Product Rave

A few weeks ago, the dreaded moment happened when I ran out of Mac MSF, a product which I use every day and totally rely on.
I'm not one for ordering online, I'm a bit too impatient for that, and my closest Mac counter is in Newcastle, so off I went up to the Metro Center, only to find that they had sold out of my shade (Light/Medium). I've used Light, and I've used Medium before, and they're not right on my skin, so didn't want to settle for one of those, so came away empty handed and gutted!

I was going out that night too, so I needed something!
I decided to go to Boots and pick up a cheap powder just to see me through, and order a new MSF online that night.

I had a good look through all the brands, but was drawn to Rimmel's Stay Matte pressed powder, mainly because it says it's made with 'natural minerals'. When I swatched it, it felt really smooth, quite similar to the MSF, and only cost £3.99, so thought it was worth a shot!

Little did I know, I was buying a product I was going to LOVE!

It works exactly the same as Mac MSF, it sets my foundtion perfectly, covers redness and lasts all day. I would also go as far as saying it leaves my skin looking just as flawless as the MSF does.

I am definitely going to continue buying this... it's just as good, and SO much cheaper!
If you've been put off buying Mac because of the price, this is the perfect alternative.

Cover Star

Company magazine have released four different covers on this months issue, because they simply couldn't decide which picture of BINTM winner Jade they should use!

Personally, the third one is my favourite, but I think she looks amazing in them all.
I feel quite proud of Jade, not that I know her or anything, but I loved her on the show so much!

Which copy will you be picking up?

The Big T-W-O

 

I tried to post this yesterday, but blogger wouldn't cooperate.

It was my daughter's 2nd birthday on Tuesday, and because the weather was so nice, we decided to spend the day at the seaside.

We chose to go to Scarborough, which is a gorgeous place on the North Yorkshire coast. I used to go on lots of holidays there as a child, and if you haven't been before, I really recommend it!

The day was filled with lovely things like fairground rides, fish & chips, waffles, donkey rides and feeding the ducks - Elodie loved it.

It's fair to say she got spoiled rotten with her presents, her favourite being her mini Mini Cooper!

(Sorry about the bad quality iPhone photo)

I wore: Primark top, Internacionale jeggings, New Look boots.

Boudoir Prive September 2011

Thank goodness I'm a blogger and not a vlogger, because my Northern accent probably doesn't pronounce Boudiour Prive as beautifully as it should be said!
I'm sure you've seen lots of these posts by now, but if you're interested in what I received in my box...here you go!

I was recently contacted by Boudoir Prive asking me if I would like to receive one of their beauty boxes to review, and because I've been quite intrigued this concept, I gratefully accepted.

I'm sure you all know how beauty boxes work, you sign up and pay £10 per month, then you get your box delivered to your door with five or six sample products for you to try. From what I have read, you will usually receive a few brands you have heard of and a few you haven't, but to me I think this is great, because you get to try things you most likely wouldn't have tried otherwise.
If you want to read more about the ins and outs of the box, you can check out their website.

Anyway, onto the box I received...
I was super excited to get this, as I'd never had anything like this before, and I couldn't wait to see what was in this month's box.
I held myself back from ripping it apart like a child on Christmas morning, and carefully unwrapped the beautifully packaged box. I love all the little details... the mirror sticker, the ribbon and the hand written note - so cute!

The products I received were:

Zoya Nail Polish
I have heard alot about Zoya, and I'm always up for trying new nail polish. This is definitely my favourite product in the box.
The colour I received is a gorgeous deep metallic red/purple from the Smoke & Mirrors AW collection.
They also included a card with colour samples of all of the colours available in the collection... such a great idea, it makes me want them all!

Cargo Cosmetics Boogie Nights Eye Pencil
This is probably my least favourite thing in the box, simply because I don't really wear eye makeup.
I am going to give it a go though, because I think the purple colour which I received will compliment my brown eyes quite nicely. I just need to wait for the right occasion to wear it first.


Colbert MD Nourish Eye Cream
I'm a big fan of eye cream. I dread getting old and having wrinkles, so I have been known to try plenty of creams. This is a new one to me, but it sounds amazing.
The cream claims to rehydrate the skin around your eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles.
It is a favourite product with Kate Middleton and Sienna Miller, so it can't be too bad!

Tropic Skincare Body Smooth
If you watched this year's Apprentice, you will remember Susan?.. Well she is the creator of this product! This kind of makes me even more intrigued to try it out.
It is a 100% natural product which is enriched with sea minerals, jojoba and macadamia oil.
Sounds delicious!

Macadamia Hair Repair
I'm very excited to try this out, because since I have been ombre-ing my hair, I've suffered from quite bad split ends, so hopefully this will do the trick! I'm definitely going to focus using this on the ends of my hair.
It claims to make your hair visibly smooth, frizz-free and shiny.

Agent Provocateur L'Agent Perfume
I've actually had a sample of this before, and I really like it. Described as a classic, seductive scent which will make you feel sexy, mysterious and captivating.
I'm not good as describing scents, but it is quite flowery... I'm just going to keep this in my bag as a top up spray for throughout the day.

Mai Couture Bronzing Blotting Paper
There were two sheets of this blotting paper in the box. I've never used a blotting paper before, so they will be interesting to try!
Boudoir Prive say they only give 5 or 6 samples each month, so I'm guessing this was a little extra thrown in!

If you're interested in hearing my views on any of the products once I have tried and tested them, just let me know.

I've now subscribed to Boudoir Prive, as I was so impressed with this box... let me know if you decide to sign up too! You can get your first box for half price, by entering the code '1BOX12' at the checkout.

Topshop Try-On

Went a bit crazy in the Topshop fitting rooms yesterday!

 

This dress was the first thing I picked up when I walked into the shop. I'm going out with my friends on Saturday night, and I thought this would be perfect. I loved it on, just as much as I loved it on the hanger, and ended up buying this one.

For my night out I plan on wearing it with a black belt and some black shoe boots which I just bought, and then I know I'll get more wear out of it by dressing it down with chunky cardis for winter.

 

A while back Topshop had some really similar tops to this in a beige and white and green and white stripe patterns, and I always regretted not getting one, which is kind of what drew my to this. I love monochrome outfits at the moment (plus I love black and white striped... Newcastle United fan!)

I think it looks quite smart on, and could be styled in lots of different ways, so I bought this too!

 This dress was another option for my night out, I think the colour is amazing. The fabric is really thick and structured, and just look at those perfect pleats on the skirt... how cute!
Unfortunately, I thought the dress looked too formal for a night out, so I reluctantly put it back. I would definitely wear this for an interview though, so if anyone's looking for interview clothes - try this, they come in lots of different colours too.

 

Another casual top in black and white, drawn to this one because of the birds. I was undecided on this one, mainly because of the sleeves. I don't really like unfitted cap sleeves, I think they're quite unflattering on me. Although I probably would be wearing this with cardigans more often than not, I decided against getting it, simply because I liked the stripey top better.

 

These are the leggings I tried on with both black and white tops. I love them! They're regular leggings fabric down the middle, and both sides are made of leather look material. I'm not sure if you can see in the photos with them being taken on my phone, but when you're wearing them, it looks like you have two leather stripes going down the side of your legs. They're very tight fitting though, from top to bottom, I probably would have had to go up a size if I had bought these. I wanted them, but we actually have a very similar pair in Internacionale at the moment, for a lot cheaper, so I think I'm just going to buy those!

 

I saw this online, so I purposely searched for it instore... isn't it lovely?! This is the perfect AW dress to dress up or down. I can picture it now with cardigans, jumpers, thick tights, scarves etc. Of course I had to buy this one too!

This dress from Rare was my least favourite of the things I tried on, which I was gutted about because I LOVED it when I picked it up. It would probably be nicer on someone else, but for me it was just a really bad fit... too big under the arms and tight across the chest. I really like the buckle straps, the zip up front and the structured skirt, it looks a lot more expensive than it is.

 Lastly I tried on this little beauty from the Love concession. I saw Emma wearing a dress made of the same fabric a while ago and loved it, so when I saw this I grabbed it straight away. I love the colours and the feather pattern so much. I was a little unsure of the cut out sides, and thanks to not having washboard abs, I think I'd wear it with a lace bodysuit underneath if I do end up going back to buy it... which I think I will! I haven't stopped thinking about it since I put it back!

All of these clothes are available on the Topshop website.

So what do you think... did I make the right descisions?

BINTM Finalists

It's that time of year again... the final of Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model (tomorrow night 9pm Sky Living.)

So, who are you backing to win the show? (If you don't want to know who the finalists are, please don't read any further!!)

 Juste or Jade?

Personally I really want Jade to win, she has been my favourite from the start, and honestly, my favourite's never win (on this, on Big Brother, on XFactor... anything!) so if Jade wins I am going to be over the moon!

Her photos have been my favourite's almost every week, and I think she's a perfect role model because she's a little bit different, not your regular size zero, flat chested model - she has a figure, and a really unique look.

Juste is also beautiful, but I think she has the typical model look... which might be what they're looking for, but fingers crossed not!

You can read my interview with last year's contestant Olivia Stevens here.

Mustard On That?

 Blouse: Internacionale

Skirt: Topshop

I've seen this top (or one pretty much identical) in Topshop for about £28, but this was only £12.99 from Internacionale - bargains galore in there! I may take it back and go up a size though because the buttons are gaping a bit across my chest (hate big boobs).

I love the colour mustard so much, I can't believe this is the only piece of clothing this colour that I've actually bought... maybe I'm wrong, but nothing springs to mind! 

If you click these photos to enlarge you will be able to see the lovely detailing on the blouse; scallop edges on the collar and cuffs - scallop edges seem to be the new Peter Pan collars for this season!

Can't wait until payday next week! There's so much stuff I've got my eyes on in the shops... AW is my absolute fave!!

Building Blocks

Shirt: Internacionale

Shorts: New Look

Throughout SS season, I wasn't a fan of colour blocking, but I adore the colours which are in the shops at the moment, so thought I would experiment a little.

Rusts & burgundy are my go to colours at the moment, so this outfit kind of threw itself together, teamed with some thick black tights and kept simple without accessories made it work.

I think with colour blocking, simplicity is key.

With the shirt tucked in at the front, and hanging loose at the back, I was really comfy, yet felt smart... the perfect combination for work wear.


(PS sorry for the lighting issues in the second photo - damn these dark nights drawing in!)

Recent Beauty Buys

I had planned on posting an outfit on here tonight. I've worn a couple of new things today which I wanted to show you, but thanks to the rain soaking me on the way to the car after work, everything got taken straight off and put in the wash. So instead, I thought I would show you some little bits I bought in Boots & Superdrug over the past couple of weeks. (Sorry for the overload of beauty related posts lately!)

I'd been on the hunt for the new XXL Batiste dry shampoo for while, and finally managed to track it down. For some reason it seemed to take a while to arrive in the shops up here, but it was definitely worth the wait. I rely on Batiste so much, and use it at least on a weekly basis. With this, it gives massive volume, and definitely makes my hair appear clean and fresh again, I just hope they bring out a brunette version, because the spray is a little bit white for my hair.

I bought the Avon Matte polish in Violetta after seeing it on Fleur's blog, another purple polish to add to my collection, I know I don't need any more, but I love it!

I had a few of the Boots No7 vouchers to spend, and I always make myself use them. I bought two nail varnishes 'Stand Back' and 'So Simple'. Amazing quality as always with these! Then I decided to get a Stay Perfect lipstick for a change. I've never tried No7 lipsticks before, and I am really impressed with this one which is called 'Showy'. The colour is gorgeous and buildable, and it's really glossy and moisturising... I can definitely see myself buying more of these!

I'm sure you've all heard about BB Creams, to some they're the next big thing and to some they're just a glorified tinted moisturiser. Either way, I was intrigued.
I've only tried this once, so I'm not going to comment on what I think of it just yet... but I will let you know.

Finally I bought some Sure deodorant... nothing special, but a definite staple!
(Fashion post tomorrow... I promise!)

Leeds Meet Up!

Following on from my blog post about the Leeds bloggers meet up (find more details here), myself and Ray really need some definite names and numbers...

We do realise it's quite far in advance, as the meet up isn't until November 12th, but even if you're going to try and attend, can you just let us know by leaving your email address in the comments to this post, then we can start getting things into action.

Everyone is invited, the more the merrier!

We can't wait to meet you all!!

If you have any questions about the meet up, either leave a comment on here, or send a tweet using the hashtag #leedsbloggermeet on Twitter... this way you can chat to the other bloggers who plan on attending too!

I Love My Chelsea Boots

 

I bought these Topshop Maccoy Chelsea boots last week, and I haven't had them off my feet since!

They are just soooo comfy! I think I'm a little bit in love with them.

They also make them in a black glitter design... do I need these too?

Monday Mugshot #13

I'm just on my way out for some food with my boyfriend (Nandos of course!), I seem to have developed a major addiction for eating out!

Back to work tomorrow, I'm enjoying it so far, although it's hard getting used to not having many responsibilities at work, I feel a bit lost.

Looking forward to reading everyone's Look Show blog posts, I really wish I could have been there, but I'm definitely going to try for it again next year.

If you haven't already entered, check out my Sleek Makeup giveaway which I posted earlier today.

Sleek Makeup Giveaway - CLOSED

Sleek Makeup have teamed up with PPQ to create this amazing limited edition eyeshadow palette which takes inspiration from PPQ's SS 2012 fashion collection.

If you've ever tried Sleek Makeup's eyeshadows before, you will know that they are really high quality and highly pigmented. This palette contains a mixture off matt and shimmer shadows, so there really is something for everyone.

Me, Myself & Eye is available to buy from the Sleek Makeup website now for only £6.49 (while stocks last) but I decided to give mine away to one of you, as a thank you for following my blog.

The pallete I am giving away was sent to me by Sleek Makeup, it is brand new and unused. If you would like to see swatches of the eyeshadows, you can do so on Sophie's blog here.

This giveaway is open world wide, so anyone can enter.
All you have to do is follow my blog via GFC (right at the bottom of my blog page), and leave a comment with your email address or Twitter name so I can contact you if you win.

You can also Tweet 'win a @sleekmakeup palette on @tornumber9 blog'

Competition closes Sunday 25th September at midnight (GMT).
The winner will be selected using random.org
Good Luck!

NOW CLOSED - Thanks to all who entered xx

Current Faves

 I can't believe I've never posted a favourite products list on here. I love reading these, so I'm going to try and share my favourite products with you more often!

+ Models Own Mystic Mauve - Such a stunning nail varnish! This reminds me of the Bling polishes by Myface Cosmetics, but it's actually better quality, and cheaper. I've worn this loads since I bought it, and I've created some great nail art looks with it too.

+ Urban Decay Naked Palette - I've had this for ages now, but I'm still loving it! For me, a total eyeshadow beginner (I usually never wear it), I find the colours so easy to work with, some are gorgeous for daytime too, which is what I've been after for a while. I hate when eyeshadows are over powering, but 'Naked', 'Sin' and 'Virgin' are so wearable for me, and for a night time look I've been using 'Smog', 'Half Baked' and 'Toasted'. I LOVE the packaging too, and the eyeliner is so easy to use! I'm a big fan!

+ Maybelline Ambre Rose lipstick - I bought this about a year ago, and used it a lot, then forgot about it. I only just found it in my drawer about three weeks ago, and it's been my go-to daytime lipstick ever since. It's so pretty, yet subtle, perfect for work. I'm wearing it in this blog post, from earlier this week.

(Swatched Ambre Rose lipstick on the left, So Sweet So Easy blush on the right)

+ Mac cremeblend blusher - I have been wanting the perfect pink blush for a while now, and I think I have finally found it with 'So Sweet, So Easy'. I love the consistency of these new creme ones from Mac, much easier to work with than their previous releases, in my opinion. I've applied this with a brush and my fingers, but much prefer to use the latter. I can get the perfect build up of colour and it blends so naturally. A little on the pricey side, but I'm sure it's going to last for ages!

+ Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - My boyfriend bought me this for Christmas, after I dropped a few not-so subtle hints! I wear this pretty much every day at the moment, and it smells so beautiful. I get quite a lot of people asking me what it is, and it lasts all day... a big bonus for me when it comes to perfumes.

+ L'Oreal Perfect Clean facewash - I reviewed and raved about this product over a year ago, and it still remains my go-to facewash. I love the scrublet, and the actual product is so gentle and prefect for my dry, sensitive skin. This is a product which I constantly repurchase, and will continue to do so, until (and if) they discontinue it. If you suffer from dry skin, I highly recommend this!

+ Vo5 hairspray - I'm a big lover of hairspray, I like the whole, messy, big hair kind of look, so I need a spray which is going to hold well. This is the one I'm currently using, and although it's not 100% amazing, I do like it, and I haven't felt the need to buy a new one instead. I love how this is weather resistant, it defies humidity and rain quite successfully, plus it doesn't make my hair feel sticky or crunchy, which are my pet hates when it comes to hairspray. It was quite a bargain too, I think I only paid about £2 for this big can.

+ Aussie Volume Conditioner - I used to be an Aussie Angel, so I have been lucky enough to get to sample a lot of Aussie products, and so far, I am yet to try something I didn't love! I have been using this conditioner once a week and it really does give my hair lots of body and volume, which is what I look for in hair products. It smells AMAZING aswell!

+ Sudocrem - For as long as I can remember I've relied on Sudocrem to get rid of any spots, and since they released the tubes of creme, I've loved it even more. I literally swear by this, I can have the biggest reddest spot, then I apply this overnight, and when I wake up, the spot is practically gone. I always have one of these in my bag! It also works miracles on Elodie if she gets nappy rash!