No. 7 Foundation Review

After seeing a review on London Lipgloss’ blog about No. 7’s new foundation matching service, I thought I must give it a try. I always struggle to find a foundation that is the right colour as well as a nice finish and texture.

I went to the No. 7 counter in Boots and asked them to match my skin tone to the foundation. She used this little machine and placed it up against my skin and waited a few seconds. The machine displayed my skin tone as 'warm beige' and then she checked her leaflet to let me know which of their foundations came in that colour. I was recommended the 'Stay Perfect' foundation because I was looking for something with a medium to full coverage and something that I can wear every day.

After wearing it all over my face for a full day I decided that the foundation was a nice finish and didn’t cling to dry skin like some of the foundations I’ve tried. However, the colour wasn’t quite right for my face. In the picture it looks like a good match on my arm but my face has a slightly more yellowy undertone. I found that there was a slight difference between my cheek and my neck and I really hate having that line.

In spite of all this, I now use this foundation on my T-Zone because of the quality but I carry on using my MAC foundation on my cheeks because it is a better match and doesn’t give me a different colour face to my neck. I have heard great reviews about this foundation matching service from people with quite pale and fair skin tones but I think I’m just really unlucky because my skin is uneven and a difficult colour to match. On the whole, I was quite surprised with the quality of this product considering it is No. 7 and only £14.00.

Has anyone else tried it? What did you think of it?

Martha

xxx

Home Sweet Home

So, I’m home now from my spa break and I’m actually quite happy to be home. I was writing ‘day 2’ of my review at the hotel yesterday but I couldn’t publish it because I ran out of BT Openzone minutes. Boohoo!

In all the drama of changing my blog name and having to change everything, like the email, the links and the look, I forgot to give basic details about the hotel I was staying at. It was the Thistle Hotel in Brands Hatch and the spa was called the Otium. I was happy that the spa was part of the hotel and it was only available to the guests. The last time I stayed at a spa, it was part of the local gym so it was also for the gym members and quite full up. The downside is that it is right next to Brands Hatch, so if you open a window in your room you can here the sound of racing cars. However, I suppose if you are going as a couple it might be ideal to go to the spa whilst your partner watches the races (a bit stereotypical, I know!)

Anyway, on Monday morning I had an hour of treatments, a back massage and a facial. It was very relaxing and I topped it off with a swim, sauna session and half an hour of reading on the lounger. I then had a light lunch and realised that it was only 3pm. As much as I loved the spa, I wondered what else I could do. I found out the hotel was 10 minutes away from Bluewater, so I thought a bit of retail therapy would definitely make my day much better! :-)

This is what I bought:

He's just not that into you | The woman who went to bed for a year
(I'll review once I'm done)

A little something to hang in my room

On the whole, I had a relaxing time and have come home feeling positive. I definitely recommend taking time out for yourself once in a while to clear you mind. If I were to do it again I would probably try a new hotel, just because I love trying out different spas but as far as this one goes, I would recommend it. 

Martha
xxx

My New Blog Layout...

Those of you who have followed my blog for the short time that I have been writing it, will notice that I have completely changed the look and feel of it.

After a recent breakup, which I can only describe as painful, I have decided that this is a time in my life where I must discover who I am. I have always felt that my blog was missing something; perhaps it was that personal feel or that connection with my readers and the things I write about.

Although I haven’t changed the content much, I have decided to make my blog more of a diary in which I still share reviews, outfit posts and useful beauty and fashion info, but also use it as a form of expression. I want my blog to be an extension of me and, as cheesy as it sounds, my quest to find myself, my own personal style and general acceptance of myself as a single woman.

My old posts are still available.

In light of all this, I have decided to start by going away on a spa break on my own for 2 nights and I will let you know how I get on.

My Room

The intention of the spa break was to relax and take some time out to think about what I want from my career and my personal life. I arrived at the spa today and so far I’m feeling 50/50 about the choice of hotel. It’s a nice location and the staff are really friendly. When I got here, the first thing I did was check out the spa facilities and take a swim, followed by 10 minutes in the sauna. When I originally booked, they told me I had a reservation at the hotel restaurant for dinner, however on my walk back from the spa I realised that there was a wedding going on. I didn’t really feel like dining with a happy couple, or anywhere surrounded with heart shaped balloons and flowers. I called reception who informed me that they would be happy to send restaurant food to my room! :-) The food came within half an hour and was really nice and presentable.

Dinner: Leek & Potato Soup | Chorizo & Scallops | Strawberry Cheesecake

The only thing that annoyed me slightly about the hotel was the fact that I had to pay for the internet. The hotel uses BT, therefore you can use the BT Openzone as long as you pay for the privilege. Annoyingly, I tried loads of times to pay online and it kept losing connection to the server. Eventually I had to walk to reception in my pyjamas and slippers to buy a 24 hour voucher for £9.99. To top this off, it takes ages to get through to room service. I have tried three times already and no answer.

Tomorrow I have 1 hour of treatments booked at the spa and I intend on staying in the sauna and steam room for as long as I can before I pass out! For now I say goodnight and I will fill you in on what happens tomorrow. 

Martha.
xxx

Outfit Post

I'm doing my first outfit post today! :-) Yesterday, I needed a cute casual outfit to meet the girls and this is what I wore:

Top: Topshop  |  Skirt: River Island  |  Shoes: Primark

Accessories:

Both: Accessorize

Make up & Nails:

Make up: Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC25  |  Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara  |  Mac Lipstick in A22 Cremesheen Hang-up

Nails: Nails Inc Magnetic Polish in Whitehall

I went for quite a casual look but I love the slit in the skirt and it makes you feel really feminine. I also went with a blend of statement jewellery and nails alongside natural and minimal make up. The lipstick is actually slightly darker in reality and a bit more plum coloured. Let me know what you think of the outfit! Do you think I should have gone with statement makeup to match? Or are you fond of the natural look?

Martha.

xxx

Super Soft Hands

A few of you have been asking me what I use on my hands for them to be so soft. So, I thought I would share my little secret with you all. What I do is every night before I go to bed I apply cuticle oil to each nail, followed by Body Shop’s Almond Oil Hand Rescue Treatment. It is really thick so you don’t need to use that much but just ensure that you massage your hands thoroughly until the oil and cream have gone into the skin. I do it for a minute or two. I know a few people use conditioning gloves after applying any cream like this and sleep with them on but I don’t find that very comfortable, otherwise I would also do that myself. Sometimes after a manicure I will use conditioning gloves for about 20-30 minutes and the difference is noticeable.

I used to use the matching cuticle oil to this, but I stopped because it doesn’t last very long and it isn’t really necessary. I feel that I get the same amount of moisture from any cuticle oil, which is why I just use a Boots brand now. I have also noticed that my nails don't break as much ever since I started using an acetone free nail polish remover. I change my nail colour quite often and I noticed that every time I did so, my nails would become weaker. However, this doesn't happen with my new nail polish remover. Although, my thumb nails are still the weakest. Maybe I should stop texting! ;-)  

I hope this has been helpful, let me know if you try it for yourself and whether you see a difference.

Martha.

xxx

My First Ever Graze Box...

After seeing someone’s review on their graze box, I thought I just had to try it for myself. I’m obsessed with snacks; nuts, plantain chips, raisins, anything I can nibble whilst watching TV, blogging or just general lazing about. So, I instantly knew I would love this. Graze is a company that specialise in healthy snacks and what they do is send you boxes that cost £3.89 (free delivery) with a selection of nibbles that they choose for you. Their kinda like samples of their food.

Anyway, I had a discount code so I got my first box for free (get your code below). I absolutely loved it! I actually forgot I ordered it because it was a week ago, but I got home yesterday after a late shift and saw it sitting there on the table,it made me smile after a hard day. It’s really strange the feeling of excitement you get because it feels almost like a gift, you don’t know what choice of snacks will be inside.

I received, Apple & Cinnamon flapjacks (which I think Ryan stole for his lunch today!), Korai Chutney (RiceCakes with a yummy chutney dip), Yin and Yang (a mixture of giant raisins, nutsand dark chocolate buttons) and Pear Tatin, (a mixture of dried pear,raspberries and yoghurt covered sunflower seeds). On the whole, they were all nice, apart from the yin and yang. The giant raisins were very bitter and I wouldn't order that one again. What’s good about graze is that you can rate their samples and let them know if you liked them or not. If you want to ‘bin’something, it means they wont send you that particular item again. Alternatively, you can opt to ‘like’, ‘love’, or even ‘send soon’, which means they will keep track of your favourites or what you want in your next box.

If you're interested in seeing what their boxes are like then have a look at their website (graze.com) and get your first free box with this code: FNT96DWD. Enjoy! I would definitely order from them again, I already have another nibblebox coming next week!

Martha
xx

What I Bought Today!

Hi guys,

Sorry I’ve been a bit of a stranger this week. Today is my first day off since last week Tuesday! So, I thought I would do some shopping, a bit of retail therapy always does the trick. I thought I would share with you what I bought today. I’ve bought some very cute shoes that I love. Surprisingly this is the first item of clothing that I have with studs! I love them, this will become a new obsession! Lol!

I also bought a few accessories and some amazing nail varnish colours. I’m dying to try ombre nails on myself, which will probably end up in a mess. I feel like I now have so many colours, I don’t know which ones to choose, wish I could use them all! 

Let me know what you all think…

1 & 2: My new studded shoes from Miss Selfridge (£28.00) 3: So Many colours, so few fingers! 4: Rimmel colours (ranging from £2.99-£3.59)

5: Accessorize Hippy headband (£7.00) 6 & 7: Topshop Ring (£5.00)

Bargain of the week!

I’ve been looking at the Swarovski website today… just out of curiosity because I’m not the kind of person who can afford it! ;-)

I then came across this black and gold bangle, which looks extremely similar to my bangle from Accessorize. I thought it was definitely something I would like to share with you because I get excited about bargains like these.

The Swarovski bangle is half crystal mesh and half leather, whereas the Accessorize one has a glittery black mesh all the way around. The Accessorize bangle retails at  £14.00 and the Swarovski bangle retails at £107.00. If I’m completely honest, I prefer my Accessorize bangle because I love the way it glistens in the light, all the way around. It also doesn’t look like it’s worth £14.00, I’ve had a lot of compliments about it. Now, maybe I’ll pretend it’s a Swarovski one! ;-)

Anyway, you can all decide what you think. Which one do you prefer? Bling or leather?

Swarovski - £107.00

Accessorize - £14.00

My New Statement Blazer

I’m in love with blazers at the moment. Everywhere I go I see different people rocking different coloured blazers, mostly plain, some with studs on the shoulders etc. But right now I really love my statement blazer. It’s got quite a loud print and has a sequined collar. I originally bought it for work but I just love the way it livens up a plain outfit.

The funny thing is, the reaction has been completely split. Either people really love it or they hate it, which I found really interesting. One of my friends actually called me Michael Jackson! :-o lol!

Anyway, I love it obviously. What do you guys think? Are you loving or hating it?

xx

Make Up Bag Must Have

Ok so, this morning I was applying my make up and wondering which one of my products I just couldn't live without. I definitely had trouble deciding because there are so many things I need to freshen me up in the morning but in the end, I decided to share at least one with you. This week, its my Benefit Speed Brow Gel.

I'm one of those unlucky people who have quite thick eyebrows and needs to get them threaded every week! In the morning they are normally all disheveled and give my bedhead some competition. ;-) Anyway, after applying my foundation I use the gel to brush and set my eyebrows. They make your eyebrows slightly hard, but not uncomfortable, and keep them in shape all day. I don't need to re-apply throughout the day and I know that my eyebrows wont get messy. The only thing I would say is that the bottle is tiny and is only available in one size, 0.10oz. If you use it daily, like I do, then it won't last more than 4 weeks or so. For something that retails at £12.00, that's quite expensive.

Anyway, for me, who is obsessed with having nice neat eyebrows, it’s a price I’m willing to pay until I find something else that I prefer. Do you have any other similar products? Am I the only person who has eyebrows like a werewolf? ;-) I would love to hear from you.

Martha.

xx

Gel Eyeliner: 1st Time Buyer

                           

Ever since I posted the above photo of all the eyeliner designs on facebook I had been itching to try them out myself but I have no idea how to apply eyeliner and felt like I would just make a mess. So, I decided to pop into MAC with Naheed to get some advice on eyeliner, which one is best for a first time user and how to do the designs. 

I have to say, the experience at MAC was so fun. Everyone was really friendly and I wasn’t waiting long either. I showed the make up artist the designs and asked him to do the photo on the bottom right corner. I was so surprised how quickly and easily he did it with a tilted brush and MAC eyeliner gel.

This is what it ended up looking like and I liked it but I decided that the design was a bit too fierce for me, considering I wasn’t going anywhere clubby and wasn’t dressed to match. We then chose another design and realised how easy it was to adjust and take off. When you apply it, you can clean it up with a cotton bud and a bit of eye make up remover, as you can see from the photo below.

He then did the other eye to match what I had done and this was the final result.

I loved the final look and felt that it would go with quite a lot of looks. The gel wasn’t messy and lasted all night. However, the pot retails at £14.00 and there are cheaper alternatives available. I ended up buying the brush from MAC for £16.00, it is slanted and really good for applying gel because you can use it at different angles and position it in order to apply straight lines. I then went to Boots and bought Maybelline Gel Liner for £7.99, that’s a saving of roughly £6.00 and if I didn’t prefer the slanted brush I could have just used the brush that comes with this gel.

On the whole, it goes to show the variety of products that are out there. Even though I got some great advice at MAC and love their products, doesn’t mean that there aren’t cheaper alternatives out there. Don’t under-estimate the value of shopping around for your make up especially as Boots and Superdrug have so many options nowadays. 

Does anyone else have any advice on eyeliner or any cool designs to share? 

I would love to hear from you! ☺

xx