Essence Effect Eye Pencils Long-Lasting (Shades 1-6)

You may know by now I absolutely love bright coloured products that can just give you that extra oomph when it comes to make-up. Although for some it may not be wearable makeup I do find that for Clubbing, Halloween, and Festivals bright eyeliners look awesome!!

I'm sorry this looks so bad!!! On the links there are better photos! Sorry!!

And here I have all 6 Shades from Essence to review and swatch for you! These retail for £2 each so very cheap. As you can see the packaging is very reflective and so was a pain to photograph! But I do like how reflective and neon the packaging is as it makes it even more appropriate for festivals and party goers!!

Please excuse how terrible the pencils look. It's just that I got too excited and started using them before I realised that I hadn't taken a picture of it yet! :(

SILVER-SURFER (01)

Aptly named the Silver Surfer this shade is a very bold silver colour and can really draw the attention to your eyes and brings out the colour of your eyes. Now for all of you wanting to try something new I would definitely suggest trying this shade; and although it may not seem wearable, it truly is! My sister rocks silver eyeliner all the time and she really pulls it off. So I’m going to be passing this one on to her.

GOLD-DIGGER (02)

Now this Gold was so disappointing for me! I wanted to be one of those Golden Goddesses and unfortunately I think colour pay-off wasn’t exactly the best. Now I don’t know if this is just the way it looks on me but I find that it doesn’t suit me as much as I’d want it to. It blends in better into my skin and doesn’t stand out. This is probably due to the fact that my skin tone is a warm olive.

I would recommend this shade to darker skin tones and if you have cooler undertones to your skin as I feel it will stand out more.

STEEL-SMURF (03)

This blue is my second favourite shade out of the whole collection as it is such a brilliant electric blue, it really does follow suit to its name. Honestly it is fantastic. It applies evenly throughout the entire eye and it brings out brown eyes beautifully.

I don’t know how this will look on blue eyes but I imagine it depends on the shade of blue your eyes are.. I really think this will go perfectly for all skin types and am honestly in love with it.

 

IRON HULK (04)

Is definitely a strong bold green that definitely catches your eyes! I absolutely love this shade too. The application was really simple and the colour pay-off was just instant. I think this would look great on all skin tones! From the picture you can see that I should have gone over it a little more so that the middle of my eyelid had full colour but…..I was too excited, sorry!

 

METAL-PHANTOM (05)

Now for my Favourite shade. This was a very misleading shade as I had initially thought from the packaging just like the others that this was going to be a bright pink however I was pleasantly surprised as  it was a much more flattering shade. A PURPLE!! This is fantastic news for me as I was worried I was going to look like I had an irritated eye.
This appears a lot darker in person than it does on camera but I like both regardless. I think it is one of the most wearable shades in the collection and would loo amazing with a dark smoky eye or on its own too!

(!!This shade contains CARMINE!!)

 

 

ROBO-COP (06)

This shade is definitely the most wearable shade in the whole collection as it is a black. However it isn’t a true black. More like a very very very dark grey which is always good to have. I feel that this would be best used for that smudged eye makeup look. As you can see it applies fantastically well, and will suit absolutely everyone.

Overall thoughts are that my absolute favourites are definitely METAL-PHANTOM and STEEL-SMURF. As they are probably the most fun and best pigmented out of the lot. Of course the textures of these eyeliner are very creamy and of course therefore have the tendency to move around. Also it can imprint an incredibly light amount of product onto the top of your eyelids but of course that depends on your eyeshade as those with mono-lids don’t have to worry about this.

Regardless I do recommend this for everyone as these will be an awesome addition to any makeup! Plus if you are going to try branching into coloured eyeliner these are inexpensive so you won’t be wasting your money.
So let me know what you think? Which will you try and what's your favourite?

L.F.A. Xx

 

*These were given to me during an event however I always give my full and honest opinion*

 

Essence Colour Flash Volume Mascara (All Shades 1 - 5)

Every summer we see bright coloured make up ranges coming out and in particular coloured mascara! But at prices like £14 from Ciaté for coloured mascara which is a risqué product... I think cheaper alternatives are a must! I love a pop of colour and the concept of coloured mascaras amazes me and luckily these were given to me at the Essence Event so here is a complete range of coloured mascaras from Essence which you can get in Wilkinson  for £3 each.

There are 5 Shades available and they are, Petrol (02), Bright Blue (04), Emerald Green (01), Purple (05) and Pink (03). I've written them in the order of the photo so that there is no confusion! I know you are probably thinking that these are not wearable, however I believe you can wear it on just your bottom lashes to bring attention to the eyes or if your brave just full on colour! The darkest blue is probably your best bet!

So here i'll show you swatches of each shade but in numerical order! These are my natural lashes and I have NOT used an eyelash curler as a fair test to all my mascara reviews.
 (Please Excuse my Eyebrows!!)

Emerald Green (01)

 This Emerald Green shade is not what I saw the mascara. I was expecting a sort of a green turquoise just from looking at the bottle, however I am pleasantly surprised! I actually think despite how shocking this may look I actually think this may be very wearable. Maybe I'm insane but I really do love this and I think this may even be a dupe of the Ciaté - Nymph Mascara which retails for £14. No word of a lie I desperately wanted it because I hadn't seen that shade of coloured mascara done before! You can't imagine how glad I am that I didn't have to fork out £14!

Petrol (02)

 

 

This Dark Blue/ Navy shade called Petrol is the most wearable shade in the whole collection. And the shade that you can wear all year round, especially as we are going into the A/W Season this mascara would fit right in! I personally love this shade as it looks almost (well)  and I think it makes brown eyes look amazing! My sister who mind you is older than me bought one of her own after seeing it and incorporated it into her makeup bag. So I've seen first hand that it lasts all day and does not flake so for £3 it is a huge bargain!!

Pink (03)

 

 

This is probably the least wearable shade in the whole range as I find that I like/hate it. I think this would only be great as costume/festival makeup for someone with maybe green or blue eyes or maybe even a darker skin tone. But personally I find that I look like I have an eye infection or as if my eyes have been irritated. I think this is just going to be used as costume makeup for me or on my hair.

(!!This shade contains CARMINE!!)

Bright Blue (04)

 This lovely appropriately named Bright Blue Shade is a shocking electric looking colour. Personally I fond it most wearable on the bottom lashes and I really like it because as a glasses user I find that it helps my eyes stand out behind my glasses. Again I find that this shade helps brunette eyes stand out on a beautiful way and I will probably be using this frequently when I feel like I want a strong flash of colour!

Purple (05)

 Now this is another extremely un-wearable shade if not worse than the Pink, but yet I absolutely love it. I know I'm insane but I just love how frosty it looks! I feel like this would be amazing for Halloween or a festival! Or even an extreme winter look, or a harujuku style.... okay I'm not sure how you could wear this and not look a bit strange. But the most wearable way would be on the ends of your eyelashes as if snowflakes had fallen on them! Another reason why I like this is because I actually haven't seen this colour mascara before. EVER. So I can't wait to experiment and see if I can try and make this as wearable as possible!

 (!!This shade contains CARMINE!!)

 

 

Overall I am a big fan of this range due to the two extra colours that aren't usually available by budget brands and I find that compared to the MUA Coloured Mascaras (which I've reviewed before) paying £2 more does make a difference as I found that my eyelashes were more spread out (not as clumpy). What I will say is it dries quickly so you do have to be a bit quick when applying them. Again like any other mascara as I have Dark Brown/Black Eyelashes I did need to add a couple of coats for maximum colour, but it does not flake at all which I LOVE. 

 

So are there any here you would use? What other brands would you recommend?

 

 

L.F.A. Xx

 

*These were given to me during an event however I always give my full and honest opinion*

GAP Sale - Polka Dot Jeans

As you guys may have realized I made the most of the summer sales.!. So of course I made sure I popped into GAP to see if anything caught my eye. And that was when I came across these gorgeous jeans.!.

These are the 1969 Polka Dot Legging Skimmer Jeans that are stretchy so its super comfortable and as its ankle length its perfect for the summer! (if your a little shorter these will be the perfect length for you, but I don't mind the length.)
I managed to get these in store from £39.95 down to £9.99.!.!.!.

Despite the fact that it is a Polka Dot Pattern I actually like it as its not very obvious due to the colors being  very similar! Plus the color's super cute!

So did you guys get anything in the SALE?

L.F.A. Xx

Poundland Haul (Nail Stickers & Charms)

Since the last time I popped into Poundland I found such amazingly cheap nail products I thought I'd go back and see what else I could find.! All for £1 each.!.!.

These stickers are of Dragon Flies, Stars and Flowers both in Silver and Black with little rhinestones. All very cute.!.!.

These Floral Nail Stickers are a little larger. I presume for when your nails are significantly longer or I guess for a strong bold nail? They come in predominantly black with some pink, purple and white petals. Very cute but bold.

And finally these 3D Floral Nail Charms with a rhinestone at the center. I am super excites about these two.!.! Especially considering how much I loved the last Aurora Nail Bow Nail Charms.

So have you tried any of these yet?

L.F.A. Xx

Primark Haul!

A while back during the crazy sales I popped into Primark as I needed to buy a couple of essentials but like any other time I go shopping I end up getting carried away and getting more than I need! Heheheee.

First of all I got on sale these 2 Basic Long Sleeve Crop Tops for £1 each down from £3 and a Disney Mickey Mouse Crop Top/Sweater for £3 down from £6, which honestly is a total bargain as it's feels like really good quality and because it has rhinestones.
 

I also got these 3 Cami Style Tops, 2 with sheer velvet floral and bird design and 1 with studs. Each on sale for £3 down from £5. These are going to be a great way to spice up an outfit in the summer.
 

I also got The Beatles Abbey Road T-Shirt for £3 on sale down from £8. This is unbelievably cheap considering the feel of this fabric is amazing and the roll up short sleeves are very cute.
 

This Pyjama Set was for £3; The vest top being only £1 down from £3 and the very cute red shorts for £2 down from £4. To be honest I only really got it because the writing on the top made me giggle.

I also cute 3 very festive intimates for 50p!! Now some of you may cringe at the thought of wearing Primark intimates. What I would say is it's fine to buy knickers from there but I personally would never get a bra from there as I believe you should invest in a good quality bra as it needs to support you.
 

These were not on sale but were the main reason I actually went to Primark. I got 7 pairs Shoe Liners for £2.50 in lovely pastel colours, 5 Matt 10 Denier Tights £2.50 and 3 pairs 40 Denier Tights for £3.

And these much needed Suede Ankle Boot Slippers for £3 down from £5. (Note: People these are slippers! It does you no good using these as everyday outdoor footwear...)

I also got these Green Cameo Nail Wraps on sale for 25p down from £1 and 3 Pack Necklaces for £1 down from £2. My favourite is the Aztec Bird Symbol (Aztec or Mayan I'm not entirely sure).

Last but not least I got a 3 Face Cloth Pack for £1.50. I love this colour as it's pretty much a baby blue! Not sure about the "Luxury"ness in this but it was the only one with a nice colour.

P.S What have you gotten from Primary recently?

L.F.A. Xx

Mini Boots Haul.!.!

Now first of all I must I admit I have possibly been the worst blogger in the world but I've been busy & kind of having a writers block, and I didn't want to just write up anything that I wouldn't be proud off? Anyway from now on I shall be better.! Promise.!

Recently Boots had some lovely offers going on and I just couldn't stop myself, and decided to get myself some much needed skincare products. I know your wondering why on earth I bought 3 products for different skin types but don't worry I have my reasons.!

I think they may have changed their packaging since...?

First I got this Garnier - Pure Active - Anti Black Head Pore Wash 150ml, which was on offer from £2.65 down to £1.77 which I thought was pretty cheap. I am a big fan of exfoliation so when I saw that this has teeny-tiny beads in the formula I knew I should try it. Especially as I have tried other Garnier products before that were pretty good.!.

Secondly I purchased the L'Oréal Paris - Triple Active Day Moisturiser, for Normal to Combination Skin, on offer from £6.49 down to £4.33.!.! Total Bargain considering it Vitamin E in it.!. and don't worry a full post should be coming soon.!.

and Lastly I purchased another L'Oréal Paris - Triple Active Day Moisturiser, but this time instead the one that is catered for Dry to Sensitive Skin, also on offer from £6.49 down to £4.33. The reason for which I got this is to basically stock up for the winter; as it gets colder my skin becomes dryer and much more sensitive (in other words my skin is as complicated as its owner :) so I thought I might as well buy it since its cheap.


So have you guys tried these products?
Or what skincare products have you guys gotten or been loving recently?

L.F.A. Xx

Lush - Blackberry Bath Bomb

Now we all know that Lush never go wrong with their Bath Bombs and my gosh did the Blackberry Bath Bomb surprise me.

I wasn't really expecting much considering how plain looking it was. Though I do quite like how the word BOMB  is embedded into it as it reminds me of those cartoon bombs... (even if it isn't in the same colour..)


Please excuse my bare and boring nail!... but doesn't this remind you of a meteorite? Hehehehe

I must point out the utter value of it. It is huge! It's the same size as the Sex Bomb Bath Bomb and it's only £2.95.!.!. This is very cheap considering it contains "Frankincense Oil "and "Bergamot Oil" and its "Preservative Free" (according to Lush's website)

Also as soon as you place it in the bath it fizzes away brilliantly leaving this lovely purple bath water, which smells divine.!. And it doesn't leave any residue behind and did not stain my bath which is always lovely.

There was also a lovely little surprise inside the bath bomb which I had no idea about.! It had this cute little note that said Boom Boom, which just made me giggle.

(Being me at first I thought it was those transfer kiddie tattoos.....but it wasn't hehehehhe)

Overall this is very good value for money, and I definitely need to try other bath bombs, especially as they have seasonal ones out now.!.

Victoria Secret & PINK Sale Haul

So I have never ever bought anything from Victoria Secret which is surprising since I only live 20 minutes away and their products are so raved about, but whilst shopping a whole back I stumbled up it to find, not only huge hoard of women scrambling through the store with heaps of stuff but the sale signs! Which if you know me well enough I can’t really say no to a bargain.

So after braving the crowd of crazy women I managed to get myself a couple of amazing bargains.!.!.

                                                                                       

Although it looks Gold its actually in Silver.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I got this geometric bralette from PINK (the sister store of Victoria Secret) I absolutely love the print even if it does say “TOTALLY” (Hopefully after  couple of washes it’ll fade leaving the print behind) and it fits really well. I managed to get this for £8.50 on sale from £17.50

Back View

These are probably one of the most raved about products in Victoria Secret other than their lingerie. Their fragrance mist/sprays, and only until now I could understand why. They truly smell amazing and there is a humongous collection for you to choose from.

Please excuse its fuzziness!

They are usually from £11 - £13 but on the sale I got them from £2.50 - £3.00 now that is amazing. I got 4 different scents, Frosted Pear & Sugared Woods, Pink Champagne & Apple, Iced Cranberry & Winter Plum and Forbidden Vanilla. People were going mad. To be frank I was too because as we’ve established I kinda can’t say no to a good sale. Especially as I got these four for the price of what one would usually cost.!.

I am really looking forward to using these and as I do, I will individually review each of them!

So have you gotten anything from Victoria Secret?

 

L.F.A. Xx

& Other Stories - Shinjuku Bloom Body Scrub

 

As you may have seen from my & Other Stories Haul I ended up buying the Shinjuku Blossom Scrub. I will admit I was soooo tempted to buy another Equatorial Dreams since I loved it so much but I thought I'd just try something new.

This just smells gorgeous! It has a lovely sweet floral scent that isn't sickly at all (and believe me I can get sick of scents very quickly) but this is fantastic. It's description is "Scattered Cherry Blossom petals after the rain...". I don't know about that but I know its good nonetheless.!.!.!

 

As you can see the colour is a lovely pink and the consistency is phenomenal. It is sooooo thick and believe this will last you ages as you really don't need much at all. Plus it lathers up too once you scrub it in with a bit of water.!.!.

You can get this for £7 for 250ml. (Which I think is completely worth it due to its consistency)

So have you guys gotten anything from & Other Stories lately?

P.S. I was told by the lovely sales lady that if you bring any previously finished scrub containers back you can get a 10% discount on your next bath product purchase.

L.F.A. Xx

& Other Stories - Carda Red Lamé Lip Gloss

 

As you may remember from my & Other Stories Haul I ended up buying one of their Lip Glosses in Carda Red Lamé which was on SALE from £7.00 down to £3.50.!.

 

This was one hell of a bargain especially considering the pigmentation. It is sooo bright (which I love) and is true to colour. It does have glitter particles which makes it more appropriate for the Night or Christmas but meh I don't mind. To me it just means that lips will look plumper ;)

Once I removed the packaging I was pleasantly surprised to see the engraving "& Other Stories" on the bottle.!. Don't you think this is sooo chiq.!. I just think it makes it look so expensive and classy.!.

The brush is also very nice and soft, I know some people may not find this hygienic but I like it and I don't mind. Also the bottle itself squeezes excess product so you won't be wasting lots of product.

So have you guys tried any Lip Glosses lately?

L.F.A. Xx