Morag: A secret story of sabotage!!

 This little lay you see below i am not sure i have introduced on the blog before. I am going to correct that now with a little story, but be warned!!

It contains espionage!!!

 Her name is Morag (aka 'raggy'), she's a fairly old lady at 12 years old and she is almost completely blind.

But don't let all that fool you, she is actually The Suspect of covertly working to destroy this blog. 

 Possibly motive is thought to be to she gets even more time for cuddles.

As her past attempts at sabotage have so far been foiled she is having to become less secretive and more direct in her malicious behaviour.

At approximately 1200hours on Monday 27th January 2014 i was innocently trying to take photos of a top secret item for an upcoming blog post when The Suspect approached stealthily while my back was turned. I only looked away for a few seconds but The Suspect is so dedicated to her mission that it was all she needed. As i looked around again she had sat right into the space where i was taking my photos. 

This is a classic scare tactic.

See Exhibit A and B below.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

 But this method has been tried before and i was luckily able to work around The Suspect with not much problem. The Suspect growing more and more desperate to complete her mission decided on a more direct tactic by attempting to STEAL the top secret subject of my work.

Luckily she was caught red pawed committing the crime.

See Exhibit C and D below.

Exhibit C

Exhibit D

It was at much danger to myself that i wrestled the product out of The Suspects claws and saved the day. 

The authorities (aka Mr BeautyandKittens) were promptly called and The Suspect was taken away to Kitty Jail (aka The Living Room). 

For reporter pictures on the shame faced Suspect after her capture - Please see Exhibit E below. 

Exhibit E

 If you ever see this Dangerous Criminal about please let me know as it could be the result of a half hatched escape attempt to come after me and my blog again.

 

Review - Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation

Clinique was born in 1968 from the Estee Lauder brand, headed by Estee's Daughter in Law Evylyn Lauder. The idea for the brand was based on a article in Vogue  “Can Great Skin Be Created?”, written by beauty editor Carol Phillips with the help Dr. Norman Orentreich (a top NY Dermatologist who's research helped in pioneering Hair Transplants ...ooft). The article was about how important it is to have a good skin care routine. Both were promptly recruited to help create the first Clinique range. 
Evylyn Lauder is reportedly the first person to wear the white lab coat that is not synonymous with the Clinique brand. 

This specific foundation is not one of the more popular Clinique foundations and I first tried it when i got it as a sample in a magazine and decided to take it to use on holiday with me. Boy am i glad i did otherwise it would just be sitting in my sample drawer still.

Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15 is said to work by camouflages redness, flushing and blushing. While at the same time helps to strengthen the skins barrier and keep out any possible environmental triggers of redness with the SPF. 

Shade Range

The Shade i had in the sample turned out to be the perfect shade for me (a rarity).

The shade range is something that puzzles me though. There are only 6 shades and i am shade 3 Calming Ivory, slap bang mid range.

 

Shade Blended and not blended.

Now i usually have use the palest or second palest shade depending on the range available, so for this to suit be perfectly? There has to be a big gap somewhere and i think it is at the darker end of the scale as neutral, honey and vanilla are the three darkest shades.

 Skin Type

 I have very oily skin, although it has been getting less so (unfortunately i think that may be age related, booo), and this foundation works so well for me. I can get a good 6 hours of wear from this without needing to blot or re powder which i think is frankly amazing as i never get results like that. 

Unfortunately i cannot really comment on how this would work with dry skin, it doesn't really feel particularly moisturising when put on but it also doesn't feel drying so i could only suggest getting a sample to see yourself. 

Obviously redness is a common sign of sensitivity so this is specifically formulated to work well and not aggravate sensitive skin.

Does it do what it says on the tin?

Yes.
I have tried to cover my redness since i was a teenager. I get it across my nose and top of my cheeks the worst. Its particularly hard to cover because it sits directly under my dark circles (they make each other stand out).
This covers the redness in one layer on good days and two for bad. It means my face looks so much less cakey because i am not having to use as much concealer to try and block it out. 

Cost

This retails at £24 for 30ml of product which is definitely not a cheap product. In reality it is a mid range price foundation but for me, i wouldn't pay much more than this ever. 
Although i have to take into consideration that i am able to use less product to get a good coverage when using this and that it should hopefully be helping my skin as well, I'd

say this is well worth the money.



This has became my go to product in the past few weeks. It is really working so well for me and I'm so glad i picked it up. 
Its usual to find different products that you like but unusual to find ones that really make a difference in your day to day routine.

Have you tried it or found anything that has really changed your life?

Elle Subscription - Topshop Gift

In a recent Elle issue i came across an advertisement for a subscription for only £18 for a whole year. 

That's 12 issues for £18 or £1.50 per issue, which is an amazing deal when it is usually £3.80 an issue. 
While i do love this magazine and buy it monthly this wasn't what caught my attention if I'm honest... it was the free Topshop Makeup gift that came with it. Makeup obsessed - guilty as charged, i know. 

The set included all their best sellers, including a few items that have been creeping up in my last few posts. 

Topshop Bronzer in Mohawke - A great matte shade for a light skin tone, set in a compact with a generously sized mirror. 

Topshop Lipstick in Charmed - A peachy coral shade that will suit most skin tones. I little cakey on my lips but that's because mine are super dry. (nothing a little 8hour cream or equivalent cant sort out) .

Topshop Nail Polish in AWOL - A near twin of Nails Inc Baker Street. Slightly less shiney but not a problem of your using a good topcoat. 

Topshop Glow Highlighter in Gleam - This is a rose-gold-ish shade. It goes on a nice warm flush though and blends well. I actually prefer this to the cult 'polish' shade. 

Topshop Magic Liner in Engraved - This is the only product in the set i don't really like, it smudges a lot and is a bit too runny which makes it difficult to apply in a neat line.

I have came to love most of these products and i use the bronzer almost daily having surpassed both my Nars Laguna and Bourjois Delice de Poudre.


 

Post Christmas Haul - Fashion

ASOS

YRU - Lowf Fox Flat Show £22 - Reduced from £50 

Oh I love them! How cute is the wittle wolfy! Also extremely comfy which i wasn't really expecting.

I have a really difficult time wearing dolly shoes because of the lack of sole (or soul, devil creatures), I get excruciating pains in my calves which i think is lactic acid build up because of the pressure. Due to this i usually live in ankle/biker boots and i must admit i miss cute little shoes. These are perfect though because of the decent soul sole and small heel. 

 

 ASOS Prayer Pointed High Heels £20 - Reduced from £40

I really am quite the cheap skate, i would never have paid 40 quid for these, partly because i worry how the heel will hold up without looking scratched too soon. 

I have been wanting a pair with a heel like this for a while and also a nice pair (not too high) that i could wear with trousers as well as dresses. These fir the bill, love 'em. 

Only available in a 4 at time if writing.

She Inside

Black Long Sleeve leopard Pattern T-Shirt £16.70

I spend a lot of my life in baggy black tops. This is adding to my collection of them, and also to my collection of Cat related clothing. 

Green High Waist Plaid Elastic Pant - £19.42

I saw these on LookBook actually. The page is of Lua of Le-Happy.com a fashion blog. I am obsessed with her style and just needed these trousers in my life.

Black Long Sleeve Letters Cat Print Sweatshirt - £14.54

And again. Cats. Black. Baggy. Ohhhh yes. That's all i need to say on this one.

Hope you all had great sale shopping fun too :D

 

Post Christmas Haul - SpaceNK

Yes Yes I've been gone.

I was gone, then i said i was coming back, then i was gone, then i said i was coming back... and it just kinda never happened did it.

Lets forget my blatant lies to you all though, new year new me and all that.

I haven't went quite as mad with the sale shopping this year as i did last (having less money to spend will to that to a girl) but i still managed to grad in a few bargains.

Aromatherapy Associates Little Bell £5 - Reduced from £10

Up until now i have managed to keep a secret from you all but not after this post. I am completely (like its genuine problem) with Aromatherapy Associates mini bottles. I wont be wanting any full size ones, just the mini ones, be it the ever cute baby 3ml or right up to the 7.5ml toddlers.

This is a 7.5ml bottle of Revive Morning and can be used in the bath (my personal preference) or prior to entering the shower. It smells beautiful and quite classic, it doesn't make you sleepy or leave you smelling like a potpourri bowl for the next hour like some others do.

This Works - Dream Believers £10 - Reduced from £20

I have to admit i am disappointed after buying this. I really expected them to smell like the pillow spray but alas they are not to my taste. Musky is the only word i can think of to describe it (and not in a lovely body shop white musk way).

Will definitely be passing this on and hopefully it will find the home it deserves.

This Works - Dream on £6 - Reduced from £12

This has sold out on the SpaceNK site but is available still for £9 directly from This Works Here.

Beginning to get a bit of a theme here (and it ain't ending anytime soon.)

I must say i don't know what was going through my head when i was buying this (it was late Christmas day, sober was not really the right word) but i assumed it was bigger than the 12ml it is. Not that i am complaining, this smells much more like it! Beautiful and calming and fresh, not a hint of muskiness here.

Laura Mercier - Shimmer Effects Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour Collection  £14 - Reduced from £28

I would never have paid £28 for this but at half price i think it is well worth it. With four truly pretty colours that all compliment each other, a creamy blendable formula and the cuteness factor for size this was something i had to have.

Also currently out of stock.

Aromatherapy Associates Festive Collection £17 - Reduced from £35

Okay so i may have almost bought two of these sets, almost. 10 mini bottles of 3ml each, heaven. Each bottle is a different scent and i love them all. Can you tell I get these sets every year i can in the sale. 

Also currently out of stock.

Life NK - Drift Away Collection £10 - Reduced from £20

This set contains a Milk soak (not sure what this is exactly), Body Lotion, Body wash and a Candle. I haven't got around to trying any of these as of yet but its looking good i think?

Let me know if you have.

 

Top 5 Christmas Sets - £25 and under

Christmas gift sets are one of my favourite things. You get to try lots for not a lot.

These five that i have picked out were my favourite from the lower end of the price range when trawling through the Selfridges website (which currently has 10% off beauty).

  Nails Inc - Autumn/Winter Collection - £22

Set contains:
Sloane Gardens - unique navy glitter
Chester Street - unique pearl
Bruton Mews - deep forest green
Richmond Terrace - deep forest plum
Jerymn Street - classic taupe
Chelsea Bridge Road - tomato red

  Clarins all about lips Collection - £18

This is a steal at this price for anyone a little Clarins crazy like me.

Includes: Colour Quench Lip Balm 02 Peach Nectar 7ml

Gloss Prodige 04 Candy 2.5ml

Rouge Eclat 13 Woodrose 1.5g

Instant Light Natural Lip perfector 01 Rose Shimmer 5ml

complimentary make-up bag

  Neom Thee Nights of Peace Collection - £10

Includes

Complete Bliss Bath Oil 5ml

Real Luxury Bath Oil 5ml

Tranquillity Bath Oil 5ml

Clinique Black Honey Beauty Set - £25

 

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey 1.9g

Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, 7ml

A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins in Black Honey, 5ml

High Impact Mascara in Black, 3.5ml

 

 

 Origins Ornament Christmas Bauble - £12

The bauble comes in two colours but both contain the same products and are dispatched randomly.

Includes

• Plantscription™ Serum 7ml
• Drink Up™ Intensive Mask 7ml
• GinZing™ Eye Cream 5ml
• Modern Friction™ 5ml
• Make A Difference™ Plus+ Moisturiser 5ml 

Sunday will have my top 5 Over £25 and for some reason it packed with Laura Mercier.

NOTD #6

This is a brand new polish of mine (post coming soon about where I got it). Now I know this is not really a traditional seasonal shade for autumn into winter but frankly my dear I don't give a damn. (...can you tell I'm excited that Gone With The Wind is coming back to cinemas?)

This is Topshop 'AWOL' and it's blue. Not a navy blue or a sky blue or even an aquamarines colour. It's just blue! 
It's the first Topshop nail polish I have worn and I'm impressed. I have lost my topcoat so had to go without and although it's looking a little less shiny than I'm used to I haven't been seeing chips appearing on any of my nails. I've decided I'll be wearing this well into winter, I'll be trying to out-blue the cold. 

Lorna xxx