My Top 5 Perfumes

I have 5 perfumes that I really love and repurchase (when I can afford it… Hello Boots points!). I don’t really have a particular order as I tend to go through phases, but in general my faves are floral and sweet (I think!).  I don't have perfumes that I will only wear in Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter like I know many people do, but just generally wear whichever depending on the mood I'm in day-to-day! Unfortunately, as it was a 2006 Limited Edition, a favourite that I can’t include in this list is Ghost’s Summer Flirt. So if anyone can recommend a perfume which smells similar to it and available to buy right now, pleeease tell me as I loved it!

(All official descriptions are taken from official websites and www.theperfumeshop.com.)

Armani Diamonds (eau de parfum)

I first smelled this perfume on my flatmate a few years ago and it was love at first sniff! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a bottle and now I am so worried of running out (and not being able to afford a new bottle yet) that I generally save it for special occasions. Although, I would wear this every day if I could! It’s so beautiful.

“…a surprising gourmand fragrance to give a stone a flavour and to a woman a self-confident and audacious feeling… A fragrance that reflects the sparkle, strength, brilliance and sexiness of the Emporio Armani woman.”

Heart notes Rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, freesia

Top notes Lychee, raspberry

Base notes Vetiver, amber, vanilla

Scent Floral Oriental

Feel Charismatic, Confident, Elegant

Beyoncé Heat (eau de parfum)
I’m not just a fan of this because I'm such a fan of Beyoncé (although, that is a plus!). Again, I smelled this on someone else (a work colleague) and loved it straight away. I first got my hands on a bottle a few years ago and even today it is still my everyday perfume of choice. It starts off fresh and floral but develops into a beautifully feminine, much sweeter scent. I already have another bottle waiting for when I finish my current one!

“…a captivating fragrance that unleashes a spirited fire within. It is a unique expression of a woman's powerful sensuality: sexy, elegant yet feminine with an air of mystery, this fragrance reflects a self-assured woman, who is not afraid to desire and to be desired.”

Top Notes A radiant floral bouquet of Red Vanilla Orchid, Magnolia and Neroli, balanced with a kiss of luscious blush Peach.

Heart Notes A sensual combination of Almond Macaroon, Honeysuckle Nectar and Crème de Musk.

Base Notes A warm and sexy dry-down of giant Sequoia Milkwood, Tonka Bean and Amber.

Scent Floral

Feel Seductive

Gwen Stefani Music (eau de toilette)

To me, this one smells really fresh and fruity, and to be honest, I haven’t repurchased this in a long time (mainly due to lack of funds, although I’ve recently found some bargains online). Now I’ve run out however, I actually miss it a bit. It would be a nice everyday alternative to Heat I think.

“Tough, with an attitude! Always looking to make someone laugh, charismatic Music has no qualms telling it like it is! Styling in a smocked sailor outfit and black lace-up boxing boot, Music grooves to the soundtrack of life.”

Heart Notes Sweetpea, Jasmine Sambac, Honeysuckle.

Top Notes Sparkling Pear, clementine.

Base Notes Sleek Woods, Vanilla, Skin Musk.

Scent Floral

Feel Sparkling, Yummy, Juicy.

Nina Ricci Nina (eau de toilette)

Again, I think this smells very fruity (but in a different way), and it is very sweet. I have had many compliments on this scent when wearing it! I actually ran out a couple of years ago and haven’t been able to repurchase it (as the price tag is a little steep for my bank balance), but thankfully I got another bottle Christmas 2012 which I still haven't finished. For an eau de toilette, a little spritz of this lasts surprisingly long.

“A modern fairy tale for all young women searching for surprise and fantasy: the perfect opportunity for enchantment and seductive femininity.”

Heart notes Red Toffee Apple, Praline, Vanilla

Top notes Lemon, Lime

Base notes Wood Accord, White Cedar, Cotton Musk

Scent Floral

Feel Enchanting, Feminine, Seductive

Cacharel Amor Amor (eau de toilette)

Surprise, surprise; another scent I first smelled on someone else (a friend at SYT, many years ago!). Again, it is a very sweet everyday fragrance. This one is especially good for days when I know I won’t get the chance to re-spritz as the scent lingers all day, especially on clothes: sometimes even after washing! Plus this one is a bit kinder to my purse so I am more likely to repurchase this (and it seems to be on offer quite a lot too!).

“The atmosphere is electric as your glances meet. Amor Amor is the trigger: do you dare unleash the passion? Sensual vanilla and jasmin mingle with sparkling blackcurrant; let the scent wrap around you both. Instant attraction, instant desire, instant Amor.”

Heart Notes Mandarin, Black Currant, Melati Blossom, Lily Of The Valley, White Musk, Grey Amber

Scent Floral

Feel Individual, Modern, Passionate

So these are my top 5 perfumes. What are yours? Can you recommend any you think I might like? I did try a couple of Marc Jacobs perfumes recently that I really liked (Lola and Daisy I think) so may see if I can get one of them at some point. And again, if anyone knows where I can get some Ghost Summer Flirt or a very similar fragrance, please let me know!

Wendy xxx

My 2013 Favourites

I wanted to write my 2013 Favourites before it got too far into January to be relevant anymore! It’s a bit of everything really: beauty, bath, film, food, etc. And as I am forever on a budget (either being a student or ruthlessly saving for something), you’ll notice that none of these things would be considered high-end; mostly just every-day, high-street brands. I’m not including anything that I bought in December/was given for Christmas as I don’t think that I’ve had them long enough for them to count as favourites for the whole year! I’m not going to go into detail about a lot of these things if I think they speak for themselves or they’re so ‘old news’ that everyone knows everything about them already.

Make-Up & Nails

Foundation: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (100 Ivory)

Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair)

Bronzer: Dr. Pierre Ricaud Bronzing Powder

Blusher: N.Y.C. Mosaic Face Powder in (Peach Glow) - As you can see, my blusher has been through the wars so it's all broken up, but I love love love this shade. I think it's more suited to Spring/Summer, but I've been wearing it throughout Winter too and it works well with more eye make-up too! Really flattering shade.

Mascara: Maybelline Rocket Mascara

Eye-Shadow: Maybelline 24h Tattoo Eye Shadow in (On and on Bronze)

Eyeliner: I have struggled to find eyeliner which I have really gelled with in 2013. I have been using quite a few this past year, including The Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner, L’Oréal Super Liner Perfect Slim, 2True by Superdrug Waterproof Effortless Eyeliner and Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner, and none of these have wowed me. These are, of course, all high-street brands and I think that, as I have such oily skin so need to go for a liner which is very waterproof, it would be worth spending more and trying out some more expensive liners. Going on recent reviews that I’ve read, in 2014 I’d like to try Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and Soap & Glory SUPERCAT Eyeliner Pen (which, at just £6, is still very affordable).

Lips: Seventeen Lip Crayon (Superstar)

Nails: Nailtiques Protein Formula 2

Bath & Skincare

Shampoo & Conditioner: TRESemmé Cleanse and Replenish: Deep Cleansing Shampoo & Conditioner

Body Wash: Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel

Deodorant: Nivea Invisible For Black & White 48h Anti-Perspirant - Perfect for me. I perspire a lot for no reason, and this stuff really works. Plus it's great as I have to wear black everyday for school and doesn't leave white marks, and equally when I wear white or pastel-coloured tops, it doesn't leave horrible yellow staining under the arms. It's taken me a long time to find a deodorant I'm happy with, so I'm sticking to this. Must have been through at least 10 of these now!

Cleanser: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Scrub

Toner: Simple Soothing Facial Toner

Moisturiser: Re-Gen Cream - Really good for skin prone to scarring. I use this on my face, but it's for anywhere on the body. It sinks in a matter of minutes, ready for make-up to go on top, and leaves my skin feeling soft but not clogged up (which I do NOT want when it's so oily already!).

Hands: Soap & Glory Hand Food

Food & Drink

Food: Tesco Sweet & Salty Popcorn - SOOO moreish!

Drink: Maltesers Malty Hot Chocolate - This stuff is amazing.It's not sickly sweet like many hot chocolates and tastes just like Maltesers! Perfect for before bed. I always have a bag of this in my cupboard.

Film, TV & Books

Film: Disney’s Tangled

TV: Honestly, I don’t watch much TV (somehow!); I always have programmes that I come back to every year and watch avidly. So to mention at least one, I think The Great British Bake Off has tipped it for me this year. I love this show. I think Sue and Mel (who are the presenters, if you don’t watch) are hilarious; the show is informative and educational; and the competition aspect can suck you in like nothing else! This year’s competition was the best so far! Loved it.

Book: I have fallen by the way-side in terms of reading, this past year. Having a really sociable summer (from April) and then starting as a student on a crazy-intensive course has meant that finding and reading a good book just hasn’t been on my mind. This is something I’d like to remedy in 2014, however, as I do think reading books is important, so I really want to try and find some good books to get back into reading again! However, if going off the beginning of the year when I was ‘still reading’, my favourite book of 2013 would have to be The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky. If you’ve not read it, read it now!!

So those are my favourite things of 2013. I hope you enjoyed reading; what were your 2013 Favourites?

Wendy xxx

What I got for Christmas 2013 (slightly late!)

Happy New Year! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading some “What I got for Christmas” posts recently (especially as inspiration for my birthday in a couple of months!) so I thought that for my first post of 2014 I would join in and share with you what I was very lucky to get this year.

Having started reading beauty blogs and watching beauty YouTube videos at the end of 2012/beginning of 2013, my Christmas wish-list this year was rather full of many things I’d seen/read about throughout the year but could never justify spending the money on! So I’m sure you’ll recognise a lot of these things and they may even be old news to you, but I feel thoroughly spoiled and so grateful that my wonderful family have managed to get so much of my somewhat ambitious list (and more)! My sister, Louise, is a whizz at finding things cut-price. Incredible.

Please don’t find this post to be showing off in anyway; I’m just super excited about all of these things!

Nails

Seche Vite

Something I’ve been reading about and wanting for ages, but with an RRP of £10.95 could never afford! I now understand what all the hype is about as it really does dry your nails super-quick and leaves them feeling rock-hard.

Nails Inc Polishes

My collection of Nails Inc polishes has been growing and growing every Christmas for the past 5 years or so: I’ve never actually bought a polish myself and yet my collection now totals 32?! My sister is amazing. I like all the colours in my new lot.

Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein Nail-Treatment

I got this stuff off Beauty Bay back in July/August after seeing how amazing my best friend Lucia’s nails looked in the lead up to her wedding following the use of this treatment. I cannot thank her enough for her recommendation as it is wonderful and my nails feel strong and healthy and stay chip-free! I now only need to use it as a base coat as my nails are in such good condition I don’t need such intensive treatment anymore, and as I was almost finished my bottle, Santa was kind enough to supply me with another. ;)

Nail Tool Kit

As I said, I’ve been watching tonnes of beauty videos over the past 13/14 months and these included many nail art tutorials. I love doing my nails as it really relaxes me, no matter what frame of mind I’m in, so I asked for some tools to have a go at some of the designs I’d seen… I did not expect to get this fantastic set! I am yet to use any of these as I haven’t had time, but I thoroughly look forward to it! I should have some time this weekend. I may even post some of my attempts on my Instagram.

Bath and Beauty

Soap & Glory products

I can rarely afford to splash out on Soap & Glory things, even if they are in the 3for2 offer at Boots, so I love that my niece gave me some more Hand Food, Heel Genius foot cream, Pulp Fiction body scrub and Flake Away body polish. I’m yet to use the latter 2, but I already loved the Hand Food and have found the Heel Genius to be fantastic in my pedicures!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I have wanted a Naked Palette for soooo long, but (as I’m sure you all know) they each come with a RRP of almost £40 which made them completely over my budget! You can’t imagine my excitement and astonishment to be given my favourite of the 3 palettes. I have used it and the shadows are just lovely, though I still store the palette in its box for fear of damaging it!

Real Techniques brushes

Another thing raved about on YouTube and the Blogosphere. I’ve never had my own proper brushes before; I always just used ones that my mum or Louise didn’t use (or did use but left lying about!), so I’m so happy to have these finally! I was lucky enough to be given both the Core Collection and the Starter Kit. They’re so soft and I can definitely see the difference that using good brushes can make!

Scholl Express Pedi

Before Christmas I played Cinderella in a panto with school which we toured around schools in Ealing. It was a great experience but as I was in rags and bear feet for most of the show, it meant my feet were quite a state by the end of it (dry skin, blisters, scabs, etc – yuck!) So I asked for something which may help with these problems, and I tell you, this thing is amazing!! It pretty much sands the dead skin off your feet, smoothing it out and leaving them feeling awesome. Finished off with the Soap & Glory Heel Genius and left in cotton socks overnight, my feet feel wonderful the next day!

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Heat Defence Spray

I I haven’t tried this yet but of course I have heard incredible things about Argan Oil for your hair and this is a product that Zoella recommended in her Hair Care Routine video, so thought I’d request it on the off-chance I’d get it!

Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Treatment

I didn’t ask for this, but Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is incredible. After using this, my hair feels so strong, and once it’s dry, it literally feels like I’ve been for a cut and blow-dry. For anyone with problem hair or just can’t afford to go to the hairdresser often so have split-ends, I hiiighly recommend this. I can’t praise it enough.

Shoes

Clarks Boots

These "Orinoco Jazz" boots were in the sale, from £89.99 down to £69.99 (before Christmas) which – for quality, leather boots – I think is pretty reasonable. They are so sophisticated-looking and very comfortable. So happy with these.

Converse

Love these! I haven’t actually worn these out yet as it’s been raining everyday I’ve left the house (yay!), but I look forward to the momentous day when I finally can.

Nike Trainers

My old running shoes were pretty grotty, with a hole around the toe-area on each, and once white, they were a horrible grubby grey. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have chosen these myself because of the colours, but I've found that I actually love these bright, cheery trainers!

So those are the main things I got for Christmas! I hope you enjoyed reading and if you have any posts on what you got, let me know!

Wendy xxx