Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion Gradual Tanner

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion Gradual Tanner, £4.99

Summer is literally just around the corner which means the weather is drastically starting to heat up. Over the weekend, in London, it was two of the hottest days of the year reaching heights of 30c. This means shorts and t-shirt weather and, unfortunately for me, isn't good. I wouldn't say I'm super-albino pale, but I'm not the tannest (?) of people and I certainly am not the quickest tanner in the world. Which is why I turn to fake tans!

Now because I'm still in school and have got around seven weeks left before I break up for the holidays, I didn't want to get a full-on instant just-been-to-the-Caribbean type tan. It would look just a bit too fake and unrealistic. I was looking around Boots the other day to find the cheapest yet decent gradual tanner I could find. I say cheapest because I am going to try out more and spending over £20 on something I'm not crazy about is just a waste, in my opinion. Anyway, I found the Dove Summer Glow gradual tanner which, on the bottle says it works wonders.

On the bottle is says that the Dove Summer Glow is a "moisturiser with a subtle self-tanner to gradually build a beautiful tan". Great! Moisturising the skin whilst making it look nice and golden.

But, does it actually work?

Yes, I believe it does. For starters, my skin is so much softer from using this product when, previously, I have been using the cocoa body butter from the Body Shop. It also does make me look much brown than I was before. I apply it after I have a shower, everyday, and literally whack it on everywhere rubbing it in circular motions (like suggested).

Tips and advice:

• Make sure you wash your hands INSTANTLY afterwards. You don't want to wake up with bright orange hands do you!
• Don't apply much onto your knees or elbows as small fake tan lines will start to appear and that is  not a cute look.
• Be patient! Wait for it to dry before getting dressed!

Overall, I really like this product and would most definitely re-purchase.

I'm sorry for the lengthly review, but I hope it does help some of you out there. If you would like to buy this product, click here for Boots or here for Superdrug. Boots currently have a 3 for 2 sale on at the moment, so I'd check there first, yet Superdrug have it on discount.

Talk to you soon :)

Suzanna x

UPDATE

I have a new favourite gradual tanner: read about it here!

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Mint Candy Apple is undoubtably one of Essie's most popular nail polishes. The number of beauty gurus on YouTube I've seen mention it is crazy! What persuaded me to get it was, in fact, Eshani with her recent "summer nail polish favourites" video - here. The colour is gorgeous, and nothing like I have.

The end result was amazing, and I only needed one coat! However, I did have problems with the application. I had to take it all off and re-apply it as the formula is so runny and extremely hard to work with. After several attempts I managed to get it presentable enough for a photo. It is definitely one of the those polishes you need to take your time with and not rush...which is what I did, unfortunately. Currently, looking at my nails - my left hand is perfect (understandably as I am right-handed) yet my right hand is crap. My impatience when it comes to applying nail polish is unforgivable. This might sound terribly snobby, but I think I'm going to ask my mother politely to do my right hand for me. It just aint happening'. Perhaps it's just the bottle I picked up, or maybe I'm just not used to Essie polishes!

You can buy Essie polishes online and in store from Superdrug and Boots and they cost £7.99 each. Reasonably price when compared to other high-end brands such as OPI (a staggering £11.50) and Debborah Lippman (nearly £20)!

Suzanna xoxo

PS. One again, I'm sorry for the lack of posts! GCSE's are killing me right now.

L'Oreal Mega Volume Collagene 24hr Mascara

L'Oreal Mega Volume Collagene 24hr, £9.99

On my recent shopping trip (haul here) I picked up the new L'Oreal Mega Volume Collagene 24hr mascara for £9.99 at Superdrug. The website says that it had a mega brush, a unique "collagen enriched formula" and creates an amplified lash impact.

Have a look for yourself...

The first thing I noticed when applying it, was the crazy length it gave. I have small eyes and I found this a problem for me as it kept touching my eyelid which isn't good. It also deposited a lot of colour there as you can see in the first image. Normally, I go for more thickening mascaras rather than lengthening mascaras; yet I didn't know this before purchasing. I chose the colour Extra Black as I love really black mascaras and you could really tell the difference compared to a regular black mascara. Despite the length being an issue, I love the volume that it gives. My only issue is that I found it clumps a lot. From the first picture, you can see that some of the lashes practically stick together. To overcome this, try using a spoolie - or even a clean mascara wand - to separate the lashes.

Overall, I do think it's worth the £9.99 yet I don't think I would repurchase.

Have a great week!

Suzanna x

Cat-eye makeup tutorial

Products Used
MAC Paint Pot in Nubile http://bit.ly/Lj7d3p
MAC Paint Pot in Idylic
Clinique eyeshadow duo
Maybelline Master Precise liquid eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in Perversion http://bit.ly/JuyRiP
Avon SuperSHOCK gel liner in Blackest Black
Maybelline Illegal Length mascara http://bit.ly/Ju8e83
Maybelline The Falsies Flared mascara http://bit.ly/K2xyq8
MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Semi Precious Crystal Pink
No7 eyebrow pencil in Espresso
MAC Brow Set in Clear

1. Start with priming your eyelids, for this I used MAC's Paint Pot in Nubile however a similar alternative would be MAC's painterly paint pot or Urban Decay's primer potion.
2. Apply a dark plum shade to your crease; I used MAC's Paint Pot in Idylic to do this. Make sure you blend it so you see no harsh lines.
3. With a light brown, run it through the crease. Then with a light frosty champagne colour, apply it all over the lid with a flat shader brush. Go back with the light brown to blend any edges and to define the crease that extra bit more. Using a matte white shade, put this under the brow-bone and blend it into the crease colour. The eyeshadows I used are all from Clinique. Then with a champagne colour, I used MAC's Mineralise Skinfinish in Crystal Pink, put this in the inner-corner to brighten your eyes.
4. Using a liquid eyeliner, for this I used Maybelline's Master Precise, run it along the upper lash line. Start with a thin line and then build it up to a more thicker line. Create a cat-eye effect by continuing the eyeliner above your eye (see picture) as far as you wish.
5. Tight-line using your favourite black eyeliner and then line your waterline. I used both Urban Decay and Avon liners for this as I find they have the best staying power.
6. Curl your lashes and apply mascara to the top and bottom. I used Illegal Length for the bottom lashes and The Falsies Flared for the top lashes.

Hope you liked this! :)

Suzanna xoxo

Fashion and beauty haul

I am so sorry about the lack of posts this week! I've just had so many exams and have had to use my free time revising like crazy. Now that they are over until late June, I thought I'd do as many posts as I can starting off with a major haul. I went to Guildford today and they one of the best shopping complex's I know. I went to Urban Outfitters, DKNY,House of Fraser (department store), Boots and a really awesome American candy store which I am in love with. Let's start...

From department store House of Fraser, I got a Clinique High Impact mascara and a new Clinique "Take The Day Off" makeup remover. This is my third one in two months - not good. But it is the best. In Boots I got two Essie nail polishes; one in Mint Candy Apple (mint colour, obviously) and the other in Tart Deco (light coral). I got some essentials including a Nivea deodorant and a Nivea lip balm. I also picked up LO'real's new mascara called Mega Volume Collagene 24hr which is said to be amazing! My old eye lash curler broke, so I picked up a new one, and finally I got the Dove Summer Glow moisturiser with a subtle self tanner. I can't wait to review it for you.

And because I spent over £30 on Clinique products, I got a free gift which is pretty awesome! In the pretty makeup bag I got a lipstick, an eyeshadow duo, a sample of a Clinique mascara, a corrector pen, deep comfort hand cream and a rinse-off foaming cleanser. Sweet!

There was also a DNKY Jeans store so I picked up this khaki denim jacket for a really amazing price. Normally they are pretty expensive so I'm very happy with this. They only had a size XS in stock, but I tried it on and it fits perfectly - I'm a size 8 so I didn't think it would fit!

I went into my favourite clothing store ever, Urban Outfitters! I didn't take a picture of the stuff I got because it's all packaged nicely and it would take a while to get nice photos, so I'll just list them. I was in need of a new school bag as the one I got from Egypt last summer had broken completely. I saw a really gorgeous black bag (£49) and knew I had to get it. Plus, it fits A4 folders in which is a must! I got two aztec style t-shirts (both £28 each which is pretty hefty) and a cross shaped necklace for £8. 

Wouldn't it be great if Primark and Urban Outfitters could switch price tags?

Lastly, I went to an American candy store that sells, not just candy, but everything! I saw loads of condiments, drinks, cereals, food (mind you, they did look disgusting) and rows and rows of sweets and chocolate. Being a major peanut butter fan I got some peanut butter M&Ms as well as Reece's peanut butter cups (not in picture). My mum also got this Oh Henry fudge bar.

So, thats it for today! I hope you liked this. If you want me to review any of the products shown let me know in a comment. And again, I'm sorry for the lack of posts!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I'm so sad One Tree Hill has ended. I've got the theme song stuck in my head! Listen here.

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara

I picked this up yesterday at Boots for around £6 along with an new liquid eyeliner that I'm completely and utterly obsessed with (review will be coming soon!) and some new boring hair stuff. Luckily, they were having one of their 3 for 2 deals that I love and can't stay away from. Anyway, I decided to give the Maybelline Illegal Length mascara a try as I've read some positive reviews about it online and I wanted to see what all the 'hype' was all about.

Sorry for the rubbish picture quality :'(

The length that it gives my lashes is amazing, it's not over the top but it looks really nice and full. Another thing I love about it is the fact it hardly clumps. My old favourite, the Maybelline falsies flared, clumped so much; which is fine for a night out but it doesn't look right during the day in my opinion. This mascara however doesn't clump which is awesome. The brush is a nice, long shape and the point can reach into the lashes in the corner or even the bottom lashes without touching your skin. Personally I've always had a problem with the mascara wand touching my eye, but this one doesn't do that thankfully.

When it comes to mascara, I think that the "drugstore" (Boots and Superdrug) brands are equally as good as the high end brands. You don't keep a mascara forever, so I don't see the point in investing in a £24 mascara! That being said, I am thinking about purchasing the Benefit They're Real mascara as everyone raves about it. If that makes me a hypocrite, then so be it ;)

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I've got exams this week so my next post will be on Saturday! Wish me luck!

Nails Inc. "Tate"

It was in my recent April favourites (here) and I love it so much that I thought it deserves its own special post. Plus, it's Friday so I can keep it on for 3 days!!! My school seriously sucks when it comes to "appearance" and what we can and can't wear. Does nail polish really affect our education? No.

Anyway, here's a few pictures of Nails Inc. in the shade "Tate"...

Keep in mind, that I only applied one coat! *gasp*

I'm going to be wearing this non-stop when summer comes around.

As for the price, it costs a pretty steep £11. I'd only buy expensive nail polish if it's a colour that I know I'd always enjoy wearing. You'd never see me buying a £10+ glitter or holographic nail polish because I know for a fact that I won't always like it. "Tate", however, is a whole different story. On the Nails Inc. website it's described as a "sophisticated" colour that brings any look together. I'm sure you could probably find a decent dupe, yet the quality of these polishes are indescribable (but I am going to try my best here). I only needed one coat to get a full, rich opaque colour which is fantastic. It applies so easily, almost as if it's a gel. Love, love, love! <3

Have you tried any Nails Inc. polishes? What are your favourites? I have literally just placed an order for the shade "Baker Street" - Beyonce's acclaimed favourite polish!

Suzanna xoxo

Floozie by Frost French "Darling, are you balmy?"

I'm always up for trying new lip products, especially now that summer is coming up. As much as I love my Revlon Lip Butters, I'm looking for a new-found obsession that fits my ideal lip criteria: firstly, it has to have a gorgeous colour and secondly, has to be some-what moisturising and not drying.

I was digging through my box of un-used gifts/makeup and found an appealing box filled with three lip balms inside.

It's called "Darling, are you balmy?"* and is by Floozie by Frost French - a brand exclusive, I believe, to Debenhams here in the UK. Intrigued, I opened it and the colours were so interesting! A bright red, pastel lilac and a baby pink. I got swatching.

As you can see they are very sheer. In fact, the red was the only one that I was able to swatch because of this. The other two were practically invisible! However, they are really easy to apply and don't feel drying which is always a positive thing. On terms of moisturising (like a lip balm is meant to do) they don't do a very good job. When you first apply, they feel nice and cooling yet after literally five minutes the feel, and colour, has vanished. In addition, on the box it says they are "delicately fragranced". Never mind the strawberry, cherry and vanilla scent it claims, they all smell like sweets!

Despite this, the packaging is adorable! But that's the only positive thing I have to say about them, if I'm completely honest with you. And in all fairness, the packaging doesn't even matter.

Overall Thoughts
Product: 2/5
Pigmentation: 0/5
Texture: 3/5
Longevity: 0/5
Application: 3/5
Packaging: 5/5

Have you tried any Floozie products before? What do you think?

Suzanna xoxo

(A rather late) April favourites!

1. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman powder brush
2. MAC 129
3. Colgate Wisp mini portable brushes (life saver!)
4. Nails Inc nail polish in Tate*
5. Moroccan Oil
6. LO'real gel eyeliner
7. Garnier Anti-Puff Roll On*
8. NARS bronzer in Laguna
9. Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black
10. MAC brow set in Clear
11. Revon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
12. MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
13. Clinique Anti-Blemish moisturiser*
14. Moov Massage Cream*
15. MAC Blot Film
16. Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

★ 

Non-beauty favourites
- The song Payphone by Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa. To me, it's the best song I have heard this year, I absolutely love it. I've never really liked Maroon 5 before, but I do now!
What do you think of the song?  Have a listen here!
- Instagram for iPhone. It's the best app there is.
- Magazines! My favourites this month have been Company and Elle.
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Yes, it's one of those books everyone hates because they've studied it at school and yes, I am studying it at a school but I really like the story!
- My YMCMB grey hoodie. It's perfect for lounging which is what I love to do.

That's it! I hope you all have a wonderful May :)

Suzanna xoxo

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion by Urban Decay

Yes, another Urban Decay product review. Sorry!

Eyeliners are my favourite makeup product and with Urban Decay being one of my favourite brands, I thought I'd give their re-vamped black shade Perversion a try. I got mine from House of Fraser (where I buy pretty much all of my high-end makeup from) for £13.

To me, that's pretty expensive for an eyeliner, but I decided to buy it anyway...

Urban Decay claims that it is "creamy and brilliant been waterproof" - that doesn't make sense, but they do say its waterproof. I agree that is is creamy but I wouldn't say that it's waterproof. The online description also goes onto say that it "dries down to a long-lasting finish that will not budge". I do agree with the whole 24/7 concept behind the product.

When swatched, it looks really vibrant and pigmented. Note: I did try and take a picture but the footage crashed and it looked blurry and crappy. Google other images. Anyway, the swatch looks really pigmented and black. I had high hopes. When I applied it - to my waterline mind you - it didn't come across as vibrant and pigmented as it did when swatched. Perhaps it's because you're meant to put it on your lash line or maybe it just doesn't work with me. It's a shame really. I'm going to try it on my upper lash line and I'll let you know what I think. In addition, I love the range of colours on offer. From neutrals such as black, brown and white to metallics such as silver and tropical hues including blue, green and yellow, their is definitely a shade for everyone. I don't think, however, the quality justifies the hefty price tag. I've just looked and it's nearly $20 in American which is insane. I will probably try out a few more shades as I love the feel of them and they apply really nicely.

What are your thoughts and opinions on the 24/7 liners?

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I just got back from my mini-weekend break. I went with my friend Grace and her family to the New Forest (the south of England, right on the beach) and it was such a fun trip. I did take loads of photos and had some funny and interesting experiences that I might do a separate blog post on if you're interested. Let's just say we explored a legit haunted house...on our own...at night...in the middle of nowhere. It was fun! More blog posts are coming soon :)

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

Urban Decay are one of my absolute favourite makeup brands and when I found out they had a powder (yes, I'm late on the bandwagon here) I knew I had to try it.

The De-Slick Mattifying Powder claims that "the lavender shade applies invisibly" to blot oil and keep shine at bay. In addition, it says that it's translucent, meaning that it works with every skin tone. I've always had a problem with translucent powders: they always leave a slight white-cast to the face! This is why I normally go for coloured powders (such as the MAC one review here). Yet, because Urban Decay are one of my favourite brands and despite the several negative reviews I'd read on the product, I thought I would give it a try. I was hesitant to pay the £22, but in the end I resisted. Damn.

I applied it with my Real Techniques powder brush and it instantly removed the shine I had on my face. The best part is that you can't see it! It actually is translucent. It wouldn't bother me if it did leave a white residue (because I'm as white as paper) but it's nice that Urban Decay doesn't lie. And is great for those with darker skin tones. You can kind of see it in the photo, but the powder comes with a lovely powder puff which can be used for touch ups throughout the day. It doesn't pick up too much product which is a good thing as you don't get that "over-powdered" feeling! I definitely recommend this for those with combination/oily skin!

The packaging is gorgeous which is a bonus :)

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I'm going on a mini weekend break tomorrow, so my next post will be on Monday. Have a great rest of the week, weekend and bank holiday!