Smell Like a Victoria's Secret Angel...

I absolutely adore the Victoria’s Secret Angels, as well as the product line. I can name virtually every angel that has graced the catwalks…if you’re a fan, then no doubt you can either. Every time I vacation abroad, in New York, I have to purchase a few goodies for myself. The Victoria's Secret stores in England are very scarce- until recently… Hooray! I now have a local VS retail store, within close proximity to where I live.

The devoted shopper that I am, I kept a date in my diary to attend the first, official store opening to bag myself a few things. I even received a cute teddy dog, to celebrate the event- the image is somewhere on my Instagram profile.  

After making a few visits, it wasn’t until recently when I made a purchase that has to be my current favourite. The Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mists.

I chose three amazing body mists that smell excellent. It took me years trying to decide which mists to choose from- as there were too many... I was in mist heaven. These are perfect after a shower or a bath and give you a refreshing scent, which lasts. They say three times the charm, so I narrowed my list. I chose differing scents from fruity smelling to mild vanilla and orchid. A happy purchase indeed. 

Pure Daydream, Amber Romance, Pure Seduction. 

Go ahead and grab yourlself some Victoria's Secret goodies and smell like an angel. If you’re lucky they have offers from time across a range of products- which is always the case. Have an awesome start to the week! Smile. It’s Monday. 

A. Boston. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Pallet

 

I have been meaning to type this post a couple of weeks ago. Now I feel the time is right to share my views on the Urban Decay Naked 2 eye shadow pallet. I purchased this product a while ago, it was just laying in my beauty bag, until recently. I simply cannot get enough of this product and I felt singing it’s praise, is the right thing to do.  I use this product virtually every day and will continue doing so... Until I need a change.

I purchased this pallet from Macy’s in New York, for $50 and I can say it’s worth every dollar. The shade range is perfect for people of all skin tones. Whether you prefer creating a mild daytime look, or vamping it up with darker shades, for the evening. This pallet is literally the best of both worlds as well as being versatile. I particularly prefer the ‘Half Baked’ and ‘Chopper’, ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Snake Bite’ shades- these are my every day colours.  

In comparison to a few eye shadows I own, the urban decay pallet is highly pigmented and is perfect on the eyes, no primer is needed. I find the colours stay put all day and no reapplications are required.

 

Although the urban Decay Naked 2 pallet is the best I own and gets me many compliments, other brands may produce similar products. For those on a budget, I’m certain you can find cheaper alternatives out there, which are just as good. If you happen to find similar, or even awesome eye shadows, well then you must inform me instantly.

 

Whichever you may be, a night owl or a day bird, this product will help you nail that perfect look. If you already own this, well then you're probably familiar with it’s awesomeness… or otherwise. Have a perfect start to the weekend! Smile. It’s Monday.

 

A. Boston.

Fragrance for Fall.

With the changing seasons we often find new trends, many of which are not just based around your wardrobe pieces, it can apply to many things, ranging from cosmetics and fragrances.

After adding a few changes to my wardrobe, I though the same attitude should be applied to my choice of perfume. Recently I've been using a very mild scent, for a very long time and  it wasn’t doing me any justice. I could hardly smell it, until I realised it was an eau de toilette- one my duh moments. I usually make sure to purchase the eau de parfum, when handpicking my fragrances, period. However that particular fragrance was gifted to me. The smell is wonderful, for about 10- 15 minutes, and then it dies down.   

With that in mind, I went on a mini shopping mission over the weekend to find the perfect fragrance for fall. I found myself in most perfume counters, perfume testing.  Virtually every perfume I came across, didn’t quite work for me… until I couldn’t believe my nose- that's when I found it, a wonderful smelling one… Valentino/Valentina.

I purchased a set, as apposed to the single perfume bottle. It was decently priced, that and the fact the box looked cute. The set includes a scented body lotion, the fragrance and a vintage looking box. This perfume smells absolutely glorious, even my smelling senses approve. The bottle is very cute and feminine. The scent is totally perfect for this season and not too harsh smelling either.  It would also be ideal throughout the winter season.

Lastly, I ensured the fragrance was an eau de parfum type, as the smell last for hours. This perfume exceeded my expectations and I could smell it even after a few hours had passed. A choice well made.

Definitely make that switch from the differing perfume types, you'll be grateful. Have an awesome week... If you tiptoe, you can see the weekend.

A. Boston. 

Dark Delights... The Benefits of Dark Chocolate

We all love chocolate. For those who say they don’t, I bet they secretly do. Did you know certain foods have cocoa additives to boost the flavour? Many people consume chocolate, every hour or so, per day- that includes me. For some it may be a weekly, or a monthly thing, as we know too much of the sweet stuff can impact on your health and weight.

Recently I was adding a few simple changes to my diet and I realised chocolate was the main consumed item on my list. Although I snack on fruits and vegetables I need my chocolate. I know I should narrow my consumption to maybe once a week, so I started researching on how bad- or good chocolate actually is. I found some great tips and found my holy grail. Dark chocolate.

I know for many of you the idea of making a switch to darker chocolate is like asking you to eat the same cereal, for the rest of your life- although the idea of lucky charms for breakfast sounds dandy. But dark chocolate not only tastes good, it has actual health advantages we could all benefit form. Below are a few positives of crossing over, to the dark side…

• Dark chocolate can actually help aid in weight loss.
• Dark chocolate has the same effect coffee has on our body and may act as a stimulant. 
•  Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants- this helps the body get rid of radicals, which can cause damage to our cells.
• Dark chocolate helps control blood sugar levels. 
• Dark chocolate contains healthy vitamins and minerals.
• Dark chocolate protects your skin against the sun.
• Dark chocolate helps in the brain function process.
• The higher percentage of dark chocolate, the more benefits it has- Try bars containing around the 70%- 90% cocoa. 

Now that we have established some fun facts, lets make the switch. Bring out the chocolate. Happy Monday. I hope you have a lovely day and an awesome start to the week.

A. Boston. 

Garnier BB Cream

Recently I found a miracle product, ‘the BB cream’, also known as the beauty balm. It has ben around for years, but the trend spotter that I am, I only realised about this heaven sent product a few months ago. After making careful judgment about this product, I decided to share its glorious wonders with you. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this term, it’s actually a skin moisturiser with a hint of foundation and it gives the skin a healthy glow. I am a foundation virgin and never wear it, although I should as it has a few benefits, which include protection from the sun’s UVA rays, as wells as giving our skin that perfect cover shade.

I tend to stick to the make-up minimal. But it was early this year, when I felt my skin might need some protection from the coming summer months. It’s a long story, but last year I suffered from severe sunburns, which left me with a red and sore nose, forehead and cheeks… actually my whole face was covered in a heat rash. Typing this post I can feel that burning sensation in my face... ouch. 

 

I did my research- reading through Internet reviews on the best BB creams to buy. I found that many of these creams had high levels of oils, due to the high SPF protection, but that still didn’t stop me. Finally I came across a YouTube review, based around the Garnier Miracle skin Perfector. I have excellent experience using Garnier products and I can swear by them. They work miracles for my skin and the best part is their products don’t burn holes in my wallet.

I made the purchase and I can confidently say, it has been my best Garnier purchase since. This BB cream is perfect for sensitive skin; the product line also offers a range for other types of skin. There are three different shades, light, medium and dark. I chose the light shade as I find with Garnier products the light shade is actually a medium of some sort; they should really introduce a very light shade, for those of you with paler skin.

Below I have listed a few pros and cons this product offers.

Pros:

• Price- the pricing for this cream is perfect, it's not too pricey and perfect for anyone on a budget.
•   Staying power- Many BB creams you might have to re apply but this stays put for a long period of time.
• Scent- the smell of this BB cream is quite pleasant; you can hardly smell the sun protection properties you might find in actual sun lotions.
•  Dewy glow- this adds a healthy sun kissed glow to the skin.
• Sun protection- my skin felt protected against the sun.

 Cons:

• The range of shades available is the only issue with this product. 

I hope you find this review helpful. Go ahead and try out the world of BB creams for yourself. If you happen to find a better one, fill me in. Have a happy Friday. Enjoy your weekend.

A. Boston. 

The Liebster Award

It was a week or two ago when I was working on my blog post; I received a notification from Annie, who I would like to thank, for nominating me for the Liebster Award. Thanks Annie. You can find the link to her awesome blog below.

http://anniesinnerhappinessforstudents.blogspot.co.uk

My instant feeling was of excitement and joy. I’m not familiar with the Liebster award, so I searched Google, as you would. Google knows everything. I stumbled upon a few bloggers who had received the same nomination as me. Reading through a few posts dedicated to the Liebster Award, I decided to work on my post.

For those of you who are not familiar with terms of the Liebster award. The main purpose is to attract attention to great bloggers, who deserve more recognition. I have to share 11 random facts about myself and answer the 10 questions Annie Jepson set me. I then have to create a set of my own questions, which my nominations have to answer. In this case I cannot find 11 blogs who deserve my nomination.

I might be breaking a few rules here, but everyone deserves the chance to be nominated, especially if you put a lot of effort into your blogging. Here is my twist; I nominate anyone who is a devout blogger to answer my set of questions. To any of you bloggers reading this, I nominate you, best of luck. Here goes...

11 random facts about me.

1.  I met the lovely Emilia Clarke from ‘The Game of Thrones”, in New York and she wished me a happy birthday. In fact it wasn’t my birthday, it was my sister's. 

2. Adam Sandler is my favourite comedy actor; he also makes an awesome director.

3. I love food. Literally. Especially sweet food. I can consume a whole load of food in one day it actually scares me. At times I feel like participating in those food challenges… a bit similar to the ‘Man v. Food’.

4.  I spend most of my day online, on YouTube. Viewing comedy and vine videos. After watching the clips, I instantly share them with my family and friends, who don’t find them as funny as I. This places me in an awkward situation.

5. When I was young I thought I would grow up to be a famous singer and dancer… still waiting for that to happen… Anytime soon…

6. I love performing. Whenever I can find the chance I will sing or dance- even if it’s in the supermarket.

7.  I’m very indecisive, especially when shopping. I can take up to an hour or two deciding what to purchase.

8. I enjoy travelling. I want to travel the world. A few places I have visited include, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Washington and New York.  I still have a whole lot of world to see.

9. I share the same birthday as the late princess Diana (of England).

10. I collect movies. I have a collection of ever-growing DVDs reaching 70. Not far from a 100.

11. Till date I have kept hold of my small toy rabbit, called Jerry. She has a broken arm, which I carried out a funeral for, in my back yard. We’ve been friends since I was 9 and it’s going strong.

Annie Jepson’s 10 questions answered.

1. Who is that one person who puts a smile on your face everyday or animal? I don’t have any pets, I had a gold fish once… it died. However I rarely smile when I wake up because I would rather sleep in, but on occasions text messages from my best friends make me smile.

2.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years time I see myself working in the events industry. Or working with Vogue magazine (if only). 

3. What is your favourite time of the day and what do you like to do in that time? My favourite time of day has to be lunchtime, because I can eat, something I enjoy doing. Technically I eat something every hour of the day. 

4.  Which do you prefer summer or winter? I prefer winter because the winter fashion and trends are fabulous. It also means heavy snowfall and we all know what that means… don’t drive.

5.  If you could not do one chore for the rest of your life what would it be? Cleaning the bathroom and toilet. The reason being, a few weeks ago the toilet claimed the life of Justin, my iPhone 4- who now lies in a bag full of rice to recover. I found this funky tip on Google; to save any iPhone… does it work? Hell no. 

6. Favourite book or film? I’m very indecisive, as I like the best of both worlds. Although I’m a huge movie junkie, Pineapple Express has to be my current comedy favourite. I have memorised every single line form that movie. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is my favourite book.

7. What's the best thing about being a blogger? The best thing about being a blogger is sharing great tips and pictures with people form all over the world. Making new friends. Also knowing that people may take my advice and use it constructively brings me joy.

8. Which editing device do you like to use when editing your photos? I use a few editing apps, mainly located on my iPhone 5. My favourite has to be the Instagram editing app, as it can enhance any image and bring out its quality.

9. What are you most passionate about? I am very passionate about many things, but the one thing I spend a lot of time on is fashion. An outfit can make a person feel confident even if you don’t feel it. I find clothes to be very empowering and I believe everyone should take pride in their wardrobe. I live by the saying, life is a catwalk, make every moment count.

10. What rule would you live by if you could choose and everyone would have to follow? Subscribing to my blog would be a start, just kidding. Love. Eat. Peace- these would be a trifecta of my ruling.

10 questions I would like you to answer.

1. Who inspires you?

2. Which famous person would play you in a movie?

3.  Who is your style icon?

4. What would your ultimate meal be?

5. Ryan Gosling or Bradley Cooper?

6.  Favourite fashion house (haute couture)?

7. Favourite high street store?

8. Best beauty product?

9. What is your dream career?

10. What is the best thing about blogging?

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have a lovely weekend. 

A. Boston.