Beauty Rehab

Hello!

I'm here with another Beauty Rehab post today. I've been trying really hard to not spend, and also use up products from my stash.
My stash is rather extensive and it's just taking up too much space in my room. I do not have enough space for the ridiculous amount of stuff that i have accumulated, more than that I do not want to waste them so Project Use Up has begun.

I wrote more about my decision on this post here and I haven't been as good as previously as I have picked up a few goodies....but nowhere near as many as previously!

Without any more babbling I'm going to start doing 1 line on each product so you can have a quick review of whether I loved, hated or didn't care for the product.

Molton Brown Shower Gel: I can't say I'm ever a fan of expensive shower gels as I never find them that different to my usual S&G type ones, so this wasn't a massive hit for me but a nice smell.
Dove: Essential in my product wardrobe, always have about 5 on the go!
Neal's Yard Hand Cream: I love this, would repurchase asap. Smells amazing and saves the bees! SAVE THE BEES EVERYONE!
S&G Clean on Me shower gel: Another Christmas present essential, I look forward to getting the next Xmas kit!
Clarins Eye Make Up Remover: Liked this, wouldn't pay the price for it though as others do the same for less.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: Love this, would buy again but am working through my stash for now.
No7 Eye Make Up Remover: Love this, would buy again and already have more! The £5 vouchers are awesome.

St Tropez mousse tan: Loved this before but now I'm not so sure, the colour wasn't so dark as before and I was a bit disappointed.
S&G Mist you Madly: Not a fan of the smell and so wouldn't repurchase, huge bottle though!
S&G Butter Yourself: Loved this! Amazing smell and works a charm, would repurchase in future on 3 for 2s!
Garnier Ambre Solaire spray tan: This is my saviour for tanning my back, I have no bf present to tan my back for me so this is perfect for reaching and giving an even tan! Would repurchase.
Aveeno Triple Boost Serum: This was great for the price, sunk in easy and helped with hydration.
Good Things Deep Pore cleanser: Apparently they don't sell this now which is a shame as I would have repurchased.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hours: This did pretty well at lasting but I wasn't a fan of the finish, and also the colours were a little dark for my skin sometimes.
Aussie 3 min conditioner: Have loved these forever and will always buy them! 

Neutrogena Daily Scrub: Loved the smell, didn't feel like it did enough for me, very small particles so good for sensitive skin.
Rimmel Wake Me Up: Love this for a drugstore foundation, lovely glow and coverage, this is my 2nd bottle.
Another Aussie, Dove and St Tropez, see above for comments.
Rimmel Recover foundation: This was too glittery for me, but did work at being anti fatigue.
Hydraluron: Didn't see any results initially, stopped using it and my skin was so dry! Just disappointed in the price for such a small tube as I'd love to repurchase regularly.

L'Oreal False Lash Flutter mascara: Quite liked this, the brush was interesting and picked up all my lashes.
Benefit's Dallas: Forever love this, am on my 2nd but i do hate that they break as product is wasted.
Benefit's High Beam: Love the original highlighter! Also have another.
Avon Magix primer: This was great, great price and works so well, i should repurchase, not sure why i haven't!
Rimmel Match Perfection: I bought this as a powder so it worked quite well but was a bit heavy, and on its own wouldn't be right for my skin. I have the loose powder to try though!
Benefit's Porefessional: Wasn't sure of this at first but now I love it and was gutted to finish it. My miniatures will have to see me through for now.... :(

OPI Correct and Clean Up pen: Useless, dried up in seconds. Stick to cotton buds!
Barbara Daly Eyeliner Pen: Liked this initially but again, it dried up so fast. I'm always so careful putting lids on but they still dried up.
Lacura Under Eye Concealer: Great bargain buy from Aldi, need to buy this again.
Ojon Rare Blend Oil: Bought this in full size, need I say more.
Lush Dream Cream: Loved this but it's so expensive for a tub with a short use by on I can't justify it
Lush Olive Branch: This was so so, wouldn't repurchase as there are others I prefer.
Molton Brown mini Shower Gel: This was from a travel set which I've kept for ages....but never use! It's time for them to go and this was a lovely smell.

Woooooooooo what a list!

I've also been working my way through samples so expect to see a post with those on soon. They're keeping me busy with new exciting products.

Have you been using up your products recently? Found any hidden gems?

L xxx

Beauty Rehab

Good morning ladies!

I hope you're excited for the weekend!

I have been rather sneaky the past 2 months....as I have actually been on somewhat of a spending ban but just couldn't bring myself to admit it to anyone apart from M. In previous 'bans' I've cracked under the pressure and lure from working in Boots and seeing new products EVERYWHERE.

However now that I no longer work there and am instead surrounded by drugs and chemicals and spend an hour driving to and from work each way my free time has been considerably shortened and i now spend my weekends doing things, as opposed to shopping.

So basically what I'm saying is........I'VE MADE IT 2 WHOLE MONTHS WITHOUT GOING ON A SPREE!!!!

There are of course a few exceptions to this statement. I did buy a lipstick and blush (totalling £20) as a congratulatory present to myself at the end of June, which I'm allowing once a month in a bid to keep me on track.

Then i found out that my Debenhams Beauty Card points were about to expire, and £15 was not worth losing! So I hotfooted it to my local store and bought Benefit's Erase Paste at M's insistence which had 10% off at the time and therefore cost me £2.55 (I feel this is surely acceptable!). I also picked up another lipstick from MAC as I had enough empties for a free one.

Lastly I picked up a No7 eye make up remover using my £5 off voucher meaning I only spent £3 on it so it is in fact another bargain. So in total I spent £25.55 in the past 2 months.

It is true I broke the spending ban but for those bargains how could I not??

As a result of my lack of spending I have been powering through my stash in a bid to reduce it down. Nobody needs enough to please an army of thousands of girls so here's what I've managed to use........

This has been my storage bag for all of the products I've managed to use. I'm going to keep it in my wardrobe and write whenever it gets full as that seems to have worked for me so far.

Here's the contents of said bag after 2 months:

I think i did ok didn't i??

Let's have a closer look.

Here are the small things:

Bit of a mish mash really. 4 concealers all of which were great. Collection probably wins in the price category and I have another already, but i did LOVE how hydrating Fake Up was which I'd consider repurchasing in the future (I have bought Erase Paste to compare it to!). The Origins serum was lovely but unfortunately only had 2 uses out of it so can't say much for it's effects.
The Soap and Glory scrub was brilliant as expected, and the Lush BIG shampoo was definitely interesting. It was a salt based shampoo that had huge granules of rock salt in, they almost scrubbed your scalp and hair in a gentle way before dissolving and then leaving your hair 'big', this worried me however due to drying out my hair.
The No7 is a great clear top coat that dries pretty fast and is worth it especially with the vouchers.
The Maybelline Rocket mascara was ok, not the greatest but pretty good for the price.

I think it's safe to say that Soap and Glory are rated highly in my opinion, and Peaches and Clean was a surprising like for me. I thought it would be average but I have genuinely loved it and would repurchase after finishing off some other cleansers I have. It's so easy to use and removes make up in a flash, including heavy eye make up.
Dove Summer Glow is my favourite tanning moisturiser and will always be repurchased! It gives me a base colour before I apply tan for a more realistic colour.
Origins Make a Difference Serum is amazing and I'd repurchase if I had the money! 

Vichy Normaderm products are really good in my opinion, they're great for oily skins and troubled skins regardless of oil levels, and if you're stuck for a product, definitely try one of these!
DiorSkin Forever foundation was a dream, literally. I loved it and would get it again!
Rimmel Recover was so glittery I would never get it again tho, they've moved on to Wake Me Up and that's a lot better.

Etat Pur micellar water was ok, but it wasn't as good at removing eye make up as I thought it would be.
Nioxin was an awful conditioner, firstly it was cooling which I'm not a fan of but this conditioner didn't do anything for my hair.
Firminator was an S&G purchase form years ago that i still had, and have just finished. Again, its cooling which I don't really like so didn't use it regularly enough for proper effects.

TIGI shampoo is awesome, I'd repurchase this for the SLS free-ness, the smell, the pink bottle and the fact it's often present in TK Maxx. Another Dove moisturiser which sunk in easily, I think that they're really good for price.
I loved my Molton Brown shower gels and this purple one was my favourite smell.
Revlon Airbrush foundation is gorgeous but can be hard to apply. The mousse foundation also lasted forever and was so worth the money g/£.
The Origins moisturiser was amazing for my dehydrated skin so I'd repurchase this unless I can find a similarly hydrating one!


So that was just a quick run down as I don't think its necessary to talk about every product.
What do you think of my empties? How long has your ban been going on for?


L xxx

P.S. HAPPY FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!

Cold Turkey June

Good morning all!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was starting a spending ban for the entire of June, absolutely no spending whatsoever, so I thought I'd tell you how i was getting on so far and what I'm lusting after!

I feel that as I only have 3 posts to write a week it would be a waste to write about it weekly so every few weeks I'll give an update. I'm hoping to continue the ban further than June but at the rate my wishlist is increasing I'm not so sure that will be achievable!! Maybe I'll give myself a limit to spend at the end of June, and restart it again for July?!

I've so far not bought any cosmetics or products of any kind, so firstly lets congratulate me on that amazing feat! I'm actually enjoying using up my stash as I'm finding lots of half finished things that I can easily finish and get rid of, which is ultimately giving me more space that I desperately need.

I have however had to buy a few extra clothes for work, I did buy some initially that I thought would tide me over for a couple of months until I could justify buying more. But unfortunately as the lab is hot, long sleeved tops are out on account of having to wear lab coats, and vests aren't allowed cos of the whole bare shoulders/cleavage thing.

Sooooo I had to hot foot it into town and pick up some more tshirts that are acceptable in the work place.

The top 3 are all from New Look, and I managed to get them all for £5 when they had a 'Tshirts for £5' day and then student discount so that was pretty good!

The stripy tshirt is from Dorothy Perkins where I also picked up a black and white leopard print tshirt too, both were £10 and I got my 15% student discount too. So although I technically broke my 'no spending' rule it was pretty important to have clothes for work and I didn't stretch that out too far!

Obviously having been shopping I saw a massive amount of stuff that I want....siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.

Most importantly, I need some new trainers for the gym and I've also got my eyes on some Supra type trainers.

I've got my eye on a specific pair in particular that I'm sure you will have seen, but here's a photo collage of what I'm lusting after at the moment!

(none of these images are my own obviously! Otherwise they wouldn't be on my wishlist...but if you click on them it will take you to the original link, mostly from google)

Mmmm pink Nikes!!

Infamous Illamasqua Maneater lipstick, saw it, tried it, loved it, need it.

Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask, love in a product!

Naked 2, the only palette I'm missing from the Naked collection.

This is actually my image! Origins Make a Difference Gel really did make a difference, it's high on my wishlist again as a definite repurchase.

This is OPI Bond Girls Liquid Sand in Jinx, just look at that beautiful coral with gold shimmer. I have the miniature version which is not going to last at all, I need the full one!

I am hoping my American friend will be able to send me one over as a gift...but not too sure now the international rules have changed.

 

 

Following on from the OPI theme, I am still lusting after these 5 polishes from their Bond range back around Christmas. I need to get my hands on Moonraker, Die Another Day, Live and Let Die, Casino Royale and You Only Live Twice.

These have been on my list for so long that at the end of this month I think I'll have to purchase them just for sanity reasons!

What are you guys lusting after at the moment?

My brain has suddenly gone crazy lusting after everything I can't have.

I have £15 of Debenhams Beauty points to use by the end of this month....would you buy the Illamasqua Maneater lipstick, or the pricier Urban Decay Naked 2 palette?
I need somebody to decide for me!!!


Here's hoping that going 'Cold Turkey' will mean I can pay off my credit card bills and start afresh.

L xxx

Credit Card Chaos

Morning Ladies!

How are you all liking my title up there??

It was my sneaky attempt at trying to do a spending ban without saying the words as they set my alarm bells ringing...

My last attempt at a ban ended with me whacking the credit card out in Cosmetics Company Outlet and purchasing a range of Origins, Ojon, Smashbox and Mac products in a beauty product frenzy.

I have since not stopped for breath and have bought a vast array of products including Urban Decay palettes, Laura Mercier products, Nail varnishes, Clothes, brushes, Mac palettes and let's not forget shoes and bags.

In truth, I need to stop my spending and start trying to pay off my credit card bill (with this month's pay!) and save to pay off my overdraft.

I know some of you will probably be a little horrified that at 25 I'm still in my overdraft, living at home, using a credit card etc etc.

Bear with me here. I recently finished a Masters (in December) and have only just started having monthly pay cheques again so the first few were a bit of a novelty and helped pay for Christmas.....basically I blew them.

But that's ok. Now I need to get my ass into gear and pay off the overdraft that helped me live for 2 years of my course which will probably take me some time. I've paid a quarter off so far but I can do better than this.

Primarily I will need to stop using my credit card. This has already gone to my mum for fear of another frenzy working its way into my life.

I officially stopped spending last Monday (15th) but am trying not to think about it and so haven't mentioned it yet.

My plan was to go cold turkey for a month without any spending and then allow myself to buy things after that on a necessary basis.

This will not include any form of beauty products however, they are blanket banned for the immediate future due to the severe lack of space in my bedroom.

I might take pictures for an update of the Beauty Rehab posts but lets just put it this way, 4 drawers, a cupboard, half a wardrobe and 2 suitcases of products later and there ain't much room to spare let me tell you!

So the rules of the ban:

1) No spending for a month

2) After the month is up I can buy clothing and similar items but absolutely no products

3) No beauty products AT ALL

4) Outings including food and drink do not count as otherwise I'd be quite a sad little hermit (I rarely go out so this will not be an issue for overspending)

5) If there comes a time when my resolves is low, it's ok for me to spend my hard earned Debenhams and Boots points, but no more than the amount on each card. This will also incur some sort of penalty, another month maybe? Eeeeek.

With that in mind I also bring you my first wishlist:

1) Mac eyeshadows to bulk out my new palette (post soon!) including Cranberry and some nudes

2) Antipodes Manuka Face Mask - so many rave reviews, so annoyed I didn't get this before the ban

3) Some other form of trainer - Converse or Supras or Nikes, I want you, I need you.

We will see how this grows and changes over the next few weeks.

How did your spenidng bans go? Do you have any tips or hints for helping me not spend for a month?

I think I can do it....it's just bargains that I can't resist!

L xxx

Spending ban Completed

So officially the spending ban ended last week. I think over the 100 days I've not done too bad. I did break a few times. I think for me I was lucky my mum got me a few bits to keep me going. Overall I think I did pretty well. It's definitely changed how I shop now. 

I went into boots the on Saturday as I really want an Apocalips but decided against it as I don't need it. For me I still want to use up more things before I allow myself to buy me. I'm really trying to get through all my samples at the moment.

 

On Saturday to celebrate the end of the spending ban L and I went to Laura Mercier in Bristol. We'd booked to have our make up done as we were going out that evening.

 

My wishlist has had the Laura Mercier on for a while. It was a hard choice between the silk creme and the tinted moisturiser. Both get amazing reviews. In the end I went with the illuminating tinted moisturiser as it's coming up to summer and my No7 one is running out.

 

Whilst there I couldn't resist picking up the under cover pot. I love that it has different concealers for under the eye and blemishes and a loose setting powder all in one.

 

I'm interested to see how this compares to Benefit's erase paste as I absolutely love that! So I didn't go completely crazy at the end of my ban. As for my wishlist MAC Brick-O-La still want, I'm desperate to swatch this but for some strange reason it can never be found on the stand even when in stock Urban Decay Setting Spray still want, will get at some point. 

 Illamasqua Pigment Base, I really want this soni use my pigment more Origins Cheeks and Balance, I do want this still as it's a product I love but I need to work my way through my hot cloth cleanser stash first. 

 La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, I'm not feeling like I need to rush out to get this anymore but I'd like to try it. Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush, another product I want to try but not running out to get. Elf Brush Cleaner another product I'd like to try still but not rushing to buy. Stocking Tights, I'm hoping nicer weather will be on the way soon so I don't need a new pair of these. 

 Maybelline Colour Tattoo, this is something I still want to try. Especially for summer this will be great for lazy days. Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer wooo I have this. I can't wait to try it properly. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I went with the tinted moisturiser. I don't know if the women didn't apply silk creme great or something but I just wasn't that sold! Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss, I do want the rest of these as the one I have I love and wear a lot. 

 Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick, I'll probably pick these up in a 3 for 2 at some point. Van's, this is probably the thing on the list I want the most!! I just can't decide on colour at the moment. There's just too much choice! Skinny Jeans, are something I always want more of. I literally live in them. Finding jeans that fit is a huge issue for me though. I'm very much pear shaped with a curvy bum (as a recent dress fitting showed! 15.5 inch difference between my waist and hips!!) 

Hopefully I'll find some soon as I need black ones! Hope your spending bans went well. 

Sorry for the lack of posts since Friday, L was visiting my parents with me and we were busy and since getting back I've not had a minute it feels. Arggggh exams start in a week. I feel so much more pressure on me this time round! In previous posts I have said I'd continue the ban but I've decided I'm going to take a break till May and then start project 10 pan. 

 Love M 

 Xxx

Spending Ban Update 11

Yay I can say I've not broken the ban this week (that was needed after all I bought last week, you can read that here) I've had such a busy week I've not really had the time to break it.

 

On Tuesday night I had to rush back to my parents house after work (which is about a 2 hour train journey from me) to attend a funeral on Wednesday, I had work again on Thursday then on Friday I had work and was back to my parents on Friday night. I booked myself a week off work so I['m currently enjoying some family time. Altough it's very busy. Not that I mind less chance to distract myself with shopping.

 

I've had a lot of presents to buy for this week so my money has gone on that. So I'm still getting to shop even if it is for others. My Grandad is 80 tomorrow so I've been making him a photo framed filled with memories and I'm going to get busy baking soon as we are doing him a surprise afternoon tea tomorrow! I love baking and my mum has bought me a few new bits to make some cute things for his tea party.

 

I've also got my dad's birthday on Wednesday. How hard are men to buy for. They have everything. For him his year we've got him an olive tree.

 

So no time to shop means good results for the spending ban. L is coming down to visit me on Saturday and we are going to Laura Mercier. I really can't decide between Silk Creme or the Tinted Moisturiser. Any thoughts? I really need to resist buying a dress for the evening. I packed in a rush to come home as I was relying on a dress I thought I'd have but it doesn't fit :( boooo being very pear shaped!!!

 

 

I'm hoping I can jazz this dress up with heels and jewellery so it will be ok.

 

Enough rambling from me, Here's my Wishlist

 

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss.

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick.

Van's

Skinny Jeans (I've seen some gorgeous coloured ones in Asda and Sainsburys)

 

Love M

 

xxx

Spending Ban Update 10

It's April already. How quickly is this year speeding by. My spending ban will soon be over officially but let's start by saying this week has been a really bad week for me!! I've been naughty with spending. The ban is almost over and I really need to add on a few extra weeks.

This week was L's birthday. I already had a dress so thought I'd get away without spending money! After searching through my shoes I really wanted a new pair that was actually going to be comfy. On Thursday it was ladies night in our local shopping centre. Loads of the shops offer discounts and there were cute stalls all around offering things like Pimms and Snow Cones. New Look had 25% off and knowing there shoes are usually comfy I headed there.

I picked up these wedges for around £15. They were so comfy. I was in them for around 8 hours in the end and did plenty of dancing and had no blister. I want them in all colours now!

I had planned on neon accesories and was borrowing a bag off L and her nail varnish so wanted a bracelet to tie it all together. I love the bright colour on this one and with discount it was only £3

While in there I couldn't resist one more bracelet. This leaf one was under £4 with discount.

Also on ladies night I popped into River Island. I had a voucher left over from Christmas so didn't actually break the ban for these. I had literally just been talking to L about this necklace before we walked into the shop. I had this necklace around 5 years ago and wore it till it fell to pieces. I took it as a sign and bought it in Silver and Gold, They were £6 each and are a great easy to wear statement necklace! I've still got a bit on my gift card and I'm currently eyeing up a jumper I've seen.

Lastly we had our Mac makeovers ready for L's night out. ~I stated in a previous spending ban I'd spent £30 on this. So on the day I only spent an extra £2.60 so it wasn't too bad (luckily it was a 10% off time). There was so much more I wanted to get but I tried to be good and get sensible purchases.

Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch for £12. This was to replace Bootycall in my Naked 2 palette as I've hit pan on it.

I also picked up a Shine Supreme Lipstick in Fashion City. These remind me of the Revlon lip butters. They give a glossy finish with a moisturising colour. It was £14.50. Which is more than a normal lipstick but you do get 3.6g of product instead of 3g.

I love the finish of these and will definitely be looking at what other colours they do.

So that's my very naughty week. Though I only spent around £28 so not quite as bad as it seems. Need to get back on my spending ban and back onto saving. I definitely think I'll stick to it for a bit longer.

How are yours going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 9

The spending ban is very nearing the end, it's completely changed me. Even though I want things I have developed some will power (ignore last week's post where will power disappeared for a brief moment haha). I've stopped buying make up it seems. I'm so proud of this. I am now keeping my empties and I don't seem to be using much of it. I think even when the ban ends I really need to resist buying any more foundation, primer or mascara for a while. A girl always needs more lipstick though right.

First things first I did break the ban twice this week. One thing was absolutely necessary. It was this black dress from Asos. Unfortunately my mum's auntie passed away last week so I needed something long and plain suitable for a funeral. It was only £16.50 and it will be great for work after.

Secondly I went bridesmaid shopping with one of my friends for her wedding. I had decided I wanted to look my best while shopping and decided to do my make up how I may wear it on the wedding day. This involved individual lashes which I didn't own. As in Boots it's 3 for 2 at the moment it seemed silly to just buy the lashes. So I also picked up a Revlon Nail Varnish and the False nails I always use. (shown in this post).

The nail varnish is so gorgeous!! I love all the colours in it.

I will be adding on a few extra weeks to make up for my breaks. I'm thinking maybe I'll go till July. We will see.

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 8

This week I broke the ban (so far I don't think I've done too bad, you can see my updates here) I did purchase the gorgeous shoes I had for my graduation that I mentioned last week but I will be having these for my birthday later on in the year so technically not a spend.

I was reading a post on Poppy's blog (this post) where she said how much she loved John Frieda's 3 day straight, being a naturally curly haired girl who love's John Frieda shampoos I practically ran out the door to Asda and left my willpower in the flat. 

My hair has been annoying me at the moment so the thought of some new great wonder products had me wanting them so bad.  When I went to Asda they were on 3 for 2 so it seemed stupid to just buy the one (that's what I'm telling myself)

I picked up the Daily Miracle treatment was £6, Dream Curls Styling Spray was £5 and 3 day straight was £7 so I did save quite a bit. They are still on offer so if you love John Frieda products I'd suggest checking out your local Asda.

I've only properly tried the Dream Curls Styling Spray and was hugely impressed. I swim a lot at the moment  so I'm having to embrace natural hair. My hair is normally quite frizzy not very even curls. This made my hair curl without frizz and much more evenly, it was also left feeling soft. There is nothing worse than crispy hair.

I didn't technically need the products but I'm really glad I bought them and my hair is too!!

As for my wishlist. I actually have nothing to add this week. I will be making a purchase next week as unfortunately I have a funeral to attend and now need a black dress.

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer 

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss. 

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick.

Van's

Skinny Jeans

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 7

This week has been a very hard one for me. 3 years ago this July I graduated! I had the most gorgeous Carvela heels for it. Come August I was skint and decided I'd sell them and make money. My mum told me I'd regret it if I did but of course I didn't listen to her. 2 and a half years of eBay searching I finally saw them on there again! I almost put in a bid immediately, determined to not break the ban though and after a chat with my mum we've decided I'll have them for my birthday should I win them. (my birthday is July, I'm well known for having presents early but this is definitely the earliest I've asked for something)

The beautiful shoes on!! Note to self. Listen to mum and don't sell sentimental shoes just cause I'm skint. I really hope I get these back!!

I did break the ban once this week. My phone case broke this week and I couldn't resist this one.

This one cost me £9.99 posted. I could have gone for a cheaper one but I wanted something pretty. As my current one is broke I don't think it's too bad to spend on it. Plus it's so cute. I got mine from Get Nailed (link here) She does such reasonable priced covers and great nail art too!!

This week has been all about the shoes teasing me. I've wanted Vans or Converse for a while now. I need a shoe I can wear with jeans that won't make my feet cold like dolly shoes. For ages I've talked myself into thinking they wouldn't suit me. Mainly to save money. After trying on Van's I'm completely sold and love them. I determined to wait till April 21st. It's going to be very hard though. Here are the four styles I love at the moment. I prefer the trainer shape to the plimsole but the plimsoles are a lot cheaper!

Schuh £45

Van's £47

M and M direct has the plimsole version of the floral ones for £29.99. So many choices. For now I'm resisting.

My lovely mum has bought me a few make up bits which will be up in a haul so that's curbed that shopping craving for a while. For me it's all shoes. It's hard to resist the converse!!

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer 

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss. 

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick.

This week I'm adding 

Van's

Skinny Jeans

I'm starting to want new clothes now. I will stick to this though. It's L's birthday soon. Luckily I have a few dress options so won't be tempted to purchase a new one.

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx

Spending Ban Update 6

The spending ban is definitely getting easier as the weeks go by. Is anyone else finding this? As much as I'm wanting products I'm finding it easier to just swatch all the pretty things on my hand and then put them back. I think this week is also easier as I'm off home to my parents on Saturday and have two lipsticks waiting there for me that my mum has kindly got me.

I have broke the ban this week. A deal in boots was too good for me to get for my mum and not pick on up for myself too. I love the original Stylfile (blogged about here) it's an S shaped file to easier shape the nails. So when I was in Boots and saw the Emergency Stylfile for £2 I had to pick up one for me and one for my mum. She's a fan too. I love that it's protected in a coil and has a file on one side and a buffer and smoother on the other side for any nail breaks.

This is the first beauty related item I've bought that hasn't been essential like make up pads or deodorant (both of which I had to buy this week). Apart from the shoes I showed in last week's post I've not bought clothes either.

On top of the £4 spent on the files L and I have booked to have our make up done in Mac before we go out for her birthday. We did it last year and that was what introduced me to higher end make up. So a year on we thought we'd do it again. That cost £30 and is before the ban is up it will be after 90 days so one splurge then isn't too bad. I think I'll add on a few extra weeks to make up for it.

The list of products I want is ever growing with so many new products constantly being released. I just have to keep telling myself I don't need it.

My Wishlist.

MAC Brick-O-La (this has been there since the beginning. I've still not seen it in person)

Urban Decay Setting Spray

Illamasqua Pigment Base

Origins Cheeks and Balance

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Daniel Sandler Water ColouR Blush

Elf Brush Cleaner

Stocking Tights

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

Rimmel Appocolips

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer 

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or the Tinted Moisturiser. I want to get samples of both of these.

This time I'm adding:

Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss. I love the formulation of these. As I'm adding these I'm taking off the Rimmel Appocolips. Here I reviewed Forever Fushia

Maybelline Super Stay 14 hour lipstick. I'm a huge fan of Maybelline lip products. I love all the shades especially Always Plum

How are your bans going?

Love M

xxx