What I Bought: Elf 50% Off

Hey everyone,

So of course, like everyone I took full advantage of the 50% off sale that Elf were having - how amazing is that deal?! It's one of my favourite brands but I pretty much bought lots of boring stuff, like essentials, but I thought I would share what I got with you all anyway :)

Flawless Finish Foundation L: Porcelain R: Sand

Originally £6.50, Bought for £3.25

Love the packaging of these, feels so expensive. I bought 2 different shades because the Elf website SUCKS for swatches, so I figured if I bought 2 I could always mix them. I think Porcelain is far too pale and Sand is just right.

Mineral Infused Face Primer

Originally £6.00, Bought for £3.00

Had my eye on this for absolutely ever. I've heard it's really similar to the GOSH Velvet Touch and I loved that so I thought this might be a good alternative!

3 Pack Shiner Eraser Set

Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

I've never actually used blotting sheets *shock horror* and I do hate the idea of putting on powder over oil, and I'm very oil. So I thought I'd try these because you get three different types: Green Tea, Tea Tree and Aloe.

Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

Originally £1.50, Bought for £0.75

I told you I bought some boring things! I've tried the Elf Brow Treat & Tame from the Studio line but the tame side has a colour and is just too red toned for my brows.

L: Innocent, Originally £1.00 bought for £0.50

R: Clear, Originally £1.50 bought for £0.75

Innocent is a really pale pink which is a shade I've been looking for for a while, will be great for work. Also just ordered the Clear one because I've run out of base coat/top coat and I thought I'd see how well a plain clear nail polish would work.

Single Eyeshadow 'Pebble' Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

Can see me getting a whole lot of use out of this eyeshadow! Beautiful neutral brown :)

Mineral Blush 'Joy; Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

I've heard a lot about this shade and it is a really pretty colour. I have one of the other mineral blushes and it is honestly one of my all time favourites!

Did you take advantage of the 50% off? What did you buy?

NATALIESLOVEx

What I Bought: Primark

Hello :)

I had to go the Orthodontists yesterday which is in town, and of course I couldn't not go shopping. Although I would've loved to of had a massive spree in H&M (because I love everything that's in there at the moment), Primark is all that my budget could stretch to. This is what I bought over 2 seperate occasions...

Cobalt Blue Sheer Shirt, £10.00

This has technically already been featured on my blog but I haven't really showed it so yup, here it is, lol. I love these shirts from Primark, - I have it in nude as well. Would love to have every colour! I think £10 is expensive for Primark (anywhere else I would be thrilled) for what it actually is though...

Peach Sheer Tiered Blouse, £8.00

Another sheer blouse! Really am loving them. There are similar ones in H&M and Topshop but this one was much cheaper. But again, for what it is? £8? I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just being stingy because I'm trying to save ;)

Black Duffle Style Coat, £18.00

I know, I know... a coat in August? Maybe it was because it was absolutely pouring hard with rain when I went shopping? I liked to be prepared and my coat from last year is a little bit worse for wear and has gone all bobbly... HATE when that happens. Does anyone have any tips on how to get rid of the bobbles or prevent them?

Small Quilted Bag, £6.00

I love these sorts of bags for nights out, big enough for essentials but with a strap! I'm not good with clutch bags, I always forget to pick them up (perhaps that's alcohol). Bargain for £6! It did have a fabric bow attached to the strap but I cut it off because it was eurgh.

Skull Charm Necklace, £1.50

Silver Wing Earrings, £1.00

Wrap Around Snake Ring, £2.00

Double Finger Leaf Ring, £2.00

How amazing is Primark jewellery right now? I love skulls. And the wing earrings really reminded me of these from ASOS and the leaf ring reminded me of this from ASOS as well. Loving them <3

So that's what I picked up! Hope you like it :)

NATALIESLOVEx

My First Shop in 20 Days!

Hello lovelies,

So if you follow me on twitter (@ntlieread), a while ago I announced I was going on a make up spending ban, lasting for a month. That was the 20th June, so it's been 20 days and I can confirm I've not bought a single item of make up since then *very proud blogger*.

The reason for the ban was because I realised how much stuff I already have and don't use. Now, I wasn't on a clothes shopping ban at all but to resist temptation I had been avoiding the shopping centre. But on Friday I went on a lunch date with a bestie from College and we ended up shopping. I was very controlled though and didn't go mad! May my problem be cured?!

Primark, Feather Print Vest, £3.00

I've got a few of these vest for £3 from Primark now and granted they're not the best quality... but they have some really lovely graphics and designs. Loving this feather one! Was also trying to hunt down an aztec print one I've seen about on Blogger but had no luck :(

Primark, Red Blue and Cream Stripe Vest, £6.00

This swing style vest screams summer if you ask me. I'm an avid stripes lover anyway but I love the navy and red and the varying thickness of stripes too. The fit and cut is really lovely and I think would be flattering to most body types.



H&M, Strappy Striped Vest, £7.99 £3.00

I can't shop the sales, I just can't. The sight of a messy sale rail and I'm running. H&M is my exception though, their rails always seem to be tidy all day and I find it much easier to shop the sale in H&M. I wish I'd had more of a look because this top is a steal. I love the strappy back - perfect for summer and subtly sexy.

H&M, Dusky Pink Blazer, £19.99

I've been looking for this Blazer for a while but they haven't had it in my store and there was no way I could even stomach the thought of ordering it online after my last experience. Alas, I found it and everytime I look at it, it steals my heart. It's the most flattering Blazer I've ever put on (pictures do it no justice) and in the most beautiful colour. This is going to get so much wear this summer, it's a staple!



LUSH, Fresh Farmacy Sample, FREE

In my last Month's Most Wanted I talked about how I really wanted to try a LUSH cleanser and I had my eye on Fresh Farmacy. I popped in and was served by the sweetest man who said they don't actually do samples of Fresh Farmacy but cut me off two slices anyway. When a girl dreams of having a gay best friend... this guy was it! He was so lovely. Excited to see if this cleanser is what I'm hoping it will be.

LUSH, Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, £2.35

I'm not really a Bath sort of person but you cannot walk out of LUSH empty handed, it just all smells so good. Their Bath Ballistics don't really tempt me but I love their bubble bars... they create the most gorgeous smelling and feeling bubbles everrr. I've never tried Creamy Candy before and I don't know why because its so cute and it smells like heaven!

So that was my controlled spend! Lol. What have you guys been buying recently? And can you ever walk out of LUSH empty handed?

NATALIESLOVEx

Small NYX Cosmetics Haul

Hello lovelies,

I placed an order on Cherry Culture a little while ago, which is where I get my NYX products from. Be aware though that delivery is a slight bit more expensive because it's an American website, but it's justified because NYX make up is so afforable! My parcel was delivered in about 8-10 days, which is amazing considering the problem I had with H&M -_- lol. So here's what I got...

Concealer in a Jar 'Light' - $4.25/£2.59

My favourite concealer ever is probably MAC's Studio Finish, it has amazing coverage and is really creamy. Dulce Candy always uses this concealer and raves about it, recommending it over MAC. And seeing as though it's a very small fraction of the price compared to MAC Studio Finish I thought I may as well give it a try! Review to come probably :)

Cream Blusher 'Boho Chic (L)' and 'Natural (R)', $4.75/£2.89 each

No your eyes are not deceiving you... in the pan both of these blushes look very similar. However, on the skin you can see that 'Natural' has much more peachy/coral tones. I've been wanting to try cream blushers for a while... but as I have oily skin I didn't want to take the plunge and get the MAC/NARS one I had been eyeing up so I thought these would be a great start. They look like they would make gorgeous lip colours too!

Round lipstick 'Eros (L)' and 'Hero (R)', $1.99/£1.21 each

I was so excited about these lipsticks, and they haven't disappointed. These are without a doubt the 2 most pigmented as well as creamy lipsticks, I have ever swatched or tried. And look at the gorgeous colours! Eros is a vibrant, pillar box red and Hero is a deep cherry red. Cannot wait to wear these and give you some lip swatches! And an amazing lipstick like this for the equivalent of £1.21? Amazing.

My order came to $17.83 with $11.38 shipping, coming to a grand total of $29.11 which in pounds is £17.76, which I think is a really reasonable amount for the high quality products you get and shipping from the US! This is my second order with Cherry Culture and it definitely won't be my last. I just wish NYX was more available in the UK, they seem to have some gems.

What other NYX products do you recommend?

NATALIESLOVEx

My Online H&M Haul + Experience

Hello my loves,

I recently (well, no so recently as it turns out) ordered a few bits and piece online with H&M. If you didn't know, the H&M online store hasn't been up and running all that long... I ordered with caution because I'd heard some bad things about the service prior to putting in my order, anyway before I go on to my experience I'll show you what I got :)

Powder Patterned Playsuit, £12.99 £7.99

This playsuit featured in my most recent Months Most Wanted, so I was estatic when it went on sale on the website, I actually added this to my order a few days before it actually arrived. Love this! It's such a soft fabric, I had an idea that it was going to be slightly scratchy, idk why?!

White Basic V Neck T-Shirt, £4.99

I always need white v neck t-shirts, they really come in handy and I love the fit and quality of the H&M ones. They are perfect for summer because they're so light. Bit of a boring purchase!

Black Playsuit, £19.99

I think that has recently gone on sale for £10.99 or something like that... so go and grab yourselves a bargain! I adore this playsuit, the fabric is gorgeous... kind of silky and it fits like a dream, so flattering. This is a really food versatile summer piece, paired with some bright heels or wedges and some jewelery and it's good for night time, but with some relaxed gladiators you have a casual daytime piece as well. I'm obsessed with exposed zips, so love the back!

Pack Of Three Earrings, £3.99

Again, these have since gone on sale for £1.99... isn't it so annoying when that happens? Just 2 pairs of really simple studs and then a pair of feather earrings which are everywhere at the moment. They also had a pack with some brown feather earrings but I opted for white because you wouldn't be able to see brown with my hair.

Now onto my 'online experience'. Don't get me wrong, I love H&M it's always one of my go-to shops and I love everything I received... but they have some serious issues with their delivery and service in terms of the website. I placed my order on the 29th March, yes that was a long time ago! On the website they give you an estimated date of delivery, and it was originally 3-10 May... then it kept on moving further and further a way and delivery date estimated ended up at 9-10 June. I personally think this is terrible? Maybe it's just me, but bearing in mind you're paying £3.90 you don't expect delivery to take 2 months.

I sent them an e-mail and they told me it was because items I had order kept going out of stock... I also had a problem with this, why did they not order enough to compensate for online deliveries? Anyways rant over and my items came on the 3rd of June. Still disappointed with the delivery and I don't know how such a big company could get it so wrong. I know I'm not the only one because a lot of people have been telling me the same thing in comments or via Twitter. Anyway, my things are here now so I seem to have forgiven them! Haha.

What's your H&M online experience?

NATALIESLOVEx

Haul with a slight difference

Hey girls,

So yep I've been hauling again! But this time it's guilt free, because the 'difference' that the title refers to is that I went charity shopping. When I was little, my mum would always drag me around charity shop after charity shop and all I remember is me hating it! However, I've seen a few hauls on Youtube and the likes recently, with people getting amazing deals so I called my mumma yesterday night and I said 'Mum. Teach me how to charity shop!' and this morning we went on a bit of a mission, diving into the rails of charity shops. I'm pretty impressed, I picked up some good things...

Beige Blazer, £1.99
Found this little blazer, it was originally £4.50 but was knocked down to £1.99. Honestly, how amazing is that? I couldn't believe it haha. It's by a brand called 'Jigsaw' which rings a bell, but I'm not sure...

Navy Blazer, £1.99

Another bargain blazer, £1.99 knocked down from £4.99! I've been looking for a navy blazer for what feels like ages. This one is very over sized, but I kind of like that - I just roll up the sleeves to make it look a little better. It also has shoulder pads, but not so over-the-top 80s style lol, gives a really ncie silhouette. From the brand Amaranto.

Black Blazer, £3.75

Again, I've been looking for a nice structured black blazer because it's a staple and I ended up finding this one from New Look! A little pricier than the others, but still a steal without a doubt! Looks like I had Blazer fever haha!

Sleeveless Shirt, £2.50

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That is this shirt (but in Navy) from Topshop, yes... Topshop! Super chuffed with this find ;) I've wanted a shirt like this for a while, it would've been perfect had it of been a rust colour but I can't complain! This usually retails for £18 and I got it for £2.50!

Black and Grey Striped Cardigan, £2

Saw this cardigan and I thought it was quite cute, it's kind of 'boyfriend' style, although it is actually an aged 14 cardigan from H&M Young! Good for lazy days :)

Golfing Style Cardigan, £2

Okay, don't judge me guys! I love golf/Pringle styled... anything really. Maybe it's to do with the fact that my dad's a mad keen golfer? Yep, that's the excuse I'm sticking to lol. It's a mens cardigan from Cedarwood State AKA male department of Primark :)

Sorry for all the horrible, horrible 'poses' if you can even call them that, in these photo's. Now you all know why outfit posts are rare! Lol. I just thought that the Blazers especially didn't photograph well so I thought I'd put them on for you all :) I've overcome my fear of Charity Shops!! Haha, take and friend and have fun with it :) You can get some amazing deals. Although, I guess you probably have to get them on the right day...

Are you a fan of Charity shops?

NATALIESLOVEx

2 for £7, Umberto Giannini

Hello my loves,

Just thought I would let you all know that Umberto Giannini products are 2 for £7 in Boots at the moment. Definitely a bargain! I took advantage of the offer because Umberto Giannini is rapidly becoming my favourite hair care brand! So if you've been wanting Backcomb In A Bottle (which I seriously recommend) head to your local Boots! Here's what I got...

Umberto Giannini Incredible Body - Enviable Body Blow Dry Spray

I love big, big hair. I can't stand it when my hair has gone all limp and is stuck flat to my head. I usually put some mousse in my hair before I dry it and I find that works amazingly well. I felt like a bit of a change though and when I saw that this has 'heat protection care' I was sold. I often forget heat protection :( I know, you can all curse me! When I got home I read up some reviews and a few of them were quite negative :/ But we shall see how it goes.

Umberto Giannini Beauty Secrets - Instant Beauty Silky Soft Leave-In Conditioner

I really love using leave in conditioners, my hair always looks better when I use it but I haven't been using one for a while because I simply ran out. With all the heat I use on my hair I need extra moisture. The packaging of this is so much nicer than the blow dry spray! Smells gorgeous, now lets hope it makes my hair look like it should belong in an advert... I can wish?

Once I've used these for long enough I will definitely review them. Particularly the blow dry spray because of the negative reviews I've read. Fingers crossed it all goes well! So yup, just a little heads up :)

NATALIESLOVEx

My online 'The Body Shop' order

Hello beauties,

On Thursday I was browsing The Body Shop's website, and I realised they have two offers going on at the moment - both of which are pretty amazing. The first is buy one get one half price and this applies to absolutely everything (they don't have to be the same item either). So basically, if you buy anything you get get something else for half price. The second deal is in aid of the Royal Wedding that went on yesterday. If you put in the code ROYAL30 at the checkout you'll receive 30% off your entire order. OH, and Standard Delivery is free - this always draws me in!

My order got here this morning (Saturday) which is impressive seeing as though I ordered on Thursday and Friday was a Bank Holiday! Anyways, here's what I got...

Cucumber Cleansing Milk, £4.00 + Cucumber Freshening Water, £4.00

My current skincare didn't blow me away and it's also on it's last legs. I really like The Body Shop skincare ranges, they're great quality and all of the ingredients are sourced really well. I thought I'd go with this Cucumber duo because I reasoned that it would be super gentle on my skin and really refreshing in the Summer. Excited to use these! They're also really cheap for Body Shop skincare. It was a toss up between these and the Vitamin C range.

Coconut Oil Hair Shine, £4.85 + Facial Brush With Lid, £3.00

The Coconut Oil Hair Shine appeared on this Month's Most Wanted so I just had to get it. It was the first thing I pulled out of the package and I took a long sniff... it doesn't disappoint! It melts onto your finger and is just gorgeous. Love the tin too, is that strange? I really like the idea of gentle exfoliation each day so I ordered the Facial Brush With Lid because I've heard great things about it. I was really shocked by the fact that it's actually really soft. Review to come?

So in all, my order would've come to £15.83 but because of the two current offers, my order total was £8.64 with free delivery, I was very smug ;)

Definitely get on to The Body Shop website, I'm not sure how long these deals are going on for so go and grab yourselves a bargain now! And let me know what you get! Request any reviews below if you want them :)

NATALIESLOVEx

Haulin'

Hey ladies,

As I'm currently on Easter Holidays with plenty of revision to do, it was inevitable that I would frequent the shops ;) Revision makes my brain hurt and bores me to death out of me. I'm still trying to save as many pennies as possible, so I have been sticking to Primark :/ Although they have actually been having a lot of good things in there recently! So here's my haul (from today and last friday) mainly Primark with a guest from H&M and one from Boots.

Graphic Mens T-Shirt, Primark £5.00

The t-shirts in the mens section of Primark are so good! Their graphics are always really good and I think they're quite good quality too. This one just has some Polaroid style images with the words 'these days something must break', I'm planning on cutting this up DIY style. Not sure whether to go for vest top style or off the shoulder... what d'you reckon?

Cropped Rose Print Top, Primark £6.00

I really loved this when I saw it... the nude colour, the rose print, the cropped-ness. I'm thinking this will look gorgeous over a black vest dress or high waisted shorts/bodycon skirt for a night out but equally good over leggings or jeans.

Sheer Sleeveless Shirt, Primark £10.00

I think we're all loving these sheer shirts at the moment, and Primark have come up trumps! I really like the contrasting buttons and the pockets. The sleeves have a cute 'rolled up' look to them as well. IN LOVE.

Distressed Denim Shorts, Primark £8.00

I have plenty of pairs of denim shorts, but I loved the distressed feel to these and the medium wash denim... I had to pick them up at the bargain price! They also do a light wash that I'd like to make in space in my wardrobe for.

Black Sunglasses, Primark £1.00

I'd love some black RayBan Wayfarers but I don't think my purse would forgive me. I saw these in Primark and thought they had a very Wayfareresque feel about them, and for £1 you can't go wrong. They slightly remind me of 3D glasses, but I love them all the same ;)

Clear With Pink Rose Ring, Primark £1.00

Possibly my tackiest and gaudiest purchase of the year so far? I won't apologise though, I've fallen for this! It's a clear plastic ring with a 3D pale pink rose in the middle. It actually looks quite elegant on - I promise! ;)

Large Turqouise Cracked Ring, Primark £2.00

I've seen this ring all over blogger and I couldn't wait to pick it up. It's the turquoise colour that everybody is going crazy for and also has that crackled effect inspired by the YSL Arty ring I would imagine. It is really big but looks beautiful. You have permission to shoot me if I ever wear this with matching nail polish *shudder*.

Butterfly Sleeve Top, H&M £7.99

The colour is gorgeous and it seems to be everywhere, it's a cross between rust and camel. H&M do these in a wide range of different colours and prints - I have my eye on a floral one. It's really flattering and I think would be on any shape or size :)

Trevor Sorbie Self-Grip Rollers, Boots £15.32

If you read my March edition of Month's Most Wanted I mentioned how I want to try and cut down how much heat I use on my hair and thought rollers might be a good way to do so. The packaging is cute and I like the colour scheme - I'm a massive nerd with things like that. You get 30 rollers of different sizes for pretty much £15. Which I think is great because the Boots own brand are about £6 for 6.

So that's what I've been buying! Are you having a bit of a Primark frenzy like me?

NATALIESLOVEx

Small Primark Haul

Hello my loves,

I promise you I shop elsewhere and not just Primark! Lol. I always feel like I can get my 'shopping fix' by going into Primark without spending too much money. Especially right now when I want to start getting ready for the sun but don't have a pocket full of cash. Anyways here are the bits I picked up...

Animal Print bandeau - £4

Just a summer basic, I love bandeau tops - I feel like they really flatter me. This one was only £4 so it was a bit of a steal. I can't wait until it heats up to start wearing it so will probably team it with some leggings and a chunky cardigan.

Navy and White Patterned Playsuit - £5

This is my first playsuit! I was in love with them last summer but I just couldn't find one that wasn't expensive but fit me really nicely too. But I found this one and I really like it... it's polka dot (sort of) and it's coming up as black and white but it's actually navy. The ruffles at the neckline are a nice touch, especially for £5!

Cream Open Knit Jumper - £12

In my opinion, this is quite pricey for what it is (considering it's Primark), but it is a damn site cheaper than those coming from Miss Selfridge or Topshop. Open knit jumpers seem to be everywhere and I think they're so easy to style!

Hearts and Stripes Jumper - £10

So cute! This doesn't look like it's from Primark at all. It's not a cropped jumper, but it's much shorter than the average - it hits just where your jeans/leggings start. They also have a really similar one that's American Flag style (red stripes, blue pockets with stars on).

Cobalt Maxi Dress - £11

This is my favourite buy of the year so far... I'm gonna throw it out there! Also, my first maxi dress, seems I popped two fashion cherries in one trip ;) Photo's will never do this dress justice... it fits me perfectly and is just the right length. It makes me feel so girly and comfortable. I just can't wait to wear it! For a mere £11 everyone should have one! I'm luckily blessed with an hourglass figure, but this is instant curves if you haven't!

Successful shopping trip all in all, with some really good buys. I think Primark are right on the mark at the moment! What's your 'buy of the year' so far?

natalieslovex