Throw Back Thursday | A Song

My throw back Thursday song is the one and only Whigfield with Saturday Night. I loved this song as a kid, I remember our radio sitting on top of the microwave, whilst this played and the microwave being on at the same time, then the radio went and blew up, spoiling my awful dance routine I had going on in the kitchen. I was very young like 6 or something. Now you can party on, listening to his golden oldie whilst getting ready for your Halloween parties.

Have a blast!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone. I hope you all have a fabulous one, whether your going to a party or doing some trick or treating or maybe just the usual work, home, chill!

I decided to be a bit boring with my NOTD for Halloween - mainly so I can get away with wearing it for a few days. I hope you like it. Have a great day!

I hope you like mine and my boyfriends pumpkins. I did Hello Kitty for our daughter, whilst he did Mike from Monsters Inc for our son. This was my first attempt at pumpkin carving.

Wishlist Wednesday | Beauty Bay

I've had my eye on loads of goodies from Beauty Bay since they ran the competition to choose a wishlist up to the value of £350 to celebrate their new wishlist gadget. Though my wishlist hasn't changed dramatically, it's shortened and I've added other products that have caught my eye.

Macadamia Natural Oil Luxe Repair Set. I've had my eye on this due to wanting to try more of the range. I love the oil masque, it's become a firm favourite amongst my hair care routine and this set seems to have a little bit of everything to indulge in. here.

Sara Happ Creme Brulee Lip Scrub. I've heard a few good things about Sara Happ's Lip Scrubs and I'm just dieing to get my hands on one. I've never tried a lip scrub before but at a cost of £19 for this particular one it isn't cheap. here.

Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette Glinda. I've wanted this palette for absolutely ages, since it was released. It's such a stunning palette, look at the colours, need I say more. here.

Michel Mercier Detangling Brush For Fine Hair Pink. I put this on my wishlist, then afterwards I saw it everywhere! It's suppose to be better then the tangle teeser and at less then £12 (in the sale) it's a reasonable price. This was Your hair award winner of 2012. here.

Stila In The Light Palette. I'm loving neutrals at the minute and this palette is just perfect for neutral shades and great for Autumn. There's even some shades to create my much desired smokey eye. Here.

Too Faced La Creme Lip Cream in Coral Fire. I've never tried Too faced before but I'm seriously lusting over this beautiful coral lipstick. The shade is just stunning and perfect for day time. Seriously want! Here.

Nails Inc My Nail Polish Diary 12 Piece Collection. Take me to nail polish rehab! please! I wouldn't be me if I didn't have some nail polish on my wishlist and seriously, nail polish ENVY! This is a diary of this years must have polishes from Nails inc all full size. Purchasing this gives a saving of £95.00 and it's less then £35.00 in the sale. Here. 

 

 Images taken from Beautybay.com

Real Techniques Sam’s Picks

Image taken from Google.

The new additions to Real Techniques are Sam's picks edit - Sam Chapman Pixiwoo's - in the set are six beautiful brushes including a set exclusive. 

• Multi-task brush : For effortless application, of powder, blush and bronzer.
• Setting brush: Complete any luck with a controlled dusting of powder or highlighter.
• Buffing brush: Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation.
• Pointed foundation Brush: Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage. 
• Set Exclusive - Essential Crease Brush: Soft, tapered design for effortless contouring.
• Fine line brush - ultimate tool for precision application of liquid or cream eyeliner. 

This gorgeous set launches on November 11th exclusive too HQHair and LoveMake-Up for £29.99 and in Ireland Cloud 10 Beauty for 34.99euros. 

I think the price is amazing and I will be definitely snapping these up. Will you?

I also want to get my hands on these Real Techniques starter set that includes 5 full size brushes: base shadow brush, deluxe crease brush, accent brush, pixel point eyeliner brush and brow brush. Available at Boots for £21.99. I've not tried any of the Real Techniques brushes before.

Manicure Monday #4 | Ciate Caviar Pearls

This set was available free with Marie Claire, I was super excited to get my hands on the caviar pearl since I haven't tried them before. Everyone's reviews on these seem very mixed so I didn't want to spend money on them and I'm so glad I didn't. The cookies and cream polish was very pretty a lovely neutral shade that applied in a few coats and I love ciate as a brand supplying a high quality polish but the caviar pearls just aren't a winner for me don't get me wrong they look pretty and are definitely quite unique - you don't see a lot of people wearing them. But the disadvantage of them is they are messy, take a lot of time to do, don't always apply on the nail evenly and fall of very easily and quickly. They are for some people but certainly not for me will I be buying any no. If I won any I'd definitely like to experiment. But with something like this I don't feel like it's money well spent for me personally.

I got this set ages ago and is no longer available free with a magazine but you can purchase the Ciate caviar pearls online at the website.

Please enter my two giveaways. You win Kardashian Beauty goodies and more with both.

You Beauty Advent Calendar

Purchase Here. < link. Looks what here the much anticipated beauty calendar from You Beauty aka Latest In Beauty. With a value of £240.00 and a price of just £49.95 it's more expensive then your adverage chocolate calendar but a bargain beauty wise. You can check the contents by clicking on the link. There's some great goodies to help you count down to christmas. P&P £4.95

Will you be buying?

Much Love 

Kate x

What I've Won | October

This month, I've managed to win some lovely goodies including the Rimmel Moisture Renew 'As You Want Victoria' lipstick. Which I reviewed here. A few weeks ago I found out, I was the lucky winner of megs budget boutique body shop giveaway (check out her lovely blog) and yesterday it was delivered by Mr Postman. I haven't tried any of them yet, but thought I'd share with you, what I got.

Firstly I got a selection of make up goodies. 

• Bronzing powder in light matte. (Note: The shade looks lighter then it is, due to flash)
• Hi-shine lip treatment in Bronze Beam 03
• Define & lengthen mascara in Black 01

I was really happy to see these in meg's giveaway. I've not tried any of the make up from body shop before and I'm really looking forward to having a play around with these. I'm a huge lover of bronzer and this looks a perfect shade for my skin tone.

• Facial Buffer

I've never tried a facial buffer pad before and looking at the reviews this looks like it's going to be fab. It removes dead skin cells, stimulates skin microcirculation and really good for exfoliating. Hopefully this has my skin glowing.

• Seaweed day cream

This is a mattifying day cream, which will be perfect for wearing underneath make up. I've not tried anything from the seaweed range and with this being a bestseller I expect great things. 

• Coconut body scrub

I really love body scrubs and coconut is one of my favourite scents. It definitely smells more like coconut then the shower creme from the body shop range. 

• Vitamin E face mist

I've only tried one face mist before from Vichy and I was so impressed, it was really refreshing and cool on the skin. And I'm sure this one will be just as good, if not better. 

So there you have it, my wins for October. I've been really fortunate enough in the fact that I've not tried any of the products I've won before, so this is quite the treat. I'd like to say thanks again to Meg and also to Rimmel. 

Have you won any goodies this month? Comment below and let me know!

 If you want to be in with a chance to win some goodies in December then enter one of two or both of my giveaways. My first giveaway as a selection of Khroma (Kardashian Beauty), Models Own and Birchbox goodies. My second giveaway gives you the chance to win a pair of the socks I designed with some surprise goodies from Khroma. You can find the tabs at the right of my blog, just click on the photos. Good luck x

Our New Christian Grey

Goodbye Charlie Hunnam

Hello Jamie Dornan!

I was sad to see Charlie Hunnam go, but due to a hectic TV and film schedule and personal family problems he had to pull out. I haven't seen any Charlie' work but I was quite happy myself to let him have a shot, even if I weren't that would be tuff! He's now been replaced by Jamie Dornan and isn't he something to look at? Though Charlie Hunnam had that bad boy look about him, I find Jamie looks a little softer round the edges which may well be a good thing, Christian Grey definitely has a softer side to him when it comes to Ana and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out on the big screen.

So what do we know about Jamie Dornan so far apart from the fact he dated Keira Knightly.

 Well...

He his Irish. 31 years.

He originally modelled for big brands, Calvin Klein, Dior and Armani. 

He started acting in 2006.

He married his long term partner in April 2013 and they are currently expecting their first child together.

So what are your thoughts on the new Christian Grey? Yay or Nay.

Do you think Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan mesh well together?

Hopefully they don't have any more bad luck!

Images have been taken from Google.

Rimmel Moisture Renew 'As You Want Victoria' | Review

Hello everyone, just a quick update that I've now got a new half of the laptop charger that did in fact blow up. And I'm back with a bang, with the Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick.

I was lucky enough to win one of the newly re-released Moisture Renew lip sticks over on Rimmel' Facebook page, when they had their seven day win 1/50 lipsticks. I got my hands on 'As You Want Victoria' - you may of seen this shade advertised by Georgia May Jagger. It seems to be the shade in most of the ad's. The collection is varied with a selection of 20 shades to choose from, something for everyone. 

Flash.

No Flash.

I think the packaging is very much now, modern, stylish and sleek. I love the new updated look. 

It's the most beautiful hot pink. It does have some red tones to it, that gives the impression it's red on first glance. The swatches tell a different story, with hot pink in full glow. It's well pigmented and the colour is great for fair skinned and bet it looks equally stunning on people who have a darker skin tone or a tan. It's ultra moisturising and the perfect lipstick for a pop of colour. I think it may possibly be the best lipstick I've tried from Rimmel. I'd definitely recommend it for them looking for a bold, fun, statement lippy. I'd say this is more night time glamour then day time depending on how daring you are. It's a stunning colour and a great lipstick, I'm hoping to purchase another for day time wear. Wear time is really great, with colour in full glow even after eating. I'd say this last a good five hours before reapplying is needed and even then the shade is still visible. RRP £6.49

Have you tried the newly reformed renew lippy?

Whats your favourite shade?

Please remember to enter my giveways, using the tabs on the right. Good luck x

Manicure Monday #3 | NOTD Key Lime & Dolly Mixture

Click to enlarge - Today's NOTD is very summery with not quiet a neon shade but bright non-the-less Key Lime from the Gelly Hi-shine collection with Dolly Mixture Confetti on top. This green isn't the typical shade I would go for but I was feeling spontaneous lol. 

What do you think yay or nay?

I also got this top coat it's different to my usual. It cost just £1.99 from B&N Homestore they sell a selection of top coats from this brand along with a selection of make up from the likes of Rimmel for really good prices. These swatches were taken in the summer.

Danone Danio Yogurt

A little bit off, my usual posts today but this as been in my post box for way too long. I heard a lot about these and when I saw the advert it went straight on my shopping list so I could try one. I went for peach because I love peaches, the first thing I noticed was how thick the yogurt was I didn't expect it to be so thick. It almost a cream thickness but heavier rather then light. It does have quite a bit of sugar in so this is a treat rather then a everyday breakfast yogurt. They were delicious but I found it quite drying on the teeth (weird I know but I hope that makes sense haha) with the yogurt being so thick and heavy it made me feel rather full quickly and I found I couldn't finish a full one nor could I eat anything else for breakfast. Which is a bonus for a yogurt it's a little on the higher side of the calories count not much though but it's quite a big pot and like I say I couldn't finish it all.

Have you tried these? What are your thoughts?
Hope your all have a good weekend.

A British Sparkle Giveaway #2 - Now Closed

Images taken from Sock Shop. I have exciting news, the sock I designed with Sock shop has been made and is now available exclusive to Sock Shop online and at Sock Shop retailers (Boundary Mill, etc). My sock is in the Dare to Wear range here for £3.50. I couldn't be more pleased at how it's turned out. It's sparkly, and very me. The crown had some alteration but the end result is amazing and just as I dreamed of. I have a huge thing about socks, I buy them all the time. It's come to the point where my drawer struggles to shut due to how many I own. Designing a pair, was a dream come true. It was fun, to design it and I really enjoyed taking part. I'd love to do it again. I imagine these socks will be a huge hit, amongst most girls/women and will be a hit with all you dancing queens. I have been given a batch of these socks and thought I'd give one lucky follower the chance to own a pair along with some Khroma (Kardashian Beauty) surprise goodies. This giveaway will end the same day as my other giveaway therefore two lucky winners will have some gorgeous treats just in time for Christmas. Enter my other giveaway here.

Rules

• This is a UK only giveaway.
• If you are sixteen and under, you must have parental permission to enter.
• You don't need a blog to enter. But must follow the rules of the giveaway to be eligible
• To be eligible you must follow me either by GFC or Google+ (extra entries for anyone who enters all of the following - GFC, Google+ and Bloglovin' or my twitter @ABritishSparkle)
• They'll be the usual entries available to build up your number of entries. (Making a blog post, sharing on twitter, etc)
• I will not be held responsible for any missing or broken items.
• This is a Rafflecopter giveaway
• Giveaway will end 4th December 2013. Winner will be made and contacted via email from eligible entries. You'll then have 24 hours to get back in touch before another winner is announced. I would like to send it off for delivery by at least 6th, due to busy delivering period.
• Please don't cheat, let it be fair for everyone entering. I will check all entries ;) Good Luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Manicure Monday #2 | NOTD Dorothy Shoes Inspired Nails

How super cute and vibrant are these nails inspired by Dorothy' shoes in The Wizard Of Oz. First I applied bright red in 1/ 2 coats then applied at least 3 coats of the red glitter. Like all glittery nails they lasted well too.

£2.99 each

Book Review #6

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, but not so much for Connor who works for the american goverment and american born model miranda who ran her away from home at 17 with a french man not before marrying him in las vegas where she lied about her age. Connor has been called in to protect miranda's parent's who she has nothing to do with after they received a note from someone. It's there connor first see's miranda's picture and something stirs inside him bringing him to paris after they find the note could possibly have been wrote by miranda. Along the way, connor acts on what stirred inside him of miranda and they both end up stirring each other up the long way. Connor has a real interest in miranda and it's obvious miranda has feelings for connor but she tries not to act upon them keeping men at bay because of her past. This story is heart warming with helping someone get over their past, it also contains domestic violence of a sexual nature. This is one of my favourite reads out of all the free book's I've ever downloaded to my kindle. Score 10/10.

Sam and Ginger have known each other their all lives. One dance and Sam grows feeling's or maybe he has done for longer then he thinks. This novel starts off as a sort of friends with benefits plot, but things become quite deep and intense quite quickly. Ginger develops feeling's or maybe they've been there all this time even when she was married, but ginger doesn't feel Sam likes her or LOVES her the way she does him, but he does and it's the same for him. A lot of things get in the way making them think otherwise about the relationship they may/or could have. It isn't long before they have that happily ever after are married in a week and Ginger/sam before hand facing a possible pregnancy which creates a stir because she may be have been pregnant out of wedlock. She's having morning sickness and what not but it turns out she's not pregnant at all. Score 7/10. I did enjoy parts of the book, but the ending was quite weird, planning a wedding and getting married within the week isn't quite realistic plus the whole pregnancy thing the write definitely tricked us there. It's not a bad book but I'd of liked to have read on, experience the build of the planning and nerves, reading about her first pregnancy.

Halloween Nail Art

Hi everyone. TGIF! Yay, it's the freakin' weekend. My Friday isn't going well and it's not even the 13th. I've broke a nail, got slightly electrocuted and my wire that plugs into the mains has gone again (how I got slightly electrocuted). It really blew up, light coming off it, wire melted making the wire snap where my finger was and BANG! Could of been worse but thankfully not. Now, I'm writing this post via the bloggers app on my new phone. So much better and easier then my old one. Though I've not managed to edit the photos.

I hope you all have a better weekend. Then my day.

Anyways a simple post today. I thought I'd have a dabble at some Halloween nail art. Though I'm not very good at it and haven't done much before, I thought I'd have a go. Maybe it will give you some inspiration? So I've done a few monsters. One I used MUA fur and added a eye (you can purchase at a craft shop). Also I did Zombie, pumpkin and a spiders webb. Of course it's bonfire night, so could not include a firework display, this is my favourite of the bunch and so easy to do. Though the photo doesn't do much justice, it is in fact an explosion of colour and lots of glitter and sparkles.

Included in this post is, one of reeses peanut butter bars in the name of a pumpkin. Very Halloween. I can't get enough of these, not one to opt for peanut butter alone, peanut butter and chocolate together is so tasty. Who'd of thought?

What are your plans for Halloween and bonfire? Have you decided on your fancy dress outfits?

Much Love
Kate X

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Trio

• Night treatment Gel
• Cleansing & Toning Lotion
• Shine Control Day Moisturiser

Cleansing & Toning Lotion

The claims: Deeply cleanses, refreshes and helps keep skin clear and healthy. My Thoughts: Exactly what it say's on the bottle. Deeply cleanses, check. Refreshes my skin, check. Not so much keep my skin clear from break outs but due to the deep cleansing my skin felt very refreshed and healthier. The bottle did go rather quickly I used this twice a day, I have suffered break outs at late which I've mentioned countless times. This bottle probably ran out about a month ago but I'm happy to report my spots are clearing up I only have a odd few which are liveable. I hate spots and never got them as a teen. Paying the price now. I don't however think it's due to this toner because I finished the bottle a month ago. 

Shine Control Day Moisturiser

The Claims: Lightly moisturisers and helps keep the skin shine free.

My Thoughts: I really like this moisturiser and a little really goes a long way. Its really light on the skin making it unnoticeable and not at all heavy. It sinks in super fast leaving a shine free face. I've still got over half a tube of this left. I did however put my Nivea soft cream on straight after this just because I swear by this nivea soft cream it's my everyday staple in creams.

Night Treatment Gel

The Claims: Works intensively whilst you sleep & helps prevent and fight spots. My Thoughts I think this is the one I was less impressed with I didn't use it every night but most nights I did and even after using it along side the toner until it ran out. I didn't notice any clearing of spots at all which was a little disappointing. 

I would consider getting the toner again but since I swear by the Nivea soft cream the shine control moisturiser is a little hit and miss with me and I wouldn't miss it if I didn't have it.

Remember to enter my giveaway here.

A British Sparkle Giveaway - Now Closed

Hello everyone. I'm having another giveaway, full of Khroma (Kardashian Beauty), Models Own, Birchbox and StyleLux goodies. This will be a extended competition, going straight into December, so the goodies can be given to the lucky winner just in time for Christmas. Plus it gives you and others, longer to enter, if they wish. 

The rules aren't going to be has strict this time, after all Christmas is about giving and spending time with your loved ones. So anybody within the UK can enter - Sorry it's not international, but restrictions involving some of my giveaway and the cost of shipping gets in the way!

Rules

• This is a UK only giveaway.
• If you are sixteen and under, you must have parental permission to enter.
• You don't need a blog to enter. But must follow the rules of the giveaway to be eligible
• To be eligible you must follow me either by GFC or Google+ (extra entries for anyone who enters all of the following - GFC, Google+ and Bloglovin' or my twitter @ABritishSparkle)
• They'll be the usual entries available to build up your number of entries. (Making a blog post, sharing on twitter, etc)
• I will not be held responsible for any missing or broken items.
• This is a Rafflecopter giveaway
• Giveaway will end 4th December 2013. Winner will be made and contacted via email from eligible entries. You'll then have 24 hours to get back in touch before another winner is announced. I would like to send it off for delivery by at least 6th, due to busy delivering period.
• Please don't cheat, let it be fair for everyone entering. I will check all entries ;) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck. 

With Love ♥

Kate x

A New Phone In The House People...

Well there is actually two, but one is mine. I can't contain my excitement! - I just had to share with you. I've actually been living with a phone that's just awful, not only did I drop it, which resulted in a crack straight down the middle and off to the side a little, the internal memory was just awful. I literally had to delete apps, etc, that came with the phone to create space. When ever the little icon popped up, telling me the internal memory was full, I couldn't receive texts or notifications via Facebook/Twitter. Now in a world, run by the likes of social networks, it was a bit of a nightmare. To get it off, I had to delete all my phone logs, texts and anything in internet and youtube search engines everyday or if I was lucky every other day, urgghh!! I didn't even have photos, music or video's on my phone that's how bad it was. Anyways for this reason, despite the free tablet you can get right now in carphone warehouse, I would not recommend a purchase of the Samsung Galaxy ace. This coming from a girl who absolutely loves Samsung, her last several phone's being from the brand. Sorry Samsung! In the year of 2013, this bad memory should not happen. Though it's better then my early high school days when you could only fit 1 song (crazy frog - don't pretend it was never on your phone) on and maybe five photo's. 

Anyways, I am now the proud owner of a beautiful Samsung Galaxy S4 mini - I don't know how they can, get away with calling it a mini when it's bigger then the phone I already own, although lighter and much slimmer. Still it's smaller then the original S4 and I'm not complaining because I'm in love with it.

Yes In *squeals* PURPLE!  Originally I was going to go with the white, I'd seen the purple online but when I went in store it wasn't on the board. But luckily we mentioned it and the man serving us said they'd got them in on Saturday just gone, yipee. I originally was given a yellow, flip case for a S3 mini (we took it back, because it obviously didn't fit) and they weren't any yellow ones in stock for S4 mini. This being the only colour you could have, with the phone. They then gave my other half, a blue one for me (though I would of preferred pink. Don't think they have them in pink though and you don't get a choice). The blue's better then the yellow and it's definitely grown on me and with RRP of £29.99, I ain't complaining. You can purchase here.

With the flip case you remove the back of your original phone to insert it. The flip case is more tougher and sturdier then the original back that comes with the phone. I've not touched it much, it's on charge. But I had a little fiddle and I just love it. Also just want to say, in the next few years apart from major cities where it already is. 4G is coming, this is a faster better internet service. I am with three, though most services will be making their customers pay extra for the 4G service, Three isn't one of them. They will be giving this service free to anyone already with a 4G compatible device. 

We had a lovely service in our local store.

S4 mini is available to buy for £399.95 with £10 top up, £379.95 without a sim or on a pay monthly plan too from the Carphone warehouse here. Available in white and black at most phone retailers, but seems only purple is available at Carphone. 

Apparently the S5 will be released next year and it's going to be so thin, it will be very flexible that you can bend it sort of like a bendy ruler without doing any damage.  

With Love ♥

Kate x 

Boots Botanic Facial Oil & Glamour Magazine December Freebie.

I've spoken about suffering from acne a few (probably more then a few) time's on my blog. I don't have the worse acne ever, but for someone who only ever had the odd spot, I wasn't happy. I noticed, whilst using facial oils, my break outs seemed to disappear. I reviewed a previous facial oil, and despite the horrendous smell, I put up with it for skins sake and it did my facial area, a world of good. I was happy to receive facial oils, in my birch boxes but even them were soon used up and I was resorted back to my spotty ways. I'm not sure if it's just me, but facial oils on the market are ridiculously expensive, and being a mum of two I really don't want to part with my cash for something that may or may not work. And even if it does I'm reluctant to spend a good £30 purchasing a facial oil. When I came across the Botanics facial oil in Boots, I was pleasantly surprised to find something that was less then a tenner, the cheapest oil there, yet also the biggest size at 25ml.

I don't really suffer from oily skin, and I'd say my skin was normal. But with wearing make-up and washing a few times a day even whilst using a face wash and toner my skin was still in a horrible, spotty condition. I guessed I was washing away my essential natural oils. Then it was hello facial oil, goodbye spots (sort of). My break out, didn't disappear over night but it was gone or not as visible over a short space of time. Everyone's prone to the odd one, but now it's nothing I can't live with though I'd rather live without. Fingers crossed I haven't just jinxed myself! The facial oil, comes with a little squeezy pump. So you don't over do it on the oil. After all with oils, a little goes a long way and that's definitely the case with this one.

What the experts say:

This aromatic oil melts into lacklustre skin to lock in moisture for 8 hours while softening, conditioning and helping to restore its natural glow. Use regularly to boost the performance of your daily skincare regime.

Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking.

I agree with the statement, though your suppose to use this twice a day. I only use it once, maybe twice on a make up free day. Maybe if I used it twice my skin would be even better. Do I recommend this oil, definitely. It's really good. And it's 100% organic. Purchase at Boots for £9.99 here or in store.

With Love ♥

Kate x

Also look what is available, with Decembers Issue of Glamour Magazine. 

Glamour magazine, have once again teamed up with Nails inc to give you one of four shades from the Kate Spade collection. Available is what seems to be a jet black, Christmasy red, and a metallic gold and silver. Or you could collect all four worth £44 (magazine usually being £2.00 saving £36.00 and at £11 each it's well worth it). On sale November 4th.