Collaborative / Partnered Post - Winter Fashion Staples*

Although by UK standards, the weather is pretty mild at the moment, we all know that it won't last, and that winter is almost certainly on its way. Whether you’re heading out to work, hitting the last of the sales, or meeting your friends, more often than not at the moment, you're probably thinking that staying indoors in your onesie is a better option than heading out into cold. Alas life doesn't stop in the winter months and nesting indoors isn't an option for most people, so think about your wardrobe, your outfits and your accessories, and with a little bit of thought you can not only still feel warm and cosy, but you can also look stylish, and put together. even when you don't feel it

So if you're one of those people who likes to hibernate when the mercury plummets, here are a few fashion staples, that will help you face whatever the winter has to throw at you.

Footwear

Footwear can make or break an outfit in more ways one, and whilst letting your beautiful summer shoes spend the season in your wardrobe can be painful, pretty wedges, and sandals, just don't cut the mustard when it comes to everyday winter fashion. Whilst I own a gorgeous pair from Emilio Pucci, let's be honest, wellies are rarely a fashion statement, and whilst they are super practical for the ice and snow, chunky walking boots don't exactly scream style either but if you need them you need them - keep them for the extreme days, and for the days when you want to stay safe and warm, but you don't want to look as though you want to trek up Everest, then boots are your best friend. I love boots and there are so many different types on the market to suit any purpose and any occasion from funky snow boots, to knee highs, and the classic Chelsea boot, to Uggs, Emu's and sheepskin boots, that are perfect for cold, dry days. You can never have too many pairs of shoes, and in my opinion the same applies to boots - the more the merrier.

Jumpers

I think I've mentioned it before but I'm very much an Autumn / Winter girl when it comes to fashion, and one of the reasons why is that I love knitwear. Let’s be honest here, who doesn't love a woolly jumper, especially in the winter months. As much as I love my Christmas jumpers though, it's time to say goodbye for another year and it’s time to embrace something a little more conventional as January comes around. To look and feel great, check out some women’s knitwear that keeps you warm and can fight away the chill of those winter days. Again there are so many different styles to choose from from huge chunky knits, to finer, fitted pieces for layering, embellished pieces for occasion wear, and of course the must have, over sized, boyfriend knit. Jumpers don't have to be dowdy and boring, keeping warm, and looking smart, and put together, can go hand in hand.

Scarves

A winter spent without a warm, fluffy scarf is a miserable (and cold) one, and there’s still time to get your hands on some fashionable neck wear if you’re struggling to get through those winter days. I love all different types of scarves, from fine, to chunky and they are something that I wear all year round, but when it comes to winter scarves, the rule is the thicker and comfier the better, so shop around to find something that you love and something that will work for you. Once you find something that is just right, you won’t want to take it off, even inside the house!

Hats

OK, so most of us are pretty divided about hats. You may put one on and think wow, this is definitely not a look for me. I have to say I'm not a hat person but like red lipstick I do believe that there is a hat out there for everyone, and that if you look hard enough you will find a winter hat that looks perfect, and keeps your ears warm as you head out for some January fun. Woolly hats come in many different shapes and sizes, and you’re sure to find something that suits your needs and the shape of your face perfectly, so don’t give up, and don't be afraid to try something new, be it a beret, a hat that looks like a pandas face, or even a giant bobble hat, your perfect winter hat is out there somewhere.

Coats

It goes without saying that you’re not going to head out into the winter air without a perfect coat to keep you warm - if you don't have a decent coat then you may as well stay indoors. As any coat fanatic will know, there are plenty of different styles out there, from puffer coats to their wool counterparts. If you live in a rainy area, aka the UK, then waterproof coats are probably the way to go. A good coat can often be an investment purchase, so think about when you're going to wear it, and the type of weather that you going to wear it in. I personally love a waterproof storm coat, you can get a waterproof outer with a hood, and usually inside you have either a zip off, shorter padded jacket or a fleece jacket that can be worn separately, they are usually a little bit more expensive but with so many ways to wear them depending on the conditions they are well worth the extra investment.

So, if you’re looking for some winter wardrobe staples, then keep these things in mind. Fashion doesn’t have to be compromised in the name of warmth, so shop around, buy wisely, and you'll have some classic pieces that you can bring out winter after winter. What are your winter fashion staples and must haves? Let me know in the comments and make sure your following me on Instagram in the next few weeks to see some of my own personal winter fashion staples x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

Trimming My Stash - August 2019 Edition - Empties And Mini Reviews*

I'm late again but it's empties time! The never ending house sort out continues, and as result I've found a few bags and boxes of beauty things that I'd forgotten about. I've found some press samples, so I've got lots of new reviews coming up, and I also found another box of shower and body products, so I've got more products to use up than I thought - argh!

The Body Shop Frosted Berries Exfoliating Sugar Scrub - 250ml
Femfresh Ultimate Care Soothing Wash - 250ml**
Superdrug Shower Foam - Orange & Satsuma - 150ml
Patisserie De Bain Caramel Whip Hand Cream - 50ml
Dr.Organic Bioactive Skincare Tea Tree Wet Wipes x 20 Wipes
AVON Naturals Kids Bursting Berry Body Wash & Bubble Bath - 250ml
Primark PS... Cuticle Oil - 10ml
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Mask - 10ml

Total - 8 Items

Never mind, I've found a few interesting products, and I had my joint best month of the year so far, when it comes to trimming my stash. In August I managed to finish 8 items, which puts August on par, with both March and April. Although I didn't manage any nail or make up products again, I did manage to finish quite a few body products and a couple of skincare items, and a few things that had been hanging around in the bathroom for some time.

1. The Body Shop Frosted Berries Exfoliating Sugar Scrub - 250ml

First up a long gone, Christmas edition from The Body Shop, and would you believe the last body scrub in my beauty stash bar something that you'll see in an upcoming Glossybox unboxing. I can't believe it, I've actually used up every single scrub in my collection, and considering I had about 7 or 8 at some point, I think I've done bloody well, the only problem is I'm now going to have to go out and buy a body scrub too, so if you have any recommendations for something then please let me know x

I'm quite sorry to say goodbye to this one actually, The Body Shop Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is probably one of my favourite formulations when it comes to body scrub. If I'm being really picky, I prefer a slightly grittier formulation but I still like it, I'll definitely repurchase this particular products in either a permanent scent, or in a limited edition scent.

Frosted Berry, as I say was a festive scent from a few years ago. It had a lovely, slightly tart, fruity, berry scent. It won't be long now before we find out what the 2019 festive scents from The Body Shop are going to be. I'm hoping beyond hope that we're going to get another apple based scent, but I've heard whispers that there might be a pear based scent that I'm already super excited to smell, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. 

2. Femfresh Ultimate Care Soothing Wash - 250ml**

Talking of rediscovered press samples, I've just discovered a few more products from Femfresh in a box I'd forgotten about - me bad! Quite a while ago now I was sent a package of washes and wipes including this one.

Now as you know I can take or leave, specific feminine washes, and wipes, but at certain times of the month they can be really useful especially when you've got some highly scented or sparkly products in the shower.

This pH balanced product is both dermatologically and gynaecologically tested, and contains probiotics, and cranberry extract, and is designed to soothe and cleanse the intimate area.

Texture wise it's a cross between a lotion, and a cream wash, it doesn't have any really scent, and it doesn't really foam that much. It felt comfortable, and non drying, and it's something that I would feel comfortable using all over the body.

The packaging seems to have changed slightly since I received mine but the product and the ingredients seem to be the same. This product retails at around £3.65 from various retailers including Superdrug and Boots.

3. Superdrug Shower Foam - Orange & Satsuma - 150ml

When I first lost my bathtub I went on a quest to find products that made showering a more pleasant, and pampering experience, and one of the products that I've come to love is a shower foam. It doesn't matter what the brand is, loads of foam and bubbles just makes showering a more pleasurable experience.

This one was from Superdrug's fruity range. The dispenser was a little bit stiff so it wasn't the easiest product to dispense but a little bit of pressure produced a lovely moisturising, creamy foam, with a lovely citrus scent that transported back to eating orange ice lollies, when I was a child. It was nice and easy to rinse off, and since you could also use it as a shaving foam it's a real time saver.

Alas this product appears to have been discontinued but Superdrug still seem to do a Fruity Orange & Satsuma Shower Gel that has an RRP of 99p for 250ml. So I'm assuming and hoping, that it smells the same, and it's something that I'm definitely going to pick up in the near future.

4. Patisserie De Bain Caramel Whip Hand Cream - 50ml

Apologies for the photo, but in between finishing this product and photographing it, I lost the other half of the tube! Now I've had a little look through the blog, and I can't find any previous reference to this hand cream, so whilst I originally thought that I got this in an advent calendar, I must have received it in a subscription box.

If I'm honest I'm not quite sure what's going on with Patisserie De Bain as a brand at the moment. It's the little sister brand of Yorkshire based beauty company Rose & Co but recently it seems to have disappeared from their website, and with products from Patisserie De Bain recently appearing in Poundland, it does make you wonder if at least some of the range has been discontinued .You can still find the odd thing on various websites including Superdrug and Fragrance Direct but I can't find anything in the Caramel Whip scent.

This was a really good night time hand cream, it had a slightly sticky, thick, rich and creamy texture, that took a while to absorb and as a result worked perfectly with cotton gloves as an overnight treatment. It had a lovely sweet, slightly sickly, burnt caramel, sugar scent.

As I say I've had a quick look online and I can't find this particular product anywhere, so if you fancy trying it, ebay might be your best bet.

5. Dr.Organic Bioactive Skincare Tea Tree Wet Wipes x 20 Wipes

Next up an item that I received in the April 2019 edition of Pink Parcel. You can read my full review here x They were decent wipes, all be it with a slightly odd tea tree, and fragrance free scent but for what I use wipes for I probably wouldn't repurchase. I'm actually trying to cut down on the amount of wipes that I use anyways so I will just stick to my favourite Primark wipes for now.

6. AVON Naturals Kids Bursting Berry Body Wash & Bubble Bath - 250ml

Even though I'm in my forties now I can't resist cute, and I also can't resist anything fruity or berry scented, so no I don't have a secret child I just occasionally use products from the AVON kids range.

This was a thin translucent, blue purple gel, that you could use either as a bubble bath or as a shower gel. I don't have a bath so I just used this as a shower gel, and it produces loads of creamy bubbles. I'm not sure what berry it was supposed to smell of but it definitely had more of a grape like scent that reminded me a bit of grape bubblegum!

AVON are always discontinuing products and scents so it's not really that surprising that I can't find this particular scent in the latest brochure or online. There are still plenty of other fragrances available though including Playful Pear, Groovy Grape, and Swirling Strawberry. They are retail at a very pocket friendly £1.50 for 250ml so you can afford to treat the little ones or yourself.

7. Primark PS... Cuticle Oil - 10ml

I think that this cuticle oil is probably one of my most finished beauty products over the last couple of years. It's super cheap (£1 a bottle!) and it does the same job as some of the more expensive brands. It's a product that I will definitely continue to repurchase - I've only got about half a bottle left so I think I'm due a Primark trip to stock up - watch this space!

8. Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Mask - 10ml

Finally another product from a subscription box, and this time a face mask from the July 2019 'Holiday Haul' edition of Glossybox. I've already written a full review of this mask which you can read here x It was a nice mask and it's definitely something that I would consider repurchasing.

So there we have it my August empties x If you have any questions on any of the products that I've finished please let me know in the comments x August was a good month for empties so here's hoping that I can do even better in September x

*This Post Contains Both Affiliate And Non Affiliate Links 
**Press Sample

Unboxing Glossybox UK - July 2019 Edition - Holiday Haul*

The first thing that I noticed when I checked my emails this morning, was a dispatch notice for the August edition of Glossybox, and whilst I'm super excited to receive for reasons that will become apparent later in this post, it made me realise that I should actually try and get this post up sooner rather than later. I've actually had the July 2019 edition of Glossybox for nearly a month now, but thanks to life and the heat I haven't managed to talk about it till now. Although it's now been and gone, I still think it's worth posting about because for once I've managed to try nearly all of the products in the box, there is only one that I haven't really tested properly, so I've got quite a few reviews for you all wrapped in one all be it lengthy blog post!

Packaged in the all too familiar pink and black packaging, the theme of the July edition of Glossybox was Holiday Haul The five products in the box are all under 100ml and have all been specially chosen to accompany you on your summer holidays. Alas I don't have a vacation on the horizon but thanks to the nice variety of skin, hair, body and make up products, it means that I can have a mini pampering staycation in my own home.

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam - 30ml - Travel Size - RRP £18

The first item in the box is a product from Hungarian spa brand, Omorovicza. Thanks to various subscription boxes and advent calendars, I've tried a few of their products now including their fabulous Queen Of Hungary Mist, but this one was new to me.

All of their products of their products are based on, and contain thermal waters which are rich in minerals and nutrients. This sulphate free cleanser also contains white lupin to energise and revitalise, copper gluconate to detoxify and regulate sebum production, and apple pectin to add hydration and suppleness.

Designed for all skin types, this product aims to cleanse the skin, without removing moisture, whilst at the same time, maintaining suppleness, leading to a younger looking complexion - bring it on it what I say. It took a little bit effort to squeeze it out of the tube because it was a lot thicker that what I expected. It had an almost aerated type texture. You only need about half the amount that you see in the picture to wash your face with, so even a small tube will last quite a long time. Mix the cleanser with warm water, and apply it damp skin, and you get a lovely, slightly foaming, cream cleanser, that smells incredible it had a distinctive almost perfumed, aromatherapy type scent, with hints, like the Queen Of Hungary Mist of orange blossom and neroli.

Cleanser On Face 

After Rinsing 

It's nice easy to rinse off, and my combination skin, felt clean and almost as though I'd used a moisturiser or some form of hydrating mist. There was no tightness, redness or dryness, just clean, smooth skin. I've mainly been using this as a morning cleanser or on the nights when I don't wear make up, but apparently you can also use it to remove make up. This 30ml travel size retails at around £18, and the full 150ml size retails at £52, so this isn't the cheapest of products on the market but it's definitely one that I would consider using again in the future. If you fancy trying it for yourself it's available from various retailers including Look Fantastic, Feel Unique and Space NK

Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion - 20ml 

Next up the one product that I haven't really had a proper chance to try, the Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Natural Bronzer Body Lotion. There were two options available in the Glossybox, the Cocoa Butter version and the Coconut version that I received. Containing no harsh chemicals, no mineral oil, no parabens, no phalates and no dyes, this gradual tanner contains coconut oil, coconut fruit extract, gardenia extract, and a natural vegetable based tanning ingredient.

I'm quite lazy with self tan, so gradual tanners are really my go to, you just use them like a normal body lotion, and you gradually get a subtle golden glow, nothing too obvious but just enough to detract from my normal pink, toned Casper limbs. I can't really say about this ones tanning capabilities because I haven't used it properly or consistently but it a nice creamy, quick absorbing body lotion with a lovely coconut scent that just makes you think of summer. I am actually going to give this a proper go so I'll let you know what I think in a future empties post x This particular size is marked as "not for sale" but the estimated RRP given by Glossybox was £2.49, the full 250ml size retails at £5.99 from various retailers including Superdrug.

Moroccanoil Treatment - 25ml - RRP £13.45

When it comes to hair oil, this product from Moroccanoil has a bit of a cult reputation, and over the it's probably sparked dozens of imitations. Based on argan oil, this alcohol free, hair treatment also contains vitamin E, essential fatty acids, linseed, flax seed and antioxidants. It can be used on all hair types, and on both wet and dry hair, as a styling products, as a finisher, and as a conditioner, it's a real multipurpose product.

The first thing you notice is the smell, it has a very warm, nutty almost spicy scent, that's a real departure from the fresh, and fruity scented oils that seem to rule the market. As far as hair oils go in my experience, this one also has quite a thick, viscous texture, some oils can be quite runny, but this one actually has a little bit of substance. Despite it's thickness, the small amount that you need actually absorbs into the hair quite quickly, and it doesn't leave any heaviness or oily residue. As I say you can use it on both damp and dry hair, I sometime use it on damp hair to add a bit of condition and to help ease out the tangles, and I use it on dry hair to smooth out down the fly aways and to add a bit of shine. I've also recently found it that you can actually add a few drops to your regular shampoo and conditioner to add a little bit of extra nourishment so that's definitely going to be something that I am going to try.

I'm going to be honest and say that this isn't my favourite hair oil (at the moment I'm actually loving L'Oreal Mythic Oil) but I still really, really like it, it does everything that I want it to, and it's something that I'll happily use up, in fact I've just finished a mini bottle of this, so I'm happy to have a replacement. Again the full Moroccanoil range is available from various retailers including Just My Look, and HQ Hair

 Manna Kadar Beauty Bloom Mascara - 10ml - Full Size - RRP $29 / £23

My make up collection is pretty expansive but my mascara collection in particular is bordering on the ridiculous I have at least 10 unopened tubes in my drawer and about 3 or 4 open ones currently on the go, but I am always happy to try a new one. I've a few bits from US based brand Manna Kadar and I've usually been pretty pleased with how they've performed. If you haven't heard of them before they were founded in 2012, and their aim is to formulate luxury cosmetics products using only the finest ingredients and the most innovative technology.

I don't now what it is but mascaras always seem to be one of the most technical and scientifically based beauty products that you can get. It's probably because we want so much from our mascara, we want them to lengthen, to separate and to curl, and we want them to stay on no matter what we throw at them.

Manna Kadar have apparently thought about every aspect of this mascara, the 'cutting edge" spiral design wand contains dense fibre bristle, and reservioirs full of mascara between each individual groove on the wand, to create volume and fuller lashes. As well as being hydrating, paraben free, and cruelty free, the formula is also apparently flake free and contains fibres for even more length and volume.

Mascara manufacturers always make so many huge claims that you really to try something for yourself in order to see how it performs, so I added this one to my 'using right now pile' and I've been using for the last 3 weeks or so - First up some before and after photos

Before

After 

Before 

After

Not the best pics but hopefully you can see some sort of difference between the before and after photos. It not the most dramatic result that you'll ever see but you can see a definite difference, in both the colour, the length, and the definition, and a small difference in the volume and thickness of the lashes. The formulation was a little bit gloopy but it was actually quite easy to apply with out too many dots and smear. I did find that brush got a bit clogged with repeated use, so I did have to wipe it down a few times, to avoid clumping. Given the heat and the humidity that we've had in the UK over the last few weeks, I was actually quite impressed with how well this formulation actually lasted, there was very little running or smearing, and I still ended up removing mascara at the end of the day, even the rest of my make up had given up the ghost - it definitely isn't waterproof though as I accidentally discovered when I went the shower and washed my hair whilst still wearing it - lets put it this way, I was doing my best Kung Fu Panda impression! As I say this wasn't the most earth shattering mascara that I've even used so I don't think that I would go to the trouble of repurchasing it directly from Manna Kadar, but it's decent and I'll definitely finish the tube.

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Face Mask - 10ml - RRP £1

Finally one of my favourite things at the moment, a face mask, and again every box received one of two face masks, and the one I received was the Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Peel Off Mask, which contains antibacterial tea tree, and calming and soothing witch hazel, and is specially designed for oily and problematic skin.

Peel off masks are fabulous for deep cleaning your skin, and this claims to help remove all of the dirt and debris from your skin, whilst tightening pores, and preventing new blemishes. Since I'm in the middle of that TOTM my skin has gone a little haywire, so it was the perfect time to give this a try.

Mask On Application

Mask When Set

After Removal

Like a lot of peel off masks the product inside the sachet, had a runny, sticky gel like feel. It was a translucent green in colour, and had a slight, fresh tea tree scent. There was more than enough mask in the packet to apply a decent, layer to my face. The key with these masks is to apply a thin even layer if you want it to dry properly. This isn't the type of mask that you can wear in the bath, and I would also avoid using them in a warm, damp or humid environment, for example when we have weather like we had last week! The packet said the mask should be set within 10-15 minutes but it actually took nearer 30 last week for this mask to dry completely. It was easy enough, if slightly sticky to peel off, and unlike a lot of the charcoal peel off masks on the market at the moment it wasn't painful to remove, and it didn't cause any real redness. Once I'd rinsed my face to remove a little bit of excess residue, my skin looked and felt cleaner and clearer, and I might just be my imagination but my pores didn't look quite as obvious. This was a nice mask that would perfect for anyone with oilier or more problematic skin, and anyone that just wanted to clean and refresh their complexion. This mask is a Boots own brand product, and this sachet retails at just £1, you can also buy a 50ml tube for around £3.50.

I can honestly say that this was another decent box from Glossybox x I've got to be honest and say that it didn't really excite me too much when I first open it but after having a play with the products over the last few weeks, whilst there were no real standouts here are a few really decent products in it, I will definitely consider repurchasing the Omorovicza cleanser, and the Boots mask is a really good bargain buy. 

As I mentioned in the introduction I am already pretty excited for the August edition - I've seen a few pictures, and since August is Glossybox birthday month, it looks like a good, sparkly one, so if you fancy trying out Glossybox for yourself and getting your hands on the sneak peek HUDA Beauty Strobing Metallic Lip Gloss, then use my link and get subscribed x Let me know what you think about this box in the comments, and let me know if you're as excited about the August box as I am!

*This Post Contains Both Affiliate And Non Affiliate Links

Trimming My Stash - June 2019 Edition - Empties And Mini Reviews

The one constant so far in operation Trimming My Stash 2019, has to be inconsistency! After a slow start, I managed a few good months, but then it all seems to have gone down hill again.

Boots Ingredients Sheet Face Mask Charcoal & Willow Bark - Cleansing & Purifying - 1 x 20ml Sheet Mask
The Body Shop Spiced Apple Softening Body Gel-Lotion - 250ml
Lush Santa's Belly Shower Jelly - 100g

Total - 3 Items

June was officially my worst month of the year so far, I only managed to finish 3 items, 1 single use skin care product, and two Christmas themed products that I'm pretty sad to have finished..

1. Boots Ingredients Sheet Face Mask Charcoal & Willow Bark - Cleansing & Purifying - 1 x 20ml Sheet Mask

First up a face mask, and even though I still have lots of masks in pots and tube, at the moment I'm making an effort to try and use up some of the sachets and sheet masks that I have in my skincare crate.

I think this mask probably came in a subscription box, and apparently it's an award winner. Containing charcoal and willow bark, juniper, grapefruit and orange it's designed to cleanse, purify and revitalise the skin. 

The sachet contains a strong but very wet paper sheet mask, with a slightly astringent scent. Initially it felt quite cooling on the skin but I then experienced a slight tingling sensation, which quickly subsided. After 15 minutes the mask was still very wet so I massaged the remaining liquid into my face and neck. At first my skin felt quite tacky but the excess liquid gradually absorbed into the skin.

There was a slight pinkness to my skin immediately after removal but apart from a slight tightness my skin felt fine, it looked and felt less oily, and it felt refreshed and almost squeaky clean

This mask isn't the most hydrating treatment that I've ever used so I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone with a drier skin. If your skin is oilier though, then this a perfect mask for you - it combats oiliness and it leaves your skin looking clean and clear. This sheet retails at £2.50 and available from Boots stores and online.

2. The Body Shop Spiced Apple Softening Body Gel-Lotion - 250ml

Whilst my love for The Body Shop's Spiced Apple, will never quite come close to my love for their Glazed Apple range, it's still a mouthwatering scent with hint of sweet, yet tart apple, combined with Christmassy apple pie spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.

This product in whatever scent that you choose is perfect for lazy body lotion users. As much as I love my body butters you don't always have time to wait for it to sink in, and in the summer you don't always want anything that's too heavy or sticky, that's why this cream - gel formulation is perfect. It feels slightly cooling on the skin, and whilst it absorbs really quickly, it actually really hydrating. It was a little bit difficult to get the last bits out of the bottom because the pump wasn't quite long enough but I still loved it, I love the ease, and convenience and of course I loved the scent. Alas Spiced Apple is long gone from The Body Shop shelves but I can always live in hope that The Body Shop bring back another apple based scent from Christmas 2019.

3. Lush Santa's Belly Shower Jelly - 100g

My final empty from June, is another festive product and this time it's something from Lush. When I first lost my bath it meant that I have to say goodbye to a lot of Lush products, and whilst I still miss my bubble bars and bath ballistics, their loss has being slightly tempered by fun shower products like this.

Containing seaweed, apple juice, star anise, red grape juice, orange flower, neroli, bergamot and rose, this fab jelly has a lovely spicy, fruity apple based scent. You only need a tiny bit of this squidgy, translucent red jelly mixed with warm water on a sponge, or shower scrunchie to produce a mountain of creamy bubbles. Although it tempting to use a lot, you really don't need to so this little pot lasts for ages. It seems to be a pretty regular item so fingers crossed that it makes a reappearance this festive season.

So there you go, a short and sweet June empties post. I was slightly disappointed to only finish 3 items last month but things can only get better from here on it, and hopefully I'll managed to finish a few more items this month. If you have any comments or questions on any of the product that I talked about in this post, then please let me know below x 

A Very Late December 2017 Primark Haul - Clothes, Beauty, Disney And More

Okay it's catch up time, and it's haul time. I know from the feedback that I'm getting from your giveaway entries that you love a haul, and a lot of you love nothing more than a Primark haul so in the interests of giving you what you want that exactly what I've got for you today, a late and all be it quite small, Primark haul.

It seems like a lifetime ago since I was last in Primark, and in a lot of ways it was, this stupid virus seems to have sucked the life out of me, but thinking back to happier times, I did manage to go to Primark twice in December and whilst I didn't by a lot I did buy a few bits that you might still be able to get your hands on.

This blouse was actually new in, and even though we probably still have a few more months of winter left to go, there are Easter Eggs in the shops and Primark is full of spring and summer florals. Way back in September of 2016 I bought a long line sleeveless blouse from Primark (you can see it here) and I fell in love with the floral and bird design, and whilst the print on the blouse isn't identical it's pretty similar.

Featuring an oriental style floral, and crane print, this navy blue blouse is quite sheer, so I probably will need to wear a navy vest underneath it but again I love the print and given my love of shirts and florals it was a must have. It was only £7.

Next up a couple of staples, and over the last couple of months of so I've become slightly addicted to Primark's stripy t-shirts and when I was last in store I spotted some new colours. The first one is in the Long Sleeve Stretch Crew style and I got it in a white and blue marl for £4

and I also got one of the Short Sleeve Stretch Crew T's in a navy blue and white Breton style stripe for £3.

I've got quite a few of these t-shirts now and they've became a real wardrobe staple for me. They are nice and stretchy, and they are a good length and they are perfect for layering. I'm sure the price has gone up slightly but they are still great value for money.

Something else that was great value for money was this pair of boots. After I wore my previous pair of black chunky ankle boots out I was looking for a replacement, and these boots from the As Seen In Glamour range fit the bill perfectly.

With a working side zip fastening, these boots have a faux zip on the front, and faux pearl and stud detailing down the front. These boots have a nice chunky sole and good grips so they'll be perfect for the colder days that are still to come. Even better still I got these boots for only £6! They had been £16 and they were just been moved to the sale rack when I went in - perfect timing and a great bargain!

Sticking with the winter wear theme I couldn't resist picking up yet another woolly hat. I'm definitely not a hat person but I have a bit of a thing for cosy winter hats. I have several animal ones and I'm pretty partial to a bobble hat. I got a lovely mustard one from Quiz a few months ago and this black with a huge multi coloured faux fur pompom on the top called to me, and since it was only £3 I popped it into my basket

That's it for clothes, shoes and accessories but I did get a couple of jewellery pieces including another long line disc / circle necklace.

This one features both silver tone and gold tone pendants so it fits right in with the mixed metal trend. It features a combination of plain and crystal studded bars, circles and discs and it was only £2.50.

As much I love longer length and chunky necklaces, I'm also a big fan of more delicate pieces, and this one from Primark's Disney range was right up my street.

On a much shorter chain it's basically a Mickey Mouse head inlaid with a coloured stone representing a birthstone. I'm a May baby so mine is a deep green emerald, and as much as I would love this to be a real emerald, for just £3 I think this is probably just glass or crystal. It's really sweet and I've got to say I'm loving all of Primark's Disney collaborations, and I'm particularly loving their Beauty And The Beast range.

Beauty And The Beast is definitely one of my favourite Disney films and I've been loving all of the Mrs Potts and Chip pieces. The proper teapot still remains elusive but I did manage to pick up this Chip Trinket Dish on my most recent visit.

It basically a mini ceramic Chip mug which is attached to a ceramic saucer. It's perfect for keeping your rings and earrings safe, and you could even pop your change into it. This was £5 and like the other pieces in the range it's really nicely made.

I know I've said this about a dozen times over the last year or so, but when it comes to beauty, Primark are really upping their game, and every time I go in they have something new to look at. Before Christmas I noticed that they were stocking a new range called Holler And Glow, which from what I gather is a skin and body care range that is exclusive to Primark. They seem to do a lot of sheet masks but I went for one of their foot masks.

I'm slightly addicted to these slightly gross, slightly amazing foot peeling masks, and this Holler And Glos Purrfect Pedi Sock Mask which was £4 is definitely one of the cutest that I've used. I tried it out on Boxing Day and I'll let you know what I think in my upcoming December empties post x

Next up a make up item, and I'm going to be honest and say that I'm pretty disappointed with this. I'm not sure what I was expecting in all honesty but this just didn't wow me.

I think it was the silver glitter, outer packaging that drew me in, and the beautiful pink ombre of the powder.

Take it out of the box though and your left with quite basic clear, plastic packaging without a sparkle in sight.

I don't know what I expected this to be, maybe a beautiful pink ombre, shimmery highlighter and blush, but what I got was something completely different. just a matte very pale white / pink powder.

I know there is currently a trend for matte highlighters and illuminating finishing powders so maybe that is what this is. The pigmentation is fine and it feels nice and soft to the touch it just isn't what I thought it would be. That's why we need testers I guess, still it was only £3 and I'm sure I will find a way to use it.

My final purchases were both cleansing wipe based; On my first visit I went into a mild panic because I couldn't find my favourite tea tree wipes ANYWHERE! so I ended buying some of the PS Micellar Facial Cleansing Wipes For All Skin Types instead, and whilst I wasn't expecting a lot, over the last week or so these wipes have been a god send. They are very gentle on the skin and they were quite soothing on my irritated and flu ravaged skin. I eventually did manage to get my hands on some of the PS Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes For Oily & Blemish Prone Skin but I wouldn't hesitate to buy the micellar wipes again for emergencies. All of Primark's own brand wipes retail at just £1 for 2 packs of 25 wipes which is great value for money - I don't use them on my face that often but I wouldn't be without them now for everything from wiping sticky fingers to cleaning up make up swatches, they really are a must have for me.

So that was my late December Primark haul and the way I'm feeling at the moment it might be a little while before I get back into Primark so I will live through your Primark hauls for now, so if you've been to Primark recently and you've either written a blog post or uploaded a video to You Tube I'd love to see what you've bought so link me up x



In the meantime don't forget to watch the accompanying You Tube video which you can either watch above or via this link, and don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know if you have any questions on any of the items that I bought x