Clinique purchases & Bonus Time

 Mild Facial Soap with Dish (100g) - Clinique - £11

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (125ml with pump) - Clinique - £29.50

Bonus Time Freebies: 7 Day Scrub Cream - Full Size £17.50, Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer - Full Size £27-£37, All About Eyes - Full Size £24, High Impact Mascara - Full Size £16, High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in '11 Peach Pop' - Full Size £16.50, Blushing Blush Powder Blush in '10 Precious Posy' - Full Size £21

It's that time again; Clinique Bonus Time! As I've mentioned briefly before, I have been using Clinique skincare products since before I can remember. My mom introduced me to the brand when I was younger and paranoid about my oily teenage skin and horrendous spots. Since then, as my skin has developed and as I've grown up my loyalties have truly stuck to the brand and I just can't seem to break that bond. I try out a wide range of brands for my make up, but for skincare? Always Clinique! 

Before my holiday I popped to Harveys department store and stocked up on what I feel are my holy grail of skincare products. First of the two products I purchased is the Mild Facial Soap. The mild version suits dry-combination skin types, comes in lovely soap dish and cleanses skin brilliantly. This non-drying soap bar is perfect to use day and night. When I use this in a morning my face feels literally so clean and fresh, it's great! When I'm feeling lazy I use it in the shower to remove make up, which it does perfectly. Although it says to apply to make up free skin I feel that every last bit is removed as well as cleansing; pretty much two products in one! 

Clinique's famous '3-Step' skincare plan involves an exfoliating stage in which a clarifying lotion is used to remove build up of oil, stubborn make up as well as freshening the skin and prepping the skin before moisturizing. I don't tend to purchase the clarifying lotion; this is mainly due to laziness, money and I don't particularly enjoy the smell or 'stinging' feeling the Clinique clarifying lotion contains. When I feel I have had build up of oil or perhaps after a hectic weekend, I will use it, however I don't repurchase it as much as I do the facial soap and the moisturizer.

Secondly is the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. This version is, again, for dry-combination skin and is the largest size with a pump for ease of use and dispenses just the right amount of product. This is the 'third step' within Clinique's skincare plan and most definitely my favourite. When I was younger I used the gel version of this moisturizer which is predominately for oily-very oily skin. I find that the latter is definitely more lightweight and I prefer to use the lotion due to how much more moisturized the skin feels afterwards. I do have a relatively oily t-zone which develops more during the day, however the Dramatically Different Moisturizer doesn't make this any worse at all; it just seems perfect for my combination skin. I like to use this mostly after showering or cleansing with the Mild Facial Soap, as well as lightly before applying make up and overnight. It smooths on perfectly and sinks into the skin leaving is baby soft and well hydrated. 

Bonus Time freebies! These can be received in selected department stores, check out when your nearest Clinique is having Bonus Time, here! First of all I received this cute little make up bag which is perfect for travelling and holding the essentials. 

The 7 Day Scrub Cream is a product I already use, so it was fantastic to get another tube to take to uni and stock up on! I probably use this scrub around once a week; it is brilliant for making skin feel brighter, clear and more fresh, it's a great pick-me-up-scrub to relieve dull skin. Using this before applying the Dramatically Different Moisturizer makes my skin feel so so smooth and it really is the perfect combination. 

Next is the Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer. I guess I haven't been using this product for it's number one use, which is for anti-aging, however I do highly rate it from using it just a few times. A word of warning though, this product smells horrendous. When I put it on my face I could smell it for so long afterwards which wasn't very pleasant. It's super creamy but lightweight at the same time making skin feel thoroughly hydrated whilst also protecting from the sun.

All About Eyes is a lightweight eye cream designed to reduce dark circles, puffiness and darkness. I personally have quite dark circles under my eyes so when I received this product I was really happy. However after using it a fair few times now I haven't seen any reduction in my dark circles, however it's fantastic when used in the morning to reduce my tired, puffy eye area. I will continue to use this though because I've heard amazing things about it!

High Impact Mascara; lengthens, thickens, curls and makes eyes appear more bold. Great product, but for me I won't be purchasing it due to the price and my theory on mascara. If you didn't read my last post, my theory is there's no point in me purchasing high end mascaras because my lashes are already pretty long; therefore why splash out when I can get the same results for a third of the price!

High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in 'Peach Pop'. Lovely, moisturizing texture and great that it is SPF 15 but this colour is so not for me! It makes me look really washed out and perhaps a little bit ill. I'd be interested in testing out other shades though.

Last but not least is the Blushing Blush Powder Blush in 'Precious Posy'. I've always been a fan of Clinique's blushes, despite their unnecessarily long name, due to their natural look and ability to build up the intensity. This is a lovely pinky peach shade a hint of golden pearl. This suits my skin tone perfectly and I have been reaching for it constantly! 

Could this post be any longer? Apologies for the rambling but I am just so in love with Clinique's products and what they do for my skin. Are you like this with any brand in particular? Have you tried any of the products here, or maybe another Clinique product that you'd recommend? 

Week in photos #6 and 7

1) Crying my eyes out at Blue Valentine. 2) Zara post is the best kind of post, finally got my hands on the plaited shopper bag! 3) Claw! 4) My little baby nephew Harvey came to visit. 5) Hot chocolate and fluffy blankets are the best. 6) Outfit and my new bag hubbahubba! 7) Myself and Amy after a few 75p drinks. 8) 2 for 1 cocktails is always a great idea. 9) Frankie and Bennies for yummy cocktails! 10) Packing for my holiday. 11) Clinique purchases and bonus time, post coming soooon! 12) At the airport. 13) Matthew in Majorca, all inclusive drinks are brill. 14) Porto Cristo is so cute! 15) Boring ootd!

Due to lack of time last week I couldn't do a weekly update, so here are the past two weeks combined! It seems there's a lot going on at the moment so my blog posts are going to be pretty few and far between until we sort the Internet out in the new house in Manchester. So please bare with me!

Weekend wishlist #8

1) Cheap Monday Howin Tail Back Shirt - Urban Outfitters - £60 
2) Look Make Me Blush in 'Flirt' - Look Beauty/Superdrug - £8 (currently £4) 
3) Look Colour Correct Primer - Look Beauty/Superdrug £12 (currently £6 via LB)
4) Vintage 80s Chunky Chain Necklace - Urban Outfitters - £16 
5) Jade Shoes - Nelly - £19.95
6) Vaseline in Pink Bubbly - Selfridges - £3.49 
7) Eye Shadow in Nylon - Mac - £12

1) This lovely sheer number from Urban Outfitters is so beautiful! I have a thing for dipped hems or shirts and dresses in general with longer backs at the moment. Worn with tight black jeans, this would create a great look for day or night matched with appropriate accessories. I'm definitely on the lookout for something like this with a smaller price tag!

2) I've always been interested in trying out Look Beauty products however none of my local Superdrugs stock them, I also wouldn't like to order them online without swatching in store. So I guess I'm in a bit of a predicament here! Online, however, Look Beauty products are currently half price so I'm contemplating making the purchase of this blush in 'Flirt'; I've seen numerous reviews and swatches online and it looks like such a perfect reddish coral colour.

3) Again, with the 50% off is it worth trying out this colour correct primer? I have quite a bit of redness so this would be great for balancing my skin tone out before applying my make up. I haven't read many reviews on this, so have any of you guys tried this or heard anything good or bad about this product? 

4) A big, bulky, chunky, oversized necklace like every single weekend wishlist. I don't feel I need to elaborate really.

5) How lovely are these shoes! They're under £20 and would look fantastic with a pair of skinny jeans. I don't tend to wear heels too often but these are a nice height and they just look so classic.

6) A new limited edition Vaseline, yey! I've literally just run out of the creme brulee Vaseline which I have been obsessed with ever since I picked it up in Boots about a year ago. In fact, I've been obsessed with Vaseline's lip therapy tins since I can remember. In high school everyone used to have the original blue tins, if I remember correctly, then it was cool to have the green one then the rose one etc. I can't think back at a time where I haven't had at least one in my bag at all times! I'm definitely picking this up in the next week or so, yum!

7) Not a very exciting want here but it's something I ran out of a while ago and have been missing ever since. Mac's eye shadow in Nylon is a shade I wear under my brows as a highlighter and in the corners of my eyes. It's such a gorgeous icy gold shade with just the right amount of shimmer. Recently I've been using Topshop's highlighter in Sunbeam to highlight my eye area but it's just too gold and definitely works better on my cheekbones and run down the middle of my nose. I need to repurchase this asap, hurry up student loan!

Essie Bikini So Teeny

Essie Nail Polish in Bikini so Teeny - Boots/Superdrug - £7.99

After purchasing my first Essie polish in shade Tart Deco, post here, and discovering just how much I loved it, I headed back to my local Boots and picked up this shade; Bikini so Teeny. This shade has certainly caused a bit of a stir lately so I had to give it a go myself! For reference I used OPI Nail Envy for the base and top coat as well as using two coats of Bikini so Teeny.

This wonderful shade comes from Essie's Summer Collection and is the most perfect sky blue with a delicate hint of lilac. I feel that this shade changes in different light conditions; in low lighting the purply shade is more prominent, which I prefer to how this looks in bright lighting as more of a true sky blue. In the bottle there is a hint of shimmer, however this doesn't show when applied onto the nails. 

The brush makes applying so easy due to the wide design and shape of the brush which is carried throughout Essie's diffusion range. However I don't feel this applies as easy as other shades. It is a little streaky and patchy, making the first coat uneven; at least two layers are definitely required, maybe even three.

Overall I do really like this shade and it looked fantastic on holiday. It is a real summer shade and can brighten up any outfit. However, I feel that it has been slightly overhyped and doesn't live up to some reviews I have read. I will definitely carry on purchasing Essie nail polishes as they are fantastic quality, have a good longevity and wonderfully easy application!

What's in My Handbag 'Try' YSL Luxurious Mascara for a False Lash Effect

Yves Saint Laurent Luxurious Mascara for a False Lash Effect sample from WIMH - Full size product available from Debenhams or John Lewis - £23

Hi guys! I'm back from my holiday, it was such a great break and lovely sunshine for a week. Now I'm back to reality and have to start thinking about moving back to Manchester to start my second year at university. So apologies if my posts are a bit lacking in the next few weeks; we probably won't have internet for a while boo! Anyway on to this post, enjoy!

What's in My Handbag is a relatively new website dedicated to informing women about beauty products that people love by showcasing the contents of handbags from women with a love of all things beauty; bloggers, journalists, designers, buyers, make up artists and many more. Their website features their online magazine, blog and more recently a 'try' section. Anyone can apply for a beauty try but only a limited amount of them are available. The decision is based upon your beauty profile responses and a different try is available each week for you to apply. 

I received the YSL Luxurious Mascara for a False Lash Effect in a sample size and have been reaching for it nearly every day since! I have tried YSL mascaras in the past but don't think I've actually ever purchased one; I've received them as gifts for Christmas etc. Basically, spending £20+ on a mascara is just not for me. I am normally, admittedly, a bit of a make up snob however high end mascara just doesn't bother me that much. I have long lashes as it is, so I find I can get away with wearing pretty much any mascara from the high street. Don't get me wrong though, I do really like this product, I just can't see myself repurchasing it when I can get the same effect from this high street three times cheaper. 

So on to the actual product. I really like the brush design as it gets those tiny little lashes from both corners of the eye to make lashes look fuller and the eyes bolder. Whilst applying this mascara, it doesn't clump. At all. Most people will definitely see this as a positive, but for me I kind of like clumpy lashes (is it just me?!) as well as this, it doesn't transfer onto the lid or under the eye when it's wet which I absolutely love. It does dry very quickly so I find I have to apply it quite quickly if I want a couple of layers on. 

Overall, I find that the Luxurious Mascara for a False Lash Effect works great to separate and elongate lashes without clumping or looking too extreme. Layering this mascara can create a more dramatic look if that's what you're after, however I feel this shows a more natural 'false lash' effect which I do really like. For me it isn't worth the money, but if you have short eyelashes and would love a longer length, a true black colour and a false lash separation effect then this is definitely one for you!

(Late) Weekend wishlist #7

1) Black Boucle Sleeve Biker Jacket - New Look - £44.99 2) Placement Bouquet Blouse - Warehouse - £45

3) Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Foundation - Selfridges - £21.50 4) Nail Polish in Pinch Punch by Louise Gray - Topshop - £6.50 5) Acrylic 5 Drawer Box - Muji - £24.95 6) Silver Tone Snake and Crystal Collar Necklace - River Island - £15 7) Bulky Topshop Necklace - Sold Out 8) Gold Trim Collar Blouse - Topshop - £35

Apologies for the late post, I've been so hectic this weekend and busy getting things sorted for my holiday which is tomorrow, yeyyyy. I won't be posting anything for the next week (apologies again!) but I have a few posts lined up for when I return :)

1) I saw somebody wearing this New Look jacket last week and it looked so nice on! A nice little twist on a leather jacket  and something a bit different. I'll definitely have to go and try this on.

2) I never get bored of sheer shirts and the pattern on this one is just lovely. Teamed with disco pants and an oversized bag, this would be a great evening outfit for when it gets a little bit colder. 

3) The new 'stay matte' foundation from Clinique sounds absolutely perfect for me and I need to test it out asap! I have an oily t-zone and find that I need to touch up with powder throughout the day. This promises all day coverage, controls oil breakthrough and keeps skin shine free. 

4) A cute, sparkly nail polish from the Louise Gray range from Topshop. Do I need to elaborate?

5) A bit of a strange one here! In a couple of weeks I'll be moving in with my boyfriend and he can't stand how many beauty products I own. I love nothing more than having them all on show but to compromise I'm going to invest in a nice little storage unit to put everything in. This acrylic Muji one is perfect!

6) I'm loving big and bulky jewellery right now. I like the heavy chain on this River Island snake necklace and I think it looks way more expensive than it is!

7) Another heavy duty necklace! I've been seeing this everywhere recently as it's such a statement piece that would stand out with any outfit!

8) Finally just a cute top from Topshop. Studded collars are really starting to bore me now but I do love this!