Leek and potato soup

Hi Beauts.

I once again found myself making a noise with pots and pans in the kitchen and wanted to share a quick post on the little food creation I made. I bought a chilled Leek and Potato soup the other day and loved it so much, I thought I'd make my own.

What you'll need:

Knob of butter

4 Potatoes, peeled and diced

1 Leek, chopped

Vegetable stock

900ml vegetable stock

A tub of single cream

Lets cook:

* Heat the butter in a pan until it has melted, then add the leeks and cover. Cook slowly for around 5 minutes

* Next add potatoes and cook slowly for another 5-10 minutes or until they're soft.

* Pour in stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then mash the potatoes for a nice thick chunky soup.

* Last but not least, blend the soup with a hand blender and bring back to the boil until piping hot. Add a spoon of single cream to each bowl as served stir thoroughly and serve.

The cream is optional, I just prefer the taste with cream added

Simple and yummy once again, and it's the perfect weather for homemade soup

Have a great Saturday Beauts 

Stacey x

All used up in November

Hi Beauts 

Time for my second to last empties post, this month has literally gone nowhere!! Crazy crazy times. Anyway, here's what I used up throughout November:

* Skinology tea tree blackhead cleanser - This has been part of my skincare routine for the past 6+ months and I can't be without it. It definitely pays a big part of keeping my skin spot free. REPURCHASE? Definitely RECOMMEND? Yes

* L'Oreal 3 in 1 purifying micellar solution - If I'm completely honest I don't get the hype with Micellar water. Yes it removed my make up with ease, but so do other products. I also didn't notice any difference whatsoever between this and Bioderma. REPURCHASE? Maybe RECOMMEND? Yes, if you're looking for a Bioderma dupe

* Clarins hand cream - So many people say that higher end skin care is so much better, but I have to say I don't always agree. This did nothing for my dry hands except make them sting, and it had a overpowering floral scent which I really didn't like REPURCHASE? No RECOMMEND? If you like heavily floral scented products, and you don't have super dry hands

* L'occtaine dry hand cream - Now this hand cream I loved. It was quite thick but not too greasy, had little to no scent and it kept my hands super soft. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* Rimmel Fix and Profect face primer - I've had a 'Love hate' relationship with this, and I've found out why. Because I have oily skin, I usually go for oil free primers. So when I was using this I sometimes tended to look a little shiny. However I noticed that when I used matte foundations, this was the best primer to use. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* Rimmel stay matte foundation - I used this years ago and really liked it, then the formula got switched up and it wasn't all that great at all. However Rimmel changed the formula once more and it's amazing. It's definitely a matte foundation, it lasts all day and it's available it a wider shade range. My new fave! REPURCHASE? Absolutely RECOMMEND? Yes, if you have oily/combo skin

* Garnier BB cream - I've never really been a big fan of BB cream because I have oily skin and none seem to work. However this one from Garnier is amazing. It has a great coverage - med to full, it keeps me matte (even whilst I was in NYC) and it lasts all day. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* SEVENTEEN miracle matte powder - This is my HG powder, I've raved about it time and time again. It keeps me shine free all day, and I very rarely need to re powder REPURCHASE? Oh yes! RECOMMEND? Yes

* MUA pro base fixing mist - I used to use Urban Decay De slick setting spray which worked wonders, but to be honest I found this to work just as well. It kept my make up in place so much longer than without using it. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* MUA eyeshadow primer I swear this thing was never ending (never a bad thing) I don't usually have a problem with eyeshadow creasing/not lasting long when I don't use a primer, but I have to say I enjoyed using this one. It kept my eyeshadow in place with no creasing, and I think it's a good dupe for Urban Decay primer potion. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* Wet and Wild eyeshadow in cream - I've been trying to finish this bad boy for SO long. It seemed never ending! This was pretty much my every day shade with another colour in the crease/outer V. It was a neutral champagne shade, extremely pigmented and super blendable. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* MUA Extreme felt liner - This fast became my Holy Grail eyeliner and I wore it every day. I'm pretty sure this was my 6th one! I personally love it, it was extremely pigmented, easy to use and stayed put without sliding across my face. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

* Pixi eye bright liner - I loved this for those mornings when I needed my eyes to look more awake than they actually were. And the best thing about this pencil was that it was such a neutral tone, I've found a few others to be slightly warmer which made it obvious I was wearing nude liner. REPURCHASE? Yes RECOMMEND? Yes

Well, one more empties post of 2013 to go.......WOWZA!! 

Stacey x

November Favourites

Hi Beauts.

Time to check out what I've been loving this past month:

I apologise BIG time for the quality of this photo. The lighting has been pants so I had to edit the brightness, sorry! :(

Emily 224 brush - I bought this a few months ago and actualyl made a post on my favourite blending blushes (here) Someome said this was a great dupe for the MAC 224 so I picked one up straight away (This is from eBay) It's amazing at blending out eyeshadow and even adding colour to the crease

Sleek blush in Antiqued - I've been absolutely loving this shade this month. I reviewed this a little while back and haven't stopped using it. The thing I love about this, other than I don't have another shade like it, is that on those days you don't want to contour this is the product to use. It's the kind of shade that's in between a blush and a contour colour. And we all know how much I love sleek blushes right?!

Revlon lash potion - This has fast become my favourite mascara. I know I've said that a few times now about mascara's, but OMG this is amazing. I have a full review here if you want a more in depth rave, but in a nutshell this lengthens, separates and gives masses of volume. The only negative is its waterproof so it's difficult to remove

Cherry Chapstick - I kissed a girl and I liked it......I didn't really, but I do like this. This has been out for YEARS and I've been meaning to buy myself one for the longest time. I can't really say too much other than its a great lip product for the cold weather, and it smells amazing!! 

Miners eyeshadow trio in 'Safari' - This has made it to my favourites once again. I've used this pretty much all month, and it's been my go-to look on those mornings when I've been running late.  It's a great little trio (Full review here) and it makes orange a fun and easy colour to wear

Collection work the colour eyeshadow pencil in 'Vanilla sky' - This is such a pretty and easy product to use. I have a full review here if you'd like a read. This is amazing for an eyeshadow base, a full lid colour and a highlight. It doesn't crease whatsoever and lasts on the eyes all day long. What more would you want from a pencil eyeshadow?!

What have you been loving this month? 

Stacey x

Review - Real Techniques blush brush

Hi Beauts.

Ever since I started wearing make up, I've always used an angled brush to apply my blush. However lately I've been wanting to try something new, so I decided to try out the Real Techniques blush brush.

I'm a huge fan of the Real Techniques brushes already, I currently have the expert face brush and stippling brush in my collection so couldn't wait to try this one out.

The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was how soft it was, yet another great quality brush. Like I mentioned earlier I bought this to apply my blush, but whilst doing so I found it too large for me. I don't apply my blush to the apples of my cheeks, I apply it around the area where I'd usually contour. Because the brush (for me personally) was too large for blush, I ended up with too much product on my cheeks.

Instead of giving up, I decided to try this bad boy out for applying bronzer. Bobs ya uncle it worked fab. To me, this has the perfect density and is the perfect size to use as a bronzing brush (again it's too large for contouring) and because it's so soft it picks up just the right amount of product.

Even though I don't use this for what it was made for, I'd still absolutely recommend giving it a bash.

Does anyone else find it too large for a blush brush? Or am I being too picky?

This retails for £9.99 in Boots and Superdrug and £8.99 from Fragrance Direct.

Stacey x

The Christmas TAG

Hi Beauts.

I recently got tagged by the lovely Teresa to do 'The Christmas TAG' I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year (not that I don't usually) but I think this year could be a good one :D

Anyway, on with the post:

1: Do you prefer real Christmas trees or synthetic?

We've never had a real tree, always synthetic. So I'm going to go with synthetic

2: Your in a coffee shop, in December, what do you pick?

I'm addicted to toffee nut lattes from Starbucks, and a salted caramel and cream latte from Costa

3: What's your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?

Probably the traditional red, green and gold. Just because it's so Christmassy

4: Giving or receiving?

As much as I love getting prezzies, I love buying for others so much more

5: To mince or not to mince?

Definitely not to mince. I say that and I've never actually tried a mince pie. Maybe that should be my Christmas day mission.........

6: What's your traditional Sunday lunch?

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli, turnip and sprouts (Oh yes, sprouts are on there........yack)

7: Christmas day fashion?

I usually wear what ever new clothes I got for Christmas, or a Christmas Tshirt. This year I'm definitely buying a Christmas jumper.Yup, I'm gonna be THAT person....Christmas jumper, funky reindeer hat the lot!

8: What's your favourite Christmas song?

All I want for Christmas is yoooooooooooooooooooou <3 Yes, you! ;)

9: What's your favourite Christmas film?

It has to be The Grinch. I absolutely LOVE that film. 

10: Open presents before or after lunch?

Before. There ain't NO WAY I could wait until after, I'm such a child!

Thanks again Teresa for tagging me, I loved doing this!! :) I TAG you alllllll mwaahahaha 

Stacey x 

Review - Essence gel tint in Deep red

Hi Beauts.

A few weeks ago I noticed a few beauty bloggers writing posts about the brand Essence hitting some Wilkinsons stores in the UK. If I'm honest, I hadn't really heard much about the brand, but after trawling the Internet for a wee while I spotted a few things that looked good. 

The nearest Wilkinsons to me that stocks Essence is Sunderland, so I headed over there to check out their selection. 

Along with eyeliners, lipsticks, blushes, mascara's etc, I spotted the gel tint which looked pretty unusual. I've tried lip tints before some I've like and some not so much, but never a gel formula.

I picked up the shade Deep red as I thought it'd be perfect for the Christmas season. In the actual tube it looks to be just that, a deep red. However when swatched it's more of a pink toned red and when applied to the lips it's even lighter.

(12:00pm when I applied)

The formula is very much like a gel (true to its name) and I found the application smooth, but a little messy. It had quite a thin sheer consistency and I needed to apply three coats to get the above colour.  It remained a little tacky on the lips for a good half hour then once dry it barely felt like there was anything on the lips.

After around an hour I noticed the colour started to fade, and left a lighter pinky red behind - still pretty but not as vibrant. This didn't feel at all drying on my lips, and didn't seem to stick to any dry spots/fine lines which other lip tints have.

The colour completely wore off after 4 hours, still pretty good going for the price if you ask me.

Quick run down:

Light pinky red lip stain with a gel like formula. Leaves the lips feeling slightly tacky then dries after around 30 minutes. Not very long lasting - fades slightly within an hour put still a pretty shade. Also smells strangely of strawberry jam.....I'll leave that thought with y'all ;P

* Price - £1.99

* Product - 5ml

* Shades - 4

Have you tried anything from Essence? What products would you recommend? 

Stacey x

Review: Collection colour works eyeshadow pencil in 'Vanilla Sky'

Hi Beauts.

I think I've mentioned a few times that I'm not a huge fan of cream products, whether that be for cheeks or eyes. I'm always a little wary of cream/pencil eyeshadow's in particular because eyelids tend to be slightly oily, which means they tend to crease.

A little while back Collection brought out eyeshadow pencils so I decided to pick one up and give it a bash. 

I chose the lightest shade which is called Vanilla Sky because I figured it would make a great highlight and all over lid shade.

Vanilla sky is a neutral toned shimmery champagne shade (tongue twister), that works great especially as an inner tear such and brow bone highlight 

I've worn this as an all over lid shade and as a base and found that it works amazing as both. Once applied it dries pretty quickly, there's enough time to blend, and it stays put. This lasted without any creasing and without budging all day long. It definitely made my eyeshadow pop, and using it in my inner tear duct area made my eyes look more awake.

I applied it at around 6:30am and didn't remove by make up until around 7-7:30pm that same evening, and it looked exactly as it did that morning. I'm super impressed and shall be trying out more shades!

Quick round up:

A cream eyeshadow pencil with great pigmentation, blends so easy and best of all stays in place with no creasing. This can be used as a base or on it's own, and makes a beautiful highlight shade.

* Price - £3.19

* Shades - 6

Have you tried these out yet?

Stacey x

The Body Shop hemp hand cream

Hi Beauts.

If you've read my blog for a wee while you may know that I always have really dry hands. I've tried numerous hand creams, some good and some not, but one is amazing. The cream in question? The Body Shop hemp hand protector.

This is actually my third tube of this and it's one that I'll always come back to. There are two reasons why I've strayed in the past: the smell and how greasy it leaves my hands. However I can totally overlook those teeny little issues because its such a great product. The smell is definitely herb like (if that makes any sense), and I've learnt not to use too much so the greasy feeling isn't too bad. 

For the past two or three months I've used various other lotions and potions and although they helped my skin feel smoother, they were all a 'quick fix' and the dryness came back pretty much straight away. I repurchased this tube of goodness on Monday and literally straight after applying, my hands were super smooth and soft. I could apply this once a day and still see and feel a major difference, but I apply it almost every time I wash my hands and I can't get over the difference. 

This tube is £10.00 for 100ml and you literally need a tiny pea sized amount, so it's going to last you ages. They also do a smaller tube of 50ml for £5.00 which again, is a right old bargain.

If you suffer from dry hands or just want something to keep your digits smooth over the winter, I can't recommend this enough! 

I refuse to be without this now!

Quick run down:

The best hand cream for extremely dry hands, it smooths the skin within minutes. Does have a slight off putting scent and can feel slightly greasy, but it's an amazing product.

Have you tried this yet? 

Stacey x 

Review - e.l.f matte color in Tea Rose

Hi Beauts.

A few months ago I placed an order with elf and only recently remembered that I bought one of their matte lip colors in 'Tea Rose' I honestly have the memory of a 90 year old!! (I put my glasses down and spend the next 20 minutes trying to remember where I put them.......woooo I have bad eye sight too, what a catch ;p)

Anyway, since 'finding' this product I've worn it ever since and have to say, I'm a loving it quite a lot.

The shade is right up my street, it's pretty much a muted rose mauve kinda colour which is what I seem to buy all of the time. 

I've mentioned before that I've always been a little wary of wearing matte lip products as some I've used in the past have been drying. However this one chose to prove me wrong.....again.

I found the application of this smooth and creamy and it didn't pull on my lips as I thought it would (Yey for no premature wrinkles) and it felt pretty moisturising too which surprised me because it's a matte product.

(Please excuse the paleness.....hello Dracula :p) 

I'd say I got a good 2 and a half hours great pigmentation out of this before it started to fade. However the faded colour just looked like a 'my lips but better' shade which I actually really liked just as much as  the mauve when I first applied. 

Again, as the hours ticked by it didn't dry out in the slightest bit and actually left my lips moisturised as when I first applied. I'm really impressed with this and definitely think I'll be buying more shades when I place another elf order.

Quick round up:

Super matte, moisturising and extremely pigmented. It does wear off slightly after around 2 to 2 and a half hours, but still leaves a decent amount of product behind. Not at all drying and a gorgeous neutral shade to suit all.

* Price - £3.75

* Product - 1.8g

* Shades - 6

Have you tried any of these yet? What's your favourite shade? 

Stacey x

Be positive

Hi Beauts.

If you follow me on twitter then you may have noticed that every day for a while now I've been posting 'Be positive' pictures. The reason? Because I think that sometimes when you're having a bad day, all you need is a little positive kick up the bum (I know I do!) 

I haven't always been all 'woo everything happens for a reason, things will get better' etc etc But there's been many things that have happened that have made me realise, that yes things will get better, everything happens for a reason and there are worse things going on in the world.

I think the older I get the more I realise that life's too short, so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and forget the bad stuff. If something happens that you can't change, why worry yourself sick about it? It won't change the outcome, it just makes you spend time worrying rather than enjoying life.

One thing I've started to do is, if something pants happens I think of three good things. And it does actually help.

I know not everyone has the same thought process and deals with things the same way, but I just thought I'd share my new found 'positive outlook' on life :)

Have a great week Beauts! 

Stacey x

Review - MUA matte lipstick in Wild Berry

Hi Beauts 

I'm always a little wary of matte lip products because I usually find them to be drying. However when MUA brought out their range of matte lipsticks, I couldn't resist buying one.

I picked up the shade 'Wild Berry' because I thought it would be the perfect shade for the winter, and I'm a huge fan of berries and deep reds anyway.

The first things noticed when I swatched this, was that it's so much darker in the tube than it is swatched or on the lips. However, this didnt bother me at all because I have so many berry shades and none similar to this. It's still in the berry 'family' but I'd say it's more of a bright berry than the traditional deep berry shades that are out there.

With this being a matte lipstick, it was a little tougher to apply unlike glossier lipsticks that just glide on. However, again this didnt bother me and to be honest I'd rather it wasn't smoother to apply as I was able to get a more precise application. I find that with softer/smoother shades of darker or brighter lip products they tend to smudge a lot more and make a mess basically. 

The pigmentation of this was amazing, I only ran this over my lips once and I got great colour payoff. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post I'd expect this to be super drying as its a matte product, but it was the complete opposite. Yup the finish was matte, but my lips actually felt moisturised and not in the slightest bit dry.

I got a good 3 and a half hours wear out of this with great colour and pigmentation. I'd say even at 3:45pm (3 hours 45 minutes after application) it still looked pretty damn good. I had ate and drank with this on and it held up really well. I also noticed that there was very little transfer on my cup whilst drinking, which is always a good thing.

Quick round up:

Super matte, long lasting, pigmented and not in the least bit drying. Shade is lighter and brighter when applied to the lips as opposed to in the tube, but still a gorgeous colour.

* Price - £1.00

* Product - 3.8g

* Shades - 5

Have you tried these yet? 

Stacey x

Review: Urban Decay 24/7 liner in perversion

Hi Beauts.

One thing that is a must in my make up bag is a black eyeliner, whether it's a liquid, gel or pencil. The only problem I have with pencil is that it always smudges and makes me look like a panda.

I'd been after the Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil in Perversion for so long after hearing so many great things about it. Now, after using it I don't think I'll try any other pencil liners.

Lets start with how well it worked on the tight line. If I don't want an intense eye look I apply this to my tight line to make my lashes look darker,and to add a little depth. The UD pencils are extremely pigmented and smooth to apply, and I didn't need to pull on eye (always a bonus) When I first applied it it transferred to my waterline, but that was easily removed with a cotton bud. However after around 30 seconds it didn't budge. It didnt drop at all thoughout the day and lasted until I removed my make up - around 8 hours

Now, for waterline. I only usually wear black liner on my waterline if I'm going on a night out to make my look more dramatic as it tends to make my eyes look smaller. And up until now, it always smudged. Again it was smooth and creamy to apply with no tugging. I got the same amount of wear as I did when I wore it on my tightline with no smudging or dropping under my eyes. I did apply a small amount to my lower lashline and smudged it no problem for a smokey effect - once it's set it ain't going nowhere.

Quick round up:

These pencils are extremely pigmented, creamy to apply, smudge proof and last all day with no smudging. If like me, you usually have black rings under your eyes from liner dropping, you won't have that problem anymore.

Price - £14.00

Product - 1.13g

Shades - 52 (according to Debenhams) 50 (according to H.O.F)

Have you tried these pencils? What's your favourite shade? 

Stacey x 

My MAC palettes

Hi Beauts. 

Today I wanted to do a quick overview of the MAC eyeshadows that I currently have in my collection. The majority of the shadows I have, I bought a while back when the beauty world was MAC crazy (I think it still is haha) but I think now, I actually prefer Urban Decay especially their matte shades.

Anyway, onto the palettes:

First up my neutrals:

* Blanc Type - A matte vanilla shade (MATTE)

* Phloof - A neutral toned champagne shade (FROST)

* Malt - A light cool toned brown shade, great as a transition shade (MATTE)

* Vex - A pink and blue pearlescent shadow  (FROST)

* Satin Taupe - A warm toned taupe (FROST)

* Mystery - A matte mid cool toned brown, great for brows too (MATTE)

* Silver Ring (x2) - A shimmery cool toned silver (VELUXE PEARL)

* Scene - A cool toned mid grey (MATTE)

* Carbon - A matte black, with very little pigmentation (MATTE)

Now for colours (I love me some purple!)

* Satellite Dreams - A deep warm toned plum (VELUXE PEARL)

* Nocturnelle - A warm toned medium plummy purple (FROST)

* Hepcat - A bright pink toned purple (FROST)

* Trax - A medium plum with gold glitter (VELVET)

* Memorabilia - A medium blue toned purple (MATTE)

* Shadowy Lady - A deep dark cool toned matte plum (MATTE)

* Green Smoke - A shimmery khaki with gold glitter (LUSTRE)

* Sumptuous Olive - A golden olive (VELUXE PEARL)

* Plumage - A matte teal shade (MATTE)

* Swimming - A bright grassy green shade with silver glitter (LUSTRE)

* Humid - A deep forest green (FROST)

* Sassy Grass - A bright jade matte green (MATTE)

* Steamy - A gorgeous shimmery aqua (FROST) 

* Jewel Blue - A bright matte aqua (VELUXE)

* Prussian - A matte navy (MATTE)

Each eyeshadow costs £10.00 each if you buy it in palette form, or £12.50 each if you buy it in the little plastic pot.  I have noticed that when you do buy te eyeshadow in palette form, the sticker on the bottom doesn't tell you the finish of each shade (which can be a litttttle bit annoying) Each eyeshadow is 1.5g

What are your favourites?

Stacey x

Lets cook! Chicken chow mein

Hi Beauts.

Time for another food post for you all to salivate over. Whenever I go out to a Chinese restaurant, one thing I have to fill my plate (and my belly) with is chicken chow mein. I was looking throw Pinterest the other day as I usually do and saw a few chicken chow mein pins. So I decided to head to Tesco after work and pick up some ingredients and make my own.

It's such a simple recipe, and I suppose you could mix up the ingredients if you fancied something a little different.

Ingredients:

250g Packet medium egg noodles

2 tbsp Sunflower oil

280g Chicken - Cubed and cooked

1 Garlic clove - Finely chopped

1 red pepper - Thinly sliced 

6 Spring onions - Sliced

100g Bean sprouts 

3 tbsp Soy sauce

Method:

* Place the noodles in a large bowl and break them up slightly. Pour enough water over the noodles to cover, and leave to stand whilst you prepare the other ingredients.

* Preheat a wok over medium heat and add the sunflower oil. Swirl around the wok to ensure the sides are coated. When the wok is hot, add the cooked chicken, garlic, pepper, bean sprouts, spring onions and stair fry for around 5 minutes.

* Drain the noodles and add to wok, stir well and stir fry for a further 5 minutes.

* Drizzle over the soy sauce, stir to combine all of the ingredients then serve.

This serves four, so I just used half the ingredients tonight then I'll use the rest tomorrow

Another simple but yummy recipe. I'll all about simple in the kitchen (I don't wanna be getting food poisoning :p)

If you have any recipes on your log, feel free to leave them in the comments

Stacey x

Bourjois color edition 24HR in Kaki

Hi Beauts.

I am a huge fan of the Maybelline color tattoo's so when Bourjois brought out a similar product (The color edition 24HR), I could barely contain my excitement. I picked up the shade Kaki because I already have similar shades to the others in the range. And I thought this would work great as a base for MAC's sumptuous olive eyeshadow. 

On swatching this little beauty I realised that it was a little different to the Maybelline color tattoos in texture,  this felt a little more 'powdery' if you will. Whereas the maybelline are more of a cream consistency. The pigmentation was great, and it is definitely a true Khaki shade. I do think that this could be built up for a more intense colour payoff and it wouldn't cake up or crease. I applied this as I do with all cream products for eyes, using my ring finger then I blended it into the crease using a fluffy brush. This way definitely gave me more coverage, easier application and applied an even amount of product on each eye. I notice that this was pretty shimmery but not the chunky or in your face kind of shimmer, more like the satin finish eyeshadows from MAC. 

I had this on for around 12 hours and it didn't fade, budge, smudge or crease! How good is that?! I've used this as a base for eyeshadow (looks so pretty with sumptuous olive) and on its own and I loved using it both ways. The website claims that this is a cream to powder product and I'd have to agree.  The color edition 24HR retail for £6.99 each and there are 6 shades available. They are a little more than the color tattoos, but they're worth every penny!

Have you tried these yet? What do you think?

Stacey x