October Favourites

Hold up, wait a minute. How on earth is it the month again? I know I'm showing my age when I bang on about how quickly the time is going, but it's true! 

I haven't really discovered a great deal of new finds this month, I've mostly been reaching for old favourites but I have been using a few newbies. Anyway, let's crack on. Here's are the products I've been loving and using throughout October. 

Soap & Glory 'One Heck Of A Blot' pressed powder - £12

I picked this up based purely on the pretty packaging plus I didn't actually have a nice powder compact to pop in my bag. This is lovely, it's translucent and does a great job of mattifying and stopping shine in its tracks. 

Younique 'Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara' - £23

Now, I don't want to say too much about this as I have a full review coming up very soon but holy mascara batman. I seriously don't think been as excited or as impressed with a product in a long long time. This stuff is life changing. For real!!! I've kissed goodbye to my short stumpy lashes. 

Bluesky Gel Manicure Polishes - around £5 each

A very very lovey friend, Claire, bought me my own gel manicure kit complete with UV lamp. Nail varnish on me lasts at the most 3 days before chipping. This kit is incredible. I am currently wearing the beautiful muted brown colour Mudslide and it's been on now for almost 2 weeks without a single chip. I love that I can now do a gel manicure in the comfort of my own home. A massive time and money saver. 

Acrylic Nail Polish Stand - £6.25

On the theme of nail varnishes, I have lots. A serious amount. They were stuffed in a box and I found myself reaching for the same few colours over and over. I did a quick google search and came across these plastic stands on Amazon. Each stand holds around 30 bottles, I ordered one and quickly found out I needed two more. Told you I had a lot! Great way to store & display your collection at a fantastic price too. 

A Beautiful Mess App - 69p

This app is my latest iPhone obsession. Turns photos into cute & quirky personalised masterpieces in seconds. I can't get enough of it! Fantastic price. 

Marks & Spencer's 'Mulled Fruit Tea' - £3.90 for 15

I love anything that remotely tastes like Christmas. This tea is yummy. The bags are actually beautiful, little silky triangle pouches of joy! A lovely festive warning cuppa filled with spiced apple, cranberry and clementine. Perfect.

So that's it for October. What products have you been reaching for this month?

I'm off to reorganise my nail polish collection! 

Love Emma

XOXO 

*post contains affliate links but all opinions are my own

Beauty Tip Tuesday - Just don't pump!

Hands up girls, who opens their mascara tube in the morning and pumps the wand up and down like a woman possessed? Go on, admit it, a bet a fair few of you do?

Well, if you do go a bit Salt 'N' Peppa and 'pump it real good' (or was it push it?) you need to STOP! (Hammer time). Why are you doing it? Whhhhhy? 

All that pumping action does is add far too much air into the tube... meaning that your mascara will dry out super quick. Dry mascara means firstly it won't last as long and secondly it is much much more likely to clump. 

Next time you reach for your mascara, don't pump. If you feel you need more product on the wand gently twist it. Remember if you pump it you might as well dump it! 

I'm off to layer up my lashes, 

Love Emma 

XOXO 

Be your own biggest fan

I've been a naughty blogger recently, last week I posted just the once. A huge difference to my 5-6 posts a week. I was getting a bit stressed out about it, trying to write, trying to come up with great engaging subjects. It just wasn't happening. I wrote a few posts, read them back the next day and decided that they just weren't good enough. It took a lot of huffing and puffing but I figured it best to not post at all rather than post something I didn't really love. 

Even though I felt under pressure I took a step back. The only person applying the pressure was me! Did it really matter that The Daily Rumble was a little less daily? Not at all. 

It kind of got me thinking. Why do we put ourselves under so much pressure & scrutiny? Life is hard enough as it is. There are people out there that find happiness in knocking others down, that make themselves feel better by making someone else feel not so great. Things happen that effect us that are just out of our control. If that's the case then why oh why are we so hard on ourselves? 

Whether it be blogging, hitting the next target at work, loosing weight, keeping up with the Jones' . We often beat ourselves up about the smallest of things. Let silly things get on top of us and ruin our day. 

This week I have learnt that I need to be my own biggest fan. I need to stop stressing myself out over silly things. I need to stop getting cross over insignificant situations. It's kind of like that saying 'if you can't love yourself how can you expect anyone else to'. 

Life is short. Enjoy each and every moment. Learn to just give yourself a break. Chill the F' out. I know this post is a bit of a waffling mess and all over the place but I hope you can see what I'm trying to get at. 

When it comes to blogging I started this adventure for me, no one else. I write for me and only me, if anyone else reads it it's an absolute bonus. Of course I get the biggest buzz when I see that someone has not only read a post but has also taken the time to comment, blogging is a beautiful thing but I shouldn't stress myself out over posting if I haven't actually got anything worth while to post about. 

If you miss your bus or train, it doesn't matter, there will be another one along in 5 minutes. If you drop a jar of chilly powder all over the kitchen (yes, I've done that) don't get angry, laugh it off. If someone backhandedly insults you, don't take it personally. That's more of a reflection of them than yourself. If you're having a bad moment, a bad day just take a step back. Take a deep breath and go get a full fat sugar filled double strength cappuccino *sigh*.  

So, there you have it. A post about not writing any posts! Tomorrow is the next day of the rest of your life. Go enjoy that life and never ever take anything for granted. 

Love Emma 

XOXO 

Silent Sunday 26/10/14

What's In My Memebox #3 - The cutest of cute

So my addiction to the Korean beauty box Memebox is still truly alive and kicking. I currently have 3 boxes on order, one of which arrived this week. Each & every time the pink bubble wrapped box arrives I basically go a little bit giddy with excitement.

If you're not familiar with Memebox here's a little more info: Memebox is a beauty box that offers Korean beauty products - the most popular and latest beauty items direct from Korea - at a great price. Unlike other beauty boxes you don't have to subscribe. You just take a look at their selection and choose the one (or more than one) you fancy. They offer all kinds of boxes from make-up, skincare, body & hair - all containing the hottest, most wanted Asian products.

My latest box was Superbox #62, the Cute Wishlist #3 which cost $29.99 (£18.74) plus $6.99 (£4.37) shipping. The thing I've learnt with Memebox is when you see a box you like the look of you have to order it then & there as the chances are when you go back the following day you'll be disappointed to see that it's sold out. These boxes sell out quick.

I had seen the Cute Wishlist #1 & #2 but both had sold out before I had a chance to get my hands on them. When #3 was released I ordered it quick sharp. The two previous boxes were filled with super cute, obviously, and beautifully quirky items. 

So, let's get on with it. Here's what I got in my box and my initial thoughts. 

As always included was the very handy double sided contents card. As as the packing of the products is in Korean this card is a must to find out what you've got and how to use it. 

Hope Girl Tinted Lip Balm in 'Hot Cherry' - $12 (£7.50)

Adorable packaging! This hot pink, sweet smelling, balm contains co-enzyme Q-10 and shea butter so will hopefully deliver some serious moisture with a pretty wash of colour. 

Shara Shara 'Fairy's Make-up Synergy Sun Cream SPF45 PA++' - $21 (£13.13)

Probably the kitchest packaging I've seen, my daughter would love to get her hands on this. This suncream provides protection against both UV-A & UV-B but also provides a base for makeup and evens out skin tone & texture. I wear a SPF all year round so I'm really excited to try this. It feels beautifully creamy and lightweight and sunk in super quick when I tired a dot. 

ddung 'Family Foam Cleansing Cream in Fruits' - $12 (£7.50)

Another super cute package, Memebox really have hit the nail on the head with the cute theme. This foaming face wash contains extracts of plum, grapefruit, peach, apple, tangerine & blueberry. Basically a fruit salad for the face! Smells good enough to eat. Can't wait to try it out. 

Shara Shara 'Kissing Sugar Lip Scrub' - $7 (£4.38)

This little tin contains sugar & walnut shell along with honey extracts, avocado oil, argan spinosa kernel oil to scrub and moisturise your lips. If only I knew what argan spinosa kernel oil was! Perfect time of the year to try this out. 

Youngwoosa 'Oh! It's Lovely and Soft Cream' - $47 (£29.38)

The most expensive item in the box, a facial cream. It claims to instantly deep hydrate and prevent moisture loss by creating a barrier giving softer, silkier, smoother and healthier skin. Sounds amazing but I'm a bit puzzled why there's a dog on the pot?! 

Tonymoly 'Red Cheeks Girl's Patch' - $2 (£1.25)

Absolutely adore the look of these. They're hydro-gel cheek patches to deliver 'intense moisture relief and a soothing effect to dry rosy cheeks'. They contain rose flower, cherry blossom, apricot, aloe vera, cucumber and green tea extracts. You pop them on your cheeks for 30 mins. Seriously can't wait to use these! 

Once again another really great Memebox, all the items pretty much fit perfectly into the cute theme and I can't wait to put them all to the test! This box cost $36.99 (£23.11) with shipping but the contents is actually worth $101 (£63.13) so really great value. 

This particular box has now unfortunately sold out, but there's a whole selection of boxes in stock. Go have a look (here!). I can't wait for my other two boxes to turn up. 

Do you like Memebox? What's been your favourite item so far? 

Read about my Jackpot Memebox here! 

I'm off to apply my cheek patches! 

Love Emma 

XOXO 

Silent Sunday 19/10/14

Mummy Must Haves!

As a mum of two I'm always on the look at for great kid friendly products. My little boy is now 4 months old and in this short amount of time I've grown to really love a handful of products, so I thought I'd share these things with you. Here are some of my current baby faves! 

Sophie la Girafe Teething Toys (£12.49 & £8.99)

Whilst I was pregnant it seemed that every single baby I came across was chomping down on a Sophie so needless to say I had to get one. I got the classic larger Sophie first but then also picked up the smaller handled one. Ethan holds onto the smaller one really well & loves chewing on all the different lumps and bumps. 

Nuby Bug-a-Loop - (£4.29)

Another great teething toy. This one is also easy to hold and has a really great variety of textures to chew on! 

Water Wipes - £2.49

I've spoken about these before in a beauty post (here). I absolutely love these baby wipes. They consist of 99.9% water & 0.1% fruit extract. If you look at the ingredients of other wipes, even including the sensitive skin varieties or other 'water' based wipes you'll be shocked by the long list of unpronounceable ingredients. These are soft, gentle and do their job perfectly. 

Sudacrem Care & Protect - £3.99 

I like the original Sudacrem but sometimes it's just a bit too thick and heavy for my little one's bum. The newer Care & Protect still provides that protective layer but it's lightweight & sinks in beautifully.

Earth Friendly Baby Calming Lavender Bubble Bath - £5.99  

This organic product smells incredible. I really love the smell of lavender and this is perfection. It creates beautifully soft bubbles & fills the bathroom with a relaxing smell. It's perfect for sensitive skins, contains no yucky stuff and is 99.2% natural. My 8 year old daughter loves this too. 

So, there are just a few of my mummy must haves! What baby product could you not live without?

Read the 'Unwritten Baby Age Gap Rule' here & 'Twenty Ways You Know You're A New Mum' here. 

I'm off to run a lavender bath! 

Love Emma

XOXO 

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Empties - Products I've Used Up #2

I've started to really enjoy writing 'Empties' posts just as much as I enjoy reading them. It really makes me use up products in their entirety. 

I know that sounds obvious but I got into a bad wasteful habit of starting something, using it a bit & then moving onto the next product. My bathroom cupboards were overspilling with half empty items. Now I really try and use something up before moving on, It's a really satisfying actually finishing something all up completely. 

For anyone that's not too familiar, empties posts are simply the products you've used up, meaning you can give a pretty decent opinion on the items. So, let's jump right in. Here are the products I've used up over the past month or so and my thoughts!! 

Body 

Champneys 'Blissful Bump Body Butter' - £10

I had this towards the end of my pregnancy but just didn't use very much. It was nice but I didn't love it, probably because I wasn't a big fan of the smell. I wouldn't say it's a must have pregnancy product. 

Lush 'Lovely Jubblies Breast Cream'  - £16.95

Another product I got at the very end of my pregnancy but just didn't finish until now. Love this super moisturising cream, will repurchase for sure. Smells great, feels even better. 

Soap & Glory 'Sugar Crush Body Scrub' - £8 in a trio 

This stuff smells incredible! It's a beautiful scrub that's just on the right side of scrubby. Packed with brown sugar, sweet lime, almond oil and macadamia grains I enjoyed this and would happily pick up the full sized one next time. 

Champneys 'Spa Indulgence Mediterranean Bliss Bubble Heaven' - £14 in a gift set

Another so-so Champneys' product. Yes it was nice but I wouldn't rush to buy it again. It contains olive leaf, fig milk & green tomato. Not my favourite bubble bath combination! 

I love....'Coconut & Cream Bubble Bath & Shower Creme' - £3

I wouldn't normally include one of the shower gels I had used up but I couldn't leave this beauty out. I love coconut so for me this ticked a major yummy box. Actually a really lovely product for its very affordable price. I've already stocked up with another plus the hand soap in the same scent. 

Soap & Glory Hand Wash - £5 

Classic Soap & Glory scent, a really unmistakable smell. Lovely product. This came in a set with the Hand Food cream which I'm still working my way through.  

Face/Skincare 

SkinCeuticals 'Phlotetin CF Gel' - £119

I got this in my local beauty salon. This lightweight antioxidant serum gel is packed full of vitamin C. A really really beautiful product but on the pricey side. I would repurchase but I'm trying a few other similar products right now.

Simple 'Kind To Eyes Eye Makeup Remover' - £3.49

This was in my last empties and will probably be in my next. A great product at a fab price. Removes eye makeup easily and never stings. 

Garnier 'Fresh Clarifying Face Wash' - £3.60

It was a struggle to finish this, it was nice but not something I'd use again. Very fresh feeling but felt a little drying. Not ideal for my skin type. 

Lush 'Let The Good Times Roll Face & Body Cleanser' - £6.75

I absolutely loved this. It smelt good enough to eat. I found it a little too abrasive to use everyday on my face but for once or twice a week it's perfect. Another product I'll definitely repurchase. 

Lush 'Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask' - £6.50

I really like the fresh face masks from Lush, this one left my skin plump and moisturised. The only downside is because you have to keep it in the fridge I kept on forgetting I had it. I would buy another fresh mask but will give a different one a go next time.

Makeup

bareMinerals 'Perfect Light Mineral Veil' - £20

One of my all time setting powders. Gives your makeup a lovely lightweight airbrushed finish. Perfect for touch-ups through the day too. Have already repurchased it. 

MAC 'Dazzleglass Lipgloss in Like Venus' -£17.50

This is really old, I found it in the bottom of a bag I hadn't touched for ages. I'm pleased I rediscovered it as I'm now reminded what a great lipgloss it is, super long wearing. Once I've used up a few others in my collection I would absolutely buy another. 

Hair

Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo - £2.29

I love me some dry shampoo. It seems like every drugstore brand is releasing their version which is great. This one smelt good, was clear which is a dry shampoo must for me, & did the job. Would happily repurchase. 

So, those were my recent Empties, a real mixture and a lot I would repurchase. Read my last empties post here. 

I'm off to use up some more goodies! 

Love Emma Sim

XOXO 

L  

Silent Sunday 12/10/14

What's in my Birchbox - October

I know I've said it many many times before, that I cannot believe how quickly the weeks are flying by, but I was genuinely shocked when this month's Birchbox was delivered. How can it be the middle of the month already?!

Anyway, let's crack on. For those the are not too familiar, Birchbox is a monthly beauty & lifestyle subscription box. You get around 5 deluxe sized beauty samples and one lifestyle per delivery, from what I've seen not all the monthly boxes are the same. 

The subscription costs £10 a month plus P&P, although the longer you sign up for the better the deal. It's a perfect way to try out new products that perhaps you normally wouldn't or high-end brands that are maybe out of your price range. 

Here's what I received in this month's box. 

Firstly, the box is in collaboration with CoppaFeel, an incredible organisation that remind us that knowing our boobs could save our lives. Their message of 'If in doubt get it checked out' is incredibly important. I lost my amazing mum to beast cancer 6 months ago so this is a subject very close to my own heart. Birchbox are donating £1 for every photo tweeted or posted to Instagram of us copping a feel along with the hashtag #CoopaBirchbox. I will be posting one without a doubt! 

This month's goodies came zipped inside a pretty pink makeup bag. Love this. You all know how I love me some pink, right?

Cattier 'Pink Clay Face Mask' (£4.25).

A mask that is pink? HELLO! This is packed with aloe vera to illuminate and soften your skin, sounds perfect! 

KMS California 'Hair Play Playable Texture' (£15.50)

A decent sized sample. This is a spray for prepping, styling and setting your hair. Looking forward to trying this out. 

Shaveworks 'The Cool Fix' (£11)

This cooling gel treats ingrown hairs & bumps and redness after shaving. It's not a problem I have but good for a hair removal emergency I guess!

Pixi by Petra 'Shea Butter Lip Balm' (£8)

This pretty shea butter packed lip balm is full size, result! Mine is the shade 'Ripe Rasberry'. I've already tried this, just couldn't resist, it's beautifully creamy. 

Meaningful Beauty 'Glowing Serum' (£30.95)

This serum is from the range by supermodel Cindy Crawford so I'm hoping that a few drops will get me catwalk ready. Yes, I have high-hopes! It claims to be radiance-enhancing and anti-ageing. Can't wait to put it to the test. 

This months lifestyle extra was a cute pink lipstick pen. A pen. That's pink. And in the shape of a lipstick. Triple result right there for me. Of course also included was the very handy contents card & Birchbox booklet. 

Another great delivery. I only have one more left on my 6 month subscription and I will absolutely be signing up again. 

Do you subscribe to Birchbox? What did you get in your box this month? 

Read about how I decided to go pink, with my hair, here! 

I'm off to apply my face mask! 

Love Emma 

XOXO