Topshop & Ruby and Millie.

This week it's 20% off Topshop with a student card, so I have taken advantage! I've mentioned before I'm a massive fan of Topshop blushers and although I'm new to cream blushers and have more faith in powder blushers, I absolutely love the colours of the Topshop cream blushers! I already have Pinch and Neon Rose, so I knew I had to add Flush to my collection (and what a collection it is). It's a lovely coral pink, and I don't actually think I have anything else in this colour. It's gorgeous on, I know people prefer to see them on but no doubt you're a bit sick of my face by now. I'm still learning to use cream blushers, I find that it's really easy to get different amounts on each cheek. I sometimes get to work and look in the (unforgiving) mirrors and find that one side is a bit deeper than the other. Definitely need to work on that.
I also bought a powder in Nude 02 which is really nice. I always, always wear powder and I like to try different ones. I have two MAC powders but the majority of my powders are just from Boots or whatever. This is really nice and I find that it's not too soft so it doesn't create a lot of powder when you swirl the brush around, sometimes it's really easy to cake powder on.

I also picked up some Ruby and Millie brushes in Boots, as they're on clearance because R&M is leaving us! RIP. But still, 75% off if there's any left. I got a foundation brush, a lip brush, a cheek brush and two eyeshadow brushes. BARGAINS GALORE. They're all great quality, especially the eye brushes which I would definitely recommend! The makeup has been completely destroyed at work so I haven't got any in the sale, has anyone else picked up any R&M bargains?

Monthly Favourites: MAY.

&. The Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask: I purchased this recently with a £5 off discount voucher from Boots and I've been using it a lot ever since. I love self heating masks and scrubs, and this really relaxes the pores for deep cleansing. It's really good for oily skin prone to blemishes as it absorbs excess oil and also softens the skin.

&. Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel: I usually don't spend much on shower gel but this is quite a big bottle and it smells incredible! The signature S&G scent, if you're wondering, which I love. It doesn't linger but my bathroom smells of it all the time and it's lovely to wake up to in the morning.

&. Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Hand Creme: I posted about this recently here and I've been using it every day since I got it. A lovely, lovely scent which I can't get enough of.

&. Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Spray: This sample was sent in this months Glossybox and although I was slightly wary of putting caviar on my hair, this smells absolutely incredible (I'm really into scents this month!) and makes my hair feel and look lovely. I'd love to purchase more from this range, maybe when I'm a squillionairess.

&. NARS Powder Blusher in Orgasm: Full post here. I had to mention this as it's still one of my favourite blushes. I know some people have said it doesn't live up to the hype (well, it is a massive hype to live up to!) but I really think it does and it looks beautiful, blends incredibly and makes me skin look so smooth and flushed.

&. Simple Eye Makeup Remover Wipes. I'm one of those people who are completely against face wipes (awful things) but when it comes to the eye area and fussing around with cotton wool pads and makeup remover, I'd rather just have something I can grab and use then. These are great for taking off eye makeup (obviously) without being greasy or oily. I sometimes worry about getting too much oil near my skin as it screams breakout to me. I recommend!

&. Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser: I recently repurchased this as it's lovely and really helps my skin. I use it every day (sometimes twice a day) and it removes every trace of makeup and generally just feeds my skin. This is another one of those products that has been massively hyped up, but definitely hits the nail on the head if you ask me. 

Shop DIXI.

Shop Dixi have given my readers a discount code to use on their new stock, which is made up of a lovely mix of vintage and modern items.
To get 10% off when you spend £15 or more, use the code GHOSTPARTIESDIXI at shopdixi.com

Enjoy!

bound to get caught.

Topshop top//ASOS bow//Urban Outfitters skirt

You know those days where you just want to take an outfit post and get on with your life but your face/camera/outfit just won't agree with you?! That was definitely today. I really don't like way the photos came out, but I like the outfit. I'm trying to find things to wear for the next two weekends as I'm working in between and won't have time.
This weekend I'm off to London for Russ's birthday and also, Graeme has a gig which will be awesome! I love love LOVE going out in London so massively excited.
The weekend after I'm off to Scotland for the night for Rockness, a festival in Inverness which Graeme is also playing at. Really excited for that too! I hate camping so I only really go to festivals when Graeme plays so I can stay in a hotel. Wooop.

I haven't posted a lot recently (well, for me anyway) because I've been absolutely shattered. I went to bed at 9pm last night after a busy week at work and I'm still really tired.
I had a good shop today though, I found some nice things including this skirt in the Urban Outfitters sale. I don't usually shop there because it's so expensive (overprices in my opinion) but my boyfriend buys ALL his clothes there which makes me very jealous.

What's everyone doing for the bank holiday weekend? I am working. Le sigh.

Chanel Blush in Rose Petale.

So I splashed out on a Chanel blusher in 99 Rose Petale after a massively awful day at work! If you follow me on twitter you will know all about this but it was basically a rude man asking about ingredients who told me he "came from a science background which I clearly didn't know a thing about" needless to say, he was put in his place when I told him I had a degree in forensic science and also study cosmetic science on the side. I WIN.

You can't even see the beauty of this blush in my picture, but it is absolutely gorgeous. Such a lovely texture, and so easy to use. By swirling my blusher brush over it, it turns into such a fine powder which means it goes on so smoothly and looks really natural.
The packaging is amazing and obviously iconic, I will happily get this out on the train/at work/everywhere to reapply.

I chose this colour because for my first Chanel blush, I wanted something versatile and a "go to" blusher which would work with any look. I also chose quickly because its a big spend and I didn't want to a) back out or b) change my mind when I looked closer at the other gorgeous colours.
You can see from the swatch that its a lovely rose pink with a slight natural shimmer (although I still use my highlighter for a bit more of a glow).

I'm so happy with this product, and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of it. It's easy to apply, blends incredibly well and lasts all day. I was actually surprised when I saw myself after an 8hour day and my blusher was still in place and I still looked ALIVE.

You must all buy. What's your favourite Chanel product?

Nail Girls.

I don't often post about anything nail-related, mainly because I don't really look after my nails (although I have booked a spa manicure, whatever that is, so stay tuned!) and also because I feel that most blogs already cover the nail side of things. I haven't, however, seen anything on this reasonably new brand called Nail Girls.
Nail Girls say "Our colours are a superior formula, free from any harmful chemicals. (toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor) They are not tested on animals, are vegan friendly and the packaging is recyclable."
Before I had even tried the polishes, I was already interested. I love a product that finds a little niche and works with it, and I know a few of my vegan readers will be really interested.

I tried Pink and Green (no frills names, but there is a number) and you can see how nicely Pink turned out in the last picture. A gorgeous colour, and I had a compliment on it at work which always works well with me, and I'm really impressed with how well they've lasted without chipping! I slapped on Pink two days ago, early in the morning before work but didn't have time to put on a top coat and aside from the obligatory tip wear which always happens quickly with my nails (especially sans topcoat) there are no chips! Please remember I have opened many a box at work the past couple of days which usually sends my nails (and cuticles) into meltdown.
The colour was good after one coat but I applied two for the full affect.

I'm really impressed at how well the polish has lasted, especially from a product which boasts that it includes no harmful chemicals. The brand has had good write ups from Vogue and Elle (and now gh0stparties.com...) and I highly recommend!

Laura Mercier.

Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Petal Pink, Bronzing Duo in Coral Bronze & Fresh Fig Hand Cream - Swatches L-R: Petal Pink Eye Colour, Bronzing Duo Mixed, Bronzing Duo Coral, Me wearing Bronzing Duo. 

I was recently sent some Laura Mercier products to try out, which are all lovely! Before this, I think I only had one LM lipgloss and that's it.
First off, I should mention that the Fresh Fig hand creme is literally the nicest cream I have ever smelt, it smells incredible! I think one of the best properties of this hand cream is that it absorbs so quickly (and the gorgeous scent lingers) which is great for in your handbag or at work as you don't have to worry about the sticky/greasy hands some creams leave you with.

The baked eye colour can be used wet or dry, (it is dry in my swatch). Petal Pink is a lovely baby pink with a silver glittery sheen to it. I think I'd be most likely to use this dry as a highlighter on my brow bone with a smokey eye but I'd love to experiment with using it wet as I think the colour would go a lot deeper pink. The swatches show that it's a really easy colour to wear, as well.

Lastly, the bronzing duo in Coral Bronze is a lovely little compact and great for travelling. I don't tend to wear bronzer but recently I've been wanting to experiment with it. This bronzer is almost matte, with only a slight sheen and works so well with the gorgeous coral blusher. I don't actually have any other blushers in this colour, but I know it'll be one of the products I'll be reaching for most days from now on.

All such lovely products and it has definitely made me want to try some other Laura Mercier products! What are your favourites?

MAC swatches.

Here are some swatches of some MAC products I've bought recently, from left to right: MAC Something Special Cremeblend blusher, Please Me matte lipstick and Style frost blusher.
I've heard a few people mention what a lovely blush Style is, and it's my first Frost blusher. It has a lovely sheen to it and is described as a "coral peach with a gold pearl" with this blusher I don't think I'll need to wear a highlighter because I think it will give a lovely dewy, highlighted look without it.
The Please Me lipstick I have seen a few people buy recently and blog about it, and I knew I had to have it, even though I find Matte lipsticks really hard to wear as I have dry lips.

I've already mentioned the Something Special cream blush, but you can see it in this post here. It's really lovely and so easy to wear!

Clear Skin Routine.

I know you're probably thinking I have enough skincare (I really do) but my skin has been particularly bad (as in blemish prone) recently and I needed to find a routine for the next month or so that will help.
I purchased my Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser again as it's a really amazing product which really helps clear up my skin & I've run out recently so it's good to finally repurchase.
I also bought a tub of Sudocrem which is by far the best antiseptic spot treatment for overnight use. For a while I've been using the Sudocrem in the tube, thinking it was the same. I have since found out that it's not the same, it's a cosmetic and not medicated so therefore, a bit useless!
You would think that as it has the Sudocrem name on it, it would also be medicated and the exact same product as in the tub!
If you haven't tried Sudocrem for blemishes before, I highly recommend!

Finally, I also bought this Clinique Anti-Blemish solutions introductory pack for £30 which I think is slightly steep for the size of the products you get but I'm desperate! After cleansing with Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, I use the Clinique Cleansing Foam to get rid of any excess makeup and grime. I like that it's a foam as it's easy to use and quick.
I follow this with the Anti-Blemish Clarifying Lotion, say what you like about Clarifying Lotion (or as I like to call it, paint stripper) after cleansing and washing my face, the cotton pad came back orange which meant my skin was still holding on to foundation and dirt! Lovely.
Anyway, I see that as a sign of a good cleanse so I will be keeping that up. I do find it quite stripping so obviously it's important to follow with a good moisturiser and you will know yourself if your skin feels like it's dry and tight. You may only need to use the Clarifying Lotion a few times a week if you think it's too harsh.

The moisturiser is great, a lot better than the "Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel" which I feel leaves my skin drier than it was. I think moisturisers are better if they're creams, unless you have particularly oily skin (I don't). If you do feel like your skin isn't as hydrated as it should be, you could always try using a hydrating serum underneath your moisturiser or use a heavier moisturiser a few times a week or at night as the Clarifying Lotion can be really drying.

I also use my Liz Earle Clear Skin Kit once or twice a week to help prevent blemishes.

Overall, after one use my skin is a lot clearer! I had a few of those horrible under the skin very painful blemishes coming up which have gone over night! I'll definitely be keeping up this routine for the next few weeks as I think the problem with my skin is that I change my products too much and don't stick to a routine.
Hopefully keeping to these products will give me clearer skin!

What products do you rely on when you're going through a breakout?

sup.

H&M shirt//New Look Skirt//ASOS Jacket and bow tie.

Considering this is one of my favourite outfits ever, it really, really doesn't photograph well. Neither does my face. I've become extremely spotty recently, and as I spend my days advising others on how to care for their skin THIS IS NOT A GOOD LOOK.

I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who is a follower of my blog as I just passed 900 followers on GFC and over 1000 followers altogether. I'm so pleased!
It's my day off tomorrow so hopefully i'll get a few posts written up, especially as I've got so many products to review & spent a fair bit at the Clinique and MAC counters today!

Also, Laura tried my Top Knot tutorial with amazing results! One of my favourite bloggers and such a cutie!

The Big O.

Probably the strangest swatches in the world, and these took me forever! I mentioned before I cut my arm on a broken glass so I don't really want to show that so here is my hand.
From left to right we have NARS Super Orgasm illuminator, Orgasm illuminator and Orgasm powder blush.
I've posted before about my Super Orgasm illuminator but to be honest I never wear it. It's too pink for what I use it for, although I want to try about different uses for it.
I've fallen in love with my new Orgasm illuminator as I think it's a lot more natural and just gives a nice peachy, dewy glow. And of course, I absolutely love my blusher - it's one of my favourites!

What are your thoughts on the NARS products?

Glossybox & Other New things.

A few pictures of my Glossybox which I got yesterday. I know you're all probably Glossyboxed out at the moment, but I love the whole concept. A full size NARS Orgasm Illuminator and other lovely samples for £10! It's amazing. I won't even notice £10 leave my bank account, and for someone who travels a lot this is perfect. I much prefer having smaller sized items as I like to try new products, and you will know by now that every inch of my flat is covered with cosmetics! I really do not need more full sized products.
It's also great as I haven't heard of the other four brands so it's lovely finding out about new products.

The second last picture is all the goodies I brought home from my training. I'm not sure where I'm going to put it all yet, but have just sent two massive packages off to my mum and another friend. I find it a lot easier to sell and recommend products at work after I've tried them so it's a great way to find out what works. I will choose my favourite products out of these and get back to you with reviews!

I FINALLY got my Urban Decay Naked palette, and I'm so pleased. I won't bore you with another post on this palette, I haven't had the heart to swatch it yet! It's just so perfect. I also got a MAC cremeblend blusher in Something Special. You will know if you're a reader of my blog that I have recently fallen a wee bit in love with cream blushers so I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out.

If you want anything reviewed/swatched let me know!