Dainty Doll - Are You Experienced?

Dainty Doll Eyeshadow in the shade Are You Experienced?

I actually purchased this before Lollipops & Roses (see review here) but never got round to reviewing it! Like all Dainty Doll eye products it's full of vitamins and anti-oxidants to keep you looking refreshed, which is perfect if, like me, you're wearing makeup all day after about four hours sleep.

The pigmentation is amazing as one application is plenty for me to do a smoky eye for everyday wear and doesn't fade or get wrinkled in the crease. I just apply with my real techniques base shadow brush and find it doesn't stain the brush at all.

You can't buy Dainty Doll in stores anymore but I got mine on eBay for a couple of quid so it's well worth searching for if you're after an everyday basic brown that's going to last a fair while (they're about twice the size of the MAC shadows) and is higher-end but still affordable.

Aloha

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I last posted on here! A lot's happened since then (both good and bad) but I finally feel ready to blog again and can't wait to get started!
Please bare with as I get used to it again and thank you to my followers who stayed with me.

Quinoderm for Acne

Quinoderm

First off I know I've been a bad blogger *slap on the dodgy fake tan wrist* but I have now finished my alevels and thus can now concentrate more on here (without reciting Macbeth or the Weimar constitution to myself).

All through school I had pretty good skin - of course I got the odd spot but I could go out completely bare faced if I really wanted to. However when I got to about 16 my skin started to really breakout and since then it's only got worse.
I eventually went to the drs back in January and ended up with this acne cream Quinderm on prescription - after the first three treatments were refused by the chemist! One tube lasts about 2-3 weeks and I soon discovered it was hard to get more on repeat so simply started buying it myself from Boots. Now I was told it may take eight weeks but six months later and I've seen no improvement what-so-ever so am going to have to go back and beg them for pills - which I have been asking for since day one.
The cream itself burnt as soon as applied to the skin and this lasted about 3 minutes, but if you put any creams on top the burning returns... and stays. It also caused my skin to become red and irritated before finally peeling. I think it did show early signs of working but increased the amount of blackheads and basically made my scars permeant.
Quinoderm must work for some people for it to be so widely used but it is probably the worst beauty product I have ever used and seriously regret beginning the treatment as my skin now relies on it, whist it is slowly ruining it.

Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate - Rhythm & Blues

Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate in shade Rhythm & Blues - £4.49

When they were launched last month I actually wanted New Romantic  (a pale pink) but I don't own anything quite like this one so made a last minuted decision and this ended up in my basket and eventually part of my collection. 

Rhythm & Blues looks black when on the nails you discover it's actually a very deep navy - almost an ink effect. I love this so much as under different lights you spot different tones and it's a lovely dark shade without actually being black.

The new Salon Pro collection is available in a wide range of shades, with eleven in the Kate Moss range, and are designed to last 10 days before chipping/ peeling as well as being fade proof. Best summer holiday vanish? 

Well first off the application is amazing with a large, sturdy brush which coats the whole nail in one go. One coat is probably enough but I applied two just to be safe with my Barry M topcoat as well. I kept it on for seven days and found I had two smalls chips on my left thumb, one on my right, and one on my right middle finger (both thumbs from doing up jeans and the middle from getting my hand stuck when buying M&Ms from a vending machine - dooh). I also noticed some scratching but for someone who paints their nails once a week it really is a great beauty product and am so happy that I bought three in Boots 3for2!

Harry Potter Studio Tour

On Monday I went up to my boyfriend's as he said he'd planned a surprise for me on the Tuesday which even my mum wouldn't give a hint about. He actually waited until we were about 15 minutes away before giving me the booking confirmation and as you can imagine I went a little crazy with excitement as Harry Potter takes up more of my life than probably anything else.

I'd always put off going here as I was worried it would ruin the magic but honestly it was more like an interactive museum than anything and you could skip the bits that might ruin it if you wanted. It was great as you got to go round at your own pace and take as many pictures as you wanted and even ride a broom.

The day really was magical and if you've been toying with the idea of going I really recommend it as it's something you'll never forget (although I wouldn't recommend the butterbeer) and make sure you've got spare batteries and have comfy shoes :)

What I'm wearing:

Dress: Primark

Shoes: New Look

Jacket: Primark

Bag: Pavers

Nails: Rimmel Salon Pro in Rhythm & Blues

Illuminating Face Perfector

Illuminating Face Perfector from Avon - £1.75 (usually £10)

Primers can be pricy, especially considering that no one is ever going to walk up to you and say how much they love it. I love primers however as they make the skin so smooth and will make your foundation last far longer (brilliant for nights out). 

The product contains SPF which is always a bonus and does smooth out any imperfections and helps your foundations and blushes glide onto your face, but the staying power isn't ever so amazing. It makes the foundation you first applied last longer but if you top up during the day this does rub off.

Now this will be retailing for £10 but is currently around £3 and I wouldn't pay full price when there are so many great alternatives on the hughstreet. For £3 though it is definitely worth a try and will be buying another whilst they're still on an introductory offer.