2012 Best & Worst Tag;

Even if I am late in saying so, Merry Christmas and Happy new year! My word the last month has just flown by! Hope you all had an amazing Christmas and new year..

I stole this tag off Emma - Glossy Boutique ..I didn't want to have to do 3 tag's in a row, but sadly they're the only posts I can get away with lack of pictures! Enjoy :)

1. What was your favourite drug store make up brand of 2012?
I can't say I've really used a substantial amount of one brand.. I tried random bits from a lot of different 'drugstore' brands throughout last year, I can't pick an ultimate fav but the three I was impressed with are; No7, L'OREAL and Natural Collection - All for one product each, but I plan to venture more into those brands a little in 2013 (with the exclusion of L'OREAL as I have a few things from them and am generally very bemused by the brand!)

2. What are your least favourite products of 2012?
MUA - Extreme Felt Liner (Absolute waste of time) Simple - Purifying Cleansing Lotion (Unaffected) I didn't really venture into new things so didn't have many things to dislike. 

3. What is the best make up bargain of 2012?ELF Mineral Moisturising Lip Tint (Rose) - £3.75 from here

4. Show your best drug store dupe for 2012.
I don't have any dupes for anything to be honest. 

5. Which drug store products did you buy in 2012 that wasn't worth the hype?
I have to agree with Emma, the Collection 2000 (Now Collection) 'really stupid long name' Concealer.. Maybe if they had a shade that matched my skin I may have had more faith but It was the awkward, lightest shade is too light, the medium is too dark so no point going to the other one.. Saying that, it wasn't just the colour option I had a problem with.. Some may like this fact, but I found it too thick! Okay yeah I get black bags under my eyes and the odd spot.. but I feel this concealer just makes me look worse if anything! (Despite the fact I still have it sat in my make up bag.. Maybe it's time to get rid?!)

6. Which product wins your award for best drug store product of 2012?
Without a doubt, Boujois - Healthy Mix foundation! I can't get enough, I haven't even ran out yet but have still bought another bottle! The only disadvantage is the bottle/tube.. it's like the pump action tooth paste you can get and I've now how the problem twice in that It looks like it still has 1/3 of product left but infact that pump bit hasn't actually gone up to the top (there's probably some trapped in there too) But I just love how it makes me look!

I tag everybody! Leave your links as a comment :) 

Christmas Tag

Our tree :D

1. What's your favorite thing about Christmas?

I've never really known how to answer this question, I just generally like that it makes (most) people happy! + Who doesn't like a few days of relaxation with amazing people and amazing food! 

2. What's your favourite make up look for the festive season?

I don't really have a specific look I would create year to year but this year I'm going for a neutral smokey eye with a red lip ;)

3. Real tree or fake tree?

We've only ever had 'fake' ones over the years, but I do love the look of real ones

4. Giving presents or receiving presents?

Giving for sure! This is the second year I've actually been able to have the money to buy for a few people.. but I'm excited more so to see their faces than to see what surprises await me! (Don't get me wrong, I cannot wait to rip open my own presents like a 5 year old! :p )

5. Do you open your presents Christmas morning or evening?

Morning! 

6. Handmade Christmas cards or bought?

I only used to give out cards at school, and then they were bought. 

7. What's your favourite Christmas film?

The Santa Clause (With Tim Allen) + Love Actually.

8. What's your favourite Christmas food?

I prefer the food on boxing day, all snacky things.. I'm a sucker for Pringles etc..

Found this tag on this blog - Link

I don't tag anyone specifically.. If you'd like to do this tag then just go for it :)

Empies #3

Hi guys, woah.. do you even remember you followed my blog?! It's been just over a month since my last post (whoopsie) I admit I got into telling myself 'I'll do it tomorrow' and a month later I just thought.. I feel the need to sit down and ramble about all things beauty.

So as you can tell by the title this is another 'Empies' post, but I'm doing this one a little different to the last 2 I've done.. in that I'm going to share with you the things I've genuinely finished up this past month. A few I finished in the beginning of December but most all disappeared in November. Grab a drink, this may be a long one..

Hair..

1. Trevor Sorbie beautifully straightened protection shampoo (with heat protection and shine enhancing technology) - I wanna say I was amazed with this, but In honesty I wasn't. Like it seems everything I use, It smells awesome! Quite perfumed, but very luxurious smelling. It lathered up to a usable amount, but I wasn't WOW'd. Repurchase? I have but only as it was in one of the Boots Christmas 3 for 2 and I needed a third thing.
2. Herbal essences Smooth&Soft sensuously smooth shampoo (What a mouth full!) - Who doesn't like Herbal essences eh?! I picked it up as it was half price and I'd run out of whatever I was using at the time, an impulse buy if you will. This lathered up a little more than the TS (above) and as every girl knows, smells heavenly! For me it did what it said on the tin so no complaints. Repurchase? Maybe, but only when it's on offer.
3. Vo5 heat protect styling spray - What can I say, it was a heat protection spray?.. We never really know if these things do what they claim and actually protect our hair against heat damage, but I guess we just use it and assume it does. I was quite happy when I finished this as I personally thought it was too perfumed for a heat protection, If I've used a nice smelling Shampoo and Conditioner I don't really want to mask that. Repurchase? Probably not.

Skin care and moisturisers..

1. Superdrug Cranberry& Pomegranate body lotion - Full review here  Repurchase? Yes, already half way through my next bottle!

2. Simple Kind to skin purifying cleansing lotion - I don't have a lot to say about this, I didn't get on with it at all. Simple is meant to be all gentle and whatnot, but this made my eyes feel all heavy and irritated (whereas I use a body shop cleanser all over my face, including my eyes and that's fine). Repurchase? No!
3. Simple Kind to skin hydrating light moisturiser - Again, I wouldn't say this was anything special. It moisturises my skin like I need it to but It's certainly not a winner for me. Repurchase? I already had a while back, but I won't again.
4. Simple Kind to skin soothing facial toner - It seems Simple are onto a loosing streak.. Yeah okay.. it refreshed my face.. but there are better products out there. I would still use it now to take off eye make up if I didn't have time/ energy to cleanse etc but it's certainly nothing special. Repurchase? Yes.
5. Nivea pearly shine lip balm - Something I actually enjoyed. I rely on lip balms this time of year more than any other time. I like most of the Nivea lip balms, but think I just got this one cause it was pink (is that bad?) Repurchase? Yes.

Finally, the miscellaneous things.. 

1. The Body Shop Shea shower cream - Shea is my favourite scent from the body shop so this was certainly a joy to use. Unfortunately it didn't come with the pump, but I found one on something else I'd used a while ago.. cleaned it out and popped it on (much cheaper with a pump as you only pump out how much you need leading to it lasting a lot longer!) A smooth, lathery, amazing smelling shower gel/ cream! Yum! Repurchase? Already have, a big bottle and a travel sized one.
2. Asda muscle ease bath soak - I don't tend to buy into the gimmick of 'muscle relax/ ease' anymore, I bought it purely cause I'd run out of bubble bath! Baths are more fun with bubbles, don'tcha think?  Don't go all out and get radox.. most of the supermarket own bubble baths smell the same and infact give you more bubbles! Don't let the name fool you! Repurchase? Yes, have since bought the pink one (Moisture soak or something?)
3. Dove Original Anti-Perspiration Deodorant -  My all-time favourite deodorant. It's fresh smelling, doesn't make me choke in the morning (which let's admit, some deo's do!) and I just generally love it! Repurchase? Yes!! Already have.

Have you done any empties posts? I'd love to delve into your thought's upon your rubbish. Links below..
Vicki :) x

Newlook basic lusts..

Hi guys,
I'm having one of those super long boring days with nothing better to do than do some online browsing and I've made up an outfit with things that have been on my wishlist for a while.
These are all pretty basic items, but I like them :)

1. Black mini tube skirt - £7.99 2. Red peplum shell top - £8.99 3. Black glitter bow skinny waist belt -  £3.99

3 Items for £20.97 (minus shipping) Not bad at all! I doubt they'll be sat on a wish list for too long.
Paired with some tights and black heels/ wedges of some sort, you'd be away!

Have you been lusting after anything recently?
Vicki :) x

Empties #2

Everyone loves empties (If you don't, I for sure do!)

Again, nothing too exciting but this time I would only repurchase 3/4

• VO5 Revive me daily 2 in 1 for 'normal hair':
                            - It smells amazing
                            - Lathers up a dream
                            - It can be bought pretty much anywhere.
    But I just prefer others so won't be repurchasing this any time soon.
  
• The Body Shop - Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser:
                            - It's fragrance free
                            - It removes all of my make-up without irritating my eyes or skin
                            - Available in store or online at The Body Shop.
  (Not the best cleanser I'm sure, but It doesn't break me out or irritate my skin/eyes and have therefore re purchased 2 bottles to have 'in stock'.
  
• Soap&Glory - Girlingo, Spray-on moisturising mist:
                            - Does what it says on the tin+ Makes life easier
                            - Smells like the generic 'Soap&Glory' scent
  
                            - It does leave a slight 'film' on the skin but does last all day.        
  As I said, It makes life that bit easier.. when you don't want to faf' with lotions or body butters.. give this a spray and your good to go.

• Clairol Colourseal Conditioning Gloss (The conditioner that comes with hair dye to you and me):
                            - Super conditioning
                            - Smells kind of Coconut'y
                            - You can buy the smaller sizes without having to buy a box of hair dye!
  I personally think my hair looks nicer after the dye has kind of relaxed down, so I don't really use it as a 'colourseal conditioner' But I recently had some hair extensions put in and not even Aussie 3MM would condition them so I thought I'd give this a shot.. and without a doubt it's the best thing I ever did! :)

As always, if you have done a similar post.. link it down below..

Vicki :) x

Haul - 7.11.12

Hi guys, 

So I finally gave in, a week after having been paid.. but I got a few essentials, few Xmas pressies and some freebies.. not a bad days work! :)

I will add prices upon request as there is a fair few things here.

Bottoms - £5 (each) Tops - £3 (each) + Slippers - £2.50

Again, essentials.. can't have too many sets of PJ's now.. and the slippers.. they were just so       freakin' fluffy! :D Although.. they are a little small.. but for £2.50 I'm just gunna go get another  pair (I had to take the tag off to try them on so can't return them *sad face*)

Eee, how CUTE! :D

Not so essential..

Reduced from £16 to £7..

I'm not sure about how it looks but, I added a little black skater skirt and It didn't look too bad so I think it's a keeper.. (I'm rubbish at returns)

Earrings (Claire's) - £5.50 Fake nails (Sainsbury's) - £7

I also recently made an order on Forever21, If you'd like to see what I got let me know and I'll be happy to take and add some more pics :) 

Vicki :) x

Beauty Bloggers Tag

Beauty Bloggers Tag..

Naughty me hasn't blogged again in over a week.. 

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

It's not wavy, but nearing that.. 

2. What is your natural hair color?

Blonde, don't let the roots fool you!

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I dye it myself :) Much cheaper!

4. How often do you wash your hair?

I try to go for every other day, unless there's a special occasion.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

I more often then not have it the same, unless I'm at work then up it goes *thumbs down*

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

When I can be bothered, I do it myself.. Can't afford to go to a salon unfortunately.

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

I don't wear nail polish that often as work don't allow it so this question isn't really applicable to me..

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

I wear polish on my toes all year round!

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

About 10 minutes for every day, longer if I'm going somewhere nice 

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Face

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I collect it, as I don't really like to run out I have little stashes of each thing.

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Only if I'm going somewhere special.

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?
Nope, only really for work and when I go out. I like to let my skin breathe and I'm too lazy to want to take a face of make up off at the end of the day.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

I sometimes wear it if I'm alone, like after work. But more so with family.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?
It depends where I'm going, I won't leave without having curled my eyelashes and put mascara on.. But If a quick trip to Tesco is needed, I'll go without foundation. If I were going to town, it would be a different matter!

16. How many high end products do you have?

Not many, just a MAC Foundation and powder (which I don't actually use all that much anymore)

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

I try to do it atleast once a week (I should probably do it more often, but I'm too lazy!)

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Again; It depends, If I'm going out for a meal or something.. I'd try and plan it the night before. Day to day, I'd decide as I was getting dressed!

19. How often do you change your handbag?

As soon as it breaks and needs replacing haha.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

On a work day I sadly have to get up at 5am, non working days, I aim for 8am atleast.. so I've had a decent lay in and don't get out of routine. + I try to go to sleep around 9/10pm..

21. How often & when do you workout?

As I recently joined the gym, I try go there once a week.. (I haven't been for 3 weeks and I'm going tomorrow..EEK!)

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?
Right-handed.

23. How tall are you?

Around 5ft 3, ish.

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

I'd love to say I could fluently speak Spanish, but sadly I can't .. but I know enough to get me by in a Spanish speaking country.

25. How many pets do you have?
I have 4 cats (madness, I know)

26. How often are you on Blogger?
Again, I aim for once a week atleast.. but sometimes even fail that target (my bad)

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?

Yes, I read and reply to all comments.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
I most certainly do! Although, more often than not they are mental lists and I forget things until I see them in the shop (I should really learn to write stuff down!)

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

It's pretty much my username for everything, and there isn't much behind it really.. I just love simple things!

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

I try to use my friends iPhone(4) most of the time, failing that I use a Nikon D3100.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)
As I still live at home, I only really clean my bedroom.. which I do quite often as sadly my boyfriend is a smoker and manages to get tobacco EVERYWHERE!  

32. What is your favorite color?
Pretty much any shade of pink!

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?
I only really read magazines when I go on Holiday or I'm travelling.. + Then I just get what ever is there really haha.

34. Do you swear?
Too often :/

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
I'm going to write a few my posts for future times when I get a little stuck, have some food! Then get myself an early night .. It's been a long day!

I tag anyone who reads this! Leave your links below!

Vicki :) x