MY CHRISTMAS...

Hope you all had a lovely day, spent with the people you love! <3

I've loved reading what you were all lucky enough to get for Christmas, so thought a little post to show you a few things was in order!

Rocket Dog 'sugardaddy' boots // Real techniques brushes

Nandos cooking sauces // iPhone 4

Soap and Glory best of all // S&G pumps and a Sanctuary wash // Cath Kidston goodies

The boyfriend bought me two cuddly toys, Jadore perfume & an iPhone music dock <3

Sister // Boyfriend // Grandad

xoxo.

A week in photos #8...

A mad week preparing for my move to Liverpool!

Face // Studded Zara Shorts // New Bronzer

Led Zep tee // Hair finally growing! // Guess who?

New make-up storage // O2 swing // New SuperDry Hoodie (student life)

On top of the O2 arena // British Superbike // Ikea plant pot

<3

New 'Undressed' palette by MUA (naked dupe?!)

MUA have done it again... they've created another gorgeous palette containing several shadows that are complete dupes for some in the Naked Palettes by Urban Decay.

NOTE - these pictures do not do the colours justice at all. Next time you're in a big superdrug, take 30 seconds to stop and look, I promise you will love this gem!


This gorgeous palette contains mainly shimmery shadows, with two matte browns thrown in. The two matte's are brilliant dupes for the two that appear in the Naked 1. Similarly the dark navy shadows are also practically identical to those that feature in the expensive Urban Decay palette.

'Undressed' features a mix of pinks, browns and golds, all of which can be used to create simple day time looks as well as heavier night time looks.

Like all other MUA palettes, these shadows are extremely pigmented, easy to apply and long lasting. I know of no other high street brand to offer such quality shadows, that can easily be compared to higher brands such as MAC and Urban Decay.

If you don't have either of the naked palettes (or if like me you're an eye shadow junkie), I would highly recommend this MUA one, as well as their "heaven and earth" palette.
In conjunction they are pretty much dupes for the best urban decay shadows.
The best thing? They're £3-4 each!!

x x x

July / August - A few of my favorite things...

No7 Brow Pencil in Blonde -

I've never paid much attention to my brows, but I recently took an interest in filling them in slightly. I tried so many cheap pencils, all of which have been way too dark. I really didn't want to end up with a scouse brow! This is a lovely, light and creamy pencil, that looks completely natural. I love that it has a spoolie too, as it helps blend the colour through.

Nivea Invisible Protection Spray -

I know this is a random one, but I love this sun spray! It's so handy, especially on the beach, as there's no rubbing in involved and is completely non-greasy. Simply spray all over and enjoy lying in the sun without sizzling!

MUA Mosaic Bronzer -

Not sure why I picked this up, but I'm glad I did. It's a gorgeous, light bronzer that adds a gorgeous glow to the cheeks without looking too much. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a deeply bronzed look, but if you're pale like me, it's a lovely alternative to bright blushes.

ELF Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink -

I've had this for a long time and for some reason it's been neglected. Unlike the name suggests, I wouldn't describe the colour as pink, but a light coral. I don't usually suit orange toned lipsticks but this is incredibly soft, but still adds a pop of colour. The formula is very creamy yet really long lasting once applied. It costs £3.75, which is a complete bargain.

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent -

My new fave powder. I've been using the Mac mineralise skin finish for a few months and it's on it's last legs, so i'm desperately trying to preserve it... which is why i picked this up a few months ago. I love it. It's soft, glides on to the skin and lasts all day. It works really well with my new foundation (rimmel wake me up foundation - review below) and is a complete bargain. Cannot recommend this enough!

John Frieda Daily Miracle Treatment - 

This is a leave in spray aimed to revitalize hair and add shine. I use it after I have washed my hair, spritzing it all over my hair and focusing it on the end. It makes a huge difference if i leave my hair to dry naturally. It leaves my hair shiny and really reduces the appearance of my split ends - win win.

Soap & Gloary 'Calm One' bubble bath -

I received this for my birthday and keep repurchasing it. It's gorgeously creamy and leaves my skin feeling soft and smelling gorgeous. What else can I say? Give it a try!

Week in Photos #7...

lovelovelove // FOTN for my leavers dinner // Spending days @ the races

Reese's P'butter cups = <3 // Toby Carvery // Face

My favourite // New fave, Revlon 'pink about it' // Magaluf with the girls <3

Healthy lunch, compensated by a fatty desert // Photo shoot with the best friend

<3

Ok, so maybe this is a little longer than a week in photo's, but things have been a little crazy recently! Since I last blogged I've - finished my a-levels, been on holiday, worked my arse off for pennies, quit one job, attempted and failed several diets and started to pack things up for the move from Essex to Liverpool. So sorry for my lack of updates! 

I've also hit a bit of a wall on the blog front - what do you want to see on London Gems?

Do you like the reviews best? or the hauls? Or would you like to see something different?

Please take a couple of seconds to let me know your thoughts, would be much appreciated!

Hope you're all well & enjoying the "summer"..

x x x

RIMMEL 'wake me up' foundation...

Before I review this I should probably explain what I look for in a foundation - buildable coverage, long lasting power and creamy / semi-matte formula. Doesn't sound a lot, but I very rarely come across a foundation that ticks all the boxes. However, I have recently discovered Rimmel's 'wake me up' foundation, which doesn't tick all the boxes... but I love!

The formula is very creamy (as appose to water based), with a medium but buildable coverage. It claims to have an 'anti fatigue' effect, which to an extent I can see as it is far dewier than most other foundations I own (you can see shimmery flecks in the bottle). However it's not overly dewy, it just gives a healthy glow. If you prefer a matte look a quick dusting of powder does the trick. It also smells nice, fruity instead of like paint.

I dot a small amount around my face and then buff it in with a Real techniques buffing brush (from the core collection). The two are a match made in heaven! The more you buff, the less dewy you can make it look. It has an SPF 15, which in no way reflects in photo's, which is another major plus.

Colour - 4/5 - I would prefer the lightest shade to be slightly lighter

Price - 5/5 - £8.99 is a bargain considering i usually by EL doublewear

Packaging - 5/5 - I love the glass bottle, instantly makes it feel high-end

Lasting Power - 3.5/5 - lasts about 4-5 hours without touching up

Overall, I really like this foundation and would defiantly recommend it!
Have any of you tried this foundation?

x x x x

Week in photos #6...

A very long / overdue week in photos...

Simple everyday makeup // 'Watch the Throne' // Magazine madness

NOTW Models Own 'Coral Reef' // Obsessed with Ben & J's // Primark randoms

Butternut Squash soup // Real Techniques Core Collection // Zara tote dupe

♥

I haven't been buying that much makeup lately and as it's exam time my everyday makeup has been verrry simple. I went to see Jayz & Kanye at the 02 a couple of weeks ago. They were amazing, best gig i've ever been to!

The nail colour i've been sporting all week is an old favorite, but still available in BOOTS. I've been trying to stick to a healthy food regime, but mum keeps stocking the freezer with ben and jerry's... it would be rude not to eat it! Picked up some random things in a quick trip to primark. The wipes are for my bag as i'm frequently stuck with makeup swatches all over my hands. The exfoliating glove is to use with my hair curlers, burnt fingers are getting old now.

I fiiiiiinally bought the core collection brushes. The foundation flat brush (second in on the left) is such a waste of space, it's impossible to use! I love the other three though. I also purchased the eBay Zara dupe everyone seems to have. I realized that I don't have a decent sized black bag, so decided to treat myself. For less than £15 i can't really complain!

Hope you're well,

Jen

x x x x

Magazine Freebies...

I cannot resist free goodies, even if they're not technically free!

GLAMOUR magazine - Benefit Samples

That Gal Primer > POREfessional pore minimiser & primer

There's also a choice of a mini Bad Gal mascara, but I have the full size version.

I really like both of these, but prefer That Gal, as it gives a more refreshed, dewey look, which i prefer during the summer. I apply it all over my face & then apply my foundation. For me, POREfessional looks better for a night out, as it is 100% matte on my skin. Little tip, do not apply this without moisturising first, it will dry your skin out hugely!

InStyle magazine - Body Shop Eye-liners

I LOVE these liners!

I was in superdrug looking for a new kohl liner when i noticed these. The magazine costs £3.80 and you get two full sized liners with it, which is a complete bargain, as they're about a tenner each in the shop. I love the navy one most, as it's dark enough, but much softer than wearing black everyday.

- Jen

x x x x x

The Naked 2

I wasn't going to buy this... really I wasn't. 

I much prefer the packaging of this to the Naked 1, the tin is so much easier to keep clean and the big mirror inside is so handy.

The shadow's are much more neutral and copper toned, which suits my pale skin much more than the 1.

The shadows are pigmented, creamy and easy to blend, so using them is incredibly easy. I also love the brush it comes with. One end is perfect for packing on the colour and the other is brilliant at blending, especially in the crease, as it's the perfect size for me.

My only niggle is the layout of the shadows - i would prefer if it went from light to dark, but that's hardly a major issue. I think £36 is a bit steep too, I paid £32 during a flash sale, which is still pretty steep. But i am very glad that i have it in my collection, and have reached for it every day, so i can justify the price.

Have a little play with it next time you're in store,

& if you're on the fence, just buy it. . I wish i had sooner!

Jen - x x x x

Week in Photos #5...

Lucky Charms from the USA // 3D cool kids // Kitten we bought for my friends 18th!
New Topshop shirt // Too many take-aways // New BaByliss curlers
Savior from Superdrug // New shit // My face

Stressed times at the moment as my a-level exams are beginning & I am starting to realise how unprepared i am! I also went to see 'The Avengers' in 3D last night. It was AMAZING. Cannot recommend it enough. Oh & if you want to see a review of any of the 'new shit' just let me know in the comments :)

x x x x

Color Tattoo 'On and on Bronze'...

I have never been a fan of cream eye products. I have always found them to be a little lack-luster and that always crease on me, even when i use a primer.So you can imagine my surprise when I fell in love with one of the new Maybelline Color Tattoo's, in 'On and on Bronze'.

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo - £4.99 (superdrug and boots)

The first thing that caught my eye was that it looked like 'smog' from the naked palette 1, which i wear almost every day. In reality it is slightly darker, but still as wearable!

The color transfers as a gorgeous golden brown, which is perfect for wearing on the outer half / crease, or all over for a night-time look. It's described as a 'gel-cream eyeshadow' which is pretty accurate. It has the staying power of a gel and creamy consistency of a high quality paint pot. The best part? It doesn't crease! I don't even need to use a primer :)

I can't help feel like Maybelline have missed out on a trick though. The color range of the tatoo's is poor. Really poor. This and the white one are the only ones that have tempted me. They need to bring out a nude range! Like the mac paint pots, they would be universally popular and much more wearable. hinthinthint

I would definitaly reccomend you go and have a little swatch session with these though, at £4.99 you can't really go wrong!

x x x 

Week in photos #4...

Zara for her perfume // Dinner @ GBK // Microwave piggy
Topshop Baxter jeans // Too many mcfluzzers //£4.99  H&M sunglasses
Cath Kidston fold bag // Hair curlers // I miss Egypt! :(

Hope you're all well!

Will be doing a couple of reviews and hauls this week, so keep an eye out ;)
Have a good weekend lovelies

Jen 

x x x

Wishlist #1

1) Miss Selfridge Cream Pussybow Blouse - £35

I have been lusting after a classic, sheer, cream blouse for almost a year! I love the bow detailing and the back is dipped so it would be wearable with leggings. This weekend i'll be on a hunt to find this :)

2) Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set - £21.99

My blog feed has been filled to the brim with posts about this little set, so naturally, I want it! Like most others, i am most interested in the buffing brush and the contour brush, but i'm sure i'll find use for the others too. In my head i cant justify buying this at the moment, as i have a gazillion brushes already. But my willpower might fail if i accidentally walk into Boots & pick it up!

3) Natural Collection Blush in Peach Melba - £1.99

I swatched this a while ago in a store and really liked it, but all of them were cracked & i haven't been able to find it since. I'll be visiting a big boots store soon so fingers crossed they'll have it. Perfect for summer!

4) Babyliss Hair Curlers - £20 (ish)

Not too sure of the model in the picture, but it's basically what i'm after; a hair curler with a clamp. After coming back from Egypt i've been striving to get back gorgeous beach hair, hopefully this will do the trick!

The best part? 3/4 of these products are available in Boots, so i might not be able to resist the chance to top up my advantage points ;)

Jen 

x x x

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub...

It's not often that i review just one item in a post, but my new discovery deserves a write up of it's own.
I was in Bristol recently, mooching about in Lush, when this little pot caught my eye. I suffer quite badly from dry (and often chapped) lips, so the idea of what is essentially an exfoliater for lips fascinated me.

LUSH Lip Scrub - £4.95

The consistency is like sand, so i simply press my finger lightly on the top and place the product on to my lips. Then all you need to do is rub your lips together.
This little product has completley transformed my 'lipstick routine', and has allowed me to start wearing lipsticks i had previously given up on. It leaves my lips feeling smooth & buttery and the subtle taste of bubblegum lasts for hours :)

There are various other flavours, so if this isn't your cup of tea I urge you to go and look at the others!

Jen

x x x x

Little Egyptian Haul...

I could have spent so much at duty free, especially on MAC & Benefit goodies, as i can't usually justify the full RRP. But, i managed to tame myself and only get a few bits! (which i now regret!)

I also did some shopping at the markets in Egypt. I loved bartering, as the sellers always start at a ridiculous price and the game was to get them down to as low as possible. Tip - put it back and start to walk away if they're being stubborn, they'll come chasing after you! It's £10 Egyptian to £1 English, so it was really easy to work out how much things cost :)

I love MAC Mineralise skin finish! I tend to wear medium - full coverage foundations, so applying a powder over the top often makes it feel very heavy. This does the complete opposite. My face feels soft and light and i'm convinced it's helped make my base last longer too.
The Victoria's Secret fragrance mist was bought on a spur, simply because we can't get the brand here in the UK. It smells lovely and is handy to have in my bag.

This Loreal Rouge Caress lipstick is a new favourite lip product. It reminded me hugely of my staple "Belle by 17" lipstick, only i think this is nicer! It's a natural lip colour, with a hint of pink and gorgeous buttery consistency. Plus it's staying power isn't bad either :)

Finally some bits i picked up from the markets. The purse was about 50p and i thought it was just cute to have to remind me of the holiday. The "Ray Bans" are obviously fake, but not too shabby looking. The bloke wanted £10 for them, but i managed to get him down to £3. I wore them for a few days and love them!


I also got some Egyptian perfume, which smells exactly like Chanel Chance & a couple of casual dresses, but i can't find them! :s

Hope you're all well!

x x x x x