Haul time :)

Hey lovers,
So... this week hasn't been a great one for me... I got my braces tightened and because it's near enough the last strength it's really killing, and it's also 'that time of the month' *eurgh sorry* along with all the revision for my AS levels anddd my computer getting a virus. So I thought I would treat myself :) Lol. The first shop I went to was superdrug, and I really wanted to pick up the Storm or Sunset palette... but they were sold out of both :| *bad mood* then... they were sold out of the Sleek contour kit! *worse mood* lol. But ah well, I did manage to get something that I set out to...

The NYC Color Wheel in 'pink cheek glow'

This was £3.99 and you get a bunch of product, plus I've heard good things about this. *lightened mood*

The I decided to pop into Primark, purely just to have a browse and came out with a few bits...

These skinny jeans for £8. I'd never usually buy jeans from Primark but I thought I'd give 'em a bash and see how they turn out... I have low expectations though lol.

I then picked up this men's tee... in XL lol. Well basically, I've been after an off-the-shoulder top for absolutely ages. But none seem to sit right on me?? So I thought I'd DIY it. Plus it was only £2!

I picked up this plaited waist belt, it's black leather. I was after a brown one but I couldn't find one! Then in the queue the lady behind had one, typical! Lol.

Okay, then I thought a trip to H&M was needed. There's 2 H&M's in my city... within about 2 minutes of each other, lol! I stopped going to the old one and only ever go to the new one... but idk, I decided I'd go to the old one today and I'm glad I did because I got a couple of bargains!

This vest top was in the sale at £3 (previously £7.99) and I'd had my eye on it for a while so I was happy when it was reduced :) I think it's sweet and just such an easy look over some leggings, jeggings or jeans.

Another sale item... recuded from £15 to £7! This cardi is showing up more blue in the picture, but it's more of a slate grey/blue. I've been looking for this kind of coloured cardigan for a bit, and I was going to get one in New Look, but at £16... I'm glad I found this one!

This vest top was £7.99. It's black and I don't know whether you can see properly but the alternate stripes are sheer and see-through. I would put a vest/cami underneath this. I think a bright coloured one would look good :) but a plain black or white would work equally well.

I love this top! Anchors and sequins, what could be better? £7.99

And lastly just some simple, oversized sunglasses. I love these! My head is really small (lol) so it's always really hard to find glasses that stay on my head! these were £4.99 - I think.

Grabbed any bargains this week?

Natalieslovex

Review: Maybelline Colossal Mascara Review (diamonds) and Sinful Colors Purple Diamond Polish +

Happy Saturday everybody! :)

Thought I would share my thoughts on a few products that I have been meaning to review for awhile. :)

♥ *~REVIEWS~* ♥

First, Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - This one in particular is Limited Edition and includes "diamond sparkle"!
With the included $1 coupon, it was about $6-7 after tax

I usually prefer falsies over mascara most days, but this looked like a fun one to try out (diamonds? sparkle? I'm there!) plus Maybelline is pretty well known for their mascaras.

First, I had to use the usual tools



Revlon Colorstay eyeliner (for lining and "tightlining"), Sonia Kashuk lash brush and separator, Shiseido The Makeup eyelash primer, Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express mascara, Shiseido lash curler

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Here is the brush with and without flash

You can see hints of *sparkle* without flash


And you can *definitely* see the sparkle with flash!


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My naked eyes w/o mascara


And after 1, 2, & 3 coats!

Side profile
...You can really see the sparkle up close...

Finally, a comparison

Being a volumizing mascara, the formula is quite thick. My lashes, however, are kind of thin & sparse so it's hard to build volume without getting too clumpy or spidery! I had to give my eyelash brush a workout between coats otherwise I would have ended up with a big clumpy mess! :( You can still tell it makes a difference though AND it held a curl for well over 6 hours!

Overall, I felt like the mascara was OK - definitely not HG material. The formula might have been a bit dry since my lashes felt kind of stiff. The sparkle? Well. Unless people are standing THISCLOSE to your face, it really wasn't all that noticeable. People even might think you have lash-druff if they didn't know any better LOL!

Pros: Cheap, big fat brush, holds a curl well, builds volume/length easily
Cons: Requires lots of combing/separating, a bit drying, sparkle is barely noticeable, time consuming process.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (3/5)

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2nd Review is Sinful Colors Professional Nail Polish in PURPLE DIAMOND. Purchased at Walgreens for $1.50!

Here it is in natural lighting


And with/without flash


I really don't think pictures do it justice. You have to see it glimmering & shimmering in person to really appreciate how pretty the polish is! It really feels like I am wearing diamonds on my nails! The glitter is superfine and catches the light in the prettiest way - I couldn't stop admiring my nails lol!

It's pretty, princess-y and subtle enough to wear at work - or anywhere for that matter! The perfect pastel-y spring-time color!

The pigmentation in this whole line is so-so, it really depends on the color you purchase. (The Neons apparently don't have any color payoff though they look nice in the bottle) I'm a bigger fan of more subtle colors, so this line works well for me. No problems with chipping yet, usually with a good top coat, this polish will last for weeks!

Pros: Smooth application, gorgeous shimmer/sparkle, CHEAP, lasts at least a week
Cons: Pigmentation isn't like the bottle color, requires around 3 thin coats for the best results, careful with the brush (picks up a lot of polish at a time and can be goopy if you don't wipe the excess off!)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ (4/5)

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Katie Ngo's Giveaway(s)!!!

Finally, the lovely Katie Ngo is having an AWESOME giveaway with not only one, but TWO winners! This includes either the items below OR a $40 MAC giftcard!

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Also thought I would try out this headband from my aunt. Initially, I secretly thought it was kinda fug - but after trying it on, I really like it!



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YUM ALERT!

Had the best BEST catfish I have ever had in my life!!! This Vietnamese place in Dallas is DELICIOUS ~ their signature dish is catfish - surprisingly, not even a hint of fishiness - super fresh and sooooo tasty!

You take fresh veggies...

...Add them to DIY Spring rolls + special fish sauce...



And then pile on tender, flaky, delicious pieces of fish, green onions, and fried shallots



The Vietnamese style "Fish Taco" lol

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Lots of blogger love for Marissa, luckyfinds, Surge, Edwina, Sassy J'adore, Amasiah, & Cornelio!

Have a great weekend, enjoy the fresh spring air (smells like grass and flowers outside!) & stay safe!

♥ Irene