September Beauty Blog Challenge

So as most of you know, I took part in Girl Friday's June Beauty Blog Challenge. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and made it through, despite my dad being rushed into hospital somewhere in the middle of it. I stuck it out, 30 days and 30 posts.

You can imagine my excitement when our lovely Challenge Mistress posted the link to her September Beauty Blog Challenge on Twitter. This challenge will be a mix of beauty and lifestyle posts, to break it up a bit, especially since 30 days of beauty is going to alienate the male readers out there.

Originally, I was going to try to vlog one half of the topics, and blog the other half (making it a total of 60), but I have since realized that would be a crushing amount of work and I do have a Double FITA to organize and run amidst all this, so I will be sticking to blogging for the most part.

If you would like to keep up to date with the challenge posts on Twitter, you will find us under the hashtag #SBBC

The topics I will be doing are as follows:

1. Intro- What do you hope to achieve? Why?
2. Favorite eye palette?
3. What you bring travelling?
4. Positives about blogging.
5. A recipe
6. Travel dreams.
7. Fantasy dinner party.
8. Letter to someone from your past.
9. Ways to incorporate color into your look.
10. Beauty pet peeves
11. How did your blog get its name?
12. Life advice to a younger person
13. DIY beauty
14. Post you are proudest of?
15. "Beauty things I suck at" tag
16. Things I love
17. A photo from your day
18. Who/What inspires you?
19. €250 to spend...How do you spend it?
20. 10 things under €10
21. Advice to others about blogging
22. A quote you love
23. Hints & Tips
24. Brand highlight (Things they do well & not so well)
25. Icon? Who and Why?
26. Beauty history: Your successes and failures?
27. A song you love
28. In 5 years I will be...
29. Era you wish you could have lived in?
30. Reflection.

As with the June Beauty Blog Challenge, I will be adding a link to each of these points, so by the 1st of October, I'll have 30 more live links for ease of access! 

I cant wait to see what the rest of you come up with for this challenge! 

See you in September, ladies!!

Amy

xx

June BBC Day 30: Recent Empties, and Reflecting... (Final Challenge Post)

Well, girls. It's been fun. I can't believe this challenge is over. I admit that I am glad to have made it through, even when I thought my posting would be majorly up-heaved by family circumstances. I made it through. 30 posts, sometimes even two a day, making up the June Beauty Blog Challenge (click that link for a complete list of my June BBC posts), and my own blogging endeavors alongside it.

I want to thank GirlFriday for creating this challenge, and for the re-tweets, favorites and generally just for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this project!

So. Empties.

I am not very hard on my make-up/beauty products, I must admit. It takes me a long time to hit pan, or kill a tube.

Things I have used up:

Not one, but two packs of my Skin Wisdom Youth Protect facial wipes!

 Since this picture was taken, I have killed my Natural Collection Pressed Powder!

I really enjoyed the June BBC but I think I will be taking a break between challenges since this was so intense!!

Did you enjoy the June BBC? Tell me your thoughts!! 

Amy,

xo

June BBC Day 29: Top 5 Beauty Vloggers/ Youtube Videos

This is gonna be SO easy!! I am a fiend for watching YouTube beauty gurus!

Bunny! 

By far, my favorite Vlogger or Beauty Guru is Bunny!!

You can find her on the YouTube channel Grav3yardgirl.

I love her, she's a crazy Texan, she loves her red lipstick, and is just all around enjoyable to watch! Another point in her favour is that she is a thrifter, which I adore about her because I love to thrift too! She has problems with anxiety and stuff too so I find her easy to relate to, and her crazy nature brightens my days no matter how crappy I'm feeling!

Next up, I'm gonna talk about Leigh-Ann. 

Leigh-Ann

 Leighannsays is another crazy Texan, and I love her. She is a bit odd too, but that's something I find enjoyable so for me its not a problem. 

She reviews a lot of products, as well as hauls and does tutorials. She's a big fan of drugstore products and seems to review products honestly but not bluntly or disparagingly. Her empties videos are also hugely enjoyable and as she usually puts it, "More trash to review for you!!"

Bethany

The next one, I feel I may have to defend. 

Bethany, of Macbarbie07! She may be considerably younger than me, but I have to admit she is vastly more knowledgeable than I at the ol' beauty business! 

I find her tutorials really helpful and easy to follow, and her favorites videos never fail to make me laugh. 

I don't care that she's only what, 18? She makes me smile!

"Girl on Fire" nails by CutePolish inspired by Katniss Everdeen

What kind of a polish addict would I be if I let my favourite nail art Youtuber out?? Step on up CutePolish!! 

You may never see her face, but with the video tutorials she puts up, why would you want to?! Its all part of the charm, the mystique. She has videos of the best nail art I've ever seen, ranging from the simplest accent nails, to the most bizarre, fuzzy Cheshire Cat nails! 

 

Finally, a recent addition to my beauty guru subscriptions, Kandee Johnson! 

Kandee has to be the happiest girl on the planet! She just radiates this relaxed happiness that instantly brightens even the cloudiest of days!

Her short hair inspired to me to make a change I was so desperately craving and I haven't looked back. I doubt she will ever see this, but thanks, Kandee, you inspired me, and now it takes me no time to get ready in the mornings!

So, those are my Top 5 Beauty Vloggers! Do you like my choices? Who do you rate in your top 5?  

Drop me a comment down below!!

Amy

xo

June BBC Day 28: Favourite Cheek Product...

I'm not a big hoarder of blush, or bronzers, I don't compulsively purchase them like I do nail-polish or lipsticks. 

I own one bronzer, one blush and I'm ashamed to say I wouldn't even know where to buy a highlighter. Unless it's a pink stationary item, that is!! 

So, for all intents and purposes, my favourite cheek product is my Natural Collection blush in the shade "Peach Melba". I fully admit that I bought it for its name. I adore peaches and peach-flavoured or scented anything. However, I digress. 

The blush is on the left, with my pressed powder to give a better idea of size. Despite having this particular blush in my life for well over a year, I have yet to hit pan! 

This blush just gives a sweet hint of colour which would be my preference over a full on pop of a bright pink shade! For this reason, I classify it as buildable and extremely blendable. A steal, when its only €3.09 a pop in Boots!! 

What's your favourite cheek product? Do you favour bronzer over blush? Highlighter? What do you think of my choice? Have you ever tried it? 

Drop me a comment, 

Amy,

xo

June BBC Day 27: Biggest Fashion Mistake You Have Made

Emo phase, anyone?!

I saved this off my old Tagged account before I deleted it!

I remember seeing pictures of Emo and Scene girls back in the day, and I thought that they were the coolest people who ever walked! I wanted to be one of them! Of course, when you want to fit in, you don't!

I remember wearing black EVERYTHING!!! Jeans, tops, hoodies, even my hair was black, and my glasses frames! I thought I was the dogs you-know-whats... but in reality, I was just a (pardon my language) fucking oddball!

I mean, just look at the pose on me in that picture!!! I'm glad I escaped that phase with even just a shred of dignity!!

I only showed up to this shoot to say hi! I ended up
holding the DSLR!!

Then there's the Canterbury-Hoody-combo!

This is what I wear on the days when I'm just not bothered with looking good! This is the only documented case where I have been out and among people I know while badly dressed in this combo!

I love Canterbury rugby bottoms though so ain't nobody gon' diss my mad taste in bottoms!! Ya diiiig?


Finally... I give you... GOD AWFUL GINGER ROOTS!!!

I think they speak for themselves!

I miss shooting... :(

June BBC Day 26: Best Beauty Advice You've Been Given

I've been given plenty of beauty advice in my day, often by well meaning friends and family. When I was only a little nipper, my Gran told me "Too much lipstick makes you look like a tart!!", which was hardly constructive, but definitely memorable!

As I got older, and got into secondary school, we were told by a teacher "Tinted moisturizer is more beneficial than foundation, so we will let the girls away with that if you want to have a little coverage...". Now, while I was in school, I wore absolutely NO makeup, bar maybe a little eyeliner, so that didn't apply to me!

As you guys know (since I never shut up about it) I wear very little makeup, on a day to day basis. That's because the best advice I was given was to let my skin breathe. Don't constantly clog your pores with heavy make-up, don't put on a full face for cleaning the house, and don't for the love of god, please don't go to bed with makeup on!!

The best advice I could give somebody is to remember that nothing is more beautiful than a confident smile. Even if you have to fake it, you will find yourself less bothered by how people see you, if you can even pretend to see yourself in a "I am ... and I am a beautiful princess!!" kind of light!!

You are beautiful (even if you don't believe me, I wont lie to you!)

Amy
xoxo

June BBC Day 25: Primer

Primer is one of those products some people swear by, but others avoid at all costs! I admit, I'm not taken by face primers, however, I love eye-shadow primers. Maybe its because I'm not a "Daily Face" kind of girl, maybe I just missed the boat on the whole foundation primer thing...

Eye-shadow primer is great. I have been a big fan of the No.7 Eye-shadow Primer since I was about 17, but recently, I've been loving both NYC colour's offering as well as Essence's! I will happily state that I think Essence stands up to the quality of No.7, no problem!!

Essence I<3 Stage- €3.59

As far as face-primer goes... The only one I ever tried was Rimmel and I HATED it! It made my skin feel weird and tingly, and not in the good way! It works for some of you, and that's great, its affordable and readily available, but I cant abide the stuff. If you can recommend a decent one, at a decent price, by all means, be my guest!

What is your opinion on primers? Have you any favorites? Would you try any of the ones I've mentioned?? 

Let me know!!

xoxo

Amy

June BBC Day 24: Alternative Uses for Items

Essence I <3 Stage - €3.59

Usually when I buy a product, its bought because I need it to do its intended job!

With that said, I do have one use for a product that isn't exactly what it's meant for!

Primer! More specifically, eyeshadow primer. You may be wondering what the hell I use primer for, if not to prime my lids for shadow! Well the answer is very simple. I put it under my concealer on days where I know that concealer alone wont do the job.

A dab of this on my ring finger, on to my spots and imperfections, and I'm reassured that my concealer (usually set with a wee bit of powder) will stay put!

What other uses do you have for your make-up products? Do you use lipstick as a blusher, in a pinch?

Drop me a line below in the comments!!

xoxo
Amy

June BBC Day 23: Whats My Face Worth?

Most of you have learned over the course of this challenge that I'm not a big fan of putting on a full face of make-up everyday. The way I see it, how will people notice a difference if you go out everyday, moseying about your business in full drag?! I fully believe its better to look like your normal self on a day to day basis, and then hike up the Glam Levels when you're going out!

On a normal day I just do my brows, eyeliner, mascara, and lips. Sometimes I will use concealer, powder and maybe a wee bit of blush but its quite rare I would add those extra steps!

Yesterday, I went around the shops to take precise note of all the prices of the products I use, so I could be as accurate as possible!

I'll start from the bottom, this time around, with lips!

I'm sure you are all fully sick of me going on about these products at this point, but they are everyday essentials for me!

My Essence Lip-liner is in the shade "Femme Fatale" and my Natural Collection lipstick is Crimson. I love the combo of these two lip products together, and I have to admit that by some happy coincidence, they match perfectly!!

Essence Lipliner is €1.29 in any Penneys/Primark and local pharmacies nationwide!

Natural Collection lipstick is €3.09 in every Boots in the country!!

Next up, we'll tackle the eyes!

I am a huge convert to the Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara!! It's just my holy grail mascara at this point! I wouldn't ever be unfaithful to it... God, I sound like a crazy person!

The wand is magical, and the formula doesn't burn my eyes, even when I have lenses in!

The picture of my eye really doesn't do it the justice it deserves, really, which is a shame...


You can find this amazing mascara at any Maybelline stand, in any decent chemists, and in Boots for €11.99

Eyeliner is the one thing I've yet to nail my colours to the mast about! for pencil eyeliner, I'm pretty much a Bourjois Kohl pencil girl, but for liquid, I vary between Loréal Superliner and the Essence Eyeliner Pen.

Bourjois Kohn Pencil is €8.19
Loréal Superliner is €15.29
Essence is €3.49

Finally, my brows.

Now while I stand by my "I hate Rimmel" opinion, I must admit defeat in regards to their eyebrow pencil in 002 Hazel, because its the only pencil I've found that doesn't make my poor ginger brows look like they're brown! €4.99-ish (I forgot to look for this when I was in Boots!)

For my everyday face, that's a grand total of €48.33... Wow. I'm actually stunned!!!

I shudder to think what my full face would be for a night out!!

What is your face worth? Are you shocked by how much my face is worth?? Drop me a line in the comments below!!

xoxoxo
Amy

June BBC Day 22: 5 Favorite Beauty Bloggers

Well girls, I just want to state for the record here and now, that this list is in no particular order! I love y'all equally! So long as we have that clear, I'll proceed with my list and I'll even gush a bit cause I can!

Audrey!

Audrey's blog The Nail Affair was the first nail art blog I ever came across when I was starting out on this journey of blogging! I remember seeing her post on the collection of nail polishes she had and thinking "That's....quite a lot of polish!!" and as far as I can see, now that I count her among my blogging peers, that number is ever on the increase!! Good on ya girl! There are worse things to be addicted to, that's for damn sure!! xx

Dani!

I remember first stumbling over Dani's YouTube channel back when it was under the moniker of FizzSedition! I think the "Sedition" bit was what caught my eye, since I'm good mates with a guy who runs a thing called "Sedition Industries" and curiosity got the better of me! It worked out for the best because I quickly found out she was a talented make-up guru and I hit the subscribe button! Her YouTube has since moved to the channel GlamourNazi of which I am a faithful subscriber too! Funny story actually, I may or may not have been that girl who came up to you at FFAF to say I really liked your videos!! *blush*

Girl Friday!

Last month, when I was on the look out for a challenge to partake in, GirlFriday was the challenge creator I was linked to! After 20-odd days of consistently reading her posts, I have decided she is among my favourites for mixing high-end and budget brands together in a way I just find wonderful! She doesn't poo-poo the budget nor is she uppity for the high end! Girl Friday seems to be the nice, all round beauty blogger that I wish I could be! Top marks!!

Kayliegh!

I've known Kayliegh for 2 years or more at this point and I can pretty much state for the record, that she has a brilliant sense of style! She blogs about celebrity style icons like Lauren Conrad and the Kardashians, as well as make-up and other girly things, and quite frankly, her blog is an education for someone like me! I love her blog and I highly recommend that you check her out at Kayliegh Land

Mags!

Another good friend of mine (huzzah for real life friends!!), but also a very talented blogger! She blogs about everyday things, my favourite of which was entitled "Nemisis of Nom" and pertained to her love affair with bread! I have to say, I am right there with her on the bread front...nom nom nom!! You should check her out for more lovely stuff!!

Who are your favourite bloggers? Do you like my choices? Don't forget to check out the 5 very impressive blogs I've linked up yonder! Have you any recommendations??

Amy,
xoxo

June BBC Day 20: Favorite "High End" Product

My favourite perfume... Prada Candy!!

"High End" is not a phrase in my beauty vocabulary, really. I mean, I like the odd splurge here and there, but I'm unemployed and that means splurging is pretty rare for me! Looking at my make-up collection, my highest priced lipsticks are L'Oreal and Revlon. That speaks for itself, methinks!

My most "high end" face cream is my YSL Flash Radiance Skincare Brush that my friend Anna gave me. I'm not into labels really, except when it comes to glasses and perfume.

My favorite high end products are my YSL skincare brush and my Prada Candy perfume!

YSL Skincare Brush... love it!!

Prada Candy is the sweetest most girly scent I can imagine, without being overpowering and sickly! It comes in a decadent bottle made of heavy glass, with pink, gold and black details. The liquid inside is a beautiful gold liquid too. This perfume is absolutely worth the €100 price tag!!

My YSL Skincare Brush was a gift so I don't know the price, but I do know that you disperse a tiny amount out through the brush top and apply it to your face. When its all applied I like to rub it further in with clean hands and then wait 5 minutes before putting anything over it! It makes my skin tingle, and I love that, it makes me feel like its working!!

I'm really not a high end kinda chick, but when I go for something with a designer label, its because I know that I will get the wear out of it!! Normally my only designer purchases will be my specs and my scent!

What are your favorite high-end products? Do you stick with labels exclusively, or are you more of a budget girl, like myself? What do you think of my choices for today?

Amy,
xoxoxo

June BBC Day 19: Fashion/Style Icon

Let me just state this for the record. I have little to no fashion sense when it comes to what to wear on a day-to-day basis. Normally I gravitate towards a rocker look, because its comfy not just clothes-wise, but its comfy to me in a nostalgic, warm memory kind of way.

For years, and years I have been a huge fan of the Finnish Love-Metal band HIM. Their lead singer, Ville Valo seems to have made a fine art of "dressy-causal-grunge-sexy". And yes, I'm aware that he's a dude, and I'm aware that he's in the rock scene a lot more legitimately than I, but I really don't care. I adore his style and I try to emulate it where I can.

Beaten up Converse, ripped up jeans, skinny scarves, smudged eyeliner... It's just like catnip to me! Oh, and lets not get me started on the jewelry and tattoos! Yum!

You may not like it, but you can't deny, Valo's got style!!

Next up, a more girly style icon! Lucy Hale.

I love Lucy Hale, she's what beautiful would look like if the dictionary could have pictures! She's got this kind of, dark but quirky and fun style that I find really appealing! I love the way she always looks done, but not too overdone! That's a balance I find hard to get right! I love the way she manages to look effortlessly chic in what I consider to be daring outfits!

I certainly don't think I could pull off shorts, a bright colour AND an animal print all in one look, but Lucy does it!

So, ladies, who are your style icons? Were you shocked by my choices? Have you any unusual choices when it comes to emulating someones fashion sense?

Let me know!!

xoxo,
Amy

June BBC Day 16: Skincare Routine

I've always been about minding my skin. I've never suffered from acne, and most of the time, my skin is pretty well behaved aside from one or two small spots here and there! I don't believe, and have never believe in wearing a full face of make-up everyday. It's expensive and tough on your skin. I fully advocate going without. And I have to say, I've never bothered much with make-up and I still get told I'm attractive, beautiful (and if you're from the sticks, you'll know what it means to be called "a fine lookin' young-wan" by your elders). Going Au Natural has never stopped me meeting people, never stopped me getting male attention. While I fully understand why girls go out everyday with their face all made up, that's just not for me. I stick with my skincare routine, and that's enough for me!


When I'm in the shower I use Loréal Men Expert Pure and Matte facial scrub. It's designed to fight impurities and mattify the surface of your skin. I use two small blobs every time I get into the shower, the first to get rid of the oil on my skin, the second to get down into the pores. It never fails me!

After I finish with that, I gently run my Body Shop Facial Brush over to help increase blood-flow slightly. The bristles are soft and it just makes my skin lovely and tingly before I hop out of the shower.

After that, I run a Skin Wisdom Youth Protect wipe over my face to remove any residue that might be on my face, because the water isn't always great here at home! Then I take a little of my Elemis Softly Softly moisturiser and rub it til its all sunk in...

For my body, I've recently started using exfoliating gloves in the shower with my shower-gel, and then moisturizing with either Lush's Charity Pot, or if I need to look glowy for something, I will use my Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tanning Lotion. It's brilliant and not streaky at all. It also smells like apricots, but when you get into the shower it takes on that horrible burnt biscuit scent that we all loathe. Oh well, you can't win every round!

If I'm feeling like a treat, I'll pop this mask from the Boots Essentials range on for 3-5 minutes while I'm slathering myself in some lotion or another from the shoulders down! It's enriched with cucumber and I personally find it extremely softening and deep cleansing! It's somewhere in the €2.50/€3.00 price range, so its easy on the pocket. Also its good for using solely around the nose area if that's what you would rather. It comes in a bigger version too, so if you fall as hopelessly in love with it as I have, then you will be dying to repurchase the bigger tube, which is only a euro or so more expensive!

After I use the cucumber mask, and I've rinsed it off with barely warm water, I like to run a cotton ball with a little toner on it. Now, I'm not terribly fancy with my toner, and only that I already had the toner I have now, I'd have invested in the toner from the Boot Essentials like too. I use the Tesco Cucumber Toner to remove any leftovers from the Clay Mask, and then top it off with the Elemis moisturiser. I only use the mask 2 or 3 times a week, so this extra couple of steps just slot in pretty seamlessly to my normal regime.

So that's my very lengthy explanation of my skincare routine! Sorry if its a bit waffley or possibly a bit preachy, I got a bit caught up!

What is your skincare routine like? Do you get as involved in yours as I do in mine? What's your favorite product? Can you recommend any other masks for me to try? I would love to read your comments and suggestions down below!

Amy
xoxo

June BBC Day 14: Favorite Mascara

Wooooo!! This challenge has been going for two weeks now! It's been so fun, I really don't want it to end!

Anyways, today we're gonna be looking at my favourite mascara. I used to be a stoic lover of the Falsies by Maybelline, undeterred and steadfast in the face of lesser brands, but now I've turned away from it in favour of their new "The Rocket Volume" mascara. 

From day one, I have loved this. The wand is huge, with closely packed rubber bristles that evenly lift and coat your lashes. I have a feeling, should the choice ever have to be made, I'd choose this over Benefit! The tube I own is the original formula, rather than the waterproof one, not for any reason other than my hand reached for the original tube first.

What's your favourite mascara? Why do you love it? Would you try this mascara based off what I've written?

Amy

Xoxo

June BBC Day 13: A Make-Up Look You Would Love to Recreate

I'm the first to admit that I have absolutely no make up talent. I can do a brown smokey eye, and black. I can wing out my eyeliner, glide on some lip colour and then I'm done. That is my ability exhausted!

But if I could, here are some looks I would love to recreate, not from a wearability stand point, but from an admiration point of view.



Warm gold, red and dramatic black!!

This gold, red and black look is so dramatic!! It screams glamour and looks as though it would befit a party in a plush, palatial manor. The shape also reminds me of the eye look worn by Natalie Portman in Black Swan. And just look at the precision of the eyeliner, the blending, the fantastically flawless skin. 

Alternative make-up is so gorgeous to me :)

Alternative Culture has fascinated me since I was young. I've always loved how daring and bold all the various kinds of Goth girls were with their eye make-up. I would love to have the cajones to rock a look like that!

I would love to have either the reason or the nads to wear either of these looks. They are beautiful in different ways, yet similar in the realm of artistic ability. 

Pin Up Sailor Girl

As far as an entire look goes, I would love to try a Pin-Up style look. The whole casual glamour of the 1950's is my idea of perfection! The red lips, the curves, the toughness paired with old style sexiness... fabulous! Someone needs to teach girls who are dieting dangerously, starving themselves, forcing themselves to throw up in a bid to be thin, that to be sexy, all you have to do is believe that you are sexy! 

Which of these looks do you prefer? Are you more of a warm red and gold, or a cool green and black type of girl?? What make-up looks would you recreate if you could? Would you have the courage to wear either of my choices? What do you think of the Pin-Up style? 

Amy,

xoxo

June BBC Day 12: An Item You've Bought Because of Blogs/Vlogs

Today, I've to write about items I've bought because of reviews I've watched or read online. Where should I begin for this one?! I've a long list of things I've tried because of the hype given about a particular item online, but here's a coule that stick out in my mind!

Essie Nail Polish

This one is a bit of a cheat really, because I've really only paid attention to the reviews on the brand, rather than the shades. A couple of weeks back I was aimlessly testing out Dermalogica skincare in my local pharmacy when I noted a whole rack of Essie just hidden behind it. Queue me going politely nuts and scouring the rack for "Watermelon", a shade I've drooled over one too many times in Boots, and bee-lined to the cash-point. I am now a fully self-confessed Essie convert!!

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer

Next up, I want to talk about Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer. I stumbled across a post one day on The Glamour Nazi, talking about these highly pigmented, glossy offerings from Rimmel. At the time, I glossed over them (haha, geddit?!) and didn't pay them much heed... Until I found myself standing at the makeup section in Boots one day, and it was 3 for 2 across all make-up brands! I swatched one on my hand, and was smitten! I immediately snapped up "Big Bang", the red shade, that I've now miss-placed (stupid redecoration project!!) and  yesterday I got the bright fuchsia shade "Apocaliptic". Thanks, Dani, for planting the seed in my head!


So what products have you bought based of blogs and vlogs? Have you ever bought anything based off one of my blogs?? What is your favourite purchase to date, as prompted by an online review?

Le Grá,
Amy,
xoxo

June BBC Day 10: Favorite Nail Polish

There's no way I can answer this. I'm a nail polish addict. I physically cannot pick a favorite. No way. Mm-mm, not happening!

What I can do is share what I'm currently loving.

Essie Watermelon, oh how I adore thee!! I bought it on Friday the 31st and repainted my nails every day with it until the following Wednesday. I've been hopelessly stuck on it, unlike so many of my other polishes!

2/3 coats for opacity, and it dries in double-quick time! Fan-tabulous!!

If you've been keeping up with this challenge, then you'll know I'm a Watermelon obsessive. I kept overlooking Essie because of the price-tag, but I could resist no longer.

€12.99 in Boots seems like a lot, but they are forever doing 3 for 2 deals, so keep your eyes open for bargain opportunities!

June BBC Day 9: Most Recent Beauty Buy

Today I'm going to interpret this post as anything beauty related, from make-up products and tools, to lotions and potions. As most of you probably know, I'm a big believer in the budget brands, though I will shell out for something when I believe it works. So, on we go!

On a recent trip to Boots I picked up a few little bits, it was not a splurge by any stretch, but still, purchases are purchases.

Collection Lasting Gel Color - Watermelon 6

Ever since I remember, I've harbored a bit of a grá for watermelon. The fruit, the scent, the color, it's an obsession. I picked up this beauty to see if it was what it was cracked up to be. It's currently on my nails (I swap and change between this and Essie Watermelon) and I can say its glossy and fabulous! I haven't even thought of a top coat. Its a beautiful, juicy pink color, needing only two coats for opacity. I will do a full post on wear time and durability but for now? It made a good first impression!

Boots Essentials 3 Minute Clay Mask - Cucumber

Well Mr Boots! You've a lot of hype to live up to. After reading Kaylieghs rave reviews of the cleanser and toner, I spotted this little gem and decided for a little over €2, it would be something to try. It has a beautiful, fresh cucumber scent, which I'm loving. Cucumbers are the best bit of a salad after all!! Om nom nom!!

"Enriched with soothing cucumber and vitamins, this cleansing clay mask works to draw out impurities and excess oils from the pores, leaving skin feeling cleansed and toned"

This will get its own review at some point soon, because I'm dying to see if it's all it's hyped up to be. It's on, Boots!!

Models Own Nail Wraps - Cuboid

Don't you just love the clearance bin in Boots?! I got the most beautiful nail wraps for €2.65, and I cannot wait to try them!! The pattern is Gold, Black and Silver cuboids, which will go perfectly with my gold paisley leggings and corset on a night out. Just need a social life now! ;)

Revlon Ultimate Suede Lipstick - Finale

Revlon needs no introduction, certainly not from myself, anyways!! I cant seem to shut up about them!! After the fabulous impressions their balm stains and lip-butters, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see what the "Ultimate Suede" was made of.

Again, this is another one up for review!! :D

Other things I've picked up on my directionless wanderings:

Essie Watermelon,
Maybelline The Rocket Volume Mascara,
Face Treats Self Cooling Mask
Goody Color Collection bobby pins (They're tiny, and they work SO much better than regular bobby pins!!)
Tesco Everyday Value Cottonwool Balls (300 balls for €2)

What have you been buying lately? Go on, let me know in the comments and be a bad influence on my already limited willpower!! :P

Le Grá,
Amy
xoxo

June BBC Day 8: Beauty Wishlist

Everyone has one of these. I challenge you to find me one beauty blogger who doesn't have a list of products they would love to possess... Some of these will be mine soon enough, though, all going well!!

My wishlist goes like this.

Nails

China Glaze: The Capitol Collection

I LOVED the books, and I love the first movie, so combined with my love of nail polish, I would have to give this collection a mention.