for me I think this trend is a win win. If you're yet to discover the boyfriend trend, take a look at some of my fave high street pieces below. I have put together some outfit combinations, however a lot of these garments would look great mixed and matched too!

River Island Duster Jacket £55
RI Loose Fitting Black Top £22
RI Long Shorts £30
Topshop Smart Rucksack £38
Office Silver Birkenstock Sandals £39.95
ASOS Half Frame Sunglasses £12
RI Icon T-shirt £16
RI Ripped Boyfriend Jeans £40
Dune Black Snake Espadrille Pumps £75
H&M L'Amour Jumper Initially £14.99 Sale £8
Topshop Ripped White Skinny Jeans £38


Are you a fan of this trend?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this post so feel free to comment below.

Until next time.

Ellie

The Ultimate Nail Polish Remover

If you have not yet heard of this product then it is my pleasure to introduce to you the the ultimate, hassle free, no mess nail polish remover from Bourjois that has become an essential in my make up bag. This handy little nail polish remover pot is filled with foam that you literally just dip your nail into and twist to remove all polish. I must admit when first saw the packaging and read '1 second removal' I had my doubts but it really does get rid of the polish in seconds! All of the product is soaked into the foam so it very easy and clean to use, and nothing goes to waste, I always get a bit carried away and seem to drown the cotton wool pad in nail polish, oops! It is slightly more awkward with toes I found I had tip the pot slightly which cause some of the product to drip but for finger nails it is a must have, perfect for when your in a rush to remove and nasty chipped nails! For a nail polish remover this product also smells quite nice, although nail polish removers will always have a bit of a pungent smell due to the chemicals however I noticed this product has a subtle vanilla scent and shortly spotted on the packaging that it is enriched with nourishing almond oil, red fruit and vanilla.  I can safely say this will be my go to nail polish removing product from now on. Retailing at £4.99  a tad more than the standard nail polish removing product but in my opinion a worthwhile purchase, this product is available direct from the Bourjois website, but I have also spotted it in Boots and I am sure you can find it in other drug stores or retailers that have a Bourjois stand.

Please note my giveaway has now ended but thank you to all those who entered and congrats to the winner, I can't wait to do the next one!

Ellie

What's in my handbag?

I am a strong believer that a girl could rule the world with the contents of her hand bag, we always seem to be prepared for anything! To say how much I love reading these posts by other blogs, I had not yet done one myself, until now! This trusty M&S holdall has stuck with me through thick and thin for the last few months, I like to invest in a good quality handbag that will last, and this gorgeous genuine leather holdall has been a very worthwile purchase, even more so that I got on sale too! As for the contents you will find...
My Paperchase diary, this is the first year I have bought a proper diary as it was a new years resolution of mine to keep one, and as it takes up a large majority of my handbag, I am motivated to do so! It also looks pretty in my handbag, Paperchase prints never fail to please!
Next, Fifty shades freed, my current read whilst I am waiting for the first Harry Potter book to come back in stock at the library, damn you whoever has it overdue! I always like to have something to read and keep me entertained on my commute to and from work.
 You will also find my very personal set of keys, each key ring a souvenir of some sort, plus one key for my London home and one for my Yorkshire home. On the topic of London, since moving here a tube map has had a permanent place in my handbag which has been a lifesaver on the underground!
With the weather being so nice recently my sunglasses have actually had some time away from sitting at the bottom of my handbag under my brolly, which despite the sunny weather is still an essential as I'm sorry, but I just do not have faith in the British weather! Both of these are Primark bargains from this year.
Accompanied by my forever tangled  headphones is my Iphone 4S, which may I say has the coolest watermelon caseever, as long as it lives, this case will never be removed, except to take this photo, this was another worthwhile Paperchase purchase!
You'll also see my River Island purse, for years I have been buying my purses from RI as they are such a great size and fit in all the stuff that I like to hord, mainly receipts!  They always have such a gorgeous choice of purse styles too.
One of my favourite components of my bag is my little handbag buddy, my best friend bought me this when I was having a down day once and she said to keep it in my handbag and whenever I'm having a down day it will cheer me up. I have since bought one for my mum and I recommend everyone should get one of these for their best friend. Mine is a duck, he's called Mr. Quackalot, and looks pretty happy sitting pride of place in my handbag.
And of course, what bloggers handbag doesn't contain a few beauty bits, for example, my miniature Tresseme brush, handy for any unexpected bad hair days, along with many kirby grips that I did not even know I had in there till I emptied my bag to do this post, ha! My perfume at the moment, Diamonds by Armani is another permy item in my hand bag, a few sprays of this a fresh sweet, yet sexy summery scent! I also make room for my seventeen stay time concealer, a liquid stick concealer that provides great coverage just in case of any emergencies! You will also come across a trusty stick of Nivea pearly shine lip balm, a must have in all my handbags to keep those lips fully moisturised throughout the day. I also have a handy pair of Boots essential wipes, you never when they will come in handy and they are good product to keep your face and hands feeling refreshed. Finally, a pot of The Body Shop moisturiser also has a spot in my holdall, which I double up as a hand cream on a daily basis as it leaves your hands feeling super soft, and we all know how yum a Body Shop product smells!

 I hope you liked taking a look at what's in my handbag, I cant quite believe I manage to fit all that in there, like I said, when it comes to a girls handbag, we are prepared for anything! If you have recently written a 'What's in my bag post?' I would love to see yours, leave your links below!

And don't forget to enter my giveaway below! There are just a few days left so make sure you get your entry in!

Ellie

Giveaway extended!

Just a quick post to say that According to Ellie's first giveaway has been extended, to ensure that you don't miss out on the chance to get your hands on some of my favourite hair and beauty bits, scroll down to my original giveaway post to enter via rafflecopter!

Good luck!

Love,
Ellie

Kiko cosmetics haul

Following my Kiko cosmetics makeover post a few week ago, this post will provide you with a more detailed review of the products that I purchased. Although the makeup used artist used several makeup articles on me I decided to just buy the essentials, this being, foundation, bronzer, highlighter, eyeliner and mascara. The product I use first in my makeup routine is the Skinny Fit Kajal Crayon eyeliner number 06. Prior to my Kiko makeover I always used to apply foundation first but it makes so much more sense now that if I make a mistake with eyeliner or mascara, it is more easily fixed before having applied anything else on my face. Regarding the size of this eyeliner, I couldn't believe it was just £4.80. I have not seen an eyeliner anywhere else of this length for such a good price. Plus it's a great product. Suitable for both the inner and outer eyelid, it applys smoothly, smoky black in colour. Despite the length it's still fairly easy to control meaning you can create flicks hassle free! And something of a necessity for me when buying eyeliners, it sharpens well. A pet hate of mine when an eyeliner sharpens unevenly the whole way down the pencil! #beautyblogger problems. You can also buy this pencil in a variety of colours, see online.

Next, I use the Luxurious Lashes, Extra Volume Brush Mascara. The fairly chunky elastomer wand gently bends in contact with the lashes helping to create an even coating from the first stoke. The product consistency is creamy and smooth so does not clog on the lashes and creates a really flattering, volumised yet natural looking lash. To make an extra impact I like to focus on the edge lashes when applying this mascara, it helps in adding a little bit of length and really makes your eyes stand out. I love this product! Available in both brown and black I would definitely recommend this product to those of you who like a more natural makeup look. Again another bargain at £7.20.

Next I apply the Universal Hydrating in shade Light Rose 02. The liquid foundation applies and blends extremely well when using a stippling brush. The silky consistency makes it feel so light on the skin i was amazed how great the coverage was. I also love that this product leave my face feeling moisturised and it really does stay on all day, one of the best foundations I have used in a while. This product comes in a wide variety of shades so it is suitable for all skin types. Purchasing this wont break the bank either at a very affordable, £6.90.

Now for the product I have been most excited to tell you about. This product has become my holy grail product! From the limited edition makeup collection 'Life in Rio' this Essential Bronzer in Sienna Melagne is a must have! Its slight shimmery tones and tanned shades make up the most gorgeous looking marble effect product, it was love at first sight! I was lucky enough whilst having my Kiko makeover to have had a very quick tutorial on contouring and this product is perfect to create that look. Best applied with an angled brush, delicately sweep the soft powder in a downward action across the cheek, I also like to dust my jawline. Not much is needed to create a subtle, contoured  look. When applied on top of the Universal Hydrating foundation I was also pleased to find I stay almost perfectly bronzed all day long. Another reason love using this product is for its subtle vanilla scent, it's little touches like that I really think make a product feel even more luxurious.The most pricey product of the bunch but still a very reasonable price at £16.90 and worth every penny!

And last but certainly not least, I finish the look with the Radiant Touch Creamy Stick highlighter in Rose 101. This lovely little stick helps to emphasise certain areas of the face, such as the brow bone, cupids bow, and cheekbones where I like to use it. When applied and gently blended with a finger, particularly on the cheekbone, the shimmery pigments catch the light nicely, enhancing the contoured area. I feel very glowing when I'm wearing this product, yet still natural, which I love. Also available in a subtle gold, this nifty little product suits a variety of skin types. And for a mere £8.50, if you're looking for a new highlighter, I suggest you give this one a go.

Overall I spent £44.50, but I believe it was money well spent as with that I got all the necessities which will last me a good few months! Whereas you might only half that amount for twice the price elsewhere. 

Once last thing I thought worthy to mention is that not only in these products, but also in the store I noticed similarities between this brand and MAC. As I was informed that Kiko and MAC products are made in the same factory this could suggest why! So I definitely recommend to those of you with a tighter budget and a love for MAC to explore Kiko as cheaper alternative, I can only praise it!

Click on the links within the post to see all of the Products on the Kiko sit, and to see what other Kiko products the makeup artist used on me but I didnt purchase, see the post below.

My Kiko face - I have tidied my room since this I promise!

Have you tried any Kiko products before?

Dont forget to enter my giveaway below to win some of my other favourite beauty goodies!

Ellie