Tanya Burr Lip Gloss 'Afternoon Tea'

I have been looking for the perfect mid-tone pink lip gloss for ages. I had one which I bought years & years ago from Avon which I loved and when it ran out I was so upset as it had been discontinued. A couple of weeks ago I was trawling through the internet and blogs as I do when I saw this little beauty from Tanya Burr’s makeup line, it looked perfect! 

As soon as pay day came I logged on to the Superdrug website (got to collect those beauty card points!) and popped it in my shopping basket. A few days later it arrived and I was so excited!

First things first let’s talk about the applicator. I really like it, it is a sponge which has a bit of flex to it which allows you to apply the gloss easily, precisely and evenly. When applying the gloss I noticed that is smells really sweet, I can’t quite put my finger on what it smells like but it is definitely something that I recognise. Maybe some sort of pick & mix sweet?

Once applied the gloss did not disappoint! It is the perfect shade of pink, your lips but better. I absolutely love it! And the big test for lip glosses…wind! You are now probably thinking I’m a little bit crazy but one of the things I hate about lip glosses is when you go outside, it’s a bit windy and you end up with hair stuck to your lips. This lip gloss is not at all sticky so you are safe!

I really like this lip gloss and I think Tanya has put a lot of thought into it from the formula, to the packaging and even the scent. I will definitely have to buy a few of the other shades.

Have you tried any Tanya Burr products? What would you recommend?

Designer or High Street Prom?

My year 11 ball was nearly 10 years ago (blimey thinking about it makes me feel old!), and my sixth form ball I didn’t go to as quite frankly I couldn’t be bothered but that is a different story. Anyway even from then to now there has been a huge difference in how important your school leavers ball or ‘Prom’ is. The importance of it has increased significantly in the minds of school leavers and the American prom seems to be taking over. I remember watching ‘My Super Sweet 16’ when I was younger and thinking how amazing the parties looked, the dresses, the glitz and the glamour.

 

As amazing as it all looks all of this comes at a cost. Myvouchercodes.co.uk has done some research in to how much we are spending on our Proms and the results show that some people can spend a small fortune!  15% of people asked were planning on spending more than £300 on the outfit with 26% of people asked wanting a designer frock, and that does not include every thing else! All of the results can be seen here.

I thought I would compile a couple of ideas to show the extremes of Prom, the higher end and the lower end. To show you that you can have a good time no matter what your budget.

1.Versace Gown £3829

2.Anya Hindmarch Bag £350.00

3.Louboutin Sandals £495

So for the very few who have can afford it we have got an outfit costing £4674. Then we have the extras; the transport, lets say a helicopter (£800), the tan (£45), the mani & pedi (£55), the hair (£40) and the makeup (£50). Totalling £5664. Now I know this is at one extreme end of the price scale but lets see how the cheaper option fairs.

1.Dress £5.99
2.Tesco F&F Clutch £7
3.Dorothy Perkins Sandals £17

With this option the full outfit will set you back £29.99 (Amazing value!). Just because we are trying to save money we still want to arrive in style! Splitting the cost of a limo for 2 hours (£37.50), the tan (Cocoa Brown £7.99), the mani & pedi (£3 at home). Now when it comes to hair and makeup there are so many Youtube videos with tutorials that you can do at home, give it a trial before your prom just to make sure it looks fabulous and then on the day you can do this yourself at home saving the pennies! This option comes to a grand total of £78.48.

My ball dress cost me £45, I done my own makeup and my Mum done my hair. Me and my friends split the cost of a limo and we had a really great time.

As you can see there are huge savings to be made. At the end of the day it’s really about having fun with your friends isn’t it? And that is priceless.
 

How much did you spend on your prom?

Glitzy Glam Wish List

I have watched Elle & Blair Fowler’s Youtube videos for years and they are two of my favourite you-tubers. For any of you guys who have not heard of the Fowler sisters they are on Youtube under the names Allthatglitters21 and Juicystar07 and they make all sorts if videos from beauty to lifestyle. They also have their own online store called Glitzy Glam which sell really pretty items that can be personalised. Here are some of my favourite items.

Key Chain

Kate Spade Agenda

Makeup Bag

Brush Holder

Beach Bag

 

Which of these is your favourite?

Beauty & Skin Care Haul

It has been a while since I have bought any makeup and skin care so this week I thought I would treat myself. Some of these things I needed and some of them may have just snuck in to my shopping basket!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum

What a mouth full! I wanted to buy a serum as my skin has been feeling a little bit dryer than usual. I was going to pick up one from Caudalie but this one was on offer on the feelunique website so I thought I would give it a go.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I have given in to the hype! You hear so much about this stuff on the old blogosphere, people either love it or hate it and with summer coming up I wanted something quick and easy to hydrate my skin through out the day. We will see, I will definitely let you know how I get on with it.

Tanya Burr Lip gloss in ‘Afternoon Tea’

I did not buy this gloss because it is by Tanya Burr, I bought it because the colour is beautiful! I spotted it online a couple of weeks ago and thought to myself ‘I have to have that’. Expect a review very soon!

Maybelline Lash Sensational

I needed a new mascara and this one seems to have taken the market by storm. I have really like Maybelline mascaras in the past and they are really affordable so I am excited to see how I get on with this one.

Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan Mousse

Last but not least my holy grail tan from Cocoa Brown. I have loved this tan for about a year now it is just perfect in every tan way. If you have not tried it before I cannot recommend it enough, and if it’s good enough for Kylie Jenner it is good enough for me!

 

Have you tried any of these? What do you think?

In The Style Of: Taylor Swift

So this is a new series here on PrettyBugBlog which I am calling 'In The Style Of'. The first in the series has got to be Swifty! Here are some of her outfits that I really love and some ideas as to how you can create them with items bought on the high street. I hope you enjoy this post!

 

Dress – Boohoo £15

 

Bag – River Island £35

Mac Ruby Woo Lipstick

Dress – Jane Norman £30

Dress - Marisota £23

Shoes – Kurt Geiger £95.00

 

Which of these looks is your favourite? 

Let's Talk Knickers....Boux Avenue

I decided to treat myself to some new underwear from Boux Avenue last week. Ever since La Senza changed I have not been a fan and have struggled to find somewhere that sells the right underwear. This may sound strange or a bit picky and you might think, ‘Kirsty they are just knickers they can’t be that important’, but you are wrong! I cannot stand having underwear that is uncomfortable, doesn’t fit right or is over priced, that is why I was so sad when Theo Paphitis moved on from La Senza and it went all different!

Anyway, back to the point at hand. This was my first order from the Boux Avenue website so I was very excited for  it to arrive! I was so impressed with how quickly my order came, I ordered on the Thursday evening and the parcel arrived on Saturday morning with normal delivery.

The box was packaged beautifully with pink crepe paper, it seemed a shame to open it really! Inside along with my newly purchased knicks were some fake rose petals which I thought was a lovely touch.

On the subject of knicks the ones I chose were on offer at 3 for £12, I chose 6 and they are all lovely. The designs are lovely, they seem to be of good quality and most importantly they fit like a dream!

Boux Avenue has filled the underwear void in my life and I will definitely be buying more from them!

What do you think about Boux Avenue?

Bedroom Inspiration: Blue/White/Silver

We are in the process of redecorating our bedroom so I have been browsing the old internet to get some thoughts and ideas as to how to make it perfect! I have been looking for rooms focussing on blues/silver and white. Here are some that I really like, let me know what you think!

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Which bedroom is your favourite?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rituals Sakura Sugar Scrub

I believe it is important to pamper yourself every once in a while. You work hard so deserve it right? A new product that I used during my pamper sesh recently was this Sakura Sugar Scrub from Rituals.

The scrub itself looks just like sugar, being called a sugar scrub who would have thought it? You simply rub into damp skin to let the grains do their magic. Now be prepared this is a harsh scrub! If you have sensitive skin or prefer a lighter exfoliating product then this probably isn’t for you. But if you like something that you can really work in to your skin this stuff is great.

The scent is Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom and I do have to say this is a very floral scent which lingers long after you have had a shower.

Once out of the shower your skin is left feeling so soft. The scrub leaves a slight residue on the skin which sinks in to leave your skin feeling and smelling amazing.

What I really like about this scrub, other than the beautiful scent, is that it really works on tough skin. This may be a bit T.M.I but I think it is important for the purpose of this review! I do not tend to suffer majorly with hard skin on my feet but I do like to ensure they are kept in tip top condition. I used this on my heels and yes the sugar did tickle my feet but it left them feeling like I had been and had some sort of beauty treatment. Top marks from the toes!

If you have not tried anything from Rituals and want to give something a go I cannot recommend this highly enough. I have also used the body lotion in this scent which smells just as amazing!

 

What would you recommend from Rituals?

Mac Sheer Tone Shimmer Blush 'Dolly Mix'

My name is Kirsty and I have sinned. I have cheated on all of my other blushes and began a love affair with this beauty from Mac. I know, I know a bit dramatic but it’s true! I received this Mac Sheet Tone Shimmer Blush in the shade ‘Dolly Mix’ in the April Cohorted Beauty Box, and I have well and truly fallen for it.

Dolly Mix is described on the Mac website as being ‘Pure Candy Pink’, it is simply gorgeous.

Now you may or may not know that I am a big fan of the pinks when it comes to both lipsticks and blushes but this seems to be on another level. It is a beautiful iridescent shade which is perfect for this time of year as it gives you that extra glow. The shimmer adds another dimension to your makeup without being too over the top, I guess it is kind of pearlescent in a way.

The pink pop of colour lasts on your cheeks all day and it is one that I can guarantee I will be wearing for most of the spring/summer period.

This is the first Mac product that I have ever owned as if I’m honest I just didn’t believe the hype surrounding their products. But if their other products are as good as this one boy was I wrong! I will definitely be adding some more Mac to my makeup collection soon!

What Mac products would you recommend?

My Morning Skin Care Routine

Before I put my makeup on in the mornings I like to make sure my skin is prepped and ready for whatever the day is going to throw at me! My morning skin care routine does change from time to time but it always tends to revolve around products which are designed to wake your skin up and give you that little bit of an extra boost.

 

First things first I cleanse my skin. Depending on what day of the week it is will depend on what product I use. I like to exfoliate my skin 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Recently I started using the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Skin Energising Daily Facial Scrub, what a mouth full! This face scrub has a really lovely citrus scent and has tiny beads in which work to gently exfoliate your skin.

For days when I wasn’t a simple cleanse I have been using the All Bright Cleansing Foam Wash from the Boots Botanic range. I would describe this as more of a gel than a foam but never the less it is a great morning cleanser with brightening hibiscus perfect for making your skin look and feel more awake.

Next onto the heaven sent duo which if you have been reading my blog for a little while you will know that I love. The Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser and Refreshing Eye Cream. I am absolutely in love with these. They are the best products that I have found to really give my skin a lovely, healthy glow. They sink in to my skin quickly to give a perfectly soft and hydrated base to apply my makeup. I have done a more in depth review here.

So that’s about it for my morning skincare routine. It is quick and easy but effective!

What are your morning skin care essentials?

The Perfect Foundation Brush?

For years I have applied my foundation with a flat head brush and have got on fine with it however with all the hype around the Real Techniques brushes in the blogosphere I thought I would treat myself to this little beauty.

 

I use the Expert Face brush to apply liquid foundation, my weapon of choice is the L’oreal True Match liquid foundation. The brush is super soft but firm at the same time.

I really like this brush as it enables me to buff my foundation into my skin and really gets into any nooks and crannies. I have also found that when using this brush I actually use less foundation and it looks more natural. The Real Techniques brush also allows me to apply my foundation quick as it takes less effort to work into the skin. It is also less streaky during application than a flat head brush.

 

I have to say I am now a Real Techniques convert. I absolutely love this brush and it leaves my skin with the perfect finish.

Have you tried anything from Real Techniques?

Hair Inspiration: The Reds

I've always wanted to have red hair but I have never managed to find the right hair dye to do exactly what I want. It either turns out not red enough or too much on the ginger side and just not what had I imagined. Here are some hair styles that I really love the look of. So if like me you really like this colour and need some inspiration here it is! Let me know what you think and if you know any good hair dyes!

Which style is your favourite?