GIVEAWAY!! WIN £100 Worth of Sexy Hair Products!!

I am so excited as I have an AMAZING giveaway for my lovely readers to enter. The prize is £100 worth of Big Sexy Hair Products, which includes the bloggers favourite What a Tease - Back Comb in a bottle (see my review of it here - its fantastic).  Please note that this giveaway is UK only. 

Please check out my terms and conditions at the bottom of the page :) 

Heres what you can win;

Big volume shampoo - £9.99 | Big volume conditioner - £10.99 | Volumizing dry shampoo - £13.99 | What a tease - £15.99 | Weatherproof - £14.99 | Root pump plus - £12.49 | Spray & play - £10.49 | Flip it over - £14.99 | Total value - £103.92

All you need to do to be entered is:

• Fill out the Raffle Copter form below and;
• 'Like' the Facebook Page for Sexy Hair - here
• Be a follower of my blog Via GFC 
• Leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

For extra entries you can:

• Follow me on twitter
• Tweet about the giveaway
• Follow Big Sexy Hair on Twitter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:

1. Open to UK residents only
2. Must be over 18 or have parents permission to supply me with your address, should you be the lucky winner.
3. Competition will open on the 28th April 2013 and close on 20th of May 2013 at 12am GMT.
4. Winner will be selected at random using Raffle Copter.
5. Winner will be notified by email and will have 7 days to respond.
6. If first winner does not respond within the 7 days a second winner will be chosen

Good Luck!!!!

Gem xx

Sunday Bloggers Interview #11

Sunday Bloggers is back, and today I have the lovely Lisa from Topaz and May answering my beauty questions. Lisa's blog is a great mix of beauty and style and I have been a follower of her blog since I first started out blogging about a year ago. I highly recommend you go check her blog out here! Along with the content being great, I absolutely adore the design of her blog.

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I've always loved writing and I've always wanted to write a blog but struggled with what to write about. I tried one about films but realised I'd much rather do fashion and beauty and it just went from there! I had a bit of a push from Kat over at jemimaandted.com as well and I've never looked back!

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love having something I can come home to after work and just enjoy getting stuck into. I love trying new products out and discovering ones I'd never thought to try before. I also love reading other blogs, it's better (and more addictive) than most magazines!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands?

I'm loving Rimmel at the moment. Their "Wake Me Up" range is really affordable and such good quality. I'm also love 17 as well. For higher end I've recently become a little addicted to MAC products. Amazing products, but a bit pricey!

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc)

Eek that's a hard one! I would probably say Batiste Dry Shampoo as I cannot live without this stuff, my Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush from the US, its a tad pricey but so worth it, 17's Mirror Shine On Lipstick is a really affordable everyday lippie, Essies's nail varnishes without a doubt and La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo at the moment is keeping my skin firmly under control!

5. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Use what works for you. I've tried so many different things that others have raved about and they just haven't suited me, and then I find things obscure and they're perfect for what I want. Try things you wouldn't usually go for, be a bit brave. Beauty is supposed to be fun!

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A huge thanks to Lisa for taking part, I need to try out the 17 Lipsticks they sound right up my street. If you would like to take part, please email me at gembeauty@hotmail.co.uk or click the page link at the top of my blog :)

Gem x

NOTD: Inspired by Cute Polish Cartoon Nails

I had to do a short NOTD post on these nails as I think they are so cute and eye catching. I got the Idea from Cute Polish, I'm sure you are aware of her YouTube channel, but if you aren't here is a link.

I painted my nails black first, and then painted the pink over the top as I found this technique easier than just painting a black line around the outside of my nails.

Gem x

Worldwide Wardrobe

Travel Supermarket are holding a brilliant competition for us fashion loving bloggers. All we have to do is create an outfit for activities in different destinations. There are 5 in total; Sightseeing in Paris, Shopping in London, Clubbing in Ibiza, Cocktails in New York and Partying at Full Moon Party in Thailand. How many you chose to enter is up to you. There will be a prize for the best outfit in each category, and the prize is an amazing holiday to that destination plus £200 to spend on the outfit! To find out more and how to enter the competition for yourself, click here.

Cat Eye Sunglasses - RiverIsland £10 | Stripe Top - Matalan £10 | Waterfall Leather Jacket - Newlook £39.99 | Chanel Liquid Eyeliner - HoF £26 | Biker Boots - Newlook £24.99 | Jeans - RiverIsland £22| City Bag - ZARA £49.99 | Eiffel Tower Necklace - F21 £2.40
Total: 185.37

When I think of Paris, I think of the classic chic but effortless style that Parisians seem to have. For me Monochrome is classic chic, and luckily it is making a huge comeback this year.

When it came to choosing the bag, I had no trouble choosing it as I have been lusting after the Zara City for ages now and it is the epitome of chic. Its so beautiful and could easily pass off for designer so would feel at home among the scores of designer handbags on the streets of Paris.

I chose biker boots as I think they would be perfect for walking or jumping on the back of a Cyclo. They are comfy yet still really stylish. The waterfall leather jacket is a cute twist on a classic and I love the Eiffel Tower necklace, it gives the outfit a little cute and quirky edge.

No chic ensemble is complete without winged, cat-eye liner so I would use the Chanel Liquid liner to create it.

Tie Die Dress - Internacionale £19.99 | Peace Earrings - Miss Selfridge £6.50 | Nars Laguna Bronzer £26 | Turquoise Clutch - Topshop £34 | Chunky Chain Bracelet - River Island £8 | Turqouise Jelly Shoes - Office £16

Total: £110.49

I haven't been to the white Isle, but when I think about clubbing there I imagine it getting very hot - I designed my outfit with that in mind.

I have however been clubbing abroad and I know a lot of people are out until 6 in the morning, so I was thinking of including wedges with this look but I went for the comfier option of these really cute jelly shoes.

The whole outfit is perfect for taking from the pool or beach, adding the accessories and wearing it straight to the club. It comes in hugely under budget at £110.49, and this leaves you with some spare cash as I have heard Ibiza ain't cheap!

Hat - Topshop £25 | Sleeveless Collar Shirt - Topshop £16 | Coral Belted Skirt - River Island £22 | Shoes - Matalan £6 | Denim Jacket - River Island £35 | Bag - Matalan £16 | Rose Gold Watch - River Island £30

Total: £150

I love visiting London in the spring or summer, and the outfit I have chosen is really spring/summer casual style.

 I have been known to spend 4 hours in Oxford Street Primark alone, so for me flats are a must. I love how the bag looks really high end, but comes in at such a reasonable price.

Bikini Top £26 & Bottoms £14 - Pacha @ River Island | Headband - River Island £25 |Waistcoat - Newlook £22.99 | Embellished Sandals - Topshop £45 | Highwaisted Hot Pants - Topshop £28

Total: £134.99

I had to google the Full Moon Party in Thailand as I had never heard of it before. Basically its a big party one the beach every month on the day of the full moon. I imagine it to be very humid and hot in Thailand, especially if you are going to be partying as well, so I went for a Bikini as a top with the waistcoat to act as a bit of a cover up. 

I adore the colour of the Bikini and think it would look amazing in the beautiful setting of Thailand. 

Dress - Oasis £55 | Flower Statment Necklace - Oasis £25 | Gold Clutch bag - ASOS £30 | Shoes - Dorothy Perkins £48

Total: £158

When I think of cocktails in New York, I immediately think of Sex and the City and Carrie Bradshaw. The ladies of SATC where always decked out in designer dresses, so my outfit had to be designer inspired.

I am a big SATC fan and When I saw the flower necklace, I knew I had to include it as a homage to that flower dress.

The shoes are absolutely gorgeous and look like they could cost 10 times the actual amount, and would feel at home among the Manolos and Jimmy Choos.

Mini Boots & TK Maxx Haul

I took advantage of the Boots 3 for 2 offer and got myself the Barry M Gelly polishes I had been lusting over for a while, I'm glad I did as they are lovely. My favourite so far is the nude colour. I also had a £3 off voucher for Revlon so got the Color Stay foundation. I am a lover of Estee Lauder Double Wear, and this is a very similar.

From TK MAXX I got Too Faced Tanning Bed In A Tube which is a wash off tan for £5.99 RRP £22, and Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover for £2.99.

I have used the tan it smells like I have rolled around in a Pina Colada - a no no for some but I love it, haha. It is also so so light, if you have used Rimmels wash off tan you will know it is a bit thick - but this is the total opposite and you only need a tiny amount, it gives an amazing colour.


Gem x

30 Ways to Save £1

The lovely MoneySupermarket are holding another blogger competition, where they are challenging us to come up with 30 ways to save £1. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you would know about my love of a bargain so I think I have some pretty good tips up my sleeve :) Some would say I was a professional bargain hunter, or maybe just a shopaholic. But in all honesty, with only one wage coming into the house I have to be pretty thrifty. So here are my tips;

30 ways to save £1

Shopping

1. Sign up to cash back websites such as top cash back. You can earn back a certain percentage of what you have spent, I have earned £50 so far.

2. Use voucher code websites such as …. You may be able to save on postage, or there may be a voucher for 10 or 20% off.

3. Take advantage of Tesco Clubcard Rewards. You can double or triple your points for days out in theme parks, restaurants and hotels. Take a look here. I recently visited a local adventure farm with my family for “free”.

4. Facebook is great for second hand bargains. There are lots of local selling groups on there where people sell everything from clothes to settees.

5. I love charity shops, I have had some great finds from them. My best buy was a lovely Next coat for £1

6. Car Boots are also a great place to find many bargains. I love to buy clothes and toys for my children here.

7. Boots Advantage Card – Not only do you accumulate points which can be used to purchase, you also get access to money off coupons – pop your card in the machine next time you are in store.

8. If you’re a student, always ask at the till if there is a student discount scheme. I saved a load of money when I was a student by taking advantage of this.

9. Ask your self – Do I really need this? And then ask it again. It works a treat for me and can help stop that impulse buy of a pink lipstick when you already have 10 at home (just me?)

10. Avoid store cards at all costs and use the above tip. The interest is usually astronomical.

Food

11. Cooking from scratch has saved me a lot of money and sometimes it only takes an extra 5 – 10 minutes. Plus it is way healthier too.

12. Plan your meals for the week in advance and take a list to the supermarket. This way you are a lot less likely to be tempted by things you don’t need.

13. Even if the product is on offer, check whether you are actually getting a good deal. For example it may be 2 for £3, but you may only be saving 25p.

14. Use supermarket own brand or value products, this can save a lot of money.

15. Shop around for what is on offer but don’t waste any petrol - my supermarket has a great price checker tool for your favourite brands

Energy Bills

16. Switch your appliance off properly, don’t just leave them on stand by and don’t leave the light on if you’re not in the room.

17. Turn the heating down, even if it’s by a few degrees.

18. Switch to a cool wash, there are plenty of detergents that work just as well at 30 degrees and doing this will not only help your energy bills but the planet as well.

19. Switch energy suppliers. You may not be on the best plan for you, and you can usually get cash back when switching.

Random:

20. Cash for clothes – In recent months there have been loads of these schemes popping up in my area. You take unwanted clothes and they pay you by the Kilo.

21. Bank accounts – a lot of current accounts come with perks such as Travel and Mobile phone insurance, check yours as you may be paying for something you already have.

22. Sales – Take advantage of them. I always buy my Christmas and birthday presents for the year ahead in the Boots Boxing Day half price sale.

23. Book your flights in advance – I managed to get flights to Paris with EasyJet for £25, and closer to the time they were selling for £60

24. When its time to renew your car insurance, always shop around. We found a cheaper deal and told our current providers and they matched it for us.

25. If you haven’t used it / worn it in 6 months – sell it on ebay.

26. Check out your local paper - mine has money off coupons in there every Thursday. You could save on anything from your hair appointment, money off restaurants to toys from Toys R Us.

Kids

27. When the weather is nice, or even when its not – get out doors. It’s free and my children love it more than going to the cinema or softplay.

28. Speaking of the cinema – Take advantage of Orange Wednesdays and Kids

29. Clubs. My son and I like to go on a Saturday morning when it is only £1 each.

  30. Buy clothing second hand where possible. Children grow so quickly they are hardly in them long enough.

So there are my money tips, do you have any?? Don't forget to go and enter the competition for yourselves here!

Gem x

My Current (and very simple) Skin Care Routine - For Acne Prone Sensitive Skin

I don't have the best skin in the world, actually its pretty bad. I have suffered from acne since my teens and at nearly 25 years of age I am still battling with it. I also have large pores, acne scarring and skin that is really sensitive and breaks out all the time.  But I have managed to find a routine that is working for me and keeping my skin looking half decent. I haven't had a breakout in over a month and my pores seem a lot more refined.

I decided to try and make my skincare routine as simple as possible, and as I don't have very dry skin I could get away without using a moisturiser, although Efflaclar Duo does have moisturising properties. My skin has never looked better, and I am positive that its because I have simplified the routine, and found some great products too.

At night I use Cleanse and Polish to remove my make up, and then again for a deeper cleanse. I dont use the toner in the evening, I just apply a liberal amount of Efflaclar Duo on my skin.

In the morning I use a small amount of Cleanse and Polish, about half a pump and then the toner and a small amount of Efflaclar Duo.

Even though I'm not using a lot of products, my skin is looking radiant and my acne is at bay for the moment.

Obviously everyone's skin is different, but if like me you are suffering from acne and sensitive skin, I highly recommend not using a lot of products on your skin.

Gem x

La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo - My Thoughts

I thought I would do a quick review the La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo as its becoming a firm favourite of mine. I have acne prone, sensitive skin that doesn't take to products well but I am loving this. It hasn't broke me out, in fact it has really helped to keep my spots at bay; even hormonal ones.

I love everything about it; the scent is really nice and fresh and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth. It makes a great base for my foundation too, it really is a multi-tasking product. I use it as a blemish treatment, instead of a moisturiser and as a primer. However if you have dry skin, I wouldn't recommend replacing your moisturiser as its not incredibly moisturising.

Overall a great product for me, and one  I would highly recommend trying out if you suffer from sensitive acne prone skin like me.

Gem x

Sunday Bloggers Interview #10

Today I have the lovely Nuala from Makeup Beauty Shopping taking part in my bloggers interview series. I have been following Nuala's blog for ages now and can thoroughly recommend it. She has brilliant pictures and swatches and is a lovely blogger.

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I did a make up course last year and our teacher suggested starting a blog as a way of getting into make up.

I also thought it's a great way to justify the fact that I spend most of my disposable income on make up and beauty items!

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I love chatting to all the lovely beauty bloggers on twitter. I have met some great people and am hoping to go to a meet up this year.

It also makes my day when I get comments on my blog and try to reply to them all!

3. What are your favourite make-up brands?

MAC, Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products (hair, makeup, skin, etc)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Xen Tan Dark Lotion

Urban Decay Original Naked Palette

NARS Laguna Bronzer

5. Do you have any beauty tips to share?

Umm it's hard to think of any at the top of my head but maybe use a bit of  olive oil on synthetic concealer and foundation brushes as it gets all the product out of the brushes!

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A huge thanks to Nuala for taking part. Make sure you check out her blog here: http://makeupbeautyshopping.blogspot.co.uk/

Gem x

NOTD: Lilac Leopard

I think this looks pretty cute, and it was quite simple to do. Leopard print is quite easy to do on the other hand too because you need to be a bit shaky to get the spots looking right.

Gem x

March Favourites / Most Used

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - I really like this for an everyday foundation, its light to medium coverage and used with stay matte powder leaves my skin looking really natural.
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - A regular favourite of mine, such a great setting powder.
La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo - Again, a regular favourite. I love how it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and keeps break outs down to a minimum.
Urban Decay Naked Basics - I have used this palette every day since getting it, I love it. I am not very adventurous when it comes to eye makeup so this palette is perfect for me.

Gem x

Easter NOTD

Happy Easter :)

Fashion Friday | ♥ I Heart Ombre ♥

The Ombre trend started with hair, then nails, and now it is everywhere in the fashion world too. I am loving it, and its perfect for spring/summer. Here are my favourite Ombre pieces from the high street. 

1. Maxi Skirt £24.99 New Look

2. TShirt  £18 Top Shop

3. Beach Play Suit £17 River Island

4. Cross Earrings £5 Miss Selfridge

5. Denim Dress £45 Oasis

6. Pattern TShirt £16 Dorothy Perkins

 

Beauty Wishlist

I am currently doing the 30 day shred, and to give myself more of an incentive ( I have zero motivation when it comes to exercise) I have decided to put £1 away every time I do it. So hopefully at the end of it I will have £30 to spend on something for myself. I have currently missed one day and Im only on day 5, but I am determined to complete the 30 days. If it takes me a little longer so be it.

These are the beauty items I am coveting lately, I know some are slightly more than £30 but I could always make it up.. or do a few extra days.

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray - I have tried and reviewed the oil here, but that was not in spray form. I think the spray would be more practical - has anyone tried this and compared to the original?

YSL Rouge Volupte - I have two of these already and I love them. The packaging and formula are amazing, although they don't last all that long on my lips. I don't care though as this is one lipstick you will want to reapply, its so pretty. I'm not sure on which shade Id choose yet.

Too Faced Matte Eye shadow Palette - I love Too Faced eyeshadow palettes and own three of them already. I am a lover of matte shadows for day to day wear and have wanted this palette ever since it was released a few years ago.

Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine - I spotted this in Boots, I am a magpie to pretty things! I tested it and fell in love. I need this as my summer scent this year so I will hopefully be able to pick this up in duty free in June.

Urban Decay Oz Glinda Palette - I dont wear purple or pink or blue shadows, so I'm not really sure why I want this palette so much. It just looks amazingly pretty and prehaps if I got it I would start wearing those colours more often.

What beauty items are you coveting? Have you tried/ reviewed the Macadamia Healing Oil Spray?

Gem x

Blog Design and HTML: How to Leave Your Blog Link as a Clickable HTML Link in Comments

**I realise most of you bloggers are technical whizzes, but I thought I would write this post for people like myself, who didnt have a clue how to do this and a rubbish with coding and design**

I have no problem with bloggers leaving their link in a comment on my blog, in fact I encourage you to do it. And when you do I don't mind how you leave it, whether it be just written out like this http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk or as a clickable link like this GEM SEREN .

But when I leave a comment and a blog link, I like to leave mine as a clickable link as I think it looks neater, and Im a bit OCD with things like that.

So how do you do it? Its really simple, but for someone like me who has no clue I needed it spelling out.

Here is the code:


<a href="url">Link text</a>

And here is an example of how I would leave my link:

< a href="http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk"> Gem x </ a>

I have left a space in between my <  a and / a, this is so it would show up as text for the post. When you post your link remove the gap :):)

I hope this was helpful to some of you, I know it would have been for me, as I had to scour the internet to find out how to do this for myself haha

Gem x

Sunday Bloggers Interview #9

This Sunday, I am lucky enough to have the lovely Shona from Fresh BeautyXOX taking part in Sunday Bloggers Interview. I have been a reader of Shonas blog for nearly a year I think. She is only 15 but has such a mature writing style and is a lovely person. She has health problems but always seems to have such a positive attitude, I find her quite inspiring. I highly recommend you go check out her blog!

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1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging as a kind of side thing to my youtube, which I have since deleted. At first it was just for swatches and little posts etc but it soon started to grow and now I adore blogging. I realised blogging was where my heart belonged and I wouldn't look back, I'm glad I can focus just on my blog now.

2. What is your favourite part of blogging?

One of my favourite things is taking the photos, I love photography! But I also love how I can talk to people on twitter and blogger about my love for beauty as my friends and family just aren't interested! Also the majority of people are lovely and I have made some great friends via blogging and I can't wait to meet some of them in the future.

3. What are your favourite makeup brands?

MUA is a fond favourite of mine and has been since this beauty addiction started! Some of the brands that I have loved along the way though are Revlon, Maybelline, Essie and Maybelline. The majority of my makeup collection is drugstore but I've just tried a product from MAC, Urban Decay and Smashbox and I'm impressed!

4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?

This is usually a difficult question to answer but I have my best of 2012 post to help me! Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, this has been a firm favourite of mine for a while and its just fab for under my eyes! MUA Intense Kisses Lip glosses, I can't pick a certain shade but these are the best lipglosses I have used, super pigmented and not sticky! Naked2 palette, the pigmentation of the eye shadows is unbelievable and this is the perfect neutrals palette for me. Sleek Matte Palettes, this is a recent buy but I am already in love, I really like matte shades and the sleek ones are super pigmented for the price. Lastly my Johnsons Daily Essentials 24hr Day Cream, this is great for my dry skin and is the best moisturiser I've ever used.

5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by?

 I have a few I've learnt through blogging. Firstly if your nail polish is gloopy put it in the fridge overnight, it won't always work but it has helped me a few times. Also its not an amazing tip but curling your lashes can really open your eyes, I hate using mascara without curling my lashes first!

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Thank you so much to Shona for taking part, dont forget to stop by her blog freshbeautyxox.blogspot.com

Gem x

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

**know you must have seen 10000000 review posts on this Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, but I thought I would add my thoughts to the mix :)**

I was a really lucky Mummy and got this palette for Mothers Day off my two little boys. I had specifically told hinted to the fiancé that I wanted this palette, he did well. Although my favourite present from the day had to be the hand made card and jam tart from my four year old, this came a close second.

Firstly I love the packaging and size of the palette. It is a bit smaller than my iPhone so fits perfectly in my everyday make-up bag.

For £20 you get 6 shadows, 5 matte and one slightly shimmery highlight shade.

The pigmentation is brilliant, I find cheaper matte shadows always lack in pigmentation and some are terrible (MUA I'm looking at you) but in this what you see in the pan is what you get on the lid, even the black.

I am using this palette every day, I even mix Faint and Naked 2 for my brow powder. My favourite combination is W.O.S all over the lid with Naked 2 and Faint blended out in the crease.

I don't own the original Naked palette, just Naked 2 so for me there aren't any repeats apart from Foxy.

Overall, I love this palette and highly recommend it. Even if you have the other Naked palettes I would still recommend it as its such a lovely palette to have in your makeup bag. I honestly cant think of any cons for this palette, even the price is very reasonable for the quality of shadows you are getting.

Do you own this palette? What do you think?

Gem x

Fashion Friday - Passion For Fashion (2)

Todays (rather late, this post took me all day) Fashion Friday post is my entry to the Money Supermarkets Passion For Fashion 2 Competition. We are challenged to create 3 outfits; Casual, Holiday, and Party all for under £200. You can find out all the info and how to enter yourself here, the prizes are pretty amazing, with the overall winner getting £1000 towards their dream wardrobe. How amazing would it be to win that?!

 I am a lover of the high-street and bargain hunting, so I found keeping the outfit prices low quite easy. What I found difficult was choosing the over all outfits, I am a bit of a perfectionist but I love how they all turned out. 

Casual

I wanted my casual outfit to be perfect for spring/summer and holidays. I love the denim pinafore dress, it is so cute. I think tan accessories go perfect with denim, and they are pretty much a classic. This fringe bag from River Island is really festival chic. Actually, the whole outfit would be perfect for a festival, and would look amazing with a pretty plaited up do.

1. Lace detail blouse, £16 Matalan  2. Denim Pinafore Dress, £40 Miss Selfridge  3. Turquoise Bracelet, £8 River Island  4. Fringed Tan Bag, £50 River Island  5. Tan Wedges, £ 35 River Island

Total: £149

Holiday

When I think about holiday and beach wear, I think brights, and luckily for me colour blocking is set to be a big trend again this summer. Topshop have some amazing swim suits in but this colour blocking one stood out to me the most. I think it will really flatter my slightly larger frame. The Chartreuse throw over is a little pricey at £40 but it makes a huge statement and is perfect to take from day to night by adding some colourful accessories and ditching the back pack (great for holding your poolside essentials) for a clutch. 

1. Colour Block Swim Suit, £32 Topshop  2. Asymetric Throw Over, £40 Topshop  3. Backpack, £32 Topshop  4. Colourful Wedges, £47.99 Newlook  5. Pixel Heart Earrings, £8.50  6. Necklace, Topshop £15  7. Pink Perspex Bag, £12.99 Newlook

Total: £188.48

Party

Printed dresses like this pop art one from Newlook are everywhere at the moment and I love them. I chose to pick out the pink colour and match the accessories to that. I was so pleased when I found this Pop Art clutch on Asos as it pulls the whole look together brilliantly.

1. Pink Blazer, £45 River Island   2. Pop Art Midi Dress, £16.99 NewLook  3. Necklace, £15 ASOS  4. Pop Art Clutch, £9.99 ASOS  5. Pink Heels, £19.99 ASOS

Total £106.97

Phew, I cant believe how long it took me to create this post. I am really pleased with the outfits I created, and I honestly cant choose between them to say which is my favourite.

Have you entered the competition? If you have you could leave your link in the comments as I love reading these types of posts.

Gem x

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation Review

I discovered this foundation through my friend. Her skin was looking great so I asked her what foundation she was using and she told me it was this one. I managed to get this foundation when it was £5, making it even more of a bargain.

I didn't get on with Rimmels Wake Me Up Foundation so I didn't have hight hopes for this one either, but given the price I was willing to give it a go and I am so glad I did. Its not a perfect foundation, but for the price, its pretty good.

The consistency is quite thick, and I like to apply this with my fingers. It feels nice and hydrating on the skin and doesn't cling to the pesky dry patches around my nose. The finish is quite dewey, so I like to set it with Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent powder.

With the powder, the foundation lasts a good 6 hours on me which I think is great for a drugstore foundation. The coverage is great, as you can see from the picture it covers my acne scars really well.

The only negative is that the lightest shade, Ivory, is a little too dark for me so I have to blend it down onto my neck.

Overall I think this is a great foundation for those of us who need medium-full coverage, and who are on a budget.

I am currenty testing Rimmel True Match Foundation which is a light coverage, and using this one as a concealer for my acne and its working great.

Gem x

NOTD: L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat & Orly Prelude to a Kiss

Just a quick post today to show you the nails I am wearing today as I love them.

I picked up the L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat yesterday after seeing it on lots of blogs and loving it. I have used it over Orlys Prelude to a Kiss, which is a brilliant peachy nude colour that is fully opaque in two coats.


Gem x