Project 10 Pan: 7 down!

Hello lovelies,

Another make up product hit pan! Finally, I only have 3 more items left until I can buy make up again! So the next product is a bronzer...

It's the NYC bronzer in the shade Sunny, which is a matte shade. This is the first bronzer I have ever hit pain on... and I bought this for literally about a pound and some pennies from Fragrance Direct. Unfortunately, this is what happened to my beloved bronzer whilst on it's last legs...

It's not too bad though, still useable! This is actually quite an orange toned bronzer, but don't all run away in horror, it doesn't look orange orange on the skin, it just gives a really nice warmth to the skin. Because it's matte it can also be used as contour which is probably my main use for it). So here it is on my skin as a contour (hollow of cheeks, temples, jawline) and very very lightly as bronzer (chin, nose, cheeks).

What is your favourite bronzer?!

NATALIESLOVEx

Month's Most Wanted

Hello :)

So I have been working loads of overtime recently so I'm hoping I'll be picking up a majority of these things this payday!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: I've been lusting about this for absolutely ages, I've only ever heard great things about it and I want to see if all the hype is true! It is quite pricey, but if it really is as good as people say it is, then it's worth it right? Let me know in the comments!

[£25.00 for 50ml]

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre: I love all of the Chanel Chance fragrances but Eau Tendre is my favourite, I've just never been able to bring myself to part with that amount of money... but it's such a gorgeous perfume that I'm just going to have to cave soon!

[£48.00 for 50ml]

Topshop 'Nevada' Lipstick: I haven't actually tried any of the Topshop make up range yet, but the blushes and lipsticks especially interest me. I've seen Nevada used on a few make up tutorials and face of the day post's and it seems like a gorgeous nude!

[£8.00]

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara: I've mainly become interested in this because Tanya from Pixi2woo raves about this, and it does make her lashes look amazing. I haven't yet tried a 2-step mascara so I think I need this in my life...

[£10.49]

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment: I've bought this before and it made my hair feel AMAZING, like seriously... it makes it feel so thick, so soft and so healthy! I wouldn't say it made my hair grow any quicker but I can't be without it, it just made my hair feel and look too good.

[£7.99]

Let me know if you've tried any of these products and what you thought of them :)

NATALIESLOVEx

My Work Face

Hello lovelies,

I've been working a lot recently - which is why I haven't been posting as regularly as usual/as I would like. I'm normally only a part-timer but I've had tonnes of overtime and pretty much been working a full time week. Which will all pay off on Payday! Anyways, I thought I would show you my 'work day face'. It's not too different from my day-to-day looks if I'm honest, lol.

Elf Flawless Finish foundation

Max Factor Xperience foundation

Natural Collection Loose Powder

NYX Bronzing Powder in Sunny [contour]

NYC Mosaic Color Wheel in Pink Cheek Glow

All eyeshadows from W88 palette

L'Oreal Super Liner in Carbon Gloss

Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara

Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara

Benefit Highbeam [inner corner + brow bone]

Elf Brow Kit

Natural Collection lipstick in Rose Petal

17 Mirror Shine lipstick in Bee Hive

So yeah, not much different! I just make sure the skin is very clear and fresh looking, with very subtle bronzer or blush. If I wear eyeshadow I keep it very neutral and I won't wing my eyeliner... keeping it quite thin and following my natural lashline. I keep the lower lashline very clean, which is something I don't usually do. I don't bring any eyeshadow underneath, no eyeliner in the waterline and only a small amount of mascara.

What is your go-to work make up?

NATALIESLOVEx

My week in photographs

1,2,3,4: It's always been a long running joke that dean has cooked me dinner twice in the space of 3 years, so this week he decided he was going to learn how to make a pizza from scratch - and now he can't stop! The second attempt had cheesy stuffed crust, nomnom.

5: A gorgeous, yummy Sunday lunch made by combined effort of me and my Dad... love cooking with him!

6: Left over Indian takeaway... for breakfast please don't judge, lol!

7: I bought a car! So happy after finally passing my driving test I could not wait to get a car. It's actually pretty much the same exact car as my boyfriend's apart from it's 3 door instead of 5. I cringed at this fact... especially after seeing them parked next to each other! His & hers cars are something that will never catch on...

8: And of course, the perks of having a car are running over to McDonals to get a sausage and egg mcmuffin and two hash browns, as well as bags of sweets to keep in the car!

As well as all of that, I also picked up my A Level results and I got BCC (would've loved a BBC), which is enough to get into Uni to do Nursing next year... but now I don't know whether to go back to college until January to see if I can improve my results or spend the year doing voluntary work to go on my UCAS application :/ Advice?

I hope everyone got the results they wanted/needed and had a really great week :)
NATALIESLOVEx

Project 10 Pan: 6 down!

Hello :)

So I know that technically I failed my project 10 pan mission because I did have a bit of a splurge on the Elf website... but it was just an offer that could just not be missed! I'm sure you all agree? (Elf haul here). But yes, now I'm back onto finishing or hitting pan on 10 items, and I managed a 6th one just recently!

So the 6th product I've hit pan on is a blush from MAC in the shade Pink Swoon. In the pan, it looks pretty terrifying, but I promise once it's on it is not that bright! It is a Sheertone blush which does mean... well, just that! It's a colour I can see working for lots of people, of varying skin tones. I did have this MAC 6 blush palette full, but I've actually sold all of the others - so there must be something special about this one?

This is the only photo that really showed the colour on the cheek - apologies for it being such a crappy one, and I apologise again for the minimal make up + bad skin day. As you can see it's nothing too over the top or done up and it just gives a pretty flush :) I find myself reaching for the blush most days of the week - it just seems to work with anything!

This is a very heavy swatch, but you can see that it still isn't as bright as you expect it to be when you see it in the pan. I'd definitely recommend MAC blushes, they do last for a long time and are good quality. This shade is particularly pretty :)

What is your favourite MAC blush? What is you favourite blush of all time?

NATALIESLOVEx

My week in photographs

1,2,3,4,5: Did some boring shopping this week and I thought I would show the stuff here because it wasn't exciting enough for a haul, lol. Got a couple of pairs of shoes mainly for work - I really should learn my lesson and stop buying shoes from Primark but these were too cute! Also picked up the body spray + lotion duo from Hollister in Solana beach which is super fruity and is a repurchase (far too overpriced but I adore the smell), I've been looking for some new books recently and I asked for recommendations on twitter and I got these three :)

6: Obviously I couldn't talk about last week without mentioning the horrific riots. I don't usually watch the news, it just depressed me too much. However, over the few days of the riots I could not switch the news channels off, I watched in pure shock, it honestly sickened me.

7,8,9,10: I went to Pizza Express for lunch during the week with one of my best friends from college, Jess. I got a llegara pizza, where basically they cut the middle out and fill it with salad to make it healthier, lol! Jess went healthy too and ordered a ceaser salad... and of course we undid all of those healthy choices by getting the dough balls with nutella, what else? We didn't have one each btw, it's just two photos! Sorry for crappy Blackberry photos >.< another reason why I need an iPhone!

11,12: Most exciting part of the week? I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST! Eeek, I know - I got there in the end! It was actually my 4th time... my best advice to anyone who is struggling to pass their test is do not give up the feeling when you finally do it is amazing. And of course, my boyfriend being the wonderful person he is got me some flowers with a mixture of all my favourites! <3

Hope you all had amazing weeks!

NATALIESLOVEx

Umberto Giannini Enviable Body Blow dry spray

So once I'd purchased this blow dry spray, I popped on to Boots and looked up some reviews... it wasn't promising, a lot of people were complaining that it made their hair extremely sticky which made me a little worried to use it, but I did and here's what I thought...

I sprayed this into wet hair (as recommended) before blow drying and winced as I aimed the hair dryer at my head, expecting it to turn into some sticky mess. It didn't and I was thrilled! Until I realised that my hair looked exactly the same as it would have if I'd used no product at all. No volume, no body, no difference. I've tried this multiple times using different amounts of the product - but it's never made my hair sticky (or heavy surprisingly) but it's never made a difference to the volume either.

One positive thing I did notice about this spray though, was that it cut drying time in half. This is a big thing for me because usually it takes 15-20 minutes to completely dry my hair with a dryer, but with this spray it literally only took 5 minutes. One main reason I picked this up because it has heat protection built in... I'm normally good at remembering heat protection before styling, but not before drying!

So all in all, if you're looking for something to solely cut drying time + protect your hair from the heat then go for it, but don't expect any of the extra volume that it promises.

What's your favourite thing to create volume? (not dry shampoos)
NATALIESLOVEx

My week in photographs

1: I ordered 3 votive/sampler Yankee Candles from Yankee Direct and I'm loving them! I got Clean Cotton, Bahama Breeze and Fluffy Towels. In general, scents like 'clean cotton' are my favourites because they're so fresh but comforting at the same time. Really wanted to try Soft Blanket but it was out of stock :(

2,3: Who remembers this post here about my cat getting wasted on catnip? Well I found another cat that seems to be equally as wasted... although he's more of a sleepy catnip drunk. This is my boyfriend's nan's cat Bobby who is a Persian.

4: Been trying to eat bigger and better breakfasts to stop me getting so hungry in the day. Lovely bit of quorn bacon and scrambled eggs, accompanied by ketchup and black pepper, nom. I'm not a vegetarian but quorn bacon is honestly delicious try it if you haven't!

5: A Graze box was popped through the letterbox and I've never had one I haven't liked, it was particularly yummy this week. If you want a free box to try out just use the code 21PDYGM :)

6: Ben & Jerry's ice cream, need I say more? Love and happiness can always be found at the bottom of one of these tubs ;)

7,8,9,10: The fam and I have a tradition of going out for dinner on the first Thursday of each month. We went to Miller and Carter's which is my absolute favourite place to eat (it's a steakhouse/grill). Sharing nachos to start, followed by steak <3 I'm very manly when it comes to eating :L a nice lump of meat and I'm good to go... I was considering adding half a rack of ribs but I'm glad I didn't - major food baby when I got home!

Hope every one's weeks have been fab! What have you got up to?
NATALIESLOVEx

What I Bought: Elf 50% Off

Hey everyone,

So of course, like everyone I took full advantage of the 50% off sale that Elf were having - how amazing is that deal?! It's one of my favourite brands but I pretty much bought lots of boring stuff, like essentials, but I thought I would share what I got with you all anyway :)

Flawless Finish Foundation L: Porcelain R: Sand

Originally £6.50, Bought for £3.25

Love the packaging of these, feels so expensive. I bought 2 different shades because the Elf website SUCKS for swatches, so I figured if I bought 2 I could always mix them. I think Porcelain is far too pale and Sand is just right.

Mineral Infused Face Primer

Originally £6.00, Bought for £3.00

Had my eye on this for absolutely ever. I've heard it's really similar to the GOSH Velvet Touch and I loved that so I thought this might be a good alternative!

3 Pack Shiner Eraser Set

Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

I've never actually used blotting sheets *shock horror* and I do hate the idea of putting on powder over oil, and I'm very oil. So I thought I'd try these because you get three different types: Green Tea, Tea Tree and Aloe.

Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

Originally £1.50, Bought for £0.75

I told you I bought some boring things! I've tried the Elf Brow Treat & Tame from the Studio line but the tame side has a colour and is just too red toned for my brows.

L: Innocent, Originally £1.00 bought for £0.50

R: Clear, Originally £1.50 bought for £0.75

Innocent is a really pale pink which is a shade I've been looking for for a while, will be great for work. Also just ordered the Clear one because I've run out of base coat/top coat and I thought I'd see how well a plain clear nail polish would work.

Single Eyeshadow 'Pebble' Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

Can see me getting a whole lot of use out of this eyeshadow! Beautiful neutral brown :)

Mineral Blush 'Joy; Originally £3.50, Bought for £1.75

I've heard a lot about this shade and it is a really pretty colour. I have one of the other mineral blushes and it is honestly one of my all time favourites!

Did you take advantage of the 50% off? What did you buy?

NATALIESLOVEx

What I Bought: Primark

Hello :)

I had to go the Orthodontists yesterday which is in town, and of course I couldn't not go shopping. Although I would've loved to of had a massive spree in H&M (because I love everything that's in there at the moment), Primark is all that my budget could stretch to. This is what I bought over 2 seperate occasions...

Cobalt Blue Sheer Shirt, £10.00

This has technically already been featured on my blog but I haven't really showed it so yup, here it is, lol. I love these shirts from Primark, - I have it in nude as well. Would love to have every colour! I think £10 is expensive for Primark (anywhere else I would be thrilled) for what it actually is though...

Peach Sheer Tiered Blouse, £8.00

Another sheer blouse! Really am loving them. There are similar ones in H&M and Topshop but this one was much cheaper. But again, for what it is? £8? I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just being stingy because I'm trying to save ;)

Black Duffle Style Coat, £18.00

I know, I know... a coat in August? Maybe it was because it was absolutely pouring hard with rain when I went shopping? I liked to be prepared and my coat from last year is a little bit worse for wear and has gone all bobbly... HATE when that happens. Does anyone have any tips on how to get rid of the bobbles or prevent them?

Small Quilted Bag, £6.00

I love these sorts of bags for nights out, big enough for essentials but with a strap! I'm not good with clutch bags, I always forget to pick them up (perhaps that's alcohol). Bargain for £6! It did have a fabric bow attached to the strap but I cut it off because it was eurgh.

Skull Charm Necklace, £1.50

Silver Wing Earrings, £1.00

Wrap Around Snake Ring, £2.00

Double Finger Leaf Ring, £2.00

How amazing is Primark jewellery right now? I love skulls. And the wing earrings really reminded me of these from ASOS and the leaf ring reminded me of this from ASOS as well. Loving them <3

So that's what I picked up! Hope you like it :)

NATALIESLOVEx

Project 10 Pan: 5 down!

Hello again :)

So in this post here I showed you, and reviewed the first 4 items I've used up since starting Project 10 Pan and now I've used up yet another one. This time a skincare item - the Clarins Daily Energizer Cream. Here's  a quick little bit on what I thought about it...

This stuff smells delicious (I think it's the Moringa) and is really fresh. It's a little bit thicker/richer than moisturisers I usually go for but it sinks in quickly and I found it made a nice base for make up. It didn't make my skin any oilier and I think it helped balance it out a little bit. A good all round moisturiser that I think would work well for all skin types. I love the bright orange packaging and the scent, but it is quite pricey and I'm not a fan of moisturisers in the pot. I probably wouldn't repurchase; it's a good all-rounder but not something that will wow.

Have you tried this moisturiser? What Clarins products would you recommend?

NATALIESLOVEx

My week in photographs

I usually post these on a Sunday, so it is a couple of days late but I've had 0 time to blog!

On Saturday it was Dean's (my boyfriend's) 21 birthday! He doesn't like a fuss, even though it was his 21st I know! Unfortunately I had to work on the Saturday anyway so he went off to watch a football match with his brother and on the Sunday Dean, two of his friend's, my niece and me went to Thorpe Park for the day.

1: A generous slice of birthday cake, nomnom.

2&3: Bar of chili chocolate that I bought Dean (he's obsessed with spicy foods and burning his mouth)

4: Mega mega hot crisps, yummy though! He hadn't decided on his 'big' present that he wanted from me but I couldn't let his 21st go by without giving him something to open so I made him a little goodie box of treats I knew he would like, including these things from the chili shop.

5: Pulling over on the side of the motorway to tape his wing mirror back to the car on the way to Thorpe Park, it made it though!

6: The amount of ketchup that chloe consumed with her lunch is vile.

7: Moral of the story... don't fall asleep in a car full of boys because you will get ring pulls and paper aeroplanes in your hair!

8: The mandatory keyrings of hilarious and unflattering photo's from the rides. NOTE: SAW LIVE MAZE IS PRETTY SCARY.

9: The most epic bath I got into after getting back from Thorpe Park courtesy of LUSH's Creamy Candy Bubble Bar. Never been so thankful for hot water.

Just wanted to say a massive thank you because I also hit 700+ followers last week! Honestly is crazy to think... I always forget anyone reads these posts! Never thought I would still be blogging this far on so thank you everyone!

NATALIESLOVEx