Practical AW13 Boots

Dr Marten - Serena   Topshop - Argo   Topshop - Arvey   Office - Brazen   Office - Brash   Office - Brassline   Office - Bam

I know everyone loves a good cut-out boot, but as winter is creeping in, there is nothing I would dislike more than getting caught in the rain/wind/snow in a not-so-ideal pair of boots and ending up with soggy feet. Hence the 'almost' practical AW13 boot selection. I say almost as some have a slightly higher heel than may be desired for braving an icy hill, but would be great for stomping around town on a cold winter day. There is definitely a theme running through my boot picks, I like to think of them as clumpy, yet cosy. And of course, all black. 

Have you found your perfect pair of winter boots?

- Mairi x

No7 Mascara Review

No7 Extreme Length Mascara (waterproof) (£12.50) I got this mascara sample free after buying a couple of other No7 product, and oohh my goodness! This mascara! I had my doubts when I took the wand out and saw that it had plastic bristles. I've just never found a plastic wand that worked for my lashes, including the Benefit 'They're Real!' (which I just found clumpy and made my eyelashes look like spiders stuck on my lid) However, as soon as I put on this mascara, I knew this was something different. Not only does it lengthen, it also volumises, holds a decent curl and can be layered without going clumpy! The formula is available in a non-waterproof version, which does allow for easier removal, however I just find the staying power of the waterproof formula amazing.

As for price, at £12.50 it really isn't too bad. Considering most Maybelline sit at the £8.00 mark and your higher end mascaras can sit anywhere from £16.00 upwards, I think it's a great price for a seriously good product that I doubt even the most expensive brands would find it hard to match. I will 100% be buying this again when this sample runs out!

I have been so impressed with the No7 line lately. Have you tried anything recently? What's your fave?

Online Clothing Picks #2

The second installment of my clothing picks from lesser known online stores is from iKrush. They have some great little on trend pieces, as well as some amazing shoes, all at really affordable prices!

1. Heather Tartan Skater Dress £16.99

2.Peep Toe Strappy Heels £14.99

3. Faded Worn Denim Skater Skirt £12.99

4. Platform Heels £24.00

5. Strapless Floral Rose Print Dress £19.99

6. Platform Plimsoles £6.99

7. Harem Anchor Print Trousers £14.99

What's your favorite?

The Battle of the Budget Concealer

 TOP - 17 18hr Stay Time                                    BOTTOM - COLLECTION Lasting Perfection

Collection- Lasting Perfection Concealer (£4.19) So it seems everyone and their Grandmother has heard of this 'holy grail', 'best concealer ever'. I must admit, I did dive to Boots the first chance I got when this product was released and have used it almost every day since. I did however, always find the product slightly too orange for my skin tone, therefore instead of seamlessly covering up my blemishes, in certain lights it made them stand out more! The product comes in 4 shades: Fair (as shown above), Light, Medium and Deep. On saying that, it still was the best, long wearing, concealer I had tried. That is until I discovered this little beauty:

Seventeen - 18hr Stay Time Concealer. (£4.00) This is not available on the Boots website yet, however is available in stores. I had never really been drawn to any 17 products, however as I was browsing the shelves of the drug store, the little words 'Extra Fair' (as pictured above) caught my eye. Basically, the product is the exact same idea as the Lasting Perfection, only much cooler toned, and a MUCH better match for paler skin tones. I also find this product a little less cakey than the Collection version and it is transfer resistant. Although marketed as '18 hour stay time', it is more like 8, maximum coverage, then it starts the break down a little. However, 8 hours of full coverage concealer that isn't drying OR cakey? YES PLEASE.  

Overall, the SEVENTEEN concealer is the clear winner for me, never again will I be going back to the Collection concealer. Need one more push in 17's direction? The writing doesn't fade off the packaging!!

Online Clothing Picks

I love nothing more than coming in from work, slipping into my PJ's, grabbing a cup of coffee and surfing though websites and websites of clothes. I obviously don't place an order every time, but I do like a bit of online window shopping.

I've decided to put together a series of blog posts of my top picks from some of my favorite, lesser known, online clothing stores. Everyone has heard of Asos, Missguided and Boohoo, and yeah, their clothes are great and affordable, but I just like something new every now and then.

Hope you like this little series, and if you know of any smaller clothing stores please let me know :)

Shop One - Chicnova

1. Retro Black PU Leather Boot with Pin Buckle Belt £42.89
2. Retro Oversized High Waist Denim Shorts with Waistband £26.24
3. Mirror Cats Print T-shirt £16.00
4. Vintage Black Round Fold Over Lens Sunglasses £10.88
5. Body-con Skirt with Zig Zag Stripe Print £6.40
6. Leopard Print Round Flat Shoes with Rivets £135.06
7. Retro Sleeveless Tanks with National Wind printing £13.12

Banish Blemishes on a Budget.

1. Thursday Plantation Tea-Tree-Oil BOOTS (£4.99) Pure tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal, germicidal and antiseptic. If your spot is bacterial, this baby will get to work right away. It can be used on all skin types, and not just for spots. This natural god-send has loads of uses, just do a google search and you'll never run out of reasons to stock this bottle in your cupboard.

2. Witch Blemish Stick - BOOTS (£2.89) Infused with natural witch hazel, this product promises to break down blemish-causing oils and combat bacteria. Dab the product when any signs of skin impurities bubble to the surface, and it gets to work right away! The handy size makes it great for throwing in your handbag for spot fighting on the go!

3. Cod Liver Oil - BOOTS (£2.99) A natural supplement, cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D. Another great multi-action product, not only does it help maintain healthy muscles and bones, but it also assists in clearing up skin from the inside, out.

4. La-Roche-Posay Effaclar-Duo - BOOTS (£13) The most expensive product on the list, however what beauty blog reader hasn't come across this before?! It promises to reduce the appearance of facial impurities whilst also unclogging and purifying pores. It contains Linoleic acid which eliminates the dead skin cells responsible for causing all sorts of skin nasties.

5. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! All hell breaks loose on your face if you're dehydrated.