30 September 2011

Bits and Bobs

Hello All

As previously mentioned in my London blog post, I purchased a few little things. I didn't go bonkers (saving my bonkers spending for Christmas lol), but I got a few bits which I liked.
  • Denman hair clip 'Butterfly'
  • Stay on Satin; Tie Bonnet and Edge Bonnet
  • Buckingham Palace pen 'Gold'
  • Korres Lip Butter Mandarin SPF 15 'Rose'
  • Buckingham Palace Room Fragrance 'White Hyacinth'
  • Buckingham Palace Lavender Wash Bag
  • {Not photographed} Neem Oil

Denman hair clip 'Butterfly' £2.49
Earlier this month I visited Paks Cosmetics in Finsbury Park, and I came across this hair clip. I ooo'd and ahhh'd at it for ages, and decided not to buy it. Monday when I went to London, I headed back to the shop and purchased the hair clip (along with some other bits). I am a sucker for anything butterfly like, so when I saw this I had to get it. I am yet to use this in my hair, but I think it's lovely, something different for a change in my hair für Sie.

Stay on Satin; Tie Bonnet £2.49 and Edge Bonnet £1.99
In a quest to better my hair; the ends and the sides, I have decided to invest in more satin hair scarfs for when I go to bed. Ok they are not the sexist of head gear for night time, but if it improves my hair and prevents split ends and breakage, I will wear it. I have purchased a few head scarfs from this brand before, and I really do like them. So I have all faith that these two other scarfs will be just a great. All scarfs by the way are satin, which is a lot better for the hair ends. 

Buckingham Palace pen 'Gold' £5.49
Spent the latter part of Monday afternoon at the palace doing the state room tour, and of course at the end of every exhibition and etc is a gift shop. I couldn't help myself but pop in, to see what goodies were on offer. I am not a hardcore Royalist so I didn't leave with bags full of royal plates, mugs and etc, but I did leave with this lovely gold pen. Nothing much to say about it apart from it's slim, fits nicely into a handbag and writes very nicely, with a good grip. The pen also has markings of E II R with a crown, all etched in gold, presented in a black velvet pouch to protect the pen from damage/unwanted scratches.


Korres Lip Butter Mandarin SPF 15 'Rose' £6.00
A few weeks ago the lovely Zoe from 'The London Lipgloss' blogged about 'Korres lip butter v2.0 - in stick form'. I read her blog post and immediately thought I must try and get this lip butter, as I am still trying to find a lip balm that is moisturising. I popped into Liberty in London, and managed to get my mitts on this lip butter. After sifting through the opened and used balms -_-, I managed to find one that wasn't used or open and opted for the 'Rose' stick. The wonderful thing about this lip butter is the tint, moisturising whilst leaving a little colour to the lips, and SPF 15 which I think is just wonderful. 


Buckingham Palace Room Fragrance 'White Hyacinth' £7.95
I am obsessed with my bedroom smelling fresh and pleasant, so when I saw this room spray and sampled it, I just couldn't resist. It is incredibly sweet smelling, so fresh and just a nice scent for a bedroom. It's not strong, heavy or 'choking', just very flowery. I get the feeling however this scent is perhaps inspired from the Duchess of Cambridge wedding bouquet, as one of the flowers in her bouquet was 'hyacinth'. . . . .

Buckingham Palace Lavender Wash Bag £12.95
I saw this wash bag and thought it was so cute (my excuse for everything that day lol), I had to purchase it. I often find when staying at friends overnight, I don't want to lug around my big  travel wash bag, so this I thought for an overnight stay is ideal for your essential bits and pieces. I like the fact that this little wash bag is in my favourite colour (lilac) and I love the zip fob, which has a little crown at the end of it. 

Neem Oil £3.49
As of late, I have noticed my scalp becoming extremely dry which has resulted in dandruff (not nice or pretty). So in a bid to try and combat this issue once and for all, following the advice from some ladies on a hair care forum, I have invested in neem oil. I have used this product today for the first time, and I am not going to lie, it smells dreadful (think burnt tarmac)! But I do hope I get the results I want. (I will blog about my experience in thorough detail soon).



. . .And that's it. No clothes from this trip, but have my eye on a few garments . .so keep your eyes peeled.  Hope you enjoyed this blog post.


PS: I have not been paid nor am I affiliated with Korres, Stay on Satin, Denman or Buckingham Palace. All products have been purchased using my own money.

29 September 2011

And the winner is . . . . . .

Hello Beautiful People

First of all I just want to say a HUGGEE thank you to everyone who has entered my giveaway. I never in a million years thought so many of you would enter (total 185 entries inc. the bonus entries), so thank you all. I have discovered so many more bloggers and blogs that truly have been a joy to read over the past few weeks since my giveaway started. If I could give each and every one of you a prize, I really would. But there can only be one winner on this occasion, which I will get on with announcing. So without further ado, the winner of the Caribbean Giveaway is . . . . . . . 




Number 24


 JessicaBeautician
 {Jessica's blog has been hyperlinked above, and so has her Youtube channel here - go check them out}
 


An email will be 'winging' its way to you right now for your details to post out your prize.


Thank you once again to everyone who entered, I appreciate each and every one of your entries. There will be more giveaways in the future, which will be a lot more interactive and fun. So keep your eyes peeled.











Out and About in London Town . .

Hello All *waves*

So Monday I popped down to London for the day with my mum for a day out. Our main aim of course was visiting Buckingham Palace to see the wedding dress of the Duchess of Cambridge. I did however take a slight detour, and headed off to the wonderful Oxford Street (as you do ;p) in search of some new bits and bobs. I did leave London last night with a few bits, but I will showcase all in a separate blog post. I did however take my camera with me and took some snaps, although not many and photography is forbidden inside the Palace (gutted), so no wedding dress snaps, am afraid. But here the snaps that I did take . . . 










 


I do love London, so much more busier and bigger with lots of variety in terms of shops, than my hometown. Love it. Hope you've enjoyed these pictures. I will be doing another blog post soon on the little bits and bobs I got from my trip, so keep your eyes peeled.



28 September 2011

Discount Codes and Fabulous Offers . .

Morning

This is just a quick blog post to let you know of some lovely discounts that I have been emailed with again. So the kind individual that I am, I am blogging about them so you can all take great advantage of these offers. So here goes . . . 
  • Oasis - 50% off sale selection items {I don't know how long this offer is valid for}
  • Forever21 - free shipping on all orders over £21.00. Code: HAULS11 Valid until: 28th September 2011
  • New Look - Free delivery and 20% off style steals. Valid until 28th September 2011 
  • House of Fraser - 2 day brand event - upto 25% off. Starts Thursday 29th Sept - Friday 30th Sept 2011 {Starts online @ 5pm Wednesday 28th Sept}
  • Body Shop - 50% off ALL body butters. {An extra 10% off for Love Your Body members}. Valid until 3rd October 2011
  • GAP - up to 50% off sale. Valid for Limited Time only
  • Superdry - 10% off orders plus free delivery. Code: VCSDAW11. Valid until 30th September 2011
  • Elemis - 20% off orders plus free delivery. Code: VC09Sep11 Valid until: 30th September 2011
  • Figleaves - 15% off orders. Code: VCUK15OFF Valid until: 2nd October 2011


Enjoy!
PS: I have not been paid nor am I affiliated to any of these brands/companies. Simply blogging about these offers to let you all know.

NOTW - Models Own 'Golden Peach'

Hello All

I haven't done many Nails of the Week (NOTW) posts so I thought I would make it compulsory to now do such posts more regularly. 

The majority of you are all probably aware of the 50% sale Models Own had a few weeks ago, which was a wonderful opportunity to pick up fabulous products, inc. nail polishes. Of course I and many more ladies took great advantage of this offer, and proceeded to order lots of polishes. (I did a blog post on my purchases which you can read about here.) This week I have painted my nails using one of the polishes, 'Golden Peach'. 


Originally I was expecting the polish to be a solid orange shade, which I could use for my toes. But to my surprise this shade has come out in an iridescent shade, with a slight shimmer. As you can see from the above picture, the sun has really lifted the colour, giving it a wonderful summery glow, with a slight pinky undertone. I absolutely love this colour, as I can get away with wearing it at work without being told to take it off or go home! -_-

So what do you think? Will you be purchasing some Models Onw 'Golden Peach' or are you not convinced? Really would love to hear your thoughts. 


27 September 2011

What's in my bag? {Update}

Afternoon All
Hope you're all enjoying the lovely sunshine . .I think we're in for a little Indian summer this week!

Anyway today I thought I would give you all a little update into my 'What's in my bag'. I did a blog post on this very same topic a few months back, but me being me I have changed my handbag again. So without further ado, here is my 'What's in your bag' . . . .
{Bag - 'Butterfly' by Matthew Williamson}

Contents of my bag:
  • Iphone 4
  • Kleenex tissues
  • Camera and case
  • Co codamol (I have other tablets in my purse; Nurofen migraine - sufferer of the ol migraines)
  • Go Ahead bar (Apple and Sultana)
  • Pens (black and blue)
  • Ipod
  • Purse
  • Wooly hat (don't ask lol)
  • London underground map
  • Nivea Hand cream
  • Word search book
  • Sophie Kinsella 'Can you keep a secret' (got this book free in Glamour I think a few months ago)
  • Umbrella 
  • Cuticura hand hygiene gel
  • Wet ones 'hand wipes'
  • Hair brush
  • Hair tie
  • Nivea Lip balm
  • Burt's Bees Lemon Butter cuticle cream 
  • Vaseline 'Aloe Vera' (Very rarely use this on my lips, I use it on my hands sometimes)
. . .So there you have it my 'What's in your bag' (September edition). I will no doubt change my bag again nearer to Christmas lol).


Hope you enjoyed this blog post.


PS: My giveaway ends tomorrow, so if you've not yet entered, then please click here :)

25 September 2011

REVIEW: Origins Super Spot Remover

Morning All *waves*

Today I am going to be reviewing Origins Super Spot Remover as part of the selection of products received from the Ojon and Origins event. I wasn't planning to review this product so early, but having used it twice, and seen great results from it, I just feel the need to blog about this immediately.



For the majority of teenagers, one sure thing to bombard the face is acne, and of course I endured a rough ride of this throughout my teenage years, until my late teens/early 20s. Now in my mid 20s, I do still get the odd zit here and there (and blemishes), but thank god I no longer suffer as much as I use to as a teenager. Although I do get the odd zit, which often crops up the day/night before an important occasion, I am usually scrambling around the house trying to find TCP in a bid to bring down the swelling, soreness and draw out the 'angry-look' fast. This can often be a faff especially with the TCP, which you all know has a potent scent that often lingers for hours. But that ol' method has now been kicked to the curb, as I come armed with the Origins Super Spot Remover, which is seriously ahh-mazing.



The Origins Super Spot Remover is a product aimed to heal, fight and fade zits quickly, and reduce its size. It is a clear gel which comes in a small clear blue plastic bottle, with a screw top, and little hole at the top, where the product dispenses. Only a small teeny weeny dab of product needs to be applied (using a cotton bud or a clean finger tip) to the zit before leaving it to do its 'magic', and hey presto = no more zit. This product can be used one to three times daily, or as needed, which is how I personally use it.

You're probably wondering ''What makes it so 'super'? Well the ingredient that plays a key role in this product is the Salicylic Acid. When you first apply this product to the unwanted offender, it will after a little while start to tingle, which is the salicylic acid working on the zit; shrinking and healing the eruption. It doesn't hurt or leave any marks/residue which is great as some products I have tried in the past do. There is also Caffeine and Red Algae in this product, helping to relieve the redness which can often be irritating. However as with any fabulous product there is a price to pay, with this product coming in at £12.00 for 10ml, which some people may find a little on the steep side. But from my usage of this product, a little bit of product does go an incredibly long way if used correctly. So although a tad pricey at first, maybe it's not so bad once you think about it? .  . .

I am usually skeptical of such products, as I have used so many on the high street, where none of them have lived up to what they claim to achieve. But I truly do believe (from my experience) this product is fabulous; it works (for a start) and is so easy to apply; no faffing and is hassle free. And the best thing about this product? It's light, which means you can throw this into your handbag, and should you feel an eruption brewing during the day, just whip out the super remover and dab the offender.

 
Will I be purchasing? Definitely 100%, only used it a couple of times, and already I love it. Great product that does actually what it says.

If you are interested in purchasing this product, then check out Origins, Boots and John Lewis. 

So what do you think? Will you be purchasing your bottle of super spot remover? Or are you not so keen due to its price perhaps? Really would like to hear your views. 



PS: There are only 3 more days left of my giveaway, if you have not entered, please click here






I have not been paid, or am I affiliated by Origins. Although a PR sample, my review is always 110% true and honest.



23 September 2011

Boudoir Prive - September Box . .

Afternoon All
So it's here . . . yep Boudoir Prive September box

After last month's introductory box, which left me sat on the fence (and my mum running off with the majority of products from my box), I have to say I am actually pleasantly surprised with this month's box; I actually like everything (well almost everything). 
As with the August box, it's the same baby/pretty pink box with its magnetic open/close catch at the front. Upon opening the box I was greeted to a little booklet, which like last month details what's in the box, along with coupons to give away to a friend for a half price box the following month (I will link the code at the end of this post).


And this is what September Boudoir Prive box contains . . . .


Inside Boudoir Prive September box are the following:
  • Skincare: Colbert MD - Nourish Eye Cream
  • Lifestyle: Zoya - Nail Polish 'Marina'
  • Makeup: Cargo Cosmetics - Boogie Nights Eye Pencil '01 Silver'
  • Bodycare: Tropic Skincare - Body Smooth
  • Fragrance: Agent Provocateur - L'Agent
  • Haircare: Macadamia - Hair repair
 . . .As you've probably noticed there are 2 extra sample items which have been included this month, and those are:
  • Mai Couture - Blot & Bronze = aimed at eliminating excess oil without disturbing makeup.
  • Zoya - 'Smoke & Mirrors' collection swatch kit and booklet

I have to say I wasn't expecting any of these little extras, but I do like them as it enables me to see what other shades are available in the zoya collection. As for the blot & bronze, I am slightly intrigued by it, although I don't know if I'll be rushing to try it so quick, but we shall see!

The following are swatches of the Zoya nail polish and Boogie nights eye pencil:

 Zoya nail polish 'Marina'

Boogie Nights Eye Pencil '01 Silver'

I have to say I am really pleased with this month's box (and my mum won't be running off with everything like last month), ok she can have the eye cream, but the contents this month isn't going anywhere! My only slight little grumble however is this month didn't contain a personal note like August month did, but it's no biggy. And although I have always wanted to try Zoya, I do like it, dries very quick, but I am not too keen on this shade (love all the other shades on the sample card, just not this one). All products in this box will get a thorough review at a later date.

So what do you think? Do you like September's box? Or are you not keen? Would love to know what you think.

PS: I have not been paid nor am I affiliated to Boudoir Prive. I am a subscriber to this box, for which I pay for with my own money.

PPS: If there is anyone interested in subscribing for October's box, at a half price cost, all you have to do is:
  • Go to www.boudoirprive.co.uk
  • Enter the code: 1BOX12 at the checkout
  • Indulge in your beauty box (when it arrives)
  • Say thank you to your friend with a ''bisous''

Blog Award . . .

. . .YAY I've been awarded another blog award
'Tell me about yourself award'

The lovely Liz at Aspirations of Glam has given me this award, which I am very honoured to have received. So a big thank you to Liz. 



With all blog awards come rules, which are:
  • Thank and link back to the person who awarded you
  • Write 7 random things about yourself
  • Spread the love to 15 other blogs (I am going to cheat, and only award 5 - too many fab blogs to mention)
 7 random things about Hairandbeautylicious

1) I have a major fear of flying but still manage to get onto a plane and fly 9-10 hours to the USA last summer, and Jamaica this year and previous years.

2) I own far too many handbags (Ha what girl doesn't? ;p)

3) Former team member of the school athletics team; competing in the 100m and 4x100m, representing my school in the county 

4) I love James Bond (haha) - watched them all :)

5) Hardcore lover of the dessert Tiramisu (nom nom :)

6) Never eaten Curry 

7) I gave up eating McDonalds and drinking Coke 11 years ago


The following 5 blogs that I will be passing on this award to are:

1) Liloo
2) Fashion and Beauty Disaster (Jade)
3) Navilicious Beauty (Nav)
4) Joybunny24 (Joy)
5) The Beauty Scoop (Claire)

Hope you've enjoyed getting to know me a bit more!


20 September 2011

Discounts and Savings

Hello Gorgeous People

Past few days I have been emailed with numerous savings, discount codes, which I believe are pretty decent savings. So the kind individual that I am, I have decided to share with you today. So here goes: 

Lookfantastic - upto 72% off skin, hair, nails and makeup products (inc. Murad, Kerastase, Too Faced, Aveda, Essie and many more)

ASOS - 20% off new season. Enter code: HAPPYLFW {I am not sure how long it is valid for}. Also today (20th Sept 11), there is FREE next day delivery. Order between now and 5pm, and take advantage of the free next day delivery offer.

House of Fraser - £10 off your next order. Enter code: LAP2-PRER-GYGA-5HKI-TVVV Valid until 25/09/2011

Oasis - save 15% off Oasis new collections. Enter code: NEW2011 {I am not sure how long it is valid for}

Hope you all take great advantage of these offers, but be quick as I think they will only be valid for a short period of time.

 PS: Don't forget to check out my Caribbean giveaway - only 1 week left to go, so get your entries in now by clicking here.

19 September 2011

Are you 1 of my favourite blogs September?

Hello Bloggers

How are we all? Hope you're well and not too cold!

Anyway yes, it's that time again - favourite blogs for the month - September. If you are new to my blog and slightly baffled at what this is, I shall explain now. Each month I mention a number of blogs which I enjoy visiting and reading on a daily basis on the 'Favourite Blogs of the Month' tab. This enables people to see what type of blogs I have enjoyed reading and visiting, and it'll help others to find new blogs they may not have come across before. Each month there are always new blogs, no- one is ever featured more than once. So if you don't see yourself this month, fear not as you could be mentioned in the following month.

So here goes. . . are you 1 of my favourite blogs for September? Find out here.
PS: Have you entered my Caribbean giveaway? If not, click here

16 September 2011

Burberry 'Body' Perfume

Morning All
I have been meaning to blog this for ages, but completely forgot, so here it is for you all now.

A few weeks ago, the wonderful blogger Fleur De Force blogged about the new fragrance 'Body' from Burberry. The fragrance has been described as the following:

Body Burberry is a luxury chypre - fruity composition that begins with notes of fresh green absinthe, peach and freesia. Roses and iris are in the heart, leaning on the base of sandalwood, cashmerean, musk, amber and vanilla.  (Fragrantica, 2011)

Although I have used and currently have a bottle of Burberry perfume (Touch), I do find some of their products are hit and miss, for me personally. So when the opportunity came to receive a miniature sample of this product, I thought I'd give it a try, so I proceeded to order a sample from the facebook Burberry group.



  . .And my thoughts? I hate it! The smell reminds me of cat pee (ok, I know that is the expression for any perfume we may not be keen on), but this one really doesn't smell good to me. However that is not to say it won't smell nice on someone else, it's just that my body chemistry and this fragrence wont be forming any love relationship anytime soon! I found the fragrance overpowering, and lingered for a while before settling, leaving a musky smell, which I was not keen on, at all. Although I was not a fan of the fragrance, I do love the bottle/packaging; very chic, unique, and ornate. It has a very elegant and neat look, which indicates to me with its unique shape and cut of the glass, its sophistication and wow factor.

Will I be purchasing this fragrance? Errr no (think Churchill insurance dog lol)

If you are interested in sampling this fragrance for yourself, then head to the Facebook group here. 


Cost: £35 = 30ml, 60ml = £55, 85ml = £75
Where to buy: Most major department stores


PS: This is a sample ordered through the facebook group here

PPS: All pictures are that of my own; 2nd picture watermarked with my old blog name, which I can not re watermark, as I no longer have the original.