⋆⋆ MAC Morange ⋆⋆

I bought a new MAC lipstick recently as I had been lusting over it for months and I thought I should treat myself for doing so well in my exams. MAC Morange is the perfect lipstick for me. It's my answer to a red lip as bright red lipstick can really bring the pink and red tones out in my skin which often makes me look overly flushed and leaves my skin looking un-even. MAC Morange works really well for me because it's a neon orange with a hint of red. I absolutely adore it.

M.A.C Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange ~ £14

I ordered the lipstick from Debenhams as beauty card holders get free delivery and I wasn't going anywhere near a MAC store (even though I ended up in one before it arrived, typical). 

It took around 6 days to come (but I did order it over a bank holiday) which was far too long for my impatient self.

The formula of this lipstick is absolutely perfect. It's so creamy to apply and goes on as a very strong colour with just one application. It's nice and moisturizing on my lips with a subtle sheen but after around 1-2 hours it begins to dry out and change into more of a matte finish which keeps the lipstick on for 3-4 hours +. 

It's safe to say I am in love with this lipstick and I can see myself not being able to stop myself from wearing it. I definitely think MAC lipsticks are worth the price especially the amplified finish range as Morange has a beautiful formula.

Have you tried Morange? What's your current favourite lipstick?

'Til Next Time,

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♥ ♥ The Zara Basic Shopper ♥ ♥

I have recently been so in love with Zara. Every time I go in there I want almost everything, it all seems so on trend and chic. I am especially very fond of their bags and when I saw this bag, the Zara basic shopper, I fell in love. The size is perfect for sixth form and the finish of the material is so smooth. It has shorter handles for carrying on the crook of your arm and a longer strap when you just want to sling it over your shoulder, which is perfect for me. After hearing it was only £19.99, I rushed out to get it. 

I am absolutely in love with this bag. It's nothing special really as it's just plain black but I really think the burgundy colour on the trim of the zip is a nice touch. The bag feels of such good quality I am surprised is was only £19.99! It's really comfortable to carry around and fits soooo much. My only problem with the bag is that it loses it's shape when carried with the longer strap, but I can live with that. I cannot wait to start using this bag for sixth form next week.

Also, I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet but I got my results last week and I was very very happy with them indeed. I wasn't sure whether to share them on here or not as I don't want people to think I am bragging but I am very proud and I also like to hear how people did, so in case you wanted to know I got 1 A* and 10 A's and then a D in Welsh Language (but we'll forgot about that hah). I was so pleased and proud of myself and now I feel all motivated to go back to school next week, although I can't see that lasting for long!

What do you think about this bag?

'Til next time,

☮ Giveaway; Revlon Nail Enamel ☮

So, this is going to be my first ever giveaway. It's a small one, a very very small one, but I know I won't be able to do the larger giveaway I have planned for a while so I thought I'd do a small one for now just to thank you all for reading, commenting and following my blog. It makes me so happy to know that all the hard work I put into this is appreciated by at least someone and it really does put a smile on my face.

I decided to give away a Revlon Nail Polish because they are one of my favourite brands of nail polish to buy. They have a lovely formula and brush, and application is really easy. They stay on for around 3 days with no chipping and they last forever as the bottle is so big.

 The winner will receive one Revlon Nail Enamel in the shade Blue Lagoon completely new and un-opened. The colour of this is a beautiful pastel baby blue with the most subtle hints of shimmer, it is a truly beautiful shade.

To enter fill in the Rafflecopter form below where there are a number of ways of gaining entries, the only requirements is that you are a follower of my blog and you leave a comment with an email address or twitter username so I can contact you if you win. The giveaway will end in exactly one week on the 9th of September and the winner will be chosen soon after. If the winner does not reply after 48hrs of being contacted then a new winner will be chosen. I'm so so sorry but the giveaway is for UK residents only, I will be doing an international one in the near future though.

Good luck everyone :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


'Til Next Time,

✩ How Much Is Your Face Worth? ✩

I saw Louise do this tag first and have seen many other bloggers do this post since then. I can't stop reading them, maybe it's because I am a little nosey but I find these posts really interesting to read. The idea of this tag is to list every product that is on your face and total up the price. I think it's interesting to see how the price of make-up really adds up and how expensive it really is to get a full face of make-up.

Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm £1.99 // Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer £6.99 // Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19 // Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream £7.99 // Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation £10.99 // Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder £3.99 // MAC Cork Eyeshadow £10 // Urban Decay Naked Palette £35 // MUA Clear Mascara £1 // E.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow Primer £3 // MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow £10 // Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara £16.50 // Natural Collection Lash Build Mascara £1.99 // Benefit Hoola Boxed Powder £23.50 // Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme in Iced Gold £17 // NARS Deep Throat Blush £21 // Revlon Colour Burst Lipstick in Peach 75 £7.99

And the total is..... £183.12! I am a little bit shocked, knowing I've spent that amount on just one face of make-up makes me scared to think how much I've spent on my whole make-up collection although I do get my wear out of most of the make-up I buy so I guess it's worth it. Most of the prices were taken from the Boots website, of course the total price isn't 100% accurate as some things may of been bought on offer etc. but it gives a good estimate. I am a little bit of a high end make-up lover but as I can't always afford to splurge and there are some great products to be found on the high street, I usually have a good mix of high and low end make-up which is why I am a teeny bit shocked. I would love to do this tag again but with evening make-up on instead of everyday/day time make-up, what do you think?

Also, I can only apologize for the state of my skin right now, I'm having a really bad time with it. I've never suffered from spots or anything else really but over the past few months my skin has gone crazy and that's all I've been covered in along with some mysterious red bumps, and my skin has been very dry. I have literally no idea why. Sigh.

I tag everyone who reads this to do it. I would love to have a nose so pretty please leave a link if you do it or have done already. 

I hope you enjoyed.

'Til Next Time,

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♡ ♡ Review; Balance Me. Wonder Eye Cream ♡ ♡

Balance Me. Extra Care Wonder Eye Cream £14 for 10ml // £20 for 15ml

I got this free with Glamour magazine I believe last month and didn't really expect to think much of it. I was pleased to have it as I needed a new eye cream but I didn't expect it to be any good.

I have to admit, I was proven wrong. Balance Me. in general seem like a really interesting brand and I would love to try more of their range as natural products always intrigue me.

The Balance Me. Wonder Eye Cream is of 99% natural origin which is always a plus for me. I feel like I'm being a lot kinder to my skin, although I necessarily may not be, I just prefer to use natural products if I can. 

Balance Me. target this cream for "soothing, brightening and lifting" and say it "helps to revitalize and smooth away dark shadows and reduce the appearance of fine lines" and is for all skin types. I have normal/combo skin and don't really suffer with any skin problems around my eye area apart from them being dark and very dis-coloured and occasionally a little dehydrated. 

This eye cream does exactly what it says on the tube (and more) which is so refreshing (I apply a small amount to lid, under eye area and surrounding area of the eye). This eye cream is definitely soothing and brightening and has visibly reduced the darkness under my eyes and the surrounding discoloration. I was so pleasantly surprised when I noticed how much brighter the under area of my eye looked. It also helps to smooth the area whilst keeping it hydrated. Of course this is no permanent fix to dark circles and I'm sure nothing could be, but for the time I am using this product it is doing a very good job at reducing their appearance. I'm not too sure about it reducing the appearance of fine lines as I don't really have many being almost 17 but I do find it to be lifting and soothing and my general eye area just looks a little bit nicer when I'm using this. I wish I could of done a before and after of my dark circles to show you how it's worked but like I said I didn't really expect it to work wonders at all. I guess it's called the 'Wonder Eye Cream' for a reason. 

I'm going to be very sad when this runs out but I will definitely be repurchasing after I have tried the Origins GinZing eye cream. I think £14 for 10ml is a very reasonable price as I can see visible improvements with this eye cream and I would love to try more of the Balance Me. range.

What are your opinions of the eye cream/Balance Me.?

'Til Next Time,

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✌ Autumn Wishlist ✌

Topshop MOTO Acid Supersoft Leigh Jeans £38

Topshop Floral Print Cigarette Trousers £36

Monki Dannie Shirt

River Island Black Lace Maxi Skirt £30

Topshop Alien Chunky Fringe Boot  £95

ASOS 3 Simple Gold Band Rings £8

Topshop Knitted Pointelle Jumper £38

Topshop Scandi Bead Handchain £10

Topshop MOTO Pale Khaki Leigh Jeans £38

• I have been lusting over the ASOS Gold Band Rings ever since I seen them on Barbara from ThePersianBabe on YouTube. I think they're so chic and simple and I love them. I am un-sure about getting them though as I don't wear a lot of gold and I can't find them in silver sigh.
• I've seen lots of handchains around lately I think they look really nice with a simple outfit as abit of a statement peice. I love this Topshop one because I looove berry shades for A/W and I love the beading. I can't wait to get my hands on this.
• I also love the Topshop Knitted Pointelle Jumper. I love the 'fish net' style and think it would look really effortless with a pair of acid wash jeans and these Topshop Alien Fringe Boots. Perfect.

What trends are you loving this A/W? Any of you off to London fashion week? (I'm jealous)

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✼ Review; Boots Botanics 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz ✼

Boots Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz ~ Boots ~ £4.99 ~ 150ml // 5 US Fl.Oz

I am a huge fan of the Boots Botanics range. Everything I have tried from the range I have good things to say about and I think that the products are good quality for a small price, which makes my bank account very happy indeed.

There seems to be a divide in opinion over whether a toner is really "necessary" or not, but I don't think I could skip the step in my skincare routine and I think this toner in one of the best I've tried, granted I haven't tried hundreds but I've tried a fair few. Before this I was in love with the LUSH Breath of Fresh Air toner (which I still love) but this is just as good, a little better actually, and is more accessible for me and slightly cheaper.

I really feel like I am treating my skin when I use this toner. I'm not usually fond of a 'rose' smell but it's actually very refreshing and the product is great to keep in my bag and use as a refreshing spritz throughout the day as I find it doesn't mess with my make-up too much. I enjoy using the toner after I have cleansed and washed my face to get the last scraps of make-up off, if any whilst refreshing my skin and ridding of tightness. 

Overall I really love this toner, would most definitely recommend and will repurchase in the future for sure!

There's also a current offer on at Boots where you can save 1/3 on Botanics skincare so you can grab this toner at just £3.33!

Rating: ★★★★

What are your thoughts on the Botanics Range? What's your favourite toner?

'Til Next Time,

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☼ ☼ My Week In Photos #2 ☼ ☼

@caryslloyd

⋆ Visited an Owl Sanctuary ⋆ My cousin's cat had kittens aw ⋆ Bubble bath courtesy of LUSH ⋆ New 'make-shift' set up for blog photos ⋆ Photographing for reviews coming soon ⋆ My sister & I at my mum's 40th ⋆ New Yankee Candle ⋆ Experimenting with make-up for results ⋆ Writing ⋆ Topshop bikini for swimming ⋆ Shopping & lunch with mama-bear ⋆ Dry skin savior ⋆ Cute owls ⋆ YSL freebie ⋆ Costa berry smoothie ⋆ Go-to eye make-up ⋆

I haven't been up to much lately but I thought I'd start doing these posts again as I love nosing at other blogger's week in photo's posts. So, expect a post like this fortnightly from now on!

'Til Next Time,

Carys xox

♡ ♡ Nail of the Day; Disco Lilac ♡ ♡

Hello everyone.

I haven't done a nail related post in ageeeees so I thought I'd share newly discovered nail combination that I absolutely adore and can see myself constantly wearing it for the next few weeks.

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Lucky Lilac 50
Essence Nail Art Special Effects Topper in Disco Disco 11

I am absolutely in love with this combo at the moment, I've never really been a fan of glitter on my nails but I am in looove with the Essence Topper. The chunky silver glitter looks lovely over the No7 pastel lilac and I assume it'll look nice over any shade. It's a really nice quality polish, dries quickly and has a beautiful iridescence. 
I actually won the essence polish in the lovely Eyelyn's give-away recently so sorry UK followers, it's not available here *sigh*. I'm sure there are lots of similar top coats around though.

There will be lots of skin-care and hair-care reviews coming soon so look out for them!

What's your favourite nail combo? What's your go-to brand of nail polish?

'Til Next Time,
Carys xox




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☼ Review; E.l.f Mineral Eyelid Primer (+ Urban Decay Comparison) ☼

E.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow Primer ~ £3.00 @ eyeslipsface.co.uk

E.l.f say "This gentle and completely sheer Eyeshadow Primer has key vitamins A, C and E to help prevent aging and moisturizes the skin. The formula glides on easily and disappears instantly to create longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. The Mineral Eyeshadow Primer is designed to be used with your favorite mineral eyeshadow to provide ultimate staying power for beautiful and vibrant color that lasts. 100% mineral based with no parabens, no preservatives and no chemical dyes."

I'm not too sure about the 'key vitamins' and the whole 'prevent ageing' as I have seen no effects  of this and didn't really expect it from an eyeshadow primer but I do think that it does have a moisturizing feel on the lid of the eye. The texture is smooth, feels a bit like it contains silicon so  it smooths and evens out the lid, and blends effortlessly. The product itself is light and does glide on easily and disappears instantly. 

I think that this primer is almost as good as the infamous 'Urban Decay Primer Potion' - minus the price tag. I think it holds on the shadow and prevents them from creasing in the same way the urban decay primer does. Although, this primer does not make the eyeshadows any more vibrant, like the Urban Decay one, which is a little negative for me. My shadows do still crease with this primer, but only slightly, which I expect as they do with any of the eye primers I have tried *sigh*. 
I definitely recommend you try this out if you are debating whether to try the Urban Decay Primer Potion as it is similar, if you only need a primer to keep your  eye-shadow on for longer or you're a eye-shadow primer newbie, this is a great one to try for a very reasonable price.
I don't quite think it is as good as the Urban Decay Primer Potion, just because it doesn't add any vibrancy to the shadows but for the price this is a very impressive product.
 I would 100% buy again and recommend to you all.

Have you tried any of the E.l.f primers?
 Has anyone tried/reviewed the Too Faced Shadow Insurance? I'd love to give that one a try!

'Til Next Time,
Carys xox



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