Spending Ban Update

As my spending ban is due to come to an end tomorrow I thought it was time for an update. I've become a lot more restricted with myself due to it though but I've had to be when a lot of my monthly income was going straight back out on beauty items. The fashion side of things isn't too bad, it's all stuff that I have worn or pieces to wear for Summer and I've cut down a lot on that too. I do want to give myself a pat on the back for the massive cut down on beauty products though. I could go into Boots and spend £65 without blinking in that matter of minutes. My make-up collection is somewhat out of control now and there's plenty of products I've learnt to love over the past few months due to this spending ban.

I wouldn't say I'm continuing with my spending ban in so many words, just being more strict with myself. Do I really need that lipstick when I already have one lying around at home that's very similar?

Has anyone else tried a spending ban before?

Recent Purchases #1

My spending ban (expect an update on that this week) has been super effective and I've really cut back on impulse spending and what not. I'm pretty impressed with what I've picked up recently, a few things I've been wanting for a while so that's always nice to get my hands on them.

• 'It' Alexa Chung (£16.99) - Like a lot of people I'm a massive Alexa fan and I've been meaning to buy this since it came out but I just kept on putting it off. Now I finally have it and loved reading it. Let the inner Alexa Chung wannabe continue I say!
• 'Lucy In The Sky' Paige Toon (£6.99) - I've really got back into reading this year thanks to the amazing author that is Paige Toon. This is the first book from her collection and one of the best but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. 
• 'Colour Of The Trap' Miles Kane (prices vary) - Miles Kane is the man, okay?! Even if I have an album on iTunes I still have to buy the physical copy of it just because, well I do. I picked this up from HMV in a sale for £3.99, top bargain for a quality album.

Now Peacocks is not a shop I ever venture into because it's just never appealed to me. I find it targets an older audience than myself. This was placed very cleverly near a display window though and nearly every time I'm at work I've walked past it. After a good 6 weeks of deciding I finally grabbed it for £6. These style camis were huge last summer and it looks like they will be again this time round. Such a simple staple piece to anyone's wardrobe. You can buy it HERE.

This is exactly what I have been after without even looking. Again another quick look around Peacocks and this caught my eye on the sale rail. I knew I wanted a mint green bag for Spring/Summer - pastels are an essential. I love the stud detailing of this and I'm not usually a fan of the studs trend. It's such a pretty colour and can be worn as a clutch or you can add the longer strap for over the shoulder. No doubt I will get plenty of wear out of this. It was £4.50 reduced from £9!

Anything caught your eye from my recent purchases?

Wishlist - Homeware Edition #2

With Spring just around the corner I've got spring cleaning on the brain at the moment. I've been wanting to add some bits and bobs to my bedroom for ages but then a few months back I moved house and I had to hold my plans and then I just never got around to it. My room theme is white and green with hints of black so my wishlist is very centred around that.

• Cotton Cushion Cover (£6.99) - H&M
• Teal Clermont Collection Duvet Cover (£29.99) - Dunelm Mill
• Micke Desk in White (£40) - IKEA
• White Lace Metal Shelf (£14.95) - dotcomgiftshop
• Set of 2 Decorative Heart Shaped Bowls (£8) - Matalan
• Tealight Holder (£1.50) - H&M
• Round Glass Vase (£7.99) - H&M
• Birdcage Mirror with 3 Hooks (£9.95) - dotcomgiftshop
• Cotton Cushion Cover (£3.99) - H&M
• Shabby Chic Heart Tea Light Holder (£6.99) - eBay

You might have guessed by now that I adore a lot of H&M's homeware collection right now. Plus, dotcomgiftshop have a lot of unique pieces about too! 

What homeware collections are you loving at the moment?

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

Once I find a foundation I like and I mean really like I find it very hard to move onto other foundations and experiment, even if there is better options out there. I've been stuck in a foundation rut for the best part of a year and couldn't part with Rimmel's Match Perfection until now and god bless you Revlon for the wonder that is Nearly Naked. I find it a similar type finish as the Rimmel offering except this is a little thicker as I find Match Perfection to be a little runny.

As for the packaging I'm not overly keen but it's what's on the inside the counts. First off a bottle without a pump isn't the most ideal for me, a lot of excess and not brilliant if I'm in a rush. A glass bottle is always a plus though in my opinion. Another thing that doesn't really matter but makes my life easier is that over spill is so much easier to clean off white plastic than black so top marks for the lid (of all things).

I'm really impressed with the range of colours in this foundation, especially for a drugstore brand. I always struggle to find something suitable for my skin tone. I'd say that its a medium coverage foundation and feels light on the skin. There is nothing worse than overly heavy foundations sat on your skin all day. It blends really nicely and I prefer to apply it with a flat angled brush which makes it easily build able too. It doesn't cling to dry skin and even though it's leaves a dewy finish it's not shiny - bonus for oily skin.

Have you tried out Revlon's Nearly Naked?

Current Haircare Routine

Quite a few weeks back now I mentioned on twitter that my hairdresser has commented on how healthy my hair was and a few asked for a post about my haircare routine. So here we have it!

Firstly I want to mention that I like to keep any heated styling appliances to a minimum. Yes, even the hair dryer. I've learnt to live with my natural hair and what looks best with my natural wavy/curly locks. I'll often leave my hair to dry over night and sport the messy beach waves the next day because it does wonders for my hair. To avoid using straighteners as well as a hair dryer use a paddle hair brush while you blow dry your hair to create straight locks.

| THE PRODUCTS |

• Aussie Colour Mate Shampoo 300ml (£4.69) - Whenever I go to the salon I opt for foils which means I like the colour to last as long as possible, plus this adds a great shine to my hair.
• Tresemme Colour Thrive Blonde Conditioner 500ml (£4.50) - There's nothing a big bottle of Tresemme can't fix in my opinion. Sticking with the colour treats theme here this product does the job of conditioning while showing off my blonde tones.
• Tommy Guns Fig, Plum and Marshmallow Conditioner 250ml (£5.50) - I am hooked on this stuff. Smells great and controls any frizz my hair might have - perfect for embracing my natural hair.
• The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter 50ml (£3) - I posted about this a while back HERE. Still loving it though and adds softness to my hair in an instant. I often work it into the ends of my hair for a few minutes and then rinse.
• Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Lightweight Conditioning Spray 250ml (£4.49) - This is quite a newer purchase to the haircare collection. I tend to spray evenly to de-tangle before blow drying.
• L'Oreal Studio Line Matt & Messy Salt Spray 150ml (£3.75) - My most favourite styling product I own and a bargain at that. This product adds texture, waves and a defined finish. You can create tousled waves as well by twisting hair strands around your fingers.

What are some of your favourite haircare products? Any recommendations? 

Spring Nail Polish Picks

Back in November I showed you my favourite Autumn Nail Polishes which proved to be popular so today I bring you my favourites for Spring '14. Apart from the obvious pastels and floral prints this year we've been faced with holographic and metallic styles everywhere, especially on the accessory front. So why not show the trends off on your nails too?

Left to right: Barry M Nail Paint in Blue Moon (£2.99), NYC Minute Nail Polish in Raindrop (£1.79), Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Sea Breeze (£6), Barry M Nail Effects in Silver Foil (£3.99), Avon Colour Attract Nail Enamel in Lavender Lure (£6), Sinful Colors Cream Nail Enamel in Verbena (£1.99)

Left to right: Models Own Fruit Pastel Collection in Grape Juice (£5), Avon Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel in ASAP Pink (£6), Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Painted Peony (£6), Natural Collection Nail Colour in Antique Coral (£1.89), Avon Color Trend Nail Enamel in Bikini (£3)

What are your favourite shades for Spring?

February's Birchbox

Each month when this drops by my door I am so glad I decided to subscribe to Birchbox, I haven't been let down yet at all. I think this month has possibly topped them all so far. Sometimes the idea of beauty boxes is to discover products but this one features a few of my all time favourites which I'm not going to complain about am I? Also, I love how Birchbox include brands with exclusive launches!

How naughty are Birchbox too teasing me like this?

I loved the cards this month with all these quotes on. The theme of the box is 'Love Style' with LFW just around the corner! 

Now onto the goodies! Super happy to see my all time favourite eyeliner from Eyeko featured as well as nail expert Leighton Denny - my favourite formula in a polish!

• Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner (£12)
• Leighton Dennt Nail Colour in Maneater (£11)
• Gilchrist & Soames The London Collection Shower Gel (£13.75)
• Green & Black's Dark 70% Chocolate (£2.29)
• Urban Veda Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish (£8.99)
• Beauty Protector Protect & Oil (£16)

What do you think of Birchbox's fab monthly beauty boxes?

You can subscribe HERE for £12.95 (inc P+P) per month.

Meet the Blogger #5

If you've been reading my 'Meet the Blogger' series then I hope you are enjoying it so far! This will be the last in the series for a few weeks but it will be back with new questions and new bloggers very soon! However, it's not over yet.. I predict big things for blogger Jade as she has a fab blog that deserves a lot more credit and a few more readers too!

"Hey there, I'm Jade! You can find me at skinsweet.co.uk where, like many others, I blog about everything beauty and fashion related. As a student, I am highly experienced in what the American's like to call 'drug store' products (I'm not even sure we have a name for that in England) and how to look good on a budget. Think more Seventeen than Sephora! If that interests you then make sure you stop by, after reading the lovely Lauren's post, of course."

1. What made you start your blog?
For the last couple of years I've been reading beauty blogs and watching these incredible girls on YouTube talking about things that they love and making something of it. I'm talking, of course, about people like Essie Button and Zoella. I just loved it and I wanted to be a part of it. I can't tell you how glad I am that I took that first step and created my blog, I'm still just as in love with blogging as I ever was. 

2. What's your must have product at all times?
I don't leave the house without lipstick in my bag, it's my must-have item. You never know where you're going to end up, especially with my friends, and a little lipstick can completely change your look! Suddenly you're ready for any occasion. That being said, I would never be caught not wearing concealer, I have the worst under eye circles! 

3. Who inspires your style - fashion and make up choices?
I'd be lying if I didn't admit to having certain people who's look I am always trying to achieve. Kate from gh0stparties is the top of that list for me, I love everything she wears both makeup and fashion wise. She's my absolute favourite! I think I favour bloggers over celebrities for inspiration. 

4. Who's your favourite well known blogger?
Again, Kate. It's always Kate. But I'm also loving Hannah from HannahMaggs and Judy from It'sJudyTime at the moment. Hannah's got such a naturally beautiful look that I can't help but be in awe, and now she's got her beautiful baby too! As for Judy, I watch her daily vlogs every single day without fail, I'm addicted!

5. And any underrated bloggers you think deserve more credit?
LilyAnnLoves is my favourite at the moment and she absolutely knows it! 

6. What is your favourite drugstore beauty brand?
I'm loving Seventeen at the moment, since they've rebranded their products look much more high end. I particularly love their lipsticks. 

7. And your high end brand preference?
I really don't have anything from any high end brands, I can't afford it! If I was to splurge on something I think it would be Benefit, everything they do seems to be beautiful. 

8. What's your favourite clothing brand? Online and high street?
I shop almost exclusively with Topshop, it's just my favourite for both statement pieces and basics. 

9. Got any blogging tips you have learnt?
Write shorter posts! I used to, and something still do, write these crazy long posts when I could have said the same thing in a couple of sentences and kept my readers attention! 

10. What are your hair styling secrets? Products? Electrical's?
A good shampoo and conditioner with an intensive hair mask for the ends, every time I wash my hair. That's literally all I do most days, occasionally I use a little leave in conditioner or Moroccan oil if I'm doing something special. 

11. And finally what do you want to achieve from blogging?
I just want to keep going! Make new friends, go to meetups, get involved and just enjoy it. 

Here is where you can find Jade:

• Blog (Skin Sweet)
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest

You'd be silly not to check out the lovely Jade's blog! If you want to take part in the next part of 'Meet the Blogger' you can find my email on my contact page for details!

Primark Haul

I find myself a lot of the time just lately browsing through Primark to pass time before a shift at work. With them not having an online store as such you never know unless you look and often stuff sells out really quickly. After a few trips I've picked up a few bits and bobs.

My last pair on sunglasses got left behind at V Festival in the summer so I was due a replacement. Though since I brought these it hasn't stopped raining, think I've cursed it - no Lauren it's just the UK for you. Anyway these leopard print shades cost just £2 and come with a little pouch too, not bad.

There was quite a big sale on in the homeware section and I picked up this wicker heart for decoration for just £1. It's now hanging on my wardrobe handles and looks very shabby chic.

I chucked most of my sandals out not long ago and planned on revamping my shoe collection - not that I need an excuse a lot of the time anyway. These were just £2.50 and there was a few colours for selection too. Nothing too fancy but simple enough for running errands in the summer.

I've got quite a collection of these socks now but at just £1.50 you can't complain. I love the frills as they look so cute with ankle boots. 

It's no secret that I'm a fan of 'the collar'. I just find it flattering with a boyish edge to it. A little bit of a monochrome theme going on here but pretty staple pieces in the wardrobe. (Left - £8, Right - £6.)

Definitely picked this floral printed chiffon over sized vest with the hotter months in mind. I love royal blue shades as I find it suits me so well and I really liked this floral pattern. I grabbed this on sale for £2 as well!

Have you made any Primark visits recently?

Current Wishlist

Ever since I booked the holiday to Majorca for September time I've been browsing every fashion website going and adding a lot of stuff to wishlists. As part of my spending ban I can only purchase clothes/shoes/accessories etc if I'm going to wear them during the summer and on holiday as I have a lot of saving to do! I'm massively impressed with River Island later and to seem to have everything I'm looking for.

• Love Powder Blue Shift Dress (£28)
• BooHoo Grid Checked Trouser (£20)
• ASOS via River Island Leopard Print Bowling Bag (£31.50 on sale)
• River Island Floral Print Playsuit (£30)
• River Island Dark High Waisted Denim Shorts (£30)
• ASOS Locket Necklace (£6)
• River Island Pink Daisy Lace Shell Top (£25)
• Topshop Black Tassel Loafers (£42)

Top of my list is probably the bag as I'm desperately in need of a good size travel bag to use as hand luggage, especially as it's on sale too! I'm really loving pastels and different patterns for the upcoming SS14 collections dotting around.

What brands are you loving at the moment?

Barry M Smokin Hot Palette

If I'm totally honest with you I only ever used to wander over to the Barry M counter in Boots to pick up a nail polish and completely disregarded any of their make-up offerings. If I'm even more honest with you I picked this up on a whim and really wasn't sure what to make of it after reading a poor review of another of their palettes. I opted for this palette as I thought it had a good mix of darker shades but some neutral ones too - a perfect mix for a cracking smoky eye look! I'm not the biggest fan of the cardboard packaging as it scratches so easily and it's hard to hide, plus the products can get dusty and stain the packaging sadly.

I really loved that there was a white shade included in this palette as I find it brilliant in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them up especially when they could look a bit over the top with so many dark shades. The second and third shades in from the left I both liked as a base on the lid of the eye and working in the darker shades to create a smoky eye. A lot of blending included! Now I haven't included a swatch of the blush but that is possibly my favourite thing about this palette. It's a lovely wearable shade that isn't too much to give you clown features. It can get a little dusty but nothing to major.

Pigmentation isn't the best really but it is workable, so not ideal if you're on a tight time scale. If you have plenty of time though you can create some really lovely eye looks with this palette. All the shades are shimmery but some have more glitter than others. Overall I think this could be a good investment for travelling as it has multiple products and it's pretty cheap priced at £6.49. When it comes down to it though I probably wouldn't purchase another Barry M palette unless they improve the pigmentation of their shades. You can buy it from several places online, including Boots HERE.

Meet The Blogger #4

Another instalment of my 'Meet the Blogger' series and as excited as ever to introduce to you all another fab blogger! If you're a little unsure on what this series is all about you can catch up HERE.

"Hi, I'm Holly and I blog at Impatience is a Virtue. I'm a beauty and lifestyle blogger from the south coast of the UK. On my blog you can expect to find, product reviews, hauls, a lot of make up and the odd bit of baking!"

1. What made you start your blog?
I remember reading a few blogs and thinking "I could do that!" I love how blogging is a place to share things with other like minded people. It's been a great journey so far, I have been fortunate enough to work with some lovely brands and meet lots of amazing people!

2. What's your must have product at all times?
A good lipgloss! I'm carrying around L'Oreals Glam Shine Stain in Milady at the moment.

3. Who inspires your style - fashion and make up choices?
I wouldn't say I particularly have a sense of style! lol. I work in a hospital lab so my "style" mostly consists of me working in a lab coat, but when I'm out I do like to dress up. I would love to be able to pull off a quirky style like Zooey Deschanel. Make up wise, I love Blake Lively, she looks flawless all the time.

4. Who's your favourite well known blogger?
I love Sprinkle Of Glitter, she has a beautifully designed blog, amazing photos and sounds really down to earth. I would love my blog to be as successful as hers one day!

5. And any underrated bloggers you think deserve more credit?
Definitely Bed in the Kitchen and Becca's Fashion and Life, I met these two lovely ladies through blogging and they don't live that far away from me so we are able to meet up regularly. Their blogs are obviously great too!

6. What is your favourite drugstore beauty brand?
Rimmel is my favourite high street brand, I've used their Stay Matte Powder for years and their nail polishes are a great formula and apply really nicely. I love that Boots and Superdrug are always having 3 for 2 offers across the range too (just an excuse to buy more!)

7. And your high end brand preference?
I Love MAC, I love their classic black packaging, affordability, range of colours and their collaborations with celebrities like Rhianna and The Osbourne's. I currently only have three MAC lipsticks but am aiming to build my collection soon!

8. What's your favourite clothing brand? Online and high street?
Topshop is my favourite clothing brand and they're both high street and online! The majority of my clothes come from there. I also love Primark, mostly for the socks - I have so many socks!

9. Got any blogging tips you have learnt?
I've learnt so many little tips since starting blogging but the one I remember the most is make your photos as big as possible! A picture is worth 1000 words so make sure you use them!

10. What are your hair styling secrets? Products? Electrical's?
Before having my hair styled for my wedding, my hairdresser told me not to wash it the day before. Weirdly, it actually styles better if it isn't freshly washed. I've taken her advice if I fancy curling my dead straight locks and it works really well.

11. And finally what do you want to achieve from blogging?
I love setting little goals for my blog as I don't want to set my sights too high and then be disappointed. I was over the moon when I reached 100 followers then made it to 500 and I would love to reach 1000 followers this year. I would like to keep doing what I'm doing and hope that my blog continues to grow.

Here is where you can find Holly:

• Blog (Impatience is a Virtue)
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook

Make sure you check out the lovely Holly's blog!