Low End Of Drugstore Mascara Review | Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof

This Eyelash Curler from Wilkinsons is a great thrifty find as it really curls, making the most of your gorgeous lashes. This eyebrow brush which came in a set from the Pound Shop was an even better bargain find because, lets face it, these eyebrow brushes are all the same high end or low end.

Before mascara application and before using eyelash curler

 

After with one coat of the Great Lash mascara in black.

 

 

 

This is the size of the brush, as you can see its relatively small compared to the eye which makes it good for using on the bottom lashes and getting into those outer corners.

It holds the curl well throughout the day even in this hot weather! (This maybe due to it being a waterproof formula).

We think this mascara is worth the money only coming in at £4.99 at Superdrug. However, the best bit about this price is because those of us who are students can actually get a further 10% off in UK stores in superdrug with an NUS card which gives a great saving of around 50p!

Overall, we rate this product:

 

Staying power - 8/10

 

Lengthening - 10/10

 

Price  for quality - 10/10

This fantastic lenghtening mascara does not clump which all of us search for in the perfecr mascara!

Let us know what you think, tell us your favourite budget buy mascara for us to try

 

S'laters!

xoxo

 

EllaMarie

 



 

Be Bold And Beautiful This Summer | Strike A Pose The Red Rose

Why not go all out this summer and stand out amongst the fashion crowd by choosing an outfit which is one piece: Bold, Bright, Statement and yes, of course readers... Budget!

Now, what can be more bold than a bright beautiful red? Well, that's exactly what this evening's outfit post is most certainly going to encapsulate in our true budget style.

I found this gorgeous dress whilst hunting furiously for a bargain in the Newlook sale and come accross a bargain I did! This was only £8.

Don't let the sales put you off finding bargains, I prefer to go very early and be back for lunch, trust
me, it''s the best way! Whilst i'm searching for bargain goodies, I pick up anything and everything I like as it's best to have plenty of choice for when you get in the changing rooms! Get in, get all the goodies and get out! :) I removed the belt to give a comfortable and no-fuss look to the dress as the rouging detail on the left really is all the detail you need because of the fantastic vibrancy of the colour.



Accessories: Necklace Primark £3, Clutch Bag Charity Shop £4, Bracelet Charity Shop £1

The classic beauty Audrey HepBurn wore the shift dress elegantly in her famous film BreakFast At Tiffany's as seen here. We've added a modern summery twist by adding inexpensive black and gold accessories to the simple outfit which contrasts with the daring red colour. What do you think?

The shift dress is elegant and timeless and paired with a top bun can pull the whole look together to work with the high neck line for that 'I'm ready for coctails look.'

Stay tunned!

Toodles me noodles!

EllaMarie



Kim Kardashian Inspired Outfit | Summer look

    Hello Friends!

 

 

 

Todays post we thought we'd have a bash at doing a celebrity style and that celeb is Kim Kardashian.

 

She's well known for her curvy figure and daring fashion.

 

Let's have a look at what we came up with...

 

 

So this whole look consists of:

- A navy blue and white polka-dot crop top from New Look £6.99

- A body con Black skirt which hits a few inches below the knee from New Look £9.99

- Oasis tan sandals found in the sale (woop!) £10

 



 

So okay, usually I'm not one for crop tops BUUUT after finding this one I couldn't resist getting it! The fit is very flattering as it has a round neck, so no 'extra' flesh is on show, only arms and tummy.

 

Who else thinks this print is so dinky and sweet?

Polka-dots are a really fun way of switching up your usual-floral-patterns-for-summer. Also it's a perfect way of getting a feminine print into your wardrobe, especially if you aren't much of a pink lover!

 



 

This skirt really skims over those hips, giving a clean silhouette and hitting all the right curves!

 

So rock them curves like Kim, no matter what your size!

 

 

So who said you can't match your accessories with your outfit? This chunky bracelet was purchased at a charity shop. Sometimes it's nice to find jewellery that can be 'stand alone' pieces and we think this is one!

 

A pop of a vibrant colour on the nails - such as this bright coral shade- adds more personality to an otherwise simple look.

 

This look is perfect for the warmer months and can be worn as a causal outfit (with the sandals) or worn as a 'going out outfit', just chuck on a pair of your favourite heels and grab a clutch and you're good to go!

 

We've really loved doing this Celeb style, so if you'd like to see more of them, why not suggest a Celeb you'd like to see next over on our Twitter or even show us your own recreation!

 

 

Kim Kardashian is said to have one of the best figures out there, but at the end of the day ladies, it's all about how you wear something, not what you wear. Just be confident in all that you do and love your own unique body shape!

 

 



~ Talk to you all soon ~

 

EllaMarie

 

 



Feeling Peckish Series | Oh Golly! What a Lolly!

 

Hello Everyone!

 

 

Welcome to the first part a new series called Feeling Peckish. In this series we share with you the delicious food buys we've come across during the food shop. So here it is: the little secret we just have to let you lovely readers in on!

 

The weather this week is still as hot as ever and we have been feeling slightly peckish for something cold, creamy and oh so delicious. During the weekly food shop, we decided that dieting was no fun without a few nice treats to keep you going throughout the week because as you may know, trying to eat healthier and cutting out the bad foods is no easy task especially on a permanent basis whilst at the same time not getting suckered in to purchasing expensive branded dieting foods. Instead, by snooping through the food isles we actually came across some not so bad, bad foods which were really quite cheap and today's post will reveal all below...

 

 

The Best Bit

 

Chocolate Lolly- 32 calories, 0.9g Fat

 

Vanilla Lolly- 31 calories 0.8g Fat

 

Strawberry- 31 calories, 0.8g Fat

 

Yum!

 

 Of course these calories aren't nutritious ones, as lets say a real strawberry but if you're desperate for something nice to help you keep motivated with your diet, a few of these every so often is pretty handy to have in the freezer. This occasional treat is perfect as just that. Inside this goody box is a selection of three flavours to choose from: Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry! YUMMY.

 

 

 

 The box of lollies is only £1.59 for 12 at Lidl. This is such a bargain, especially if you work out how much you're paying per lolly!

 

Hope you enjoyed this post, stay tuned for more of the Feeling Peckish Series coming soon on this blog!

 

 

 

Speak soon!

 

*This post was not sponsored! :)

 

EllaMarie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Budget Fashion Corner | Looks For Less Inspired By The Highstreet: The Summer Maxi

 The Summer Maxi

 

1) ZARA Basic Constrasting Flat Sandals Originally £49.99

 

2) Silk Midi Pocket Dress By Boutique Topshop £70

 

3) NewLook Necklace £7.99

 

4) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Colour 15 Rouge £24

 

5) Top Shop Twist LockWinged Holdall £42

 

SHOCKER: A Total Spend Of: £193.98

 

*Disclaimer: this is all available on the websites mentioned from the date of 14/07/13*

 

 

Okay guys we're just kidding, we didn't reaaaally spend all that on just one outfit! Sorry we tricked you, hows about we make it up buy showing you how to get this effortless look for less!

 

This is part of a series where we browse the shops to see what's in at the min, come up with an outfit inspired by what we've seen by raiding our closet!

 

Our alternative for the sandals were a steal at £10 at Oasis in the summer sale last year.

Once the summer is over head to the shops as many of them over stock and there will be loads left for the sales!

This is our charity shop dupe of the Topshop bag above.

The dress was also from the charity shop at steal at only £3.99!

 

 The belt was part of a another dress, it's always nice to chop and change to see what accessories can be paired with other outfits!

 

Tan has been a favourite of ours this summer and we thought what better way of incorporating it in this look than to have the accessories carrying this colour through. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This little beauty was bought as a gift in Italy on a market stall and it is made impeccably. The intricate details are very similar in style to the one from New Look.

Lip Swatch Of MUA's Sweet Kiss Love Hearts Collection 10g of product for £2.50

 

 

This is our lip product suggestion. Even in the summer our lips can still get chapped and dry from the hot sun. We have found that this gives us the right amount of hydration we need without being too greasy or worse yet, sticky!

A subtle vanilla scent and a pop of pink, it compliments this look, giving your makeup a fresh healthy appearance.

 

 The complete outfit! Its very simple and goes to show you still look chic in charity shop finds, it's all about having the confidence to do so!

 

So, what's the verdict?

Tweet us and let us know your favourite things to wear this summer!

 

Hope everyone's enjoying the weather, stay tuned as coming up next is "A low calorie chocolate icecream treat"

 

Toodles for now (:

 

*This post was not sponsored :)

EllaMarie

 

 

 

 

 

Outfit of the day | Summer Lovin'

 

 

 

 

Hello again everyone!

 

So the summer season is well under way and I've really been making the most of the hot weather, yes that's right, no tights for the first time in ages! I know that seems like "so not a big deal" but honestly, here in the UK that's saying a lot.

 

Todays OOTD (outfit of the day) is inspired by the fresh summer dessert 'Peaches and Cream'. Monochrome has been a BIG trend this spring and I thought: what better way to transition this popular trend into summer by switching up the black for a soft nude shade. 



  

 

I love to wear jewellery which is light weight and compliments my outfit- so in this case I thought I'd go all out and wear my Pandora bracelet which I was lucky enough to recieve as a Christmas gift.

 

 

Skater skirts have been a great trend since around last Autumn and I personally still think this trend is living strong! We saw many leather/faux leather skater skirts in Autumn to Winter but now to transition it for summer why not try a more light weight fabric! Many of the high street stores do some great ones for reasonable prices.

 

However, I led by  Macklemore's example and found mine in my local charity shop- A fabulous find I must admit. It just goes to show, it's always worth a quick nosey in your local one, come on, give it a go!

 

 

Okay, so who else is a massive Game Of Thrones fan? I most certainly am. I am loving the character Daenerys Targaryen, who's your favourite? This quick and easy hair style was inspired by her lushious locks! This very simple look is so easy to achieve and it's so versatile as those with long and short hair can wear it! I like to wear this in a middle part but it would look just as nice off centre.

 

 A little close up of the print

 

Girly and wearable for those who aren't too daring to wear crazy prints. A very feminine look indeed!

The look inspired me to create this nail art.

 

Hope you're all enjoying the sun just as much as we are!

 

 

*This post was not sponsored :)

EllaMarie

 

A Perfect Day | A Day Out In Ilkley

 

Hello Everyone!

Today's post is a little different. Recently, I travelled up to Ilkley for the day. Red Spotted Hanky were promoting money off coupons for train journeys with £10 off vouchers so our travel expenditure didnt break the bank. Having never been there before I thought it would be great to try somewhere new and having checked the weather forecast it was going to be glorious! Oh how it was!

 

 

 

 

Ilkley isn't a very large place, a few lovely shops, a Wetherspoons pub and a Boots. However, this doesn't take away from how beautiful this little place really is. Ilkley is known for it's brilliant charity shops and there were so many of them. There were so many bargains to grab!

 

Ilkley was quiet when we visited. Our plans were simple- nip up there, have a little look around, see what it had had to offer, do a spot of shopping and then hunt down our favourite restaurant to tuck into a Sunday feast... I won't lie, we actually planned to visit Ilkley because of this restaurant! I know right, but it's just that good!

 

 

As you can see, we most certainly tucked in! We both love this place. the service was impeccable and the ambiance very pleasing. This 2 course meal was really great value for money because we went for the lunch time menu. Absolutely delicious!

 

 Of course, I dread to think how many calories we consumed in that one meal however, this was a special occasion for us and having more calorific foods occasionally really is okay! You have to enjoy yourself every now and again, you can't be calorie counting every day of the week. Instead, opt for this sort of meal occasionally, as you really will enjoy it more than having it every single day.

 

We even stumbled across the famous Betty's Tea Rooms. Being unquestionably expensive it's safe to say: readers we didn't hop inside! But look how adorable the mini cakes are. I have my eye on the lady bug, How about you?

 

 

Speak soon! Feel free to leave a comment asking any questions we'd love to hear from you

 

 

*This post was not sponsored :)

EllaMarie

A Weekend Get-Away | Train Travel Edition | Pairing It Down.

 

Hello Everyone!

 

Welcome to Part Two of this week's Travel Series: Train Travel Edition. This time we take a look at how to pair down the toiletries and makeup essentials we all pack for a weekend trip by following this simple tip which means we can still use our favourite products and best of all- completely free... yay!

 

Too good to be true? Actually nope.. take a little look below!

 

Obviously, after I've finally got round to finalising my luggage, (which usually consists of stuffing my case full of heels and dresses) carrying massive bottles of shampoo along with everything else really isn’t on my to-do list. Instead I have a neat trick up my sleeve to share with you on how to lightly pack the essentials while still having everything with you that you may need until you get back. So here it is, my top tip for pairing down your beauty products and giving you plenty of space for your straighteners!

 

Freebie Heaven 

 

So, as you can tell I went a little mad for freebies recently! Every time I saw a free beauty sample advertised I couldn’t help myself.

Now, this is where my top tip comes in for travelling. Guessed it yet? When you receive a sample such as moisturiser, be sure to stash it away and keep it for travelling purposes! I’m sure you agree it’s so much better packing flat weightless sachet samples around than mega bottles of product. This goes for all travel, but especially so on the train!

 

Run Through Of The Hair Sachets

The sachets of shampoo and conditioner by L'oreal are brilliant as they last for a couple of days which is ideal for a weekend trip and they are pretty big for a free sample size I would say.

 

Run Through Of The Skin Sachets

The Origins Moisturiser is an expensive one at £23, however a free sample didn't cost a penny! You never know what you're going to find advertised as a free sachet sample, so keep an eye out and you'll still be able to use expensive products for free during your weekend trip.

This sachet of E45 Intense Recovery Moisturiser is such a winner. I love the texture and the feel of it when I slap it all over my face. It's great for both face and body and the new intense recovery version is a personal favourite. This is definitely going in my toiletries bag.

Finally, I recently sent of for a sample of the new Garnier Moisture Match moisturisers. To my surprise I received several samples from a combination of the different formulas for different skin types. I have only trialed the 'Goodbye Dry' designed for dry/ very dry skin and OH MY I think it's fantastic. Using this under my foundation and concealer allowed the makeup to glide on effortlessly. It definitely left my skin feeling plump and nourished.
 

 Stay tuned for more of this travel series, it's coming very soon!

 

 Hope this has helped guys! Tell us what you think with a comment?

Until Next Time!


*This post was not sponsored :)

EllaMarie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                         

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Groovy Smoothie | A Slimmer's Alternative To Ice-Cream

 

 

 

 Hey Everyone!

 

Okay, so here in the UK the weather really has been so incredibly hot. This is just the weather for Barbeques, Lollies, Sunbathing and Ice-cream!

 

Who loves ice-cream? We sure do!

 

Although, some of us who are looking for a healthier alternative to this yummy desert may be interested in today's post: A Slimmer's Alternative To Ice-Cream.

 

 

 

 

 

What You Need:

 

 

1 Handful Of Frozen Berries

 

1 Apple

 

1 Banana

 (frozen will work best, freeze ones overnight which would otherwise be binned! It makes the mixture super icey!

 

1 Carrot (make sure to peal and chop)

 

Don't Forget To Add A Splash Of Water

 

50ml Of Fruit Smoothie Juice/Fruit Juice

 

Add Plenty Of Ice Cubes, We Suggest 8.

Chop all the fruit and put into a blender and whizz away!

 

 

And that's it!

 

 

 

The Frozen berries can be purchased from ALDI and Lidl. As you can see, they provide plenty of vitamin C which is great for your skin!

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

Let us know how you got on with this? What's your verdict?

 



 

 

*This post was not sponsored :)
 

EllaMarie



Our Summer Beauty Favourites 2013 (Part 1: Skin Care)

Hello Everyone!

 

So Spring has sprung and we're well into the Summer months- Hooray! Especially here in the UK the sun has been out most days, with temperatures soaring close to 30 degrees. If you live in the UK, you too will understand our excitement over the weather, it's a definite rarity for us.

 

Even though we LOVE the Summer, sometimes what this season brings give us no end of trouble (beauty wise at least!) Frizz, oily complexion and sun burn -Ouch- to name a few.

To fight against these, bring on our Summer Essentials for 2013 starting with skin care!

 

 

 

(From Left to Right) Aussie Long and Luscious Long Leave-in Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V 12h night therapy (another hair care product), Garnier 2 in 1 Makeup Remover, Solait foam tan (superdrug own brand), Wilko's own Fruity Citrus Shower Cream, Floral Headband From Primark, Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub, Mud therary Deep Cleansing Mud Mask, Collection BB Secret (BB Cream), Maybelline Great Lash (in Waterproof), Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Skin Therapy Deep Cleansing Nose Strips, No7 Bronzer, MUA Pro Base Eye Primer, Bourjois 3D Effect Lip Gloss, Miss Guided Nail Varnish, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm, Ted Baker Body Spray, Natural Collection Blusher and Bourjois Touche Illuminatice/Illuminating touch.

 

 



Lacura Sun Lotion SPF 50

 





Sun Lotion: It's such an important and necessary step in our beauty regime all year round but especially for those hot summer months. After many years in the sun we've waded through so many sun creams and this is our favourite so far! It's an affordable brand buy the supermarket ALDI coming in at £2.99

 

Pros: Not only does this suncream protect you from UVB rays (known for sun burns), but also UVA rays (known for premature ageing). SPF 50 is extremely high and is a great choice for the fairer skin tones. It's also extremely light weight and spreads easily into the skin.

 

Cons: Even though this isn't too much of a problem when you weigh it up against the fact it's keeping your skin in great form, it does leave a slight white cast and may not be a great choice for photos with flash.

 

 Overall as an every day sun cream it's a perfect choice, especially those looking for a bargin!

 

 

 

 

Sanctuary Spa body scrub (gift set), Mud therapy deep cleansing mud mask £2.59, Garnier 2 in 1 makeup remover £2.99, Skin Therapy nose strips 99p, Palmer's cocoa butter lip balm £1.85, Fruity Citrus Shower cream (during special offer we bought this, around the £2.00 mark), Ted Baker body spray (in a gift set), Miss guided nail varnish (a freebie in a magazine) and Solait fake tan mousse/foam £5.99

 

 

These products are very much essential when getting ready for an event in the summer time when you want to look glowing and healthy.

 

Our Top Three Picks From This Bunch...

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub

The smell alone is incredible, very zingy and revitalising. The price for the little mini is £2.50 which seems cheap but for only 50ml and for what is considered a 'body' product it doesnt stretch far! This is the product's major let down. However as a special gift/pampering session for you or a loved one, it's a magical buy!

 

Solait Fake Tan Mousse/Foam

The colour is a golden brown, no orangey or streaky tint which most tans seem to produce! However, the smell is definitely pungent but disappears gradually after application. For the price £3.95 you really can't go wrong and everytime we go into a superdrug store there only seems to be one or two left on the shelves... Popular? We think so! Be sure to grab it before it goes.

#Top Tip: Apply the night before and wash off in the morning. Doing this gives a nice natural look and even putting it on slap dash and getting a few streaks doesn't show with this method! It's really buildable and our verdict is: WE LOVE IT.

 

Mud therapy deep cleansing mud mask

 

Okay, so the price is great, it won't break the bank at £2.59 and a little seriously goes a long way. We like to apply on blemishes which you can tell are ready to cause problems (Grrr!) and so leaving it on overnight we have found helps to minimise redness and that awful 3D effect spots give to the skin. Give it a go? Just be careful if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to any of the ingredients listed and definitely don't put it onto broken skin. Overall, for the price and for the benefit it gives to the skin, it's saved us on more than one party occassion.. Fabby Dabby Dosey!

 

That's all folks,

 

See you in our next one!

 

*This post was not sponsored :)

EllaMarie