June Favourites

So maybe a little overdue but I got up to so much in June I wanted to write about it.  This has possibly been my favourite month so far in 2014 with the English weather warming up, weekdays do not just consist of 9 to 5, dinner and bed.  In the summer it is socially acceptable to meet up with friends and have a cheeky cider wherever we see fit.

4th June is my anniversary with my boyfriend, even though we had to work out how long we had actually been together, it seems like we have been together much longer than 3 years.  We went out for dinner to The Swan where we (me) drunk lovely cocktails and stuffed ourselves with duck and pork belly.

June was also a big month for concerts and music for me. Me and one of my gorgeous friends stood in awe and watched Justin Timberlake do his thing for 2 and a half hours and he was pure perfection.  If I told you I didn't fall in love I would be lying. He moved the front half of the stage to the back of the O2 so that even the people at the back could see his amazing dance moves. He also stood on the bar and did a shot of Tequila!  I also went to Capital's Summertime Ball where I saw everything from Jessie J Slut dropping to Miley Cyrus, being well Miley Cyrus. The photo shows Enrique running and jumping down the stairs.

Me and my boyfriend took a relaxing summer break to Lanzarote for a week. An island that neither of us had been to before so we explored the volcanoes and took a camel ride.  I'm sure the owner called him Jimmy.  We spent the week chilling by the pool, playing table tennis, eating and drinking cocktails.  Only in Spain do they serve tapas at midday with an alcoholic shot.  You may have seen my duty free purchases that I bought while I was away.

To round the month off my boyfriend turned 23, which like every year since I have known him he dragged out for a good week and a bit.  First we went for dinner at Byron Burger, Joe being the burger lover that he is wanted to celebrate his birthday with the Ronaldo burger.  The next day we went for dinner with his family to CAU, a restaurant I hadn't eaten in before and it most definitely did not disappoint. Being a lover of all things cow print I really appreciated the black and white colour theme. At the weekend we celebrated with our friends and it was nice seeing some of my boyfriend's oldest friends turn out.

Some of you may have noticed it is Sale time on the UK highstreet and I have been loving these floral tailored trousers that I snapped up from Topshop a few weeks ago.  I have had so many compliments and hopefully I will have an outfit post with them in shortly.  I haven't tried out too many new products this month, mainly the new purchases from holiday.  MAC face and body foundation is my new favourite summer foundation, it is light weight so perfect for when it is hot and also creates a nice base to apply cream products.  My new nail favourite is the Bourjois Instant Nail Dry Drops.  I have finally got on the Nuxe lip balm hype and I totally see why it is a cult favourite among the beauty world, though I can find it slightly sickly.  Lady Million perfume, what a bargain I got on this little beauty and I have worn it every day since I got back from Lanzarote. Garnier Intensive 7 day moisturiser is a definite must after being in the sun and wanting to put some moisture back into the skin.  Stopped me peeling after 2 days and is so light on the skin yet lasts ages.

March Favourites

Another month has come and gone, I don't like how fast time is going recently.  I have been loving a whole host of new products in March including makeup, skincare and hair products.  So if you are interested in what I have been using on a regular basis then please check out the video below and remember to leave a comment.

What have you been loving recently?

Best Beauty Finds of 2013

2013 was such an amazing year for me, I graduated, went on my first cruise as well as a girls holiday to Aiya Napa, started my YouTube channel but above all that I was lucky enough to roll straight into a full time job in my chosen career.  So I would like to take the time to point out that I am very grateful for 2013, I like many others, anticipated an unlucky year, but mine was far from it.

I would also like to show my appreciation for some absolutely amazing beauty products that were released in 2013 both highend and highstreet.  Makeup world you never fail me.  And for that I filmed a little video showing what my favourite beauty finds of 2013 were.

Enjoy and I hope you all have a prosperous 2014.

November Favourites

In case any of you missed it, I filmed my November favourites over on my YouTube channel at the beginning of this month.  There was a complete mix of products in there so let me know if you have been liking any of these too.

YouTube Time and May Favourites

A little message to let you know I have taken the plunge and put myself on YouTube.  This is such a massive step for me considering that two months ago I didn't even have a single picture of myself on this blog.

I would love it if you could check it out and let me know any comments you have.  More videos coming up soon, so keep those peepers out.

Channel: Buttons and Bows X

May Favourites: See what I have been loving the past month


Thank you guys x

March Favourites

I know I do say this every month but really, where are the months going?  We are already in April!  That's Craaaazy!  Also, I got snowed on this morning, yes, snow, April.  Craziness all around!

This month I don't really have a lot of makeup products to show you.  Looking at the products now, they're all a bit random really. I have also still been loving a few things from last month, which I won't show you.

Makeup Brushes - Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, which everyone and their mother has heard so much about. My only Real Techniques Brush, even though I didn't have the same first impression as everyone else, I love the finish I get with this brush. See a full review here.

ELF Small Stipple Brush, I love this for liquid/cream highlight along my cheek bone. Applies beautifully without moving any product that is already on the skin like foundation.

No7 Blend and Contour Brush, I have two of these and I really like them. Makes doing a smokey eye so much quicker and easier.

Cetaphil Cleanser - I have used this massive bottle as my everyday makeup remover for what seems like years. It is so gentle and doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes at all, something that I have always struggled with. 

Rituals Hand Cream - I did a full review on this not so long ago, which is probably why I'm still loving it. The scent is gorgeous and this cream always leaves my hands feeling nice and moisturised without the horrible residue of some hand creams.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - I know you all probably use this too but I have to include it.  I use this for any blemishes or nasties that appear on my face and it covers them completely. I don't get on with this as an undereye concealer as it is too thick for me and settles in the lines under there. Amazing full coverage though.

Bourjois Health Mix Foundation - I have used this for a few years and I still love it.  I'm lucky because I can always find a shade that completely matches my skin tone which is one of the things people complain about with highstreet foundations. I am going to do a review on this soon so keep an eye out for it if you would like to see that.

Enrapture Extremity Heated Rollers - These were quite big in bloggersphere a while ago and I can see why. I snapped these up back in November when they were on sale for something silly like £30. I definitely do not regret a penny and would pay full price any day. I always get compliments when I have used these rollers.

What were you loving in March?

February Favourites

I didn't wear a lot of makeup towards the end of the month so these are manly items that I was really enjoying before I got ill.  

No7 Essential Moisture Cream - I've had this for a while and seem to dabble in and out of it mainly because I wasn't a fan of its thick consistency. Since putting this in my Project 10 Pan I have learnt the importance about using the right products for my skin type. Having dry skin means I have had to get used to using a thicker formula than before and so now I really like this and can see a difference in my skin.

Models Own Northern Lights - Part of the Wonderland collection that was released in September I tried for ages to get hold of this but was sold out. I am not normally a fan of glitter nail polishes as they can take so long to get off. I made an exception for this shade as I really like it and looks really nice. You can see a NOTD using Northern Lights here.

HD Brow Kit - I received this back in the Summer via a Glossybox subscription. For me, this is one of those products that you don't realise how good it is until you use something else. I went back to my ELF brow kit and it did nothing for me. I prefer using powder over wax or pencils nowadays, it looks the most natural. This kit is lovely, mine is in shade Foxy, and all 4 matte shades can also be used as eyeshadows. I use the lighter brown shade for everyday and the darker shade for nights out because it balances out the fact I would be wearing more makeup than on an everyday basis. 

Maybelline Eyeshadow - I don't even remember buying this but I found it when I was rooting around for items to include in my Project 10 Pan, which seems to be taking over my life according to this post. Anyway, I really like this and I'm not saying it is a complete dupe but it does remind me a little of Sin by Urban Decay. It has more of a purple undertone and it sheerer but it is easier when travelling to take one single shadow than a full palette.

Sleek Blush by 3 Lace - I love this little palette of blushes, really good quality and lovely vibrant shades. I know Sleek love a bold colour but I really hope they bring out a more natural palette for everyday use. The red can be a bit scary at 9 o'clock Monday morning.

L'Oreal Caress Lipsticks - I love these and are probably my favourite lipsticks for a sheer moisturised look to my lips. I love the packaging, the shade range and how lovely they feel on the lips. I have a few of these now so I am planning on doing a collection/review on these as they are perfect for the warmer months when you don't want anything too heavy.

January Favourites

I know I'm a bit of a flusy when it comes to posts like this as I like to really love the products that I include as opposed to just adding products in to fill spaces. Let me know if you would prefer these on a more regular basis.

Origins - Drink Up 10 Minute Mask

I plan to do a full review on this mask as it is so amazing. My skin has never felt so good I am really glad I picked this up. Unlike other masks that sit on the skin and have to be washed off. This is an intensive cream that soaks into the skin and I wipe away with a cotton pad. Easy as that with fantasic results.

Sleek - Oh So Special Eyeshadow Palette

I received this in a Glossybox, I think the December edition and I have been loving this palette. There is a nice mix of shimmer and matte shades that can be used to create daytime or evening looks.

ELF - Contouring Bronzing Powder

I like the blush in this set but this month I rediscovered the bronzer. Ironically I digged this out when I bought Nars Laguna and found that the two work so well together. Even though the shimmer can be seen clearly in the pan of this ELF bronzer, I use it to contour and find that the shimmer does not transfer onto the face. 

Sephora - Rose Glow Blush

I also have a review coming up on this product too showing the shade swatched properly. I use this blush in the evening one as I chose a slightly darker shade than my peachy daytime ones. I love how soft and easily this blush blends onto the skin. I wish I had picked up some more shades as Sephora hasn't reached us in the UK... Yet?

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser

My lips have suffered this Winter, dry, cracked and just plain horrid. I have tried various lip balms in the past but none have nursed my lips back to full health as much as this one. Though the packaging and scent may lead you to believe I was prescribed this, it is actually available in Boots. I have really enjoyed using this product and I will definitely be repurchasing it after I have run out.

What have you been enjoying this month?

November Favourites

I cannot believe we are in December! It is craziness! I haven't posted about my favourites in a long time and that is basically because I have been trying out so many different products I use and abuse by replacing products all the time.  However I have some lovely bits that I would like to share with you all.

This is a bit random but I will start with the makeup and skincare items.

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

This is a really nice gel based foundation, I didn't even realised that it was gel based for about a week after using this so it definitely does not have a waxy consistency. The main selling point behind this foundation is that there are so many shades that you will not only find the correct shade, but tone as there are warm and yellow toned shades. I really like the coverage and that it is long lasting.

Accessorize Bronzer

I actually did a review on this a couple of months ago and I still love it. Even in December we all need a good glow every now and again. I use this as a highlight on my cheek bones and down the bridge of my nose. Not too shimmer which is lovely.

Vitamin E Night Cream

I also reviewed this as part of my under £3 series last month. I am so glad I found this, even though I personally would prefer a thicker consistency I really like this night cream and really believe it has worked wonders with my dry skin.

Rituals Hand Cream

I am so in love with this hand cream. It smells amazing, literally makes me feel like I'm in a spa on a desert island. It is nice and thick without making your hands go greasy. I am going to do a review soon, so watch this space.

Superdrug Face Masks

This was a catch 22 situation because these face masks come in sachet form, so when you use them, you've finished it and it never looks pretty afterwards, but obviously didn't know I liked it until I tried it. Therefore, these are not actually pictured but you can see the variety that I have been using over the past couple of months.

M&S Boots

Yes I am well aware that you all now think I am 52, but I promise you I am not. But these are just too comfy to not shout about. Really good quality that I know won't fall apart in the rain, I have been wearing these none stop and they still look as good as new.

Tetley

It is so cold at the moment and normally I drink hot chocolate or coffee but recently I have been on a tea hype. Rich tea in hand and everything. Having a nice cup of tea and snuggling up to catch up with the beauty world is perfect right now.

What have you been loving recently?

Monthly Favourites - June

June has been a very busy month for me and these are the products that I have reached for the most.  In May I decided I wanted to try and sort out my skin care routine because I do sometimes neglect my skin and dare I say it, I don’t always take my make-up off before I go to bed.

Therefore, I’m going to start with my favourite of my skin care routine.  My daily moisturiser is La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light  which I love, not just because it works and my skin feels better than ever, but the consistency is perfect which, for me, is very unusual for a light moisturiser.   Normally I find them a little bit watery and don’t feel they actually work, whereas with my La Roche-Posay you can feel it settle into your skin and notice a difference.  The other thing I love about this cream, is the smell, hands down the best smelling cream I own, when I open the bottle I forget I bought this from Boots for £14.30, so luxurious and fresh, but not strong so that it lingers after its been applied to the face. 





Second moisturiser is Garnier Intensive 7 Days Daily Body Lotion with calming HONEY for Sensitive Skin. This moisturiser claims that it will keep your skin soft for 7 days, after applying it for 4 weeks, my skin felt hydrated after just a few days.  The lotion absorbs really quickly so there’s no need to hang about before getting dressed, and has a lovely honey smell which lasts for hours.  There are five different variants for a range of skin types which all have their own fragrances.  I use my body butters religiously but my Garnier body lotion, for the moment has definitely taken their place at only £4.99 for 400ml.

I’ve used exfoliaters on and off for years but mainly before I fake tan to remove any dry or dead skin cells.  But recently I’ve been using them just because I love how they leave my skin so smooth and I think my shower gels are more moistening after use especially on my arms.  I can’t decide which body scrub I prefer out of Soap Glory Flake Away and Cocoa Butter Cream Body Scrub both work so well to transform your skin to be so silky smooth which I haven’t found in other scrubs.  I will be doing a more in-depth review on these products as well as other Soap & Glory and Body Shop products.

This is definitely my favourite product of this month and maybe even of the year so far  L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick, I stumbled upon these on the Boots website and saw these had a high rating and good reviews so next time I was out shopping I picked up one in Sweet Berry.  Sheer but buildable to create a pop of colour, these just glide on so softly they leave you rubbing your lips together, maybe that’s just me.  Light weight and moistening I ran back and picked up 4 more, slowly I want to buy all of the different colours because since buying my first Caresse lipstick, I haven’t used any other,  including forgetting about my MAC lipsticks and I would always choose these over the Revlon Lip Butters.  As much as this pains me to say it, this would not be fair if I didn’t point out one small criticism.  You do have to reapply these more often than many other lipsticks which for some people will be a big no no!  But I actually don’t mind this, the application of these lipsticks will never get old for me I love this product and would recommend to anyone.  At the moment Superdrug is doing 3 for 2 in L’oreal products or £7.99 each from Boots.

 Next, a brush, Coastal Scents Flat Top Kabuki Brush which I purchased from Ebay in the 22 Brush Set and is by far the best brush I’ve ever tried for applying foundation.  I know everyone keeps saying about the Samantha Chapman brushes but since using and falling in love with this brush the immediate need for the Real Techniques brushes has, for now, been suppressed.  When I use this brush I get a flawless base, whether I use a light coverage or a fuller coverage foundation, and due to this I'm starting to come round to thinking that it is the brushes that make a high quality makeup look.  Saying that, this brush proves that you don’t need to throw £30 at a MAC counter for one brush, you can pay half of that and achieve the same beautiful effect.  Probably the softest brush I own and when I went back and used my ELF Powder Brush, I couldn’t believe how rough it was I have been completely converted.  The only downside to this brush is that where it is so dense it sucks in a lot of product into the bristles so a waste of product, however, I slightly dampen the ends to stop it absorbing my foundation.

Eyebrow pencils are another product that when I use get into the habit of using powder I completely forget how good and precise a pencil is and Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil is one of the best I’ve used.  The dark brown colour I use is not the perfect colour for me but the brush on the end just adds to making a more natural filled in brow.  This month I don’t even think I’ve picked up my normal ELF brow set that I have used day in day out for a good year or so, and think the pencil application is quicker.  Sometimes this pencil makes me wish that I could just change my eyebrow colour whenever I wish, just so I could collect all the colours of these pencils.

I have a love-hate relationship with doing my nails, I love what they look like afterwards, but it’s hard for me to find the time to sit down and do my nails.  I also get really impatient waiting for my nails to grow to a normal length so I use false nails and these Boots French Nails are brilliant to pop on with Nailene Ultra quick glue and you’re good to go.  Due to the fact I have been gifted with weirdly small hands, I use the extra small pink nails and think these give a beautiful nature look to the nails.  The longevity of most false nails depends on lots of different factors but mainly how you treat your hands.  For example someone who works with their hands a lot or their hands are constantly in water the nails are more likely to come off easier than someone who isn’t heavy handed and take care not to knock or weaken the nails.  Another thing is the glue that is used, Boots own nails glue I definitely would not recommend, however Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue which is only £2.80 and even though the bottle is little it will last a very long time, it’s really strong and as the name suggests, very quick drying.  False nails normally last 5 days without any coming off at all, but when one or two do I reapply them and they last another couple of days, then I remove all of the nails.

Thanks for reading... But shh remember... It’s a secret

x