NUGG BEAUTY FACE MASKS

You guys should know by now that I am a sucker for a good face mask. There's nothing better than putting your feet up after a long day and catching up on soaps whilst pampering yourself. 

The lovely team at Nugg very kindly sent me two of their masks to review. My skin type is normal but can be quite oily so I was recommended their hydrating and deep cleansing masks. As well as the hydrating and deep cleansing masks, Nugg also have other masks targeted at different skin types. These include: soothing, revitalising, exfoliating and anti ageing.

I have seen so many bloggers rave about these so I was pretty darn excited to try them out for myself. The packaging is super cute and the perfect size for travel. 

 

  

These masks are really easy to use, just peel back the lid and apply generously and evenly to the face and neck. I popped the masks in the fridge for about 10 minutes before applying them to give me a cooling sensation - this was so refreshing as it was a super hot day when I was testing them out. After about 15 minutes, all that's left to do is to wipe it away with a wet cloth.

The texture is light and non sticky. I have found in the past that some face masks can feel really heavy on the skin, but thank fully these weren't. 

Out of the two, my favourite was the deep cleansing mask. The cucumber was really refreshing and took away a bit of shine. Both masks left my skin feeling soft and hydrated.

My only concern is that I personally think that there is too much product in the pods and therefore they should consider making the lid resealable for further applications. Besides the packaging, I really recommend Nugg face masks. They are really affordable and have great results. A pack of 4 is available to buy here, for just £13.00.

Let me know which ones are your favourites!
Love, Maddie x

MY GO TO EYESHADOW PALETTES - THE BALM

The Balm has to be one of my favourite make up brands out there. The quality of their products is incredible and such good value for money. Can we also talk about how damn cool their packaging is?!! I'm going to be talking a little bit about my favourite eye shadow palettes. 

The first palette I want to talk about is The Balms Nude Tude. Each shade is extremely pigmented and blends like dream. I tend to use the lighter shades in this palette to create natural day time looks. Although, it is really easy to create a night time look by using the other end of the palette. I would recommend this palette to any one who is just starting out at make up as the colours are super easy to wear and really easy to apply.

This next palette is easily one of my favourite palettes ever! its a completely matte palette, hence the name - Meet Matt(e) Nude. The eye shadow pans in this palette are so big, so you are definitely getting your moneys worth. Each shade is named after a different Matt, so we have Matt Johnson, Matt Wood etc. There are some blue, maroon, pink and yellow toned shades - perfect for creating some day-to-night looks. This is a must have for matte eye shadow lovers.

Finally we have the Balm Jovi palette. I absolutely adore the range of colours this palette offers. In my opinion, this is the ultimate travel palette. Each shade is named after a famous rock band/singer which is pretty cool. It has 12 eye shadows, a bomb asf highlighter, blush and two lip/cheek stains. What more could you want in one palette?!

I cant wait to get my hands on some more products from the Balm. I'm desperately after the Meet Matt(e) Trimony palette. I'd love to hear what your go to eye shadow palette is. Let me know in the comments section down below.

TheBalm products are available to buy from Superdrug and FeelUnique.

Love, Maddie x

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG?

I've never done a 'what's in my bag' post on my blog before and these are my absolute favourite types of posts to read, so I thought I'd share with you what I carry around with me. Besides all of the other crap that I have in my bag (train tickets, receipts, food wrapper and bottle water), this is generally what I keep in my bag on a day to day basis.

My bag is from New Look. It's just a mini tote back with gold detailing and woven panel. Its a great size for just carrying a few bits and pieces. I also love that it comes with a long strap which gives you that option to carry it on your shoulder. 

So here is a few of my absolute essentials..
My purse, which is also from New Look, is black and has gold detailing which matches my bag. It is a good size to store all of my cards, receipts and spare change - if I ever have any!

Next up we have a bit of make up. I always carry around some powder as I tend to get quite oily throughout the day. This particular one is the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder which I have absolutely been loving recently! I also carry around a mini roller lash and a mac lipstick to touch up my make up during the day.

Antibacterial hand gel is the next essential. I go through so many of these because I am always using them when I am out and about to keep my hands clean. This one is the strawberry and raspberry scented gel from Superdrug which I believe only cost me around 60p! I also work in a doctors surgery so this is an absolute must-have so I don't catch any nasty germs. 

I also keep a snack, usually a Special K cereal bar, and a packet of chewing gum to keep me going throughout the day.

Finally, we have my sunglasses from Primark. Can you believe that these only cost me £1?! They are such good quality and are the perfect, much cheaper, alternative to the Prada cat eye sunglasses. The weather is so unpredictable in the UK so it's good to just keep some in my bag just in case the sun decides to make an appearance.

I'd love to know what you carry around in your bag, let me know in the comments section below.

Love, Maddie x

BIRCHBOX MARCH 2016 - WORD UP

Yesterday I recieved this little gift in the post.. my monthly Birchbox subscription! This months theme was Word Up! It's a beauty related, word searched designed box which aims to help you find your ultimate beauty discovery. Inside this months box is 6 luxe treats, two of which are full sized products. There was three different boxes this month, each tailored to your online beauty profile. I got the turquoise box!

So here's what was inside...

ModelCo More Brows (RRP £13)

First up is this brow gel from ModelCo. After trying one of their lipsticks in Decembers box, I was really looking forward to trying this. I got mine in the shade Light-Medium. Birchbox sent out the shades based on your hair colour which you filled out on your online profile. The hair like particles create the illusion of fuller brows, just sweep over your brows and leave to dry for 60 seconds. 

I really love this brow gel and it's a much cheaper version of Benefits Gimme Brow so I will definitely be repurchasing this!

Philip B Drop Dead Straightening Baume (RRP £20)

Next we have this hair baume from Philip B. I have never tried any of their products, in fact I wasn't even aware of the brand before I discovered it in this months box. This silicone free baume helps tame hair and shortens your blow dry time. I used a pea sized amount on my hair last night and I am happy to say that it did help reduce some frizziness so I am really impressed.

Polaar Polar Night Cream (RRP £32)

This facial night cream uses ingredients that react with the light of the moon - COOL HUH? It gets to work whilst you sleep which is amazing because I never have the time to sit with masks and creams on my face during the day. I don't think I don't think it's worth £32.

Beauty Protector Beauty Wash (RRP £10.90)

When I saw this in my box, I thought "oh just another body wash" but after using it, I thought "this is great". It lathers up really well. The smell is nice, not too over powering and lingers on your skin after your shower. At £10.90 I won't be buying this, as I don't think its worth it for a pretty standard body wash.

Arrow Boost Colour Enhancing Lip Balm (RRP £11)

Next up we have this lip balm from Birchboxs own brand 'Arrow'. This has got to be one of my favourite products in this months box. The brand itself is vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free so theres no harsh chemicals or ingredients. The balm protects lips and adjusts to your pH to create one that's totally unique to you. It's not really glossy and it makes your lips look healthy and moist. It is the perfect size for popping into your handbag. I will definitely be buying this again!

Number 4 Lumiere d'hiver Reconstructing Mask (RRP £36)

Finally we have this hair mask from a brand called Number 4. It is packed with soy protein and shea butter so you can just imagine how soft and sleek your hairs going to be after using this! I am going to save this mask for when I go on holiday because my hair tends to get really dry from the sun. I will be sure to let you know my thoughts after using this.

I am once again impressed with this months box, I got a selection of hair, skincare and makeup products and a few products from brands which I was totally new to!

If you would like to treat yourself, or somebody else, to Birchbox, use my referral link to sign up and you will recieve 50 points (worth £5) to spend on anything in the Birchbox store. You can also use the code GOODTIMES, after signing up through the link, to get 50% off your first box.

Love, Maddie x

SAY GOODBYE TO FALSIES - MOODSTRUCK 3D FIBER LASH+ REVIEW

I am a huge fan of mascara - in fact, I couldn't go without it. I think it just completes a look and makes me look awake. 

I have seen many posts and videos floating about Facebook of this 3D Fiber Lash mascara from Younique and have always been sceptical as to whether it actually works. Not too long ago, I finally got to try out the mascara for myself, thanks to Jen Harrison who owns her own international makeup and skincare company.

The Younique Fiber Lash mascara duo comes in a cute little bag and an easy step by step instruction leaflet. The Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes is said to increase average lash volume by 400%. Its hypoallergenic formula brings tired lashes to life. 

Transplanting Gel

First up, you need to apply the transplanting gel and then immediately apply the 3D fibers, followed by a further coat of the gel to help seal the fibers. You can repeat this process as many times as you want for a more bold and intense look. I personally think that one coat is enough but this is down to personal preference.

3D Fibers

On my first attempt, my lashes did go clumpy and fuzzy, but this is because I was totally new to the product, so it did take a little getting used to. However, I am overall impressed with how much it intensifies the lashes. It really does look like you are wearing false lashes or have had eye lash extensions. 

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes fuller and longer looking lashes.
So girls, why spend £40 on eye lash extensions when you can achieve the same look by simply just using this mascara?!

I hope you found this review helpful. The Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash+ is available to buy here, for £23.

Love, Maddie

VIVID LONDON ACCESSORIES

Vivid London is the future of fashion accessories. I was kindly sent some products to help spread the word about their fresh and upcoming accessory brand. Vivid London sell leather card holders, pin badges, lanyards and key rings.

Key Ring

The first item I was sent was this keyring which comes in this luxury gift box. This rope keyring is made from strong PU leather and held together with a metal connector.

My first impression was that it felt really good quality and is something that will hopefully last a long time. I believe this key ring also comes in different colours.

The price of this key ring is just £5.00

Embossed Logo Lanyard

Next up is this embossed lanyard. Again this is super good quality, it is made from strong nylon and black dye. I really like the design of this lanyard, it is subtle and will go with any outfit. It will be super handy to attach items such as my college ID.

This lanyard costs £5.00

Find Vivid London here:

Website: www.vividlondonstore.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vividlondonstore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividlondon/

JURLIQUE SKINCARE REVIEW

Hi everybody, I hope you are all well.

The latest additions to my skincare routine are these beautiful products from Jurlique! 

Jurlique is a cruelty free brand who apply advanced technologies to biodynamic ingredients from their Australian farm to produce high performance and quality skin care.

Rosewater Balancing Mist

So what does it do?

This light, hydrating mist with precious rose essential oil is designed to help improve skin tone, moisture levels and skin balance. Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis Root Extract) and Aloe help to hydrate skin's surface. Skin feels hydrated, refreshed and dewy.

The benefits are:

• Restores and hydrates skin
• Skin is refreshed, balanced and soothed
• Possesses antioxidant properties

I use this mist as a toner after cleansing and when I feel that my skin needs hydrating. I have been using this product for over a week now and it has definitely made my skin look more radiant and healthy. It is a must for these cold wintery months where I need to take a bit more care with my skin.

The delicate rose scent is elegant and not too overpowering - a must for any lovers of rose scented products. It also comes in a matte glass bottle which I really love because it looks super elegant in your bathroom.

Overall I would score this product a 7/10.

Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser

Next up we have the hydrating foaming cleanser. 

This lightweight cleanser is packed with an antioxidant complex that helps moisturise and protect dry and dehydrated skin.

The benefits are:

• Dissolves dirt and impurities
• Enhances cell turnover
• Provides immediate and lasting hydration

I am a big fan of cleansers so I was really excited to see how this compares to my usual. 

It is really lightweight, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and it leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed (what more can you ask for?!). Again, the rose scent is not too overpowering.

The packaging is simple and sturdy and it is the perfect size for taking away on holidays or weekends away. 

I would score this cleanser a solid 8/10.

Want to try Jurlique for yourself? Check out their full range of skincare products here.

Love, Maddie x

BIRCHBOX FEBRUARY 2016 - SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

Hello everybody! 

So it's that time of the month where I get a special delivery from my favourite beauty subscription service - Birchbox!

This months theme is Shine Bright Like A Diamond and placed delicately inside this beautiful box is 6 luxe beauty treats guaranteed to make your beauty routine extra special. Did I also mention that two of these are full sized products?

Without further ado, lets take a peek inside...

Spectrum Collections Tapered Powder Brush (RRP £7.99)

When I saw that this months Birchbox included a Spectrum brush I was even more excited to receive my box! I mean, just look it! Not only does this brush look super pretty, but it is also just as soft. 

LOC One and Done Shadow Stick in Champagne Problems (RRP £8)

LOC is Birchboxs' brand new make up brand, so this month we were treated to one of their full sized eyes hadow stick. There was a choice between two shades - Champagne Problems, a smokey silver shade and Perfect Cents, a beautiful warm copper shade. These shadow sticks are super pigmented and the creamy formula allows you to apply this seamlessly over your lids.

Korres Milk Proteins 3 in 1 Cleansing Emulsion (RRP £15)

Next up we have a 16ml sample of this Korres Milk Cleansing Emulsion. I am a sucker for a good cleanser so I am excited to try this out. It is packed full of nourishing milk proteins and natural oils to cleanse, tone and remove make up and is also suitable for all skin types.

theBalm Frat Boy Blush/Shadow (RRP £15.50)

Now I LOVE theBalm make up, it is really good quality and affordable, so I was excited to try out this mini blush! At first I thought that the sample seemed really small but the pigmentation pulls off and provides a beautiful flush of colour. It is a handy size for slipping into your make up bag.


Number 4 Lumiere d'Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect (RRP £20)

Next up I got something to treat my locks! This hair spray claims to strengthen, repair, de-tangle hair, as well as tame flyaways, so it is a bit of an all rounder. I am excited to see how this compares to my usual hair products.

Derm Eyes Make-up Remover Wipes (RRP £9.50)

Finally I have some make up remover wipes from Derm Eyes. They come in a handy sealed packet so they are perfect for popping in your handbag or travel bag. I am yet to try these but I don't think you can go wrong with a make up wipe!

The choice of brands and products in this months box were great and there was a bit of make up, skincare and haircare so overall I am impressed.

If you would like to treat yourself to your very own Birchbox, use my referral link to sign up and you will receive 50 points (worth £5) to spend on anything in the Birchbox store. You can also use the code HAPPYDAYS to get £5 off your first box.

Love, Maddie x

TOPSHOP WANT LIST

BEAU Chelsea Boot

Slim Pocket Coat

Mix Stitch Tassel Scarf

   

Marl Trim Crop Jumper

Cheer Squad Hoodie

Sulphur Joni Jeans

Matte Lip Bullet Duvet Day

EVERYDAY DRUGSTORE MAKEUP

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil: http://bit.ly/1Kas3H5

Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer: http://bit.ly/1KEVETX

Kiko Cream Crush: http://bit.ly/1TPbgJZ

Sleek iDivine Oh So Special Palette: http://bit.ly/1Vr3gPC

Ardell Demi Wispie Lashes: http://amzn.to/1QrXhZN

Maybelline Baby Skin: http://bit.ly/1PASSR8

L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Foundation: http://bit.ly/1ZSD55H

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer: http://bit.ly/1lbqMEe

L'Oreal Infallible Matte Powder: http://bit.ly/1PSocuU

Sleek Bronze Block Light: http://bit.ly/1WNH83n

Sleek Precious Metals Highlighting Palette: http://bit.ly/1TnBVzw

Lord and Berry Lip Liner (Silhouette): http://bit.ly/1Tnx1m0

Rimmel Kate Nude 45: http://bit.ly/1ZSDLbl

Sorry about the quality of the images! That's iPhone cameras for ya!

Love, Maddie x

L'OREAL INFALLIBLE 24HR FOUNDATION REVIEW

Hello! I hope you've had a good week. 

Last weekend, I managed to pick up the L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Foundation and Matte Powder.

Okay, so maybe I didn't entirely neeeed these products but after trying out the testers in store I really couldn't resist! (Plus, I did get to use up some of my Superdrug beauty points!)

The L'Oreal Infallible 24hr foundation costs £9.99 and the Matte powder costs £4.99, but I was lucky enough to snap up these products on a 'buy one get one half price' deal in Superdrug.
I've heard everyone raving about the Infallible primer and Matte foundation so I was super excited to get my hands on these.

The foundation claims:

• 24 hour coverage
• No transfer
• No visible imperfections
• No visible shine
• No dry-out
• No mask-effect

It is also enriched with hydrating hyaluron and extreme hold pigments for optimum comfort.

This foundation comes in 8 different shades with 'Porcelain' being the lightest and 'Golden Sun' being the darkest. Of course, I picked up the lightest shade for my milk bottle skin tone.

I have quite oily skin and I always opt for a full coverage. I applied two layers of this so it's totally buildable and it didn't leave me looking really cakey.

However, my face ended up pretty shiney after a full day at college. So unfortunately, it didn't last 24 hours like it claimed to, but what do you expect?

The Infallible Matte powder comes in 3 different shades. Again, I picked up the lightest shade which is 123 Warm Vanilla.

I applied this over the foundation to reduce shine and I was really impressed with the matte finish that it gave. 

Another thing that I really like about this product is that it has a little mirror in the compartment underneath, so it is ideal for touch ups on the go!

Overall, I was really impressed with these products and I would definitely repurchase them again.

Check out the Infallible range in Superdrug here

Love, Maddie x

AEOS SKINCARE OPTIMAL ESSENTIALS REVIEW

Hello there, I hope you are having a good day. 
I cannot believe we are more than half way through January, Christmas seems so long ago now. One of my new years resolutions was to properly look after my skin and to make sure I had a skincare routine to follow for the new year. 

I recently tried out some new products from AEOS (Active Energised Organic Skincare)

About the brand
AEOS is an organic brand who use the essential oils of plants and herbs to provide moisture and hydration to the skin. The products are all organic and contain no toxins or synthetics. I tried out the AEOS Optimal Essentials kit,which is designed for maximum hydration and nourishment.

3 Phase System
AEOS products are designed to be used together as a 3 phase system to allow the products to penetrate to deeper layers of the skin to allow maximum effects.

Morning
Phase 1: Renewal
Begin by cleansing your skin with the Gentle cleansing lotion and follow with the Gentle exfoliant. 
The smell is so fresh so it makes me feel more awake in the mornings. 

Phase 2: Rebalance
After cleansing, you should use the Energising condition, followed by the Refreshing Hydrating mist. 

Phase 3: Replenish
The final part of the morning routine is applying the Realive Serum followed by the Enriching Moisturiser. 
A little goes a long way with the moisturiser, you really do not need a lot. I leave the moisturiser to settle for a minute or so and then proceed to apply my makeup. 

Evening
Phase 1: Renewal
First start by removing all makeup with the Cleansing Oil de Maq and follow by cleansing with the Dew Facial Wash.
I found that this oil is very good at removing all traces of makeup including mascara (BONUS!)

Phase 2: Rebalance
Apply the Energising Conditioner followed by the Refreshing Hydrating Mist. 

Phase 3: Replensish
The final step is to apply the Realive Serum followed by the Enriching Moisturiser.

I am so glad that I got to try out these products. My skin definitely looks and feels more healthy after trying these products and I believe this is all down to the Phase 3 system and the natural ingredients. 
My favourite products from this range were the Cleansing Oil de Maq, Realive Serum and the Refreshing Hydrating Mist. 

Want to try AEOS yourself? The Optimal Essentials kit is available to buy here for £68.

Love, Maddie x

GET TO KNOW ME TAG

Hello again!

So today I am going to be doing the Get To Know Me Tag so you can find out a little more about me.

Me
Nicknames: Maddie, Madd
Birthday: 3rd May
Starsign: Taurus
Occupation: Full time college student, part time receptionist and shop assistant

Appearance
Hair colour: Blonde
Hair length: Medium
Eye colour: Hazel
Braces: I've already had them
Tattoos: None, I'm not 18 and I don't particularly want any
Piercings: Two in ear lobes, nose and belly button
Left or right handed: Left

Favourites
Film: I literally don't have a favourite but I'm into comedies and horrors
TV show: KUWTK, Corrie
Book: Paper towns
Drink: SMOOTHIES
Shoes: Vans
Restaurant: Oooo anywhere that serves pizza and pasta
Holiday destination: Has to be EGYPT!!! This year will be my 8th holiday there

Currently
Feeling: Ridiculously tired
Single or taken: Taken
Watching: The Sacconejolys
Wearing: Cosy rabbit onesie from Primark!
Listening to: Nothing atm
Eating: The last thing I ate was a Mcdonalds.. healthy I know

Randoms
Time spent getting ready in mornings: About 45 minutes
Favourite YouTubers: Sacconejolys, Emily Canham, Jake Boys, Zoe and Alfie, Joe, Hannah Renee, Chloe Morton, Eve Bennett (I HAVE SO MANY TO LIST!)
Number of selfies taken a day: I take selfies on good face days
Where do you want to live? London
Favourite artists: Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Justin Bieber
Hobbies: Graphic Design and watching YouTube


So that's the end of this post, I hope you enjoyed reading a bit more about me.
I will have some product reviews up by the end of the week and maybe a small beauty haul, who knows!

Love, Maddie x

WOULD YOU RATHER BEAUTY TAG

Questions:

1) If you had £1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup? 

I'd have to say makeup because there is sooooo many products that I am desperate to try out!

2) Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Well we don't have a Sephora in the UK so it would have to be MAC. However, if I had the choice I'd choose Sephora because there is so many brands to choose from.

3) Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

I'd definitely have to go without nail polish. I don't know what I'd do without makeup.

4) Would you rather have no eyelashes or no eyebrows?

No eyebrows because I fill mine in anyway! I wouldn't be able to apply false eye lashes every day haha!

5) Would you rather use just one eye shadow colour or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

I'd have to say one eye shadow colour because I tend to use the same colours daily anyway.

6) Would you rather have Kylie Jenners lips or Cara Delevignes brows?

CARAS BROWS! Gosh, that girls brows are on fleek.

7) Would you rather only wash your hair once a month or only brush your teeth once a month?
This has to be the grossest question. I'd say only wash my hair once a month because you can use dry shampoo. 

8) Would you rather throw away your entire makeup collection or your entire skincare collection?

I have so much more makeup products so I'd say I'd have to get rid of my skincare collection.

9) Would you rather have a faint monobrow that you can't remove or a faint moustache that you can't remove?

Hmmmm... I'd rather have a faint monobrow lol!

10) Would you rather have a bad haircut or a bad hair colour?
I'd rather have a bad haircut because eventually it would grow out and you can always tie it up so it's not on show.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed answering these questions! 

Please let me know some of your ideas for future blog posts! 

M x